Afterword

Manawatū-Whanganui death notices & obituaries

Recent death notices and obituaries from across Manawatū-Whanganui, including Palmerston North and Whanganui — updated daily. You can also submit a notice, browse Manawatū-Whanganui funeral directors, or read our guides below.

248 notices

Jocelyn WILLIAMSON

2026 · Manawatū-Whanganui

Of Feilding (formerly of Whangarei). On Wednesday 12th August 2026, at home. Wife of the late Stuart. Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Michael and Tracy (deceased), Maree and Phil Sheard, Sharron and Rob Menzies. Much loved Nanna of Shane, Marc, and Taya; Andrew, Rosie, Delia, and Jonathan; Stacey, and Nicola, and Great-Nanna of 7 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Donations to Manchester House would be welcome. Messages to the Williamson family, c/- 29 Beattie Street, Feilding 4702. A service for Jocelyn will be held in St. Johns Church, 16 Camden Street, Feilding, on Tuesday 18th August 2026, at 11am.

Died 12 August 2026Posted 16 August 2026

Kieran DOUDS

2026 · Manawatū-Whanganui

Passed away peacefully at Palmerston North Hospital after a brief illness on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, aged 53 years. Much loved husband to Tricia. Super proud dad to his greatest achievements Jack (17), Lillia (16), and Angeline (11). Loved only son to Jon and Dianne (New Plymouth). Loved brother to Fiona, Kylee, and Melanie. Friends are invited to attend a service for for Kieran at the Beauchamp Crematorium Chapel 167 John F Kennedy Drive Palmerston North on Thursday August 20th 2026 at 2.00pm.

Died 12 August 2026Posted 16 August 2026

Ross WALKER

2026 · Manawatū-Whanganui

Passed peacefully on Tuesday 4 August 2026. Dearly loved son of the late Doreen Goss (formerly Walker). Much loved brother of Jan, Marie, Andrea, and Tracy. Messages C/- M. Hope, 215 Dixons Line, RD 11, Palmerston North 4481 or may be left on Ross's tribute page at cottonfunerals.co.nz/funerals. In accordance with Ross's wishes, a private cremation has taken place.

Died 4 August 2026Posted 16 August 2026

Elizabeth PICKEN

2026 · Manawatū-Whanganui

Passed away peacefully at Arohanui Hospice on Wednesday 12 August 2026, aged 86 years. Dearly loved wife of Stewart. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Kathy and Pete, Marion and Lewis, Susan and Kerry, Ian and Amanda. Cherished grandmother "Liz" to her many grandchildren. All messages to the Picken family, c/- 191 North Street Feilding 4702. A service for Elizabeth will be held at St John The Evangelist Church, 16 Camden Street Feilding, on Monday 17 August 2026 at 2.00pm.

Died 12 August 2026Posted 16 August 2026

Beverly WALSH

Manawatū-Whanganui

WALSH Beverly Ann Bev's family wish to sincerely thank their family and friends for the wonderful support and love given to them after her passing. Your kindness and generosity from baking, cards, flowers, and messages of condolence have been very much appreciated. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement from Michael, Dennis, Peter, Kevin, and their families.

Posted 16 August 2026

Gary BILLS

2026 · Manawatū-Whanganui

(One day short of his 55th birthday) On Tuesday 11th August 2026, Gary passed peacefully at home. Dearly loved husband to Amanda. Dearly loved youngest son of Doris and John Bills. Gary loved his family of James and Brooke, Jessica and Rico and Jasmin, and grandchildren Arlo and Benji, he was so proud of them all. He loved farming, cricket, music and running. When running there was a finish line to cross, sadly after 5 years of trying to outrun his illness, Gary couldn't get across the finish line. Much loved brother and brother-in-law to Peter and Kim, Kevin and Robyn, loved Uncle to Hanna and Chris, Brayden and Katie, Caitlin, Daniel, Michael and Kerrie and Tyler. The family would like to thank all those who treated and cared for Gary in hospital and Hospice, throughout his illness. A special thank you to Amanda, our daughter-in-law, for her love, care and devotion to Gary. Run free Gary Love Mum and Dad A service for Gary will be held in Cottons Chapel, 697 Main Street, Palmerston North, on Monday 17th August at 10.00am.

