December 31, 1939 - October 21, 2022

William "Bill" Robert Sloop, 82, of Osage City, KS, passed away Friday, October 21, 2022, at Midland Care Hospice House with family by his side. Born on December 31, 1939, in Lyndon, KS, son of Lyle L. and Berneita Vesta (Fanning) Sloop, one of 12 children. 

Bill attended Lyndon High School. Following high school, he attended railroad school in Pueblo, Colorado. Bill then began his lifelong career in the railroad industry, retiring from Burlington Northern Santa Fe after 43 years of service on November 16, 2002. 

Bill married his wife Joan (Black) on January 27, 1967, in Oskaloosa, KS. They began their lives together in Nortonville, KS, eventually settling in Osage City and raising their children. Bill and Joan had celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Bill enjoyed working for the railroad, water skiing, camping, hunting, fishing, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, and spending time with his family, always looking forward to annual family reunions and Sloop Christmas celebrations. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Joan, of the home, his son Robert "Bob" Sloop, Valley Falls, and a daughter, Lisa (Steve) Barger, Burlingame. Seven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren; siblings, Evelyn Hope-Jones of Topeka, KS, Eula Nitcher (Kenny) of Pomona, KS, Norma Miller (Gary) of Lecompton, KS, and Kathy Tevis (Don) of Emporia, KS; 3 brothers, Kenneth Sloop (Ann) of Topeka, KS, Dale Sloop (Pat) of Bel Air, MD and Arlon Sloop (Frances) of KS City, KS.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lyle and Berneita Sloop, his son, Timothy Sloop, sisters, Rose Ann Sloop and Berneita Jean Burns-Johnson; brothers, Don Sloop and Lyle Dean “LD” Sloop; and daughter-in-law Pamela Sloop.

His celebration of life service will be at Osage City Senior Center on Friday, November 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Memorials may be given to Osage City Senior Center.

January 17, 1935 - October 5, 2022

Mildred (Millie) Baker, age 87, passed peacefully at her home on October 5, 2022, into the arms of her Lord and Savior surrounded by those she loved. 

Mildred was born January 17, 1935, in Grainfield, Kansas, the daughter of Amalia (Rohr) and Joseph Dinkel. She was named after her nurse that helped deliver her but preferred to go by Millie. She was also a birthday gift to her older sister, Wilma, and celebrated many wonderful birthdays together.  

Millie grew up in a large family in Grainfield, Kansas. She worked at her family’s grocery store until graduation from Grainfield High School in 1953. Upon her graduation, Millie moved to Salina, Kansas and pursued a degree in cosmetology. She was a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating several beauty salons in Topeka, Kansas for many years. She was a long-time member of the Kansas Board of Cosmetology and retired in 2014. 

She met her husband Charles Duane Baker in Topeka, KS. They united in marriage in Grainfield, Kansas at Millie’s home parish on August 8, 1960. Millie and Duane enjoyed 62 years of marriage and raised 3 children in Topeka, Kansas.  

May 19, 1952 - October 09, 2022

Dianne Davis Park passed away Sunday October 9, 2022 at home with family by her side.  She was born on May 19, 1952 to Joe and Ruth Davis in the family home in Rossville, Kansas. She is preceded in death by her parents.  Dianne is survived by her loving husband Plesant “Bud” Park, her son Ty (Christina) Forshee, and her granddaughter, Lily Forshee.  She is also survived by her siblings: Josephine Davis, Debbie (Mike) Bond, William Davis, David (Elaine) Davis, Melinda Bourne and Brenda Parsons.  

Dianne worked as a homemaker, then worked for Westar Utility as a billing clerk, and lastly for TARC as a billing specialist.  Dianne was a kind soul and had a love for all God’s creatures. She took great pride in her small hobby farm and garden.  She loved horse riding and took care of every farm animal imaginable.  

Dianne fought a long, hard, 22 year battle with COPD and emphysema which ultimately took her life.  

A Celebration of Life will occur on Sunday October 23, 2022 at 1:00pm at the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden and Venue at the Topeka Zoo, 635 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS.  

A short memorial service will be held followed by lunch and fellowship.  

Family asks that donations be made to the charity of your choice.

