Linda Kay Strube
1946-2018

Horton, KS Linda Kay Strube, 71, of Horton, passed away suddenly at the Horton Community Hospital, Saturday, August 25, 2018.

Linda was born October 21, 1946, to George “Herb” and Muriel (Carter) Hudson in Horton, Kansas. She was a lifelong resident of Horton where she attended school and later graduated from Horton High School with the class of 1964.

On April 17, 1965, Linda married the love of her life George F. Strube, Jr. at the First Christian Church in Horton. They lived all their married life in Horton. The love of her life died November 17, 2007. She was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Dale Hudson, Herbert Hudson, Bill Hudson; sisters: Dorothy Wright, Helen Ferrin and Joyce Irwin; brother in law J.C. Strube, and sister in law Debbie Strube.

Linda worked in food service for both the Tri County Manor 27 years prior to working at the Golden Eagle Casino for nearly 20 years. Linda loved her family and loved to cook. You never left her home with an empty heart or an empty stomach! She had a smile that radiated from within and a loving warmth that touched so many lives.

Survivors include her daughter Susan Pennington (Ralph), and son J.T. (Lara) Strube, both of Horton; seven grandchildren: Kristina Romine (Mitchel) of Hiawatha, Jerrett Strube (Kassandra) of Eudora, KS, Hannah Pahmahmie (Skyler), Samantha Strube, Cassandra Strube, Jenna Pennington, and Alicia Strube, all of Horton; eight great-grandchildren: Gabby, Garrett, Izzy, Ryan, Rachel, Alex, Josie and Brandilynn. Her sister Donna Kinnear of Horton survives, sisters in law: Sandi Hudson, of Brett Iowa, Marjorie Hudson of Tempe, AZ; brothers in law: Paul Strube of Holton, Kerry Strube of Powhattan; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration is Linda’s life is planned for 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 29, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Pastor Ron Cobb, of First Christian Church of Horton, will officiate. Cremation with follow services with private inurnment at Horton Cemetery at a later date.

Friends may call at the funeral at the funeral home after 12 noon Tuesday where the family will meet from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Linda Strube Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Ronald Roger Keith Sr.
1943-2018

Ronald Roger Keith Sr. 75, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday August 26, 2018 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. He was born July 10, 1943 in St. Joseph, son of the late Nellie & Alvie Keith. He served in the Navy, and retired from Jim Fender Trucking as a Truck Driver. He enjoyed classic cars. Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Alvie Ray Keith Jr.. Survivors include: wife, Faye Keith, St. Joseph, MO, four children: Tina Keith, DeSoto, KS, Ronnie Keith Jr., Greg (Kimberly) Keith, and Michelle Keith (Charles Hayner) all of St. Joseph, MO, grandchildren, Brad, Jordan, Kayla Alissa, Skylar, Adrian, and Brennan, 4 great grandchildren sisters, Shirley (Alvin) Hyder and Cheryl Funk of St. Joseph, MO. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm on Saturday at the Rupp Funeral Home, memorial services following Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Rupp Funeral Home. He will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Phyllis Osborne
1949-2018

Phyllis Osborne, age 68 of Elwood, Kansas, passed away on September 4, 2018 surrounded by her family. Phyllis was born to Billy Pape and Ioma (Maxson) Pape on November 9, 1949.

Phyllis graduated from Elwood High School in 1967. On June 27, 1967, Phyllis was married to her loving husband, John Osborne. The two were married for 51 years and raised three children.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her father, Billy, and mother, Ioma. She is survived by her husband, John, of the home, children: Lisa Barbee, Rob Osborne, and Kellie (David) Latta. Phyllis was adored by her grandchildren, John (Kaytlyn) Barbee, Lucy (Braxton) Barbee, Gage Gillum, and Travis Latta as well as two great-grandchildren: Shyloe Barbee and Renly Barbee. She is also survived by sister Patricia (Jeff) Shackelford, Bill Pape,Jr., and Ron (Susan) Pape.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 6 from 6:00-8:00 at Harman-Rohde Funeral Homes in Wathena, Kansas. A family dinner will be held at the Elwood Community Center at 4:00. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Elwood First Responders. An account has been set up at the Pony Express Community Bank for those that wish to donate.

