The Topeka Capital=Journal has announced their All Class All State basketball teams. Freshman Emma Mitchell of Rossville made the 3A Honorable Mention. The complete list can be seen at: CJ All State Girls Basketball
This blog is for posting all news of Rossville residents and Rossville High alumni. Bookmark this page and send any appropriate news (births, deaths, engagements, marriages, anniversaries, job changes, honors, etc.) items to: Frank.Ruff@juno.com . Feel free to add comments to any of the articles. Check this site often because I sometimes delete items. There are SEARCH (top left of page) and LINK (bottom of page) features. For photos, see link at bottom.
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Friday, March 26, 2021
Gregory Gude Passes Away
Gregory Kent Gude, age 66 of Olsburg, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his loving family, sidekick Tilley, and his FFA quilt keeping him warm.
David Ronsee Passes Away
St. Marys—David A. “Dave” Ronsse, 69, passed away late Thursday, March 25, 2021, at Stormont Vail Hospital.
He was born October 24, 1951, at Wamego, the son of Joseph Raymond and Mary Kathleen Ahearn Ronsse. Dave graduated from St. Marys High School with the class of 1970. He joined the United States Navy in 1971 and served until 1975, and served aboard the USS American 66, and was stationed in Viet Nam.
After being honorably discharged from the Navy he worked for Poppelreiter Farms and later for the utility department for the City of St. Marys retiring in 2014. Dave was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. He was the Commander of Aubert-Walls VFW Post No. 7796 in St. Marys. Dave enjoyed woodworking and making toys, he also enjoyed camping and traveling. He loved family time and get-togethers. Dave was a great Kansas State University fan and was the grandson of the late Michael F. Ahearn whom the Ahearn Fieldhouse was named for. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Marie Crawshaw.
On February 25, 1984, he was united in marriage to Christy Pearl in St. Marys. She survives of the home. Other survivors include two sons, Ryan (Andrea) Ronsse, St. Marys and Adam Ronsse, Alma; his brother, Michael (Nancy) Ronsse, Springfield; two sisters, Kate Brehn and Maggi Ronsse, both of Topeka; five grandchildren, Carter, Ryder, Emma, Ella, and Everett.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. Marys. Dave will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until the Rosary at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Aubert-Walls VFW No. 7796 for the avenue of flags or the St. Marys Food Pantry and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536. To leave online condolences go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Tamara Vardys (92) Dies In Accident
Tamara “Tammy” Vardys, 47, and Anthony “Tony” Vardys, 46, both of Topeka, earned their wings March 20, 2021 doing what they loved, riding their motorcycle.
Tammy was born January 29, 1974 in Topeka. Daughter of William B. Griffiths and Carol D. Shell Haynes.
Tammy graduated from Rossville High School in 1993.
She was the CEO of Cocky Bastards Customs LLC.
Tony was born on January 27, 1975 in Somerville, New Jersey. Son of William B. Griffiths and Jackie Williamson Griffiths.
Tony graduated from Topeka Technical College in 1998.
He was an Electronic/ IT Technology Specialist with Hills Pet Nutrition, and was also the Owner/Operator of Cocky Bastards Customs LLC.
Tammy and Tony loved each other and their family more than anything. They enjoyed spending time with them any chance they could. Together they cherished their grandchildren. They were motorcycle enthusiasts and enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, and snowboarding/skiing.
Together, with their son, they were founders of Midwest Brotherhood Motorcycle Club. Through MWB they gave back to the community graciously with, benefit rides, adopting families during the holiday seasons, they started Blake’s Big Wheel Bash that assisted the family with finances. They also were a part of numerous memorial rides that would give back to families in need.
Tammy and Tony were the most generous and caring people you were to ever meet. There was no Tammy without Tony and no Tony without Tammy. They loved unconditionally and lived their life to the fullest.
They are survived by their parents; two children, Hallie (Chris) Vardys and Dillon (Courtney) Vardys; their siblings, Michaela (Patrick) Griffiths, George (Nikki) Vardys; grandchildren, Bentley, Sawyer, Cambree, Anthony, and Austin.
