John Yadon (Posted 1/23/26)
John M. Yadon, age 89, of Manhattan, passed away Saturday December 20, 2025 at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.
He was born October 7, 1936 in Exeter, California.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00a.m. Thursday January 29, 2026 at the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with service arrangements. ymlfuneralhome.com.
Betty Rosebaugh (Posted 1/22/26)
Betty Lee Rosebaugh, age 98 of Barnes, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Blue Valley Health and Rehabilitation in Blue Rapids.
She was born on July 15, 1927, on a farm in Washington County, the daughter of Edward A. and Dorothy A. (Grancer) Beem.
On April 6, 1946, in Marysville, she married Eugene Edgar Rosebaugh. He preceded her in death in 2017.
Betty was a schoolteacher and farm wife, and a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Marysville. She was an avid gardener, known for her beautiful flowers and winning gardener of the month a few times in Washington County.She is survived by five children, James (Carol) Rosebuagh of Greenleaf, Dennis (Cathy) Rosebaugh of Lawrence, Steven (Christina) Rosebaugh of Greenleaf, Carol (Grady) Marden of Manhattan, and Sonya (George) Nemechek of Blue Rapids; one sister, Norma Klossen of Kansas City; 17 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and 13 great great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Marvin “Hans” Beem and Donald “Fritz” Beem; one grandson, Jason David Flower; one great granddaughter, Emily Grace Rosebaugh; one brother-in-law, Neil Klossen, and two nephews, Matthew Beem and Terry Beem.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Blue Rapids Community Center with Dustin Gibson as minister. Pallbearers will be Kirk Lees, Adam Nemechek, Russell Nemechek, Daniel Rosebaugh, Eric Rosebaugh and Joshua Rosebaugh. Honorary pallbearers will be Caleb Rosebaugh, Cody Rosebaugh and Jim Rosebaugh. Burial will be in the Maplewood Cemetery, west of Barnes.
Memorials may be made to Meadowlark Hospice or Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Contributions may be left in care of the Christie-Anderes Funeral Home, PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
Frederick Hagen (Posted 1/20/26)
Frederick Henry (Fritz) Hagen was born on February 4th, 1928 in Atchison, Kansas, the son of Frederick William Hagen and Georgia Marie (Gearhart) Hagen. He died peacefully at home on January 18th, 2026 in Manhattan, Kansas.
After serving in Korea in World War II, Fritz attended St. Benedict’s College (now Benedictine) in Atchison and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. He taught high school history and coached the girls’ basketball team in Lillis, Kansas, and later entered the federal work force in the Social Security Administration. He married his wife, Darlene Fay (Artman) in Atchison on May 30th, 1959. He moved to Manhattan in 1969 with his family and became a faithful participant in the Catholic community at Seven Dolors parish. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, was president of the Seven Dolors-Luckey High School school board, and enjoyed following Notre Dame sports. He was an avid golfer all his life, and enjoyed walking and meeting with friends for coffee.
His family was his pride and joy. He is survived by his wife Darlene, daughters Elizabeth Paddock (Joel), Kathleen Gremillion (Michael), Mary Kelly, Gretchen Hagen-Gates (James), Bridget Shampton (Matthew), and Caroline Ellis (Jason); 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and his sisters Barbara Surritt and Rose Gerdes. Fritz was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald Hagen, and his son-in-law Christopher Kelly.
Visitation will be on Thursday, January 22nd at 6:30 p.m. followed by a vigil and rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian burial will be on Friday, January 23rd at 10:30 a.m. at Seven Dolors Church. Private graveside services will be held at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at Fort Riley.
Irvin Parkview Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Imelda McMillin (Posted 1/20/26)
Imelda Alice (Ryan) McMillin, of Manhattan, Kansas, born at home in Omaha, Nebraska on November 1st, 1934, the seventh of fourteen children of George and Nora (Cox) Ryan, died on January 17th, 2026, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, Manhattan, Kansas.
A proud Nebraskan, Imelda was raised in an Irish Catholic home and attended St. Cecilia Cathedral School in Omaha. In 1956, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Duchesne College in Omaha. That same summer in Omaha on June 23rd at St. Margret Mary Catholic Church, Imelda Alice Ryan married Raymond Alvin McMillin of Junction City, Kansas. The couple had become sweethearts while vacationing with their families at their summer homes at Grand Lake, Colorado.
Alvin and Imelda lived in Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas where they raised four children. She loved with a kind heart, always willing to forgive others. She enjoyed gardening, fishing, ice skating and snow skiing, cooking, entertaining, interior design, sewing and quilting, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Her heart was large enough to make everyone feel like family, and she was a mother and grandmother figure to countless loved ones. Imelda was known for her gift of gab, an Irish trait. She was proud of her Irish heritage and celebrated St. Patrick’s Day every year with gusto and green beer. One of the highlights of her life was visiting Ireland with her husband.
