Brennan Mathena Funeral Home http://brennanmathenafh.com en Bateson, Mary Alice [03/03/1956 - 02/03/2012] Mary Alice Bateson, 55, of Topeka, KS died Friday, February 03, 2012 at Stormont-Vail Health Care. She was born March 3, 1956 in Topeka, KS the daughter of William Frank and Nellie Alice (Stowell) Hamilton. Mary is survived by her parents, Frank and Nellie Hamilton of Texas, a daughter, Illia J. Bateson and her husband, Marcus Levelle Jenkins of Topeka, two brothers, Tom Hamilton of Emporia, William Hamilton of South Dakota, two sisters, Joyce Stone of Texas and Janet Wikle of Lawrence. Two grandchildren, Blessing Marie Bateson and Josiah Levelle Jenkins also survive. She was cremated. A memorial service will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Lighthouse on the Rock, 553 NE Wilson Avenue, (Oakland) Topeka, KS 66616. Memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennamathenafh.com.

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]]> Simmons, George R. [12/02/1920 - 02/01/2012] George R. Simmons, 91, of Lecompton, died February 1, 2012 at his home. He was born in Alma, Kansas on December 2, 1920 the son of George Henry and Ellen Belle (Frakes) Simmons. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. George retired in 1978 from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed fishing, clearing timber and family gatherings. George was a life time member of Lecompton Historical Society. He married Arloene Mildred Dekat in Kansas City, Kansas on January 24, 1942. They shared 70 years of marriage. She survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Georgia (Johnny) Trammel of Lecompton and Rita (Robert) Mock of Fulton, Mo., six grandchildren, Stephanie Thomas, Jeff Bird, Sherie Willis, Matt Bird, Eddie Teets, and Kelly Bird, numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. George was preceded in death by a son, Stanley Simmons on August 15, 1972 and two sisters, Lois Coats and Edna Armstrong. He will lie in state at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Friday after 2:00 p.m. where the family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery at Big Springs, Kansas with military honors provided. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Midland Hospice Care or the Lecompton Historical Society and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

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]]> Miller, Donald Wayne [09/04/1925 - 02/01/2012] Donald Wayne Miller, 86, passed away peacefully in the home that he built and decorated over 56 years ago on Wednesday, February 01, 2012. A memorial service will be held 12:00 noon Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. prior to the service. Don was born on September 4, 1925 in Bern, Kansas and spent his childhood in Seneca, Kansas and his adulthood in Topeka, Kansas. Even though Don was a professional and knowledgeable salesman of both paint and hardware (Pittsburgh Plate Glass, Whelans, JC Penneys) and a skilled craftsman. Don learned his trade from his father as a young boy and loved painting and papering. He did this after work and on weekends for decades, and eventually went in business for himself, a decision he never regretted. Don had painted or hung wallpaper in hundreds of the finest houses in Topeka and Seneca including the Ward-Meade House and the Governor's Mansion. Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Alvina E. Miller, and his two children, Donald W. Miller, Jr. (Luba) of Shawnee and Marilyn A. Gaffney (Darrel) of Keller, Texas, and five grandchildren, Will, Ben, and Anne Miller, and Scott and Darin Gaffney. Don was the youngest and last living child of William Dixon Miller and Anna (Schober) Miller both of Bern, Kansas. Preceded in death was his best friend and twin brother Dale, as well two other brothers, Zeno and Sherman Miller, and five sisters, Ola Peacock, Vera Miner, Erma Gwyn, Farol Jack, and Fayetta Long. Don’s family would especially like to thank everyone at Midland Hospice Care for their excellent and compassionate care to Don and his family. Memorial contributions in Donald’s memory may be made to Midland Hospice Care and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

