eType Editor

Sara Ellen Henry, 79, a longtime resident of Pittsburg, KS passed away Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Lenexa, KS. She was born July 3, 1945, in Enid, OK to Paul Breen and Dorothy Dahlem Breen. She graduated in 1963 from Wellington High School. She graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1968 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She married Richard Henry on Nov. 10, 1990, in Pittsburg. She is survived by nieces Linda (Brace) Cooper, Jan Witkoski (Mark Pfau), and Donna Stanganelli, and nephews Gregg (Akiko) Witkoski, Eric (Adriana Escobar) Witkoski, and Michael (Alma) Breen. Greatnieces and great-nephews. Her husband, parents, sister, Lorraine Witkoski, and brothers George Breen and Lynn Paul Breen, preceded her in death. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 18 at First United Methodist Church of Pittsburg. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to First United Methodist Church of Pittsburg or Pittsburg State University Music Department, Pittsburg, KS. A graveside service will take place in the spring at Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington.

JANUARY 16 - 23, 2025

Gaila Kay Roberts, age 77, passed away at her home on Friday evening of January 10, 2025. She was born on December 29, 1947, in Wellington, KS, to Robert Adell Busch and June Maxine (Force) Busch. A woman of great dedication and compassion, Gaila lived a life marked by her love for her family and her commitment to her work. She was a loving wife, mother, and caring member of her lifelong community in Milan, KS. Gaila’s passion for music was evident in her extensive record collection, which she cherished deeply. Gaila’s early years were marked by achievement and hard work. She was an active participant in the 4H club from her childhood through her teenage years. After graduating from Conway Springs High School in 1965, she furthered her education at Southwestern College. In addition to her educational pursuits, Gaila worked on her family farm alongside her father for many years, a testament to her strong work ethic and dedication to her family. Her professional journey led her to Boeing, where she served as an aircraft inspector until her retirement. The family was always at the heart of Gaila’s life. She was first married to Jess Kenneth Johnson Jr. on February 15, 1969, with whom she had three children. Later, she remarried Curtis Lee Roberts on July 31, 1994, a loving partnership that lasted until his passing on February 14, 2002. Gaila leaves behind a loving family: her children Jessica Dockery, Robert (Kris) Johnson, and Ivan (Alia) Johnson; her siblings Nina Tush, Roy (Jenice) Busch, and Roberta Busch; her grandchildren Sara (Ken) Curnutte, Olivia (Robert) Dockery, Ashley Dockery, Kenneth Dockery, Andrew Johnson, Zellissa Johnson, Chopper Johnson, Cheyanne McDonld, and Brianna Perkins; and her great-grandchildren Oliver and Malia. She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and June Busch; her husband Curtis Roberts; an infant brother and sister; and her granddaughter Cherokee Johnson. A memorial service to celebrate Gaila’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10:00 am at Cornejo Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 1030 Mission Road, Wellington, Kansas, 67152. Memorial donations can be made in her memory to the Wellington Humane Society. Donations may be mailed or left with the funeral home. In memory of Gaila, we invite you to share your memories, and condolences, or sign her digital tribute wall atwww.cornejofuneralhome.com. The funeral arrangements are under the care of Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, Wellington, Kansas.