Charles DeWayne Frank, 87, of rural Westmoreland, Kansas passed away in a UTV accident on April 02, 2025. He was born in Wamego, KS on September 22, 1937 to Clyde and Zelma (Murr) Frank of Westmoreland, KS. He attended the one-room Sales School until he was in 8th grade then attended Westmoreland High School. After graduation he worked for Eby Construction for 20 years which involved traveling and living in many different states. He married his lifelong sweetheart, Ila Mae Scott, on June 16, 1957. Sons who were born to this union are Charles  Stephen, Michael Scott, and Brian Wayne Frank.  In the early 70’s the family moved back to Westmoreland, KS and started farming. He was a member of the Soil Conservation board, Rock Creek Watershed District board, and the Pottawatomie Rural Water District #2 board for many years. 

Dewayne had many various hobbies. Those he was most known for were his apple and peach orchards, gardening, woodworking, leather working, and making breads and cinnamon rolls.    

He is survived by his wife Ila Mae Frank, his sons Steve (Barbara) Frank of Westmoreland, KS, Mike Frank of Marysville, KS, and Brian (Cheryl) Frank of Joplin, MO. He is also survived by his grandchildren Joshua (Kylee) Frank of Westmoreland, KS, Bethany Frank of Marysville, KS, Jordan (Diane) Frank of Myrtle Point, OR, Caleb Frank (fiancé Jordyn Nolan) of Roeland, KS, Hannah (Jared) Himmelberg of Beatrice NE, John (Kireshly) Frank of Newton, KS, Rachel (Luke) Byers of Manhattan, KS, Sierra (Alex) Buckland of Hershey, PA, Simeon (Lexi) Frank of Pittsburg PA, Silas (Ellie) Frank of Carl Junction, MO, and many great-grandchildren.  

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, his sisters Ielean Ewing and Joan Taylor, and his infant daughter, Angela Frank. 

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held for a remembrance on May 24, 2025 from 2-4 pm at Faith Manhattan Church located at 1921 Barnes Road, Manhattan, KS.  

Shirley Darlene (Conine) Moynihan passed away April 27, 2025, surrounded by her children in the home she loved.

Shirley was born to Paul H. and Mildred (French) Conine on December 28, 1935, in Scott County, Kansas. She graduated from Scott City Community High School. From there, she received a Bachelor of Science from Fort Hays University in 1957 and became a Registered Nurse.

She was united in marriage on June 23, 1957, to Edward Jay Moynihan in Scott City, KS. Ed preceded Shirley in meeting their Lord and Savior when he passed on November 7, 2016.

Shirley loved to be active. She was a member of the Concordia Wesleyan Church, Sasnak, and the EVPEO. Over the years, she worked with CWO, NOTC, Heart Choices, the NCK Medical Center Volunteers (Hospital Auxiliary), and more. Shirley played as hard as she worked. She was part of the “Bunco Babes” and the Delta Deck, Cotoree, and Finesse Bridge groups. Shirley will be dearly missed. She was like a mother to many and a friend to all.

Shirley is survived by her three sons: Jay (Tracy) of Tuttle, OK; Steven (Laurie) of Arnold MD; and Gil of Wichita, KS. And daughter Sharla Bradley (Mike) of Topeka, Kansas. Grandchildren: Colby (Randi Sue); Bill; Samantha; Sarah; Kevyn; Jackson; Cheyenne; Sonya; and Kiyah. Great Grandchildren: Thomas; Aiyana; Maiara; and Raiden. As well as 3 Sisters-in law and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed, her parents, granddaughters Brittany and Shiloh, her brother Merlin, and sister Janice.

While Shirley’s passing happened far too quickly for those who love her, she was ready.

Her Graduation Service will be held on May 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Wesleyan Church. A private inurnment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to EVPEO or Ignite Hope (Concordia Wesleyan Church).

APRIL 23, 1974 - APRIL 15, 2025

Jimmy Lee Eastman was born April 23, 1974 and passed away April 15, 2025

Jimmy was a man that would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it and he had it.

