Gary Gene “Lucky” Francis (posted 6/20)
Gary Gene “Lucky” Francis, age 76 of Leonardville, passed away Thursday, June 19, 2025, at his residence.
He was born on September 3, 1948, in Ottawa, the son of Bruce L. and Ellvene M. (Edgren) Francis. He graduated from Blue Valley High School and served in the U.S. Army following high school.
Lucky worked for the City of Clay Center, City of Enterprise and Bayer Construction in his younger years. He was a high voltage electrician at Fort Riley for 25 years. He was a member of the American Legion and N.R.A. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and his dogs. He was an avid KU Jayhawk basketball and football fan and cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.
He is survived by his partner of 44 years, Audrey Fritz of Leonardville; two daughters, Angie Carrara and Amy Graves; several grandchildren and great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Dick Francis and Norman Francis, Sr.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Walsburg Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Blue Valley Ball Association or Light Up 66449 and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
Delbert Taylor (Posted 6/20/2025)
Delbert Dale Taylor, 82, passed away on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, at 10:05 pm at the Good Shepherd Hospice House. He was born on July 5, 1943, to Doris Taylor and Thelma (King) Taylor in Freemont, NE.
Family moved to Bucklin, MO – where he grew up from toddler age to High School graduate. During this time, his dad worked for Santa Fe Railroad and his mom was a homemaker.
Del was in sports – track team and baseball in high school. He dabbled in some drafting design as well. After high school, he worked at Hallmark Card in KC, MO. Where he met his first wife Linda Hooton – married in 1963 then divorced in 1986.
Del was scoutmaster of a St. George, KS troop from 1976 to about 1979 when he moved to Manhattan, KS.
After Hallmark Cards he worked for Manner Bakers which was a house-to-house bread and cake delivery service. Following suit was Wonder Bread the Mass Merchandisers.
From 1977 to 1992, he worked for Food-4-Less where he met his second wife, Katherine Hess (Kathy) – they married in 1990. She passed in 1997.
He worked at Quaker Oats Factory from 1992 to 1995. His last job of his career was Walmart where he started as a janitor then moved to GM stocking shelves. He worked here for 24 years till he retired in 2019.
Del enjoyed drafting and woodworking in his spare time during his married life with Kathy. He made various cabinets, bookshelves, magazines and coat racks, TV stands and other wood decorations. He sold some pieces and gave some as gifts. He gave up this craft when he started to work full-time at Walmart.
He and his wife Kathy were very much into Native American art, furniture, and lots of Native American decorations. Whenever they traveled on vacation or to casinos, they would pick up another item and add it to their collection. Their home was beautifully decorated with these items.
Delbert is preceded in death by his parents, Doris and Thelma Taylor, his wife Kathy Taylor, his stepsister Maysel Houtchens, and his younger brother David Taylor.
He is survived by his sister, Myrna (Diane) Taylor of Santa Monica, CA., his children Scott Kevin Taylor and (Lynn) of Grovetown, GA., Rashelle Diane Dillon and (Joe) of Manhattan, KS. His beloved grandchildren Amanda Katelyn Reader and (Andrew) of Lafayette, IN., Danielle Marie Dillon of Parker, CO., Noah Taylor Dilon of Manhattan, KS., Jessica L. Porter (Kevin) of Olympia, WA. and Brandon T. Pop (Marissa) of Martinez, GA. His great-grandchildren Clayton L. Porter, Alexandria L. Porter, and Bradley L Porter.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00a.m. Saturday July 19, 2025, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel in Manhattan. Inurnment will take place at the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
Memorial contributions in memory of Delbert are suggested to the American Cancer Society. 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
Niel Nielsen (posted 6/20/2025)
Niel Peter Nielsen, age 82, of Manhattan, passed away Sunday June 15, 2025, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.
Niel was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota on July 22, 1942, the son of the late Peter and Rose (Kieko) Nielsen. He was a graduate of Sauk Rapids High School in 1960. After high school Niel worked at Thoele Dental Laboratories for five years.
Niel served in the U.S. Army and served in Saigon, Vietnam from November 10, 1965, to November 8, 1968. He served time in Fort Riley, and he received a National Defense service medal, Vietnam service medal, Vietnam Campaign medal, W-60 defense technician service medal, honor medals, sharp service rifle medal, and two overseas medals.
