Virginia Grace McMillin, 86, of Delia, died on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Wellsprings of Westmoreland surrounded by her family.
A memorial service is pending and will be held at a later date. The full obituary will be published shortly.
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Virginia Grace McMillin, 86, of Delia, died on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Wellsprings of Westmoreland surrounded by her family.
A memorial service is pending and will be held at a later date. The full obituary will be published shortly.
Elizabeth M. "Betty" Lambotte, 94, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025. Born on March 23, 1931, in Topeka, she was the cherished daughter of the late John and Catherine Jacobson.
Betty's life was a testament to love, faith, and service, values she cherished deeply throughout her time with us. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norman; sons, Richard and Kenneth; grandchildren, Cody and Aaron; and siblings, Bobby, Johnny, Donald, Kay, Rosemary, and Billy.
Betty is survived by her sister, Dorothy; her son, Todd; six grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren, who will carry on her legacy of love and faith. Each of them holds onto the warmth of her spirit and the lessons she imparted through her unwavering commitment to family.
A dedicated educator and mentor, Betty worked as a paraprofessional at Delia Grade School and Rossville Elementary School, where she made a significant impact on the lives of countless children. Her devotion extended beyond the classroom; she served faithfully as a CCD teacher and youth group leader at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rossville, where she was not only a devoted member but a guiding light for many. Her life reflected service, generosity, and an outstanding commitment to her community. An active volunteer and a generous supporter of many local causes.
The community will gather to celebrate her life at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, located at 703 Main St in Rossville, for a rosary to be recited for Betty at 5:00 PM on Friday, August 29, followed by a visitation until 7:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be offered at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 30, also at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Following the Mass, Betty will be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in St. Marys at 11:30 AM, with a luncheon to follow in Dekat Hall.
Elizabeth M. Lambotte will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose faith and compassion left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her legacy of love and service will forever shine bright in the hearts of her family and friends.
LeRoy "Shorty" Dick passed away on August 4, 2025, at Wellsprings of Westmoreland in Westmoreland, KS. He was born on September 8, 1940, in rural Williamstown, KS to Clarence and Pearl Dick. He graduated from Rossville High School in 1959. He was united in marriage to Carol Sue Adams on September 8, 1967, and they were able to spend 57 wonderful years together.
Shorty was easy to laugh and always had a joke or story to share. Everywhere that he went there was always someone he knew and if he didn't know them, he would gladly introduce himself.Helen was born on October 8, 1936, in Garden City, KS the daughter of John and Alma (Birzer) Talley. She attended Catholic grade school and graduated from St. Marys High School of the Plains. She later graduated from Halstead School of Nursing in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
She married Philip V. Bansemer in September 1959 in Garden City, Kansas; he preceded her in death on April 30, 1999.
After they were married, Helen and Philip lived in Newton for 5 years. Later, they moved to Rossville and eventually settled in St. Marys in 1972, where they raised their 5 children. Helen worked for many years as a nurse for KNI and for the VA Hospital in Topeka. Helen was a devoted Catholic and was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys for many years.
Helen loved to garden and enjoyed shopping, especially when she could find a good bargain.
Survivors include her children, Alan (Becky) Bansemer of Newton, KS, Aileen (Daniel) Delforge of Valley Center, KS, Philip L. Bansemer, Jr. of Waynesville, MO, Coleen (Brandon) Vogts of Moundridge, KS, and David J. Bansemer, of St. Marys, 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and her sister, Mary (Richard) Miles of Naples, FL.
Helen was preceded in death by her grandparents and parents, and her husband Philip Bansemer.
A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, August 6 at Piper Funeral Home with a rosary at 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will be offered at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 7 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. Burial will take place at 11:30 AM on Friday, August 8 in St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery in Wright, KS.
Memorial contributions in Helen’s memory may be made to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Midland Hospice and may be sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.
Daniel Lee Grieshaber (Rossville, Kansas) departed on July 27, 2025 at the age of 91.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Albert F. Grieshaber and Louise C. Grieshaber (Thowe); his sister Alberta; and his brother-in-law Melvin Lichte of St. Louis. He is survived by: his brothers, Charles Grieshaber of St. Marys and Raymond Grieshaber of Lenexa.
