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.