Obituaries - September 30, 2024

Joan Elizabeth Sams

Joan Elizabeth Sams, 97, of Salina, Kansas, passed away Sunday, September 22, 2024. She was born on October 31,1926 in Gypsum, Kansas, to Roy and Fanny (Cunningham) Manning.

Joan graduated from Gypsum High School in 1944. She then went to Kansas Wesleyan University and there met the love of her life, Larry Sams. They were married February 9,1947 in Gypsum, Kansas. They celebrated 72 years of marriage in 2019 prior to Larry’s passing March 15, 2019.

Joan was an elementary school secretary for USD 305 for 24 years. When she retired, she volunteered at the hospital and her church. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women organization, and Peacemakers Sunday School class. She was also involved in the bells and then a member of the Chimers group at Eaglecrest where she resided.

She is survived by her children, Douglas Sams and Janice Kline; grandchildren, Michael Kline (Carrie), Justin Kline (Sara), Jason Sams (Brittany), Parker Sams, and Preston Sams (Kara); and great-grandchildren, Caleb (fiancé Caitlyn) and Connor Kline, Katelyn Gray (Ethan), Kirsten, Jacob, and Joshua Kline, and Grayson Sams.

Preceded in death by her husband, Larry; parents; brother; 3 sisters; many nieces and nephews; and son-in-law, Bill Kline.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Salina.

Jean Ann (Lancaster) Reed

Jean Ann (Lancaster) Reed, died peacefully in her sleep on September 26, 2024 after a year-long battle with cancer.  Born on August 2, 1946, Jean lived her earthly life centered around her family and friends and now is in her eternal heavenly home, surrounded by her husband, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.  

Jean was born in, and grew up in, Topeka, Kansas. She attended Topeka West High School where she met several lifelong friends and started playing tennis.  She graduated in 1964, and then attended Kansas State University, where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, and played guard on the first women’s basketball team at KSU.  She graduated in 1968, with her Physical Education degree and went on to be an assistant women’s basketball coach at the University of Kansas.  She met many lifelong friends in her sorority and from her team.  She met her husband, Dale Reed, at KSU, and they married on January 10, 1970, in Topeka, Kansas.  

Jean and Dale had two children, Kristen Zimmerman and Keri Skinner (Teru), and very much enjoyed their grandchildren – Ruby Zimmerman (18) and Cole Zimmerman (15). Jean was a loving person and made everyone around her feel special, and took care of many people throughout her life – her children, her Mother, her Mother-in-law, and her husband.  She loved her family, her church, and her many dear friends.  

She loved K-State sports, and fried chicken, Elvis music, and holiday dinners with family.  She was a proud American and proud Kansan, and proud of her family’s military service.  You could count on her to listen, to take care of things, for a giggle about something silly, to organize family gatherings, to be considerate, to be on time (if not a little early), and to make little notes about everything from passwords to meal plans to inspirational quotes.  One note in her box of things with her at the end of her life said, “Tears may come at night, but there is always joy in the morning.”  

Her Christian faith is her foundation, and helped her through the ups and downs of life.  

Her funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 3, at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, Salina, Kansas, and her burial will take place in Spring 2025 at Balch Cemetery in Formoso, Kansas.  

In leu of flowers memorials can be made to Sunrise Presbyterian Church, Salina, Kansas. 

Roland H. “Pierre” Peacock Jr.

Roland H. “Pierre” Peacock Jr., 89, of Denver, Colo., passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2024. He was born on July 18, 1935, in Medford, Mass., to Roland Sr. and Elizabeth (Engle) Peacock.

Pierre married Deanna Stauffer in 1962. He served over 23 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Master Seargent.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Deanna; daughter, Tawnya Peacock Gibbons (Glenn); son, Rex Peacock (Julie); and brother, Michael Peacock.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Walter Chapman and Peter Peacock.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the Donmyer Cemetery, 6220 E Stimmel Rd, New Cambria, KS, 67401, with military honors provided by the United States Air Force.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024, at St. Paul’s Community Church, 8001 W 23rd Ave, Lakewood, CO, 80214.

Arrangements in Kansas handled by Ryan Mortuary, Salina, and arrangements in Colorado by Horan & McConaty Funeral Service, Denver.

Memorials in Pierre's honor may be made to the donor’s local hospice.

Dorothy Brooks

Dorothy Brooks, 93, of Salina passed away Thursday September 26, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. She was born September 26,1931, in Lindsborg Kansas to Elmer and Freda Lindholm.

Dorothy was devoted to family, community, and God. She was a home maker and held several part time jobs throughout her life. Her passion was being a volunteer. She enjoyed the rewarding experience, volunteering at Salina Regional Health Center for over 40 years. She also gave her time to health clinics, YWCA, blood drives, Girl scouts, Boy scouts, and of course her St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Dorothy is survived by a daughter, Terrie, (DeWayne) Joseph of Lindsborg, son Gary, (Millie) Brooks of Hutchinson; Grandchildren, Tabatha (Robert) Griffith, Brandon Joseph (Mary), Andy (Ashley) Brooks, and five great grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Freda Lindholm, husband Fred Brooks, her sisters, Rose Bloomberg, and LaVaun Lindholm, and her granddaughter Maggie Brooks.

Visitation will be 1 to 2 pm on Monday September 30th at Ryan Mortuary with funeral services at 2 pm. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or the Rebecca A Morrison House.

Joyce Fent

Joyce Fent, age 93, of Salina passed away September 26, 2024. Fent was born to Albert and Ethel Penque on April 14, 1931 in Medford, Massachusetts. She graduated with honors from Medford High School in 1948 and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1949-1951 during the Korean War. Following her military service she served on the Salina Planning Commission, was a 4-H leader for 30 years, and was the Outreach Exhibiter at the Salina Art Center. She was a well recognized artist and environmentalist.

Her parents, one sister Anita Gaff of Bucksport, Maine and her husband O.S. (Nick) Fent preceded her in death. She is survived by three children, Stephan C. White and his wife Cheryl J. White of Baldwin City, Kansas, Sandy L. White of Shirley, Indiana, and Ronald S. Fent of Salina, sister Eileen B. Falcione, and nephews John Falcione Jr. of Medford, Mass, and Robert Gaff Jr. of Florida.

No service will be held. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Salina Animal Services. 

Aron Tyler Reyna

Aron Tyler Reyna, 29, of Salina, passed away Thursday, September 26th, 2024.

Aron was born in Salina, Kansas on August 2, 1995, a son of Kelly (Banks) Cole and Israel Reyna.

He owned Reyna Remodeling for four years. Aron enjoyed being with friends, playing disc golf, spending time on his Xbox, camping and fishing. He was always helpful when his friends and family were in need.

Survivors include his mother, Kelly Cole (Jeff); sister, Elayna Warrington; three brothers, Matt Reyna (Kathleen), Juan Leones, and Jason Leones; grandparents, Connie Johnson, Tim Banks, Martha Reyna, Judy Shorter (Rick); uncles, Scott Banks (Amber), Jessie Reyna; aunts, Jennifer Anderson (Josh), Delia Pham (Minh), Rosalinda Reyna; and many cousins.

He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Journi, Easton, Champ, Carter, Chloe, Emery, and Camila.

Aron is preceded in death by his father, Israel Reyna and uncle, Joe Reyna.