He requested no memorials and no flowers.
Sally Ann Koelling, 67, of rural St. Marys, passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at her home.
A full obituary is pending and will be published shortly.
Survivors include her devoted husband, Michael Koelling, sons, Wesley and Jeffrey, grandchildren, Landon, Vanessa, Natalie, Lorelai, Quinlynn, Kyzen, Scarlett, Hudson, and her sister, Betty Jo (Don) Hoadley. Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Betty Steele, sister Joyce (Allan) Lindholm and her brothers, Richard, Roger and Fred Steele.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 4 at Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536 with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in St. Clere Cemetery in Emmett, Kansas.
Memorials in Sally's memory may be made to the KU Endowment for Alzheimers Research and may be sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.
Vickie Lee Foster of Rossville, Kansas, born in North Platte, Nebraska,Passed away on July 6, 2025 at the age of 72.
She was predeceased by: her husband Fred Foster; her parents, Kenny Diehl and Karen Diehl; and her brothers, Ricky and Keith Diehl.
She is survived by: her children, Julie Spring (Gary), Sheila Coons (Bobby), Melissa Smith (Kelly), Jennifer Hensley (Blaine), Scott Zlatnik (Isabelle), Luke Foster (Jodi) and Matt Foster (Misty); her grandchildren, Zach (Bryce), Adam, Kai, Logan, Emma, Braiden, Makenna, Laiken, Greyson, Kaylyn, Kassi (Justin), Gentry, Bayli (Jeremy), Jayden, Kellyn, Olivia and Sophia; her great grandchildren, Adalynn, Abigail, Brooks and Rhodes; her siblings, Jodi Clark (Derek) and Mark Diehl (Donna); and her sister-in-law Loli Diehl.
A celebration of life was held on Saturday, July 12th 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Rossville United Methodist Church (411 Pearl St, Rossville, KS 66533).
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Rossville United Methodist Church - Food Pantry, 411 Pearl St, Rossville, KS 66533.
Virginia L Crupper of Rossville, Kansas, passed away on June 15, 2025 at the age of 92,
She was predeceased by: her parents, Edward Kovar and Edna Kovar (Lee); her husband Charles G. Crupper; and her sisters, Ruth Bunzel, Mae DeVader and Jean Huntsman.
She is survived by: her son Charles Crupper Jr. (Yolanda) of Colorado Springs, CO; her grandchildren, Charles Crupper III of Eugene, OR and Wendy Crupper of Chicago, IL; her great grandchildren, Kate and Eleanor Crupper-Riley of Chicago, IL; her brother Ray Kovar (Loretta) of St. Marys, KS; and her brother-in-law Donald Bunzel of Topeka, KS..
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rossville Community Library and the Rossville Presbyterian Church, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 6
Joan Marie Anderson, 80, of Rossville KS, passed away Monday, March 17, 2025 at the Healtcare Resort of Topeka.
She was born May 4, 1944, in Topeka KS the daughter of Ted and Marie (Graf) Dolezilek. She grew up in Rossville Kansas and graduated in 1962 from Rossville High School. Following graduation she worked for Stauffer Publications in Topeka.
In her spare time she enjoyed Camping, spending time with her family and friends in Rossville and loved reading books.
Joni married Larry Anderson on August 14,1967, in Miami Oklahoma. In 1968 she gave birth to their only child, a son, Michael Anderson.
Her and her husband owned and operated Anderson Booth and Equipment in Rossville, KS.
She is survived by a sister, Mary K. (Gary) Funke of Washington KS. Two nieces, Staci (Jamie) Schmidt and Misty Reynolds. Four great-nieces and nne great-nephew also survive.
Joni was preceded in death by her son, Michael Anderson, in 1987, and her husband, Larry Anderson, on November 3, 2019.
A Celebration of Life Service held from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Rossville Senior Center, 429 Pearl Street, Rosseville, KS 66533.
Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or to Helping Hands Humane Society, sent in care of Midwest Cremation, 525 SE 37 Street, Topeka, KS 66605.
