Thank you for visiting our Memorial Name List, where we honor our Topeka Public Schools family members who have passed on. To have a loved one added to this page, please contact Dr. Aarion Gray at [email protected].
2024
October
Mrs. Joyce Martin, 80, passed away on Sunday, October
6, 2024, in Topeka, KS. Mrs. Martin was a
beloved member of the Topeka Public Schools community, where she served as a
dedicated library assistant at Highland Park High School (HPHS) for many years.
Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering support for students and staff left a lasting
impact on the school community. Mrs. Martin's commitment to education and
literacy enriched the lives of countless students, helping them foster a love
for reading and learning. Her legacy will be remembered fondly by all who had
the pleasure of knowing her. Click hereto view more
information.
September
Tondra Ann Overstreet, 74, of Topeka,
KS, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the University of Kansas
Health System St. Francis Campus. She worked for many years at Jardine in the
kitchen, then at Highland Park High School, where she was beloved for her warm
smile and the care she put into preparing meals for the students. Her
dedication to her work and her nurturing nature left a lasting impact on both
her colleagues and the many students she served over the years. Click here to view more
information.
August
Preston Robert Williams, of Topeka,
Kansas, beloved husband, dad, and papa, passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024,
surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 73. Preston grew up in Topeka and graduated from THS in 1969. He attended
Butler Junior College and Washburn University, graduating with a degree in
social work in 1974. He later attended KU to obtain his master’s degree in
social work. Preston began his social work career at Lansing Correctional Facility. He was
later employed with the Kansas Children's Service League and ended his career
with 30 years as a social worker at Topeka Public Schools.
During his professional career, he received numerous community awards for his
participation with youths. He was particularly proud of receiving the
Distinguished Support Staff Award from Topeka Public Schools in 1996, and the
Dr. Martin Luther King Educators Award in 1998. Click hereto view more
information.
June
Dr. Patricia (Patty) Pressman, 81, passed away at home on
June 3, 2024, surrounded by her family, after a year of declining
health. Patty was born in Manhattan, Kansas on August 5, 1942, to Thomas
and Harriet (Harrison) Miller, at The Saint Mary Hospital.
Patty was a lifelong Topekan, graduating from Topeka High School in 1960. She
received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics from Kansas State
University (1964), her master’s degree in education from Emporia State
University (1975) and her PhD in School Administration from Kansas State
University in (1985).
She was employed her entire 39-year career with USD #501, Topeka Public
Schools, before retiring in 2002. During her tenure with USD #501 she held
several different assignments including home economics teacher, Instructional
Specialist & Curriculum Instruction, Director of the Adventure Center,
principal at Landon Middle School, and principal at Topeka High School. In
reminiscing over her career, she described her position as principal at Topeka
High, as “the best job I ever had!” Patty’s career in education touched many
people and it was rare that she didn’t run into a former student or
colleague.
Click here to view
more information.
April
.Jill
J Watson, 56, passed away early
Saturday morning, April 6, at her home after a short but fierce battle with
pancreatic cancer. Jill was born July 19, 1967, to James D and Kay Watson in
Kansas City. She spent her childhood years between Kansas and Colorado. She loved
nature and had a special connection with animals, especially horses. Her caring
nature led to a career in nursing, most recently expressed as a school nurse at
State Street Elementary in Topeka where she loved and was loved. Click here to view more information.
Ashleigh
LeeAnn Boyd Manzano-Aguilar, 24, Topeka,
Kansas, passed away on April 11, 2024.
Ashleigh was born March 7, 2000, in Flowood, Mississippi. She was the daughter
of Nicole and Brian Hinck and Cherokee and Nicole Boyd. She graduated from
Santa Fe Trail High School in 2018. Ashleigh attended Kansas State University
and earned her degree from Emporia State University. She was a devoted Second
Grade Teacher at Lowman Hill Elementary School. Ashleigh was loved by students,
parents and the staff. She was a member of the Kansas Association for Youth
(KAY) and was very active in their message.
Ashleigh was the most kindest, caring, beautiful person. Her sparkling
personality was contagious and would light up any room she walked into. She was
a ray of sunshine and always had a smile on her face. Ashleigh touched so many
lives and had a positive influence on everyone she met! Click here to view
more information.
