Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Mary Ann Drummet
Mary Ann Drummet, age 87, of Manhattan, died December 26, 2003, at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
She was born August 9, 1916, in Mahaska, Kansas, the daughter of Victor Jubal and Nellie Pearl (Peake) Wall, and had been a Manhattan resident since 1982.
Mrs. Drummet earned her bachelors degree from Kansas State and was a high school teacher in Emmett, Mahaska and Lincoln.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and KNEA.
On August 6, 1942, she was married to Keith L. Drummet in Mahaska, KS. He preceded her in death on September 28, 2001. She was also preceded in death by one brother, Dean Wall and a great-granddaughter, Mattison Gorsky-Romero.
Survivors include two daughters: Deanne M. Gorsky and her husband Edwin L. of St. Joseph, MO, and Debra L. Drummet of Lawrence, KS; one sister: Ruth M. Bell of Lawrence, KS; one brother: Victor J. Wall and his wife Leah of Clay Center, KS; two grandchildren: Ami Romero and her husband Matt and Meredith Orth and her husband Tom; and three great grandchildren: Tobi Ann Romero, Tori Lea Romero and Tyler Keith Orth, and several nephews and nieces.
A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Reverend David Beese officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Mahaska Cemetery in Mahaska, KS.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sangre de Cristo Hospice Children’s Bereavement Program, 1207 Pueblo Blvd Way, Pueblo, CO 81005. The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502, is handling arrangements.
Robert D. Miller
Robert D. Miller, age 64, of Manhattan, died Monday, December 29, 2003, at the Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
He was born on September 26, 1939, in Des Moines, Iowa the son of Kenneth and Virginia “Jeanne” (Reese) Miller.
Mr. Miller was a longtime area resident where he owned and operated B & B Used Furniture for 25 years. From 1966 until 1978 he lived in Wichita, Kansas where he worked as an x-ray technician for Beech Aircraft. He then returned to Manhattan.
Mr. Miller was a member of the Methodist Church in Wamego. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying, hunting, fishing and camping. He was a wonderful mechanic and in recent years had enjoyed restoring and working on an old tractor. While living in Wichita he was a Boy Scout leader. He will be remembered for his enjoyment in helping his fellow citizens and for his love of his family and friends.
On April 16, 1960, in Rossville, Kansas, he was united in marriage to the former Sharon Rosencutter. She survives of their home. Other survivors include three sons: Donald L. Miller, Randall S. Miller and his wife Trudy and Douglas A. Miller all of Manhattan, his mother: Jeanne Marcell of Manhattan, two sisters: Jolanna Woodring and Pamela Hockaday both of Manhattan, two brothers: Thomas A. Miller of Eagle River, Alaska and John Miller of Lufkin, Texas and two grandsons: Daniel L. and Jeffery W. Miller both of Manhattan.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Friday, January 2, 2004, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Hiram Cassel officiating. Cremation will follow with private inurnment in the Sunrise Cemetery.
Friends may call anytime Wednesday up until service time on Friday at the funeral home.
A memorial has been established for the American Cancer Society. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Mary Alberta Staten
Mary Alberta Staten, age 87, of Manhattan, died Wednesday morning, December 31, 2003, at the Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
She was born on February 8, 1916, in Manhattan, Kansas, the daughter of John B. and Myra (Chandler) Hays and had been a lifetime area resident.
Mrs. Staten was retired from the Kansas Farm Bureau after 20 years employment in the cafeteria. In addition to her career she enjoyed playing bingo, fishing and cards and was a member of the Riley County Seniors’ Service Center.
On July 6, 1935, in Ogden, Kansas, she was united in marriage to Leonard E. Staten. He preceded her in death on October 5, 1967. She was also preceded in death by one sister: Meletha Hays in 1942, by two brothers: Leonard Hays in 1961 and Gilbert Hays in 1908 and by one son: Regis Staten on July 5, 1959.
She is survived by one son: Joseph R. Staten and his wife Sherian of Manhattan, two daughters: Brenda McAtee of Wamego, Kansas and Rosemary Mishaw and her husband Benjamin of Orlando, Florida, two sisters: Alice Kastner of Manhattan and Elanore Staten of Randolph, Kansas and six grandchildren: Kathy Rockwell, Phil Staten, Tony Staten, Kenan Schultz, Len Schultz and Misty Schultz and eight great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Reverend Kenneth Cable officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Ogden, Kansas.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.
Contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice and may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Roger C. Medlin
Roger C. Medlin, age 81, a local Professor retired from the Agricultural Extension Division at Kansas State University, passed away the morning of January 1, 2004 at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan. He was born to C.J. and Ione Medlin on August 5, 1922 in Kansas City, Missouri and grew up in Manhattan.
He was united in marriage on October 11, 1947, in Sterling, Kansas to his beloved wife of 56 years, the former Donna McVay; she survives of the home. Also surviving is a daughter, Deborah Medlin Warren and husband Stephen in Ooltewah, Tennessee and a brother, Richard Medlin and his wife Florence in Beaumont, Texas and their children, Rose Ann Medlin, Florrie Wescoat, and Richard Medlin, Jr.
Mr. Medlin served in the military, during World War II, as a radio-radar operator in the U.S. Army Air Corp—later the U.S. Air Force—in north Africa, Italy, China, and Burma. He earned five bronze stars during his tour of duty and attained the rank of Master Sergeant.
Mr. Medlin earned both B.S. and M.S. degrees in journalism from Kansas State University. He worked for newspapers in Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Indiana, and Texas. He was then employed for 13 years by the Wall Street Journal and managed the advertising offices in Houston and St. Louis. Rather than relocate to the WSJ Chicago and New York offices, Mr. Medlin elected to join the KSU College of Agriculture, Division of Extension. During his tenure with KSU, Roger and his family lived two years in Hyderabad, India as he served a KSU/USAID project.
Beginning in his youth, Roger enjoyed numerous fishing trips with his father, brother, and many friends. He also was a gardener and an avid reader. Roger was an amateur “ham” radio enthusiast and held a federal license for 64 years. He built much of his own radio equipment to talk to his many friends around the world. His main radio interests included research of antenna design and wave propagation.
Roger maintained close relationships through the years with a great many friends, locally and around the world. Those friendships developed with contacts he made through his work in journalism, the Agricultural Extension Division, and his personal interests of amateur radio and fishing. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, helpfulness, and enthusiasm.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Monday, January 5, 2004, at the First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan with Reverend R. Cam McConnell officiating. Interment will follow in the Sunrise Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. Monday until service time at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Kansas State University Foundation for the C.J. Medlin Fund for Excellence in Student Publications or to the Manhattan Public Library. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Margaret Ann Wolstencroft
Margaret Ann Wolstencroft, age 80, of Manhattan, died January 3, 2004, at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
She was born July 23, 1923, in Decatur, Georgia, the daughter of Joseph W. and Margaret O. (Babb) Wellborn. She had lived in Birmingham, AL, New Orleans, and Denver prior to living in Prairie Village, KS, from 1966 until she moved to Manhattan in 1996.
Ann was a clerk at First Continental Bank in Prairie Village, Kansas.
She was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manhattan. She volunteered for the Red Cross at Fort Riley, was a Brownie leader when the girls were young, enjoyed square dancing while living in Denver, and playing bridge.
On June 14, 1947, in Atlanta, Georgia, she was married to William “Bill” Wolstencroft. He preceded her in death on December 21, 2001. She was also preceded in death by her parents and by one sister, Virginia Dix.
Survivors include two daughters: Margaret “Ellen” Brockson and her husband Larry of Manhattan, and Jane Harber and her husband Tom of Gardendale, Texas; six grandchildren: Megan, Anna and Michael Brockson, Eric, David and Michelle Hudson; five great grandchildren: David, Dana, Reagan and Josie Hudson, and Kaylee Grimes; and two step great-grandchildren: Sheridan and Lauren Barajas.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with Father Don Zimmerman as Celebrant. Interment will follow in Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
A Christian Wake service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends following the Wake service from 7:30 until 8:30 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be left to Manhattan Catholic Schools or Stoneybrook Assisted Living. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Raymond DeLynn Blanck
Raymond DeLynn Blanck, age 74, of St. George, Kansas, died Saturday January 3, 2004 at the Mercy Regional Hospital in Manhattan.
He was born May 11, 1929, in LaMont, Kansas to Clarence Harold and Vesper Jorgensen Blanck. He graduated from Fall River (Kansas) High School.
Ray was a Navy Veteran of the Korean War, serving on the USS St. Paul. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal with a Silver Star, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal w/Asia, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation-Foreign, China Service Medal and The Republic of Korea War Service Medal-Foreign for his service.
He married Betty Lawson. They were divorced. He married DeLora Garrett in 1957. They were divorced in 1986. He married Violet Lawson on October 4, 1987, she survives of the home.
