Obituaries - Angels Above Cremation & Funeral Home Services

Rickey Reuidene Belshe

Obituaries 08 September 2022

October 2, 1957 - August 31, 2022

Rickey Reuidene Belshe was born on October 2nd 1957 to Jeanette Marie Belshe and William Thomas Belshe in Emporia Kansas. He had one younger brother Claude William Belshe. He attended school in Hartford where he excelled in wrestling, football, and basketball. Rickey spent most of his youth in the care of his Grandparents in Americus. When his grandparents purchased the restaurant in Hartford they moved next door and Rick really enjoyed his time there helping in the kitchen. Rick would say his high school years were the best time of his life. After graduation he began his long career in concrete with Duane Barrett Concrete where he quickly grew a close relationship with his boss Duane and became lifelong friends. He dabbled in work with the railroad and the power plant, but soon returned to work with concrete as this was his life long career. During this time he was briefly married to Kristy then divorced. He then married Cheryl Kershner on September 7th, 1984, they then moved to Topeka to build a new life together. Rick began working with Conroy Concrete, and shortly after started his long term career with Concrete Unlimited. He was life long friends with Perry Marney the owner. Cheryl and Rick were then blessed with a daughter Hannah. Even with the many differences he and his daughter faced he loved her dearly. Although he divorced Cheryl in April of 2002, they remained close. After meeting Lora Frick he moved to Dover and was married for a short time. He then returned to Topeka and began rekindling his relationship with Cheryl and spent a majority of his final years with her. He was then blessed with a granddaughter Brielle, who was the light of his world. His only wishes were to give her the world. In 2020 he was diagnosed with liver cancer and Cheryl took care of him at his home until he was physically disabled. He then moved to Topeka Centers, where he enjoyed visits from his mother Jeanette, partner Cheryl, grand daughter Brielle, brother Claude, and family friend Bailey. He loved his snacks of shrimp rings, cheese crackers, and coke, and watched a lot of football. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 31st, 2022. A Celebration of Life will be held at Forest Park located at 3158 SE 10th St, Topeka, KS 66607 on September 24, 2022 from 1pm-3pm in the Hickory Hall. Snacks and drinks will be served.

Charlotte Jeanne Long

Obituaries 29 August 2022

March 26, 1944 - August 21, 2022

Charlotte Jeanne Long, 78, passed away Sunday, August 21, 2022, in Topeka, Kansas. She was born March 26, 1944, in Marion, Kansas to Frances (Williams) and Curtis Langley. Her parents divorced as a young child, and she spent much of her young years with her mother, sister and grandparents Nettie and Paul Williams in Marion, KS. Charlotte recounted many times about getting into a boat during the Marion flood of 1951 with her grandmother Nettie. Before relocating to Topeka, her mother’s career, settled them for a few years in Winfield, Kansas. As she entered her teen years, her mother brought them to Topeka, where Charlotte and her sister Helen graduated from Topeka West High School. Charlotte also gained a father at this time when her mother married Robert Mardis. Frances and Robert preceded her in death. She married James H. Long in 1965. Both attended Washburn University and survived the 1966 tornado while they were living on campus at that time. Charlotte's greatest accomplishment was the love for her family and championed her role as a homemaker and mom. Charlotte was often known to be able to strike up a conversation with complete strangers anywhere she went. As Charlotte's kids were grown, she took on a position with CSI, a local security alarm company. Unfortunately, health issues set in within the past decade, making her mobility limited. She still always loved her family and eagerly embraced news and stories of their lives. She was also a great source of family history and knowledge. If you needed a family fact, story or detail, Charlotte probably remembered it.

Benjamin Gene Culbertson

Obituaries 10 August 2022

Benjamin Gene Culbertson 49, of Topeka passed away Friday August 5, 2022 with family by his side. Benjamin was born November 25,1972 to Bruce and Marie (Ard) Culbertson. Benjamin married Michelle (Donehoo) she survives.To this union was born his pride and joy his two sons Alan/Pandora and Devin. Ben was a loving father, grandfather, and big brother.He was also a very dedicated uncle to his nieces and nephews. Kelli, Reanna, Jasper, Nichole, Kaylee, Zoey and Billy. Benjamin was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Alan. His grandparents Jack and Clara Culbertson and his grandpa Merle Ard, aunt Patti and uncles Lee and David. Benjamin is survived by his sons Alan/Pandora and Devin (Jesse) and grandson Phillip. His sister Lola Culbertson and niece Kelli, his brother Matthew (Jennifer) nieces and nephews Reanna, Jasper, Nichole, Kaylee, Zoey and Billy.His grandma Jean Ard, numerous aunts and uncles, and a multitude of cousins. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Benjamin is being cremated per his wishes. Contributions may be made to his sister Lola via venmo to help with the costs of cremation. @Lola-Culbertson-1

Larry A" Smoke " Diven

Obituaries 04 August 2022

Meriden- Larry A" Smoke " Diven passed away August 1' 2022 at his home. He was born to Harold and Joyce Peck Diven on March 16' 1958 in Kansas City Missouri. He married Verna Houghton on June 28' 1986. She survives. They have a Daughter Kelsey (Joey) Lightell. Also surviving is His Grandchildren in which he loved to spend time with almost everyday Koralee and Raymond Lightell. He is survived by Sister's Sandy Diven and Tammy (Bruce) Brumbaugh both of Topeka, Kansas. Brother-in Law's Tommy Mansfield (Chris), Michael (Dawn) Houghton and Patrick Houghton all of Topeka, Kansas. Sister-in Law's LeeAnne (Steve) Skinner Topeka, Kansas and Kathy (Ken deceased) Hobart Kansas City, Missouri. Many Niece's, Nephew's and extended Family. So many daycare kiddos throughout the years were a part of his life. He retired from KDWPT after years, where he worked at Perry State Park. He also worked at Fox Ridge Townhouses for 8 years. Smoke enjoyed hunting, fishing and Family vacations. He really liked to get all the Daycare kids wound up when he came in and out. He was truly one of a kind. A Celebration of Life will be August 27th from 3-6 at Muddy Creek Game Birds Lodge 8721 NE Brown Rd. Meriden, Kansas 66512. Food, tea and lemonade will be provided.

