Frances Gagnon Passes Away

    We are sad to announce that on December 3, 2021, at the age of 96, Frances Gagnon (Rossville, Kansas), born April 13, 1925 in Manchester, Connecticut passed away. 
    She was predeceased by: her parents, Ralph Lupacchino and Antoinette Gonze Lupacchino; her husband Leonid; and her son John Gagnon. She is survived by: her daughters, Patricia Linn (William), Lea Shattuck (Vern) and Mary Gagnon; and her daughter-in-law Kim Gagnon.

James Thompson Passes Away

James “Billy” Thompson Jr. passed away Saturday, March 12, 2022, at his home near Rossville after a short battle with CJD.  Bill was born May 23, 1963, in Fort Knox, Kentucky.  He graduated from Junction City High School in 1982, and he went on to study mental health at Washburn University.

Bill landed his first job as a case manager for Sheltered Living, kicking off a 17-year career in mental health.  In 2007, Bill started at the Topeka V.A. as a pharmacy tech, where he had been employed until his death.  Bill was a member of the Rossville Christian Church and the Men’s group there.

In 1988, Bill met Carolyn Brian.  They were married going on to have two children, Jami and Briana.  Carolyn survives at their home.

Other survivors include his daughters, Jami (Jacob) Auldridge, and their children, Draven, Harrison & Oliver, Rossville and Briana (Brent) Gould, and their daughter, Eleanora, Lebo; his brother, Louis Thompson, Hyampom, CA; and his sister, Debbie Haden, Palmdale, CA.

A Celebration of Life will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 19, 2022, at the Rossville Christian Church.  Inurnment will follow in the Meriden Cemetery.  A memorial visitation will be held Friday, March 18, 2022, from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease), 3634 W. Market Street, Suite 110, Akron, OH, 44333 or Midland Hospice, and both may be sent to Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

Donald Mulanax Passes Away

Donald (Don) Ray Mulanax "Paso", age 64, Emmett, Kansas died peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, March 5, 2022. He was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer 6 months prior. He was born August 24, 1957, in Topeka, KS, to Irvan Mulanax and Regina Hanrahan Safarik. He grew up in Topeka, Delia, and St. Mary's communities and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1975. He is a member of the Citizen Band Potawatomi Tribe and was very proud of his Native heritage.

Don worked at St Mary's Lumber for many years, was the Emmett City Manager before he made his dream a reality as the owner/operator of Dry Creekbed Saloon in Emmett in 2013.

Don loved live music, playing different instruments, and hailed as the greatest prankster. He loved showing off new gadgets "junk" he got at garage sales or off a clearance rack. He was a loyal friend, loving husband, father and Papa. His favorite role was being Papa to all his grandchildren who adored him.

Don married Connie Sue Keller  (RHS Class of 1977) Jeanneret on December 17, 1983. With this union, he gained toddler twins, a son John and daughter Erin, who he loved as his own. A son Levi was born in 1985. Connie preceded him in death in 2012, and Levi preceded him in death in 2017.

Don married Mandy Babb on January 1, 2017. She survives at the home. He gained two more children and more grandchildren who he loved unconditionally.

Don was preceded in death by his father Irvan Mulanax in 2010, step-mother Janet Sue Thompson Mulanax in 1995, step-father Delbert Safarik in 1998, an infant brother Robert Duane Mulanax in 1955.

He is survived by his mother Regina Safarik, Topeka KS; his children John Jeanneret and Erin Jeanneret Lacey (Matt Ross), Emmett, KS, Hunter Ramage, Mayetta, KS and Harleigh Ramage Mathe, Hoyt, KS; his Grandchildren Jayden "Slick", Emma "Babe", Landon "Pando", Lilee "Lils", Donovan "Bubs", Kohlter, Isabella, Kasen, Jax and his beloved grand dog, D.O.G; his brothers Richard Mulanax, Wamego, KS, Mark Mulanax (Anna), Topeka, KS, Gary Mulanax (Shelly), Hoyt, KS, Chris Mulanax (Dave), San Francisco, CA, D.J. Goss and Mike Goss, Topeka, KS, and Willie Goss, Everett, WA; his sisters Deb Bussart (Erv), Topeka, KS and Janie Quiett (Kenny), Delia, KS, and many nieces and nephews.

Don will be cremated and services will be Sunday, March 20, 2022 at 5pm at Citizen Band Potawatomi Nation Community Building in Rossville, KS with a dinner and smudge ceremony. And because Don requested he go out with a bang, a short finale will follow immediately after service at Dry Creekbed Saloon in Emmett, KS.

