Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home

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.

01/05/2026

Robert “Rob” Benzer, II, 61, died December 28, 2025, at Newman Regional Medical Center, Emporia. He was born May 3, 1964, in Milwaukee Wisconsin to Robert B Benzer Sr. and Babette Moliter Benzer.

Rob was a hardworking man and thoroughly enjoyed his career. He had worked for U.S. Stone as a heavy machine operator for almost 25 years.
When not working, Rob would enjoy doing yardwork and being outside. Crafting his dream estate, and rescuing various critters.

On November 20, 1993, he married Rhonda Slocum in Kansas City, MO. They shared 32 years of marriage.
Rob is survived by: wife, Rhonda Benzer; son, Robert “Rob” Benzer; mother, Babette Benzer; and brothers, Terry Benzer and Jeff Benzer.

He was preceded in death by his father.
Cremation will take place.

A celebration of Rob’s life will be from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Community Building in Swope Park, 1715 210th Rd, Cottonwood Falls. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

12/27/2025

Hazel Irene (Carpenter) Everett, 99, died December 24, 2025, at Chase County Care and Rehabilitation in Cottonwood Falls, KS. She was born November 9, 1926, in Cottonwood Falls to Ernest and Rose (Laloge) Carpenter.

On June 10, 1943, she married Daniel Everett in Cottonwood Falls. They shared almost 53 years of marriage before he died on March 11, 1996. Hazel worked alongside Dan on their farm northeast of Strong City, KS for many years. She later worked at the Chase County Nursing Home as cook, laundress, and Certified Nurse Aid for 24 years.

Hazel enjoyed sewing and knew her way around a kitchen. She especially enjoyed frying fish, baked excellent pies and bread, and could make her own home brew. Hazel was always happy to share what she made with those she loved. An avid gardener, she always looked forward to spring when she could tend to her beautiful rose garden. Hazel loved all animals, especially her dogs Pal and Muffy.
Hazel is survived by her brother, Richard “Dick” Carpenter of Salina, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 9 siblings, Ruth Watchous, Alice Redick, M. Marie Adamson, Lillian Davis, Henry Carpenter, Kenneth Carpenter, Arnold Carpenter, Melvin “Bill” Carpenter, and Neal Carpenter.

Graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Strong Township Cemetery, Strong City. No visitation is planned. Memorial donations may be to the Buck Fund, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home, PO Box 220, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

12/14/2025

Sandra K. Schroeder, 83, died Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Homestead Assisted Living, Emporia. She was born May 13, 1942, in Allen, to Vernon H. and Lois A. (McAuley) Maxwell. Sandra graduated from Northern Heights High School in North Lyon County and from ESU with a bachelor of science in business. She worked in the student loan office before retiring. Sandra didn’t stay retired long before she went to work in the financial aid office at the VoTech. She tried the retirement life again and didn’t enjoy it and started working for the Chase County Senior Center. She also worked at her daughter’s store Free Range Junkers. Sandra was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. She was the head cook for the LOGO youth group, member of Lutheran Missionary League. Her family, faith and church family were important parts of her life.

Sandra is survived by: children, Jacque Cole (Howard) of Strong City, Lori Burns of Emporia, Jeff Schroeder (Tracie) of Council Grove; 9 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brother, Dean Maxwell of KC, MO; and sister, Judy Moore of Emporia.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Deloris Mann; brother, Don Maxwell; an infant sister; and son-in-law, Bryan Conley.

Sandra donated her body to KU Medical Center.

Memorial service will be 11:00 am Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Messiah Lutheran Church with Pastor Norbert Tegtmeier officiating. Family will greet friends following the service. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 668453.

12/10/2025

Kathryn “Kathy” Diane Sigel, 65, died December 6, 2025, at her home in rural Marion. She was born April 30, 1960, in Kansas City, KS, to Darrell and Myrna Jean (Roush) Shepherd. Kathy graduated from Atchison High School in 1978. She worked for 18 years at Dolly Madison before they were bought out by Hostess. She then went on to drive a school bus until she retired. Kathy enjoyed music, flowers and gardening.

On February 14, 1993, she married Benton “Ben” D. Sigel in Emporia. They shared 29 years of marriage before Ben died on September 14, 2022.

Kathy is survived by: children, Jamie Sigel of Marion, Wyatt Sigel of Gillette, WY; sister, Marcia Fortner of Oro Valley, AZ; numerous nieces and nephews; parents-in-law, Eric and Diana Sigel; sister-in-law, Leah Taylor and husband Deb; brothers-in-law, Jake Sigel and wife Christi and Joe Sigel.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Bazaar Cemetery, Bazaar, with a celebration of life service to follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Bazaar Schoolhouse. Family will greet friends after the service. Memorial donations may be made to Hope Lodge in KC, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

12/09/2025

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

Link to watch the live stream of Delbert’s service at 11 am today.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

12/07/2025

Delbert Ray Swift, 85, died December 5, 2025, at Chase County Care and Rehabilitation, Cottonwood Falls. He was born September 22, 1940, in Strong City, to Elmer Ray and Isla (Hull) Swift. Delbert graduated from Matfield Green High School in 1968. He worked at IBP before retiring. Delbert enjoyed deer hunting and farming.
On June 19, 1982, he married Ethel Lou (Wilson) Self in Americus.

They shared almost 42 years of marriage before Ethel passed away on March 14, 2024.

Delbert is survived by: children, Paul Self, Charla Self, Traci Morris and husband Darrell, all of Seminole, OK; 3 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and siblings, Ellie Swift and husband Donnie, Melvin Swift and wife Joyce, all of Matfield Green.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Claton Swift and Marvin Swift; and daughter, Belinda “Kay” Self.

Cremation will take place.

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home, Cottonwood Falls. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date in Matfield Green Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Matfield Green Cemetery, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.