Naomi Manbeck Passes Away

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Naomi R. Manbeck, age 94, of Rossville, Kansas, who departed this world on Jan. 25, 2025 while surrounded by loved ones.

Born on March 26, 1930 on a farm north of Waterville, Kansas to Nels and Delia Hanson, Naomi was the youngest in the family among six brothers. She was preceded in death by her parents – Nels and Delia, her husband, Keith Manbeck, along with all six of her siblings.

Naomi graduated from Waterville High School in 1947 before proceeding into her professional career that included roles at Eddy & Eddy Abstract Co., in Marysville, Guarantee Abstract & Title Co., in Kansas City and Columbia Title & Trust Co. in Topeka.

She married her husband of 53 years – Keith – on Sept. 13, 1953, in Waterville. Family was her top priority. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, highlighted by her son, Mike Manbeck, along with his wife, Cathy.

She took immense joy and pride in being a grandmother and great grandmother. The value of grandparents was instilled in her grandchildren – Shane and Cole – through the countless experiences they enjoyed with her and Keith. They were a staple at Shane and Cole’s sporting events growing up, rarely missing any of their games. They went as far as to purchase a minivan so the entire family could travel together to their high school games. They were a second home for their grandkids, who spent nearly every morning and afternoon before and after elementary school at their house. There was nothing better than spending a night or weekend at their house. They knew they’d be spoiled.

They frequently took Shane and Cole to breakfast at the Swirly Top in Rossville – where they’d gather with Keith and Naomi’s friends – and to the Sunday breakfast buffet at Golden Corral in Topeka. Thanksgivings as a family were spent at Keith and Naomi’s house; they were present every Christmas Day as well as other holidays. They even opened their doors to Shane and Cole’s friends, who were frequent visitors to their house.

Those same wonderful experiences carried on to Naomi’s six great grandchildren. She would light up with happiness whenever she saw them and would beam with pride when talking to others about them.

In her later years, Naomi enjoyed occasional trips to the casino with Keith. When of age, Cole began to accompany Naomi on these trips, which he greatly enjoyed.

Naomi is survived by her son, Mike and his wife Cathy, Rossville; two grandsons, Shane (Becky), Rossville and Cole (Vanessa), Olathe, as well as her six great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at the Rossville Methodist Church, 414 Pearl St. in Rossville on Thursday, Jan. 30 beginning at 10 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. that same day. Burial will follow in Rossville Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions in Naomi's memory may be given to the Topeka Rescue Mission and Helping Hands Humane Society.

Adam Foster (91) Passes Away

 
Adam Paul Foster, 51, of Rossville, Kansas, died in a tragic accident on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 near Delia, KS.

Adam was born June 14th, 1973, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of David J. and Virginia Rezac Foster. Adam graduated from Rossville High School in 1991 and went on to Kansas State University to take Ag classes pertaining to farming and ranching.

Adam married Laci Dick Foster on August 27th, 2005. She, along with their three children, Kerrigan, Ryder, & Bodie, all survive at their home. He is also survived by his mother, Virginia, and a brother, Andrew, and his family, all of Rossville. He was preceded in death by his father, David John Foster.

During Adam's youth, he became very talented in an array of things. He learned to play the violin and performed in the Topeka Youth Symphony and could play a variety of music including the Orange Blossom Special. One of the many things he was proud of was his perfect attendance at Sunday school. Every winter with the United Methodist Church he would go skiing and became a very good snow skier. After leaving KSU Adam went on to work at the Keystone Ski Resort for a short time frame. He loved taking his kids skiing and teaching them on the slopes. He also worked at Autosound in Topeka, installing car stereo systems and he enjoyed painting and restoring his 1972 Chevy Blazer. He had a passion for motocross racing, where he would later enjoy teaching his kids how to ride.

Adam had a love for the farm and anything to do with it. He spent countless hours checking irrigation, managing his row crops and putting up hay with help from his kids and friends. It was never out of the ordinary to see Adam with at least one if not all three of the family dogs in tow. He would always take them along for daily drives around the countryside.

