Mitchell Doucet Passes Away

Mitchell L. Doucet, 58, of Rossville, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. He was born February 16, 1960 in Bell County, Texas, the son of Joseph William and Gwendolyn May (Ford) Doucet.

Mitchell attended St. George High School in St. George, Kansas. He owned and operated Mitchell’s Garage in Rossville for many years where he will be missed as an honest vehicle caretaker.

Mitchell married Kim on September 6, 2003 in Rossville. She survives. Other survivors include his three daughters, Melissa Caton of Rossville, Miranda Doucet of Washington State, Stephanie Dugan of Rossville, three children by marriage, Chris Gordon of Delia, Cheryl Fisher of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Cory Gordon of West Palm Beach, Florida, ten grandchildren, his sisters, Michelle Turkovic of Council Grove, Jackie Robertson of Stigler, Oklahoma, Jennifer Doucet of Topeka and special nephew, Kevin Chase of Delia.

A Celebration of Mitchell’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Rossville Christian Church. Private inurnment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606.

Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd. is assisting the family. 

To leave the family a special message go to the Dove Cremations website.

For more info about Mitch,  go to:
http://rossvilleksalumninews.blogspot.com/2016/11/mitch-doucet-fundraiser.html

Dorothy Hallmark Passes Away

    Dorothy Helen (Kalb) Hallmark, 91 years of age, passed away on May 18, 2018 while in home hospice at her share residence with son David and his wife Vicki in Houston, Texas. David was at his mother's side when she passed away with cardiac complications. She was blessed to have many loved ones viusit her bedside during the last month of her life.
    Dorothy was born on October 19, 1926 at her Grandmothers Black's home, west of Baldwin City, Kansas. She was the first born of Ralph Ingalls Kalb and Mary Helen (breithaupt) Kalb who were dairy farmers residing at and working the original Black farm. In a few years, the Kalb family grew giving Dorothy two younger sisters, Mary Mildred and Laverne.
    The Kalb family lived a meager life during the depression, having to sew their own dresses made from emptied feed sacks but they made do during the lean years. They are their own produce, eggs, and milk. They often shared their food with more unfortunate neighbors and townsfolk living in Baldwin City.
    At a young age, Dorothy loved to read and listen to mystery programs on the radio. During her life she was oft5en heard saying, "A good book can carry you to far off lands without taking a single step."
    She attended Black Jack School District #9 along with her sisters Mary and Laverne. Black Jack was only a quarter mile to the east of the Kalb's homestead and housed children in grades ine through eight. Dorothy's graduating class had two students.
    She attended Baldwin City High School and though Dorothy had to return home early each day to do her chores, she was an avid member of 4-H, the choir, and the Pep-Club.
In the summer of 1943, after graduating from high school, Dorothy did her part for the war effort by working at The Sunflower Munitions plant in De Soto. One afternoon when returning home on a Sunflower bus she exited and was hit by a drunken driver. She was given little change of living but struggled to do so. She did keep her life, but unfortunately she did not keep her left leg. It was amputated above the knee. The loss was disheartening to the 18 year old Dorothy.
    She missed her first semester of college while completing a lengthy physical and emotional rehabilitation. During this time, her father, modified an old Ford sp his daughter could drive the clutch operated vehicle using hand controls. With much practice she became efficient at driving the car and was able to attend Baker University at Baldwin during the spring semeester of 1944. She drove to school and returned to her home each day.
The following year Dorothy changed her residence to The Independent Cooperative House on campus where she made many life-long friends. Dorothy was affectionately called “Dot”, “Dottie”, but most often “Kalbie” by the residents of the Cooperative. It was said by all that she was sweet, had a friendly personality, a positive out-look on life, and always wore a smile. During her Baker years she was a member of The University Choir, The Home-Economics Club, and The Independents who did charitable works. In her senior she was one of twelve students chosen to The College Fellowship group, representing the Independents at a nation-wide symposium for college groups dedicating their time to the more unfortunate. Dorothy completed her degree after the spring semester of 1947 and in 1948 received her Bachelor of Science degree stressing English and Home Economics Education.
    Little did she know at the time, Dorothy met her future husband at the age of fifteen. Sixteen year old Leslie Hallmark, his mother, sister, and Stepfather attended a small dinner at the Ralph Kalb farmhouse to celebrate Leslie’s mother’s marriage to Howard Kalb. Howard was Ralph Kalb’s uncle and Dorothy’s great-uncle. Although they were distantly related by marriage, Dorothy thought that Leslie was really cute! During WWII, while Dorothy was in school and Les was in the navy, they corresponded with each other and developed a close relationship. They were engaged to each other in 1947 and were married on August 25, 1948. That day Dorothy Helen Hallmark from Baldwin City was wed to Leslie Glenn Hallmark from Wellsville. The wedding took place at The First United Methodist Church in Baldwin, where the members of both families were also members of the same church. The newly married couple took up residency south of Lawrence, Kansas overlooking the Wabaunsee River. While Les worked for The Douglas County Road Works, Dorothy was of the home expecting her first child. Tragedy visited Dorothy’s life once again when her first born (Mary) was premature and died only days after her birth. To allay her grief, Dorothy’s mother convinced her to take her first teaching job in Everest, Kansas. Her mother’s twin brother was Principal and Superintendent of Everest Schools. Dorothy accepted the job offered by her uncle. Though Les stayed at their home outside of Lawrence continuing to work, he made the 60 mile trip to Everest often. With two months left in her teaching contract, Dorothy was with child once again. Dorothy quit her teaching job and the couple moved to Lawrence at 813½ Massachusetts, a large one room flat above a shoe store. A healthy David Hallmark was born in January of 1951. 
