The Topeka Capital-Journal & Funeral Home Obituaries *** 2011 *** __________ 1 Jan 2011 Beverly Jean Adams Beverly Jean Adams, 72, of Wakarusa, formerly of Topeka, passed away on Friday, December 31, 2010, at Aldersgate Village. She was born October 9, 1938, in Topeka, the daughter of William A. and Edith T. (Hinkle) Adkins. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1956 and later obtained a BA in Arts from Washburn University in May of 1997. Beverly was a committee secretary for the state legislature for many years and a homemaker. She was a very active member of Potwin Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Deacon and Elder. She was also a longtime member of the Y.W.C.A. and served as a library volunteer at Potwin Elementary School. Beverly married Kenneth E. Adams on October 20, 1955, in Topeka. He survives. Other survivors include their children, Dan and Cindy Adams, Cheryl and John Martin, Steve and Barb Adams, Mike Adams, Rhonda and Marcus Hassen; grandchildren, Erica, Rebecca, Lacey, Melissa, Christine, Dallas, Kacy, Aliya, Emma; great-grandchildren, Madeline, Brenden, Dustin, Caleb, Ashlynn; and her siblings, William Bill Adkins, Jr. and Gary and Mary Adkins. Beverly was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Adkins. Private graveside services will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Potwin Presbyterian Church. The family would like to thank Westminster Place at Aldersgate and Hospice Care of Kansas for the care given to Beverly during this difficult time. Memorial contributions may be given to Potwin Presbyterian Church, 400 SW Washburn St., Topeka, KS 66606 or to Hospice Care of Kansas, 2900 SW Oakley Ave., Topeka, KS 66614. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com. Beverly J. Adams __________ 2 Jan 2011 David Robert Allen David Robert Allen, 63, a Deming, N.M., resident, passed away Wednesday, December 15, 2010, at Mimbres Memorial Hospital. Funeral services were held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Bishop Fred Gifford officiating. Interment followed at Mountain View Cemetery with military honors accorded. David was born November 10, 1947, in Madison, Wis., to Nancy Elizabeth Lovold and Robert Kester Allen. He grew up in Pennsylvania, New York and Wisconsin; and in his teen years, he lived in Topeka, Kan., where he graduated from Topeka West High School in 1965. David graduated from Western New Mexico University, where he got his Bachelor of Science in math and computer science. David served his country for 23 years in the military, spending two years in the Marines and 21 years in the Army. Survivors include his wife, Susan of the home; 3 sons, Alexander Allen and wife Michelle of Magna, Utah, Michael Allen and wife Rochelle of Pima, Ariz., Kevin Allen of Deming; 2 brothers, Greg Allen of Topeka, Kan., Russell Allen of Chandler, Ariz., and 4 grandchildren, Levi, Georgia, Max and Jasper Allen. His father, Robert Kester Allen, mother, Nancy Elizabeth Bagan and step-father, Kevin Bagan, preceded him in death. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.bacasfuneralchapels.com. - - - Mary Frances Allen Mary Frances Allen, 78, of Cedar Rapids, IA, formerly of Topeka, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2010 at a Cedar Rapids, IA hospital. She was born November 28, 1932 in Topeka, the daughter of C.A. and Gladys Fix Hutton. She graduated from Highland Park High School. She was quite musical all her life, playing drums in the high school band. She met her future husband, Norman Allen through her 4H and band experiences. Mary later attended Washburn University. After getting married, Mary and Norman made their home in Topeka before moving to Cedar Rapids, IA in 1969. She thoroughly enjoyed attending Theater Cedar Rapids productions as well as Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra concerts. Mary was also an avid traveler, touring all over the world. She also organized many local excursions for church groups and friends. Mary brought joy and love to all who knew her. She married Norman G. Allen on August 14, 1954 in Topeka. He preceded her in death in October of 2001. Survivors include two daughters; Janet Bailey and husband, Dana of Naperville, IL, Patty Poggemiller and husband, Shawn of Dubuque, IA, and four grandchildren; Amanda and Nathaniel Bailey of Naperville, IL, and Tom and Nick Poggemiller of Dubuque, IA. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday at Berryton United Methodist Church where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Graveside committal services will follow at 2:00 p.m. Monday at Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Lukes Hospice, 290 Blairs Ferry Rd., NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com. ___________ 07 Jan 2011 Fabian (Bear) Almaraz Fabian Almaraz, 54, Topeka, passed away on Jan. 4, 2011. Survivors include his mother, Lucy A. Estrada; two brothers, Adan Almaraz, Jr. and Michael Almaraz; and two sisters, Eva Tinajero and Belen Rivera. He was preceded in death by his father, Adan Almaraz, Sr. Gravesite Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery Jan. 10, at 2 p.m. After the burial, family and friends are invited to gather at Town & Country Christian Church, 1 block east of Fairlawn on 29th. Contributions may be made to Town & Country Christian Church. His family would like to give special thanks to the doctors and staff at Stormont-Vail Hospital and Manor Care Health Services for their wonderful care. ___________ 04 Feb 2011 Vi G. Alexander Vi G. Alexander Vi G. Alexander, 92, Topeka, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 2, 2011. Vi was born on April 13, 1918 in York County, Nebraska, the daughter of Olen and Edna (Mehringer) Gillan. She was raised in Concordia, Kansas, attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. Vi married W. Van Alexander on November 8, 1942 in Wickenburg, Arizona and after WW II they moved to Topeka. She was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and served on the Board of Deacons. In 1980 they retired in Bella Vista, Arkansas. Vi lived for twenty-two years in Bella Vista before returning to Topeka in December 2001. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and one sister. Van also preceded her in death on October 27, 1984. Vi is survived by a sister Lois Chandler, Tucson, Arizona, three sons Roger (Char), Topeka, Ron, Kansas City, Kansas and Robert (Laura), Wakarusa. Also surviving are five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. There will be no formal services. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606, Topeka Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66604 or Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4746 SW 21st Street, Topeka, Kansas 66604. Online condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com. ___________ 09 Feb 2011 Wilma J. Abbott Wilma J. Abbott Wilma J. Abbott, 81, passed away at her home February 7, 2011, after a short battle with cancer. Memorial Services will be held February 12, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. at Tecumseh United Methodist Church, 334 SE Tecumseh Road. The family suggests memorial contributions to: Pappan's Landing Senior Center, 619 NW Paramore St, 66608-1443. ___________ 16 Feb 2011 Karen Ann Adamek Karen Ann Adamek Karen Ann Adamek, 43, died Sunday, February 13, 2011, at her home. Karen was born in New York on October 11, 1967, the youngest child of Donald and Henrietta Adamek, who both preceeded her in death. Karen showed her great love for others by working through the Independent Living Program in Topeka, caring for others less fortunate than herself. Karen was widely known for her big heart and quick smile. She will be greatly missed by her sisters Jill Gibson, Topeka, Linda Hogge, Melbourne, FL and Joyce (Frank) Morstorf, Meriden, her brother Donald Jay Adamek, Kissimmee, FL and many nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces and dear friends. She will be especially missed by her longtime friend, Gary Selby and her ever faithful dog, Chloe. Karen was cremated. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Thursday Feb. 17 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Mt. Hope Chapel. Karen Ann Adamek ___________ 24 Feb 2011 Vernon P. Allbert Vernon P. Allbert Vernon P. Allbert, 96, Hoyt, KS, died Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at a group home in Meriden, KS, of old age. He was born November 15, 1914, at Raton, NM, to Alva and Louise (Kelley) Allbert, of Gardner, NM. He graduated from Raton High School and Oklahoma A & M University, Stillwater, OK, with a mechanical engineering degree. He has lived for the last 44 years at Hoyt. He worked for the Santa Fe Railway before joining the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company at their new plant in Topeka, KS. He married Portia (Anderson) Allbert, of Topeka, May 1, 1957, at Kearney, NE, She survives. He is also survived by two daughters from a previous marriage: Sandra (Prudente) Enget of Olalla, WA, and Carolee (Prudente) Coleman of Fort Lupton, CO. According to his express desire, he is to be cremated and a Memorial Service will be held at West Side Baptist Church, 1008 West 4th, Topeka, on Friday, February 25, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the West Side Baptist Church, or the Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N. Kansas, Topeka, KS 66608. ________________________ 20 May 2011, (Published at http://obit.davidsonfuneral.com/obitlist.html) James Calvin Jones James C. "Jim" Jones, 81, of Topeka passed away May 19, 2011 at the Culmery-Oneil VA Medical Center in Topeka after a long battle with cancer. James was born June 20, 1929 in Topeka and served in the Army in the Korean Conflict and then worked and retired from Hills Packing Company as a butcher. James married Norma (Griggs) Jones on June 12, 1948. Survivors include his wife Norma of Tecumseh, children Linda Stang, Susan Heinkensefken, and Jerry Jones, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, and 1 brother. He is preceded in death by 1 sister. Family and friends will gather at the family home in Tecumseh, Kansas on Thursday May 26 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Culmery-Oneil VA Medical Center. ___________________ 08 Sep 2011, (Published at http://obit.davidsonfuneral.com/obitlist.html) Leila G. Acord Visitation: Saturday, Sep. 17, 2011 09:00 am - 10:00 am Service: Saturday, Sep. 17, 2011 10:00 am Cemetery: Mount Hope Mausoleum/Cemetery/Crematory Leila G. Acord, 98, formerly of Topeka and Ozawkie passed away on Sept 7, 2011 in Barstow, CA. She was born May 13, 1913 in Topeka the daughter of Francis E. and Harriet L. Green Basye. Mrs. Acord was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Topeka. She was married to Howard O. Acord on July 17, 1935. He preceded her in death on Aug. 17, 1992. Mrs. Acord was also preceded in death by a daughter, Diane S. Henderson on July 19, 1988 and a son, Alan Wayne Acord on Aug. 24, 1950. She is survived by her daughters, Paulette Purdy (Leonard) of Barstow, CA and Cheryl Cress (Tim) of Meriden, KS; nine grandchildren, Dani Carter (Chris) of Bishop, CA, Wade Douglas in California, Brian Wilson, Christopher Wilson, Michael Wilson (Doneen) Wilson, Robin Bell (Kurt), Tracey Henderson (Jerika), Don Beatty and John Beatty all of Topeka; six