Barbara Jean Flach Passes Away

 Barbara Jean (Shields) Flach, 92, of Paxico, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at The Heritage Home in Alma surrounded by her family. Barbara was born on January 5, 1933, in rural Havensville, KS on the family farm to Ed and Anna Gunther Shields. She attended schools at Coal Creek and Corning, KS and graduated from Corning High School in 1950. Barbara worked at Merchant’s National Bank in Topeka from 1950 -1952.

Barbara married Robert Paul Flach on May 27, 1952, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in the Coal Creek community in Nemaha County. Barbara was a homemaker and farm wife. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Paxico, serving on the parish council. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Altar Sodality, serving as president and holding all other offices. Barbara was also a religion teacher for the parish. Barbara was organist at St. Patrick's, Coal Creek, and also played the organ at Sacred Heart. Barbara was a project leader for Newbury 4-H Club. Barbara was employed by Rezac Livestock Commission Co for 32 years.

Barbara and her husband, Robert, farmed and maintained a cow-calf operation for many years north of Paxico. Barbara and Robert shared the same birth date.

Barbara is survived by a daughter, Jean (Greg) Riley, Overland Park, KS, and four sons: Ken (Theresa), Steve (Pamela), Jerry (Ginger), and Jeff (Shannan), all of Paxico. She is also survived by a sister, Marilyn McMillin, Leawood, KS, 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren and 15 step great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Flach, a son, Michael Flach, a grandson, Darrin Flach, a granddaughter, Jackie Flach, and three brothers, Edward, Laverne, and Jim Shields.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 2 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm with a rosary following at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newbury, KS. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, also at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart Church or to the Sacred Heart Altar Sodality and may be left in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.

Rossville Inv. Vollyball Tournament

 

     Volleyball @ Rossville Tournament

Competing are Baldwin, Burlington, Humboldt, Iola, Prairie View, Waverly, Wellsville

                  Sat., Sept 6, 2025  8:00 AM

RHS VS Silver Lake Fooball Sept, 5

Rossville Varrsity plays Silver Lake tonight, Sept 5, at 7:00 CDT

The game can be viewed on You Tubeb going on Dawgfeed at gametime.

Virginia McMillin Passes Away

Virginia Grace McMillin, 86, of Delia, died on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Wellsprings of Westmoreland surrounded by her family. 

A memorial service is pending and will be held at a later date. The full obituary will be published shortly. 

Elizabeth "Betty" Lambotte Passes Away

Elizabeth M. "Betty" Lambotte, 94, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025. Born on March 23, 1931, in Topeka, she was the cherished daughter of the late John and Catherine Jacobson.

Betty's life was a testament to love, faith, and service, values she cherished deeply throughout her time with us. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norman; sons, Richard and Kenneth; grandchildren, Cody and Aaron; and siblings, Bobby, Johnny, Donald, Kay, Rosemary, and Billy.

Betty is survived by her sister, Dorothy; her son, Todd; six grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren, who will carry on her legacy of love and faith. Each of them holds onto the warmth of her spirit and the lessons she imparted through her unwavering commitment to family.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Betty worked as a paraprofessional at Delia Grade School and Rossville Elementary School, where she made a significant impact on the lives of countless children. Her devotion extended beyond the classroom; she served faithfully as a CCD teacher and youth group leader at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rossville, where she was not only a devoted member but a guiding light for many. Her life reflected service, generosity, and an outstanding commitment to her community. An active volunteer and a generous supporter of many local causes.

The community will gather to celebrate her life at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, located at 703 Main St in Rossville, for a rosary to be recited for Betty at 5:00 PM on Friday, August 29, followed by a visitation until 7:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be offered at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 30, also at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Following the Mass, Betty will be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in St. Marys at 11:30 AM, with a luncheon to follow in Dekat Hall.

Elizabeth M. Lambotte will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose faith and compassion left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her legacy of love and service will forever shine bright in the hearts of her family and friends.

LeRoy "Shorty" Dick(59) Passes Away

LeRoy "Shorty" Dick passed away on August 4, 2025, at Wellsprings of Westmoreland in Westmoreland, KS. He was born on September 8, 1940, in rural Williamstown, KS to Clarence and Pearl Dick. He graduated from Rossville High School in 1959. He was united in marriage to Carol Sue Adams on September 8, 1967, and they were able to spend 57 wonderful years together.

Shorty was easy to laugh and always had a joke or story to share. Everywhere that he went there was always someone he knew and if he didn't know them, he would gladly introduce himself.

