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Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 524 Pennsylvania Avenue, Holton, KS (2026)

02/19/2026

LEON E. CRAMER

Leon E. Cramer, 85, of Holton, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Overland Park Regional Hospital.

He was born on July 13, 1940, in Holton, the son of Paul and Bertha (Wolfe) Cramer. He graduated from Netawaka High School in 1958.

In his early years, Leon worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation. He later worked for Santa Fe Railroad as a freight carman (welder). He left Santa Fe to open Cramer Retail Liquor, which he owned and operated in Holton. Later, he returned to Santa Fe, where he worked until his retirement.

Leon was a member of First Christian Church in Holton and served as a former deacon. He was also a member of Eagles Aerie No. 3417 in Holton until it disbanded.

He married Betty Faye Slimmer on July 19, 1963, at First Christian Church in Holton. She survives of the home.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Aleene Cramer.

Other survivors include a son, Brian Cramer of Shawnee, KS; two daughters, LeAnn Drumm (Steven) of Shawnee, KS, and Carol McManigal (Chris) of Holton; four grandchildren, Kendall Martin (Levi), Tricia Drumm, Carly Raney, and Abigail Drumm; and two great-grandchildren, Tucker and Marley Martin.

Per Leon’s request, no public services are planned. His family is going to have a private celebration of life. Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Christian Church in Holton, and may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1034, Holton, KS 66436. Online condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com.

02/17/2026

NATALIE RAE SABLE

Natalie Rae Sable, 87, of Holton, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026 at The Pines South near Holton.

She was born March 13, 1938 in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, the daughter of Nathaniel and Janice Fitch Warburton.

In her early years, Natalie worked for the Red Cross, part of the time in Korea. Later she was a teacher, and spent many years as the Librarian at Holton Middle School.

She was a member of Holton Evangel Church.

Natalie married Mark Joseph Sable on July 4, 1977 in Raymond, New Hampshire. He preceded her in death on January 6, 2012.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, a step-son, David Jospeh Sable, one brother, David Warburton, and two sisters, Mary Ward and Ellen Levesque.

Survivors include a daughter, Laura Lea Stauffer (Adam), Topeka, a step-daughter, Janet Darlene Rhea (Greg), Malvern, AR, a step-son, Paul Michael Sable (Patti), Lincoln, CA, three grandchildren, David Wilmoth, Dante Nitzschke and Natalia Mae Stauffer, and one great-granddaughter, Nadia.

Memorial Services for Natalie will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 21st at the Holton Evangel Church. Memorials are suggested to the Beck Bookman Library, and may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 1034, Holton, KS 66436. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

02/09/2026

JOEL M. “SHOP” CHARLES
“SHOPTEESE”

Joel M. “Shop” Charles, “Shopteese”, 69, of Mayetta, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at his home on the Reservation.

He was born August 22, 1956 in Pawnee, Oklahoma, the son of William Charles and Thelma Hale, and was raised by his grandmother, Erma Pequano. He attended Chilocco Indian School in Newkirk, Oklahoma and was a U.S. Army Veteran.

Joel was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. He had worked for the Kickapoo Tribal Police Department, for Labor Max, and was a dishwasher at the Prairie Band Casino.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Martin Jim, Jr.

Survivors include a daughter, Wynona Jean (Davis) Nemechek, Topeka, his siblings, Aaron Hale, Mayetta, Darrell Wewenes, Darlene Wewenes and Wynona Wewenes, all of Horton, Sharon Doxtator, Topeka, Madelene Wewenes, Lawrence, Milford Wewenes, Horton and Eddie Joe Mitchell, Mayetta, four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A supper and wake will be held Friday evening, February 13th at the Dance Ground Building. Burial with military honors by We-Ta-Se American Legion Post No. 410 will be Saturday afternoon in Metwe-Shabni Cemetery. Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

02/03/2026

JOSEPH A. MAY

Joseph A. May, 80, of Onaga, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at the Onaga Health and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born September 23, 1945 at Onaga, the son of Ernest and Marie Wilson May. He graduated from Onaga High School in 1965.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Topeka.

Joe had worked in housekeeping for Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka and for a hospital in Wichita.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Bob May, Jack May and Raymond May, who died in infancy, and a sister, Patty Poitras.