Niel married Shirley (Kaufholz) in Manhattan on August 3, 1968. Niel and Shirley have been married for almost 57 years. Niel and Shirley adopted two children, a girl, Bonnie Nielsen at five days old and a son, Bryan who was three days old.
He enjoyed and had a talent for creating things out of steel and made knives and letter openers. Niel also loved making things out of wood. Niel was a member of a Forge Club and Woodworkers Club.
Niel is survived by his wife, Shirley of Manhattan, a sister Esther Hackett of Rice Minnesota, a brother-in-law, Larry Hackett both of Rice Minnesota; sisters-in-law Sharon Neugent and Carol Kaufholz of Manhattan, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Bryan and his daughter Bonnie Kay.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00a.m. Tuesday June 24, 2025, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel in Manhattan, with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating. Interment with military honors will follow 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.
LaVere Louise Meinholdt (Posted 6/19/2025)
LaVere Louise Meinholdt, 87, of Emporia, Kansas, formerly of Wamego, died Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Presbyterian Manor in Emporia. LaVere was a life-long resident of the Alma and Wamego communities until her move to Emporia in 2009 to be closer to family.
LaVere was born December 29, 1937, in Alma, the daughter of John F. and Mary J. (Schweir) Hasenbank. She attended local grade school and graduated from Wamego High School in 1956. LaVere enjoyed all the many activities of a girl raised in rural Kansas, riding her bike, roller skating, playing Jacks and enjoying imaginary tea parties with her own set of dishes and dolls. In later years LaVere would share those stories with her granddaughters and enjoy their tea parties with dishes she had saved from her youth. And she taught each of them how to play jacks.
LaVere married Frank D. Meinholdt on November 11, 1956, in Wamego. The shared their lives, raised their family and cared for each other for sixty-four years until his death on February 12, 2021. LaVere was a proud homemaker but also worked as a city clerk, a secretary for the Wamego Telephone Company and the Wamego Times and assisted at the local flower shop. Over the years she also sold Avon. LaVere loved coffee with friends, and she often volunteered at the local hospital. She was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Wamego and Messiah Lutheran Church in Emporia.
LaVere loved to sew and was a talented seamstress and quilt maker. She enjoyed crocheting Afghans and baby blankets as well as well as sewing clothes for her granddaughters and their dolls. She was a member of a quilting guild and would often frequent quilt shops around Kansas and nearby states. For twenty years, LaVere made small individual Christmas stockings, filled with goodies, for her daughter-in-law’s elementary classes as well as other items for the classroom. LaVere and Frank loved spending time with their family. She enjoyed watching their dance recitals, sporting events and 4-H activities. She enjoyed cooking and was especially fond of making desserts.
LaVere is survived by her son, Alan Meinholdt (Nancy), Emporia; her granddaughters, Rachel Stubbs (Murphy), Cindy Symmonds (Peter), both of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and Karen Gering (Jordan), Paola, Kansas; as well as her great-grandchildren, Arthur, Hudson, and Owen. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Inurnment will follow in Wamego City Cemetery. The family will greet friends prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am. They suggest memorial contributions to Quilts for Valor (an organization that makes quilts for veterans) or Presbyterian Manor of Emporia. Please make checks out to the organization and then you may send those in care of the funeral home at PO Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547. Online condolences may be left at www.campanellastewart.com.
Roger Barta (Posted 6/19/2025)
Roger Barta—beloved husband, dad, grandpa, friend, and legendary football coach peacefully passed away on June 16, 2025, at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan, Kansas. If heaven has a football team, you can bet he is already drawing up plays and building something special, one relationship at a time.
Born July 11, 1945, in Ellsworth, Kansas, to Stephen and Bernice Barta, Roger’s early years in Plainville shaped the man he would become. A four-sport athlete, National Honor Society member, and part-time grocery stocker, hospital builder, oil field hand, and lifeguard—Roger had hustle in his DNA. He carried that work ethic with him to Fort Hays State University, where he studied math education, joined Sigma Tau Gamma, and—finally—caught the eye of Pam Weir, a familiar face from Plainville who would become his partner for life. They married August 19, 1967.
