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....

Margie “Yvonne” Davis (Roettger), a cherished soul who touched the lives of many, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, surrounded by her devoted family. Born on May 23, 1961, in Long Beach, California, Yvonne was the oldest of 5 and the beloved daughter of Eugene Roettger and Margie Wright. Margie "Yvonne" Davis, a beloved wife, mother, nana,...

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mary Kathryn Koetkemeyer, of Salina, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, who left this world on May 18, 2025, at 93. Mary was born on December 3, 1931, to Fred and Mollie (Miller) Frederick in Wilson, KS. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved parents and her 7 brothers and sisters. Mary is survived by her sons, Barry...

Dina Louise Hackney, 63, passed away on May 10, 2025. Born on November 13, 1961, to Daniel and Nola Cromwell, Dina brought warmth, light, and joy to every life she touched. She now joins her beloved parents in eternal peace. Dina was a loving wife to Ed Hackney, with whom she shared countless adventures, including their favorite — riding motorcycles together and chasing sunsets by the beach. ...

Gary Lee Hinkley, 73, of Salina, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 25th, 2025. Gary was born in Wichita, Kansas on August 29, 1951, to Dorothy and Floyd Hinkley. Gary worked a variety of jobs, always keeping service to people at the forefront. He loved his family, and most importantly Jesus. Gary and his wife, Debby, were married for 43 loving years. Survivors include his wife, Deb...