Janet Rose Swarthout
1945-2018

Janet Rose Swarthout, 72, of St. Joseph, passed away Monday April 16, 2018 at Mosaic Life Care. She was born May 3, 1945 in Buchanan County, Missouri, daughter of Wilnetta and Donald Swarthout. Janet was preceded in death by her Companion, Richard Broce, parents, Donald and Wilnetta Swarthout and brother, Dennis Swarthout. She is survived by granddaughters, Colby Phillips (fiance’ Joe Dunbar), Madison Scott, and Courtney Phillips, all of St. Joseph. Ms. Swarthout will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Dixie L. Springer Wilhite
1955-2018

St. Joseph, MO. Dixie L. Wilhite, 62, of St. Joseph, Missouri, formerly of Wathena, Kansas passed away Monday, April 16, 2018 at the Mosaic Life Care of St. Joseph, Missouri.

Dixie was born on June 29, 1955 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Edward Leslie & Martha Springer.

She worked for Laverna Village Nursing Home as a CMT.

Dixie married Calvin L. Wilhite on June 22, 1973 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He preceded her in death on August 30, 2013. She was also preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors; sons, Austin Wilhite, Will Wilhite,

daughter, April Langford all of St. Joseph, Missouri

11 grandchildren & 3 great-grandchildren

sisters, Beverly Hatcher & Patty Dubois

numerous nieces, nephews & cousins

Celebration of Life 7:00 P.M. Saturday, April 28, 2018

At the Harman-Rohde Home in Wathena, Kansas.

Memorials: Dixie Wilhite Memorial Fund.

John H. Ward
1952-2018

WATHENA,KS John H. Ward, 66, of Gower, Missouri formerly of Wathena, Kansas died Sunday, April 15, 2018 at a St. Joseph, Missouri hospital.

John was born on February 10, 1952 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Harold and Theresa (Sayles) Ward. John worked as a glass glazier most of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Janice Medsker.

Survivors include 4 sisters; Connie Summer, Charlotte Hart (Paul),

Annette Benton (Bill) all of St. Joseph, Missouri

Nancy Mullins (Lee) of Troy, Kansas

2 brothers; Wayne Ward (Danielle), Richard Ward (Jennifer) both of Wathena, Kansas

numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

John was cremated under the services of the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas. There will be no visitation or services.

Donald Daily
1943-2018

Donald Daily, 74, of Hiawatha, KS died April 16, 2018 at the Mission Village Nursing Home in Horton, Kansas.

Donald was born December 19, 1943 in Netawaka, KS the son of Floyd and Martha Titus Daily. He graduated from Netawaka High School with the class of 1961.

He married Judy McNett December 22, 1967 in Severance, KS. She survives of the home.

Donald was a member of the Calvary Temple Assembly of God in Hiawatha, KS. He formerly was a member of the Cornerstone Church in Hiawatha where he served as Treasurer for several years. He enjoyed fishing and playing cards.

He is also survived by his children; Donnie Daily (Judith Watton) of Hiawatha, KS, daughters; Wendy Bradley of Marysville, KS and Donna Oldridge of Hiawatha, KS, siblings; Lucille McDonald of Dallas, TX, Donna Simpson of Emporia, KS, Elizabeth (Charlie) Conner of Yuma, AZ, Edward (Joyce) Daily of Netawaka, KS, Diane Keesling of Pottsboro, TX, Martha (Les) McCormick of Frankfort, MO, Elsie Stafford of Hanover, PA, Charles Daily of Bakersfield, CA, and RaeDean (Karen) Daily of St. John, KS, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by an infant son; grandson; Tad Clary, and two brothers; Jack and Harold Daily, and his parents; Floyd and Martha Daily.

Funeral Services are planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, April 22, 2018 at the Cavalry Temple Assembly of God in Hiawatha. Pastor Jim Farris and Tom Bell will officiate. Interment will follow at the Hiawatha Cemetery.

The family will receive friend from 2 p.m until service time at the church on Sunday. Memorials are suggested in his name and may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home 124 S. 7th St. Hiawatha, KS 66434.

