Obituaries - Angels Above Cremation & Funeral Home Services

Gary E. Reed

Obituaries 03 January 2022

May 29, 1942 - December 18, 2021

Gary E. Reed 79 (5/29/42), passed away quietly on Saturday December 18, 2021 after a short illness. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Hollister. Gary retired from the State of Ks. after a long career working with the NCIC computer.

Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara, three children, Christine (Ray), Gary II (Cindy), and Brian (Susan). He has seven grandchildren and four Great grandchildren with another one due in February. He is also survived by two sisters, Joanne Helfferich and Sharon Thompson and two fur babies, Punkin and Odie. He was preceded in death by his father, Leslie Reed, Mother, Eleanor Colony Reed, one sister, Bonnie McAnarney, and three brothers, Leslie Reed Jr., Charles Reed and Donald Reed.

He will be cremated. At his request, there will be no service at this time.

Mark Ryan Martin

Obituaries 23 December 2021

March 23, 1980 - December 11, 2021

Mark Ryan Martin, 41, passed away on December 11, 2021. He was cremated.

He was a devoted and caring father of twins Ava and Maci Martin, of Brunswick, Maine. Other survivors include his mother Caren Martin and his maternal grandmother Cicely.

Mark was predeceased by his father Earl Martin, paternal grandparents Arthur and Marjorie, and his paternal grandfather Ray.

Upon his graduation from Washburn Rural High School in 1999 he joined the Navy. He served aboard the Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 for four years as an Information Systems Technician then as a Security Officer during Operation Enduring Freedom.

He was employed by the City of Topeka and then joined the crew at Hills Pet Nutrition.

A visitation/memorial will be held on Wednesday December 29, 2021 from 4-6 P.M. at the Auburn Community Center, 121 W 11^th ST, Auburn, Kansas just north of the ball diamonds. Auburn is straight south on Auburn Road from I-70.

Shannon Kathleen Torneden

Obituaries 22 December 2021

October 03, 1960 - December 15, 2021

Shannon Kathleen Torneden passed away on December 15, 2021 at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born on October 3, 1960 to the daughter of Robert G. Rusher Sr. and Ramona J. (Rogers) Rusher Wolf. She made her home in McFarland, Kansas and later relocated to Eskridge.
She was previously married to Michael A. Holstrom; they had one son, Michael A. Holstrom II (Malorie) of Killeen, Texas who survives.

She was remarried to Joseph E. Torneden Sr., who preceded her in death. They had one daughter together, Sara (Torneden) Berkholtz (Jay). She had a step-daughter, Jessica Boehle (Jason) and a step-son, Joseph Torneden Jr., all surviving.

Other survivors include her grandchildren; D'avian Guerrero-Holstrom, Evelyn Berkholtz, Jack Berkholtz, Hunter Boehle, Riley Boehle, Cameron Boehle, Jewell Torneden, Mason Torneden, Jade Torneden, and Daniel Torneden. Survivors also include her sisters, Jody (Rusher) Slobojan of Wichita, Kansas and Charlene (Rusher) Urton (Curtis) of Eskridge, Kansas along with many nieces and nephews, who all loved and adored her.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert G. Rusher Jr. and her parents.

Shannon became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1980 and worked as a nurse in different aspects of the profession. Shannon loved nature and found great joy in fishing, enjoyed gardening and canning the fruits of her labor. She also had a passion for baking and taking care of everyone around her.

Family and friends will gather at Bradley's Corner Cafe, 844 N. Kansas Ave Topeka, KS, 66608 for food and remembrance at 3 P.M. on January 2, 2022.

Norma Falk Haefke

Obituaries 20 December 2021

February 06, 1930 - December 16, 2021

Norma Falk Haefke passed away Thursday, December 16, 2021. Norma was born February 6, 1930, in Mc Farland, Ks. the daughter of Eugene and Alice LaMar. The birth of Norma’s sister JoHanna completed their family on February 13, 1942. JoHanna lives in Pompano Beach, Florida with her husband Terry. Their two sons., Craig and Curtis also live in Pompano with their families.

