A native Chase Countian, Connie Butter attended both grade and high school in Cottonwood Falls, Kan.

Through the years, Connie did a lot of caregiving for the ill and handicapped. The first being her mother who died when Connie was in the sixth grade. At that point an aunt who was handicapped to manage the household and Connie helped her get around.

That experience led Connie to earn her CNA certification and she began working at the Chase County Nursing Center on June 1969, its opening day. While working, she earned her LPN degree from the Flint Hills Technical College in 1979 and continued to work at the Chase County Nursing Center. She retired in 2007 after what she described as a “…long and fulfilling career.”

Some of Connie’s best memories are the family vacations that she and her husband Cecil took and the time spent together as his job as an over-the-road truck driver often saw him away from home. Connie had two boys when she married Cecil, who became what she calls their “Bonus Dad.”

When her husband retired, they began to frequent the Chase County Senior Center and became part of the family there. Connie helps clean off tables almost every day after lunch and enjoys performing one of her signature duties: folding the multitude of used plastic bags people bring in for the center to use. She is occasionally lovingly and respectfully called “The Bag Lady.”

“I really enjoy doing this and it is really quite relaxing,” Connie said.

Connie and her husband are members of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Strong City, where she is a member of the Altar Society.

Thank you for the difference you make in Chase County, Connie!

Following the money is a valuable and appreciated talent that Steve Birkbeck continues to use as the treasurer of the Clay County Senior Task Force.

Steve was born in Emporia, grew up in Burlington, and graduated from Burlington High School. He earned his undergraduate degree and two master’s degrees – on in geography and an MBA – from Emporia State University. He then worked for United Bank and Trust in Clay County until his retirement in 2014.

Treasurer is the volunteer niche for Steve. He’s served four years as the Clay County Senior Task Force treasurer, treasurer of the Clay Center Library Board, and treasurer of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church as well as its Senior Warden.

Transportation is another of Steve’s volunteer accomplishments. He is a team member of the transportation staff and committee.

Steve, thank you for the difference you make in Clay County!

Kurt O. Zimmer was born in Beloit, Kan., and explains one of his most impressive accomplishments is graduating from Jamestown High School with 24 of his fellow students, the largest class in school history.

Kurt has been involved with activities for young and old alike. While he coached many youth sports like baseball, football, and basketball, he said his passion was being an umpire for nearly 50 years. “I umpired for 47 years, those were very ‘fruitful’ in my eyes, he said.

“I’ve worked the majority of my life helping elderly people,” Kurt said. He worked at the

Cheyenne Lodge Nursing Home for 31 years until it closed. “So many wonderful memories of the people there. It still brings a smile to my face remembering the small sparkle in their eyes when you smiled and called their name as you greeted them.”

He continued his work with older people and others at Funk Medical and Mobility, helping to supply medical equipment and supplies to those who needed them.

Add Jamestown Cemetery Sexton, Jamestown City Council member, Community Pride Board member, and volunteer fire department fighter to Kurt’s list. Kurt also volunteers as a substitute city utility worker, reading meters and mowing grass where needed. “I must say, I now have a greater respect for city utility workers,” he said.

“Try to stay active,” Kurt advises. “Exercise programs in particular are great.”

Kurt, thank you for the positive differences you make in people’s lives in Cloud County!

“This is a special time; enjoy what you do,” honoree Elaine Reed advises. And she has a lot to enjoy.

Elaine was born north of Bennington, attended elementary school in Verdi, and graduated from Solomon High School. She married Phil Reed in 1974; the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2024. She and Phil raised four children: Janet, Terry, Craig, and Marci, and they, in turn, have provided her with 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Her working career includes working for a trucking company, followed by time at the Solomon Co-op, and the Solomon and Abilene banks until she retired.

Elaine was involved EHU, taking tickets at ballgames, helping at the summer baseball tournaments, and helping in the after-school programs.

The Solomon Senior Center has benefited from Elaine’s volunteer activities. She served as Chairman of the Board, scheduled entertainment for the center as well as scheduled volunteer drivers delivering meals. You might also have found Elaine collecting prizes for Bingo and other senior center activities. One of her favorite activities at the center was performing hula dancing for ladies from Salina. “That was the best time,” she recalled.

