Vaughn Flora Passes Away

Vaughn Flora was born Jan. 17, 1945 and died Mar 17, 2022.  He lived in a number of Kansas communities in the state including several years in Delia while his children attended Rossville High.  Vaughn lived a very colorful and full life which resulted in a very lengthy obituary, much too long to print here.bvvbBut you can read the complete obituary at:   https://www.cjonline.com/obituaries/p0199768

 Vaughn is survived by his loving wife Julie Flora of the home as well as his children Troy Flora (RHS class of 1982), Topeka; Trent Flora (RHS class of 1984), Delia; and Trina (RHS class of 1988) Hand (J.D.) Augusta. He is also survived by his brother Jan Flora (wife Cornelia) of Ames, IA; and nieces Gabriela Flora of Denver and Natasha Flora Shoom-Kirsch (Matt) in Toronto, Canada. He had a slew of grandkids, great-grandkids and great nieces and nephews: Jessica Fisher (husband Jayson and children Zane Crouch, Rolly and Ryder Fisher); Kaylie Flora (and daughter Marlie Shae DeWald); Josie and Jett Hand; Lily Flora, and Sydney and Bailey Shoom-Kirsch. His step-kids are Rebecca Nelms (Pat) of Lincoln, NE; Danny Weisser (Ceil) of New York City; David Weisser (wife Jenny and children Elise, Marin, and Isaac) of Lincoln, NE; Dina Weisser-Holland (husband Chris and children Lilyana and Noah) of Lincoln, NE; and Debra Weisser (children Jonah and Austin) of Fort Collins, CO. Other survivors are his sister-in-law Katie Witham (husband Richard and children Katie Holt and Anna Lee) of Counce, TN.; Dan Michael (wife Debby and children Jennifer and Matthew) of Collierville, TN.; and Susan Stovall (husband Jimmy and children Little Jimmy. and Suzanne) of Memphis. He is also survived by Debby Sylvia, his assistant, who he called his guardian angel. He is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Billie Flora.

Donations may be made to Elara Care Hospice, Kansas Democratic Party, Kansas Organic Producers, Kansas Rural Center, and Kansas Land Trust – all through Warren McElwain, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Services will be held 1 p.m., Sat., March 26 CST at the Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation, 917 Highland Dr., Lawrence, KS followed by a burial at Oak Hill Cemetery's Natural Burial area (section 15C). Masks and vaccinations required. You can live-stream the Celebration of Life service at Warren McElwain (https://warrenmcelwain.com/). In the spirit of Vaughn, who was never without his hat, we encourage everyone to wear their favorite hat.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.

Louzetta Mahan Passes Away

 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Louzetta Isabelle Mahan of Rossville, Kansas, born in Biggar, Saskatchewan, on Oct. 19, 1939, who passed away on February 9, 2022, at the age of 82, 

She was predeceased by : her parents, James Roy and Margaret Glover Moore; her spouse Dale Paul Mahan; and her siblings, Leon and Opal.

She is survived by : her children, Cherry Mahan (RHS class of 1978) and Robin Mahan (RHS class of 1983) (Sheri); her sisters, Cherry Morgan Collins and Marcia K. Moore Collins; and her grandchildren, Logan Mahan of Scottsdale, AZ and Matalyn.

Kenneth Weger Passes Away

It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Kenneth H. Weger (Rossville, Kansas), born  July 12, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, who passed away at the age of 79, on January 28, 2022.

He was loved and cherished by many people including : his parents, John Weger and Loretta Weger; and his siblings, Edward "Eddie", Richard "Ricky", Tom (Holly), Jane, Mary (Jim) and Deirdre (Jeffrey).

Peter Anastasis Passes Away

We are sad to announce that on January 12, 2022, at the age of 94, Peter Gregory Anastasis (Rossville, Kansas) passed away.   He was born Oct. 2, 1927.

He was loved and cherished by many people including : his wife Elena; his children, Corneliu Nastase, Basarab Louis Anastasis (Ashley), Rosita Orlandi (Rino), Myriam Avancena (Jake) and Esmeralda Nastase; and his parents, Constantin Nastase and Elena Nastase. He was also cherished by 12 grandchildren.

Rosa Vincenza Parisi Passes Away

     With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Rosa Vincenza Parisi (Rossville, Kansas), who passed away on January 7, 2022 at the age of 87.  She was born June 21, 1934.

    She was predeceased by : her parents, Michele Marchetti and Rosa Marchetti (Lobaccaro); and her sisters, Angela and Sister Ada. She is survived by : her son Nat Parisi (Maria); her grandchildren, Amanda, Jacqueline, Natalie, Gianmarco, Veronica, Marcel, Melanie, Maximilian and Gabriella; and her siblings, Antonio Marchetti (Pina), Domenico Marchetti (Lina) and Giovanna Cassano (Michele).

Robert Robben Passes Away

     It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Robert Anthony Robben of Rossville, Kansas, who passed away on December 29, 2021, at the age of 61.  He was born Dec. 29, 1960.
    He was predeceased by : his parents, Betty Robben and Jerome Robben of Angelus, Kansas.. He is survived by : his sisters, Rebecca Haselhorst (Kenneth), Brenda Evans (Kent) and Julie Layton (William); and his nieces and nephews, Terra Dudenhoeffer, Todd Haselhorst, Kendra Glassman, Cody Evans, Brittany Evans, Tyler Layton, Madeline Layton and Ellena Layton. He is also survived by seven great nieces and nephews.
    Memorials may be made to the St. Paul Cemetery Fund and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748.

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