Nichole Cann, 48, of Topeka, passed away on May 25, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. Nichole was born on May 10, 1978, to James and Mary Cann. 

Nichole graduated from Kansas State University with a Master’s degree in Accounting and enjoyed serving as the bookkeeper at Williamstown Assembly of God. She will always be remembered for her kind heart, generous spirit, and deep love for her family, friends, and relationship with God. 

Nichole loved the color purple, horses, reading, watching HGTV, and spending time with those she loved most.

Nichole is survived by her mother, Mary; her aunt, Elizabeth Messenger; her siblings, Lisa Appleford (William Appleford) and James Cann II; and her nieces and nephew, Michelle Crumpler (children Carly and Amelia), Shelby Appleford (children Alanna and Kayden), and Christina Davis (Devon Davis).

She was preceded in death by her father, James Cann; her grandparents, Ada Louise and Kenneth Eugene Messenger; her aunt, Connie Messenger; and her great-nephews, Matthew and William.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on August 15, 2026, at the Garfield Shelter House, 1600 NE Quincy Street, Topeka 66608.  

Please send any donations of flowers to Midland Hospice or Williamstown Assembly of God.

Gary Lee “Shep” Shepard

Devoted Husband, Father and Grampy

It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of Gary Lee “Shep” Shepard, 63, of Topeka, Kansas. He passed away at home on May 20th, 2026 surrounded by his family. Gary was born on April 8th, 1963 in Council Grove, Kansas to Wilma Jean Collins and Earl Hubert Shepard.

Gary will be remembered for his love of family, fishing, and his chickens. He is survived by his wife of 44 years Rebecca Holloway (Shepard), his children Samantha Shepard (Weidenbach), Brandon Weidenbach, Adam Lee Shepard, Sarah Johnson (Shepard), Charlie Davis, Damien Cooper, and grandchildren Caden Weidenbach, Alexis Weidenbach, Jackson Sowers, Adam Lee Shepard Jr, Bennet Shepard. He was preceded in death by his mother Wilma Jean Collins, father Earl Hubert Shepard, and two infant siblings.

A Fallen Limb

A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me”. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls. I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin. Until the day comes we’re together again.

James L. Staehli, 78, died April 20, 2026 at his home in Topeka.

He was born July 18, 1947 in Soldier, KS, the son of Carl and Gertrude Sumner Staehli. He was a 1965 graduate of Soldier High School. He also received a Batchelor of Arts degree from Washburn University in 1975.

He married Shari Dreher on June 20, 1970 in Topeka; and they enjoyed 50 years of married life before her death on July 4, 2020.

Jim was employed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as a Research Analyst for 36 years, retiring on November 1, 2013.

Jim is survived by his brother, Phil Staehli, Cleveland, Texas; nephews Sean Staehli (Kim), Warren, Texas; and Dillon Dreher (Michelle Albano), Kansas City, Missouri; and niece Lindy Brewer (Jeff), Topeka.

Other family members preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Gary Staehli; and brother-in-law, Michael Dreher.

Jim was an avid sportsman. He especially enjoyed pheasant hunting and was a member of Pheasants Forever for many years. He had an impressive knife collection. His favorite sports teams were the Kansas City Chiefs and the KU Jayhawks. He also loved cats and he and Shari had many precious fur babies over the years.

Jim was cremated. Inurnment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Topeka at a later date. There are no services planned at this time.

Donald Lawrence Rawlins, 85, of Topeka, Kansas passed away on Thursday April 30, 2026.  Donald was born on April 20, 1941 in Erving, Kentucky to James Grant Rawlins Sr. and Eulah (Collinsworth) Rawlins who preceded him in death. He married Sharon (Willett) Rawlins on June 16, 1962. To their union was born two daughters Kelly Sherene (Rawlins) Hall and Kimberly Ann (Rawlins) Groesbeck. Don is survived by his daughter‘s Kelly and Kimberly, son in law Dennis Groesbeck. Brother Guyman Rawlins, and sisters, Norma Cooper, Ellewis (Dave) Bowling, and Betty (Butch) Smith; Grandchildren Justin (Clare) Zabokrtsky, Joshua (Cheyenne) Zabokrtsky and Jason Zabokrtsky; Dakota (Ashley) Hall, Crystal Anne Groesbeck, granddaughter in law Tiffany Hall and 24 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Sharon (Willett) Rawlins, brothers JB Rawlins, Tom Rawlins, Jerry Rawlins and James Rawlins JR. and sisters Ora Mae Rawlins, Alice Hatcher and Anna Lucille (Bug) Godsey.; Grandson Donnie Hall, grand-daughter Tusdai (Nikki) Hall and son-in-law Clyde Hall. 

