What's New (past 30 days): Rossville Kansas area genealogy

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Obituary- Cowan, Kelly Kelly Cowan It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Kelly Cowan, age 58, on November 25, 2024, at his home in Topeka, Kansas. Kelly Eugene Cowan was born on May 11, 1966 in Topeka, Kansas, to Ron and Mary (Besta) Cowan. Kelly was raised in Rossville, graduated from Rossville High School, attended Emporia State University and worked for Custom Wood Products in St. Marys for more than 30 years. Kelly was an avid and loyal sports fan and loved following and discussing his Rossville Bulldogs, the Kansas State Wildcats, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He loved being outdoors, whether he was fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles or just driving. Kelly is survived by his daughters, Jericka (Aaron) Barber, of Delia, and Annalyn Cowan, of Holton, grandsons Easton, Bowen and Ryatt Barber, his father, Ron Cowan, of Rossville, his brothers John (Brigette), of Topeka, Rodney (Deana), of Maple Hill, Kevin (Valerie), of Wichita, and Shane (Kelly), of Allen, Texas, and his many aunts and uncles, cousins and nieces and nephews. Kelly was preceded in death by his mother, Mary, and grandparents John and Grace Cowan, Edward Besta, and Clint and Winifred Kerwin. Kelly battled many challenges in recent years, but he was proud of his family and friends, and loved them very much, and they loved him. Kelly was happy to “hang out” and “shoot the breeze” with friends and strangers alike, and he will be missed by many. A memorial visitation was held Tuesday, December 3 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 703 Main St. in Rossville with a rosary following at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian burial was offered at on Wednesday, December 4, also at St. Stanislaus. Burial followed in Rossville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536 to be used for a future education fund for Kelly’s grandsons. May Kelly’s soul rest in peace.	Kelly Eugene Cowan	25 Oct 2025
Obituary- Sullivan, William ROSSVILLE - William Michael Sullivan passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family including his wife, children, grandchildren, and sisters. Bill battled throat cancer and its numerous affects for the last twenty years. Bill was born in Salina, Kansas and grew up in Rossville, Kansas. He participated in the Boy Scouts and the Rossville Rustler 4-H Club. He graduated in the class of 1971 from Rossville High School. Bill also attended Emporia State University and went on to complete his Masters in Business Management from Oklahoma City University in August of 1991. Bill had a distinguished career in the Air Force starting in 1973. Bill was stationed in Germany in 1978 and in Sicily in 1984. He was deployed and served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf War. He retired from the Air Force in 1993 as a Master Sergeant. Bill then had a career working for the Federal Aviation Administration (Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City) working as a high-ranking technician on radars. After retirement Bill moved with his wife Kay to Rossville to live in the Sullivan home. With the help of his wife, he set about honoring his roots by starting to restore their family home. Bill was an amazing father and grandfather. He was our baby whisperer. He loved to hold the babies and could console them even when no one else could. He was a love of all thing's technology. He was the family go to for tech problems and was always there for everyone in the family. He made a point of attending all his children's activities and life events. He was always there for his parents, George and Marie Sullivan. When they passed away, he stepped in as patriarch of the Sullivan family. Cheering on his KU Jayhawks was one of his passions and he proudly displayed the KU flag. Bill loved his young son Chase his last gift to him was an outdoor play fort that he recently constructed. Bill was a devoted member of the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Bill is preceded in death by his loving parents, George and Marie Sullivan. He is survived by his devoted wife Kay and his children Jason Sullivan (Moni), George G. Sullivan, David Sullivan (Alicia), Stephanie DuBose, Katie Kincheloe (Matt), and Chase Sullivan. His loving grandchildren Foster Sullivan, Gavin Sullivan, Abi Sullivan, Ryan Sullivan, Alex Sullivan, Zayne Saddison, Gabriel DuBose, Oliver Kincheloe, Liam Kincheloe, and Riley Kincheloe; his siblings and their children Anna Marie Alvarez, Peg (Margret) Sullivan, Janise Craven (Kelly), Brady Alvarez, Caitlin Alvarez, Rob Heil, Chris Heil, Garret Heil; his brother in-law Norman Foster (Shirley) and sister in-law Gail Kemp. The family would like to thank the expert care and kindness from the professionals at Stormont Vail Hospital. