Bill R. Lee
1937-2018

Bill R. Lee 80, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, January 29, 2018 at a St. Joseph health care center. He was born April 12, 1937 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Goldie and Wiley Lee. He worked at Wire Rope and Krause Milling. He enjoyed fishing, welding projects, building things like ferris wheels, airplane carts, and miniature trucks for the kids to ride, he also was an “Extra” in the movie Paper Moon, filmed in St. Joseph. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Adam Lee, brother, Joe Lee, sisters, Jonie Talbott, Doris Brown, and Barbara Badgett. Survivors include, daughter, Tammy (Robert) Cline, sons Roger and Bradley Lee all of St. Joseph, MO, 9 grandchildren, brother, George “Bud” Lee, and sister, Janet Savage of St. Joseph, MO.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home, Mr. Lee will be cremated following the funeral service, under the direction and care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Bill Lee Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home, in lieu of flowers.

Stephen Dale Jannings
1948-2018

Stephen Dale Jannings 69, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday January 28, 2018 in Saint Joseph health care center. He was born February 3, 1948 in Farmington, Iowa son of late Dale and Ruth Jannings, He worked for the Railroad, MFA and at the Buchanan County court house. He lived for golf, playing and watching it on TV. Stephen was preceded in death by parents, brothers, Larry and David Jannings. Survivors include wife, Wanda Jean Jannings, Saint Joseph, MO, son, Nick (Sarah) Jannings, step daughter, Jamie Tharp, step sons, John (Tiffany) Tharp, and James Tharp, 13 grandchildren, 3 great grandchild. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Rupp Funeral Home. He will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Brandy Lyn Watts
1989-2018

Brandy Lyn Watts 28, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Monday January 29, 2018 at her home. She was born May 18, 1989 in Atchison, Kansas. She attended Elwood High School, and was a Homemaker. She loved spending time and taking care of her girls. Brandy was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Daryl Watts Sr. She is survived by mother and step father, Charlotte & Dean Berry, Wathena, KS, father, Mike Earl, daughters, Marianna Watts, and Passion Farmer, paternal grandparents, Gerald & Victoria Berry, maternal grandparents, Carolyn & Roland Bayer, St. Joseph, MO, brothers, Lakota (Tamara) Johnson, Colten Matthews, and Jayme Watts, sisters, Briana Rosene, Michelle and Laura Earl, uncles, Jimmy (Diane) Berry, Gene (Kate) Berry, Daryl Watts Jr., Ernest (Melissa) Bayer, and Brian (Andrea) Bayer, as well as numerous nieces & nephews. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am – 11:00 am, Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home, Memorial Services following at 11 AM at the Rupp Funeral Home. She will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home following the services. Memorials are requested to the Brandy Watts Memorial Fund in care of Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Raymond Bosch, Jr.
1972-2018

Visitation
When Thursday, February 8th, 2018 6:00pm – 8:00pm
LocationBecker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home
Address 800 Kansas Ave
Atchison, KS
66002

Alice Anne Eaton
1925-2018

“It’s only me.Just called to see what you were doing.Call me when you get a chance. Love

you.”

This was the message my Grandma Alice always left for my Mom if no one could get to the

phone in time for her 7pm phone call everyday.

She was born Alice Anne Lotus on May 24, 1925. She married Albert Eaton October

13,1944. To this union 5 children were born. Alice Day, Ann Asani, Amy Monday, Albert Eaton

Jr. and son Allen Eaton ( deceased). She had a sister Louise, brother John and sisters Dorothy,

Barbara and Helen who are deceased.

She offered her smiles and love to her 13 grandchildren,14 great grandchildren, 2 great great

grandchildren.The giving of herself truly liberated her soul.

The first time I ever saw Grandma Alice was in the adoption video my mom and dad

made for me. “This is your family. Your cousins, aunt and grandma.” My mom said.From that

day forth she was my Grandma Alice. Yes, that was her full title according to me. As I write her

obituary, a gamut of emotions comes over me. I’ve started and stopped countless times to find

the best way to capture her essence. This Monday January 29, 2018 marks one week since

we’ve said goodbye. I’m still a bit confounded, but I think the best way is to share those

memories that bring a smile to my face.

This memory is entitled “ The Watchband”. This saga went on and off for a few years. I

remember taking trips to JcPenneys. Sometimes Grandma Alice would send Mom with a few

requests of her own or on many occasions Mom just wanted to get something nice something

for her mom. Her requests were very specific from shirts that shouldn’t be too big in the neck

and absolutely no v necks, to pants being the exact right length as to not look like high waters

when sitting down. Don’t get me wrong.She had every right to feel this way. We all want to look

good at the end of the day! So now the watchband. She had been needing a replacement of a

watch band. The specs were as follows down to color, shape, and even down to an ⅛” thick if

need be. After presenting her with any of these things, it never failed that she would say

something along those lines. “Ehhh, I don’t think it’s for me.” “ It don’t fit right,” “ It’s so big on

me.” or “ The color isn’t right.” So she would tell Mom to keep them or return them. Suffice it to

say,whenever going into town, as we call it around here in rural Kansas, was usually due to

returning things for Grandma Alice.I believe eventually the quest of the watch band was

abandoned and the search began for the perfect watch. The face not too big or small, the band

not to tight or thick etc…

The piles of “ Things Grandma Didn’t Want.” was taking up a bit of room in the closet

and various jewelry drawers. I began to believe that there was nothing Grandma Alice liked. It

became the ultimate game to me to see if she would keep something.I anxiously await and ask

Mom “ Did she like it?” Regardless, Mom was always thinking of her when we ventured out on

the town, and was always determined to get everything on her shopping list and more.

Grandma also had something to say about my hair. The curls, braids, barrets, perms,

headbands etc. We always get compliments on the way we look, but none were so genuine as

the way my Grandma Alice would say. “ Oh, I like your hair. Rahnishia. You always do you hair

so nice.” Then she would turn to mom and Dad and say.” She always does her hair so nice.

Always looking nice.” I truly believe I could come in with my head half shaved, and still my hair

would be “ Looking so nice.” The last comment she made on hair was on the way to the dining

hall at the nursing home.She turned to Mom and Dad and said,“ Rahnishia’s hair is so long.”

Moving on from my hair, Grandma Alice also had an affinity for an assortment of

chocolates and hard candies.Now, before you start making generalizations about the elderly

and hard candies, let me say Grandma Alice had a true liking for them. I digress. While

watching tv she would come across commercials with something new to try, and she would call

Mom. “Have you seen the new candy with the caramel inside or those ice cream bars with

double chocolate and gooey centers? Can you get me some?” Aside from these she was

always a connoisseur of those tiny little bottles of water and 7up, vanilla yogurt, unsweetened

applesauce and anything chocolate really like Ghirardelli, hershey, mints etc. These were

always the things we would bring to her at the nursing home. She always had this look of

genuine happiness when opening the bag to see what we had gotten her. Then she would ask

me to arrange them just so in her mini fridge, candy bowl and her secret snack drawer.

Grandma Alice also had a host of crossword puzzles that filled her bedside table. The cream of

the crop being her inclination for fish sandwiches from McDonald’s sometimes with cheese and

sometimes without. Then there were the strawberry milkshakes which became signature. If not

the fish, then always her milkshake.