Thank you, Elaine, for stepping up and making a difference in the lives of others, especially those in Dickinson County.

Mention pancakes and fundraising in Ellsworth County and Richard Whitmer’s name often surfaces as the best pancake and money maker in Clay County.

Richard grew up in Dorrance, Kan., and earned his bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University where he graduated with a teaching degree. He earned his fame at Fort Hays State when, in his senior year, his Division 2 basketball team placed fourth in the nation. Richard went on to teach school and coach for 35 years.

His volunteer work includes 18 years of active service to the Wilson Senior Center in various capacities, including serving as the Site Council President for 12 years. He also served as the Bunker Hill, Dorrance, and Hoxie Lions Club president. He has been a member of the Farm Bureau, Plymouth Township and Russell Ag Coop for 40 years.

Congratulations, Richard! Thank you for stepping up and making a difference in lives of others.

Born and raised in Menasha, Wis., Shirley Allen decided to see the world by enlisting in the Army after high school where she learned to live on her own, manage her money, and be a responsible adult. After six years as a soldier, she continued to work for the Army for the next 34 years as a budget analyst, reaching the position of financial manager before retiring in 2019.

Shirley’s husband, Gordon, also spent his career in the Army, and Shirley said they enjoyed their timeliving in Germany and Korea before moving to Kansas in 1987. The military tradition is carried on by their one son who is a career Marine stationed in North Carolina. She and Gordon have three grandchildren, two in Salina, and one in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Among Shirley’s many talents is her passion for fishing, trap shooting, and hunting, including sitting in a tree in Minnesota while a mother bear got her cub to stop climbing the tree Shirley was in. Her indoor work includes quilting and puzzle-making.

Shirley’s volunteer work focuses on two kinds of food delivery, one as a Meals on Wheels volunteer driver, and one with the NCFHAAA’s Friendship Meals as a drive and a preparer of frozen Grab ‘N Go meals. Her co-volunteers said that “…the customers adore her.”

Advice? Shirley said she’s learned that it is easier to be positive than negative, and to enjoy what you do.

Shirley, your kindness and countless contributions are truly appreciated. Thank you!

A woman of few words, the words and actions of Sensational Sunflower Val Robinson speak volumes.

Val was born in Emporia, grew up in Harveyville, and graduated from Mission Valley High School. For the next years, Val was a military spouse and upon returning to Kansas she met and married Tom Robinson. She raised two children, a son who lives in Baileyville, Kan., with four of her grandchildren, and a daughter who lives in Missouri, with one grandchild.

Val’s list of volunteer activities includes serving as concessions coordinator for softball, baseball, and the county fair. She also served as president of the Sylvan Grove Senior Center, currently serves on the center board, runs a morning coffee group, and is the current Cheer person responsible for sending birthday, get well, and sympathy cards to the Sylvan Grove community.

Even as she recovers from a stroke, Val continues her work, managing and bagging commodities for her senior center every month, and works at the local restaurant, Fly Boy, several evenings a week.

“She is no stranger to hard work,” current Sylvan Grove Senior Center president said. “The cards she sends are a great way to share encouragement, loving concern, and prayers with those who need them. Val’s efforts have meant a lot to the seniors in this area.”

Along with her volunteer duties, Val enjoys needlework, particularly creating a variety of cross-stitch masterpieces.

From her years of experience, Val advises people “…save your money because Social Security isn’t enough to live on.”

And make friends. “I have friends of all ages,” Val said.

Congratulations, Val! Your incredible story, resilience and faith are truly inspiring to us all.

Brownies, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren are hallmarks of Harlow Vader’s life.

Harlow was born in Jewell County and graduated from Mankato High School before continuing his career on the family farm. His children Treva, Jeffrey, Randy and Brenda, welcomed their adopted siblings Michelle and LeRoy to the family.

Harlow has been associated with the Jewell County Council on Aging since moving to Mankato in 2003. His service includes being the council’s treasurer and being a Friendship Meals delivery driver. Part of his delivery driving history is tending to the 1977 Cadillac limo which used to bring people to the senior center to eat. He considers himself a self-made taxi driver, always available to help people with appointments and running errands.

