Rick Yerke, 71, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, in his hometown of Salina. He was born on July 31, 1954, in Salina, Kansas, to Clara and Robert Yerke.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Clara Yerke; his father, Robert Yerke; and his brother, Steve Yerke.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Debbie Yerke of Salina; his daughter, Shannon Yerke of Salina; and his cherished grandchildren, Jailynn Rowe and Leon Rowe (Alyssa Patterson), who were truly the pride and joy of his life. He is also survived by his sister, Deb Wilson of Colorado; his brother, Mike Yerke and wife Kara of Indiana; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Rick dedicated much of his life to hard work in the grain and metal industries. He worked at Grain Belt for 17 years before continuing his career at Dub Johnson for 10 years. After the company closed, he went on to work at Salina Steel, where he remained for 20 years until his retirement. Over the decades, Rick built not only a career but a reputation for dedication, reliability, and pride in his work.

Outside of work, Rick had a larger-than-life passion for dinosaurs — a fascination that never faded and brought him endless enjoyment. He loved spending time going to garage sales and auctions, always on the hunt for a good find or hidden treasure. Above all else, Rick treasured his family. His grandchildren brought him immeasurable happiness, and he rarely missed an opportunity to share stories about them.

There will be no formal services at this time. A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at a later date, with details to be shared with family and friends. Memorials may be made in Rick’s honor to the American Heart Association or Breakthrough T1D.

Rick will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his deep love for his family, his unique interests, and the many memories he created with those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

MARCH 15, 1946 - FEBRUARY 16, 2026

Robert Lee Goebel 79 passed away on February 16, 2026 in Rossville Kansas

Born on March 15, 1946 Lee dedicated over 30 years of his life as a carpet layer a trade where he excelled and took great pride. Lee served in the National Guard, a commitment that reflected his dedication and patriotic spirit.

outside his professional life he was passionate about fishing,  frequently going to flea markets and spending time in his garage.

Lee‘s behind his wife Dian his son Daryl for five stepchildren.   Numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, who will miss him deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Fanny Goebel, Joe Goebel, son and Ula Ketron, sister and Greg Ketron nephew.

Lee will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his generous spirit and his love for his family. His life was a testament to the joy of simple pleasures and the love for his family.

APRIL 07, 1953 - FEBRUARY 13, 2026

Cathy Sue Huff, 72, passed away on February 13, 2026 surrounded by her loving family and friends after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic and liver cancer.  Cathy was born on April 7th 1953 in St Joseph Missouri. She was employed by Missouri Methodist hospital for numerous years and after moving to Topeka she was employed by the First Baptist Church for many years as the cook for the daycare and Wednesday night dinners.

Cathy is survived by her daughter Ashley Huff, granddaughter Mackenzie Huff of the home, and a bonus daughter Melissa McBride & bonus granddaughter Niesha McBride-Rains, step-mother Renia Huff of St. Joseph, sisters Cora Seery, Pam Shadduck of Topeka & her sister Christine Adkins & brother Eddie Huff of St. Joseph as well as many nieces and nephews & great nieces & nephews. Her father Edwin Huff, mother Shirley Ingram, brothers Gregory & Billy Huff & an uncle, Bill Huff preceded her in death.

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

MARCH 22, 1966 - FEBRUARY 15, 2026

Stephanie Laverne Lawson passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Aldersgate Retirement Home, where she was receiving Hospice care at the age of 59.

She was born on March 22, 1966, to Kenneth Lewis Sr. and Virginia Tee in Oklahoma City. She was the second eldest of 5 children.

Stephanie was a member of the Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma, She also served her country during Desert Storm as a U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class (P02), She was a very proud retired U.S. Veteran.

Stephanie was preceded in death by her nephew, William Rice, her mother, Virginia Tee, her uncle Al Smith, and her aunt Doris Smith.

Other survivors include her father, Kenneth Lewis Sr., her Fiancé Brandon Fegan, her brother Kenneth Lewis Jr., her sisters Tina Wright, Yvette ‘Sue’ Lewis, Virginia 'Kay’ Glover, her daughter Rachael Lawson, and her nieces and nephews.

Stephanie was well-loved and cherished by her family and friends, and    

the people she helped along the way. She will always be remembered for her kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. She will be truly missed.

DECEMBER 28, 1955 - JANUARY 08, 2026

David Ray Israel, age 70, passed away on January 8, 2026, in Osage City, Kansas.

He was born on December 28, 1955 in Topeka, Kansas as David Ray Lister to Bonita Ilene Winter and Marvin Roy Lister. He was later adopted by his mother's second husband, Lester Junior Israel. He grew up in the Valley Falls area, Dover, and Topeka. He graduated from Seaman High School in 1974. 

He had many occupations including landscaper, roofer, server, gardner, and transporting students.

