Loyd M. Bowlin
1924-2017

Loyd M. Bowlin, 93, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at his home.
He was born January 21, 1924 to Harry and Neva (Robertson) Bowlin, they preceded him in death.
Loyd married Clema Anderson July 31, 1943, she preceded him in death July 7, 1983. He later married Betty Burks January 21, 1984.
He was a WWII Veteran and had worked for many years as a maintenance worker for MODOT.
Loyd enjoyed farming, woodwork, tractors, cars, hunting and traveling. He was a great cook and started cooking at the age of five.
He was also preceded in death by brothers, Glenn, Harold, Harry T. Jr. and Leonard Bowlin; sisters, Dorothy Dick and Maxine Kibbey.
Additional survivors include son, Marvin Bowlin; stepchildren, Jim and Pam Burks; brother, Loren Clifford Bowlin; granddaughter, Marlene Bowlin (Scott); numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 1:30 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Savannah Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations made to the D.A.V. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Robert Charles “Bob” Hanks
1930-2017

Robert Charles “Bob” Hanks, 86, of Hiawatha, died Wednesday morning, March 29, 2017, at Maple Heights and Rehabilitation Center.
Bob was born in Ringgold County, Iowa, December 4, 1930, the oldest of 8 children born to Otis and Dorothy Lucille Combs Hanks. He grew up at Redding, Iowa and attended school there. He spent most of his working life at Grant City, Missouri, where he worked many years as a heavy equipment operator for Worth county. He later worked at the sale barn at Grant City for many years before retiring. Bob loved animals, enjoyed watching the Royals and Chiefs, and working word puzzle books. He LOVED watching westerns, especially John Wayne! He enjoyed country music, especially Johnny Cash.
He married Katharine Fulcher in St. Joseph, Missouri, December 31, 1993. In their younger years, they enjoyed dancing. They lived at White Cloud a few years before moving to Hiawatha to make their home. She died in 2014. Bob was also preceded in death his parents; two grandson Blaine Alfrey, Davane Chilson; sisters: Maude Hanks, Ilene Hanks; five brothers: Jr, James, Lawrence, Deryl and Kennith, both in infancy.
Survivors include son Dorsey Simpson, Jr., of Hiawatha; two daughters: Cindy Rogers (Dion) of Seneca, Donna Watson (Kirk) of Fairview; 7 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren.
Cremation is planned with a Celebration of Life service to be held the weekend of April 8th, in Fairview.
Donations are accepted to help defray costs with Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.

Gregg Edmund Thompson
1956-2017

Gregg Edmund Thompson, 61, Savannah, Missouri passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care.
He was born February 2, 1956 to Vernon and Vi (Ray) Thompson in Yakima, Washington.
Mr. Thompson earned a Bachelor’s in Architecture and worked as a truck driver for Waller Trucking.
Gregg enjoyed playing music, his motorcycles and the Denver Broncos.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his sweetheart, Lisa Kretzer; daughters, Jessica Gronbeck (Sean), Amanda Taylor (Justin) and Kayla Dempewolf; granddaughters, Taylor, Alana, Othelie “Tinks”, Sophia and Arabella; grandson, Carter; brothers, Scott (Mary Beth) and Kelly (Sara) Thompson; sister, Lori Short (Stu); numerous nieces and nephews; mother & father-in-law, Kenneth and Linda Kretzer; and four brothers and sisters-in-law.
Farewell Services 2:00 P.M.Wednesday, Stoney Creek Inn. Care provided by Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Carolyn Lee Waller
1936-2017

