D. Louise Montgomery
1920-2017

D. Louise Montgomery, 96, Mulvane, Kansas, formerly of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, March 12, 2017 at a healthcare facility in Derby, Kansas.
She was born December 1, 1920 to Claus and Iva Mae Davis. They preceded her in death.
Louise married Ronald A. Montgomery on February 14, 1941.
She was a 1938 graduate of Central High School and attended Gards Business College. She retired as a civilian employee of Ft. Leavenworth Command Staff College. Louise loved writing and took many writing courses. She was an adult reading tutor. Louise was a former member of the YWCA, Central High School PTA, and Committee Woman for the Democratic Party. Louise loved gardening and flowers.
She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Betty Belz; and sister, Geraldine Noland.
Survivors include daughter, Janet Montgomery; grandchildren, Stephanie Steele, Christine Adams, Brian and Patrick Belz; numerous great grandchildren, a niece and a nephew.
Farewell Services 1:00P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park 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 requests memorial donations be made to the charity of donor’s choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Linda F. (Reed) Lewis
1949-2017

Linda F. (Reed) Lewis, 67, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, March 12, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born April 18, 1949 to Sanford and Kathleen (Gunter) Reed, they preceded her in death.
Linda married Edward R. Lewis May 27, 1972, he survives of the home.
She graduated from Elwood High School, Class of 1967 and later completed Cosmetology School and worked as a cosmetologist. She shifted her career to Real Estate and worked as an agent/broker for over 25 years, retiring in 2007.
Linda was a loving mother who cared for her children and grandchildren. She had a courageous laugh that made everyone laugh with her.
She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, gardening and loved her wild birds.
She was also preceded in death by a brother, Kenny Reed.
Additional survivors include daughters, Carie Lewis (Matt), Kelly Dobosz (Jim); grandchildren, Corey, D’Angelo, Alexis, John, Landon, Logan and Maci; brother, Wesley Reed (Betty); numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Thursay, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Assocation Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Teresa Kay Althouse
1959-2017

Teresa Kay Althouse, 57, of Fairview, passed away peacefully Monday, March 13, 2017, at St. Francis Hospital, surrounded by her family.
She was born in Hiawatha, December 11, 1959, one of three children born to Norman and Nancy (Bloom) Brockhoff, and was a lifelong resident of the Fairview area. Teresa attended Hiawatha schools where she graduated from Hiawatha High School with the class of 1977. Teresa grew up on the farm and enjoyed doing whatever needed to be done at the time: working cattle, mowing and baling hay, etc. She attended trade school to learn to be a beautician of which she owned a beauty shop a few years prior to helping her Dad in Grandpa’s Kitchen. Teresa worked for nearly 20 years for Sac and Fox Casino working in various capacities there through the years, retiring due to poor health.
Survivors include two adored sons Jake (Caitlyn) Althouse of Topeka, Louis (Trina) Althouse of Manhattan; grandchildren Jules and Kellen; her parents Norm and Nancy Brockhoff of Fairview; brothers: Charlie (Nellie) Brockhoff, David (Vickie) Brockhoff, along with many beloved family members and friends.
Memorial services are planned for 2 p.m. Friday, March 17, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Reverend Sean Kilgo officiating, followed by a meal at Community Center in Fairview.
The family will meet with friends 5:30 until 7 Thursday evening at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to be used for funeral costs.

Gene Salmons
1936-2017

Gene Salmons, 80, St. Joseph, Missouri, formerly of Cosby, Missouri passed away Monday, March 13, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care.
He was born May 3, 1936 to Lester and Merrill Salmons.
Gene married Marlene Stanton on June 19, 1955, at Faucett Christian Church
He attended Savannah High School. Gene worked as a livestock salesman at the St. Joseph Stockyards, retiring after fifty-five years. He was a member of Hope Church of Christ, Cosby Masonic Lodge #600 A.F & A.M., Stockyards Collectors Club, American Quarter Horse Association and Bit and Spur Club. Gene was an all-around cowboy and horseman. He showed and judged horses all of his life. He was a 4-H youth livestock buyer for the American Royal Livestock show and farmed in Cosby, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife; son, Clint Salmons; daughter Kim Westhoff and Mike Westhoff; grandsons, Matthew Salmons and David Westhoff; great grandchildren, Tieler Salmons and Bryston Salmons; brothers Ronnie and Donnie Salmons; and niece, Missy McClurg.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Hope United Church of Christ, State Hwy W, Cosby, MO 64436. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Louis Carl “J.R.” Hirter
1938-2017

