Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home

04/04/2026

Kenneth “Kenny” R. Wilder, 64, died April 1, 2026, at his home in Cottonwood Falls. He was born January 4, 1962, in Strong City, to Lewis A. and Deloris (Drummond) Wilder. Kenny worked various jobs throughout adulthood and retired after 25 years in the semi-trailer wash business. Kenny enjoyed fishing and spending time with his wife.

On July 28, 1980, he married Terry A. Marbel. They shared almost 46 years of marriage.

Kenny is survived by: wife, Terry of the home; daughter, Missy Marbel; 3 grandsons; sisters, Linda Campbell and husband Robert, Becky Frank, Cindy Fuqua and Kathy Swift and husband Charles.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Kenny’s wishes were to be cremated and a family celebration of life service will be at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Angels Care Hospice, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

03/31/2026

03/20/2026

Norman L. Wilson, 83, died March 18, 2026, at his home in rural Strong City. He was born June 26, 1942, in Sublette, to Tilden H. and Lola (Brenton) Wilson. Norman graduated from Toronto High School and attended Butler Community College. Norman was an amazing athlete. He pitched for the Chicago White Sox farm team until he decided he didn’t like their rules and wanted to go back to cowboying. He was a tough and fearless cowboy who knew how to make a good horse. Norman would do his own leather work making halters, reins and tried to teach his sons how to braid. He enjoyed watching men and women’s basketball games and women’s softball games. He would attend as many of his grandchildren’s sporting events as he could. Norman was also a good cook. Another hobby of Normans was running bird dogs. He ran many successful field trials. The words “once a cowboy, always a cowboy” are true about Norman.
On August 7, 1970, Norman married Susan White in Cottonwood Falls. They shared 55 years of marriage.
Norman is survived by: wife, Sue, of the home; sons, Dow (Erin) Wilson of Cedar Point, Ty (Rachel) Wilson; daughters, Vickie (Roger) Green of Park City, Ann (Stewart) Hoffman of Muskogee, OK; 12 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Earl Bailey; step-mothers, Marilyn Wilson, Lorene Wilson; and brother, Doug Wilson.
Per Norm’s wishes, cremation will take place and a private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Chase County Fishing Derby or USD 284 for high school sports, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.
“Take care of yourself and each other”.

03/12/2026

Steven LeRoy Simpson, 77, passed away on March 10, 2026. Steven was born on August 11, 1948, in Wellington, Kansas, to Jesse and Phyllis Simpson. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as an E-3 Machinist Repairman from 1966 to 1969. During his service he earned the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He later transferred to the Navy Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1972.

On May 24, 1986, Steven married Donna Kay Leach at a little wedding chapel in Reno, Nevada. They shared 23 years of marriage before Donna passed away on June 11, 2009. Together they made their home in Vallejo, California, where they spent much of their lives and raised their son, Steven Kent.

Steven worked as a Journeyman Stationary Engineer at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco from 1978 until his retirement in 2005. Prior to that, he worked as a Machinist Service Technician at Stewart-Warner Datafax in San Francisco from 1972 to 1976 and as a Special Project Electrician at Iowa Beef in Emporia, Kansas, from 1976 to 1978.

After retiring, Steven returned to Kansas to be closer to family.

He loved spending time fishing, hunting, Motorcycle trips with his brothers. Steve was a devoted father and proud “Poppy.” His granddaughters were the lights of his life, and was looking forward to becoming a “Great-Grand Poppy” in just a few short days.

Steven is survived by his son, Steven and daughter-in-law, Christa; and his three granddaughters, Kaylee (Colton), Micayla (Jackson), and Brylee, his nephew Aaron(Ashley) Hoffman, who was like a son, his brothers, Howard (Annette) Simpson and Donnie Simpson; and his sisters, Barbara Sigler and Elizabeth Welch and an abundance of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Phyllis Simpson; his wife, Donna Kay Simpson; his granddaughter, Ashton Rye; his sister-in-law, Joella Simpson; and his brothers-in-law, Terry Sigler and Richard Welch.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to, Chase County All Veteran, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

03/12/2026

Hazen Paul Bledsoe II, 78, died March 10, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 28, 1948, in Emporia, to Hazen Paul and Beth (Overstreet) Bledsoe. Paul graduated from Strong City High School in 1966 and attended Kansas State University. Paul proudly served his county in the United States Air Force from 1967-1971. Paul started his career as a lineman for KP&L and retired as a supervisor.

He was a member of Faith Methodist Church. He was active in the Men’s Prayer Group and with the church choir. Paul was a selfless man whose passion was helping other people. Paul was very close with his entire family. Family and faith were the most important part of Paul’s life.

