Ida I. Keller
1933-2017
Ida I. Keller, 84, of Troy, Kansas passed away Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Ida was born on March 1, 1933 in Troy, Kansas to Ralph Sr. & Mary (Clary) Taylor.
She was of the Christian faith. Ida worked for Boehringer Ingelheim as a Laboratory Technician.
She was preceded in death by her parents & a son, Franklin L. Keller.
Survivors: daughters, Deana Whitsell of St. Joseph, Missouri;
Janice Weaks of Platte City, Missouri;
Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren & 1 great-great-granddaughter;
Sisters, Wilma Kaelin of Wathena, Kansas;
Coleene Duncan of Troy, Kansas;
Carol Smith of Troy, Kansas;
Brother, Ralph Taylor Jr. of Troy, Kansas;
Numerous nieces & nephews.
Graveside service: 1 P.M. Tuesday, May 9, 2017.
At the Courter Cemetery in Troy, Kansas.
Visitation: 5-7 Monday evening at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas. Friends may call after 1 P.M. Monday.
Memorials: Gary Wilkerson Ministry
Billy Joe Peters
1933-2017
Billy Joe Peters, 83, formerly of the Severance area, passed away on May 6, 2017 at LaVerna Village Nursing Home in Savannah, MO. He was a long time resident of St Joseph, MO. Billy was born August 16, 1933 to John Arthur and Blanche Rosalie (Ptomey) Peters in St Joseph, MO. He was a member Methodist Church, Severance, KS.
He graduated from Highland High School in 1952.
Bill worked for Union Pacific Railroad as a line foreman, Swift and Company in St Joseph MO as a meat processor, and Borax where he traveled across the US spraying railways. He retired from Quaker Oats in 1995 after 27 years of service. He was a member of the Quaker Oats Quarter Century Club.
In 1981, Bill and Bernita “Benny” Merritt married; together with Bill’s eight children and Benny’s six, made a family of 14.
Bill’s life was filled with numerous hobbies and pastimes. He enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, and trapping. He loved to play cards with friends and family and could be found at the local casinos playing his favorite slot machine. His true love was spending time with family and sharing stories from times past.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Blanche Peters, wife Benita, three daughters Diana Peters, Diana Lindsey, Michelle Walts, five grandsons Tim Davis, Jason Mills, Kyle Peters, Daniel Fattig, Jeremy Lindsey.
He is survived by his children: Debbie (Larry) Price Savannah, MO; Mike (Tami) Peters Highland, KS; Regina Mills Wheatland, WY; Kevin (Lousie) Peters, Omaha, NE; Rodney (Colleen) Peters Tucson, AZ; Billy (Jane) Peters Bandon, OR; Valerie (Kermit) Fattig St Joseph, MO; Dennis (Connie) Merritt, Easton, MO; Paula (Mike) Welsh St Joseph, MO; Mark Merritt St Joseph, MO; Marvin (Cindy) Merritt St Joseph, MO. 35 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren and 2 great great. Three brothers Wayne Peters Savannah, MO; Frank (Dixie) Peters Hiawatha, KS; Jerry Peters St Joseph, MO; and one sister Pat Olson Hiawatha, KS.
Memorial: LaVerna Village Nursing Home in Savannah, MO or Oak Hill Cemetery, Severance, KS
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland after 10 a.m. Thursday, where the family will meet from 4:30 until 6:30 that evening with a celebration of life service starting at 6:30. Cremation will follow service with private family inurnment to be held at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery, Severance.
Joyce Marie Sharp
1944-2017
Joyce M Sharp, 72, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, May 5, 2017 in a Saint Joseph, MO health care center. She was born June 22, 1944 in Helena, MO, daughter of Betty and Ronald “Shorty” Bryson. She graduated from Savannah High School, and married Lawrence Sharp on June 14, 1963. Joyce retired from Atchison Leather Works. She enjoyed singing, and spending time with her family, especially her grandkids. She also enjoyed watching sports, and March Madness basketball. She was a member of the 1st Baptist Church, Helena, MO. Preceding her in death are her husband, Lawrence Sharp, and her father, Shorty Bryson. Survivors include, mother, Betty Bryson, daughters, Linda (Kevin) Peters and Carla (David) Ewart of St. Joseph, MO, grandchildren: Camryn Peters, Hunter Ewart, Shelby Ewart, and Mason Ewart, great grandson, Austin Fry, three brothers; Harold (Carol) Bryson, Edward (Barbara) Bryson, Kenneth (Diana) Bryson, three sisters, Julia Bryson, Mary Amos, and Joann Grieme.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home with Reverend Albert Shirley and Pastor Dean Barton officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Courter-Richey Cemetery, 1681 217th St, Troy, KS. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.