Roger began his teaching and coaching career in Atwood, Kansas, later earning a prestigious National Science and Math Grant to complete his master’s degree at the University of Georgia. From there, he taught and coached in Tonganoxie and Wakeeney. During those years, the Barta family grew with the addition of Brooks, Shelby, and Carrie. But in 1978, a phone call from fraternity brother Ken Depperschmidt led Roger to Smith Center—and the town that would become synonymous with his name.
As head football coach and high school math teacher at Smith Center High School, Roger built more than a dynasty—he built a culture rooted in humility, hard work, and love. Under his leadership, the Redmen won 8 state championships and, at one point, 79 consecutive games. But as chronicled in Our Boys: A Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center Redmen, Roger’s greatest impact was not measured in wins. It was seen in how he molded boys into young men, how he spoke about life more than football, and how he guided his team, his school, and his community with quiet strength and unshakable values.
The story of “Our Boys” reached readers around the country, but to the people of Smith Center and all who knew Roger personally, it simply affirmed what they already knew: he was one of a kind. A coach, a mentor, a father figure, and a fierce believer that love was the greatest motivator.
After retiring from the classroom at 65, Roger stayed on the sidelines a couple more years, finally quietly leaving the field at 67. Smith Center honored him with a street in his name—but even that could not quite capture the size of his legacy. In retirement, Roger and Pam moved to Manhattan, Kansas, where they spent the last decade cheering on their grandchildren, watching football, and living with the same grace and gratitude that defined his coaching days.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Bernice Barta.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Pam Barta; his children Brooks (Tonya) Barta of Holton, Shelby (Larry) Villano of Phoenix, and Carrie (Mitch) Beims of Wichita; grandchildren Mason (Rebekkah) Barta, Tabor Barta, Alexa and Connor Villano, Tanner, Mia and Paige Gawith, and Jack Beims; and step-grandchildren Braden and Berkley Beims. He also leaves behind his sister Phyllis (Steve) Snook of Council Bluffs, Iowa, many loving nieces and nephews, and a beloved brotherhood of players, coaches, and friends who will carry his words—and his wisdom—with them forever.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manhattan on Friday, June 27th at 10:30 a.m., with a luncheon and gathering to follow in the Utopia Room, the church gathering space.
Graveside services will take place in Smith Center on Saturday, June 28 at 10:30 am at Smith Center Cemetery with a Celebration of Life following at Smith Center High School at 11:30a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Smith Center High School Activity Fund with proceeds to go towards the football program or Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House in Manhattan. 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
Coach Barta once said, “What we do really well around here is raise kids…None of this is really about football. What we are doing is sending kids into life who know that every day means something.” By that measure, he was the greatest of champions. And now, he leaves the field with the game well played—and the hearts of so many forever changed.
John Henderson (Posted 6/17/2025)
John Dirk Henderson died on June 13, 2025, at Stormont Vail in Topeka, Kansas.
A graveside service will be held in his honor at 1:00 p.m. on June 19, 2025, in the Eskridge Cemetery with the Fort Riley Army Detail and the American Legion Post 172 performing Military Honors.
A Complete obituary is pending and will be announced by Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego.
Ronald Edward Walsh (Posted 6/16/2025)
Ronald Edward Walsh, 81, known to many as Ron, embarked on his final journey on June 6, 2025, at the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice in Manhattan, Kansas, surrounded by the love of his family.
Ron was born on December 11, 1943, in Westmoreland, Kansas, to parents Edward Michael and Betty Arletta (Releford) Walsh.
Ron married Ruth Elaine Dekat on June 18, 1962, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Flush, Kansas. They shared 63 years; Ruth survives at the home.
Ron was a skilled drywall finisher, dedicating many years to residential and commercial projects, notably with Heartland Construction and later with his own business, R.W. Drywall. Ron’s wit and quick tongue helped him in his other career as an auctioneer at R.W. Auction Service.
Ron had many passions, one of which was caring for a hobby farm with Ruth, where they raised cattle, horses, hens, and even a few peacocks. He found joy in teaching his children and grandchildren all about horse-drawn buggies.
Known for living without fear, some people would say Ron had more lives than a cat. His sobriety of 52 years was a badge of honor, and he always had time to help others overcome their challenges in their sobriety. His stubbornness was legendary, but it was always backed by a heart that overflowed with love for his family and friends.
