JANUARY 10, 1962 - FEBRUARY 15, 2025

Tawni was born on January the 10th of 1962 at St.Francis Hospital in Topeka, KS to Clyde and Norma Jean Diehl.  After her parents separation and her mother remarrying, Tawni experienced the life of a military brat and lived in many different places in her youth, settling in California from the age of seventeen until the age of thirty-nine when she returned to her hometown of Topeka.

After trying her hand at several job positions including waitress, book-keeper, and cosmetologist, she found herself happiest as a homemaker and schooling her only daughter. While she had many interests in her lifetime such as genealogy, porcelain doll making, jewelrycraft, antiques, video games, and period piece media, her primary interest was in ministry and the teachings of Christ.

Tawni was best known for her spirit of generosity. If a relative or a family friend needed a place to stay, Tawni's house was the place. She hosted a variety of family events for various holidays, as well as home-schooling events in her daughter's youth. Her last charity project before her passing was crafting welcome gifts for a variety of churches to pass out to visitors and new congregate members.

After a brief battle with cancer, Tawni passed away at Midland Care Hospice House on February 15th, 2025 in the company of her loving family. No public service will be held.

Tawni was preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved niece Olivia Lynn Anderson.

She is survived by her spouse, Gregory J. Bell, her daughter Candice J. (David) Heth, her siblings Tamra (Ray) Melugin and Todd Anderson, as well as nieces and nephew.

JULY 23, 1956 - FEBRUARY 14, 2025

Martin Jay Herold 68, passed away peacefully at his home after a long battle with lung cancer on February 14, 2025.

Martin was born July 23, 1956, in Manhattan KS to John and Joyce Herold. He was preceded in death by his mother Joyce and stepmother Evelyne.

He graduated from Hayden High School in 1974. He also served in the National Guard Reserves.

Martin started his plumbing career with Ace Plumbing. He was a proud member of the plumber and pipefitters local #441. He retired from the City of Topeka and Local #441

Martin enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycle including a trip to Sturgis with his brother-in-law Michael, several trips to Arkansas with friends and day trips on Kansas highways with friends. He spent many Friday and Saturday nights on his patio with family, neighbors, and friends enjoying an adult beverage, food, music, games, swimming in the pool, and a fire in the firepit.

Martin married Mary Meier (Morgan) on May 19, 2006. She survives in Tecumseh KS.

He is also survived by his father, John Herold.

Other survivors include his children Jason (Erica) Herold, Melissa (Josh) Long, and Heidi Meier. Grandchildren Hannah, Kaidence, Dalton, Colton, Bentley, and Brayden. Brothers Sherman (Nadine) Herold, Leonard (Janet) Herold, and David Herold. Brothers-in-law Jack (Candice) Morgan, John (Marcia) Morgan, and Michael (Valerie) Morgan. Also, several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on May 3, 2025 from 2pm-4pm at the Tecumseh Park Shelter House. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society in Martin Herold’s name.

JUNE 12, 1943 - FEBRUARY 14, 2025

Day David Hall, 81, of Centralia, Kansas, passed away on February 14, 2025. He was born on June 12, 1943, in Teaberry, Kentucky, to Wayne and Mary (Tackett) Hall.  

Richard E. (Dick) Hays

11/ 22/1943 – 2/5/2025

Richard was born in Olathe, Kansas to Barney and Luella (Moffitt) Hays. He passed peacefully at The House at Midland Care, surrounded by his family. Richard spent most of his younger years growing up in Topeka and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1961. While in high school he participated in football, wrestling and gymnastics.

After graduation, Richard enlisted in the Army Reserve and trained at Fort Leonardwood. After completing his training, he returned to Topeka and began working for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.

Richard also attended and graduated in the top of his class, from the Electronics Technical School where he majored in Computer Science.

In 1970 he was employed by Southwestern Bell Corporation as an area manager in Topeka, Wichita, and St. Louis where he retired after 21 years.

In 1991 Richard began his own business as the co-owner of BHP Enterprise in St. Louis. He developed a system using call routing and voicemail to connect customers with service providers.

From 1999-2004 he worked as a The Chief Information Technology Officer for the Kansas Legislature.