They are preceded in death by Tammy’s mother Theresa Griffiths, her grandparents, Melvin and Esther Shell, and Tony’s grandparents, Jim and Betty Dawson.
Memorial visitation will be Monday, March 29, at Parker Price Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. Condolences can be left at their web site.
Celebration of Life will be posted at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Anthony and Tammy Vardys Memorial Account in care of Silver Lake Bank.
Monday, March 22, 2021
WIBW Video Of Walk/Run For Cody
Video of Color Walk/run for Cody
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -It was a colorful day in Rossville as over 200 runners showed up in white shirts ready to get showered with color.
“This is a color run or walk whatever people want to do--it’s a fundraiser to help support Cody Lambotte, Cody was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) back in 2017 and he has been a really big support and really a community icon and he really touched a lot of lives and we are trying to give back the best we can,” said event organizer, Kyle Hammer.
Cody’s parents say he’s truly left his mark on the community-
“Cody has been a big part of this community and many others for a long time he has helped coach kids wrestling and junior high wrestling and leader at the catholic church he was a P.E teacher at the grade school and he has made an impact on a lot of peoples lives and this is an amazing community,” said Alaina Lambotte.
A.L.S is also commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease--it’s a progressive nervous system disease that affects the brain and spinal cord---which leads to loss of muscle control.
“Cody went from being one of the most active people there is to basically being paralyzed from the neck down and he has to have full total care and it changes everybody’s life, he’s still though has got to be one of the most amazing and inspirational people that I have ever known,” she said.
Cody was diagnosed four years ago---and the support for him is still “dawg” strong--
The fundraiser didn’t stop there, the color run was followed by a silent auction and all proceeds will be going to Cody’s family.
Sunday, March 21, 2021
Lucinda Mitchell Passes Away
Lucinda "Cindy" Mitchell, age 63, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from injuries sustained in an auto accident.
She was born October 8, 1957, in Topeka, KS, to Jesus and Mary Barranco. She was a graduate of Seaman High School. Cindy married the love of her life, Christopher "Chris" Mitchell on March 17, 1982. She was an avid reader and had a one of a kind sense of humor that left everyone wanting to sit just a few minutes longer around the kitchen table. She loved music, going to concerts and getting dressed up. From the moment she met Chris, they were inseparable. They never spent much time apart and it was a rare sighting to see one without the other. In addition to being a devoted wife, Cindy was also a dedicated mother and grandmother who loved her children and grandchildren fiercely.
She is survived by her husband, Chris; Daughters, Tara James (Ray), Jade Mitchell (Valerie Owens), Kimber Graf (Kenny); Grandchildren, Kylie, Kenneth "Turbo" and Karter Graf; Brother, Al Barranco. To the friends we love and she treated as her own, Jerrica Barber, Trevor Wehner, Trent Fiedler, Travis Richie and Olivia Phinney, no matter the length of time that had passed, she always asked about you.
Services will be held on March 27, 2021, 10:00am at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 703 Main St., Rossville, KS 66533.
Saturday, March 20, 2021
William Harris Passes Away
Rossville---William "Bill" Leon Harris, 82, passed away at his rural Rossville home on March 16, 2021.
Bill was born on February 2, 1939, in Girard, Kansas, to Bud Leon and Florence Ellen (Westhoff) Harris and lived most of his childhood in Hepler, Kansas, except for a few years when his family moved to Weiser, Idaho. He returned to Hepler from Weiser in 1951 to help his grandparents on the family farm. He graduated from Hepler High School and Pittsburg State University. Bill served in the US Army after graduating college in 1961.
On December 30, 1961, Bill married Patricia Ann Hazen in Walnut, Kansas. To this union the couple was blessed with five children.
During his lifetime, Bill was a valued employee for several companies, including Phillips Petroleum, Kansas City, MO; McNally Manufacturing, Pittsburg, KS; Sinclair Oil Co., Independence, KS; The Capper Foundation, Topeka; owner of Mercury Messengers, Topeka, and for over 60 years was the owner of Harris Accounting & Tax Service, previously in Carbondale, KS and most recently in Rossville, KS.
