Willis Clark Passes Away At 93

 Willis “Wayne” Clark, 93, of Paxico passed away on Sunday, February 26th. Wayne was born to Fred & Mabel(Miller) on December 23rd, 1929 in Maple Hill, Kansas.  He attended Maple Hill High School, graduating in 1947. Wayne served in the Signal Corps of the United States Army Reserve for 12 years. In 1952, Wayne married Darlene O’Donnell in Rossville. Together they had two children.

Wayne worked as a maintenance mechanic for DuPont for 35 years. He retired 1985. He then worked as a maintenance mechanic for Flexel until 1992. Wayne will be remembered for his hobbies of fishing, hunting, and raising cattle. Every Tuesday, he would go to the Sale Barn at St. Mary’s.

Preceding in passing are his parents; brother, Russell; two sisters, Ava Nash & Sybil Deiter; grandson Eli Clark; great-granddaughter Grace Clark; and his wife of 67 years, Darlene.

Surviving Wayne are two sons, Philip (Susan) Clark of Paxico, KS & Douglas (Ginny) Clark of Tecumseh, KS. Also surviving Wayne are 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday, March 3rd, at Davidson Funeral Home, 1035 N Kansas Avenue. A Funeral Service will follow. Burial will take place at Bethlehem Cemetery in Paxico. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Bethlehem Cemetery.  

Mid-East And Big 7 Leagues May Merge

Wabaunsee and Rock Creek are planning to leave the Mid East League that was formed back in 1948.

Four teams are not a viable league.  Merging with another is a likely result, and the Big Seven seems a likely destination.

For info about the possible merger,  go to:

 https://sports.yahoo.com/mid-east-league-big-7-233013452.html

Girls Defeat Rock Creek In Double OT

    The RHS girls basketball team finished their regular season on Feb 21 with a double overtime 61-52 win over Rock Creek.  The girls are 14-6 overall and 5-5 in the MEL. and begin post-season play with the Rgionals starting Feb. 27.

    The team was led in scoring by Emma Mitchell with 15.4 points per game and Rylee Dick at 12.6 ppg.  Shyanne Haehm led the team in 3 point shooting hitting at  50%  success.  Emma Mitchell led in free throw percentage with 82.1%.  Kinsey Perine led the team in rebounds (6.5), steals (6.5) and assists (7.6).

Boys 321A Regional Wrestling

The top seven boys wrestling teams at the 321 A Wrestling Regional were: 

Sabetha, Effingham, Nemaha Central, Silver Lake, Rossville, Bulingame,  St. Marys

Girls Wrestling Regional

The Lady Dawgs will send four wrestlers to the state tournament at Salina.  Regan Wonnell placed 3rd. Hailey Horton placed 2nd.  Keera Lacock and Kendra Hurla were champions. Kendra was also the Regional wrestler of the year. 

Rossville finished fourth behind (1) Baldwin, (2) Santa Fe Trail, (3) Tonganoxie, and ahead of (5) Wellville, and (6) Rock Creek. 

KSHSAA Girls 4-3-2-1A Regional C Results for Rossville

115 lbs

Keera Lacock (30-1) placed 1st and scored 26.0 team points.

Round 1 - won by fall over Haley Branstetter (Meriden-Jefferson West) 9-15 (Fall 2:19)

Quarterfinal - won by fall over Macie Wells (Allen-Northern Heights) 5-17 (Fall 0:19)

Semifinal - won by fall over Willow Wyatt (Burlingame) 25-11 (Fall 1:30)

1st Place Match - won by decision over Kynlie Stevensom (Wellsville) 25-10 (Dec 4-0)

120 lbs

Kendra Hurla (23-1) placed 1st and scored 28.0 team points.

Round 1 - won by fall over Alexis Kelly (Carbondale-Santa Fe Trail) 3-17 (Fall 0:54)

Quarterfinal - won by fall over Addy Gardner (Wellsville) 15-14 (Fall 0:41)

Semifinal - won by fall over Sadey Gross (Holton) 27-9 (Fall 1:30)

1st Place Match - won by fall over Sophie Waters (Meriden-Jefferson West) 29-10 (Fall 1:32)

130 lbs

Nagos Hale (16-16) place is unknown and scored 2.0 team points.

Round 1 - won by decision over Amanda Helm (Perry-Lecompton) 12-17 (Dec 5-3)

Quarterfinal - Leighanna Patz (McLouth) 27-4 won by fall over Nagos Hale (Rossville) 16-16 (Fall 2:46)

Cons. Round 2 - Jade Phillips (Holton) 15-18 won by fall over Nagos Hale (Rossville) 16-16 (Fall 1:49)

135 lbs

Cassie Fund (27-13) place is unknown and scored 7.0 team points.

