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.

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.

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 9^th, 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.

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.

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.

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.

June 28, 1931 - April 21, 2022

Donald L Hite passed away on April 21st, 2022 at the age of 90 years old at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, KS.  He was born in Uniontown, Kansas on June 28th, 1931.  He served in the United States Army from June 10th 1954 to May 18th, 1956.  He married Patricia Hite on March 10th, 1958. They were married for 64 wonderful years.  He worked for Firestone Tire company for over 30 years. He retired from Firestone in 1993.