On January 29, 1967, he married Linda Mae Eidman at Saffordville United Methodist Church. They shared 59 years of marriage.
Paul is survived by: wife, Linda, of the home; children, Holly Edwards and husband PJ, Heidi Bledsoe, all of Cottonwood Falls; Chad Bledsoe and wife Dawn of Quinter; grandchildren, Cass Bledsoe and wife Brittany, Colton Haney and wife Laura, Calli Edwards, Ashlynn Bledsoe; great grandchildren, Canon Bledsoe and Cambrie Bledsoe; brother, John Bledsoe and wife Avis of Emory, TX; and sister, Mary Beth Maresh and husband Richard of Overland Park.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Celebration of life service will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Faith Methodist Church with Pastor Rick Branson officiating. Family will greet friends following the service at the Community Building. Memorial donations may be made to Faith Methodist Church, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

02/25/2026

Barbara Ann Kampff, a woman of boundless heart and fierce determination, passed away leaving behind a legacy of profound love and selflessness. To Barb, family was not just a priority- it was her entire world. She lived her life with an open heart, always ready for a new adventure and a reason to share a laugh with those she held dear.

For more than three decades, Barb dedicated her life to the service of others as a social worker. Her career was a woman who consistently put the needs of her community and neighbors above her own, guided by a spirit of generosity.

While her work touched many, her greatest joy was found at home. She was a devoted wife of Roger Kampff, and the guiding voice of reason for her children: Meghan Robison (Jason), Benjamin Kampff, and Alyssa Kampff. Barb's eyes truly lit up for her role as a nana, and she will be forever missed by her grandkids; Emmi and Jackson Robison. She is also survived by siblings, Kathy Pexsa and husband Bert, Carol Schulte, Robert Schulte, and Marvin Schulte and wife Mary.

Barb has gone on to her next great adventure, where she is being welcomed with open arms by her parents; Theresa and Charles Schulte, and her brother Marty Schulte. Along with many other beloved family members who went before her.

Her family will remember her as a woman who LOVED them more than words could describe- a love that will continue to guide them every day until they meet again.

Celebration of life service will be 11am Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home, Cottonwood Falls. Family will greet friends from 10am until service time. Memorial donations may be made to Roger Kampff, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

02/09/2026

Rosalie Helen (Hotzel) Edmiston, left this earth February 7, 2026, at Presbyterian Manor, Emporia. Rosalie was born December 22, 1930, the 12th child born to Fredrick Wilhelm and Julia Dorothy (Schaefer) Hotzel, in Emporia. Rosalie lived her childhood in Emporia where she attended Sacred Heart Church and school. She graduated from Emporia High School. Her first jobs were F.W. Woolworth and SW Bell Telephone Company.

She was joined in marriage to Robert Frank “Bob” Edmiston on December 29, 1951, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Emporia. They shared almost 62 years of marriage before he died on October 18, 2013. Before returning to the Emporia area, she and Bob lived in Wichita where they built their home and started their family. She held office positions at Boeing Aircraft. After moving to Americus, she and Bob farmed and raised their family. During this time she also held office positions at Didde-Glaser and Spellman Plumbing where she retired from at age 62. Retirement years were spent at home with Bob and taking short trips exploring states west of the Mississippi.

Rosalie loved playing her piano and later the electric organ. She also enjoyed crocheting, sewing, cooking and baking for her family, gardening and flowers.

She is survived by: children, Larry Edmiston and wife Cindy of Americus, Kenneth Edmiston of Salina, Lynda Orton and husband Jim of Americus and Connie Cooper and husband Clay of Cottonwood Falls. Rosalie had 8 grandchildren, Margie, Tommie, Jess, Heather, Austin, Chris, Joshua and Zack. She was lovingly called “Grandma Rosie” by her 14 great grandchildren, Marissa, Kayla, Zane, Grady, Collyn, Keegan, Eli, Cameron, Easton, Clark, Alexys, Cooper, Hadley and Lane.

Rosalie was preceded in death by her parents; all 12 siblings, Fred Hotzel, Albert Hotzel, John Hotzel, Elmer Hotzel, Carl Hotzel, Paul Hotzel, James Hotzel, infant Andrew Hotzel, Inez Prehal, Dorothy Thomas, Sarah Brown, Mary Turner; son, William Edmiston; granddaughters, Kelly Edmiston, Cherie Edmiston, and Lacey Cooper.

Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Americus Cemetery, Americus. No visitation is planned. Memorial donations may be made to Hand-in-Hand Hospice, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

02/09/2026

Emily Marie Ayers died Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in the Intensive Care Unit at KU Medical Center, Kansas City, at the age of 44. A Requiem Eucharist Service will be held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 9th and Commercial St., Emporia, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Following the service, Emily will be buried at Prairie Grove Cemetery, Cottonwood Falls. A reception and luncheon will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Parish Hall, Strong City.

The visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Hall, Strong City, from 5-7 p.m.
Emily was born in Emporia, on August 21, 1981, the daughter of Janet (Schoap) Ayers and Lee Ayers. Emily graduated from Chase County High Schol where she participated in sports and was a member of KAYS and the National Honor Society. She graduated from Emporia State University with a bachelor’s degree. At ESU, she was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and she served on the ESU Panhellenic Council. Emily loved serving others, as was evident in her career. She was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Emporia and St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church in Mission, KS.

