FEBRUARY 28, 1931 - MAY 25, 2026

 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jean Delores McKnight, 95, on May 25, 2026, of Topeka KS.  She was born on February 28, 1931, in Madison SD, where she was adopted three days later by Roscoe and Adafern Ward. She was lovingly raised in their home in Lincoln NE with her younger brother, Blaine E. Ward.

Jean graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948, and attended the University of Nebraska for two years where she met Arthur Johnson at a dance, fell in love, and married on August 4, 1950. They started their life and family together in Lincoln. They had four children and in 1970, Arthur’s job moved the family to Topeka KS. It was a difficult time and in the fall of 1971 they were divorced. Art moved to Wichita and remarried. 

In February of 1974, Jean married George W. McKnight and they built a new home in Topeka. In 1977, the family moved to George‘s childhood home of Abilene KS, where he continued to work for the telephone company. Jean was a homemaker and also worked outside the home. Jean moved back to Topeka in 1988, after George passed away in 1987.

Jean reconnected with Arthur Johnson in 1998, after his second wife passed away and moved to Wichita to be with him. It was so wonderful to have the family back together. Jean and Art built a home in north Topeka to be close to the children and grandchildren. They were together until his passing in September of 2003.

Jean worked for the Nebraska legislature, Kansas Attorney General Vern Miller, Shawnee County Adult Probation office, and Shawnee County 11th Associate District Judge Matthew Dowd. She also worked for a title company, a dentist, church office, and Hank Royer's law office. Later she worked in an office supply store and as a receptionist in a Topeka law firm.  Jean genuinely loved her jobs because she was a real people person. She loved meeting and helping people. 

Jean sewed clothes for her daughters, herself, and made clothes for Barbie dolls. She did needlepoint and other crafts. She enjoyed watching and playing along with the game show channel as well as watching golf, tennis, football, and basketball. 

Jean’s faith was important in her life and gave her comfort. She was a member of East Lincoln Christian Church, Martell Methodist Church, and First Congregational Church of Topeka.

Jean had a warm smile, gentle touch, quick wit and  made everyone feel welcome and loved. She truly loved watching her family grow and thrive. They brought her so much joy.

Jean is survived by Linda Johnson, daughter, Lincoln NE; Jerry Johnson, son (Gloria,  wife); David Johnson, son (Kim, wife); Joyce Robinson, daughter - all of Topeka; Amy Strubel, step-daughter (John, husband), Abilene KS; Noreen Ward, sister-in-law, Overland Park, KS, eleven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews who Jean loved dearly.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Roscoe E. and Adafern Ward; her brother, Dr. Blaine E. Ward; her first husband, Arthur Johnson and her second husband, George W.  McKnight. 

Jean will be remembered with much love and missed by those who knew her.

Violet Francis Weeks Crim
Passed on June 10th, 2026

Born in Lawrence Ks, Parents were Vernon and Helen Davenport Weeks

Siblings of Violet are
Roxy Taylor, Leslie Weeks, Jimmy Weeks and Richard Weeks

Violet had three children,
Robert Cox, Jason Cox and Tony Cox

Violet had many nieces and nephews and several grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

SEPTEMBER 12, 1948 - MAY 22, 2026

Thomas Osborne Lunsford, 77, passed away on May 22, 2026 in Topeka, Kansas. He was born on September 12, 1948 in Artesia, New Mexico. Tom worked at Santa Fe Railway. His favorite hobbies were golfing, hunting, and playing Poker with his family.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Mary Jo, and two siblings, Mike and Sharma. He is survived by his sisters and brothers, Glenda, Gary, Anita, Allie, Marla, and Lary. His is also survived by his wife Joan, and his daughters, Janis, Rhonda, and Geri. Tom was also blessed to have 7 grandchildren and 9 great- grandchildren.

There will be two services held for Tom; on June 6 th from 4pm-6pm at Mission Hill church, 7626 SW 17 th St, Topeka, Kansas and the second being held on September 12, 2026 in Roswell, New Mexico.

Paul Gladney Jr passed away on May 24, 2026. 

His Memorial Service is June 15th, 2026 at 11:00am at St. Lukes Missionary Baptist Church; 2222 SE Madison St. Topeka, KS 66605

Paul Gladney Jr. “Bubba” was born March 9^th,1989 in Topeka, Kansas to Jeff and Burna Gladney. He was the youngest of 5 sibling. Bubba spent his youth, loving & spending time with his siblings, Uncle Lealva & family. He loved to cook be around family laughing & sharing stories. He was a protector at heart. Someone you could always call on. Family meant everything. The one thing he loved more than himself is his daughter Praizjha, who survives him along with his father, Jeff Gladney ( Rocky) brothers, Larry Merriweather JR & Paul Gladney Barrett, Sisters, Sherron Gladney & Titiana Gladney, Niece Winter Gladney, Aunts Gloria Rhoten & Sunny Young,  Uncles Kim Gladney & Lealva Young

Paul “Bubba” is preceded in death by his mother  Bruna  Gladney , Grandparents , Lee & Bobby Ann Young,  sisters Chandra Gladney & Latonya Merriweather & brother  Matthew Gladney.

He was loved beyond measure and will be treasured in our hearts & memories

Thank you to all friends family for your sympathy and condolences for our family at this time.

APRIL 10, 1933 - MAY 08, 2026

Roberta Mae Buchholz, age 93, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026.

Roberta was born on April 10, 1933, in Overbrook, Kansas, to John and Gladys Grame, and grew up in Berryton, Kansas. She graduated from Topeka High School and carried throughout her life the values of hard work, pride in country, and devotion to family that were rooted in her Kansas upbringing.

Roberta worked throughout her life as an Executive Assistant, Entrepreneur, Real Estate Investor and in the banking industry. She enjoyed staying active, especially through playing cards and games with family and friends. She was also an avid sports fan and greatly enjoyed cheering on her favorite teams.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Puett. Along with her Brothers John, Robert, Charles and Sister Neva.

Roberta is lovingly survived by her children: Scot (Sue) Buchholz, Eric Buchholz, and Joleigh (Kevin) Ellis. She was a proud grandmother to Reyanna, Wesley, Katey, Julia, Sean, Leigh, Shelby, Drake, Tyler, and Brady, and was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren. She was able to spend time meeting her newest great-granddaughter Frankie J, a few days before her passing.

She is also survived by her sisters, Velma Stattelman and Ella (Doug) Johnson; her brothers, Francis Grame and Neal Grame; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and her Park Plaza friends.

Roberta will be remembered for her love of family, her caring spirit, her strong work ethic, and the many lives she touched throughout her years. Her memory will continue to live on through those who knew and loved her.

A graveside interment service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on June 20, 2026, at Topeka Cemetery, with a memorial luncheon following at Berryton United Methodist Church.

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.  

In Lue of Flowers please send donations 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.