Isaiah Luellen Most Inspirational In Kansas

From the Capital-Journal:

Rossville senior wrestler Isaiah Luellen was honored as the Best of Kansas Preps most inspirational athlete of the year.

A 3-2-1A state champion as a junior, Luellen endured a series of offseason knee surgeries that not only left his senior season in doubt, but his future in the sport period as doctors told him he might not wrestle again.

Luellen not only fought his way back to the mat, but completed an emotional 23-0 senior season for his second straight 160-pound title.

“I’m just so happy with all that God has blessed me with throughout my wrestling career,” Luellen said. “I can’t be more thankful for it.”

As if the physical setbacks weren’t a big enough hurdle, Luellen also dealt with the mental burden of seeing his coach, mentor and friend, Cody Lambotte, battle with ALS.

“I’ve looked up to Cody Lambotte all my life,” Luellen said. “He’s just been such a good role model and has helped me on the mat, off the mat, with my faith. He’s one of the reasons I’m where I’m at today. I can’t thank him enough.”

For a photo of Isaiah and the complete article of Kansas athletes, go to:
http://www.cjonline.com/sports/20180619/vitztum-putz-named-best-of-kansas-preps-athletes-of-year-rossvilles-luellen-receives-most-inspirational-award

Valerie (Adkins) (78) Eastman Passes Away

Valerie Eastman, 58, Quenemo, passed away Saturday, June 16, 2018.

Valerie was born March 30, 1960 in Topeka to Lou and Mary Lou (Swager) Adkins. She grew up in the Rossville community and graduated from Rossville High School in 1978.

She married Darrell "Grasshopper" Eastman on October 27, 1978. 

She was a cook in the Rossville community for many years and was a C.N.A. and C.M.A. for over 30 years and had been a firefighter for a few years. She loved to cook and take care of people. She was a fun, loving and caring person. Most of all she loved her kids and grandkids. She helped raise many kids, some still call her mom. She was loved by many and hated by none.

She is survived by her husband Darrell of the home; son, Chance Eastman, Overbrook; daughter, Christi Eastman, Michigan Valley, parents; grandchildren, Trinaty, Gage, Samara, Caydance, Talyn, Jordan, Riley, Emma; brothers, Jim (Misty) Adkins, Topeka; sisters, Margaret Shelman, Berryville, AR, Janet Adkins, Barns, KS; brother-in-laws, Gary (Joyce) Ward, Delia, KS, Garold Ward, Topeka, Bob Ward, Delia, KS; sister-in-laws, Vicki (Dave) Rezac, Delia, KS, Debb Ward, Sue Ward, and Sandy (Darvin) Rogers, all California, MO, Mary Morelan, Poplar Bluffs, MO; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sister-in-laws, Helen Ward and Pauletta High; and nephew, Stevie Evers.

A Celebration of Valerie's life will be held at a later date.

Dove Southwest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Valerie Eastman Memorial Fund, c/o Kansas State Bank, PO Box 325, Overbrook, KS 66524.

Henry Segura Passes Away

Sgt. Henry Segura USMC Ret. Passed away June 12, 2018 at Select Specialty Hospital in Kansas City. Henry was born in Topeka, Kansas, on August 6, 1936, son of Juan and Antonia Segura.

He married Theresa Shufeldt on August 2, 1969, where together they had two sons. They later divorced.

Henry married Wilma Viles Dominguez on January 18 in Lawrence, Kansas. Together they raised his two sons, Michael and Richard Segura both of Topeka, Kansas.

He attended Topeka Public Schools and graduated from Topeka High in 1954. He joined the United States Army Reserve on June 8, 1953. After his tour he joined the United States Marine Corps where he retired on July 30, 1970.

He had a very full life. Stationed in Okinawa, Philippines, Hawaii, China, Wake Island, Guam, and North Vietnam. Henry guarded Madam Nu, Climbed Mount Fuji, and from 1962 to 1965 he road shotgun for pilots from I-Core. He guarded President Eisenhower during his trip to Japan and Okinawa. He loved his country and was very proud to serve.

