MARCH 5, 1970 - SEPTEMBER 19, 2025

Dawn M. Jones, of Holton, passed away on Friday September 19, 2025.

Dawn was born on March 5, 1970, in Lemoore, California. She was preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her three children, Amanda Campbell, Dalton Jones, and Devon Jones, four grandchildren, mother, and six siblings. 

Private family services are being held. 

MARCH 5, 1970 - SEPTEMBER 19, 2025

Dawn M. Jones, of Holton, passed away on Friday September 19, 2025.

Dawn was born on March 5, 1970, in Lemoore, California. She was preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her three children, Amanda Campbell, Dalton Jones, and Devon Jones, four grandchildren, mother, and six siblings. 

Private family services are being held. 

JANUARY 10, 1953 - SEPTEMBER 07, 2025

William Andrew “Bill” Walker, 72, of Lyndon passed away September 7, 2025 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka.  He was born in Emporia, Kansas on January 10, 1953 to Clarence Andrew and Margaret Lorraine (Finney) Walker.  Bill graduated from Emporia Senior High and studied at Flint Hills Technical College where he achieved certification as a CNC Machinist and worked as a machinist until his retirement from VekTek. He worked at Hopkins Manufacturing for many years where he worked on a new and improved ice scraper. That year, every member of his family received the ice scraper (except for the Arizona crew)!

He was a beautiful baby with flaming red hair and dark blue eyes. Later, when he started Little League he went to the first practice with his ball cap pulled down over his head to try to hide his red hair. For Bill’s mother’s family Thanksgiving was the most special holiday of the year and they would get together for an extended family reunion. His cousin remembers him as ornery and funny, which are perfect adjectives to describe “Billy”. Bill loved motorcycles, the outdoors, fishing, and hunting. For many years he would travel to Oregon to fish on the Columbia River where he would catch big salmon! Bill most often had a dog by his side. Barney was quite the hound with short legs and a long, large body. His Beagles, Oscar and Amos, were faithful, often naughty, companions. Oscar preceded him in death and Amos misses him so much. 

Bill graciously accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior before his death and is now in Heaven with his parents and sister. 

His father, mother, sister Lavonne Sullivan, and brother-in-law Lee Smyres preceded him in death.

He is survived by: a sister, Virginia Smyres, Warren, OR; nieces Mindy (David) Sass, Rachel (Blake) Meyer, and Kerrie Smyres (Hart Shafer); nephew Tim (Breann) Sullivan; great-nephews Caden Sullivan and Richard Sass; great-nieces Laiklyn Sullivan, Susannah Sass, and Michelle Sass; brother-in-law Walter Sullivan and many cousins.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at The Wild Ones Grill in Lyndon, KS from 1:00 – 3:00 in the afternoon. There will be a private inurnment at Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Emporia, KS.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Diabetes Association in his memory either online or mailed to P.O. Box 7034, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. 

Darlene Jane Wiens 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday September 10, 2025 in Topeka, KS.

Darlene Siemens was born on February 02, 1933 in Hutchinson, KS, the daughter of Art F. Siemens and Minnie Warkentin Siemens.

She married Paul Wiens on May 22, 1953. Together they raised their boys Gregory Paul and Emery Fulton. Darlene and Paul enjoyed 70 years together.

During her late teen years, she cared for her mother in failing health. Her husband Paul would later say she was instrumental in his own coming to faith in Jesus.

In the home she created, her love of Jesus was evident in everything she did. She read and taught the Bible to her boys. She taught Sunday School and co-lead her church’s youth program even before her boys were of that age. She enjoyed cooking for her family, especially made from scratch cinnamon rolls, chocolate cake and rhubarb pie.

Music was a great love of Darlene. In high school, she played the saxophone. She gave up her last year as a cheerleader in Inman High School to devote herself to increased practice time to preserve her 1^st chair status. She also played the piano. Over time she accumulated a substantial collection of vinyl recordings of music.