Jimmy has 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

Jimmy had 2 children Taz Eastman and Alexis Ray.

Jimmy is proceeded in death with his mother Barbara Eastman and Bill Eastman and a niece Sierra Tibbits.

Jimmy will be missed by many.

APRIL 20, 1943 - APRIL 13, 2025

JoAnn H. Davis passed away on April 13, 2025, at the age of 81, at the Brandon Woods Senior Living facility. She was born April 20, 1943, in Maple Hill, a suburb of Topeka Kansas. She graduated as Valedictorian from Silver Lake High School in 1961. She was the daughter of John Henry Smith and Irene Frances Bullock.

She started work with Volume Shoe in Topeka, Kansas in 1976 as secretary in the Real Estate location and Construction division, acquired on-the-job expertise and was forever upward from then on!

By 1983, she was an Assistant Vice President and Administrative Director. She was named one of the top 10 businesswomen in the nation by the American Businesswomen’s Association (ABWA) and honored at the Las Vegas convention of the ABWA.

She was a member of the Topeka chapter of ABWA since 1979 and was Vice President of the chapter. She was selected as the Topeka Career Chapter’s Woman of the Year, which qualified her along with more than 2,000 other businesswomen for consideration for the national honor. Her national award was based on advancement in business, continuing education and involvement in community affairs. JoAnn was also a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, the women’s division of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, the Everywoman’s Resource Center, President of the Topeka Youth Project Inc. and the co-chairman of Volume Shoe corporation committee.

Subsequently Volume Shoe changed its name to Payless Shoe Stores (PSS with over 4,400 stores). In 1984 she was promoted to Director of Rest Estate and Construction for the PSS regional business office located in Dallas, Texas.

In 1985 she married Bob Mckinney, Vice President of Information Technology at PSS.

In 1989 she was recruited by Trans World Music, headquartered in Albany, New York, as V.P. of Real Estate and Construction. In 1993, she returned to her home in Lawrence Kansas.

JoAnn started a business providing consulting services to similar expanding chain store retailers for location and constructing new stores. One of her clients, Gymboree Children’s Clothing Store, headquartered in California, offered her the position of V.P. She accepted and with her husband moved to Half Moon Bay, CA.

In 1999 they returned home and with her husband enjoyed traveling to every state in the union, except North Dakota. They also enjoyed international travel visiting friends located in Ireland, England, Scotland, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and Germany.

JoAnn is survived by her husband Robert McKinney of Lawrence, her daughter Jonette Luellen (Michael) of Rossville, Susan Schmidtberger (Mark) of Lawrence, and Robert McKinney Jr. (Chris) of Claremore, Oklahoma, and her siblings, Jan Kies of Florida and Raymond Smith of California. JoAnn was preceded in death by her sisters Elaine Mohler, Marilyn Laird. God blessed JoAnn with 11 grandchildren and 2 great- grandchildren. JoAnn was known “as a very classy lady” and highly respected by her peers. She was always outgoing, engaging, and made friends easily and had many of them.

A celebration of life will be held at 10am on May 31 st at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church 5905 SW 10 th Avenue in Topeka. Light refreshments and lots of wonderful memories shared following the service.

SEPTEMBER 04, 1971 - APRIL 18, 2025

James S Phelps, 53 of Topeka, Kansas passed away unexpectedly on Friday April 18, 2025 at his home.

He was born on September 4, 1971 to Steven Phelps and Betty Barngrover in Topeka.

Jamie graduated from Topeka High School in 1991.

He was self-employed throughout his career. He performed  a variety of jobs from plumbing to maintaining properties throughout Topeka. He took pride in his work. Jamie was always willing to give a helping hand to everyone. 

Jamie enjoyed the outdoors, he loved fishing. He has been fishing since he was old enough to hold a pole. His grandpa Charlie was always taking him fishing. They would go night fishing at Shawnee lake throughout the years. 

