Michael Dale Oppy (Posted 7/21/2026)
Mike was born August 2, 1947 in Manhattan, Kansas to Henry and Lola Oppy. He was raised in Manhattan, attended Catholic school, and graduated from Luckey High School in 1965.
He was drafted into the Army in 1966 and served two years during the Vietnam War.
Mike married Merla Kay Area in 1965. They were later divorced.
Mike married Lorene Dancer on September 1, 1978 in Manhattan, Kansas.
Mike was the owner of Mike’s Standard Service (1971), Mike’s Wrecker Service (1973), and
A-1 Auto Parts (1981). He was a past commander of the American Legion Post 17 and was
active in the Optimist Club.
Mike is survived by his wife, Lorene Oppy; children, Kirk Evans Gill), Jennifer Oppy-Butler (Doug), James Oppy, Jacquee Stubbings (Don); sister, Beverly Ireland; and brother, David Oppy.
Mike was especially proud of his seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Jessika Fugate-Evans, Alexia Gray, Graycn Evans, Jacob Springe1; Johanna Springer, Megan Stubbings, Emily Stubbings, and his two great-grandsons, Wyatt Gray and Wesley Gray.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lola Oppy; his infant son, William Merle Oppy; and his brother, Patrick Oppy.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 5:30 until 7:00p.m. Thursday July 23, 2026, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00a.m. Friday July 24, 2026, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel, with Deacon Wayne Talbot officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the St. Patrick’s Cemetery – Elbow Community in Manhattan.
Memorial contributions in memory of Mike are suggested to the American Legion -Pearce Keller Post 17 in Manhattan. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolence may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Sandra “Sandy” Lee Harris (Posted 7/20/2026)
Sandra “Sandy” Lee Harris, 69, of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026, surrounded by love.
Born on August 16, 1956, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Ned and Wanda Harris, Sandy spent nearly her entire life in the community she called home, with a brief time living in the Branson, Missouri area.
In her earlier years, Sandy proudly worked alongside her parents at Maygo Ready Mix Company in Manhattan before the business relocated to the Branson, Missouri area. She later became a longtime Avon Representative, where she built lasting friendships and was known for her warm smile and caring nature.
Sandy was known for her kind heart, her unwavering love of animals, and her beautiful gardens. Her home was always surrounded by beautiful flowers that reflected the love, care, and joy she poured into everything she touched.
Although she never had children of her own, Sandy found great joy in being a devoted aunt. She cherished every moment spent with her nieces and nephews and took great pride in watching them grow.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Ned and Wanda Harris; her brothers, Richard Harris and Rusty Harris; her sister, Shirley Harris-Candillo; and her nephew, Daniel Harris. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her niece, Rachel O’Neill-Mangelsdorf, and Rachel’s son, Cole Mangelsdorf; her niece, Jane Piel, her husband, Tim Piel, and their son, Daniel Piel; her nephew, Walter Harris; her niece, Maggie Hartman; and numerous extended family members and friends.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Sam Redmond, who faithfully cared for Sandy for the past two and a half years. Her extraordinary compassion, kindness, and unwavering dedication brought comfort, dignity, and companionship to Sandy each day. Sam’s loving care and steadfast support meant more to Sandy and her family than words can express and will never be forgotten.
The family also sincerely thanks the physicians, nurses, and staff of Diversicare of Council Grove for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion they provided Sandy throughout her stay.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Sedalia Community Church, 6040 N. 52nd Street, Manhattan, Kansas. Interment will follow at the adjoining cemetery, where Sandy will be laid to rest beside her beloved family.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter in Sandy’s memory, honoring her lifelong love and compassion for animals.
Sandy’s kindness, gentle spirit, and love for her family, animals, and flowers will forever be remembered. Though she is no longer with us, the beauty she brought into the lives of others will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with service arrangements. ymlfuneralhome.com
Clayton James Ridder (Posted 7/20/2026)
Clayton James Ridder, age 92 of Manhattan, Kansas passed away on Saturday July 18, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.
He was born on December 19, 1933, in Paxico, Kansas, the son of August Maurice and Mary Ellen (Straub) Ridder.
On July 11, 1957, he married Sherry Ann Siegle at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Flush, Kansas.
