James Pauly Passes Away

Jim Pauly, 81, lived in Overland Park, KS and was born on April 5th, 1942 in Maple Hill, KS, the son of Peter and Agnes (Gros) Pauly.

Jim grew up in St. Marys, KS and graduated from St. Marys High School in 1960.  Soon after, he enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard where he proudly served for nine years, including activation with the 69th Infantry Brigade in 1968.  On November 13, 1965, he was united in marriage to Donna Lee Reser at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys, KS.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery St. Marys.  James will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 5:00  until 7:00 P.M. Monday, June 12, 2023, at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536, To leave online condolences go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.

To read the complete obituary, or the Memorial page, go to:

James Pauly obituary

Paul Dee Fecteau Passes Away

Paul D. Fecteau, 55, of Rossville, passed away Friday, May 19, 2023.

He was born February 8, 1968, in Manhattan, Kansas, the son of Ronald and Linda (Livingston) Fecteau. He graduated from Manhattan High School. He received a Bachelor's Degree from Kansas State University and went on to obtain an MFA degree in Creative Writing from Wichita State University. He spent over a dozen years teaching college literature and writing courses. He also worked as an investigator, both as a government contractor and as a private investigator.

Paul married Keli Michelle Huddleston on August 12, 1995 in Topeka, Kansas. They have one daughter, Elizabeth.

Paul believed life was the ultimate mystery, not one to be solved, but experienced. He passionately enjoyed discussing film, music, art, and literature with friends and colleagues. He was devoted to good conversation, good food, and puzzling texts, including those about religion, conspiracies, crime, and the uncanny.

He actively wrote both fiction and nonfiction. He made time to write and encouraged others to do so, offering to edit and revise or lend a hand as necessary. Most of all, Paul was always a gentleman: he made scores of friends during his life, and they will miss him dearly.

He is survived by his wife, Keli; daughter, Elizabeth; and mother, Linda Fecteau. He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Eugene Fecteau.

A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church on June 24 at 2 p.m. After the service there will be cookout at the family home in Rossville for those who want to eat and share memories of Paul.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Rod Serling Memorial Foundation.

Cameron Renner Passes Away

Cameron L. Renner, 20, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born December 17, 2002, in Topeka, the son of Marty Allen and Katie L. Paine Renner.  Cameron was raised in Rossville and Topeka and graduated from Shawnee Heights High School in 2021.

Cameron had worked as a roofer in construction.

Cameron was preceded in death by his father, Marty, his paternal grandmother, Shirley Renner, and his maternal grandfather, Terry Paine

Survivors include his mother, Katie Paine and her husband Travis Quillin, Topeka; two brothers, Tanner, and Trey Renner both of Topeka; his sister, Ashtyne Renner, Topeka; his grandfather Bill Renner, Osage City and his grandmother, Leslie Paine, Topeka, his aunts and uncle, Teri Leigh Boulet, Topeka, Morgan Naomi Paine, Topeka, Penny Renner, Topeka and Yancy Joseph Levi Paine, Kansas City, Kansas; as well as several cousins.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Cottonwood Baptist Church, 316 E. Wyandotte Street, Meriden, KS 66512.  A private burial will be in the Valencia Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Piper funeral home to assist with funeral cost. 

A Memorial page for Cameron can be read at:  https://www.piperfuneralhome.com/obituaries/cameron-renner

New Police Chief For Rossville

 ROSSVILLE, Kan. (WIBW) - A member of the Topeka Police Force for nearly three decades has now been sworn in as the Chief of Police for the City of Rossville.

The Rossville Police Department announced on Monday evening, June 5, that new Chief of Police Tom Sipp was officially sworn in at the City Council meeting. He began his career in law enforcement in 1986 after he served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

RPD noted that Chief Sipp has 37 years in law enforcement under his belt including time spent with the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, Hutchinson Police Department, Topeka Police Department - where he served 26 years - and the Kansas Racing & Gaming Commission.

During Sipp’s time with TPD, officials said he spent 11 years with the Criminal Investigations Division and has held various positions including patrolman, sergeant, detective, investigator and agent.

RPD said Sipp is well-known for his friendly and warm personality along with his professional work ethic. He is excited about the new opportunity and looks forward to meeting the community.

