Lois (Coleman) Fussell Passes Away

Lois was born November 4, 1941 to Ralph and Catherine Coleman of Marysville, Ohio. She attended the Trinity Lutheran Day School for six years before moving to Rossville, Kansas where she graduated from Rossville High in 1958. She attended Louisiana State University from which she received a Bachelors and a Masters degree. She taught at Louisiana State, the University of Maryland in College Park while serving as assistant debate coach. She married Jesse Fussell in 1964 and in 1966 they moved to Japan, where she taught for the University of Maryland in the far east program and taught English for a foreign language company in Japan. While in Japan, she also gave birth to a son, Thomas.

She accompanied her husband in Germany where she served as the American President of the German-American Women’s Club of Wiesbaden. Lois was a life member of the League of Women Voters and of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

She died of lung cancer and congestive heart disease on May 17, 2016 and is survived by her husband, Jesse, and one son, Thomas, daughter-in-law Christiane and three grandchildren, Elisabeth, Jonathan and Charlotte, all of Hamburg, Germany. She is also survived by her brother, Dr. John Coleman of Clay Center, Kansas and 3 nieces and one nephew.

Virginia Allen Passes Away (Updated)

Virginia "Ginger" Allen, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and educator, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, in Topeka, Kansas.

Born on June 21, 1941, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, Ginger dedicated her life to teaching and inspiring young minds. She began her career as a first-grade teacher in Green Bay, Wisconsin, before returning to Kansas, where she spent many years teaching third grade at Rossville Grade School. Throughout her distinguished career, she touched the lives of countless students with her patience, encouragement, and genuine love of learning. She was honored with a nomination for Kansas Teacher of the Year-a reflection of the lasting impact she made in the classroom.

On April 16, 1961, Ginger married the love of her life, Gene "Pete" Allen. Together they shared a wonderful 60-year marriage until Pete's passing in 2021, filling their lives with travel, adventure, and cherished memories. Together they raised two daughters, Suzy and Debra.

Ginger's commitment to serving others extended far beyond the classroom. Alongside Pete, she served as a youth group leader at the Methodist church, was a dedicated 4-H sewing leader, and participated on numerous educational committees.

Family was at the center of Ginger's life. She loved hosting family gatherings and creating lasting memories together. She especially enjoyed traveling to Green Bay with family and treasured the close relationship she shared with her brother, Randy Shannon and his wife, Mickey, as well as Pete's brothers and their families in Denver, Colorado. Her family often heard her reassuring words: "We are blessed, so there's no need to worry." She always found something good to say about everyone she met and had an extraordinary gift for seeing the best in others.

Ginger was preceded in death by her parents, Evelynn and Lowell Shannon; her brothers, Bruce, Randy, and Max Shannon; and her beloved husband, Pete Allen.

She is survived by her daughters, Deb Rezac (Lance), Onaga and Suzy Thompson (Stan), Rossville; her grandchildren, Nicole Harrison (Luke), Kelsey Mattie (Ryan), Garrett Rezac (Jaydee), Wes Thompson (Nikki), and Krystle Young (Matt); her great-grandchildren Carissa, Adelynn, Kylee, Reagan, Daisey, Madison, and Hadley; and numerous extended family members and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Rossville United Methodist Church, with a luncheon immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Rossville United Methodist Church or Rossville Grade School, where a fund has been set up for classroom supplies.

Travis VanVleck To Coach Wrestlinhg

 Travis VanVleck has ben named as head wrestling coach for the RHS Boys for the oming year.

Teresa Marie Brazzle Passes Away

Teresa Marie Brazzle, 93, formerly of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on Monday (April 20, 2026) at the Onaga Community Hospital.

Born April 3, 1933 in in Rossville, Kansas, Marie was the daughter of Albert and Agnes (Reser) Besta. She married Walter C. “June” Brazzle on June 5,1949 at the Wamego United Methodist Church. He preceded her in death on April 30, 2012.

Marie’s devotion and love for her family was unmatched. She loved sharing her time with them and will be remembered for her cooking and baking, especially for her cakes. Marie enjoyed traveling, taking trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas to name some of the places she visited. She was an avid BINGO player and enjoyed going to the casino.

Marie was employed as a cook at Wamego High School for many years where she was known for her Chili and Cinnamon Rolls. She retired in 1999. Marie also was the office manager at her husband’s business, June’s Repair Shop in Wamego.