Merrie C Donahue
1953-2017
Merrie C. Donahue, 63, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, May 5, 2017 at her home in St. Joseph, MO. She was born December 23, 1953 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of Laura and Floyd Hines. She attended Lafayette High School. Merrie was a homemaker. She enjoyed facebook, playing games on her phone, crocheting, all sports, she was an avid Chiefs fan, and always loved family activities. Merrie was preceded in death by husband, Dennis James Donahue, 2 daughters, Tina and Cassandra Donahue, 2 brothers, Floyd “Butch” and Ronnie Lee Hines, and a sister, Betty Sell. Survivors include, son, Scott Donahue of St. Joseph, MO, 2 daughters, Shanin Donahue and Francine (Tito) Wilson both of Saint Joseph, MO, her “favorite granddaughter,” Mackenzie Donahue, and 5 grandsons, Ebon, Scotty, Brenten, Bryson, Tryston, 2 great grandchildren, and 2 sisters, Claudine (Arlance) Clark of St. Joseph, MO, and Sherry Wells of Parkville, MO.
Celebration of Life: 6:00-8:00 PM, Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Merrie C. Donahue Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.
Norma J. Fergison
1932-2017
Norma J. Fergison, 84, Lincoln, Nebraska, formerly of Helena and Savannah, Missouri passed away Friday, May 5, 2017.
She was born May 8, 1932 to Jesse and Fern (Richardson) Kurtz in Oregon, Missouri.
Norma married Donald Ray Fergison on December 25, 1950.
She graduated from Oregon High School in 1950. Norma was a member of the Helena Methodist Church and a member of First Baptist Church in Savannah. She loved working in her flower gardens and had a vegetable garden from which she enjoyed canning her produce. She was a talented baker known best for her homemade pies. Norma had her own cleaning business in Savannah and St. Joseph for over 30 years. She relished vacationing with her husband in their motor home. Norma’s daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joy of her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband.
Survivors include her sister, Twila Dryden; daughters, Rodema Gnuschke (Don), Cosby, Missouri and Rhonda Jensen (Carl), Lincoln, Nebraska; grandsons, Aaron Gnuschke, Jason, Mike (Tasha) and Blake Von Kaenel; granddaughters, Tara Brown (Adam), Tammy Archdekin (Scott); great grandsons, Miles Von Kaenel, Henry Brown; and great granddaughters, Margaret Brown, Stella and Alexandria Von Kaenel, Alexa and Aurora Archdekin.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. For those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Backpack Buddies. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Kathleen (Butcher) Walker
1916-2017
Kathleen (Butcher) Walker, 101, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, May 5, 2017 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born February 1, 1916 to Roy and Ruth (Haden) McKinsey in St. Joseph, Missouri.
She married Enoch Arthur Butcher in 1938. He preceded her in death in 1999.
Kathleen worked as a seamstress for Big Smith.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Ray Butcher; daughter-in-law, Sara Butcher; brother, Billy McKinsey; and one granddaughter.
Survivors include her children, Carl Butcher, St. Joseph, Judy Flammer (Frank), Overland Park, Kansas, Gary Butcher (Sharon), Warsaw, Missouri and Donald Kelley, Texas; eleven grandchildren; several great and great-great grandchildren; sister, Margie Gilpin (Bill); numerous nieces and nephews; and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Butcher.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 12:00 Noon to 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 10:00 A.M. Tuesday. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Three Rivers Hospice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Nicholas Mark Harding
1940-2017
Nicholas Mark “Nick” Harding, 77, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born March 2, 1940 the son of Mildred Mae Roberts in Newton Abbot, Devon England. He arrived in the United States in 1959.
Nick and Patricia were married on June 17, 1966.
Mr. Harding proudly served in the U.S. Airforce. Later he worked as a painter and wallpaper hanger for over 50 years owning and operating Nick’s Painting & Wallpapering.
He was a past Deacon and Elder of Westminster Presbyterian Church and a current faithful and very active member of First Presbyterian Church.
Nick was a huge sports fan. He was the President and founder of the St. Joseph Youth Soccer Association which started in 1977. He was an avid bowler and coached baseball. Nick also enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. Mr. Harding was a very giving and caring man. He loved being around his family, especially at their family dinners and playing with the grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Harding; sisters, Edna Swales and Carol Rule; and nephew, Kevin Punter.
Survivors include his wife of fifty years, Patricia K. Harding; son, Patrick Harding (Renee), St. Joseph; daughter, Nicole McClain (Michael), St. Joseph; grandchildren, Kelsie and Josh Harding and Breanna McClain; honorary grandchildren, Kyle Funk Jr., Myles Funk, Faythlynn Attebury and Philicia Baker; great grandchild, Kamryn Howell; sisters, Valerie Foot, Angie Pearce (Ray), Julie Gower and Elizabeth Punter (Pete); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Friday, First Presbyterian Church. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 5:00 P.M. Thursday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to the Nicholas Harding Soccer Scholarship c/o Pony Express Community Bank, 3702 Faraon St., St. Joseph, MO, 64506. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Wilbur L. Dean
1923-2017
Hiawatha, KS……….Wilbur L. Dean, 94, of Hiawatha, died Thursday evening, May 4, 2017, at Falls City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where he had been a resident a few days.