Rossville High Scholarships/Awards Class of 2023

 ROSSVILLE HIGH SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

Rossville High School held its annual Spring Awards Night on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 to bestow awards and scholarships to deserving students.  The counselor, administration, and faculty would like to thank all of the scholarship contributors and presenters for their donations and interest in the students of Rossville.   If anyone in the community has a scholarship opportunity, please call Rossville Jr/Sr High School with those details.  Your dedication to our students is greatly appreciated.

The following Awards were presented: 

The United States Marine Corps Awards for Scholastic Excellence are given to two seniors that have demonstrated academic achievement and leadership by being a role model for other students and this year's winner are Kade Perine and Reagan Wonnell

The United States Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Awards for Musical Excellence are given to two seniors recognized as both outstanding performers and young citizens and I am pleased to announce this year's winner are Hayden Sanders and Ean Haynes

The United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Awards are given to two senior athletes who are exemplary young citizens, role models for other students, and best exhibit the personal traits of courage, poise, self-confidence and leadership and this year’s winner are Kade Perine and Amelia Foster

The American Legion awards 2 males and two females, each year from Rossville High with certificates.  The students are chosen by the faculty based on the criteria of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service.  Those students chosen by the faculty are

Carter Bergman, Kayleigh Johnson, Kade Perine and Amelia Foster

Rossville Jr/Sr High School has 4 seniors this year who completed the required curriculum as set forth by the Kansas Board of Regents and earned the designation of State of Kansas Curriculum Completer.  In order to earn this distinction, students must have completed 4 years of Math, 3 years of Science, 3 years of Social Studies, and 2 years of Foreign Language.  The students who met these criteria are Carter Bergman, Amelia Foster, Kayleigh Johnson, and Reagan Wonnell

These students were recognized by Shawnee County Honor Scholars for being in the top 10% of their class. These students were Reagan Wonnell, Kade Perine, Jessica Thompson, and Brinely Dyche.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association awards one male and one female student from each high school with a citizenship award.  Individuals receiving this award must demonstrate respect from fellow students, the citizens of the community, adults, and their country.  They must also show respect and tolerance for others, good sportsmanship, and good citizenship.  The year’s awards have been given to Carter Bergman and Jalyn Davis

The John Johnson Leadership Award was created to honor Mr. Johnson for his years of dedication to the students of Rossville High School.  The award began in 2007 and is presented annually to the student who demonstrates quiet leadership and service.  This year's award has been presented to Reagan Wonnell.

The Dale Dennis Excellence in Education Award was established in 1996 by Kansas administrators to honor the long and valuable service that Dale Dennis gave to Kansas education.  It is based on Citizenship, Service, Scholarship, and Common Sense.  This year’s recipient is Krew Lacock

The Michael Keller Award is presented to honor the long and dedicated service provided to RHS by Mr. Michael Keller.  Mr. Keller began his teaching career in 1978 and dispensed his wisdom, sense of humor, and discipline to countless students over this 35-year period.  The award recipient must display strong citizenship, respect for others, attention to detail, and excellent attendance and punctuality.   This year’s recipient is Brinley Dyche.

The Senior Inspirational Award is given to one student each year.  The faculty at Rossville High School determine this award. To earn this award, the student must work all four years of their high school career encouraging and inspiring others through their actions.  This year's award goes to Reagan Wonnell.

Mid-East League All-Academic Awards are given to students who participate in at least three activities sponsored by the Kansas State High School Activities Association and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher.  The seniors being awarded this award are Reagan Wonnell, Kade Perine, Brinley Dyche, Jalyn Davis, Amelia Foster, Ean Haynes, and Hayden Sanders

This award is presented to honor the leadership and service to RHS by Mr. Toby McCullough.  Mr. McCullough began teaching in 1980 and joined us in 1983 and was able to retire after serving as principal until 2017.  The recipient of this award must be punctual; have excellent attendance; enjoy and/ or participate in sports; be intelligent, have a strong work ethic, sense of humor, and leadership qualities; and be dedicated to volunteering and giving back to the community. This year the faculty has given this award to Jalyn Davis.

The following scholarships were presented:

Coach Lance Leonard Inspirational Scholarship: 

This scholarship is to honor the volunteering with youth sports Mr. Leonard did over his lifetime.  His tireless efforts to instruct the youth of his community was inspiring to many.  Each year, the scholarship organizers gather funds by hosting a walk/run in honor of Coach Lance Leonard.  This year's winner is Reagan Wonnell

Custom Wood Products Scholarship: 

The scholarship was established by Donald and Pamela Lake to further Custom Wood’s commitment to the communities of Rossville and St. Marys. The Rossville High School winner is Jasmine Stover

Rossville Booster Club Scholarship: 

The award began in 2012 and the recipient must have participated in a KSHSAA activity throughout high school. This year's winner is Amelia Foster. 