    Needing more room, Dorothy and Les moved to a small house 4th street in North Lawrence. Dorothy raised her son while Les worked two different jobs and attended The University of Kansas. In July of 1952 a second son, Alan, was born. In 1954, Les received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. The Hallmark’s then moved from Lawrence to Circleville, Kansas for Les to begin his teaching career while Dorothy remained in the home raising her two boys. After one year at Circleville, Dorothy decided to start teaching again. The Hallmarks moved to Narka Kansas, beginning their long list of communities in which one or both would be teaching. The two Hallmark’s teaching careers included 12 different High Schools, but 30 of Dorothy’s 37 years of teaching were in Spring Hill, St. Marys and Rossville. The love of reading influenced Dorothy to shift from the classroom to become a Librarian. She took several college classes during the summer and became Spring Hill High School’s librarian in 1960. She began working toward her Master’s Degree in Library Science the following summer. While in her Masters training program, she transformed the library at Spring Hill from a reading room with no book indexing system into an organized facility where students could do their data gathering and research, but still enjoy a good book once in a while. She earned her MS in Library Science from Emporia State University in 1966. The Hallmarks then moved to the St. Marys-Rossville area and began teaching for USD 321. 
    Dorothy used her librarian talent to transform both St. Marys High School and Rossville High School into cutting edged, technological facilities. This was an accomplishment of which she was quite proud. In 1971, Dorothy and Les left USD 321 for three years, but returned to live in St. Marys while teaching at Rossville for the remainder of their teaching careers. Dorothy retired in 1988 after 12 consecutive at Rossville High School. Both Dorothy and Les had many teacher friends in the area and were well liked by their students. Dorothy and Les bought a fifth wheeler and began travelling extensively throughout all of the 50 states in the US and many trips to Mexico. Dorothy wanted to see, in person, some of those ‘far off lands’ of which she had read. After several years of travel, they sold their house in St. Marys and found a winter home-base at Citrus Valley RV Park in McAllen, Texas. While at The Park, Dorothy organized their library and also became a prodigious quilter, gifting family members and friends with her beautiful products. Each year she donated a quilt to the Lakota tribe in South Dakota that was given to a selected twelve year old homeless girl at Christmas time. Dorothy developed close friendships at Citrus Valley, becoming a member of The Quilters Club, and participating in the activities The Park had to offer. After Leslie passed away in 1996, Dorothy continued to travel the roads in her own mini-RV. She visited her sons’ families in Houston, Texas and Richmond, Virginia during holidays and summers. Dorothy also traveled to Kansas often to see her sisters, their families, and close friends. Dorothy loved to quilt, read, and have fun with her friends and family. You could tell she was contented when she whistled a cheerful tune. When becoming especially pleased, she would excitedly exclaim, “Neat, neat, neat!” After her macular degeneration and mobility problems advanced, Dorothy’s doctors advised that she not live alone. She then moved to Houston, TX and received fulltime care from her son David and his wife Vicki in their home.       Dorothy Hallmark was a benefactor to many organizations: Emporia State University, Baker University, The University of Kansas, Kansas State University, The Animal Justice League, Disabled Veterans, The Paraplegic Artists Group, The Sioux Nation’s St. Joseph’s Indian School, and others. She was especially pleased with establishing and administrating The Hallmark Scholarship Fund immediately after her husband’s death in 1996. The Fund awards a scholarship to a selected college bound high school senior living in the Rossville and St. Mary’s area. She especially loved to receive the thankyou note from each of the 22 recipients from 1996 to 2017. Alas, she did not get to read the 2018 thank you note, as she passed away two days before the message was received. Dorothy Hallmark was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, great aunt, and a beloved friend to so many other people. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Ingalls Kalb and Mary Helen (Breithaupt) Kalb, daughter Mary Hallmark, husband Leslie G. Hallmark, and both sisters Mary Mildred (Kalb) Clark and Laverne (Kalb) Deay. Surviving family are sons David and Alan, two daughter-in-law’s, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. She loved them all. 
    An August 25th memorial services will be held in Lawrence, Kansas. In lieu of sending flowers, Dorothy’s wishes were that you make a donation to The Hallmark Scholarship Fund or one of your own choosing. If you would like to contribute to the scholarship fund, make your check payable to David G. Hallmark at 8207 Schaffer Lane, Houston, TX. 77070. David is now the administrator of The Hallmark Scholarship Fund