Ok now, so the tears are welling up and it’s getting kind of hard to see the keyboard. As I

look over what I wrote, I’m thinking,“ Are these the things I want to say about my Grandma

Alice?” Shopping lists,bottles of water, watchbands, hard candies,comment on my hair,

McDonald’s and the like………

Yes, it is. These are the spectacular moments for me. These are when I can picture her

in her blouses that didn’t have too big of neck lines and were most certainly not v necks.Those

shirts of bright pinks, greens, and I can’t forget her festive vests for every season like Christmas,

Valentines Day and so forth! My cousins loved these! The sounds of the Walmart bags that held

her hard candies, chocolates, applesauce and bottles water as she opened them.The crinkling

of those McDonalds paper bags. The look on her face when she realized she was able to

replenish her stock of snacks she had stored by her chair and in her bottom left dresser drawer

where the tv was.I can hear her voice. “ Oh, well I don’t think it’s for me. It don’t fit right. It’s too

big on me. I’ve always wanted to try these. I saw them on tv. Rahnishia, how are you?” I can

see her as I open the door of her room sitting in her blue chair in the corner. The smiles she

willingly gives away when she sees it’s her family that’s come to see her.

The thing I loved sharing most with my Grandma Alice was music. She was so

supportive of my love for it. Whenever I’d visit, she would ask me about school,any new songs,

and how much she enjoyed hearing me. I would sing her a host of songs I had been working on

and the like, but her favorite was at Christmas.It became a thing that whenever I was there I

would serenade her with “Silver Bells”. Ring-a-ling can you hear them ring Grandma Alice?

In my last moments with her, we had shared songs together. Silver Bells of course and a

Negro Spiritual called “ Steal Away.”

“ …..Steal away. Steal away to Jesus. Steal away. Steal away home. I ain’t got long to

stay here. My lord calls me. He calls me by the thunder. The trumpets sound within my soul. I

ain’t got long to stay here.”

So Grandma Alice. “It’s only me.Just called to see what you were doing.Call me when

you get a chance. Love you.” xoxo

As per Alice and family wishes, private family services will be held at a later date.

Betty Jane Furber
1930-2018

Betty Jane Furber – St. Joseph, Missouri

Betty had a full life. Born during the Depression, September 3rd, 1930 on a farm in Springfield, Missouri to Oscar Benjamin Johnson and Ellen Ringenberg. Betty was the 5th of 6 children. Betty passed away Wednesday, January 31st, 2018 at home.

Betty married Glenn Greenwood Furber in 1952. They lived in Clinton Mo. for 17 years. Betty and Glenn were blessed with two children, Joseph (Joe) Edward Furber (deceased) and a daughter Roberta Sue Butts.

Betty lived in Clinton, Missouri for 17 years then moved to Liberal, Kansas in 1976, to be near her brothers and sisters. In Liberal Betty owned and operated a successful travel agency for many years. Betty escorted tours to all 50 states & most of Europe, China, England, Ireland, Scotland & Finland. In 2001, Betty moved to St. Joseph, Missouri to be with her daughter Susie and family.

Betty enjoyed going to ballgames & joined Wesley United Methodist Church. She enjoyed working with the ladies at Wesley United Methodist Women’s group and teaching Bible Study.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her 5 siblings: brothers Roy and Ben Johnson and sisters Mary Ellen Alcorn, Dortha May Johnson, and Eva Lou Denton. Her son Joe also preceded her in death.

Betty is survived by her daughter Sue (Butts) Allgood and her husband Mike, grandson Michael Butts and great-grandson Dawson James Butts. Betty also had lots of nieces and nephews she loved dearly.

Betty had many friends. She was very much loved, and she will be greatly missed.

Memorial Services will be Thursday, February 1st 2018, 11:00 A.M. at the Wesley United Methodist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Memorials: Any contributions go to Wesley Women to be shared in the Community. Wesley United Methodist Women’s Group, of Wesley United Methodist Church, Ajax & Pear Streets, St. Joseph, Mo.

Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Larry Dale Linville
1937-2018

Larry Dale Linville 80, of DeKalb, Missouri passed away Tuesday January 30, 2018 at the Cameron veterans home. He was born December 10, 1937 in DeKalb, Missouri son of the late Maxine & William Linville. He married Hazel Williams Linville in October 1959 and she survives of the home. He graduated from DeKalb High School 1956. and was a life long farmer. He served in the United States Navy and enjoyed spending time on the farm, reading, and was very active teaching Bible Study Class at the Cameron V.A.. He was a member of the DeKalb Christian Church. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Linda Payne. He is survived by wife, Hazel Linville, of the home, sons, Daniel (Meloni) Linville, Faucett, MO, Jeffrey Linville, Kansas City, MO, daughters, Christy (Darren) Weigel, De Kalb, MO, and Linda (Larry) Richardson, Camden Point, MO, grandchildren, Kerry (Scott) Tummons, Lesley (Jacob) Denny, Josh (April) Kolanchick, Brad (Tiffany) Costello, Josh (Angela) Linville, Stefanie (Mike) Wilkerson, Brandon Weigel, Rylee Weigel, Evan Linville, and Olivia Linville, 13 great grandchildren, brothers, Randy (Jeanette) Linville, DeKalb, MO, and Roger (Linda) Linville, Agency, MO, sister, Jerry Ann Frederick, Agency, MO. A Graveside memorial service will be held at a later date with Navy Military honors, at the Westlawn Cemetery, DeKalb, Missouri. He will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Christine Laneese (Neese) Hale
1968-2018

Christine Laneese (Neese) Hale, 49, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at her home in St. Joseph, MO. She was born June 20, 1968 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of Christine and Jim Hale. She attended Benton High School and later in life became a Reverend. She was a homemaker. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, reading her Bible, doing her hair and makeup, listening to her Papa talk about his cars, helping people with drug addictions, and supporting the LGBT community. She was a member of ROC Fellowship. Christine was preceded in death by father, Jim Hale, maternal grandmother, Alta Mackley, maternal grandfather, James Alsup, and paternal grandfather, Harvey Williams. Survivors include, mother and step father, Christine and Jack Reynolds of St. Joseph, MO, son, Steven (Joyce Fanning) Hale of St. Joseph, MO, daughter, Payton Hale of Saint Joseph, MO, brother, Jim (Betty) Hale, Jr. of St. Joseph, MO, brother, Jerry Ziolkowski of St. Joseph, MO, sister, Jamie Hale of St. Joseph, MO, sister, Pam (Roger) Murphy of St. Joseph, MO, sister, Carrie Rose of St. Joseph, MO, sister, Stormie (Ed) Webster of St. Joseph, MO, grandchildren, Jayven, Jasiah, Jezney Hale, paternal grandmother, Nadine Williams of St. Joseph, MO, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends, and her life partner, Haywood Jackson of the home.
Funeral service; 10:00 am, Saturday, Rupp Funeral Home, with Patrick Hall officiating The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Interment will be at King Hill Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Christine Hale Memorial Fund in care of Rupp Funeral Home.

Darlene M. Sittenauer
1932-2018

Darlene M. (Weishaar) Sittenauer from Nortonville, KS passed away January 26, 2018 at Bridge Haven at Alvamar, Lawrence, KS. Darlene was born February 17, 1932 at home outside Nortonville, KS. She was the second of three children of Pierre C. and Anna E. (Schmidt) Weishaar.

Darlene graduated from Mount St. Scholastica High School, Atchison in 1950. She worked at Petree Propane in Horton, KS after graduation for several years. After having children, her greatest joy was staying at home with them, which she did until 1972, when she went to work at Weishaar Brothers, Inc. She worked there until her retirement in 1997.

Darlene married Eugene (Gene) Sittenauer on October 16, 1951 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Nortonville, KS. They were blessed with 65 years before he preceded her in death in 2016. She is survived by their eight children: Patty (Ed) Clinkinbeard, Jeanne (Norman) Clark, Diane (Larry) Babcock, Karen (Calvin) Ledbetter, Annette (Mike) Steinke, Cathy (Arlin) Mast, Mark (Francie) Sittenauer and Beth (Mark) Wilson; as well as 20 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Virginia Cathers. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Delores Gerety.

