Clarence Henry Blount
1936-2017
Clarence Henry Blount, 81, affectionately known as “Pete” or “Doc” passed away in his sleep on July 15, 2017 surrounded by his family and friends.
He was born and raised in Alabama and later settled in St. Joseph. Pete worked for Grey Manufacturing over thirty years, where he retired and then for Friksie’s dog kennel for over 10 years.
Clarence was a member of Holsey Chapel ICM and TES-TRAMS/Club.
He was an avid hunter that showcased his expertise throughout the Midwest and Southeast regions. Pete was a highly respected member of the St. Joseph Community and will be sorely missed.
Survivors include two daughters, Perita Carole Alexander and Roshelle Maria Sease; his companion Sandra Cruse; her children, Dana Ann Cruse, Angela Marie Cruse, and Harvey Lee Cruse; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Fred “Ben” Leach, Jr.
1969-2017
Fred “Ben” Leach, Jr., 48, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Monday,
July 17, 2017 at a local health care facility.
He was born April 21, 1969 to Fred and Alice (Ridpath) Leach.
Fred graduated from Lafayette High School. One of his joys was the
weather. He always knew the local, national and international weather.
Due to health issues he resided in assisted care facilities, most
recently the St. Joseph Chateau.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his aunts, Sue Stewart (James), Carol Bonnett
(Carl), Mary West uncle, John Ridpath; numerous extended family members
and friends.
The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday,
Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment at Mount Olivet at a
later date. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Tony Lewis Miller
1964-2017
Tony L. Miller 53, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2017 in Saint Joseph, MO. He was born January 18, 1964 in St. Joseph, MO, son of Patricia and Norman Miller. He graduated from South Park Christian Academy. He was owner of Miller Concrete and Construction. He enjoyed selling and working on cars, antiques,and drinking Coke.Tony was Pentecostal. Survivors include his parents, Norman & Patricia Miller of Agency, MO, his companion, Pamela Ashpaugh of the home, his children, Jared Miller, T.J. Bates and Tatum Collette all of St. Joseph, MO, a grandchild, 2 brothers, Ricky (Jennifer) Miller and Tim Miller, both of St. Joseph, MO., a special acknowledgement to Jordan, Austin and Nick, and his dog, Zippo.
Funeral service; 7:00 pm, Friday, Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Terry Reynolds officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM, Friday, Rupp Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to theTony L. Miller Memorial fund, in care of Rupp Funeral Home.
Rita Marie Reiff (Betts)
1952-2017
Rita Marie Reiff, 65, of Atchison KS died Sunday, July 16th, at her daughter’s home in Effingham, KS.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM on Friday, July 21st, 2017 at the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home with Fr. Jon Hullinger, Rector at Trinity Episcopal Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison, KS. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, July 20th, at the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Helping Hand for the Holidays and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.
Rita M. Betts was born on May 8, 1952 in Atchison, KS the daughter of Charles and Helen (Pickerel) Betts. She worked as a certified nurse’s and medicine assistant at Atchison Senior Village for many years. Rita enjoyed growing flowers, reading, collecting Precious Memories figurines and dolls, and especially spending time with her grandchildren.
She was married to Jacob Reiff on Aug. 1, 1980. Mr. Reiff survives of the home. Additional survivors include three sons, Charles (Crystal) Reiff, Atchison, KS, Preston Reiff, of the home, and Troy (Vickie) Reiff, Atchison, KS, a daughter, Jenny Goodman (Casey Chappell) Effingham, KS, two step daughters, Rhonda Wheeler and Anita Reiff, both of Topeka, KS, three sisters, Peggy Emery, and Sally Brady, both of Atchison, KS and Judy Hayes, Topeka, KS, fifteen grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Her parents, a son, Ronnie Reiff and six brothers, Walter, Gene, Bill, Robert, Jim, and Mike Betts and two sisters, Juanita Betts, and Lisa Piper preceded her in death.
Ginger Ann McCarthy
1966-2017
Ginger Ann McCarthy 50, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, July 15, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care hospital. She was born September 20, 1966 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of Lavona and Henry Way. She graduated from Savannah High School and then entered the Missouri Air National Guard, retiring after 29 years of service as Master Sargeant. She worked in the Command Post and in Recruiting. She loved spending time with her family, reading, bowling, crocheting baby blankets, and she was a Christian. Ginger was preceded in death by father, Henry Way, Sr., a son, Christopher O’Roke. Survivors include, husband, Jon T. McCarthy of the home, mother, Lavona Way, Platte City, MO, daughter, Elizabeth O’Roke, St. Joseph, step daughter, Jesica (Shawn) McCarthy, St. Joseph, MO, and step son, Jon (Ian) McCarthy Jr., San Diego, CA, 5 step grandchildren Tristen, Rylan, Leighton, Anniston, and Keaton, brother, Henry (Kim) Way Jr., Savannah, MO, sisters, Carma Way, Savannah, MO, Rhonda (Randy) Hankins, Graham, MO, and Tracy Way, Platte City, MO.several aunts and cousins, numerous nieces and nephews, and her Fur babies,
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Pastor Owen Compton officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Blakely Cemetery. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.