Bill was very civic-minded. He served: on the Carbondale Housing Authority; as a board member of the Topeka Daycare Association; on the Carbondale Athletic Association; as an elected Carbondale city council member; and was a Hunter Safety instructor. Bill was a member of the Carbondale Chapter of Lions Club International and had been honored with a lifetime membership and awarded with the Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated Humanitarian Services.
Always active, Bill, enjoyed playing slow-pitch softball into his 40's, camping, fishing, and was an avid hunter making numerous trips to Wisconsin over the years to deer hunt with his brother, Don. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family, gardening, and was always quick to teach something new to anyone who would listen. Luckily, his only son Ron is following in his footsteps with his willingness to share his knowledge, but he does have large shoes to fill.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; niece Danielle Harris; sister Elaine O'Brien; brother-in-law Charlie Bird; and brother Donald Harris. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, of the home. Other survivors include his children: Robin Harris, Topeka; Stacy (Sheri) Harris, Waterloo, IA; Terri (Dan) Hostetler, Salina; Ronald (Kari) Harris, Topeka; and Debra (Russ) Miller, Rossville. Also surviving are siblings: Sandra Bird, Gladstone, MO; Larry (Lois) Harris, Duncan, OK; Jean Nichols (special friend Ron Gates), Girard; sister-in-law Penny Harris, Neillsville, WI; and brother-in-law Bernard (Beverly) O'Brien, Hepler; 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at noon on Friday, March 26, 2021, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Rossville. Inurnment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 25 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Mary's, Kansas, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Lions Club International - Carbondale Chapter, Midland Hospice, or Joseph A. Cates Pulmonary Fibrosis Research--University of Kansas Medical Center and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St, St. Mary's, KS 66536.
To view Bill's full obituary and leave a message for the family online, please visit www.piperfuneralhome.com.
Friday, March 19, 2021
Walk, Run, Auction For Cody On Sat.
A Color Walk/Run and Auction will take place Saturday at Rossville Grade School.
Proceeds from the event will help cover mounting medical expenses for Rossville native Cody Lambotte, a former Kaw Valley USD 321 PE teacher, wrestling coach, and football coach.
Day-of registration for the Color Walk/Run will begin at 12 p.m., with the event starting at 1 p.m.
Those not participating in the walk/run are welcome to bid on multiple items in the silent auction. Lunch will also be available for purchase.
For more information, or to pre-register for the walk, contact:
Mallory & Kyle Hammer at 785-249-7364
Scott & Cathy Hammer at 785-249-0811
or John & Cindi Mitchell at 785-220-4019
The entry fee for the Color Walk/Run is $25, and a t-shirt will be provided with each registration (while supplies last).
Copyright 2021 WIBW. All rights reserved
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Mark Rebegila Of St. Marys Charged
A federal criminal complaint quotes a witness as alleging Mark Roger Rebegila, of St. Marys, sat in a lawmaker's chair and stole a bottle of liquor while taking part in the Jan. 6 riot inside the U.S. Capitol.
Federal court records show Rebegila was arrested Monday in Topeka on an outstanding warrant charging him with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.
You can read more details at: https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/crime/2021/03/17/st-marys-man-charged-involvement-jan-6-capitol-riot-mark-roger-rebegila-kansas-arrest/4737356001/
Host Families For Golden Giants
HOST FAMILIES WANTED - The Golden Giants are searching for families in the Topeka area to host some of the country's top collegiate baseball players this summer. Host families will receive two general admission season tickets, team hats, t-shirts, and more!
Lance Lenard Memorial Run/Walk
Coach Lance Lenard Memorial – 5K Run/2 Mile Walk
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Amanda Hill 2nd Team All KCAC
Below are the All-Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference basketball teams as selected by the conference coaches:
Brittany Roberts-U, McPherson, sr., F, Mansfield, Texas
Kylah Comley-U, Sterling, sr., G, Sterling
Abby Schmidt-U, BETHEL, sr., C, Newton
Bailey Bangert, Sterling, jr., G, Kingman
Zoe Shieldnight, Tabor, jr., F, Gore, Okla.