Carol
Cordero, Topeka, Kansas, passed away on April 13, 2024.
Carol served Topeka Public Schools for 31 years at Cap City, and as a result of
a health event, she passed away. Mrs. Cordero was known for her kindness, humor
and her principal shared she was always ready to help anyone in need.
Principal McCoy shared, "Her kindness knew no bounds, and she always went
out of her way to help those in need." Mrs. Cordero never met a
stranger, she leaves a tremendous legacy of service, love and kindness that has
impacted countless students and staff. Mrs. Cordero was known for her
sense of humor, and her kindness. Click here to view
more information.
March
Jerry
Lee Jackson, 70, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2024. He was born November 23, 1953, in Troy, Kansas, the son Marion John and Dolores
Ann (Frederick) Jackson. He was a 1971 graduate of Troy High School and
received a Bachelor's Degree in Law Enforcement from Washburn University in
2013. Mr. Jackson began his military career in the United States Army in 1971
and would continue to serve until being honorably discharged after 32 years of
service. Officer Jerry Jackson was a full time Shawnee County Park Police
Officer and was also the overflow officer for the Topeka Public Schools Police
Department since October 20, 2006, as he served at all TPS athletic activities
for all high schools and swim meets. Click here to view
more information.
Ferne Elaine Tasker, 67, or Scranton, Kansas passed
away peacefully in her home, March 5,2024 after an extended battle with
pancreatic cancer. In 2022 Ferne retired from Topeka Public Schools,
where she worked for 21 years, honing her organizational skills as
Administrative Assistant to the Principal. During that time she worked in two
elementary schools, Lundgren and Highland Park Central, with numerous
principals. Click here to view more information.
Kathy Ann Page, 67, of Tecumseh, Kansas passed away on March 3rd, 2024
from medical complications following a car accident on February 7th. She grew
up in Topeka with her brother Fred. She also spent many happy hours on the
family farm in the Atchison, Kansas area, at the home of her Aunt Marie and
Uncle Henry Roloff. She attended Whitson Elementary and Topeka West High
School, graduating in the class of 1974. She later studied horticulture for one
year at Kansas State University. She worked as a bus para for Topeka Public Schools for nineteen years up
until the time of her death and was one of the longest-serving bus paras in the
district. She loved her students deeply and would help teach them how to read
while on the bus, using books that she kept from when her children were
young. Click hereto
view more information.
January
Scott R. Rice, 53, of Berryton, passed away on Tuesday,
January 23, 2024. He was born September 20, 1970 in Topeka, the son of Howard
R. and Elizabeth M. Rice. A celebration of life was held on Friday, February 9th 2024
from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Lake Shawnee Shelter House. Click here to view more information.
2023
October
Paul M. Adams passed away peacefully at his home on October 20, 2023 with
his wife by his side. He was born on September 4, 1959, to Mr. and Mrs. Adams
in Topeka, Kansas where he attended Topeka High School Class of 1978, and
college at Butler College, Southwestern College as a Double Major, and a
Master's Degree from Phillips University. He was an Educator and disseminator of knowledge for over 30 years in
Topeka, Kansas School System, Kansas Department of Education, as well as the
Alachua Co. Public Schools, Gainesville, Florida. Click here to view more information.
July
Dennis Bernard Kelly, 69, Topeka, passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Dennis graduated from Highland Park High School in 1972 and earned his BSE in Elementary Education from the University of Kansas in 1976. In 1991, he graduated from Emporia State University with his Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction. In 1976, he began his teaching career at Rice Elementary School until its closure, where he briefly taught at Chase Middle School. He then began teaching at Highland Park South Elementary School, later known as Ross Elementary School, where he remained until his retirement in 2016. In 1989, he was the recipient of the Teachers Make a Difference Award. In 2000, he was named Who’s Who Among National Teachers and in 2019, he received the Teacher of Influence - Kansas Governor’s Scholar Program. Click here to view more information.