Survivors include two brothers, Ted May, Onaga and James May, San Antonio, TX, two sisters, Mona May Nichols, Navarre, FL and Barbara Bridges, Mt. Vernon, WA, a sister-in-law, Joena May, Onaga, and nieces and nephews.

No services are planned. Inurnment will be in the Havensville Cemetery. Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga is assisting the family. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

01/30/2026

PAUL DELMAR SHIPMAN

Paul Delmar Shipman, 86, of Topeka, passed on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.

Paul was born on August 11, 1939 in Montreal, Missouri, the son of Gail and Mary Barker Shipman. He graduated from Hoyt High School and served in the U.S. Army in Germany in the 1960’s.

He was a truck driver with Teamster’s Local 696 and was a member of the Elmont United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Hoyt Masonic Lodge until it closed, then the Mayetta Masonic Lodge, for a total of over fifty years. Paul and his wife delivered Meals on Wheels for over twenty years. They also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and spending winters in Palm Desert, California.

Paul married Carol Bostwick on April 5, 1959 at the Hoyt United Methodist Church. She survives, of the home.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, James Shipman.

Other survivors include two daughters, Linda Anno (Danny), Hoyt, and Sheryl Barnett (Andy), Valley Falls, and one grandson, Wyatt Barnett.

A Celebration of Life will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 4th at the Hoyt United Methodist Church. Inurnment will follow in the Hoyt Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Meal on Wheels, and may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 280, Hoyt, KS 66440. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

01/27/2026

Our large apartment in Onaga, Apt. 4, will be available for rent within the next 30 days. Please call or email if interested or with questions. 785-889-7171 chapeloaksholton@gmail.com

01/27/2026

LESTER “CORK” SUMNER
KITCHKOMMIE

Lester “Cork” Sumner, Kitchkommie, 91, of Hoyt, died Monday, January 26, 2026 at the Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.

He was born December 23, 1934 in Wichita. He was raised by his mother and father, Cleve and Josephine Sumner. He graduated from Denison High School and served in the U.S. Army in France.

Cork was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and the Native American Church. He was a leader in the church for approximately forty years and had helped start the local chapter. He was also a member of We-Ta-Se American Legion Post No. 410 at Mayetta, and an avid racing fan.

He had worked for Goodyear for twenty-three years, and later was the first drug and alcohol counselor for the Tribe, which he did for fourteen years.

Cork married Nanette Pappan. They were married for thirty-eight years until she passed away in 2001. He married Rosemary Bachmurski on March 11, 2011 in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives, of the home.

Other survivors include one daughter, Susan Sumner, two granddaughters, Belinda McKinney and Monique Leon, four great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Native American Church Services will be Friday evening, January 30th, at the Nozhackum Hall. Burial with military honors by We-Ta-Se American Legion Post No. 410 will be Saturday afternoon in the Sumner Family Cemetery. Cork will lie in state after 9:00 a.m. on Friday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hoyt where a visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

01/27/2026

BETTE SUE KELLER

Bette Sue Keller, 81, of Lyons, formerly of Holton, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at the Lyons Hospital.

She was born December 8, 1944 in Holton, the daughter of Orville and Josephine White Keller. She graduated from Circleville High School in 1962.

Bette worked for the State of Kansas, Department of Health and Environment, for many years. She then received her Certified Nurses Aide certification and worked in nursing homes in Holton and Onaga.

She married Russell Steinmeyer on October 8, 1965. They were divorced in 1981.

Bette was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Joseph Lee Keller and Gary Eugene Keller, a brother-in-law, Pete Deppe, a niece, Victoria Lynn Chilson and a nephew, Ryan Simecka.

She is survived by her sister, Delores “Dee” Deppe, Topeka, and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 2nd at the Brick Cemetery. There will be a book available to sign during business hours at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials are suggested to the Heart of Jackson Humane Society, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 1034, Holton, KS 66436. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

01/15/2026

LARRY E. TUCK

Larry E. Tuck, 71, of Horton, passed away at his home on Monday, January 12, 2026.

He was born June 27, 1954 to his parents Lester and Ann Fiegener Tuck.

Larry was a dairyman for thirty years. After he quit milking, he held a range of positions.

He married Patricia Pageler on October 18, 1986. They later separated.

Larry enjoyed cruising the country roads in his well-known unique vehicles, watching old movies and talking to anyone he was around. He knew no stranger and could make many laugh with his funny wit.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Ann Tuck.