Henry also worked at Ed Marlings T.V. and Small Appliance Repair from 1970-1973, then went on to work at St. Francis Hospital where he was a maintenance electrician from 1973-1995. He was a member of Wanamaker Seventh Day Adventist Church, and the American Legion Post 31 in Rossville. He loved working on electronics and cars and treasured spending time with his family and helping others.

Henry is preceded in death by both of his parents; his brother John Segura Jr. and his sisters Romona S. Alvares and Rita S. Charay.

He is survived by his wife Wilma of 43 years; his two sons Michael (Pam Cross) Segura and Richard Segura; brother Pete T. Segura and his sister Carolina S. Hernandez; and three step grandchildren, Daniel Jackson, Jared Jackson, and Matthew Cross.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 am Friday, June 15, 2018 at Wanamaker Seventh Day Adventist Church. He will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 14, 2018. Family will receive friends at Brennan Mathena Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Interment will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled Veterans Association and sent in the care of Brennan Mathena Funeral Home. To leave fond memories or condolences visit www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Rossville Library Events

summer EVENTS at rossvile  library

• Storytime
  • Jun 14 18
  • 10:15 am - 10:45 am
• Yoga with Cat McMahon
  • Jun 14 18
  • 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
• Main Street Bookies Book Club
  • Jun 15 18
  • 10:00 am - 11:00 am
• Board of Trustees Meeting
  • Jun 20 18
  • 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
• Storytime
  • Jun 21 18
  • 10:15 am - 10:45 am
• Yoga with Cat McMahon
  • Jun 21 18
  • 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
• Storytime
  • Jun 28 18
  • 10:15 am - 10:45 am
• Yoga with Cat McMahon
  • Jun 28 18
  • 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
• Closed for Independence Day
  • Jul 4 18
  • 12:00 am
• Storytime
  • Jul 5 18
  • 10:15 am - 10:45 am

Josephine (Barney) (43) Harkness Passes Away

Josephine B. Harkness, 92, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, June 9, 2018.

She was born December 18, 1925, in Rossville, Kansas, the daughter of Joseph and Alice (Redmon) Barney. 

She graduated from Rossville High School in 1943 and the University of Kansas with a Bachelor’s of Arts in 1949. Later, she earned a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Washburn University.

As an Air Force wife, she and her family lived in Japan from 1954 until 1957, where she served as base librarian. She often spoke of having crossed the Pacific twice.

She was also employed as a school teacher, book editor and researcher throughout her life.

Survivors include two sons, C. Eric Harkness, Topeka and Tom (Cynthia) Harkness, Woodstock, IL and two granddaughters, Anna and Elisa Harkness.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Dale and Kenneth Barney.

Josephine enjoyed reading, writing poetry, sewing, cooking and traveling. 

Private graveside services will be held at Rossville Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to NAMI Kansas, P.O. Box 675, Topeka, KS 66601. 

Legion Feast June 15

AMERICAN LEGION POST 31, Rossville: All you can eat Crawfish, Shrimp Boil, Mountain Oysters, 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 15. Meals start at $12.50-$25. (785) 584-6177.

Sports Council Award Nominees

On Thursday the finalists for the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Council high school awards were announced.   The awards will  be announced on June 28.

Awards will be presented to the top senior student athletes for the fall, winter and spring seasons as well as awards for the top overall male and female athletes and the most inspirational male and female athletes.

The nominees announced for the Winter Season included two Rossville atheletes.

Winter male — DeShawn Hanika, Hayden; Angelo Plakio, Highland Park; Isaiah Luellen, Rossville; Zeke Metz, Seaman; Nathan Mercer, Shawnee Heights; Jordan Priddy, Silver Lake; Fischer Carr, Topeka High; Koriyon Carr, Topeka West; Tarrin Fisher, Washburn Rural.

Winter female — Madison Ellis, Hayden; Alijah McCracken, Highland Park; Jalyn Porter, Rossville; Kishno Bell, Seaman; Lydia Ostenson, Shawnee Heights; Morgan Carranza, Shawnee Heights; Makaila Cowdin, Topeka West; Kendall Michalski, Washburn Rural.

