Neil E. Caudle
Nov. 17, 1969-March 19, 2025
Neil Eddie Caudle, 55, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, on his farm in Bendena, Kansas. Neil was born on Nov. 17, 1969, to Roger and Donna (Ricklefs) Caudle in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was a lifelong resident of Bendena, Kansas. He grew up on the same farm where he raised his family in later years. He loved working the land and raising cattle.
He attended Midway Denton High School, was an integral part of four state champion football teams and graduated in May of 1988. After high school, he attended Kansas State University, where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He took a semester off to custom harvest before graduating and completed his degree in agronomy in December 1992. It was at Kansas State where he met his wife, Mlle Brocaw. They married on July 10, 1993. They then moved to the Caudle Family farm, where he took over operations. They raised their three children and resided on the farm until moving to town in 2021. He also served as an ag representative and director for the Bendena State Bank.
Neil’s great love for Jesus gave him hope each day and got him through many tough years, especially throughout his 20-year battle with brain cancer. He was a lifelong member of the Troy Christian Church and served as an elder for many years.
Neil’s greatest joys in life were spending time with his wife, children and new grandchildren, as well as attending coffee club every morning and working on the farm alongside his son, Brandon, and his trusted hired hand, Dan Earl. He loved attending and watching Kansas State games and wearing purple.
Neil was loved by many for his God-fearing, generous, kind-hearted personality and infectious smile. He will be deeply missed. Neil was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Dale and Lois Caudle and maternal grandparents Eddie and Alma Ricklefs and an infant brother (Brian). He leaves behind his wife Mlle; three children, BreAnne (Jarrett) Pitman, Brandon (Chelsea) Caudle, and Calli (Alec) Richie; grandchildren Beckett Pitman, Nora Caudle, Drake Richie and baby Baylor Richie; parents Roger and Donna; and two brothers, Jeff (Tracie), and Todd (Kamille) all of Atchison, Kansas, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Kimberly Fairbank
March 28, 1960-May 12, 2025
Kimberly Jo Fairbank, 65, passed away peacefully at home on May 12, 2025, surrounded by love. She was born March 28, 1960, in Dodge City to Joe D. and Donna (Smith) Butcher and raised in Cimarron, graduating from Cimarron High School in 1978 and Kansas State University in 1981 with a degree in accounting.
Kim married her high school sweetheart, Rocky Fairbank, on May 30, 1981. She began her career as a CPA with Birney & Co. in Garden City before joining First National Bank in Cimarron, where she served in many roles, including CEO (2010-18) and board chair until her passing. She also served on the boards of Centera Bank and Data Center Inc.
A devoted member of Cimarron Methodist Church, Kim was active in numerous community organizations including Hospice of the Prairie, the FRIENDS after-school program, 4-H, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She was known for her deep faith, love of music and nature, and unwavering devotion to her family.
She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Rocky; children Trenton (Sara), Brooke and Stewart; granddaughters Sadie, Taylie and Adley; and many beloved relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law, Chet Fairbank.
Thurlene J. Ruggels
Aug. 23, 1931-March 25, 2025
Thurlene Jean (Larkins) Ruggels of Russell, Kansas, passed away on March 25, 2025, at the age of 93 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Aug. 23, 1931, in Republic, Kansas, to Clifford and Evelyn Larkins and grew up in Burr Oak.
A lifelong learner and lover of music, Thurlene attended Bethany College and later earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fort Hays State, along with a graduate banking degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She married Paul Ruggels in 1952, and together, they raised four children. Paul preceded her in death in 2000.
Thurlene led a remarkable life as a teacher, banker and community leader. As CEO of what is now Southwind Bank, she helped expand operations and served as President and Chairman of the Board. She was active in many organizations and a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church, where she shared her musical talents.
Even into her 90s, Thurlene enjoyed reading, sports, bridge and time with family. Known for her wisdom and attention to detail, she often told her grandchildren, “Be the labor great or small, do it right or not at all.”
She is survived by her sister, four children, 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and many dear friends.