Darlene was always serving others and made sure everyone else came first. She attended her children’s, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s baptisms, confirmations, graduations and sporting and school events. Until moving in 2014, Darlene was a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Nortonville where she was involved in Altar Society and served at many parish functions as well as being active in American Legion Auxiliary and Progressive Club.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Monday, January, 29, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Nortonville with Father Meinrad Miller as Celebrant and Deacon Cal Cathers as Co-Celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. A parish rosary will be recited at the church at 2:00 PM, Sunday, January 28, 2018, with visitation to follow until 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association, Bridge Haven at Alvamar Memory Care, Douglas County Visiting Nurses, St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Nortonville, or Laney Ledbetter liver disease fund.

The family would like to thank Bridge Haven at Alvamar for the loving care they gave Darlene. They showed her such patience, compassion and love during her stay, as if she was also their mother. We would also like to thank Douglas County Visiting Nurses and Bridge Haven in providing her the best possible comfort during her final days.

Richard Dell Woods
1937-2018

Richard Dell Woods, 80, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Friday,
January 26, 2018, at Mosaic Life Care.
He was born July 16, 1937 to Clyde and Ruby (Wells) Woods.
Richard was a 1955 Lafayette High School graduate. He attended
electrician technical school and later worked and retired from Land Red E
Mix. After retirement Richard owned and operated Stripe America
Construction. Richard, Gary and their spouses founded and operated Cabana
Ice-cream.
He married Carolyn Jarzembowski on November 25, 1981; she survives
of the home.
Richard was a member of Wyatt Park Christian Church, Moila Shriner,
a member of the Ole Tymers, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, St. Joseph
Water Garden Society, and lifelong member of International Brotherhood of
Teamsters.
He enjoyed camping at Pomme de Terre Lake, traveling, and being
outdoors working in the yard. Richard loved spending time with his family
and his passion was restoring and detailing antique cars.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Larry Woods and Chip
Fountain; grandson, Matthew Fountain; and brother, Jerry Woods.
Additional survivors include sons, Rick Woods, Gary Woods (Julie);
daughters, Tammy Davis (Robert), Denise Urquhart (Bill), Lori Rochambeau
(Rick), Angie Krull (Greg), 15 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.
Simple Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Monday, Wyatt Park Christian
Church. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Sunday,
Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for
those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to
Wyatt Park Christian Church. Online guest book and obituary at
www.meierhoffer.com.

Chester A. Ball, Jr.
1938-2018

Chester A. Ball, Jr., 79, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away
Tuesday, January 23, 2018.
He was born April 11, 1938 in Hutchinson, Kansas to Chester and
Mabel (Ridge) Ball.
Chester married Rosemary Ann Cooper January 13, 1961. She preceded
him in death April 3, 2017.
He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Chester enjoyed fishing and golfing, but most of all enjoyed
spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include son, Sean Ball, St. Joseph, Missouri; daughters,
Andrea Winslow, Kansas City, Missouri, and Sabre Reach (Andy), Atlanta,
Georgia; grandchildren, Hannah, Merritt, and Sarah Reach.
Private Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the
family requests memorial donations be made to The Second Harvest Food
Bank. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Rodney Dean Yurkovich
1971-2018

Rodney Dean Yurkovich 46, of Savannah, Missouri passed away Thursday, January 25, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 22, 1971 in St. Joseph, MO, son of Frank and Shirley Yurkovich. He graduated from Benton High School in 1989, where he was active in baseball and sports. He married Julie Karr on June 1, 1991, and she survives of the home. He worked as a Union Pipe Fitter for the Union Local 45. He was a family man who loved to cook, go camping and fishing, and being in the outdoors. He also loved bonfires at the house, and hanging out with his friends. He enjoyed baseball, both the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals, and he attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Rodney was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley in 2016. Survivors include, wife, Julie Yurkovich of the home, his father Frank Yurkovich, son, Taylor Yurkovich, daughters, Hollie and Makenzie Yurkovich all of St. Joseph, MO, a brother, Kenny (Dawn) Yurkovich, Kansas City, MO, a sister, Melissa (Preston) Chaney of St. Joseph, MO, and his in laws, Larry & Betty Karr of Savannah, MO, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services: 10:30 am on Monday, January 29, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home with Fr. Evan Harkin’s officiating. A Rosary will be recited at 5:00 PM Sunday with the family to receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society.

Mary Helen Croxton
1947-2018

Mary Helen Coonce Croxton, 70, of Powhattan, died unexpectedly Friday, January 26, 2018, at Maple Heights Nursing and Rehab Center in Hiawatha.

Mary was born February 3, 1947, at Falls City, Nebraska, one of fifteen children born to Noah and Mary Steinhauer Coonce and had lived in the Rulo, Nebraska and Powhattan, Kansas all of her life. She attended country school near Falls City before graduating from Falls City High School. Mary worked as a cook at the Powhattan Schools prior to working at the Tri County Manor in Horton. She later worked in the laundry department at the Manor and Hiawatha Community Hospital before retiring.

Mrs. Croxton was a long time member of the Powhattan United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women of the Church. Mary also was a member of the Wenger Post #373, Powhattan American Legion Auxiliary; and the VFW of Falls City. Mary had a great sense of humor; loved her family and grandchildren; spent a lot of time emailing her friends jokes, and well wishes. She loved her pets as one of her own, her poodle Daisy and Japanese Chin Bert.

She married Victor Croxton, July 19, 1971, at Rulo. They made Powhattan their home all of their married life. He died September 11, 2005. She continued to live in Powhattan until moving to Maple Heights nearly 3years ago. She was also preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Maxine Dannecker, Mona Eckley, John Coonce, Kenny Coonce, Jim Coonce, Bev Simpson, Butch Coonce, Ronnie Coonce, Lula Hall, and twin infants.

Survivors include two sons: William Croxton (Angela), and their children Mallory, Eli and Marshall, all of Sedgwick, Paul Croxton (Tammy) of Sedgwick, and their family Kristopher Schmelzle (Miranda), Lucal Curl, Brianna Schmelzle, Colby Croxton, Trinity Curl, Anessa Croxton, Katrina Pracht, and Victoria Croxton; 4 great-grandchildren: Lilliana Curl, Rhyker (Schmelzle) Lambrecht, Gideon Curl, and Elijah Schmelzle. Also surviving are her siblings: Bill Coonce of Rulo, Mary Lou Hill of Falls City, Inez Foster of Louisville, TX

A Celebration of Mary’s life is planned for 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 30, at Powhattan United Methodist Church, with Pastor Kevin Rea officiating. Interment will follow at Powhattan Cemetery.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Monday, where the family will meet from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Powhattan United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or the Powhattan American Legion Post, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St, Hiawatha 66434.

John F Babcock
1928-2018

John Francis “Jack” Babcock 89, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Mosaic life care hospital. He was born June 16, 1928 in St. Joseph, MO. He served in the Navy and is a veteran of the World War II. He worked at Armour and company retiring after 33 years of service. He enjoyed going to the casino, and was an avid golfer, and was a member of the Central Assembly of God Church. Jack was preceded in death by wife, Roberta Cox, father, Earl Babcock, mother, Alice Dynes, son, Kip Cox, brothers, Dicky Dynes, Charlie Dynes, and Lester Babcock, sisters, Patty Dynes, Dude Reno, and Janet, and a great grandson, Skylar Powell. Survivors include, six children: Jackie Phinney (Larry Mayhew), Clarice (Steve) Shouse, Gary (Dorothy) Cox, Denise (Buddy) Cox, Deanna Cox, all of St. Joseph, and Jacqueline Famigetti of CA, brother, Bobby Dynes, St. Joseph, MO, former son in law, Larry Phinney, grandchildren: Misty (Jason) Mulvey, Wendy Phinney, Larry (Emily) Phinney Jr., Johnny (Summer) Phinney, Tina, Amy, Izaak, Israel, Dama, Zara, Heather, Crystal, Heidi, and Landon, 36 great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews, and his beloved dogs, White Dog, and Black Dog.

