Nancy Brooks Passes Away

Topeka - Nancy Laurene (Dayton) Brooks, 86, passed from this life to be with the Lord on December 29, 2021.

She was born in 1935 to Charles and Sophia Dayton in Windber, PA. Nancy attended early school in PA. After the family moved to Topeka, she attended and graduated from Topeka High School.

While attending McPherson College, she met and married the love of her life, Lawrence (Larry) Brooks. To this union they had Cynthia, Deborah, Timothy, Mark and Todd.

After living in Tucson, AZ for several years, Nancy moved to Rossville, KS, where she worked for People's State Bank and was active at Rossville United Methodist Church directing the choir, and in Eastern Star.

She persisted and graduated from Washburn University with an accounting degree and later retired from Wendling, Noe, Nelson & Johnson, LLC in 2001 after 30 years of service.

She was a member of the American Business Women's Association, American Society of Women Accountants, Kiwanis Club of Downtown Topeka, and served as a volunteer for Topeka North Outreach and Topeka Genealogical Society. She was also a member of Topeka Church of the Brethren, and later First United Methodist Church, Topeka.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Larry, her son, Timothy, her parents, and her brother G. Ronald.

She is survived by her children, Cynthia (Rudy) Wilson, Dunedin, FL, Deborah (Robert) Keeshan, Topeka, Mark (Susan) Brooks, Lenexa, and Todd (Shaeli) Brooks, Perry, seven grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings are John Dayton, Kathy (Oren) Kovar, Dan (Kay) Dayton and Richard (Jacque) Dayton.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 600 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS, 66603, and to Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS, 66608.

In keeping with her wishes, she will be cremated. A visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church on Friday, January 21st, from 5:30 to 7:30. A private graveside memorial service is planned for a later date in Nickerson, KS, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.DoveTopeka.com.

Note:  Several of Nancy's  five children attended Rossville High.

Karen Vanderputten Passes Away

 

    Karen (Bobka) VanderPutten, 60, passed to her reward, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 shortly after praying the Rosary and Litany to St. Joseph.                Requiem Mass for Karen VanderPutten will be at 11:15 A.M. Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at the Assumption Chapel, St. Marys, Kansas.  Interment will be in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery.  A Rosary will be recited at 5:20 P.M. Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at the church.

    To read her complete obituary, go to:    https://www.piperfuneralhome.com/notices/Karen-VanderPutten

Horak To Play In 2022 Shrine Bowl

      Rossville quarterback Torrey Horak was selected to play in the 49th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl on July 23 at Pittsburg State University's Carnie Smith Stadium.

https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/2022/01/01/kansas-shrine-bowl-east-west-roster-2022-high-school-football/9067577002/

Amanda and Caila Hill at KWU-N. Colo BB

     Kansas Wesleyan U. lost to Northern Colorado  on Dec. 28.  Amanda Hill lead the scoring for KWU with 10 pts.  She also had 5 rebounds and 1 steal in 29 min. of court time.  Caila Hill had 3 pts, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in 30 min. on the court.

Michael Ericson Passes Away

 Michael Ericson, age 68, a longtime resident of Dover passed away Dec. 26.  His obituary can be read at:  https://www.piperfuneralhome.com/obituary/Michael-Ericson

Raphael Kooney Scholar Athlete Of Week

ROSSVILLE, Kan. (WIBW) - This week’s Kaw Valley Bank Scholar-Athlete of the Week is Rossville’s Raphael Kooney.

Raphael spent his senior year focused on football, helping the Bulldogs to their second straight state championship. He also played basketball and wrestle in previous year.

He also maintained a 3.75 GPA. Outside of the classroom, Raphael trains in daily weights while focusing on training and sports year round. He spends the rest of his time helping at his dad’s business.

Raphael plans to major in Business Economics and Marketing. He hasn’t chosen what school he’ll go to yet.

If you want to nominate your Scholar-Athlete of the Week, head to wibw.com/sports.

Gannett All State Football Teams (Updated)

    The Capital-Journal has published the Gannett All-State football team for All Classes which was dominated by the large schools.   Rossville had five players make the list.  Jacob Carver was Second  Team Offense as a lineman.  Torrey Horak was Second Team Defense as a defensive back and also Second Team Offense as a QB.  Corey Catron was Second Team Offense  as a running back and also Second Team Defense as a linebacker.  Brody Lietzz was Second Team Offense as a lineman.   Kade Perine and Mshewe Hale were Honorable Mention.

