Plans for Lansing Correctional Facility (Formerly Kansas State Prison)

50's CHEVY'S

Marilyn Light Vance - LHS Class of 1956

Marilyn E. Vance, 84, passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family. 

She graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1956. On June 9, 1957 Marilyn married Bill J. Vance in Leavenworth, Kansas. She worked as a Home Day Care Provider and resided in Leavenworth for most of her life and was a member of the First Christian Church. 

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Bill J. Vance and siblings, Marvin F. Light, Jr., Melvin Light, and Marjorie Wood Light. 

She is survived by her children, Kelly E Vance, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, Mark A. Vance, of Kansas City, Kansas, and Michelle A Vance Taylor, of Leavenworth, Kansas, grandchildren, Derek A Vance, of Shawnee, Kansas, Blaine R. Vance of Overland Park, Kansas, LeAnn M. Vance, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Christopher M. Vance, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2 step-siblings, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

Visitation will be held at the Davis Funeral Chapel on Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. Funeral Services will be held at Davis Funeral Chapel on Monday May 8, 2023 at 10 A.M. officiated by Rev. Cape Rust. Burial will follow at Mount Muncie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to L.A.W.S, Hope Animal Shelter, or Alzheimer's Association.

Harold Nye - LHS Class of 1959

Harold John Nye passed away in the early morning of April 26th, 2023. He was born in Leavenworth, Kansas on April 11th, 1941, to Harold John and Dorothy Brown Nye. 

Harold lived and worked in Kansas for the entire 82 years of his life.

 He completed high school at Leavenworth high school, then attended and graduated with a BA from Pittsburg State University. He later completed his MPA at the University of Kansas.

Harold's life work was with the state of Kansas. He retired as warden of the Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility.

He was a 6th generation Mason and was also a previous chairman of the Kansas Lottery Commission. 

Harold is survived by his wife Carolyn, his son and daughter-in-law, William and Christa Nye and grandson Samuel, as well as his brother, Herb Nye. He was preceded by his sister Ruth Bickley as well as his parents. 

Graveside services will be held at Mount Muncie Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS in early June.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to DSNWK in care of the mortuary. Services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes – Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, KS 67601. 

Condolences may be left on Harold’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.

Ellen Thomas Byrd - LHS Class of 1956

Ellen Jane Byrd passed away on March 9, 2023. Though currently distraught, her family is comforted by the knowledge that her soul lives on and they will all one day be reunited in Heaven.

She was born November 23, 1938 in Leavenworth, Kansas, and it was in Leavenworth that she met and eventually married the love of her life, Joe Byrd, in 1969. After their wedding, Joe wore his dress blues and Ellen rocked a suit jacket and matching mini skirt (this was 60’s, after all)!

Ellen made a warm and caring home for her family, even through Joe's deployments to Vietnam, Iran, and (worst of all) Texas. Eventually, the two settled in Athens, Georgia after Joe retired, and that was home for the next forty-plus years.

Ellen worked as a secretary at the University of Georgia and the Garden Club of Georgia. She and Joe were such strong Christians that they could not be limited to a single church. As such, they were dedicated members of Prince Avenue Baptist Church and, later, Green Acres Baptist Church.

Ellen’s death was preceded by that of her husband, Lt. Col. Joseph L. Byrd, Jr., who passed in 2016. She is survived by her children, Joseph (Janice) Byrd III, Jodi (Randy) Turner, Jeff Wahaus, Debra (George) Simon and Christopher (Sarah) Byrd; grandchildren, Joseph (Kim) Byrd IV, Rachael (Greg) Walkup, Matthew Kanfer, Dylan (Amber) Turner, Jessie (Brandon) Noble, Rachael Wahaus, Melody Wahaus, Michael Simon, Nicky Simon, Joey Simon, Caleb Byrd, Zoe Byrd and Wyatt Byrd; brother, Russell (Teresa) Thomas; and too many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews to list here.

