Kenneth “Kenny” R. Wilder, 64, died April 1, 2026, at his home in Cottonwood Falls. He was born January 4, 1962, in Strong City, to Lewis A. and Deloris (Drummond) Wilder. Kenny worked various jobs throughout adulthood and retired after 25 years in the semi-trailer wash business. Kenny enjoyed fishing and spending time with his wife. On July 28, 1980, he married Terry A. Marbel. They shared almost 46 years of marriage. Kenny is survived by: wife, Terry of the home; daughter, ...

Norman L. Wilson, 83, died March 18, 2026, at his home in rural Strong City. He was born June 26, 1942, in Sublette, to Tilden H. and Lola (Brenton) Wilson. Norman graduated from Toronto High School and attended Butler Community College. Norman was an amazing athlete. He pitched for the Chicago White Sox farm team until he decided he didn’t like their rules and wanted to go back to cowboying. He was a tough and fearless cowboy who knew how to make a good horse. Norman would do his own ...

Hazen Paul Bledsoe II, 78, died March 10, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 28, 1948, in Emporia, to Hazen Paul and Beth (Overstreet) Bledsoe. Paul graduated from Strong City High School in 1966 and attended Kansas State University. Paul proudly served his county in the United States Air Force from 1967-1971. Paul started his career as a lineman for KP&L and retired as a supervisor. He was a member of Faith Methodist Church. He was active in the ...

Steven LeRoy Simpson, 77, passed away on March 10, 2026. Steven was born on August 11, 1948, in Wellington, Kansas, to Jesse and Phyllis Simpson. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as an E-3 Machinist Repairman from 1966 to 1969. During his service he earned the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He later transferred to the Navy Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1972. On May 24, 1986, Steven ...

Barbara Ann Kampff, a woman of boundless heart and fierce determination, passed away leaving behind a legacy of profound love and selflessness. To Barb, family was not just a priority- it was her entire world. She lived her life with an open heart, always ready for a new adventure and a reason to share a laugh with those she held dear. For more than three decades, Barb dedicated her life to the service of others as a social worker. Her career was a woman who consistently put the needs of ...

Rosalie Helen (Hotzel) Edmiston, left this earth February 7, 2026, at Presbyterian Manor, Emporia. Rosalie was born December 22, 1930, the 12th child born to Fredrick Wilhelm and Julia Dorothy (Schaefer) Hotzel, in Emporia. Rosalie lived her childhood in Emporia where she attended Sacred Heart Church and school. She graduated from Emporia High School. Her first jobs were F.W. Woolworth and SW Bell Telephone Company. She was joined in marriage to Robert Frank “Bob” Edmiston on ...

Emily Marie Ayers died Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in the Intensive Care Unit at KU Medical Center, Kansas City, at the age of 44. A Requiem Eucharist Service will be held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 9th and Commercial St., Emporia, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Following the service, Emily will be buried at Prairie Grove Cemetery, Cottonwood Falls. A reception and luncheon will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Parish Hall, Strong City. The visitation will be held ...

Ray A. Miller, age 66, passed away on January 20, 2026, at his home in Emporia, Kansas. He was born on November 29, 1959, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Carl A. and Peggy J. (Spillman) Miller. Ray spent his entire career in the construction industry. A hardworking and dedicated man, he worked for Star Construction for nearly 30 years and retired as a foreman from Bruce Davis Construction. Ray enjoyed fishing, country cruising, watching westerns, ...

Brent Allen Miller, 36, died January 18, 2026, at Chase County Care and Rehabilitation, Cottonwood Falls. He was born April 16, 1989, in Emporia, to James “Jim” Miller and Julie Scott. Brent attended Emporia High School. Brent’s main job was being a grandson, son, and father. He enjoyed video games, collecting baseball caps and was a computer whiz. He could fix anything wrong on the computer with no problem.  Brent is survived by: father, Jim Miller and wife Monica ...

Born in Bakersfield, California in 1948, she was the daughter of Nolan and Priscilla Cornelius and was raised by Priscilla and Oscar Stephens. She shared a devoted marriage with her husband, Gary Pinkston, and together they built a life grounded in faith, commitment, and family. She was a loving mother to two daughters, Tiffany Myers (married to Matt Myers) and Crystal Pinkston, raising them with strength, compassion, and unwavering support. Her guidance, faith, and steady presence shaped ...