Round 1 - won by fall over Finley Keller (Tonganoxie) 12-20 (Fall 0:53)

Quarterfinal - Hayvin Thornhill (Council Grove) 18-15 won by decision over Cassie Fund (Rossville) 27-13 (Dec 7-4)

Cons. Round 2 -  won by fall over Katelyn Glotzbach (Alma-Wabaunsee) 12-17 (Fall 0:51)

Cons. Round 3 - Hope Billings (Perry-Lecompton) 17-13 won by fall over Cassie Fund (Rossville) 27-13 (Fall 4:21)

145 lbs

Reagan Wonnell (31-7) placed 3rd and scored 18.0 team points.

Round 1 - won by fall over Piper Clark (Wamego) 2-17 (Fall 1:49)

Quarterfinal - won by decision over Devon Rodewald (Hoyt-Royal Valley) 19-6 (Dec 5-0)

Semifinal - Hailee Crosland (Carbondale-Santa Fe Trail) 32-0 won by decision over Reagan Wonnell (Rossville) 31-7 (Dec 5-0)

Cons. Semi - Wonnell won by fall over Elocin Moran (St. George-Rock Creek) 21-13 (Fall 1:54)

3rd Place Match - Wonnell won by fall over Jordan Dempsey (Eudora) 23-10 (Fall 3:24)

155 lbs

Hailey Horton (28-6) placed 2nd and scored 22.0 team points.

Round 1 - won by fall over Adison Honeycutt (Wamego) 13-14 (Fall 1:58)

Quarterfinal - won by fall over Ellyannah Clinton (Sabetha) 9-6 (Fall 3:51)

Semifinal - won by fall over Kilee Waters (Carbondale-Santa Fe Trail) 33-5 (Fall 1:50)

1st Place Match - Allison King (Oskaloosa) 27-1 won by fall over Hailey Horton 28-6 (Fall 4:52)

Article About Basketball Team

The Topeka Capital-Journal has a nice article about the RHS basketball team and new coach.  You can read it at: 

https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2023/02/15/rossville-basketball-looks-to-turn-things-around-with-new-coach/69882215007/

KWCA Wrestling Rankings

    The following Rossville High Wrestlers are ranked by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Assn in this week's list.

157 lb.    Paxton Willett     No,  5
215 lb.    Barrett Leitz        No.  4  
285 lb.    Jacob Carver       No.  6

Dr. Ernest Kratina Passes Away

Dr. Ernest Louis “Doc” Kratina, Jr. 77, of Delia, Kansas, passed away Friday, January 27, 2023.

He was born July 9, 1945, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Ernest L. and Wilma J. (Hotzel) Kratina, Sr. He was a graduate of Seaman High School and received his doctorate from Kansas State University. He served in the U.S. Army, Kansas Army National Guard and Army Reserves for a total of 23 years of service, retiring at the rank of Colonel.

Dr. Kratina owned and operated Rossville Veterinary Clinic beginning in 1975 until current.

He was a member of Golden Rule Lodge # 90, AF & AM, Kaw Valley Scottish Rite Bodies (K.C.C. H.); Auburn, Kansas Masonic Lodge; National Sojourners and Arab Shrine in Topeka. He served as past president and on the board of directors of TARC and was member and treasurer of Moravan Lodge No. 128.

Doc married Sheila R. (Green) Salsbery on September 30, 1978 in Topeka. She survives in Delia. Other survivors include two children, Michelle (Alfred) Vogeles in Portland, OR and Ernie (Brooke) Kratina of Delia; four grandchildren, Hans, Dieter, Isabela Vogeles and Charles “Charlie” Kratina; his mother, Wilma Kratina of Topeka; and his sister, Sharon (Doug) Brehm of Topeka.

He was preceded in death by his father and his brother, Bradley Kratina.

Doc was dedicated to his profession, military career and enjoyed farming and ranching.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 5, 2023, at the Parker Price Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka. A funeral ceremony will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 6, 2023, at the funeral home with Masonic services conducted by Golden Rule Lodge # 90, AF & AM. Interment with military honors by Kansas Army National Guard will follow at the Czech-Moravan Cemetery, Rossville, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to Golden Rule Lodge # 90, AF & AM, 909 NW Lyman, Topeka, KS 66608 or TARC, 1800 SW 42nd, Topeka, KS 66609 or to Moravan Lodge No. 128, P.O. Box 518, Rossville, KS 66533. To leave a special message for the family online, visit   www.ParkerPriceFH.com.

Forrest Hoobler Passes Away

Forrest Jacob Hoobler, 96, Topeka, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023.

