Sandra Sue McDermott Farrell
Sandy passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Salina, Kansas, at the home she shared with her brother Mick at her side. She valiantly fought dementia for several years.
Sandra Sue McDermott Farrell was born to Donna Jean Shuler and Joseph Henry “Corky” McDermott on May 5, 1948, in Keokuk, Iowa. She married James M. Farrell on September 16, 1967, in Keokuk. Together, they raised their three sons.
Sandy was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Relief Society and was the director of the Salina Family History Center for many years. Genealogy wasn’t her hobby; it was her passion. She was also a member of the Smoky Valley Genealogical Society. Sandy had a talent for quilting. She was a gentle natured, compassionate, and sweet woman, quick to smile, and a friend to all. Sandy possessed Christ-like attributes framed with a strong testimony of her loving Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Sandy was preceded in death by her father, mother, and stepfather Thomas H. Sinnott. She is survived by her family whom she loved with all her heart, her brother and caregiver, Mick McDermott, and her sons: Tom (Kynda) Farrell of Syracuse, Utah; John Farrell of Keokuk, Iowa; Phillip (Nicole) Farrell of Donnellson, Iowa; and grandchildren: Megan (Ethan) Warnick, Julie (Ashton) Durbin; Josh Farrell; Hailey Farrell; and Lila Anderson; great-grandchildren: Kvothe and Vin Warnick; and nephews; Ryan McDermott and Rod McDermott.
Services will be held at the Salina Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 845 S. Ohio, Salina, Kansas, at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service.
Burial will be at the Frazee Cemetery, Wayland, Missouri.
Gary Ray Clarkson
Gary Ray Clarkson, 82, of Assaria, Kan., passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025. He was born and raised in Larned, Kan., to parents, George Raymond and Blanche (Walton) Clarkson.
Gary was united in marriage to Judith “Judy” Litchfield on July 29, 1967. They resided in Kansas and Colorado, where Gary worked for Raytheon and Beech Aircraft for over 35 years.
Gary was a jack-of-all-trades who could fix anything. He had a love of dogs and old cars and enjoyed riding his Harley. Gary was an avid hunting and fishing outdoorsman. He was a Hunter Safety Instructor for 35 years and was inducted into the Kansas Hunter Education Hall of Fame in 2012, alongside his son, Shannon. He was a proud 20-plus year cancer survivor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Bruce Clarkson, Peggy Brannan, and Nancy Chapman.
Survivors include his wife of over 58 years, Judy; twin sons, Shannon (Terri) and Matthew (Christy); grandchildren, Hunter and Blake Clarkson, and Makayla Farmer, Jaidan Hickman, Erykah Corley, Grace Hardin, Alix Engle, Hannah Clarkson, Ryin Engle, and Trey Clarkson; seven great-grandchildren; siblings, Linda Mollnow (Dan) and Mike Clarkson (Renia); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Services are pending and will be announced at a later date.
Mary Charlotte Holmes
Mary Charlotte Holmes, 83, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Alabama, on August 21, 1942, Mary lived a life marked by devotion to her family and quiet joys. After graduating high school, she held various jobs, including working as a secretary for her husband, Donald Holmes, whom she married in 1986. In later years, she found fulfillment in caring for her home and family, a role she embraced with warmth and grace.
Mary had a gentle spirit and a love for nature, especially birdwatching. Cardinals were her favorite, and she found joy in spotting them in her backyard. She also enjoyed coloring beautiful pictures on her iPad, a hobby that brought her peace and creativity.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Donald; and her three daughters, Cindy Capps, Deanna Miller (Bernelle), and Ronda Fencil. Mary also leaves behind numerous grandchildren who will cherish her memory and the love she gave so freely.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
At this time, no services are planned.