Geraldine Frances Parr
1924-2017
Geraldine Frances Parr 93, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, July 16, 2017 in a Savannah, MO health care center. She was born April 21, 1924 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of the late Verna and Otho Turner. She attended Benton high school She worked at Big Smith as a Sewing operator, She was a former member of the King Hill Baptist Church. Geraldine was preceded in death by 1st husband, Cecil Badget, during WWII, 2nd husband, Lloyd Jacob Parr, her parents, and son, Cecil Fred Badgett. Survivors include, 6 grandchildren 6 grandchildren: Amy Badgett, Fred Badget, Randy Badgett, Sandy Badgett, Vickie Smith, and Shelly Kahler, Sister Ruth Rogers of Apple Valley CA.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm, on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.
Martha Francis Thornton
1934-2017
Martha Francis Thornton (nee McFadden) passed peacefully on Friday, July 14, 2017, in the presence of her family, and now rests in the loving arms of God.
Ms. Martha was born to Nina Young and Willie McFadden on July 13, 1934 in Liberty, MO. Her loving husband of 6 years preceded her in death in December of 1962. Leaving her to raise her children alone.
Ms. Martha had a lively spirit, a humble heart and fierce love of her children, grandchildren and all kids who crossed her path. She was known as “Mom” to many. She was a passionate advocate for kids. She was known for her generous heart, and her dedication to family and friends. Ms. Martha was a patient, kind and wise woman with a zest for life who had an extraordinary ability to take what little she had and share it with so many. She put others before herself with humility, simplicity and humor.
Ms. Martha graduated from Bartlett High and went on to attend Spelman College in Atlanta, GA & returned to St. Joseph, MO to attend St. Joseph Junior College. There she married Leonard Thornton, Jr. During her years in St. Joseph she worked for Herzog Construction in St. Joseph, MO and Rockwell International in Atchison, Kansas while running her own business of residential cleaning and catering. In her free time she traveled the United States and the world.
In 2002 she moved to St. Louis to be near her children living in the region. After God, her family always came first. All looked to her for a lively discussion, advice and for her wisdom.
Ms. Thornton leaves to mourn her passing and to cherish her memory: 3 sons, Maurice J. (Carolyn) Thornton of St. Joseph, MO, Michael Thornton of St. Peters, MO and Ken Thornton of St. Louis, MO and 3 daughters, Michelle (Ronald) Sherod of St. Louis, MO, LaCinda (Gary Hughes) Thornton of St. Charles, MO, and Gina (Alton) Logan, her sister Dorothea McFadden of St. Joseph, MO, 8 Grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Leonard (Mimi) Thornton of St. Joseph, MO.
The family thanks everyone for the kind words shared through Facebook, phone calls and visits. Your outreach in the last few months gave her joy on a daily basis. Her kindness and loving ways will be missed.
Farewell Services 11:00 AM Friday, Holsey Chapel, ICM, 1001 S 14th St., St. Joseph, MO 64503. Rev. Mary McDonald officiating. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Flowers are appreciated, for those wishing to make a donation, they may be made to the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Sharon Blanton
1940-2017
Sharon Blanton, 76, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday, July
15, 2017 at her home.
She was born August 23, 1940 in Maryville, Missouri to Walter and
Gladys (Whited) Salfrank. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church,
Rock Port, Missouri. She graduated from Bellvue High School in 1958 and
attended the former Gard Business School in 1969.
Sharon married Dale Blanton August 20, 1982, he survives of the
home.
She was a typist for Swift and Company for ten years, she also
worked at St. Joseph Surgical Supply for twenty years, then later was
self-employed cleaning houses, which she enjoyed most.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and son, David Scott
Bingaman.
Additional survivors include daughter, Laura Jones (Shannon),
Berlin, Missouri; brother, Jim Salfrank, Mound City, Missouri; sister,
Shirley Haer (Garth), Villisca, Iowa; step-daughters, Tina Graham (Damon)
and Tammy Dean (Art), St. Joseph, Missouri; step-son, David Blanton, St.
Joseph, Missouri; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Farewell Services 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 24, 2017, Wesley United
Methodist Church, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to
the service. Entombment Memorial Park Mausoleum at a later date.
Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Kevin W. Ross
1977-2017
Kevin W. Ross, 40, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday, July 15, 2017.
