OCTOBER 25, 1956 - JUNE 16, 2025

James Thomas ( Jamie ) Stratton 68, of Topeka passed away peacefully on June 16 2025 after a brave battle with cancer. Born on Oct 25 1956 in Topeka.

Jamie spent a joyful childhood on the family farm where he developed a deep appreciation for nature and animals, and hunting along side his father and brother Jon. He lived with his mother tell her passing in 2010.

He loved his daughter Shana and sister Justine ( Gus ) with all his heart. Jamie will forever be in the hearts of those who knew him and never be forgotten. A private memorial service will be held in the near future.

Blessed are those that morn for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

DECEMBER 25, 1948 - JUNE 01, 2025

Lloyd 'Keith' Willes, Jr, 76, passed away June 1, 2025 at home. He was born Christmas Day 1948 in Topeka (where he lived his entire life) to Lloyd and Mary (Williamson) Willes.

Keith attended Seaman High School, where he worked as a janitor, while attending Topeka Technical College for electronic repair.

Keith passions included golf (any chance he could get), hot air balloons (of which he was a chase team member), watching Australian football (the only kind of football, he would say) and attending hockey games and playing bingo with his father.  A trip for the two of them to the casino was not out of the question.

Keith married Norma Snyder who preceded him in death. He is survived by his son, Daniel Willes and daughter, Stephanie Warner; granddaughters, Ashley (Nathan) Cotton and Jordan Warner and great grandsons Skylar and Riley and many nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss his greatly.

His daughter fondly remembers Keith coaching youth softball and bowling while she was growing up.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Lois and Horst Dell.

A celebration of life for Keith will be held Saturday,  July 5th, 2025 from 1-3pm at the clubhouse located at 1414 SW Arbor Valley Dr, Topeka 66615

NOVEMBER 12, 1984 - JUNE 04, 2025

Ronald (Ronnie) William Blackwell, 40, of Holton, Kansas, passed away on June 4, 2025. He was born on November 12, 1984, in Topeka, Kansas, to Ronald (Ronnie) Eugene Blackwell and Mary (Cathy) Cathrine Martinez Blackwell.

Ronnie was a devoted family man with an outgoing personality and a generous spirit. His infectious smile could light up any room, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand to a friend in need. He worked as a foundation repairman with Roy Uhl until his health no longer allowed. An avid outdoorsman, Ronnie found joy in fishing, hunting, and the simple pleasures of nature. He touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ronnie is survived by his mother, Mary (Cathy) Cathrine Martinez Blackwell; his stepfather, Randall Lee Reser; his daughter, Gabriela (Gabi) Romero-Blackwell; his sisters, Brandi Dawn Leggitt, Rhonna Jean Blackwell, and Tonya Sue (Reser) Anderson; and his brothers, Billy Joe Reser, Micheal Wane Reser, and Steve Leggitt and many aunts, uncles and other family members who have helped with the struggle of his health issues and impacted his life. He is preceded in death by his father, Ronald (Ronnie) Eugene Blackwell, and his brother, Lance Eugene Blackwell.

A celebration of Ronnie’s life will be held at a later date. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the friends and loved ones who supported him throughout his health struggles.

March 10, 1960 – May 30, 2025

Iryna Yakunina was born on March 10 th , 1960 in the town of Kalush, Stanislav Oblast, Ukraine to Ivan and Maria Dudyak.

After graduating from eight grades of secondary school, Iryna studied at a vocational school to become a painter and plasterer. After graduating from school, she moved to live and work in the city of Komsomolsk, Poltava region. In this city, Iryna met Viktor Yakunin and they were married on April 27 th , 1979.

God gave the young Yakunin family five sons and four daughters-in-law, Ruslan and Oksana (Argentina); Andriy and Inna (Virginia); Artem and Alina (South Carolina); Eduard and Olena (Florida); and Pavlo (Topeka, KS); and thirteen grandchildren.

Iryna was very good at raising children, homemaking, and preparing delicious food for her family and guests. Iryna worked diligently at various enterprises and positions. She received awards for her work. She also received the state award “Mother Heroine”.

Iryna took an active part in church services, sang in the choir, and she enjoyed needlework with the children.

2 years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer. On August 16 th 2024, Iryna and Viktor arrived in Topeka, Kansas to visit their son Pavlo and to see their children and grandchildren and to continue treatment.

On May 30, 2025, after a long illness, her good heart stopped beating. Her husband, children and grandchildren, family and friends mourn the loss of Iryna. We thank everyone for their prayers, spiritual and financial support.

Inurnment will take place at the Topeka Cemetery, 1601 SE 106 th , Ave #1. Family services are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Iryna Yakunina’s memory in care of Pavlo Yakunin, 900 SW Robinson Ave, apt 1104, Topeka, KS 66606 or your favorite charity.

Steven Casper Desch, 71, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on May 22, 2025, after a battle with cancer.

DECEMBER 12, 1968 - MAY 24, 2025

Darren Michael Loh, 56, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on May 24, 2025

Darren was born on December 12, 1968 in Bismarck, ND to Gary Loh and Carla Lang, who both preceded him in death.

After graduating in 1987 from Century High School, Derren served six years in the US Marine Corps stationed at MCAS Tustin, CA where he served deployments to Okinawa and the Persian Gulf. While in the Corps, he met Shawna Andrade, whom he married on November 3, 1990.

After being honorably discharged, Darren and Shawna packed up their two children, Khristopher and Khelsea and moved to Topeka, KS. Darren hired on at Goodyear Rubber & Tire in 1994 where he also served terms as union steward, and medically retired in 2020.0

Darren enjoyed spending time with his family camping, fishing, watching the Denver Broncos or just hanging out on the back deck. He especially loved hosting barbecues during the summer.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shawna; his children, Khristopher Loh and Khelsea Loh; and his granddaughters: Kherrigan, Eleanor, Charlotte, and Lucille. He also leaves behind his step-dad, Douglas Lang of Bismarck, ND; sister Pamela Stuck (Ron) of McCook, NE; brothers, Jayme Lang (Connie) of Topeka and Brandon Lang (Brynn) of Bismarck, ND; lots of in-laws, and even more nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Darren’s life will be held at a later date.

FEBRUARY 28, 1950 - MAY 23, 2025

Mary Althea Rutherford, 75, of Louisville Kansas, passed away at her home on May 23, 2025.

Mary was born February 28, 1950 in Manhattan, Kansas, daughter of Harry and Althea (Zea) Sender.

Mary retired from Kansas State University, but worked many jobs in the community. She enjoyed collecting Wizard of Oz memorabilia, crafts and gardening and was devoted to her pets. She will be remembered by her infectious laugh, happy smile and generous nature.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Charles “Ed” Rutherford, her parents and bother Erwin Ray Sender. She is survived by sisters Ellan Spivey, Silver Lake KS; Penny Bahret (Ernie), Lecompton, KS; Peggy McClain (Dan), Onaga, KS; brothers Danny Sender (Maria), Wamego KS; Robert Sender (Elizabeth) Riley, KS; Harry John Sender (Donna), Wamego, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will be having a private ceremony according to her wishes.