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Elsie A. Eilts 1930-2019
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Elsie A. Eilts 1930-2019

PRATT — Elsie A. Eilts, 88, passed away March 18, 2019, at Pratt Health & Rehab, Pratt. 

She was born September 22, 1930, in rural Rush County, Kansas to Frank, Sr. and Emma (Josefiak) Sell. She married Glenn Eilts October 29, 1951, at Rush Center. He died October 8, 2003.

Elsie was a retired telephone operator for AT&T. She volunteered for Girl Scouts, Reading Grandma’s and was an AT&T Pioneer. She loved to read, garden and fish. Her greatest love was her family and friends. 

Survivors include, one son, Galen Eilts, Jefferson City, Tenn.; Debra Hoffman and husband Terry, Albert; Pamela Brumfield and husband Ed, Plano, Texas; and Laurie Eilts, Pratt; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Glenn Eilts; one brother, Frank Sell Jr.; one sister, Grace Heine; and one grandson, David Brumfield. 

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, March 22 at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23 at Bryant Funeral Home, with Rev. Morita Truman presiding. 

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the David Brumfield Endowment Memorial at Oklahoma State University, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.


Funeral arrangements provided by 

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS, 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 20, 2019 


Michael Troy ‘Mike’ Joiner 1963 - 2025
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Michael Troy ‘Mike’ Joiner

Michael Troy ‘Mike’ Joiner, 62, passed away Feb. 27, 2025, at Medicalodges of Great Bend, Kan. He was born on Jan. 9, 1963, in Great Bend, Kan., to Jack and Louise (Campbell) Joiner. Mike married Ruth Deutsch; they later divorced.

A lifetime Barton County resident, Mike was a dedicated minister. After attending college at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he shared his knowledge and faith as lead minister of Extreme Hope Christian Fellowship. Mike was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He loved football, having played in high school, including in the 1981 Shrine Bowl where Hutchinson News named him the western Kansas Defensive Player of the Year, coaching players, and watching all level of the game, especially K.U. In addition to football, Mike competed in powerlifting and arm wrestling. He enjoyed watching other sports like basketball and baseball, riding his motorcycle, and singing karaoke. Mike cherished time with his family, specifically his grandchildren.

Survivors include daughter, Samantha Nicholson and husband Tyson of Larned; son, Gabriel Joiner and wife Holly of Great Bend; five grandchildren, Avalynne, Layla, Isaiah, Kynlsey, and Lorelai; brothers, Don Joiner and wife Rosie of Ellinwood and Jack Joiner and wife Tricia of Weatherford, Okla.; former wife, Ruth Joiner; and numerous friends and loved ones. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kevin Joiner; sister, Christina Gresham; and stepmother, Mary Joiner.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025, with family receiving guest from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2025, at Heartland Community Church, with Pastor Mark Williams presiding. Inurnment will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to Lasting Life Ministries, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.


Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 15, 2025