Gifts to Purple PAWS in Memory of...
Susan Palmer Swanke died on March 19, 2024, in Westmoreland Kansas from cancer.
The third of four children, Sue was born and raised in Chicago to parents Robert and Gertrude Palmer. Sue lived in the area until her early twenties. She left Chicago and went to nursing school, living in various places around the country until she settled in San Diego. It was there that she met Thomas Swanke, and the two married in 1984.
Our world has become a lot less bright with the loss of our dear Frank.
Frank C. Parrett entered the world at Leavenworth, Kansas on March 15, 1936. He was the third child born to Glen and Katherine (Shortridge) Parrett, joining sisters Olive Mae and Dorothy. His brother Robert (Gus) followed a few years later. Frank moved as a youth with his family to Haddam, Kansas and thereafter forever considered it his hometown. After completing his education there he found his niche in alfalfa and feed commodity trading.
William Charles "Bill" Girard, age 79, of Manhattan, died February 22, 2024, at his residence, with his wife and children by his side.
One of six children, Bill was born September 16, 1944, in Concordia, Kansas, the son of Gaspard Julian and Alma Beatrice (Ribordy) Girard. On September 1, 1967, in Manhattan, he was married to Mary P. Roberts. Together they raised their three children, Susan, Sandi, and Andrew.
Dr. Glenn T. Hartke, Sr. was called home to be reunited with the love of his life, Marie (Helms) Hartke, on December 28, 2023.
Glenn was born on May 6, 1931, to Ted and Marie Hartke in Lincolnville, KS. He had four siblings, brothers Larry and Merle and sisters Marceline and Juanita. He attended Hartke School in Marion County Kansas for grades 1-3, moving to Lutheran Parochial School for grades 4-8. Glenn was an active student at Lincolnville High School from 1946-1949 where he lettered in basketball, baseball, pitching two no-hitters, and played American Legion ball. Glenn also stayed active working a variety of part time jobs while attending high school and was not afraid of hard work.
Eric E. Caldwell, age 52, of Manhattan, died November 14, 2023.
He was born March 30, 1971, in Leoti, Kansas, the son of Larry E. Caldwell and E. Louise Lomax.
Eric graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1989. He began his culinary career at Prairie Dunes Country Club and then moved to Manhattan, where he became an integral part of the food and beverage operations initially at Manhattan Country Club, and then for 12 years at Harry’s and Harry’s Catering. Most recently, he was co-owner and manager of Varsity Donuts, where he served as a mentor to his young team members, not only teaching them how to manage a well-run kitchen, but also imparting valuable life skills. He cared for his staff deeply, His job was his life.
Malissa Mae Hunt, 68, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on Thursday (August 24, 2023) in Wamego, Kansas.
Born June 26, 1955 in Manhattan, Kansas, Malissa was the daughter of Hal S. and Leona Mae (Hause) Hunt.
Malissa was a 1973 graduate of St. George High School and attended Manhattan Technical College. In 1979, she began her career at McCall Pattern Company where she worked for 39 years until her retirement in 2018. Malissa then became a para educator for the Wamego School District No. 320 at Central Elementary School until 2021.
On Wednesday, May 31st, Mark (Mac) Craig Thornburrow, 67, of Manhattan, passed away, his family, lovingly, by his side. Mark was born on June 10th, 1955 in Sabetha, Kansas, to Bill and Mellie Thornburrow. He attended Eugene Field Elementary and graduated from Manhattan High School with Class of 1973.
After graduation, Mark worked alongside Doug Marker, Marker construction, for several years. From 1979-2012, Mark worked both locations at Audio Junction, with Dave and Jerry, his brothers. Mark installed home and commercial audio and video equipment, car stereo and boat systems. He was highly respected for his knowledge and expertise in personalizing the needs of those who entered AJ's doors.
Ethel Edna Houtz passed away on May 31st. She was the daughter of Hosea and Pearl Wadlington. She was born July 30, 1926 in Kansas City, Kansas. She graduated from Ward High School in 1944. She met Bill shortly after he returned from World War II at the Alta Vista Cafe that she owned and operated. They were married on April 30, 1950, and farmed in the Templin Community for a few years. They later owned and operated the Houtz Hardware store in Alta Vista.
Darrell Lee Clauson, 65, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday (March 22, 2023) at his home in Wamego.
Born June 5, 1957 in Raymondville, Texas, Darrell was the son of Donald and Kathrine L. (Roberts) Clauson. At 18 years old he joined the U.S. Marine Corp where he proudly served his country. Soon after leaving the service, he moved to Lubbock, Texas and met his future wife, Charlyn White. They married on September 3, 1983. Their daughter Loryn (punkin head) was born in 1986. The family moved to Wamego in 1994.
Margaret Ann Miller, 83, of Manhattan, Kansas, formerly of St. George, died Friday, December 23, 2022, at the Stoneybrook Retirement Center in Manhattan. She had been a resident of the area since 1962.
Margaret was born April 8, 1939, in Wichita, Kansas the daughter of Orian and Jewell (Iames) McGaughey. She attended local grade schools and graduated in 1957 from High School in Wellington, Kansas.