David loved this world and everything in it. He enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, animals, camping, traveling, "motorsickles", fixing machines, helping strangers, music, cultures, conversations, and laughter. He was most proud of his sons and their families.

Survivors include his five sons; David Long of Lubbock, Texas; James (Elissa) Hobbs of Topeka, KS; Joseph (Tiffany) Hobbs of Berryton, KS; Zachariah (Breanna) Israel of Berryton, KS; and Caleb Israel of Salt Lake City, UT. Grandchildren include Whitney Long of Luther, OK; Michael Brown of Lubbock, TX; Abel, Alisiara, Joseph Jr., Josiah, and Azarius Hobbs of Berryton, KS; Atlas, Orion, and Nyx Israel of Berryton, KS; a brother James Lister of Bismarck, ND; and many more grandchildren, great grandchildren, and cousins.

Preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, brother Truman and sister Belinda.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, find something you love and enjoy your life as much as you can.

Please leave a message for the family if you knew David at all. They would love to hear his stories.

September 20, 1965 – February 12, 2026

David Muñoz, age 60, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on February 12, 2026.

He was born on September 20, 1965, to Manuel and Micila Muñoz. David was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend who will be remembered for his kind heart and generous spirit.

David found joy in the simple things in life. He loved spending time relaxing in his recliner, watching his favorite teams, the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas Jayhawks, and helping others whenever he could—especially his parents, whom he cared for deeply.

Those who knew David will remember him as funny, loving, and always willing to lend a helping hand. His warmth and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

He is survived by his parents, Manuel and Micila Muñoz; his siblings, Manuel Muñoz and his wife, Vivan; Debbie Muñoz; and Philip Muñoz and his wife, Juli. He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Alice Muñoz.

No public services will be held.

David will be forever remembered for his laughter, his kindness, and the love he shared with those around him. He will remain in our hearts always.

August 7, 1950 – January 29, 2026

OCTOBER 13, 1940 - JANUARY 28, 2026

Ellen Jeanne Chappell (Jeanne), age 85, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026.

Jeanne was born October 13, 1940 in Hackensack, New Jersey to Robert Frank Kolde and Mary Margaret Miller Kolde.

She attended Wichita High School East and met her high school sweetheart, Gilford (Gil) Arthur Chappell II. They both attended Wichita University and graduated in 1961, Jeanne with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Physics. The couple married July 29, 1961 and then moved to Salt Lake City, UT for Gil to attend graduate school. Jeanne became a computer programmer for Hercules Powder. After Gil received his PhD in Chemistry in 1965, the couple moved to northern New Jersey, where their son Glenn was born. In 1974 they moved to Overland Park, KS where their daughter Kendra was born. There they settled in a cozy home on tree-lined Beverly Drive where they raised their two children. Together they owned and operated a franchise of Lawn Doctor and then their own business of Lawn Pro. The couple retired in 2001 and
enjoyed morning walks together, traveling to visit their kids and grandkids, as well as an annual 6 week escape to Wyoming to camp in a pop-up camper for their wedding anniversary during the heat of the Kansas summer. They were married for 54 years before Gil passed away in 2016.

Jeanne had a smile that could light up a room even up to her last days. She loved cooking and was up for (almost) anything for her kids and grandkids AND their friends. Many called their home on Beverly Drive the “home for wayward college students” as Gil and Jeanne were welcoming of friends and family who needed a place to land for the holidays or a weekend or sometimes longer. Their backyard was filled with the most beautiful green grass (kept up by Gil), rocks brought back from their camping adventures, day lilies in every open space and a restful patio and hammock. Jeanne was involved in her church communities. She also loved working on and sharing her photoshop creations and homemade jewelry.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her father Robert Frank Kolde, her mother Mary Margaret Miller Kolde, and her husband Gilford Arthur Chappell II. She is survived by her son Dr. Glenn Gilford Chappell (Joanne) of Fairbanks, AK; daughter Kendra Jeanne Baldridge (Josh) of Lawrence, KS; grandchildren: Nathaniel Gilford Chappell, Theresa Brooke LaMagna (Joe), Lily Jeanne Baldridge and Max Timothy Baldridge, as well as by her brother James Harold Kolde (Margie). Additionally, Jeanne is survived by her many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends from around the world.

Gil and Jeanne are now reunited in heaven for their morning walks. Jeanne’s cremains will be placed with Gil’s. A Celebration of Life service will be held for Jeanne on May 23, 2026 in Lawrence, KS, more details to come. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be given to the Ellen Jeanne Chappell Memorial at Wichita State University c/o WSU Foundation, 1845 Fairmount, Campus Box 2, Wichita, KS 67260-0002 or online:

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/67255/donations/new?tc=89010 . The funds will be used for student scholarships.

The family would like to thank the staff at Monterey Village Senior Living and Elara Hospice for giving Jeanne such wonderful care in her last year.