Funeral services: 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 27, 2018, Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Bill Kropp officiating, The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Saturday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Mavis LaVerne McClurg
1919-2018

Mavis LaVerne McClurg 98, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, January 26, 2018. She was born August 5, 1919 in DeKalb, MO, daughter of the late Ada and Fred Linville. She graduated from DeKalb High School, and married Ivan “Lefty” McClurg on June 27, 1936 in Wathena, Kansas. She enjoyed gardening, teaching bible study, and Sunday dinners with her family. She was a long time very faithful Christian, and a lifelong member of the DeKalb Christian Church. Mavis was preceded in death by husband, Ivan “Lefty” McClurg, son, Roger McClurg, daughter, Cherilyn Reese, her parents, a brother, Lester Linville, sisters, Beulah Kronts, Gladys Word, and Vanetta Waller. Survivors include, sons, Gary (Lawania) McClurg, David (Janice) McClurg, Kevin (Deanna) McClurg, all of St. Joseph, son, Keith (Jane) McClurg, Savannah, MO, and Kenton (Sande) McClurg, Lansing, KS, daughter, Carol Ann Easter, Rushville, MO, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

Funeral Services: 10:30 am Monday, January 29, 2018, DeKalb Christian Church, Pastor David Jordan officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Westlawn Cemetery, DeKalb, Missouri. Memorials are requested to the DeKalb Christian Church.

Carol Evelyn Pierce
1928-2018

Carol E. Pierce, 89 of Atchison, KS, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2018 at her home surrounded by her family.

Memorial service will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison, KS. Family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the church. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or Multiple Sclerosis and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Carol was born on July 29, 1928 in Atchison, KS, the daughter of Charles and Elva (Chilson) Brun. She graduated from Atchison High School in 1946. Carol worked as a nurse’s aide for twenty-five year for the Atchison Hospital. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the VFW Auxiliary. Carol and her husband were a Head Start foster family for many years. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, flowers, reading and going to First Steps Childhood Learning Center and being with the kids. Carol especially loved her grandchildren.

Carol married Lawrence Pierce on August 31, 1946 in Atchison, KS. He preceded her in death on August 19, 2002. Survivors include three daughters, Janice (Dean) Lawrence, Platte City, MO, Linda (Rick) Dorssom, Atchison, KS, Lea Ann Callaway, Atchison, KS, eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, a son Larry Pierce, two brothers, Kenneth Brun, Warren Brun, and a son in law Jack Callaway.

Joshua Paul “Joshie” Kinsman
2000-2018

Joshua Paul Kinsman, was born on August 4, 2000 and passed away on Sat. Jan. 27, 2018.
Funeral services will be 10:00 am on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018 at the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Ken Watkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 31st, 2018 at the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Joshua P. Kinsman Memorial Fund to help fund a skating park in Atchison. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com
Josh had a contagious smile that everyone loved; he could light up anyone’s day with his wild and witty sense of humor. He enjoyed drawing, reading, music, and playing his guitar. His passion was skate boarding with family and friends. Josh dreamed of someday having a skateboard park where kids could go and hang out. Josh loved playing video games with his brother and other games with family and friends.
Josh is loved by many including his mother, Pamela Cline and Jeremy Watkins, his father, Dillon and Amber Kinsman, his siblings; Ashley, Kyle, Parker, Dawson, Bradley, Kairstin, Jayden, Justin, Lacy, Logan and Jami. His grandparents, Mike and Betty Cline, Paul and Linda Kinsman, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.

Clifford Dwayne Snodgrass
1933-2018

STEWARTSVILLE,MO – Clifford Dwayne Snodgrass,84, of Stewartsville, passed away January 23, 2018 at his home.

Clifford was born December 11, 1933 in Logan, Kansas to Leonard and Inez (Minor) Snodgrass. He graduated from Troy, Kansas High School and had lived most of his life in Wathena and Troy, Kansas. Clifford had also lived in Rushville, Weatherby, Cameron and settled in Stewartsville, Missouri where he grew fruits and vegetables.

He is a member of the Osborn Baptist Church in Osborn, Missouri and the Missouri Vegetable Growers Assn, which he helped to organize.

Clifford married Erma Sharp on December 24, 1952 in Burr Oak, Kansas. She survives of the home. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Cecil, Vearl, Russell, Clarence, a sister, Ella Mae.

Additional survivors include; his kids, Jane Juhl (David) of Wathena, Kansas

Peggy Monk (George) Elizabethtown, North Carolina

Clifton Snodgrass (Michelle) of Jamestown, North Carolina

Gail Dennis of St. Joseph, Missouri

Brothers; Walt, Virgil “Butch” and William Snodgrass

Sisters; Neva Moore, Phyllis Sharp and June Benson

13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, Curtis and Chris Sharp

numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

FUNERAL: Friday, January 26, 2018 – 10:30 A.M.
At: Harman Rohde Funeral Home – Wathena, Kansas
Visitation: family will receive friends Thursday evening 6-8 at the funeral home.
Memorials: Kidney Foundation or Missouri Vegetable Growers Assn.

Bernadine “Bernie” M. Masters
1933-2018

TROY,KANSAS – Bernadine M. “Bernie” (Ford) Masters, 84, passed away Monday, January 22, 2018 at her home on the farm in rural Troy, KS. Bernie was born on July 4, 1933, to E.B. and Marie (Ohl) Ford. Bernie married Jack Masters on October 26, 1953, in Doniphan, KS. Jack preceded her on February 11, 2010.

She had worked at a bank in Atchison then went to work at the Doniphan County Treasurer’s Office and retired after 25 years in 2012.

Bernie was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church and St. Charles Altar Society of Troy, Happy Times Homemakers, and an avid supporter of the Troy Boosters Club and KSU Wildcats. Baking pies (Pecan) & cookies (Chocolate Chip) was something she perfected and delighted in sharing with many others. She also was a big supporter of Hallmark by way of the 1,000’s of greeting cards she sent to family and friends.

Bernie was also preceded in death by her parents, and a daughter, Judith Masters, a sister, Mary Elizabeth, 2 great-grandchildren, and brother-in-law, Loren Edge.

Bernie is survived by her six children – Beth Fischer (Jim) of Falls City, Nebraska;

David Masters (Linda) of Troy;

Cyndy Nelthorpe (Mark) of Hemet, California;

Michael Masters (JoAnn) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa;

Pat Masters (Barby) of Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia;

Debbie Campbell (Paul) of Overland Park, KS. ;

18 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way.

A brother, Dennis Ford (Carolyn) of Wathena, KS,

2 sisters, Florence Edge of Omaha, Nebraska;

Kitty Nourie (Robert) of Doniphan, KS.;

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is remembered by many because she was loved by many.

