David Overmyer (75) Passes Away

 David Joseph Overmyer, 63, passed away at his home in Lawrence, Kansas, on April 16, 2021.

He was born on October 19, 1957 in Topeka, Kansas, the son of David and Margaret (Krogman) Overmyer. He was educated in the Rossville, Kansas school system, graduating in 1975, where he excelled as a track and field athlete. He held the Kansas state record in Cross Country racing for several years.

He went on to Kansas State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree from the School of Journalism, in Radio and Television. While attending K-State, he was active in various organizations and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. After graduating from K-State, he ventured overseas to Seoul, South Korea. He taught English as a Second Language for several years at Yonsei University where he also hosted a Morning Radio Show. He then returned to the United States, and in 1991 earned his master's degree in Education from the University of Kansas. Upon completing his master's degree, he again ventured overseas, this time to Saudi Arabia where he worked for Saudi Aramco Corporation for eighteen years, teaching Preparatory Courses to students who planned to study abroad.

During his time in Saudi Arabia, he learned to sail and even took a 23-week course to be a certified skipper of a full-sized yacht. He owned a small sailboat that he loved to sail on the Persian Gulf every season. When he wasn't teaching or sailing, he enjoyed camping in the desert with friends, archaeological expeditions and falcon hunting.

Upon retiring from Saudi Aramco in 2016, he moved to Vancouver, WA for a year and then finally settled back in Kansas where he purchased farmland in Osage County. He maintained a residence in Lawrence and was a member of Central United Methodist Church.

David traveled the world and never knew a stranger. He enjoyed studying history, collecting antiques and artifacts, and making friends from every corner of the Earth. He loved spending time in nature and observing wildlife.

David is survived by his father, David C. Overmyer of Topeka; three sisters: Cheryl (Paton) Eliot of Overland Park, Nancy K. Overmyer of Lawrence, and Mary (Ben) Simecka of Olathe. Two brothers: Jeff (Kathy) Overmyer of Silver Lake, and Tom Overmyer (Matt Born) of Fairview Park, Ohio.

He is also survived by three nieces: Elizabeth Overmyer (Aaron Good) of Baldwin City, Amanda (Jason) Young of Lawrence, and Jenna Overmyer of St. Mary's, four nephews: Heath Overmyer of Kansas City, Missouri, Adam (Katie) Simecka of De Soto, Austin (Hannah) Simecka of Olathe, and Eli Simecka of Lawrence, six great-nieces and two great-nephews. And his Aunt, Betty Bowers of Louisville, Kentucky.

He was preceded in death by his Mother, Margaret K. Overmyer, in 2015.

Services are pending.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the following: The Hale Library at Kansas State University payable to K-State Libraries, 1117 Mid-Campus Drive North, Manhattan, KS 66506; Skills to Succeed payable to Life Skills Management Center, Inc. 413 E. Santa Fe, Olathe, KS 66061

"Bill" Muckenthaler Passes Away

 St. Marys—William J. “Bill” Muckenthaler, 82, of St. Marys, passed away Monday, April 19, 2021, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.

He was born on February 13, 1939, in St. Marys the son of Manuel M. and Bertha A. Stitz Muckenthaler.  Bill graduated from St. Marys High School in 1957.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 30, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  Inurnment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. Marys.  The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 A.M until the Rosary at 10:30 A.M. Friday.

You can read his complete obituary at:    https://www.piperfuneralhome.com/notices/William-Muckenthaler

School Started Two Hours Late Today

Rossville at 7:30 AM on April 20 2021

                                                     Rossville at 3:30 PM on April 20, 2021

Jodi Porter,  who took the pictures,  looked up how much snow Rossville  got & found that it was 4.5 inches.  Topeka broke it's 100 year old record with 3.1 inches - The record for April 20 was 0.2 inches set back in 1918.

Rock Creek Inv. Track & Field

Rossville attended the Rock Creek Invitational Track and Field meet on April 19, 2021.

 The girls team finished 6th of the 9 teams competing.  Their best performances are below.

400 M          Amelia Foster        1st
800 M          Amelia Foster        1st
3200 M        Julia Streit             2rd
1600 M        Audrie Davis         9th
100 M Hur   Ean Haynes           6th
300 M Hue   Keera Lacock       6th
Long Jump   Eah Hayes            3rd
Shot Put       Briar Gillum          2nd
Discus          Briar Gillum          2nd

The Boys team finished 8th of the 8 teams competing.  Best performances were:

100 M           Woodrow Rezac   1st
200 M           Woodrow Rezac   1st
400 M           Braiden Hensley   5th
Javelin          Hunter Broce        5th 

Mary Ann Sage-Kelsey Passes Away

 

Mary Ann Sage-Kelsey, 99, of Rossville, passed away on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at a Rossville care facility.

