Meriden- Larry A" Smoke " Diven passed away August 1' 2022 at his home. He was born to Harold and Joyce Peck Diven on March 16' 1958 in Kansas City Missouri. He married Verna Houghton on June 28' 1986. She survives. They have a Daughter Kelsey (Joey) Lightell.  Also surviving is His Grandchildren in which he loved to spend time with almost everyday Koralee and Raymond Lightell. He is survived by Sister's Sandy Diven and Tammy (Bruce) Brumbaugh both of Topeka, Kansas. Brother-in Law's Tommy Mansfield (Chris), Michael (Dawn) Houghton and Patrick Houghton all of Topeka, Kansas. Sister-in Law's LeeAnne (Steve) Skinner Topeka, Kansas and Kathy (Ken deceased) Hobart Kansas City, Missouri. Many Niece's, Nephew's and extended Family. So many daycare kiddos throughout the years were a part of his life.  He retired from KDWPT after years, where he worked at Perry State Park. He also worked at Fox Ridge Townhouses for 8 years. Smoke enjoyed hunting, fishing and Family vacations. He really liked to get all the Daycare kids wound up when he came in and out. He was truly one of a kind. A Celebration of Life will be August 27th from 3-6 at Muddy Creek Game Birds Lodge 8721 NE Brown Rd. Meriden, Kansas 66512. Food, tea and lemonade will be provided. 

April 28, 1985 - July 19, 2022

Kyan Jacob Evans, 37, passed away at home in KCMO, on July 19th, 2022. He was born to James and Kathleen (Katie) Evans, on April 28th, 1985, in Topeka, KS. He grew up in Topeka and graduated from Topeka West High School in 2004. He had many jobs throughout the years, but being a butcher was his passion.

He was a beloved father, friend, brother and uncle. He enjoyed talking about all things history and war related. He liked to tinker with random things and make them explode. Many of his friends and family recall him making and wearing a ghillie suit. He would hide in the trees and bushes, sometimes waiting for hours to jump out at the first person he saw. He was a funny guy for sure. He dreamed of someday becoming a pilot and traveling the world. Other hobbies included, music (especially NIN), riding his bike, walking his dog, reading and cooking. He never met a stranger and brought so much energy and joy to everyone he encountered. He will be terribly missed by all his friends and family.

Kyan was preceded in death by his mother, Katie Evans; father, James Evans; grandparents, Doreen Cummins, Raymond Cummins, Faith Evans, and Joe Evans. 

Survivors include a son, Gannon Evans, that he shared with Cierra Hillard, both of Topeka, KS; sister, Meghan Evans (Robert McCall), Topeka, KS; nephews, Brayden Rodgers and Kasyn McCall, both of Topeka, KS; cousins, Erin Essin, NC, and Will Essin, CO; aunts Annie Gaddy, CO, and Mary Faith Evans, CO; uncle, John Evans, CO; best friend, Kelley, KCMO; and his beloved dog, Tommy. 

A celebration of Kyan's life is planned for 2pm on Sunday, August 14th, 2022, at Lake Shawnee Shelter House #1 (3400 SE Leisure Lane, Topeka KS, 66605). All are welcome to join. 

IRIS D. CASEY

born May 27, 1924, through July 6, 2022

daughter of:

JDR (Johnny) and Bessie Elizabeth Hensey Dennis, Pomona, KS

Iris Viola Dennis Casey passed peacefully and gracefully in her sleep the morning of July 6, 2022.  She was 98 years old.  Daughter, Carol, was at her side, who had lived with and taken care of her for the last five years. Iris is survived by her brother, Glen Dennis (Betty) of Grand Junction CO; and one sister, Lelia Habiger of Topeka, KS, four children, eight grandchildren, and fifteen great grandchildren, with one in the oven.

Iris was born and raised in Franklin County, Kansas. Although she lived for periods of time in Minnesota and California, she lived the majority of her life in Kansas. She was raised as a country girl, working on the farm and with livestock. Her father and grandfather traveled while racing horses and often took Iris with them.  This association with living with country people and racing may have given her the spice of life and the confidence to take on whatever came at her. She had many careers in her lifetime, including being a “Rosie the Riveter” in Wichita during World War II putting together airplanes. She worked a number of jobs, always contributing and doing her share. As her children were growing up she was a dedicated, Midwestern mother and housewife.

Iris will be missed.  We will remember her for her deep and genuine interest in the people around her. She had a way of making whoever she was with feel special, and being with her was special.  Perhaps her most remarkable trait (among many) was her positive attitude.  She lived almost a century through all kinds of ups and downs, and throughout it all she looked for the best in the situation and the people around her. She made and kept lifelong friends.

Everyone will tell you she had “spirit” and a zest for life. We are lucky to have been a part of her life.              Mark Willhite

Married 18 years to Dale Willhite (deceased), the father of her four children; worked various jobs, the last as insurance auditor.  Dale was a US Navy pilot on ocean carriers and a college athlete.

