Lifelong Quinter area resident, Russell Duane Jarboe, passed away Friday, June 21, 2013 at Gove County Medical Center, Long Term Care. He was 89 years of age.

Russell was born May 23, 1924, on the family farm east of Quinter, to Ora Samuel "Sam" and Kathryn Margaret (Wolf) Jarboe. He attended Pleasant View country school until his eighth grade year (1937-1938), when he and his family went to Modesto, California to work during the hard times of the depression. They returned to Quinter the following year. Russell graduated from Quinter High School in 1942. On July 27, 1947, Russell was united in marriage to Velvyn Lahman, at the Church of the Brethren in Quinter. Russell's uncle, Earl Jarboe, was the officiant at their wedding.

Russell was proud to have been a Kansas farmer, raising sheep and growing wheat and milo. He was also very dedicated to his service in taking care of the Baker Township Cemetery, just outside of Quinter. He was always there for people who had a genealogy project, and oftentimes would take part in helping them look for ancestors. His relationship with God began as a child in the Old German Baptist Brethren Church, which remained close to his heart throughout his life. He later became a member of the Church of the Brethren, serving as a Deacon and Usher. He made himself readily available to help with church events in any way needed. From his younger days on, Russell took a great interest in our young people and their sporting events. It was never a surprise to see Russell working the chain gang at football games, keeping score at basketball games, or helping out in some way. Russell was also a 4-H leader for many years. He and Velvyn always put out a garden and were very giving of the produce that came from it. Among many other things, Russell enjoyed playing town team basketball and softball, bowling, scrapbooks and photo albums, cartoons and jokes, playing cards, and monopoly. He was a member of Kiwanis and was on the board of trustees for Baker Township. He was known among family and friends for some of his quotes, including, "Let's not fix the blame; let's fix the problem" and "It doesn't take long to close a gate." To sum up Russell's life in one document would be impossible, but everyone who knew him would agree that he was a truly caring and giving man.

Russell will be dearly missed by his wife, Velvyn, of nearly 66 years; three daughters Marilyn Bess of Bone Gap, Illinois, Deb and husband Curtis Simon of Quinter; and Lori and husband Alan Moore of Hays; seven grandchildren Michelle and husband Steve Edmundson, Suzanne and husband Justin Simmons, both of Bone Gap, Illinois, Stephen Simon and wife Sarah of Quinter, Becky and husband Lance Bruna of Barnes, and Andrew, Ashley and Angela Moore, all of Hays; one brother Wayne and wife Marcele Jarboe; one sister Leola Landis, all of Modesto, California; six great-grandchildren Aidan Waggoner, Austin and Ashlyn Wise, Taylor and Madison Bruna, and Oliver Simon; one step-great-grandson Trenton Simmons; and a host of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter Suzanne Jarboe; a son-in-law Douglas Bess; a brother and sister-in-law Warren and Mary Jane Jarboe; a sister and brother-in-law Eileen and Earl Barton; and a brother-in-law Don Landis.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at the Church of the Brethren in Quinter with Pastor Keith Funk officiating. Burial will be in Baker Township Cemetery, Quinter.

Visitation will be Monday, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home of Quinter.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Quinter High School Athletic Department or the Quinter Church of the Brethren and may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

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