August 16, 1950 – September 2, 2025

Robert “Bob” Wayne McNish, 75, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025. Born on August 16, 1950, Bob was the eldest son of Albert R. and Fanny “Irene” (Hale) McNish.

On February 10, 1977, Bob married the love of his life, Cheryl Louise (Lierz) McNish, and together they shared 48 wonderful years of marriage. Their greatest joy was their family: son Scott McNish and his wife Amanda of Gardner, Kansas, and daughter Sarah (McNish) McBurney of Topeka, Kansas. Bob’s legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren — Shelby Beers, Cheyenne Beers, Hannah McBurney, Corinne McNish, Rosie McBurney, and Teresa McBurney and his great grandchildren, Azariah and Awnderous— as well as many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Bob.

 Bob was the oldest of five brothers — Dennis McNish, Randy McNish, Gary McNish, Randy Cobb, and Billy McNish — and was a natural leader and protector to his siblings throughout life.

 A lifelong truck driver, Bob loved life on the open road — the miles, the stories, and the independence that came with it. He was an “old-school trucker” through and through and took special pride in teaching Scott the ropes, making sure his son knew not just how to drive a truck, but how to do it right. CB radios, strong coffee, good road music — and a pack of Marlboros within arm’s reach — were just part of Bob’s DNA. He was always a Marlboro Man at heart, and everyone who knew him could picture him with a cigarette in one hand and a good story ready to go.

 Bob was a man of deep faith, finding peace and purpose in escorting Cheryl to church and sharing his quiet belief in God with his family. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his storytelling, his work ethic, and the love and laughter he brought to those around him.

 Bob’s life was a journey well-traveled, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

 September 18, 1974 – August 29, 2025

Nakia Cherie Murphy, 50, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on August 29, 2025, in her hometown. She was born on September 18, 1974, in Topeka, Kansas. A devoted Christian, Nakia loved the Lord Jesus Christ. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is now face to face with the Lord in heaven.

Nakia is survived by her mother, June Murphy, her father, Harold Lance Murphy, her stepmother, Colette Murphy, and her sisters, Leea Carter (Carlos), Jennafer Spreitzer (Jeremy), Alexis Murphy (Dominique), and Sydnei Creel (Jonathan).  

Nakia attended the Kansas School for the Deaf and was a beacon of joy and warmth to everyone she met. Her vibrant, joyful spirit was infectious, and her warm heart touched the lives of her friends and family members. Though our grief is deep, we find peace in the assurance of her faith and the promise of eternal life.

We are comforted by words of scripture that sustained her throughout her life, and we share them with those who may be questioning their own salvation.

     • "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

     • "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

It is not too late to receive this gift of salvation and find the same peace that Nakia now enjoys. Her family and friends will carry on her legacy of faith and love, and we will forever cherish the memories we made with her.

A Celebration of Life Gathering for Nakia and her Aunt Joy Williams, who passed away on August 26, 2025, will be held September 20th at 2pm at the Ramada Inn, 420 SE 6th St, Topeka, KS. All are welcome to join us as we honor their memory and rejoice in the promise of everlasting life. 

MAY 04, 1965 - AUGUST 26, 2025

Linda Clagett, 60, passed away on August 26, 2025, at her home in Emmett. She was born May 04, 1965, in Manhattan, the daughter of Paul and Lynda Hill.

On September 15, 1990, she was united in marriage to Carlyle Clagett in Manhattan. They were married for thirty years and raised 7 children.

Linda had a love for animals, especially dogs and horses. She raised miniature dachshunds and basset hounds.

She was proceeded in death by her father Paul Hill and her husband Carlyle Clagett.

She is survived by her mother Lynda Hill.

Other survivors include Daniel Clagett, Roxanne Miller, Matt Clagett, Samantha Rice, Scott Clagett, Paul Rice, and Casey Clagett, and many grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Wellsprings of Westmoreland, 105 N. Hwy 99, Westmoreland, KS, 66549 on September 23, 2025, at 2:00 pm, officiated by Rev. Joshua A. Warren.

MARCH 12, 1971 - SEPTEMBER 03, 2025

Joel Scott Fager, 54, passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at his home in Alma, Kansas, after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma cancer.

Joel was born on March 12, 1971, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Phillip Fager and Shirley Grimes Fager Cook. He graduated from Topeka West High School in 1989. After graduation, he spent six years with the Air Force and Air National Guard.

For thirty years he served as an EMT and Critical Care Paramedic. During his career he worked for multiple agencies including AMR and Pottawatomie County. During his service, he worked his way through the ranks. He served as Assistant Director and Director of Pottawatomie County EMS. He also served one term as Wabaunsee County Commissioner. Joel truly loved helping people and serving his community. He was an instructor, leader, and a friend.

Joel was also a former member of BACA. To his brothers and sisters, he was known as Woody. During his time with Bikers Against Child Abuse, he served as his Chapter's Vice President and State Security. When he wasn’t working, he was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, and golfing, just to name a few. Joel was also a family man who loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father, Phillip Fager, Stepfather, Vince Cook, and infant brother, Stephen Fager.