Died 11 August 2026Posted 16 August 2026

Rana HARDING

Manawatū-Whanganui

HARDING, Rana (Nee Fergusson). Peacefully slipped away in Wanganui after a brief illness, with her family by her side. Loved mother of Lisa, Claire and Mike, and Michael and Shondel. Beloved Rana of Melissa, Sam, Kaspen, Cayden, Mylah, Daniel and Lachlan. Best friend of the late Fred Westby. A friend to many. In accordance with Rana's wishes, a private farewell has been held. We would like to thank everyone for their kindness, love and support.

Posted 16 August 2026

Llorien HILBOURNE

2026 · Manawatū-Whanganui

HILBOURNE, Llorien Clare (Nee Hooper). Passed away peacefully on 11 August 2026 aged 89 years. Dearly loved soulmate of the late David. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Susan and Grant, Ashley and Jodie, Brenda and Paul and adopted mother of Sue and Rick. Loved grandmother to Robyn, Michelle, Roxy, Craig, Daniel, and Baylie. Great grandmother to Mack. Our greatest thanks to all the staff at Kowhainui and Springvale Manor, your amazing and wonderful care made Mum's final journey that much better. You guys rock! A private cremation has been held. A celebration of Llorien's life will be held at a later date. Please contact her children for further details.

Died 11 August 2026Posted 16 August 2026

Christine STONE

2026 · Manawatū-Whanganui

Passed away peacefully Monday, 10 August 2026, aged 80 years. Beloved wife of David. Loved mum of Brian, Mark, Joanne, and Andrew (deceased). Adored nana of Adlaishane, Jessica, and Tom. A memorial service for Christine will be held at the Salvation Army Church, 124 Manchester Street, Feilding, at 11.00am on Friday 25 September 2026.

Died 10 August 2026Posted 16 August 2026

Verna THOMSON

2026 · Manawatū-Whanganui

Passed away peacefully on Wednesday 12 August 2026. Cherished and loving wife to the late Andy. Much loved Mum to Annette and Tony Groombridge, Gary and Yvonne, and Diane. Adored Nana, Great-Nana, and "Great" to her 12 Grandchildren and 34 Great-Grandchildren. In lieu of flowers donations to the SPCA would be appreciated and can be made online. Friends are invited to attend a celebration of Verna's life at the Feilding Funeral Chapel, 282 Kimbolton Road, Feilding, on Monday 17 August 2026 at 2.00pm. To honour Verna's love of colour, please wear something bright.

Died 12 August 2026Posted 15 August 2026

Susan WICKHAM

2026 · Manawatū-Whanganui

After several weeks of illness, Sue passed away on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, aged 85 years. An animal lover and art teacher, Sue was the loved wife of George and the much-loved mum and mum-in-law of Jenny and Patrick, Helen and James, and Neil and Brenda. She was the treasured Nana of Jolin and Alessia Morel, Lauren and Gabrielle Bell, and Xander and Arthur Wickham. Messages to Sue's family can be left via cottonfunerals.co.nz/funerals A gathering for family and friends to farewell Sue will be held at the Kelvin Grove Crematorium Chapel, Palmerston North, on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, at 1.00pm.

Died 11 August 2026Posted 15 August 2026

Heather HARDING

Manawatū-Whanganui

HARDING, Heather Jean (Hev). Passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday morning, just shy of her 88th birthday, after a very long and brave battle with illness. Precious wife and best mate of Richmond (Ditch) for almost 67 years. Adored and loved mum of David, Susan and Tony, Bruce, Debra and Chris. Treasured Grandma/Bam to Georgia and Sam, Connor and Jordin, Casey and Conor, Zaria, Antonia and Toby and Jessica. Bam Bam to Ollie, Tommy and Georgia and Sam's 2 day old baby boy. Thanks to Jess and the kind staff at Jane Winstone for their special care over the last year and to Bryce for befriending and looking out for Hev. We appreciate Dr Willem's kind and caring support over the years, he always made her smile - she thought the world of him. Friends are invited to attend a Service to celebrate Heather's life in the Forrest Lawn Chapel, 208 Guyton Street, Whanganui, on Saturday 15th August 2026 at 11.00am. Heather's Service can be viewed online at www. dempseyandforrest.co. nz Watch Services Online

Posted 14 August 2026
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