Erma Mae Helton
1938-2018

Erma Mae Helton 80, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, September 5, 2018 in a Saint Joseph, MO health care center. She was born May 11, 1938 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of the late Dorothy and Elvin Helton. She graduated from Benton high school and University of Missouri Kansas City with a degree in Pharmacology. She worked at Sammy’s, Apple Market, and traveled all over the Midwest as a pharmacist. She loved her, daschunds, dalmations, and her dog that she taught to count and pray. She was a member of the Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church. Erma was preceded in death by parents, brother, Leroy Helton, sister, Dorothy Taylor. Survivors include, sisters, Ava Conner and Edna Helton both of St. Joseph, MO., as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Friday, with funeral services starting at 2:00 pm, Friday, September 7, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Leanna “Annie” McCourt (Diffley)
1931-2018

Leanna “Annie” McCourt, 87, of Atchison, KS died on Wednesday, September 05, 2018 at the Atchison Senior Village.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Monday, Sept. 10th, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating. Burial will follow in the Lancaster Cemetery, Lancaster, KS. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital or Atchison Senior Village and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Leanna was born on April 12, 1931 in Atchison KS the daughter of Edward J. and Leona (Chambers) Diffley. She had attended the Terry Grade School and Valley Chapel Grade School, Rushville, MO before graduating from Rushville High School in 1949. Leanna worked as a machine operator (Surger) for the former Saunders Mop Factory, Atchison KS. She enjoyed camping, babysitting, working with flowers, and especially spending time with grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was married to Stephen McCourt on July 3, 1951 in Atchison, KS. Mr. McCourt preceded her in death on March 1, 2018. Survivors include a son Ronald (Lisa) McCourt, Kearney, NE, a daughter, Debbie (Terry) Robinson, Lancaster, KS, six grandchildren, three step grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and seven step great grandchildren. Her parents, husband, a daughter Diana Lynn McCourt, daughter-in-law Cindi McCourt and a brother, John E. Diffley also preceded her in death.

Bobby Dean Kennedy
1957-2018

Bobby Dean Kennedy, of St. Joseph, passed away Sept. 10, 2018. He was born April 27, 1957, in King City, Missouri, to James (Pete) and Alice Kennedy. He was a graduate from Lafayette High School. Bobby served his country in the Army. He was a lifelong truck driver and was a diesel mechanic. He was a Christian. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed a nice steak and a cold beer, and he loved Lynyrd Skynyrd. He was an organ donor and his liver was donated to a 51 year old recipient. Preceded in death by: his parents; brother, Michael Kennedy; and sisters, Sandra Davis and Pamela Geoffroy. Survivors: sister, Angie Embrey (Robert); brother-in-law, Tom Geoffroy; children, Shayna Michelle and Jacob Michael; grandchildren, Brylee Aryanna, Jaelyn Michelle and Cayden Dean; nieces and nephews, Christopher Kennedy, Timothy Kennedy, Erica Flores (Brandon), Amber Casada (Matthew), Jeremy Davis, Ceirra Davis, Danielle Hazelton (Kai), Dustin Embrey and Dylan Embrey (Haley); and several great-nieces and nephews. Funeral services: 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at the Rupp Funeral Home.

The interment will be at the Weathermon Cemetery, Guilford, Missouri. Memorials are requested to the Bobby Dean Kennedy memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home or on www.ruppfuneral.com, selected obituary, select funeral funding to give a donation.

Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Jimmy Francis Gillett
1932-2018

Jimmy Francis “Coach” Gillett, age 86, went to meet our Lord September 10, 2018 at his home surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer. He was born May 18, 1932 in Stanberry, Missouri to Harvey and Opal Ginter Gillett. Jim attended Hosea and graduated from Benton High School in 1950. He earned his teaching degree at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri where he played football. He is a member of Northwest Bearcat Hall of Fame. Jim received his master’s degree from the University of Colorado and furthered his education with an additional 32 hours. Jim began his teaching career at DeKalb, Missouri High School, then Lafayette High School. He retired in 1990 after 33 years of teaching. During those years he coached, taught, and officiated MIAA Division One and high school football for over 30 years. He either played, coached, or officiated football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, and was involved in all sports. During his teaching career he also worked extra jobs at Burlington Railroad, Armour’s, and Carnation Pet Foods. Jim served our military in the PLC Marine program and the Army. While in the Army he played football for them and traveled. He participated in two Shrimp Bowl games. Jim married Geraldine Pitts Furr on January 18, 1996. They enjoyed fishing, RV’ing, and wintered in the Phoenix and Yuma, Arizona areas. He was a member of the American Legion Post #359, he earned his 32nd degree Masonic Rite, and was a past member of the Moila Shrine Temple in St. Joseph. Jim was preceded in death by his son, Jim Gillett Jr. and his parents. Survivors include his wife, Geraldine of the home, son, Brant (Cara) Gillett of Leawood, Kansas, daughter, Cammy Crouch of St. Charles, Missouri, step children; Darrell (Shanda) Furr of St. Joseph, Joi (Gary) Davies of Troy, Kansas, and Chad (Heather) Furr of Lenexa, Kansas, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, sister, Geraldine Mollus of St. Joseph, and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to King Hill Christian Church where Jim was a member for many years. Per his wishes, no formal services will be held. He has been cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home. A private inurnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Shawn F. Simpson
1978-2018

Shawn Francis Simpson, 40, of Hiawatha, passed away September 11, 2018, due to a tragic motorcycle accident north of Hiawatha.