Bryan Lindstrom Inspirational Scholarship:

Bryan Lindstrom lost his battle with cancer in 2013 at the age of 40.  He was a leader, motivator, and an inspiration to everyone he touched.  He wanted to set up a scholarship in his memory for the seniors at Rossville, Silver Lake, and St. Marys to help someone that had the desire to work hard and put in the time and effort to achieve their goals.  This year's winner is Reagan Wonnell

Rossville High School Alumni Association: 

The Association was founded in 1998 and has awarded over $33,000 to deserving students in this 22-year period. The award’s recipient must meet high standards set out by the association and be a good representative of RHS as they move on through college and begin their career. This year's winners are Brinely Dyche and Jacob Carver.

Bank of the Flint Hills Employee Donor Advised Scholarship: 

This fund combines the generous gifts of bank employees to provide scholarships to area seniors. The 2022 Rossville winner is Jenna Thompson 

Doug Perine Memorial Scholarship: 

This scholarship was presented to Kayleigh Johnson. The scholarship was established in 2012 to honor Doug, a longtime community figure, and is given to an RHS student planning to continue their education.

Cole Arnold Memorial Scholarship: 

The award is presented annually in memory of their son Cole who died in a car accident the summer before his Senior year. The chosen senior is McKenzie Shenk

Rossville Community Development Committee (RCDC) Scholarship: 

Presented by Taylor Morelli to Jalyn Davis and Amelia Foster. The scholarship is based on achievements, community involvement, and contributions to the community of Rossville.

RHS Opportunity Scholarship: 

This is the 8th year for the award, provided by an anonymous donor. Recipients are chosen based on GPA, ACT, resume, strength of schedule, and an essay over an experience that made an impact in their life. Students must plan to pursue a career in Engineering, Science, Medicine, Math, or a related field. $500 scholarships were awarded to Kayleigh Johnson, Kade Perine, Brinley Dyche, and Reagan Wonnell

 

Rossville Community Foundation:

This scholarship is based on achievements, community involvement, and contributions to the community of Rossville.  This scholarship was presented to Jalyn Davis 

The Philanthropic Educational Organization 

The members of P.E.O. are committed to helping women pursue higher education. Scholarships are awarded to exceptional high school graduating women to attend an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada in the next academic year.  The P.E.O. recipient is Amelia Foster 

Kaw Valley Education Association

This scholarship is available for Rossville students planning to major in education.  The recipient this year is Hayden Sanders

Ron Monhollen Memorial Scholarship:

This scholarship will be awarded to a 2023 graduate of Rossville High School who plans

to attend a vocational program in the fall. The scholarship is funded by his

daughter, Ronda Monhollon, and grandchildren, Dylan, Roni, Dana, and Brooke.  This year's winner is Sean Cunningham

Rossville United Methodist Church Scholarship:

This year two students received scholarships from the church.  They are Krew Lacock and Sean Cunningham

Ellis Foundation:

The Ellis Foundation was established by Danny and Willa Ellis in memory of their daughter Kathy Lynn Ellis Adriance.  Kathy, a much-loved teacher, influenced many lives before passing away of breast cancer in 1998.  Since then, The Ellis Foundation has committed over $20 million in scholarships for deserving students. This year's winner is Sean Cunningham

Ag Partner Cooperative Scholarship:

This scholarship is presented by the board of directors of Ag Partner.  Each year this organization gives up to 20 $1000 scholarships to high school seniors all over the United States.  This years winner is Jalyn Davis

Fred Wehrli Scholarship: 

Fred spent almost 32 years of service in the military, retiring as an E-8 from the Kansas Air National Guard. He farmed south of Rossville. He enjoyed Muskie fishing from Missouri to Canada and the Sprint Car Races at Knoxville, Iowa.  This scholarship was established in his memory and is awarded to students seeking a future in agriculture.  The winner this year is Jalyn Davis and Amelia Foster

The Ruff Memorial Scholarships:

Mr. Ruff grew up in Ness City but moved to the Rossville area in 1934.  He was a farmer and married Marsella Stadler in 1940.  Together they had 2 children and those two children gave them two grandchildren.  Mr. Ruff passed away in November 2003, and Mrs. Ruff passed away in September 2001.  Both have memorial scholarships. The Dale C Ruff Memorial Scholarship recipient is Hayden Sanders.  The Marcella A Ruff Memorial Scholarship recipient is

Amelia Foster.