He loved spending time with his dad Steve. That time was meaningful and impacted others. Jamie would have his dad over on the weekends. They did everything together from doing projects at the house to going fishing. 

Then there was his dog Maggie, he would take her to the lake at the crack of dawn every morning for her daily walks and sniffs. They both enjoyed the atmosphere at the lake. This is how they would start their day. 

Jamie is survived by his father Steve, his brother Chris and wife Darcie, brother Brandon, sisters Jenny, Melissa, and Brandy. Aunt DeAun and husband Bob. He will always cherish his children Brendan and wife Whitney, Brooklyn and husband Christian, Miriah and husband Alex.  He has 8 grandchildren Riley, Harrison, Madelyn, Aenya, Kalliope, Kyran, Juniper and Meridius.

He was preceded in death by his mother Betty, and his son Zeby. 

Jamie’s Graveside Services will be on Wednesday June 11, 2025 at 1pm at Historical Topeka Cemetery, 1601 SE 10^th ST On the Southeast side of the cemetery.

Celebration of Life will be on Saturday June 14, 2025 at 11am-3pm. Shawnee Lake Shelter House #5, 3225 SE Tin Man Circle, Topeka

JANUARY 14, 1985 - MARCH 29, 2025

Ben Edwards, 40, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 29, 2025, while riding his motorcycle in Topeka, Kansas. He was born on January 14, 1985, in Springfield, Missouri.

Ben moved to Topeka in 1996. He graduated from Seaman High School in 2003 with a vocational degree in electronics at Kaw Area Vocational. Ben spent most of his career at Industrial Chrome Industries. He worked in various areas eventually rising to the position of manager in the Wastewater Department.

Ben valued the time that he spent with family and friends. He also enjoyed working, riding his motorcycle, fishing, along with, collecting stamps and coins. Ben had a gracious heart and infectious smile with the greatest laugh that accompanied it. He was always there for those in need with a personality that had such a meaningful impact on so many lives. He knew the true meaning of  brotherly love. Ben knew much adversity during his life, but never gave up hope through his faith for a brighter future before his untimely death. Ben will always be loved and be greatly missed by those who truly knew him.

Ben is survived by his own admission, his greatest accomplishment, his children, Avi and Vera Edwards.

He is also survived by his parents, Dana (Ron) Mauger, Scott (Cindy) Edwards, brother, Josh (Ayla) Edwards and by marriage, Mathew (Susan) Mauger, Candance (Charles) Reiter, Abby (Skip) Sheidler, Elizabeth (Ross) Piper, Dawn (John) Hieniger, Ruby (Devin) Miller, along with many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service and celebration of life will be held in Topeka, KS. Details to be announced at a later date on social media.

December 25, 1929 - April 13, 2025

Delores Mary (Martens) Berkness, 95, of Baldwin City, KS, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Rock Creek of Ottawa surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on December 25, 1929, in Jackson, MN, to Louis Richard Martens and Martha “Keeler” Martens.

On February 7th, 1954, Delores married her beloved husband Curtis Berkness, and they welcomed their only daughter, Gladys, on August 11th, 1955. In 2020, she relocated from Worthington, Minnesota, to Baldwin City, Kansas to be closer to her daughter. Delores cherished assisting her daughter in gardening and planting flowers. She eagerly anticipated the summer season to watch her grandson and great-great grandchildren participate in the demolition derby, where she was their biggest supporter.

Delores is survived by her daughter, Gladys M. “Berkness” “Anderson” Thill of Topeka, KS; granddaughter, Jennifer (Duane) DePauw of Brandon, SD; grandson, Thomas (Jana) Anderson of Pomona, KS; great-grandchildren, Zach DePauw, Sara (David) Kiefer, Adrianne (Jeff) Begalka, Tessa Barnes of South Dakota, Logan Anderson of Kansas, Jacob DePauw of South Dakota, and Sierra Anderson of Kansas, nine great-great-grandchildren, with one on the way; granddog, Zee Anderson; along with many nieces and nephews.

