March 02-1947 - May 21, 2022

Diane Kay (Smith) Ewing, 75, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at her home surrounded by family.  She was born on March 2, 1947.  Her husband of 54 years, Ronald Arthur Ewing, preceded her in death.  She is survived by her children Ron and Melodie Ewing, Corki and Brian Spurgeon, Troy and Amy Ewing, Matt and Jennifer Ewing, Kim and Everett Horn, along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Diane was an ordained minister and took over Disciples of Faith Church when her husband passed away.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She will be missed greatly by everyone's lives she touched.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022, for family and friends.  For details please reach out to family.

February 06, 1956 - May 23. 2022

Paul “Dean” Eshom, 66, of Topeka, Kansas, sadly passed away in his home on May 23, 2022, from cancer. Dean was predeceased by Don and LuJean Eshom/Graybill and left behind his spouse Amy Eshom, sisters Michelle Zeller, Kim Graybill, Rhonda Zimlich, and brother Brian Eshom; along with many nieces and nephews, one great niece and four great nephews.

Early in his career Dean began working for various scaffolding companies and went on to pursue gold mining endeavors in California and Colorado, he later moved to Chicago with his mother and sister. After returning home to Kansas, he became a golf course superintendent and shortly thereafter Dean met his wife Amy, and they were married in 2013. The two moved to the Kansas countryside and pursued their own business in home remodeling repairs.

Dean was a standout in athletics during his high school years; primarily in basketball, football, and track, enjoyed hunting in Colorado with family and friends and loved sport scuba diving in Hawaii. Often referred to as “Butch” by close friends and family members, Dean was always care-free, highly intelligent (graduated Magna Cum Laude), as loyal as they come, and stubborn as a mule. Dean will be missed by many for the way he cared and sought the best out of those closest to him. He loved his wife Amy fiercely and respected and cherished the life they built together.

To honor Dean’s memory, we are holding a celebration of life on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at 1pm at Dean and Amy’s home (9147 NW Wilson Road, Topeka, KS 66618). We invite anyone who knew Dean to attend and remember Dean’s extraordinary life. 

April 03, 1940 - May 13, 2022

In Loving Memory
Patricia Ann Handley
1940-2022

Friday morning May 13th, 2022 at 9:05 a.m., our Momma, Patricia ‘Patty’ Ann (Harris), passed away peacefully at the Brookside Retirement Community in Overbrook, KS. She formally lived in Burlington, Ks.

She was born April 3rd 1940, in Topeka, Kansas, being the second child of Bernard A. Harris and Fern (Smalley) Harris-Palmer.

Patty attended Washburn High School and was with the Class of 1956. Though she did not graduate with her class, she did get her GED. She had other plans and that was to get married to Charles ‘Chuck’ Handley on March 10th, 1956 at the Seabrook Congregational Church. To their union, they had five children, Charlie Joe, Wade, Bernard, Rochelle and Kandice. They were later divorced.

Her family lived in a lot of places within Kansas, Oklahoma and Washington. But home was wherever they were together. One of their moves was to Tahlequah, OK, where they owned and ran a café there. Back in Kansas, she took employment at King Radio in Ottawa, while living in Williamsburg. During her time of living outside of Burlingame, Ks she worked for Payless Shoe Source in Topeka. In 1982 they moved to the Spokane, WA area and took employment at Moland Greeting Card Company and later went to work at Fairchild Air Force Base as a civilian worker in the Accounts Payable division. She missed her Kansas family and they moved back to Kansas and lived in Larned and on to Burlington. There, she made many friends and volunteered at God’s Storehouse.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, brother Gary in 1957, children - Charlie Joe in 2008, Bernard in 2016, and Rochelle in 2002.

She leaves behind her children Wade (Pam) Handley, Andover, KS. Grandchildren – Holly, Nathan and Dusty, and 15 great-grandkids, 2 great-great grandkids with one more on the way. Kandice (Bron) Williams, Bartlesville, OK., grandchildren – Jeyton, Jordan and Jena. Daughter-in-law Teresa Handley (Bernard), Gridley, KS, grandchildren – Erin, Megan and Dakota, and 6 great-grandkids. Sam and Annette Marz, Corpus Christi, Tx., adopted parents for two of her grandsons with Rochelle’s passing, grandchildren – Austin and Brewster, and 7 great-grandkids. Grandchildren from Charlie Joe, Steven, Charles and Andrea, and 3 great-grandkids. A sister, Linda Wittman (Jerry), Topeka, KS., along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Patty’s family will receive family and friends one hour prior to the Celebration of Life which will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 4th, 2022 at Burlington United Methodist Church 207 S 6th St Burlington, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to Brookside Retirement Community for their activity funds or the Burlington United Methodist Church and sent to Wade Handley 1017 W Clyde St. Andover, KS 67002. Please designate in the notes which is your preference.

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.