    You can see the complete list of players on the teams at:

https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/2021/12/29/all-gannett-kansas-high-school-football-teams-top-performers-offense-defense-kshsaa/9031403002/

SportInKansas published a list of 2A class football players which was slightly different.  You can see that list at:    https://rossvilleksalumninews.blogspot.com/2021/12/sports-in-kansas-2021-2a-all-state.html

Randal Sumner (71) Passes Away

      Topeka—Randal E. “Randy” Sumner, 68 passed away unexpectedly from a pulmonary embolism Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at his home.

     Randy was born July 5, 1953, at Topeka, the son of the late Everett and Naomi Keller Sumner, He was raised in the Delia community and graduated from Rossville High School in 1971.

     Randy had lived in the Rossville and Willard communities for many years.  He was a trim carpenter and owned Randy Sumner and Son.  In his earlier years, Randy was an avid coyote hunter and loved fishing.  Randy adored his three animal friends.  He loved his work. 

     On November 9, 1974, he was united in marriage to Gloria Rohr, in Topeka.  She survives of the home.

     Other survivors include his son, Matt (Rhawnie) Sumner, their sons, Bryant and Devin, Topeka; three sisters, Leslie Paine, Topeka, Karen (Tom) Leeper, Rossville, and Anita (John) Robb, Delia.

   Per Randy’s wishes cremation has taken place.  Memorials may be made to Gloria Sumner for their grandchildren fund and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

Margaret Wehner Passes Away

    

      St. Marys—Margaret J. “Peg” McGrath Wehner, 72, passed away with family by her side on Thursday, December 23, 2021, at the St. Marys, Manor.

     Peg was born November 15, 1949, at Onaga, the daughter of Joseph A. and Eldora M. Kenworthy McGrath.  She was raised in the Emmett community and attended Holy Cross Schools until her Senior year and graduated from St. Marys High School in 1967.  Peg received an associate degree in Religious Studies from Benedictine College in Atchison.

     Peg began teaching preschool religion at Immaculate Conception in 1989, she then taught sixth grade. She trained under Wanda Forese and became the Director of Religious Education until her retirement in May of 2016.  Peg was instrumental in the RCIA, and the Regional RCIA.  She was the head of the Confirmation and was the Baptismal coordinator for St. Marys, Wamego, Rossville, Emmett, Delia, and Paxico.  She was a graduate of the Menninger Bible Study Program and was the Virtus Coordinator/Safety Compliance person for Immaculate Conception Catholic Church since 1997.  Peg taught a bible study program every year at Lent.  Peg was a co-owner of Wehner’s Thriftway in Rossville and Silver Lake.  Peg enjoyed old cars and attending Car Shows.

     Peg was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Francis Jodean McGrath, in 1947 and James A. McGrath in 2001.

     Peg and John L. Wehner were united in marriage on July 22, 1967, at Emmett.  He survives of the home.

     Other survivors include her son, John P. Wehner, St. Marys (Diane Bawden, Fiancee, Emmett); three daughters, Cindy (Mike) Schmersey, Rossville, Catlin (Zac) Miller, McPherson, and Jodi Wehner, St. Marys; a brother, Jerry (Sandra) McGrath. Kerrville, TX; two sisters, Donna Patricia “Pat” Barry, Manhattan, and Penny McGrath, Rossville; two granddaughters, Jordan Wehner, Lees Summit, MO, and Jenna (Josh) Parnell, Rossville and four great-grandsons, Jordayne, Aspen, Riker, and Hunter.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys.  Interment will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Lillis; A rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Piper Funeral Home.  Peg will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until the rosary.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Immaculate Conception Religious Education Program or the American Cancer Society and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

Sports in Kansas 2021 2A All-State Football

Brody Lietz, Corey Catron, Torrey Horak

Sports In Kansas 2A First Team All-State Offense--2021

QB- Torrey Horak, Rossville, Sr
RB- Legend Robinson, Hoisington, Sr.
RB- Nash Money, Wellsville, Sr.
RB- Reed Adelhardt, Garden Plain, Sr.
RB- Benson Berndt, Beloit, Jr.
WR- Garrett Fager, Osage City, Sr.
WR- Jackson Swartz, Chaparral, Jr.
TE- Brennan Walker, Beloit, Sr.
OL- Cameron Konkel, Beloit, Sr.
OL- Eduardo Lopez, Wellsville, Sr.
OL- Garin Gilmore, Riverton, Sr.
OL- Jake Berg, Wellsville, Sr.
OL- Brody Lietz, Rossville, Sr.
ATH- Corey Catron, Rossville, Sr.
ATH- Landon Boss, Osage City, Jr.
ATH- Nolan Freund, Kingman, Jr.
K- Jace Wentling, TMP, Sr.

