David Wonnell Is New Principal

 

   We are excited to announce David Wonnell as the new Rossville Jr/Sr High School principal for the 2023-24 school year! Mr. Wonnell has over 20 years of experience in education. Currently, Mr. Wonnell is in his 11th year at Shawnee Heights High School where he has served as Athletic Director and as Assistant Principal. Before that, David was the Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Rossville Jr/Sr High School for 5 years. Mr. Wonnell also served as a high school social studies teacher and high school football and track coach prior to entering administration.
    Mr. Wonnell has family ties that go back many years in Rossville and the surrounding area. He and his family have been a part of the Rossville Community for the past 16 years. David's wife, Natalie, is a teacher for USD 321 and his children attend or have graduated from Kaw Valley schools.
    "I am extremely honored and excited to be the next principal of Rossville Jr/Sr High School. Rossville is a great and supportive community with a rich tradition of excellence. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to be a part of such a great school, and district, with amazing students, staff, and parents" - David Wonnell

Jeffrey Booth (80) Passes Away

 December 13, 1961 — April 22, 2023              Delia, Kansas

    Jeffery J. “Jeff” Booth, 61, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023, at a Topeka hospital.

    Jeff was born December 13, 1961, in Emporia, the son of James C. and Jo Anne (Whittington) Booth. Jeff lived in the Lebo community until 1970 when he and his family moved to the Delia community after Melvern Lake took their farm. Jeff attended Delia Grade School and graduated from Rossville High School in 1980. He then attended Vo-Ag School. On November 26, 1983, he was united in marriage to Tracy Peters in Iola, and they later divorced.
    Jeff worked on the family farm and then became a MoorMan Feed Salesman. He moved to the Emporia community and worked at IBP, Modine Manufacturing, Debauge Distribution, and Scheller’s Lawn and Landscape. His greatest joy was managing the TRYSA Soccer Complex in Emporia where he was also a referee and spent many years as an active board member. Jeff was inducted to the KSYSA hall of fame and received a Lifetime achievement award for volunteer and referee. Jeff returned to operate the family farm in Delia when his father became ill. He was a member of the Delia Presbyterian Church. He was appointed to fill his father’s position on the Jackson County Rural Water District #3 and was re-elected several times, and was currently the vice president.
    Jeff was preceded in death by his father, James Booth.
    Survivors include his mother, Jo Anne Booth, Delia; three daughters, Brandie Booth, San Francisco, CA; Brittney Booth, Prairie Village, KS, and Brailee Turner, Seattle, WA; three brothers, Joe (Tonia) Booth, Mayetta, Jacy (Susan) Booth, Parkville, MO, and J.R. (Molly) Booth, Clinton, MO, 12 nieces and nephews, and one great nephew.
    Memorial services will be at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the Delia Presbyterian Church. A memorial visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Piper Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contribution in Jeff’s honor may be made to  the local charity of your choice.

Douglas Martinek (59) Passes Away

Douglas F. "Doug" Martinek, 81, of Union City passed away 2:12 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, Kentucky.

Funeral services will be conducted 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 24, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Father Richard Coy will officiate. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium.

Visitation will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Sunday. The rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. Sunday.

Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Douglas F. Martinek was born July 21, 1941, in Delia, Kansas, son of the late Benedict "Bennie" Martinek and Ruth (Diehl) Martinek. He was a 1959 graduate of Rossville High School in Rossville, Kansas. Doug further pursued his higher education by attending the University of Kansas where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He also played and lettered in football while at KU. On December 1, 1962 he married his high school sweetheart, Patrica A. (Parr) Martinek. After college in June 1964, Doug started working for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Topeka, Kansas. He was also employed at the Jackson, Michigan and Union City plants. Doug was honored by being the prestigious winner of the local and division "Goodyear Spirit Award" in 1977.  On June 6, 1993, Doug transferred back to the Goodyear plant in Topeka where he retired on August 8, 1995 after 31 years of service.

In August 2001, Doug began working as a Knights of Columbus field agent and finalized his working days by retiring after 10 years service selling insurance. Doug is a member and past president of the Moravan Lodge #128 at the historical Bohemian Hall, a Czech fraternal organization in Rossville, Kansas. Doug served as Tennessee State Deputy for the Knights of Columbus from 1981-1982. As a knight, Doug was instrumental in starting the March for Life , a pro life rally held at the Topeka State Capitol. He also founded the "In Solidarity With Our Priests - A Nite at The Ballpark" with the Kansas City Royals. Doug was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. 