After high school, he custom-combined with his parents. Shorty then started his lifelong career as an over-the-road truck driver with his wife and young children in tow. He continued to truck with his sons until his retirement in 2007. When he wasn't driving, he loved spending time with his horses and trail riding with his buddies. Shorty really enjoyed his daughters cooking, frequently asking for lasagna and oatmeal raisin cookies. He lived in a house divided with his love of KU and Carols of K State which made for some interesting conversations.

Shorty was proceeded in death by his parents, brother and sister.
Shorty is survived by his wife Carol Sue, daughter April Dick, sons Heath Dick (Susan) and Alan Dick, and 3 grandchildren: William Dick (PattiAnn), Alexzander and Trevr as well as many other family and friends.
Per Shorty's wishes there will be no services, cremation has taken place and there will be a Celebration of Life at a later time.

Helen Bansemer Passes Away

Helen Louise Bansemer, 88, of St. Marys, died on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Midland Hospice House surrounded by her family.

Helen was born on October 8, 1936, in Garden City, KS the daughter of John and Alma (Birzer) Talley. She attended Catholic grade school and graduated from St. Marys High School of the Plains. She later graduated from Halstead School of Nursing in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.

She married Philip V. Bansemer in September 1959 in Garden City, Kansas; he preceded her in death on April 30, 1999.

After they were married, Helen and Philip lived in Newton for 5 years. Later, they moved to Rossville and eventually settled in St. Marys in 1972, where they raised their 5 children. Helen worked for many years as a nurse for KNI and for the VA Hospital in Topeka. Helen was a devoted Catholic and was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys for many years.

Helen loved to garden and enjoyed shopping, especially when she could find a good bargain.

Survivors include her children, Alan (Becky) Bansemer of Newton, KS, Aileen (Daniel) Delforge of Valley Center, KS, Philip L. Bansemer, Jr. of Waynesville, MO, Coleen (Brandon) Vogts of Moundridge, KS, and David J. Bansemer, of St. Marys, 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and her sister, Mary (Richard) Miles of Naples, FL.

Helen was preceded in death by her grandparents and parents, and her husband Philip Bansemer.

A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, August 6 at Piper Funeral Home with a rosary at 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will be offered at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 7 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. Burial will take place at 11:30 AM on Friday, August 8 in St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery in Wright, KS.

Memorial contributions in Helen’s memory may be made to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Midland Hospice and may be sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.

Daniel Grieshaber Passes Away

Daniel Lee Grieshaber (Rossville, Kansas) departed on July 27, 2025 at the age of 91. 

He was predeceased by: his parents, Albert F. Grieshaber and Louise C. Grieshaber (Thowe); his sister Alberta; and his brother-in-law Melvin Lichte of St. Louis. He is survived by: his brothers, Charles Grieshaber of St. Marys and Raymond Grieshaber of Lenexa.

He requested no memorials and no flowers.

Sally Koeling Passes Away

Sally Ann Koelling, 67, of rural St. Marys, passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at her home.

A full obituary is pending and will be published shortly.

Survivors include her devoted husband, Michael Koelling, sons, Wesley and Jeffrey, grandchildren, Landon, Vanessa, Natalie, Lorelai, Quinlynn, Kyzen, Scarlett, Hudson, and her sister, Betty Jo (Don) Hoadley. Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Betty Steele, sister Joyce (Allan) Lindholm and her brothers, Richard, Roger and Fred Steele.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 4 at Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536 with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in St. Clere Cemetery in Emmett, Kansas.

Memorials in Sally's memory may be made to the KU Endowment for Alzheimers Research and may be sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536. 

Vickie Lee Foster Passes Away

 Vickie Lee Foster of Rossville, Kansas, born in North Platte, Nebraska,Passed away on July 6, 2025 at the age of 72.

She was predeceased by: her husband Fred Foster; her parents, Kenny Diehl and Karen Diehl; and her brothers, Ricky and Keith Diehl.

She is survived by: her children, Julie Spring (Gary), Sheila Coons (Bobby), Melissa Smith (Kelly), Jennifer Hensley (Blaine), Scott Zlatnik (Isabelle), Luke Foster (Jodi) and Matt Foster (Misty); her grandchildren, Zach (Bryce), Adam, Kai, Logan, Emma, Braiden, Makenna, Laiken, Greyson, Kaylyn, Kassi (Justin), Gentry, Bayli (Jeremy), Jayden, Kellyn, Olivia and Sophia; her great grandchildren, Adalynn, Abigail, Brooks and Rhodes; her siblings, Jodi Clark (Derek) and Mark Diehl (Donna); and her sister-in-law Loli Diehl.

