Linn County News
Published July 2, 2025
Ron Arbogast, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, coach, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 78.
Born Aug. 31, 1946, in Fort Scott, Kan., Ron was the oldest child of Roscoe and Marie Arbogast. He grew up on a dairy farm in Mound City, Kan., alongside his siblings – Connie Arbogast Orndorff, Kathryn Arbogast, Richard Arbogast, and Deb Arbogast Webb. A bright student and accomplished athlete, Ron graduated as salutatorian from Mound City High School in 1964, lettering in football, basketball, and track all four years.
Ron earned a football scholarship to the University of Kansas, where he completed a bachelor’s degree in Science and Education. It was during his freshman year that he met the love of his life, Bonita Guttery, during a visit to Osborne, Kan., with his college roommate, Roger McDaneld. Their connection was immediate and lasting. Ron and Bonita were married on April 7, 1968, in the Danforth Chapel on the KU campus - a union that would span over 57 cherished years.
Ron began his career with the Katy Railroad in Kansas City, later transferring to Webster, Texas, where he also pursued his Texas teaching certification. In 1971, the family settled in Corpus Christi, where Ron began his career as a teacher and coach.
He coached at Corpus Christi Carroll High School before moving on to teach Miller and Flour Bluff High Schools, where he inspired and mentored generations of students and athletes throughout the 1970s.
In 1980, the Arbogast family moved to Victoria, Texas. Ron transitioned from education to entrepreneurship, co-founding Victoria Travel, Inc. with Bonita. Together, they combined their love of travel and community in a thriving business that served the region for years.
Yet Ron’s heart never strayed far from the field. In 1986, he returned to teaching and coaching at Victoria High School - most memorably during his son Sean’s senior football season. That year, the Stingarees captured a district championship and playoff berth under head coach Alan Weddell and a dedicated coaching staff.
Ron retired from coaching in 1990 but continued to teach math at Victoria High School until 2002. Even in retirement, he remained a devoted educator, always ready to lend a hand at home or in Bonita’s travel agency.
In 1995, Ron and Bonita made Port O’Connor their permanent home - a place Ron fondly called “his paradise.” He embraced the tranquility of coastal life, enjoying long days fishing, traveling with friends, and discovering a passion for woodworking. His handmade cradles for his grandchildren and other crafted pieces remain treasured legacies of his creativity and care.
Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Bonita; his children: Sean Arbogast (Jeri), Amy Arbogast (Lee Cantu) and Buffy Arbogast (Beth Daidone); his grandchildren: John, Abigail, and Lilianna Cantu; Addison and Sydney Arbogast; Lainey Cooper (Landon); and his step-grandchildren: Andrew, Johnathan, and Justin Cantu. He is also survived by his siblings, extended family, and the many lives he touched through his generosity, humor, and enduring spirit.
The family extends their deepest thanks to Hospice of South Texas and the dedicated caregivers who offered comfort and support in Ron’s final days.
Ron’s life was one of purpose, family, and quiet adventure. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and integrity that will live on in all who had the privilege to know him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Aug. 2 at 3 p.m. at Power Avenue Warehouse in Victoria, Texas.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of South Texas in Memory of Ronald Arbogast. www.hospiceofsouthtexas.org
Mailing address:
Hospice of South Texas
605 E. Locust, Victoria, Texas 77901
OBITUARIES
Helen Maxine Wright ~ 05-28-1939 to 06-19-2025

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

Linn County News Published July 9. 2025 Ruth Ann Antrim, age 74, Prescott, Kan., passed away July 7, 2025. Arrangements are pending at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Mound City Chapel.
Kelly Kehl ~ 03-25-1938 to 06-28-2025

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]
More Obituaries
- Kandi Kay Cruse ~ 03-29-1958 to 06-27-2025
- Jessica Cae Pritchett ~ 08-30-1981 to 06-26-2025
- Jackie Junior “Jack” Hewitt ~ 07-17-1935 to 06-18-2025
- Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith ~ 11-19-1935 to 06-07-2025
- Richard “Dick” Smith ~ 04-18-1942 to 06-22-2025
- Charles Edwin Sutterby ~ 06-20-1951 to 06-19-2025
- Windfred Allen DeMott ~ 09-15-1940 to 06-07-2025
- Maxine Breuel ~ 11-20-1926 to 06-07-2025
NEWS
Commissioners discuss various budgets

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

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

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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- Tanglewood Lakes files suit against Board of County Commissioners
SPORTS
Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament

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

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.
More Sports
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship
- Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad
- Prairie View trapshooting competes at State
- Pleasanton and Jayhawk baseball on the 2025 All TRL team
- Jayhawk Linn softball has three All TRL unanimous selections
- Trenton Broyles leads Hawks at State track
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

