December 03, 1960 - April 18, 2023

Trent Mitchell Ruse (aka Trently, Rowdy, Trently Claus) 62, passed peacefully April 18, 2023, at Heritage Gardens, Oskaloosa Kansas after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Alzheimer’s. He was cared for by prairie wind hospice of Topeka ks (an amazing group of people).

Trent was born December 3, 1960, in Topeka Kansas to Larry and Carol Ruse, Trent lived his entire life in Topeka. Trent married Tamara J. Salts June 20th, 1987. They were married 36 years. Trent spent many years working at Designed Business Interiors as installation supervisor and manager of the warehouse. Trent also owned his own roofing company. He was a long-time member of A.B.A.T.E of Kansas and participated in the Toys for Tots rides. Trent belonged to Mayetta Lodge #383 for 30 years and a member of Eastern Star of Mayetta for 29 years.

Trent was an avid fisherman. He loved spending his summers camping, boating and 12 oz curls with his friends and family at the lake. He was a proud patriot and loved the 4th of July. He loved his nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He also loved spending time with his animals, dog - Gizzeiemo, and cat Oreo.

Trent was preceded in death by his parents Larry and Carol Ruse and Mother-in-Law Martha Salts. Trent leaves his wife of 36 years Tamara J. Ruse, and Father-in-law Leland Salts. Also surviving are brothers, Rocky (Robin) Ruse, niece Laura Beth (Don) Carey and Nephew David Ruse (Mallory Marks) great niece Daltynn and great nephew Rider; Ricky Ruse, and son Shane (Brandy), and great nephew Zachary. Also, Sister-in-law Beverly (Greg) Escobar. Nephew Ryan (Katie) Salts, great nephew and niece, Jaxon, and Jostyn. Also surviving are: Greg(Hadley)their son Conrad, Traevion(Andrea) their sons Aiden & Bryce; Tanner(Jandy) Sons Caden & Sammy & daughter Annistyn; Nicole(Ryun),their son Braylon and daughters Jazlyn, Gianna & Sabre; Brother in law Scott
(Paula) Salts, Niece Courtney (Venus) their sons Carter & Vachi, and nephew Joseph, his son Dylan and daughter Rylee.

January 15, 1933 - March 21, 2023

Nina Ruth Eklund Edwards passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Brookside Retirement Community in Overbrook, Kansas. Ruth, or Ruthie as she was affectionately called, was born on a farm four miles south of Scranton, Kansas, to John and Emma (Alberg) Eklund. She was the ninth and last one born in the family.

Ruthie worked for the State of Kansas for most of her life, retiring from the Kansas Insurance Department in 2000. She was called back to work to fill in part time for many years after her retirement and enjoyed seeing former co-workers when she did. Ruthie was a member of the First Congregational Church for over 60 years. She was a soprano who loved singing in the choir at church, and she also sang for many years with the Shawnee Choral Society. She regularly fundraised for many different organizations including Alzheimers, the March of Dimes, Cancer, and MS, participating in their fundraising walks. She walked daily, frequently walking around the park or to the post office as she was an avid writer of letters and cards. She also had many fond memories of growing up on the farm with her siblings and enjoyed sharing stories of life on the farm. She was also an avid roller skater in her early adult years and later enjoyed going to singles dances on weekends. Ruthie worked very hard as a single mother while raising her children and providing them with a home and security. She loved her children and grandchildren very much. She loved being Grandma Ruthie and enjoyed helping take care of them when they were young. She loved going with her children and grandchildren to the movies and out to lunch, including many lunches at Taco Villa. Ruthie also had a fondness for glazed donuts and ice cream bars but always limited herself to just one.

Ruthie is survived by her daughter, Cathy Brace, Vassar, KS; son Ryan (Noel) Edwards, Overbrook, KS; grandchildren Emma (Antonio Santos) and Molly Justin Brace, and Caleb, Noah, and Luke Edwards.  Ruthie was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Bert, Herman, Roland, Dean, and Bill, three sisters, Eva, Leone, and June, and her son, David McNally.

A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church, Topeka, KS, on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 1pm. All who knew Ruthie are welcome to attend. Her remains will be interred in the Memorial Garden at First Congregational Church in a family only ceremony following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the charitable organization of your choice.

June 24, 1959 - March 14, 2023

Derrick Paul “Buck” Anderson, 63, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2023 following a 3 month illness. He was born June 24, 1959 into the loving family of Leland “Andy” and Enid Anderson. He married the love of his life, Juanita Clark, in September of 2005. Buck was a 1977 graduate of Topeka High School. He was employed by the Kansas Turnpike Authority until 2017 at which he enjoyed greeting travelers, encouraged them to be safe, and handed treats out to their pets.

