Linda Diane (Wilson) Hammond

Linda Diane (Wilson) Hammond

Linda Diane (Wilson) Hammond, 62, Topeka, passed away May 9, 2022.  Linda was born November 8, 1959, the daughter of Edwin and Alla LeRea Wilson.  She graduated from Highland Park High School in 1977. Linda was part of the spirit club and mat maids in high school and loved going to basketball and football games.  Especially cheering on the KU Basketball Team and her Kansas City Chief’s!!

She enjoyed bowling as a kid on into adulthood.  She bowled on two leagues at Southwest Bowl and Gage Center.  She also loved watching her children play sports and definitely let them know if the did and did not do well!

Linda married Tim Scheidegger on June 30th, 1978.  They had two children, Bryan and Brandy.  They later divorced.  She married Ken Hammond on January 4th, 1992.

Linda is survived by her husband Ken, son Bryan (Amanda) Hammond, daughter Brandy Hammond, stepdaughters Donna (Josh) Sutton, Becky (Clay) Jaeger, and TJ (Victoria) Hammond; 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and older brother Thomas and younger sister Betty Marie.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 31st from 2-4pm at the Lecompton Community Building in Lecompton, KS.  A private burial will be held at a later date. Please send memorial contributions to the N.E. Kansas Parkinson’s Association Po Box 67342 Topeka, Ks, 66667-0342.

 

David Edward McNally

David Edward McNally

David Edward McNally
May 24, 1957 - May 6, 2022
 
David Edward McNally passed away on Friday, May 6, 2022 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas. David was born in Topeka, Kansas, on May 24, 1957, the son of Nina Ruth Eklund McNally and Edward John McNally.
 
David is survived by his mother, Ruthie Eklund Edwards, Topeka, KS, his sister Cathy McNally Brace, Vassar, KS. his, brother Ryan (Noel) Edwards, Overbrook, KS, his nieces Emma (Antonio Santos) Brace and Molly Jesse Brace, his nephews Caleb Edwards, Noah Edwards, and Luke Edwards, his aunt June Hall, Wichita, KS, and many cousins. He was predeceased by his father, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and his beloved grandparents, John and Emma Eklund.
 
David attended Sheldon Elementary, Boswell Jr. High, and Topeka High. He played the violin during his school years and continued to enjoy doing that throughout his life. David had a wide variety of jobs over the course of his life but one he really enjoyed was working at McFarland's Restaurant where he made friends with several co-workers. David enjoyed watching the Chiefs games with friends, listening to music, and going fishing. David had many fond memories of spending time in his younger years on his grandparents farm and the fun times he had there with his sister, brother, and cousins. In his later years, he took care of his Mom and was living with her at the time of his death. He was always willing to help a friend in need and loved his family very much.
 
A small memorial service was held at First Congregational Church and David's remains were interred in the Memorial Garden there. on May 31, 2022. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice House, Topeka, KS or First Congregational Church, Topeka KS for the Memorial Garden.
 
 
 
Vivian Rovana Matthews

Vivian Rovana Matthews

Vivian Rovana Matthews

December 08, 1934 - May 29, 2022

Diane Kay (Smith) Ewing

Diane Kay (Smith) Ewing

March 02-1947 - May 21, 2022

Diane Kay (Smith) Ewing, 75, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at her home surrounded by family.  She was born on March 2, 1947.  Her husband of 54 years, Ronald Arthur Ewing, preceded her in death.  She is survived by her children Ron and Melodie Ewing, Corki and Brian Spurgeon, Troy and Amy Ewing, Matt and Jennifer Ewing, Kim and Everett Horn, along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Diane was an ordained minister and took over Disciples of Faith Church when her husband passed away.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She will be missed greatly by everyone's lives she touched.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022, for family and friends.  For details please reach out to family.

 
Paul “Dean” Eshom

Paul “Dean” Eshom

February 06, 1956 - May 23. 2022

Paul “Dean” Eshom, 66, of Topeka, Kansas, sadly passed away in his home on May 23, 2022, from cancer. Dean was predeceased by Don and LuJean Eshom/Graybill and left behind his spouse Amy Eshom, sisters Michelle Zeller, Kim Graybill, Rhonda Zimlich, and brother Brian Eshom; along with many nieces and nephews, one great niece and four great nephews.

Early in his career Dean began working for various scaffolding companies and went on to pursue gold mining endeavors in California and Colorado, he later moved to Chicago with his mother and sister. After returning home to Kansas, he became a golf course superintendent and shortly thereafter Dean met his wife Amy, and they were married in 2013. The two moved to the Kansas countryside and pursued their own business in home remodeling repairs.

