Obituaries - Monday, March 16

Rex G. Cooper

April 21, 1947 ~ March 12, 2026 (age 78)

Rex G. Cooper, of Salina, KS, died peacefully at home on March 12, 2026, at the age of 78. He was born on April 21, 1947, to Arthur (Mex) and Nelda Cooper. He was raised in Hoxie, graduating from Sheridan County High School in 1965.

Rex received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from Fort Hays State University. He served with the United States Army in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star.

He married Lynn Pratt in Hoxie on December 29, 1973. They were married 52 years.

Rex was a devoted teacher and coach for 36 years. He began his career in Smith Center in 1973 where he taught high school social studies and established the school’s first wrestling program. After six years he accepted a teaching and wrestling coaching position at Southeast of Saline, Gypsum, in 1979.  He was proud to be part of the coaching staff for SES’s two state wrestling championships in 1985 and 1986. He touched the lives of countless students and athletes and was proud of his time in the classroom and on the mat.

Rex was especially proud of his two children and six grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling both domestically and internationally, making several trips to Europe and Hawaii as well as his annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas with family members. He enjoyed golfing, working in his yard and reading and he never grew tired of learning. He also carried on his father’s tradition of making the best eggnog in town, delivering the Christmas treat to countless friends.

"Rex is survived by his wife, Lynn, of the home; daughter, Sarah Shelby and husband Jimmy, of Salina; son, Evan Cooper and fiancé Jenny Nyberg, of Lawrence; and six grandchildren: Kennedy and Addison Gottschalk, Clayton and Luke Shelby, and Avery and Molly Cooper. He is also survived by two brothers, Mex and Kem Cooper, and a sister, Cindy New."

He will be remembered for his dedication to his students, his love of family, and the many lives he influenced through teaching and coaching.

Memorials can be made to the Southeast of Saline Education Foundation, Gypsum, KS.

A private inurnment will be on March 18, 2026, at All Saints Cemetery, Salina, KS.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Ryan Mortuary, Salina, is handling arrangements.

Ryan Mortuary

Arturo Franco

May 10, 1976 - March 13, 2026

Arturo Franco, 49, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 13, 2026.

Arturo was born in Tijuana, Mexico. He grew into a very intelligent and committed man who took his responsibilities seriously and was someone his family could always rely on. He was known for offering thoughtful advice and guidance to those around him.

During his younger years, Arturo played football in high school and carried his love for the game throughout his life. He was a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and proudly supported them every season. He also loved listening to music by Ramón Ayala, which was often part of family moments and gatherings.

Arturo was especially known for the role he played in his family. He was an amazing uncle who always made his nieces and nephews feel like they were number one. At the same time, he had a reputation for being the “intimidating uncle,” especially when it came to the boyfriends and husbands of his nieces something that often brought a smile and showed just how much he cared about protecting and looking out for his family.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa Franco; his children, Bryce Franco and Nathalia Franco; his loving mother, Sara Lopez-Garcia; and his siblings, Jose Franco, Rosie Sickler, Gabriela Lucio (Jesus Lucio), Sara Franco (Luis Meza), Claudia Franco, and Ana Ingram. He is also survived by his close nephews, Carlos Franco and Miles Ingram; his best friend, Janzen Knouf, who was by his side; Aldo De Leon and many of his longtime friend from his youth; and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Arturo was preceded in death by his father, Arturo Franco-Prado; his niece, Hannah Franco; and his great-nephew, JJ Arias.

Arturo will be remembered for his strength, intelligence, the advice he shared so freely, and the deep love he had for his family. His presence, guidance, and the laughter he brought to those around him will never be forgotten.

Though he may no longer be with us, Arturo’s love, wisdom, and the memories he created with his family will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

In true Arturo fashion, he will forever be cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers from above. 🖤💛

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 16, 2026, at Roselawn Heights Memorial Chapel, 1920 East Crawford Street, Salina, Kansas 67401.  Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to his wife, Melissa, in care of Heier Scott Mortuary and Cremations, 1920 East Crawford Street, Salina, Kansas 67401.

Roselawn Memorial Park

Jennifer Sue Jones

July 30, 1970 - March 9, 2026

Jennifer Sue (Malcom) Jones, 55, of Minneapolis, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026, at Salina Regional Health Center.  She was born in Wichita, Kansas to Larry J. and Karen K. (Cole) Malcom on July 30, 1970.  She attended Colby High School and graduated in 1988.  She received her certified nursing assistant and certified medical assistant from Wichita Area Vo Tech.  She married Marvin R. Jones, Jr. on May 20, 1995, in Wichita.   Jennifer was currently working at Minneapolis Health and Rehabilitation.  She and Marvin were foster parents for many years.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin; parents, Larry and Karen Malcom; daughters, Chasity Jones, and Olivia Jones; granddaughter, Zuri Jones; siblings, Laura Sears (Joseph) and Jason Malcom (Sarah); mother-in-law Katherine A Jones; sister-in-law, Lucy J. Church-Jones.

She is preceded in death by her father-in-law, Marvin R. Jones, Sr.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Roselawn Memorial Park