October 22, 1948 - February 26, 2023

Pat Morgan went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 26, 2023. She was born on October 22, 1948 in Topeka, KS to Howard and Loretha (Michael) Morgan. Pat worked for the State of Kansas for over 40 years, retiring from the Kansas Museum of History in 2020. She loved gospel music, directed several choirs and spent many weekends traveling and singing in the four-state area with Dennis and Becky Terry. Pat loved spending her free time with her nieces and nephews. You could always find her cheering at their athletic events. She was their biggest fan! Pat is survived by her sister Dody Todd (John), sister-in-law Dolly Morgan, nephews Duff Morgan (Karyn), Monty Hinsen, nieces Tricia Deedrick (Phil), Janice Purney (Steve), Neely Todd and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Howard “Mike” Morgan. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Topeka Baptist Church on Saturday March 4th, at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution can be made to Topeka Baptist Church 4500 SW Gage or Topeka Midland Hospice.

March 28, 1947 - February 19, 2023

Anita Kathleen Smith was born March 28, 1947 to Dennis L. and Helen F. (Tansey) Smith at Dodge City Hospital, Dodge City, Kansas. She joined big sister Caryl at home in Greensburg, Kansas. Anita was baptized upon her confession of faith while in high school at Inman Mennonite Church in Inman, Kansas. She attended Inman Elementary School and graduated from Inman Rural High School in 1965. Following this she attended Emporia State Teachers' College in Emporia, Kansas, where she earned a degree in psychology and a Masters' Degree in clinical psychology. She worked as a school counselor in several schools before working as a clinical psychologist at Family Services and Guidance Center in Topeka.

Anita and Dub Rakestraw were married on May 22, 1987. They were married for 35 years. Anita and Dub shared a great love for animals. When Anita and Dub retired, they moved to a country home outside El Dorado where they enjoyed their horses, cats, dogs, and birds. Besides spending time with her animals, Anita loved reading and photography.

Anita's parents and her husband, Dub, preceded her in death. Those left to cherish memories are her sister Caryl and husband Bob Tieszen of Moundridge, Kansas, her niece Michelle Tieszen of Moundridge, her nephew Jonathan Tieszen and wife Julie and their children Anna and Claire of Harrisonburg, Virginia, her stepsons Shon Rakestraw of El Dorado and Chris Rakestraw and wife Janna of Mulberry, Kansas; step-granddaughter Danielle Mulky of Lamar, Missouri and step-grandson Shon Rakestraw II of Topeka, step-granddaughter Krystina Rakestraw-Soares of Topeka, step-great-grandchildren Quinn and Emma, step sisters Linda Riner and Polly Brotzman.

July 12, 1952 - February 16, 2023

Frances A. Maberry 70 of Lawrence Ks, passed away peacefully at her sisters home in Lawrence, after a courageous 5 year battle with liver cancer.

Frances was born July 12^th, 1952 The oldest daughter of Leander J. Erwin and Shirley A. Secor. She was raised and Graduated school in Eudora Ks. Coming from a large family Frances played a big part in helping tend to her younger siblings. Frances "Sis” held many jobs in her lifetime including Stokley Van Camps, Rubbermaid and Lawrence Cab Co.  before becoming disabled. She enjoyed spending time with her family and checking in on all of her siblings, nieces, nephews and their children who were all very dear to her.

She was the person all the family would go to when trying to remember important events like birthdates and anniversaries. She enjoyed calling her nieces and nephews, the Chiefs, playing bingo and going to the casino with her sister when she was able.

In November she was so happy that she was feeling well enough to attend her great nieces wedding in Winfield Ks and had a great time visiting with everyone. She also reminded people often that one of the greatest gifts she ever received was a great nephew for her 50th Birthday.