May
Bryan Scott Hutton, 64, of Valley Falls, KS passed away May 19,
2023. Bryan graduated from Washburn Rural High School in 1977 and
proudly served in the United States Navy. He worked for over 30 years at Concrete Unlimited Company
as Foreman for the wall crew. He also worked for USD 501 as maintenance
and landscaping. Bryan spent a lot of time doing yard work and he planted
over 88 trees with his dad, Elmer. Click hereto view more information.
Linda Steffe, one of our long-time substitute teachers passed away
on May 23rd. she started subbing with us in August of 2007. She
subbed for us over 450 times! She had been dealing with cancer and last
subbed for us on February 15th of this year. We will miss her and
her dedication to the students in our district.
February
Paul Hemme, a beloved Resident Of
Lawrence, KansasPassed Away February 18, 2023. Paul J. Hemme passed
away unexpectedly and suddenly in a way that was unanticipated. In the
afterlife, he will be reunited with my father, and I have no doubt that during
their time together. Paul was a dedicated and beloved technology
team member with almost 30 years of service to Topeka Public
Schools. Click hereto view more information.
Dennis Lee Hower, 57, of Topeka, KS, formerly of Holton, KS,
passed away tragically in Topeka. He was born December 29, 1965 in Holton, KS,
the son Warren C. or Mary M. (Todd) Hower. Dennis graduated from Holton High
School in 1984. He attended Highland Community College and 3 years at Emporia
State University. He worked with Topeka Public Schools from
2006-2013. Click here to view more
information.
Dr. Olin Terrence "Terry"
Sandlin, Ed.D., 79, of Topeka passed away on February 10, 2023. A lifelong
educator, Terry began his career teaching science at Topeka West High School in
1968. He was named the Topeka Jaycees Outstanding Young Educator in 1973. He
later became a counselor and Assistant Principal at Topeka West before
becoming, successively, principal of McEachron, Highland Park North, State
Street and Whitson Elementary Schools. Dr. Sandlin worked as an administrator
for Topeka Public Schools before retiring as Associate Superintendent of
Learning and Instruction in 2009 after a brief time as Interim Superintendent
of Schools. He was also an adjunct professor of education at Washburn
University and the University of Kansas and spent time teaching education at
Yale University. Click here to view more information.
January
Frank William Walton, 81 years young,
Topeka, Kansas, went to meet Jesus on January 8, 2023, after battling lung
cancer for three and a half years. He was born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania,
to Frank “Tiger” Walton and Ida Walton. Frank graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1959. He went on to the
University of Pittsburgh where he received his bachelor and master’s degrees.
In 1964, Frank started teaching and coaching in the North Allegheny School
District in Pittsburgh. In 1977, he moved his family to Topeka to teach and
coach football. Frank was the football coach at Topeka West High School until
1992. He taught and coached football at Topeka High School from 1994 to 1999
and retired from teaching in 2003. Click here to view
more information.
On Saturday, January 14, 2023, Richard A.
Smith, loving husband and father of two, passed away at age 63, surrounded by
his family. Self-titled “Patron Saint of Lost Causes and Protector
of Children and Small Animals,” Rick was a student of life, always learning and
ever curious about the world. This passion for learning led to a long and
meaningful career as a coach and science teacher. Rick was
active in school activities his entire life. He spent a tremendous amount of
time working with students before and after school, always wanting the best for
them. He particularly loved teaching at Highland Park High School and it was a
bittersweet moment when he retired in 2018. He touched the lives of so many
people it was truly rare to visit a store or restaurant in Topeka without encountering
one of his former students. He never forgot a name. Click here to view more information.
2022
September
Beth Jeanette Myers passed away
peacefully on September 10, 2022. Beth began her teaching career as
a kindergarten teacher at Burlingame Elementary School, the same school she
attended as a child. After that she taught at The Topeka Education Center,
Capper Foundation, and several schools within USD 501 Topeka Public School
including Shaner and McClure Elementary Schools, and French Middle
School. She concluded her career in 2010 as a consulting teacher for both
Topeka Public and Auburn Washburn school districts.
Click here to view
more information.
July
Willard George
Bean, 62 of Topeka, KS passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2022. Mr. Bean served for many years
at several schools in the roles as a para, he was a long-term
substitute at Chase Middle School and a football coach at
Eisenhower. He was a tremendous gardener and
inspiration to all that knew him. Click here to view more
information.