Don Ronnebaum Passes Away

Donald (Don) August Ronnebaum, 88, passed away peacefully after his lengthy battle with cancer on Saturday, March 5th, 2022, at Aldersgate Village in Topeka. Don was born in Baileyville, KS on June 28th, 1933, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Reinecke) Ronnebaum. 

He married Rose Marie Martin on October 27th, 1956, in Hanover, KS. Shortly after getting married, they purchased a farm near Delia, KS, where they raised their six children. This is where Don passed along his love for fishing to his children, as they spent many hours fishing at their farm ponds. Don worked as a Machinist at Allis Chalmers in Topeka, and then later worked at Jeffery Energy Center as a Machinist as well, where he retired from in 1995. He was a member of the United Electrical Workers (UEW) of America and the International Machinist Union.

Don and Rosie moved to St. Mary’s in 1996, where they built their retirement home. They lived many happy years together in this home, where they created and shared memories with their children and grandchildren. In his retirement years, Don enjoyed spending time restoring cars in his shop, fishing, and camping. Don and Rosie spent every summer in their camper at Tuttle Creek Lake. The two were happily married for 60 years and Don loved nothing more than spending time with Rosie. She preceded him in death in 2017, after her hard-fought battle with cancer in which he was always by her side. He also experienced a great loss in his son David, in 2019. After Rosie and David’s deaths, one of his greatest joys was being able to go on the Kansas Honor Flight with his granddaughter, as his student guardian. This was a time when he was able to reflect on his days in the service, and some of the moments that truly shaped his life.

Don had many happy memories of the time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a man of great Christian faith and instilled that in his children as well. Don and Rosie were longtime parishioners of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Mary’s. He was also a 3rd degree Knight in The Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his children, Terry (Carol) Ronnebaum, Topeka, KS, Mike (Janet) Ronnebaum, Axtell, KS, Jeanne (Nick) Disidore, Spring Hill, KS, Linda Luthi, Lawrence, KS, and Diane (Jim) Todd, Kansas City, MO, daughter-in-law Beth Ronnebaum (David), Ottawa, KS, 15 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Don will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6-7 pm Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Mary’s, KS. The rosary will follow at 7:00 pm, after the conclusion of the visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Wednesday, March 9th, 2022, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Don will be buried next to his loving wife, and son at Mount Calvary Cemetery in St. Mary’s. Memorial contributions can be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Food Pantry and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Mary’s, KS, 66536.

Michelle Simecka (77) Passes Away

      Michelle Simecka, 62, of Livingston, Montana, passed away Friday, October 5, 2021, at the Livingston Heath and Rehabilitation Center. Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory was in charge of funeral  arrangements.
     She grew up in rural Delia. Her parents were Ben & Norma Simecka. Siblings are Dave, Mark, Joe & Bennie Simecka & Sheryl Gudenkauf. She graduated from Rossville High in 1977.

Marty Renner (92) Passes Away

Marty Allen Renner, 48, Wichita, passed away Sunday, February 27, 2022, at a Wichita hospital from injuries he received in a motorcycle accident.

He was born November 7, 1973, in Topeka, the son of William and Shirley Gregory Renner.  Marty grew up in the Valencia community and graduated from Rossville High School in 1992. 

Marty worked in construction most of his life.  He lived in Topeka before moving to Wichita several years ago.  He currently was employed by South Central Sealing and Paving.

He was preceded in death by his mother Shirley Renner.

Marty and Katie Paine were united in marriage in January 1999 in Wamego.  They later divorced.

Survivors include his children Tanner, Trey, Cameron, and Ashtyne Renner all of Topeka; his father, Bill (Lorraine) Renner, Osage City; his sister, Penny Renner, Topeka; nephew, Brandon Clabaugh, and a niece, Brianna Clabaugh both of Topeka.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time.  Interment was in Valencia Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Renner's Children Educational Fund and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.  To read a full obituary or leave online condolences go to www.piperfuneralhome.com

Martha (Barker)-Dunn Passes Away

Martha Shirlene Barker Dunn, 85, passed away on February 3rd, 2022 at home 
surrounded by family and friends. She likely danced her way right into
Heaven's pearly gates, with a child-like smile stretching from ear to ear,
knowing she would finally meet Jesus. If you met her, she probably told you,
"If I don't see you again down here, I'll meet you in the air!"

