Amanda Dezirae Rookstool of Manhattan, KS, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
Below, the simplest tribute: the truth of a life as it was lived.
It is the small moments that often matter most.
Amanda Dezirae Bluthardt came home from the hospital in a red and white Christmas stocking. She was born December 12, 1979, in Manhattan, Kansas to Becky Bluthardt (Berry) and Larry "Butch" Bluthardt.
Her sister Jantzie Lynn Bluthardt was 10 years older and elated to have a baby sister - until that sister turned into a teenager.
Amanda was active in 4-H and showed - horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs. Showing livestock in her home counties Riley, Greenwood and nationally. Denver Western Stock show.
At the early age of five, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Her diabetes was a lifelong battle to manage. Her granny, Jean Berry, came and lived with the family, helped the family, and took care of Amanda.
Amanda lived and attended school in both Eureka, Kansas and Manhattan, Kansas.
In 1997, Amanda received her GED and quickly enrolled in the School of Cosmetology at Topeka, Kansas. Her talent in nail tech earned her first place in a National Nail competition. Her clients loved artistic nail care and her bubbly personality.
In 2002, Amanda gave birth to her son Teygan John Azberry Bluthardt. Unusual names were given to all Bluthardts, including Amanda. She fought addiction, depression, and mental illness. Which led to her sister and mother raising Teygan.
She liked the color pink, listening to gospel music, coloring, animals, gardening and being with friends. She professed salvation and died too young.
On February 13, 2019, she married Shawn Rookstool of Clay Center, Kansas.
Years of poor health issues caused her to have a leg amputated in 2021. A year later she became dependent on dialysis because of kidney failure.
Her sudden passing on May 1, 2026, left her family and friends missing her fun-loving spirit. Her big ideas. She wanting to help improve her world, and her "no filter" conversations.
She is survived by her husband Shawn, mother Becky, sister Jantzie, cousins, aunts, uncles and many, many friends.
Amanda is preceded in death by her son Teygan, Father Larry, Grandparents Ray and Geraldine Bluthardt, & Gus and Jean Berry. Aunts Edrena Adolph and Bette Skaggs.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 1:00 until 2:00p.m. Saturday May 9 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Funeral services will be held following the visitation starting at 2:00p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Interment will follow at the Valley View Memorial Park in Manhattan.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Amand Dezirae Bluthardt Rookstool Memorial Fund. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
