Obituaries - Wednesday, October 14
Leonard Lawton Buehre
April 30, 1930 - October 11, 2026
Leonard Lawton Buehre passed away at Presbyterian Manor in Salina, Kansas on October 11, 2026. Born on April 30, 1930, in El Reno, Oklahoma to Leonard Hotzel Buehre and Gladys Helena Fairley, he was the youngest of four older sisters who nicknamed him Buddy. Lenny’s family moved to Kansas when he was a child and eventually settled in Salina where he lived most of his life. After graduating from Salina High School in 1949, he joined the Air Force as a Tech Sergeant and was stationed in Korea and Japan.
When he returned to Salina after his service, he began work at Gages Plumbing and Heating. Shortly after, he met Lyla Lee Bergmen who lived in the apartments above Gages. They married in April of 1956 and raised three children in Salina. Lenny worked as a sheet metal man for many years and then started Systems 4, as one of the co-owners.
Len was active at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, Shriners and VFW. In retirement he showcased his artistic ability by making metal art called Country Iron. Lenny and Lyla traveled the country doing craft shows, meeting fellow artists and visiting family and friends.
Lenny also had a dream to build a cabin in the mountains outside of Cripple Creek, Colorado. He and Lyla realized this dream in 2000. Len and Lyla were also fortunate to travel to many countries abroad during their 69 years of marriage.
His children remember him for being able to build or fix anything and loved having a project to plan, design and complete. Together, Lenny and Lyla danced through life, turning the ordinary into celebrations.
Len was preceded in death by the love of his life Lyla, his beloved 8-year-old grandson Beau Leonard Buehre and his four sisters, Winifred Young, June Magatha, Jayne Young and Joan Patterson.
Family remaining to celebrate Len’s life include Son-Barri (Melissa) Buehre of New Braunfels, TX; Daughter-Gina Buehre (Lynn) Elder of Salina, KS; and Daughter-Heidi Buehre (Rob) Linsky of Palm Springs, CA. His five grandchildren are Nick (Janet) Buehre, Cierra Elder (Kellen) Johnson, Jake (Megan) Elder, Hannah Linsky and Sam Linsky along with five great-grandchildren Aislynn & Brennan Buehre, Ellie & Parker Johnson and Hallie Elder.
Cremation has been chosen and a public burial for both Len and Lyla will be held at Roselawn Cemetery in April 2027. Condolences can be sent to Gina Elder at 1375 Columbine Circle, Salina KS 67401.
Ryan Mortuary
Ruth E. Bigge
December 24, 1930 - October 10, 2026
SALINA - Ruth E. Bigge passed away on October 10, 2026 in Topeka, Kansas. Ruth was the loving daughter of Walter and Bertha Peterman and was born on December 24, 1930 in Sylvan Grove, Kansas.
Ruth was a long time resident of Salina and was married to Earl E. Bigge who preceded her in death March of 2004. Ruth was also preceded in death by her daughter, Patty Gutherie; grandsons, James Curtis Walle, Blake Hedine and Dustin Stoval. She is survived by her daughter, Janet Hedine and family; son, Stephen Bigge and family and the family of Patty Gutherie.
Ruth was the director of nursing at Asbury Hospital in Salina for 30 years after having received a Master’s degree in nursing education and administration.
Ruth was a grand lady who was kind, giving and respectful to all. She was known to be a great cook, artistic seamstress making many beautiful quilts for friends and family.
Ruth spent the last 4 years of her life in Topeka, Kansas with her son, Stephen Bigge. Ruth is a beloved mother, grandmother and sister and will always be missed.
A private service will be held for Ruth and she will be laid to rest at Roselawn Cemetery in Salina.
Ryan Mortuary