Adam was good at welding, fabricating and turning wrenches. This made him very resourceful, and he was able to look at anything that was broken and find a way to fix it using material he had around the farm. Adam had a love for music, he would drive around with Kerrigan listening to music and give her advice about life. Adam enjoyed spending time in the outdoors and you would often find him hunting, fishing and teaching his boys, Ryder and Bodie about farming and ranching. Adam was a hard worker and he instilled that same hard work ethic into his kids. Regardless of the countless hours he spent working, he would still find time to attend all of his kids' activities.

As with many farming communities, Adam was always available to assist others when needed. He had a lot of friends and he prided himself by having the very "best of friends." Those friends were always there when he needed a hand or just someone to talk to. These cherished friends meant a lot to him and he was deeply appreciative for them. In his free time he enjoyed riding his side by side with those same friends and neighbors. He was also extremely proud that he held the status at Topeka PowerSports for having a Honda Pioneer with the highest mileage, and yet still being used daily on the farm.

A Celebration of Adam’s Life will take place on Friday, March 21st at 1pm at the Delia Grade School Gym in Delia, KS.

Memorials may be made to the Foster Children Education Fund and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.

Robert Tucker Passes Away

With love and gratitude for a life well-lived, we share the passing of Robert Earl Tucker, who peacefully left this world on February 14, 2025, in Escondido, CA, just days shy of his 94th birthday.

Robert was born on February 19, 1931, in Spokane, WA, to Raymond and Leila Mae Tucker. As one of six children, he grew up surrounded by the love and laughter of family - even through the most difficult of times.

In December 1948, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Marine Corps and later serving in the Korean War as an Intelligence Man.

After his honorable discharge, fate stepped in on a rain-slicked sidewalk in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, CA, where he met the love of his life, Jerie Lee Jackman. They married on September 19, 1951, beginning a beautiful, but challenging journey together.

For nearly six decades, Robert and Jerie built a life filled with faith, family, and adventure, living in several states before finding their true home in St. Marys, Kansas. There, they were blessed with a community of dear friends who became family.

In 1959, Robert, along with his young family, converted to Catholicism—a faith that remained the guiding light of his life. He held a deep devotion to the Infant of Prague, and we take comfort in the hope that he is now embraced with great joy.

Robert’s legacy lives on through his six children, as well as a vast and loving family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will continue to cherish his memory.

He will be laid to rest beside his beloved Jerie, who passed away in 2010.

Services to honor Robert’s life: Rosary: Sunday, March 2nd at 4:30 PM at Piper Funeral Home, St. Marys, KS. Requiem Mass: Monday, March 3rd at 10:00 AM at St. John Vianney Church, Maple Hill, KS. Burial with Military Honors - immediately after Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, Emmett, KS.

Though there will be no reception following the burial, we ask that you hold Robert in your prayers and in your hearts, remembering the kindness, devotion, and steadfast love that defined his life. May he rest in God’s eternal peace.

Memorial contributions may be made in Robert's memory to the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP) by clicking HERE or by check made payable to Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP). Piper Funeral Home will ensure all contributions are sent directly to FSSP.

Virginia Enockson Passes Away

 Virginia “Ginny” Marie (Bryan) Enockson, 45, of St. Marys, died in a tragic accident on Friday, January 31, 2025 in St. Marys. 

Virginia Bryan Enockson was born in 1979 in Texas, the twelfth child in a large family of fourteen. She was the beloved daughter of Paul and the late Virginia (Day) Bryan. Her early years were marked by a significant move to Maple Hill, which would shape much of her childhood and adolescence.

As a teenager, Virginia worked in her father’s restaurant in St. Mary’s, a small yet bustling establishment that fostered her work ethic and sense of responsibility. Her academic journey culminated in 1997 when she graduated from Saint Marys Academy, a milestone that opened new chapters in her life.

Following her graduation, Virginia moved to Minnesota to be with her older sister Mary and her brother-in-law Gene Peterson, who were caring for their ailing mother. During this time, Virginia's nurturing spirit shone brightly as she taught in several Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) schools and worked in nursing homes, offering care and compassion to those in need.

Her journey then led her to Post Falls, Idaho, where she found great joy working for the Dominican sisters as a teacher and a cook. Virginia often reflected on these years as some of the happiest of her life, filled with purpose and fulfillment.

