Obituaries - Thursday, October 8
Beatrice "Bea" Caroline Plott
May 19, 1936 - October 6, 2026
Beatrice “Bea” Caroline (Schwan) Plott passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Her life was filled with family, friendship, laughter and creativity, and a generous heart that found many ways to make a difference in the lives of others.
Bea was born on May 19, 1936, in North Dakota to John and Theresa Schwan. She grew up on the family farm milking cows and driving tractors. She later met the love of her life Lyle Plott, and the two were married in 1961. Together they built a beautiful life and welcomed three sons. In 1966, Bea and Lyle moved their family to Salina, Kansas where they made their home and became part of the community they loved.
In her younger years, Bea was a talented hairdresser. She was a woman of many talents and many passions. She loved to travel all over the world and spend time in the oceans, looking for seashells. She was a fierce bridge player and anyone who sat across the table from her knew she came to play! She loved to dance and enjoyed the simple joy of being with people. She had a green thumb and found happiness in her garden, nurturing flowers and plants with the same patience and care she gave to the people she loved. Another of her many talents was painting, through which she expressed her creativity and her appreciation for beauty.
Bea also believed in giving her time to others. She spent countless hours delivering Meals on Wheels, bringing not only meals but also kindness and companionship to those she served. She also volunteered as an usher at the Community Theater, happily being part of the arts and her community.
Bea was preceded in death by her parents, and sister Delores, her beloved husband, Lyle Plott, and her sons, Kevin and Jeff Plott.
She is survived by her son, Gregory Plott (Mary); grandchildren Jeremy Plott (Destinee), Steven Plott, and Brooklyn Bradley (Noah); great-grandchildren Forest Plott, Paislee and Paityn Bradley; brother Archie Schwan (Lorraine); sister Linda Hanneman (Larry) all of North Dakota; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, October 15, 2026, at St. Mary Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, with rosary being said at 9:30 a.m. The family would like to invite everyone to a luncheon after the service.
Memorials can be sent in honor of Beatrice Plott to Gentiva Hospice of Salina, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th. St., Salina, KS, 67401.
Rest Peacefully Bea.
May your next dance be a beautiful one.
Ryan Mortuary
Kay Lynne Swisher
September 25, 1938 - October 5, 2026
Kay Lynne Swisher, 88, of Salina, KS, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026. She was born on September 25, 1938, in Junction City, KS, to Francis A. and Lillian (Fischer) Schorling.
Kay was raised in Salina and graduated from Salina High School in 1956. She was joined in marriage to John Lee Swisher on March 9, 1956. Kay worked in school food service for USD 305 for over 40 years. In her free time she loved to crochet and enjoyed camping and fishing.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 43 years, John Sr.; daughter, Terri Cole; and brother, Francis “Red” Schorling.
Survivors include her children, John Swisher Jr. (Teresa), Kim Lemon (Junior), and Sue Prater (Fred); grandchildren, Uriah Swisher (Emily) and Brooke Swisher, Alisha Cooper and Danielle Lemon, April Prater and Fred Prater Jr. (Amanda), Kent Wood (Jamie) and Kira Wood; 13 great-grandchildren; and brother, Steve Schorling.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Gypsum Valley Cemetery, E Hobbs Creek & S Donmyer Rd, Gypsum, KS.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, KS 67401.
Ryan Mortuary
Myrna Ann Stillings
August 15, 1940 - October 1, 2026
Myrna Ann Stillings passed into heaven on October 1, 2026. She was born on August 15, 1940, in Edmonds County, South Dakota, to Bruce Emmett Ruby and Anne (Keisz) Ruby. She spent her youth in Ipswich South Dakota, where she attended high school and graduated with the class of 1959. As the oldest daughter, she spent much of her youth caring for her younger siblings while her mother worked. She would often tell stories of how much she loved her siblings, and how much they all meant to her. She talked about making fresh cookies for her younger brothers and how big of a “dirty trick” she played on them by getting married and moving to Kansas. In her later years, she loved visiting them to play cards and other games.
She married Edward Lee Cormack on March 12, 1959. From this union, she was blessed with five children: Bruce, Lyan, Bryan, Randy, and Edward. During their marriage, her career life spanned from childcare to healthcare working as a CNA at the Abilene Memorial Hospital. Taking care of people gave her immense joy. She became a widow in April 1977.
She decided to continue her education at Salina Vo-Tech for offset printing where she met Vernie Stillings and they married in 1985, adding four “bonus” children, Kim, Mylinda, Randy Scott, and Dena, to her family. After graduation, she was offered a job at Salina VoTech and then worked for USD 305 print shop where she later retired.
Her and Vernie built their current home on Pleasant Hill Rd in 1988. She loved this house because they built it together and all the family gatherings there meant the world to her. She resided there until her passing. She enjoyed riding horses, gardening, crafting, painting, quilting, embroidery, and crocheting. It became a tradition to be spoiled with crocheted gifts at Christmas. She loved spending time baking and sewing with her grandkids.
She was a cherished member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Salina, in fact, people knew her closely and considered her family. She devoted every Friday to volunteering at the Ashby House Free Store. Once a week, she made lunch at the Salina Missions Homeless Shelter and every Wednesday she quilted at the Senior Citizens Center with other endeared members of her inner circle. Additionally, she was a lifetime member of the Roscoe American Legion Auxiliary and donated funds for the purchase of dictionaries to the local elementary schools.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Edward L. Cormack, brothers Floyd Ruby and Ronald Ruby, sister-in-laws Janice Ruby and Elaine Ruby, and her husband Vernie Stillings.