Doug and his wife Pat celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in December 2022 with their five children, Michelle Berry (Michael) of Topeka, Kansas, Doug Martinek (Amy) of Union City, Melissa Kuckelman (John) of Basel, Switzerland, Darren Martinek (Denise) of Mathis, Texas and Mandi Martinek (Austin Lemons) of Union City; and eleven grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Sonny Martinek and Dwight Martinek.

Pearl Wood Passes Away

 

Pearl Emma Wood, 92, passed peacefully at home on April 17, 2023 in Laurel, Indiana. She was born in Belvue, Kansas, October 28, 1930, the daughter of Roy W. and Emma Ruth Trostle Searcy.
She grew up on farms in northeast Kansas. She had wonderful memories of the farm, her family, and her love of animals.
 After graduating from Rossville High School, she moved to Topeka, Kansas and began her long career in banking. She delighted in reliving stories she collected while working at Merchants National for 19 years and Kaw Valley Bank for 26 years. She loved her work and the countless customers she served over the many years. She was a member of Northside Church of Christ while living in Topeka, KS. After moving closer to her daughters, she was a member of the Northern Kentucky Church of Christ. She loved with her whole heart and never met a stranger. She had a deep love for family and others. Pearl was a prayerful woman, praised the Lord in all things, and grateful for her life and blessings the Lord provided.
She married Donald E. Wood June 19, 1965 in Topeka, Kansas. He preceded her in death January 24, 1996. She is survived by three daughters and the blessing of her three sons-in-law, Kimberly Higgins (Keith) of Fort Worth, TX, Kathy Livingston (David) Hebron, KY, and Karla Decker (Don) Laurel, IN; four grandchildren, Houston and Carson Higgins, Fort Worth, TX and Vanessa and Jessica Livingston, Hebron, KY, a sister-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
Pearl was the last of a generation being preceded in death by four brothers and six sisters Glenn Searcy, Thelma Stoneberger, Lucille Hosler, Mary Miller, Dorothy Wright, Golda Plumly, Edward Searcy, Carl Searcy, Ray Searcy and Eileen Creveling.
Memorial services will be conducted at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Northern Kentucky Church of Christ, 18 Scott Drive, Florence, Kentucky with Greg Litmer Officiating.
Graveside committal services will be held Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 11:00 A.M. at West Lawn Memorial Garden, 820 SW Auburn Road, Topeka, Kansas 66615, where her nephew, Denis Plumly will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Bluegrass Care Navigators, C/O Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, PO Box 203, Brookville, Indiana. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the family of Pearl Wood, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of
Pearl E. Wood, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

Published by Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home - Brookville on Apr. 19, 2023.

Janice McGranaham Passes Away

Janice K. McGranahan

October 26, 1940 — April 17, 2023

Rossville

St. Marys-Janice K. McGranahan, 82, passed away April, 17, 2023 at Oakley Place in Rossville.

She was born on October 26, 1940 in Beloit, Kansas. Jan was the only child of Lavere and Francis LaCoe.

Janice LaCoe and Richard Magette were married on June 9, 1960. Richard passed away on May 26, 1973. Jan and Donald V. McGranahan were united in marriage on March 24, 1977. Don passed away on February 1, 2022. Jan was also preceded in death by her father, mother, and step-father Keith Davis, her sons Damon and Shannon Magette, and step-grandson Jared Cheek. Jan is survived by her son Brandon (Joan) Magette, St, Marys, step-children Debra Kubes, Ness City, Trudy Padilla, Carbondale, Donald (LeAnn) McGranahan, Topeka, and Bruce McGranahan, Wamego, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Per Jan's request there will be no services. Private inurnment will take place at a later date.

Eudora McQueen Passes Away

 Eudora J. McQueen

April 15, 1932 — April 14, 2023

Delia, Kansas

 

Eudora J. McQueen, a valued member of the Delia community, passed away on April 14, 2023, due to injuries sustained in a car accident. She was 90 years old.

Eudora was born on April 15, 1932, in rural Jackson County to Emery E. and Bertha R. (Dibbern) Eakin. She attended Delia High School and graduated in 1950. On October 18, 1952, Eudora married Harold McQueen at the Circleville Christian Church. Together, they worked as farmers and ranchers.

Eudora was an active member of the Delia Presbyterian Church and the UPW. She also served her community in various capacities, including working for the United States Postal Service and USD #321. She was a dedicated member of the election board, and she was recently elected as Republican Committee Woman for Washington Precinct.

Eudora had a talent for crafting and was a member of the Monday quilt group, which started as the Presbyterian Women and later was opened to all ladies of the community. She made over a hundred quilts for family, friends, and the Delia Bazaar. Eudora also helped with concessions at many auctions. She was a member of Delia Pride and a past member of the Eastern Star.

