TOPEKA, Kan. – Dennis Richard Craig, 84, passed away Friday, March 10, 2023, at Brookdale Assisted Living, Topeka, Kan. He was born June 28, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Warren and Mae (Taddiken) Craig.

Dennis grew up in Iowa and lived in Topeka, Kan., for many years.

Dennis served in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962 as an Airman First Class, Medical Specialist, with the 815th Medical Group, at Forbes Field, Topeka. He graduated from Washburn University in 1968 with a business degree. He found his calling in the copy machine business while he worked for Wolfe’s Camera Shop during college. Dennis went on to co-found Century Business Systems, a photocopy and business machines company serving Manhattan, Kan., and the surrounding areas; where he retired as president at the age of 70. He was a member of Lowman United Methodist Church, Topeka. Dennis was a member of AA for more than 30 years.

OSAGE CITY, Kan. – With the paint finally dry on her eternal home in Heaven, God embraced Gladys Elaine Woodyard, 70, into his loving arms on March 4, 2023. Gladys was born March 23, 1952, to Harley Merle and Iva Jean (Griffin) Ard. She was the second of nine children.

Gladys attended Osage City Elementary School, and graduated from Topeka High School in 1970. At 13 years of age, she was invited to an evening service at the Calvary Assembly of God Church, in Osage City, Kan. While there, she met 15-year-old Boyd Alan Woodyard. It was a love created by God himself. They were married in Topeka on July 6, 1969. Shortly after graduating from high school, Gladys would join Boyd in Germany. It was here that they would start their family of four girls (Marci, Misti, Mandi and Autumn).

While attending middle school in Burlingame, Kan.,, Gladys discovered her lifelong passion for sewing. Her daughters often joked that they were material girls living in a material world, because of all the fabric she collected for sewing. Her children were proud of the clothes she made knowing they were often one-of-a-kind creations. She altered and made dresses for numerous weddings and countless proms. She also did alterations and sewing for people throughout the surrounding communities. In her later years, she would take up the hobby of upholstery. She also enjoyed collecting clocks and learned how to repair them.

SHAWNEE, Kan. – Naomi Jean Wirth, 92, Shawnee, Kan., passed away Friday, March 10, 2023, at Colonial Village, Overland Park, Kan. Naomi was born Sept. 9, 1930, in Lyndon, Kan., the daughter of James and Virgie Sims.

She attended Lyndon High School, then moved to Topeka, Kan., to start her career at the Hallmark Card Co.

She met Chuck Wirth, and they were wed Nov. 4, 1951. Naomi and Chuck had two children, Debbie and Mark. In March 1973, she and Chuck moved to Shawnee, where she began as a teacher’s aide at Shawnee Elementary School.

SUN CITY WEST, Ariz. – On Thursday, March 2, 2023, Judi K. Hanson, loving wife, mother and grandmother, sadly passed away in Sun City West, Ariz., at the age of 75. Judi was born July 14, 1947, in Herington, Kan., the daughter of Gerald and Mabel  Villee.

On Sept. 26, 1970, Judi was united in marriage to Robert L. Hanson.

Judi did clerical work at Menninger’s and Westar Energy. After retirement, she and Robert relocated to Arizona, where she explored her passion for art while enjoying the Arizona sunsets and warmer weather. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother who was always there when needed. She had many friends, and was a well-loved member of the community in Sun City West.

OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Edward “Pete” Peterson was born in Basehor, Kan., on Dec. 15, 1931. Ed was taken to heaven March 8, 2023, joining his wife, Patricia Peterson, who left us in 2017. He is survived by his eight children, Ed (Re-Pete), Kent, Carol, Susan, Anne, Todd, Morgan, and Mary; and 20 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Ed grew up on a farm with his parents, six brothers and one sister. Many family gatherings with his parents, siblings, and their families over the years made for great memories.

Ed married Pat in 1953, and they started their family in 1954. Ed owned and managed a feed store and restaurant in Basehor until 1964, when he moved his family to Osage City, Kan. He bought the Osage Grain elevator and created a liquid feed for cattle, which was distributed throughout Kansas and Oklahoma. He provided jobs for many people from Osage City, and the elevator was also a gathering place for many “after hours” parties – the ensuing fun and funny stories are endless and continue to provide many memorable anecdotes. When he left the elevator business, he worked for KP&L, buying easements from farmers across the state.