A celebration of life was held on Saturday, July 12th 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Rossville United Methodist Church (411 Pearl St, Rossville, KS 66533).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Rossville United Methodist Church - Food Pantry, 411 Pearl St, Rossville, KS 66533.

Virginia Crupper Passes Away

 Virginia L Crupper of Rossville, Kansas,  passed away on June 15, 2025 at the age of 92, 

She was predeceased by: her parents, Edward Kovar and Edna Kovar (Lee); her husband Charles G. Crupper; and her sisters, Ruth Bunzel, Mae DeVader and Jean Huntsman.

She is survived by: her son Charles Crupper Jr. (Yolanda) of Colorado Springs, CO; her grandchildren, Charles Crupper III of Eugene, OR and Wendy Crupper of Chicago, IL; her great grandchildren, Kate and Eleanor Crupper-Riley of Chicago, IL; her brother Ray Kovar (Loretta) of St. Marys, KS; and her brother-in-law Donald Bunzel of Topeka, KS..

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rossville Community Library and the Rossville Presbyterian Church, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 6

Joan Anderson (62) P;asses Away

Joan Marie Anderson, 80, of Rossville KS, passed away Monday, March 17, 2025 at the Healtcare Resort of Topeka.

She was born May 4, 1944, in Topeka KS the daughter of Ted and Marie (Graf) Dolezilek. She grew up in Rossville Kansas and graduated in 1962 from Rossville  High School. Following graduation she worked for Stauffer Publications  in Topeka. 

In her spare time she enjoyed Camping, spending time with her family and friends in Rossville and loved reading books.

Joni married Larry Anderson on August 14,1967, in Miami Oklahoma.  In 1968 she gave birth to their only child, a son, Michael Anderson.

Her and her husband owned and operated Anderson Booth and Equipment in Rossville, KS. 

 

She is survived by a sister, Mary K. (Gary) Funke of Washington KS. Two nieces, Staci (Jamie) Schmidt and Misty Reynolds. Four great-nieces and nne great-nephew also survive.

Joni was preceded in death by her son, Michael Anderson, in 1987, and her husband, Larry Anderson, on November 3, 2019.

A Celebration of Life Service held from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Rossville Senior Center, 429 Pearl Street, Rosseville, KS 66533.

Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or to Helping Hands Humane Society, sent in care of Midwest Cremation, 525 SE 37 Street, Topeka, KS 66605.

James Gordon Passes Away

 

James Gary Gordon, 86, of Rossville, KS died peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at home.

Jim was born July 15, 1939, on the family farm in Coffey County, northeast of Burlington, KS. His parents were John and Dorthea Harrison Gordon. He graduated from Waverly High School in 1957 and served in the Kansas National Guard for 7 years.

Jim married Ernestine May Crouch on June 4, 1961, at the Methodist Church in Burlington; she survives at their home.

Survivors also include their 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren: daughter, Lisa Gordon Ebert (Greg) of Kinsley, KS, grandchildren, Kellen (Kelsey), Jordan (Ashley), and Haleigh Wood (Clayton) and great-grandchildren, Colston, Camden, and Bretley Ebert, Gentry, Myles, and Easton Wood; son Chris (Cherie) of Silver Lake, KS, grandchildren, Ashley and Joshua; son Lance (Aimee) of Garden Plain, KS, and grandchildren, Gabriel and Kinsley. Other survivors include his two sisters, Lillian Kleinsorge and Linda Bannion.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Clark Gordon and sister, Beverly Kleinsorge.

Jim had an extraordinary work ethic. After high school, he worked at Boeing in Wichita for a short time. He then started in the construction business, as a laborer. He graduated up to a cement mason and attended World of Concrete convention in Las Vegas.

Jim enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, traveling, gardening, K-State Wildcats and KC Royals. His greatest enjoyments were raising cattle on their small farm north of Rossville and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim was a long-time member of Rossville United Methodist Church and served on numerous committees.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 22, from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Rossville United Methodist Church, 411 Pearl Street, Rossville, KS. A funeral service will follow, also at Rossville United Methodist Church, at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, July 23 with burial following in Rossville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in Jim’s memory to Samaritan's Purse and may be left at the service or in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.

Pearl (McDonald) Jacobson Passes Away

Pearl De-Vee (McDonald) Jacobsen left us here on earth on July 17, 2025, peacefully after 97 years to enter Heaven’s eternity. She was tired & her work here was done. She told me I’d be ok & to carry on with my life, but the time had come for her to go now to be with Dad, Dale, Mark & the rest of our family & friends who were waiting for her on the other side. So, I had to let her go. She separated her great spirit from her worn out body & she went on.