April 2, 1958 – October 9, 2022

Timothy Leroy Penzien passed away peacefully in his home October 9^th, 2022 after an eight year battle with Lewy Body dementia and Leukemia. 

He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Diana (Di) of 30 years; Children: Cara (Chad) Binkley; Jacob (Angie) Penzien; Gary (Amy) Penzien; Elizabeth Penzien; Jamie Penzien; Henry Penzien; Benjamin Penzien; Nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild; Siblings: Marcella Robinson, and Jonathon (Debra) Penzien.

Tim was a graduate of Imlay City High School in 1976.  He continued after graduation working on his family’s farm, which he started helping with at age 5.  His work ethic and desire to take care of family led to him enlisting in the Army at age 27.  He led a very distinguished military career to include:  Special Forces, Military Intelligence Linguist, Airborne ranger, with three tours in Iraq.  Furthering his education was a personal goal he fulfilled along the way completing his Bachelors degree in 2003.  He retired after 22 years of service and continued in his same field of work as a civilian.  He also enjoyed his time as a member of the VFW where he was post commander for 4 years. 

He led his life as a Godly man.  Enjoying all life had to offer.  He lived and raised his family in Europe for over 20 years while serving his country.  While traveling he enjoyed exploring diverse local history, culture, cuisine and yes, Beer.   Although his illness would prevent him from returning to his true passion of farming, he did dabble through the years with his personal garden and enjoyed sharing farming stories with his children and grandchildren. 

Tim’s boisterous and mischievous laugh was contagious.  He had a great sense of humor.

A memorial and military service will be held in Michigan at a later date this Fall.  The family requests donations be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org)

The Penzien family gives its sincere thanks to all who stood by them in Tim’s last years.

June 28, 1941 - September 07, 2022

Judy Kay Purdum, age 81, of Topeka, passed away peacefully on September 7^th, 2022.

She was born on June 28^th, 1941 in Osage City, Kansas. Judy was the daughter of Glen & Norma (Karnes) Jones.

She married Donald Purdum on April 30^th, 1971; they later divorced but remained close friends. Judy loved antique and thrift shopping. She was also an avid collector of roosters. She was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone she could, including dogsitting her granddogs.

Survivors include four children; Tammy (John) Mawson, Michael Golla, Tammy (Jeff) Parker, and Bonnie Brown; one brother, Ray Jones; eight grandchildren, Kyrstin Talley, Cody (Tina) Purdum, Jennifer Mawson, Sarah Mawson, Cherise Bowers, Jonathan Parker, Jenny Parker, and Jason Parker; and 8 great grandchildren.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, sister Glenetta Davis, and brother Ronnie Jones.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 15^th from 4-6 pm at The Milestone Market located at 3935 NW 25^th Street, Topeka, KS 66618.

March 22, 1941 - September 30, 2022

Patricia Faye (Cook) Welch, 81, died September 30, 2002, after a nearly 3-year battle with Goodpasture Syndrome.  She is survived by her husband Ron, daughters Debra (Mike) Matavosky and Cheryl Roosevelt, son George (Jamie), brother George (Nancy) Cook, 10 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents George and Nira Faye (Clements) Cook, brother Stephen, and grandson Aaron Roosevelt.

Pat was a 1959 graduate of Hayden High School and retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone as Manager of Official Calling Services.  She was a Mary Kay consultant for over 30 years and achieved director level during that time.

A breast cancer survivor who loved to read, Pat also enjoyed travel.  She visited many European and Caribbean countries, numerous Canadian provinces, and 48 of 50 states.  She had hoped to visit the last two (Oregon and Idaho) before being stricken with the rare kidney and lung disorder.

A private family service will be held at a later date.  Should you wish to honor Pat’s memory, the family suggests contributions to the Capper Foundation in her name.

Michael Lane Artzer
Of Topeka ,Ks
passed away at the local Hospital
October 15,1977 - September 14,2022

He was survived by his parents Montie Elaine Drotts Essman & Rickey Wayne Essman of Oak Grove ,Mo. Three sisters Michelle Artzer Snow (Kevin) Roberta Essman Hovey (Braden) Erika Essman One brother Christopher Essman Two Nieces Tara Gibbs ,Delaney Hovey three nephews Hunter Gibbs ,Arron Gibbs, Trenton Hovey and one great niece Arabella Cheesman and one grandmother Ellen Essman.