All MID-EAST League Softball Team

First team

Rachel Allen, Riley County; Lexi Cobb, Silver Lake; Alexis Hafenstine, Wabaunsee; Josie Harrison, St. Marys; Hallie Hay, Silver Lake; Ellie Hogle, Silver Lake; Peyton Hurla, ST. Marys; Demi Kunkel, Rock Creek; Kelcie Kippes, Rossville; Daryn Lamprecht, Silver Lake; Kinlyn Lundin, Rossville; Abby Pressgrove, Silver Lake; Elisa Princic, Rossville; Gracie Rabe, Rossville; Autymn Schreiner, Wabaunsee.

Honorable mention

Rylee Brecheisen, Rossville; Beth Hogle, Silver Lake; Logan Hurla, St. Marys; Reagan Hurla, St. Marys; Alyssa Lohmeyer, Wabaunsee; Abby Oliver, Wabaunsee; Haley Petty, Rock Creek; Miranda Tegtmeier, Riley County; Saige VanSickle, Riley County.

All MID-EAST League Baseball Team

First team

Cale Adams, sr., Silver Lake; Toby Becker, jr., Rock Creek; Logan Brown, jr., Wabaunsee; Trent Byers, sr., Silver Lake; Cody Dyche, jr., Rossville; Dalton Engle, sr., Riley County; Mitchell Flanagan, sr., St. Marys; Tucker Gehrt, sr., Rock Creek; Josh Grynkiewicz, sr., Riley County; Tyler Halstead, sr., Riley County; Garrett Harmison, so., Riley County; Cameron Minihan, jr., Rock Creek; Ty Nelson, sr., Riley County; Ian Russell, jr., Rock Creek; Derek Shaheen, sr., Rock Creek; Riley Tubbs, sr., Wabaunsee; Carson Zenger, sr., Rock Creek.

Honorable mention

Nic Allen, fr., Riley County; Josh Boyd, sr., Silver Lake; Will Boyd, sr., Silver Lake; Jon Brase, sr., St. Marys; Chad Chambers, so., Wabaunsee; Austin DeWeese, sr., Rock Creek; Connor Holle, fr., Riley County; Sean McCann, jr., St. Marys; Jared Morris, sr., Rossville; Chase Nelson, sr., Wabaunsee.

Ruth Cowan Passes Away

Ruth May Cowen, 92, Rossville, passed away Tuesday, June 5, 2018.

She was born March 1, 1926, in Hollister, Missouri, the daughter of Houston Duncan and Ida (White) Barker. 

Ruth was employed by Bobo's Drive In, Huntoon location, retiring after 37 years.

She was a member of Rossville Christian Church, Rossville Senior Center, where she served as a past board member. 

Ruth married Earl Cowen on November 10, 1943. He preceded her in death. Other survivors include her children: Shirley Driscoll, Michael (Beatriz) Cowen, all of Rossville and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father, Jim Barker and brother, Orville Barker.

Visitation will begin at 12 noon Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Parker-Price Cremations, Funerals & Receptions. Funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Rossville Senior Center or Rossville Christian Church. To leave a message for the family online, please visit www.ParkerPriceFH.com.

Rossville High Alumni Reunion

    The Rossville High School Alumni reunion, dinner and scholarship presentation was held Saturday evening, June 2nd at the Dekat Center in Rossville.  Attending were 110 alumni and guests.  The evening included social time with a catered dinner served at 6:00 p.m.   The program started with several former cheerleaders leading the Rossville High School Song. 

    Guest speaker was Travis VanVleck,  principal of Rossville Grade School.   Travis was a former winner of a Rossville Alumni Scholarship.  

    Kylee Badura, Maura Buhler, Isaiah Luellen and Jalyn Porter were honored as the Alumni Foundation Scholarship winners for 2018.  They were each awarded a $1,500. scholarship to be used for their higher education.  As part of the program, the winners introduced themselves to the guests and told of their accomplishments in school and their goals for the future.  

    Clyde Strimple (class of 1947) was honored for his dedication and support of the Alumni Foundation.  He is stepping down from the Alumni Foundation board after serving for many years. 

    All alumni attending were introduced and asked to stand to be recognized.  The milestone class of 1968 (50 years) had 10 classmates attending and the class of 1958 (60 years) had seven.  Oldest graduates in attendance were Jim Fitzgerald and Juanita Keller Raab.  They were graduates of the class of 1941 - 77 years ago.  After the meeting, class photos were taken.  It was a fun evening for all. 