Norma married Don Falk, they had three children, Ron Falk, Stephanie Falk Abbott, and Mark Falk. Norma was wife, mother, and Grandmother first and foremost.

Norma’s life journey consisted of working outside the home in the Alma Cheese plant office, United Telephone as a telephone operator, before there were dial telephones, restaurant owner and retiring from Rubottom Pharmacy. And losing her first husband Don in 1983.

Norma found new love with John Haefke, they married on August 29, 1992. Norma and John loved going to dances and spending time with family. John preceded her in death on Dec 15, 2012.

Norma loved to cook and host her family during the holidays and as often as she could gather us together.

Norma was a member of St. John’s Lutheran church of Alma, KS and a past member of Trinity Lutheran Church of McFarland, KS.

Melva A Holford Carter McKinley

Obituaries 20 December 2021

August 27, 1939 - December 02, 2021

Melva A Holford Carter McKinley passed away Thursday Dec. 2nd 2021 peacefully in her sleep at Plaza West Rehab.

Melva was born on Aug.27th 1939 to Melvin Speed Holford and Mary A Bradley Holford on the family farm in McFarland Ks. She attended wabaunsee county schools.

Melva worked at Santa Fe Hospital, Topeka State Hospital, the VA Hospital, and Goodyear.

She married Leo l Carter and to this union 2 sons where born, Melvin Lewis and joseph leon, they later divorced.

She was preceded in death her parents and brother's Harold, Bobby, Gene, Kenny and Richard and a sister Dorothy white.

She is survived by her sons Melvin (Tracey) Carter and Joseph (Debbie) Carter, brother Jimmy Holford, sister's Alma Augustus and Kim Holford Bailey. She had 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandkids.

Per her wishes she was cremated and wanted no services. A small graveside service will take place at a later date.

John David Kennedy

Obituaries 14 December 2021

March 23, 1980 - December 05, 2021

John David Kennedy, affectionately known as JK, 41, Topeka, Kansas, passed away December 5, 2021 unexpectedly. He was born March 23, 1980, the adopted son of John Hubert Kennedy and Cynthia Ann (Craig) Kennedy Perez in Kansas City, Kansas. He attended Most Pure Heart of Mary and graduated from Topeka High School in 1998.

He is survived by his two sons Jameson Nathaniel Kennedy and Kian Michael Kennedy who he had with his ex wife, Amber (Urton) Kennedy; sister En Sook Kim (Kennedy) Strickland New and husband Allen New; nieces Elyse Katherine Strickland and Allison Lynn New; nephews Jasper Ryan Rhen and Ethan Gregory New; mother Cynthia Perez and husband Manuel Perez.

John was passionate about many things like cooking, grilling for his friends that were patient enough to wait, playing golf, watching the Philadelphia Eagles, and camping. John was proud of Jameson and Kian and loved being on the sidelines cheering them on. He enjoyed playing Canasta with family and almost enjoyed making excuses about losing more than the actual game.

John was preceded in death by his father, John Hubert Kennedy.

The family will hold a celebration of life service and will be announced at a later date.

The family wishes memorial or financial contributions, which will be held in Trust for John’s two boys, to be made in care of his sister Kim New at 2334 SE Crestwater Dr., Topeka, Kansas 66605. Kim may also be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Edna (Sunny) Louise Graham

Obituaries 13 December 2021

May 15, 1949 - November 10, 2021

Edna [Sunny] Louise Graham was born on May 15^th, 1949 in Ottawa, Kansas at Ransom Memorial Hospital. She was the eldest daughter of Robert Neil Graham and Mary Louise [Rice] Graham.

Sunny made her home in Topeka, Kansas where she lived these past thirty year until her death on November 10^th, 2021 as the result of a long battle of cancer. Her sister Mary and daughter were at her side.

Sunny graduated from Ottawa high school in 1967. As a young girl she had the gift to run like a deer and her son Jason inherited her gift as well. Sunny worked in a nursing home during her young years and also taught swimming lessons at the Ottawa public pool. She loved many and every water related sport. She had many friends had an infectious laugh and loved dragging main with all of them. Sunny traveled many years of her life until she settled in Topeka in the 1990’s. You name the place, she had been there. Her favorite spot was Hawaii where she lived with her husband and oldest son Jason until there move to Boston where their next son Jeffery was born.

