Charles Eugene Leister
Charles Eugene Leister, 93, passed away October 26, 2025. He was born April 8, 1932, in Salina, Kansas to Glenn H. and Clara Haupt Leister. He was raised on the farm at Kipp, KS, and graduated from Kipp High School in 1950. Charles married Marlene Cassel in August, 1952.
He then served in the U.S. Army in Korea, where he was wounded in combat. He returned home to farm at Kipp for 60 years and he established a business doing carpentry. He also worked for Elmore (Garden Home Inc.) for 22 years.
Charles was on the Kipp School Board, the rural water district #2 board, a member of the Moose Lodge, and Elks Lodge. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1432, where he served as a Commander.
Charles was preceded in death by his mother, Clara, his parents Glenn and Verna Leister; wife of 72 years, Marlene; grandson Shawn Teagarden; son-inlaw Joe Teagarden; brother Gayle Leister, and sisters Clarice Davis and Mary Johnson.
He is survived by his daughters, Vicki Teagarden of LaCygne, KS, Michelle Keeler and husband Pat of Salina, KS, and Lisa Leister-Hughes of Kimball, Ml; grandchildren Scott (Saylee) Teagarden, Ryan Keeler, Ashley (Dustin) Delehanty, Clara (Eric) Alexander, and Charles Hughes. He also had eleven great grandchildren and one great great grandson.
In honor of his wishes, there will be a private family service.
Memorials may be made to the VFW Post 1432.
Charlotte A. Crough
Charlotte A. Crough, age 82, passed away peacefully Thursday October 23, 2025 at her home in Salina. She was born December 2, 1942 in Kensington, Kansas to Louis and Edna Gemaehlich.
After graduating high school, she moved to Salina and attended Brown Mackie College, achieving an Associate’s Degree. She worked for Southwestern Bell Phone Company as an operator before marrying Tom Crough and devoting her life to raising a family.
She is survived by her three children, RaShel Korinek (Ryan) of Salina, Jeff Crough (Debbie) of Royalton IL, and Joe Crough (Heather) of Topeka. Four stepchildren, Steve Crough, Suzy Seim, David Crough and Carol Crough. Eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, numerous step grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings Brenda, Wanda and Paul.
A private burial will be conducted at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Salina Animal Services 329 N. 2nd St. Salina, KS 67401.
Samuel Ray Owens
Samuel Ray Owens passed away on October 24, 2025 at his home in Salina, KS. He was born, along with his twin sister, Sally, on June 26, 1953 in Independence, KS to Jack and Lorna (Koehling) Owens. In the early 60’s, Jack moved their young family to Chapman and ran the local grocery store. Sam spent his younger years working at the store until he graduated from Chapman High School in 1971. He married Debra (Zumbrunn) Owens on June 23, 1979 and they had three children: Justin, Kyle, and Samantha. After raising a family in Chapman, Sam relocated to Salina where he later met and married Kimberlee (Brown) Owens on May 23, 2015.
He spent time coaching his children’s baseball and softball teams, while also teaching them how to play other sports and developed their love for the game of golf. He was also an avid sports fan, cheering for the Kansas State Wildcats, Kansas City Chiefs, and Royals. When he wasn’t busy with sports you would find him outdoors hunting and fishing. He enjoyed seeing his family, especially to celebrate the 4th of July.
Sam never knew a stranger. This translated well into his career as a sales representative; most of his working years were spent with the trucking line of USF Dugan in Salina. In public, it was a common occurrence for him to strike up conversation with individuals whether it was an old acquaintance or just someone willing to talk in order to pass the time.
He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and was always eager to boast of their successes. He made it clear that he wanted his children to enjoy a better life than his and worked hard to make that happen.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Lorna Owens of Chapman. He is survived by his wife, Kimberlee of the home, sons Justin Owens (Jessica), Kyle Owens (Rachel), daughter Samantha Orr (Tim), father Jack Owens, brother Dennis Owens (Kathy), and sisters Sally Sowell and Lori Gilmore (Jay). He also leaves behind 5 granddaughters, 1 grandson, and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday November 8th located at Rosie’s On Iron, 125 E Iron Ave. Salina, KS. We are planning a fun casual come and go event between 4-8pm. We will have heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks. We look forward to friends and family joining us in celebrating the life of Sam Owens.
Nancy J. Kellner
Nancy J. Kellner, 92, of Middleton, FL, formerly of Salina, passed away Friday, October 17, 2025 in Florida. She was born April 29, 1933 in Salina, to Robert and Ruby (Reynolds) Moore.
A graveside service will be in Roselawn Memorial Park, Salina.