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]]> Cioffi, Doris Virginia [03/06/1920 - 01/31/2012] Doris Virginia Cioffi, 91, of Topeka, died January 31, 2012 at Homestead Assisted Living. She was born on the family farm in Cleburne, Kansas on March 6, 1920 the daughter of Ambrose and Anna (Lofgren) Johnson. Doris was the last of eleven children. She was a 1938 graduate of Cleburne High School where she won honors in spelling. After graduation she moved to Topeka. Doris’ professional career began at Hallmark Cards before going to work as an Auxiliary Police Woman for Sunflower Ordinance for two years. She retired as a bookkeeper for Stauffer Publications after 25 years of service. She and her husband enjoyed traveling extensively and had been to all 50 states as well as five trips to Europe and one trip in which they had an audience with Pope John Paul II. Doris loved to cook, garden, sew and was an avid bowler where she had many awards. Doris married the love of her life, Arnold “Jim” Cioffi, after nine months of courtship at Holy Name Catholic Church on July 4, 1944. They were blessed with 67 years of happiness. Doris was preceded in death by seven sisters, Ellen Johnson, Nellie Johnson, Evelyn Johnson, Anna Holloway, Alice Zeeb, Alphie Lewis, and Irene Mannen, and by three brothers, Albert, Art and Clayton Johnson. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. Doris donated her body to KU Medical Center for research. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Most Pure Heart of Mary Ministry to the Aging or Midland Hospice Care, and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

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]]> Jaramillo, Clara G. [08/19/1931 - 01/28/2012] Clara G. Jaramillo, 80, of Topeka, died January 28, 2012 at her home. She was born in Topeka, Kansas on August 19, 1931 the daughter of Pablo and Refugia (Davalos) Gutierrez. Clara worked in production for Hallmark Cards for over 30 years. While at Hallmark she gave many tours in Spanish to Company Representatives from Spanish-speaking countries. She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where she was an active volunteer. Clara was the Fiesta Queen in 1952. She was an avid KU sports fan and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Clara married Julian G. Jaramillo in Topeka, Kansas on June 4, 1955. He preceded her in death on February 8, 2006. She was also predeceased by three children in infancy, Mark in 1958, Karen in 1960, and Julian in 1962, a daughter Karen (Jaramillo) Gomel on November 19, 2010, two brothers, Tony “Major” Gutierrez, Manuel Gutierrez, two sisters, Leona Gutierrez and Jane Gutierrez. She is survived by a son, Pastor Ron (Carmen) Jaramillo of Overland Park, Ks., two daughters, Ret. Capt. U.S.Army Carol Jaramillo of Laurel, Maryland, and Barbara A. (Curt) Atwell of Omaha, Neb., her siblings, Louis (Lola) Gutierrez of K. C., MO., Raymond (Edna) Gutierrez of Topeka, Marylou (Al) Alvarez of Topeka, Paul (Ruth) Gutierrez Jr. of Emporia, Ks., and Richard Gutierrez of Topeka, and seven grandchildren. Clara will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Tuesday after 2:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesay at 12:00 noon at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

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]]> Padilla, Miguel C. [07/05/1925 - 01/26/2012] Miguel C. Padilla, 86, of Topeka, died January 26, 2012 at the VA Hospital. He was born in Topeka, Kansas on July 5, 1925 the son of Benigno and Juanita (Carrera ) Padilla. He attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Grade School, graduated from Topeka High and went to Topeka Vo-Tech. Miguel enlisted in the Merchant Marine and later the Navy where he served from 1944 to 1946 in the North and South Pacific with the USS PCE #881 Patrol Craft. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Philip Billard Post #1650, American Legion Post #1 and was a founding member of the Rangel Brothers G.I. Forum. Miguel was a Coach Carpenter for the Santa Fe Railroad for over 30 years. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where he was an active volunteer with the Fiesta Mexicana and sang in the church choir. He was one of the first members of the Cursillo. He was also a member of the Nate Morales Council of the Knights of Columbus, and served on the Board of Directors for LULAC and El Centro. He sang at LULAC and delivered Meals on Wheels. Miguel and his wife were active in the Democratic Party. He enjoyed music, his guitar, photography, and sports where he helped coach many of his son’s teams. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Miguel married Rose Trujillo in Westmoreland, Kansas on September 21, 1948. She survives. He is also survived by four sons, Michael A. (Veronica “Ronnie”), Ignacio M., Daniel L. (Karla), and David A. Padilla all of Topeka, 13 grandchildren, Janice, Roxanne, Angela, Megan, Laurel, Isabel, Alyssa, Brian, Nathan, Alexis, Corey, Damian and Lucero, 16 great grandchildren, and one brother, Pedro Dominguez Jr. He was preceded in death by a son, James Padilla on June 19, 2000 and two siblings, Guadalupe Padilla and Raymond Dominguez. Miguel will lie in state at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Monday after 2:00 p.m. where rosaries will be recited by the Parish at 5:00 p.m. and by the Nate Morales Council of the Knights of Columbus at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment with military honors by Philip Billard Post #1650 of the VFW will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church or Midland Hospice Care and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

