Obituaries - Saturday, July 11
Darlene Francis (Breitenstein) Spence
February 16, 1942 - June 18, 2026
Darlene Francis Spence February 16, 1942 – June 18, 2026
Darlene Francis Spence, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on February 16, 1942, to Anthony “Andy” and Ann(Sadowsky) Breitenstein, Darlene grew up on a farm where she learned the values of hard work, creativity, generosity, and caring for others. Those values shaped the remarkable life she would build and the countless lives she would touch.
Darlene’s life was defined by nurturing, creating, and caring. Her hands built a life filled with love, laughter, and purpose. Whether tending flourishing gardens, sewing yards of fabric into beautiful and useful creations, preparing home-cooked meals, or baking treats for family, friends, and neighbors, she found joy in caring for others and sharing her gifts.
Her greatest accomplishment and deepest pride was being a mother to her five children—and, as she often lovingly said, “five plus one.” She devoted her life to her family and leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue for generations.
Darlene is lovingly remembered by her children: Kelly (Mike) Davert, Scot Kelso, John (Deanna) Kelso, Lynn (Curt) Marshall, and Margaret (James) Peterson. She was a cherished grandmother to Christian Kenney, Dylan Kelso, Andy Marshall, Remington Peterson, Raven Peterson, Kellian Peterson, and Keiran Peterson, and a proud great-grandmother to Elizabeth Peterson and Elaine Peterson. She is also survived by her brother, Gene Breitenstein.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” W. Spence; her parents, Anthony “Andy” and Ann Breitenstein; her beloved granddaughter, Mattison Hadley Peterson; and her daughter-in-law, Debra Kelso.
Together, Darlene and Jim shared a life rich with adventure, service, and friendship. They enjoyed traveling, volunteering through their church, and gathering with friends for games of Pitch and International Joker. For twelve years, they managed Camp Webster, where they welcomed countless guests, formed lasting friendships, and created cherished memories. They also catered meals and supported their community through auctions, their churches, and Salina Catholic Schools. Darlene especially valued her time volunteering at the Rebecca A. MorrisonHospitality House, where she continued her lifelong commitment to serving others with compassion and kindness.
Darlene had a special appreciation for life’s simple joys. She loved working puzzles, playing cards, watching hummingbirds and cardinals visit her yard, and spending time in her gardens. She especially loved baking and teaching others how to bake, using food as a way to express kindness, warmth, and generosity.
Above all, Darlene will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her servant’s heart, and the way she made everyone feel welcome at her table. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the traditions she passed down, and the love she shared so freely.
The visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. July 10 at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, KS. With a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. during the visitation. The Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. July 11 at St. Mary's Church, Salina, KS, with a luncheon to follow. The burial will follow the luncheon at 3:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Newton, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Darlene's honor may be made to Sacred Heart High School in Salina, Kansas, or the Rebecca A. Morrison Hospitality House in Salina, Kansas. These organizations reflect the faith, compassion, and generosity that were central to her life and the legacy she leaves behind.
Ryan Mortuary
Harry Elmer Newsome
August 26, 1941 - July 8, 2026
Harry Elmer Newsome, 84, of Salina, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Salina Regional Health Center. He was born in Ellsworth, Kansas to Roland T. and Ada Fay (Kline) Newsome on August 26, 1941. Shortly after graduating high school, he joined the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. He later worked for the United States Postal Service as a carrier for many years.
Harry was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Salina. His faith and love for his Lord was evident throughout his life, especially in his love towards children and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Ada Newsome; siblings, Julie Benson, Yvonne Murphy, and David T. Newsome; niece, Cherie Mai; and nephew, David A. Newsome.
He is survived by his nieces, Debbie Lee (Robert), Sharon Murphy, Vicki Stow, Darlene Schmidt (Carl), Sue Sadler (Timothy), Crystal Hope Cason; nephew, Steve Benson (Donna); and good friend and caregiver, Jolene Clark.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Faith Baptist Church, 639 Max Ave, Salina. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, 1920 East Crawford Street, Salina.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, in care of Heier Scott Mortuary and Cremations, 1920 East Crawford Street, Salina, Kansas 67401.
Roselawn Salina