Martha was born on July 9th, 1936 to the late Ralph and Ruth Barker. She was
born in a small house in Harper, KS and was number seven out of nine children.
Martha went to school in Harper and lived at home before getting married to the
late Darwin Manjeot on February 28, 1955. They were married for 30 years and
had four children before Darwin went to be with Jesus in 1985. Darwin and
Martha were adventurers and they loved to travel and camp. They were fond of
Wyoming and enjoyed five years there before moving back to Kansas.
In May of 1972, Martha was born again and gave her whole life to Jesus. Early
on she volunteered at church with the bus ministry, Royal Rangers, and with
Daisy's.Martha prayed for so many loved ones and friends every day. Her
morning routine included reading her devotional and Bible, and praying over
each person on her prayer list. If she told you she was praying for you, that was
never a joke and she lifted you up to the Father every morning. When praying,
she also loved to ask the Father when Jesus was coming. She was never afraid
to share with anyone, including strangers, the love of Jesus and the importance
of accepting Him into your heart. If you don't already know Jesus, she would
want you to talk to her kids or grandkids. They will be happy to share the love of
Jesus with you so you can "Meet her in the air."

n 2002, Martha married Melvin Dunn and they lived in Rossville, KS and most
recently almost ten years in Jefferson County. Melvin and Martha celebrated
their 20th anniversary on January 29th, 2022. Together they served the Lord
and enjoyed spending their free time with family and friends. They attended
Jefferson Assembly of God in Meriden for many years and the last couple years
Seaman Community Church in Topeka. Before Covid, Melvin & Martha's
ministry included visiting several area nursing homes for many years. Together
they prayed over the residents, shared the love of Jesus, and prayed the
salvation prayer with them.

Martha was a ray of sunshine and her joy was evident every single day. In

addition to loving Jesus and her family, Martha loved animals, swimming, and
dessert. Feeding the birds, watching the squirrels play, and loving on all of the
doggies were frequent daily activities. If the sun was out and a swimming pool
was open, you could find Martha enjoying a swim until her fingers and toes
looked like raisins. After every meal, Martha always saved room for dessert. In
fact, the last thing she asked for was peaches and ice cream and she enjoyed
every bite.

Martha leaves to cherish her loving memory her husband, Melvin, her children;
Shirlene Zelenski, Becky (Matt) Moore, and Debbie (Rodney) Bower; 8
grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, her sister Glenda and brother Ronnie,
and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in
death by her son, Dale, her late husband, Darwin, her parents and 6 siblings.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, February 7th, 2022 at 4:00pm, at
Seaman Congregational Church 2036 NW Taylor Street, Topeka, KS 66608.
The family will receive friends from 3:00pm until 4:00pm, prior to the service at
the church.    In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Martha's memory are
asked to consider the Jefferson County Humane Society, 15295 KS-4, Valley Falls, KS, 66088.  

Girls Sub-State Basketball at Jeff West

Jeff West  10 14 9 16 -- 49
Rossville   15  5  6 15 -- 41

Rossville scoring: 

Perine           4 (2)   2-5  12 

Douglas         1 (1)   0-0   3
Mitchell          3 (1)   4-5  11
Porter            3 (2)   0-0   8 

Haehn           1         0-0   2 

Gillum           2         1-2   5

Boys Baskeball Sub-State At Nemaha Cen.

Nemaha Central  18 9 21 13 -- 61
Rossville              8 8 11 14 -- 41

Rossville scoring;

Perine         2       0-0     4
Garcia         2       0-0     4
Badura        1 (1)  0-0     3
Patrizi         4 (1)  1-2    10 
Horak         3 (2)  0-0      8
Bush          1       6-6      8
Lietz          2       2-2      6

Boy's Sub-State Basketball

3A Sub-State Boys Basketball 

Nemaha Central High School

Monday, February 28⋅7:00 PM

Nemaha Central High, 214 N. 14th St., Seneca.

Schools compteing in this Sub-State are:

Hiawatha HS, Hoyt-Royal Valley HS, Marysville HS, Meriden-Jefferson West HS, Rossville HS, Sabetha HS, Seneca-Nemaha Central HS, Silver Lake HS

Girl's Sub State Basketball

             Silver Lake Sub-State quarterfinal

             March 1 with Rossville playing at Jeff West at 7:00. 2022 KSHSAA Girls Ba High School Vs. Jefferson West High School

MAR 01, 2022 | 8:00 PM EST

Meriden, KS

Varsity | Girls | Basketball

Jeff West vs Rossville HS Girls B'ball - Sub-State Quarterfinal

Barrett Second, Twombly Third, Hurla Third At State

Rossville had four wrestlers competing at the 321A State Championships on Feb. 25 and 26.  The team finished eighth of the 30 teams competing which is a fine showing considering they were outmanned by the other top teams that had as many as 8 wrestlers competing.

1. Colby Hurla (138) went 2-1 on Friday and moved to the consolation semifinals on Sat.  
2.           Colby faced Jarrett Mader (36-14) of Ellis whom he defeated in his first match.
3.           Colby defeated him again with a 7-1 decision.
4.           Colby then defeated Ethan Elliott (27-7) of Wellington with at fall at 2:17 for Third.
   