Larry Dale Springer
1946-2018

TOPEKA – Larry Dale Springer, 71, of Topeka, died Monday April 16, 2018 at his home.

He was born May 26, 1946 at Seneca, the son of Dale and Ethel Pease Springer. He received an Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy from the University of Tempe, Arizona and attended Washburn University. Larry was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served as a Corpsman in Vietnam.

He was a member of American Legion Post No. 400 in Topeka and the Wichita Gem and Mineral Society.

Larry worked as a respiratory therapist for eighteen years and as a locksmith for thirty years.

He married May Eng on June 19, 1971 in Newark, New Jersey. She survives, of the home.

In November through March you could find Larry sitting in his favorite recliner watching his beloved Jayhawks play Big 12 basketball. NOTHING was to be scheduled on game day!!!

His favorite pastime was smoking his pipe in the basement and perusing Craig’s List looking for farm implements he felt Dan and Kim needed for their squirrel corn business.

But, his passion was rocks, especially looking for and collecting them. He and May took at least two trips a year in their 22 foot fifth wheel camper, with very special friends from California, to look for rocks. Larry learned how to make spheres and created some beautiful pieces. He also enjoyed cutting rocks into gorgeous cabochons to make into jewelry.

Larry loved the Lord and he loved his family. He doted shamelessly on his beautiful daughter’s family and grandkids. And, although we can’t prove it, he loved to cheat at Hand and Foot at the monthly family card games.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Robert E. Springer, and three brothers-in-law, Richard Mannell, Alvin Rimmel and Roger Fund.

Other survivors include a daughter, Kimberly Rae Springer-Reed and husband Daniel, Hiawatha, two grandchildren, Jacoby Dale Springer-Good and Hanna Mae Reed, a brother, James D. Springer and wife Shirley, Topeka, and three sisters, Nancy M. Rimmel, Topeka, Virginia A. Mannell, Holton and Dorothy E. Rygielski, Topeka.

Funeral services with Military Honors will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 21st at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hoyt with Pastor Tim O’Byrne officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Larry will lie in state Friday at the funeral home where family and friends will meet from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to K9’s for Warriors or the charity of the donor’s choice, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 280, Hoyt, KS 66440.

Donald Lee Inman
1962-2018

Donald Lee Inman 55, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday April 15, 2018 at his home. He was born July 16, 1962 in Torrence, California son of the late Ora & Dale Inman. He graduated from Benton High School, and served in the United States Air Force. He was an avid Chiefs fan. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Phillis Peterson, Johnnie Janovec, and Shirley McGuire. He is survived by daughters, Shelby Inman, Saint Joseph, MO, Morgan Deshon, and Megan Runge, sister, Jackie (Tom) Runyan, brother William (Donna) Inman, grandchildren; Isabel, Ryder, Addilyn, TaliaQuinn, and Sophia, as well as several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Saturday at the Rupp Funeral Home, Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers to the Donald Inman memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. He will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Lana Colleen Elrod
1960-2018

Lana C Elrod 58, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, April 14, 2018 in a Saint Joseph, MO hospital. She was born March 31, 1960 in Sparks, KS, daughter of the late Mary and Robert Elrod. She graduated from Highland High School, she currently holds the Womens shot put record. Lana worked at the Haven House, and Hosea School 8 years as a Kitchen Manager. Lana was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Rodney Elrod, and a sister, Mary Jolene Elrod. Survivors include, her long time companion, Dana Martin of the home, son, Brendan Martin, nephew, Jason (Britinna) Elrod, great niece, Bailey Elrod, numerous cousins.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, with funeral services at 2:00 pm, Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, Rev. Kim Giacometti officiating. Memorials are requested to the Lana Elrod Memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Diana Kay Robidoux-Weeks
1949-2018

Diana Kay Robidoux-Weeks, 68, of Hiawatha died April 16, 2018 in Reserve, Kansas.

Diana was born December 9, 1949 in Falls City, NE the daughter of Donald C. and Barbara J. Bryant Robidoux.