Imelda’s primary focus was being a homemaker for her family, supporting her husband, Alvin, in the family business, City Ice Co., Inc., Junction City, Kansas. She served as a substitute teacher with the Geary County Schools USD 475. Being actively involved in her church and community was her passion. Imelda provided leadership and helped organize fund raisers for several volunteer organizations, including: the Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts of America, the Ladies Reading Club, Sunflower Quilters Guild, the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Circle 1, Prayer Chain, Respect Life and Rosary groups. Imelda founded the Living Water Ministry, a group of Spirit filled women who are the Lord’s Hands and Feet supporting their Catholic church and school as well as helping people living in the greater community. She was a member St. Thomas More Catholic Church. More recently, while a nursing home resident, Imelda enjoyed many activities with the good friends she made at Via Christi Village in Manhattan.
Imelda is survived by her four children, Raymond Alvin (R.A.) (Rebecca) McMillin-Beckman, Denton, Texas; Catherine Ann (Cathy) (Pete Sandoval), Manhattan, Kansas; George Ryan (Donna Mitchell) McMillin, Herington, Kansas; and Mark Thomas (Teresa) McMillin, Manhattan, Kansas. Surviving grandchildren are Michael Sean (Jessie) Rettig, Megan Ann (Brent Rees), Andrew Ryan (Katie) Rettig, Sarah Caitlyn (Alex Otto), Kayla Deann McMillin and Ashley Marie McMillin. Imelda also leaves six great grandchildren: Grayson and Cooper, Mya and Beckett, and Luke and Connor.
Imelda is also survived by her brother John Ryan and his wife Kit, Omaha, Nebraska; sister Mary and her husband Robert (Bob) Rehan, Sioux City, Iowa; sister-in-law Ann (McMillin) and her husband Ernest Willert, Germany; sister-in-law MalYon (Otto John) McMillin, Wamego, Kansas; sister-in-law Beth Ryan Omaha, Nebraska; sister-in-law Marilyn Ryan, Montgomery, Minnesota; and brother-in-law Brian (Mary Jane McMillin) O’Neill, Eugene, Oregan; along with many nephews and nieces.
Imelda was predeceased by her parents, her husband Alvin, siblings Thomas (Tom) and his wife Sue, Francis (Fran) and his wife Loretta, Father James, S.J., George and his wife Judi, Ann, Catherine (Sister Sabina, O.P.), Lauretta (Sister Marie Colette, O.P.), Patricia (Patty) (Sister Nora, O.P.), Nora (Nonie) and her husband Bernard (Bernie) Moore, Susan and her husband Robert (Bob) Rochford, Virginia and her husband Marvin Garner; brother-in-law Otto John McMillin; and sister-in law Mary Jane O’Neill.
The family wishes to thank the nurses, caregivers and support staff of Ascension Living, Via Christi Village in Manhattan for being an important part of Imelda’s happy life and caring for her over the last four years.
UPDATED SERVICE TIMES The family will greet friends during a visitation from 6-7p Friday February 6 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, the Rosary will be recited at 7:00p.m. following the visitation at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday February 7 at 10:00a.m. at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manhattan. ymlfuneralhome.com
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Imelda’s memory to the Living Water Ministry of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, or to the new church organ fund at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home
Teresa Stryker (Posted 1/19/26)
Teresa Carol Stryker, age 95 of Randolph, passed away Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.
She was born on November 3, 1930, in Waterville, the daughter of Arthur and Maureen (McCord) Green.
On July 20, 1952, she married Thomas Alva Stryker. He preceded her in death in 1987.
Carol was a homemaker and devoted to her family. She cared for her husband for five years when he had Lou Gehrig’s disease. She watched her grandchildren after school when they were young and never missed one of their activities. Carol was a wonderful cook, and you never left her house hungry. She had a green thumb and loved working in her yard.
She is survived by one son, Rodney Styrker of Childress, Texas; one daughter, Deb Stryker-Tittel and husband Gary of Riley; six grandchildren, T.J. Stryker, Angela Stryker, Tyson Meader (Becca), Danielle Belville, Tess Danielson and Chelsey Stryker; three step grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one sone, Richard Stryker, and three brothers, Gene Green, Bill Green and Gilbert Green
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 pm Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home in Riley.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, with Rod Christie officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Waterville.
Memorials may be made to the Leonardville Nursing Home and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, PO Box 176, Riley, Kansas 66531.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
Patrick Schnee (Posted 1/16/26)
Patrick Harold Schnee, 78, died January 8, 2026 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Pat was born on January 21, 1947, in Colby, Kansas to Harold Schnee and Myrna (Headrick) Schnee. He grew up in Atwood, Kansas, graduating from Atwood High School in 1964.
