Obituaries - Saturday, October 17
Darren Ray Bock
December 3, 1970 - October 12, 2026
SALINA- Darren Ray Bock was born on December 3, 1970, in Emporia, Kansas, to Edward and Anna Bock (Carlson).
Darren grew up all around the world, as his father was a member of the United States Air Force. He frequently talked about living in Germany as a child. Some of his favorite memories were playing baseball in Germany and traveling with his family. Darren always made time to be with his little brother, Justin. He would often take him to 7-Eleven to get slushies in his Firebird or ride motorcycles, treasured memories for both of them. He finished his schooling in Las Vegas, where he met the love of his life, Lisa Bock (Reynolds). After finishing high school, they moved to Salina, Kansas, where he and Lisa would get married and start a family.
Other than his family, Darren loved nothing more than being out in the country, farming. He loved driving tractors, working cattle, and harvesting crops. Darren loved the Kansas prairie and sunsets. There was nothing in the world he could not fix.
Darren could make friends with anyone, often embarrassing his wife and kids by talking to strangers in public. He also loved baseball, English bulldogs, unsweetened iced tea, storytelling, and causing mischief.
He would not want anyone to suffer long over his passing. Darren believed in living every day like it was your last and would want everyone to hold him in their stories.
Darren passed away on October 12, 2026, peacefully at home with his wife and dog.
He has joined his grandparents, Emil and Esther Carlson; his father, Edward Bock; and his best friend and cousin, Steven Rohrer.
Darren is survived by his wife, Lisa Bock (Reynolds); children, Ariel (Stephen Sizemore) and Nathaniel (Khyla Hamel) Bock; mother, Anna Bock; and brother and sister-in-law, Justin and Shana Bock.
A Celebration of Darren’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 24th, 2026, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St., Salina, KS, with a luncheon held afterwards. Please come as you are, as Darren wouldn’t want you to fuss over what to wear.
Memorials in Darren’s name can be made out to the family and sent to Ryan Mortuary.
Heaven will never be the same.
Ryan Mortuary
Lonnie Ray Pywell
June 3, 1938 - October 15, 2026
Lonnie Ray Pywell, 88, passed away October 15, 2026 in Salina, KS. He was born June 3, 1938 in Palco, KS, the son of Cecil and Alice “Fern” Pywell. Lonnie grew up on the family farm near Palco. He worked as the Engineer for KKAN Radio station for many years. He also worked at Newell’s Appliance for over 30 years. He retired from a career with KN Energy.
Lonnie married Lyalla (Henricks) Chester on October 23, 1976 in Phillipsburg, KS. After retirement, Lonnie & Lyalla moved to Poncha Springs, Colorado and enjoyed good friends, fellowship, and the beauty that the Colorado Rockies had to offer. However, after 13 years they moved back to Kansas for health reasons. In 2018 Lyalla and Lonnie moved to an assisted living facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico and Lonnie was there until moving to Salina in 2025.
Lonnie is preceded in death by his wife Lyalla Pywell; parents; brothers, Charles “Corky”, Roy, and James Pywell; and great-granddaughter, Addy Chester. He is survived by his daughter, Deb (Pywell) Smith (husband Keenan) of Salina, KS, Donna (Pywell) Griem (husband Rennie) of Salina, KS; stepson, Scott Henricks (wife Patty) of Lawrence, Kansas; stepdaughter, Cris Chester of Hays, KS;10 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
A private family graveside gathering will take place Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Ryan Mortuary
Cyril William "Bill" Habiger
February 26, 1942 - August 6, 2026
Cyril William Habiger passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Rush University Medical Center surrounded by his family, after a 15 year-battle with Arterial Pulmonary Hypertension.
He was known to most as Bill and is survived by his wife of 53 years, Diane (Felbinger); his three children, Scott Habiger of Joliet, David (Sharon) Habiger, of Boca Grande, FL, and Kathleen (George) Panagopoulos of Naperville; six grandchildren, Tyler (Shane) Conlin, Jacinda Dorian, Carolyn and Hannah Habiger, Peter and Liam Panagopoulos, and one great-grandson, Lucas Hildrath. He is also survived by his three sisters, Helen McClellan, Virginia Clark, Grace (Carl) Barben, and one brother, Robert Habiger.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Cyril and Nola Habiger of Salina, Kansas; his first wife, Carolyn, nee Carew (1970), and his sister Irene Gorman.
Bill was raised on a farm in Salina, Kansas, where he developed a strong work ethic and practical mechanical skills, that served him throughout his life. He began his education in a two-room schoolhouse in Bavaria, Kansas, then attended Sacred Heart High School in Salina. Bill went on to earn a degree in mechanical engineering from Kansas State University, followed by an MBA from Loyola University in Chicago. He put his engineering and business education to practical use in both his career and daily life.
Bill retired from Caterpillar after a distinguished 30-year career where he was awarded 27 patents. Bill next formed Lincolnshire Properties Inc. where he thrived developing both commercial and residential properties and becoming the owner and operator of the Lincolnshire Business Center. Tenants valued his professionalism and prompt attention to their concerns. Known for his remarkable ability to repair and rebuild almost anything, Bill took pride in leaving every property in better condition than when he acquired it.
As a property manager and developer, he distinguished himself by acquiring a range of commercial and residential properties. One of his most notable projects was the restoration of the Opera House Building in downtown Plainfield, which housed the popular Clock Tower Restaurant. In recognition of this achievement, he received the prestigious 2018 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Rehabilitation. A lifelong car enthusiast, Bill also found joy in restoring and driving vintage vehicles, combining his mechanical skills with his passion for classic cars.
