December 2014 – Page 53 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Obituaries for December 15, 2014

Posted on December 15, 2014

STEWARTSVILLE, Mo. – Mike Motsinger, 58, died Thursday, December 11, 2014 at his home.
He was born August 5, 1956 to Wendell and Jeanette (Miliszewski) Motsinger in Wichita, Kan.
Mike married Lynn (Pratt) Brown on July 4, 2014. She survives of the home. He was a handyman for everyone and liked KU and the Kansas City Chiefs. Mike enjoyed pheasant hunting and building hot rods. He also liked to drag race and go to car shows.
Mr. Motsinger was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kay Motsinger; and uncle, Larry Motsinger.
Additional Survivors: sons, Jason Motsinger and Chris Motsinger (Rachelle), St. Joseph; step-son, Mitchell Brown (Jenny), Wichita, Kan.; step-daughter, Michaela Brown, Atchison, Kan.; sister, Lisa Stickley (Les); grandchildren, Palin, Jagger, Taylor, Griffin, Brendan, Mallory and Maddox; and numerous aunts and cousins.
Healing Farewell: 10 a.m., Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 5 p.m., Thursday. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

CAMERON, Mo. – Dennis T. Spencer, 84, died Sunday, December 14, 2014 at Missouri Veterans Home of Cameron.
He was born July 24, 1930 in Clarksdale, Mo., to Ralph and Hazel (Thornton) Spencer.
Dennis married Norma Lea Cohrs on August 18, 1956. She preceded him in death on March 31, 2014. He was an over the road truck driver.
He enjoyed playing cards, spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; son, Alan; brother, Darrel Spencer; sisters, Marrion Schottel, and Marie Spencer.
Survivors: sons, Dennis W. Spencer, Cand Steven L. Spencer, both of Clarksdale; three grandchildren, Jami Bailey (Shane) and Kristin Kunzler (Blaine), Jacob Corkins; and great-grandchildren, Paige Kunzler, Sarah Spencer, Heather Bailey, Addison Kunzler, Michael and Patrick Bailey.
Healing Farewell: 10 a.m., Thursday, Central Christian Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to the American Cancer Society. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Libby (Polsky) Farber, 92, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2014. She was born January 10, 1922, to Benjamin and Bessie (Galler) Polsky.
Libby graduated from Central High School and St. Joseph Junior College. After WWII, she met a returning veteran, Hymie Farber, who became her husband on September 22, 1946.
Libby loved to entertain. Nothing made her happier than to be surrounded by family and friends. She loved to dance, and she and Hymie were excellent dancers. She also loved to play duplicate bridge. Both Libby and Hymie became Life Masters and traveled to bridge tournaments around the country.
Libby will be remembered as a phenomenal mother, grandmother, and friend. Her daughters were her life, and when her grandchildren came along, she gave them all unconditional love. She was a role model for what a mother and grandmother should be.
Everyone loved Libby. Besides her many close friends, she had a special bond with her sister Sylvia. They were each other’s companion and confidante.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Morris, Milton, and Simon Polsky; and sister, Sylvia Kaplan.
Survivors include her children, Marilyn Elaine Cowan, Overland Park, Kan., and Marsha Ava Conant (James), St. Joseph; grandchildren, ryan Cowan (Amy), Dallas, Texas, David Cowan (Kelly) Overland Park, Douglas Cowan (Cara), Leawood, Kan., James G. Conant, Austin, Texas, Elizabeth Conant, St. Joseph, Marjorie Wongskhaluang (Jeff), Leawood, Eleanore McAlexander (Ford), Indianapolis, Ind.; five great-grandchildren, Drake, Eva, Kennedy, Alexandra (Lexi), and Dylan Cowan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Healing Farewell 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Shaare Sholem Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Caroleen Violett, 68, died Monday, December 15, 2014 at her home.
She was born July 30, 1946 to Estell “E.C.” and Ida May (Gregory) Grooms in St. Joseph. Caroleen married Mike Violett on October 20, 1972 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Easton, Mo. He survives of the home.
She was a graduate of Bishop LeBlond High School Class of 1964 and Platt-Gard Business College. Caroleen was an Administrative Assistant for many years ending her career at the University of Missouri Extension Regional Office.
