Jerry Leon Sorenson
Jerry Leon Sorenson was born April 17, 1938 to James Royston (JR) and Edith Marie (Mortimer) Sorenson in Salina, KS. Jerry was the oldest son, followed by brother Larry. Jerry passed away on December 6, 2025 in Minneapolis, KS. Jerry grew up in Gypsum, KS. He started first grade in a one room school south of Gypsum, and then finished grade school and high school in Gypsum, graduating in 1957. Immediately after finishing high school Jerry went to work for Frisbie Construction Company, Inc, working as a millwright for 18 years. He then started his own millwright business, Sorenson Elevator Services, in 1975, retiring only a few years ago. Jerry met Sandy Ash after he graduated from high school, and they were married in 1959; they had 4 children together, Jeana Kaye, Robert Michael (deceased), Jodi Lynn, and Jerry Lee. Jerry was very active in the Lions Club for many years, he was a member of the original Gypsum Vigilante group, and served on the Gypsum City Council, along with various other organizations.
Jerry was an awesome storyteller and loved to share his stories with all that would listen, he was very social.
Jerry is survived by his daughters, Jeana (Chris) Breen, Gypsum, Jodi (Larry) Gawith, Salina; son, Jerry Lee, Gypsum; brother, Larry (Judy), Elmo; grandchildren, Jamie (Mike) Hoff, Matt Breen, Jessica (Jesse) James, Lacey (David) Swetson, Abigale Sorenson; great grandchildren, Samatha and Sadie Hoff, Ethan (Emilee), Lucan and Louden James, Justin and Brooklyn Swetson, Briar Breen; great-great grandson, Stetson; and a great-great grandchild arriving in May; his former wife, Sandra Kruse; along with many cousins, family members, and his beloved fur baby, Koby.
Jerry is proceeded in death by his son, Robert Michael; his parents; son-in-law, Jim Gillberg; grandson, John Paul Breen; great grandson, Teagan; in-laws, Mahlon and Hannah Ash; brothers-in-law, Dennis (Dee) and George Ash; and niece Ellen Ash Mitchell.
A Celebration of Life to be held on December 20, 2025, at the Gypsum Community Room, Gypsum, KS, from 2-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Jerry Sorenson Memorial Fund to help pay for final expenses, care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th, Salina, KS 67401.
Alice Louise (Fredrickson) Sankey
Alice Louise (Fredrickson) Sankey, 93, of Salina, Kansas, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025, at Holiday Resort in Salina, Kansas.
Alice was born November 19, 1932, in Courtland, Kansas, on the family farm; the first of two children born to Reuben and Amanda (Rasmussen) Fredrickson. Alice grew up on the farm and attended a one-room country schoolhouse through 8th grade. She graduated from Scandia High School in Scandia, Kansas in 1950.
Alice was united in marriage to Bobby Gene Sankey on September 16, 1951, at the Methodist Parsonage in Scandia, Kansas. This union was blessed with three children, Keith Michael, Faith Diane, and Melba Jean. They made their home in several towns throughout Kansas due to Bob's work in construction, eventually settling in Salina in the late 1950's. Bob preceded her in death on January 3, 1998.
As a devoted wife and mother, Alice served her family as a homemaker for several years, even opening their home as a small day care. She then worked for Triplet Standard gas stations as their bookkeeper before moving on to work at Tony's Pizza Service. As one of their original employees, Alice completed 26 years of service before her retirement.
Surviving family includes her children; son, Mike (Joanie), and daughters Diane and Mel; her grandchildren; Stephen Sankey, Eric (Reola) Sankey, Amethyst Sankey, Jason (Blanca) Norris, Chad (Hannah) Norris, Wesley (Marjan) Pekarek, and Amanda (Kevin) Hanchett; 16 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents, brother, John, her husband, Bob, son-in-law, Ron, great-grandson, Ethan, and several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Ryan Mortuary in Salina. Burial to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Salina.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be sent to Ryan Mortuary, who is handling arrangements.
Jaqualine “Jackie” Smith
Jaqualine “Jackie” Smith passed away on December 9, 2025. Jackie was born on May 20, 1937, in Salina, Kansas. She was one of eight children born to Clyde and Ruth (Linkletter) Weckel. She graduated from Salina Central High School in 1955. Jackie married Donolojoe “Joe” Smith on June 22, 1958. She and her husband had three children and two grandchildren. They moved to Colorado Springs for a couple of years before moving to Tribune, Ks. where they resided for over 30 years. After leaving Tribune, they spent a few years in Russell, Kansas. She finally convinced Joe to move back to Salina in 2008, which is where they both grew up.
Jackie started out as an X-Ray technician in Salina and was later a lab technician while in Tribune. She was an artist working in a variety of mediums: oil painting, stained glass, and wood carving to mention a few. She and Joe belonged to a car club and enjoyed taking trips with the group. On a weekend, you could find them enjoying time at the lake. They owned cabins at Cedar Bluff and later at Kanopolis. Jackie was a member of a bridge club and often hosted the club. She later loved playing online with her sisters. The “Weckel Family” reunion was a highlight every year. The first reunion was in 1973, then once parents were gone they continued reunion from 1977-2006 giving Jackie an opportunity to travel. A new location for the reunion was chosen every year, and they traveled from Las Vegas to Washington, DC, and of course Cedar Bluff cabin to name a few. Her grandchildren were another great source of pride and joy in her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, five siblings, and a son. Survivors include son, Eric (Lisa) Smith; grandchildren, Colby & Dylan Smith; daughter, Brenda Smith; and sisters, Pat Robinson & Faye Bright.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the donor’s choice.