Emily is survived by her parents; aunts; uncles; cousins; and by Bernice Odle who chose Emily to be her “granddaughter.”

Memorial donations may be made to Chase County 4-H Council, to be divided equally among the clubs, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

01/30/2026

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DAxgoPiwfyo

To view the livestream of Brent’s funeral tomorrow click the link.

4/16/1989 - 1/18/2026

01/28/2026

Jan Pinkston

Born in Bakersfield, California in 1948, she was the daughter of Nolan and Priscilla Cornelius and was raised by Priscilla and Oscar Stephens.

She shared a devoted marriage with her husband, Gary Pinkston, and together they built a life grounded in faith, commitment, and family. She was a loving mother to two daughters, Tiffany Myers (married to Matt Myers) and Crystal Pinkston, raising them with strength, compassion, and unwavering support. Her guidance, faith, and steady presence shaped their lives in countless ways.

In her early professional years, she built a successful career as a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker and later worked alongside her husband as his partner in their development company.

She was a talented painter who expressed herself through art and an avid traveler who embraced the world with curiosity and joy. She held a special love for Hawaii, a place that brought her peace. She also appreciated ranch work and the values it represented, cherishing time spent at Flying P.

She deeply loved her role as Nana, finding great joy in her grandchildren, Abigail and Levi Myers, and she also adored her granddogs.

Her faith was the foundation of her life and guided her through every season.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Pinkston; her daughter, Tiffany Myers (Matt Myers), and her grandchildren, Abigail and Levi Myers; her daughter, Crystal Pinkston; and extended family and friends who will forever hold her memory close.

She will be remembered for her faith, creativity, adventurous spirit, and the deep love she had for her family.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Cedar Point Community Church. Burial will follow in Cedar Point Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home, Cottonwood Falls. Memorial donations may be made to Guideposts Foundation through their website or by check mailed to Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

01/25/2026

Ray A. Miller, age 66, passed away on January 20, 2026, at his home in Emporia, Kansas. He was born on November 29, 1959, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Carl A. and Peggy J. (Spillman) Miller.
Ray spent his entire career in the construction industry. A hardworking and dedicated man, he worked for Star Construction for nearly 30 years and retired as a foreman from Bruce Davis Construction.

Ray enjoyed fishing, country cruising, watching westerns, helping with pasture burning, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. Every Sunday, Ray and his buddies gathered for their own version of Sunday “church,” where they shared fellowship and played cards together.

Ray is survived by his stepchildren: Megan Ruiz and husband Frankie, and their children Brooklynn, Maia, and Eric, all of Emporia; Jerry Parks and wife Morgan, and their children Amelia, Aurora, and Abbott, of Garnett, Kansas; Mitch Stone and wife Shannon; and Andrew Parks and wife Shelly and their children Lily, Evie, and Marvel, of Valentine, Nebraska.

He is also survived by his siblings: Roy Miller and wife Annette of Emporia; Sue Nutterfield of Olathe, Kansas; and Sally Miller-Cheek and husband Michael of San Antonio, Texas, and his nephews: Jesse Miller and wife Tina; Aaron Nutterfield and wife Emily; Connor Nutterfield; and Kristopher Cheek; as well as his great-nephews Beau Miller, Everett Nutterfield, and a baby Nutterfield on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved partner, Julie “Jules” Parks; and his grandson, Frankie Eric Ruiz.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Toledo Township. Following the burial, family and friends are invited to continue the celebration of Ray’s life at Casa Ramos, 402 Merchant St, Emporia. The family welcomes shared photos and memories on the Tribute Wall at www.brown-bennett-alexander.com/obituary/Ray-Miller. No visitation is planned.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Soden’s Bridge Preservation, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home, P.O. Box 220, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

01/19/2026

Brent Allen Miller, 36, died January 18, 2026, at Chase County Care and Rehabilitation, Cottonwood Falls. He was born April 16, 1989, in Emporia, to James “Jim” Miller and Julie Scott. Brent attended Emporia High School.

Brent’s main job was being a grandson, son, and father. He enjoyed video games, collecting baseball caps and was a computer whiz. He could fix anything wrong on the computer with no problem.

Brent is survived by: father, Jim Miller and wife Monica of Wichita; mother, Julie DeLong and husband David of Emporia; children, Trenton Miller, Rhyleigh Miller, McKiah Miller all of Emporia; siblings, Dylan DeLong, Devin DeLong, both of Emporia, Alexandra Miller and her son, Colson both of Wichita; grandma, Janice Miller of Strong City; and grandpa, Gary Scott of Cottonwood Falls.

He was preceded in death by his grandpa Dick Miller; grandparents, Mac and Marcia McCullom; and sister, Amber Lynn Miller.

Celebration of life service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home, Cottonwood Falls. No visitation is planned. Memorial donations may be made to Chase County EMS, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.