June
Harley Paul Swanson was born June 16,
1971, passed away unexpectedly June 30, 2022. He attended and graduated
from Chamberlain Schools before pursuing a degree in education at Black Hills
State University as well as a Master’s at Washburn University. He later moved
to the Topeka Kansas area where he taught at Lawrence Gardner High School and
Capital City High School as a special education teacher for a combined 27
years. He was a true artist who had a passion
for nature and capturing its beauty on his camera. Click here to
view more information.
April
Lois Ann Conklin, 78, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2022. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1961 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Washburn University in 1965. Lois taught elementary education and her love for teaching was recognized with the Excellence of Teaching and many other awards. Click here to view more information.
March
Linda Marie Heine, 44, of Topeka, passed away
Friday, March 25, 2022. Ms. Heine was employed by USD 501 for 24 years. She was
also a member of the Topeka /Shawnee Kansas Special Olympics team. Click here to view more information.
February
Robert
D. Groves, 75, of Topeka passed away on February 1, 2022. He grew up in
Topeka and attended Highland Park high School. He was a custodian at Landon
Middle School and was the kindest soul who formed a connection with everyone he
crossed paths with in Topeka Public Schools. Click here to
view his obituary.
Ervina
Eloice Grimes passed away February 1, 2022. she was a beloved long-term
substitute at Ross Elementary, who made an impact on so many students and staff
with her kind heart and smile. Click here to
view more information.
January
Raymond John Dashnaw, 67, of Topeka, KS, passed away Sunday, January 2,
2022, at his home. Ray attended St. Matthew Grade School, was a 1972
graduate of Hayden High School and received an Associates Degree from Washburn
University. He served in the US Army Reserve for over 30 years retiring
as MSgt. Ray worked in various capacities for the State of Kansas
recently retiring as a Computer Programmer for USD #501. Click hereto view his obituary.
.
2021
March
Joshua Jones, Topeka High School graduate and co-owner of Advisors Excel, passed away on March 5, 2021, at the age of 45. Click here to read his obituary.
May
Steve Beitz,53, passed away on May 26, 2021, in Topeka. Steve worked in Topeka Public Schools for 13 years. He taught at McCarter Elementary and Eisenhower Middle School. Steve felt most at home as a coach. He coached football, wrestling, track, and basketball at French, Eisenhower, and Jardine Middle Schools. Steve also coached wrestling at Topeka West High School and football at Highland Park High School. Click here to read his obituary
June
Marvalie A. Johnson, retired after 38 years of teaching with Topeka Public Schools, passed away on June 9th, 2021, at the age of 89. Click here to read her obituary.
August
Lois Floe Anderson, retired after 31 years of teaching with Topeka Public Schools as a paraprofessional, passed away on August 23rd, 2021, at the age of 99. Clickhere to read her obituary.
September
Robert "Bob" L. Campos, spent his entire teaching career with Topeka Public Schools, teaching Spanish, before enjoying retirement, passed away September 1, 2021, at the age of 73. Click here to read his obituary.
Major General (Retired) Jack Strukel Jr., 89, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021. Throughout his education career, he was teacher, coach, principal, and central office administrator and retired from USD 501 in 1991. Click here to view his obituary.
Melanie Kay Whitmore, 58, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away September 19, 2021. Melanie worked as an accountant in the USD 501 Business Office for Topeka Public Schools for 13 years. Click here to view her obituary.
October
Kristin L. (Krissy) Banman, 37, of Topeka, Ks, passed away Thursday October 14, 2021. Krissy graduated from Shawnee Heights High School in 2002. since 2002, Krissy had several part-time jobs including book packer at a local bindery, housekeeper (nursing homes/hotels) and grocery sacker at Brookwood Dillons. Krissy's favorite job, however, was Food Service Worker at Ross Elementary School - she adored the students and developed friendships with staff and fellow Food Service Workers. Click here to view her obituary.
November
Walter George Boyd, 62 of Wetmore, passed away on Sunday, November 7, 2021. Walt was a Special Education van driver for USD 501 Topeka. Click here to view his obituary.
