DECEMBER 11, 1941 - JULY 17, 2025

Connie L. Price “Butterfly woman” 83, Topeka, died Thursday July 17, 2025, at home of natural causes.

She was born on December 11, 1941, in Wamego, the daughter of Merlin A. and Dorothy E. Askren.

She attended Topeka High School and graduated from high school in Torrington, WY. She retired from Blue Cross and Blue Shield. She was an active member at First Christian Church.
She loved butterflies, knitting, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Ken Price, Topeka, her daughter Angie Faulconer, Topeka, her grandson James Hicks, Topeka, and her extended family, Theresa Hicks, Topeka, Dana Ziegler, Topeka, and Ruth Hein, Sheridan, WY. She has 3 nieces, 2 nephews, and 2 great nieces.

Visitation will be at 10:30 am followed by a celebration of Life at 11am on Saturday August 16, 2025. Held at First Christian Church, 1880 SW Gage, Topeka. A light reception after the service.

Memorial Contributions may be made to First Christian Church or Doorstep.

DECEMBER 16, 1943 - JULY 24, 2025

William Eugene “Bill” Coffman, 81 of Milford, Kansas passed away at home July 24, 2025 with his family at his side. He was born at his home in east Topeka, the son of Floyd and Marguerite Harrower Coffman.

He married Betty Prohaska. They were later divorced.

On November 15, 1973 he married his soul mate and best friend, Karen “Sue” Nott Coffman. They celebrated 51 years of marriage.

Survivors include a daughter, Jody Hittle (Kent) Milford, sons Doug Self (Debbie) Maple Hill, Eric (Kristina) Milford, Scott (Sandy) Milford, two sisters Barbara (Dale) Vail and Mary (Tom) Bradshaw both of Topeka. 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sue and his son Shawn Cody; grandson Austin English; parents, Floyd and Marguerite Coffman; sisters Shirley Ann and Edna Wade.

He grew up in east Topeka where he ran around with his cousins. He hunted raccoons with his Dad and Uncles. When they weren’t hunting, you could find them on the creek bank setting trot lines and limb lines as well as fishing with a pole. Many pictures were taken of the hunters/fishermen with long stringers of fish or raccoons hanging on the side of the garage.

Later he spent countless hours teaching his sons the hunting and fishing skills. Many deer mounts hang from the walls in his home as well as antelope, turkey and ducks.

As a young man, he worked for Jack Perine as a welder. He was multi-talented and could do anything. He painted homes with his Dad, drove a semi, drove a cement mixer for Hankamer concrete when Jeffrey Energy Center was being built, and was maintenance director for USD 321. In 1990, he and Sue bought Big K marina at Milford Lake and it became B&K Marina and later was changed to Rush Creek Marina. Many friends were made during the years he owned the marina. After selling the marina, he worked at Milford State Park until he became ill.

Family has always been important to Bill. He was host of many family reunions with his wife including a reunion of the Topeka Decker Oiler baseball team honoring his uncles. He hosted fish fries, went camping on Rock Creek or various lakes around the state. He took his family swimming in Cross Creek or he would hit the ball for a game of 500 in the yard. He loved to bowl with his family and friends.

Celebration of life for Bill and Sue will be held August 24, 2025 at Milford State Park at their Memorial benches near Eagle Ridge campground. A time will be determined and announced later.

JUNE 14, 1954 - JULY 19, 2025

Ricky Lynn Lathrop, 71, of Enterprise, Kansas, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Abilene Memorial Hospital.

“Rick” was born June 14, 1954, to Dale and Audrey “Ramsey” Lathrop at Wichita, Kansas. Raised in Meade, Kansas, and graduating high school he enlisted in the US Army in 1972 in the Security Agency and was stationed in Thailand until 1975.

Rick loved to hunt and fish and ride motorcycles. He ran the family furniture store in Meade. He worked with his dad and brother in building gunite houses across Kansas. Later in life he graduated from K-State with an Associate of Technology degree and worked on base at Fort Riley.

He married Glenda Brown on March 11, 2001. She survives. He is also survived by his sister, Pam Ramey, Horn Lake, MS; sister, Tami (Scott) Morse, Sand Springs, OK; sister, Lonna (Kevin) Henderson, Wichita, KS; step-son, Mike (Crystal) Barnard, and grandsons Cameron, Shawn, Marcus and Marley, Nevada, MO; sister-in-law, Cheryl Wright, Hutchinson, Kansas; Dale John (DJ) Lovell, Wichita, Kansas; many nieces and nephews and great and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robb, his brother-in-law Steve and his niece Lacey.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a Celebration of Life at a later time.

