On July 21, 1929, Janet Esther Ray Freeby, like her four brothers and one sister, was born in her parents farmhouse bedroom in Wilsey, Kansas. She was welcomed to Heaven on April 22, 2022 at the age of 92 by her loving husband, Frederick Raymond Freeby Jr. and her parents, Mildred Minerva Hewins and Earl Walter Ray. She was a well-treated resident at Homestead Assisted Living of Manhattan and was lovingly cared for in her final days at the local Good Shepherd Hospice House. Jan and Fred gave life to Larry Ray Freeby and Scott Richard Freeby and are survived by them and their wonderful families. They will be missed but we know that with Fred’s smile of an angel and Jan’s voice like a song… “Freddy and Jan Carry On.”

Donald Hamilton, age 91, of Council Grove, passed away April 30, 2022, at Diversicare of Council Grove.

James W. “Jim” Thompson II, 84, Topeka (Harveyville), passed peacefully April 14, 2022.

Carrol Ross Joy, 101, Alta Vista, KS took Jesus’ hand at his daughter’s home (Cathy), on April 25, 2022. He was twenty-one days shy of being 102. He was born on the family farm as the youngest child of Ross and Bertha (Hesser) Joy on May 16, 1920, in Alta Vista. He attended Pleasant Ridge School and in 1938 he graduated from Alta Vista High School.

Jimmy K. McLain, age 66, of Council Grove, Kansas, passed away April 23, 2022, at his family home after his short courageous battle with cancer.

Larry Eugene Rusink, 76, of Manhattan, and formerly of Omaha, NE, passed away late Friday, April 22, 2022, at the Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri.

William Robert Markley, “Bill”, passed away in his home Thursday, April 14th, 2022. Bill was born in Council Grove on June 12th, 1926 to Laffeytte and Lyla Markley. They lived east of Council Grove at the fairgrounds/county shop area, where the Poor farm was located. His father was killed by a fallen tree when he was 9. His mother stayed a widow the rest of her life. Bill was always working after school to provide for his family. He joined the US Army after his graduation from Delavan, Kansas, in June 1944. The army airfield was in operation at the airport north of Delavan. He completed training and was in the Battle of the Bulge where he sustained shrapnel injuries in his left lower leg. He completed his enlistment as a Ruptured Duck, similar to the Wounded Warrior of today.

Jim McLain, Council Grove, passed away April 23, 2022. An obituary will follow in Wednesday’s edition.

Carrol Joy, Alta Vista, passed away April 25, 2022. For service updates visit www.sawyerchapel.com.

Richard Burnett, Alta Vista, passed away April 24, 2022. For service information visit www.sawyerchapel. com.