In 2003, Virginia married Eric Enockson, and together they built a loving family. They were blessed with three children: Bridget, Brendan, and Karl. In 2009, the family returned to Saint Marys, where Virginia gave birth to four more children: Catherine, Claire, Paul, and Marcel. Her life was rich with the love and laughter of her children, whom she cherished deeply.

Virginia had a profound love for animals, especially cats, and a deep appreciation for art. She expressed her spirituality through religious poems and drawings, with one of her most cherished works being a depiction of Our Lady of Sorrows. Her devotion to Our Lady, particularly Our Lady of Sorrows, was a cornerstone of her faith, and she instilled this love and reverence in her children.

Despite the trials she faced, both physical and mental, Virginia's resilience and faith remained unwavering. Her life came to a sudden and tragic end due to an accident, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion. Her family and friends will forever hold her in their hearts, continually praying for her and cherishing the loving memories she left behind. God’s greatest trials are given to those He loves the most, and His love for Virginia was evident in her strength and enduring faith.

May her soul rest in peace, embraced by the love of Our Lady of Sorrows, to whom she was so devoted.

A rosary will be prayed for Virginia at 5:20 PM on Friday, February 7 at The Immaculata, 701 N. 2nd St. in St. Marys. A sung requiem mass will be offered at 7:15 AM on Saturday, February 8, also at The Immaculata, with burial following in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery. 

Richard Wallmeyer Passes Away

 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Dart Wallmeyer, who departed this life on January 27, 2025 at the age of 76. Born in 1948 in Richmond, Virginia, Richard led a life full of passion, dedication, and unwavering faith that touched everyone he met.

Growing up on a farm in Virginia, Richard developed an early love for horses. At a young age, he began working at a nearby racehorse farm, where his deep bond with these magnificent animals grew. His devotion to horses led him to a successful career as both a jockey and a racehorse trainer for over 20 years. His work took him across the country and around the world, experiencing the thrill of racing and forming lifelong friendships along the way.

Richard proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, where he learned discipline, resilience, and a sense of duty that would guide him throughout his life. His time in the Marines instilled in him a lifelong commitment to service, and he carried that devotion with him in everything he did.

After settling back in Virginia, he met the love of his life, Robin, and they married, beginning a new chapter in their lives together. Together they had 7 beautiful children. A natural people person, he transitioned into the restaurant industry, where his passion for hard work, service, and connection to others thrived. Over the next 20 years, he worked in the restaurant business, rising to prominence in some of the finest five-star, five-diamond establishments. He found joy in the social aspect of the job, forging connections with coworkers and customers alike, and learned countless lessons about life and people along the way.

However, it was his deep, abiding faith that always guided him. A devoted member of the Third Order Franciscans, Richard lived a life of service, always seeking to help those in need. His faith led him to St. Mary’s, where he first arrived as a house father at the college. It was there that he helped guide and mentor young men, offering wisdom, kindness, and compassion to all. He was a familiar face at the chapel, spending many quiet moments in prayer and reflection, finding solace in his devotion to God’s Divine Providence.

Later in life, Richard founded St. Luke’s Painting Company, where his keen eye for detail and unwavering commitment to quality shone through in every project he took on. Whether painting a room or a home, he never compromised on the craftsmanship and took great pride in his work. His reputation for thoroughness and excellence earned him the respect of his clients and colleagues.

Those who knew Richard will remember him for his effervescent smile, kindness, and optimism. No matter the challenges he faced, he approached life with a "turn the other cheek" attitude, always trusting that God would provide. His unwavering faith and gentle spirit left an indelible mark on all who crossed his path.

Richard is survived by his wife, Robin, 5 children (Jacob Wallmeyer, Veronica (Wallmeyer) Coon, Gabriel Wallmeyer, Dominic Wallmeyer, and Margaret (Wallmeyer) Palmer) and 25 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 2 children, Joshua Wallmeyer and Jacinta Wallmeyer. His legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire and uplift all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A rosary will be recited at 5:20 PM on Friday, January 31, 2025 at The Immaculata, 701 N. 2nd St. in St. Marys. A Requiem Mass will be offered at 7:15 AM, Saturday, February 1, also at The Immaculata, with burial following in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for mass offerings for Richard's intentions. 