Life brought her back to Kansas where she settled in Topeka until the time of her death. There she connected with her daughter Brenda and several children and grandchildren.

Read more … Edna (Sunny) Louise Graham

Kay Ann Boster

Obituaries 13 December 2021

January 28, 1955 - December 07, 2021

In Loving Memory of
Kay Ann Boster
1955-2021

Kay Ann Boster, 66, of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

She was born January 28, 1955, in Eskridge, Kansas, the daughter of Herman and Nina Kay (Barber) Roberts. She graduated from Eskridge High School in 1973.

Survivors include her daughters, Angel Brock (Jerry) and Elizabeth Miller (Dwayne), both of Topeka; six grandsons; three great-grandchildren; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her son Tim Boster.

Kay liked reading the Bible.

Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st, Topeka, KS 66604-3720.

Angels Above Cremation Services is assisting the family.

Jerrie Lynne (Thrower) Bracken

Obituaries 09 December 2021

March 25, 1950 - December 07, 2021

In the early morning hours of 7 December 2021, Jerrie Lynne (Thrower) Bracken left her earthly body to join her late husband, Stephen, and their many beloved friends, family, and pets long since departed for the arms of our heavenly Father.

Jerrie was born 25 March 1950 in Quantico, Virginia, to Robert and Mattie (Stewart) Thrower. They preceded her in death. Jerrie spent her childhood and teenage years in Albany, Georgia, having been raised alongside older brother Robert and older sister Sandi, where the trio enjoyed lazy summer days at Radium Springs Park, eating Jimmy’s Hotdogs and swimming in the clear, cool waters as the Georgia sun beat down and all their cares took flight.

Jerrie met the love of her life, Stephen, in Topeka, and the two married on 9 August 1969 at University United Methodist Church. Together, the two enjoyed antiquing, barbequing, and spending time with their friends, family, and much-treasured pets.

Jerrie devoted over thirty-five of her working years to Whelan’s Lumber where she met many kind, caring coworkers who turned into friends who turned into family. Retiring in 2009, Jerrie found her days filled with thrift store shopping, caring for her “son,” Buddy, the miniature pinscher, and reading every magazine, newspaper, and book she could get her hands on. Jerrie was known for having never met a stranger, making everyone feel at home with her easy smile, comforting nature, and sage advice.

Donald Ray Boose, Sr.

Obituaries 08 December 2021

DONALD RAY BOOSE, SR, 71, of Lecompton, KS, left this world on December 07, 2021, in Lecompton, KS, after an 8 year battle with cancer.

Donald was born March 26, 1950, in Wichita, KS, to the late James Garland (Fire Eagle) Boose and Marian Belle (Snowflower) Mosher Boose. Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Vickie Marie Boose. He leaves behind 2 children, Donald Ray Boose Jr and Marian Mae (Deklan) Evans, 4 brothers; David Wayne (Rhonda) Boose, James Arthur (Elaine) Boose, Michael Anthony (Kathy) Boose and Edward Lee Boose; and 2 sisters; Susan Kay Boose and Barbara Ann (Vaughn) Russell as well as numerous family and friends.

Donald graduated from Lecompton High School in May 1968. Before graduation, Donald joined the Naval Reserve, after which he was deployed by the Navy to Vietnam where he served in the Naval Air unit. Donald received an honorable discharge in April 1973.

Donald worked HVAC mechanical, owned his own HVAC company, and retired from Schlumberger in April 2012.

Donald was a proud member of the American Legion Post 142 and served as Post Commander for several years. He participated in many honor rides for the Legion Riders, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and the Patriot Guard. Additionally he belonged to the Christian Motorcyclist Association (Assistant Chapter Director) and ABATE District 1 of Kansas Inc. (BOD Recording Secretary).

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the American Legion Post 142, 410 Perry Place, Perry, KS 66073. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.