NOVEMBER 07, 1940 - JULY 16, 2025

Marvin Paul Foster, who was known as Paul to his friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully and comfortably on Tuesday, July 16, 2025, at 3:50 p.m., surrounded by his family. A beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, he was 84 years old and was at home with his son Warren, daughter Michelle, her husband Bennett, his grandson Ethan and the family dog Minnie at the time of his passing.

JANUARY 02, 1949 – MAY 23, 2025

Pauline K. Swartzman, 76, of Topeka, KS passed away on May 23, 2025

Pauline was born January 02, 1949, in Beloit, KS, as the youngest of six children.

Pauline is survived by a brother Robert “Bill” Swartzman (Sue), Topeka, KS, two sisters, Diane Guth, Topeka, KS, Marylou O’Shea, (Tom) Okeana, OH and three daughters, Tracey Richardson, Topeka, KS, Lisa Botkin, Topeka, KS and Sandra Hellman, Granbury, TX.

4 Grandchildren, Tate Lawson (Zee), Aurora, CO, Tyler Lawson (Aja), Topeka, KS, Tiffany Lawson, Topeka, KS and Addison Botkin, Topeka, KS.

5 Great-grandchildren, Harper, Quinn, Finnley, Jayla and Beckett.

Numerous Nieces and Nephews.

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Jeanette Swartzman, a sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Andrews and a brother, Richard Swartzman.

Pauline was an avid animal lover, loved working jigsaw puzzles, crocheting and camping.

Pauline was cremated and a graveside service will be held at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery on Saturday, August 02, 2025, at 10 am.

JANUARY 28, 1956 - JULY 03, 2025

Rebecca (Becki) Sue Small passed away peacefully in her home in Junction City, KS on July 3rd, 2025 

Born on January 28, 1956 the daughter of Herbert Eugene and Dona Arlene (Gormley) Small where she lived her early childhood to early adulthood, she graduated from Saint Xavier‘s Catholic school in 1974 , and began her career in Banking. In 1978 she had her only child, a son,  Anthony Michael Small. Rebecca married Louis (Duke) Leone on November 29th, 1985. She moved her family to Las Vegas, NV, where they lived for 20 years before moving back to Junction City, KS in 2004. Rebecca retired in 2023 as Sr. Mortgage Underwriter and was highly respected by her piers and colleagues.  She was known as one of the best teachers of mortgage lending in the industry.

Rebecca loved being out in the sun by the pool getting a tan. She enjoyed dancing along to her favorite music, and most of all, cherished the time spent with her family. In her retirement she became an avid gardener and spent many hours tending to all her beautiful plants. 

Rebecca is survived by her father, Herbert (Herb) Eugene Small, Junction City; brother, John Robert (Bob) Small and his wife Lynnette (Lynn) Small, Junction City; daughter-in-law Patricia Pratzel, Junction City; two grandchildren, Jasmine Pratzel and Anthony (A.J.)  Michael Small Jr.; niece, Christina Swisher; nephew, Jacob (Jake) Small; Grand-nieces, Chyla Swisher and Addison Small. She also has numerous family and close friends, too many to mention.

Rebecca is preceded in death by her son Anthony Michael Small Sr., and her mother Dona Arlene Small (Gormley).

Rebecca’s family will greet visitors during a Celebration of Life, held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles September 7th. Becki nurtured all of her flowers, succulents and abundant garden and the family would like to offer a plant to friends and family to remember Becki by. 

MARCH 03, 1945 - JULY 10, 2025

William Dennis “Bill” Bales, 80, of Muscotah Kansas, passed away on Thursday July 10 th 2025. Bill, son of the late Elizabeth “Betty” & Delbert Bales, was born March 3 rd 1945 in Horton, Kansas. He spent his early life working on the family dairy farm near Muscotah and later worked in Atchison at Walmart, Country Mart, & Orschelns.

He married Sue Faught, they had 2 sons, D.J. & Travis, but later divorced.

Bill attended the Muscotah United Church. Bill loved to garden, raise chickens, fish, & enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs & KU basketball with C.J. He spent the last few years tending to his large garden, raising chickens, selling eggs and produce at the Farmer’s Market in Atchison.

Bill is survived by his special friend C.J. Hanson, son Travis (Darcie) Bales, and grandsons Grant & Owen Bales; sisters Nancy Bales & Patricia Murray; brother John (Kathleen) Bales, Maranda Jones, who is like a daughter to him and her family; multiple nephews and nieces as well as great nephews and great nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; son D.J.; and brother-in-law, Lawrence Murray.

He would like to express his love to all the friends he made over the years at work and the Farmer’s Market. The family would like to express their gratitude to Midland Care in Topeka and ask that memorial contributions be sent to Midland Care Hospice House, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.

All those whose lives Bill touched are invited to join the family at the Muscotah United Church in Muscotah KS for the visitation on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 from 6p.m.-8p.m.

Memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Muscotah United Church.