MASS: Monday, January 29, 2018, 10:00 A.M., at St. Charles Catholic Church in Troy, KS.
Rosary will be held Sunday 3:00 PM at St. Charles Catholic Church in Troy with visitation following. Friends may call after 2:00 Saturday, at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home, Troy.
Memorials: Jack and Bernadine Masters Memorial Scholarship
or St. Charles Catholic Church

Julie Ann Asher
1973-2018

Julie Ann Asher 45, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, January 22, 2018 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. MO. She was born January 6, 1973 in Whitesville, MO, daughter of Ann and Franklin Anderson, of Whitesville, MO. She graduated from King City High School and married Truman Asher on August 31, 1991 and he survives of the home. She worked at Mosaic life care hospital as a Patient Care Associate, and at the Shady Lawn Nursing home for several yeas. She loved flowers and enjoyed going to the car dirt track races with her family. Julie was preceded in death by nephew, Rodney Mautino. Survivors include, her parents, husband, Truman Asher III, son, Justin Asher (Sabrina Cable), Faucett, MO, daughter, Jessica Asher, St. Joseph, MO, grandson, Brayden Royce, sisters, Chris (Willy) Mautino, Whitesville, MO, Carol (Todd) Weddle, King City, MO, and Rachelle (Rob Maxon) Anderson, Rea, MO, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services: 10 am Saturday, January 27, 2018, Pastor JoAnn Springs officiating, The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 pm friday at the Rupp Funeral Home.
the Interment will be at the Whitesville Cemetery, Whitesville, MO. Memorials are requested to the Multiple Sclerosis association.

Ronald “Ron” Rose
1932-2018

Ronald “Ron” Rose 85, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, January 22, 2018 at his home. He was born October 16, 1932 in Kirksville, MO, son of the late Adeline and Guerney Rose. He graduated from Benton High School 1950 and attended St. Joseph Junior College. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He worked at Stockyards for many years then retired from Missouri Gas Energy after 25 years of service. He loved golf and was a member of Fairview, working as a Marshall for many years. He also loved to play pitch, and was a Christian. Ron was preceded in death by wife, Nellie Ann Rose, his parents, and daughter, Paula Krump. Survivors include, sons, Scott Rose, Saint Joseph, MO, and Paul (Jenny) Rose of Papillon, NE, a daughter, Jennifer (David) Halter, St. Joseph, MO, 7 grandchildren, and special friend and caretaker Penny Wingard and her children, Bailey, Allie and Elliott.
Funeral services: 2:00 pm, Friday, January 26, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with David Mejia officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Fillmore Cemetery. Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers, Friends of the Shelter.

Harry “Pee Wee” Jones
1955-2018

Harry “PeeWee” Jones 62, of Agency, Missouri, passed away Monday, January 22, 2018 at his home. He was born May 26, 1955 in St. Joseph, MO, son of Dorothy and Harry Jones. He was retired. Harry was preceded in death by wife, Margaret Jones, parents, sister, Margaret Rauch. Survivors include, brother, Gary (Sharon) Jones of Agency, MO, brother, Roger (Judy) Jones of Gower, MO, brother, Dewayne (Sheryl) Jones of Stanberry, MO, sister, Beverly Nolan of St. Joseph, MO, friend, Frankie Gibson, several nieces and nephews, several great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm, on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. James Barnett officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Inurnment will be at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery at a later date.

Anna Rachel Sowers
1920-2018

Anna Rachel (VanHorn) Sowers, 97, of Atchison, KS died Monday, January 22, 2018 at her home.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM on Saturday, Jan. 27th, 2018 at the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Joseph Hansen officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on Friday, Jan. 26th, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are requested to the Carol Baptist Church Mission Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.
Anna was born on Jan. 28, 1920 in Atchison Kansas the daughter of Robert L. and Clara Paulina Anna (Teichmann) VanHorn. She was a housewife and homemaker. She was the oldest member of the Carol Baptist Church, Atchison and enjoyed crocheting, doing cross word and word search puzzles, playing the guitar and gardening. She had formerly attended the East Side Baptist Church, St. Joseph, MO for several years. Anna had been born again as a Christian in 1947 and was saved listening to “Back to the Bible” under Theodore Epp.
She was married to James B. Sowers, Jr. on Sept. 10, 1940. Mr. Sowers preceded her in death on Mar. 29, 1978. Additional survivors include three sons, Bradley K. (Sharon) Sowers, Atchison, KS, David L. (Debbie) Sowers, St. Joseph, MO, Jerry D. Sowers, Atchison, KS, and two daughters, Anna M. (Harvey) Montgomery, Elkton, SD, and Nancy L. (Delbert) Klassen, Bingham Lake, MN , a sister, Stella Carr, Atchison, KS, fourteen grandchildren, thirty-five great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Her parents, husband, a son, Neal D. Sowers, two brothers, Charlie and Arthur VanHorn and three sisters, Pearl Lentz, Ellen Riddle, and Cora Thorpe, two grandchildren, Lawrence A. Klassen and Martha E. Ellis preceded her in death.

Jean Bailey
1951-2018

Jean Bailey, 66 of Atchison, KS passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at her residence.

Memorial service will be 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 25, 2018, at the Atchison United Methodist Church, with Rev. Nancy J Kollhoff, officiating. Burial of cremated remains will be at a later date in Round Prairie Cemetery, Atchison, KS. Family will receive friends prior to from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the Church. Memorials are suggested to Atchison United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, KS, who has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Jean was born May 17, 1951, in Leavenworth, KS the daughter of Raymond and Mary (Hundley) Bailey. She returned to Atchison in 1957 and graduated from Atchison High School, and was active in the marching band. She attended the University of Kansas and Emporia State University having earned two masters in reading and library science. Jean worked for Atchison Unified School District as a reading specialist and librarian for more than forty years and the Cray Museum in the gift shop. She was a member of the Atchison United Methodist Church, and several Atchison bell choirs, the KU Alumni Association and a lifetime member of the Sierra Club.

Survivors include a brother Lawrance and his wife Joyce Bailey, San Diego, CA, an aunt, Ethel Hundley, Atchison, KS, two nieces, Mary and Paulina Bailey, San Diego, CA.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Shirley Maye Pantle
1935-2018

Shirley Maye Pantle, 82, of Nortonville, KS, passed away Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the FW Huston Senior Living, Winchester, KS.

A private family memorial service has been held and burial at Nortonville Cemetery, Nortonville, KS. Memorials are suggested to the FW Huston Senior Living, Winchester, KS and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, KS. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.
Shirley was born on August 29, 1935, in Mclouth, KS, the daughter of Harold and Myrtle (Meyers) King. She worked for Atchison and Horton Garment Factories, and Golden Star as a mop maker. Shirley was member of the United Methodist Church in Nortonville, KS. She enjoyed cooking, sewing quilts, drawing and doll making.

Shirley married John Pantle on October 4, 1956, he survives of the home. Additional survivors include a daughter, Bonnie and Darwin Marks, St. Joseph, MO, two sons; Mark and Sarah Pantle, Nortonville, KS, Faron and Sandra Pantle, Nortonville, KS, a brother, Richard King, Fall City, NE, three sisters, Debbie King, Hiawatha, KS, Nancy Scherer, Atchison, KS, Barbara Keifer, Atchison, KS, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Robert King and a sister, Elizabeth Bertels.