Other survivors include: a son, Ricky Lynn Blanck, Portland, Oregon; a daughter, Susan Rae Blanck-Harlan; son, Danny Joe “Digger” Blanck; and a daughter, Jeannie Lynn Blanck-Griffith, all of Wakarusa and four grandchildren, Cody, Kyle, Brianne, and Madison and one great-grandson, Carson. A stepdaughter; Connie Bleuel, Manhattan, step-sons Rodney Lawson, San Francisco, CA, and Dennis Lawson, Wichita, Kansas, four step grandchildren, Jeff, Jason, Amber and Rachel and three step great-grandchildren. A brother Vernon Blanck, Houston, TX, sisters, Thelma Silver, Wichita, KS and Carole Reimer, Walton, KS.
He worked many years at Topeka Foundry and Iron Works, and retired from there in 1990. He was an extremely talented welder, a trade learned while in the Navy. He taught many 4-H kids how to weld as a project leader for the Wakarusa Valley 4-H Club. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion and the NRA.
Most of his adult life was spent in the Wakarusa Community and Manhattan Area.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel in Manhattan with Brian Cobb officiating. Interment will follow in the Ashland Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Raymond D. Blanck Memorial Fund. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Esther May Falder
Esther May Falder, age 86, of Manhattan, died January 4, 2004, at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
She was born March 22, 1917, in Arma, Kansas, the daughter of Jesse L. and Rena (Byler) McClelland. Her parents died when she was young and was raised by her grandparents Ambrose and Ida McClelland. Esther had been a Manhattan area resident since 1956.
Mrs. Falder was a homemaker. She was a cook for Ogden Grade School and was the apartment manager for Southside Apartments for many years.
She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ogden.
On November 19, 1940, in Girard, Kansas, she was married to Ralph R. Falder. He preceded her in death on April 12, 1990.
Survivors include five children: Marion Platt of Manhattan, Dennis Falder of Manhattan, Karen Wilson and her husband Don of Manhattan, Sharon Nations and her husband Ward of Ogden, and Jackie Yonning and her husband Dale of Westmoreland; 16 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Ogden with Father Michael Elanjimattathil officiating. Family and friends are invited to meet at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home to form a procession to the cemetery.
The family of Mrs. Falder will receive friends from 7:30 until 8:30 P.M. Tuesday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Special Olympics. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Pansey B. “Pat” Wilson
Pansey B. “Pat” Wilson, age 85, of Manhattan, died Wednesday morning, January 14, 2004, at the Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
She was born on March 19, 1918, in Halsey, Nebraska the daughter of Harvey and Marjorie A.(Little) Bailey and was a graduate of Halsey High School.
She moved to Manhattan in 1951 and became employed by the Federal Civil Service at Fort Riley where she worked for numerous Generals prior to her retirement in 1984.
Mrs. Wilson was a member of the Beecher Bible and Rifle Church in Wabaunsee, Kansas. Other memberships included the Wabaunsee Quilters Guild, the American Legion and Elks Lodge Auxiliaries both of Manhattan and the National Assoc. of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE). In addition to her memberships she enjoyed gardening, working crossword puzzles and collecting cookbooks. She was a gourmet cook and wine expert.
On July 13, 1947, in Las Vegas, Nevada, she was united in marriage to Ralph D. Wilson. He preceded her in death on July 17, 1986. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Rachel, who died as a child, by one son: David S. Harmer in 1962, by two brothers and two sisters, and by a daughter-in-law: Joan Marie Charbonneau Harmer who died in 1994.
Mrs. Wilson is survived by her son: Everett H. Harmer and his wife Pepper of Manhattan, by two daughters: Cheryl Sauceda and her husband Angel of California and Anna Marie Willette and her husband Richard of Minnesota. Also surviving is one sister: Dorothy Broadfoot of Nebraska and a sister-in-law: Thelly Bailey of Australia. Eighteen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren also survive.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Eldon Epp officiating. Interment will follow in the Wabaunsee Cemetery at Wabaunsee, Kansas.
Friends may call anytime on Friday until service time on Saturday at the funeral home.
A memorial has been established for the Terry C. Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research at Kansas State University. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Helen Frances Kennedy
Helen Frances Kennedy, age 86, of Manhattan, died Thursday, January 15, 2004, at Meadowlark Hills-Collins Landing.
She was born on July 14, 1917, in St. Clair, Pennsylvania the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Leganza) Twardzik. She had been a Manhattan resident since 1999.
Mrs. Kennedy was employed as a secretary for the Strawbridge and Clothier Department Store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for 25 years. She lived in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania where she was a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church, and was supportive of numerous charities. Upon moving to Manhattan she had joined the St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
She was married to Dominic Francis Kennedy in St. Clair, Pennsylvania. He preceded her in death on July 6, 1982.