Patricia "Pat" Joy (Logan) Blue, 69, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, November 13, 2021. Patricia went tp Topeka High School and graduated in 1970. She was employed by USD 501 for 38 years. She started as a cook and worked up to becoming a Special Education Para Professional at Topeka High School. She loved working with children. Click here to view her obituary.
John Alan Keller, 39, of Topeka, Kansas, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, November 23, 2021. He was a beloved father. a committed educator, and a devoted Christ-like servant leader. He taught psychology and coached wrestling at Topeka High School where he met his wife. Click here to view his obituary.
December
Elena M. Dyche, 85, of Topeka, passed away Saturday December
18th. Elena loved her students and children. She taught for thirty
years in the Topeka schools from 1958-1991, before retiring. Her first class
was teaching kindergarten in what would become consolidated as USD 437 at
Pauline East Elementary, and later in the area at Pauline South Elementary
School with combined 1st-6th grade. In central Topeka, later known as USD 501,
Elena taught at McCarter Elementary, Monroe Elementary 2nd grade in 1975,
kindergarten at McEachron Elementary in 1976, Quincy Elementary summer school
of art and Spanish in 1977, and was recognized with appreciation for teaching
her third grade class to waltz at McCarter Elementary in 1991. Click here to view her obituary.
2020
May
Lorene Fort, grandmother to Erika Hall, Senior Communications Specialist for the district, passed away on May 9, 2020. Click here to view her obituary.
June
Rev. Donald Conrad, the father of former Topeka High teacher Anne Hageman, passed away on June 4, 2020. Click here for his obituary.
Ron Farrell, former HPH Teacher/Media Specialist and TPS Foundation Board Member passed away on June 14, 2020.
Ron Farrell's Obituary
July
Linda Louise Rivera, 68, of Topeka passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2020. Lovingly known as the “voice of Topeka Public Schools,” she had been answering phones as a receptionist for District 501 for 22 years and until her retirement in 2011. To view her obituary, click here
August
Constance "Connie" Hillebert, 79, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, August 30. Connie worked as a secretary for the USD 501 school district for over 37 years where she retired at Chase Middle School. To view her obituary, click here
September
Gracie Avila, a professional therapy dog for Topeka Public Schools USD 501, sadly passed away on September 8 at almost 13 years of age. She worked at Capital City Schools, Highland Park High School, Landon Middle School, and throughout the district on crisis calls. Gracie's owner, Stephanie Avila, said of her dog, "She adored kids and staff. She was always loving. Always happy, but in true heeler form, she wanted order. She enjoyed the group therapy sessions with students and impromptu visits from staff. There couldn’t have been a kinder soul."
Helen Mosher, the grandmother to Kelly Mosher, passed away on September 11, 2020. Click here to view her obituary.
October
Faith Adams, a gifted teacher at Topeka High School for many years and retired in 2003, passed away on October 25, 2020. Click here to view her obituary.
Lenard Ramirez, husband of Gail Ramirez, district Technology Integration Specialist, passed away on October 25, 2020. Click here to view his obituary.
Shirley Ann Billings passed away on October 29, 2020. She was an educator for Topeka School Districts for 34 years teaching over 1,000 elementary students retiring in 2005. Click here to view her obituary.
Theresa Galvan, mother of Whitson Elementary Office Para, Diana Camarillo, passed away on October 29, 2020. Click here to view her obituary.
November
Lynn Barnard, worked at various schools in the district, most recently as a paraprofessional at Whitson Elementary, passed away on November 9, 2020. Click here to view her obituary.
Merle Keeling, who worked for the district for 19 years as a police officer and retired in 2013, passed away on November 22, 2020. Click here to view his obituary.
December
Katherine McHugh, who was a counselor at Highland Park High School for 28 years, passed away on December 8, 2020, at the age of 86. Click here to read her obituary.
Wilfred "Willie" Nicklin, legendary Topeka High School Hall of Fame Basketball Coach and the namesake of the basketball court at THS, passed away on December 10, 2020, at the age of 92. Click here to read his obituary. To know more about his life you can read this Capital-Journal article or this WIBW article.