Kyan Jacob Evans

Obituaries 21 July 2022

April 28, 1985 - July 19, 2022

Kyan Jacob Evans, 37, passed away at home in KCMO, on July 19th, 2022. He was born to James and Kathleen (Katie) Evans, on April 28th, 1985, in Topeka, KS. He grew up in Topeka and graduated from Topeka West High School in 2004. He had many jobs throughout the years, but being a butcher was his passion.

He was a beloved father, friend, brother and uncle. He enjoyed talking about all things history and war related. He liked to tinker with random things and make them explode. Many of his friends and family recall him making and wearing a ghillie suit. He would hide in the trees and bushes, sometimes waiting for hours to jump out at the first person he saw. He was a funny guy for sure. He dreamed of someday becoming a pilot and traveling the world. Other hobbies included, music (especially NIN), riding his bike, walking his dog, reading and cooking. He never met a stranger and brought so much energy and joy to everyone he encountered. He will be terribly missed by all his friends and family.

Kyan was preceded in death by his mother, Katie Evans; father, James Evans; grandparents, Doreen Cummins, Raymond Cummins, Faith Evans, and Joe Evans.

Survivors include a son, Gannon Evans, that he shared with Cierra Hillard, both of Topeka, KS; sister, Meghan Evans (Robert McCall), Topeka, KS; nephews, Brayden Rodgers and Kasyn McCall, both of Topeka, KS; cousins, Erin Essin, NC, and Will Essin, CO; aunts Annie Gaddy, CO, and Mary Faith Evans, CO; uncle, John Evans, CO; best friend, Kelley, KCMO; and his beloved dog, Tommy.

A celebration of Kyan's life is planned for 2pm on Sunday, August 14th, 2022, at Lake Shawnee Shelter House #1 (3400 SE Leisure Lane, Topeka KS, 66605). All are welcome to join.

IRIS D. CASEY

Obituaries 18 July 2022

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.

Marilyn Catherine Flott (Frehe)

Obituaries 18 July 2022

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 W. Hale

Obituaries 12 July 2022

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

Charles W. “Chuck” Hale, 89 passed away Thursday, June 30, 2022. He was born July 1, 1932 in Freedom, Pennsylvania, the son of Samuel and Gertrude Hale.

Charles was a member of the Highland Park Baptist Church for many years. After 22 years of service in the United States Air Force and Army he retired in 1971. He retired from Sears Automotive after 20 years and from Walmart Automotive after 10 years of service.

Charles married Mary Ann Weaver May 9, 1953 in the Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania Zion Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife Mary Hale, Son Randy Hale, Step Sister Elizabeth Frank, Grandchildren Melissa (Jerry) Hale, Sonya (Gerad) Hale, Corey (Rhonda) Hale, Andrew Hale, Great Grandchildren Megan (Loren)
McDaniel, Taylor Overstreet, Dustin (Maria) Weber,
Callie Holthaus, Sony Hale, Tanley Hale, Great Great Grandchildren Violet, Ivy, and Evan Weber.

Charles was preceded in death by his Son, Roderick Hale and his Great Granddaughter, Marie Weber.

A celebration of Charles' life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday July 16, 2022 at the Highland Park Baptist Church, 820 SE 29th st, Topeka, Kansas. Private interment services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the ProMedica Hospice Memorial Fund online at promedicaseniorcare.org/giving.

Jerry Wayne King

Obituaries 08 July 2022

June 17, 1943 - July 07, 2022

Jerry Wayne King, Sr, 79, died July 7, 2022 at home surrounded by his family and dogs. He was born in Santa Monica, CA on June 17, 1943, the son of Betty Lyons and Lee King. A few years later Jerry and his mother moved back to Topeka, KS where he has resided since. He attended Topeka High School, where he met his wife, Diane Fields. They were married on July 10, 1963. Later that year Jerry joined the Navy and served for 4 years. He was stationed in San Diego, CA for 2 years and 2 years in Hawaii,where he was a shipfitter. Jerry Sr. worked many different places throughout his career as a plumber and welder, eventually opening his own business in 1980. Jerry and Diane had 4 kids Margaret (Larry) Allard (St. George, KS), Susan King (Topeka, KS), Jerry (Julie) King Jr.(Topeka, KS) and Joshua (Molly) King (Eudora, KS). Jerry was a hard working man and he loved his family, especially his six grandkids: Lucinda, Cody, Jayme, Jeff, Olivia and Lane. He is a big dog lover of any kind. Jerry loved old cars and had a few of his own, including a ‘48 Buick and a ‘38 buick. He loved to be outside and having anything to do with his equipment. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother Betty (1995) and his Wife Diane (2014). He is survived by all 4 kids, and all 6 grandkids. Following his wishes cremation is planned.

Lynell Kay Walz Kinish

Obituaries 08 July 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”.