great-grandchildren, Johnny Bell (Stacy), Alan Beatty, Paige Wilson, Jenna Wilson, Rhianna Carter, and Vincent Henderson; one great-great grandson, Brady Bell; six step grandchildren and numerous step-great-grandchildren. ___________________ 11 Dec 2011, Sunday Births - Stormont-Vail David Kerth and Amber Kurtz, Topeka, boy, Dec. 8. - - - Funerals Today Megan Wiechert Aiden, 5 p.m., Countryside United Methodist Church, Topeka. Elwood Holden, 1 p.m., McCrite Plaza Retirement Community. - - - Anniversary - John and Marcia Coufal John and Marcia Coufal of Villisca, Iowa, formerly of North Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 16 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clarinda, Iowa. The couple wed Dec. 16, 1961, in Clarinda, Iowa. John began as a wood shop teacher at East Topeka Junior High, then for a number of years was an administrator at the Youth Center of Topeka. Marcia, a registered nurse, worked at St. Francis Hospital and taught nursing at vo-tech school. Both are now retired. They have two sons and 5 grandchildren. Cards will reach them at 3265 140th St., Villisca, IA 50864. - - - Anniversary - Al and Connie Moore Connie and Al Moore Jr. celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on a Mediterranean Sea cruise with their children and grandchildren earlier in August. Connie Walter and Al Moore Jr. wed Dec. 17, 1961, at the First Baptist Church in Topeka. The couple have been blessed with two children, Kip (Marti) Moore of Golden, Colo., and Cristen (Jeff) Tilden, Topeka, and six grandchildren, Shannon, T.J. and Chance Moore, Loryn Fujinami, and Cassidy and Chase Tilden. - - - Birthday - Look Who's Turning 80! Earl Castleberry will be celebrating his 80th birthday with family and friends at a reception hosted by his three daughters and their families on Dec 17 at the Grantville United Methodist Church located at 3724 South Street, Grantville, Ks. The reception is scheduled from 2:00 to 4:00. Friends are welcome to come celebrate, cards welcomed, however no gifts please. - - - Milestones - Anniversaries Jack and Lou Embrey, Topeka, 64th anniversary, Dec. 17. Roy and Julia Conaway, Topeka, 54th anniversary, Dec. 10. Richard and Diana Barnes, Topeka, 40th anniversary, Dec. 11. James and Carol Rhodes, Topeka, 40th anniversary, Dec. 11. - - - Engagements - Shrewsbury / Moses Jaime Shrewsbury and Andrew Moses announce their engagement. Their parents are Don and Cathy Shrewsbury of Tecumseh and David and Terri Moses of Wichita. Jaime graduated from Shawnee Heights High School and Washburn University with an Elementary Education degree. She is a kindergarten teacher for Valley Center Public Schools. Andrew graduated from The Independent School and Washburn University with a Sport Management degree. He is attending graduate school at Wichita State University in Sport Management and works as a graduate assistant. The couple will be married May 26, 2012, in Wichita. - - - Engagements - Stauffer / Colley Curt and Cheryl Stauffer announce the engagement of their daughter, Colby Lynn Stauffer, to Douglas James Colley, son of Michael and Sandra Colley of Topeka. Colby graduated from Seaman High School in 2006 and Washburn University in 2010. She is a third grade teacher for the Royal Valley School District. Douglas is a 2001 graduate of Seaman High School and owns and operates G's Frozen Custard in Topeka. Colby's grandparents are John and Delores Stauffer and Ben and Bev Schreiner, all of Topeka. Douglas' grandparents are the late James and Vera Colley of Topeka and the late Lawrence and Dorothy Dorr of Osage City. A June 2012 wedding is planned at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Topeka. - - - Engagements - Powell / Pfeifer The engagement of Elizabeth Ann Powell to Adam Joseph Pfeifer is announced by the couple and their parents, Mike and Ann Powell and John and Lois Pfeifer, all of Topeka. Elizabeth and Adam are 2008 graduates of Topeka High School. Both are seniors at the University of Kansas and will graduate in May 2012 with degrees in Psychology. Their wedding is planned for July 21, 2012, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Topeka. - - - Wedding - Poore / Harold Meredith Ann Poore and Leslie Michael Harold exchanged marriage vows at 5 p.m. July 9, 2011, at Abe and Jake's Landing in Lawrence with the Rev. Gabe Combs officiating. Their attendants were Katelynn Poore and Ryan Harold. Parents of the couple are Jay K. and Sheri L. Poore, Topeka, and Cindy Saunders, Olathe, and Lloyd Harold, Kansas City, Kan. The bride earned a Ph.D. in Speech Pathology at the University of Kansas. She is employed by the Shawnee Mission School District. The groom is an Investment Analyst for Scout Investments. The newlyweds honeymooned in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. They reside in Kansas City, Kan. - - - Congratulations Congratulations and Happy 50th Birthday to Lorraine Jessepe, Oneida-Potawatomi, Thunder Clan, 2011 Gobbler Grind Marathon finisher, Overland Park, KS. