Leola Kolde Passes Away

Leola Kolde  of Rossville passed away Jan. 7, 2023 just six months shy of her 100th birthday.  No obituary available  at this time.   It will be posted here when available.

Kenneth Hoobler Passes Away

Kenneth E. Hoobler, 80, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2023, at his home.

Kenneth was born May 23, 1942, in Maple Hill, the son of Harold V. and Velma Irene Leeper Hoobler.  He graduated from Maple Hill High School.

He worked for the Rock Island Railroad until 1970, when he started working for the Santa Fe Railroad in Topeka, retiring from BNSF Railroad in 2002.  Kenny was an avid fisherman; he loved to hunt and play cards.  He was a member of the TCU Union, a past member of the St. Marys Gun Club, and had served on the St Marys Fire Department for 35 years.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Richard Hoobler, and a grandson, Darrin March.

On June 5, 1965, he and Dorothy R. Kolde were united in marriage at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys.  She survives at their home.

Other survivors include two daughters, Debbie (Robbie) Figge, Wamego, and Barb March, Topeka; four brothers, William (Pat) Hoobler, Rose Hill, Norris (Pam) Hoobler and Horace (Angie) Hoobler, all of Maple Hill and Sidney (Cindy) Hoobler, Topeka; a sister-in-law Brenda Hoobler, Horton; four grandchildren, Michael March, Jesse (Janaye) Figge, Wyatt Figge, and Anna Figge; one great-grandson Hiram.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church In St. Marys.  Burial will be at 2:30 P.M. Tuesday at the Maple Hill Cemetery, Maple Hill.  Kenny will lie in state, and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until the Rosary at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, January 9, 2023, at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys.  Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marys Fire Department and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.  To leave online condolences, go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.

Hal Dale Taliaferro Passes Away

 Hal Dale Taliaferro, 74, of Oskaloosa, died Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at his home. Hal was born May 27, 1948 at Atchison, the son of William Richard and Alice Marie Cooper Taliaferro. He was a 1965 graduate of Atchison County Community High School in Effingham. He was a proud graduate of Fort Hays State University, earning his bachelors degree in education and was forever a Jayhawk, earning his master's degree from the University of Kansas. Hal was a teacher, educator and coach, at Rossville High School before retiring.

A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life. Hal Dale Taliaferro , "Coach T", will forever be remembered in our hearts for his impact in our lives as a husband, father, brother, grandpa, teacher, coach and friend.

Hal married Carol Elizabeth Bausch on June 27, 2020 in Oskaloosa, she survives at home. He is also survived by a daughter, Pamela (Kevin) Lewis, Shawnee, seven sons, Matt (Sara) Taliaferro, Kansas City, KS, Aaron (Abby Frecks) Eigenman, Brendyn Eigenman, both of Topeka, Peyton Taliaferro, Oskaloosa, David (Bailey Meggison) Ortega and Brian Ortega, both of Topeka, Cooper (Hailey Hayford) Taliaferro, Lawrence, three sisters, Joan (Charles) Berry, San Diego, CA, Connie (Kenneth) Berry, Chandler, AZ, Jan (Robert) Anstaett, Aurora, CO, and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Richard Taliaferro.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023 in Oskaloosa to honor and remember a man that will live in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Hal's name to Barnett Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS, 66066 for a memorial to be designated later.

Colin Ward Passes Away

 We are sad to announce that on December 27, 2022 we had to say goodbye to Colin Joseph Ward (Rossville, Kansas), born in Saint Marys, Kansas. 

He was predeceased by : his father Christopher Ward. He is survived by : his mother Melissa C. Ward (Lester); his siblings, Christian, Siena, Robert, Aiden, Quintin and Liam; and his grandparents, Daniel and Becky Lester.

Memorial contributions may be made payable to the funeral home to assist the family with the funeral expenses.

