IRIS D. CASEY

born May 27, 1924, through July 6, 2022

daughter of:

JDR (Johnny) and Bessie Elizabeth Hensey Dennis, Pomona, KS

Iris Viola Dennis Casey passed peacefully and gracefully in her sleep the morning of July 6, 2022.  She was 98 years old.  Daughter, Carol, was at her side, who had lived with and taken care of her for the last five years. Iris is survived by her brother, Glen Dennis (Betty) of Grand Junction CO; and one sister, Lelia Habiger of Topeka, KS, four children, eight grandchildren, and fifteen great grandchildren, with one in the oven.

Iris was born and raised in Franklin County, Kansas. Although she lived for periods of time in Minnesota and California, she lived the majority of her life in Kansas. She was raised as a country girl, working on the farm and with livestock. Her father and grandfather traveled while racing horses and often took Iris with them.  This association with living with country people and racing may have given her the spice of life and the confidence to take on whatever came at her. She had many careers in her lifetime, including being a “Rosie the Riveter” in Wichita during World War II putting together airplanes. She worked a number of jobs, always contributing and doing her share. As her children were growing up she was a dedicated, Midwestern mother and housewife.

Iris will be missed.  We will remember her for her deep and genuine interest in the people around her. She had a way of making whoever she was with feel special, and being with her was special.  Perhaps her most remarkable trait (among many) was her positive attitude.  She lived almost a century through all kinds of ups and downs, and throughout it all she looked for the best in the situation and the people around her. She made and kept lifelong friends.

Everyone will tell you she had “spirit” and a zest for life. We are lucky to have been a part of her life.              Mark Willhite

Married 18 years to Dale Willhite (deceased), the father of her four children; worked various jobs, the last as insurance auditor.  Dale was a US Navy pilot on ocean carriers and a college athlete.

October 23, 1939 - July 07, 2022

Marilyn Catherine Flott (Frehe), 82, of Topeka, Ks. Passed away peacefully on July 7, 2022.  She was born October 23, 1939 in Seneca, Ks. the daughter of Fred Frehe and Elizabeth (Lackey) Frehe.

She attended St. Peter and Paul School then later married Richard Lee Flott on November 22, 1963 in Seneca; they were married for 32 years. Marilyn worked in the medical field until she retired then worked another 18 years as a delivery driver for Dillons.  She enjoyed tending to her lawn, going camping, spending time with family, friends and drinking a good margarita.

Marilyn is survived by two daughters and a son: Brenda L. Bauer (Eric), Barbara J. Long (Danny), of Topeka, Ks. and a son Michael L. Rogers (Jo) Saint Francis, Ks.

Grandchildren: Kaytlyn Adkins (Jeremy), Bradley Long (Shaley), Brandon Bauer (Erika), Chase Bauer (Carlee), Justin Bauer, Travis Rogers, Taylor Rogers (Olivia).

Great Grandchildren: Tyler, Hadley, Easton (Adkins), Keegan, Braxton (Long), Reagan, and Reed (Bauer).

She was loved by several nieces and nephews. 

Marilyn is proceeded in death by Richard Flott, Edward Frehe, Donald Frehe, Patricia Gonzales (Frehe), Daniel Frehe.

Graveside services will be held Friday, September 23, 2022 at 11:00 at Prairie Home Cemetery.

A Celebration of her Life will follow. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society 785-233-7325.

Charles William “Chuck” Hale
July 1, 1932 - June 30, 2022

Lynell Kay Walz Kinish, 79, of Council Grove, formerly of Wilsey Ks., departed her mortal life on earth and gained her heavenly wings on June 29, 2022, at Diversicare of Council Grove. She was surrounded by those who loved her the most, her family and friends, singing Christian Gospel Hymns.

She was born June 16, 1943 in Emporia Kansas, and at a very young age became the beloved daughter of George and Beulah Walz, Quinter Kansas. She attended elementary and high school at Quinter, attending a one room schoolhouse for the first several years.

Lynell met and married the love of her life, the late Thomas Kinish Sr., in 1960, marrying in June 1961. To that union, they brought seven children into this world. She spent many years making a loving home, raising her children and making everyone who came to visit, welcomed. Due to her husband’s job, they moved around Kansas many times, before settling in the Wilsey area in 1978.

After her children were mostly raised, Lynell began working outside the home, at the local Hays House Restaurant, before retiring in 2008. She was very well known for making the homemade salads the restaurant was known for. Once retired, she dedicated her life to helping raise her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, earning her the names of G-Ma, Nana Nellie, Grandma and Nana. She took pride in attending their school activities and sports. Her Grandchildren will tell you, she never said “NO”.

Gregory Joseph Henry
October 15, 1962 – July 3, 2022

Gregory Joseph Henry, 59, of Holton, passed away on Sunday, July 3 at his home in Holton following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born October 15, 1962 in Shawnee, Kansas, the son of Lawrence Leo Henry, Sr. and Cora Mae Cooper Henry. Greg was baptized at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, KS. Greg grew up in the Shawnee area, and graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in 1981.

