Donna Jeanne Blaha
Donna Jeanne Blaha, 96, of Lindsborg, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2025.
Born in Jackson, Michigan, on December 5, 1929, Donna was the daughter of the late Ella Cleora (Edmondson) and Philip Peters. She graduated from Simpson High School and later dedicated her life to caring for children through her beloved business, Donna’s Daycare, where she nurtured hundreds of kids for over 30 years. To many, she was more than a caregiver—she was a grandmother and a friend.
Donna had a passion for cooking and was known for her generosity, often feeding the Southeast of Saline football team. Her family will fondly remember her famous dumplings and kolaches. In her free time, she loved to read, and above all, she cherished her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarance Eugene Blaha, whom she married on August 16, 1950, in Simpson, Kansas. They shared a loving life together until his passing in 2002. Donna was also preceded in death by her son, Daryn Blaha; grandson, Andrew Aksamit; and great-granddaughter, Ellie Myers.
Survivors include her daughters, Nancy Towler (James) and Debra Aksamit (Stephen); sons, Danny Blaha and Mark Blaha (Beverly); sister, Barbara Cummings; grandchildren Derek, Jennifer, Brandi, Andrea, Matthew, Cody, Calle, and Jerri; and seven great-grandchildren.
Donna requested her funeral to be “short and sweet.” A graveside service will be held at Gypsum Hill Cemetery in Salina, Kansas at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bethany Home in Lindsborg, Kansas, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.
Mary Elizabeth Berndt
Mary Elizabeth Berndt, 76, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Mary was born on August 13, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Clara Lucille (Nichols) and Ernest Moodie Leisher, Sr. With a naturally caring spirit, she devoted much of her life to serving others through her work as a caregiver.
She shared her life with her husband, William “Bill” Robert Berndt, who lovingly survives her.
Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her daughters, Chandra Ackerman (Adam) of Inman, Kansas, and Brittany “Babs” Berndt (Polly) of Independence, Missouri; and her sons, John Campbell of Salina, Kansas, Mark Campbell (Glenna) of Salina, Kansas, and Bill Berndt (Megan) of Spring Hill, Kansas.
She is also lovingly remembered by her five grandchildren—Jonathan, Kaela, Jovi, Ethan, and Amanda—along with several nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.
Mary is survived as well by her sister, Elsie Leisher of Salina, Kansas, and her brother, Joseph Leisher of Indianapolis, Indiana.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Jerome, Emma, and Ernest Jr.; and her first husband, Lorne Campbell.
In accordance with Mary's wishes, cremation was chosen, and no services are planned.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