Full Obituary For Kevin Dick

 

Kevin Lee Dick "Swivel" 60 of Rossville, Kansas passed December 14, 2022 from an accidental choking incident while celebrating in Ft. Worth, TX with his wife Julie and friends.
Kevin was born December 13, 1962 to Wayne G. Dick and Dianne (Gideon) Dick of Rossville, Kansas. He graduated from Rossville High School in 1981 where he played football, wrestled, and track. He attended Kansas State University and Cloud County Community College. Kevin returned to the family farm at Rossville, farming with his dad and brother, Scott Dick, to this day(Dick Farms). Kevin was also the assistant wrestling coach at Rossville High School. Along the way he joined the Kansas Free Masons at Rossville, Ks, later transferring to Topeka Lodge Number 17. He also joined the Scottish Rite and was a member of the Arab Shrine Temple of Topeka, KS for some years. Kevin was a member of the American Legion Riders – Post 31. Kevin married high school sweetheart and love of his life Julie Marie Barker of Silver Lake, KS on May 25, 1996. Julie is the daughter of Larry (Terry) Barker of Topeka, KS and Judy (Lindstrom) Barker of Silver Lake, KS. Julie survives in their home at Rossville, KS.
Kevin is survived by his parents Wayne G. Dick and Dianne E. (Gideon) Dick, brother Scott W. Dick (his wife Kelly (Stewart) Dick and sons Ryan S. Dick and Cody W. Dick his wife Sonia (Shaddox) Dick – children Payton Shaddox, Karly S. Dick and Maverick W. Dick), sister Jayne D. Dick-Lobatos (her husband Guillermo Lobatos – sons Loren M. Lobatos-Dick, Landen L. Lobatos-Dick, and Lawsen J. Lobatos-Dick) Cousins: Rodney W. Dick (children Laci J. Foster and Ashley K. Hoss), Randy Dick (his wife Karen – children Dustin Dick, Melissa Horgan, Derek Dick, Hailey Marple), Jeff Dick (wife Heidi – daughters Sydney Tracy and Kaitlyn Dick) Jennifer L. (Dick) Hutton (husband Justin Hutton – children Kelby Murray, Paxton Olivas, Romyn Hutton, and Max Hutton) Shawn R. Gideon (wife Renee – children Shanee Askren and Gentry Gideon) Johnaka (Maike) McCosker and Hunter Maike. Aunts: DeAnn (Sump) Gideon and Sheryl (Perry) Dick, as well as many extended family and friends too numerous to count.
Kevin is preceded in death by paternal grandparents Benjamin O. Dick and Lorena (Ellwood) Dick, maternal grandparents Garland R. Gideon and Viola (Kovar) Gideon, Uncle Gary L. Dick, Uncle Arnold R. Gideon, Cousin-in-law Connie (Eckert) Dick, Cousins Jackie (Gideon) Maike, Jordan Maike, and Garen Gideon.
Kevin did everything "Wide Open". He lived, loved, laughed, worked, played, and fought intensely. If you were his friend you knew it. He was a proud farmer his whole life. "Those rows better be straight and fields weed free." He had a passion for sprint car racing from the age of 9 when he fell in love with the sport at the Knoxville Nationals in Knoxville, IA. Since then he has followed Sammy Swindell and other favorites across the Midwest gathering close friends from far and wide. Kevin never met a stranger and often gave to those in need. In the true spirit of giving Kevin was an organ donor. Many people will be helped by his selfless gift. He will continue to help others even in his absence. Kevin loved his toys with a throttle and was a kid at heart. He liked to go fast and have fun. Gone too soon but not forgotten.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rossville American Legion Post No. 31 or to Julie for a memorial brick in Kevin's honor at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame
Celebration of Life:
Friday, January 6, 2023
1:00-3:30 with service at 2:00
The Brownstone, 4020 NW 25th St., Topeka, Kansas 66618

Published by Brown Owens & Brumley Family Funeral Home & Crematory on Dec. 19, 2022.

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Kevin Dick Passes Away

 Kevin Dick (age 60) passed away suddenly on Dec. 14 in TX.  More info later when obituary is available

Clyde Strimple (47) Passes Away

Clyde William Strimple, age 93, died on December 3, 2022.  He was born August 6, 1929, to Guy and Lydia Strimple.  He graduated high school in Rossville, Kansas, in 1947. Clyde earned a degree in secondary math education from Washburn University and later a Master’s degree from Southern Illinois University. He married Martha Maxine Sutherland in 1950.  