Wilbur was born at Sabetha, Kansas, April 14, 1923, one of three children born to Clarence Leslie and Lillian Barnes Dean and attended Washington High School near Kansas City before serving with the U.S. Navy from 1941 until 1947, during which time he served during World War II. He moved to South Dakota to live and work a few years prior to working for the 3M Company where he spent most of his working life before retiring. Wilbur moved to the Hiawatha area in the late 1980’s to be near family.
Wilbur made the statement he was Lutheran. He loved to read J.D. Robb books.
Survivors include a brother Orville Dean of Falls City, NE; a sister Pauline Constant near Denver, CO; several nieces and nephews including Debbie Holloway, Terry Dean, both of Falls City, and Jerry Dean of St. Joseph, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother Leland.
Cremation is planned with services planned for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl officiating. Military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard. Private family inurnment will be a Hamlin Cemetery.
The family will meet with friends a half hour prior to services.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.
Mildred Florence Conard
1928-2017
Mildred Florence (Thurn) Conard 89, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Vintage Gardens Assisted Living. She was born February 28, 1928 in Leona, KS, daughter of the late Florence (King) and Fred Hegenderfer. She graduated from Leona High School in 1945, St. Joseph Junior College, Northwest Missouri State University with a BS in Elementary Education and a M.A. in Reading. She began teaching at the age of 17 in Normile, KS after a 9 week course at Washburn University. She retired from the St. Joseph School District in 1988 after 24 years at Hosea Elementary School. Mildred volunteered with Meals on Wheels through the Retired Teachers Organization. She was a member of the Hyde Valley United Methodist Church and prior Sunday School Teacher. She served on several committees at the church and was very active in the Bereavement program and also helping to prepare meals every Wednesday evening for the choir. She married J. Leo Thurn in 1948 and he proceeded her in death in 1957 she then married H. Ralph Conard in 1962 and he preceded her in death in 2014. Others preceding her in death in addition to her parents are: son in law, Randy West, brother, Warren Hegenderfer, sister, Lyle Martin, niece & nephew, Diane & Jim Eichelburger. Survivors include, daughters, Cheryl Ann West, Jane (Tony) Siela and son Kent (Carol) Conard all of St. Joseph, grandchildren: Amy (Grover) Musser, Brandon (Jill) West, Bethany(Eric) George, Jared (Beth) Grace, Kali (Bradley) Maloney, and Shannon & Cameron Haws. Great grandchildren, Paige & Cade Musser, Courtney, Camren, & Ashlyn West, Madison Kovac, Mason Grace, Zoe & Oliver Maloney.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery . Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers to the Second Harvest Backpack Buddies program. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.
Lloyd V Kretzschmer
1923-2017
Lloyd V Kretzschmer Sr. 93, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2017 at his home with his daughter Leona by his side. He was born May 17, 1923 in Edgerton, Missouri, son of the late Lutitch and George Washington Kretzschmer. He married Mary Catherine on May 14, 1951, she passed away June 16, 1996. He retired from Quaker Oats as a Maintenance Engineer. He enjoyed fishing, traveling and going to Jamesport, MO with family and friends, and was a member of the Faith Valley Church of God. Lloyd was preceded in death by wife, Mary Kretzschmer, son, Lloyd Vincent Kretzschmer, Jr., brothers, John, Floyd, Jesse, Clarence, and Franklin Kretzschmer, sisters, Hazel Tolson, and Minnie Pearl Meade. Survivors include, sons, Lonnie Kretzschmer Jr., Leon Kretzschmer, step son, Larry Hartman, daughters, Linda Marie Kennedy, Lois Young, Laura Lee, Lenora Rice, Leona Campbell, and Lydia Lafollette, 22 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 am, on Monday, May 8, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Pastor Mark Smith officiating, The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com .
Karen Lynn Edwards
1959-2017
Karen Lynn Edwards, 57, of Effingham, KS died on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at her apartment.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am on Monday, May 8th, 2017 at St. Ann’s Church, Effingham with Fr. Benjamin Tremmel, O.S.B as Celebrant. Burial will follow in the St Ann’s Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Ann’s Church or the Helping Hand Society of Topeka and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.
Karen was born on Nov. 25, 1959 in Denver, CO the daughter of Earl and Florence (Wessel) Edwards, Sr. She graduated from Alameda High School, Lakewood, CO and attended two years of college. Karen moved from Denver, Co in 1991 and worked as a secretary for the Kansas Hospital Association, Topeka. She was a member of St. Ann’s Church, Effingham, KS, enjoyed reading, and was a cat lover.
Survivors include three brothers, Terry Edwards, Topeka, KS, Douglas Edwards, Lancaster, CA, and Earl Edwards, Jr., Effingham, KS, aunts, uncles and four nephews. Her parents preceded her in death.