Darlene’s creative talents were evident in her sewing, crocheting and knitting. As a child she sewed many of her own clothes. Following her creative interests, she found employment at several retail stores. In Hillsboro, KS she ran her own arts and crafts store “Needle Niche” and always had many projects going for her business and family. Later in life, she kept busy sewing doll clothes to sell at area craft boutiques. She also enjoyed puzzles and her card table was often full of puzzles in progress.

She was preceded in death by her husband Paul, her parents, her brother Phil Siemens and sister Melba Odneal. She is survived by her sister Joan Hutter, Gregory (Heidi) and Emery (Donna), and grandchildren Amber, Andrew (Kelsey), Aaron, Nathan (Jena) and Caleb (Kara) as well as 10 and ½ great grand children.

Celebration of Life Service will be at Lighthouse Bible Church, Sunday September 28, 2025 at 2pm

NOVEMBER 10, 1946 - SEPTEMBER 23, 2025

Diana Jean Myers (née Rissman), age 78, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025, in Meriden, Kansas. Born on November 10, 1946, in Lawrence, Kansas, Diana lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, and deep love for her family and community.

Diana graduated from Lawrence High School and went on to attend Emporia State University. Her professional journey began at Douglas County Bank before she found her true calling working with children as a school secretary for USD 497. She served at both New York Elementary School and Riverside Elementary School, where she cherished the relationships she built with students and staff alike. Her warmth and compassion left a lasting impression on all who crossed her path. Diana opened the Before and After Children’s and Maternity Clothing store and enjoyed being a business owner which later in life led she and her husband to opening their own store. Later in
life, Diana and her husband Jim owned and operated Myers Retail Liquor store for over twenty years. Their partnership in business reflected the strength of their bond—a bond that remained steadfast throughout their lives together. Even after retirement, Diana continued to seek meaningful ways to connect with others. She worked as a bus monitor for First Student, once again finding joy in being around children. Diana was deeply devoted to her family.

She is survived by her beloved husband Jim, whom she adored to the very end; her daughter Amy and son-in-law Patrick; her
grandchildren—who lovingly called her Gigi; her cherished sister Linda; her nephew Christian and niece Danielle—both of whom were like children to her; and her brother- in-law Benton. Diana also held close friendships that spanned decades—Norma, Judy, Sammi, Mary Ann, Candy, Kathy, Cathi, and Sherry—friends who became chosen family over more than thirty years of shared memories.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jim and Lois Rissman; her beloved sister Dorothy; and dear friends Carolyn and Bob. Diana’s passions extended beyond work and family.

She was an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi Social Sorority and a proud Douglas County Master Gardener. Her love for animals was evident in the care she gave to dogs throughout her life—especially Abby—and she found great joy in helping raise her grandchildren. Known for her generous spirit, Diana believed deeply in giving to others—whether through a smile, a kind word, or simply being present when someone needed support.

Though dementia eventually took its toll on her memory, it never diminished the love she carried for those around her or the light she brought into their lives.

A memorial service celebrating Diana’s life will be held with family and friends in the Lawrence community. Donations in Diana’s honor can be sent to the Lawrence Humane society
or Cottonwood Inc.

May the memory of Diana Jean Myers bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.

MAY 14, 1990 – SEPTEMBER 08, 2025

Amanda (AJ) Gallion, 35 of Topeka, KS passed away Monday September 08, 2025.

She was born May 14, 1990 in Topeka, KS. She was the child of Jane A. Gallion.

AJ graduated from Topeka West 2008.

AJ enjoyed fishing, gaming, Anime and loving both dogs, Luna and Patches.

She is survived by her mother, Jane Gallion, her sister Heidi Young (Greg Young) and her two nephews Rylan and Harkin Young.

Private service at a later date.

She will be missed by all.

MARCH 19, 1959 - SEPTEMBER 05, 2025

Micheal Dean Nelson, 66, of Topeka, KS passed away Friday, September 5, 2025.

He was born March 19, 1959 in Concordia, KS. He was the child of Harold “Dean” Nelson and Mary Day.

Mike attended Seaman district schools and married Marsha Kay Moore on June 8, 1978.

He worked at Essex Wire for 22 years until the plant closed in 1999. He also worked for AAA Towing and Kansas Sand.