Cherry Mahan Passes Away

It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Cherry (64) on Tuesday January 28th. She passed away at her home in Rossville from natural causes after a brief illness.  

Cherry was born in Paola, Kansas to Dale Paul and Louzetta Isabelle (Moore) Mahan, both deceased. Shortly after she was born, the family moved to Topeka and then to Rossville in 1966. Cherry attended and graduated from Rossville Public Schools. She made her home in the Rossville and St. Mary’s communities. 

Cherry had a long career in the commercial insurance industry, retiring in 2022 from Brier Payne Meade Insurance in Topeka. 

Cherry was an avid reader, loved traveling and loved hanging out with family and friends and just “taking it easy”.

Cherry is preceded in death by her parents, Dale & Lou Mahan. Surviving, brother Robin, wife Sheri of Manhattan, nephew Logan Mahan, Tempe, Arizona, niece Matalyn Mahan-Wilson, husband Chandlor, Denver, Colorado. Aunts, Cherry (Moore) Collins, Maple Hill, Marcia (Moore) Collins, Harveyville, Dorothy (Mahan) Myers, Neosho Rapids. Stepchildren, Josh DeVader and family, Maple Hill, Jesica Devader-Hodges and family, Wichita. And many cousins.

Cherry loved her longtime friends, gathering on sunny days at ponds, lakes and backyards. She loved anywhere fun could be had and loved listening to some pickin’ n grinnin’ music played by amazingly talented friends.

Nearest and dearest to her heart were friends, Trina Perry, Traci Homan, Cindy Langworthy and Steve Homan.

A Celebration of Life (party) will be held in her honor (TBD).

Memorial contributions may be made in Cherry's memory to the Stormont-Vail Foundation designated to the Behavioral Health Center and can be sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, KS 66536.

Silver Lake Basketball Games

 The Dawgs defeated the Eagles boys team on 
Dec. 17 by a score of 79-74.  The scoring was led by Donovan 29, Miller 15 and Badura 15.

The Lady Dawgs lost to the Eagles 62-53.  Leading scorers for RHS were Dick 28, Burdiek 18 and Haehn 5.

Lady Dawgs On All Irish Classic Team

 

                                           L to R: Rylee Dick, Nora Burdiek, Shyanne Haehn

Rylee, Nora and Shyanne were all on the All Irish Classic All Tournament Team.  Nora was MVP for The tournament and averaged 20 points and 13 rebounds.  Rylee averaged 25 points and 5 assists.  Shyannne had 8 points and 8 rebounds per game.

Girls Wrestling At Clay Center Invitational

1 Tecumseh-Shawnee Heights HS
2 Holton HS
3 York Girls
4 Clay Center Community Girls
5 El Dorado Girls
6 Marysville Girls
7 Haven HS Girls
8 Rossville Girls
9 Hoxie HS, KS
10 Pomona-West Franklin HS 
11 Riley County Girls 

100 Nora Mitchell (4-2) placed 1st and scored 20.0 team points.
105 Brinley Pottorf (2-5) placed 4th and scored 6.0 team points.
110 Aliahna Kepner (2-4) placed 6th and scored 2.0 team points.
120 Shayla Rezac (4-5) placed 7th and scored 4.0 team points.
125 Amelie Schruff (1-3) placed 6th and scored 2.0 team points. 
130 Beatrice D`Angelou (0-5) placed 10th and scored 0.0 team points.
145 Madelyn Wonnell (6-4) placed 2nd and scored 14.5 team points. 
155 Lara Puttrich (1-4) placed 7th and scored 1.5 team points.

Nora Mitchell scored three pins on the way to her 100 lb class win.

Boys Wrestling At Clay Center Invitational (UPDATED)

1 Hoxie
2 York
3 Holton
4 Tecumseh-Shawnee Heights HS 
5 5 Marysville
6 Haven 
7 Pomona-West Franklin HS
8 Clay Center Community 
9 Riley County HS
10 El Dorado 
11 Rossville 

