Obituaries
Karen Mae Smith
Sep 7, 2025
Karen Mae Smith, 74, of Topeka, passed away on September 7, 2025 at Stormont Vail Hospital.
Karen was born March 22, 1951 to Freeman & Mary Abel in Topeka, Kansas.
She graduated from Topeka High.
Karen enjoyed Episcopal Marriage Encounters and square dancing with her husband and her children. She enjoyed having family dinners all most every Sunday after church. Thus, having this...
Marvin Eugene Billings
Sep 5, 2025
Marvin Eugene Billings passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas, at the age of 96. Born on December 23, 1928, in Maple Hill, Kansas, Marvin's life was a testament to dedication, service, and above all, love for his family and community.
Marvin's career began as a Heating Plant Foreman at Forbes Air Force Base, where he distinguished himself...
Dorene Elaine Dodson
Sep 4, 2025
Dorene “Dori” Elaine Dodson, 36, of Topeka, KS, passed away Thursday, September 4th, 2025 in her home surrounded by family.
She was born November 5th, 1988, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of James and Mary (Wege) Dodson. She attended Carbondale Attendance Center from kindergarten to 8th grade. She went to Santa Fe Trail High School as a freshman and sophomore, and...
Cody Lane Bush
Sep 1, 2025
Cody Lane Bush, a vibrant soul aged 30, of Topeka, Kansas, left us too soon on September 1, 2025. He was born to Steven Bush and Tonya Brooks on November 2, 1994, from that day forward, his light filled the lives of all who had the privilege to know him.
Cody was a beacon of joy, renowned for his infectious smile...
Connie JoAnn Gould
Aug 31, 2025
Connie JoAnn (Shaffer) Gould, 66, of Topeka, Kansas, tragically passed away on August 31, 2025, following a car accident. Born on January 29, 1959, in Topeka, she was the beloved daughter of Delmar and Arlene Shaffer.
Family was the heart and center of everything Connie did. She poured her love, energy, and joy into her home and the people she cherished...
Evelyn DeForest Lawless
Aug 31, 2025
Evelyn DeForest Lawless, 91, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Lexington Park Health in Rehab in Topeka, KS.
She was born December 14, 1933, in Trego Co., Kansas, the daughter of William and Katie Bauer. Evelyn grew up in Ness City and graduated from Ness City High School.
Evelyn married Harry L. DeForest on July 16, 1950. He preceded her in...
Michael E. Ray
Aug 27, 2025
Michael “Mike” Eugene Ray, 72, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on August 27, 2025. Born on October 25, 1952, in Hanover, Kansas, to Eugene “Gene” Ray and Helen (Smetana) Ray, Mike lived a life marked by curiosity, quiet joy, a fondness for science fiction novels-and the occasional winning streak.
A 1970 graduate of Central High School in St. Joseph, Missouri, Mike...
Scott Franklin Taylor
Aug 26, 2025
Scott Franklin Taylor, age 81, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025 at The Gardens of Aldersgate surrounded by his loving family.
Born on December 2, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, Scott was the son of Sarah Gross-Weyers and Charlie Jackson. A proud graduate of Burlingame High School, he completed his education in 1961, setting the foundation for...
Jean Kelly
Aug 24, 2025
Betty Jean Kelly, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas, at the age of 95. Born on March 1, 1930, in Parsons, Kansas, Jean lived a life rich in love and faith.
A proud graduate of Topeka High School in 1947, Jean continued her education at Washburn University, where she...
Delorse K. Oko
Aug 18, 2025
Delorse K. Oko, 75 years old, of Topeka, Kansas passed away of cancer and kidney failure on August 18th, 2025 surrounded by the love of her family.
She was born on May 7th, 1950, in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Gloria and George Brown. Delorse attended Thomas High School where she received her GED. She then went on to attend Creighton...
Marita J. Gabler
Aug 18, 2025
Marita J. Gabler, 80, of Topeka, passed away on August 18, 2025 at 9:58 PM.