SECOND TEAM
Amanda Hill, Kansas Wesleyan, sr., F, Rossville
Kelcey Hinz, Kansas Wesleyan, jr., F, Whitewater
Alexis Theus, Sterling, sr., F, Liberty Hill, Texas
Matti Morgan, Avila, sr., G-F, Paola
Halei Wortham, Bethany, sr., G, Dallas
Sunday, March 14, 2021
James Kenney Passes Away
James D. Kenney, Sr., 78, passed away Monday March 1, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his wife Sharon (Hundley) Kenney of the home. Son JD Kenney (Kelli) grandchildren Jimmy, Parker and Madelyn of Rossville. Stepson Shawn Lucas (Amy), grandchildren Cole and Josie of Topeka. Twin sister Janet Barnett of Topeka and sister RaeJean Dancy of Cincinnati, Ohio.To see full obituary and funeral arrangements please visit www.midwestcremationsociety.com.
Saturday, March 13, 2021
Robert Hoferer Passes Away
Robert B. Hoferer, Jr. died Thursday, March 11, 2021 at his home in Shawnee.
He was born August 27, 1943 the son of Robert B. Hoferer, SR. and Margaret M. Graf Hoferer. He lived in the Sandy Hook community most of his life. He attended Stone Elementary School in rural Rossville, and St. Marys High School. Bob was a truck driver and farmer. He married Irina Morozova on November 20, 2001 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He is survived by his wife Irina of the home; his stepson, Michail Zharov, whom he cared for like his own son, Moscow, Russia, Federation; a stepdaughter, Olga Kozelkova, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and four step-grandchildren.a
Thursday, March 11, 2021
2021 Rossville Baseball Roster
Assistant Coach: Thatcher Horak
Managers: Kameron Badura, Brock Bush, William Koch, Canann Mitchell
2021 Rossville Softball Roster
Name Grade
Destiny Bergstresser 12
Tatum Gentry 12
Mattie Horgan 12
Brec McCrory 12
Gracie Rabe 12
Lilly Mitchell 12
Kaitlynn Balch 12
Mallorie Salmon 12
Sidni Taylor 12
Caylee Douglas 11
Elizabeth Schaeffer 11
Maxine Smith 11
Vanessa Quinones 11
Brinley Dyche 10
Ean Haynes 10
Kayleigh Johnson 10
Raegan Wonnell 10
Kiera Barber 9
Serenity Bergstresser 9
Emily Dohrman 9
Nagos Hale 9
Brooklyn Horgan 9
Kendra Hurla 9
Ryan Leathers 9
Lieara Mendoza 9
Lillian Miller 9
Emma Mitchell 9
Kinsey Perine 9
Emma Plantz 9
Kinley Porter 9
Brooke Robb 9
Marie Smith 9
Head Coach: John Nitsch
Assistant Coaches: Kayla Johnston, Ashley Caraway
Manager: Sydney Sumner
Sunday, March 7, 2021
2021 Track and Field Roster
Grade Name
9 Alexis Bittner
9 Samantha Chancellor
9 Audrie Davis
9 Masyn Holcomb
9 Keera Lacock
9 Christian Mattia
9 Errika Faith
9 Jamauryon Poole
9 Sydney Hoss
10 Amelia Foster
10 Ean Haynes (duel)
10 Braiden Hensley
10 Hayden Roberts
10 Hadyen Sanders
10 Abe Stillion
10 Wade Twombly
11 Hunter Broce
11 Briar Gillum
11 Alexis Zabala
12 Woodrow Rezac
12 Tyree Sowers
12 Julia Streit
Head Coach: Mindy Wilson
Assistant Coaches: Garrett Jones and Joe Zimmer
Manager: DeAndre Sowers
Sarah Taylor Passes Away
On Sunday, February 28, 2021, Sarah Sue Taylor, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 78.