Survivors include three children, Kathy Dickey-Wilson (Marlin) of Wamego, Jan Olmstead of Wamego, and Lori Harms (Wayne) of Blue Rapids, KS; a daughter in law, Lois Brazzle of Wamego; a special nephew, Ron Mays (Shari) of Olathe, KS; six grandchildren: Brandon Brazzle, Emily Brazzle, Ben Dickey (Michelle), Olivia Dickey, Brock Wild (Kelley) and Cole Thomas (Ava); two step-grandchildren, Cody Harms (Stephanie) and Justina Heger (Dustin); seven great-grandchildren, Nicholas Fitterer, Danielle Fitterer, Kalie Brazzle, Addison Brazzle, Chloe Brazzle, Camryn Brazzle and Wren Thomas. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews, including Cristin Johnson (Pete) and Taylor Hilliger (Jon) and five great great nieces and great great nephews.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, June; her son, Bruce Brazzle; two sisters, Helen Richards and Phyllis Mays; a half-brother, Averil Startup; and a half-sister, Velma Colter.

Pearl (Searcy) Wood Has Passed Away

 

Pearl Emma Wood, 92, passed peacefully at home on April 17, 2023 in Laurel, Indiana.  She was born in Belvue, Kansas, October 28, 1930, the daughter of Roy W. and Emma Ruth Trostle Searcy.

She grew up on farms in northeast Kansas. She had wonderful memories of the farm, her family, and her love of animals.  After graduating from Rossville High School, she moved to Topeka, Kansas and began her long career in banking.  She delighted in reliving stories she collected while working at Merchants National for 19 years and Kaw Valley Bank for 26 years.  She loved her work and the countless customers she served over the many years.  She was a member of Northside Church of Christ while living in Topeka, KS. After moving closer to her daughters, she was a member of the Northern Kentucky Church of Christ.  She loved with her whole heart and never met a stranger.  She had a deep love for family and others.  Pearl was a prayerful woman, praised the Lord in all things, and grateful for her life and blessings the Lord provided.

She married Donald E. Wood June 19, 1965 in Topeka, Kansas.  He preceded her in death January 24, 1996.  She is survived by three daughters and the blessing of her three sons-in-law, Kimberly Higgins (Keith) of Fort Worth, TX, Kathy Livingston (David) Hebron, KY, and Karla Decker (Don) Laurel, IN; four grandchildren, Houston and Carson Higgins, Fort Worth, TX and Vanessa and Jessica Livingston, Hebron, KY, a sister-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

Pearl was the last of a generation being preceded in death by four brothers and six sisters Glenn Searcy, Thelma Stoneberger, Lucille Hosler, Mary Miller, Dorothy Wright, Golda Plumly, Edward Searcy, Carl Searcy, Ray Searcy and Eileen Creveling.

Janet (Hause) Richards Passes Away

 

Janet Sue (Hause) Richards, 81, of Blackwell, Oklahoma, passed away on June 1, 2026.

Janet Sue Richards was born July 2, 1944, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Alfred and Minnie (Davis) Hause. She graduated from Rossville High School with the class of 1962.

Janet married Bobby Richards on June 29, 1963. To this union, they shared two children: a son, Michael Richards, born March 24, 1964—and a daughter, Jill (Richards) Dasen, born May 30th, 1966. The couple shared 25 years of marriage before divorcing in 1992; Bobby later passed away on June 3, 2005.

Jannet connected with her Life Partner, Gary Chitwood, and they would spend 33 wonderful years together, until his passing on February 24, 2026.

Janet loved hummingbirds and bowling, but especially loved spending time with her kids and grandchildren at events. She would also enjoy making Christmas stockings for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; former husband, Bobby; and life partner, Gary.

She is survived by her daughter, Jill Dasen and wife Cheryl of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; son Michael Richards and wife Carol of Rose Hill, Kansas; grandchildren: Austin Richards and wife Amber of Enid, Oklahoma, Ashleigh Fleming and husband Nic of Wichita, Kansas, Samantha Thompson and husband Mike of Derby, Kansas, Peyton Badman of San Diego, California, Connor Richards of Wichita, Kansas, and Remington Richards of Rose Hill, Kansas; great-grandchildren: Ruby Richards, Emersyn Thompson, Lochlan Thompson, and Mark Fleming; one bonus daughter,Tamara Huffman and husband Donnie of Branson, Missouri; bonus grandchildren: Wyatt Hall and wife Tori of Yukon, Oklahoma, and Baylie Hoeck and husband Kyle of Branson, Missouri; bonus great-grandchildren: Kru Hoeck, Rylan Hoeck, Lottie Hoeck, and Henley Hall; and numerous neices, nephews, and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held in the Roberts Memorial Chapel, Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Rev. Sam Simmons of Blackwell's Immanuel Baptist Church to officiate. Burial to follow at the Rossville Cemetery in Rossville, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.