She was currently the Gaming Commissioner for Sac & Fox Nation. Diana played an active role in the Tribal government. She also played a role in starting the casino, the police station, the truck stop, and the Sac & Fox court system.

She is survived by her son; William Weeks of St. Joseph, MO, two daughters; Lorrie Fernandez and Jami Weeks both of Hiawatha, grandchildren; Kelley Fernandez, Kyle Haffner, Danielle Fenandez, Summer Weeks, Billy Weeks, Shilah Patterson, Shelby Patterson, Sherissa Minshall, and Jeremiah Weeks, great-grandson; Jaiden Pallesen, and baby Gabriel Warner.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son; Jeremy Weeks in 2005 and daughter; Donna Weeks in 2009; brother; Kirby Robidoux, and sister; Donna Robidoux.

Funeral Services are planned for 10 AM Sunday, April 22, 2018 at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services on Sunday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Hiawatha Cemetery, Hiawatha, Kansas. Memorials are suggested in her name and may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S. 7th ST. Hiawatha, KS 66434.

John Charles Wistuba
1953-2018

John Charles Wistuba, 64, of Valley Falls, KS died on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at his home in Valley Falls.

Open to the public Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM on Monday, April 23, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Church, Nortonville, KS with Fr. Lazar Carasala as Celebrant. Burial will follow in the St. Lawrence Cemetery, Easton, KS. The visitation will be open to the public from 5:30 to 7:00 PM on Sunday, April 22 at St. Joseph’s Church, Nortonville. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph’s Church and may be sent in care of the O’Trimble Chapel, Nortonville who is handling the services. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com. The family and Altar Society will provide a lunch at the St. Jospeh’s School Basement following the grave side service.

John was born on June 22, 1953 in Nortonville, KS the son of Raymond J. and Kathleen R. (Striegel) Wistuba. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Grade School, Nortonville, KS, graduated in 1971 from the Jefferson County North High School and had attended Emporia State University. John was a United States Army veteran serving as a radio operator for the First Division, 2nd Battalion, 16th Artillery Division from 1971 to 1977. Mr. Wistuba worked as pipefitter and retired from the Goodyear Company, Topeka after 20 years. He was a member of the United Steel Workers Union Local # 307. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, gardening, fishing and spending time outside with his dogs and four grandsons.

Survivors include a son, John (Leane) Wistuba, Lawrence, KS, a daughter, Katie Shade, Kansas City, MO, a brother, Robert S.(Tammy) Wistuba, Valley Falls, KS, six sisters, Karen J. (Ed) Splichal, Belleville, KS, Susan E. (John) Aspinwall, Nortonville, KS, Patricia A. (Clifford) Burk, Tecumseh, KS, Jane(Perry) Hodge, Wichita, KS, Lori L. (Rob) Hedges, Ottawa, KS, and Maggie (Chris) Ferguson, Topeka, KS, and four grandsons. His parents preceded him in death.

Olena Kowalewycz
1924-2018

Olena Kowalewycz 94, of Saint Joseph, MO passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2018 in Saint Joseph, MO. Olena was born February 23, 1924 to the late Peter and Rosalia Staderski in Solotvyna, Ukraine. Olena married her husband, Semen Kowalewycz in 1941. They were taken from their homeland to work camps in Germany. They endured many hardships until they were liberated by the American forces. Olena and her husband emigrated to the U.S. July 4, 1949 to Cameron, Missouri and then to St. Joseph. They proudly became U.S. citizens in 1955. Olena worked at Armour & Co. from 1950 to 1983. After retirement she spent time baking and cooking and loved sharing it with friends and relatives. Olena was a hard worker all her life. Whoever needed help, or if there was work to be done, she would be there.She also enjoyed time with her grandchildren and especially time in her garden with her flowers and plants. Her flowers were often seen in church during services. Olena was a devout Catholic and was a member of St. Joseph Ukrainian Catholic Church and also St. James. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Semen, brothers, Thadeus and Janik, sister, Julia and one great grandchild. She is survived by sons, James (Sharon) Kowalewycz of St. Joseph, MO, son, Theodore (Carol) Kowalewycz of St. Joseph, MO, Eugene (Pat) Kowalewycz of Lamar, AR, and a sister, Irene in Ukraine, 5 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one great- great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Office of the Dead will be at 5:30 pm Sunday, April 22, 2018 with visitation following from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. at Rupp Funeral Home.The Divine Liturgy will be on Monday, April 23, 2018, at 10:00 am at the St. Joseph Ukrainian Catholic Church, Fr. Bohdan Kudleychuk Celebrant. The Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Flowers are appreciated or donations to the St. Joseph Ukrainian Catholic Church.