Louis Carl “J.R.” Hirter, 78; St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Monday, March 13, 2017 surrounded by his wife and family. He was a beloved husband, daddy, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother and uncle.
J.R. was born July 19, 1938 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Louis and Cathalene (Hamilton) Hirter
J.R. grew up in St. Joseph. He graduated from Central High School in 1956 and also served in the US Marine Corp.
He married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Ann Gilley on August 29, 1959. They started their life together in St. Joseph. They had three children, and later moved to Hemple in 1976 and Gower in 1983. They then moved back to St. Joseph in 1996.
J.R. was in the auto body repair business having his own shop, Auto Craft Body & Frame for many years on the Belt Hwy. He was also owner of Hirters Body Shop before that on Garfield Ave. J.R. also worked at Swafford, Polsky Motors and M&G Motors.
J.R. belonged to the St. Paul Lutheran Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and step mother, Iola Hirter.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly, who was the love of his life for more than 57 years; his dog, Lacy; his children, Vicki Dowell (Kris), Rick Hirter (Diana), Tammy Yantzi (John); grandchildren, Travis, Devin, Tyson, Stacy, Taci, Scott, Amanda, Kensi, Christopher, Abbey, Carlee, Megan, David, Bonnie, and Alexandra; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Brooklyn, Caroline, Hank, Wren, Autumn, and Hadley; sister, Barbara Burnham(Ronnie); brothers, Larry Watson (Carol), Ronnie Watson, Steven Gilley (Sandy), Fred Gilley (Helen Jo), Dennis Gilley (Cole); numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Saturday, St. Paul Lutheran Church. Entombment Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or The American Cancer Society. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Peggy Ann Harbison
1942-2017

Peggy Ann Harbison 74, of Saint Joseph, Missouri died March 13, 2017 in Saint Joseph health care center. She was born October 25, 1942 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of the late Myrtle & Henry Harbison. She graduated Lafayette High School, Worked at VA Medical Center. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, crocheting, watching movies and genealogy. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, and Oak Grove Presbyterian Church. Preceded in death by parents, brother, Albert Harbison, sisters, Harriet Walker, Bonnie Jo Cole. Survivors: son, Boyd Boyles. daughter, and 3 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 17, 2017 at 3:00 pm at the Maxwell Heights Presbyterian Church.
Arrangements Rupp Funeral Home.

Nancy Kay Cummings
1960-2017

Nancy Kay Cummings 56, of Albany, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, March 13, 2017 at her home in Albany, MO. She was born May 1, 1960 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of the late Betty and Alfred Cummings. She was a high school graduate and worked at the Opportunity Workshop in Albany, MO. She enjoyed shopping, going to dances, going to church, and working. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter June Cummings, sister, Betty June Fitzpatrick, brothers, Alfred Cummings Jr, and Nolan Didlo. Survivors include, sisters, Leveda (Richard) White, Alberta Cummings, Mary (Juan) Ramos, Lisa Cummings, and Connie (Steve) Didlo, brothers, Robert Cummings, Homer Didlo, and Ernie (Janet) Didlo.
The Family will receive friends from 12-1 pm Friday, with a funeral service to be held at 1:00 pm, on Friday, March 17, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Pastor Jesse Quinn officiating. The Interment will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Severance, Kansas. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Alvin Earl Ewart
1927-2017

