Obituaries - Wednesday, August 19

Margaret Elizabeth Knopp Swearingen

August 10, 1951 - August 18, 2026

Margaret Elizabeth Knopp Swearingen passed away on August 18, 2026. She was born to Orville and Thelma (Houlton) Knopp on August 10, 1951, in Junction City, KS.

Survivors include her brother, Clayton (Cindy) Knopp of Boston, Massachusetts; daughter Deb (Ron) Hustus; sons Ray (Rachelle) Swearingen and Brian (Emily) Swearingen; stepson Gerald (Nashee) Ridgeway; stepdaughter Rachel Ridgeway; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Thelma Knopp, and her brother, Kevin Knopp.

Margaret was devoted to her friends and family. She had a gift for cooking a good meal and enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and her dogs. She spent decades driving a school bus and served on the school board for a term or two, always looking to help out and be involved whenever she was needed. She was a loving and tolerant mother, raising five children and all the friends that came with them. Her home was always open. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be Friday, August 21, 2026, from 5–8 p.m., at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th St., Salina, KS 67401. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Mount Hope Cemetery, 987 Mink Rd., Enterprise, KS, just south of Enterprise on Highway 43. Following the service, friends and family can gather for a memorial service and lunch at the Abilene Senior Center, 100 N. Elm St., Abilene, KS, from noon–1 p.m.

In her memory, donations can be made to Flint Hills Summer Fun Camp, P.O. Box 1127, Manhattan, KS 66505-1127, or online at flinthillssummerfuncamp.com .

Ryan Mortuary

Cora Marie McCartney

August 10, 1942 - August 15, 2026

Cora Marie McCartney , 84, passed away on August 15, 2026, surrounded by a lifetime of love and leaving behind a family and many friends who will miss her more than words can say.

Cora was born on August 10, 1942, at her family’s farm, Irish Creek Hereford Ranch, near Fairport, Kansas, to Alois “Bert” Joseph Breit and Pauline Jacobs Breit. She graduated from Natoma High School and went on to build a life filled with the things she valued most, family, faith, friendship, laughter, and enjoying all that life had to offer.

On June 9, 1962, Cora married Jerry McCartney in Gorham, Kansas, beginning a marriage and partnership that would span more than 64 years. Together, they raised their family, shared many adventures, and built a life full of memories.

For 56 years, Garden City, Kansas, was home. It was where Cora and Jerry raised their family, established deep roots, and made friendships that lasted a lifetime. More recently, they made their home in Salina, Kansas, where Cora lived for the past 14 months.

Above all else, Cora loved her family. Nothing brought her more joy than being surrounded by the people she loved. She treasured the big celebrations, but just as much, she loved the ordinary moments, being together, sharing stories, laughing, and simply enjoying one another’s company. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren were a tremendous source of pride and happiness throughout her life.Cora had a wonderful sense of humor and a genuine love for life. She loved to laugh and had a way of bringing laughter to those around her. She enjoyed SHOPPING , photography, gardening, sewing, decorating, and attending local junior college basketball games. She especially loved spending time with family and friends and rarely passed up an opportunity for good conversation, a neighborhood Happy Hour, or simply having fun with the people she cared about.

Cora also dedicated many years to her work as a secretary with the Kansas Highway Patrol. After 19 years of service, she retired, leaving behind not only a long career but also the friendships and connections she made along the way.

Friendship was important to Cora, and many of hers spanned decades. She was a member of the Laureate Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi for 61 years, forming friendships and memories she treasured throughout her life.

Photography was another special passion. Cora and Jerry spent their winters in Mesa, Arizona, for more than 10 years, and while there, Cora served as director of a photography club. It was a perfect fit for someone who appreciated both creativity and the beauty found in everyday life.

Cora’s faith was an important part of who she was. Word of Life Church in Garden City held an especially meaningful place in her heart, and for more than 20 years she was deeply devoted to the church and its community. Her faith brought her strength, purpose, fellowship, and many cherished friendships. She later attended Cornerstone Church in Garden City and First Covenant Church in Salina.

Cora is survived by her beloved husband, Jerry; her sons, Brad (Monica) McCartney of Garden City, Kansas, and Mark (Pam) McCartney of Salina, Kansas; her daughter, Jennifer (Shawn) Brown of Atlanta, Georgia; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Judy (Richard) Strecker of Wichita, Kansas, and her brother, Ed (Maryann) Breit of Hays, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her granddaughters, Alyssa McCartney and Callie McMillan; her sister, Nila Winder; and her brother-in-law, Larry Winder.

Cora’s passing leaves a profound absence in the lives of those who loved her. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a treasured sister, and a loyal friend. But those titles only begin to describe what she meant to the people closest to her. Cora was someone who made life more fun simply by being part of it.

There is tremendous sadness in saying goodbye, but Cora’s family wants her life to be remembered with the same joy with which she lived it. They will remember her laughter and sense of humor, her love for her family, her faith, her friendships, and her enthusiasm for life. Most of all, they will remember the countless ordinary moments that became extraordinary simply because they were shared with her.

A celebration of Cora’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at First Covenant Church in Salina, Kansas. A luncheon and reception will follow the service at the church, giving family and friends an opportunity to gather, share stories and memories, laugh together, and celebrate a woman who was so deeply loved.