Bettty Jean Mahkuk Rice Passes Away

 Betty Jean Mahkuk Rice, 86, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the Rossville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born April 4, 1939 at Mayetta, the daughter of Pete Matchie and Lucille Mahkuk.

Betty was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and the Native American Church.

She married Orville Rice in 1957.  They were divorced and he preceded her in death.

Betty had first worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse.  After she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Washburn University, she worked in social services for Four Tribes of Kansas, then Prairie Band Potawatomi Social Services.

She was also preceded in death by two sons, Kevin Rice and Brad Rice, a daughter, Sylvia Johnson, an adopted daughter, Marilyn LaCour, four brothers, Denny Delge, Michael Delge, Pat Mahkuk and Walter Delge, Jr., and three sisters, Ilona Delge, Myra Matchie and Edwina Dickinson.

Survivors include a son, Chris Rice (Kristina), Nedrow, NY, two adopted sons, Wayne Jesseppe and Shon Jesseppe (Carol), all of Horton, a daughter, Shirley Mitchell (Tom), Oskaloosa, two brothers, Roland Matchie, Holton and Fred Mahkuk, Wisconsin, six sisters, Margaret Mahkuc, Mayetta, Eileen Delge and Marilyn Delge, both of Lawrence, Ione Childers, Perry, and Tutti Kerns and Hedy Noland, both of Holton, ten grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and a host of many other grandchildren that she had a special relationship with.

George William House Passes Away

 George William House, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. Born on April 19, 1948, George was raised in Rossville, Kansas, where he developed the strong work ethic, resilience, and quiet determination that would define his life.

George worked for many years as a high steel painter, a profession that reflected both his courage and dedication. He took pride in hard work and in providing for those he loved. Known for his steady presence, kind heart, and willingness to help others, George earned the respect and friendship of many throughout his life.

He was devoted to his wife, Lea Jean House, with whom he shared many cherished years of marriage, love, and family. George’s greatest joy came from the time spent with his children and grandchildren creating memories that will be treasured for generations.

George is survived by his loving wife, Lea Jean House; his children, Lea Vincent (House), Jeff Pressgrove, and Shelli Pressgrove; six grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind extended family members and friends who will deeply miss his strength, humor, and unwavering love.

He was preceded in death by those family members who welcomed him home in heaven.

George will be remembered for his hard working spirit, his devotion to family, and the legacy of love he leaves behind. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Volleyball Player to Watch: Nora Burdiek,

 Sports in Kansas Volleyball Player to Watch: Nora Burdiek, Rossville, Sr. OH

Nora Burdiek returns for her senior season as one of the most accomplished six-rotation players in Class 2A after another dominant campaign at Rossville. The 5-foot-11 outside hitter earned First Team All-State, First Team All-Shawnee County, First Team Big East League and Class 2A State All-Tournament Team honors in 2025 while surpassing the 1,000-career kill milestone. Burdiek was one of the state's most productive players last fall, totaling 598 kills and 403 digs to help Rossville finish 29-15 and place fifth at the Class 2A State Tournament. Entering her final high school season, she has amassed an incredible 1,469 career kills and 994 career digs. Already committed to Washburn University, Burdiek has also excelled in basketball and softball, earning multiple SIK All-State honors across all three sports.

With another competitive roster returning, Burdiek believes Rossville has the talent and determination to make another deep postseason run. "I'm super excited for my upcoming senior season," Burdiek said. "We have a very competitive team and we all have similar goals, to make it back to state and overall have a fun, memorable and competitive season." Alongside standout teammate Kenna Perine, Burdiek will look to lead Rossville back to the Class 2A State Tournament and cap off one of the most decorated volleyball careers in school history. #sportsinkansas

: Justin Martinez (FiveSelect)

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Thomasa Morford Passes Away

Thomasa “Tomi” Ann Morford, 77, of Rossville, Kansas, passed away on July 13, 2026, in Topeka, Kansas.

Tomi was born on January 24, 1949, to Dennis and Delores Farrell. She grew up in the St. Mary’s and Rossville communities and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1967. Those who knew Tomi recognized her independent spirit early in life, a trait that remained with her throughout her years.

Tomi spent many years working for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas before retiring.

A strong-willed woman with a blunt personality, Tomi was known for her candid nature and willingness to speak her mind. She approached life with determination, independence, and a resilient spirit that carried her through both joys and challenges. Though she did things her own way, those who knew her best understood the love she had for her family. She will be remembered for her strength, honesty, and the lasting impact she made on those who knew and loved her.

Tomi was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis and Delores Farrell; her sister, Jayleen Farrell; and her son, Shawn Perry.

