June 01, 1945 - November 12, 2023

We mourn the loss of John F Ault who passed away November 12, 2023 at the young age of 78.  He leaves behind a loving wife Susan, 2 daughters, Vanessa and Yvette, a son James, a step-son Norman and long time friends Brenda and Terry.  John was a complex man but for those he welcomed into his world he was a very loyal, true and compassionate friend.  He cherished the lives of all living things and wished nothing but the best for all he loved. 

July 09, 1969 - October 23, 2023

Robert Paul Agnew, aged 54, passed away on October 23rd, 2023 at his home.  He was born on July 9th, 1969 in Topeka, Ks, to James and Evelyn ( Fischer) Agnew. He was a resident of Topeka and attended Topeka West High School. He worked as a carpenter for many companies in the Topeka area.  He  is survived by his daughter, Tayla Moss ( Trey Moss) and three grandchildren Taedan, Tymber and Tyler of Hoyt, Ks, four older brothers, Jim Agnew ( Deb Agnew) of Topeka, Lary Agnew of California, Dave Agnew (Terri Agnew) of Topeka, John Agnew (Sheila Agnew) of New York; and two older sisters Denise Wunder (Dan Wunder) of Topeka and Dawn Tucker of Topeka and many nieces and nephews and his companion Tammy Maspero of Topeka . Cremation services were possible due to the Margie McGivern fund, a special thanks to Greg. A celebration of life will be planed at a later time.  

September 07, 1940 - October 31, 2023

Carol Lynne Dickerson Bennett of Overland Park, KS passed away at the age of 83 on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Carol was born on Sept. 7, 1940 in Kansas City, MO to Hal LaRoy and Leola Pauline Dickerson.   She grew up in Prairie Village, KS.  She was a member of The Village Presbyterian Church.  She attended Shawnee Mission North where she played the saxophone and the clarinet in the marching band.  One of her favorite memories from high school was getting to march in the Rose Bowl Parade!  It was in high school that she made many friends that remained close friends for her entire life. After high school she attended Kansas State University and during college married her high school sweetheart, Gary Bennett. 

Gary and Carol settled in Prairie Village, KS and then moved to Overland Park, KS to a home that Carol lived in for the next 46 years.  Carol and Gary had 3 daughters.  Carol was able to stay home with the girls while they were young and was an active volunteer at church, school and Girl Scouts (as the “cookie mom”).  Gary and Carol divorced in 1979 and Carol became a single mom supporting her 3 children. She went back into the workforce and at times worked 2 jobs.  She attended almost every one of her daughter’s choir concerts, band concerts, church events, musicals and sporting events.  She was always there to support her girls! At the same time, Carol was the primary caregiver for her mother and spent several years taking care of her after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Carol worked hard to help all of her girls through college and was so proud of each of them as they received their degree and transitioned into adulthood. Carol demonstrated for her daughters a faith in God, a strong work ethic, resiliency, kindness, compassion, love of the arts, creativity and much more.

After each of the girls married and had families of their own, Carol (Grandma) loved seeing her grandchildren and spending holidays, birthdays and vacations with them, going to their sporting events, recitals and concerts.  She was her grandchildren’s biggest supporter and was so proud of each of them!

Carol loved her friends, old and new, and was blessed to have many friends that remained friends for life.

May 21, 1944 - October 19, 2023

Lavada Joann Rowe, 79, of Scranton, KS, passed away in Topeka, Kansas, on October 19, 2023. Lavada was born on May 21, 1944, to Vincent Dennis and Grace Lavada (Bird) Simmons in Great Bend, Kansas. Lavada was raised in Larned, Kansas, and she was the second oldest child of nine children. Lavada attended elementary, middle, and high school in Larned.

After Lavada graduated from Larned High School in 1962, she studied nursing and nursing records at Marymount College in Salina, Kansas. Following nursing school, she continued her education at Salt City Business College in Hutchinson, Kansas. She started her first job in Topeka at the Kansas Bureau of Vital Statistics in 1967.