Terri Marie Marsh
1957-2018

Terri Marie Marsh 60, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday January 23, 2018 at Mosaic lifecare hospital. She was born September 26, 1957 in St. Joseph, Missouri. She graduated from Winnetonka High School, and worked at Patterson Aircraft in California, Snorkel, and Southbelt Walmart. Terri was very artistic, and loved jammin to Madonna, Johnny Cash, and Tom Jones, she also loved dressing up like a witch for her nieces and nephews, and she will be missed by her kitty’s. Terri was preceded in death by her father, Jerry Homan, step father, Sam Marsh I, mother, Carol Marsh, brother, Jerry Homan, and great niece, Yoselyn Adilene Presto. She is survived by son, Samuel Marsh III, of the home, sister, Toni Presto, St. Joseph, MO, brother Danny Homan, former husband, Samuel Marsh II, nephews, Joseph, Justin, Jerry (Luz) Presto, nieces, Jordan (Tad) Rose, Ashleigh (Drew) Mantlo, as well as several, great nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, and her best friend, Julie Smith. She will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials services will be held at a later date. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Arthur Wayne Long
1953-2018

Arthur Wayne Long, 64, of Leavenworth, KS formerly of Atchison died Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at the Medicalodge of Leavenworth.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM on Monday, Jan. 29th, 2018 at the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Strickland officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Achievement Services and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com

Wayne was born on March 16, 1953 in Neosho, MO the son of Bobby D. and Anna (Carterman) Long. He graduated from Atchison High School in 1971. He worked as an attendant for his father’s service station, Hudson Service, in Winthrop, MO. He later worked for Achievement Services, Atchison from 1980-1997.

Survivors include several aunts, uncles and cousins, and his guardian and care giver, Jerry Henry, His parents, and a brother, Jerry Long preceded him in death.

Louis Leon Cruse
1919-2018

Louis Leon Cruse was born in Sparks, Kansas to Isaac Leonard Cruse and Fannie Lee (Hammond) Cruse on July 04, 1919. He went to be with his Lord January 22, 2018, at the age of 98.He attended school in Sparks until the 9th grade and then went to work in the tobacco fields to help his father support the family until he joined the CC Camp in 1936.

In March 1941 he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he became a motor sergeant in the all black 9th Calvary Regiment of the 2nd Calvary Division. He was soon promoted to the mechanized unit where at 22 years old he was in charge of a fleet of army trucks which transported supplies to the front lines in World War II. Louis was one of the nation’s surviving Buffalo Soldiers.

On May 10, 1947 Louis was married to Ruth Anna Augusta Foster (deceased Jan 2008) and to this union was born a daughter, Frances A. Coffee and a son, Nolan L. Cruse, Sr. (deceased Oct 2013).

His work experience included working for farmers, Armour Meatpacking, General Motors and the VA until his retirement in 1983. After retirement he worked at the bank as a part-time courier in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Louis joined White Cloud Church of God in Christ in 1947. He faithfully attended as a deacon and Sunday school superintendent for many years. Louis was a very talented guitar player and loved to play in church. Louis also had a deep love for mechanics and cars.

Left to cherish his memories are his daughter, Frances Coffee; (Wilbur Coffee, Jr.), granddaughters, Catherine Hopkins, Melanie Coffee Hesselberg; grandson, Nolan L. Cruse, Jr.; great-granddaughter Jasmine Coffee and great-grandsons Adrian Coffee, Logan Hesselberg and Ethan Hesselberg. Siblings: Virgil Cruse, Norma Shane, Priscilla Kirby and June Gaskins; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many relatives and friends. Louis was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday February 3, 2018 with family visiting with friends at 9:00 a.m. at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S. 7th St., Hiawatha, Ks. Military Honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard. A light lunch will follow the celebration. Burial services will follow at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Sunset Memory Gardens, 16731 Springdale Road, Leavenworth, KS 66048.

Berea A. Nigus
1916-2018

Berea A. Nigus, 101, of Maple Grove Apartments of Hiawatha, went to be with her Lord Thursday, January 25, 2018, at Hiawatha Community Hospital.

She was born October 6, 1916, at Leona, the daughter of Boyd and Grace Davis Gentzler and lived in the northeast Kansas area all of her life. Berea graduated from Leona, High School in 1934 and married Donald F. Nigus, October 24, 1936, in Leona.

Berea was a lifelong member of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, and belonged to the Hiawatha Christian Church for the past 40 years, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, and belonged to CWF of the church.

Berea held many positions throughout her lifetime. Some of them included lunchroom cook at Everest Grade School, clerk in Lynch Mercantile in Everest, and Everest Sundries. She was also a cook at the Hiawatha Infirmary, Horton Hospital, and Maple Leaf Restaurant in Hiawatha. However, her favorite position was Grandma.

Berea was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; Allen Gentzler, Beatrice(Gentzler) Fredrick, and Ben Gentzler; her husband Don F. Nigus; son David A. Nigus; daughters-in-law Nancy (Brunner) Nigus, Patricia (Koelliker) Nigus; son-in-law Roger Marquis; grandsons James Weiland, Gary Nigus and Ricky Nigus.

She is survived by a son Don L. Nigus of Hiawatha; daughter Ann (Nigus) Marquis of Topeka; grandchildren; Phillip (Tammy) Nigus, Lisa (Terry) Weiland, Lynn Rupe, Lori (Gary) Snavely, Brenda Nigus (Jeff) Donley), Mike (Missy) Nigus, Scott (Andrea) Marquis, and Amy (Michael) Ellis; and granddaughters-in-law Cathy Nigus and Laurice Nigus, both of Hiawatha. Grandma Berea has 26 great-grandchildren and 26 great-great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Berea’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 31, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, where the family will meet one hour prior to services. Shane Spangler will officiate. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, north of Leona.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday.

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

Kelly Jean Miller-Hays
1968-2018

Kelly Jean Miller-Hays 49, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday January 18, 2018 in St. Joseph. She was born August 28, 1968 in Monmoth, Iowa. She was a homemaker, and a Christian. Kelly was preceded in death by her father, John Lloyd Wayne Miller, step father, Eugene Buckley. She is survived by companion, John Perry of the home, sons, Scotty Hays (Sheila), and Lyle Hays (Amanda), Hemple, MO, daughter, Jessi Hays (Daniel) Perry, IA, mother, Bonnie Buckley, Davenport, IA, brothers, Kevin and Kyle Miller, sisters, Kimberly Redmann, and Krystal Miller. Memorial service: 4:00 pm at Present Truth Fellowship Church, 3901 Cook Road, St. Joseph, MO. Ms. Hays Will be cremated under care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Patricia M. “Pat” Parks
1927-2018

Patricia “Pat” Parks, beloved: wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, left this life on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at the Hiawatha Hospital, with her three children by her side.

Pat was born on November 25, 1927, to Anthony and Geneva Palmer Dannecker, on their family farm near Rulo, Nebraska, the third of six daughters. She grew up in Rulo, attending schools there and graduating at 16, with the Rulo High class of 1944.

After graduation she attended a summer session at Peru State and earned a teaching certificate. That fall, she began her first and last teaching assignment, which lasted only a few months. Her stories of those few months were so funny and included students that were older than her; a fire she may (or may not) have started by overloading the woodstove, but also put out, with minimal damage! The last straw for her teaching career, didn’t come in the school house-it came when the family she stayed with moved the grandmother into the same room and bed as her. She called her daddy and he came and got her and she never looked back or taught again.

She moved to Lincoln then and worked at an ammunitions plant during the height of World War II and was proud to have been a part of the war effort. In the summer of 1945, while in Hiawatha with a friend, she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Parks, who was home on leave from the Army and cruising Oregon Street with friends. A picnic and watermelon at the Hiawatha Lake started their love affair that would last almost 73 years.

Pat and Bob were married at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rulo, on March 5, 1946. Except for a few years in Iowa, they lived their entire married lives in Hiawatha. Pat was a homemaker for many years while raising their children and was a den mother, Girl Scout leader and active in all their activities. Pat and Bob were long time members of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, serving in many roles and their faith was very important to both of them.

