With great sadness, the family of Megan Louise Ebke, 47, of Lawrence, Kansas, announce her death on August 15, 2025.
Diagnosed with gallbladder cancer in January 2019, Megan beat the odds and managed to stay ahead of it for years before throwing in the towel.
With a stage three and two stage four diagnoses, Megan joked she was a stage 11 cancer patient. Even though the disease continued to metastasize, she never gave up trying to stay alive for her family.
Born June 6, 1978, in Winchester, Kansas to Robert and Maxine (Tucker) Keaton, Megan graduated from Jefferson West High School, Meriden, Kansas, in 1996 and Doane College in Crete, Nebraska in 2000. It was at Doane where Megan truly thrived and developed her love of music, others, and standing up for the underdog. Her junior year, Megan spent the year in Rennes, France, in the home of Agnes, Clementine, and Pierre-Antoine Guegan.
After earning her Bachelor of Arts in French, Megan attended Indiana University in pursuit of a master’s degree in French linguistics before going to Rockhurst University where she earned her M.Ed. in May 2005. She taught various age levels and subjects in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas before leaving the profession in 2022. Megan loved her students and was active in the Kansas National Educators Association, advocating for public education and students in Kansas.
Aaron Ebke and Megan wed June 14, 2013, in Kansas City, Kansas, and welcomed their son Robert (Bobby) George a year and a half later. Named for her late father, Bobby was the light of Megan’s life.
Those who knew Megan loved her for her smile, quick wit, and endless optimism even in the direst circumstances. She had a magnetic personality, drawing people into her circle and making them feel like they were the most important in the world.
Along with visiting with friends, Megan loved music, good books, writing, crochet, and travel. Entertaining others through singing was one of her greatest pleasures in life.
Megan’s father and mother preceded her in death.
Her husband and son survive of the home, along with her mother-in-law, Vicki Mundinger. She is also survived by her grandmother, Emily Hough of Joplin, Missouri; her brother, Miles (Cortney) Keaton of Louisburg, Kansas and three beloved nieces, Skylar, Sydney, and Lindsay Keaton; her brother-in-law Timothy (Lindsey) Ebke of Waterville, Ohio; and her father-in-law Al (Ursula) Ebke of Lockport, Illinois and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
Memorials may be directed to the family to support their son Bobby’s future; any remaining funds will be used to establish a scholarship in Megan’s honor at Doane University, benefiting students pursuing studies in Music, Foreign Language, and Education.
A Memorial Service will be 2 pm, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. A Visitation will be from 6-7 pm, Friday, September 5, 2025, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Inurnment will be at Winchester Wise Cemetery, Winchester, Kansas.
Dear Aaron and Bobby, I am sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to have known Megan at Indiana University, Bloomington. She was a kind, luminous, and generous human being.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
May god be with your family at this difficult time. Sending our Prayers.
Aaron and Bobby,
My office used to be across the hall from Megan. She would share every new photo of Bobby and share all the newest firsts. I enjoyed hearing her sing. What a voice!
I offer my deepest sympathy. May you be blessed and comforted at this difficult time.
Dear Ebke Family,
On behalf of the Topeka Public School District, we extend our condolences to you and your family. We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of our former teacher, Megan Ebke. She was such a special person to us all. You and your family remain in our thoughts through this difficult time.
Mrs. Ebke was one of the first pathway teachers at TCALC. As a result of her role, many of our students selected teaching as a career. Her life of purpose continues to impact countless students who she inspired to enter the teaching profession. Mrs. Ebke remains an inspiration to our students and staff. Her kindness, courage and service to others will live on through the many individuals she touched. We are so grateful the Ebke family is part of our school district family.
May your positive memories of a strong-hearted and beloved wife, teacher and friend to many uplift and comfort you and your family.
Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent
Topeka Public Schools
Sending your family love and support. Megan had a brilliant sense of humor and outlook on life. She made me wish I knew her better at Doane.
I’m so sorry for you, Bobby and all Megan’s family and friends. She was a bright light in our lives. She will be missed. I’m a better person for having met her.
I’m so sorry for your loss. She was an amazing person and will be greatly missed!