Pat joined the Navy in 1965 and Honorable Discharged in 1969 at an E5 rank, serving in the Vietnam War as a machinist. He settled in Manhattan, Kansas in 1969, where he worked as a floor installer and owned his own business (Schnee Floor Covering).
Pat is survived by his wife Kim (Baughan) Schnee; brothers Mike and Jerry; sisters Patsy, Judy and Liz; children Dustin, Jared, Chandler, Jamie and Megan; and three grandkids Noah, Chloe and Eli. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, and siblings Albert, Juanita, Darlene and Pam.
Pat wanted everyone to know that he truly enjoyed going to the sporting events and shows for his 5 kids and his 3 grandkids, loved meeting up with his Navy shipmates for their annual reunions and adventures, and that he had a good life and a good family that he’s very proud of.
A gathering will be Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. A Remembrance of Life will be at 10:00 am, Friday, January 23, 2026 at College Avenue United Methodist Church, 1609 College Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas. Inurnment will follow at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, 5181 Wildcat Creek Road, Manhattan, Kansas
Memorials may be made to the Optimist Youth Sports C/O Manhattan Optimist Foundation and sent in care of Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
To leave an online condolence visit www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Ronald McCaffrey (Posted 1/16/26)
Ronald Earl McCaffrey was born on August 21, 1949, to Keith and Betty (Eckert) McCaffrey in Las Animas, Colorado.
He graduated from Lamar High School and Lamar Community College in Lamar, Colorado. Ron later attended Manhattan Christian College in Manhattan, Kansas, where he met the love of his life, Carolyn. The two were united in marriage on May 20, 1972, in Hugoton, Kansas.
Ron was employed with Mobil in Ulysses, Kansas, and later with Anadarko in Hugoton, Kansas. He and Carolyn made their home in Ulysses, where they raised their two sons, Nathan and Adam.
Ron enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting, sipping cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper, and was well known for his sense of humor and crafty card playing. He was a devoted fan of K-State athletics and the Kansas City Chiefs and loved watching games alongside friends and family. Ron was also a faithful servant of God and spent many years working with youth.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn McCaffrey of Manhattan, Kansas; his sons, Nathan McCaffrey of Liberal, Kansas, and Adam and wife Genilyn McCaffrey of Manhattan, Kansas; and his cherished grandchildren, Zach and Campbell McCaffrey, also of Manhattan. He is also survived by his sister, Deb Bastian of Wiley, Colorado, along with many extended family members and lifelong friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents and his older sister, Linda Burhle.
Visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, at University Christian Church in Manhattan, Kansas, with services following at 3:00 p.m. at the same location.
Memorial contributions may be made to Flint Hills Christian School.
Irvin Parkview Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Elaine Street (Posted 1/14/26)
Elaine Lucille Street, 97, of Manhattan, Kansas died on January 1, 2026 at Meadowlark Hills. She was born on September 14, 1928 in Manhattan, Kansas to Ralph and Mildred (Butler) Travis. She spent her life in the Manhattan area.
She married Norman Oscar Street on June 12, 1949. They had two daughters, Charlene Elaine Redman of Manhattan, Kansas and Jolene Hoskins of Lockport, Illinois.
Elaine loved the First Baptist Church and was in charge of the nursery for nearly 50 years. She was a secretary who loved taking shorthand. Elaine worked at KSU in Agronomy Extension Information (radio station), Soil Conversation Service and later the USDA. Her next career was that of child care in her home. Several of her daycare children have kept in touch with Elaine for nearly 50 years.
Survivors include Elaine’s two daughters, 5 grandkids, Robert Redman, Shawna Reed, Monica Lefever, Kara Hoskins and Jana Graf, and 10 great grandchildren, Gabriella Reed, Vanessa Reed, Rebecca Reed, Cora Lefever, Peyton Baynard, Aubri Baynard, Eric Fite, Ethan Fite, Mason Redman and Ethan Redman.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 2002 and her first grandson Michael Alan Redman.
Elaine’s Celebration of Life will be February 1, 2026 at 11:30 am at the First Baptist Church, 2121 Blue Hills Road, Manhattan, Kansas.
Memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Nursery or the Manhattan Senior Center and sent in care of Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
To leave an online condolence visit www.ymlfunerlahome.com.
Jerry Woodard (Posted 1/14/26)
Jerry Lee Woodard, age 73 of Manhattan, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Stoneybrook Health and Rehab in Manhattan.
He was born on November 3, 1952, in Manhattan, the son of Jack A. and Lola Mae (Parrick) Woodard. He graduated from Manhattan High School.
