Charlotte A. Abram
Charlotte A. Abram, 89, of Salina, passed away, Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Pinnacle Park Nursing Home. She was born January 5, 1936, in Beloit, Kansas, to William H. and Jane R. (Hare) Axelson. She married James Keith Abram on September 3, 1955, in Mankato, Kansas. They lived in Jamestown, Kansas, then moved to Salina in 1982.
Charlotte was the head of housekeeping for 32 years at Presbyterian Manor and later worked for Roselawn Mortuary and Cemetery.
She is survived by her son, Larry Abram, of Salina.
She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Jane, and husband, James.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Interim Healthcare of Salina, in care of Heier Scott Mortuary and Cremations, 1920 East Crawford Street, Salina, Kansas 67401.
DeAnnda “Dee” Bird
DeAnnda “Dee” Bird, born November 1, 1962, in Salina, Kansas, to Archie and Joyce Fry at Asbury Hospital, passed away December 22, 2025, at her home.
She was the youngest of three siblings. She is survived by her sister, Darcy Smith (Bill), her brother, Dennis Fry, several nieces and nephews, and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Joyce Fry, and her brother, Greg Fry.
Dee married Roland “Roly” Bird Jr. on October 19, 1995. She retired from Salina Regional Hospital, where she worked for 32 years in food service. During retirement, Dee and Roly enjoyed camping, traveling, fishing, and gambling, and especially cherished their most recent trip to Laughlin, Nevada, with friends Mary and Darrin Loe and Donnie Heidle.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Roselawn Cemetery, Salina, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salina Animal Services care of Ryan Mortuary.
George Martin Hiechel
George Martin Hiechel, 84, of Salina, passed away on December 20, 2025. George was born on March 17, 1941, in Topeka, Kansas.
George was a lifelong learner, graduated from Highland Park High School in Topeka in 1959, from Kansas State University in 1995 with an associate degree and Southern Arkansas University in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in science. An avid outdoorsman enjoying archery and canoeing as well as an aviation enthusiast. George shared his passion of aviation as an aviation maintenance instructor at K-State and as a pilot for the Civil Air Patrol. His commitment to mentorship was evident through his years as an Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster, and sponsor of the local radio control club. George also served his community as a Lorraine City Council member for a decade and also as a foster care provider with a goal of giving every child a chance. He worked in various roles for Franklin Manufacturing and the Ellsworth County work-release program and retired as an educator for K-State University Aero & Tech Campus.
George married the love of his life, Julie Griffin in 1991 in Abilene, Kansas. George was preceded in death by his parents, Donald A. Hiechel and Anna Morgan; his son, Randall Hiechel; and his first wife, Janice L. Hiechel.
George is survived by his wife, Julie Hiechel; his children, David (Vicki) Hiechel, Amanda Macklin, Lyle L. (Crystal) Workman, Roy A. (Alice) Workman, Kimberly (Merlan) Hiechel, Samuel (Shai) Hiechel, and George “Don” Hiechel; his grandchildren, Joseph Hiechel, Zaden Dawson, and Scarlett Hiechel. as well as multiple foster children, including Cody Sipes and Leroy Goppert.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Ryan Mortuary in Salina, Kansas. Lunch will follow at Russell’s Restaurant in Salina.
Memorials may be made to KVC Kansas, 21344 W. 153rd St., Olathe, KS 66061, or to the Salina Dialysis Center, 700 E. Iron Ave., Salina, KS 67401, in care of Ryan Mortuary.
Lena "Darlene" Dooley
Lena "Darlene" Dooley of Salina Kansas Transitioned peacefully into the Arms of Jesus on Tuesday morning December 16th surrounded by loved ones. Mrs. Dooley was born in Pleasant Hill Tennessee January 1, 1944. to Thomas Myers and Sarah Davis Myers. Darlene was the youngest of eleven. After leaving home she moved to Montgomery Alabama where she worked as a Butcher at Big Apple Grocery store. She also worked for 18 years at the Atlanta Airport as a Parking Cashier/Attendant.
Darlene was an Amazing Mother, Housewife, Mee-maw and Mimi. She loved her family and laughter. Her love of music and her love of the Lord were passed down to her family. Feeding everyone was definitely her love language. Darlene had a nack at making something out of nothing. Thanksgiving & Christmas meals were always a perfect time for mom to show off her country culinary skills. Darlene made sure everyone had their favorite desserts and side dishes. Darlene & her fried chicken, homemade biscuits, tater salad & banana puddin will forever be missed.
Darlene was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years Freeman L. Dooley, Son Gary Minard and Son in law Robert Binns.
Survivors, she leaves behind her precious companion Larry Ray of Salina Kansas.
Daughters Teresa Minard Binns of Winder, Georgia, Dawn Dooley Russo (Nick Russo) of Salina Kansas.
Her six grandchildren, Nicholas Russo of Salina Kansas, Sarah (Brandon Scott) of Denver Colorado. Malachi (Caroline Russo) of Denver Colorado, Lena Minard of Douglasville Georgia, Justin (Hailey Minard) of Anniston Alabama, Matthew (Emma Binns) of Lawrenceville Georgia.
A great granddaughter Donava Scott of Denver Colorado & daughter- in law Denise Minard of Douglasville Georgia
To the staff of Holiday Resort and Gentiva Hospice, the family is forever grateful for the love and care given to Darlene. You were all like FAMILY to us and on behalf of our entire family "THANK YOU!"
In lieu of flowers please send donation to either of these facilities in care of the residents and staff.
A small service will be Sunday 28, December at 2 pm at Heartland Worship Center, 118 S 8th St, Salina, graveside service to be held in the Spring of 2026 in Canton, Georgia where she will be laid to rest.
Georgia Lea Sprinkle Craft
Georgia Lea Sprinkle Craft was born May 16, 1933 in Arkansas to Leatha Lucinda Bisbee Sprinkle and Covey Colby Sprinkle while visiting her grandparents. She departed this life on December 21, 2015 at Dignity Care Home in Salina, Kansas. She grew up in Kanorado, Kansas and graduated from high school in 1951. She worked as a bookkeeper for the local co-ops in Kanorado and Burlington, Colorado.
She married Warren Monroe Craft September 12, 1960, in Raton, New Mexico. They were blessed with six children, all born in Colorado: Cinda Cay Craft Baker, Linda Lou Craft Bentley, Paul Monroe Craft, Catherine Jane Craft, John Alan Craft and Elaine Addie Craft Mullennax. Their family tree continues to grow with 18 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
No services will be held. Her ashes will be scattered in her beloved Colorado mountains.
Memorials may be made to Dignity Cares Fund in care of Dignity Care Home 745 Faith Drive, Salina, Kansas 67401.