Ron is survived by an incredible family, including his children Rodney E. Walsh (Michelle Daugherty), Lori K. Hall (Mark), Annette C. Brownell (Clint), and David A. Walsh (Kathy). He was the proud grandfather to 15 grandchildren—Rhonda, Eric, Christopher, Dandra, Chase, Wade, Amber, Matt, Josh, Brigham, Ashley, Dexter, Amanda, Amber, and Amelia; 26 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. His siblings, Jim Walsh (Nina), Rick Walsh, Barb Henry, and Mike Walsh (Diane), along with many cherished nieces and nephews, also survive him.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry Walsh, sister-in-law Christy Walsh, brother-in-law Marvin Henry, son-in-law Scott Manor, and great-granddaughter Aydan Manor.
Ron’s family will greet visitors during a Visitation held at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego, KS, on June 20, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. A Memorial Service at the funeral home will follow the visitation at 6:00 p.m. with Rob Campanella officiating.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice.
Stephen Jones (Posted 6/16/2025)
Stephen Choquette Jones, age 76, of Manhattan, passed away Friday June 13, 2025, at the Home of the Flint Hills in St. George, Kansas.
He was born on September 2, 1948, in Lynwood, California, the son of Evan and Alice (Choquette) Jones. Stephen had a love for music at a youthful age. He attended Weber State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in music performance in 1975, and attended Arizona State University in 1976, earning his master’s degree in music performance. He later attended the University of Utah and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1984. Stephen in 2004 earned two master’s degrees from Syracuse University in business administration and public administration, and a master’s degree in national resource strategy from the National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 2010.
Stephen served in the Air Force from 1972 until 1977 and was a member of the Air Force Band. He played the trumpet professionally for many years when he was younger. He worked for a couple of years with the accounting firm of Arthur Anderson and Co. Then, in 1986 he began his Federal Government career with the Army Audit Agency. He had many different financial management positions while working for the Army. Stephen served in Germany for a lengthy period and later at the Pentagon until he retired in 2014.
While in Germany, he met his wife Cynthia Mickey in 1992. They were united in marriage on October 28, 1996, in Honolulu, Hawaii. They were blessed with two children, Stephen and Jenna.
Stephen enjoyed traveling all over the world. He and Cindy traveled throughout Europe and to Egypt when they first were together. He loved animals of all kinds and enjoyed having some unusual pets during his life. He and his wife Cindy bred and sold exotic reptiles for several years from their home business, MorphMakers, in Northern Virginia.
Stephen loved his family and was a demonstrative, welcoming, and caring individual. He was very outgoing and enjoyed meeting and visiting with people. A lifelong New York Yankees fan, he frequently wore his Yankees gear, which often prompted conversations with people he just met.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law Penny Edwards.
He is survived by his wife Cindy of Manhattan, Kansas, and his children Stephen D. Jones, of Clovis, New Mexico and Jenna M. Jones, of Las Vegas, Nevada; his mother and father-in-law, Sherry and Dave Mickey; his sister-in-law Susan Mullin (Ken); his nephew Chris Moseler; also his children from his prior marriage, Heather M. Flinders, of West Jordan, Utah and Jason C. Jones, of Lander, Wyoming; his sister Karen Martin; his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Baby Boomers Home Healthcare, Springfield, Virginia; At Home Care, Manhattan, Kansas; Home of the Flint Hills, St. George, Kansas; and St. Croix Hospice, Manhattan, Kansas, for the care that was provided for Stephen and the family over the years.
Graveside services for Stephen will be held at 1:00p.m. Wednesday June 18, 2025, at the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan, with Rev. Melanie Nord officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Stephen are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation. 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
Dustin Webber (Posted 6/13/2025)
Dustin John Webber, age 49 of Riley, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025.
He was born on March 30, 1976, in Manhattan, the son of Virgil “John” and Linda (Simnitt) Webber. He graduated from Riley County High School in 1994.
He married Jennifer Ann Smith on August 23, 1997, at the Sedalia Community Church.
Dustin was the quintessential athlete—an All-State Quarterback, an All-State Basketball Player, and an All-State High Jumper during his time at Riley County High School. He not only left his mark in the record books with numerous football and basketball records but also enjoyed playing Men’s Softball and Co-Rec Softball. His passion for sports went beyond just participating; he dedicated time to coaching traveling teams and at the junior high and high school levels for football, basketball, and baseball. His enthusiastic spirit and knowledge made a lasting impact on the young athletes he guided. He found joy in collecting sports cards with his sons.
