Diane Kay (Smith) Ewing

Diane Kay (Smith) Ewing

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.

 
Paul “Dean” Eshom

Paul “Dean” Eshom

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. 

Patricia Ann Handley

Patricia Ann Handley

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.

Jessica Ann Alejos

Jessica Ann Alejos

July 21, 1971 - May 08, 2022
 
Jessica Ann Alejos, (Jessie) age 50 was called home to be with our Lord on May, 8, 2022. Jessie was born in July, 21, 1971 in Topeka, Ks. to Candice (Rooker) and Robert Alejos.
 
Jessie loved to bowl, cook an bake. Her favorite holiday was the 4th of July and celebrating her Mexican heritage, Dia de los Muertos.
 
Jessie is survived by, her Grandfather (Ed Rooker of Topeka, Ks.) her Mother & Father (Candice & Robert Alejos of Topeka, Ks.) her Sister (Teresa Wyatt and family of Mesa, Az.) her Children (Gage McGahey and family of Tempe, Az.) & (Lindsay McGahey and family of Osage City, Ks.).
 
She is preceded in death by her Maternal Grandmother, Shirley Rooker and her Paternal Grandparents, Felicitas and Sergio Alejos.
Diana Marie Bledsoe Gaither

Diana Marie Bledsoe Gaither

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.

Kathy Lorraine Holmes

Kathy Lorraine Holmes

Kathy Lorraine Holmes
April 13, 1953 -- May 10, 2022
 
Kathy was born in Scott City, Kansas. Shortly afterwards, her family moved to Plains, Kansas, where her father opened a pharmacy. Kathy was very close in age to her brother Tom and was somewhat of a tomboy. She became peeved when she had to start wearing a shirt when she was outdoors. She attended Plains Grade School and graduated from Southwestern Heights high school in 1971. After her high school graduation, the family moved to Larned, Kansas, where she went to work at Larned State Hospital. This was the first of many jobs dedicated to public service. She worked as a Licensed Mental Health Technician at Larned State Hospital, Topeka State Hospital, and was first an aide and later a security guard at the Kansas Neurological Institute. Hospital closures necessitated her change in careers. She worked the rest of her career for the Capitol Police as a guard and a dispatcher. Kathy was fiercely loyal to family and friends. She had a lifelong love of animals and rescued many cats and dogs. She experienced several health issues during the last few years but retained her sense of humor and love of family and friends. She is survived by sister Kristine Holmes of Topeka, sister Belinda Holmes of Lawrence, Thomas Holmes (and his wife Florence) of Great Bend, and brother Dan in Cheney, and was preceded in death by parents Richard E. Holmes and Henrietta Belle Parks Holmes. A memorial service will be planned at some time in the future. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, her friends and family can make a memorial donation to Helping Hands Humane Society at 5720 SSW 21st Street, Topeka, Kansas, 66604, or through their website at hhhstopeka.org. Please designate on your check or website contribution that it is in memory of Kathy.
Duane Albert Nigus

Duane Albert Nigus

September 25, 1934 - May 13, 2022

Duane Albert Nigus died peacefully at home with family, May 13, 2022.

Duane was born September 25, 1934 to Ray and Louise Nigus in Hiawatha, Kansas. Duane was raised on a dairy farm outside Hiawatha, and graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1952. Duane attended Kansas University for a short time before starting his 50 year career as an engineer's assistant with the Kansas Department of Transportation in Topeka.

Duane was very creative and had a knack for all things mechanical and electrical. Duane was proud to have earned the "extra class" license for amateur radio. Duane was also actively involved with his children's various projects and activities. Duane was a familiar face around downtown Topeka where he spent his lunchtimes walking until his retirement in 2002.

Duane married Janet Seeley February 20, 1963 in Miami, Oklahoma. Janet died in 2002. Duane was also preceded in death by his mother, father, and seven siblings. Survivors include two sons, Durwin (Pam) Nigus of Chillicothe, Illinois, and Philip (Chonita) Nigus of Topeka, Kansas. Survivors also include four grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held for Duane later this summer at Mt Hope Cemetery in Hiawatha.

 
Chante Marie Judy

Chante Marie Judy

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.

Mary L. Meier

Mary L. Meier

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 9th, 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.

Irmgard Pryor

Irmgard Pryor

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.

Contact Us

Angels Above Cremation Services
3936 NW 16th St., Bldg. B
Topeka, KS 66618

785-215-8386
Office hours are by appointment only.
Please call us to schedule an appointment.

AngelsAboveCremationServices1@gmail.com

Image