Leonardo “Tony” Bermudez
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Leonardo “Tony” Bermudez, of Salina. Tony died on Dec. 14th, 2025. He lived 87 years.
Born July 1, 1938, in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico. Tony was adopted at age 12 by an aunt and uncle in Los Angeles, CA, following the death of his mother. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Air Force in 1959. He was stationed in Iceland and Salina.
Tony left the air force in 1962 and returned to Salina to help start Salina’s Cable TV System. He worked for Salina’s cable company for over 52 years, retiring in 2014.
Tony married his wife, Dolly, in 1968 and immediately took on the father roll to her five children. Together, Tony and his wife owned and operated the El Nido bar for six years.
Tony was a humble and hard-working man who knew how to make life fun. He loved taking his wife dancing and to the casino when possible. He enjoyed bowling in a league with his daughter and granddaughter and could be found some afternoons at Rooster’s Tavern speaking with friends or strangers. His favorite pastime was sitting in his back garden with a beer in one hand and petting a dog with his other.
Tony is preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, 3 sisters and a son, David Kirkpatrick.
He is survived by his always and forever wife of 57 years, Lenora “Dolly” Bermudez; daughters, Debra (Steve) Millam, Susan Grillo, and Kathryn Kirkpatric; son, Danny Kirkpatrick; a brother, Panco and 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am Monday, December 22, 2025 at Ryan Mortuary, 137 North Eighth, Salina. Burial will be private.
Memorials are suggested to the Salina Animal Shelter or your local animal shelter in lieu of flowers.
A big thank you to hospice and Tony’s Pinnacle Park Family.
Allen Jeffrey “Jeff” Denton
Allen Jeffrey “Jeff” Denton, of Salina, died December 4, 2025, at Salina Regional Medical Center following an illness.
He was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, on November 8, 1942, the only child of the late Dora Mae (Widman) and William Allen Denton. He attended Roosevelt High School at Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, Kansas, where he made close friends he kept throughout his life.
After graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, Jeff worked as a Registered Pharmacist for nearly 50 years, most of it at B&K Prescription Shop in Salina. He was an entrepreneur and along with his business partners, sought innovative ways to grow B&K and to find new ways to serve customers and the community.
Jeff was passionate about independent pharmacy. He achieved professional recognition as a Fellow of the American College of Apothecaries. He served as ACA President and on the ACA Foundation Board. He was a member of the Kansas Pharmacists Association and served as its President. What he loved most though, was people – talking with patients, working with health care providers, and belonging to a network of pharmacists.
Jeff was a proud Kansas Jayhawk. He believed higher education is the most important investment one can make in their future. He enjoyed meeting and mentoring KU pharmacy students and encouraging them to pursue jobs in community pharmacies. He received the Gene Hotchkiss Kansas Independent Pharmacy Mentoring Award. He was also the second recipient of the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy’s Distinguished Service Award, presented for selfless and sustained professional service and leadership.
When he was not at B&K, Jeff could be found at home, working in the yard or in his basement shop. He built furniture and cabinetry, turned wooden bowls on his lathe, and whittled. His daughters believe he could build or fix anything. He rebuilt cars and enjoyed driving his Corvettes and riding his motorcycle.
Jeff was a home brewer and enjoyed sampling and brewing “real beer” and ales. He was an early adopter of technology and bought one of the first home computers, always had the latest digital camera, and used a Personal Digital Assistant (which he called his “brain”) before Smartphones.
Jeff was a quick-witted jokester and was never happier than when he was pulling someone’s leg. He valued his many friends, professional colleagues, fellow beer lovers, artists, car and motorcycle enthusiasts, and those he met while in pursuit of his varied interests.
Jeff met his wife of 52 years, Sharon Sue “Sherry” (Fink) Denton at KU while they were both in pharmacy school. Their paths first crossed when she attended a student Pharmacy Association meeting. Jeff, as the club’s treasurer, scolded Sherry for not paying her membership dues but then walked her to her car. They were married on July 9, 1966, in Manhattan, Kansas.
Jeff and Sherry shared love of family, pharmacy, travel, the University of Kansas, art, skiing and active involvement and membership in the Episcopal Church. They built a beautiful modern solar home in Salina, with significant interior work completed by Jeff himself. After putting their daughters through college and law school, Jeff and Sherry enjoyed time at their vacation home in Edwards, Colorado. There they built another circle of friends in their neighborhood and worship community at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration.
After retirement, Jeff continued to enjoy many favorites: ice cream and chocolate malts, going to church, making friends and sharing time with fellow residents at the Salina Presbyterian Manor, napping, going for walks or drives, classic car shows, bird watching, and good real beer. He never lost his quick wit or love of teasing friends.
Jeff is preceded in death by his wife, Sherry, and by his parents. He is survived by his two daughters, Callie Jill Denton of Topeka (Jeff Andruss), and Amelia Kay Denton-DeVore, of Ocala, Florida, and three grandchildren, Iris Denton-DeVore and Charles Denton-DeVore of Wichita, and Emmett Denton-DeVore of Ocala, Florida. He also leaves behind his caregiver companions Lora Gordon, Hutchinson, Hope Lindley, Salina, and Sarah Camp, Salina, who treated him with friendship, respect, and love, and who have become family. Jeff’s daughters wish to thank and recognize the compassionate staff in the Memory Care Unit of the Salina Presbyterian Manor, who made Jeff’s final years comfortable and happy.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. on January 17, 2026, at Christ Cathedral, 138 S. 8th Street, Salina. Burial will be at the Denton Cemetery, Denton, Kansas, in late spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to University of Kansas, KU Endowment, to the KU Cancer Center Drug Discovery Innovation (08022), or to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, (09547), or to Christ Cathedral, or to the Salina Presbyterian Manor Employees Christmas Fund or Building Fund.
