October 21, 1958 - November 16, 2022

Sean B. Rork, 64, of Topeka, Kansas passed away unexpectedly at his home on November 16, 2022.  He was born October 21, 1958 in Wichita, Kansas to O. Thomas Rork and Teresa A. Rork (Towle).

He graduated from Hayden High School and Washburn University.  He spent the last 20 years employed by Lentz Plumbing. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, William K. Rork.

He is survived by his siblings Kathleen A. Reding, Teresa E. Wignall, Thomas M. Rork, Anne M. Allison, Sheila E. Dunbar and Crispin E. Rork and many nieces and nephews.

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

June 16, 1932 - November 11, 2022

William T Owens (Bill) passed away November 11^th, 2022, at his home. Bill was born June 16^th, 1932, in Tacumshane, Ireland, the son of John and Julia Owens.

Bill was an Autobody Technician in Ireland, and England before he was offered an amazing opportunity for he and his family to come to the United States to offer his expertise in the industry. He worked for Lincoln Mercury autobody repair, and later settling in for many years as an insurance adjuster for Farmers insurance.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on vehicles with his sons and he loved to have a Pint of Guinness especially on the holidays.  Bill was very proud of his Irish heritage and visited his home country as often as he could. He and Marilyn took many trips there to visit family.

Bill married Martha Owens and were later divorced. They share 5 sons.

Bill later married Marilyn Owens in July of 1994, she survives. Other survivors include Bills sister Sheila of Ireland, Bills sons, Paul, Terry, Victor, John Owens all of Topeka, his stepchildren, Lacinda Housholder (Danny), Larry Shaw (Jeanne), Debbie McEntire (Danny) and Kim Bean (Titu) all of Topeka. Bill has 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, and his mother and father-in-law (Marvin and Nathalie). Bill was preceded in death by a son Dominic Owens and a granddaughter Brianna Michelle, and brothers-in-law Ed Busey and Tony Mcguire.

The family will greet friends and family on Sunday November 20th from 12:30pm to 3:30pm for a celebration luncheon of Bills life at 3906 NW 16 St Topeka, Kansas 66618. (IBEW local 304 hall)

July 17, 1963 - November 01, 2022

Tammy Kay Baldwin, 59, of Topeka, KS passed away at the University of Kansas Medical Heart Center on November 1st, 2022.

She was born on July 17th, 1963 in Topeka, KS to Leroy W. Groves and Marjorie K. Marsh, both of Topeka.

Tammy attended Highland Park High School. She obtained her CNA license at Kaw Area Technical school in Topeka post high school. She worked as a CNA for many years.

Tammy had two children: a daughter, Amanda Packer and a son, Danny Packer Jr. both of Topeka.

Tammy married Terry G. Baldwin on June 14th, 1997 in Berryton, KS. They shared 25 years of marriage together.

She was preceded in death by her father, Leroy W. Groves and her mother Marjorie “Kathy” Marsh. Several aunts and uncles and a niece.

Survivors include: her husband, Terry G. Baldwin of Topeka. Her daughter, Amanda Packer (Richard), her son, Danny Packer Jr and step son Shannon Baldwin (Tabitha) all of Topeka. Her Sisters, Bonnie Brown (David) of Maryland and Lisa Braden of Topeka and her brothers Wayne Groves, Kenny Groves (Sandy) and Derral Groves (Donna) all of Topeka. Nine grandchildren, Gabe, Josh, Dakota, Jayden, Jordan, Jaxson, Trinity, Xander and Alyssa. Three great grandchildren, Adaleigh, Brayden and Cayden. And several nieces and nephews.

Tammy will be cremated and a memorial/celebration of life service is TBD at this time.