Survivors include his children, Jonathan Tuck and Stephen, Topeka, Bernard Tuck, Topeka, Briann and Joel Nesbitt (Hayes & Brooks), Gentry AR, Dr. Nicholas and Nancy Tuck, Morgantown, WV, Derek Tuck and Tristyne, (Landyn, Walter and Harrisyn) Mayetta, his brother, Lee and Christine Tuck, Topeka, and several nieces and nephews.

A come and go Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Finer than a Frog Hair Bar & Grill in Denison, KS on Saturday, January 31st beginning at 5 p.m. Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hoyt is assisting the family. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

01/09/2026

TIMOTHY “TIMMY” GERARD LIERZ

Timothy “Timmy” Gerard Lierz, 65, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026 at Midland Hospice.

He was born on September 11, 1960, in Topeka, the son of Gerald and Ethel Brokamp Lierz. Timmy was a lifelong resident of the area and a proud 1979 graduate of Holton High School. For 19 years, he served the community he loved as an employee of the City of Topeka. He could fix and run just about any piece of equipment— from snow plows and street sweepers to backhoes and graders—keeping the city’s infrastructure running smoothly through all seasons. Colleagues remember him as the go-to guy for tough repairs, always willing to share his knowledge and lend a hand. He was most proud of the APWA Rodeo award for First Place as a Skid Steer Operator in 2007.

Timmy lived life with passion and joy. He found peace and excitement on the open water with a fishing rod in hand and felt truly alive riding his motorcycle through the Kansas countryside. Those who knew him will always remember his warm smile, his kind heart, and the way he made everyone around him feel welcome.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Lierz. He is survived by his loving wife, Stacie Walton Lierz who he was married to for 20 years. His son, Caedyn Lierz; stepson, Ben (Danielle) Heusted, mother, Ethel Lierz; sister, Colleen Lierz Hill and her husband Russ; brother, Doug Lierz and his wife Donna; nieces, Angie Barron and Mallory Bax; and nephews, Matt Hill, Dalton Lierz, and Dylan Lierz. And many great nieces and nephews. Timmy’s family was the center of his world, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

A celebration of Timmy’s life will be held at a later date. The family kindly requests privacy during this time of grief.

Timmy’s spirit will live on in the stories shared around fishing holes, in the rumble of a motorcycle on a summer day, and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love him. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Dominic Catholic Church, Holton, Kansas, and may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 1034, Holton, KS 66436. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

01/06/2026

MARY KATHRYN JEANNERET

Mary Kathryn Jeanneret, 91, of Onaga, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at her home.

She was born October 8, 1934 on the Otto Brunkow farm north of Onaga, the daughter of Herman and Carrie Schwarz Kocher. She graduated from Onaga High School and was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church at Wheaton.

Mary Kathryn married George Chris Jeanneret, Jr. on October 16, 1955 at Duluth. He preceded her in death on May 1, 2025.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Kathryn Stephanie Jeanneret, who was stillborn, and a sister-in-law, Karen Kocher.

Survivors include two sons, John Jeanneret, Onaga and Rodney Jeanneret (Teresa), Wamego, two brothers, Marlin Kocher (Judy) and John Kocher, all of Onaga, three grandchildren, Bradley Borger (Taylor), Abby Rhodes (John) and Lane Jeanneret (Taryn), and two great grandchildren, Nelli Borger and Byron “Little George” Rhodes.

Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 14th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga. Inurnment will follow in St. Luke South Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Luke Lutheran Church, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 312, Onaga, KS 66521. On-line condolences may be made at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

01/05/2026

BRENDA N. ANDERSON

Brenda N. Anderson, 80, died Thursday, January 1, 2026 at the Onaga Health and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born February 22, 1945 at Clyde, Kansas, the daughter of Ernest and Elda Knox Howard. She graduated from Clyde High School in 1963.

Brenda had worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Topeka for thirty years, retiring as a communications supervisor.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Reva Coash.

Survivors include her life partner, Ronald Watson, Wamego, a son, Troy Anderson, Hoyt, a daughter, Vicky Spurlock (Dan), Junction City, two sisters, Javine Bertrand (Larry), Minneapolis, KS and Donna Hamel, Clyde, three grandchildren, Liz, Matt and Callie, and six great grandchildren.

No services are planned. Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga is assisting the family. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

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