Dustin made a career in Information Technology, working for Farm Bureau Insurance, serving as the Director for U.S.D. 378 Riley County Schools, and most recently Manhattan Christian College.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Webber of Riley; three sons, Ty Webber, Trent Webber, and Trey Webber all of Riley; his mother, Linda Webber of Riley; four brothers, Chad Clark (Pam) of St. George, Troy Clark (Jami) of Manhattan, Bill Clark (Chris) of Manhattan, and John Webber, Jr. (Sheila) of Clearwater, Florida, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by one son, Kaleb John Webber, and his father, Virgil “John” Webber.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in the South Gym of the Riley County High School with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating. Private family inurnment will be in the Randolph Fancy Creek Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Dustin Webber Memorial Fund and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
Myron Lund (Posted 6/13/2025)
Myron Allan Lund, age 93 of Leonardville, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the Leonardville Nursing Home.
He was born on April 12, 1932, on the family farm, north of Leonardville, the son of Elmer David and Ellen Marie (Johnson) Lund.
On May 16, 1954, he married Alice Mae Richter at the Zion Fancy Creek Church Parsonage and enjoyed 63 years of marriage before Alice preceded him in death in 2018.
Myron farmed in the Alert community his entire life. He was a Bonded Livestock Order Buyer and member of the Alert Covenant Church. Myron had an unwavering faith in God through the ups and downs of life and could be heard whistling his favorite hymns.
He is survived by four children; Nancy Hofmann and husband Galen of Leonardville, Delbert Lund and wife LuAnn of Leonardville, Marla Peterson and husband David of Assaria, and Joyce Beck and husband Joe of Clay Center; twelve grandchildren, Gayle Johnson (Shaun), Michelle Ahumada (Javier), Darren Hofmann (Bethany), Rebecca Blackburn (Andrew), Ashley Runyan (Adam), Ryan Lund (Annelise), Greg Peterson (BrookeAnna), Nathan Peterson (Riley), Kendal Peterson (Caelan), Laura Clawson (Walker), Lundee Regier (Nick), and Kolten Beck (Carley); his great grandchildren, Annika and Lillian Ahumada, Layla, Cora and Jack Johnson, Henry, Levi and Anna Hofmann, Boston and Ellis Blackburn, Carter and Brayden Runyan, Clark, Arlo and Ida Mae Lund, Brighton and Steele Peterson, Henley, Owen and Natalie Peterson, Blair, Ada and Grady Peterson, Aubrey Clawson and one on the way, Lantry, Emmeline and Conrad Regier, and Wesley Beck; his brother-in-law, Neil Richter; his sisters-in-law, Twila Olson (Glen), Marcene Richter, Lois Grittman (Dean) and Sherre Johnson (Lowell); many nieces, nephews, and his friends, including those at the Leonardville Nursing Home.
In addition to his wife, Alice Lund, he was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Joshua Peterson and Heidi Peterson; six siblings, Lenore Isaacson (Carl), Duane Lund (Jean), Viola Fellers (Kenny), Eunice Toepffer (Vic), Janice Krienitz (John) and Donald Lund (Helen); three infant sisters, Ruby, Ruth and Ester Lund, and one brother-in-law, Arlo Richter.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 16, 2025, at the Alert Covenant Church with Pastor Dwight Diller officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:30 until 5:00 p.m. Sunday at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Alert Covenant Church or Leonardville Nursing Home and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
June Emily Crumpler (Posted 6/10/2025)
June Emily Crumpler, 88, formerly of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on Sunday (June 8, 2025) at Meadowlark Hills in Manhattan.
Born June 3, 1937 in Spokane, Washington, June was the daughter of Burt H. and Emily (Shorter) Adams. She married Hoke Edward Crumpler on June 22, 1955 in Martinez, California. He preceded her in death on March 16, 2019.
A strong woman of faith, June was active with the Church of Christ where she taught Sunday School for many years and helped mentor younger women. June and Hoke were Foster Parents for infants for Christian Family Services for several year. June loved sewing and arts & crafts and more recently solving jigsaw puzzles.