He enjoyed golfing, watching football, repairing computers, spending time with friends, family, and his companion of 27 years, Meredith Currie.

Richard is survived by his daughters: Denise (Stephen) Ames, Anja (Doug) Altergott, and Tana (Joseph) Salome. Five grandchildren, Joe Dority, Tanner (Betty) Ciampa, Lily (Justen) Hayes, Zared and Sophia Salome, a great granddaughter Ella Hayes and a great grandson Romulus Ciampa. He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Jackie) Hays and sister Marcia (Rod) Kuhlman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John Hays, and his grandson Dominic Stolfi.

A celebration of life in honor of Richard Hays will be held on March 29th, 2025 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Rose Hill Place office and activity center. 3600 Gage Boulevard #97 in Topeka,
Kansas.

Memorials contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or DAV (Disabled American Veterans).

MARCH 23, 1970 - NOVEMBER 28, 2024

James Harold Bassham III (Bubba) gained his angel wings on November 28, 2024 at his home in Osage City, KS. 

James was born on March 23, 1970 in Nashville, TN to James H Bassham Jr. and Betty Jacobs.

He grew up in Nashville his whole life, attended schools there before moving to Kansas in December of 2012.

He worked for Oakley Lumber in Nashville for a number of years.

James had a great love for his family and the outdoors from deep sea fishing in Florida, riding quads/4-wheelers in east Tennessee, duck hunting & riding his motorcycle.

He is survived by his wife April Dawn Melton, 3 sons: Kamdyn Bassham of the home, Bradley(Samantha)Basham of Ashland City, TN; Brandon(Kaila Chenault)Basham, Pleasant View, TN; 2 daughters: Trinaty Eastman and Caydance Eastman both of Osage City, KS; 5 grandchildren: Maddi Davenport, Keegan Basham, Marlee Basham, Kyler Basham and Braxton Basham; a sister: Debbie(Lee) Geringer of Okeechobee, FL; 

2 brothers: Randy(Cyndi)Basham of Portland, TN and Justin(Danyle)Houseman of Palmyra, IL; Father-In-Law Kenny Melton of White Bluff, TN; Mother-In-Law Lori Roberts of Burlingame, KS; Sister-In-Law Madison Mulanax of Burlingame, KS; Grandfather-In-Law Kenneth Roberts of Burlingame, KS; Numerous nieces & nephews and many friends.

James is preceded in death by his parents and a brother: James “Beaver” Basham II, Brother-In-Law Jaycob Mulanax and Grandmother-In-Law Marilyn Roberts.

Celebration of life will be held on March 1, 2025 at 2 pm at Schuyler Annex, 117 S Dacotah St, Burlingame KS 66413.

Cheryl Louise (Lierz) McNish, 77 passed away peacefully on February 5th, 2025 surrounded by her loving husband. Cheryl was born January 8th, 1948 to Ralph and Marion Lierz in Axtel KS. She graduated from Topeka West High School in 1966 and worked as a beautician and a medical professional.

She married Robert “Bob” Wayne McNish February 10th, 1977 in Topeka, KS, They had 2 children Sarah (McNish) McBurney who was born in 1979 and Scott McNish (born in 1978). Cheryl was a devoted and loving wife, Mom and Grandma and loved to attend church, and spend time with her grandchildren.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her Parents, and Brother-in-law Tony Garcia, She is survived by her husband “Bob”, sisters Nancy Garcia and Donna Colboch, her children Sarah and Scott (Amanda) her grandchildren Hannah, Rosie, Teresa, Shelby, Cheyenne, and Corrine, great grandchildren Azariah and Awndreous and several other family and friends.

The family will host a light luncheon and Celebration of Life service for Cheryl on Saturday February 15th 2025 from 1-3 PM at Lighthouse Bible Church 4110 NW 62nd St Suite B Topeka KS 66618.

Teresa (Terry) Chapman gained her angel wings peacefully at Midland Care Hospice House on 2/1/25. She was born on 1/16/1943 in Strafford, Missouri to Opal and Frank Akin. Terry was one of 9 children. She is survived by 2 Brothers Don Akin & Joseph Akin (Michelle). She spent majority of her life growing up in North Topeka. Terry worked as a Dental Assistant for Dr. Neil for many years. She also worked at Duckwalls and the East Topeka Senior Center.
 