Jim was born July 15, 1939, on the family farm in Coffey County, northeast of Burlington, KS. His parents were John and Dorthea Harrison Gordon. He graduated from Waverly High School in 1957 and served in the Kansas National Guard for 7 years.
Jim married Ernestine May Crouch on June 4, 1961, at the Methodist Church in Burlington; she survives at their home.
Survivors also include their 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren: daughter, Lisa Gordon Ebert (Greg) of Kinsley, KS, grandchildren, Kellen (Kelsey), Jordan (Ashley), and Haleigh Wood (Clayton) and great-grandchildren, Colston, Camden, and Bretley Ebert, Gentry, Myles, and Easton Wood; son Chris (Cherie) of Silver Lake, KS, grandchildren, Ashley and Joshua; son Lance (Aimee) of Garden Plain, KS, and grandchildren, Gabriel and Kinsley. Other survivors include his two sisters, Lillian Kleinsorge and Linda Bannion.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Clark Gordon and sister, Beverly Kleinsorge.
Jim had an extraordinary work ethic. After high school, he worked at Boeing in Wichita for a short time. He then started in the construction business, as a laborer. He graduated up to a cement mason and attended World of Concrete convention in Las Vegas.
Jim enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, traveling, gardening, K-State Wildcats and KC Royals. His greatest enjoyments were raising cattle on their small farm north of Rossville and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim was a long-time member of Rossville United Methodist Church and served on numerous committees.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 22, from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Rossville United Methodist Church, 411 Pearl Street, Rossville, KS. A funeral service will follow, also at Rossville United Methodist Church, at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, July 23 with burial following in Rossville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made in Jim’s memory to Samaritan's Purse and may be left at the service or in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.
An only child born on April 5, 1928, to Lucy Pearl (Kness) McDonald & Claude Preston (Stub) McDonald in Geneva, Nebr. She always said she loved being an only child & never, ever felt lonely. She felt blessed & lucky to be the only child of her loving parents. Our son (Mick) told us the same the other day!
Pearl was united in marriage to John B. (Jake/Jack) Jacobsen on March 1, 1947, in a double ring marriage ceremony along with a Jacobsen cousin of Jack’s. Children born into their union: Dale John Jacobsen (Carolyn); Bonita Fae (Sis) Stum (Wilbur); Grandchildren, 4, Randy (Sandy) Jacobsen, Shane Jacobsen (Julie), Chad (Jamie) Jacobsen. Mick (Tami) Stum; Great Grandchildren – 8, Great-Great Grandchildren - 8, Sister-in-laws: Beverly Jacobsen & Pat Jacobsen Knutz; Many Nieces & Nephews, Great & Great-Great Nieces & Nephews. And so many, many friends & “adopted” families. Pearl often said she’d be rich if she had a nickel for every person that sat at her table & ate a meal!
Pearl was preceded in death by her parents; husband John (2018); son Dale (2024); In-laws Marguerite & Clyde Jacobsen, Mark Morgan, four brothers-in-law & two sisters-in-law. And several of her beloved cats & dogs.
Pearl attended Geneva Grade & High School graduating in 1945. She was the last surviving member of her class. Pearl went to work evenings & weekends while attending Geneva High School at the Geneva USPS during WWII. She earned $.45 an hour to start & was earning $10.50 when she quit to attend college. She also worked on the family farm.
After graduation Pearl attended Doan College at Crete, Nebr. for 1 1/2 years majoring in English & Musical Education. Tuition back then was $50 per semester. Pearl loved school, reading & teaching. Although she did not attend college long enough to earn her teaching certificate, as she left college to get married, she was able to use her knowledge to teach her children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren. Pearl loved to play the piano & organ & sing songs - especially old hymns. Her favorite past time was reading - she loved to read books & her local newspapers!!
Pearl & Jake farmed while they lived in Nebraska & their children were born in Nebraska. They moved to a large ranch (known as the Lasswell Ranch) NE of Emmett, KS on their Anniversary on March 1, 1956, when Dale was 9 & Sis was not quite 3. There, they ranched & took care of many cattle. In the winter, Jake hayed & fed cattle in the pastures with a team of horses & wagons.
