Barbara Ann Decker
Barbara Ann Decker, 88, passed away on July 10, 2025, at her home in Wichita, surrounded by loved ones.
Barbara was born in Tribune to Chase and Marguerite Hunt. She grew up in Greeley County, attending local schools before furthering her education at Emporia State University and KU Medical Center, where she earned her nursing degree and became a Registered Nurse—a career she cherished.
On August 17, 1958, Barbara married Larry Bays and together they had two sons, Todd and Scott Bays. Later in life, she married John Decker on October 16, 1982, blending their families. Her children, stepchildren, and extended family are left with countless memories of her love and kindness.
Barbara’s life was centered around her faith and community. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Wichita, where she dedicated much of her time and energy. She was also a proud member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Barbara had a deep love for her family and friends, and she truly enjoyed playing cards—a hobby that brought her joy and countless moments of laughter.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Chase and Marguerite Hunt, and her husband, John Decker. She is survived by her sons, Todd Bays (Claire) of Lawrence, Scott Bays (Kim) of Wichita; her stepchildren, Patricia McMains (Randall) of Arkansas City, and David Decker (Ivy Arroyo) of Leander, Texas; as well as 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandsons, who will all miss her dearly.
Services will be conducted at First United Methodist Church in Wichita, at 10:00 AM on July 17, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway St., Wichita, KS 67202; Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd., Wichita, KS 67212.
Barbara will be laid to rest in the Enterprise, Kansas cemetery in a private ceremony.
Barbara’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was a true blessing to everyone whose life she touched.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com.
OBITUARIES
Amanda Dawn King
Amanda Dawn King, age 38, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Tribune. She was born on August 2, 1986, in Waterville, Maine, the daughter of Brian King and Theresa Gooldrup. She had lived in Tribune for the past five years. She was an avid... [More]
Wilma L. “Brooke” (Bishop) Cole
Wilma L. “Brooke” (Bishop) Cole, departed this life on June 8, 2025. Following a difficult battle with Parkinson’s Disease, she died peacefully at home. Wilma was born on January 24, 1938, to Rose Mary (McGee) Bishop and William Howard Bishop,... [More]
Mary Lou Kinlund
Mary Lou Kinlund, born on May 5, 1929, to Albert and Merry Gladys (Smades) Lucius, in Horace, was a beloved member of her community and family. She passed away peacefully in Holcomb, on June 11, 2025, at the age of 96. A dedicated and nurturing individual, Mary Lou made a significant... [More]
Celebration of Life for Shane Smith Saturday
A Celebration of Life service for Shane Smith will be held this Saturday, June 7, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Tribune. Shane was born on March 27, 1977 in Tribune and passed away on March 1, 2025 in Tribune. In lieu of flowers, donations... [More]
Betty Jean Niswonger
Betty Jean Niswonger, age 54, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Destiny Support Home in Garden City. She was born on August 9, 1970, to Keith Eugene and Barbara Ann Zehm Niswonger in Leoti. Betty Jean attended Beamgard Learning Center in Atwood from elementary... [More]
Celebration of Life for Rosalie Abney
The family of Rosalie Abney invites community members to join them in celebrating the life of Rosalie Ann Abney, (nee Nemechek). February 19,1940 – October 16, 2024. The family of Rosalie Abney will be gathering to celebrate her life, and they’d be honored if you’d... [More]
Jon Kelly Davidson
Jon Kelly Davidson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the tranquil Kansas City Hospice House, at the age of 73. Jon was not a name familiar to those who knew him. They would’ve known him as Kelly.... [More]
James Dale Fisher, Jr.