She was born on January 13, 1945 to Traugot and Alma Juergensen in Ellsworth, Kansas. Marita worked as a Teacher for Topeka High and Topeka West where she taught typing and business classes.
On March 10, 1984, she married Robert "Bob" Lee Gabler. Marita and Bob lived...
G. Hoyt Moore
Aug 16, 2025
G. Hoyt Moore, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on August 16th, 2025, at the age of 59. Leaving behind a legacy of leadership, generosity, and community impact.
Hoyt was more than a businessman – he was a builder of people and communities. Over the past 40 years, he and his devoted wife, Laurie, successfully ran four...
Richard Crook
Aug 16, 2025
Richard Leroy Crook, a lifelong resident of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on August 16, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on June 3, 1954, Richard dedicated his life to family, friends, and his flourishing career, leaving behind an indelible mark on all who knew him.
For over 35 years, Richard, alongside his beloved wife Roberta Crook, co-owned the Flower Gallery,...
Marjorie "Marge" Mae Robards
Aug 15, 2025
Marge was the youngest of three daughters born to Andrew Carl (Bud) and Grace Beven Shultz on October 15, 1926. She was born in the family home on their farm in Muscotah, KS, during a snowstorm while her Dad was out in the barn chopping wood. Her family lived on three different 80-acre farms in her life and finally moved...
Deborah Kay Scanland
Aug 15, 2025
Deborah Kay Scanland, a remarkable soul whose warmth and spirit have touched so many lives, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, at Stormont Vail Hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on July 11, 1945, in Leavenworth, Kansas, Deborah's journey through life was defined by her steadfast dedication to her family, her profession as a graphic artist and her...
Richard Nurnberg
Aug 14, 2025
Richard E. Nurnberg, 62, Topeka, Kansas, died August 14, 2025, after a brief illness.
Born January 15, 1963, to Robert and Shirley (McCartney) Nurnberg in Emporia, Kansas, Richard attended local schools. His childhood was marked by a love of horsemanship, leading him to involvement in Kansas 4-H. In 1979, his devotion was recognized when he was named King of the Kansas...
John A. Nelson
Aug 8, 2025
John Alvah Nelson, 77, of Onaga, Kansas, died on Friday, August 8, 2025, after a prolonged illness. John was born February 27, 1948, in Rockford, Illinois, the son of August William and Mary Irene Berridge Nelson. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Richard Nelson, Bruce Nelson, and Kevin Nelson, a niece Melissa Nelson, and his beloved dog, Levi. He...
Robert L. King
Aug 6, 2025
Robert “Bill” Lynn King, 79, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on August 5, 2025.
Born May 11, 1946, in Durant, Oklahoma, Bill was the son of Edgar King and Addie Zoe Webb, both of whom preceded him in death.
A 1964 graduate of Colbert High School in Oklahoma, Bill went on to serve in the United States Air Force from October 1967...
Calvin Pagel
Aug 6, 2025
Calvin Pagel, 91, born October 19, 1933, died August 6, 2025 at his home in Elizabeth, Colorado. A Funeral Service will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel on August 20, 2025 at 11:00am with a visitation the hour prior. Graveside Services will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.
He is survived by his loving wife, Helen Lehman, son Ronald Henry Pagel,...
Josephine P. Laul
Aug 6, 2025
Josephine Laul, formerly of Volcano and Mountain View, Hawaii, and Manhattan, KS, passed away August 6, 2025, in Topeka, KS, at the age of 97. Josephine was born on November 12, 1927, in Mountain View, Hawaii, the youngest of 13 children born to Michael and Anne Pszyk. She grew up in Mountain View and Volcano. The Pszyk family has a...
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Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home is a collection of obituaries for Topeka, Kansas & Shawnee County. With services throughout Kansas that are updated regularly. Find local Topeka, Kansas obituaries and join us in celebrating memories and honoring their lives and legacies.
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