In the last few years of Ellen's life, she suffered from dementia, but, through it all, she kept a spark in her eye that revealed she had not lost the strength of her spirit or the depth of her love for her family. Ellen was fortunate enough to live with her daughter, Jodi, and son-in-law, Randy, who cared for her during those final years. She died peacefully with the knowledge that she was surrounded by love.Her family trusts that, after initial introductions in Heaven, she'll grab her mini skirt, find her soldier, and celebrate, finally free from any earthly disability or discomfort.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 15th at 2:00 pm at the South Canton Funeral Home in Canton, GA, with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 pm (www.theSCFH.com). Interment will be at 11:00 am on March 16 at the Georgia National Cemetery, also located in Canton, GA.

In lieu of flowers, Ellen's family asks that you pick up the phone and call your mother. Go on. Do it now. We'll wait.

We love you, mom. See you soon!

Patricia Stephensen Mankins - LHS Class of 1952

The gates of heaven opened and welcomed Patricia (Pat) Mankins on Friday, February 24, 2023. Suffering a brief illness, she was placed in Midland Care Hospice House in Topeka to spend her final days.

She grew up in Leavenworth and graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1952. She worked at Hallmark Cards and enjoyed being a hostess at several local restaurants where she enjoyed meeting new people and socializing with friends. She would lovingly brag about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many would ask for updates as they watched Pat beam in happiness. Family was everything to her. Pat was a devout Catholic and treasured her faith. Spending time with her loved ones was the ultimate gift. 

Pat was preceded in death by her husband Donald R. Mankins, her former husband Benny L. Hartley, an infant daughter, her daughter Jenny Lynn Hartley, her son Terry Lee Hartley, her brother Herbert W. Stephensen, Jr. and her parents Herbert W. Stephensen, Sr., and Meredith E. Stephensen.

She is survived by three daughters, Kandy Fraijo (Doug Hearld) of McLouth, Kan., Robin Miller (Mark) of Topeka, Kan. and Sindy Schultz (Larry) of Fruitland Park, Fla.; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Pat is also survived by her sister Jean Sue Heim.  

Pat did not want a formal funeral service. She did not want family and friends grieving her death. Instead, she asked that they cherish the memories. A Celebration of Life will be planned later for family and close friends.

Claudia Erhart Marshall - LHS Class of 1959

Claudia Sue Erhart Marshall, 81, passed away on February 13, 2023, in Boise, Idaho. Claudia was born October 12, 1941, in Leavenworth, Kan. 

It is there that she met the love of her life, David Marshall. They were married in Leavenworth and spent the next several years there. Claudia worked at Fort Leavenworth and spent time with family and friends. They also adopted their children, Todd and Lindsay while residing in Leavenworth. 

Claudia and David then spent the next several years in Sabetha, Kan., where they raised their children. Claudia worked as a telephone operator and then spent many years working for Dr. Yulich in the drugstore and doctor’s office. Claudia was also busy being a mother that never missed attending her kids events. She also never missed a chance to cruise around Sabetha with her girlfriends or sit on her porch swing. 

After leaving Sabetha, they resided in Lyons, Kan., where Claudia was the Director of the Senior Center. She loved working with the senior residents and coordinating activities that enhanced their lives. 

Since 2003, Claudia and David have lived in Boise to be with their children and grandchildren. 

Claudia spent her time enjoying the role of “Ma” with her grandchildren. She was an incredibly loving and devoted grandma who wanted nothing more than to spend time with Taylor and Julien. They were her pride and joy and she was so proud of them. 

Claudia was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Annetta Erhart, sisters, Marjorie Brewster(Paul) and Patsy Deere(Steve), nephew, Tommy Brewster, nieces Stephanie Deere and Sandy Burns(Terry), and great-nephew Jason Zimmerman.

Claudia is survived by her husband of 62 years, David Marshall, son Todd Marshall, daughter Lindsay Woods and husband Kyle Woods, grandchildren Taylor Woods and Julien Marshall, Veronica McDuffie, nieces Connie Szymanski and Beverly Dirrim, nephews Jerry Brewster, Kyle Deere, Klint Deere, Troy Zimmerman and Shane Zimmerman, along with several great-nephews and nieces.