Clayton grew up farming and ranching and carried those early lessons and values throughout his life. Over the years, he built a life centered on family, ranching, close friends and “creating” adventure. He was known for his integrity, work ethic, and wit, and found joy in designing and building everything imaginable, be it wood or weld.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Sherry Ridder; two sons, Tony Ridder and wife Ruth of Olsburg and Scott Ridder and wife Karalee of Olsburg; ten grandchildren, Amanda Wonnacott (Jared), Scotty Ridder, Jr. (Danielle), Holly Ridder, Heather Morgan (Daniel), Steven Ridder, Hannah Ridder (Dylan Zimmer), Steve Berklund (Winter), Molly Ridder (Mickey Doerfler), Nick Ridder, and Peter Ridder (Kaitlynn) and fifteen great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Merlyn Ridder, Clarence “Cookie” Ridder, and Kenneth Ridder, and two sisters, Joan Ridder Helget and Sarah Jane “Suzie” Ridder Zoeller.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 pm Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home in Riley with a Prayer Vigil at 7:00 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am Friday, July 24, 2026, at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Flush with Fr. Don Zimmerman as Celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials have been established for the Good Shepherd Hospice House and St. Joseph Catholic Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, PO Box 176, Riley, Kansas 66531.
Clayton’s legacy of gentle strength will continue in the lives of all who loved him.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
Harold Eugene Oliver, Jr. (Posted 7/20/2026)
Harold Eugene Oliver, Jr., 66, of Riley, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, July 18, 2026, at his home, surrounded by family and friends who loved him.
Harold was born December 13, 1959, in Topeka, the son of Gene and Shirley. He grew up in a small house in Maple Hill, Kansas. It was not a big place, but it was full — full of family, hard work, and love. His mother and father raised their children to be good people and to give themselves to their community, and those lessons stayed with Harold all his life.
He was one of five children and cherished his brothers and sisters — Debbie, Steve, Linda and David — dearly. Sports ran deep in the family. Outside of family and sports, Harold took special pride in working with Steve and David for area farmers, a lumber yard and a catfish business. From his earliest years, baseball, football and basketball were passions for Harold and his family. As an eighth grader while playing basketball for the Maple Hill Cowboys, the first signs appeared of a life that would be shaped by the sports he loved.
Harold went on to win a state championship as a player at Wabaunsee High School before playing college football at Pratt Community College and New Mexico State University. Harold gave his life’s work to young people as a teacher, coach, and principal. He began his coaching career at Moundridge, Kansas, where he made lifelong friends. Then, in 1989 he came to Riley County and built one of the most storied careers in Kansas high school basketball history.
Over thirty-seven years in coaching — thirty-two of them leading the Riley County girls’ program alongside his lifelong friend Steve Wagner, and later Kelsey Nelson — Harold compiled a career record of 637–197. His teams won three state championships, in 1999, 2005, and 2008, two of those seasons undefeated from the first game to the last. He claimed eighteen league titles and fourteen sub-state crowns, posted thirteen seasons of twenty or more wins, and suffered only a single losing season in all his years at Riley County. He retired in 2021, and in June of 2026 he was inducted into the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Yet true to who he was, Harold always deflected individual honor to his players, his fellow coaches, his school, and the community he loved. To this day, countless former players and students credit Mr. Oliver with helping them become the people they are.
On July 13, 1993, Harold married Shawna Smith at Grand Lake, Colorado. Together they built a life in which family, Riley County schools and Riley and Leonardville community activities were central. Harold and Shawna’s greatest pride and joy were their two daughters, Taylor and Addisyn. Taylor and Addisyn could count on their dad for a laugh and for a steady presence in their lives no matter what the day held. Addisyn shared Harold’s deep love of the game of basketball, and today she continues the family legacy coaching girls in Abilene. For all that Harold accomplished, he knew that being Shawna’s husband, and Taylor and Addisyn’s father was the finest title he ever earned.
Harold is survived by his wife, Shawna, of the home; his daughters, Taylor Oliver (Justin Albright) of Manhattan, and Addisyn Todd (Johnathan) of Abilene; his siblings, Debbie (John), Steve (Ginny), Linda (Alan) and David (Peggy); granddaughters, Brimleigh Todd and Carsyn Albright; and a host of nieces and nephews that he truly loved. Harold, Shawna, Taylor and Addisyn grew lifelong friends, that they consider as family, in Dan, Cindy, Kelly, Katelyn, Tory and Sarah Thomson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Shirley Oliver and niece, Amber Kessler.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 5:00 until 8:00 pm at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Riley County High School north gymnasium. Burial will be in the Riley Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a scholarship fund established in Harold’s memory through the Rural Riley County Community Foundation. Contributions may be 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.