On July 12, 2010, he eloped with the love of his life, Nicole Zeller, blending their two families together. She survives in their home.

Other survivors include: his children, Jacob, Justin and Trace Fager; stepdaughters Stephanie Maike (Hunter), and Kylie Savage (Kyle). Grandchildren, Dylan and Tatum Fager, Barrett, Briley, & Huntley Maike. His mother, Shirley Cook; sisters, TJ Bradford (Scott Dean), Terri Janda (Chip); brothers, Dan Fager (Kate) and Rich Fager (Lauren). Many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends that were more like family.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at Fellowship Bible Church, Topeka, Kansas on September 19th at 11 A.M.  Memorials can be sent to the Joel Fager Memorial fund at Kaw Valley State Bank, 1015 Kaw Valley Park Circle, Wamego, Kansas 66547. 

SEPTEMBER 26, 1935 - AUGUST 25, 2025

Carol Sue (Lawhorn) AuBuchon, age 89 of Lawrence, KS, died on August 25, 2025 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after suffering a stroke. She was born at home on September 26, 1935 to Lester and Elizabeth (Turpin) Lawhorn along with older sisters, Jane and Kathryn, in Baxter Springs, KS. She was a 1953 graduate of Baxter Springs High School and attended Joplin Junior College.

She married David L. AuBuchon on December 27, 1958 at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Baxter Springs. They were married for nearly 42 years before his death on December 14, 2000. They had two daughters, Susan and Amelia "Amy". Carol Sue was blessed to be born into a Christian and musical family. An important part of her life was being a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Baxter Springs. For 50 years, she was a pianist for the congregation and chancel choir alongside her sister, Jane, who accompanied her at the organ; served as Chairman and Member of the Worship Committee and was instrumental in the planning of the new church in Baxter Springs. Early in life, she was a part of the Christian Boosters then the Live Wire Sunday School class.

Carol Sue played the piano for numerous funerals and was a charter member of the Choral Society of Missouri Southern State College, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and Chairman of the American Red Cross Blood-Mobile canteen.

Carol Sue worked at Spencer Chemical in Riverton, KS from 1954-1960 as a secretary, then a bookkeeper for Dr. Calvin Smith, Dr. L.E. Pickrell and Wolkar Drug and a secretary for the First Christian Church all in Baxter Springs. After raising her children, she worked for American Family Insurance, Baxter Springs from 1991 to 2004.

In 2004, she moved to Lawrence, KS to be closer to her daughters and grandson, Alex. A year later, Nick and Zoya joined the family after being adopted from Russia. She worked a few years for the KU Office of Admissions alongside her daughter Amy. She was active in the Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA) and was a part of the women's Bible study group.

Survivors include two daughters, Susan (AuBuchon) Clark and husband, Phil, of Paxico, KS and Amelia "Amy" (AuBuchon) Tharp and husband, Chris, of Lawrence, KS. Three grandchildren Captain Alex Tharp, Fort Benning, GA, Nick Stephens, Lawrence, KS and Zoya Stephens, Topeka, KS and good friends, Gerry Steele and Toni Wolkar.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters Jane (Lawhorn) Clemons and Kathryn (Lawhorn) Steele, nephew Mike Steele and brother-in-law Floyd Steele, Jr.

A celebration of life service will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA), Lawrence, KS on Friday, September 12 at 2:00pm. A private family service for the interment of ashes will be held at Jessee Osborne Memorial Cemetery, Joplin, MO. Memorial donations may be made to the American Stroke Foundation at https://americanstroke.org/donate/

January 5, 1966 — August 23, 2025

Rhonda LoRea Witt, 59, of Ogden, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas. Born January 5, 1966, in Alta Vista, Kansas, Rhonda was the daughter of Flossie “LoRea” Dinger.

Survivors include: her husband, Greg Witt of the home; brothers Weldon White Jr., Chester White (Doyle), Howard White and Wayne White; sister Amanda Hall; aunt Thelma New; and many nieces and nephews.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her mother Flossie “LoRea” Dinger, brothers Rex White and Ernest White, and sister Cindy White.

Rhonda loved and was loved by her husband Greg. Although she struggled with diabetes throughout her life, she persevered and filled her life with family, pets, jigsaw puzzles, and craft projects.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

FEBRUARY 02, 1943 - AUGUST 26, 2025

Mary Ann Waltman of Topeka Kansas passed away August 26, 2025 at Lexington Park Nursing Home. She was born February 2, 1943 in Holton, Kansas and was raised in rural Mayetta Kansas. She was one of fourteen children in a large Catholic family. She married William Waltman of Paxico, KS on December 4, 1967. He proceeded her in death on March 30, 2009. Survivors include four sons, Michael Waltman Topeka, KS, Richard Waltman and his wife Sara of Topeka, KS, Robert Waltman and his wife Michelle of Topeka, Kansas and Charles Waltman and his wife Jennifer of Sebring, FL. Her grandchildren include, Haley, Chaz, Hannah, Mason, Rocc & Kole Waltman. Mary worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse and a house wife. She loved her family time, faith, and was an active Kansas State and Chiefs fan.

Services will be at Mother Theresa Catholic Church Saturday August 30 th 11am in Topeka Kansas.