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Newborns to Need at newbornsneed.org in Bill's memory. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 28th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Piper Funeral Home in St Marys, KS the Rosary will be said from 7:00-7:30pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, June 29th at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rossville KS with burial following at the Rossville Cemetery. A luncheon will be served in the church hall after the burial.	William Michael (Bill) Sullivan	25 Oct 2025
Obituary- Lafrinere, Nina Nina Lafrinere Passes Away Nina Ruth Lafrinere, passed away Monday, March 6, 2023, at Rossville Healthcare and Rehab. She was born January 7, 1951, in Grant Township, MI, the daughter of Steven and Fay (Crippen) Lafrinere. Nina was a passionate dog fan and had an immense love for animals. She was proud to have been instrumental in founding the Leavenworth Animal Welfare Society (LAWS), which serves to reduce the pet overpopulation, find a home for every pet, and to end to euthanasia of adoptable animals. Nina was a hard worker and enjoyed gardening, motorcycles, and spending time with her family. Survivors include two sons, Jesse (Julie) Sherer, Topeka, and Steven Lafrinere, Kansas City, MO; two sisters, Sharin Clairmont and Yvonne Lafrinere; a brother, Dennis Lafrinere; and five grandchildren, Ariel, Alexander, Alivia, Madison, and Jaxon. Family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 PM Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Piper Funeral Home followed by a memorial service at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Leavenworth Animal Welfare Society and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536. Please visit www.piperfuneralhome.com to leave online condolences.	Nina Lafrinere	25 Oct 2025
Obituary- Clark, Willis Willis Clark Passes Away At 93 Willis “Wayne” Clark, 93, of Paxico passed away on Sunday, February 26th. Wayne was born to Fred & Mabel(Miller) on December 23rd, 1929 in Maple Hill, Kansas. He attended Maple Hill High School, graduating in 1947. Wayne served in the Signal Corps of the United States Army Reserve for 12 years. In 1952, Wayne married Darlene O’Donnell in Rossville. Together they had two children. Wayne worked as a maintenance mechanic for DuPont for 35 years. He retired 1985. He then worked as a maintenance mechanic for Flexel until 1992. Wayne will be remembered for his hobbies of fishing, hunting, and raising cattle. Every Tuesday, he would go to the Sale Barn at St. Mary’s. Preceding in passing are his parents; brother, Russell; two sisters, Ava Nash & Sybil Deiter; grandson Eli Clark; great-granddaughter Grace Clark; and his wife of 67 years, Darlene. Surviving Wayne are two sons, Philip (Susan) Clark of Paxico, KS & Douglas (Ginny) Clark of Tecumseh, KS. Also surviving Wayne are 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday, March 3rd, at Davidson Funeral Home, 1035 N Kansas Avenue. A Funeral Service will follow. Burial will take place at Bethlehem Cemetery in Paxico. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Bethlehem Cemetery.	Willis Wayne (Wayne) Clark	25 Oct 2025
Obituary- Marstall, Kenneth 2 See file #1 for full transcription	Kenneth P Marstall	25 Oct 2025
Obituary- Marstall, Kenneth 2 Kenneth P. Marstall, age 83, Topeka, Kansas, passed away February 11, 2023 at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka. He was born December 20, 1939 in Wamego, KS, son of George H. and Nellie M. (Van Hole) Marstall. Ken graduated from St. Marys High School and lived in Topeka, where he was employed for many years with Merchants National Bank and Bell Telephone Company before retirement. Ken was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka. He was a man of great Christian faith having visited Medjugorje twice and the Holy Land. After retirement, Ken became involved with the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship in America, Topeka Chapter, and was a Lifetime Member. He was also a member of the Point Man International Ministries of Kansas where he served as Treasurer for many years. Ken was a “Prayer Warrior” providing spiritual guidance as well as helping many others with their spiritual life and in times of need. Ken sang with the Happy Time Singers, visiting nursing homes and also serving as their Spiritual Leader. He is survived by his brother, Lawrence E. “Larry” (Anita) Marstall, St. Marys, sister in-law, Roberta Marstall, Manhattan, & many nieces & nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, George L., James J., Charles S., and Norman F. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. Inurnment to follow in Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, St. Marys. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 9:00 A.M. until 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, at which time a rosary will be said for the repose of his soul before proceeding to the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Food Pantry, Midland Hospice House or the donor’s choice and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.	Kenneth P Marstall	25 Oct 2025
Obituary- Deiter, William 2 See File #1 for full transcription	William D (Bill) Deiter	25 Oct 2025
Obituary- Deiter, William 1 William D. Deiter, 86, passed away Thursday, January, 26, 2023 in Canton, GA. with family by his side. William was born on January 31, 1936 at Maple Hill, the son of Francis P. and Verna M. Stone Deiter. He was raised in the Maple Hill community and graduated from Maple Hill High School. Bill worked at Hallmark Cards while helping on the family farm. Later he worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Topeka and retired after 42 years of service. Bill worked several part-time jobs after retirement always staying busy. He was a member of the Catholic Faith. Bill enjoyed time with his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, boating, and traveling in their motorhome. He loved watching Kansas State games, Nascar races, and Kansas City Chiefs Football. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Joseph G., Robert, Harold, and Melvin Deiter, Dorothy Watt, and Shirley Meier. On June 12, 1964, Bill and Eloise Patterson were united in marriage in Topeka. She survives at their home. Other survivors include daughters, Pam, Julie, Cindy, Brenda, and Carla; a brother, Howard (Louise) Deiter; a sister, Maxine Bronaugh; seven grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery. Mr. Deiter will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until the 7:00 P.M. Rosary on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys. To leave online condolences go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.	William D (Bill) Deiter	25 Oct 2025
Obituary- Kolde, Leola Leola E. Kolde July 4, 1923 — January 7, 2023 Listen to Obituary Leola E. Kolde, 99, passed away Saturday, January 7, 2023, at the St. Marys Manor. She was born July 4, 1923, on a farm near Paxico, the daughter of John L. and Adelaide M. Flach Hesse. Leola was raised in the Newbury and Paxico communities and graduated from Paxico High School. Leola was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where she was a sacristan for many years and laundered the altar linens for many of those years. Leola had been an adorer for the Adoration Chapel. For 17 years, she assisted with mass at St. Marys Manor. She was Dr. Fred Brown's housekeeper and dog sitter for 35 years. Leola loved her family. She lifted those around her with her positivity, sharp wit, and ever-present smile, and she had many who called her a friend. She liked gardening, canning, and sharing fruits and vegetables with family and friends. She was member of the St. Marys Senior Center and enjoyed playing cards on Saturday nights. She also enjoyed following the Royals and Chiefs. On April 14, 1942, Leola married Raymond L. "Doc" Kolde in Kansas City, Kansas. He preceded her in death on March 11, 1990. Leola was also preceded in death by a daughter, Eileen Kolde, a son, Jim Kolde; sisters, Loubelle Heiman, Margaret Zeller, and Henrietta Aubert; a son-in-law, Kenneth Hoobler, and a great-grandson, Darrin March. Survivors include her children Bob Kolde, Dorothy Hoobler, and Mary (Dennis) Miller, all of St. Marys; Barbara (Mick) Leeper, Topeka; Theresa (Ron) Webb, Weslaco, TX; and Rick Kolde, Belvue; a brother, John J. Hesse; two sisters, Martha DeWilde and Carolyn Wurtz; 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. Interment will be at 2:00 P.M. in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Newbury. The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. until the 7:00 P.M. Rosary on Friday, January 13, 2023, at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys. Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or the St. Marys Senior Center and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536. To leave online condolences, go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.	Leola E Hesse Kolde	25 Oct 2025
Obituary- Hoobler, Kenneth 2 See File #1 for full transcription	Kenneth E Hoobler	25 Oct 2025