Daniel John Gehrt (Posted 7/14/2026)
Daniel John Gehrt, a beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, at the age of 74. After a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born on December 28, 1951, in Manhattan, Kansas, Dan was the eldest son of Betty (Culberson) and Maurice “Buck” Gehrt.
Dan was a man deeply rooted in his community and his family. Growing up in the Deep Creek Community of Kansas, he lived a life filled with warmth and generosity, always eager to extend a helping hand to those in need. Dan’s early education took place at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, and he graduated from Manhattan High School in 1970. His career spanned an impressive 45 years at Westar Energy (now Evergy) as a power meterman, where he was known for his dedication and expertise until his retirement in 2017.
On June 8, 1996, Dan married the love of his life, Coarlee Heimstra Lane, in Manhattan, Kansas. Together, they recently celebrated 30 years of marriage, a milestone that was marked by the deep bond they shared over the years, living in the beautiful home they built together on Mineral Springs Road. Their life together was filled with joy, shared interests including friendly shooting competitions, and the mutual love of maintaining and improving their property. Though Dan and Coralee did not have children, they found family in their community and cherished time spent with their dogs and pet steers, Blue and Cocomoo.
Dan was a man of many interests and talents. His passion for the outdoors led him to enjoy collecting and shooting firearms, hunting deer, fishing for bass and catfish, and even trying his hand at pheasant hunting in South Dakota alongside Coralee and Jack. He was also a devoted Nascar fan who had a special fondness for muscle cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles. When not adventuring, Dan could be found on his John Deere tractors, which he operated with a joyful diligence, tending to the land he loved.
The heart of Dan’s character was his immense generosity and kindness. Whether lending a helping hand to neighbors and friends or mysteriously emptying the biscuit jar for the delight of a chubby yellow Labrador dog, Dan’s “heart of gold” left a lasting impact on all who knew him. His spirit of compassion and dedication to others will be deeply missed.
Dan is survived by his loving wife Coralee, his sisters Teresea Sanborn and Sherry (Joe Horocofsky) Gehrt, his brother David (Brenda) Gehrt, nephews Brian Sanborn, Tee, and Payton Gehrt, nieces Stephanie Sanborn and Bobbi Horocofsky, and his faithful service dog Jack.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law Steve Sanborn, and his mother-in-law Maria Heimstra.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday July 15, 2026 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Manhattan. A procession will be formed at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home to go to the cemetery for the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Dan’s memory to the Deep Creek Schoolhouse . Dan’s life, filled with love, laughter, and selfless acts of kindness, will be celebrated and remembered with the deepest affection by all who knew him.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with service arrangements. ymlfuneralhome.com
Bernice Christine Brighton (Posted 7/9/2026)
Bernice Christine Brighton, 100 and ½, of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away Friday, July 3, following a brief illness. She was born November 21, 1925, on her parents’ farm south of Osage City, Kansas, to John Delbert and Nettie Lafferty.
She attended a one-room country school and later attended Osage City High School and the College of Emporia. She finished in August 1946 and took her first teaching job in Milford, Kansas. There she met her future husband, Dale Eugene Brighton, who had recently returned from serving in a U.S. Army railroad unit in Germany. Their only son, Van, was born June 11, 1948.
After Bernice and Dale married, Dale’s work with the Union Pacific Railroad brought them to Irving, Kansas, where Bernice taught school until 1957, when their home was purchased for the creation of Tuttle Creek Reservoir. The railroad later moved the family to Frankfort, Kansas City, Kansas, and finally Manhattan. Bernice taught elementary school, most often fifth grade, in each community, including at Ogden and Lee Elementary schools. Her proudest professional accomplishment was receiving USD 383’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 1981. She retired in 1982.
In retirement, Bernice and Dale helped Van and his first wife, Sandy, with their small business, Office World, until she retired a second time a few years later. She was an active grandmother to Kristin and Michael, never missing a school performance or sporting event. After Dale’s death in 1990, she continued serving the community through Trinity Presbyterian Church, Order of the Eastern Star, Manhattan Retired Teachers, VFW Auxiliary and Welcome Club.