Pat was Hiawatha’s first Welcome Wagon Lady and loved meeting and introducing new people to Hiawatha and sharing her love for the community. In 1980 with friends, Bill and Marilyn Hargis, Bob and Pat opened the first Best Western in Hiawatha and built a thriving restaurant and lodge and made many friends along the way. She was outgoing and never knew a stranger, nor was she afraid to get involved and help where needed.

She was the long-time president of Mount Hope Cemetery and took its upkeep and beauty very seriously and loved to share the story of the Davis Memorial. She contributed greatly to the cemetery including the fence and flag pole projects and Baby Land, for families who lose infants, something she and Bob had experienced.

She was the very proud mother of Tim (Rhonda) of Lawrence, Nancy (Rusty) Wright of Hiawatha, and Mark (Marinela) of Olathe. She loved her grandchildren and was so proud of all they did—Andrew Parks, Lawrence, Qwinn and Abbey Wright, LaVista, NE, Tiffany Wright of Bozeman, MT, Toby Wright, Chicago, IL, Mitchell Wright, Hiawatha; Andew Mermer, Overland Park, Jack and Kaiti Parks, Olathe,, Caden and William Wright, Lavista, NE. She is also survived by her sisters, Susan Chamberlain, Emporia and Lenalee Johnson of Falls City, NE. and many loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Phillip Joseph; her grandson Zachary Parks, parents, sisters Mary Elizabeth Stevens, Mildred Campbell and Alyce Darveaux.

Pat and Bob and the love they shared was great and one that could be seen by all who knew them. They loved to entertain and had so many wonderful friends. The fun that they had brings smiles to all of us who were lucky enough to have grown up with parents from this generation, who knew how to work and play and laugh. She always loved and welcomed drop-in company and many would leave with one of her handmade dishcloths or hangers.

She gave her best always and expected the same from those around her. We miss her but as she left us, we knew it was for a love far greater than ours and we know she is with the Lord and she and dad are together again, after four months apart, and that is the greatest joy she could have been given.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Sunday where the parish rosary will be recited at 4 p.m., followed by the family visiting with friends until 6 p.m.

A Celebration of Life mass will be held 10 a.m. Monday, January 22, at St. Ann Catholic Church, with Father Dan Gardner as the Celebrant. Cremation will follow services with private family inurnment at Mt Hope Cemetery, this spring.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Ann Catholic Church which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

Alf George “Skip” Arnesen
1946-2018

Alf George “Skip” Arnesen, Jr., 72, of Hiawatha, passed away January 17th, 2018, at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.

He was born in Brooklyn, NY, January 13, 1946. He was a Vietnam Veteran (retired); Kansas Army National Guard (retired); a member of the American Legion and National Rifle Association.

Mr. Arnesen was preceded in death by his parents Alf G. Arnesen, Sr., and Margaret Doris Arnesen.

He is survived by Deborah Maycroft of the home; Anne Arnesen of Hiawatha, Amanda and Chad Hinton of Hiawatha, Jeremy and Jaime Arnesen of Reserve, Linnea and Luke Rieger of Meridan, Jason Fry of New York, Angelic Owens and Shawn of Denton; 5 grandsons, 1 granddaughter and numerous cousins.

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

Graveside services with military honors are planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, January 25, at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha. Rev. Michael Dunaway will officiate. Inurnment will follow.

Memorial contributions are suggested to veterans programs like DAV or Wounded Warrior Project, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

Rita Ann Rettele
1923-2018

Rita Ann Rettele, 94, formerly of Atchison, died peacefully on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at the Presbyterian Manor, Topeka, KS.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, Jan. 20th, 2018 at St. Benedict’s Church with Fr. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as Celebrant. Burial will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Atchison, KS. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 12:45 pm on Saturday at St. Benedicts Church, when a parish rosary will be recited prior to the Mass. Memorials are encouraged by the family to St. Benedicts Church for Masses or to Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 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.

Rita A. Strathman was born on Sept. 5, 1923 in Seneca, KS the daughter of John and Barbara (Webber) Strathman. She was a housewife and homemaker for her family. She was a member of the Most Pure Heart Church, Topeka, KS. Rita was proud of her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a wonderful seamstress and enjoyed making rosaries and scapula’s for the church, doing yard work, and was a perfectionist in all that she did.

She was married to Jacob A. Rettele on Oct. 23, 1945. Mr. Rettele preceded her in death on March 18, 1982. Survivors include a son, Robert “Bob” ( Paulette) Rettele, Meriden, KS, a sister, Anna Marie(Don) Banks, Atchison, KS, a granddaughter, Jennifer (Tony) Rettele-Thomas, Manhattan, KS, two grandsons, Jaydon and Cole Thomas, of Manhattan, KS, a sister-in-law, Doris Strathman, Atchison, KS and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, husband, Jacob, daughter, Nancy Jo Rettele, three brothers, Leonard, Carl, & Ben Strathman, and two sisters, Henrietta Carpenter, and Rosalia Becker and a special friend, Maggie Kramer, preceded her in death. A special thank you to the staff and care givers at Presbyterian Manor, Topeka and the Great Lakes Caring Hospice, the family appreciates your care for Rita.

Douglas “Doug” Charles Euler
1956-2018

Wathena, Kansas – Douglas Charles Euler, 61, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Friday, January 19, 2018 at his home.

Doug was born in St. Joseph, Missouri to Charles J. and Mildred (Myers) Euler.

He graduated from Lafayette High School. He was a Teamster and worked for Affiliated Foods for 25 years and BMS Transportation for 7 years.

He was a member of Mitchell Park Christian Church.

Doug really enjoyed life by being quite the jokester. He married Rachel (Vertin) in 1998.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife of the home

Children, Jennifer (Tommy) Burnett, Kyle (Rachelle) McConnaughey,

Tiffany (Devon) Simpson

2 brothers, Dave (Patti) Euler, Plattsmouth, Nebraska

Chris (Trudi) Euler, St. Joseph, Missouri

1 sister, Linda K. (Steve) Wells, St. Joseph, Missouri

His seven grandchildren he loved with all his heart, Tyler Smith Euler, Paige and Natalie Burnett, Claire Simpson, Emma, Gracy and Abby McConnaughey.

Funeral Service: 10:00 A.M. Monday, January 22, 2018

At the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.

Visitation: 4-6 Sunday evening at the funeral home, where friends may call after 10 A.M. Sunday.

Burial: Bellemont Cemetery, Wathena, Kansas.

Memorials: Wathena Healthcare Activity Fund or Freedom Hospice.

Julie Ann Cottrill Thomsen
1961-2018

Julie Ann Cottrill Thomsen 56, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday January 17, 2018 in St. Joseph. She was born February 6, 1961 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of Betty & Donald Cottrill. She graduated from Benton high school. She was a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, loved socializing with friends and family, and spending time with her grandchildren. Julie was preceded in death by her brothers, Donald W. Cottrill, Emmett Cottrill, Todd Cottrill, Clifford Zion, and all her grandparents. She is survived by daughter, father and step mother Donald (Susan) Cottrill, mother, Betty Bechtold, 3 daughters, Liberty and George Renteria, of Everman, TX, Donna McGlothlin of St. Joseph, MO, and Bobbi Jo McGlothlin (Juan Gonzalez), of Overland Park, KS, grandchildren, Emily Pendergras, Melike Lammers, Hayley George, Trynity George, Colton Burns, Oliva Gonzalez, Jerius Flores, Joseph Flores, Juanito Gonzalez, and Joseph Gonzalez, great grandchildren, Ryleigh Pendergras, Lucas Palmer, and Aurora Pendergras, sister, Tammy (James) Egerton, brother, Jeffery (Darla) Cottrill, sister, Dawn (Eric) Schilling, brother, Johnny Staley, sister, Johnna (Mike) Norris. Family to recieve friends from 12-1 with Memorial Services; 1:00 pm, Saturday January 20, 20178 at the Sparta United Methodist Church, 2121 Southeast Sparta Road, Faucett, MO., Pastor Rodney Krumme, officiating. She will be cremated under the care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Jo Ann Albee
1935-2018

Jo Ann Albee, 82, of Hiawatha, died January 20th, 2018, at her home surrounded by her family.