Forrest was born in Maple Hill, Kansas, on June 17, 1926, the son of Vern Perry and Mary Myrtle Rake Hoobler. He graduated from Rossville High School. Forrest proudly served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1952 and was stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado. He married Eleanor Walker on March 23, 1957, in Topeka. Forrest worked for Southwestern Bell as a telephone repairman and retiring after more than 30 years of service. He was a member of Town and Country Christian Church and had a strong faith. Forrest was also a member of 4H and the Masonic Lodge. He volunteered at Auburn and McEachron Elementary, French Jr. High, and Topeka West High School, where his grandchildren attended. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at the donut shop. Forrest had a passion for working with his hands, including farming, gardening, cooking and woodworking.

Forrest is survived by his children, Vernon Hoobler (Deanna), Diana Disney (Gary), and Sharon Birtell (Doug); grandchildren, Lauren Hoobler, Dylan and Ty Disney, and Sean and Austin Tabor; and brother, Les Hoobler (Evelyn). He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and siblings, Harold Hoobler, Mildred Ronsse, Lloyd, Raymond, Dwight, William Albert and Everett Hoobler.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, February 17, 2023, at Town and Country Christian Church, 4925 SW 29th Street, Topeka KS 66614, where funeral service will begin at 12 p.m. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. Forrest’s family prefers masks be worn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church, or to Interim Hospice and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to

Www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Rebecca (Fouts)(52) Barber Passes Away

Rebecca (Becky) Mae Fouts-Barber was the ninth of ten children born to Smith Lincoln and Rebecca Louise Coffey-Fouts on August 01, 1934 in Bigelow, Kansas. She was the lone survivor.

Rebecca accepted the Lord as her personal savior as a young girl attending Lane Chapel C.M.E Church in Topeka, Kansas. As an adult, she was a member of Saint Peter's C.M.E Church in Kansas City, Kansas, where she served as an Usher.

 

Rebecca graduated from Rossville Rural High School in Rossville, Kansas on May 10, 1952. Later, she graduated with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Longview Community College in Kansas City, Missouri.

 

Rebecca served as a Gray Lady at Bethany Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. They were a special branch of American Red Cross volunteers who worked in the nation's hospitals (beginning) during World War II. They provided non-medical services to hospitalized soldiers like reading and writing letters.

 

Rebecca met and married Leneer Barber who was united with Christ on May 04, 1956 in Ottawa, Kansas.

 

A Claims Clerk for the Department of Health, Education and Welfare for over 25 years. After retirement, Rebecca worked for Walmart Store in Overland Park, Kansas as a Cashier. In June 1997, she was named the "Star Cashier." It is rewarded for Outstanding and Dedicated support to the Wal*Mart Team.

 

She enjoyed traveling and reading. Loved politics and worked as a Johnson County Election Poll Worker. Rebecca was a Lifetime member of the NAACP.  She looked forward to attending their annual National conventions where she was a delegate. 

 

Rebecca is survived by her husband, Leneer, son, Barry (Bridget), twin daughters, Robin and Rebecca, four grandchildren-Barry Jr, Marcus, Tai and Helen, seven great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, loving friends and church families.

 

 

Kenneth Marstall Passes Away

Kenneth P. Marstall, age 83,  Topeka, Kansas, passed away February 11, 2023 at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka.

He was born December 20, 1939 in Wamego, KS, son of George H. and Nellie M. (Van Hole) Marstall.

Ken graduated from St. Marys High School and lived in Topeka, where he was employed for many years with Merchants National Bank and Bell Telephone Company before retirement. Ken was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka. He was a man of great Christian faith having visited Medjugorje twice and the Holy Land.

After retirement, Ken became involved with the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship in America, Topeka Chapter, and was a Lifetime Member. He was also a member of the Point Man International Ministries of Kansas where he served as Treasurer for many years. Ken was a “Prayer Warrior” providing spiritual guidance as well as helping many others with their spiritual life and in times of need. Ken sang with the Happy Time Singers, visiting nursing homes and also serving as their Spiritual Leader.

He is survived by his brother, Lawrence E. “Larry” (Anita) Marstall, St. Marys, sister in-law, Roberta Marstall, Manhattan, & many nieces & nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and brothers,  George L., James J., Charles S., and Norman F.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. Inurnment to follow in Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, St. Marys. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 9:00 A.M. until 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, at which time a rosary will be said for the repose of his soul before proceeding to the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Food Pantry, Midland Hospice House or the donor’s choice and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.

 https://www.piperfuneralhome.com/obituaries/kenneth-marstall

Corey VanVleck (08) Passes Away

          Corey Alan "Kaağigasa ga" VanVleck, 34, of Topeka, KS, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2023. He was born August 1, 1988 in Sioux City, IA, the son of Larry A. VanVleck and Janeal Lenzini.

