JANUARY 19, 1950 - MARCH 17, 2025

Judith “Judy” Ann (Betts) Hayes, 75 of Topeka, Kansas passed away Monday, March 17, 2025, at Stormont Vail Hospital. She had been there in Hospice.

Judy was born in Atchison, Kansas. One of 12 children born to Charles and Helen (Pickerell) Betts, on January 19, 1950.

Judy attended elementary school in Atchinson and High School at the Mount.

Judy married Michael E. Trower in Atchinson in 1966. They later divorced. They had 4 children, Angela (Richard) Heuertz, Tony (Laura) Trower, Rebecca (Scott) Brown and Rachelle Rice. Judy also has 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

In 1973 Judy’s husband, Sunny Pea’s proceeded her in death. Judy’s brothers and sisters were Walters Betts (died in infancy), Juanita Irene Betts (died at the age of 3), Gene Betts (deceased), Sally Brady (lives in Atchison), Peggy Betts (deceased), James Lee Betts (deceased), Bill Betts (deceased), Rita Reiff (deceased), Michael Betts (deceased) and Lisa Renee Piper (deceased).

Judy had several jobs throughout the years. She worked at TG&Y and the Mop factory. Later when she moved to Valley Falls, and the Topeka area, she had gotten her CAN and CMA licenses. She worked at the Valley View Nursing Home and the Valley Falls doctor’s office. She also did private care and worked as a dialysis Technician.

A celebration of life will be planned later.

JULY 23, 1968 - MARCH 10, 2025

Troy William Upshaw 56 of Topeka passes away Monday March 10, 2025 at home.

He was born July 23, 1968 in Topeka, KS, the son of Willis William Upshaw and Leah Dae Chute.

Troy loved the outdoors, he loved working in the yard and had a big passion for his animals.

Survivors include: 1 son, Christian Upshaw, 2 daughters, Courtnie Upshaw and Camry Upshaw all in Topeka, KS. 2 sisters, Toni Liams-Upshaw, Platte, Missouri and Tawnya Clark-Upshaw, Las Vegas, NV. 3 grandkids and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life for friends and family at a later date.

They say once you go, you never come back.

Is it peaceful there? Is there no more worries?

I hope you are resting now dad.

I hope you have found a place where nothing weighs on your heart.

But here, without you, the nights feel endless.

The house is quieter. Life feels emptier.

We sit together, wishing time could turn back, but knowing it never will.

If there is another life, Dad, Please choose a place where happiness finds you.

Because you deserve more than the struggles you left behind

DECEMBER 09, 1956 - MARCH 10, 2025

Byron Anthony Young, 69, passed away peacefully on March 10th 2025 at Stormont Vail hospital in Topeka KS. 

Byron was born into a military family on December 9th 1956 in Groton, Connecticut to Fred L. and Grace W. Young.  

Byron was proud to serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam war ear. He got married in August of 1994 to Sharyn B. Young. He prided himself working for The University of Kansas. 

He was an avid sports fan and especially rooted for the Kansas City Chiefs. You would often find Byron in the kitchen preparing some of his Moms recipes and sharing those meals with his friends and neighbors. Byron took great pride in helping others and volunteering at the local food bank in Valley Falls, KS. Byron would describe himself as an “old Hippie surfer dude!” Known for his long hair and Hippie views and ways. He found solace in the company of his beloved dog, Domino. His friends and family would describe him best as having a big heart, willing to help anyone, and never wanting to be a bother!

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Sharyn Young and his sister Tanyia D. Lewis.

He is survived by his brother Fred Young (Denise) of Franklin TN, sister Sandria McLean (Rick) of Pickens SC, niece Victoria Wimberly (Bradley) of Moncks Corner SC, along with multiple grand-nieces and nephews. 

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and neighbors; he has found comfort and peace being reunited with his Mom and Wife in heaven

FEBRUARY 28, 1967 - MARCH 11, 2025

Darlene Marie Barba passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family on March 11, 2025 after a long battle with cancer. Darlene was born on February 28, 1967 to George and Wilma Coates in Bangor, Maine. She was proceeded in death by both parents, her sister Donna Gagnon and brother Doug Thayer. She is survived by her husband John, sister Debra Bessine, John’s daughter Michelle (Daniel) and grandchildren, many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, special brother-in-law Tom Gagnon, and special friend Vicki St. Thomas. She met her husband John in 2012 and they were married in 2016. Among Darlene’s many loves were NASCAR racing and NFL football. Darlene had a fearless spirit, was not afraid to tackle anything and had a general zest for life. She brought a smile to every face she encountered. Darlene will be dearly missed in this world. Per her wishes, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made any cancer organization.

