Anita Mae (Powell) Nicholson
Anita Mae (Powell) Nicholson, 85, passed away Monday, January 5, 2026, in Salina, KS. She was born on September 23, 1940, in Wichita, KS., the daughter of Durland and Harriett Powell.
She married Robert Morris (Bob) Nicholson on July 29, 1961, in Wichita, KS. They were introduced to each other at a church function. They lived in several places; Topeka Kansas, where both of her sons were born, Hammond Indiana, Calumet City Illinois, and eventually settled in Salina Kansas.
Anita was a high school graduate, a talented pianist and singer. She worked for Bell Telephone as a switchboard operator. While the boys were growing up, she was a homemaker, a church secretary and a data processor at Kansas Wesleyan University. Anita loved music and served as the Choir Director at Belmont Blvd Christian Church for 40+ years.
She is survived by two sons, Greg (Mindy) Nicholson and Jeff (Darlene) Nicholson, two granddaughters, Ashlea Nicholson and Bethany Nicholson, three grandsons, Connor (Lexi) Holdren, Carson Holdren, and Chandler Nicholson, along with three great-granddaughters and five great-grandsons.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and brothers William and Gary Powell.
There will be no visitation. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday January 17, 2026, at Belmont Boulevard Christian Church at 2508 Belmont in Salina. A private interment will be at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Belmont Boulevard Christian Church, CAPS or the donor’s choice.
Kenneth David Garst
Kenneth David Garst, known to all as Ken, age 73, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on January 5, 2026. Born February 20, 1952, in Concordia, Kansas, he was the son of Alva and Ruby
Johnson.
A hardworking man with a wandering spirit, Ken spent most of his life behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler. He took great pride in his life as an “asphalt cowboy,” a career he maintained until nearly the age of 70. In his well-deserved retirement, Ken could usually be found in his favorite chair watching Westerns or tinkering in the garage, where he possessed the rare talent of being able to fix just about anything.
Ken was truly a “man’s man,” yet he possessed a legendary tenderness. He spent countless hours in the garage with his sons, teaching them the value of hard work, perseverance, and unconditional love—lessons that will serve as his enduring legacy. To his grandchildren, he was the ultimate “Papa.” His daughter lovingly dubbed him the “baby whisperer,” a title he earned through long evenings dancing in the kitchen with Clayton, Trinity, and Weston when they were small, singing “Waltzing Matilda” repeatedly with pure joy.
On January 19, 1980, Ken married the love of his life, Peggy, at the Methodist Church in Glasco, Kansas. They were just days away from celebrating 46 years of a beautiful, devoted marriage.
Ken was a selfless man who consistently put the needs of others above his own. He was deeply loved by his children and grandchildren and will be profoundly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son, Brian Garst.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Garst; his children, Roseanna (Hans) Baker, Justin Garst, and Jared (Raimie) Garst; and his four sisters, Anna, Iva, Jeannie, and Heather. His memory lives on through his cherished grandchildren, Louisa Wagaman, Luke Baker, Clayton Garst, Trinity Garst, Brooklyn Garst, Wyatt Garst, and Weston Garst; his great-grandchildren, Emma and Emmit; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at a visitation held at the Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th Street Salina, KS, on Sunday January 11, 2026 from 3pm-6pm.
Funeral services will be at the VFW in Glasco, Kansas on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 1pm. Burial service will follow in the Glasco City Cemetery. Refreshments will be provided back at the VFW after burial.
Donations can be mailed to 315 E. Republic Avenue Salina, Kansas in Ken and/or Peggy Garst name.
Jerry Wayne Base
Jerry Wayne Base, 82, of Smolan, KS, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026. He was born on July 20, 1943, in Larned, KS, to Dan and Nancy (Barker) Base.
Jerry grew up all over western Kansas before graduating from Garfield High School in 1961. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1964, serving in the Vietnam War as a proud member of the Navy’s highly skilled construction force, the Seabees. It was on a brief leave that he was joined in marriage to Veronica Steiner on February 19, 1966.
Jerry loved to Polka dance and he and Veronica enjoyed attending Czech festivals across the state. He coveted his opportunities to visit with family at reunions and gatherings, and to put it simply, he loved to talk. Jerry was active in the Smolan community, serving over 25 years as the Parks Director. He was member of the Salina AMBUCS Breakfast Bandits Club, VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus Council #601, and Sacred Heart Cathedral. In recent years he was proud to have taken part in a Kansas Honor Flight to Washington D.C.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Veronica, of the home; children, Camille Kaiser (Jayson), of Champaign, IL, and Jared Base, of Salina; grandchildren, Karson and Payton Kaiser; siblings, Donald Base (Janese) and Barbara Kroupa; sister-in-law, Kim Base; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Darrell Base; sister, Sharon Base; brother-in-law, Alvin Kroupa; and sister-in-law, Cindy Base.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 118 N 9th St, Salina, KS, 67401, with a rosary recited prior to the service at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salina AMBUCS Breakfast Bandits Club or Sacred Heart Cathedral, care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina.
Tom Martin
Tom Martin, 63, passed away at home with his loving family by his side on December 30th, 2025.
Tom was born March 3rd, 1962, in Newcastle, Wyoming to Thomas Sr and June Martin. He grew up in Gillette, Wyoming driving a propane truck for Farmers co-op for 20 years.
He married Linda Smith, in Gillette, Wyoming on July 4th ,1986 soon approaching their 40th year wedding anniversary together. They were blessed with two children, Lauren and Trenton Martin.