November 08, 1958 - October 13, 2022

Anthony Keith Longstreet passed away Thursday October 13th 2022 in Topeka, Ks. He was born November 8th, 1958 in East St. Louis, Illinois to Ora and Myrna Longstreet. He had four daughters. Ali Longstreet (Robin), Chaney Jordan (Deborah) and Sherry and Simone (Annette). He was also survived by 3 sisters. Bobbette Longstreet (KCMO) Ora Renee Longstreet (E St Louis, Ill), and Bridgette Murphy. He had three grandchildren. Karsyn Clark (Ali), Kailyn Mike and Kathrine Mike (Chaney). Anthony also leaves behind his nieces and nephews Renata Dailey , Allison Johnson, and Derek Maxwell. Anthony  Longstreet will be celebrated on Saturday, October 29th, 2022 at 11am at Christ the Savior Baptist Church
914 Splitlog Avenue
Kansas City, Ks 66101

December 31, 1939 - October 21, 2022

William "Bill" Robert Sloop, 82, of Osage City, KS, passed away Friday, October 21, 2022, at Midland Care Hospice House with family by his side. Born on December 31, 1939, in Lyndon, KS, son of Lyle L. and Berneita Vesta (Fanning) Sloop, one of 12 children. 

Bill attended Lyndon High School. Following high school, he attended railroad school in Pueblo, Colorado. Bill then began his lifelong career in the railroad industry, retiring from Burlington Northern Santa Fe after 43 years of service on November 16, 2002. 

Bill married his wife Joan (Black) on January 27, 1967, in Oskaloosa, KS. They began their lives together in Nortonville, KS, eventually settling in Osage City and raising their children. Bill and Joan had celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Bill enjoyed working for the railroad, water skiing, camping, hunting, fishing, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, and spending time with his family, always looking forward to annual family reunions and Sloop Christmas celebrations. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Joan, of the home, his son Robert "Bob" Sloop, Valley Falls, and a daughter, Lisa (Steve) Barger, Burlingame. Seven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren; siblings, Evelyn Hope-Jones of Topeka, KS, Eula Nitcher (Kenny) of Pomona, KS, Norma Miller (Gary) of Lecompton, KS, and Kathy Tevis (Don) of Emporia, KS; 3 brothers, Kenneth Sloop (Ann) of Topeka, KS, Dale Sloop (Pat) of Bel Air, MD and Arlon Sloop (Frances) of KS City, KS.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lyle and Berneita Sloop, his son, Timothy Sloop, sisters, Rose Ann Sloop and Berneita Jean Burns-Johnson; brothers, Don Sloop and Lyle Dean “LD” Sloop; and daughter-in-law Pamela Sloop.

His celebration of life service will be at Osage City Senior Center on Friday, November 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Memorials may be given to Osage City Senior Center.

January 17, 1935 - October 5, 2022

Mildred (Millie) Baker, age 87, passed peacefully at her home on October 5, 2022, into the arms of her Lord and Savior surrounded by those she loved. 

Mildred was born January 17, 1935, in Grainfield, Kansas, the daughter of Amalia (Rohr) and Joseph Dinkel. She was named after her nurse that helped deliver her but preferred to go by Millie. She was also a birthday gift to her older sister, Wilma, and celebrated many wonderful birthdays together.  

Millie grew up in a large family in Grainfield, Kansas. She worked at her family’s grocery store until graduation from Grainfield High School in 1953. Upon her graduation, Millie moved to Salina, Kansas and pursued a degree in cosmetology. She was a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating several beauty salons in Topeka, Kansas for many years. She was a long-time member of the Kansas Board of Cosmetology and retired in 2014. 

She met her husband Charles Duane Baker in Topeka, KS. They united in marriage in Grainfield, Kansas at Millie’s home parish on August 8, 1960. Millie and Duane enjoyed 62 years of marriage and raised 3 children in Topeka, Kansas.  

May 19, 1952 - October 09, 2022

Dianne Davis Park passed away Sunday October 9, 2022 at home with family by her side.  She was born on May 19, 1952 to Joe and Ruth Davis in the family home in Rossville, Kansas. She is preceded in death by her parents.  Dianne is survived by her loving husband Plesant “Bud” Park, her son Ty (Christina) Forshee, and her granddaughter, Lily Forshee.  She is also survived by her siblings: Josephine Davis, Debbie (Mike) Bond, William Davis, David (Elaine) Davis, Melinda Bourne and Brenda Parsons.  

Dianne worked as a homemaker, then worked for Westar Utility as a billing clerk, and lastly for TARC as a billing specialist.  Dianne was a kind soul and had a love for all God’s creatures. She took great pride in her small hobby farm and garden.  She loved horse riding and took care of every farm animal imaginable.  