Michael attended Pinnacle Career institute where he received his degrees in Hvac ,applied science in Electronics all with honors, when Michael was not working or lending a helping hand he was fishing, camping, Bbq or traveling around . Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents Martha "Jane" Drotts and Norman "Shorty" Drotts and Lodell Essman.  Michael had requested that there be no services on his behalf. Family asks that donations be made to the your charity choice .

January 30, 1961 - August 29, 2022

A Remembrance of Life will be held for Gary Gordon Wade, 63, of Carbondale/Topeka, Kansas, at West Lawn Cemetery on the day of Saturday, September 24th, 2022 at 11:00am. Gary G. Wade passed away August 29th, 2022 at 12:40pm from natural causes. The family will proceed with his wishes of being cremated and place his remains at West Lawn Cemetery, near
his mother and brother. All family and friends that would like to pay respect and share any memories of Gary are welcomed.

Gary G. Wade was born in Topeka, KS on January 30th, 1961 to parents, Edna Mae Wade (Coffman) and Robert Gary Wade, Sr. Gary is preceded in death by his mother, Edna Mae Wade, Grandmother Marguerite Coffman, and brother Gregory W. Wade. Gary is survived by his father, Robert G. Wade, 88, of Carbondale, KS and siblings, Diana L. Celland, 65, of Lydon; Delena M. VanVleck, 57, of Carbondale; Robert G. Wade, Jr., 58, of Carbondale; Michael T. Wade, 56, of Topeka; and Tammy Harmen, 60, of Ohio. Gary is also survived by his son, Dustin Olblander, 43 of Topeka, and 3 grandchildren, Allicea, Blayne, and Cray. He is also survived by 6 nieces and 6 nephews, and 11 great nieces and 6 great nephews.

Mary L. Bova, 92, of Lawrence, KS passed away on September 13, 2022. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Gene. She is survived by her daughter, Jeanne (Bill), John (Sharri), Matt (Linda) Joe (Joan); and 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

Mary was the middle of Paul and Vina Allie’s 13 children, all of whom preceded her in death.  She grew up in Saint Paul, MN and later moved to Kansas with her husband and family. She loved gardening and always generously shared her bounty.  She was a wonderful and adventurous cook who welcomed all to sit at the table - or help themselves to the refrigerator. Mary also loved fishing, both with her husband, Gene, and with her many grandchildren, who she delighted in teaching. In her later years she was stricken with macular degeneration and then Alzheimer’s, handling both with strength and grace. Her family was of utmost importance to her and she has left a lasting legacy of priceless memories. 

A small, private family service will be scheduled. Should you wish to honor Mary’s memory, the family suggests the following: organizations that support the visually impaired (particularly macular degeneration), organizations that support the welfare of children (https://www.eudoraschoolsfoundation.org/ if needing a recommendation), or National Public Radio.

April 22, 1959 - September 12, 2022

  Karen JoAnn Snyder, 63, of Topeka died on Monday, September 12, 2022 due to complications from chronic illness.  

   She was born on  April 22, 1959 in Hutchinson, KS the daughter of Kenneth D. and Marlene Snyder.  Karen graduated from Buhler High School and earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Hutchinson Community Junior College and was employed as a legal assistant.  

   She enjoyed working on crafts and loved caring for animals.  Karen volunteered as an animal care giver at Carey Park Zoo in Hutchinson.  

   She is preceded in death by her parents.  Karen is survived by her brothers Bret (Hutchinson) and Brad and sister-in-law, Jolene Snyder, of Topeka and nieces Michelle Freeman (Snyder), of Boston, MA, Melinda Snyder, of St. Louis, MO and nephew Matthew Snyder, of Dallas, TX. Karen is a great aunt to eight nieces and nephews.

   A memorial graveside service will take place at 11 am on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Fairlawn Cemetery, Hutchinson, KS.  Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society Inc. 5720 SW 21st Street, Topeka, KS 66604 https://www.hhhstopeka.org or American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, Virginia 22116-7023 https://www.diabetes.org or Friends of the Topeka Zoo or Wichita Zoo.