Gladys Lori Killian, 87, of Lindsborg, Kansas and former Russell resident died on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at the Bethany Home in Lindsborg.  Lori was born on March 18, 1921 in rural Lincoln County, Kansas, the daughter of George and Dorthea (Hilgenberg) Killian.

Lori grew up in the Russelll County area and she also attended the Russell County Rural School District.  She married Karl Kuntzsch and from this union they were blessed with four children, daughters Carol and Dianne and a sons Gerald and Carl.  Karl preceded her in death on January 1, 1992.  Lori was very young when she and Karl were married and she was unable to finish school.  Once her children were older, Lori went back to school and received her GED and went on to College for a short time.  She went to work for the State of Kansas as a stenographer, working with the state for most of her adult life until she retired.  Later she moved to Salina to be closer to her family, there she was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and was a former member of St. John Lutheran Church of Russell.  She has always been very active in church, serving on the Altar Guild and helped as a church greeter.  She was also very active member in the senior center and Parents without Partners.  She enjoyed taking long walks, listening to music, dancing and playing the piano.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving family include daughters Carol Mitchell and husband Frank of Lubbock, TX, and Dianne Young of Salina, KS, a son Carl Kuntzsch and wife Gerrianne of Colorado Springs, CO; sister Freda Kircoff of Garden City, KS; 8 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren. 

She is also preceded in death by a son Gerald W. Kuntzsch; sisters Amelia Mai, Verna Wacker, Elsie Rounkles and Alma Roush; brothers Bill Killian, Harvey Killian, George Killian, David Killian and Leo Killian .

A celebration of Lori’s life is pending for 11 A.M. on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at the St. John Lutheran Church of Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, July 7, 2008 at the mortuary with family present to receive guests from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M..  Memorials may be given to Love-N-Learn Childcare Center of Salina and may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary * 610 N. Maple * Russell, KS  67665.  Condolences may be mailed or sent via email by going to www.pvpmortuary.com.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral arrangements.