106 Ryder Foster (3-7) placed 7th and scored 4.0 team points.
113 Brodyn Price (2-7) placed 6th and scored 0.5 team points. 
113 Gabe Fund (0-5) placed 8th.
120 Brady Miller (2-3) placed 6th and scored 4.0 team points.
120 Karson Weissend (2-8) placed 10th. 
126 Kelton Lacock (5-5) placed 8th and scored 2.0 team points.
132 Lakin Gentry (3-6) placed 9th and scored 2.0 team points. 
138 Remington Droegemeier (6-4) placed 7th and scored 2.5 team points.
144 Eleazar Hersh (3-7) placed 5th and scored 4.0 team points.
175 Phil Schulz (1-8) placed 8th and scored 0.0 team points.
215 Vincent Daniel (4-6) placed 8th and scored 2.0 team points

Irish Classic Boys Basketball Tournament

After  the boys basketball team defeated Bishop Ward 77-69,  they  were defeated by Salina Sacred Heart 68-54.The scoring was led by Miller with 15 and Donovan with 14.

Their third game was a 87-27 triumph over Chapman.  Donovan had 26 points and Miller had 11.

Irish Classic Girls Basketball Tournament

After winning the first game against Bishop Ward 89-9,  the Lady Dawgs then defeated Salina-Sacred Heart 57-50, with Rylee Dick scoring 25 and Nora Burdiek scoring 20,

The tournament Champion match was Rossville against Chapman with the Lady Dawgs winning 65-25.  Dick had 23 points and Budiek had 16.

  

Girl's Wrestling At Spring Hill Classic

Team Results Spring Hill Invit.

1 Gardner Edgerton HS 179.0
2 Holton HS 166.0
3 Tonganoxie HS 153.0
4 Paola HS 120.0
5 Spring Hill HS 116.0
6 Frontenac HS 105.0
7 Olathe Northwest HS 102.5
8 Overland Park-Blue Valley Southwest HS 86.5
9 Shawnee Mission Northwest HS 85.0
10 LaCygne-Prairie View HS 46.0
11 De Soto HS 42.0
12 Basehor-Linwood HS 41.0
13 Overland Park-Blue Valley HS 40.5
13 Shawnee Mission South HS 40.5
15 Rossville HS 39.0
16 Overland Park-Blue Valley Northwest HS 37.0
16 Topeka-Washburn Rural HS 37.0
18 Shawnee-Mill Valley HS 35.0
19 Overland Park-Blue Valley West HS 33.5
20 Ottawa HS 3.0
21 Overland Park-Blue Valley North HS 0.0
21 Richmond-Central Heights HS

Spring Hill Girls Invitational Results for Rossville HS 

100   Nora Mitchell (1-2) place is unknown and scored 4.0 team points.
105   Brinley Pottorf (1-2) place is unknown and scored 3.0 team points.
110B Aliahna Kepner (1-1) placed 2nd and scored 16.0 team points.
120   Shayla Rezac (2-2) place is unknown and scored 7.0 team points.
120B Gloria Stebbins (2-2) place is unknown. 
145   Madelyn Wonnell (3-2) place is unknown and scored 9.0 team points.

Boy's Wrestling--Raider Classic At Wamego

1 Concordia HS
2 Wamego HS 260.0 235.5
3 Tonganoxie
4 Chapman 161.0 159.5
5 Onaga HS
6 St. George-Rock Creek 130.5 127.5
7 Herington HS
7 Rossville 120.0 120.0
9 Ottawa HS
10 Alma-Wabaunsee 

106 Ryder Foster (1-4) placed 5th and scored 7.0 team points. 

106 Lochlan Culberson (0-5) placed 6th.

113 Brodyn Price (1-3) placed 4th and scored 3.0 team points.

120 Karson Weissend (2-3) placed 6th and scored 7.0 team points

126 Kelton Lacock (4-1) placed 3rd and scored 17.0 team points. 

138 Remington Droegemeier (4-1) placed 2nd and scored 27.5 team points. 

138 Torin Culberson (2-3) placed 10th.

144 Eleazar Hersh (1-4) placed 9th and scored 2.0 team points. 

165 Cooper Meyer (4-1) placed 2nd and scored 26.5 team points.

165 Wyatt Carey (1-4) placed 8th. 

175 Phil Schulz (1-4) placed 9th and scored 2.0 team points.

190 Charlie Chance (3-2) placed 5th and scored 11.0 team points. ) 

215 Vincent Daniel (3-2) placed 5th and scored 11.0 team points