The ranch house still stands today. In later years, Dale & Carolyn lived in it, as did Randy & Sandy.
Pearl & Jake soon got into furnishing livestock for rodeos with friends they met & eventually started Jacobsen Rodeo Company, which they owned & operated well into the 1980’s! They earned many awards for their rodeo stock. They brought the “Brangus” breed of bulls to their Kansas rodeos from Orange, Texas on the Texas/Louisiana border. Winning awards for such bulls as Purple People Eater, Cassius Clay & King of the Road I & II. They also had a big, dappled buckskin gelding registered Quarter Horse Saddle Bronc named “Big Buck”, which was sold to Hoss Inman, a PRCA Stock contractor, who bucked him at the Oklahoma City NFR Rodeo. Pearl, Jake, Sis & Wilb were there to see him buck, too!!!
Pearl was a stay-at-home Mom & homemaker, while also helping with chores, gardening, canning, cooking, sewing & whatever else needed to be done. She was the Secretary & Timer for their rodeos. Pearl was a wonderful Wife, Loving Mother, Mother-In-Law, Aunt, Sister-In-Law, Cousin, Neighbor, Mentor & a special friend to many. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church & former member of the Delia EHU, both in Delia, KS. Pearl & other neighborhood wives did what was called a “pattern”, which was moving the extremities of a neighborhood baby boy born with cerebral palsy, working his arms & legs so as they would not freeze up, so he was able to move. This procedure helped Tim to live an extended life. She was a former member of Rodeo associations: URA, SCA & IRA. Pearl was honored to have been named Rodeo Secretary of the Year in the URA. She lived a good long life & will be dearly missed.
Rest In Peace & God Speed Momma until we meet again. You will be so missed!
The family would like to extend a special thank you the Staff of Peggy Kelly House 1 & Ascend Hospice for their excellent care & especially love that they gave to Pearl (Momma, Grandma or Pearly as they so affectionately called her.) Special thanks to Piper Funeral Home & Staff.
A Visitation will be held at Piper Funeral Home on Friday, August 1, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Burial of her cremated remains will take place later in the Fairmont, NE Cemetery with Jake, her parents, in-laws, and other family members.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Pearl’s memory to the Pearl Jacobsen Memorial Fund & left at or sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple, St. Marys, KS 66536.
Norma Jean Bennett, 91, of Rossville, died on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Rossville Health and Rehab surrounded by her family.
Norma was born on February 18, 1934, in Lillis, KS the oldest daughter of Leo and Teresa (Skoch) Reicherter. She attended local schools and graduated from Seneca High School.
Soon after graduation, she met Kenneth Bennett and they were married on July 6, 1955, in Topeka, KS at Assumption Catholic Church in Topeka.
Norma and Kenneth lived for many years in the Rossville community and raised their family there. She was a devoted member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Norma loved to sew and enjoyed spending time working in her garden.
Norma is survived by her husband, Kenneth, son, Mark Bennett, 7 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren numerous nieces and nephews, and sisters, Margaret Feldkamp and Connie Kroemer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Yvonne Pollman, two sons, Randy and Dennis Bennett, 2 brothers, Charles and Doug Reicherter, her sister, Mary Ellen Fangman, sister-in-law, Carolyn Reicherter, and her brothers-in-law, Ernie Feldkamp, Norman Kroemer and Richard Fangman.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:15 AM on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 703 Main St., Rossville KS 66533. A visitation and rosary will be held an hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in Rossville Cemetery. The family would like to invite friends and relatives to a luncheon at the church after the burial.
Memorial contributions in Norma’s memory may be made to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and can be sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.
Carolyn Jeannine Thompson, 89, of St. Mary’s and formerly of rural Topeka, died on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the St. Marys Manor.
Jeannine was born on December 17, 1935 in Rossville, KS the oldest daughter of six children to Joe and Donic (Patton) Parr. She attended local schools and graduated from Rossville High School in 1953.
Jeannine married Calvin D. Crow in June of 1953 and they were blessed with 4 children; they were later divorced. Later, she married Charles “Ed” Thompson in 1969 in Topeka. This blended union included Ed’s children, Bernie, Lori and Tangela.