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." -- 2 Timothy 4:7 Love, Your Family - - - Ruby Bibb Ruby Ima Bibb, 91, of Topeka, passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Stormont-Vail Hospital. She was born on July 8, 1920 in the resort town of Russell Springs, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Virgil and Florence (Hudson) Jasper. She was educated at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and at the University of Kansas. Ruby married James W. Bibb, Jr. on December 25, 1945 in Coats, Kansas. He preceded her in death on June 2, 1988. She was also preceded in death by an infant son, James Douglas Bibb. Mrs. Bibb is survived by her son, David Darryl Bibb and his wife Debora of Great Falls, MT. Mrs. Bibb was an active member in Brownies, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. She had been a docent at the Ward-Meade Mansion. She was a member of First Congregational Church, where she had served as deaconess. She was also a member of Friends of the K.U. Library, the Community Concert Series in Topeka and the Johnson Society in Lawrence. Mrs. Bibb was a past member of the Chaldean Club (the first womens club in Topeka), the Civic Music Club, The Fine Arts Society, where she served on the board, Group II and IV and the Womens Fellowship of the First Congregational Church, where she had been program chairman. She was a homemaker and spent most of her life in Indiana, Texas and Kansas. A funeral ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Burial will follow in the Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Mrs. Bibb will lie in state on Monday, December 12 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Brewster Place Foundation, 1205 SW 29th St., Topeka, KS 66611. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com. - - - Marie Copple Marie A. Copple, 72, of Topeka, Ks died Thursday, December 8, 2011 at St. Franceis Health Center in Topeka. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Monday, December 12, at the St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 615 Wyandotte St., Meriden, KS; Burial in St. Aloysius Cemetery. Friends may call from 3-5:00 pm Sunday at the church where the rosary will be said at 4:30. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the church or Midland Hospice c/o Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Meriden, KS. Mrs. Copple was born February 24, 1939 in Marysville, KS, the daughter of Charles & Odelia Tuhey Rieth. She was a home maker. She had lived in Topeka since 1997 moving from Winfield, KS. She was a member of the St. Aloysius Catholic Church and the Altar Society along with the quilters guild. In Winfield she was member Holy Name Alter Society and the Sewing Circle. She was also a former 4H leader and a Brownie Leader. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Edward Copple of the home. 5 children, Joseph (Nicole) Copple of Heidelberg, Germany; Michael (Gayla) Copple of Topeka, KS; Robert (Kim) Copple of Elkhorn, NE; Kathleen (Tom) Stough of Oklahoma City, OK and Mary Copple of Manhattan, KS. 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chapeloaksne.com. (Arrangements; Chapel Oaks Meriden Chapel, (785) 484-3600) - - - Rose Ann Eberly Rose Ann Eberly, 69, passed away peacefully at home on December 10, 2011. She fought a long, hard battle with her strong will and courage carrying her through until the end. She was born September 22, 1942 in Topeka, KS, the daughter of Samuel W. Arthur and Nellie K. Rupp. She had two brothers, Samuel L. Arthur and Jerry W. Arthur. They all preceded her in death. Rose Ann attended Williams Grade School, a one room schoolhouse in Watson, KS, and was the only one in her graduating class. She graduated Berryton Rural High School in Berryton, KS in 1960. In 1961, she attended Topeka Technical College. She proudly achieved her Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Information System with Cum Laude honors at Washburn University in Topeka, KS in 1998. Rose Ann grew up on the family farm in Tecumseh, KS which taught her the value of hard work. Her first job away from home was as a carhop at Delta Drive-In from 1959-1960. She was employed at Hallmark Cards from 1961-1963 and worked as an operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone from 1963-1966. In 1966, she went to work for Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway until she retired in 2004. While working at AT &SF Railway she met a rowdy young man named Kenneth J. Eberly and wasn't sure that she liked him very much, but soon love blossomed. They were married on March 8, 1969 and remained together until his death in September 2005. They had one daughter, LeaAnn K. Eberly, born in 1970. She survives along with her husband Stan Booker and his children Raymond and Stephanie, several nieces and nephews and her loyal dog Sweetie who never left her side. Rose Ann was a longtime member of Order of Eastern Star, Helena Chapter #210, Women of the Moose #1091, Phi Theta Kappa, Washburn University Alumni Association, and has served as Assistant Secretary Treasurer for the Santa Fe Retired Employees Club since 2005, for several years she was a contributor to the Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy. She also began serving as a volunteer at St. Francis Hospital in 2010. After retirement, Rose Ann remained very active. She worked for Vivian Kane at Capitol City Real Estate from 2004 until spring 2011. She was kept very busy and her most enjoyable duty was staging homes for sale. She took great pride in her decorating skills. She and Vivian became dear friends and she considered her co-workers as an extended family. In February 2005, her husband Ken and a partner purchased the Bavarian Inn and shorty after Ken's passing she became the sole owner operator until November 2007. Rose Ann loved to travel and despite her health issues she toured six countries in the last three years of her life as well as many visits to her daughter and family in Colorado. She was a vibrant and classy lady and will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her. Rose Ann will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Midland Hospice Care or Helping Hands Humane Society and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603. Fond Memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com. - - - George Foust George William Foust, 88, of Topeka, passed away Friday, December 9, 2011. He was born August 19, 1923 in Topeka, the son of William K. and Harriet C. (Gordon) Foust. He was a graduate of Bucklin High School, Bucklin, KS. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Mr. Foust was employed by Hallmark Cards, retiring in 1985. George married Ramona L. Horton on February 22, 1947 in Bucklin. She survives. Other survivors include his daughter, Linda (Stutz) Plaisted, Georgetown, Mass; his son, David (Lynelle) Foust, Topeka; 2 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers and a sister. Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Tuesday, December 13, 2011at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, KS 66608. Interment will follow at Rochester Cemetery, Topeka. George will lie in state after 2 p.m., Monday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice Care of Kansas, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com. - - - Jean Mills Jean Mills, 72, of Topeka, passed away unexpectedly at her home early on Saturday morning, December 10, 2011. She was born on January 6, 1939 in Madison, Wisconsin, the daughter of Professor C. Harvey Sorum and Emma Lou (Bachelder) Sorum. Jean attended the University of Wisconsin and became a member of the Pi Beta Phi social sorority and the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. In 1959, Jean married Phil Mills and in 1960, Jean graduated from the University of Kansas. She returned to the university a few years later to receive her Masters in Business (accounting). Jean was active in competitive tennis circles wherever she lived, winning more often than not from age 10 to 60. When multiple sclerosis took its toll, she became an avid bridge player. She was always a fan of the University of Kansas sports, men or women's. Jean's efforts were directed primarily to others as a wife, friend, mother and grandmother. Jean is survived by her husband of 52 years, Dr. Phil E. Mills, Jr.; their three children, Allison Thornbrugh of Castle Rock, CO, David Mills of Huntington, WV, and Alan Mills of Racine, WI; her seven grandchildren; and her brother, Dr. Paul Sorum of Schenectady, NY. A memorial ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, where the family will receive guests one hour prior to the service. Private family inurnment will take place at the Walnut Hill Cemetery. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com. - - - Mayo Mitchell, Sr. Mayo Anthony Mitchell, Sr., 81, of Topeka, died Dec. 7, 2011 at Colmery-O'Neil VA Hospital. Mr. Mitchell will lie in state on Monday, Dec. 12, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bowser-Johnson Funeral Chapel, 723 SW 6th Ave. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Services will be at Capitol City Community Church of God, 1191 SE 37th St., at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011. Burial will be at Leavenworth National Cemetery at Leavenworth. - - - George Purtle George Alan Purtle, 59, of Topeka, died December 8, 2011 at Stormont Vail Regional Medical Center. He was born on October 28, 1952 in Anna, Illinois to George John and Clara Rosalie (Basse) Purtle. Alan graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.S. degree and Highest Honors in 1974 and his Master of Science degree in 1975, both in Civil Engineering. He was a Civil/Structural Engineer in Illinois, Texas, Florida and Kansas from 1975 until 2009. He received the ACEC Engineering Excellence Award for his work on the Kellogg Avenue (US-54) Woodlawn Interchange in Wichita in May of 2009. Alan was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church and the N.S.P.E. He married Kathleen Louise Long in Anna, Illinois on May 24, 1975. She survives. He is also survived by numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his father in 1956 and his mother in 2002. Alan will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home after 2:00 p.m. on Monday, where a Vigil Prayer Service will be at 5:30 p.m. followed by the family receiving friends until 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church. After services in Topeka he will be taken to Illinois. Visitation will be held on Thursday, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Crain Funeral Home in Anna, Illinois with interment following in the Anna Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Helping Hands Humane Society or Feed the Children Foundation and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com. - - - Charles Roberts Charles Edward Roberts, age 80, of Westmoreland, died Thursday, December 8, 2011 in Westmoreland. He was born on August 30, 1931 in Westmoreland, the son of Harold and Bertha (Blanchard) Roberts. On June 24, 1956 in Wamego, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Reid. She preceded him in death on January 5, 2010. The family will greet friends during a visitation from 6:30 until 8:00p.m. Monday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Private inurnment will be held in the Westmoreland City Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Terry C. Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502. - - - Bonnie Short Bonnie J. Short, age 88, of Cottonwood Falls, KS., died December 8, 2011. A celebration of life service will be held Monday, December 12, at 2:00 P.M., at the Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home in Cottonwood Falls. The daughter of Harvey and Ethel Myers Osborn, she was born May 28, 1923. She graduated from Chase County Community High School in 1941. She married Bill Short on April 6, 1945 and he died June 30, 2005. They spent their entire married life as ranchers/farmers in Chase County. She was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 7 and started insulin therapy. The Joslin Diabetes Foundation and The Diabetic Fund, both of Boston, awarded her medals in 1981 for having taken insulin for 50 years. The Kansas American Diabetes Association of Wichita awarded her a 54 year medal in 1985. She was awarded medals for 25 years, 50 years, and 75 years of successful Insulin Therapy by the Eli Lilly Co. in 2007. She was president of the Chase County Historical Society for eight years and served as a Director of the Kansas State Historical Society in Topeka for 12 years. She is survived by one sister, Elizabeth Betty Pinkston of Cottonwood Falls and several nieces and nephews. Memorial contribution to the Cavalry Barn Preservation Fund or to Hand in Hand Hospice may be sent to the funeral home, 201 Cherry, Cottonwood Falls, KS. 66845. Obituary/Messages to the family may be left at www.brown-bennett-alexander.com. - - - Janette Tibbs Janette LaVeer Tibbs, 43, of Jacksonville, NC, passed away Saturday, December 3, 2011. Janette was born April 29, 1968, in Topeka, KS, daughter of Willie C. Tibbs, Sr. and Martha (Caraway) Tibbs. She graduated from Topeka High School. Janette worked as a bakery manager for Food Lion. She was the first lady of Elevated Creations Car Club. Janette is survived by her mother, Martha Tibbs; children, James Edwards, Jayme Edwards (Billy Rouse), Martina Tibbs, and Joshua Edwards; a stepchild, Benjamin Edwards; grandchildren, Ja-khi, Jamarakhi, and Tracey; siblings, Elder James Tibbs Jackson (Pam), Kansas City, MO; Joyce Williams (Dexter), Liveoak, FL; Calvin Tibbs (Linda), Jennifer Burnett, Cindy McGlory, Willie Tibbs, Jr., Jacqueline White (Willie), Angelia McDowell (Larry), and Juanita Howell, and Jaime Burnett all of Topeka; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and her closest friends. She is also survived by the love of her life, Larry L. Dudley. She was preceded in death by her father, Willie C. Tibbs, a daughter, Treva Jones, and brothers, Jim Burnett, Jr., and Jeffery Burnett. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Temple of Deliverance Church of God and Christ, Topeka. Burial will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, Topeka. Ms. Tibbs will lie in state at 3:00 p.m. Monday, December 12, 2011, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka, where the family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Monday. To leave the family a special message online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com. - - - Howard Warner OSAGE CITY - Howard E. Warner, 90, passed away on Friday, December 9, 2011 at the Osage Nursing Center. Howard is survived by his son Ed Warner (Ginger) of Lyndon; his daughter Pat Keating of Topeka; three grandsons, Troy Warner (Susan) of Lyndon, Larry Warner and Edmund Ribeau, both of Topeka. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 13 at the Feltner Funeral Chapel in Lyndon with funeral services at 11:00 am. Burial will be in the Vassar Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and sent in care of the funeral home. ___________________ 12 Dec 2011, Monday Deaths Rose Ann Eberly/Topeka Benjamin Emery Jr./Topeka Linda Gaggero/Topeka Lettie Holwegner/Leawood Doris Kramer/Topeka Elysa Lovelady/Emporia Jean Mills/Topeka - - - Funerals Today Michael "Bo" Ervin Bussart, 11 a.m., Stewart Funeral Home, Wamego. Patricia A. Calhoun, 10:30 a.m., Burlington United Methodist Church, Burlington. Merle A. Copple, 10:30 a.m., St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Meriden. Gary Arlen Dumas, 10 a.m., Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th Street, Topeka. Scarlett S. Gill, 6 p.m., Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel. Raymond Frank Henderson Jr., 10 a.m., Davidson Funeral Home. Kurt D. Ramos, 1:30 pm.m, Davidson Funeral Home, Topeka. Daryl Franklin Wamego, 1 p.m., Dance Ground Cemetery. - - - Births - Stormont-Vail Skyla Kildow, Topeka, girl, Dec. 9. Yisel Gamez, Topeka, girl, Dec. 10. - - - Rose Ann Eberly - - - Benjamin "Ben" Emery, Jr. - - - Linda Maria Gaggero - - - Lettie Arlene Holwegner - - - Doris Jean Kramer - - - Elysa K. Lovelady - - - Jean Mills _____________________ 22 Dec 2011, Thursday (Published on http://home.mchsi.com/~jonesfuneralhome/ website) Clarence E. "Pat" Rich, Sr. Clarence E. "Pat" Rich, Sr., age 87, of rural Waverly, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, at Coffey County Hospital in Burlington. He was born on September 23, 1924, on the family farm near Gridley, the son of Allison Charles "A.C." and Elizabeth "Lizzie" (Meyer) Rich. He grew up on the farm, attended the Fairhope School, and did farm work until enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1943. Pat was a World War II veteran, and took part in the Marines' assault and capture of Iwo Jima, transporting troops in an amphibious vehicle in the first, third, and seventh waves. After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, he returned to the farm near Gridley. On December 24, 1947, he was married to Frances J. Lavin in Topeka, Kansas. In 1954, they moved to Idaho, where they homesteaded a farm for 10 years. In 1965, they returned to Coffey County and settled in the farm community north of Sharpe, which Pat made his home for the rest of his life. He was a member of Hull-Cromwell Post No. 119 of the American Legion at Waverly, and the VFW post at Burlington. Pat served his community in many roles, as a member of the Bean Grange, his work as a 4-H leader, and as a board member for Rural Water District No. 3. He enjoyed playing cards and was a long-time member of the bowling team sponsored by Harsch Brothers’ Ammonia. Pat loved his family, his farm, and his country. He and Frances were honored with the Soil Conservation Award in 1977 as recognition for their excellent care of their land. In 2001, they again were honored by being asked to join other veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima on the maiden voyage of the new USS Iwo Jima. Pat later was able to travel with the Honor Flight program of Southern Coffey County High School to view the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. His service is recognized on the local Veterans Memorials in Waverly and Gridley. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Schwindt, and by six brothers - Charlie, Nathan, Freddie, Albert, Jack and Lee Rich. He is survived by his wife, Frances J. (Lavin) Rich, of Waverly; his four children - Clarence Rich, Jr. and his wife Rosemary of Waverly, Beverly Stukey and husband Kent of Waverly, Phyllis Hughes of Topeka, and Charles Rich and companion Sandy Hickman of Manhattan; eleven grandchildren - Brett (Maria) Rich, Brandon Rich, Russel (Jennifer) Stukey, Jessica (Chad) Gaddis, Craig (Janelle) Stukey, C.J. (Erin) Hughes, Allison (Ben) Buck, Carlos, Steven, Harley, and Kurtis Rich; four great-grandchildren - Anne, Rachel, and Kent Stukey, and Allie Stukey; four step-great-grandchildren – Shae and Ian Gaddis, Alaina and Ellie Johnson; a sister, Irene Fletcher and husband Bascome of Mt. Hope, Kansas; and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at Jones Funeral Home in Burlington, with burial following at Fairhope Cemetery near Gridley. The family will receive friends for visitation at the funeral home on Monday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. Memorial contributions for the Veterans Memorials in Gridley and Waverly may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839. ___________________ 23 Dec 2011, Friday (Published at http://www.campanellafuneral.com/) Gene Falk Service Information is Pending Gene Falk, 83, of Alta Vista,Kansas, died Thursday, December 22, 2011 at Stormont-Vail Regional Health Care in Topeka. Full obituary and service information is pending and will be announced by Campanella-Gentry Funeral Home. _____________________ 24 Dec 2011, Saturday (Published on http://home.mchsi.com/~jonesfuneralhome/ website) James Finus Wright James Finus Wright, 77, of rural Waverly, passed away on Friday, December 23, 2011, at Coffey County Hospital in Burlington, Kansas. He was born on December 16, 1934, at Electra, Texas, the son of James Minus and Velma (Dillingham) Wright. He grew up and attended school in Electra and Corpus Christi. He worked all his life, from the time he was a seven-year old boy, and in his adult life was a master electrician. In 1976, he moved to Coffey County, Kansas, to work on the construction of the Wolf Creek nuclear generating station, and served as general foreman for Davis Electric. He was skilled in leathercraft and worked on many saddles. He enjoyed repairing mowers and power equipment, and was an avid reader, especially in his later years. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Tammy Hargrove and Vickie Wright, by a brother, John “J.D.” Wright, and a sister, Wanda Clemmens. Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Wright of Waverly; a daughter, Sherry Griner of Burkburnett, Texas, and son James Finus “Jim” Wright, Jr., of Olathe, Kansas; a stepdaughter, Donna Shaffer of Wichita Falls, Texas; two brothers, his twin, J. Minus Wright and wife Donna of Berwick, Maine, and Bobby Wright and wife Francisca of Guam; a sister, Stacey Azbill, of West Columbia, Texas; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends. Cremation is planned and no services are planned at this time. ______________________ 28 Dec 2011, Wednesday (Published at http://www.campanellafuneral.com/) Carol Spencer Funeral Services 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 31, 2011 St. Luke Lutheran Church Wheaton, Kansas Visitation 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 30, 2011 St. Luke Lutheran Church Wheaton, Kansas Pray Service 7:00 p.m., Friday Carol Ann Spencer, 77, of Westmoreland, Kansas, died Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at the Westy Community Care Home. She was a long time resident of the community. Carol was born November 20, 1934, in Olpe, Kansas, the daughter of Conrad and Esther Ohm Moeller. She attended local schools and in 1952 graduated from Emporia High School. Carol married Albert E. Spencer on November 22, 1953 in Emporia. He survives at their home. Carol was a homemaker. She and Al lived at several other locations, including Manhattan, Cottonwood Falls, and Fort Benning, Georgia. She also worked as a secretary for nine years for the Westmoreland School district. She was an active member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Wheaton and the church’s LWML. She also taught Sunday School, VBS and confirmation classes. Carol expressed her faith and love for the Lord with her gift of singing and music. She was also involved with the local EHU and was a 4-H project leader. She loved to tend her flower gardens and enjoyed bird watching. Carol is also survived by her daughters, Deborah Bearnes and her husband, Tim, Laurel, Nebraska; Carmen Autry and her husband, Steve, Chattanooga, Tennessee; her son, Reverend Lynn Spencer and his wife, Donna, Meade; her sisters, Connie Wenciker and her husband, Jerry, Emporia, Marlene Oehlert and her husband, Bob, Erie, and Joyce Zillinger and her husband, Jeff, Topeka; eight grandchildren, Rachel Werner and her husband, Daryl, Rebecca Kirby and her husband, Kevin, Elizabeth Bauer and her husband, Jacob, Joel Spencer, Brennen Bearnes, CarolAnn Bearnes, Heather Bearnes and Heath Autry. Carol was preceded in death by her sister, Laura Dorton. