Obituaries

Laverne Lois Falk, age 98, passed away on February 11, 2025, at the Council Grove Assisted Living. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and enduring faith in Christ that will be cherished by her family and friends for generations to Laverne was born December 23, 1926, on the family farm north of McFarland, Kansas. She was one of six daughters born to Henry and Emma (Weith) Mathies. Laverne received the rite of Holy Baptism as an infant, at Trinity Lutheran Church in McFarland. She later confirmed her faith in her Lord and Savior by rite of confirmation on June 30,1940 at Trinity. Laverne’s faith guided her throughout her life, and her love for the Lord could be seen in her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Laverne met her future husband, Harold Falk at a joint Lutheran youth meeting (Walther League), between Alta Vista and McFarland. The two were married on June 2, 1946 at a noon ceremony after church. They made their home on the Falk family farm near Alta Vista. Together, they raised six children, Deloris, Linda, Mary, Melvin, Alan, and Kristie, in a home filled with love, and an emphasis on the impoitance of family. In 1995, they moved to Council Grove after retiring and selling the family farm. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage before Harold’s passing in 2011.

Opal Loretta Davis, passed away on February 1st, 2025 in her home surrounded by her family and loved ones. Her reunion with her Lord and waiting departed was surely a joyful one. Born December 16,1945 in Buchanan County, Virginia to Lee Roy Helton and Icy (Branham) Helton, she was the 2nd oldest of 10 children and helped raise them. She met and then later married her husband Bill in 1961 in Newport Kentucky at the age of 16. They would have been married for 64 years.

Vona Lee Diehl, 86, passed away peacefully at Stormont Vail Hospital, Topeka, Kansas on Saturday, February 8, 2025. She had loved ones with her in her final days.