Suzanne "Sue" Tinsley Hall - LHS Class of 1957

Suzanne "Sue" Hall passed away on January 7, 2023, with her family at her side.

She was born on Flag Day, June 14th in 1939 and raised in Leavenworth, Kansas. She graduated from Leavenworth High School , the University of Kansas and Kansas State Teachers’ College with her BS and Masters Degrees.

She married Kent D. Hall in 1962. They have two children, Sheri (Curt) Johnson of Mt. Pleasant, WI and Doug (Kathleen) Hall of Everett, WA. She also has grandchildren, Jessica and Kaitlin Hall, and Colin, Michael and Kaitlin James of Washington.

She is survived by her sister, Marge Tinsley Black (LHS Class of 1954) of Arizona and brother, Tom (Deborah) Tinsley (LHS Class of 1964)  of Colorado. Also, in- laws, Mollie (Nelson) Allen, CJ (Ann) Hall, Mark Hall, Morris (Debbie) Hall and 14 wonderful nieces and 16 nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Herb Tinsley of Leavenworth, KS; sisters, Ruth Tinsley and Shirley Lynch (Dennie), of Joplin, MO and four sisters-in-law of Missouri, grandparents and aunts and uncles of Kansas.

Her family was her greatest pleasure in life followed by her love of teaching, especially teaching science. They enjoyed traveling during their breaks to the Caribbean and South America.

She also had a passion for cheering on the Green Bay Packers and University of Kansas basketball as well as watching the summer Olympics and playing bridge.

She taught Science Methods at the University of Kansas and UW-Stevens Point. She also taught upper grades in Kansas and Stevens Point, mostly at Kennedy and Bannach Elementary Schools. She also taught six years with the “Indian Teacher Corps” on four reservations in WI, and summers at the University in Akron, Ohio.

She was a Polymer Ambassador for the American Chemical Society and traveled throughout the USA to National Science Teacher conventions to teachers on how to implement polymers into their curriculums.  When she was diagnosed with level 4 colon-liver cancer and found that “God wasn’t ready for her yet”, she “refocused” and then taught “STEAM” and “College Days for Kids” at UWSP and at the MEAD Wildlife Center.

She and her husband, Kent, were highly involved with track and running and started SPARC (Stevens Point Area Running Club) in 1980 for athletes during the summer months. They were pleased area coaches joined in to help train the over 150 participants. They also liked to cheer on their daughter and son with cross country, track and football during their high school and college years.

Sue was also involved in many community activities. She was the President of the Junior Women’s Club and co-chairperson to raise money to build the Pfiffner Park band shell. She was the state Conservation chairperson and was on Gaylord Nelson’s first Earth Day Committee. She served on several board of Directors including the YMCA where she was the first female to receive the “Service to Youth” award, Mead Wildlife, Aldo Leopold Audubon, Stevens Point Park Board, BRAW (Bluebird Restoration Association of WI). She was active in the League of Women Voters, Circle of Hope, co-chairperson of Daffodil Days for the American Cancer Society, Girl Scout and Cub scout leader, “Christmas is for Children”, PEO, and Trinity Lutheran Church where she served as a Stephen Minister and Lay assistant.

Sue helped start the “Living with Cancer Support Group” at St. Michael’s in 1998 and was active in supporting cancer survivors.

Visitation will be held at Shuda Funeral Chapel - 3200 Stanley Street, Stevens Point - on Friday, January 13 from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM and again Saturday morning at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of services. Memorial services for Sue will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church - 1410 Rogers Street in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Rev. Ted Johanson will officiate the service.

Burial will be at the Mt. Muncie Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS, at the Tinsley family plot with her parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to: Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin – 2801 Hoover Road. Unit B, Stevens Point, WI 54481 and designated for the Aldo Leopold Audubon Society Fund.

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