Carolyn Lee Waller 80, of Faucett, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2017 in Saint Joseph, MO. She was born August 25, 1936 in Dearborn, MO, daughter of Virginia and Luther Foster. She graduated from Dearborn High School and the University of Missouri, Columbia. She married William “Bill” Waller on June 1, 1958 in Dearborn, MO. She was a teacher for 20 years at North Platte High School, Dearborn, MO. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing, knitting, traveling, spoiling her grandkids, and spending time with friends playing cards. She was formerly active with 4-H and FHA. Carolyn was a member of the Faucett Christian Church, Christians Womens Association, she helped with Bible School, and was the Church Treasurer. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include, husband, William “Bill” R. Waller of Faucett, MO, daughter, Jennifer L. (Danial) Lassiter of Lubbock, TX, son, Kevin R. (Cynthia) Waller of Bunceton, MO, daughter, Gwenlyn K. (William) Funk of Faucett, MO, son, Douglas (Robin) Waller of Faucett, MO, 2 brothers, Steve Foster of Camden Point, MO, and Harry (Sue) Foster of Smithville, MO, 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Monday, April 3, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Taylor Lassiter and Pastor Mike Hanneman officiating, The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Union Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Faucett Christian Church.

Mary Anna Snoddy
1926-2017

Mary A. Snoddy, 91, Atchison, Kansas, died Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at her residence.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at 11:00 A.M. at Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church in Atchison, Kansas. Interment will follow Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, April 4th from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the church. Final arrangements have been entrusted to the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home.
Mary Anna was born February 24, 1926 in Atchison, Kansas the daughter of James Givens and Florence Bratton. She attended Lincoln School and eventually received a GED at the ISD of Kansas and continuing on to receive her certification as a Certified Patient Care Assistant (CPCA). She was employed as a food service worker, worked in a laundry department, and as a domestic worker for various families within the Atchison, KS area. She had a compassion for the elderly and the disabled. She was a CPCA worker for the state of Kansas until she retired.
She was married to Arthur Lee Curry, divorced and later married Christopher Lee Snoddy. Chris precedes Mary Anna in death along with her mother, Florence Gillum and stepfather Warner Gillum, a daughter Joyce Ilene Snoddy and a son, Arthur Lee Curry Jr.
Mary Anna’s surviving children: 2 sons John (wife Amy) Snoddy (Minneapolis, MN), Boyd (wife Shawn) Snoddy (Atchison, KS) and 6 daughters Anna (husband Otha) Kelley (Atchison, KS), Brenda Walker (Houston, TX), Mary (husband Larry) Russell (Humble, TX), Toni (husband Willie) Green (Minneapolis, MN), Pamela (husband Earl) Gilchrist (Mpls, MN), Sheila Snoddy (Houston, TX)
Mary Anna’s surviving brothers, Lawrence (wife Joan) Gillum (Egan, MN) and Howard Gillum (St. Paul, MN). Also survived by 2 aunts and an uncle and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Norma Lee “DeeDee” Bumphrey
1925-2017

Norma Lee “DeeDee” Bumphrey, 92, Country Club, Missouri passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born February 16, 1925 to Ralph and Esther (Ackerman) Miller in St. Joseph, Missouri.
She married Gerald Bumphrey in January of 1960. After 49 years of marriage he preceded her in death on June 26, 2009.
Dee Dee was a bookkeeper for Robert Speers Accounting Office for many years.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Marilyn Francis Bumphrey.
Survivors include her brother, Ralph Miller; niece Tischa Curtin (Robert); and great niece and nephew.
Private Interment, Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Larry D. Johnson
1939-2017