TCF 5K Run Aug 11

    The Rossville Tall Corn Festival 5K and 1-mile fun run will begin at the  Rossville Grade School on Aug. 11.  Registration is 6:30 a.m. The 5K run begins at 7:30 a.m. Proceeds will  benefit the Rossville High School Class of 2020 After-Prom Fund. 
    For more info, contact Jody Badura at (785) 633-5558 or by email at lectricarnp@embarqmail.com. 
    Online registration available at:
https://runsignup.com/Race/KS/Rossville/AnnualRossvilleTallCornFestival5Krun

Twenty Years Since Ultimate Homecoming

     Twenty years ago this fall,  noted photographer Jim Richardson was the Grand Marshall of the homecoming parade that was a part of the Ultimate Homecoming celebration  that year. 
     In 2017, Mr. Richardson was honored with an honorary doctorate from Kansas State U.  The below article talks about his work over the years, which includes "High School, USA."

http://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2017-09/honorarydoctorate92017.html

Edna (Argo) Brock Passes Away

       Edna Etta (Argo) Brock, 87, of Holton, KS passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at The Pines in Holton. She was born January 6, 1931 in Delia, KS the daughter of Ernest Earl and Etta Belle (Scheidegger) Argo.

          Edna attended rural schools at Neive and Drake. She graduated from Holton High School in 1949. Edna worked for Jackson County for 31 years, 20 of which she served as the County Clerk. She served as president of the Kansas County Clerks Association in 1981. She also worked at Holton Middle School for 7 years. Edna was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

          Edna married Robert L. Brock on August 4, 1956 in Topeka, KS. He preceded her in death on November 13, 2011; celebrating over 55 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Clinton “Bud” Argo; 3 sisters, Pauline Hurla, Adeline Cunningham and Marzine Little.

          Survivors include 3 sons, Steve Brock of Topeka, KS, Clint Brock (Kelly) of Holton, KS and Stan Brock (Charlotte) of Olsburg, KS; 6 grandchildren, Justin Brock (Ashley), Janelle Fannin (Brad), Nikki Rinkes (Justin), Jared Brock (Annie), Matthew Brock (Alyssa) and Cody Brock (Darien); 8 great-grandchildren, Chelsea Brock, Brock & Braelyn Fannin, Carsen & Conner Rinkes, Bodhi & Lila Brock and Emma Brock.

          Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. Saturday until service time. Memorials may be given to the Heart of Jackson Humane Society or Holton Parks and Rec c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.

Emporia State Spring Honors

Emporia State University has announced their list of spring semester honors.   Among those honored are Andrea Rietcheck of  Rossville on the  university honor roll and Ashley Rietcheck of  Rossville, on the university honor roll and School of Business dean’s list.

KSU Spring Honors

The following students from Rossville received honors for the spring semester at Kansas State University:  Haley Brown, Rachel Day, Morgan Foster, Frederick Schuler.  To be so honored,  the student must have a grade point average of at least 3.750 and at least 12 semester hours. 

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.