Clyde served his country in the United States Army and was discharged from U.S. Army Reserves as a First Lieutenant in the Army Corp of Engineers in 1962. 

Clyde taught and coached for 40 years in Waterville, Kansas; Anthony, Kansas; and Kansas City, Kansas. He loved coaching and mentoring his athletes. As a coach for 19 years (14 years as head coach), his football teams won eight league championships, and three were undefeated. He had four players that went on to be Division I players, He coached track and field for 26 years (18 as head coach). In that time, his teams won 16 league championships, four state championships, and the 1977 Wyandotte track team was undefeated.  At Wyandotte he coached four high school All-Americans.

His love of the game inspired him to become a high school and small college football official for 20 years.  He also served as Commissioner of Officials for the Kansas City, Kansas League.  He was President of KCK KNEA and was a lifetime member of NEA. 

After retiring, Clyde spent time traveling the United States and Canada with Maxine.  From 1996-2018 he served on the Board of Directors for the Rossville High School Alumni Foundation.  He enjoyed traveling, gardening, hunting pheasant and quail, attending reunions, going to his grandchildren’s events, volunteering at high school and college track meets, and spending time with family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Maxine, sister LeAnna Carter, infant brother, Francis, brothers-in-law Claude Sutherland and Allen Carter, and granddaughter Emily Rust. He is survived by sister in-law Donna Sutherland, his daughters: Marcilyn (Bill) Rust, Jerri (Steve) Sitek, Cassie (Gary) Sturgeon; grandchildren: Shannon and Bethany Rust, Andrea Sitek (Andrew), Brian Sitek (Adrienne), Vincent  Sturgeon (Monica) and Cal Sturgeon;  three great -grandchildren and other family members. 

The visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. with the funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 13 at Wyandotte United Methodist Church, 7900 Oakland Ave., Kansas City, KS. Graveside services with Military Honors will be at 2:30 p.m. at the Rossville Cemetery, Rossville, KS. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Rossville High Alumni Foundation, P.O. Box 803, Rossville, KS 66533. Condolences may expressed at www.porterfuneralhome.com

Melvin Sage Passes Away

 Melvin D. Sage, 75, passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at his home in Willard.

Melvin was born April 17, 1947 in Dover, the son of Austin “Auty” and Luella M. Olson Sage. He lived in the Willard and Rossville communities all of his life and graduated from Rossville High School.  

After high school, Melvin began working for the Kansas Gas Service Company where he worked for 45 years, retiring in 2010 as a dispatcher.      

On October 14, 1967, Melvin and Loretta Duncan were united in marriage in Topeka.  She survives of their home.  

In 1965, he enlisted in the National Guard and was part of the 69th Brigade that was activated in 1968. After training in Colorado Springs, Mel was sent to Vietnam in 1969. 

Other survivors include two sons, Bryan (Robin) Sage, Osage City, and Daniel (Lisa) Sage, Topeka; his sister, Arletta Nichols, Topeka; grandchildren, Brett, Jordan, Tyler, Sydney, and Madison; nieces, Yvonne Church and Yolande Nichols.    

He was preceded in death by his parents and a niece, Yvette Nelson.      

Mel never met a stranger and was quick to brag about his grandkids. He loved fishing and the outdoors, K-State football, KU basketball, and the Kansas City Royals. His true love was Loretta and traveling around watching all of the grandkids’ activities. 

Mr. Sage will lie in state, and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Monday, December 19, 2022 at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 P.M. Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys. Burial will be in the Dover Cemetery. A late lunch will be held at the Dover Federated Church at 13535 SW 57th St., Dover.

Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Kansas Cancer Center or to the VFW and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536. To leave online condolences, go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.

James Simecka Passes Away

 James L.  “Jim” Simecka, 86, passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at the St. Marys Manor.