Bernice showed her love by feeding others. She loved hosting dinners in her home, and her guests never left without dessert and leftovers. For the last eight years, she lived at Meadowlark, where she often shared treats and artwork with fellow residents and staff. She had a smile for everyone and lived by the motto, “Bloom where you’re planted.”
Bernice is survived by her daughter-in-law, Jan Brighton; her granddaughter, Kristin Brighton and her husband, Benjamin Ward; her grandson, Michael and his wife, Heather; and four great-grandchildren, Ryan, Katharine, Mary and Andrew. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; her son, Van; her parents; and two older brothers, Harold and Glen Lafferty. She never knew a stranger. As her family grew smaller in recent years, she kept many extended family and friends close to her, including Connie Schweitzer and Janet Lowery, Sandy and Charly Pottorff, Nancy Whitney, and Kathleen Ward.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 11, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Burial will precede the service at 9 a.m. at Sunrise Cemetery. Family and friends may pay their respects at Irvin Parkview Funeral Home on Friday, July 10, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. The family will not be present.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bernice’s honor to Trinity Presbyterian Church or Meadowlark. The family thanks the staff of Ascension Via Christi and Meadowlark for caring for her in her final days.
Irvin Parkview Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Donald Eugene Rottinghaus (Posted 7/9/2026)
Donald Eugene Rottinghaus, age 72 of Wakefield, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2026, at his home.
He was born on June 4, 1954, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Richard Lawrence and Mary Ellen (Clary) Rottinghaus.
On July 14, 1993, he married Teri Lyn Harper in Junction City. She survives of the home.
Don served in the U.S. Army and following his service, worked as a radio repairer at Fort Riley. Before he joined the military, he was a ballet dancer for the Milwaukee Ballet Company. He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed throwing darts and bowling. He was an avid Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Bucks fan.
In addition to his wife Teri Rottinghaus, he is survived by three sisters, Cynthia Satterfield of Hartford, Wisconsin, Felicia Alsberg of West Bend, Wisconsin, and Christina Feurer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and one brother, Richard Rottinghaus of Shawano, Wisconsin.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will receive friends from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home. We will go in procession to the Kansas Veteran’s Cemetery where there will be Military Honors provided by the U.S. Army.
Memorials may be made to Clay County Animal Rescue and Education Center (CCARE) 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.
Patricia Hennesy (Posted 7/4/26)
Patricia (Pattie) Marie Hennesy passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Good Shepherd Homecare & Hospice, Manhattan, Kansas, her husband Charlie was by her side, as her 12-year cancer journey finally came to an end.
Pattie was born in Emporia Kansas on May 30, 1958, to Cecil Wayne and Iona Marie (Mary) Staley, with both her parents preceding her in death. As a young woman, Pattie married Ned Patterson, and she is survived by three children from that union, daughter Alexia Bennett (husband Michael), son Wade Patterson (wife Brooke), and son Wyatt Patterson; grandchildren from that marriage: Chance Gragg, Caden Gragg, Raina Paterson, Freya Patterson and Madison Patterson. One brother Michael Staley also survives her.
Several years later she met the love of her life and married Stephen Charles (Charlie) Hennesy. The two became one and were blessed at the time of her death to have spent more than 31 years together. From this union came their daughter Rebekah Joy (Hennesy) Tank (husband William). Pattie loved that with the marriage to Charlie came two stepdaughters: Marjorie and Katie (husband Jason) and eventually four step-grandchildren: Corinne, Alicia, Aiden, and Athena. Pattie’s proudest accomplishment was her children and grandchildren, and she was indeed a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother!
Close behind the love for her family was her love of crocheting and gardening. Even after they were grown, the children would come with grandchildren in tow each spring to help her get her garden in and covered with mulch (200 bags). She always had beautiful flowers and bountiful fruits and vegetables, most of which she gave to family, dear friends, and neighbors.
She is already missed!
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 5:30 until 7:00p.m. Wednesday July 8, 2026, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
The Parish Vigil Service with the Rosary will follow the visitation starting at 7:00p.m. at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 10:30a.m. Thursday July 9, 2026, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in 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