She was born January 28, 1922 in Topeka, KS the daughter of Thomas V. and Ruth A. (Clements) Herron.

Ann graduated from Topeka High School in 1940. She later went on to attend Strickler Business College (Clark Business School). Ann was a homemaker.

Ann married John W. Sage June 23, 1946 in Topeka, KS. He preceded her in death on March 31, 1994. Ann later married Sam G. Kelsey. Sam also preceded her in death.

Survivors include three children that attended Rossville High:  Tom (Carolyn) Sage of Topeka, Sharrai (Larry) McCammon of Tecumseh and Scott (Angela) Sage of Topeka; five grandchildren, Ryan, Tracey, Brian, Rebecca and Tyler; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands; two brothers, Bill and John Herron.

Ann enjoyed playing cards, bowling and square dancing. But most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Cremation has taken place and no memorial services are planned at this time per her request. Private inurnment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Oakley Place of Rossville, 590 Industrial Traffic Way, Rossville, KS 66533.

Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd. is assisting the family.

To leave a message of condolence for Ann’s family, or to share a special memory of Ann, click the Share Memories button on Dovetopeka.com.

Elizabeth (Stockman) (50) Hazzard Passes Away

           Elizabeth J. “Betty” Hazzard, 90, of Ozawkie, KS, passed away Monday, April 12, 2021 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. She was born February 15, 1931 at Sandy Hook area, southeast of St. Marys, KS, the daughter of Francis P. and Martha C. (Bolens) Stockman.

          Betty graduated from Rossville High School in 1950 and Kansas City Modeling School.

          She worked as Clerk of the District Court in Shawnee County, retiring in 1986.

          Betty was a member of St. Marys Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Alter Society. She was a former member of Blue Mound Club.

          Betty married Robert J. Hazzard on June 22, 1968 in Topeka, KS. He preceded her in death on March 13, 2017 after 48 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by a grandson, Jonathan Kaspar in 2010; twin sister, Pat Banks; sister, Regina Stockman and 8 brothers, Ted, Leo, Harold, Robert, Joe, Tom, Henry “Hank” and Don Stockman.

          She enjoyed quilting, Swedish weaving, painting, gardening, cooking, fishing, puzzles and taking care of birds and her grandchildren.

          Survivors include a son, Daniel Hazzard (Tammy) of Leavenworth, KS; daughter, Susan Kaspar (Jeff) of Topeka, KS; sister, Fran Carlson of Slayton, MN; brother, Phillip Stockman (Lana) of Topeka, KS; 4 grandchildren, Courtney Hazzard, Brandon Hazzard, Jen Arbuthnot (James) and Cody McCarter (Danielle) and 3 great-grandchildren, Caleb McCarter, Hannah Arbuthnot and Maren Arbuthnot.

          Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 19, 2021 at St. Marys Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Valley Falls, KS. Family requests masks be worn for the service. Private family inurnment will be at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery at St. Marys, KS following the service. Memorials may be given to the St. Marys Immaculate Catholic Church, Jefferson County Home Health or Midland Hospice c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.

Spring Band Concert April 20

 The RHS Spring Band Concert for grades 7-12 will be held at the high school on April 20 at 6 PM

Tara (Claycamp) Glades To Head Department

From   The Emporia Gazette

Tara Glades has been selected as the Executive Director of Special Services for Emporia Public Schools, the district announced Wednesday evening.

Glades has been with USD 253 since 2015 as a District Special Education Coordinator. Prior to joining Emporia Schools Glades was a Special Education Teacher at both Burlington and Mulvane.

“I am thrilled to be selected as Executive Director of Special Services for the Flint Hills Cooperative,” Glad said in a written release. “We have an amazing team at FHSEC. I look forward to building on the relationships I have, and the continued collaboration with all of the member districts to do great things for students.”

Superintendent Allison Anderson-Harder said she was excited to see Glades take on the role in the Flint Hills Special Education Cooperative.

“Her previous work experience with the FHSEC and passion for special education make her an excellent choice,” Anderson-Harder said. “Her strong work ethic and leadership skills will definitely continue to move the work of the FHSEC ahead. Mrs. Glades will also be a great addition to the Emporia leadership team and I look forward to all that we will accomplish with her as the executive director.”

Glades holds a Master of Science in educational leadership, a Bachelor of Science in education with licensure in psychology and special education, and a Bachelor of Science in psychology all from Emporia State University. Glades is currently working on her district-level endorsement through Newman University with an anticipated graduation date of Dec. 2021.

Glades is married to Marc Glades and they have two college-age children. Glades will fill the vacancy beginning in July 2021, which was created when Anderson-Harder was hired as superintendent in November.