Larry D. Johnson, 77, Rosendale, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2017.
He was born June 16,1939, to Charles Johnson and Gladys (Cargill-Johnson) Rienstra ,and stepfather John Rienstra, they preceded him in death. Larry married Ruth Foster April14,1958, she preceded him in death January 21, 1995. He was employed by Dannon Mills and Dugdales Packing in St. Joseph, Missouri. He spent most of his life building residential and commercial properties in and around St. Joseph as Johnson Brothers Construction. Larry enjoyed hard work and taking care of his family. The only thing he loved more than hard work was spending time with family and friends doing some of his other favorite past times like hunting, snagging spoonbill and other fishing along with hunting for morel mushrooms. He enjoyed traveling with Fern to visit his brother Jerry in Tennessee. His most recent hobby was on an old Ford 9n tractor which he was restoring with his buddies Gordon and Harley. His favorite meal of the day was breakfast and he enjoyed a good cup of coffee especially from his local hangouts, Betty’s and The Spot Cafe. Larry had a big heart and an energetic laugh. He possessed the gift of gab and knew no strangers. He was the type of guy who would give you the shirt right off his back. He will be greatly missed by the many who knew and loved him. Larry was preceded in death by death by his parents and brothers Chuck, Ronnie and Ralph along with one sister, Betty Peays. Survivors include: three sons; Stanley Johnson and wife Marilyn of Faucett, MO; David Johnson and wife Paula of Faucett, MO; Larry R. Johnson of Kansas City,MO. Four daughters; Brenda Wilkinson and husband Rob of Atlanta, GA; Bridgette Johnson of Atlanta, GA; Carrie Ruark and husband Gregory of Alexandria, VA, and Bobbie Jo Arnold of Stewartsville, MO, 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, one brother, Jerry Johnson and wife Barbara of Millington, Tennesse and one sister, Charlotte “Rosie” Wells of St. Joseph, Missouri. He also survived by his companion Fern Hamm of the home, and her children Sherri (David) Sears, Steve Hamm, Karla (Nick Koontz), Tracy (Jeff) Hofmeister, and Ronnie (Pat) Hamm. Mr. Johnson’s has been cremated under the care of the Rupp Funeral Home, a private family service will be held at a later date to honor Larry’s life.

Ella Barrett
1919-2017

Ella Barrett, long time resident of Hiawatha, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, March 30, 2017 at Maple Heights.
Ella was born on December 1, 1919, to John and Anna (Dombrowe) Oltjen of Robinson, Kansas. She grew up on a farm outside of Robinson near the Upper Wolf Lutheran Church, where she was active in choir and women’s ministries and a member her entire life.
She married her husband of 60 years, Thomas Barrett, while he was in the Navy. They were married in San Diego and later lived in Livermore, California, until he was discharged. They returned to Hiawatha where she worked for the Brown County Soil Conservation Service until she retired.
Ella is survived by her two children, six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Her daughter, Margaret Bleeker, currently lives in Santa Barbara, California, and her son and his wife, John and Debi Barrett, currently live in Houston, Texas.
She was preceded in death her husband, Thomas Barrett, her parents, John and Anna Oltjen, her brother, Alfred Oltjen and his wife Mary, and their son Paul Oltjen.
A Celebration of Ella’s life is planned for 2 p.m. Monday, April 3, at Upper Wolf Lutheran Church, 1803 Sumac Road, Robinson, with Pastor Steve Evans officiating. Interment will follow at the Church cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to services Monday at the Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Upper Wolf Lutheran Church, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Chief Michael E. McDermed
1947-2017

Michael E. McDermed, 69 years old, Retired Fire Chief of the Atchison, Kansas Fire Department, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Celebration of Life Services will be Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at the Atchison Event Center, 710 S. 9th Street, Atchison, KS. Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, April 4, 2017 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. The family encourages dressing in bright colors or Hawaiian attire. Memorial contributions are suggested to the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTSevents.braintumor.org/2017chiefscombatforacure) or the Michael McDermed Memorial Fund c/o City of Atchison.
Michael was born on April 26, 1947 in Topeka, Kansas the son of John and Minnie (Lipps) McDermed. He attended Franklin Elementary School in Atchison and graduated from Atchison High School in 1966. He was awarded numerous scholarships in the Arts and due to his athletic abilities in gymnastics received many athletic scholarships. He attended Kansas State University, participating in gymnastics, where he was an all-around champion.
He and the former Diane Kimmi were united in marriage on October 9, 1971 at St. Benedict’s Church in Atchison, Kansas with Fr. Roderic Giller, OSB as celebrant.
Prior to his employment with the Atchison Fire Department, Mike modeled for the Atchison Leather Products Company and served as an usher at the former Fox Theatre.
Mike began with the Atchison Fire Department on February 14, 1971 and was promoted to Fire Chief on June 1, 1981, where he served as Fire Chief for an unprecedented 35 years. He remained with the department until his retirement on June 17, 2016. Throughout his career he had several periods where he served as an interim City Manager.
He was a member of the National Association of Fire Chiefs, Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs, and was an active participant in the Kansas League of Municipalities. He was an avid softball player in the Atchison community for many years. He enjoyed weekly trips to movie theatres to watch numerous different movies. Mike and Diane enjoyed their many years of traveling to Florida to spend time with their son and his family. He was also an avid sports fan of the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys. He was dearly loved by his many family friends and his co-workers.
Mike is survived by his wife of 45 years, Diane McDermed, of the couple’s home in Atchison, KS, a son, Brandon and his wife Dr. Jenna McDermed, Orlando, FL, two grandchildren, Elliet McDermed and Ronan McDermed, and a sister, Bev Crum, Parkville, MO.