Sue had a passion for photography. She also loved to bird watch, and road trip around the beautiful state of Colorado. She was known for her quick wit, her mischievous smile, and her compassionate spirit for animals.
Sue was preceded in death by her father, Bernard; her mother, Irene; and her brother, Jerry. She is survived by her husband, Darrell; her son, Todd and his wife Betsy; her grandchildren, Jack and Vivianne; and her sister, Eleanor Anne Yates of Richmond, Va.
Donations made in Sue's memory may be sent to the Summit County Animal Shelter, 58 Nancy's Place, Frisco CO 80443.
Friday, March 5, 2021
Ray Minnis Service March 6
Rossville-Graveside services for Raymond R. Minnis will be at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, March 6, 2021 at the Rossville Cemetery.
Thursday, March 4, 2021
Colleen Sullivan-McNeive Passes Away
On Tuesday, March 2nd 2021, Colleen Ann Sullivan-McNeive was born into eternal life at the age of 65.
Colleen was born on November 26, 1955 to Michael B. and Vivian Sullivan. Colleen would go on to graduate from Blue Valley High School and Emporia State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Colleen would marry Dan McNeive April 6 2002 on a sunny day in Florida.
Known as the family historian, she knew all of her extended family members near and far. Colleen was able to be a part of the lives of many different students while working in education. She taught physical education at Rossville and Saint Mary’s Elementary School. Most recently Colleen was a para-educator at Lawrence High School. Colleen loved all the students she taught over the years and remembered every single one, and especially loved her special education students at Lawrence High. As a lover of sports, she was always ready to cheer on her Chesty Lions and Kansas Jayhawks. Colleen was known for her strong faith and compassionate nature. She never met a stranger. Colleen was also a volunteer at her church Corpus Christi Catholic Church, as well as L.I.N.K and Just Food. Although Colleen is no longer here with us physically, her spirit and the impact she made on her community will live on.
Colleen is proceeded in death by husband Dan, and her parents Michael and Vivian. She is survived by two brothers, Mike (Julie) Sullivan and Kelly (Cristy) Sullivan, as well as one sister Kim (Russ) Tonnies, seven nieces and nephews, seven great-nieces, many beloved cousins, and her two dachshunds Charley and Riley.
Funeral services will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church Saturday, March 6th, 2021 at 11:00 am, please visit www.cccparish.org/colleen for registration details. The service will also be livestreamed at the web address: www.cccparish.org/colleen
In lieu of flowers the family is asking donations to be sent to L.I.N.K or Just Food in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Kelly and Cristy Sullivan and Carol and Rick Shelton for their loving care and support, especially over the last few months.
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
3A Basketball Sub-State
The Rossville boys and girls basketball team played Rock Creek in the first round of the 3A sub-state.
The girls lost 52-42 and the boys lost 65-19.
Audrey Riat Passes Away
Audrey Marie Riat, 84, long time resident of St. Marys, passed away Monday, March 1, 2021 at Bridge Haven Memory Care in Lawrence.
Audrey was born on September 14, 1936 in Junction City, the daughter of LaVern Roland and Ethel “Marie” (Norman) Langvardt. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Howard L. Langvardt.
She married Raymond Riat in St. Marys in 1958 and they operated Riat's Liquors for many years.
To read the complete obituary, go to: https://www.piperfuneralhome.com/obituary/Audrey-Riat
Monday, March 1, 2021
Layne Hurla State Runner-Up At 145#
From the Capital-Journal:
A day after seeing his sister, Kendra Hurla, win a Division II girls state championship in Salina, Rossville's Layne Hurla made a title run of his own Saturday.
The bid came up short in the 145-pound final against unbeaten Derek Johnson from Hoxie, a 2020 state champion. Johnson took a 3-1 decision win to move to 43-0.
Hurla made the title match after pinning Plainville's Gabe Kerns in the quarterfinal and taking a 12-6 decision over Kingman's Colby Schreiner in the semi-final.
The junior finished 29-4 on the season.
Rossville's Layne Hurla (left) wrestles Derrick Johnson of Hoxie for the championship.