He was born February 2, 1977 in Denton, Texas.
Kevin enjoyed camping, fishing and helping his family and others.
He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Ross; grandfather, Harry Jackson; step-grandfather, Richard G. Smith
Survivors include his mother and step-father, Nancy and Frank Crouse; grandmother, Betty R. Smith; aunt, Ruth Atkison; uncle, Gary Jackson; and cousin, Lindsay Wycoff.
Private Memorial Services will be held at a later date. Services under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Judge Weldon “Don” C. Judah
1949-2017
Judge Weldon “Don” C. Judah, 68, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly
following recent heart issues on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at his home.
He was born July 2, 1949 to Samuel Weldon and Ernestine Idean (Schindler) Judah in
St. Joseph. Don grew up on the Schindler-Judah farm of Andrew County and graduated from
Savannah High School in 1967 as student body president and captain of the football team. He
served six years with the Missouri National Guard and was honorably discharged in August of
1973 after working as a medic with the 139th Air National Guard Unit. Meanwhile, he earned his
Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in May of 1972 and his Juris Doctorate
from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in May of 1980. Along his path to public service,
Don was employed as a farm hand, a construction laborer, in a warehouse, in an office as a
lawyer, and as an Assistant Buchanan County Prosecutor from 1982-1986. He believed
knowing a life of both blue-collar and white-collar jobs brought experience that shaped his
attitude toward the field of law and allowed him to understand the concerns and values of
people.
After representing plaintiffs and defendants in all types of civil cases and prosecuting
and defending hundreds of criminal cases, Don ran for and won his first bid for St. Joseph
Municipal Court Judge of the 5th Circuit and served from 1986-1988. Following further
successful campaigns, he served as Buchanan County Associate Circuit Judge of Division 6
from 1989-1995. He was appointed in 1995 to the Division 2 bench as a Fifth Judicial Circuit
Court Judge by Governor Mel Carnahan, was reelected to the position in 1998, 2004, and 2010,
and dutifully held the position until his retirement in December of 2016. In total, Judge Judah
served thirty honorable years on the bench and heard thousands of criminal and civil cases.
While a civil servant of Buchanan and Andrew Counties, he took greatest honor in helping
children navigate the tumult of divorce and officiating weddings and adoptions.
A man of depth, humility, and humor, Don met Linda Bachman, the love of his life, during
his days in the Prosecutor’s Office. They married on September 24, 1983 and had two
daughters, whom he loved dearly; Linda survives of the home.
Don was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, the Missouri Bar
Association, St. Joseph Bar Association, American Legion Pony Express Post 359, and
Fraternal Order of Eagles, St. Joseph Aerie No. 49. He was honored as a Distinguished
Alumnus by Missouri Western State University in 2002.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in- law, Dan Elkins.
Additional survivors include two daughters, Idean “Deana” Bindel (Joe) and Abby Judah
(fiancé Blake Bennett); brother, Charles Judah (Diana); sister, Ann Elkins; uncle, Melvin Judah;
and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. His first grandchild is due in
September of 2017.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 A.M. Monday, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
Interment: Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 4:00 to 7:00 P.M.
Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a
contribution are encouraged to donate to the Friends of the Free Clinic, in support of the
Buchanan County Social Welfare Board, of which his beloved wife is Executive Director. Online
guestbook and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Betty Joan Blide (Hager)
1943-2017
Betty Joan (Hager) Blide, 74, of Atchison, KS, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2017 at the Atchison (KS) Medicalodge with both of her children by her side.
Funeral Services will be 2:00 pm, Monday, July 17, 2017 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, with Rev. Robert Ziegler, officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Atchison. Visitation with the family will be Sunday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in honor of Betty are suggested to Dogs by Debin, a non-profit animal rescue shelter founded by her daughter-in-law. Words of sympathy and comfort for the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.
Betty was born on March 16, 1943 in Atchison, the daughter of Jack and Marjorie (Rosenauer) Hager. Betty attended Atchison Catholic Schools. Betty was primarily a housewife and homemaker throughout her life. She enjoyed crocheting, playing Bingo and board games, was an avid reader, and liked fishing and watching horror movies. Betty was raised in the Catholic faith but attended the Carol Baptist Church later in life. Betty especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Betty was married to Richard Norris; they later divorced. She then married Bill Blide who preceded her in death. Betty was also preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Dee Ann Ferris.
Survivors include a son, Rick (Debin) Norris of Kansas City, MO; daughter, Brenda Norris of Atchison; three sisters, Barbara Hager, Nancy Gormly, and Connie Jones, all of Atchison; one granddaughter, Jessica (Jake) Henry, Atchison and one great grandson, Jaxston.