Obituaries - Wednesday, November 11

Kathy Dobkins

December 19, 1949 - November 9, 2026

Kathy Dobkins, 76, of Abilene, passed away November 9, 2026, surrounded by family in her home. Kathy was born December 19, 1949 in Salina, the daughter of Louise Alvarez Llamas and Paul Llamas. Kathy attended local schools and graduated from Abilene High School in 1969. On July 15, 1977 she married John Dobkins in Abilene. From this union they were blessed with four children, ten grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. All of their married life (47 yrs) was spent in Abilene. Kathy is survived by her four children. Her children: Michelle Riffel (Vance) of Abilene; Justin Zeller of Acworth, Georgia; Chad Wilson & Robin Skeens of Lawrence; Tish Cathey (Steve) of Abilene. She is also survived by her brother Bernie Hernandez (Annette) of Abilene. She is preceded in death by both her parents and her brothers Mike and Felix Hernandez. Kathy worked at Alco Warehouse for several years and later ended her career working as a lunch lady at the Abilene Middle School. She loved being around her family and was the best “Granny” to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family has chosen cremation. Visitation will be on Thursday November 12th from 4-6 P.M at Martin-Becker-Carlson funeral home. A private burial will be at a later date. The family suggests memorials be given to the Elsie Brooks Cancer Fund or to St. Andrew’s Catholic School. Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third Street, Abilene.

Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home

Donna J. Davis (Hillrichs)

July 25, 1947 - November 6, 2026

Donna J. Davis (Hillrichs) passed away Friday, November 6, 2026, in Wichita. Donna was born July 25, 1947, in Topeka, the daughter of Louise Don Hillrichs and Jane Cunningham Hillrichs.

After high school, Donna attended Washburn University, where she earned her undergraduate degree and obtained her teaching certificate. She later settled in north-central Kansas and was an educator at Enterprise Elementary School.

Donna devoted 40 years of her life to education, serving students, families, and her community from 1968 until her retirement in 2008. After years in the classroom, Donna continued her education at Kansas State University, where she earned her master’s degree and additional degrees in administration. She served USD 473 as a principal and finished her years of service to the district as Assistant Superintendent, retiring just after the 2008 tornado struck Chapman. Donna loved serving children and being an educator, and her 40 years in education were an important part of her life and legacy.

Outside of her professional career, Donna continued her love of teaching by volunteering as a religious education teacher at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Garden Plain, Kansas. Her volunteer service reflected both her strong faith and her lifelong dedication to educating and serving children.

Donna was also a devoted member of Beta Sigma Phi for 53 years, where she built lasting friendships and enjoyed many years of fellowship and service.

After retirement, Donna moved to Cheney, to be close to her son, Beau Davis; daughter-in-law, Amie Davis; and her grandchildren, Morgan Davis and Beau Davis Jr. For the last 15 years, Donna played an important role in helping raise and care for her grandchildren. She treasured the time she spent with them every day and took great joy in watching them grow into the people they are today.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Ruthie Nocktonick and Susan Nazzaro; and her brother, John Hillrichs.

Donna is survived by her son, Beau Davis of Cheney; her sister, Patricia Drake of Topeka; and her brother, Brad Hillrichs of Lake Perry.

Services for Donna will be held Saturday, November 14, 2026, at St. Phillip Catholic Church in Hope. The Rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Phillip Catholic Cemetery in rural Hope.

The family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be sent in care of Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd St., Abilene.

Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home