Betty Catherine Edmunds, 93, Emporia, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Presbyterian Manor in Emporia.

Born February 25,1949 of Ohio, passed away at home, January 4, 2026 in Council Grove, Kansas under the love and care of her loved ones, husband (married in October 2020): Bill Brown, daughter: Bridget Soucy and all her fur babies (5 rotten dogs and 2 rotten cats, all spoiled).

Ralph Hedgespeth, born on August 12, 1946, was a devoted husband, father, and community servant whose life was rooted in hard work, service, and family. On September 24, 1965, Ralph married the love of his life, Wanda, beginning a partnership that spanned decades and formed the foundation of his family and values.

Kathy B’Hymer, 77, passed away on January 12, 2026, in Council Grove, Kansas.

A visitation will be held for Sharon “Kay” Bettles at 1 p.m., Saturday, January 17, at the First Baptist Church, 201 E. Hawley St., Herington. Sharon passed away November 30, 2025, on her 81st birthday.

April 25, 1924 – Dec. 23, 2025 H.J. “Jim” Sharp, beloved father, grandfather, World War II veteran, and proud Kansas State University alumnus, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, at Good Shepherd’s Hospice House in Manhattan, Kansas. He was 101 years old.

Jack C. Edwards, 82, of Council Grove, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at a Topeka hospital. He was born December 15, 1943 in Dwight, Kansas, the son of Willlis Sanford and Etta Grace (Baker) Edwards.

Robert “Rob” Benzer, II, 61, died December 28, 2025, at Newman Regional Medical Center, Emporia. He was born May 3, 1964, in Milwaukee Wisconsin to Robert B Benzer Sr. and Babette Moliter Benzer.

Hazel Zimmerman, 94, passed away December 31, 2025, at her home, rural Alta Vista. She was born September 14, 1931 to John E. Olson and Jessie Shaw Olson in rural Morris County.

Jimmy Dean Hawthorne, 70, died Friday, November 28, 2025, at his home in Allen, Kansas.