Burial will take place at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City, Kansas, at a later date.

Cora will be greatly missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. The laughter, love, faith, and memories she shared throughout her life will remain with her family and friends for generations to come.

In honor of Cora, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Support and Education Group, in care of Ryan Mortuary 137 N 8th St Salina, KS 67401.

Ryan Mortuary

Florence Eleanor Jarrell

August 17, 2026 - March 23, 1933

Florence Eleanor Jarrell, 93, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026.

Florence was born on March 23, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri, to John Harvey Wind and Mary Willie (Phillips) Wind.

She was a devoted member of The Fraternal Order of Eagles for over 60 years.

Florence is survived by her five daughters: Debbie Houte of Salina, Sue LaRue of Salina, Nancy LaRue of Salina, Brenda Sterrett of Solomon, and Karen Breen of Assaria; and her two sons, Charles Jarrell IV of Salina and John Jarrell (Tami) of Salina.

She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild on the way.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Billie Gene LaRue; her second husband, Charles Shelby Jarrell III; her son, William "Bill" LaRue; her brother, George Wind; her sister, Thelma Miles; and sons-in-law, Alan Gardner, Randy Sterrett, and Kirk Breen.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 21, at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 22, at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Roselawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary #830, Junction City, sent in care of the funeral home.

Carlson Funeral Home

Barbara Louise Shannon

September 5, 1932 - August 14, 2026

Barbara Louise Shannon of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, following a long and beautiful life devoted to her family.

Barbara was the devoted mother of seven children and the heart of a large and loving family that became her greatest joy. She was a woman of remarkable kindness, a gentle spirit, and unwavering love for those around her. As her family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, so did the reach of her love and the example she leaves behind.

Barbara was born on September 5, 1932, in Manchester, Kansas, the daughter of Walter Soderberg and Nellie Ellison Reed. The family moved to Junction City when she was in kindergarten, then to Salina when she was in third grade. She attended Roosevelt-Lincoln Middle School and graduated from Washington High School. She then studied to become a secretary at The Brown Mackie School of Business in Salina.

She married the love of her life, Jack Gene Shannon, on October 11, 1953. Together they shared 60 years of marriage and raised their seven children. Their home and family were the center of Barbara’s life.

When Jack became permanently disabled by a back injury while working—an injury believed to have stemmed from his years as a U.S. Army airborne trooper in the Korean War, Barbara returned to the workforce at age 42 at Schwan’s Company, where she worked on the Tony’s Pizza production line until her retirement after 20 years in 1995.

Barbara was a dedicated homemaker, and her home and family were at the center of her life. She was known for her fried chicken Sunday dinners and for making cakes in each family member’s favorite variety. She enjoyed bowling and square dancing with Jack and was also talented at the piano and violin. She began her mornings with the daily newspaper, black coffee, bacon and toast, and enjoyed spending her evenings reading fiction novels or watching Hallmark movies.

Barbara loved to travel, visiting destinations throughout the United States as well as Mexico. At age 70, she traveled solo to Okinawa, Japan, to visit family stationed there. She had an understated beauty, punctuated by bright red lipstick and an always-perfect hairdo.

Barbara had an exceptionally kind and gentle spirit. She saw the good in people and never had an unkind word to say about anyone. She loved deeply, gave freely, and found her greatest joy in caring for her family and others. Her Christian faith was reflected not so much in words, but in the way she lived—with kindness, grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love for others. She simply lived the values she believed.

Barbara is survived by her daughters Cathy (Mike) McMahon, Crystal (Terry) Vanover, Candy (Gary) Komp, and Tina (Jeffrey) Bishop; her son, Danny (Tina) Shannon; and son-in-law Rick Olson.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Zach (Tess) McMahon, Joseph McMahon, April Coburn (John), Tyler Vanover, Jake Olson, Katie Olson, Amy Huyer (Gershom), Tom Komp, Jordon (Erinn) Komp, Ethan (Megan) Komp, JJ Taylor, Courtney Shannon, Luke Shannon, Mitchell (Emily) Bishop, and Christopher (Genevieve) Bishop; as well as her 18 great-grandchildren and extended family and friends who were blessed to know her and love her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Gene Shannon; her daughter, Connie Olson; her son, Matthew Shannon; her parents, Walter Soderberg and Nellie Ellison Reed; her sister, Gloria Ash; and her brother, David Soderberg.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Salina on Friday, August 28, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Salina. Following the burial, family and friends are invited to gather for lunch and a time of fellowship in the Roselawn Meeting Room.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or The Salvation Army Central Region, in care of Heier Scott Mortuary and Cremations, 1920 East Crawford Street, Salina, Kansas 67401.

Barbara would have celebrated her 94th birthday in September. She leaves behind far more than the record of her years; she also leaves a family shaped by her love, a lifetime of kindness given to others, and an example of faith and goodness that will continue through the generations that follow her.

Her son Danny perhaps said it best when describing why his mother was his hero:

"You mean the world to everyone. I am, to this day, still eating the carrot cake, from your recipe (that you received from Aunt Margaret), that you always made for me from scratch each and every year. You sacrificed so much and expected so little." - Danny

Heier Scott Mortuary and Cremations