June was a stay at home wife and mother who loved caring for her family.
Survivors include two children; Leroy Crumpler (Barbara) of Independence, MO and Nanette Willette (Bob) of Wamego; six grandchildren, Charmain Purvis, Amber Purvis (Michael Smalley), Burt Crumpler, Serena Crumpler, Christopher Willette (Colleen) and Laurie Willette; ten great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
June was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Hoke; a daughter, Daphene Crumpler; and four sisters, Hazel, Marion, Fran and Alberta.
A Celebration of June’s life will be held Friday afternoon (June 13, 2025) at 1:00 p.m. at the Manhattan Church of Christ (2510 Dickens Ave) with Kevin Skidmore officiating. Burial will be in the Wamego City Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday evening (June 12, 2025) from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Christian Family Services or In Search of the Lord’s Way. Please make checks payable to the organization of your choice and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.
Hazel Root (Posted 6/9/2025)
Hazel Root, 83, passed away on June 6, 2025, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan Kansas, while surrounded by her family.
Born in Hardburly, Kentucky on December 8, 1941, Hazel was one of ten children born to Clifford and Virgie Carroll. She was known as a tomboy, always sporting bumps, bruises, and scrapes from her latest adventure. When she was a young girl, her family moved to Canon City, Colorado, where she graduated from high school in 1959.
She married Gale Root on July 17, 1960. They later moved to Fowler, Colorado in 1973 where they raised their four children together. She was an active member at Pitkin Avenue Baptist Church throughout their time in Fowler, playing the piano for song services and looking after the widows in the church. She and Gale frequently helped these women with projects and home maintenance and drove them to church every Sunday. She also cared tenderly and faithfully for her own mother in the Fowler nursing home for years.
Hazel worked as a secretary for the Fowler School District for nearly 20 years before retiring. She and Gale sold their farm and moved to Wamego, KS in 2009.
Anyone who knew Hazel knew that she was a magnet for children. Even after her own children were grown, she was often surrounded by kids at church and always holding a child on her lap.
Hazel’s family was precious to her and spending time with them was the biggest highlight of her life. In addition to their four children, she and Gale had five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She prayed for them fervently, and her heart’s desire was for each of them to know Jesus as their Savior.
Hazel enjoyed sewing, and made dresses for her young granddaughters, as well as Halloween costumes, Christmas stockings, and other crafts. In her later years she also crocheted baby blankets for expectant mothers at Life Choice Ministries, a local pregnancy resource center.
Following her move to Kansas, she was a faithful member of Manhattan Baptist Church. She loved Jesus and spoke about the Lord often to the people she met. Just weeks before her death, she shared the gospel with a healthcare worker during one of her doctor appointments. She loved to encourage the nurses, aides, and other caretakers in the hospital and at Via Christi Village, where she lived.
Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Gale, her parents, Clifford and Virgie Carroll, four brothers, and two sisters.
She is survived by her children—Terry (Tammy) Root, Brenda (Loy) Peters, Barb (Mike) Sanderson, and Bonnie Pierce; her grandchildren—Robbie (Stephannie) DeLong, Lindsay (Brian) Mayfield, Bethany Leong, Bailey (Eric) Gessler, and Gavin Pierce; as well as nine great-grandchildren, two sisters and one brother.
The family will greet friends during a visitation will be from 6:00-7:30 pm on Monday, June 9th at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Funeral will be at 10:00am on Tuesday, June 10th at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home followed by interment at the St. George Cemetery.
Memorial donations in memory of Hazel can be made to Life Choice Ministries. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Betty Lou Hartner (Posted 6/5/2025)
Betty Lou Hartner, age 94 of Topeka, passed away Sunday, June 1, 2025, at The Healthcare Resort of Topeka.
She was born on October 4, 1930, in Clay Center, the daughter of Alfred Clarence and Allie (Appleton) Lang. She graduated from Green Rural High School in 1948. She spent much of her life in Topeka, where she embraced the joys of gardening and shared her vibrant spirit with all who knew her.
Betty proudly served the federal government for 45 years, showcasing her dedication and work ethic. She cherished her time spent with family and was known for the colorful flowers that brightened her yard each summer.
She was married to Edward Hartner of Ladysmith on March 11, 1950, and their love inspired all who witnessed it. Together, they created lasting memories, particularly during family trips to Branson, where Betty’s adventurous spirit often led her down the water slide backward!