Shawn was born at Hiawatha Hospital, February 7, 1978, one of four children born to Alan Wayne and Patricia Jane Shelton Simpson. He grew up in the Highland-Hiawatha communities where he was homeschooled and received his high school diploma from St. James Christian Academy. He worked at Koch and Company for eight years prior to going to work for the City of Hiawatha water department in February 2018.

He was a loving father, husband, brother, son and uncle. His kids were his world! Shawn knew no stranger and he made everyone feel special. He loved spending time with his kids and wife. To say that he loved riding his motorcycle was an understatement!! He loved listening to music, helping people, making people laugh and tinkering with his classic cars. Shawn would give the last of anything he had to benefit someone else. He had an infectious smile and laugh!! He had an open mind/open heart….never judged anyone.

He attended the First Baptist Church in Hiawatha for several years with his family.

He was married to Christina Renea Sales, September 15, 2012 in St. Joseph, MO. She survives. He also leaves behind his five children: Brennon Barnes, Alan Simpson, Nicole Mackey, Blake Simpson, Jace Simpson, all of the home; his mother Patricia Simpson of Highland; two brothers Shannon Simpson of Highland, Shane Simpson of Troy; a sister Alisa McClellan of St. Joseph, MO; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Alan Wayne Simpson; and all of his grandparents.

A Celebration of Shawn’s life is planned for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, September 16, at the First Baptist Church in Hiawatha, with Pastor Blake Wyatt officiating. Interment will follow at the Iola Cemetery, south of Sparks.

The family will meet with friends from 6 until 8 Saturday evening at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Shawn Simpson Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Kenneth Reichle
1938-2018

KENNETH R. REICHLE, 79 of Atchison, Kansas died Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at his residence in Atchison.
Memorial services for Mr. Reichle will be at 4:00 PM on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 at the Atchison United Methodist Church with Rev. Nancy Kollhoff officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm Saturday until time of service at the church. Burial will be at a later date in the Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison. Memorial contributions may be made to Atchison United Methodist Church or the Atchison Library and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements. Condolences for the family may be Ieft online at www.beckerdyer.com.
Kenneth R. Reichle was born on Sept. 23, 1938 and was one of eleven children of Ralph and Grace (Engeman) Reichle. He was born outside of Atchison in the Walnut Township area, He attended the Sunnyside Grade School south of Atchison for his first two years, Saint Nicholas Grade School near Cummings for third thru eighth grades and High School at Atchison County Community High School graduating in 1956. After high school Kenneth got his first job at Wilson’s Poultry House in Atchison.

From there he went into the Navy and served from 1957 until his discharge in 1960. On April 4, 1959 Kenneth was married to Catherine “Sue” Reppert in Atchison, KS. Kenneth went back to school at Washburn University in Topeka and got his Bachelor’s degree in 1966. In order to put himself through school and take care of his family he worked with Safeway Stores Inc, from 1961-1966. He began his teaching career at Atchison High School as a social studies teacher and coach from 1966 until 1980. During that time he also did some graduate study at Kansas University in Lawrence, KS. After leaving the school district he was Purchasing Agent, Vice President and General Manager at Atchison Leather Products. In 1989 the school bug bit him once again and Kenneth went back to teaching high school social studies this time at East Buchanan High School, in Gower, Mo. He did this for ten years until 1999. After his retirement from East Buchanan he worked as a substitute teacher in Effingham until 2009. Mr. Reichle was admired by his colleagues and respected by his students and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. He was a member of the Atchison United Methodist Church, an avid reader, enjoyed fishing, gardening, cooking, sports, spending time with his grandchildren and was a Kansas University Basketball fan.

Ken is survived by his wife, Sue, of the home; one son David (Megan) of Boise, Idaho. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Tim Riddle, Havre, MT, Liz (Donnie) Nurse, Kuna, ID, Jared Reichle, Moscow, ID, and Jacob Reichle, Boise, ID, a son-in-law, Dan Riddle, Anaconda, MT, his brothers Virgil Reichle, Overland Park, KS, Ralph and Steve Reichle, of Topeka, KS and his sisters, Nancy McCune, Doris Powers, and Grace Reichle, all of Topeka, and Sally Friend of Horton, KS. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Laura J. Riddle, one brother Delbert and two sisters Lois Stallings and Virginia Nolan.