On October 31, 1967 Lavada met Dale Rowe in Topeka. Lavada and Dale married in 1968 and have lived in Scranton, Kansas, for over 55 years. They had three children: Patricia, Carolyn, and Matthew. Lavada dearly loved her children and she was actively involved in their education and lives. She was a great seamstress, gardener, and cook. After raising her children, Lavada became a paraeducator. She was also a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Scranton, Kansas.

Lavada was predeceased in death by her parents and her brothers Patrick Simmons and Michael Simmons. She is survived by her husband, Dale of Scranton, KS, and her children, Paticia Rowe of Topeka, KS, Carolyn (Jeff) Boyer of Hoyt, KS, and Matthew (Amanda) Rowe of Carbondale, KS. Lavada has five grandchildren: Abigail Rowe, Ashlynn Rowe, Ava Rowe, Caleb Boyer, and Joie Boyer.

December 10, 1956 - October 11, 2023

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Barbara Faye Harris-Price of Topeka passed away on October 11, 2023, in her home with loved ones by her side. She was born December 10, 1956, she was 67. She is survived by her love, Randy Price along with her children Jeremy Worden, LaDonna Worden, Tera (Justin) Callaway and bonus children Randy (Julie) Price Jr., Duane Price, Jason (Kristi) Price, Toni Price, Dustin (Lisa) Price and Jody (Jack) Garcia.  Along with 14 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and one sibling Kim (Greg) Munoz.  Preceding her in death was her mother Bessie (Bee) Singer, her father Bobby Jon Harris and two siblings Bobby James Harris and Brenda Harris. Cremation is at her request. A private memorial service will be held graveside at The Topeka Cemetery.

July 02, 1990 - October 11, 2023

Kansas Cowboy Woodard, 33.

Of topeka, Kansas passed away wednesday October 11, 2023.

He was born July 2nd, 1990 in Lawrence KS.

Kansas was so special to so many people. His laugh was infectious, and his fun loving spirit made the world a better place. He always told the silliest jokes and stories. He gave the biggest hugs and loved to make other people laugh. He was a custodian at Farley elementary where he loved the teachers, kids and co workers.

He loved fishing, dogs, woodworking, and trucks. Could talk about dogs for hours. Enjoyed making new things and fixing old ones. Was a big dreamer, and always thinking of the next big thing. He had the best work ethic and did everything with integrity. 

Survived by:

3 July 1938 - 9 October 2023

John Banninger, 85, of Kanopolis Lake, passed away Monday, October 9th.

John served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed aboard the Norton Sound and the Ranger. He was a law enforcement officer for many years before taking a position with the Salina Airport Authority, where he was a supervisor until he retired. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, boating, cooking, woodwork, music and spending time with his family and friends.

John is survived by his wife of 67 years, Genevieve; four children, Tracy (Donna) Banninger, Tina Banninger, Angela (Richard) McLaren, and Tim Banninger; six grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Banninger; his parents, John and Savilla Banninger; and a son, Michael Banninger.  

June 06, 1950 - October 09, 2023

Michael Phillip Willie, 73, passed away at home on October 9^th, 2023.  He was best known to his loved ones and friends as “Willie”.

Michael was born on June 6^th, 1950 in Topeka, Ks, to Martina and Phillip Willie.  He was an over the road truck driver for many years prior to retiring from Herrman’s Excavating.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and had a love of building and restoring classic cars.

Michael is survived by his wife of 25 years, Marcia Willie of Topeka, Ks.  Other surviving family members include a sister, Patricia Willie of Topeka, Ks, three daughters, Kristie Willie (Joe) of Scranton, Ks, Beth Ann Willie of Topeka, Ks, and Megan Sams of Topeka, Ks, three grandchildren, Ethan Sams, Sean Sams, and Hannah Sams, all of Topeka, Ks, as well as 6 step-children.  He was preceded in death by both of his parents. 

Celebration of Life will be held at Tecumseh Park, 4800 SE 2^nd St, Tecumseh, Ks, on October 22^nd, 2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM.  All classic cars and hot rods are welcome, please come and park your cars in remembrance of “Willie”.