A member of Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, Betty’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She is survived by her beloved sister Sally Lang, who carried their shared memories and love in her heart. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Dolores Lang; her nieces and nephews, Dean (Nina) Lang, Susan Lang, Sidney (Linda) Mitchell, Stanley (Judi) Mitchell and June (Walt) Sexton as well as numerous great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ed; and her brother, Ralph.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 6, 2025 at the Green Cemetery, south of Green, Kansas.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Green Christian Community Center and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
Larry D. Garrison (Posted 6/5/2025)
Larry D. Garrison, 73, of Alma, Kansas, passed away on Sunday (June 1, 2025) at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas.
Born October 11, 1951 in Salina, Kansas, Larry was the son of George Garrison and Jacqueline (Ferm) Garrison. He married Marilyn Rubottom on May 29, 1982 at Lake Wabaunsee, Kansas. Marilyn survives.
Larry was a 1969 graduate of Salina High School and attended Kansas State University. He was a self employed farmer, rancher and carpenter for many years. He remodeled old stone houses and built log cabins, and was especially proud of the home he built for Marilyn.
He was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Alma. Larry was active with the Boy Scouts and earned Eagle Scout in 1968. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden. Larry was known as a “jack of all trades” and was a people person who never met a stranger. He will be remembered for his way of making everyone laugh.
Survivors include his wife, Marilyn; two daughters, Mariel Ford (Ron) of Alma and Larami Mitchell (Jerrod) of Overland Park, KS; four grandchildren, Alexus Ford, Elise Ford, Pierce Mitchell and Avery Mitchell; two brothers, Dennis Garrison of Houston, MN, and Mike Borthwick of Salina, KS; a sister, Teresa Suellentrop (Charles) of Olathe, KS; two brothers in law, Pat Renner (LeAnne) of Topeka, KS and Mike Renner (Kathy) of Overland Park, KS; a sister in law, Diana Rubottom of Alma, KS; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his step mother, Virginia; and two brothers in law, Les Rubottom and John Rubottom.
Memorial services will be held Saturday morning (June 7, 2025) at 11:00 at St. John Lutheran Church in Alma with Rev. Robert Grimm officiating.
Visitation will be Saturday morning from 10:00until the time of service at 11:00 at St. John Lutheran Church in Alma.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Wabco Cat Snips or Purple PAWS of Manhattan. Please make checks payable to the organization of your choice and those may be sent to Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.
Online condolences may be left at www.campanellastewart.com
Lois Ann Brunmeier (Posted 6/5/2025)
Lois Ann Brunmeier, age 88, of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.
Lois Ann was born on December 15, 1936, on a small farm south of Morrowville, Kansas, to Merle and Beatrice Bonar. After graduating from Morrowville High School in 1954, she moved to Topeka, where she worked for the State of Kansas. In 1955, she married Alan Brunmeier, and the couple made their home in Manhattan, where they raised two daughters, Lori and Debbi.
Lois Ann began working at Kansas State University for the College of Education, where she would spend the next 42 years. Her dedication and warmth left a lasting impact, and by the time she retired in 2004, she had become the trusted assistant to the Dean of Education.
Outside of work, Lois Ann had a zest for life and a spirit of adventure. She loved playing cards, dancing to country-western music, cooking, reading, and hosting memorable theme parties. Though she disliked the water, she water-skied with enthusiasm, and while flying made her nervous, she still traveled to places like Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Belize. She also enjoyed playing the penny slot machines at the casino.
Lois Ann had a rare gift for making others feel seen, valued, and loved. She cherished time with her family and friends, and her happiest moments were spent with her grandsons and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Alan, and her daughter Debbi.
She is survived by her daughter Lori; grandsons Joshua Brumage (Cassie), Aaron Brumage (Sarah), and Quinton Brumage; five great-grandchildren: Tatum, Sawyer, Lowen, Gavin, and Hayes; and her three sisters, Janet Beeman, Peggy Hamman, and Bonnie Riseling.
Lois Ann’s warmth, humor, and generous spirit will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.
A visitation will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502, where family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate her life.
Memorial contributions in memory of Lois are suggested to the Lupus Foundation. Contributions may be sent in care of the funeral home.