Jerry is survived by two brothers, Steven Woodard and wife Joyce of Junction City and Mike Woodard and wife Carol of Wamego, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sheila (Jessica) Morris and his brother-in-law, Mike Morris.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Riley Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors or Manhattan Emergency Shelter and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
Carole Blixt (Posted 1/14/26)
Carole Blixt, age 78, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Brookdale Senior Living Facility in Junction City, Kansas. She was born on January 5, 1948, in Junction City, Kansas to Loren ‘Ralph’ and Viola Empson.
Carole graduated from Concordia High School in 1966. She married Lennie Blixt on February 16, 1979, in Abilene, Kansas, and they spent many happy years living in Chapman, KS.
Carole proudly served for 31 years as a civilian employee of the U.S. Army at Fort Riley, Kansas, retiring as the Director of Contracting in 2003. Throughout her distinguished career, she held a variety of supervisory, managerial, and leadership positions across several functional areas. Her unwavering commitment to excellence, mentorship, and mission readiness left a lasting impact on the installation and the many professionals she guided.
Her exceptional service was recognized with numerous awards, including the Secretary of the Army Award for her significant contributions to the Army’s small and disadvantaged business utilization programs, the Commander’s Award, and the Superior Civilian Service Award, one of the highest honors bestowed upon Army civilian personnel and was presented to her in Washington DC.
Carole was a member of NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association), NRA, Women on Target, and was an on-going supporter of Wounded Warriors, and the United Methodist Church in Chapman, KS.
Carole will be remembered for her generosity, her dedication to service, and her deep love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she influenced and the military community she served with honor.
Carole is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Scott) Wadeson, Junction City, KS, and her granddaughters, Shelbi Mathis, of San Diego, CA, and Kylie Merritt, of Tucson, AZ.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lennie; a daughter, Georgi Blixt; and a brother, Paul Empson.
A celebration of Carole’s life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chapman United Methodist Church, in care of Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Doreen Ashworth (Posted 1/12/26)
Doreen Ashworth, 86, of Manhattan KS passed away on January 7th 2026.
Born on December 4th 1939 in England. She immigrated to the United States in 1977.
Over the years she worked in a textile factory, as a nursery school teacher, a drafting engineer, a billing specialist and a receptionist. Of all her roles the one she loved the most and was the best at was being a mother.
She found joy in life’s simple pleasures such as knitting, gardening, walking with her beloved dog and grand dogs. She was a friend to stray animals and had a special fondness for feeding and watching birds and squirrels. She loved the yearly visits from the crows.
Doreen is survived by her son Thomas Ashworth (Kelly) and Louise Ashworth (A.C. Selman)
No service will be held at her request.
Doreen will be deeply missed by her family, friends and her animal companions.
Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
To leave an online condolence visit www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Kenneth Buyle (Posted 1/11/26)
It has been said that children get their first glimpse of the love of God the Father through their earthly father. During his lifetime, Ken loved passionately, constantly, unconditionally and sacrificially. If the love experienced by the children of Kenneth R. Buyle is merely a glimpse, God’s love must be truly incomprehensible. Ken passed away on January 10, 2026, at the age of 88 after a battle with leukemia.
His first loves were his faith and his family. Ken held true to his Catholic faith until the end, running the race with devotion and endurance. A graduate of Guardian Angels grade school and Servite High School in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan, he carried his faith into his adult life. For the past fifty years, he served Seven Dolors parish in many different capacities, including serving as a Parish Council member, serving as a Eucharistic minister and lector, serving as the parish counselor, teaching CCD, participating in the Knights of Columbus, and playing the trumpet in the church choir. He passed on his faith to his children, grandchildren and many others he encountered along his journey. He shared his faith with his bride of sixty-seven years and the love of his life, Kathy. Together, they built a family of six children and their spouses, Deb Shepek (Steve), Ray Buyle (Karen), Suzy Auten (Robert), Daniel Buyle (Allison), Mark Buyle (Kristy) and Katie Pope (Ted). He loved his children’s spouses as he loved his children. One of his great sadnesses was the death of his son Daniel four years ago. His legacy includes eighteen grandchildren who he loved dearly, and thirty-three great-grandchildren (with three more on the way). Ken and Kathy made homes for their family in Hawaii, Kentucky, Tennessee, California, Panama, Michigan, Indiana, New Jersey and Kansas. Although the locations changed, the love of family was constant. A lifelong learner, Ken passed along to his family the importance of education, knowledge and awareness of world events. This was never more evident than when he and Kathy were honored as the 2021 K-State Family of the Year in 2021 during Family Weekend, along with family members who have earned over thirty K-State degrees. In addition to his beloved children, grandchildren and great-children, Ken is survived by his brother, Jon (Tim), and his sister-in-law, Joan. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel, his parents, Ray and Virginia Buyle, his sister, Rayna Buyle, and his brother, Valere Buyle.