James Dale Fisher, Jr., age 78, passed away at his home in Scott City on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. He was born on September 7, 1946, in Nashville, Kansas to James Dale and Mary Ann Vierthaler Fisher. After graduating from High School, James earned a B.A. in History... [More]
More Obituaries
- Dayna Ann Bechard
- Committal Service for Harold Grubb
- Walter James Waldren
- Shane Gregory Smith
- Donovan Anderson
- Patricia “Pat” McKinley
- Keith Smyth
- Beth Ann (Myers) Tenan
SPORTS
Trap shooting team competes at National Tournament
Photo caption: Rowdy Grubb, Logan Harris, Ryland Myers, Brodey Grubb, and Klayton Davignon competed in the National Clay Target League Championship in Mason, Michigan last weekend. Photo by Ashley Grubb. We had an amazing week at National Trap Shooting! We soaked up the... [More]
Lady Bowlers compete at State Bowling
By Ken Zerr In late April and early May, the Tribune Women’s League took their talents to Kansas City for the USBC State Women’s Bowling Tournament. The ladies start planning this event when the league begins in September and they look forward to it all... [More]
Brandl named to All-State Track Team
Jailyn Brandl, a freshman at Greeley County Schools, was recognized by the Kansas MileSplit as a member of the Kansas Track and Field Freshman Girls All-State 1A-6A team for the 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs. She was also named an honorable mention for all classifications... [More]
Adult softball has two weeks left
Charles Moser, left, and Trevor Carney, right, work together to chase down Jacob Miller, who got caught in a pickle at last Wednesday night’s softball game. Photo by Hallie Means.
Greeley County Basketball All-Time Records - Career & Season
Editor’s Note: Head basketball Coach Josh Gooch spent significant time last fall and this spring researching and compiling record information for the boys high school players and teams. We’re excited to have the opportunity to share them here. Thanks, Josh,... [More]
High School boys compete in Lakin
Photo Caption: Pictured kneeling from left to right are Knox Mangan, Layton Hopkins, Taven Schmidt, Kolten Myers, and Hayden Myers. Standing are Coach Josh Gooch, Luke Clevenger, Aidan Hill, Jamir Yanez, Caleb Young, and Ruben Coello. Courtesy photo. Members of the Greeley... [More]
Lady Jackrabbits play in Colby League
Photo Caption: High school volleyball players taking part in Monday night games in Colby were (left to right) Addy Kennedy, Sara Pando, Kenna Bain, Jadence Stewart, Jeryn Stewart, Tylee Cavenee, Britney Helpingstine, Yosselin Vazquez, Briana Martinez, and Charlize Shafer. Not... [More]
Mangan, Shafer earn All-State Golf Honors
Sophomore Braxon Mangan and Senior Lincoln Shafer were both listed as honorable mention honorees for the Kansas Golf Coaches Association 1A State teams. Mangan and Shafer both competed in the second day of play at this year’s 1A State Golf Tournament in Dodge City, finishing... [More]
More Sports
- Trap team competes at Kansas State tournament Saturday
- Lady Jackrabbits hit the road for summer ball
- Shafer plays in 40th Annual 8-Man All-Star Game
- Brandl secures two medals at Kansas State Track Meet; Grubb, Mora, and Shafer also compete
- Shafer places 12th at state; team finishes 7th in 1A State Championship
- Greeley County Trap Team leads conference in both fall and spring
- Shafer to play in Division II West 8-man All Star game in Beloit
- Jackrabbits claim top spot at Regionals with a 338; Mangan, Shafer, and Higgins-Vestal finish in top 10
NEWS
Harvest is nearly complete in Greeley County
Photo caption: The Long family crew finished up a field of wheat in the southeast corner of Greeley County. Photo by Heather Long. As the final days of harvest stretch for a few area farmers due to rain delays, others are taking time to clean up, put equipment away until... [More]
Prairie Palooza this Saturday
This Saturday, July 19, head down to the CYAT Center and the open area between James V. Myers, CPA and Moser Law Office for dinner and entertainment. From 5:30 -7 p.m. at the CYAT Center, the Tribune Assembly Honduras Missions Team will serve a fried chicken dinner for... [More]
“Living in Fairadise” at the Fair
Photo caption: Friday afternoon’s Sidewalk Chalk Contest was a popular event at last year’s Greeley County Fair. Photo by Sheryl Crotinger. The 2025 Greeley County Fair is rapidly approaching. The theme for this year’s fair is “Living in... [More]
Booster Club Meeting, Monday, July 21
The Jackrabbit Booster Club will meet at the Greeley County Recreation Building (CYAT Center) Monday, July 21, at 6 p.m. Everyone interested in joining the Booster Club is invited and encouraged to attend.