Betty Jo (Knoch) Gore
1938-2017

Betty Jo (Knoch) Gore, beloved mother and friend, passed away March 30, 2017. Born and raised in the Lake of the Ozarks area, Betty Jo resided in there until moving to Wathena, KS, in 2003 to be near family. Betty graduated from School of the Osage in Lake Ozark, MO, and attended college in Springfield, MO, at Southwest Missouri State University. In the summers she was active in the Water Ski Show on Lake of the Ozarks. In 2004 Betty was recognized for 25 years of service to the School of the Osage Alumni. She received the “Distinguished Alumni Award” and spoke at the graduation service that year. Betty had written and edited the alumni newsletter for 25 years. With her brother, Richard, they established a listing of alumni that had been in military services that is on the school website. In 1991 she was recognized with the Directors Trophy for volunteer service to the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. She had served 20 years as Ribbon Cutting Chairman for the new lake area businesses and co-chaired many fund raisers for the group. Betty volunteered over 3,000 hour at the Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, MO. Betty was named “Woman of the Year” in 1998 for her service to the community, hospital, school system, and Lake Ozark Christian Church where she served as a Deacon and on many committees over the years. After moving to Kansas she attended Wesley Methodist Church in Saint Joseph, MO, and New Life Church in Blair, KS. Betty Jo was preceded in death by her parents (Lois and Glen Knoch), a stepson (Rick Butts) she had raised, and her older brother (Gerald). Survivors include Rodney Butts and wife Scarlet; Randall Butts and wife Reggie; grandson Regan Butts; granddaughter Rayme Jo Butts; stepson Randy Butts and wife Donna; her four brothers Richard, Howard, Mike, and Donald; and, numerous cousins and friends. Betty Jo will be cremated. A celebration of Betty Jo’s life will be held Thursday at New Life Church from 6:00-8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers a memorial gift is requested to the Wathena EMS Department.

Merlyn Ann “Fritzie” Blandin
1939-2017

Merlyn Ann “Fritzie” Blandin, 77, of Hiawatha, died Thursday afternoon, March 30, 2017, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha.
She was born at Mt. Hope, Kansas, July 5, 1939, one of nine children born to Elmer and May Johnson Romig. She grew up at Mt. Hope, attended school there where she later graduated high school. Fritzie lived at Burrton, Hutchison, and moved to Hiawatha to be near her daughter Tammy about 18 years ago. She worked for Flair Fold in Hiawatha for about 10 years. She began working as a Green Thumb worker, first in the office at NEK CAP in the Brown County Courthouse, later for Big Brothers Big Sisters a few years before she retired.
Fritzie loved her family first, loved to watch KU Basketball and was a whiz at growing African violets. She enjoyed raising pansies and iris. To say Merlyn loved to sew was an understatement—she started sewing at a young age. She also enjoyed craft painting and reading.
She married Glenn Dale Blandin, December 6, 1955, at Seagraves, Texas.
Survivors include her children: Glen Dale Blandin of Round Rock, Texas, Jeff Blandin (Mabel) of Hutchinson, Kansas, Tammy Adams (James) of Hiawatha, Terry McMillan (Brian) of Hillsboro, Kansas, Jennifer Jaquet (Brian), also of Hutchinson; 19 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother Virgil Romig of Lansing, Michigan; with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Lawrence, John, Edna Hackett, Edith “Maxine” Athens, Betty Bitter, Nellie Reichenberger, and Ella Rose Walker.
Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Merlyn Blandin Memorial Fund, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.