Life was not always easy for Sis, but she handled each and every struggle with strength, faith and courage. She always said that "we can't change our past, we can only try harder to not make the same mistakes and to try to do and be better than the day before" and she did just that.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Brother's Lennie and Ben as well as her sister in law Sharon Erwin. She is survived by her two sons Danny Farnsworth of Tx and Jeremy Farnsworth of Lawrence Ks. Four granddaughters, two grandsons and a great granddaughter. Her siblings Michael Erwin, Lawrence, Cindy Flippo, Lawrence, Joseph Erwin, Eudora and Lonnie Erwin, Haysville as well as a host of Nieces, Nephews and their families. Per her wishes no services will be held at this time. A celebration of life for family and friends in Winfield at a later time.

Memorials can be sent if you wish to help defray funeral costs to Lonnie or Cindy as Angels Above does not accept donations.

Thank you Especially to Elara Caring Hospice and to Baldwin Healthcare for their loving care and support.

November 13, 1949 - February 11, 2023

James (Jim) Richard Oesterreich, passed away on February 11, 2023 at the age of 73 in Topeka KS.

Jim was born on Sunday November 13, 1949 to Delbert and Maxine (Kind) in Junction City, Kansas. He grew up on the family farm outside of Woodbine, where both his dad and grandfather, Clifton were raised. He was the 4^th generation of Oesterreichs to be born in the United States. He was the oldest of his two siblings: a brother, John, and a sister, Teresa (Terri). Some of his fond childhood memories included hiking along Lyons Creek (which ran through the family property), riding horses, and shooting “.22s” with his brother. Jim completed all his elementary schooling at the Woodbine School and then attended Dickinson County Community High School in Chapman, graduating in 1967.

In 1971, Jim graduated from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, KS with a degree in Analytical Chemistry. On April 17, 1971 he married Sharmelle Burkle, with whom he had three sons: Phillip, Timothy, and Samuel. In the fall of 1973 they moved from Salina to Colby, where he lived the majority of his adult life. During this time, Jim joined the Army Reserves and retire after 23 years of service.

In January 1982, Jim and Sharmelle separated through divorce. Jim continued to focus on his career and being a father to his three sons. One memorable event Jim had during this time was when he embarked on a journey with two of his close friends. Despite the wind, rain, snow, and lightning, Jim successfully summited Longs Peak (a mountain in Colorado of which only 50% of those who attempt are successful, even less so on the day of his summit). 

May 18, 1939 – January 26, 2023

Our dearest Father, Husband and Grampa, Ramon Jesus Algarin passed away on January 26^th, 2023, at home, he was 83. Our dad was born May 18^th, 1939, in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico and moved to New York City at about the age of 11. He grew up in Long Island and Brooklyn, New York and at 18 he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served his country for more than 20 years and is a Vietnam War Veteran. He and his family were stationed in many cities and states, Tampa, Fl., Valdosta, Ga., Biloxi, MS., Topeka, KS., Rantoul, IL., Ft. Walton Beach, FL., to name a few and made many friends along the way. Our Dad retired in 1979 from the Air Force and Ray moved his family back to Topeka, Kansas and then to Auburn, Kansas where he resided for the last 40+ years.

Ray was married to our dear Mother, Esther M. Smith Algarin of Eskridge for more than 40 years, Ray was preceded in death by his loving wife and incredible mother, Esther and a beautiful loving granddaughter Lyndzi.

Ray is survived by his daughters, Cherylene Algarin, Port Charlotte Fl., Terry Algarin, Topeka, Ks and Kelly Algarin, Auburn, KS., as well as grandchildren, Jeremy Algarin son of Terry Algarin and Alexandra Ard, daughter of Kelly Algarin and great grandchildren, Jayzin Algarin, Alina Faidley, Summer Algarin, Layla Ard and Lee Ard and many loving family members on my mother’s side of our family, Donna, Debbie, Paula, Lynette, Linda and Floyd and their families.

Ray loved tinkering in the garage, buying, fixing, and selling old cars, and the many projects he had going on at any given time. He worked for 20+ years at Northrup Grumman Postal Repair Center in Topeka, where he retired in 2017.

Our dad was loving, kind and always the comedian, he taught us so many valuable lessons in life and how to be independent and to work on our cars so we would never be stranded, our parents were so incredibly awesome, we wouldn’t change a single thing about our upbringing, we got to see and do many exciting things as a family, and we will cherish these memories always.