The Brady Smith Memorial Scholarship:

The parents of Bradley R. Smith,  who was killed in action on January 3, 2010, have awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to area high school students. These scholarships honor the memory of Brad, his love of God, his country, Troy and Triad, and his desire to continue his education.  The Brady Smith Memorial Scholarship recipient is Krew Lacock

Farm Bureau Scholarship:

Each year Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture awards scholarships to college students studying in fields that benefit agriculture and rural Kansas.  Over the past decade, the foundation has awarded more than $325,000 in scholarships.  The Wabaunsee County Farm Bureau Scholarship recipient is Jalyn Davis. The Shawnee County Farm Bureau Scholarship recipient is Amelia Foster.  

Congratulations on your accomplishments!

Amelia Foster At State Track

Rossville senior Amelia Foster was the lone Rossville athelete competing in the 3A State Trck and Field getting medals in two events.  She plaed 8th in the 400 meter run and 6th in the 800 meter run,,,,

WIBW Softball Story and Video

ROSSVILLE, Kan. (WIBW) - The Bulldawgs began postseason play red hot and they rode that momentum to their first state title in over two decades.

Rossville beat their War on 24 rival Silver Lake in the Regional Championship after the Eagles were ranked No. 1 all year.

The Bulldawgs cruised to a 19-7 win over Columbus in the Quarterfinals. Southeast of Saline was next in the Semifinals and RHS won that, 6-4 and untimaley that state trophy over Santa Fe Trail, 2-0.

”I think it’s going to make our program that much stronger because to me when you get that pressure and bullseye on you, it makes you work that much harder to stay on top and that’s what I tell our girls every time, we want to get there and stay there,” Head Coach Jon Nitsch said.

“We have eight juniors coming back, eight of our returning starters so moving forward I feel like we’ll definitely have our team coming back and have that momentum going into the year knowing how hard we need to work and just repeating it.” Junior Emma Mitchell said.

For junior Kinsey Perine, she’s proud of where the program has come and she hopes this will inspire the younger generation as well.

“I feel like the more people that see us succeed, they’ll come to our games and bring their kids to camps and little kids will look up to us and be like I want to be like them and then it’ll just continue to grow from there,” Perine said.

Rossville finishes the season at 20-4. 

To see the video, click the below URL.

wibw.com video of RHS Softball Champs/06/03/rossville-softball-hopes-build-first-state-championship-23-years/?outputType=amp

Copyright 2023 WIBW. All rights reserved.

Dawgfeed Videos for 2022-23

Rossville High made ten student videos during the 2022-23 school year.  All can be seen at:

 Dawgfeed Videos for 2022-23

RHS 5th At 3A State Golf

Teams with first round scores

Olathe-Heritage Christian Academy 310  
Sabetha 321 
Hesston 323
Frontenac 333 
Rossville 337 
Scott Community 341 
Carbondale-Santa Fe Trail 341 
Concordia 345 
Phillipsburg 355 
Wichita Collegiate 359 
Colby 363 
Columbus 385

RHS Individuals

Jonathan Hart    150     Fifth Place
Jack Donoan      157
Kyser Lundin     181
Paxton Willett     183

Softball Team Wins State

Phyllis Jean Denning Passs Away

Phyllis Jean Denning, 65, passed away on May 22, 2023. She was born on July 31, 1957, to Ralph and Lola Sutton. She grew up with her brothers, Gary and Ron Sutton, in Hunter, KS.

She married Clyde Denning February 1st, 1980. They had two children, William and Jennifer.

Over the years Phyllis worked for the USD #321 school district, Pottawatomie County EMS, and owned and operated Phyl's Bar and Grill in St Marys, Kansas.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Lola, and her brother Gary Sutton.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years Clyde Denning; her two children, William Denning and Jennifer Pardue; her grandchildren, Ivan, Tempest, and Ethinee Ryland; and her brother, Ron Sutton.

A private burial ceremony will be held with family at a later date.