Delores was a loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She cherished spending time with her family and was an enthusiastic supporter of her grandchildren in the demolition derby. After moving to Kansas in 2020, she became a grandmother to many others in the derby community.

In her working years, Delores contributed to Campbell’s Soup Company till 1984, she retired to care for her husband, Curtis, following his massive stroke, which left him disabled until his passing in 2001. Delores dedicated nearly 17 years to being his caretaker, demonstrating remarkable love and devotion.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Martha; her husband, Curtis; her siblings, Harold and Floyd; son in law; Jim Thill and her beloved granddog, Daisy.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 7th 2025, from 2pm to 4pm at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 205 Oxford Street, Worthington, MN 56187. Burial will be done at a later date with immediate family. 

DECEMBER 29, 1963 - APRIL 7, 2025

Charles Barnes Jr.,61 of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 7^th, 2025 at Midland Care Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas.

Born on December 29, 1963, in Kansas City, Kansas, Charles lived a life full of love and generosity. He was known for his incredible, giving heart and his ability to make those around him feel special. A true ladies’ man, Charles was loved by many for his charm and warmth he exuded in every conversation.

Charles fathered Scott, Shiann, Corey, Destiny, Devon, Tayveon, O’ryan, Velorise, and 15 more cherished children. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Amerikiss, Ace, Avery, Bryce, Shania and CJ, as well as other grandchildren whose names are not currently known. Born to his parents, Charles Barnes Sr. and Nedra Harris, Charles was also a loving brother to Jeffery Barnes and Nedra Barnes, and he had a special place in his heart for his nieces, nephews, and their children.

His family and friends will remember him for his big heart, his ever-present sense of humor, and the love he had for those closest to him. Charles’s memory will love on through the many lives he touched with his kindness and his ability to ake anyone feel like family.

Charles is preceded in death by loved ones, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and lasting memories. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A private memorial service will be held to honor Charles’s life.

Kathleen L. (Kendall) Foster joined her Lord and Savior on April 12, 2025 passing away from cancer complications at her home in Overbrook, Kansas. I was born in Kansas City, Missouri December 11, 1950 and was adopted by Rev. Robert and Marian Kendall at birth. Since my father was a Methodist minister we moved to several Kansas towns. I started life in Humboldt, then moved to Hiawatha, Kansas City, KS, Coffeyville then to Topeka.

I attended Topeka West High School and Washburn University. On May 24, 1986 I married James Foster. We relocated from Topeka to a rural farm north of Overbrook, KS. Many years spent raising and selling mules. I worked in Topeka at multiple administrative positions including Petty & Holmes, CPAs, Touche Ross CPAs, Smith Truss Company a/k/a Lohmann & Rauscher USA, State of Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Ralston, Pope & Diehl LLC, attorneys at law.

I was involved in numerous organizations during my life, but my fondest memories are those spent making lifelong friendships with ladies in the Wild Women of the Frontier equestrian group. I held office positions in the Lyndon Saddle Club for many years and happily supported the Friends of Eisenhower State Park, Melvern, activities and the Kansas Horse Council Equifest events. Words cannot describe the pride I take in the way my children have become adults and parents and have excelled in their professional accomplishments.

My parents, Robert and Marian Kendall, and my only sibling, a brother, Brooke Kendall, are waiting to welcome me into Heaven. I am survived by my husband, James, three daughters, Heather Ungeheuer (Rusty), Ozawkie; Melissa Bass (Texas) Sara Wood (Erik), Topeka; and step daughter, Antonia Foster (Phillip) New Hampshire, plus six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

I request memorial donations be made to Friends of Eisenhower State Park, in care of Connie Wright, 801 Prospect, Osage City, KS 66523

Peace be with you and may the Good Lord keep you in the palm of his loving hands until we meet again. 

Written by Kathy prior to her passing. 

A celebration of life will be held Eisenhower State Park large shelter house, May 10 at 11 .