His second love was his country, which he served valiantly for twenty-four years in the U.S. Army, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Ken enlisted at age nineteen with the rank of Private First Class. Always seeking to grow, Ken entered and graduated from Officer Candidate School with the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Ken served in the infantry during much of his time in the Army, including as a member of the elite 8th Special Forces Group – Airborne (Green Berets) and the 101st Airborne Division (the “Screaming Eagles”). Ken served in numerous combat roles, including serving as Headquarters Company Commander, 3rd Battalion (Airborne) 506th Infantry, during the Vietnam War. On August 24, 1968, Captain Buyle was awarded the Bronze Star (for Valor ) by the direction of the President of the United States for heroism in ground combat against a hostile enemy force during a mortar attack at Phan Thiet Airstrip in Vietnam on February 25, 1968. Ken moved the family to Manhattan in 1973, when he was stationed at Ft. Riley. He served as the Adjutant General of the 1st Infantry Division (“Big Red One”) at Ft. Riley from 1977 until his retirement in 1979. Some of Ken’s closest lifelong friends were the brave men he served alongside in the Army. His military career took him to many places across the globe, including Panama, Chile, South Korea, Vietnam, Australia, Germany. His foreign travels only made him love his country even more. After Ken retired from the Army, he began a career at K-State, acting as the accountant for the Division of Biology and the Director of the Division’s BioServe collaboration with NASA. His retirement job lasted thirty-five years, finally retiring a second time at age seventy-seven.
His third love was his neighbor. Ken’s compassion and empathy led him to volunteer in a myriad of ways. Not surprisingly, his volunteer efforts largely mirrored his other two great loves. He and Kathy served as lead couples on countless Engaged Encounter retreats through the church to help prepare engaged couples to enter into the sacrament of marriage, as well as SEARCH retreats to help young people encounter Christ. Ken sponsored a number of candidates in the church’s RCIA program helping them prepare to enter the church. Ken played taps on the bugle at Veterans’ funerals and participated regularly in Taps Across America to honor fallen veterans on Memorial Day. For twenty years, Ken volunteered with the Good Shepherd Hospice House, coordinating pinning ceremonies for veterans and giving folks one last ride in a convertible.
It is impossible in a few words to sum up eighty-eight years. Ken had many other loves, not the least of which was his love of music, especially, Frank Sinatra, jazz, show tunes, and road-trip sing-along songs. His family and friends are saddened by his passing, but have great hope that he is now with the one whose boundless love Ken’s life reflected.
There will be a visitation on Thursday, January 15th starting at 7:00 p.m., followed by a Wake Service and Rosary starting at 7:30 p.m., at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, 221 Juliette Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 16th at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, followed by a luncheon. Burial at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in Manhattan, Kansas will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the following causes that were important to Ken: Seven Dolors Catholic Church or the Ray and Karen Buyle Scholarship (through the K-State Foundation). Contributions can be made either directly to the charity or through Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Jared Lund (Posted 1/11/26)
Jared Allen Lund, 56, of Chapman, Kansas passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Stormont Vail in Topeka, Kansas following a long battle of liver disease.
He was born in Modesto, California on December 18, 1969, to Steve and Peggy Lund. He grew up on a farm west of Riley and attended Leonardville and Riley County Grade School and Riley County High School.
On March 2, 2007, Jared married Melissa Blake and welcomed their son, Cody. They later divorced. Cody brought Jared so much joy and he loved being a father more than anything.
Jared proudly served in the United States Navy from 1988 to 1993 before being Honorably Discharged. While in the Navy he received a National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal, First Good Conduct Award, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He served in Operation Desert Storm aboard the USS Kitty Hawk.
Survivors include his son, Cody Lund of McPherson; father and stepmother, Steve and Bertra Lund of Riley; sister, Christine (Jay) Lippert and nephew, Jarrett Lippert of Green; stepbrother, James Manning of Medicine Lodge; and stepdaughter, Taylor (Alex) Athey of McPherson.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Lund; a niece, Carissa Lippert, and grandparents, Lester Lund, Jean Lund, Juanita Coley, Vurney and Beatrice King.
Jared will be missed dearly by his family for his witty, dark humor and incredible knowledge of almost everything. He had a great love for his family and would do anything for them.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Frontage 109 in Leonardville from 1:00 until 4:00 pm. A meal will be served.
Memorials can be made to the Jared Lund Memorial and sent in care of Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, PO Box 176, Riley, KS 66531.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
Nancy Lane (Posted 1/11/26)
Nancy J. Koppenheffer Lane, a beloved wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, cousin and friend reached the end of her earthly adventure on January 8, 2026, at age 71.