Ryan Mortuary, Salina, is handling arrangements.
Kathleen Ann Schwegmann (McGuire)
Kathleen Ann Schwegmann (McGuire) passed away with her husband by her side on December 8, 2025, in Salina, KS at the age of 83 from Parkinson’s Disease. Kathie is survived by her husband Donald Schwegmann of Salina, KS, her three children Brian Schwegmann (Melissa Wright) of Austin, TX, Michael Schwegmann (Clara Holladay) of Santa Fe, NM, daughter Michelle Schwegmann (Josh Hooten) of Astoria, OR and her two grandchildren Anson Schwegmann of Albuquerque, NM and Ruby Hooten of Astoria, OR.
Kathie was born on February 23, 1942, in Ludlow, KY to Marie and Harry McGuire. She graduated from La Salette Academy, where she recalled cleaning third floor windows with newspaper at the instruction of the nuns. She married Don Schwegmann, her high school sweetheart, in 1961. They celebrated 64 years married and were friends for 71 years. After moving to California for a time, Kathie and Don settled in Salina. Together, they started World Wide Windows where Kathie worked for many years.
Kathie loved to garden and was proudly featured in the 2006 Master Gardener Tour in Salina. An animal lover, she fed the birds and squirrels who visited her yard and marked the days and years by who was eating at the feeder. She created a beautiful home and was a joyful hostess and was famous with family and friends for her elaborate hors d’oeuvre spreads lovingly dubbed, “temptation table.” She was particularly well known for her friendship bread, which she baked weekly in copious amounts and shared generously with whomever she could. Kathie was involved with her PEO Sisterhood for many years and was an active member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.
A Catholic mass will be held in Salina at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church on January 21, 2026, at 10am. Coffee and pastries will follow. She will be buried near her parents at St. John’s Cemetery in Ft. Mitchell, KY.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Gentiva Hospice or Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas.
The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice and Cedarhurst Senior Living for their compassionate care.
Jimmy “Jim” Don Hamilton
Jimmy “Jim” Don Hamilton, of Salina, passed away at Pinnacle Park on December 12, 2025, after a battle with cancer and dementia.
Jim was born on March 12, 1944, in Concordia, Kansas, to Betty Lucille Bradrick Ford and Jack Arthur Ford. He attended Mankato High School and graduated with the Class of 1962.
In September of 1962, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy, serving four and a half years, including two tours of duty in Vietnam.
After his military service, Jim met Cynthia (Wiruth) of Cuba, Kansas. The two were united in marriage on March 16, 1968, at the Cuba Presbyterian Church. They shared 57 years together and raised two daughters, Krista and Karla.
Using the GI Bill, Jim enrolled in plumbing school and earned his master plumbing license. He worked on powerhouses throughout Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas. He later worked at local plumbing shops in Salina, and after working for Sampson Plumbing, he purchased the business in 1980. Jim continued operating the business until his retirement in 2010.
Jim enjoyed archery hunting and spent countless hours in his tree stand. He was known for his sharp sense of humor and liked to remind people—with a grin—that their plumbing problems were his “bread and butter.” Jim was very opinionated and didn’t have any problem letting you know what he thought.
Above all else, Jim was a devoted son, husband, father, and Papa.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Betty and Marvin Hamilton; his father, Jack Ford; and his parents-in-law, Alice and Frank Wiruth.
He is survived by his wife, Cindy, of Salina; daughters Krista (Rob) Long and Karla (Jerry) Breeden; five grandchildren, Callie Evans (Carson), Cooper Long (fiancée Mykenzee Bergeson), Cade Peters, Cason Long, and Wyatt Breeden; and two great-granddaughters, Chloe Jane Evans—who shared a birthday with her Papa—and Clara Kay Evans.
A “come and go” memorial service will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th Street, Salina, please dress casually.
A private burial will take place at Kopsa Cemetery in Cuba, Kansas, at a later date.
Memorials can be made in Jim’s honor to Pinnacle Care or Interim Healthcare.
Jeanette Louise “Jenny” Keeler
Jeanette Louise “Jenny” Keeler, 86, of Salina, KS, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 10, 1939, in Hays, KS, to Joseph and Mary (Schumacher) Frank.
Jenny was raised in Salina and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1957. After high school she worked for the Bishop and then Catholic Charities from 1978-82 and the Chancery from 1982 until her retirement in 2004. She was a long-time member of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Ladies Guild (SHCCCW) and a eucharistic minister to residents of the Salina Presbyterian Manor and shut-ins. Above all, Jenny loved spending time with her family.
Survivors include her children, Susan Fessler, Fulton, MO, Rick Brown (Elaine), Ellinwood, KS, Mary Taylor (Harold), Salina, and Beth Cormack (Randy), Salina; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Jo Schuster, Sheboygan, WI; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, F.E. Frank, Charles “Chuck” Frank, and LeRoy “Whitey” Frank; and sisters, Edna Frank, Dolores Super, and Margaret “Pug” Frank.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, from 4-8 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, with family present from 5-7, and a Rosary recited at 7. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, December 20, at 10 a.m., at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina, with burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Salina.
Memorials may be made to the Catholic Diocese of Salina or the Alzheimer’s Association, care of Ryan Mortuary.