The Jewell County Historical Society and the Mount Hope Cemetery also benefit from his mowing and grass trimming as well as his expertise at the annual Jewell County July threshing bee.

Being the grandpa of 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren is his best job. He also enjoys square dancing, traveling to different places to dance and see old friends. His signature brownies usually accompany him. And it’s reported he will arrive at least 10 minutes early because “that’s on time,” he said.

“Treat others as you would want to be treated,” Harlow said.

Thank you, Harlow, for giving generously of your time and talent to your friends and neighbors in Jewell County!

Although she has worn many hats in her lifetime, Jan Jacob considers herself “ordinary,” she said. “In God’s eyes, I’m ordinary and in my eyes, I’m ordinary.”

Born the oldest of seven children in Valley Falls, Kan., Jan grew up in Topeka and had a lot of responsibility for her six siblings. That growing up experience served her well in her careers as a District 252 bus driver, a city clerk for Neosho Rapids, Kan., a clerk for the 252 Board office, and the career she retired from in 2005, the officer manager for Emporia State University’s computing services.

She married the love of her life Duane in 1963 while he was in the Air Force, and the love of patriotism came with those 59 years of marriage. She supports the South Lyon District 252 Honor Flight program that pairs students with veterans as they visit Washington, D.C.’s memorials and the Capital. For years she and Duane, before his passing in 2022, put flags in the cemetery for all military people, taking special pride in placing flags on graves of those lived far away and couldn’t.

Jan and Duane were founding members of the Neosho Rapids Community Building when it was built in 1986, and Jan is still active in the building, including painting the walls twice.

Before Duane’s passing, he and Jan did cleanup at Melvern Lake for nine years and loved camping there.

Caregiving has also been a part of Jan’s life, first for her husband with cancer and later as 24/7 volunteer for a friend who broke her shoulder. 

The Neosho Rapids Senior Group nomination letter stated that “Jan is a lifelong Christian who does not seek or want a lot of attention.” Indeed, Jan’s son learned of his mother’s nomination at a church service, she hadn’t bothered to tell him about it. But then the group went on to list the title they gave Jan  “Jacobs Taxi Service,” and listed her volunteer time as a driver, home health nurse, a meal, grocery, medicine and mail delivery person as well as a recycle lady.

In her very quiet way, Jan thought and then said her advice at this stage of her life is “to be kind and be willing to help others.”

Jan, we appreciate all the love and concern you bring to others’ lives. Thank you for your example of caregiving!

Gene Winkler said his roots in Marion County have been an anchor in his life he describes as a journey from mid-century America to today.

In 1961 he married Doris Richmond, whom he described as the love of his life, and became parents to Bruce and Sherri, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His first job at a Conoco station developed into his own tire service. His volunteer services included working as an EMT for 42 years, taking part in Kiwanis activities, and video-streaming sports for more than 20 years. He is particularly proud of being an integral part of the building of the Marion County Food Bank in 2021.  

Gene and Doris enjoyed discovering every corner of America on bus trips and motorcycle rides. He describes December 2020 as one of “the most difficult chapters of my journey.” He and Doris both battled COVID, with Doris succumbing to the virus on Christmas Day. “Her passing left a profound void, but her spirit continues to inspire me,” he wrote.

“My faith and involvement in my church have been a cornerstone of my life. The sense of fellowship and the spiritual foundation it provided guided me through both the joyful and challenging times,” he said.

Congratulations, Gene! Your incredible story, resilience and faith are truly inspiring to us all.

Both in her professional career as a registered nurse, teaching CPR, writing ICU policies and procedures, and developing OSIA regulation for mixing allergy antigens, and her personal time, Billie Payne focuses on others.

Billie’s nursing career included working in surgery, ICU, recovery rooms, and said her best nursing job was as a private nurse for an ear doctor (otologist), along with serving as Round Springs township board as clerk, 4-H leader with wood working activities, making jams and jellies, and guiding her children in obtaining their 4-H Key award. Add to that her service as Lions Club secretary, Methodist church secretary, and the outreach, fellowship, and education committees.