Ralph Pfannenstiel Passes Away

  

      Silver Lake—Ralph Pfannenstiel, 92, of Silver Lake, passed away on Saturday, April 17, 2021.  Ralph was a resident at Oakley Place in Rossville.  He was born on a farm on March 21, 1929, in Munjor, Kansas, the son of Peter and Mary Korbe Pfannenstiel.  Ralph was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rossville.

     On May 11, 1948, Ralph was united in marriage to Mary Anne Schuster.  Mary Anne passed away on January 11, 2009.  Ralph was employed in law enforcement for forty-four years.  He leaves behind six children, Terry (Marcia) Pfannenstiel, Nancy (Richard) Heideman, Gary (Vicki) Pfannenstiel, Larry (Rita) Pfannenstiel, Cindy (Scott) Hawkins, and Bob (Nancy) Pfannenstiel; two sisters, Therese Schimm and Marilyn (Al) Blevins; 29 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren.

     Ralph was preceded in death by his brothers, Felix and Alvin, and a sister, Agatha Lang.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, April 24, 2021, at St Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rossville.  Inurnment will be in the Silver Lake Cemetery.  A Rosary will be recited at 9:00 A.M. Saturday at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church for Mass Intentions and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.  To leave online condolences, go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.

RHS In Clay Target League

       The Rossville Jr/Sr. High School is among 120 high school teams across the state participating in the Kansas State High School Clay Target League (KSSHSCTL) this spring.

Arlene (Thompson) ( 48) Looker Passes Away

      Topeka—Arlene Thompson Looker passed away on April 13, 2021, at the University of Kansas Hospital, St. Francis Campus in Topeka.  She was born October 22, 1930, in Delia to Eleanor (Simecka) Thompson and Curtis Thompson.  She graduated from Delia High School in 1948. She spent two years teaching in a rural one-room schoolhouse.

     Arlene was a member of West Side Christian Church.  She held several positions: Chairperson for Delia Alumni High School Reunion, supervisor judge for Shawnee County elections, member of ABWA, served Stonecraft Ministry for years.  She enjoyed Civic Theater as a hostess for fund-raising events.  Arlene was a member of the YWCA therapeutic exercise group for 20 years.  Her greatest joy was serving the Lord as a caregiver for relatives and church shut-ins.  Arlene was Mrs. Santa Claus at Christmas for 30 years in Colorado and later for nursing homes in Rossville and St. Marys and the Presbyterian Manor.

     The name “General” was given to Arlene by volunteering for community service in Denver.  She had over 80 men and women in her group volunteering in charity events in Denver and Boulder. Cancer drives, Kops & Kids. Cherry Creek Sneak, autism, and the Denver Symphony for over 10 years are a few of the charities she helped with.  Before retiring from Colorado Blue Cross & Blue Shield with 25 years of perfect attendance, she received a special large salad bowl engraved with “Outstanding Community Service,” 1989-1990 from the Colorado Lt. Governor.

     She married Otis Holcomb on April 19, 1950, they divorced.  She married Clayton Pusch on November 27, 1971, they divorced.  She married Jim Looker in 1977, they divorced.

     Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, brother Marvin Thompson, a sister, Neysa Porter, her son, Dennis Holcomb, in March of 1996, and a daughter-in-law, Linda Holcomb.

     Survivors include two sons, Don (Barbara) Holcomb, Topeka, and Dan Holcomb, Denver, CO; one sister, Vivian Bartello, Morro Bay, CA; a brother, Nels (Shari) Thompson, Topeka; grandchildren, Eric Holcomb, Lawrence, Mark (Hillary) Holcomb, Phoenix, AZ., and Kristie, Adam, Pennsylvania; great-grandchildren, Graham, Bryce, Ellie, Katlin, and Jacob.

     A Celebration Of Life Visitation will be at a later date.  Inurnment is private at Adrian Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka-Shawnee County Library and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

 

Christian Roduner (18) at Emporia State

Christian Roduner, son of Suzanne and Ronnie Tull, is a senior at Emporia State U. and is an infielder on their baseball team.    His bio can be read at:     https://esuhornets.com/sports/baseball/roster/christian-roduner/4420

Softball Team Bats Take Care Of Business

     The Rossville softball team showed good power against the St. Marys bears on April 15, winning by 7-1 and 14-2,  The Lady Dawgs are 6-2 in the MEL and 9-3 overall.

Baeball Team Overpowers Bears

 The Rossville baseball team has found new life.   After losing the first four games, the Dawgs have come back to win 5 of the last 6.  On April 15 they destroyed the St. Marys Bears 10-0 and 14-0 and are now 5-5 overall.