She is survived by her son, Todd Perry and his wife, Stacey, of Rossville, Kansas; her daughter, Brandi Vigneron of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her brother, Denny Farrell of Valley Center, Kansas; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

Though she has departed from this life, Tomi's memory will live on through the family she loved and the many lives she touched along the way.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Tomi and celebrate her life at a graveside memorial service to be held at Valley View Cemetery in St. Mary’s, Kansas, on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Charles Parnell Passes Away

 

Charles Robert "Bob" Parnell, 86, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas.

Charles was born in Seneca, Kansas at the home of his parents Nicholas Richard and Golda Alice (Bales) Parnell. He graduated from Seneca High School in 1957, at which time he enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served in the Navy specializing as a radioman.

Charles was employed by the Gas Service Company for 35 years, retiring in 1995 as operating supervisor in the Topeka division. He was a long-time member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church helping to build an addition to the original church in the 1970's.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Loraine Evelyn Morrison-Lindeen; brother, Nicholas Galen Parnell; grandson, Holden Hurla; and nephews, Gary Parnell and Terry Andrick.

On August 18, 1962 he was married to Gladys Huerter. They later divorced. Survivors include his sister Isla Rose Andrick of Rossville, a son, Randy (Sharon) Parnell of Topeka, two daughters, Belinda (Steve) Morris of Rossville and Angie (Chris) Hurla of Delia, six grandchildren, Bailey (Jacob) Wehner, Devin (Sydney) Morris, and Jared (Heidi) Morris, Layne, Colby (Aloera), and Kendra Hurla, two step-grandchildren, Joel Campbell and Kortney (Xavier) Martinez, five great-granchildren, and 4 step great-grandchildren. Two additional great-granddaughters are expected in August and September.

Charles raised his family in the Rossville community where he was active in his kids activities at school and in 4-H supporting their many endeavors. He helped his son restore a 1968 Mercury Cougar and was adamant that his daughters could change a flat tire when they started driving. He was meticulous about maintaining his yard and flowers, routinely enjoyed coffee at the Swirley Top, and loved sitting on the front porch in his porch swing. Camping at Sycamore Springs with his kids and many nieces and nephews were favorite memories for his whole family. He did lots of woodworking and was excited when he mastered the lathe in making the nursery furniture for his grandchildren. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy.

The date and time for a memorial Mass of Christian Burial and interment at Rossville Cemetery is pending and will be announced later. 

Memorial contributions in Charles’ memory may be made to either the Capper Foundation or to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church.

Terrie Haller Passes Aweay

 The passing of Terrie Haller of Rossville, Kansas occurred on June 24, 2026. Terrie, born on   September 29, 1952, shared life with family, friends, and community.

Terrie touched many lives and will be remembered fondly for the moments shared and the memories created. Family, friends, and colleagues extend their love and support during this time. While Terrie’s presence will be missed, the influence she had on others will remain. Those who knew her will carry forward memories that reflect her character and spirit.

She was loved and cherished by many people including: her parents, Homer Leroy and Beulah Mae Marker (Jennings).

Clifford Van Vleck Passes Away

 Clifford Edward Van Vleck, Sr., 85, of Topeka passed away September 8, 2025.

He was born June 17, 1940, to Edward F. and Luella (Beck) Van Vleck in Kansas City, Missouri.

Clifford attended Rossville schools in Rossville Kansas and graduated in 1959.

He married Connie Johnson in 1959 (they divorced) they had 4 children, Debbie Self (Doug), Theresa Davis, Clifford Van Vleck, Jr. (Jenn) and Julie Cremer (Darrell).

Clifford then married Susan Sharkey on June 11, 1977, and lived happily ever after for 47 years until her death on September 19, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Charlie, Richard, and Parker Van Vleck and sisters Emily Eddins and Laura Thomas and two grandchildern Gracie and Cody Van Vleck.

Clifford is survived by his children and youngest sister Mary Kay Niefeldt. 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Lots of neices and nephews.

Clifford had a long work history from construction, Goodyear, Community Action. After retirement he become a people greeter at Walmart in North Topeka for many years.

A celebration of life will be September 20, 2025 at 10:00 at Family of God Church 1231 NW Eugene St, Topeka KS.

Jack Donovan: All Shawnee County

 

JACK DONOVAN, Rossville higu senior, 

Donovan is a first-team All Shawnee County pick for the third straight season after earning a state medal for the fourth straight year (two in Class 3A, two in 2A) with a fifth-place finish in the 2A state event with a 36 hole score of 155 (79-76). Donovan finished third in a 2A regional with a 76 and was the Big East League individual medalist with a 71. Donovan, who tied for sixth in the 2025 state tournament, received All-Shawnee County recognition in three sports