Scholarship winners.    Left to right    

Isaiah Luellen, Kylee Badura, Maura Buhler and Jalyn Porter.

Class of 1968   left to right    

Rick Dayton, Doug French, Cheryl Mermis Frederick, Rovell Heslet, Cherrie Fairbanks Argabright, 

Joe Simecka, Bill Smith, Jr., Larry Martinek, Calvin Lytle, Dennis Tuller.

Class of 1958   left to right    

Laird French, Ed Lloyd, Linda Hurley Hudson, David Stadler, 

Jane Rogers McClelland, Mary K Dolezilek Funke, Darrel Rezac

Moravan Lodge Table At Topeka Gives

Our Moravan Lodge Table at the TOPEKA GIVES SHOW is all set to be seen by hundreds of people today , 

Tuesday June 5 at the Fairlawn Plaza in Topeka,  Come and see what Diana Dolezilek has done to

exemplify our Lodge and to show it off.  Now we need your support to make a donation to support some of the

Lodge and the Bohemian Hall projects that we have planned.  Now is the time to make that donation.  When 

making your donation you just enhance your donation by the Topeka Foundation of an additional 15% or so.  

Come by our table and say hi.  Doors are open from 7 AM till 6 PM.  Call me for any additional information at 785 633 5564,

Our next Polka Dance will be October 6, 2018. Plan on attending and enjoy some good ole Polka Music, 

Thanks,

Douglas Martinek

Rossville Moravan Lodge

RHS Honor Society Members/Officers

Rossville Jr./Sr. High School inducted 16 new members into the National Honor Society at the Spring Awards Night on May 9, 2018.  Senior Rylee Brecheisen; Juniors Caila Hill and Stacey Keithline; and sophomores Avery Anderson, Kaleb Badura, Danielle Bittner, Kody Davoren, Erika Hatina, Leah Hudson, Kinlyn Lundin, Danielle Moore, Randy Morelli, Taylor Morelli, Michaela Paulsen, Jenna Rodehorst, and Sydney Wonnell lit the candle of honor and recited the pledge as new members.

RHS existing members are Seniors Kylee Badura, Breaira Bergstresser, Tronnie Blair, Maura Buhler, Ashley Douglas, Perry Foster, Cory Hadsall, Holden Hurla, Abigail McCrory,

Hannah Miller, and Jalyn Porter and Juniors Jordan Bittner, MaKenzie Decklar, Kaytlin Dohrman, Cheyenne Reese, and Ava Stipp.

NHS officers for the 2017-2018 school year were recently elected and are as follows: President Jordan Bittner, Vice-President Caila Hill, Secretary Taylor Morelli, and Treasurer MaKenzie Decklar.

Membership in the National Honor Society is based on a student’s performance in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.  In order to be eligible, students must first have a grade point average of at least 3.2 and have made significant contributions to their school and community, as well as maintain strong moral character.

All Mid-East League Academic Team

Freshmen                    Sophomores                Juniors               Seniors     

Destiny Bergstresser       Zach Archer                    Betsy Beetz           Kylee Badura

Kaiden Brown                Kaleb Badura                 Jordan Bittner     Breaira Bergstresser

Jaycee Fiedler                 Dani Bittner                    Mia Casadevall     Tronnie Blair       

Tatum Gentry                 Kody Davoren                Caila Hill              Rylee Brecheisen 

Madison Horgan             Meagan Huston              Kelcie Kippes       Nick Brummer     

Jordan Quinones            Randy Morelli                Elisa Princic          Maura Buhler      

Parker Kenny                 Taylor Morelli                Berta Stojkovska   Ashley Douglas   

Austin Klesath                Jenna Rodehorst                                          Abigail Escobar   

Breck McCrory               Sydney Wonnell                                          Perry Foster

Peyton Price                                                                                       Cory Hadsall

Gracie Rabe                                                                                       Holden Hurla

William Reeves                                                                                  Meg Kirk

Julia Streit                                                                                         Abigail McCrory 

Chris VanderPutten                                                                           Hannah Miller                                                                                                                 Jalyn Porter

                                                                                                          Kathleen Schuler