Buck was an outgoing, good hearted and compassionate person who loved people. He delighted in having fun with his many nieces and nephews as well as the family pets. Buck was unique in that he never forgot an address or phone number and could do math in his head like a calculator. He was a passionate and loyal sports fan of Washburn University, UCLA, the Denver Broncos and the Boston Celtics. Buck personally knew each member of the Washburn University girls basketball and volleyball teams. He would offer encouragement to them and help out whenever the opportunity presented. Buck was an excellent bowler. He scored 300 in multiple games and achieved many awards. He cherished his time on the golf course with his brother and high school friends. After retirement and up to his illness he played golf almost daily with a great group that became close-knit friends. He will be dearly missed by family and many that loved him.

Buck is survived by his wife of 17 years, Juanita (Clark) Anderson, siblings Susan (Mit) Winter, Patrick (Sharon) Anderson, Kristen (Bob) White, Sharon Jones, all of Topeka, sister-in-law Terri Clark of Washington Kansas,14 nieces and nephews, 26 great nieces and nephews and his beloved dog Hondo. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law Jerry Jones and Jim Clark, nephew Dustin Jones and his dog, Abby.

A Celebration of Buck’s Life will be held on Saturday April 22, 2023 at 10:00 am at Trinity Presbyterian Church at 4746 SW 21^st Street, Topeka, KS 66604. Private family inurnment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, for those who would like to make a donation honoring Buck, we encourage you to give a gift in Buck’s name to the Washburn University L.A. “Andy”, Enid I., and Derrick P. “Buck” Anderson Family Scholarship Fund (www.wualumni.org/givenow) or Derrick “Buck” Anderson Memorial Fund (c/o CoreFirst Bank & Trust, PO Box 5049, Topeka, KS 66605). Please designate “Washburn Scholarship Fund” or “other” if sending your donation to CoreFirst.

January 18, 1947 - February 22, 2023

Sandra(Sandy) Sue (Sedam) Seaststrom,

Lived in Osage City Kansas, Sandy passed away peacefully on February the 22nd 2023 at the age of 76 at Stormont-Vail hospital she was surrounded by her family and friends Sandy was born to the late Richard L Sedam  and Betty May Haskins on January 18th, 1947 in Moline Illinois Sandy was preceded in death by her Father Richard L sedam and mother Betty May Haskins two sisters Connie M Altholf and Kay F Karanda and one brother Keith L Sedam her husband Gerold D Seastrom and her second oldest son Kelly M Beard. She is survived by one brother Edwin L Sedam and two sons Michael L Speidle and Walter D beard and 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren Sandy love to cook and had successfully operated a restaurant. she loved helping people so much that she got into Healthcare where she work in several nursing homes and was a home health aide she also had a love and passion for sewing where she became a seamstress at a local sewing Factory in Burlingame Kansas where she worked for several years. In 1991 she married Gerold D Seastrom and they lived on a farm just west of Auburn Kansas for many years and eventually moved back to Osage City living on Holliday Street till his passing in 2006 she stayed in Osage City eventually landing on Lakin St where she rekindled her passion for sewing, she made some of the most beautiful quilts you've ever seen she also loved jewelry making, gardening, and a host of other things, she loved being with her friends and family the most but nothing made her happier than getting to spend time with her grandchildren. She achieved and accomplished so many things in her life, that it would be impossible to name them all, but the one she is most proud of is raising three of the orneriest boys you can imagine, she taught us to be respectful and to be thankful for what we have and that honesty is the best policy and never give up and always learn from your mistakes "Thank you Mom you did Awsome" Oh and no laughing at us when we make those silly mistakes you know we're going to make we love you and miss you very much...
And to Rose pile thank you so very much for being such a great friend to her she loved and cherished it when you too could hang out and take turns cooking dinner, talking, and playing Yahtzee.

December 03, 1949 - February 06, 2023

Ernest A Wiley Jr. 73 passed away on February 06, 2023, in Topeka Ks.

December 21, 1957 - February 24, 2023

Rocklyn (Rocky) Rene’ Leister passed away at her home in Topeka, Kansas on February 24th, 2023.  Rocky was born December 21, 1957 in Clay Center Kansas, the youngest daughter of Sam & Ellie Milner, who preceded her in death.  She was raised in Silver Lake Kansas and graduated from Silver Lake High School in 1975. Rocky held many jobs in her lifetime including secretary, librarian, bartender, and business owner until various illnesses forced her to retire in her mid-fifties.  She enjoyed many hobbies - fishing, playing guitar, reading, crafts, and any good party.  She loved spending time on motorcycles and coordinating events and rallies.

Rocky is survived by two daughters, Amanda Hay (Eric) and Molly Howey (John) both of Silver Lake, two sisters, Rhonda Jensen of Topeka and Raylene Gardner (Richard) of Cushing, Oklahoma.  She leaves behind six grandchildren, Mackenzie Howey, Hallie Hay, Cody Hay, Kyla Hay, Haven Howey, and Axton Howey along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

A celebration of life for Rocky’s family and friends will be held from 6:30 - 9:00 PM on Friday, March 31, 2023 at Lake Shawnee Shelter House #3, 3616 SE Memory Point, Topeka, KS 66609.

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.