In 2019, Billie became the commodities manager for her town for bi-monthly distribution, and became the Hunter community facilitator to distribute food boxes each month. Add to that delivering meals for a blind lady, and shut-ins and any senior who can’t collect the food on their own. 

Billie has also found time to trace her family roots back 7 generations, baking goodies, gardening, canning, and caring for her fruit trees. 

“I don’t let grass grow under my feet,” Billie said.

Billie, thank you for being a generous and dedicated volunteer in your community, and in Mitchell County! 

Born on a farm in Geary County, Myrna Markley found her life’s work as a primary school teacher, including in kindergarten and first grade, is indicative of her volunteer work as well.

Although retired, Myrna can still be found volunteering daily at the White City schools. For more than 50 years, she has been the organist and pianist for the White City Christian Church, including doing outreach ministry in Council Grove at Diverscare and Assisted Living. Also as a church member, Myrna helps at the Diamond L roping events, baseball and auction concessions as well as participating on the activities and entertainment committee. She volunteers at the Rolling Prairie Senior Center two days a week, and makes a point of taking her friends to visit old friends in their senior accommodations.

Myrna advises people to “find something of interest to do and keep busy. Occupy your time helping others.”

Myrna also enjoys spending time with her two children, six grandchildren, and 10 great children.

Myrna, thank you for all the ways you generously share your time and talent to make others’ lives better and brighter in Morris County!

Born “out in the country,” in Clay County, Kan., Larry Bertrand has traveled to all 50 states and several foreign counties, but “we were always ready to come home,” he said.

He and his wife Javine’s interest in traveling partially came from his children’s international student friends at Kansas State, he said. One such friendship led spending a week with the French student’s family in Paris. Another trip resulted in a memorable trip to Rome, and “a beautiful trip to Ireland.” But just as memorable is his recollection of attending a Kansas tradition, the Symphony on the Prairie, with its ready-made natural settings.

Larry graduated from Clifton, Kan., schools and worked in the RV manufacturing business as well as being self-employed. With years of volunteer delivery of meals from the senior center, he and his wife  have maintained connections with older people in their community. For many years, he was a driver for the Ottawa County General Transportation, chauffeuring people to appointments and shopping destinations. One of the most enjoyable, Larry said, was driving little people from daycare to preschool; a whole generation of kids call him “Mr. Bus Driver” when they see him. A broken hip, (now successfully replaced) led to his driver responsibilities in 2024.

The first Golden Wheel Senior Center meeting Larry was invited to, found him accepted as member and then installed as the senior center president. He served as a board member and board president from 2010 to 2023.

Larry is active in his local church and has cooked many a hamburger at the church food booth at the county fair. He only gave up his golf clubs when he had to, after years of involvement with the local golf course. And he willingly fills in when an extra hand is needed for his wife’s bridge club. Beyond the local community, Larry has been active in the Shriner’s organization and has helped with the Shrine Bowl and events for many years.

An active sports fan, he has followed many a Minneapolis team, Kansas State sports events, and attends as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren programs and events as possible.

Doug Owens grew up in Pratt, Kan., a member of a hard-working family who helped their neighbors and volunteered in the community.

A signature event occurred when Doug was in fifth grade, his mother modified an adult apron to fit him so he could work with her in a local market. That’s where Doug said he learned to be faithful and independent in completing assigned tasks.

Following school, Doug was hired at KPL and he and his wife Kay along with their children moved to St. Mary’s. His community involvement started with him coaching team and helping with community projects. Doug retired from Evergy with 42 ½ years of service.

Doug continues to use his mechanical and problem-solving skills in service to others. He is on call to St. Marys Methodist Church and St. Marys Senior Center to make emergency repairs, provide routine maintenance, and assist with projects as needed, saving these organizations substantial amounts of money. 

He describes examples of his work ranging from painting the church bell towner, hauling away fallen trees and limbs, remodeled the parsonage restroom, and retrieved sunglasses from a clogged toilet.

Rule #1 at the Senior Center is get meals delivered. And Doug is handy in slicing meat or packaging food when needed.

“Do it right and get it done,” Doug said. “I just like to be busy.”

Doug, we are very grateful for the creative and joyous spirit you bring to others’ lives! Thank you for all you do in Pottawatomie County!