Jim was born March 2, 1936, in Delia, the son of James E. and Regina M.  “Sally” Dohrman Simecka.  He graduated from Delia High School in 1954 and St. Benedict College in Atchison in 1958.  He served in the US Army.

Jim was a teacher, teaching in Emmett, Salina, and many years in St. Marys.  He had lived in Wamego for 20 years and was a member of the Wamego Country Club.  Jim was an avid golfer and had shot 12 hole-in-ones.  Jim was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wamego.  He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council No. 657 in St. Marys.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Edward Simecka, and a sister, Jo Endicott.

Survivors include his brother, Jerry (Eva) Simecka, Topeka; sisters, Mary Barr, Lincoln, NE.; Judy (Doyle) Kizzire, Lawson, MO., Pat Skaggs, Topeka, DeeDee (Steve) Kennedy, Topeka, Barbara Froelich, Lake Quivira, and Ginger (Lloyd) Lynch, Webb City, MO, along with many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 A.M. Monday, December 12, 2022, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wamego.  Inurnment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. Marys.  The family will receive friends from 4:00 until the Rosary at 6:00 P.M. Sunday, December 11, 2022, at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church and sent to the funeral home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

Fred Keller Passes Away

Fred C. Keller, 71, passed away Friday, December 2, 2022, at the Midland Hospice House.

Fred was born April 5, 1951, in Holton, the son of Charles C. and Julia F. (Hainline) Keller.  He was raised in the Delia Community and lived there most of his life.

Fred had worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Topeka, the Union Pacific Railroad, farmed, and last worked for USD # 321 as a custodian.

On October 27, 1982, Fred and Pamela C. Parker were united in marriage in Delia.  She preceded him in death on November 1, 1984.  Fred was also preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Calvin Keller.

Survivors include a brother, Dale Keller, Gilbert, AZ; two sisters, Judy Nicholson, Topeka, and Susan Clark, Cordova, TN.

A private family service will be at a later date.  Interment will be in the Delia Cemetery, Delia, Kansas.

Mary Kay Denton Passes Away

    Mary K. Denton, 83, passed away Sunday, November 6, 2022, at her home in Topeka.She was born August 24, 1939, in St. Marys, the daughter of Bernard and Lena (Pagler) Seitz.  Mary graduated from St. Marys High School in 1957.
    Mary worked for the State of Kansas at the Docking Building out of high school.  She was a Teller Officer for St. Marys State Bank.  Mary was a city commissioner and served as mayor.  She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where she played the guitar at mass.  Mary played softball and later coached softball and served on the St. Marys Recreation Commission.  She was as a Cub Scout Leader.
    On June 6, 1959, Mary K. and Gary L. Denton were united in marriage in St. Marys.  Gary preceded her in death on May 13, 2006.  Mary was also preceded in death by her parents, a son, Ronald, on September 6, 2019, and a brother, William Seitz, on November 6, 2002.Survivors include her son, Rick (Nanci) Denton, Topeka; her daughter, Donna Cunningham, Albuquerque, NM; a brother, Albert J. Seitz, Ottawa; sister, Joan M. Sebring, Rossville, seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.Funeral Services and Interment are private.  
    Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Cat Association of Topeka and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home 714 Maple Street St. Marys, Kansas 66536. 

Barbara Lou Smith Passes Away

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Barbara Lou Smith of Rossville, Kansas, who passed away on December 8, 2022

Visitation was held on Tuesday, December 13th 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A reception was held on Tuesday, December 13th 2022 at 11:00 AM.

Reducing Rossville News Coverage After 25 years

 After 25 years of spreading RHS Alumni and Rossville News,   it is time for me to semi-retire.

There is a  new Facebook page called Rossville Community News that is now serving that purpose.

I will continue to publish obituaries and other important news items,  but no sports news.

To go back and read history on any person or subject from Rossville,  just go to  SEARCH in the upper left corner.

Doug French Ag Hero

 Doug French was Honorable Mention for the 2022 Kansas AG Heroes Program from the Kansas Department of Agriculture.