Nancy was a whirlwind of energy and vibrancy and spent all her 71 years packing in as many adventures as she could, with her greatest joy and pride being her children (Carrie (Nate Olivier) Lane, Katie Lane (Scott) Seel, Johnny (Heather) Lane, and Cassie (Trenton) Hillegeist), her bonus children (Kim Hatton and Tim Lane) and her grandchildren (Tyler, Kristen, Bella, Grace, Claire, Cambri, Reece, Henry, Ellie, Charlie, Jackson, Alice and Zander). Nothing sparked more joy than her grandbabies, all the way until the end.
Nancy was born on March 18, 1954, and was raised in Manhattan, KS, by her parents, Edward and Alice Evelyn (French) Koppenheffer. Her childhood was full of adventures with her four siblings: Eddie Koppenheffer, Evelyn Koppenheffer, Virgil Koppenheffer and Jayme Koppenheffer. She attended Manhattan High School until her senior year when the family moved to El Dorado Springs, Colorado.
Soon after, she returned to Manhattan to start her young adult life, where she enjoyed time with friends, being back in her hometown community and meeting the man who would eventually become the love of her life.
Nancy and John E. Lane Jr, married on July 15, 1978, in Manhattan and began their joint adventure together. They spent three decades doing the hard and rewarding jobs of raising kids and creating a life together. They weathered the loss of their parents. They took several vacations to Colorado, enjoyed countless moments boating and jetskiing at the lake, spent endless nights at the ball fields, waved from the audience at every school performance and were a constant force of love and presence for the people in their lives.
Nancy transitioned from working outside of the home when their first child was born and would often say that raising her kids was her career. She was so proud of the results of her hard work and would gladly share what each child was doing with anyone who would listen, smiling the whole time. That unconditional love and support didn’t stop when her children became adults. She showed up time and time and time again — helping with long distance moves, chores around the house and emotional support during the ups and downs of life.
When the grandkids started to come along, the support for her kids increased tenfold and her nurturing nature got a second wind. She was the kind of grandmother any grandchild would want — loving, warm, gentle, understanding and fun. She would stock the fridge with their favorite drink – even if they were the only one who drank it. She had extra clothes in all their sizes in case of impromptu sleepovers. She bought their favorite snacks and breakfast ingredients and always made a point to make sure they were as comfortable as possible.
In 2018, shortly before their 40th wedding anniversary, Nancy and their six children suffered a great loss with the death of their beloved husband and father, John. It was the beginning of seven years of loss and hardship. In 2020, Nancy was diagnosed with cancer. In the years that followed, she endured many health challenges and difficulties but was resilient and determined. In the past couple of years, the true depth of her determination became clear when she surpassed doctor’s expectations and kept surprising everyone at the way she would bounce back from health scares. Nancy’s love for her family and desire to stay with them knew no bounds, and it was clear she stayed as long as she could.
On January 8, 2026, her earthly adventure came to a close, and she was ushered out of this world surrounded by the same deep, unconditional love that she wrapped her loved ones in for seven decades.
Please join us to celebrate Nancy’s lifelong adventure at the Midwest Dream Car Collection Museum (3007 Anderson Ave) in Manhattan, on Saturday, January 17 from 4-6:30 p.m. We will honor Nancy in the same way she lived life — full of energy, full of zest and full of love.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Delores Thomas (Posted 1/11/26)
Delores Blacker Thomas, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away in Manhattan, Kansas on January 9, 2026. Born Delores Irene Schaffer on June 5, 1934 in Beloit, Kansas, she was the youngest of nine children of Alfred and Villa (Ninemires) Schaffer. Delores spent her life grounded in faith, family, service, and community.
Delores married James C. Blacker on March 1, 1954, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Beloit. The two moved to Manhattan, Kansas in January 1958. They later moved to Salina and Abilene for Jim’s job, before settling back in Manhattan in 1968 to raise their four children. After a short battle with cancer, Jim passed away on March 16,1988. Delores married Arthur J. Thomas on November 18, 1989, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hays, Kansas.
Delores worked as Office Manager for Agri-Service Associates before becoming Administrative Assistant to two Presidents of Commerce Bank. She retired from the bank in September of 1993. A woman of deep faith, she was an active member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church, serving as lector and trainer of lectors for many years. She also served on numerous parish committees including President and Circle Captain of the Seven Dolors Catholic Women, Recording Secretary and Council Member for the Pastoral Council, and was a member of the Finance Council, Liturgy Committee, Art and Environment Committee, the RCIA program, and was a long-time adorer at the church’s Adoration Chapel. She also gave generously of her time to her community, serving on the St. Patrick’s Cemetery Board, and the Williamsburg Homeowners Board and Welcome Club.