E. June Handley
1924-2018

ST. JOSEPH, MISSOURI, E. June (Forbes) Handley, 94, of St. Joseph, Missouri formerly of Wathena, Kansas died Thursday, September 13, 2018.

June was born on September 3, 1924 in Wathena, Kansas to Russell D. and Edith (Wilson) Forbes. She lived in Wathena until moving to St. Joseph in 1980.

June was a member of the Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri.

She married Norbin “Dutch” Handley on September 20, 1945 in Elwood, Kansas. He preceded her in death in 1976. June was also preceded by her parents, sister, Virginia Sheridan and a brother, Russell E “Eddie” Forbes.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law;
Brenda Hewins (Allen) of St. Joseph, Missouri;
Grandsons; Matthew Hewins (Brenna) of Flower Mound, Texas;
Michael Hewins (Kimberly) of Kansas City, Missouri;
Great-grandchildren; Vivian, Gwyneth and Margot Hewins;
Sister, Dixie Paden of Wathena, Kansas;
Brother, Phillip Forbes of Richardson, Texas;
Nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

FUNERAL: Saturday, September 15, 2018 – 10:30 A.M.
At: Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri
Visitation: family will receive friends 1 hour prior to funeral at the church (9:30-10:30).
Burial: Bellemont Cemetery in Wathena, Kansas.

Memorials: Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church or Mosaic Hospice.

Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas is in charge of arrangements.

Ann Marie Fisher
1935-2018

Ann Marie Fisher, 83, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at a local health care facility. She was born February 22, 1935 in St. Joseph, daughter of Elizabeth and Edward Angsten. She graduated from Central High School, class of 1954. She married Millard “Bud” Fisher on December 23, 1956 in St. Joseph . She worked as a Realtor in the St. Joseph area. Ann enjoyed her time raising her children and spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed sewing and boating. Ann was preceded in death by father, Edward Angsten, mother, Elizabeth (Hill) Angsten, and brother, Dennis Angsten. Survivors include, husband, Millard “Bud” Fisher of Saint Joseph, daughter, Marina (Scott) Koelliker of Saint Joseph, son, Mark Fisher of St. Joseph, grandchildren, Brandon Fisher, Jillian Simmons, Christian Koelliker, and Abigail Bilby, four great-grandchildrne and sister-in-law, Donna Angsten of St. Joseph.

Mrs. Fisher has been cremated under the care of Rupp Funeral Home. A private inurnment to be held at a later date in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society or St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic School.

Larry Dean Beaman
1938-2018

Larry Dean Beaman 80, of rural Highland left this life on Saturday September 15, 2018, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Larry was born March 23, 1938 in Highland, Kansas the son of Harold and Iva Dykes Beaman.

He lived in Highland all of his life and loved farming and was a good steward of the land. Larry graduated from Highland High School with the class of 1957. He also attended Highland College. Larry loved all sports but was an outstanding football player and he had a great passion for football.

Larry married Patricia Ann Dever in 1961 and to this union 5 children were born. Patricia preceded him in death in 1978. Larry later married Ellen Miller Mueller in January 1982, she had two sons.

He was preceded in death by parents Harold and Dorothy Beaman; Gib and Iva Koelliker, a grandson Dustin J. Beaman and a great grandson Nathaniel Silvas.

Larry is survived by his wife Ellen and children Curt Beaman, Kelly Jo Crossland, Kevin J.(Marci) Beaman, Kyla Rae (Jim) Koehler, Koby Dean Beaman, Tim (Jessica) Mueller and Mark (Leslie) Mueller. He is additionally survived by 16 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren; He has 3 sisters; Barb (Steve) Koelliker, Irene Bramel, and Maxine (Charlie) Hopp.

It was Larry’s wish to be cremated and have a private inurnment at the Highland Cemetery with a celebration of life service to be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to Children’s Mercy Hospital; Highland Christian Church; or N.A.T.E. (Need Advice Talk Experiences), which may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 33 Highland, Kansas 66035.

William Kelly Merrigan
1962-2018

William “Kelly” Merrigan, 55 of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, September 17, 2018 at a St. Joseph, MO Hospital. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Wednesday, at the Rupp Funeral Home, funeral services 2pm Thursday, Rupp Funeral Home, the interment will be at the St. Munchin Cemetery, Cameron, MO. The family request memorialto the Kelly Merrigan memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home, or donate online at www.ruppfuneral.com, select Kelly’s obituary, and select funeral funding.