Obituaries
Rosalie Mae (Mcclaran) Ridgeway
May 4, 2025
ROSALIE MAE (MCCLARAN) RIDGEWAY, 86, TOPEKA, KS, PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY SURROUNDED BY FAMILY ON SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025, AT ALDERSGATE VILLAGE. SHE WAS BORN MAY 7, 1938, IN DALTON, SOUTH DAKOTA, THE DAUGHTER OF LEROY AND MARY ELIZABETH (MESIGH) McCLARAN.
ALTHOUGH BORN IN SOUTH DAKOTA, SHE LIVED IN EFFINGHAM, KS, DURING HER EARLY CHILDHOOD. SHE MOVED TO...
David A. Brookens
May 3, 2025
David Brookens, a man of profound faith and love, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025. Born on April 28, 1966, David's life was a testament to the power of courage, the depth of love, and the strength of conviction.
Raised in Topeka, David was a proud graduate of Topeka West High School.
He was...
Charles Russell Middaugh
May 3, 2025
Charles Russell Middaugh was born July 13, 1947 and passed on May 3, 2025. A celebration of his life is planned for August 23 in Lawrence, Kansas. For information about the celebration, please email infoaboutruss@gmail.com.
Russ's siblings wrote an obituary focused more on his personal life, while his friend and colleague wrote a version for Kansas University....
Ravae Murdock
May 2, 2025
Ravae Murdock, 79 of Silver Lake, KS sadly left our world May 2, 2025.
She was born to Albert and Leota Kuenzi on December 13, 1945 and grew up in Bern Ks. She graduated Bern High School in 1963. She married Ray Murdock, April 4, 1965 who had been a life long friend since early childhood. He...
Lavern "Dutch" Wendall Abney
May 2, 2025
Lavern Wendall Abney, also known as "Dutch," passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, at the age of 89, due to heart failure. Born on December 10, 1935, in Paola, Kansas, Dutch was a man whose laughter and kindness touched the hearts of many throughout his life. He drew his last breath in Topeka, KS, surrounded by the love...
Janet Lucy Ferguson Wills
May 2, 2025
Janet Lucy Ferguson Wills, age 82 left this earth peacefully on Friday, May 2nd, 2025 at Midland Hospice House after a short battle with cancer surrounded by family and dear friends. She was given birth on March 5, 1943 in Scandia, KS to C.V. "Bus" Ferguson & Matilda McDowell Ferguson. She was united in marriage to Arthur "Gus" Wills...
Sharon Sue Cansler Hill
Apr 28, 2025
Sharon Sue Cansler Hill, known affectionately as Sharon to her family and friends, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, at the age of 70, due to an aortic aneurysm in Topeka, Kansas. Born on July 21, 1954, in Kansas City, Kansas, Sharon was a beacon of love and kindness throughout her life.
Sharon's early years were...
James F. “Jim” Hood
Apr 28, 2025
James F. Hood, known to everyone as Jim, passed away at The House at Midland Care in Topeka on April 28, 2025. He was born July 13, 1941, in Baraboo, WI, the son of Charles M. and Pauline B. Hood.
Jim did life his way. Never mind the rules or reading the directions. His greatest gifts were...
William D. Pitman, Jr
Apr 23, 2025
William D. Pitman, Jr., known affectionately as Bill, passed away peacefully at his home in Osage City, KS, on April 23, 2025, following complications from a stroke. Born on March 18, 1948, in Holton, KS, Bill's life was a tapestry of laughter, love, and dedication to his family and friends.
Bill spent his early years in the...
Timothy Francis Degginger
Apr 19, 2025
Timothy Francis Degginger, age 78, after 'raging against the dying of the light', finally went 'gently into that good night' on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Tim was a man of many talents and intellectual pursuits and will be well remembered for his intelligent and pithy conversations and his quickness to a laugh. He was well-read and sincerely...
Zacharia Bedford Bowers
Apr 18, 2025
Zacharia Bedford Bowers, known affectionately as Zach to his friends and loved ones, lived a life that exemplified passion, kindness, and an undeniable zest for life. Born on June 29, 1988, in Topeka, Kansas, Zach breathed his last in the very city that witnessed his first cry on April 18, 2025. Despite the mystery surrounding his untimely departure, his...
Mark David Quiett
Apr 17, 2025
Mark David Quiett, known as Mark by those who knew him best, passed away on April 17, 2025, at the age of 62 in his hometown of Topeka, Kansas.
Born on November 11, 1962, Mark spent his entire life as a cherished member of the Topeka community, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness that will...
Jerry L. Calvert
Apr 16, 2025
Jerry L Calvert, 62, of Topeka, KS, passed away surrounded by his family on April 16, 2025.
He was born January 1, 1963, in Kansas City, KS to Delbert and Juanita (Duncan) Calvert. He graduated from Gardner High School in 1982. Shortly after high school, he moved to Tucson, AZ for a brief time. After returning to...
Vanessa Lee Kramer
Apr 15, 2025
Vanessa Goldasich Kramer formally of Carlinville left this world on April 15, 2025, in Rossville, Kansas, and was welcomed into the arms of her Savior. At long last, she heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Vanessa was born on March 8, 1957, at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. She graduated from Litchfield High School...
Anna Elizabeth Williams
Apr 15, 2025
Anna Elizabeth Williams, 73, of Topeka, KS, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the House at Midland Care.
She was born September 15, 1951 in Topeka, KS, the daughter of James and Ann (Liston) Owens.
Anna worked in Customer Service at Blue Cross and Blue Shield retiring several years ago.
She is...
Lori J. Arbaiza
Apr 15, 2025
Lori J. Arbaiza passed away peacefully on April 15th, 2025, leaving behind a life marked by resilience and a deep appreciation of the beauty of the natural world. She was the proud mother of two sons, Matt Arbaiza (Stephanie) and Josh Arbaiza, and the adoring grandmother of Mason Arbaiza—her greatest source of joy in recent years. She is survived...
John Clayton Riley
Apr 13, 2025
John Clayton Riley, born on February 1, 1944, in Indianola, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in his home in Topeka, Kansas, on April 13.
John was a man who found joy in life's simple pleasures; playing pool, mowing yards, and his love for tractors, trucks, and Corvettes. Above all, he cherished his time with his grandchildren.
...
Bradley Jay "Bj" Foster
Apr 12, 2025
Bradley Jay Foster, affectionately known as "BJ," passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, at the age of 57. A lifelong resident of Topeka, Kansas, BJ was born on March 28, 1968, to Linda Foster and Donn Foster.
BJ was a proud graduate of Seaman High School, class of 1986, and went on to earn his Bachelor's...
Tina Marie Lawson
Apr 10, 2025
Tina Marie Lawson, known affectionately to all as Tina, embarked on her final grand adventure on April 10, 2025, leaving a legacy of laughter and love. Born on February 16, 1957, in Rittman, Ohio, Tina's zest for life never dimmed, even as she drew her last breath at home in Topeka, KS, after a valiant battle with Amyotrophic Lateral...
Cheryl “Sherry” L. Guinn
Apr 10, 2025
Cheryl "Sherry" L. Guinn, 73, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, after a brave and determined battle with cancer. Born on May 15, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, Sherry lived a life filled with compassion, creativity, and unwavering love for her family.
Sherry is survived by her loving husband, Earl M. "Michael" Guinn, and...
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Midwest Cremation shares a collection of obituaries for Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas. With services throughout Shawnee County that are updated regularly. Find local Topeka obituaries and join us in celebrating lives and honoring their memories and legacies.
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