Obituaries - Wednesday, October 28

Caren Sue Bachman

July 21, 1961 - October 26, 2026

Caren Sue Bachman, 65, died peacefully at her home on Monday evening, October 26, 2026. She was born July 21, 1961 in Lincoln, NB, the daughter of Ronald James and Gloriann Velda (Wickenkamp) Norris. She was a phase 2 coordinator for the Kansas University Medical School in Salina.

Memorial services will be announced for a Celebration of Life at "The Ark" Church, 2020 South Ohio Street, on the 14th of November, 2026.

Memorials are suggested to the Hope Care Center, 115 E. 83rd Street, Kansas City, MO, 64114 or the Kansas Impact Coalition, 336 S. Santa Fe, Suite #3, Salina, KS 67401.

Ryan Mortuary & Crematory

Brittany Michelle Smith

January 18, 1995 - October 22, 2026

Brittany Michelle Smith, 31, of Salina, passed away on October 22, 2026. She was born in Salina on January 18, 1995, to Jeffrey Smith and Patricia Smith.

Brittany cherished time with her fiancé, Shawn, her family and friends, and her German shepherds, Tiva and Ripper. Her dogs were deeply loved and an important part of her life, bringing her constant companionship and joy. She also carried the memory of her dog, Indi, in her heart.

For nearly 15 years, Brittany worked at Carlos O’Kelly’s in Salina, which she lovingly called her “second home.” The restaurant held a special place in her heart, as did the employees she worked alongside and the many people she met over the years. When it closed, she spoke about how much she loved the restaurant and how deeply she would miss everyone who had been part of that meaningful chapter of her life.

Brittany is survived by her mother, Patricia Smith; fiancé, Shawn Francis; sisters, Jessica Smith and Jennifer Saenger; nieces and nephews, Tyler Billings (Lane), McKenzie Billings, Dane Shea, Kaeleigh Ann Bergman, Lillee Saenger, and Jordan Saenger; great-nephew, Bradley; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She also leaves behind her dogs, Tiva and Ripper.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jeffrey Phillip Smith; grandparents, Arthur and Rose Harris and Curtis and Betty Smith; several uncles; and her dog, Indi.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Salina First Church of the Nazarene, 1425 S. Ohio St., Salina, KS 67401. Pastor Joshua Kilsch will officiate.

Ryan Mortuary & Crematory