Linn County News
Published April 10, 2024
I, Mary Tinsley; being of sound mind and steadfast in my faith died today. My body decided to give out. Here I am, onto my next adventure, carried home to heaven by these wonderful angels shouting, ‘She is here, She is here because she isn’t down there! Oh and what a beautiful journey it was.’
I was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Mary Gillen Thomas and The Great JB on Dec. 15, 1935.
I grew up with my younger brother, John, in Brooklyn; we were definitely an ornery pair to contend with until momma would give us ‘the look’. (Of course, him more than I.) I graduated from All Saints Commercial High and proceeded to find myself working in the banking industry for a number of years in New York and Kansas. I also did private duty home care which I enjoyed - I touched so many lives. My cousin invited me to visit her in Kansas in early 1961, that is where I had a special first date and instantly knew I’d found the one love to spend my life with;Melvin Tinsley, Jr. He asked me to marry him at the end of that evening. Five days later in Miami, Okla., we ‘tied the knot’.
Our adventure together lasted for 58 and 1/2 yrs. We raised two children and lots of animals, had ups and downs, fussed and loved each other through it all.
I leave behind my grown children - Anna and Claudia, their spouses - Steven and Wes; grandchildren - James, Rachel and Meghan; great-grandchildren - Dakota, Aleesa and Lily; and all of my many nieces and nephews and many friends that I consider family.
It’s been quite the reunion up here. I truly recommend it when it’s your time.
To all my family and friends I hope you know you have been in my thoughts and prayers daily throughout my life - so please be good and if you can’t - be careful or just don’t get caught.
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me...a little - but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me - but let me go
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the Maker’s plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart,
go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me - but let me go.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to Safe Haven Sanctuary at Regina’s Rescue. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.
OBITUARIES
Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith ~ 11-19-1935 to 06-07-2025

Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith passed away Saturday June 7, 2025, at the Stoneybrook Retirement Community in Manhattan. She was born on Nov. 19, 1935, in Topeka, Kan., to Neil and Gladys (Goldsmith)... [More]
Ron Arbogast ~ 08-31-1946 to 06-05-2025

Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Ron Arbogast, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, coach, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 78. Born Aug. 31, 1946, in Fort Scott, Kan.,... [More]
Richard “Dick” Smith ~ 04-18-1942 to 06-22-2025

Linn County News Published June 25, 2025 Richard "Dick" Smith, age 83, formerly of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away in Olathe, Kan., on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Graveside Service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Pleasanton Cemetery. Contributions... [More]
More Obituaries
- Charles Edwin Sutterby ~ 06-20-1951 to 06-19-2025
- Windfred Allen DeMott ~ 09-15-1940 to 06-07-2025
- Maxine Breuel ~ 11-20-1926 to 06-07-2025
- Richard Paul Henderson ~ 07-26-1950 to 06-01-2025
- Rees Lyle Shattuck 08-31-1931 to 05-26-2025
- Dixie Bradley Wilkerson 10-15-1939 to 05-30-2025
- Gary Ray Johnson 03-10-1935 to 05-28-2025
- Gary Ray Johnson ~ 03-10-1935 to 05-28-2025
NEWS
NOTICE:

Due to a scheduling conflict, the commissioners will not be meeting today, June 25th, for a second budget workshop. The meeting has been rescheduled for July 2nd.
Tanglewood Lakes files suit against Board of County Commissioners

Requests declaratory judgement that roads are private The Tanglewood Lakes Owners Association, Inc. (TLOA), filed a lawsuit in Linn County District Court on June 6, 2025, against the Linn County Board of County Commissioners requesting a declaratory judgement from... [More]
Case filed alleging exploitation of minors, breach of privacy

On June 20, following an extensive investigation by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Linn County Attorney’s Office filed a case in district court charging Erik Hellner, a Sugar Valley Lakes resident, with six separate felonies. The case originally stems from... [More]
More News
- La Cygne executes pool bond defeasance
- CANCELED: Statewide Purple Alert issued for missing Yates Center woman
- Parker mayor seeks affidavits to file charges
- USD 346 board learns of overpayments
- NOTICE
- Commissioners discuss estimate on overlay project
- Pleasanton council meeting heated over fire personnel interviews
- La Cygne gas customers may see rate decrease
SPORTS
Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship

The Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team traveled to Wichita to compete in the Kansas Trapshooting State tournament. The tournament features more than 110 high schools and over 1,500 student athletes. Pleasanton/Jayhawk compete in the 2A competition which happened on June... [More]
Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad

Prairie View’s head boys’ wrestling Coach Joey Ewalt does more for the sport than just coaching the Buffalos, he has made an impact on the sport as a wrestler, coach and official. Ewalt began his wrestling career at the very young age of four. His father, Mike Ewalt,... [More]
More Sports
- Pleasanton and Jayhawk baseball on the 2025 All TRL team
- Jayhawk Linn softball has three All TRL unanimous selections
- Trenton Broyles leads Hawks at State track
- Prairie View track earns six medals at State
- Pleasanton’s Gratton wins two golds, sets meet record
- Jayhawk track breaks another school record and qualifies multiple athletes for State
- School records and State qualifiers are made for the Jays at Eureka
- Prairie View track qualifies multiple athletes for State
OBITUARIES POLICY
• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
• Must be received by 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning in order to appear in that week's edition.
• Obituaries submitted by funeral homes will be billed to the funeral home.
• Full obituaries submitted by individuals are required to be paid in advance.
• Cost: $40 for 300 words or less. Each additional word over 300, 10¢. Photograph $5.
Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

