Mary Ann (Bowman) Norris of Salina passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on Monday, May 26, 2025. She was born on March 30, 1931, in Ellis, Kansas, to John and Elizabeth (Riedel) Bowman. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth Norris; her brother, Virgil Bowman; and her sister, Bernita Greer. She is survived by her son, Byron (Sandy) Norris of Salina; two gra...

Richard Blecha, 86, of Salina, died Friday, May 23rd, 2025. He was born June 27, 1938, in Belleville, KS, the son of Ernest and Eleanor Blecha (Baxa). Richard spent his life serving others whether as a farmer, working in agriculture services like Dauer Implement, and even in the auto and retail industry.  Most of all he was a dedicated family man who’s fatherly love was an example of God’s lo...

Marilyn JoAnn Lloyd, 90, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away Thursday, January 2nd, 2025. JoAnn was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on February 7, 1934, the daughter of Edna Pauline (Holmgren) and Fredolph Bernard Oberg. Although an only child, she grew up in a tight-knit family with several cousins living in the Salina and Lindsborg communities. After graduating from Salina High in 1952, JoAn...

Arthur Duane Lee, 84, of Salina, passed away peacefully in the early hours of May 23, 2025, at his home. Born in Treese, Kansas, to Robert E. Lee and Bessie (Miller) Lee, Arthur built a life centered around family, dedication, and community. On June 13th, in Plainville, Kansas, Arthur married Karen Bradford, his devoted partner of nearly 66 years. He spent many years working for Betts Baking Co...

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Chris A. Zech, age 62, on May 17, 2025, in Salina, Kansas. Chris was a cherished son, brother, uncle, great-uncle, and friend, whose presence was a gift to all who knew him. Born on November 16, 1962, at Marysville, KS, Chris lived a life full of quiet strength gentle spirit defined by love. Though nonverbal, Chris had ...

Karen J. (Gottfrid) Blomquist passed away May 21 after a brief illness.  Born November 7, 1937, in Lincolnville, Kansas, she lived and worked in Saline County for most of her life. Karen graduated from Assaria High School and received both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Kansas State University.  She married Dale Blomquist in 1959, and they worked together farming, running a bus...

Russell Ray Hohl, 79, of Gypsum, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, May 18th, 2025. Russ was born in Marquette, Kansas, on October 24, 1945, to Vera Morrow Hohl and Stanley Hohl. He graduated from Marquette High School in 1963 and soon after joined the Navy Seabees. Russ served four years in the Navy, including time at Midway Island and two tours in Vietnam. After his honorable discharge from th...

Diana Kay Dierks, 81, Topeka, formerly of Salina, died May 19, 2025. She was born Jan. 13, 1944, in Sacramento, CA, the daughter of Ben and Evelyn (Haskett) Collier. She met the love of her life, Heinz Dierks in Salina, KS and was married Nov. 18th, 1961. Diana was a politician and served as a republican member of the Kansas House of Representatives for the 71st District from 2013 until 2021. Her ...

Elizabeth May (Romm) Gragg, 64, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on May 20, 2025. She was born on June 2, 1960, in Salina to Charles and Marlyn (Hamilton) Romm. Elizabeth married her beloved Mark Gragg on August 1, 1982. Together they built a life centered around family, faith, and service. Elizabeth pursued a career in nursing, earning her RN degree from Asbury School of Nursing. She served fait...

Preston Vincent Appleby, 64, of Salina, passed away, Tuesday, May 20, 2025.  He was born in Clyde, Kansas to Vincil and Marie (Begnoche) Appleby, on August 1, 1960. He is survived by his children, Ashley, Aaron, Tyler, Clayton, Breanna, and Jessica. Graveside will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Mt Calvary Catholic Cemetery, in Clyde, Kansas, with Fr. Steven Heina as celebrant....