Sports in Kansas 2A First Team All-State Defense – 2021

DL- Grady Seyfert, Beloit, Jr.
DL- Kaleb Green, Wellsville, Jr.
DL- Holden Bass, Nemaha  Central, Soph.
DL- Mshewe Hale, Rossville, Sr.
LB- Memo Flores, Southwestern Heights, Sr
LB- Colby Schriener, Kingman, Sr.
LB- Tristan Rathbone, Hillsboro, Sr.
LB- Sean Anderson, Norton, Jr.
LB- Clayton Garrett, Riverton, Sr.
DB- Kade Harris, TMP, Jr.
DB- Braxton Harrison, Cimarron, Sr.
DB- Kaden Brown, Rossville, Sr.
DB- Matthew Potucek, Hillsboro, Sr.
ATH- Derek Larison, Riverton, Sr.
RET- Jalen VanBecelaere, Colgan, Sr. 
P- Daigan Kruger, Silver Lake, Sr.

Sports in Kansas 2A Honorable Mention All-State Football – 2021

Included on this list were Kade Perine, Barrett Lietz, Pedro Arantes, and Jacob Carver.

RHS Basketball Struggles

 

Kade Perine shooting

The Capital Journal has a nice article about the struggles of the RHS basketball team.   In most small schools,  the best athletes play multiple sports.  But in Rossville,  only a few football players also play basketball.

https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/12/23/kansas-high-school-basketball-rossville-shaking-off-football-playoffs-rust-2-a-kade-perine/8981382002/

Republic Co. Duals

 The Rossville High boys wrestling team competed in the Republic Co. Holiday Duals Dec. 21.   The results were as follows:

Rossvillle    30      Burlington      39
Rossville     30      Sabetha           54
Rossville     36      Republic Co   42
Rossville     24      Concordia       54

Individual results
Name and W-L tournament record:

Mason Broce      2-1
Johnny Robb      1-3
Aaron Klesath    1-3
Colby Hurla       3-1
Krew Lacock     0-4
Corey Catron     2-2
Sam Twombly   4-0
John McGrath   0-4  
Barrett Lietz      3-1
Jacob Carver     4-0

RHS Boys Lose To Atchison

From the Capital-Journal

Kade Perine drives to basket Friday night.

 ATCHISON 49, ROSSVILLE 40 — The effort to follow a state-championship football season with a successful basketball season continues for the Rossville boys program. The Bulldawgs took 4-2 Atchison to the wire, but couldn’t make the plays they needed in the final minute. 

Kade Perine took over in the fourth quarter, scoring seven points to lead Rossville back to within four points. But the Bulldawgs were forced to foul late, and failed to convert into points at the offensive end. 

Kade Perine’s free throws with 57 seconds remaining pulled the Bulldawgs to within four points at 44-40. But a couple of missed opportunities let the chance for Rossville’s second win of the year slip away. 

Perine led the Bulldawgs with 12 points, followed by seven from Patrizi and Brody Lietz. 

To read the complete game details,  go to:

https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/12/18/rossville-basketball-splits-atchison-before-winter-break/8935716002/

Rossville Girls Destroy Atchison 63-25

From the Capital-Journal

Caylee Douglas in white

The Rossville girls concluded the fall semester with a 63-25 romp over Atchison to head to the holiday break with a 4-1 record.  

A 4-0 burst by Atchison to start the game didn’t faze the Bulldawgs. They quickly rebounded with a 12-0 run to take command. Their full-court pressure shut the Phoenix down for the next four minutes. By the end of a dominant first quarter, Rossville led 21-6. 

The game was effectively over at halftime, when the Bulldawgs had extended the gap to 41-15. 

Kinley Porter and Shyanne Haehn led the scoring at the half with nine points apiece. 

The Bulldawgs got everyone in the game in the second half and still won with a running clock.  

Porter and Kinsey Perine finished as the leading scorers with 12 points each. 

Rossville scoring:

Horgan              1        0-0 2, 

Perine                3 (1)  5-8 12 

Douglas             3 (1)  3-4 10

Mitchell              4       2-3 10 

Porter                3 (2)  0-2 12 

Haehn               3        3-5 9 

Rezac                2        0-0 4 

Gillum                1        2-4 4

To read the complete game details,  go to:

 https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/12/18/rossville-basketball-splits-atchison-before-winter-break/8935716002/