Dianne fought a long, hard, 22 year battle with COPD and emphysema which ultimately took her life.  

A Celebration of Life will occur on Sunday October 23, 2022 at 1:00pm at the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden and Venue at the Topeka Zoo, 635 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS.  

A short memorial service will be held followed by lunch and fellowship.  

Family asks that donations be made to the charity of your choice.

April 2, 1958 – October 9, 2022

Timothy Leroy Penzien passed away peacefully in his home October 9^th, 2022 after an eight year battle with Lewy Body dementia and Leukemia. 

He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Diana (Di) of 30 years; Children: Cara (Chad) Binkley; Jacob (Angie) Penzien; Gary (Amy) Penzien; Elizabeth Penzien; Jamie Penzien; Henry Penzien; Benjamin Penzien; Nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild; Siblings: Marcella Robinson, and Jonathon (Debra) Penzien.

Tim was a graduate of Imlay City High School in 1976.  He continued after graduation working on his family’s farm, which he started helping with at age 5.  His work ethic and desire to take care of family led to him enlisting in the Army at age 27.  He led a very distinguished military career to include:  Special Forces, Military Intelligence Linguist, Airborne ranger, with three tours in Iraq.  Furthering his education was a personal goal he fulfilled along the way completing his Bachelors degree in 2003.  He retired after 22 years of service and continued in his same field of work as a civilian.  He also enjoyed his time as a member of the VFW where he was post commander for 4 years. 

He led his life as a Godly man.  Enjoying all life had to offer.  He lived and raised his family in Europe for over 20 years while serving his country.  While traveling he enjoyed exploring diverse local history, culture, cuisine and yes, Beer.   Although his illness would prevent him from returning to his true passion of farming, he did dabble through the years with his personal garden and enjoyed sharing farming stories with his children and grandchildren. 

Tim’s boisterous and mischievous laugh was contagious.  He had a great sense of humor.

A memorial and military service will be held in Michigan at a later date this Fall.  The family requests donations be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org)

The Penzien family gives its sincere thanks to all who stood by them in Tim’s last years.

June 28, 1941 - September 07, 2022

Judy Kay Purdum, age 81, of Topeka, passed away peacefully on September 7^th, 2022.

She was born on June 28^th, 1941 in Osage City, Kansas. Judy was the daughter of Glen & Norma (Karnes) Jones.

She married Donald Purdum on April 30^th, 1971; they later divorced but remained close friends. Judy loved antique and thrift shopping. She was also an avid collector of roosters. She was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone she could, including dogsitting her granddogs.

Survivors include four children; Tammy (John) Mawson, Michael Golla, Tammy (Jeff) Parker, and Bonnie Brown; one brother, Ray Jones; eight grandchildren, Kyrstin Talley, Cody (Tina) Purdum, Jennifer Mawson, Sarah Mawson, Cherise Bowers, Jonathan Parker, Jenny Parker, and Jason Parker; and 8 great grandchildren.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, sister Glenetta Davis, and brother Ronnie Jones.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 15^th from 4-6 pm at The Milestone Market located at 3935 NW 25^th Street, Topeka, KS 66618.

March 22, 1941 - September 30, 2022

Patricia Faye (Cook) Welch, 81, died September 30, 2002, after a nearly 3-year battle with Goodpasture Syndrome.  She is survived by her husband Ron, daughters Debra (Mike) Matavosky and Cheryl Roosevelt, son George (Jamie), brother George (Nancy) Cook, 10 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents George and Nira Faye (Clements) Cook, brother Stephen, and grandson Aaron Roosevelt.

Pat was a 1959 graduate of Hayden High School and retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone as Manager of Official Calling Services.  She was a Mary Kay consultant for over 30 years and achieved director level during that time.

A breast cancer survivor who loved to read, Pat also enjoyed travel.  She visited many European and Caribbean countries, numerous Canadian provinces, and 48 of 50 states.  She had hoped to visit the last two (Oregon and Idaho) before being stricken with the rare kidney and lung disorder.

A private family service will be held at a later date.  Should you wish to honor Pat’s memory, the family suggests contributions to the Capper Foundation in her name.