Eudora was preceded in death by her husband Harold, her parents, her twin brother Edward Eakin, and her sister Ivaleu Miller. She is survived by her sons, Lee (Patty) McQueen of Kearney, NE, and Glen McQueen of Delia, and her daughter, Denise (Paul) Virgadamo of New Port Richey, FL. She is also survived by three grandchildren: Megan McQueen of Kansas City, MO, Kurt McQueen of Benton, AR, and Gwen McKay of Oakland, CA.

Funeral services for Eudora will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at the Delia Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at the Delia Cemetery. Friends may visit Eudora's family and pay their respects at Piper Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Delia Presbyterian Church, care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536. Online condolences may be left at www.piperfuneralhome.com

 

RHS Softball

The RHS sodtball team is 10-2 overal and 6-2 in the MEL.

 On Monday, April 10, Silver Lake hosted rival Rossville in the War on 24, sweeping them, 5-1 and 5-0. On Thursday, Silver Lake traveled to and swept Wabaunsee, 13-0 and 16-0.

On April 13,  Rossville defeated St. Marys 10-, 8-0.

After missing out on a trip to state last year, Silver Lake has started this season hot, 8-0 after the most recent week of play.

Rossville Easter Egg Hunt April 8

Class of 73 Reunion

The Class of 73 is planning a reunion for 2023. They are looking for:

Ron Cox Rick Belt Stella Birch Chuck Dolezilek Debbie Huffman Dale Keller Teresa Lay Carla McGee Mike Newman Ed Burris

If you know how to reach any of them, send contact info to frank.ruff@juno.com or Stephanie Connor on Facebook.

Joe Baumchen Passes Away

 Joe baumchen,  a life long resident of the Maple Hill, St. Marys and Emmett areas has passed away,  You can read his obituary at:  https://www.piperfuneralhome.com/obituaries/joseph-baumchen

RHS Baseball Outlook for 2023

 The Rossville baseball team was the top-seeded team at last years regional tournament but fell in the semifinals to end a 19-win season early.

Torrey Horak, Kaden Brown, Corey Catron, Tagen Kippes, Aiden Garcia and Brody Lietz are some of the big names who have moved on, but others — like senior Kade Perine and junior Camden Horak — return as players who saw action in all 21 games last year.

Such players as senior Sean Cunningham, junior Avery Crosswhite and sophomores Seth Catron and Tayson Horak saw action in games last year and plenty of roles are up for grabs this season.

Boys All League Basketball Team

 All Mid-East League Team

1st team

• Troy Heiman, Silver Lake
• Brady Hurla, St. Marys
• Keller Hurla, St. Marys
• Eli Oliver, Wabaunsee
• Ryan Schutter, Wabaunsee

2nd team

• Coley Burgress, Rock Creek
• Jack Donovan, Rossville
• Kason Gomez, St. Marys
• Eli Harmison, Riley County
• Daegen Vinduska, Riley County

Honorable Mention

• Ethan Burgess, Rock Creek
• Logan Clark, Wabaunsee
• Jared Johnson, Silver Lake
• Kade Perine, Rossville
• Bryton Reves, Wabaunsee
• Kaden Root, Riley County
• Logan Sturdy, Ro

Girls MEL basketball

Several Rossville players made All MEL in Girls Basketball.

 339_All_Mid-East_League_Selections.pdf

Christopher Nord Passes Away

     Christopher “Chris” James Nord,47, of Topeka passed away Thursday, February 16, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. He came into this world earlier than expected and left this world much earlier than expected.     

He was bom November 20, 1975, in Wichita, Kansas, to Carl and Ruth (Graber) Nord. He was welcomed home by his older brother. Matt. Later, they welcomed sisters Kim and Lori.
    Chris graduated from Mulvane High School and received a bunch of degrees from Kansas State University (B.S. in Political Science, History, and Pre-Law).   He later attended Washburn U.and earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence.  He was attending seminary at Saint Paul’s School of Theology to obtain his Master of Divinity and was a local pastor for Rossville United Methodist Church at the time of his death. Chris served in the Army, 22nd Infantry Regiment for three years and earned Soldier of the Year while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. 
    Chris shared two daughtcrs with Chana Nord--Emma and Vallery Nord of Topeka.  Chris married Shari Combs in front of family and friends on December 10, 2022.   In January, they spent their honeymoon together in Jamaica. In February, they were able to watch his beloved Chiefs win the Super Bowl. His final words to his congregation each week were words he would want us all to live by: Love God. Love everyone else. It all comes down to that.
    A memorial ceremony was held on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2022, at the Susanna Wesley United Methodist Church, in  Topeka The fami|y received friends for an hour before the service at the church. 
    Memorial contributions may be made to the Rossville United Methodist Church, 411 Pearl Street, Rossville, KS 66533