Prior to his cancer diagnosis, Greg was employed by USD 336 in Holton as a custodian. Throughout the years he had been employed in construction, roofing and farming.

Greg was an avid KC Chiefs fan and enjoyed fishing and hunting with his brothers, nephews, and cousins.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, Renee Sue Henry.

He is survived by his siblings, Patricia Gibbs, Lampe, MO; Larry (Krista) Henry, LaCygne, KS; and Carl (Carol) Henry of Overland Park, KS; seven nieces and nephews, Aaron, Tyler, Rachel, Nichole, and Jesse Henry and Cody and Kaitlin Gibbs. His companion, Connie Bohannon-Kebert of Holton, and her sons, who he regarded as his own, Jason Kebert, Jeremy (Brenda) Kebert, Justin (Melissa) Kebert, 8 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and cousins.

In lieu of funeral services, a Celebration of Greg's Life will be held on Saturday, July 9 from 4-7 pm at the Vet's Club, 926 W 6th, Holton, KS. For those who wish to make a donation in Greg’s memory the family has designated the American Cancer Society or any organization of the donor’s choice.

June 22, 1954 - June 20, 2022

Terry W Hall, 67 of Topeka, KS, passed away June 20, 2022, as a result of natural causes.

 He was born June 22, 1954 in Topeka Kansas to Earl Hall and Loretta Traw Hall.  He married Janice Williams in 1971 and later they divorced. To this marriage they had 4 sons. 

 Terry was preceded in death by both of his parents.  Survivors include four sons, Terry Hall (Janet), Matt Hall (Melissa)  of Topeka, Brian Hall (Sherry) of Berryton and Jason Hall (Hope) of Lawrence.  One brother Rodney Hall (Teresa) of Topeka, 17 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

 Terry grew up in Osage City and attended school there.  He worked many years at Cargill in Topeka, KS.

 Terry was cremated and a memorial graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 10:00 am at the Carbondale Cemetery. 

January 01, 1958 - June 25, 2022

David Kent Roenbaugh passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Stormont Vail Hospital from an extended illness. Kent was born in 1958 to Beverley “Pudgie” Benton Robb, and Robert Roenbaugh.

Kent graduated from Shawnee Heights High School in 1976 and from the University of Kansas in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business. Kent owned and operated Discount Muffler for the last thirty years, and wanted to thank all of his loyal friends and customers for making this endeavor so enjoyable. 

When he wasn’t working, some of Kent’s best moments were getting together with family and friends, going out to eat, hosting barbecue parties, finding auctions and estate sales, listening to Blues and Jazz music, attending concerts, and going to car shows. He loved buying and selling vehicles, and in recent years often flew to Phoenix to visit his dad and other friends in the area, driving back a “new” vehicle on more than one occasion.

To all of his friends, Kent was not just a “good guy,” he was exceptional in so many ways. He was the pivotal person who brought together groups of people on a regular basis, and he worked constantly to cultivate and maintain those friendships. Once he formed a relationship with someone, he stayed in contact with them, connecting on a regular basis, and he stayed in touch with both friends and acquaintances in a way that few people are able to accomplish. This was highly evident during his illness, as so many of the people that he had met and touched over the years, returned his love with their thoughtful calls, texts, and visits. This meant the world to him during his final weeks and months.

December 18, 1964 - June 13, 2022

Rhoda Ann (Weber) Carr-Esquibel, 57 years young, of Topeka, KS, passed away June 13, 2022, as a result of natural causes.

Rhoda, born December 18, 1964, to Albert & Jean Carr in Tucson, AZ. 

After graduating high school, Rhoda dedicated her life to motherhood, activism, and interpreting in the Deaf Community. Rhoda was well known in the community as a fierce advocate for equity, justice, and inclusion for those marginalized. The only thing that she valued more than her work in the community was her family. Rhoda loved her family and spent every moment of her life with her family; teaching, loving, and taking care of them.

Rhoda is survived by her partner Tomas; children: Rachael (Frank) Piecukonis, Russell (Paige) Ames, Robert Ames III, Emily (Chris) Tregellas, Joshua Esquibel, Josh Esquibel, and Angelo Esquibel. Grandchildren: Lucian, Lily, Peyton, Elijah, Raven, Monica, Ayiana, Annalisa, Mariah, Sariyah, Eddie, Essie, Mila, Nico, Desirae, Damien, Valentino; and many more cousins and friends who loved her like a sibling.

Rhoda was predeceased by her parents Albert & Jean Carr, grandparents, aunts & uncles whom will all be welcoming her.

Celebration of life/BBQ memorial will be held September 17th on the grounds of Lake Perry (Shelter 7) Rhoda’s favorite campsite, followed by a trip to the Renaissance Faire (Bonner Springs, KS) on September 18th.