Mike enjoyed cars. In his earlier years, he raced cars at Topeka Raceway and Thunderhill, in Mayetta. He liked to go to car shows, and he was a member of the Topeka Classic Chevy Car Club for his 68’ GTO and 69’ Camaro. He also loved to play video games.

He is survived by his wife, Marsha; Three sons: Jason (Ashlea), Brian and Shawn Nelson; Mother, Mary Foreman-Harvey; Ten Grandchildren: Kyrah, Devin, Silas, Tryston, Tyson, Caden, Macyn, Paisley, Victoria and Jordan; Three Great Grandchildren: Lucas, Emilio and Willow; and his beloved dog, Bella.

He is proceeded in death by his infant sister, Kathy; father, Dean Nelson; and his in-laws, Billy and Donna Moore.

His memorial service will be held in North Topeka at Family of God Church, 1231 NW Eugene St. Topeka, KS 66608 on Monday, September 22, 2025 at 10:00 am.

August 16, 1950 – September 2, 2025

Robert “Bob” Wayne McNish, 75, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025. Born on August 16, 1950, Bob was the eldest son of Albert R. and Fanny “Irene” (Hale) McNish.

On February 10, 1977, Bob married the love of his life, Cheryl Louise (Lierz) McNish, and together they shared 48 wonderful years of marriage. Their greatest joy was their family: son Scott McNish and his wife Amanda of Gardner, Kansas, and daughter Sarah (McNish) McBurney of Topeka, Kansas. Bob’s legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren — Shelby Beers, Cheyenne Beers, Hannah McBurney, Corinne McNish, Rosie McBurney, and Teresa McBurney and his great grandchildren, Azariah and Awnderous— as well as many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Bob.

 Bob was the oldest of five brothers — Dennis McNish, Randy McNish, Gary McNish, Randy Cobb, and Billy McNish — and was a natural leader and protector to his siblings throughout life.

 A lifelong truck driver, Bob loved life on the open road — the miles, the stories, and the independence that came with it. He was an “old-school trucker” through and through and took special pride in teaching Scott the ropes, making sure his son knew not just how to drive a truck, but how to do it right. CB radios, strong coffee, good road music — and a pack of Marlboros within arm’s reach — were just part of Bob’s DNA. He was always a Marlboro Man at heart, and everyone who knew him could picture him with a cigarette in one hand and a good story ready to go.

 Bob was a man of deep faith, finding peace and purpose in escorting Cheryl to church and sharing his quiet belief in God with his family. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his storytelling, his work ethic, and the love and laughter he brought to those around him.

 Bob’s life was a journey well-traveled, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

 September 18, 1974 – August 29, 2025

Nakia Cherie Murphy, 50, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on August 29, 2025, in her hometown. She was born on September 18, 1974, in Topeka, Kansas. A devoted Christian, Nakia loved the Lord Jesus Christ. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is now face to face with the Lord in heaven.

Nakia is survived by her mother, June Murphy, her father, Harold Lance Murphy, her stepmother, Colette Murphy, and her sisters, Leea Carter (Carlos), Jennafer Spreitzer (Jeremy), Alexis Murphy (Dominique), and Sydnei Creel (Jonathan).  

Nakia attended the Kansas School for the Deaf and was a beacon of joy and warmth to everyone she met. Her vibrant, joyful spirit was infectious, and her warm heart touched the lives of her friends and family members. Though our grief is deep, we find peace in the assurance of her faith and the promise of eternal life.

We are comforted by words of scripture that sustained her throughout her life, and we share them with those who may be questioning their own salvation.

     • "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

     • "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

It is not too late to receive this gift of salvation and find the same peace that Nakia now enjoys. Her family and friends will carry on her legacy of faith and love, and we will forever cherish the memories we made with her.

A Celebration of Life Gathering for Nakia and her Aunt Joy Williams, who passed away on August 26, 2025, will be held September 20th at 2pm at the Ramada Inn, 420 SE 6th St, Topeka, KS. All are welcome to join us as we honor their memory and rejoice in the promise of everlasting life.