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]]> Kaawa, Marjorie V. [09/18/1921 - 01/22/2012] Marjorie V. Kaawa, 90, of Topeka, died Sunday at Manor Care. She was born September 18, 1921 in San Francisco, CA the daughter of Robert and Mattie (Barrett) White. Marjorie was self-employed as a Medical Tarscriptionist She married Benjamin W. Davis, he predeceased her, she then married Dave Kaawa he also predeceased her. She is survived by a son, Thomas Davis of North Carolina, two daughters, Marilee Hudnall of Topeka and Roberta Davis of Fiji. Five grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren also survive. Marjorie was cremated. Inurnment will be in Hawaii at a later date. Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

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]]> Graffeo PhD. Daniel Michael [  - 01/20/2012] Daniel Michael Graffeo PhD., of Lawrence, died January 20, 2012 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. Daniel was an owner and operator of TMI Corp which involved manufacturing for the security industry. He was also a Locksmith. He received a PhD in Psychology and worked on a contract basis for the Government in Private Consulting. He enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycle where he was active in the annual Sturgis festivities, and collected locks of all types. Daniel was raised as a Catholic. He was a member of the Association of Locksmiths of America, a charter member of the Safe and Vault Technicians Association, National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, and the Harley Owners Group. He married Lois E. Smith in Austin, Minnesota on May 1, 1976. She predeceased him on August 24, 2003. Daniel is survived by a son, Matthew McManis and wife Tiffany and their children, Dylan and Jalen of Lawrence. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Myron Smith and his family from Austin, Minnesota. Daniel was cremated. A Memorial Visitation will be held at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Tuesday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. where the family will receive friends. This will be followed by a Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the ALOA Scholarship Foundation and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

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]]> Vargas, Manuel, Jr. [02/21/1933 - 01/15/2012] Manuel C. Vargas Jr., 78, of Kansas City, Kansas died January 15, 2012 at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He was born in Topeka, Kansas on February 21, 1933 the son of Manuel and Soledad C. (Chavez) Vargas. Manuel worked as a Banquet Manager for the Plaza Inn in Kansas City, Missouri prior to his retirement. He later worked at The Walnuts in Kansas City. He loved watching sports and loved his friends in Kansas City and Topeka. He was a former member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Topeka. Manuel is survived by a daughter, Yolanda Vargas, a sister, Guadalupe Perez in Topeka, three brothers, Felix Vargas of Topeka, Cano Vargas of Pico Rivera, CA., and Checo Vargas of Atwater, CA., as well as many nieces and nephews. He will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Friday after 2:00 p.m. where a Parish Vigil Service will be at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena F.H., 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

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]]> Torrez, Zoe DeAnna [01/11/2012 - 01/11/2012] Zoe DeAnna Torrez infant daughter of Christopher S. Torrez and Jamie Lei Wolfe was stillborn January 11, 2012 at Stormont-Vail Birthing Center. Survivors include her parents, two brothers, two sisters, two aunts, Tatum Keister and Amanda Matheson , uncle Joe Torrez, grandparents, Michelle Wolfe, Gus and Josie Torrez, great grandparents, Peter and Rose Gallego and Delores Torrez all of Topeka. Private services will be held at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home Saturday, January 21, 2012. Memorial contributions may made to the Zoe DeAnna Torrez Memorial Fund sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., 66603. Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.

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