October 23, 1939 - July 07, 2022

Marilyn Catherine Flott (Frehe), 82, of Topeka, Ks. Passed away peacefully on July 7, 2022.  She was born October 23, 1939 in Seneca, Ks. the daughter of Fred Frehe and Elizabeth (Lackey) Frehe.

She attended St. Peter and Paul School then later married Richard Lee Flott on November 22, 1963 in Seneca; they were married for 32 years. Marilyn worked in the medical field until she retired then worked another 18 years as a delivery driver for Dillons.  She enjoyed tending to her lawn, going camping, spending time with family, friends and drinking a good margarita.

Marilyn is survived by two daughters and a son: Brenda L. Bauer (Eric), Barbara J. Long (Danny), of Topeka, Ks. and a son Michael L. Rogers (Jo) Saint Francis, Ks.

Grandchildren: Kaytlyn Adkins (Jeremy), Bradley Long (Shaley), Brandon Bauer (Erika), Chase Bauer (Carlee), Justin Bauer, Travis Rogers, Taylor Rogers (Olivia).

Great Grandchildren: Tyler, Hadley, Easton (Adkins), Keegan, Braxton (Long), Reagan, and Reed (Bauer).

She was loved by several nieces and nephews. 

Marilyn is proceeded in death by Richard Flott, Edward Frehe, Donald Frehe, Patricia Gonzales (Frehe), Daniel Frehe.

Graveside services will be held Friday, September 23, 2022 at 11:00 at Prairie Home Cemetery.

A Celebration of her Life will follow. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society 785-233-7325.

Charles William “Chuck” Hale
July 1, 1932 - June 30, 2022

Lynell Kay Walz Kinish, 79, of Council Grove, formerly of Wilsey Ks., departed her mortal life on earth and gained her heavenly wings on June 29, 2022, at Diversicare of Council Grove. She was surrounded by those who loved her the most, her family and friends, singing Christian Gospel Hymns.

She was born June 16, 1943 in Emporia Kansas, and at a very young age became the beloved daughter of George and Beulah Walz, Quinter Kansas. She attended elementary and high school at Quinter, attending a one room schoolhouse for the first several years.

Lynell met and married the love of her life, the late Thomas Kinish Sr., in 1960, marrying in June 1961. To that union, they brought seven children into this world. She spent many years making a loving home, raising her children and making everyone who came to visit, welcomed. Due to her husband’s job, they moved around Kansas many times, before settling in the Wilsey area in 1978.

After her children were mostly raised, Lynell began working outside the home, at the local Hays House Restaurant, before retiring in 2008. She was very well known for making the homemade salads the restaurant was known for. Once retired, she dedicated her life to helping raise her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, earning her the names of G-Ma, Nana Nellie, Grandma and Nana. She took pride in attending their school activities and sports. Her Grandchildren will tell you, she never said “NO”.

Gregory Joseph Henry
October 15, 1962 – July 3, 2022

Gregory Joseph Henry, 59, of Holton, passed away on Sunday, July 3 at his home in Holton following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born October 15, 1962 in Shawnee, Kansas, the son of Lawrence Leo Henry, Sr. and Cora Mae Cooper Henry. Greg was baptized at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, KS. Greg grew up in the Shawnee area, and graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in 1981.

Prior to his cancer diagnosis, Greg was employed by USD 336 in Holton as a custodian. Throughout the years he had been employed in construction, roofing and farming.

Greg was an avid KC Chiefs fan and enjoyed fishing and hunting with his brothers, nephews, and cousins.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, Renee Sue Henry.

He is survived by his siblings, Patricia Gibbs, Lampe, MO; Larry (Krista) Henry, LaCygne, KS; and Carl (Carol) Henry of Overland Park, KS; seven nieces and nephews, Aaron, Tyler, Rachel, Nichole, and Jesse Henry and Cody and Kaitlin Gibbs. His companion, Connie Bohannon-Kebert of Holton, and her sons, who he regarded as his own, Jason Kebert, Jeremy (Brenda) Kebert, Justin (Melissa) Kebert, 8 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and cousins.

In lieu of funeral services, a Celebration of Greg's Life will be held on Saturday, July 9 from 4-7 pm at the Vet's Club, 926 W 6th, Holton, KS. For those who wish to make a donation in Greg’s memory the family has designated the American Cancer Society or any organization of the donor’s choice.

June 22, 1954 - June 20, 2022

Terry W Hall, 67 of Topeka, KS, passed away June 20, 2022, as a result of natural causes.

 He was born June 22, 1954 in Topeka Kansas to Earl Hall and Loretta Traw Hall.  He married Janice Williams in 1971 and later they divorced. To this marriage they had 4 sons. 

 Terry was preceded in death by both of his parents.  Survivors include four sons, Terry Hall (Janet), Matt Hall (Melissa)  of Topeka, Brian Hall (Sherry) of Berryton and Jason Hall (Hope) of Lawrence.  One brother Rodney Hall (Teresa) of Topeka, 17 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

 Terry grew up in Osage City and attended school there.  He worked many years at Cargill in Topeka, KS.

 Terry was cremated and a memorial graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 10:00 am at the Carbondale Cemetery.