William Lee Talbott III
1969-2018

William Talbott III, 49, of Saint Joseph passed away Sunday, April 15, 2018 in Saint Joseph.
He was born February 17, 1969 in St. Joseph, MO, son of Norma and William Talbott II.
Will was preceded in death by parents, William Lee Talbott II, and Norma (Harman) Talbott-Fox, sisters, Lisa Talbott, Kim Talbott.
Survivors include 4 children, Heaven (JR) McDaniel, Hailey Talbott, Derrick Talbott, Phoenix Talbott, brothers, Norman (Megan) Talbott, Steven (Ashley) Talbott, Brett (Jennifer) Talbott, grandson, Johnny McDaniel, step-mother, Pam Talbott and step-father, Charles Fox.　
Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at Rupp Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Rupp Funeral Home. Mr. Talbott will be cremated following services.
Memorials are requested to the William Talbott Memorial Fund, c/o Rupp Funeral Home.

James Ralph Hodgson
1943-2018

James Ralph Hodgson 74, of Agency, MO, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2018 at a Gower, MO health care facility.

He was born October 10, 1943 in Platteville, WI, son of Elva and Henry Hodgson. He graduated from Platteville, Wisconsin schools. He married Delores Deatherage-Rumpf. He is a Veteran of the U.S. Navy. James worked as a rural mail carrier. He enjoyed fishing and hunting.

James was preceded in death by father, Henry Hodgson, mother, Elva Hodgson and brother, Robert Hodgson.

Survivors include, wife, Delores Rumpf-Hodgson of Agency, MO, sons, Ronald Hodgson and Jason Hodgson, brother, Terry Hodgson, grandchildren, Jesse Hodgson and Sammy Hodgson, step-children, Pam (Kevin) Johnson, Randy (Cindy) Rumpf , Rod (Jane) Rumpf, Peggy (Richard) Christian, Beth (Paul) Pierce, Sandy (Brian) Wood, Darrin (Hawley) Rumpf and numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mr. Hodgson has been cremated under the care of Rupp Funeral Home. An Inurnment will take place at a later date in Platteville, WI.

Theodore Allen Lopez
1945-2018

Theodore “Ted” A. Lopez, 72, of St. Joseph, passed away April 19, 2018 at a Wathena Healthcare & Rehab in Wathena, Kansas.

Ted was born May 3, 1945 to Theodore and Gertie Lopez.

Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Dallis “Gene”, Ralph, and sisters, Frances Flores, Dolores McGauhey and Carmen Jacobs.

Ted was a proud veteran of the Vietnam war, serving in the U.S. Navy from 1963-1969.

He attended Christian Brothers High School and was a lifelong member of the Catholic faith.

Due to illness, Ted had made his residence at the Wathena Healthcare and Rehab since 2008. He grew to love his new family and was well loved and taken care of by the staff.

One of Ted’s greatest pleasures in life was playing cards with his family and friends and making them laugh.

He is survived by his sons, Theodore A. Lopez Jr. and Brian Lopez, a sister Phyllis Conard, and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Lopez has been cremated under the care of Rupp Funeral Home.

Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 27 at Rupp Funeral Home with visitation to follow from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Graveside inurnment with military honors will be at a later date at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Online obituary and condolences at www.ruppfuneral.com

Carol Jeanette Ringo
1953-2018

Carol Jeanette Ringo 64, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, April 19, 2018 in Saint Joseph. She was born June 29, 1953 in Holden, Missouri, daughter of the late Lou Ella & Walter Conrad. She graduated from Holden High School and Longview College in Lee’s Summit. She was a Homemaker who enjoyed playing the piano, bingo, coloring, & reading. She also loved animals. Carol was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include three daughters, Stacey Gries, Tammy Ringo and Vicki (Gary) Murphy all of St. Joseph, MO, 2 grandchildren: Mason Murphy and Allison Murphy, and a brother, Steven (Linda) Conrad of Independence, MO. She will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. There are no scheduled services or visitation. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Theresa Rose Elder
1963-2018

Theresa Rose Elder, 54, Wathena, Kansas, passed away Friday, April 20, 2018, at her home.
She was born September 2, 1963 in Whittier, CA to Danny and Carole (Olafson) Brand.
Theresa married Chris Elder September 28, 1984; he survives of the home.
She loved outdoor activities, was a friend to everyone she met and followed Jesus with a servant heart.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Carole Brand; and father-in-law, Quintin Joseph Elder.
Additional survivors include son, Colby Elder; daughter, Brandie Wertz (Casey); son, Royce Elder; daughter, Emily J. Elder; daughter, Kaile A. Elder; grandchildren, Adalyn, Ellie and Benjamin Wertz; father, Danny Brand; brothers, Danny Brand, Jr. (Rebecca), Troy Brand; sister, Trisha Brand; mother-in-law, Joyce Elder; numerous nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life 1:00 P.M. Monday, Renovation Church. The family will gather with friends 4:00 P.M. Sunday, Renovation Church. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Break Every Chain, 1153 Randolph Road, Wathena, KS 66090. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Bobby Grace
1936-2018

Bobby Grace 81, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, April 20, 2018 in St. Joseph, MO. He was born May 10, 1936 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Evelyn and Otis Grace. He graduated from Benton High School in 1954. He was a dance instructor for Arthur Murray’s, and worked at the St. Joe Packaging company for 38 years. He worked over 50 hours a week but still had time to be an amazing husband, dad, grandfather, uncle, and neighborhood mentor. Bobby was a truly caring man, patient, very kind and considerate, and quick to laugh and have fun. He also enjoyed a positive attitude and the simple things. He loved life, his family, his buddies bowling, all kinds of music, dancing, classic cars, pets, gardening, and traveling to different casinos. He will be missed so much by all of us. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, a son Jeff Grace, three sisters, Betty Murphy, Charlene Kendall, and Barbara Jene Grace. Survivors include, wife, Sharon Grace of the home, two daughters, Kim (Ronnie) Smith, and Barb (Jim) Weathermon of St. Joseph, MO, grandchildren, Amanda, William, Aaron, Ashley, Angie, Jaime, Sean, Dustin, Dylan, & Elias, great grandchildren, Leo, Braxton, Lukas, Korbyn, Brooklyn, Aubrey, Toby & Lily, also multiple nieces & nephews & great nieces & nephews. Funeral Services: 10:00 am, Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, Scott Jensen 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 Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society, or the Friends of the Shelter.

Lucy Lee Canterbury
1937-2018

Lucy Lee Canterbury 80, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday April 21, 2018 at her home. She was born July 13, 1937 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of the late, Bessie Charles Trammell. She was a Homemaker, who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren walking them to and from school, she also enjoyed cooking, and baking. She was a Head StartVolunteer, and a Baptist. Lucy was preceded in death by husband, Lawrence R. Canterbury, her parents, son, Timothy H. Canterbury, daughters, Melody and Diana Canterbury, brothers, Charles and Earl Trammell, sisters, Hazel McDowel, Maxine Whitmore, Jennie Bozarth, and Vernie Groshong. Survivors include sons, Dale (Jill) Canterbury, Jeffery (Tammy) Canterbury, and Terry L. Canterbury of St. Joseph, MO, daughters, Marie A. (Tony) Woods, Cherry Donahoo, and April Canterbury all of St. Joseph, MO, a sister Jerry A. Waggoner, numerous grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm with funeral services to follow at 7:00 PM Tuesday, memorial services following. She will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Friends of the Shelter. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com