Jeannine retired from the State of Kansas in 1998, working in Data Entry. Jeannine was a member of the Citizen Band Potawatomi Indian Tribe.
She loved crafts, crocheting, and spending countless hours gardening and enjoying her grandchildren’s company. She also enjoyed attending Ed’s many performances with his country western band.
Jeannine is survived by her children, Donola (Doug) Fairbanks, Debra (Aaron) Sebring, and Denise (Tim) Hersh; stepchildren, Bernie and Tangela Thompson; grandchildren, Holly (Jeff) Wehner, Melody Baker, Brad (Beth) Fairbanks, Ryan (Melissa) Fairbanks, Nicole (Ben) Long, Amanda Crow, Shannon (Shane) Price, Ashley (Todd) Sage, Josh Hersh, Shelby (Dan) Dellaporta, Brian Thompson, Brent Thompson, Dustin Jones, Logan Crow and Abby Hersh. She had 16 great-grandchildren, 2 step great-grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Joleen Parr and brother, David Parr, and sisters-in-law, Carol Parr Fair and Elizabeth Parr.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husband, Calvin Crow and former husband, Ed Thompson, three brothers, Thane Parr, Larry Parr, and Clyde Parr, her son, Doug Crow, step-daughter, Lori Davis, granddaughter Janelle Barber and great-granddaughter Grace Long.
A funeral service for Jeannine will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, July 18 at Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St. in St. Marys; a visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Rossville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marys Manor Activity Fund and may be left in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.
Donald J. (“Jake” and “Ole Papa”) Jacobson, 90, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Stormont-Vail Hospital surrounded by his family.
Donald was born on April 12, 1935, in Topeka to John and Catherine (O’Connor) Jacobson. He grew up in the Delia community and attended school in both Sacred Heart and Rossville High School, graduating in 1953.
He met Genevieve Andrick while attending high school in Rossville and they were later married on September 11, 1954, in St. Marys. After high school, Donald served his country honorably in the Kansas National Guard.
Donald worked for a short time as a linemen for the Santa Fe Railroad before taking a permanent job at Goodyear Tire and Rubber factory in Topeka. He worked there for over 40 years, including many years as an area manager in the Banbury department.
After retirement, he pursued one of his bucket list dreams and took a role as an usher for Notre Dame football games. For over 16 years, Donald made the trek to South Bend, IN, and never missed a single home game. He started out at Gate D taking tickets but was promoted to the university level suites where he rubbed elbows with several celebrities including Rudy, Regis Philbin, Muhammad Ali, Jon Bon Jovi, Joe Montana, Chris Christie, Tommy Lasorda and many others.
Donald loved to run and participated in many marathons including the New York, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, Pikes Peak, Las Vegas, and several other notable races.
Donald was a devoted family man and loved to spend time with his kids and grandkids. He was seen at most of their sporting and school events and coached sports for many kids teams. He and Genevieve opened their home to a foreign-exchange student, Macy, from Brazil, who they considered like a daughter.
Donald and Genevieve loved to travel, as a couple and with their children, and fondly remember their trips to places like Ireland, several Caribbean islands, London, Wales, and Scotland.
Donald is survived by his wife, Genevieve of Rossville, two sons, David (Connie) Jacobson of Topeka and Thomas (Angela) Jacobson of Lawrence; daughter, Robin (Jeff) Lampe of Topeka; 9 grandchildren, Gabriel (Cindy), Caitrin, Lydia, Locke, Emily, Joe, Dalton (Bailey), Darby, and Sam; and 3 great-grandchildren, Presley, Emma, and Tristan. He is also survived by 2 siblings: sisters, Dorothy Lloyd and Betty Lambotte.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Bobby Jacobson, Johnny Jacobson, Kay Wild, Rosemary Pauley, and Billy Jacobson, daughter, Debi Jacobson, and grandson, Dusty Bronaugh.
A funeral mass will be offered for Donald at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 11, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3601 SW 17th St., Topeka, KS 66604 with a luncheon following mass for family friends and guests. Private family burial will take place at Rossville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Capper Foundation or to Helping Hands Humane Society and may be left in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.