Mrs. Violett was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, where she volunteered for many years on the St. Anne’s Altar Society. She was also active as a volunteer with Pack & Troop 31 at St. Francis.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Janet Strub and Barbara Bonjean; and brother, Dennis Grooms.
Additional Survivors: daughter, Janelle Mather (David), Platte City, Mo.; son, Kurt Violett (Tamara), Mount Vernon, Mo.; and five grandchildren, Kacee Reifsteck (Tyler), Shelby Lloyd, Karissa Lloyd, Kara Violett and Brett Violett.
Mass of Christian Burial: 1:30 p.m., Thursday, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. Parish Rosary 6 p.m., Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Mosaic Life Care Hospice or St. Francis Student Endowment Fund. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Donna Jean Campbell, 53, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2014 at her home.
She was born September 17, 1961 in St. Joseph, daughter of Joyce and Gary Nichols. She graduated from North Andrew High School. She worked at Laverna Village, Shady Lawn as a CNA. She had also worked at the Andrew County Sheriff department.
She enjoyed crochett, watching soap operas, spending time with children and grandchildren, and loved facebook.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Phillip Nichols.
Survivors include, husband, Jimmie Campbell, Sr., of St. Joseph; four daughters, Jamie Campbell, Ryan (John) Salisbury, Megan Campbell and Misty Campbell, all of St. Joseph; three sons, Robert Nichols (Krystal Cogdill), Gary Campbell, and Jimmie (Betty) Campbell Jr.; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Thursday, at Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Bennett Lane Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Donna Jean Campbell memorial fund. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Keith “Big Dad” O. Byrd, 56, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born April 2, 1958 in St. Joseph. He graduated from Lafayette High School class of 1976. He worked at Triumph Foods as a Main Break Butcher, prior to that he worked at St. Joe Concrete for 12 years. He enjoyed fishing, football, but most especially he loved his grandkids, and was a friend to all. He wouldn’t turn down anyone who was in need, always willing to lend a helping hand and had heart of Gold. Keith was a Christian.
Keith was preceded in death by father, John; a grandchild, Justice Franklin; and a brother, Dexter Byrd.
Survivors include, wife, Jackie Coulter-Byrd of the home; mother, Mary Byrd of St. Joseph; daughter, Tammy (Henry) Puckett; son, Shawn (Jessica) Coulter, all of St. Joseph; and a daughter, Trisha Coulter of Washington; eight grandchildren: Bishop Franklin, Rebecca Cain, Sheldon Coulter, Shelby Cline, Shayla Coulter, Jacob Coulter, Jaylyn Coulter, and Destiny Hill; three great-grandchildren; three brothers, Rufus Byrd, Fred (Evelyn) Byrd and Bruce (Krissy) Byrd, all of St. Joseph; three sisters, Jacqueline Byrd of St. Joseph, Sheila Bundy of Colorado, and Connie Byrd of California; as well as several, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m., on Friday, December 19, 2014 at Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday at Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Linda Camille Mason, 72, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2014 at Mosaic Life Care center. She was born May 16, 1942 in St. Joseph. She graduated from Benton High School class of 1960, and worked for several small business as an Accountant. She was a loving mother and grandmother, who was an avid sewer, quilter, and crocheter, who also enjoyed reading, and was very active in her Benton Class of 1960 annual reunion committee, she was of the Methodist faith.
Linda was preceded in death by mother, Dorothy Honeycutt; and a sister, Pamela Wilson.
Survivors include her father, Vincent Westbrook; daughter, Lori Mason; and son, Jeff (Angela) Mason both of St. Joseph; four grandchildren, Chris, Kyle, Rion, and Matthew; great-granddaughter, Bailey; brother, James (Carole) Honeycutt of St. Joseph; sister, Sherry (Steve) Wilcoxson of Laramie, Wy.; sister, Mary Margaret (Mark) White of Potawatomi, Kan.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., on Tuesday at Rupp Funeral Home. Cremation to follow the funeral service under the care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

