Obituaries - Angels Above Cremation & Funeral Home Services

Gary Gordon Wade

Obituaries 20 September 2022

January 30, 1961 - August 29, 2022

A Remembrance of Life will be held for Gary Gordon Wade, 63, of Carbondale/Topeka, Kansas, at West Lawn Cemetery on the day of Saturday, September 24th, 2022 at 11:00am. Gary G. Wade passed away August 29th, 2022 at 12:40pm from natural causes. The family will proceed with his wishes of being cremated and place his remains at West Lawn Cemetery, near
his mother and brother. All family and friends that would like to pay respect and share any memories of Gary are welcomed.

Gary G. Wade was born in Topeka, KS on January 30th, 1961 to parents, Edna Mae Wade (Coffman) and Robert Gary Wade, Sr. Gary is preceded in death by his mother, Edna Mae Wade, Grandmother Marguerite Coffman, and brother Gregory W. Wade. Gary is survived by his father, Robert G. Wade, 88, of Carbondale, KS and siblings, Diana L. Celland, 65, of Lydon; Delena M. VanVleck, 57, of Carbondale; Robert G. Wade, Jr., 58, of Carbondale; Michael T. Wade, 56, of Topeka; and Tammy Harmen, 60, of Ohio. Gary is also survived by his son, Dustin Olblander, 43 of Topeka, and 3 grandchildren, Allicea, Blayne, and Cray. He is also survived by 6 nieces and 6 nephews, and 11 great nieces and 6 great nephews.

Mary L. Bova

Obituaries 19 September 2022

Mary L. Bova, 92, of Lawrence, KS passed away on September 13, 2022. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Gene. She is survived by her daughter, Jeanne (Bill), John (Sharri), Matt (Linda) Joe (Joan); and 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mary was the middle of Paul and Vina Allie’s 13 children, all of whom preceded her in death. She grew up in Saint Paul, MN and later moved to Kansas with her husband and family. She loved gardening and always generously shared her bounty. She was a wonderful and adventurous cook who welcomed all to sit at the table - or help themselves to the refrigerator. Mary also loved fishing, both with her husband, Gene, and with her many grandchildren, who she delighted in teaching. In her later years she was stricken with macular degeneration and then Alzheimer’s, handling both with strength and grace. Her family was of utmost importance to her and she has left a lasting legacy of priceless memories.

A small, private family service will be scheduled. Should you wish to honor Mary’s memory, the family suggests the following: organizations that support the visually impaired (particularly macular degeneration), organizations that support the welfare of children (https://www.eudoraschoolsfoundation.org/ if needing a recommendation), or National Public Radio.

Karen JoAnn Snyder

Obituaries 13 September 2022

April 22, 1959 - September 12, 2022

Karen JoAnn Snyder, 63, of Topeka died on Monday, September 12, 2022 due to complications from chronic illness.

She was born on April 22, 1959 in Hutchinson, KS the daughter of Kenneth D. and Marlene Snyder. Karen graduated from Buhler High School and earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Hutchinson Community Junior College and was employed as a legal assistant.

She enjoyed working on crafts and loved caring for animals. Karen volunteered as an animal care giver at Carey Park Zoo in Hutchinson.

She is preceded in death by her parents. Karen is survived by her brothers Bret (Hutchinson) and Brad and sister-in-law, Jolene Snyder, of Topeka and nieces Michelle Freeman (Snyder), of Boston, MA, Melinda Snyder, of St. Louis, MO and nephew Matthew Snyder, of Dallas, TX. Karen is a great aunt to eight nieces and nephews.

A memorial graveside service will take place at 11 am on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Fairlawn Cemetery, Hutchinson, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society Inc. 5720 SW 21st Street, Topeka, KS 66604 https://www.hhhstopeka.org or American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, Virginia 22116-7023 https://www.diabetes.org or Friends of the Topeka Zoo or Wichita Zoo.

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.