In 2016, Bill was awarded the De LaSalle Award from Lewis University. He served on the board of the Community Foundation of Will County for several years and was awarded its Community Service Award in 2021. Bill was always proud of having served as a member of the Will County Preservation Society and especially enjoyed serving on the Building and Grounds Committee of Joliet Catholic Academy. He served on this committee for several years and also on the Woodedcreek Homeowners’ Association Board. He was a board member and former president of the Illinois Professional Engineers Society.
Bill will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband to Diane and a kind, supportive father to his three children, Scott, David, and Kathleen. He was deeply respected and loved by his children and grandchildren.
A Graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Calvary Cemetery, Brookville, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to Joliet Catholic Academy , the University of St. Francis , or Silver Cross Hospital .
Ryan Mortuary
María Irene Calzada De Los Santos
February 3, 1945 - October 14, 2026
SALINA- With broken hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, María Irene Calzada De Los Santos, who passed away on October 14, 2026, at the age of 81.
Daughter of Juan De Los Santos and Concepcion Téllez. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, David Calzada Jr. and her parents.
Our mother was a woman whose heart was filled with unconditional love. She devoted her life to her children and family, always giving, even when she had little to give. She taught us the meaning of selflessness, the importance of family, and the power of a mother’s love. Her arms were our safe place, her voice brought us comfort, and her love gave us strength through life’s most difficult moments.
She was the heart of our family, a source of comfort, and a blessing whose presence brought us together. Her love was woven into every memory, every sacrifice, and every lesson she left behind, we are forever grateful for the years we were blessed to call her our mother.
A mother’s love never ends. It lives on in the hearts of her children, in the laughter of her grandchildren, in the lives of her great-grandchildren, and in the memories that will be treasured for generations to come.
María Irene leaves behind her beloved husband, David Calzada, and her twelve cherished children: Tomasa Calzada, Guadalupe Calzada, Ermila Calzada, Ezequiel Calzada, Cecilia Calzada, Anselmo Calzada, Rosalinda Calzada, María Calzada, Irene Calzada, Teresa Calzada, Josefina Calzada, and Regina Calzada.
She also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings who will forever cherish her memory and the love she shared with them.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and prayer to honor the life of our beloved mother. A Vigil will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina, with a Rosary beginning at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian burial be at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 19, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, will interment to follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Salina.
We find comfort in our faith, trusting that you are now resting in the loving arms of God, reunited with your beloved son, and free from all pain and suffering.
Until we meet again in heaven, may you rest in eternal peace, our beautiful mother. You gave us life, you gave us love, and you gave us a home in your heart. That is a gift we will carry for the rest of our lives.
Your loving family will miss you forever, but your love will never leave us.
We love you, Mom. Forever and always. 🕊️
Ryan Mortuary
Mary Ann Huffman
November 13, 1948 - October 13, 2026
Mary Ann Huffman, 77, of Salina, passed peacefully away Tuesday, October 13, 2026. She was born on November 13, 1948, and grew up in Logan.
Mary Ann worked as an administrative assistant for the Archdiocese of Salina. The most important things in Mary Ann’s life were her faith, family, and friends. She loved nothing more than her sons and grandsons sporting events.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by husband, Tom; her mother, Frances Pflieger; and her father, Edwin Pflieger.
She is survived by her sons, Michael and his wife Lacey, and Mathew and his wife Julie. She is also survived by her brother, Edwin Pflieger of Tennessee; and her sisters, Jean St. James of Los Angeles and Marlene and husband Brad of Topeka. She also has four grandchildren, Lexie, Jhett, Landen, Jag; and one great-granddaughter, London.
The visitation will be 5-7 pm, with a rosary at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina. The funeral mass will be 10 am on Wednesday, October 21, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Salina, followed by burial at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Salina.
Memorials may be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Salina, or the Alzheimer’s Association, care of Ryan Mortuary.
Ryan Mortuary
Jakie "Jake" Lee Mitchell
November 3, 1939 - October 15, 2026
Jakie “Jake” Lee Mitchell, 86, of Salina, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Jake was born on November 3, 1939, in Salina, Kansas, to Neil and Esther (Dorman) Mitchell. Born hard of hearing, Jake never allowed that challenge to define him. Instead, it helped shape the determined, hardworking, and resilient man he became.
A 1957 graduate of Salina Central High School, Jake began his career in metal fabrication shortly after graduation. The trade quickly became his life's calling. He spent the final 32 years of his career at PPI, later known as Coperion K-Tron. Beyond his professional work, Jake was an accomplished welder and fabricator who completed countless projects from his home workshop. He was especially well known among local car enthusiasts for his Heliarc welding skills and the many lasting friendships he built through his work.
Jake believed in giving back to others. As a dedicated O-negative blood donor, he reached the remarkable milestone of donating 30 gallons of blood during his lifetime. He also embraced an active lifestyle, riding more than 5,000 miles on his bicycle in 2010 alone and maintaining his longtime membership at the YMCA.
In 2013, Jake survived a serious automobile accident that left him in intensive care for three weeks. Following his recovery and rehabilitation at Presbyterian Manor, he chose to remain there in the independent living community. He called Presbyterian Manor home for the past 12 years, where he continued to enjoy the friendships and connections he made throughout his life.
Jake was preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Esther Mitchell.
He is survived by his brother, Owen Mitchell, and his nieces, Julie Mitchell, Diane Gutierrez, and Lori Ramos, all of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Jake is also remembered by special friends Arlon Jones and Lloyd Jones of Salina, who were like brothers to him. Their friendship was a treasured part of his life.
Honoring Jake's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Salina Presbyterian Manor Good Samaritan Fund.
Jake will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, craftsmanship, loyalty to his friends, and determination to live life to the fullest despite the challenges he faced. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through his work, his kindness, and his enduring friendships.
Carlson Funeral Home
