Eleanor Mary Ward (Hahn)
Eleanor Mary Ward (Hahn), 90, of Salina, passed away peacefully at the family farm on September 20th, surrounded by her loved ones. Her deep sense of strength and determination was rooted in her faith in Jesus Christ, guiding her through every season of life. She lived by the words of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” a verse that served as her lifelong motto and source of encouragement.
She grew up in Salina, meeting Jim Ward in Jr. High. The two became High School sweethearts and married shortly after graduation. Together, they built a family she was deeply proud of, raising five children and later welcoming eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
She lived with purpose and independence, never backing away from hard work or challenges. She will be remembered for her resilience, devotion, and the steady example she set for her family and all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Jim Ward, of Salina; her children, Scott Ward (Sherry), Jeff Ward (Rhonda), Brian Ward (Gayle), Judy Ward (Robert Wittman), and Jennifer Zink (Lynn); as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her grandson, Evan Ward (Jeff Ward), her brother John Hahn and her son-in-law, Robert Wittman (Judy Ward), along with other loved ones who went before her.
Her family and friends take comfort in knowing she is at peace with her Lord and Savior, and that her legacy of faith and strength will live on in everyone whose life she touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Salina Rescue Mission, Eleanor’s favorite charity.
Per Eleanor’s wishes, there will be no public service. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. A Mass will be said in her honor on November 5th, at 12:10 p.m., at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 118 N 9th St, Salina.
Martin William Burke
Martin William Burke, 66, passed away on September 22, 2025. He was born October 6, 1958 the first child to John and Rosemary Burke on a farm near Coleridge, Nebraska.
Martin is survived by four children, Paula Burke of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Leo Burke of Seattle, Washington; Thomas Burke of Gottingen, Germany; and Margaret Burke of Anchorage, Alaska. He is also survived by siblings, John Burke of Crofton, Nebraska; Gerry Burke of Omaha, Nebraska (Mary); Mary Guthrie of Lincoln, Nebraska (Clair); Angie Burke Benal of Lincoln; James Burke of Omaha (Trisha); and Joseph Burke of Lincoln. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Eileen, and sibling Francis, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, and many beloved friends.
Martin attended Cedar Catholic High School in nearby Hartington, NE, graduating in 1976. He played cornet and trumpet in the school band, played football and ran cross country. He starred (with his brother John) in the one-act play “Hope Is the Thing with Feathers,” and played Linus in the musical “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” He was active in Search Teen weekend retreats, which emphasized prayer and community.
He attended Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota. He studied music and education, graduating in 1980. He starred as Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Company of Dwarves, in “The Hobbit” (with his brother Gerry) at the Lewis and Clark Playhouse in Yankton. Martin participated in many instrumental performances while in college, including backing the musical “Stop the World, I Want to Get Off.” He switched to trombone and learned to play guitar.
Over the years, he acquired many musical instruments, and reveled in learning more about music. He worked on a master’s degree in music at St. Thomas University with a focus on the Orff method, which brings a play-based approach to learning music in an active way. Martin taught music at Holy Trinity Elementary School in Hartington, Nebraska, and later taught school in Westboro, Missouri. He played in the pit band one summer at the Mule Barn Theatre in Tarkio, Missouri.
After moving to Salina, Kansas, Martin taught music at St. Mary’s Grade School. He provided music at church. Martin later worked in carpentry and shipping and receiving jobs, working for many years at Grain Belt Supply Company in Salina, Kansas. He retired in June, 2025.
Martin passed away surrounded by loving family and treasured friends, hearing the music he loved most in this world. Martin spent years in recovery, being served and serving others. Martin took his pain and turned it into joy! We need more Martins in this world!
“I have to be of service – I don’t do it perfectly but I need it in my life… Occasionally I get these spontaneous gratitude things… I like to dance in the first snow… Thank you God for making me the way I am.” – Martin
A Celebration Of Life will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025 1-4 p.m., at the Alano Club, 1102 Armory Rd, Salina, KS, 67401.