Dean was a standout in athletics during his high school years; primarily in basketball, football, and track, enjoyed hunting in Colorado with family and friends and loved sport scuba diving in Hawaii. Often referred to as “Butch” by close friends and family members, Dean was always care-free, highly intelligent (graduated Magna Cum Laude), as loyal as they come, and stubborn as a mule. Dean will be missed by many for the way he cared and sought the best out of those closest to him. He loved his wife Amy fiercely and respected and cherished the life they built together.

To honor Dean’s memory, we are holding a celebration of life on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at 1pm at Dean and Amy’s home (9147 NW Wilson Road, Topeka, KS 66618). We invite anyone who knew Dean to attend and remember Dean’s extraordinary life. 

Patricia Ann Handley

Patricia Ann Handley

April 03, 1940 - May 13, 2022

In Loving Memory
Patricia Ann Handley
1940-2022

Friday morning May 13th, 2022 at 9:05 a.m., our Momma, Patricia ‘Patty’ Ann (Harris), passed away peacefully at the Brookside Retirement Community in Overbrook, KS. She formally lived in Burlington, Ks.

She was born April 3rd 1940, in Topeka, Kansas, being the second child of Bernard A. Harris and Fern (Smalley) Harris-Palmer.

Patty attended Washburn High School and was with the Class of 1956. Though she did not graduate with her class, she did get her GED. She had other plans and that was to get married to Charles ‘Chuck’ Handley on March 10th, 1956 at the Seabrook Congregational Church. To their union, they had five children, Charlie Joe, Wade, Bernard, Rochelle and Kandice. They were later divorced.

Her family lived in a lot of places within Kansas, Oklahoma and Washington. But home was wherever they were together. One of their moves was to Tahlequah, OK, where they owned and ran a café there. Back in Kansas, she took employment at King Radio in Ottawa, while living in Williamsburg. During her time of living outside of Burlingame, Ks she worked for Payless Shoe Source in Topeka. In 1982 they moved to the Spokane, WA area and took employment at Moland Greeting Card Company and later went to work at Fairchild Air Force Base as a civilian worker in the Accounts Payable division. She missed her Kansas family and they moved back to Kansas and lived in Larned and on to Burlington. There, she made many friends and volunteered at God’s Storehouse.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, brother Gary in 1957, children - Charlie Joe in 2008, Bernard in 2016, and Rochelle in 2002.

She leaves behind her children Wade (Pam) Handley, Andover, KS. Grandchildren – Holly, Nathan and Dusty, and 15 great-grandkids, 2 great-great grandkids with one more on the way. Kandice (Bron) Williams, Bartlesville, OK., grandchildren – Jeyton, Jordan and Jena. Daughter-in-law Teresa Handley (Bernard), Gridley, KS, grandchildren – Erin, Megan and Dakota, and 6 great-grandkids. Sam and Annette Marz, Corpus Christi, Tx., adopted parents for two of her grandsons with Rochelle’s passing, grandchildren – Austin and Brewster, and 7 great-grandkids. Grandchildren from Charlie Joe, Steven, Charles and Andrea, and 3 great-grandkids. A sister, Linda Wittman (Jerry), Topeka, KS., along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Patty’s family will receive family and friends one hour prior to the Celebration of Life which will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 4th, 2022 at Burlington United Methodist Church 207 S 6th St Burlington, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to Brookside Retirement Community for their activity funds or the Burlington United Methodist Church and sent to Wade Handley 1017 W Clyde St. Andover, KS 67002. Please designate in the notes which is your preference.

Jessica Ann Alejos

Jessica Ann Alejos

July 21, 1971 - May 08, 2022
 
Jessica Ann Alejos, (Jessie) age 50 was called home to be with our Lord on May, 8, 2022. Jessie was born in July, 21, 1971 in Topeka, Ks. to Candice (Rooker) and Robert Alejos.
 
Jessie loved to bowl, cook an bake. Her favorite holiday was the 4th of July and celebrating her Mexican heritage, Dia de los Muertos.
 
Jessie is survived by, her Grandfather (Ed Rooker of Topeka, Ks.) her Mother & Father (Candice & Robert Alejos of Topeka, Ks.) her Sister (Teresa Wyatt and family of Mesa, Az.) her Children (Gage McGahey and family of Tempe, Az.) & (Lindsay McGahey and family of Osage City, Ks.).
 