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 31, 2011, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Kansas. Reverend Terry DeGiovanni will be officiating. Burial will follow at St. Luke Lutheran North Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the church. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. They suggest memorial contributions to the Lutheran Hour Ministries or St. Luke Lutheran Church, and those may be sent in care of Kufahl Funeral Home in Wheaton. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellafuneral.com. _____________________ 29 Dec 2011, Thursday (Published at http://www.campanellafuneral.com/) Mildred Ruth Schmanke Funeral Service 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 3, 2012 Trinity Lutheran Churcn McFarland, Kansas Interment Trinity Lutheran Cemetery McFarland, Kansas Visitation 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday, January 2, 2012 Trinity Lutheran Church Mildred Ruth Schmanke, 92, of McFarland, Kansas, died Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at her home. She was a life-long resident of the area. Mildred was born February 11, 1919, in Newbern, Kentucky, the daughter of Milton S. and Marie Bennett Scott. She attended local schools and graduated from Alma High School in 1936. Mildred married Victor Gustav Schmanke on April 18, 1937, in rural McFarland. He preceded her in death on July 27, 1989. Mildred was a homemaker and also worked for twenty years as a nurses aid at the Alma Manor. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the LWML. Mildred loved to quilt and gathered weekly with her friends at the Wabaunsee County Museum to make quilts. She was a founding member of the McFarland Senior Citizens and loved to tend her flowers and garden. She enjoyed working crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Mildred is survived by her daughters, Mary Ann Schroeder and her husband, William, Topeka, Shirley Pryor, Topeka; her sons, Kenneth Schmanke and his wife, Margaret, Gerald, Missouri, Robert Schmanke and his wife, Gayla, Olathe, and Gerald Schmanke and his wife, Tara, Alma; her sister, Mary Lou Gnadt and her husband, Martin, Alma; eleven grandchildren, twenty seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Ella Mae Hillmer. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church in McFarland. Reverend Ron Rather will be officiating. Burial will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at the church. They suggest memorial contributions to the Wabaunsee County Historical Society or Midland Care Hospice, and those may be sent in care of Campanella-Gentry Funeral Home in Alma. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellafuneral.com. ___________________ 30 Dec 2011, Friday (Published on http://home.mchsi.com/~jonesfuneralhome/ website) Michael Johnson Michael Eugene Johnson, 63, Burlington, Kansas, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2011, at his home. He was born April 15, 1948, in Lincoln, Illinois, the son of Edward Axel and Viola Jane (Davis) Johnson. Mike grew up in Lincoln and graduated from Lincoln High School. On June 16, 1967, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was a Hospital Corpsman and worked in the pharmacy. One of his commanders noted that “his pride in himself and the Hospital Corps has afforded him the highest degree of respect and admiration from all associated with him. His jovial sense of humor and polite mannerism has upgraded the high moral of all that come in contact with him.” On August 30, 1968, he and Dixie Lee Mann, who was also serving in the Hospital Corps, were married at Jacksonville, North Carolina. Mike served overseas in Vietnam and then was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois until his discharge on March 25, 1971. Upon his discharge he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal; the Viet Nam Service Medal with FMF Combat Insignia and Bronze Star; the Viet Nam Service Medal with device; the Combat Action Ribbon; and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Following his discharge from the Navy he attended Sauk Valley Junior College in Dixon, Illinois, before moving to Lawrence, Kansas, and earning his Pharmacy Degree from the University of Kansas. Mike was employed at the Medical Pharmacy in Holton, Kansas, before he and Dixie moved to Burlington and opened the Johnson Family Pharmacy in downtown Burlington in January 1981. He enjoyed his work in the pharmacy and he also enjoyed visiting with his many friends that would come for a cup of coffee at the soda fountain. Mike and Dixie closed the store in 2006 although Mike continued working in the pharmacies in town part time, even going to work the day before his death. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James Edward Johnson. He leaves his wife, Dixie; his daughter, Lisa Kuhlmann and husband Craig, Burlington; three grandchildren, Samantha Kuhlmann, Lawrence, Kansas, and Keegan and Sage Kuhlmann, Burlington; and two sisters, Naomi Veff, LaHarpe, Illinois, and Carol Sue Johnson, Chehalis, Washington. Cremation is planned. Memorial services will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 3, 2011, at Jones Funeral Home in Burlington. Inurnment will follow in Graceland Cemetery in Burlington. The family will meet with friends from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Coffey County Cancer Support Group or the Coffey County Hospital Auxiliary and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Last Updated: 05 Mar 2012