Gerold Dean Jilka
Gerold Dean Jilka, 79 of Mission, passed away November 25, 2025, in Salina Kansas. He was born December 12, 1946, in Leavenworth Kansas, to Edward Jr. and Celestial Elisabeth (West) Jilka.
Gerold graduated from Salina High in 1964. After high school he attended Kansas State University and graduated in 1968. Gerold joined the Air Force after graduation, serving in Vietnam and received a purple heart. After four years of service Gerold left the Air Force.
Gerold Dean Jilka served 30 years as an Air Traffic Controller for Kansas City International and Omaha International airports. In retirement, he spent time between his two homes; Mission Kansas and Scottsdale Arizona during the cold Kansas winters as this allowed him to golf year-round. Gerold’s love for golf and consistent play earned him a lifetime 8 handicap. Though Scottsdale provided abundant sun and warmth, his heart was always in Kansas City where he could watch and cheer for his beloved Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs.
Preceded in death by Edward Jilka Jr., Celestial E. Jilka, Kimberly Ann Peterson.
Survivors: Edward R. Jilka, Ann Jilka, Bryan Jilka, Carol Wedel, Riley Jilka, Chase Jilka, Hannah & Tyler Fowler.
The visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday December 8, 2025, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, Kansas, followed by an 11 a.m. burial at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.
Wayne Earl Watts
Wayne Earl Watts, 78, of Minneapolis, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
Wayne was born on October 15, 1947, in Ada, Oklahoma, the son of Evelyn (Moore) and Earl Watts. He grew up in Konawa,Oklahoma and graduated from Konawa High School and East Central State College in 1968.
Following graduation, Wayne worked alongside his father at Watts Funeral Home before moving to Liberal, Kansas, in 1970. He later joined Citizens State Bank in Liberal before settling in Minneapolis, Kansas. Wayne spent many years employed with Schwan’s in Salina until his retirement, remaining in Minneapolis for the rest of his life.
A man of humor and kindness, Wayne was known for his love of old movies, classic rock and roll, and the joy he found in playing his guitars. He cherished friendships and was a loyal companion to many throughout his life.
Wayne is survived by his daughter, Allison Watts (Zach Taylor) of Portland, Oregon; his sister, Loretta Winkler (Luther) of Liberal, Kansas; his brother, Drew Watts (Tami) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and his dear friend, Sarah Everitt of Salina, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Aaron Watts; and his sisters, Bobbie Hillhouse and Earlene Whitaker.
Cremation has been chosen.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm, December 3rd at The Farm, 205 W. 2nd Street, Minneapolis, Kanas.
Bernice L. Whispell
Bernice L. Whispell, 96, of Salina, passed away Monday, November 24, 2025. She was born in Oneonta, New York, on May 1, 1929 to William and Beatrice (Kelly) Reihl.
Survivors include her daughter, Shannon Utley (Joseph), of Salina; grandchildren, Charity Palmer and Shanya Rifenburg; great-grandchildren, Chantea, Quinleslie, Breanna, Karon, Alisha, Ozzie, and Lemy; sisters, Kathryn Drawdy and Swanna Jean Loomis; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Gerald Bush and Daniel Whispell; and her siblings.
Cremation was chosen and no services are planned at this time.
Services were intrusted to Heier Scott Mortuary and Cremations, Salina.
