Patricia “Patty” Sue Melander
Patricia “Patty” Sue Melander, 74, of Assaria, Kansas, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025. She was born on May 30, 1951, in Salina, Kansas, to Emmet A. and Opal B. (Major) Melander.
Patty graduated from Southeast of Saline High School in 1969 and attended Fort Hays State University. She spent many years working for Shelter Insurance in Kansas City before returning to the area upon retirement, where she later worked at The Land Institute in Salina.
Patty’s creative spirit shone through in everything she did. She loved fishing, painting, crafts, and sewing, and she had a special gift for genealogy. She dedicated countless hours researching and preserving her family’s history, ensuring that no story or connection was ever forgotten. Patty was also known for her thoughtful tradition of sending birthday cards to family members—each one a small, joyful reminder of her love and care.
She is survived by her brother Olaf Melander (Sara Jo) of Leawood, Kansas; sister-in-law Kathy Melander of Assaria; nephews Brent Melander (Melanie) of Assaria and Bjorn Melander (Jessica) of Phoenix, Arizona; and nieces Mandy Stephenson (Casey) of Assaria and Bri Tristan (Daniel) of Austin, Texas, and many grand nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Gary Melander.
Patty will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, and the loving way she kept her family’s stories—and hearts—connected.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 7, at the Assaria Lutheran Church, 124 W. 1st St., Assaria, Kansas.
A light luncheon prepared by church members will follow the service. Memorial contributions may be made to The Land Institute, Salina or the Assaria Lutheran church.
James E. “Jim” Agin
James E. “Jim” Agin died November 1, 2025. He was born February 16, 1943, in Salina, Kansas to Harold F. and Agnes E. (Curry) Agin, who both preceded him in death. He married Sally S. White in 1972 in Indianapolis, IN.
Jim grew up in Salina, Santa Ana, CA, Tulsa, OK, Lubbock, TX, Topeka, KS and then back to Salina where he graduated from Sacred Heart High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps and then earned a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in business from Fort Hays State University.
He was a health care administration senior executive and CEO and health insurance CEO. He co-founded, managed and served on the boards of several health and technology related organizations and companies. During his career, he and his family lived in Indianapolis, IN, Topeka, KS, and Lincoln, NE before he and his wife retired to Salina in 2010 to be near family.
He loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved music, wrote several songs and played several musical instruments, including saxophone for numerous bands in his younger days. He enjoyed supporting the Jayhawks, Wildcats, Chiefs and Royals, and the challenge of playing golf. He enjoyed reading – especially historical biographies.
He was preceded in death by his sister Janette Gilchrist and BINL Frank Gilchrist.
He is survived by his wife, Sally; two sons: Robert (Kim), and Scott (Kjersten Feyerherm); two grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his nephew, Lance Gilchrist (Alison); niece, Carrie Gilchrist (Nils-Petter Ankarblom); step-mother, Arlene Sias-Agin; step-brother, Pete Sias (Ruby), and step-sister Kathleen Kelly.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Richard Michael “Mike” Tyner
Richard Michael “Mike” Tyner, 45, of Salina, KS, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025. He was born in Salina on December 27, 1979.
Mike grew up in Salina and graduated from high school in Stafford, KS. He spent time as a warehouse manager for companies in Salina and McPherson and worked at Tony’s Pizza. He enjoyed fishing and golfing and spending as much time as he could with his son and grandkids.
Survivors include his parents, Diane Nemechek and Richard D. Tyner; children, Jasmine Tyner, Daisey Tyner, Lilly Tyner, and Daxton Tyner; grandkids, Oliver, Leo, Elijah, Emiliano, and Esmi; sister, Amy Tyner; niece, Lexi Sneary; and nephew, Gavin Tyner.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Carl and Charlotte Nemechek, and George and Vernedine Tyner.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 137 N. 8th St., Salina. Mike was a big Royals and KU fan, and the family encourages everyone to wear the team colors or their favorite jersey in his honor.