Manhattan, Kan., native Diane Hoobler lives to serve her area community in as many ways as she can since her graduation from Wamego High School.

No stranger to farming, Diane and her husband Larry, were recognized as one of the Kansas Farm Bureau’s (KFB) Farm Family of the Years honorees. The couple started with rented farmland before purchasing 40 acres near Zeandale to raise hogs. Today that enterprise has grown into 1150 acres in the Kaw River Valley between Wamego and Manhattan. They rotate corn and soybeans production and Diane worked as a Kansas Farm Bureau administrative assistant and a member benefits manager.

Her efforts to develop a $230,000 Zeandale Community Park is one Diane’s proudest accomplishments, she said. She and Larry have also hosted groups of soldiers on their farm twice a year as part of the Fort Riley SAVE program, which gives first-hand experiences to soldiers who have an interest in agriculture when they are finished with their miliary service.

Serving on the Riley County Planning Board, Riley County Fair Broad, and being a 4-H Club leader are additional ways Diane contributes to her community. 

Diane advises people to “go out with friends – friends are my greatest asset. Have something to do and socialize.” 

All the people whose lives you’ve touched in Riley County and beyond said, “Thank you, Diane!” for a lifetime of dedication, work, caring, and service!

Don “retired” from his career at the Saline County Clerk’s Office in 2017, but he hasn’t retired from helping others by delivering Meals on Wheels and building access ramps are two of his current passions.

Born and raised in Saline County, Don graduated from Central High School and Kansas Wesleyan University with a business degree which he put to good use in the county clerk’s office. One of the important services that Don uses to this day is serving as volunteer for Interim Health and Hospice as a volunteer Notary, helping individuals in their homes to complete Durable Power of Attorney paperwork or any other paperwork that needs to be notarized. He often goes beyond this legal work to help patients with end of life wishes.

Don has been a member of one of the two Salina chapters of the American Business Clubs (AMBUCS) and he counts his work with the club building access ramps as one of his fondest older accomplishments. He and his colleagues have built more than 720 ramps during the last 12 years – that’s about 12,000 man hours of building, he reckons. While many of the ramps are for older adults with mobility issues, ramps are available for anyone who needs them, he said.  “It provides independence for the young and the old,” he said. And the greatest benefit for him he said is the appreciation that ramp recipients show.

Other volunteering experience includes driving for Meals on Wheels since 2017, generally any route that is not covered by a daily driver. He shares this labor of love with his wife, Debbie Holmes, a hospice social worker, who has her own route. He has also helped in the dining room picking up food trays and helping senior patrons with drinks and cleanup. He especially likes filling the Christmas gift bags for Meals on Wheels patrons.

Don advises people to “Stay active as much as your lifestyle allows. Get a part-time job or volunteer.” 

Thank you, Don, for your lifetime legacy of investing in Saline County!

When Ruth Messer Wille retired from teaching 25 years ago, her motto was to “Go while the going is good.” She still stands by that advice and keeps on going.

Ruth was born on July 4 in Wamego, Kan. After graduating from Alma High School in 1960 she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Concordia Teachers’ College in Seward, Nebraska, and later earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Kansas State University. She taught in Joplin, Mo., Spring Hill, Kan., and taught first grade in Alma for 20 years. After retiring in 2000, Ruth subbed for a year and then returned to the classroom full-time for another two years. 

Ruth and her husband Jack Messer had two sons. After Jack died in 2012, Ruth began delivering Friendship Meals to Alma and McFarland residents. When she remarried in 2017, her late husband Wayne Wille, joined her in delivering Friendship meals. “That was one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever head,” Ruth said.

Ruth serves as Alma’s representative and vice president of the Wabaunsee County Council on Aging. She is secretary/treasurer for Alma’s senior community Open Door Club and as a member of St. John Lutheran Church volunteers there. She served on the Alma Senior Homes board of directors, and the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library Board.

Ruth enjoys time with friends playing pitch, bridge, bunco, and dominoes. She is thankful to share special occasions with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. “God is good,” Ruth said.

Ruth, thank you for all the ways you bring light and life to your town and Waubaunsee County!