CONOVER, N.C. – Gerry F. Fry, 61, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2014, at a hospital in N.C. He was raised in St. Joseph.
Survivors include his mother, Anna Fry of St. Joseph; wife, Melissa Fry of Conover; three daughters, Christy (Brian) Pendleton, St. Joseph, Kelly Fry of Haiti, and Sara Smith of N.C.; three grandchildren, Zack, Ryke, and Keagan; two brothers, Ron (Kay) Fry of Florida, and Ed Fry Jr., of St. Joseph.
Preceding him in death is his father Ed Fry, Sr.
Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, December 18, 2014, at the Mt Calvary Lutheran Church, Claremont, N.C. Arrangements Bennett Funeral Service, Conover N.C., 28613. Online condolence at www.robertbennettfuneralservice.com

ST. JOSEPH – Barbara Jean Colley, 78, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2014 at a nursing home in St. Joseph. She was born February 20, 1936 in St. Joseph, daughter of Florence and Lester Baldwin. She graduated from Benton, and worked at the St. Joseph Sisters Hospital, and Missouri Methodist Medical Center as an admitting clerk and in the records department.
Preceding her in death is husband, Robert D. Colley; her parents; a son, Blair Colley; and a brother, Darrell Baldwin.
Survivors include, daughter, Laura (Mike) Donaldson of St. Joseph; five grandchildren: Brynn, Kara, Andrew, Emma, and Josh; a sister, Jacqueline Wright of St. Joseph; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Forest Parker of St. Joseph.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 17, at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. Scott Kilgore officiating, The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Wyatt Park Christian Church. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Zelma L. Whitson, 91, died Saturday, December 13, 2014 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born February 3, 1923 in St. Joseph, where she was a lifelong resident and had been a former resident of Vintage Gardens.
Zelma married Ralph F. Whitson on May 29, 1959, he preceded her in death on May 15, 1996.
She was a broker for Whitson Reality Company with her husband. Zelma was a member of United Methodist Church, Pearl Chapter #529 Order of Eastern Star, Womans Bowling Hall of Fame, Charter Member of Tailor Maids Sewing Club, and Volunteer for Hands of Hope Hospice.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Grover and Talitha (Campbell) Means; and 3 brothers, Cranston, Winston, and Preston Means.
Survivors: daughters, Deborah J. Ousley of Katy, Texas and Tammy D. Power of Country Club, Mo.; granddaughter, Airen B. Williamson of Tomball, Texas; and great-granddaughter, Avery G. Williamson of Tomball; sister, Irma Jean Crabtree of Avenue City, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.
Healing Farewell: 10 a.m., Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Ebenezer Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. For those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Mosaic Life Care Hospice or Charity of Donor’s Choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Visit to McDonald’s lands sex offender in prison

Posted on December 15, 2014December 16, 2014

A 27-year-old St Joseph man granted probation nearly five years ago for statutory rape has run out of second chances. He’s now heading to prison for violating that probation by going to a McDonald’s with a “Play Place,” a violation of the specific conditions of his probation.

Joshua Norman was accused of the rape of a victim under the age of 17 in February of 2010. In December of that year he pleaded guilty to one count of statutory rape, and the following month Judge Daniel Kellogg ordered a five-year prison sentence.

Judge Kellogg suspended imposition of that sentence, ordered 90 days of shock time in the Buchanan County Jail, and granted five years probation.

After a half dozen field violation reports filed by the State Board of Probation and Parole, Judge Kellogg ordered Mr Norman to serve three more days of shock detention in the County Jail.

Then on December 11, Norman appeared in court again. He admitted violating the conditions of his probation “by going to McDonald’s with a Play Place and failing to follow through with his mental health treatment.”

Under the original terms of probation, Norman agreed to “have no contact with the victim or any child less than 17 years of age, unless supervised by an adult who has been approved by Probation and Parole…”

Judge Kellogg revoked the defendant’s probation and ordered Norman to serve the original five year prison term.

American Red Cross “Midland Empire Chapter” changes name to American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri

Posted on December 15, 2014December 15, 2014

Midland Empire Chapter of American Red Cross — Midland Empire changes name to American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri

The Midland Empire Chapter of the American Red Cross is no more after a ribbon cutting held Monday afternoon to recognize the agency’s transition to the American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri.