Alvin Earl Ewart 89, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born April 14, 1927 in Bedford, IA, son of Berna and Leslie Ewart. He married Dora Sauter on June 18, 1950 and she survives of the home. He worked at Armour Company retiring after 31 years of service. He enjoyed gardening, beekeeping, hunting and fishing, he was a Christian. Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers Troy Ewart, and his wife Janet, and Virgil Ewart. Survivors include, wife, Dora Ewart of the home, six children: Alvin Lynn (Gerri) Ewart, Joyce (Mike) Nold, Rodney (Charla) Ewart, Linda Bonea, Les Ewart, and David (Carla) Ewart, 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, nephew, Bradley (Suzanne) Ewart.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 AM Saturday at the Rupp Funeral Home with Pastor Greg Smith officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home.

LaVonda Gail Burgess-Mayhew
1968-2017

LaVonda Gail Burgess-Mayhew 48, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday March 14, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. She was born September 5, 1968 in St. Joseph, Missouri. She graduated from Benton High School, and worked at the St. Joseph Newspress in the classifieds department for 18 years she then ACE Rental Car at KC Airport 9 years as the office manager. She enjoyed raising her grandson Ryder, attending the renaissance Festival in Kansas City, Worlds of Fun, watching Andy Griffith and Don Knotts, and the Golden Girls. She is survived by mother, Linda Fanning (William Hicks), St. Joseph, MO, father, Jimmy L (Mary Kathy) Burgess, Springfield, MO, daughter, Dori (Dustin) Waggoner, Saint Joseph, MO, and son, Dalton Mayhew (Mitch Steenbock), Kansas City, MO, 5 grandchildren, Brentin, Ryder, Landon, Nathan, and Zayden, brother, Johnny Burgess (Keri DeWar), St. Joseph, MO, sisters, Lesa (Gary) Droz, Savannah, MO, Lena Walker, St. Joseph, MO, nephew, Jesse Droz, niece, Chloe Walker, dog, Little Bitty, grand dog, Bosten. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm with a memorial service to be held at 3:00 PM Saturday at the Rupp Funeral Home. She will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home following the services. Memorials are requested to the LaVonda Burgess-Mayhew Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Lulu Marie Fuhrman
1935-2017

Lula Fuhrman, of rural Hiawatha, surrounded by family, went to be with her Lord, March 14, 2017 at Vintage Park Assisted Living Apartments in Hiawatha. She was 81.
Lulu Marie Kleppe, was born June 19, 1935, near Everest, the oldest of four daughters born to Herman and Margaret Keeney Kleppe and was a lifelong Brown County resident. She graduated from Robinson High School then attended Highland Community College earning a teaching certificate before teaching at Corning, Kansas for two years.
Mrs. Fuhrman was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Hiawatha; and the United Methodist Women of the Church where she had served as President. She served several years as laity to the annual conference for the UMW. At Trinity, she taught Sunday school, and had served on the Church board. She also was a member of the Modern 49’s Extension Unit.
Lulu married George Fuhrman at the United Brethren Church, May 29, 1957. They farmed and raised livestock all of their married life near Hiawatha. He died October 29, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a sister Sarah Clemmons, and an infant son Gregory.
Survivors include her children: Roger Fuhrman (Kathy) of Aurora, IL, Vickie Walker (Andy) of Belleville, KS, Terry Fuhrman (Jennifer) of Hiawatha, Mary Wendt of Goodland, KS, Linda Young (Brian) of Belleville, 4 granddaughters, 4 grandsons, and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters: Twila Smith, Marilyn Gibbs (Jim), both of Hiawatha; brother-in-law Bill Clemmons of Topeka; and Buster the cat of rural Hiawatha.
A Celebration of Lulu’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at Trinity United Methodist Church of Hiawatha with Reverend Kevin Rea officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.
The family will meet friends from 6 until 8 Friday evening at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Vintage Park Assisted Living or NEK Home Health and Hospice, or Missy Newell Memorial Fund, which may be sent in care of the funeral home.