An only child born on April 5, 1928, to Lucy Pearl (Kness) McDonald & Claude Preston (Stub) McDonald in Geneva, Nebr. She always said she loved being an only child & never, ever felt lonely. She felt blessed & lucky to be the only child of her loving parents. Our son (Mick) told us the same the other day!

Pearl was united in marriage to John B. (Jake/Jack) Jacobsen on March 1, 1947, in a double ring marriage ceremony along with a Jacobsen cousin of Jack’s. Children born into their union: Dale John Jacobsen (Carolyn); Bonita Fae (Sis) Stum (Wilbur); Grandchildren, 4, Randy (Sandy) Jacobsen, Shane Jacobsen (Julie), Chad (Jamie) Jacobsen. Mick (Tami) Stum; Great Grandchildren – 8, Great-Great Grandchildren - 8, Sister-in-laws: Beverly Jacobsen & Pat Jacobsen Knutz; Many Nieces & Nephews, Great & Great-Great Nieces & Nephews. And so many, many friends & “adopted” families. Pearl often said she’d be rich if she had a nickel for every person that sat at her table & ate a meal!

Pearl was preceded in death by her parents; husband John (2018); son Dale (2024); In-laws Marguerite & Clyde Jacobsen, Mark Morgan, four brothers-in-law & two sisters-in-law. And several of her beloved cats & dogs.

Pearl attended Geneva Grade & High School graduating in 1945. She was the last surviving member of her class. Pearl went to work evenings & weekends while attending Geneva High School at the Geneva USPS during WWII. She earned $.45 an hour to start & was earning $10.50 when she quit to attend college. She also worked on the family farm.

After graduation Pearl attended Doan College at Crete, Nebr. for 1 1/2 years majoring in English & Musical Education. Tuition back then was $50 per semester. Pearl loved school, reading & teaching. Although she did not attend college long enough to earn her teaching certificate, as she left college to get married, she was able to use her knowledge to teach her children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren. Pearl loved to play the piano & organ & sing songs - especially old hymns. Her favorite past time was reading - she loved to read books & her local newspapers!!

Pearl & Jake farmed while they lived in Nebraska & their children were born in Nebraska. They moved to a large ranch (known as the Lasswell Ranch) NE of Emmett, KS on their Anniversary on March 1, 1956, when Dale was 9 & Sis was not quite 3. There, they ranched & took care of many cattle. In the winter, Jake hayed & fed cattle in the pastures with a team of horses & wagons.

The ranch house still stands today. In later years, Dale & Carolyn lived in it, as did Randy & Sandy.

Pearl & Jake soon got into furnishing livestock for rodeos with friends they met & eventually started Jacobsen Rodeo Company, which they owned & operated well into the 1980’s! They earned many awards for their rodeo stock. They brought the “Brangus” breed of bulls to their Kansas rodeos from Orange, Texas on the Texas/Louisiana border. Winning awards for such bulls as Purple People Eater, Cassius Clay & King of the Road I & II. They also had a big, dappled buckskin gelding registered Quarter Horse Saddle Bronc named “Big Buck”, which was sold to Hoss Inman, a PRCA Stock contractor, who bucked him at the Oklahoma City NFR Rodeo. Pearl, Jake, Sis & Wilb were there to see him buck, too!!!

Pearl was a stay-at-home Mom & homemaker, while also helping with chores, gardening, canning, cooking, sewing & whatever else needed to be done. She was the Secretary & Timer for their rodeos. Pearl was a wonderful Wife, Loving Mother, Mother-In-Law, Aunt, Sister-In-Law, Cousin, Neighbor, Mentor & a special friend to many. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church & former member of the Delia EHU, both in Delia, KS. Pearl & other neighborhood wives did what was called a “pattern”, which was moving the extremities of a neighborhood baby boy born with cerebral palsy, working his arms & legs so as they would not freeze up, so he was able to move. This procedure helped Tim to live an extended life. She was a former member of Rodeo associations: URA, SCA & IRA. Pearl was honored to have been named Rodeo Secretary of the Year in the URA. She lived a good long life & will be dearly missed.

Rest In Peace & God Speed Momma until we meet again. You will be so missed!

The family would like to extend a special thank you the Staff of Peggy Kelly House 1 & Ascend Hospice for their excellent care & especially love that they gave to Pearl (Momma, Grandma or Pearly as they so affectionately called her.) Special thanks to Piper Funeral Home & Staff.

A Visitation will be held at Piper Funeral Home on Friday, August 1, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Burial of her cremated remains will take place later in the Fairmont, NE Cemetery with Jake, her parents, in-laws, and other family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Pearl’s memory to the Pearl Jacobsen Memorial Fund & left at or sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple, St. Marys, KS 66536.