The family asks for privacy at this time as they mourn the loss of a wife, mother, and friend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Midland Hospice House.

Margaret Royal Passes Away

Margaret Royal age 98 of Clinton, Missouri, passed away, Saturday, April 29th, 2023 at Jacob's Ladder Care Center, Springfield, Missouri. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM on Friday, May 5, 2023 at Vansant-Mills Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Clinton on Saturday, May 6, 2023. 

Margaret (Reding) Royal was born April 13, 1925, in St. Mary's, Kansas. She was the third child to Joseph and Elizabeth Reding. She attended school in St. Mary's where she graduated in 1942. She played basketball while in high school and was known for her underhanded shooting style from the free throw line.

Margaret and Raymond Royal were married on June 23, 1945. To this union six children were born, Pat, Linda, Marilyn, Kenny, Bobby, and Tommy. The family lived in Rossville, Kansas and Topeka, Kansas during this time and Margaret took a civil service job at Forbes Air Force base in Topeka.
In the fall of 1965, the family relocated to Clinton, Missouri for Raymond's work in construction. With the Vietnam War ramping up, the eldest son, Pat, entered the Army and was sent to Vietnam in early 1966. The family was dealt a tragic blow when Pat was killed in action on October 2, 1966, at the age of 19. Pat was buried in Englewood Cemetery and Margaret has attended every Memorial Day celebration there for the past 55 years. Margaret was one of the oldest living Gold Star mothers in both Missouri and the United States.

Frances Hoffman Passes Away

Frances E. Hoffman (nee Gerhart), Rossville, passed away Saturday, May 20, 2023, at a Topeka hospital from apparent lymphoma, with enlarged lymph nodes near her heart.

Frances was born October 2, 1930, in Akron, OH, the daughter of Joseph and Jane (Darby) Gerhart.  She was raised in Mogadore, OH, and graduated from Notre Dame College in Euclid, OH.  Mrs. Hoffman was a schoolteacher in Sandusky, OH.

Frances was a member of the Immaculata Church.  She was also a member of the church cleaning group at Assumption Chapel for many years and often hosted lunches for members of the cleaning group. She was also a member of the mailing group, who then sent fundraising letters for Fr. Angles for many years and would call the members of the group when it was time to meet and send out the finished fundraising letters. In addition, she was a volunteer who would string miraculous medals to be sent to Africa. She was stringing those medals for decades.

Before moving to Kansas in 1994, Frances lived in the Cleveland, OH area. She was a member of the Right to Life in Cleveland, OH for over 20 years. She was a member of the Blue Army in Cleveland, OH for 25 years, and also made many rosaries for them to distribute during that time.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Greg Gerhart, Kathleen Russell, and Mary Alice Roth.

Frances and Anthony Hoffman were united in marriage on December 26, 1959.  He survives at their home.

Other survivors include her children, Joseph (Julie) Hoffman, Agnes Murray, Thomas (Amber) Hoffman, Mary (Eric, deceased) Gilham, John (Kristina) Hoffman, and Michael (Celeste) Hoffman; three sisters, Elizabeth Smith, Jeanie Roth, and Joan Magnuson; 34 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

 Service times will be posted on the Piper web site as soon as they become available.

Richard Deiter Passes Away

Richard J. “Dick” Deiter II, 73, passed away Friday, May 19, 2023, at a Topeka care home.

Dick was born January 31, 1950, in Wamego, the son of Richard J. and Sybil Clark Deiter.  He lived in the Willard community all his life.

Dick had worked for Menninger in Topeka and later was the head of maintenance at the Shawnee County Jail for nearly 30 years.  Dick enjoyed hunting, especially with the Kentucky boys.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dick and Pam Hoffman were united in marriage and had a son Richard J. Deiter III.  They later divorced .

He married Mary E. Nichols in Topeka on September 18, 1981.  She preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his children Amy RaeLynn (Brett) Sutton, Topeka, Richard (Julie) Deiter III, Topeka, Kirk (Amanda) Henderson, Tonkawa, OK, Milea Ryan, Salina, and Michael (Carolyn) Delaney, Gardner; two brothers Andrew (Winona) Deiter, Clinton, and David (Joan) Deiter, Topeka; 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536, followed by a graveside service at 2:30 P.M. at the Maple Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.  There will be a lunch following the graveside services at the Maple Hill Community Congregational Church Hall.