She is survived by her children, Bruce (Linda) Cormack of Sanger, CA, Lyan (Ron) Smith of Bennington, Bryan (Gena) Cormack of Eatonville, WA, Randy (Beth) Cormack of Salina, and Edward (Andrea) Stillings of Orting, WA, her siblings Elda (Ron) Hoffer, Carolyn Hamak, Gary (Arlene) Heitz, Warren (Deb) Heitz, Harlan Heitz, Mary (Ed) Sorensen, as well as 22 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St. Salina, KS.
Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, October 12, 2026, at First Southern Baptist Church, 2401 S. Ohio, Salina, KS. Burial at Shiloh Cemetery and luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Southern Baptist Church or Roscoe American Legion Auxiliary (Roscoe, SD).
Ryan Mortuary
Dominic Robert Pietro
December 13, 2018 - October 1, 2026
Dominic Robert Pietro, 7, of Salina, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2026. He was born December 13, 2018, in Salina, the son of Justin Pietro and Stephanie Steckline.
He was attending Sunset Elementary.
Dominic was preceded in death by his brother, Samuel “Sammy” James Michael Pietro, his paternal grandfather, Robert J. Pietro, and his maternal great- grandfather, Barry Lee Michael, and maternal great-grandmother Marlene Harder.
He is survived by his father and mother, Justin and Stephanie, brother, Sebastian Steckline, maternal grandparents, Steve and Marcy Harder, and Gilbert and Tammy Steckline; maternal great-grandpa, Stan Harder, and maternal great grandmother Cheryl Michael; Uncle Barry Steckline; Aunt Kaitlynn Browne; paternal grandmother, Marcia Pietro, and Aunt Kayla Tatum. As well as brothers and sister from another mother: Leo, Kai, and Renesmee.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Ryan Mortuary, with visitation taking place Friday, October 16, 2026, from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. with family present from 5-7 p.m. Dominic was a Chiefs fan, so in his honor, please come dressed in your favorite Chiefs gear or Dominic’s memorial shirt, no need to dress up.
Ryan Mortuary
Mary Diane Dolton
August 3, 1945 - October 6, 2026
Mary Diane Dolton , 81, passed away on October 6, 2026, at Reflections Resort in Salina, Kansas. She was born on August 3, 1945, in Junction City, to Harry and Margaret Jones of Chapman, Kansas. Diane was the oldest of three siblings and spent her childhood in Chapman before making Salina her home as an adult.
Diane graduated from Chapman High School in 1963. On September 5, 1964, she married her high school sweetheart, Michael E. Dolton. They shared 43 years of marriage before his passing in 2007. Together, they built a life centered around their family, faith, and community.
Diane and Mike were longtime members of First Baptist Church in Salina, where they attended church and Sunday school for many years. They were both members of the choir and especially enjoyed sharing their love of music and singing with others.
Diane was a devoted mother who stayed home with her children, Michele, and Kevin, until they began school. She then began a long and fulfilling career with USD 305. She first worked as a typing aide at South High School before becoming a secretary in the school board office. After more than three decades of dedicated service to the school district, Diane retired.
Family was at the heart of Diane's life. When she was not at church, she could often be found cheering on her grandchildren at school events, sporting activities, and graduations. She never wanted to miss an important moment in their lives. She also enjoyed reading and working on puzzles. Diane was an avid Kansas City Royals fan, a dedicated KU basketball fan, and a loyal supporter of the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs.
Diane will be remembered most for the love she gave so freely to those around her. She was a loving wife, mother-in-law, Gram Diane, grandma, great-grandmother, and friend. She was patient, kind, compassionate, and soft spoken, always willing to listen and offer thoughtful advice. And she gave the very best hugs. Her gentle spirit, loving heart, and unwavering devotion to her family left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
Diane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mike; their infant son, Chad Michael; her parents, Harry, and Margaret Jones; her brother, Danny Jones; and her grandson, Jason Hay.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Michele Hay (Doug) of Kansas City, KS and Kevin Dolton (Angie) of Salina, KS; her grandchildren Erin Hay, Kylie Kaifes(Conner), Morgan Farmer (Zach), and Brock Dolton; and her great-grandchildren, Peyton Hiskett and Elias Hay.
Diane's family will forever cherish the memories of her gentle heart, beautiful smile, wise words, and loving embrace. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, October 9, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, KS. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 10, at First Baptist Church, 843 Lewis Ave., Salina. KS. Burial will be at 2 p.m. in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Enterprise, KS.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to First Baptist Church, 843 Lewis Ave., Salina, KS 67401.
Ryan Mortuary
Janet Sue Schmidt
April 15, 1942 - October 5, 2026
Janet Sue Schmidt , 84, died October 5, 2026 at the Presbyterian Manor, Salina. Janet was born, April 15, 1942, in Concordia, KS to Russell and Dora (Lundblade) Fraser. She married Kenneth Schmidt on August 11, 1962, at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina. They were blessed with one daughter, Lee Ann.
Janet worked for Southwestern Bell, which later became AT&T. When they located out of Salina, she worked for Marymount College and then Blue Beacon International, Inc. as a sales representative.
Janet had a love for genealogy and researching families. She was active in bowling and card playing with her friends. She was still bowling until this recent spring. She was also busy doing volunteer work for the Elks, working the election polls, planning the banquets for Memorial Weekend in Courtland, KS and actively volunteering for the Friends of the Library and The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), which she continued even while in the nursing home.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter, Lexi Ann. She is survived by her daughter, Lee Ann Kramer (Tom); two grandsons, Trevor (Ariele) and Cash; two great grandchildren, Callan and Sloane; one sister, Linda Latham (Dave) and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Daughters of the American Revolution or Friends of the Library in Salina.
Ryan Mortuary