Known for her gentle spirit, her sense of humor, and her devotion to prayer, Delores also enjoyed playing bridge, doing counted cross-stitch, and reading. She loved to travel and was pleased to say she visited Israel and the Holy Land, Aruba, Jamaica, Spain, Germany, Hawaii, Mexico, Portugal (Fatima), France (Lourdes and Paris), Switzerland, and took several cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean. She believed deeply in living life with gratitude.
Delores cherished time with her family and was proud of her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Jim, her second husband A.J. (Jim), her daughter Nancy Wells, her son-in-law John Hill, and all her siblings: Ray, Gerald, Eugene, Arnold, Ed and Paul Schaffer, and sisters Mildred Wendell and Mary Jo Rittel.
She is survived by three children and three-step children. Debra Post (Louis) of Manhattan, Timothy Blacker of Wichita, Jamie Gerry (Tim) of Fairfield Bay, AR, and son-in-law Paul Wells of Wichita. Her step-children through her marriage to A.J. Thomas include Barbara Bomes (Stephen) of Los Angeles, CA, Robert Thomas (Pamela) of Church Point, LA, and Rebecca Thomas (Stuart Francone) of Denver, CO. Delores leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and there were no ‘steps’, just young people who treasured their grandma’s unconditional love and delicious cookies.
Visitation will be at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home on Friday January 16, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00p.m. A Vigil Service with the Rosary will follow the visitation starting at 7:00p.m. at the funeral home.
Mass of Christian will be held at Seven Dolors Catholic Church on Saturday January 17, 2026 at 10:30a.m. followed by burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery on Elbow Creek east of Manhattan.
Memorial contributions may be made to Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
Charles Parker (Posted 1/11/26)
Charles Elburn Parker, age 77, of Manhattan, passed away Thursday January 8, 2026.
He was born October 24, 1948, in Manhattan, KS, the son of Charles O. and Adria Gay (Werning) Parker, and lived in the Manhattan area all his life.
Mr. Parker attended Green Valley Grade School and Manhattan High School. In 1967 he went to work for Kansas State and Extension Forestry. For 13 years he planted trees at federal reservoirs across the state and worked with Kansas Rural Fire Departments. In 1981 he went to USDA-ARS working with wheat research. He retired from this in 2010. Elburn also from 1989 till 1997 ran his own auction real estate company.
Elburn was a past worthy president of the Manhattan Eagles Lodge. He was a life member of the Kaw Valley Rodeo Association.
On February 26, 1967, Elburn married his high school sweetheart Bonnie Lynn Sculley, in Manhattan. They had two children, Jeff Parker and wife Julie of Manhattan, and Angela Parker and wife Chirl of Independence, MO. He has three granddaughters, Elizabeth, and twins Jacqui and Brook. Elburn has also been blessed with eleven great-grandchildren.
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming – WOW- WHAT A RIDE!
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again, may God hold you
In the palm of his hand.
Elburn’s wishes were to be cremated and a celebration of life gathering will be held on Saturday January 17, 2026 at 1:00p.m. the Eagles Lodge in Manhattan.
Private inurnment will be held at the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
It is foolish and wrong to mourn a man who has died. Rather we should thank God such a man lived.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with arrangements. ymlfuneralhome.com.
Robert Buckner (Posted 1/9/26)
Robert Buckner, aged 62, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House, Manhattan, Kansas. He was born on September 14, 1963, to his parents, William E. and Martha Ann (Hofer) Buckner, at Fort Riley, Kansas.
Robert was very kind and gentle, which led him to be loved by many in the Big Lakes community.
He is survived by his sister, Sabina Buckner of Manhattan, KS; brothers, Johnny Buckner of Colorado Springs, CO, Paul Buckner of Virginia, and Adolph Buckner of Eden, OK. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, William and Martha.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Yorgensen-Meloan-
Londeen Funeral Home, with interment following at Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
Memorials may be made out to Big Lakes Developmental Center, in care of Yorgensen-Meloan-
Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502
Wilma Bigler (Posted 1/9/26)
Wilma Louise Bigler, age 97 of Lenexa, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Homestead Assisted Living of Lenexa.
The youngest of four children, she was born on September 27, 1928, in Clay County, Kansas, to Howard C. and Lottie Ivo (Thornton) Geer. She was born on the farmland homesteaded by Great-Great Grandfather, Amaziah Thornton, which is still in the family and being farmed today. She graduated from Clay Center Community High School.
After his tour of duty in Belgium & Germany, she married Raymond D. Bigler of Clay Center. He preceded her in death in 1993.