Beverly Jean Taylor (Moers)

Born April 1, 1947

Died April 23, 2026

Born in Wayne, Michigan at Annapolis Hospital to MaryEdith and Ernest Moers. 

Beverly passed away peacefully at her home in Lyndon, KS surrounded by those who cared for her. 

Beverly was a long time employee for the Husdon's Company where she had 35yrs of service and later went on to work for Target. 

Karen Margaret Snethen

(1/10/1947 – 4/24/2026)

Karen joined her husband in heaven on April 24, 2026, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Rolla, North Dakota on January 10, 1947, to Marcenia and Everett Foster. Karen spent most of her childhood in Geneseo, Kansas, where she graduated high school in 1965. After graduation she moved to Topeka to attend secretarial school which prepared her for a long career as a unit secretary at St. Francis Hospital. At St. Francis she soon settled in the Emergency Department where she worked the rest of her career, retiring in 2007.

Karen Foster married Dan Snethen on July 3, 1971, in Burlingame, Kansas. She became stepmother to Todd Snethen, then later welcomed her boys Dusty, in 1975, and Chad, in 1979. Dan and Karen owned and operated a diner in Geneseo Kansas called “Dan & Karen’s Diner”. Dan and Karen would eventually move back to Topeka, Kansas where they worked and raised their family.

Karen was the most caring and loving sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved her family fiercely and was so appreciative of those who spent time with her. She especially loved to crack jokes and laugh in the most good-natured way. Even as her memory and health faded, she was always smiling. “I didn’t do it!” was her typical response when greeted or “I’ll take a couple million if you have it” when asked if she needed anything. She was the self-proclaimed greatest Elvis fan and spent her last days surrounded by her Elvis collection, watching Elvis movies, and listening to his music. She was one of a kind and will be missed dearly.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Marcenia Foster; husband Dan Snethen; sons Todd and Chad Snethen; sister Etta Rush, and brother Ralph Foster.

She is survived by her son Dusty (Melissa) Snethen, three grandchildren, brother Marvin Foster, and many nieces and nephews.

The family is organizing a Celebration of Life Open House to be held at a later date.

JANUARY 05, 1962 - APRIL 20, 2026

Larry Gene Gardner, 64 of Tecumseh, Kansas, died April 20 at St. Francis hospital in Topeka after complications from open heart surgery.  No funeral services are planned per his request. 

December 16, 1968 – April 29, 2026

Laura “Bada” Lynn Worthey, age 57, passed away on April 29, 2026. She was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, niece, and friend whose presence brought warmth, laughter, and comfort to everyone who knew her.

Laura had a special gift when it came to children. She didn’t just love them—she lived for them. As an aunt, she was unmatched, the one her siblings trusted above all others to care for their kids with endless patience, protection, and love. To her nieces and nephews, and even to the neighborhood children, she was simply “Bada”—a name spoken with affection and familiarity, as if she had always been part of their lives. Many of them felt that she had been.

Her favorite person in this world was her mom, Mary Garbe. Laura was nurtured and deeply loved by her mother for 57 years, and the two shared a bond that was truly special. You would seldom see them apart, as their closeness was a constant and beautiful part of Laura’s life.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Laura loved country music—what she fondly called “the older good stuff”—and cherished artists like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers, and Neil Diamond. She never outgrew her lifelong crush on John Schneider, which she spoke of with a smile.

Laura enjoyed spending her time swimming, fishing, and going on vacation cruises, but nothing brought her more happiness than being surrounded by her nieces and nephews. Whether it was a family gathering, a day by the water, or simply time spent together, those moments were what she treasured most.

Laura will be remembered for her big heart, her unwavering love for her family, and the special role she played in the lives of so many children. Her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched with her kindness, humor, and devotion.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Kansas National Guard Museum.