Our Dad will be greatly missed, we are comforted in the knowledge that he is at peace alongside our much-loved Mom, Esther and our beloved niece, Lyndzi.

At our Fathers request he will be cremated, and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the near future.  

November 27, 1946 - January 30, 2023

Shirley Elizabeth Anweiler, Born 11/27/1946, passed peacefully and surrounded by family on January 30^th 2023 in Rossville Kansas.

She was married to John K Anweiler for 30 years. She leaves behind her husband John, four children: Michael D. Markley of Topeka Kansas, Tye A Markley of Reno Nevada, Wendee Suitt of Topeka Kansas, and Keri Schreiner of Rossville Kansas, two step-daughters Tammy Force of Mayetta Kansas and Tawyna McNeal of Topeka Kansas, a beloved dog Ope and her bird Pretty Baby. She had 11 grandchildren (Michael, Christopher, Bailee, Keagan, Kyndra, Devin, Ehllee, Ruebee, Luecee, Codi, and Autumn), 7 great-grandchildren, and one grand dog Bear.

Shirley was an avid lover and collector of antiques, she was a seamstress and also loved working in her yard. Her quick wit, sassy personality, and ability to talk about anything will be truly missed.

May 09, 1928 - January 25, 2023

Shirley Jane Lynch passed away on January 25^th, 2023, at the age of 94.

She was born in Pontiac Michigan on May 9^th, 1928, the daughter of Cyril and Gertrude Cook, who have proceeded her in death.

She had 4 brothers, George, Ron, Neal, and Bill and 1 sister Patty. Neal resides in Florida and all other siblings have proceeded her in death.

She met the only love of her life, James P Lynch, in Savannah Georgia while visiting her bother. James was stationed in the military there, along with her brother. They met on a blind date.  A few weeks later they decided to elope and married in Jesop Georgia on April 24^th, 1949, thus beginning their lifelong adventure together.

They were soon stationed in Wiesbaden Germany, where their first two children were born. James D. Lynch, who proceeded her in death, and Sheryl Martin, who resides in Denver Colorado. They traveled back to the States and landed at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka Kansas. There, they continued to grow their family, having Terry Lynch (Pam) Olathe Kansas, Larry Scott Lynch, Topeka Kansas, Lisa Boatwright (Doug), Eskridge Kansas and David Lynch (Lori), Wilber Nebraska.

Shirley loved her family and spent many happy moments in her life with them. She had 14 Grandchildren, 28 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Great Great Granddaughter.  She also loved spending time and talking with her many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Sister in Laws, and Brother in Laws.

June 14, 1967 - January 19, 2023

Denise Marie Grace (Zarazua),55, of Topeka, KS
She was born June 14th 1967, she passed away January 19th 2023 of heart failure at St. Francis Hospital.

Denise was predeceased by her parents Benjamin (Benny) and Carol Sue (Bokay) Zarazua, her son Jonathan Patrick Edwards Jr and nephew Michael Joe Robertson.

She is survived by her son Matthew Thomas Zarazua-Flores, her granddaughter Maribel Flores, her sisters Shelli Zarazua, AnitaJo Beavers, Keri Overby. Nieces Chansey Hester, Jordan Overby- Zarazua, Erin Michelle Overby. Nephews Patrick Allen (Michaela) Robertson, Terry Dean Robertson Jr, Da-Vonica (Bookie) Hendricks, Gabriel (Bre) Overby- Zarazua, Shawn Zarazua, Derrick Campos, Joshua Budreau. She is also survived by 9 great neices and nephews, 3 great great nieces and nephews, and many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Denise was a member of the SENT program and spent her younger years as a cashier. She enjoyed spending time with her family, bible study, coloring, and the Kansas City Cheifs.

The funeral will be held at 11a.m. Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 at Fellowship Bible Church 6800 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, Ks. Memorial flowers can be sent to the church.

We will always carry your memory in our hearts.