          Corey graduated from Rossville High School in 2008. He was a laborer, currently working for Mid America Landscape. He was a member of Native American Church.

          Survivors include his mother, Janeal Lenzini of Delia, KS; fathers, Larry A. VanVleck (fiancé, Christie Reigert) of St. Marys, KS and Lawrence D. Lovejoy of Topeka, KS; 3 children, Dakotah and Nehemiah VanVleck and Abi Balch; 3 sisters, Miriam Lovejoy of Dallas, TX, Shauntae Lovejoy of Topeka, KS and McKena VanVleck of Florida and 3 brothers, Justin VanVleck of Topeka, KS, Chase VanVleck of St. Marys, KS and Caleb Lovejoy of Nashville, TN; maternal grandmother, Lucille Littleman of Delia, KS; paternal grandfather, Omer VanVleck of Topeka, KS and many nieces and nephews.

          He was preceded in death by a brother, Riley VanVleck; maternal grandfather, Harold Lenzini and paternal grandmother, Judy VanVleck.

          Corey will lie in state from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Native American Services will be Wednesday afternoon at the McKinney Homeplace. Burial will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday at O’Bennick Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Mercer Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.

Vic Miller (69) Is New House Minority Leader

 TOPEKA (KSNT) – Rossville High Graduate Vic Miller will be the new House Minority Leader for the Kansas Legislature.

Miller won the position with a 21-19 vote. GOP unity behind Dan Hawkins contrasted with a divide among Democrats over who should lead them for the next two years. They voted 21-19 for 71-year-old state Rep. Vic Miller, of Topeka, over 32-year-old Rep. Brandon Woodard, of Lenexa, the first openly gay man to serve in the Legislature.

Miller has served 10 years in the House since 1979, filling a Senate vacancy briefly and holding jobs in the state Department of Revenue and local government in between three House stints.

Miller, a Democrat, represents District 58. His opponent was Rep. Brandon Woodard, D-Lenexa. Woodard was first elected to the House in 2018.

Laverne Zlatnick Passes Away

Laverne Zlatnik, 97, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at the Midland Hospice House after a brief illness.

He was born November 30, 1925, in a  small house on his family farm near Delia, the oldest son of Joseph and Cecile Thompson Zlatnik.  He graduated from Delia High School in 1944, during WWII.

Laverne was a farmer and stockman, and did many jobs during his life to help make ends meet.  He educated himself by reading and taking classes. Laverne did all of his own mechanical work on his vehicles and farm machinery.  He bought his first farm and tractor (A John Deere model A) before he was legally able to sign the contract. He did a great deal of electrical work, wiring many homes in the Delia community.

Laverne enjoyed computers, and was an early member of the Texas Instrument User Group back in the 1970’s. He loved music, and sang in the St Marys Town Corale and Silver Lake Community Choir for a number of years.  Other interests included photography, carpentry, and genealogy.  Laverne was an avid reader, and in his retirement years joined the Rossville Library Book Club.

For many years, Laverne served as the sexton of the Delia Cemetery.  He served on the Delia Grade School Board, the Jackson County Extension Council, and the Jackson County Conservation Board, serving a term as president.  Laverne’s interest in history played a huge role in him creating the Delia Centennial History Project, and assisting with the Rossville Library Genealogy Project.  He was a lifetime member of the Delia Presbyterian Church, and served in many capacities over the years.

On August 8, 1948, he married Velma F. Lewelling.  She preceded him in death on December 26, 2007.  He was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Evelyn Parkinson, Judith Macha, Roger Zlatnik, and foster sister Della Blodgett.

Survivors include his children, Mark (Linda) Zlatnik, Topeka, Carolyn (Terry) Orozco, Topeka, and Alan (Tammy) Zlatnik, Rossville; siblings, Rosella Hoglund, Overland Park, and Mary Alice Huntsman, Topeka; seven grandchildren, Julie (Gary) Spring, Sheila (Bobby) Coons, Scott (Isabel) Zlatnik, Melissa (Kelly) Smith, Joe (Leah)Zlatnik, Duane Zlatnik, and Lexi Zlatnik; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters; five step-grandchildren, and 11 step-great grandchildren.  He also has an honorary grandchild, Jennifer Hensley of Rossville.

The family extends their thanks to Kim Gillum and Oakley Place in Rossville for the care and love given to Laverne during his final years.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, February 6, 2023, at the Delia Presbyterian Church, with burial in the Delia Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 5:00 P.M. Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Rossville Library and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.