   
5. Sam Twombly (160) went 1-1 on Friday and will face Wichita County's Tristen Porter on Saturday. 
6.          Sam defeated Tristen Porter (26-10) of Leoti by fall at 2:08.
            Sam defeated Mac Chambers (31-6) of SE of Saline by 4-1 decision.
7.          Sam defeated Bryce Eck (33-4) of Union by fall at 2:54.
            Sam defeated Dalton Hilyard (36-12) of Douglas by fall at 0:53 for Third Place.

       Barrett Lietz (220)  went 1-1 on Friday and will face Larned's Carter Atteberry (33-12) on           Saturday. 
                Barrett lost to Atteberrry by fall at 2:42

1. Jacob Carver (285) went 3-0 on Friday defeating Mason Hogan (15-14) of PLainville,  Andrew Watts (26-6) of Humbolt, and Corbin Ruga 36-12 of Noco.
         He faced Douglass' Joe Martin (25-12) in the state title match on Saturday. 
         Jacob lost the match to Martin with a fall at 2:32 for a Second Place finish.

               

Kendra Hurla Gets Second State Title

From the Capital-Journal:

SALINA – All she does is win, win, win.

On Thursday at the KSHSAA 4-1A girls state wrestling championships, Rossville sophomore Kendra Hurla had one of her few full matches of the season in the 120-pound weight class title match.

Hurla won her second straight state wrestling title at the girls state wrestling tournament at Salina's Tony's Pizza Events Center by a 3-0 decision over Pratt's Jadyn Thompson.

Hurla was ranked the No. 1 wrestler in the 120-poind class in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association heading into the state tournament and had to battle through the second-ranked wrestler in the state in a championship contest that went the distance. The difference was a takedown in the first period and escape in the second after choosing the down position. 

In addition, Hurla becomes the first girl in the Rossville girls wrestling program to be a two-time champion. That means something because the girls program at Rossville is only in its second year. Two for two for Hurla. 

"It feels nice to stand back up on that podium," Hurla said. "I don't have any words for it. It's nice because that match I definitely worked for it."

Rossville wrestling coach Courtney Horgan said he and Hurla had talked about the pressure of repeating as a state champion. Last year, Hurla went 26-2 on her way to winning a state title as a freshman. From her journey as a manager in middle school to her finally joining and starting to wrestle, Horgan had high praise for the youngster.

"She's the best in the business, man," Horgan said. "I think there was some pressure on her that she put on herself, and that's part of the game. We talked a little bit about that pressure and how you handle that pressure, and she's done well with it. She really has."

Hurla finished the season with another medal around her neck and a perfect 42-0 record in her sophomore season along with 36 pins. She made the state tournament look easy too with takedowns in all three of her matches leading up the eventual to-the-distance championship bout. 

"I'm so proud, man," Horgan said. "That girl works harder than anybody. We put her through the ringer in our rooms. She eats up every minute of it. This is well-deserved right here. She hasn't been through many six-minute matches this year, but I had no doubts that she was going to be fine gas-tank-wise because she works so hard. Nobody deserves more than that girl. 

The biggest theme for the Rossville wrestling program is family. Hurla said a lot of people know the term is used all the time in sports but don't know the full meaning behind it when it comes to sports until they experience it. 

"I'd say my team is the best family you can have, besides blood-related," Hurla said. "There in that room, you know that no one is getting out of work. So, no one is skipping around, and I think that really helps us grow together."

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Horgan said when he asked his wrestlers what their favorite and least-favorite thing was about this season, he said the response for favorite was the family culture. 

"We've got something pretty special in Rossville," Horgan said. "These guys love each other, they work hard for each other. They beat each other up in the room, but when practice is over, they're back to family."

Rossville BB At Rock Creek

Rossville played Rock Creek on their court Feb. 22. 

Boys Game

Rock Creek  13 10 10 15 -- 48
Rossville       6   9 13   4 -- 32

Rossville sccoring:
Perine           2       3-7    7

Garcia           2       0-0    4 

Badura          1 (1)  0-0    3 

Patrizi           2        0-1    4 

Bush            2 (1)   0-0    5 

Lietz            3        3-5    9

Girls Game

Rock Creek  13 13  5 13 -- 44
Rossville       4   9 16  6 -- 35

Rossville scoring:
Perine           2       0-1    4 

Douglas        1       0-0    2 

Mitchell         5 (1)  4-6  15

Porter           1        2-2  4 

Haehn          2        2-2  6 

Gillum          2        0-0  4