Wilma was dedicated to her family and an avid school & church volunteer. She was a Girl Scout leader for ten years. During the 1960’s she taught ceramics classes at the Fort Riley’s officers club, which led to having a ceramic shop in her home for many years. UMW involvement was very important to her, contributing to many funeral dinners, Bazaars and rummage sales. She was very active in nimble fingers (quilting, crafting and sewing projects to sell at the Bazaars) for many years and was chairperson of the memorial committee.
She is survived by her daughter, Jane Bigler of Lenexa; one niece; three nephews; as well as several great nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Grant; one brother, Herbert Geer; two sisters, Florence Logan, and Martha; a nephew, Doug Logan, and a great nephew, Bill Logan.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, January 12, 2026, at Junction City First United Methodist Church with Pastor Will Ravenstein officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time on Monday at the church. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church for women & children’s programming; and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, PO Box 176, Riley, KS 66531.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
Cynthia Carley (Posted 1/9/26)
Cynthia Ann Carley, 73, of Wamego, KS passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born on April 14, 1952 in Westmoreland, KS to Oliver Glenn Allen and Barbara Jean Enlow-Allen.
Cynthia was raised on the O-Lazy-A Ranch north of Alma, KS and attended school in Alma. She received her high school diploma in 1970. In 1974 she started her career with Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company in Manhattan, KS. During the years of 1974-1979 she held positions which included policy typist, fire premium clerk, utility clerk and fire underwriting processor. In November of 1979 she was offered a position in the claims department as a claims examiner, which she held until 1993. Later that year she was promoted to a multi-line claims adjuster and transferred to the Great Bend, KS claims office, where she handled multi-line claims for the Barton County Farm Bureau members until 2000. In July of 2000 she was promoted to the position of Kansas-Workers Compensation Claims Manager in Manhattan, KS, for FBL Financial Services, West Des Moines, Iowa which she held until her retirement in 2009.
Cynthia was active within the insurance industry and communities which she resided. In 1995 she was named Adjuster of the Year – Top Adjuster 1; 1996 Adjuster of the Year – Mid-Kansas Claims Association and in 1997 was on the Audit All-Star Team located in Great Bend, KS; she was a member of the Kansas Claims Association-1993-2008; Mid-Kansas Claims-1993-2000 holding positions as President, Vice-President, Sec/Treasurer; and Mid-Kansas Claims Area Director in 2001. She obtained designations during her career with Farm Bureau Financial Services through Southern Farm Bureau Tech, FBM Insurance Co., AIC and AEI. In 2006 she received the designation as a Workers Compensation Law Specialist.
Cynthia also participated in community activities which included as a member-at-large with the Beta Sigma Phi social sorority, as a volunteer for the 3-I Show, held in Great Bend, KS (1997-2000), for the “Christmas Trail of Lights” in Great Bend, KS (1999) and in 2005, Cynthia & Carroll were asked to have their new home on the Wamego, KS Christmas Home Tour.
Additional activities she enjoyed were helping with, attending and traveling to her husband & sons sporting events, science fairs, & theatrical performances’, and attending their five granddaughters’ soccer, volleyball, softball and dance recitals. She also enjoyed playing on the Dyer’s IGA women’s fast-pitch softball team in Wamego, KS during the 1970-80’s, play golf, floral arranging, interior decorating, helping the less fortunate and took numerous cruises with family and friends to the Eastern & Western Caribbean and traveled throughout the US. In addition to her career accomplishments throughout the years, Cynthia was devoted to her family first and foremost. Successful in her own endeavors, she always stood up for what she felt was right, always being the first to question when others “couldn’t or wouldn’t”. She encouraged her children, grandchildren and others to do the same. She cherished the special times spent with her family and five granddaughters, especially during the Christmas season when they would have a “Cookie Day”, with Grandma Cindy and Great-Grandma Bob!!
She was preceded in death by her father, Oliver Glenn Allen, in 1999, her mother, Barbara Jean Allen, in 2012, her brother, Oliver Bradley Allen in 2016, and her sister, Glenda Kay Anderson in 2024.
Cynthia is survived by her husband, Carroll of the home; two sons, Todd M. Carley(Pamela), of Olathe, KS; Thad A. Carley(Jean), of Wamego, KS; and five granddaughters, Jordan Nider(Josh), Morgan Jackson(Kody), Logan Carley, Tierney Carley & Andie Carley; Great-Grandsons, Jamie Theo Nider, Jude Arden Nider, Jonas Oliver Nider, and Heath Jay Jackson; and Great-Granddaughters, Harper Jo Jackson and Hallie Jean Jackson; and two nephews Chad Anderson, Kansas City, KS & Cody Anderson, Shawnee, KS along with numerous other relatives.
Cremation has taken place and per Cynthia’s request there will be no funeral service, but a private family burial at a later date.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Cross Point Community Church and those checks may be sent in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.