Private family distribution of ashes will take place at a later date.

AUGUST 16, 1928 - JUNE 17, 2025

Auburn Kansas – Donna Lea Silsby formerly of Mankato, KS passed away Tuesday June 17, 2025, at Midland Hospice House. Donna was born on August 16, 1928, in Pretty Prairie Kansas to Clarence (Darb) and Golden Daisy Busick) Blew. She was the oldest of five children followed by Doris, Margaret, Merle and Melba. The family moved from Pretty Prairie to a farmstead west of Burr Oak, KS in 1945. Donna graduated from Burr Oak High School in 1947 and attended Fort Hays University where she received her elementary teaching certificate. She was united in marriage to James (Boyd) Silsby on May 17 th , 1949, in Burr Oak, KS. Donna and Boyd moved around the states of Kansas, Wyoming, and Nebraska as Boyd worked for a large construction company.  In 1965 they moved to the Blew family farmstead in Burr Oak and then to Mankato in 1967 as Boyd became partners with his brother-in-law Merle at Mankato Welding and Machine.  Donna was active in Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS)/United Methodist Women; Eastern Star; General Federated Women’s Club; North Central Kansas Association of Artists; VFW Auxiliary and as a 4-H leader in the local club and county.

Survivors include her sisters, Margaret Patten of Longmont, CO, Melba Johnson of Auburn, KS and children Renee (June) Holl Lawrence, KS, Cliff (Susan) Silsby Auburn, KS, Tadhi (Doug) Hayes Amarillo, TX and Clay (Anna) Silsby Jackson, OR as well as 16 Grandchildren, 27 Great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Donna was proceeded in death by her husband; her parents; grandsons Travis Silsby, Aaron Holl and Ryan Silsby; one step great granddaughter; sister Doris Long, brother Merle Blew, Brothers-in-law Frank Johnson, Andrew Patten, and Howard Long; sisters- in-law and spouses Thelma (Doyle) Pierson, Belle (Alvin) Kandelin, Fern (Lynn) Harris, Mary (Louis) Ohmstede, Madeline (Charles Pinkston, Edythe (Harold) Francis, Glendora (Jim Paxton, Berniece (Charles) Harris, and Brother-in-law and spouse Doyle (Dorthia) Silsby.

Donna was a loving Mother, Granny, Teacher, Artist and Gardener. She loved seasonal colors and even with failing eyesight would express wonder with nature’s beauty. Hummingbirds were her favorite birds to watch.

Donna will be laid to rest with Boyd in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Mankato KS at a date yet to be determined.

JUNE 23, 1946 - JUNE 28, 2025

Robert A. Keehn, Jr., 79, of Holton, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at his home.

Robert was born on June 23, 1946, in Corning, KS as the oldest of nine children. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, seven children, and multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Private family services are being held.

AUGUST 15, 1963 - MAY 19, 2025

Kelly Gene Elkins age 61, of Clay Center, was sent to his eternal home on May 19, 2025, at Stormontvail Hospital. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on August 15, 1963 to the late Harold and Betty (Goldsmith) Elkins. He had six siblings.

He met the love of his life Sandra K White in 1981 and married her in 1982. They had four children.

Kelly is survived and missed by his loving wife Sandi Elkins of 43 years; and his children Amber (Casey) Bowser, Jeremy (Rebecca) Elkins, and Megan (Jeremy) Carter. Forever cherished and remembered by his five grandchildren, Gary Bowser, Angel Bowser, Domenique Carter, Jazminne Carter, and Wyatt Elkins. Siblings and their spouses the late Lee and (Rita) Gibbs, Tommy Gibbs, Artie (Mary) Elkins, Rickey (Melanie) Elkins, and one sister Paula (Richard) Smith. His memory lives on with his nephews Jason (Gia) Wells and family and Chris (Victoria) Klapper and family. Many other nieces and nephews.

Kelly was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Betty Elkins, his step-mother, Gert Elkins, his brothers Georgie Elkins and Lee Gibbs, and his son Kelly Gene Elkins Jr..

Kelly enjoyed spending time with family, playing frisbee golf, BBQing, spending time outdoors, telling jokes, visiting the mountains and sleeping. He would always say "My beds calling me." His favorite TV shows were westerns, Storage wars, Counting Cars, Parking wars, and Judge Judy. He enjoyed older rock and roll bands specifically from the 70's. He collected knives, walking staffs, steins and zippos. He and Sandi would go away for vacations to one of his favorite places, the mountains in Colorado.

Kelly worked at Steele and Pipe and a few fence companies over the years and up until his death he worked at One Accord fencing.

The family will be having a come and go celebration of life on July 12th 2025 from 2-4 PM at the 4-H Building at the Clay Center Fairgrounds for those who want to celebrate his life.