She is preceded in death by her Maternal Grandmother, Shirley Rooker and her Paternal Grandparents, Felicitas and Sergio Alejos.
Diana Marie Bledsoe Gaither

Diana Marie Bledsoe Gaither

December 04, 1967 - May 14, 2022

Diana Marie Bledsoe Gaither passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at her home in Topeka, Kansas. Diana was born in Beeville, TX, December 4, 1967, the daughter of Susan Bledsoe Gaither and Max Gaither while her father was in pilot training.

Diana is survived by her father; her brother Robert Gaither; her aunts Charlotte Adair and Peggy (David Griffith) Adams, cousins Lee (Paul) Baker, Jeff (Elaine) Adair, Mike Bledsoe, Mac (Barbara) Bledsoe, Dick Perkins, John Perkins, Katie (Vaughn) Olson, great aunts Juanita Keeling and Janice (Tom) Crissman; and many other close second cousins. Her mother, Susan Gaither, passed away in March, 2020.

At Topeka West High School she excelled at basketball and tennis and was inducted in the Topeka West Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. At Kansas University she played varsity tennis. Her sophomore year she was voted most improved player. She graduated in 1990 with degrees in Communications and Spanish. Her masters in Marketing was from KU.

Diana worked for Payless ShoeSource in Topeka, Waddell & Reed, Inc. in Kansas City, then was Vice President for Communications for Franklin Templeton Investments in San Mateo, California. She worked briefly for Chevron before moving back to Topeka. She served on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of San Mateo and the Angie Barry Run committee in Topeka. She loved her friends and relatives and was generous with her gifts and time attending many sports events and activities.

A memorial service will be held at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka, KS 66614, Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at 4:30 pm followed by a gathering for family and friends until 6:30 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Topeka, 550 SE 27th St., Topeka, KS 66605.

Kathy Lorraine Holmes

Kathy Lorraine Holmes

Kathy Lorraine Holmes
April 13, 1953 -- May 10, 2022
 
Kathy was born in Scott City, Kansas. Shortly afterwards, her family moved to Plains, Kansas, where her father opened a pharmacy. Kathy was very close in age to her brother Tom and was somewhat of a tomboy. She became peeved when she had to start wearing a shirt when she was outdoors. She attended Plains Grade School and graduated from Southwestern Heights high school in 1971. After her high school graduation, the family moved to Larned, Kansas, where she went to work at Larned State Hospital. This was the first of many jobs dedicated to public service. She worked as a Licensed Mental Health Technician at Larned State Hospital, Topeka State Hospital, and was first an aide and later a security guard at the Kansas Neurological Institute. Hospital closures necessitated her change in careers. She worked the rest of her career for the Capitol Police as a guard and a dispatcher. Kathy was fiercely loyal to family and friends. She had a lifelong love of animals and rescued many cats and dogs. She experienced several health issues during the last few years but retained her sense of humor and love of family and friends. She is survived by sister Kristine Holmes of Topeka, sister Belinda Holmes of Lawrence, Thomas Holmes (and his wife Florence) of Great Bend, and brother Dan in Cheney, and was preceded in death by parents Richard E. Holmes and Henrietta Belle Parks Holmes. A memorial service will be planned at some time in the future. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, her friends and family can make a memorial donation to Helping Hands Humane Society at 5720 SSW 21st Street, Topeka, Kansas, 66604, or through their website at hhhstopeka.org. Please designate on your check or website contribution that it is in memory of Kathy.
Duane Albert Nigus

Duane Albert Nigus

September 25, 1934 - May 13, 2022

Duane Albert Nigus died peacefully at home with family, May 13, 2022.

Duane was born September 25, 1934 to Ray and Louise Nigus in Hiawatha, Kansas. Duane was raised on a dairy farm outside Hiawatha, and graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1952. Duane attended Kansas University for a short time before starting his 50 year career as an engineer's assistant with the Kansas Department of Transportation in Topeka.

Duane was very creative and had a knack for all things mechanical and electrical. Duane was proud to have earned the "extra class" license for amateur radio. Duane was also actively involved with his children's various projects and activities. Duane was a familiar face around downtown Topeka where he spent his lunchtimes walking until his retirement in 2002.

Duane married Janet Seeley February 20, 1963 in Miami, Oklahoma. Janet died in 2002. Duane was also preceded in death by his mother, father, and seven siblings. Survivors include two sons, Durwin (Pam) Nigus of Chillicothe, Illinois, and Philip (Chonita) Nigus of Topeka, Kansas. Survivors also include four grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held for Duane later this summer at Mt Hope Cemetery in Hiawatha.

 

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3936 NW 16th St., Bldg. B
Topeka, KS 66618

785-215-8386
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