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Linn County News

Published March 1, 2023

 

Maribelle L. “Mary” Wiles, 79, of Grand Island, Neb., passed away peacefully at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island, Neb., on Feb. 21, 2023. Mass of Christian burial was Feb. 27, 2023, at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. William J. Dendinger presided with Rev. Jorge Canela co-celebrating with interment in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Grand Island Central Catholic. You are welcome to sign Mary’s guestbook at www.curranfueralchapel.com under her obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Mary was born the daughter of Alfred Burke and Mary Catherine (McKee) Wiles on March 27, 1943, in Pittsburg, Kan. After growing up on a family farm in Pleasanton, Kan., she graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1961. She went on to study English and Education at Pittsburg State University and continued to study Philosophy, Theology, English, and Education at Marymount College in Salina, Kan., where she graduated. She was a beloved Religion Teacher at Grand Island Central Catholic from 1976-2014 after teaching at Cure’ of Arts Catholic School in Leawood, Kansas for 10 years. After retirement Mary proclaimed, “Being at GICC was like a completion of her prayer!”

Mary adored her students and loved teaching them about their faith.  She loved to take adventures throughout the United States with her dear friend Sr. Mary Jo, which often included camping and hiking especially in Colorado. She loved to garden, and grow flowers. Her family, students, and friends were close to her heart. She lived happily in her home with the park pond behind her house while taking joy in watching the geese, rabbits, and squirrels going about their day. Her favorite spring outing was to drive to  out-of-town fields to watch and listen to the Sandhill Cranes. Within her finest moments, she shook hands with Pope John Paul II at Estes Park, Colo. in 1993 and was welcomed into the home of the family of Martin Luther King when she drove to Atlanta, Ga. after hearing about his death. 

Mary is survived by her brother, Alfred A. Wiles of Leavenworth, Kan.; and sister Kathleen M. Matthews of Harrisonville, Mo.; niece Michelle A. Wiles, nephew Alfred J. Wiles, three grandnieces, one grandnephew, and one great-grandnephew. 

Mary is preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Teresa Wile

OBITUARIES

Ruth Ann Antrim ~ 05-21-1951 to 07-07-2025

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Linn County News Published July 16, 2025   Ruth Ann Antrim, formerly Hueston, passed away July 7, 2025, after bravely battling cancer for many years. Ruth Ann was 74 years old. She lived and worked in the Mound City and Fort Scott, Kan., areas her... [More]

Helen Maxine Wright ~ 05-28-1939 to 06-19-2025

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Linn County News Published July 16, 2025   Helen Maxine Wright, age 86, formerly of Blue Mound, Kan., passed away at her home in Abbyville, Kan., on Thursday, June 19, 2025.  Funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Community... [More]

Kelly Kehl ~ 03-25-1938 to 06-28-2025

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Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Kelly Kehl, age 87, of Mound City, Kan., passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025, at his rural Mound City home.  Kelly was born March 25, 1938, south of Parker, Kan., to Keith (Tom) Emerson Kehl and Helen Edith (Giffin) Kehl. Kelly... [More]

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PLEASANTON WEATHER

NEWS

Commissioners discuss various budgets

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SEKMHC in mix At the end of a meeting attended by two of the three commissioners, a discussion was held regarding several of the proposed budgets for next year. Commissioners Alison Hamilton and Jim Johnson first discussed the proposed budget for Southeast Kansas Mental Health.... [More]

City learns of fire gear condition

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Pleasanton Fire Department ISO inspection July 16 Following the appointment of new Fire Chief Jimmy Watts as Pleasanton Fire Chief, the Pleasanton Council heard of the condition of bunker gear Monday night at their bi-weekly meeting. Watts reported the truck ran with the... [More]

La Cygne leaders discuss food truck follow-up

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Police chief to draft updated clarifying ordinance La Cygne leaders anticipate considering a draft ordinance soon on transient food trucks following discussion at last Wednesday’s regular council meeting precipitated by a local business owner’s complaint last month.... [More]

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SPORTS

Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament

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The team called Nobodys wins the Blue Mound 4th of July co-ed softball tournament on July 5. This year the tournament consisted of eight teams. The Nobodys is Keith Morrell’s team and has been a part of the softball tournament since it started three years ago.

Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship

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The Pleasanton 12-14 baseball team wins their league tournament on June 30 to July 1. Pleasanton hosted the tournament and won in the championship against La Cygne 11-7.

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OBITUARIES POLICY

• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
• Must be received by 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning in order to appear in that week's edition.
• Obituaries submitted by funeral homes will be billed to the funeral home.
• Full obituaries submitted by individuals are required to be paid in advance.
• Cost: $40 for 300 words or less. Each additional word over 300, 10¢. Photograph $5.
Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

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