Tom loved the Great outdoors. Fishing, boating, camping, BIG bonfires, LOUD music and drinking a cold beer were amongst his favorite things to be doing. He enjoyed woodworking and always had a project he was working on. He could fix or repair anything.
Tom will be greatly missed and forever loved!!
He is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Lauren Martin, son Trenton Martin, and the apple of his eye that held the key to his heart granddaughter Kaeleigh Locken all of Salina. Parents Tom and June Martin and sister Tammy (Jeff) Wandler all of Gillette, Wyoming.
Per Tom's wishes there will be no services and cremation has taken place.
Memorials may be made to the Martin Family in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St. Salina KS 67401.
Gary Eilert
Gary Wayne Eilert was born on April 29, 1963 in Beloit, Kansas, the son of George and Anita Brummer Eilert. He died Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita at the age of 62. He grew up in Beloit where he attended St. John's before graduating from Beloit High School in 1981. He was a highly skilled machinist at Sunflower Manufacturing for many years, before going to Landoll Company for the last 12 years. On August 13, 1988, he married Susan Michels, and in doing so, chose not only a wife, but the lifelong role of father to her son, Chad. Together, they later welcomed two daughters, Sarah and Katie. He was a quiet presence, steady and constant, never seeking attention yet always there when it mattered most. He lived with a deep passion for life, but nothing mattered more to him than his family. Though soft-spoken, in moments when no one expected it, he could deliver a perfectly timed comment or bit of humor that lit up a room and left everyone laughing, a reminder that his wit was always there just beneath the surface. He rarely missed a game or event for his children and grandchildren, and when he couldn’t be there in person, he made sure to listen on the radio or watch through GameChanger so he never missed a moment. He was also the biggest fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals, faithfully cheering them on through every season. He spoiled his family in the ways that mattered most. Through his generosity, his thoughtfulness, and his constant willingness to give of himself, whether it was his time, his attention, or his quiet acts of love. Affectionately known as “Papa” to his grandchildren, they were his greatest pride and joy, and the love he had for them was evident in every story he told, every smile he shared, and every moment he showed up. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Debbie Wilcox, Sondra Richardson, and Diane Glauser; and his parents-in-law, Bob and Parthene Michels. He is survived by his wife, Susan of the home; son, Chad and wife Keri Eilert of Salina; daughters Sarah Eilert of Beloit, Katie and husband Derek of Windom, KS; seven grandchildren, Ashlynd and Paedyn Merrill and Zoee Eilert, Makai Szalay and Ellie Eilert, and Jase and Rhett Ekholm; siblings, Kathy (Dave) Scott of Glen Elder, Marlene Jaso of Louisville, KY, Darlene Fischer of Gardner, KS, Mary (John) Quinley of Salina, Joan (Bill) Meysenburg of Salina, Tim (Betty) Eilert of Beloit, Henry (Betty) Eilert of Mankato, Karen (Brad) Kesl of Hays, and Donna (Scott) Remus of Glen Elder; and a host of nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives, all of whom he held dearly in his heart. He also cherished the friendships he made with his coworkers at Landol, who were like family to him.
Funeral services will be at 10 AM Thursday, January 8 at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Beloit. Visitation will be from 9 AM to Noon Wednesday at the Roberts Family Funeral Home, & from 4-6 PM Wednesday at the Church, followed by a rosary service at 6 PM. Memorials may be given to the Diabetes Association or the Gary Eilert Education Fund (for his grandchildren). Roberts Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Nadine Pirotte
Nadine Pirotte passed away peacefully in Salina, KS, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on May 3, 1924, she was the youngest child of Bertha (Cahail) Cook and Albert Newton Cook. Though her family moved frequently during her early years, Nadine spent the majority of her childhood in Cawker City, KS, where she was raised alongside her two sisters and two brothers following the early passing of her parents.
Nadine later moved to California to live with her brother, graduating from Chaffey Union High School in 1941. It was during this time that she married Vernon Morgan. The couple welcomed a daughter Sherry before Vernon’s life was tragically cut short in a military accident during World War II. Following his death, Nadine and her young daughter returned to Cawker City to be near her siblings. On December 27, 1945, Nadine began a new chapter when she wed John (Jack) Francis Pirotte at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Cawker City. Their union was a testament to devotion, spanning 62 years of marriage until Jack’s passing in 2008. Together they raised four children and built a life centered on family, faith, and community.
Nadine was a woman of many talents. A gifted artist and seamstress, she created over 40 quilts, most of which she designed and hand-quilted herself. She had a beautiful voice and often joined her husband singing in the choir and for other community events. After only six months of piano lessons as a child, she became an accomplished player, mostly playing by ear. She also loved to read and enjoyed gardening. Her history is marked by the strength of her generation; while in California, she proudly served as a “Rosie the Riveter” in a war factory. Professionally, she served as secretary for the Cawker City Clerk’s office, and later worked in a law office during some of the years she and Jack lived in Goodland.
Above all, Nadine was a devoted mother and a matriarch to a large, loving family. She is survived by her four children: Sherry (Lou) Brungardt of Norman, OK; Kathy (Greg) Heinze of Salina, KS; Steve (Marlene) Pirotte of Denver, NC; and Scott (Mary) Pirotte of Phillipsburg, KS. Her legacy continues through her 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jack, her sisters Miona Burden and Zoe Conn, and her brothers Edwin and Neil.
For the final seven years of her life, Nadine resided at Reflections Retirement Resort in Salina, where her kindness and lively personality made her a favorite among the residents and staff alike. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, January 10 at the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Cawker City. A rosary service will be at 10 AM Saturday at the Church. Memorials may be given to the Cawker City Senior Center or the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Roberts Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
