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 

Individual Softball Honors

Brooke Springer
All-Big East League Infield First Team

Kenna Perine
All-Big East League Outfield First Team

Nora Mitchell
All-Big East League Catcher First Team

Nora Burdiek
All-Big East League Outfield Second Team

Claire Whitmore
All-Big East League Infield Honorable Mention

Falyn Clurman
All-Big East League Pitcher Honorable Mention

All Big East Softball Team

                                            Click on above image to enlarge for easier reading

All Shawnee County Track and Field

Charles Chance         Shot Put

Landen Lewis             Javelin

Honorabl Mention:

Andre Johnson
Eden Thompson

Individual T and F Honors

Rylee Kick Big East League 100M Hurdles Fourth 2A Regional 100M Hurdles Fourth

Landen Lewis
Big East League Javelin Champion
2A Regional Javelin Champion
2A State Javelin Champion
All-Shawnee County Javelin

Madelyn Wonnell
2A Regional 1600M Fourth

Charlie Chance
2A Regional Shot Put Champion
2A State Shot Put Fifth
All-Shawnee County Shot Put

Eden Thompson
2A Regional Discus Second
2A State Discus Eighth
All-Shawnee County Discus Honorable Mention

Leni Lewis
2A Regional Javelin Third

Andre Johnson
Big East League Javelin Third
2A Regional Javelin Second
All-Shawnee County Javelin Honorable Mention

2A Track and Field State Championships

The RHS track and field team had limited success ar the State Championships.  Landon Lewis was the star of the team with a First Place finish in the Javelin.

Rylee Dick            100 M. Hurdles         12th             16:45

Eden Thompson     Discus                        8th               139.6

Andre Johnson       Javelin                                            153-0

Charles Chance      Shot Put                     5th                47-7                 

Landon Lewis         Javelin                       1st                151-9

Alfred Phillips Killed In Accident

Alfred “Alfie” Llewellyn Phillips, age 24, died in a motorcycle accident on K4 Highway on June 2, 2026.

Alfie was a beloved employee of Schwant Tractor in Dover, since he started there in 2022. He made friends with all the inhabitants of Dover, young and old. He loved music, played multiple instruments, had a beautiful singing voice and played in a band. Before moving to Kansas in 2021, he was the cantor at his church in Oregon, and later joined the choir of the Immaculata in St. Marys. He became a traditional Catholic in 2016, along with his family. 

His passion was working on old cars, especially Land Rovers. He got his first Land Rover at the age of fifteen and taught himself how to restore it from the ground up. He had a brilliant mind and taught himself anything that caught his interest: the elements of electricity, plumbing, mechanics, construction, etc.

Alfie was the second of four children. At his death, he leaves behind his parents, his maternal grandparents, his siblings and their spouses, and his nephew.

Let this be a lesson to all motorcyclists: do your mother a favor and get rid of your motorcycle today. 

Rosary will be recited for Alfred at 5:20 PM at the Immaculata, 701 N. 2nd St., in St. Marys, Kansas on Tuesday June 9, 2026. A Sung Requiem Mass will be offered for the repose of his soul at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, also at the Immaculata, with burial to follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery. The family welcomes all to a reception at The Sage Inn, 13553 SW K4 Hwy, Topeka, Kansas after the burial.

Donavon and Dohrman At State Golf

Jack Donavon and Austin Dohrman qualified for the 2A State Golf Tournament. Jack finished in fifth place with score of 79 and 76 for a 36 hole score of 155. Austin finished in 42nd place wih scores of 99 and 96.

Rossville Softball Team Loses To Mission Valley,

 The RHS Softball Team lost to Mission Valley 5-0 in the first round of the 2A State Tournament.This placed them in a tie for Fifth Place

RHS Baseball Third In State

 The RHS Baseball team finished third at the State tournament.    They first played Marmonton  Valleey (26-5)  before losing to Thomas More Prep Marion, KS (29-1).  They then finished by defeating Frankfurt (24-4) by a lopsided 11-1 score for third place in the  2026 2A State Baseball Tournament.