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.

 
Chante Marie Judy

Chante Marie Judy

In Loving Memory of

Chante Marie Judy

July 13, 1972 – May 10, 2022

Chante M. Judy, 49, passed away Tuesday, May 10th, at Midland Hospice House after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Her strength and fortitude, as well as strong support from family and friends, kept her fighting spirit going until her final rest and freedom from pain.

Chante was smart, fun-loving, sassy and sarcastic. She shined brightest when surrounded by family and friends, especially when playing with her grandchildren. She was always available to give encouragement, advice, an ear to listen or just a hug. Her welcoming heart and sense of humor made her a joy to be around.

Chante possessed a creative imagination, which showed in her fascination with mysticism, crafting and coloring. She appreciated the simple things: coffee with a friend; impromptu road trips; shopping for good bargains or just enjoying a cup of newly discovered flavor of hot tea. She loved her cats, a good book and her collection of dragons and fairies.

Chante will be greatly missed, as she touched so many hearts with her care, compassion and generosity. She is survived by her parents, Leonard & Donna Duchesneau (Kansas) and Virgil & Christina Judy (Ohio); children, Caleb Hammond, Dominic Judy and Josephine Curls (all Kansas); grandchildren, Ashlynn Anderson, Merrick Bogowith and Noah Bogowith (all Kansas); siblings, Thomas Judy (Kansas), Emily Shaffer (Ohio) and Michael Judy (Ohio); life-long friend, Jennifer Bowman (Kansas); as well as several beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Chante’s wish was cremation and she wanted no sadness or tears, only stories to be told, smiles and laughter. Therefore, a Celebration of Life and inurnment will be announced at a later date.

Mary L. Meier

Mary L. Meier

In Loving Memory of

Mary L. Meier

1928 – 2022

 

Mary L. Meier died April 23, 2022, at Lexington Park Health & Rehab, surrounded by her loving family.  Mary was born on November 9th, 1928 on the family farm northeast of Holton, the daughter of John C and Josie Lee (Price) Robison. 

Mary attended Carbon Grade School northeast of Holton, and was very active in 4-H.  Prior to entering high school Mary left the family farm to move into a boarding house so she could attend high school - Mary graduated from Holton High School in 1946.  After graduation she worked for the Draft Board in Holton, KS.

Mary was united in marriage to John L. Meier in Holton, KS at St. Dominic’s Catholic church on January 7, 1947 and they celebrated 65 years of marriage before John’s passing on December 27, 2013.  She was preceded in death by her son, Arthur Leon Meier in 1978, sister Neva Heiselman and her husband Therll; her brother, Robert Robison and his wife Mary Maxine; half-sister Mildred Brown; three half-brothers, Kenneth, Glenn and Wilbur Robison.

Mary worked throughout her life performing secretarial duties, selling real estate, legal secretary, and retiring from KPL (Evergy) as a paralegal.

Irmgard Pryor

Irmgard Pryor

December 30, 1936 - April 16, 2022

Irmgard "Irmi" Pryor was a caring wife, mother, Oma (grandmother), sister, and friend. She left this world suddenly April 16, 2022 at the age of 85.

She was born to Heinrich and Hildegard Burghard in Munich, Germany on December 30, 1936. After studying as an opera singer and model, she met the love of her life, Major Bernard Pryor in Germany. They married and moved to the United States where they raised three daughters: Gabriele, Gisella, and Gudrun.

Irmi loved spending time with her children and friends, regaling them with amazing stories regarding growing up during World War II. She taught herself English and her intelligence, pride and strength allowed her to become a Naturalized American citizen.  She never knew a stranger.  Her kindness, compassion and generosity caused her to open her home to anyone in need. 

Irmi loved her family beyond words and after losing her husband in 1986, she became mother, father, and provider to her children. She started her career in banking in 1977 with First National Bank, Topeka, retiring in 1997 as manager of the safety deposit department with Bank of America.