Mrs. Kennedy is survived by two sons: Patrick Joseph Kennedy and his wife Marlene of Sterling, Virginia and Robert Kevin Kennedy and his wife Carol of Manhattan, Kansas. Also surviving is one sister: Agnes Lesko and one brother: Walter Twardzik both of St. Clair, Pennsylvania, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.
A Rosary and wake service will be held 4:00 P.M. Saturday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Father Don Zimmerman officiating.
Additional services will be held in Pennsylvania with intermenty in the St. Peter and Paul Cemetery at Springfield, Pennsylvania.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Kirk Leslie Darland
Kirk Leslie Darland, age 49, Junction City, KS, died January 12, 2004 in Manhattan, KS.
He was born on December 25, 1954 in Manhattan, the son of Vance Leroy and Jacqueline Roberta (Edison) Darland.
Kirk graduated from Manhattan High School where he held many football and track records. He also held track records in Junior Olympics. Kirk graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Psychology. While in college he was a letterman for the Kansas State football team from 1973 to 1977.
He was a branch manager for Orkin Pest Company. He was a member of the Church of the Covenant Episcopal Church in Junction City, the President’s Management Council with Orkin Pest Company, KSU Alumni Association and the Golden Cat Club and Victory Club.
On March 4, 1978 in Junction City, KS, he was married to Valerie Young. She survives of the home.
Additional survivors include, two daughters; Alexa and Lauren Darland of the home, one son; Andrew Darland of the home, one brother; Robert Darland and his wife Cindy of Naples, FL, two step-sisters; Sharron Washington of Manhattan, KS and Suzie Swenson of Londonderry, NH, and two nephews; Michael and Jay Darland.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, January 21, 2004, at the Church of the Covenant Episcopal Church in Junction City, KS with the Right Reverend Joann Smith and Reverend Dale Plummer officiating.
A memorial has been established for the Kansas State University Football Program. Memorial contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Patricia L. Morrand
Patricia L. Morrand, age 76, of Ogden, died Sunday morning, January 18, 2004, at the Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
She was born on September 26, 1927, in Junction City, Kansas, the daughter of Walter J. and Etta (O’Neal) Mayden, and was a graduate of Junction City High School.
Mrs. Morrand was a homemaker. She had been a resident of Ogden, Kansas since 1947.
Her memberships included the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ogden and the Altar Society. Other memberships included the American Legion Auxiliary. Mrs. Morrand was an active volunteer for numerous organizations including the American Red Cross, Hospice, the Memorial Hospital and the Area Agency on Aging. She was also one of the founding members of the Ogden City Pride group and was instrumental in helping start the 60+ Club in Ogden. Mrs. Morrand was the first Cub Scout Den Mother in Ogden and volunteered as a leader for Brownies and Girl Scouts. In addition to her many activities she enjoyed knitting, sewing, reading and traveling extensively. She also enjoyed ceramics and formerly had her own ceramics shop.
On September 6, 1947, she was united in marriage to Michael J. “Mike” Morrand at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ogden, Kansas. He preceded her in death on January 20, 1993. She was also preceded in death by three sisters: Frankie Hinds, Jo Hohman and Loretta Morrand and by two brothers: Ed Mayden and William Mayden.
She is survived by one son: Michael J. Morrand, Jr. and his wife Julie of Overland Park, Kansas, by two daughters: Kathleen French and her husband Steve of Manhattan and Patricia “Patsy” Mayginnes and her husband Jim of Onaga, Kansas. Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Mark French, Scott French and his wife Deanell, Nikole French, Jaime Mayginnes, Zachary Mayginnes and his wife Becki, Kate Morrand, Jonathan Morrand and Caroline Morrand and six great-grandchildren: Austin, Kaitlyn and Hunter French, Kylar, Morgan and Rilyn Mayginnes.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held 10:00 A.M. Wednesday at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ogden with Father Michael Elanjimattathil as celebrant. Interment will follow in the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery.
A rosary vigil service will be held 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel.
A memorial has been established for the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Kaleean N. “Kay” Ellis
Kaleean N. “Kay” Ellis, age 94, formerly of Manhattan, died Sunday January 18, 2004 in Enterprise, Kansas.
She was born on October 29, 1909 in Waco Texas, the daughter of J. P and Elizabeth (Kelly) Nehiba.
On September 28, 1945 in Gulf Port, Mississippi she was married to Byron Ellis, he preceded her in death on May 18, 1972.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel.
Interment will be held later in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.
Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502, is in charge of the local arrangements.