An ag-focused school hopes to turn enrollment decline into community and economic renewal
After years of losing students, the Palco-Damar-Zurich school district in western Kansas not only stopped student decline — it’s gaining students again, thanks to its bold agriculture-centered vision. by Lane Wendell Fischer, The Daily Yonder For the first time... [More]
Election Update
The following candidates will be voted on in the general election to be held Tuesday, November 4, 2025. There were not enough filings to require a primary election in any local race. Those filing for the Horace City Council were: Janet L. Crittenden, Robert... [More]
Moderate temperatures, scattered moisture
Photo caption: Sophie Peter and her grandmother stopped by the Country Fresh Farmers Market last Wednesday afternoon, where they shopped with Coriander Myers and her duaghters, who were selling jewelry, baked goods, and canned goods. Temperatures remained relatively... [More]
Sherers depart Tribune Assembly, head to Oklahoma
Photo caption: Tribune Assembly honored the Sherer family with a community farewell celebration Sunday, July 6, 2025. Pictured from left to right are Silas, Jonas, Elias, April, Justus, Justin, Sayla, and Titus Sherer. Courtesy photo. After 12 years serving Tribune Assembly,... [More]
More News
- Greeley County celebrates Independence Day
- Carnival Set-up scheduled for Tuesday, July 15
- Member Satisfaction at Wheatland Electric Cooperative Inc. Remains Among Highest in Nation with ACSI® Score of ‘92’
- Knights Templar Donates $850 Worth of Vidalia Onions to Hope’s Place in Goodland
- Rainfall slows harvest progress
- Greeley County Health Services, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
- USD #200 School Board Agenda for Monday, July 14, 2025
- Kansas Tourism Announces 2025 Sunflower Summer Attraction Lineup
OPINIONS
From the Editor’s desk: Reflecting on the Symphony in the Flint Hills
Saturday, June 14, was the grand finale of the Symphony of the Flint Hills, which celebrated a 20-year run of welcoming guests onto the open prairie to enjoy a performance by the Kansas City Symphony. This year’s theme was “Prairie Sunset” and as the... [More]
Letter to the Editor: With Trump and Musk driving U.S. policy, Kansas farmers have been played for suckers
By Ben Palen Also published in the Kansas Reflector Back in November, I wrote a column for Kansas Reflector that discussed the likely adverse effects of President Trump’s proposed tariffs on U.S. farmers. The piece noted that 398 million acres of cropland has been... [More]
Letter to the Editor: Donald Trump is not our king
Donald Trump is not our king. He was elected with less than 50 percent of the popular vote and his margin of victory was 1.5 percent. There is no mandate in those numbers. Our elected members of Congress have a sworn duty to support and defend the Constitution and the... [More]
Open letter to Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall
On March 1 at Oakley in western Kansas, Sen. Roger Marshall held a town hall meeting for area constitutents wanting to know more about activities in Washington DC that have impacts on them. The following written questions were submitted by Louise Ehmke. Unfortunately they were... [More]
Letter to the Editor - School bond issue
Sometimes I wonder what drives our government to do things in our name but don’t make sense. With regard to our School Bond election and the Kansas Attorney General’s ruling, how can it be that a law is enacted that has such serious flaws in it. SB 221... [More]
Insight: Your vote counts
In about two weeks or so, it will be Election Day. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I cannot wait for it to be over. I will not say another word about the campaigns because my mother told me, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at... [More]
Volunteers are the heart of our community
As we celebrate National 4-H Week this week, 4-H Members across the country are celebrating this wonderful youth organization with Friends, Family, and the Communities that support this youth development program. In addition to celebrating the hard-work and dedication of... [More]
A tribute to Tribune and her friendly residents
In 2023, we visited our good friends Julie and Bill Lawrence of Tribune, Kansas. We fell in love with Tribune! During one of our subsequent visits, we found and purchased a great house and will move in, in 2026. Everyone, and I mean everyone, we’ve come... [More]
More Opinions
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