RaEtta Sue McKinnon

RaEtta Sue McKinnon

June 04, 1947 - May 02, 2022

RaEtta Sue McKinnon peacefully passed away on May 2, 2022 at Midland Care Hospice House in Topeka, KS at the age of 74.  She was born June 4, 1947 in Seneca, KS to Louis F. and Mary Helen Little Jerome.  She attended Corning High School, obtained a college degree of AA paralegal from Washburn University, was a licensed massage therapist and was a CNA.  She served in the USNR Reserve from 1986 to 1994.  

She was the sister to 6 siblings:  Richard Jerome, Kenny Jerome, Dean Jerome and Marilyn Fund, Helen (Lolly) Slattery, Della Steinlage.  Dean, Helen (Lolly) and Della survive her.   RaEtta married twice and divorced twice. First to Marlin Wiltz in which two daughters were born, Marla Rae (Larkin) and Paula Sue (Hanes).  Second to John McKinnon in which a son was born, Todd (Yishai) Alex.  She considered her children as her greatest accomplishment of her life.  She loved them dearly. She was grandmother to 17 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.  They all survive her with the exception of John McKinnon.  She had many nieces and nephews.

RaEtta loved Elvis.  Her favorite color was blue.  She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, walking, writing poems and short stories, going to the casino and watching old time TV.  She was spiritual and believed that God was all around.

It was RaEtta's written wishes not to have a memorial service and to be cremated.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Clifford Evans

Clifford Evans

March 08, 1953 - April 27, 2022
 
Celebration of Life for
Cliff Evans (March 8, 1953-April 27, 2022)
 
Sunday, May 1, 2022
3:00pm-7:00pm
 
LifeQuest Church
1400 North Scott Ave
Belton, MO 64012
 
Cliff Evans, favorite brother, best uncle and phenomenal smoker. We invite everyone to join us celebrate his life. We would like to do a pot luck. So please bring your favorite dish and let’s share our favorite memories and stories of Cliff.
Johnny L. Free

Johnny L. Free

December 13, 1950 - April 20, 2022

Johnny L. Free passed away on April 20, 2022 at the age of 71at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, KS. He was born on December 13th, 1950 in San Bernardino California to Charlie Lee Free and Madrue Edith Malone at the San Bernardino County Hospital. Johnny Free went to San Bernardino High School, where he was in the San Bernardino Honor and Acapella Honor Choir as well as served on the Junior Varsity and Varsity sports teams for Wrestling. He also received high honors for Judo with the YMCA youth center in San Bernardino California during the 1968 open Judo Championship placing first in his class.

Johnny then went on after graduation to the employment of the Santa Fe Railroad in July of 1969 until he was drafted in 1970 by the U.S. Army. Johnny then served in the Army as a Combat Engineer attaining the rank of E-5 (Sergeant) while stationed in Germany. Johnny served on multiple fronts including the 1972 Olympic Hostage Crisis in Munich as well as the mining of Haiphong Harbor also known as Operation Pocket Money until his honorable discharge in 1974.

Johnny married Theresa Ann Hodges on April 1 1972. Following his marriage and discharge from the military, Johnny went on to return to the Santa Fe Railroad as a machinist in the San Bernardino Shops. Johnny served as a scout leader with the Boy Scouts of America, founded troop 110 of Rialto California, and while under this service produced 7 Eagle Scouts including his own son. During his tenor, Johnny received many awards and nation recognition toward his devotion to scouting including the High Vigil Honor Award from the Order of The Arrow with Cahuilla Lodge #127 in 1992.

Johnny was transferred with his job from California in 1992 to Topeka Kansas and remained with the BNSF railroad until his retirement in January of 2011 after serving 41 years. He is survived by his wife, Theresa Free, His daughter Jennifer Tipton, His son John Free and by six grand children.

Contact Us

Angels Above Cremation Services
3936 NW 16th St., Bldg. B
Topeka, KS 66618

785-215-8386
Office hours are by appointment only.
Please call us to schedule an appointment.

AngelsAboveCremationServices1@gmail.com

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