MARCH 07, 1951 - MARCH 03, 2025

C. David "Dave" Bonczkowski, 73, passed away on March 3, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas.

Born on March 7, 1951, in Emporia, KS. Dave spent his life rooted in the community he loved. He attended Emporia College before embarking on a long and dedicated career with BNSF For 35 years, he worked as foreman of the Bridges and Buildings gang in the Topeka Shops, where his expertise and Leadership left a lasting impact.

Dave had a deep appreciation for Life’s simple pleasures. He found joy in golf, bowling, and playing pool, pastimes that brought him camaraderie and competition. Perhaps nothing delighted him more than spending time on his zero-turn mower, tending to his yard with care. Those who knew him best will remember his kind and gentle nature, as well as his signature trait-always running just a little behind schedule.

He is survived by his spouse, Karen, his children, Scott, Chad, and Ryan; and many others who cherished him. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary; father, Carl; brother, Larry; and stepson, Pierce.

Dave’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. May he rest in peace

Dave had requested that he not have a funeral service as most of his family had already passed. This was his last request that we are honoring.

FEBRUARY 25, 1952 - FEBRUARY 21, 2025

Henry “Hank” Lewis Miller, Jr. passed away on February 21, 2025, four days short of his 73 rd birthday. Hank was born on February 25, 1952 in El Paso, Texas where his father, Henry “Hank” Lewis Miller, Sr. was stationed with the United State Air Force. His mother was Dorothy “Dottie” Edwards Miller. His brother, F. Fletcher Miller, was born twenty-one months later.

Hank grew up in Wichita, Kansas where he flourished spending time outside; a lifelong passion, but dangerous for a red-head! The family moved to Topeka where Hank graduated from Topeka West High School in 1970.

Hank went on to attend Washburn University in Topeka. He joined Alpha Delta fraternity and was a WU yell leader. He also found his life-long passion for rowing when he joined the Washburn rowing club.  He took a break from school and traveled with Up With People for a season, before returning to graduate in 1978. Hank worked in various sales positions, including insurance and two-way radios. His final position before retiring was with the Jayhawk Area Council of Boy Scouts of America. Upon retirement, he worked as a paraprofessional at Topeka High School for two years.

Hank spent much time on the water as a United States Rowing Association referee and traveled around the country helping with regattas. He was a pillar of the local rowing community for many years. He and his buddy, Don Craig, were instrumental in bringing in national regattas to Lake Shawnee. In 1992, he passed the exam to receive his international referee license. This led to him being chosen to referee the rowing competitions at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

Hank loved the Lord. He was the youth leader and high school Sunday School teacher at Gage Park Baptist Church in Topeka for many years in the 1990s and early 2000s. He later became the senior adult Sunday school teacher. He loved to sing and was a part of the choir at Gage Park Baptist and later at New Life Baptist Church when it merged with Great Commission Baptist Church.

Hank married Rebecca “Becky” Beutler on October 10, 1992. They welcomed Daniel Lewis in 1996 and Abigail “Abby” Elizabeth in 1999. Hank made it a point to be involved in their children’s sports, dance, and Scout activities, Hank is survived by his loving wife, Becky, and his children, Daniel and Abigail, his brother Fletcher (Peggy) and several nieces and nephews. Hank never knew a stranger, even up until the last few weeks of his life, when dementia did its worst. He never got tired of making people laugh at his awful jokes.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents at Midland Care PACE and Rossville Health Care and Rehabilitation for the care the friendship they provided to Hank the past almost two years.

Hank was cremated. Visitation is March 22, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Services to follow at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 3301 SW MacVicar Ave., Topeka Kansas 66611.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Life Baptist Church of Topeka, 3601 SW 10 th Ave., Topeka KS 66605 for the music program or to Washburn University general scholarship fund at https://www.wualumni.org/g/givenow or Washburn University Alumni Association, 1729 SW MacVicar, Topeka KS 66604.

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.