“It better reflects our location,” said Red Cross Ex. Dir. Angie Springs. “We’ll be recognized throughout the state as to where we’re located.”

Springs said the name change is based on a national initiative for Red Cross chapters to reflect the geographic location covered by the agencies. She said even with the name change, the agency’s service area will continue to cover counties in Kansas.

“We will continue to provide services in 10 counties in Northwest Missouri as well as cover Leavenworth, Atchison and Doniphan counties in Kansas,” said Springs.

The Red Cross first started serving areas in Northwest Missouri when it opened its doors to the community in 1917. But it hasn’t always been known as the Midland Empire Chapter.

“We used to be known as the American Red Cross of Buchanan County,” said Springs. “So this isn’t the first time that our name has changed.”

The agency will now refer to itself by its new name, however re-branding efforts may take some time.

“We will be exhausting all of our Midland Empire branded materials before we switch over to the new name,” said Springs. “However, in all press releases and anything we do in the media everyone will hear us referred to as the American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri.”

Gov. Nixon looks at repairs needed at the Missouri Capitol

Posted on December 15, 2014

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gov. Jay Nixon is backing a bonding package to pay for repairs to Missouri’s century-old Capitol building and other government and university facilities.

Nixon got a firsthand look at some of the needed repairs Monday. He walked through the mud underneath the Capitol’s driveway and used his fingers to snap off one of the many skinny stalactites that have formed from water leaks.

Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a measure authorizing up to $600 million of bonds for repairs or renovations at state facilities and college campuses. But little has been done with that, because not many specific projects were included in a separate budget bill passed by lawmakers.
Nixon wants lawmakers to approve a bonding project list during the 2015 session.

Northwest Missouri State tennis signs Kearney’s Laura Bartig

Posted on December 15, 2014December 15, 2014

Northwest Missouri State University head tennis coach Mark Rosewell has announced the addition of Laura Bartig to the 2015-16 women’s roster.

Bartig finished second in district play last season for Kearney High School in Kearney, Mo.

“I am really looking forward to having such a high level player from this area join our team next season,” said Rosewell. “She is someone who I think can come in and immediately help our team and our depth.”

The Bearcats begin the 2015 season on Friday, Feb. 27, against Maryville University in St. Joseph, Mo.

— Northwest Sports Information —

No November heat record, but hottest fall

Posted on December 15, 2014

SETH BORENSTEIN, AP Science Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal meteorologists say last month was only the globe’s seventh warmest November on record. That’s the first time since July that a month hasn’t broken the record for heat.

Still, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration climate monitoring chief Deke Arndt says after 11 months, 2014 is likely to break the annual heat record set in 2010. It was the hottest fall, September to November, on record.

If December is at least 0.76 degrees warmer than the 20th century average, then 2014 will set the global record. Since 2000, December has averaged 0.95 degrees warmer than that standard.

Arndt said the world’s oceans set a new monthly heat record in November, the seventh time in a row, making it more likely that 2014 will set the heat record.

K-State’s Lockett added to Senior Bowl roster

Posted on December 15, 2014December 15, 2014

Kansas State record-setting wide receiver Tyler Lockett was one of 12 players added to the Reese’s Senior Bowl roster today as the senior will participate in the most highly regarded collegiate all-star game next month.

The Reese’s Senior Bowl has invited 110 players to fill the rosters of the North and South squads for this year’s game. Practices are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, while the game is set to kickoff at 3 p.m. CT on Saturday, January 24, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. All of the practices and the game will be televised by NFL Network.

Lockett, the 41st player in K-State history to play in the game and first since 2012, will go down in the record books as arguably the best wide receiver in school history. The first four-time All-American in school history, he currently holds K-State career records for receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and 100-yard receiving games. He is a four-time All-Big 12 performer who was also named the 2013 and 2014 Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year.