Terry Chapman met her soul mate Donald Edward Chapman at the FND Café. They were blessed with 48 years of marriage. They had 1 son Brian Chapman. In Terry’s free time she enjoyed long car rides with her husband and other loved ones looking at deer, ducks and beautiful scenery. On these adventures they relished in their favorite Bluegrass band along with other various types of music. You would often catch her with loved ones at these music festivals. If you know Terry, you know she had a love for crafts. She was immensely proud of her quilts and scrap booking. Terry was always behind the lens of a camera. She cherished every moment she was able to capture. One of her most pride possessions are her 4 grandchildren aka her sugar bears Benny Chapman(Marie), Sheila Chapman, Crystal Barnes(Nathan),Amanda Chapman(Ronnell) and 13 great-grandchildren. Terry also had an act for reading, cooking/baking, playing bingo and many other activities. Amongst her many hobbies she was an avid duck collector. Terry will be remembered for her strength, love, and feisty personality. Her stories about life will forever be cherished in our hearts.
 
Terry Chapman is proceeded in death by her parents Opal & Frank Akin. Her husband Donald Chapman, 2 sisters Virginia Sisco and Georgia Loya. 4 Brothers Ival Lee Akin, Frankie Akin, Benny Akin, and Clifford Akin, and 1 great-grand child Trent Juhlin
 
A celebration of life will be held on 2/16/25 at United Methodist Church 1029 N Kansas Ave @3pm. A donation box will be provided at this event to help cover the cost of her burial and headstone.

OCTOBER 14, 1944 - FEBRUARY 04, 2025

The greatest crappie fisherman of all time, Karen “Sue” Coffman, 80, of Milford passed away peacefully at her home Tuesday February 4, 2025, with her family gathered around her.

She was born at Soldier Kansas on October 14, 1944, the daughter of Clarence A “Pete” Nott and Isla Winona Bottom Nott.

She graduated from Circleville High School in 1962.

After high school Sue worked at Adams Business forms, Yearbook, C&R Industries, USD 321 and was owner/operator of B&K/Rush Creek Marina at Milford with her husband Bill from 1990-2008. After selling the marina where she was well known for her 27 second cheeseburgers, she worked as a professional housekeeper for multiple clients in Geary County that became wonderful friends over the years. She also cleaned multiple cabins at Milford State Park.

She was married to the love of her life, Bill Coffman, November 15, 1973, at Holton Kansas. They celebrated 51 years of marriage.

As a teenager, Sue would go to the Soldier Hall dances every Saturday night with her brothers and sisters. Later she enjoyed dancing with her love making people stop and watch them. Her children got their need for speed from their momma who as a teen would borrow her brother Tommie’s car and race.

After she and her husband purchased the marina, she discovered her love of crappie fishing. She enjoyed many hours of fishing the docks at the marina with her son Eric.

Of all the special times in her life, the most precious times were those with the Lord, her husband, and her family. She was lovingly referred to as Mama Bear! Each time the family was together, there was lots of love and laughter. Excellent food; fried fish, apple pie, no bake cookies, corn flake cookie, homemade ice cream for son Scott! Excellent cook!

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Shawn Cody Coffman, a grandson Austin English. Brothers Claude Nott, Tommie Nott, Kenny Nott, and Jay Nott. Sisters Betty Christian, Florene Nott, and Sandy Nott.

She is survived by her husband, Bill, of Milford, daughter, Jody Hittle (Kent) Milford, sons Doug Self (Debbie), Maple Hill, Eric Coffman (Kristina) Milford, Scott Coffman (Sandy), Milford. Sisters Lois Nissen, Topeka, Rose Honeyman, Omaha, Thelma Brown, Topeka. Sister-in-law JoAnn Nott, Holton. 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

The family will meet with friends and family at The Elks lodge, 723 S Washington, Junction City, Kansas on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 2-5. A private Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Memorials may be sent in care of the family to fund

the purchase of Memorial Benches for Milford State Park. Address: 2700 Meadowlark Dr, Milford, Kansas 66514.