Lockett, who has accumulated a 3.24 cumulative GPA in business management which was buoyed by a 3.43 GPA in the 2013-14 academic year, is also an Academic All-Big 12 and Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll scholar who earned his K-State degree last weekend. More notably, Lockett was named the Big 12 Football Scholar Athlete of the Year in addition to being one of 16 NFF National Scholar Athletes and Campbell Trophy finalists.

No. 11 K-State will take on No. 14 UCLA in the 2015 Valero Alamo Bowl on Friday, January 2, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The game, which kicks off at 5:45 p.m., will be televised nationally by ESPN.

— KSU Sports Information —

Fate of Topeka girl’s killer rests with jury

Posted on December 15, 2014December 15, 2014

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors say a man should be executed for kidnapping, raping and killing an 8-year-old Topeka girl, while the defense is calling for a life prison sentence.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that closing arguments were made Monday in the penalty phase of the trial for Billy Frank Davis Jr. The 31-year-old was convicted last week of 10 counts, including capital murder, in the May 2012 killing of Ahliyah Nachelle Irvin.

Defense attorney Mark Manna says imprisoning Davis for the rest of his life will protect the public.

Chief deputy district attorney Jacqie Spradling’s posted 30 photographs on a TV monitor depicting the battered child, her injuries and her blood smeared in the basement crime scene. Spradling says jurors will know what to do if they look at the images.

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Defense attorneys have finished making their case that a convicted murderer should be sentenced to life in prison and not executed for kidnaping, raping and killing an 8-year-old Topeka girl.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports clinical psychologist June Cooley of Atlanta testified Monday that Billy Frank Davis Jr. has bipolar disorder with psychotic features and post-traumatic stress disorder. She says his symptoms worsened when he stopped using his prescription medication and began drinking alcohol and using cocaine.

Under cross-examination, Cooley acknowledged that Davis was dangerous.

Davis was convicted last week of 10 counts, including capital murder, in the May 2012 killing of Ahliyah Nachelle Irvin.

The defense rested its case after Cooley testified. Jurors will begin deliberating his sentence after the defense and prosecution make closing arguments.

Woman charged with malnutrition death of baby

Posted on December 15, 2014December 16, 2014

A St Joseph woman is being held on felony charges for the apparent malnutrition death of her seven-month-old child. Macayla Armstrong was charged Saturday with Abuse Or Neglect Of A Child Resulting In Death, a class-A felony.

According to a court affidavit, the defendant failed to provide reasonable and necessary care to maintain the physical health of the child. Officials say Armstrong failed to provide healthy and sanitary living conditions, food, nourishment and medical care and that neglect resulted in the death of the child by malnutrition.

Upon conviction, the charge carries a minimum prison term of ten years behind bars. The maximum is 30 years or life in prison.

Arraignment is scheduled Tuesday. Armstrong, 22, is being held under $50,000 bond.

Couple charged in cold case murder of woman’s ex-husband; Platte County grand jury returns murder indictment

Posted on December 15, 2014

A couple has been charged with murder in the death seven years ago of the woman’s former husband. In a news release, Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd says Charles Cammisano was found dead inside his home in Riverside, Missouri on September 1, 2007.

A Platte County grand jury last week returned an indictment against Letti Straight, 54, and her current husband Terry Strait, 58. Each is charged with first-degree murder.

Zahnd says a family member who was unable to contact Cammisano found his body, lying in a pool of blood. He had been shot several times. Cammisano’s vehicle was missing from the residence but was later found in downtown Kansas City.

A 17-member metro squad investigated almost 100 leads over several days before disbanding. Riverside police, however, continued the investigation over many years, ultimately resulting in the charges issued by the grand jury on December 12. The Straits were arrested later that day.

Letti Strait is being held in the Platte County Jail under $1,000,000 cash only bond. Terry Strait was arrested in Kansas and is being held there pending extradition.

“These charges are the result of tireless police work by the Riverside Police Department and the relentless efforts of Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Joe Vanover and other prosecutors in my office,” Mr Zahnd said. “It is often said that ‘justice never sleeps.’ In this case, we were never going to rest without doing everything we could to obtain justice for the family and friends of Charles Cammisano.”

If convicted of first degree murder, the Straits each face life in prison without the possibility of parole.