Jo Ann was born September 23, 1935, in St. Joseph, Missouri; one of two children born to the late Paul and Katherine Graves Osteen and grew up in St. Joseph where she attended, later graduating from Benton High School. She was a member of the Our Lady of Guadaloupe Catholic Church, St. Joseph.

She united in marriage to Charles “Rodney” Albee, December 9th, 1955. They have lived most of their married life in Hiawatha where they enjoyed raising their family. She and Rodney traveled the world and made friends anywhere they went. She was a loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She adored her beloved cat “Satchmo”!

She is survived by her husband of 62 years of the home; her children: Suzy Hinton (David) of rural Hiawatha, Stan Albee (Julie) of Hiawatha, Steve Albee (Mary) of Holton, KS; 8 loving grandchildren: Michele, Amanda, Mandy (Dan), Paul (Tammy), Jason, Robert (Shelby), Tyler (Ryan), Taylor and Sweet Jourdan who is deceased; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother Jack Osteen (Pat) of St. Joseph, Missouri.

It was Jo Ann’s wish to be cremated. Memorial services are being planned on this coming spring or summer.

Memorial contributions are suggested to NEK Hospice which may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Gerald V. Wagoner
1922-2018

Gerald V. Wagoner, 95, of Scranton, formerly of Doniphan-Brown counties, died Thursday evening, January 18, 2018, at Brookside Manor in Overbrook.

Gerald was born June 20, 1922, at Severance, one of three children born to Herman and Minnie Townley Wagoner. Gerald grew up near Leona where he attended country school, later graduating from Leona High School with the class of 1940 prior to attending Highland Junior College. Gerald farmed for 18 years near Leona before going to work for Streib and Son, a plumbing and heating business in Hiawatha for which he worked for 19 years. His last place of employment was for the Brown County School District #415, in maintenance, for 9 years before retiring.

Mr. Wagoner was a long time member of the Bellevue United Methodist Church, north of Leona where he had been very active through the years: song leader; Church Treasurer; Sunday school teacher; choir member and with Youth Fellowship. He also sang tenor in a quartet in the Church. In later years, he attended the United Methodist Church at Overbrook. Gerald enjoyed woodworking, stained glass work, and reading.

He married Margaret Sherman, June 20, 1947, at the Bellevue Church. They moved from the farm to Hiawatha where they lived for many years prior to moving to Scranton, KS, to be near their daughter. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons: Keith Wagoner (Sandra) of Bedford, Kentucky, Steve Wagoner (Jane) of Leavenworth; a daughter Phyllis Alcorn (Tom) of Scranton; Grandchildren: Jessica Wagoner, Heather Baker (Tyrone), Bryan Wagoner (Megan), Rob Wagoner (Angela), Venus Wilson (Chad), Wesley Alcorn (Mercedes; and eight great-grandchildren.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Mildred Miller and Dorothy Streator.

A Celebration of Gerald’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, at Overbrook United Methodist Church, with Pastor Kathleen Whitmore officiating. Graveside services will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, north of Leona, 3 p.m. Tuesday, with Pastor Jerry Petering officiating.

The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services at Overbrook United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Bellevue or Overbrook United Methodist Church, sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Leo Norman Soyland
1939-2018

Leo Norman Soyland of Topeka went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 19, 2018 in Topeka, KS. He was born January 11, 1939 in Horton, KS to Olaf and Elizabeth Swartz Soyland. He grew up on the farm south of Denton, KS and attended Mt. Vernon Elementary School in rural Denton and graduated from Denton High School in 1957. Before and following graduation from high school, he served in the Army National Guard for a total of 7 years. He was a well-known, successful, and knowledgeable farmer and farmed in the Leona, Highland, and Denton areas.

He married Catherine Ann Matthias on June 2, 1963 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bendena, KS. He was a loving father to Karen, Kelli, and Paul. He made a home for his family on the farm south of Denton, KS where he lived and farmed nearly all his working life. In later years, after retiring from farming, he drove for Keim Transportation, Sabetha, KS and Laidlaw and Durham School Services, Topeka, KS. He was respected by his peers as a farmer, truck driver, and bus driver; and he was beloved by the many school children he transported during his years as a bus driver.

Leo and his wife, Catherine, enjoyed travelling many different places as well as spending time in the Phoenix, AZ area. In recent years, he and Catherine had travelled to various places in California, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, and the Pacific Northwest. Wherever he was, Leo never knew a stranger and spent a great deal of time talking with people from all walks of life. He made friends very easily and was always interested in people’s lives. He valued the conversations he had with them and always respected their opinions. His kind, gentle, and loving spirit was evident in the way he treated others, and he was always willing to help anyone.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, telling stories, looking at pictures of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and talking about his life experiences. He liked talking about farming, tractors (especially John Deere), road trips he had taken, and vacations taken with his family. He knew practically every highway number across the country as well as every John Deere dealership along the way. No matter where in the USA he was, he could be seen walking up to someone saying, “Don’t I know you?” (and he could usually figure out a connection to them). He often re-visited places he had been and talked to people that he had become acquainted with there, and he was always remembered by them.

Above all, he was a Christian man who loved God, and it was evident in his life. He loved and cared for his family in a way that honored God and lovingly led by example. He, along with Catherine, taught his children to pray, study God’s Word, and apply those teachings to their lives. He lived his faith daily in the way that he loved others, helped those in need, and respected all regardless of who they were or their lot in life. He was a former member of Gideons International where he participated in Bible distribution and placement, the jail ministry, and speaking in churches on behalf of the organization. He also was invited several times to preach as a substitute preacher in churches throughout northeast Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Soyland, Robinson, KS on September 25, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Catherine, of the home; daughter Kelli Scott (Phillip) of Colorado Springs, CO; son Paul Soyland (Erica) of Lawrence, KS, son-in-law Roger Tollefson (Karen Soyland), rural Robinson, KS; sister LaVerne Soyland Miller (Eugene), Kansas City, MO. Grandchildren include Maria Compton (Justin Baccardo), Heidi Smith (Justin), Brendan Compton (Becky), Hannah Olson (Taylor), Breanna Compton; Leah Haden, Kyle Haden. Step-grandchildren Joshua Tollefson (Evette) and Tabor Dean Tollefson (Monica). Great grandchildren include Jude, Lucas, Benjamin, Landon, Tate, Channing, and Crew. Step-great Grandchildren include Joshua, Elizabeth, Caleb, Joaquin, Mateo, Camila. He was also survived by one Grand-dog, Molly; and was preceded in death by one Grand-dog, Jackson.

Cremation is planned with memorial services are planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, January 27, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Matt Matthias will officiate. Private family inurnment will be at the Ununda Cemetery, north of Robinson.

The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services.

Memorials are requested to Barrow Neurological Institute in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha, 66434.

Debbie Ann Nell
1959-2018

Debbie Ann Nell 58, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, January 22, 2018 at Mosaic life care hospital. She was born May 18, 1959 in Wathena, KS, daughter of Frances and Paul Hahn. She worked at St. Mary Preschool as a Bus driver she also was an in home care taker for special needs people. She loved spending time with her grandkids and her niece, and she enjoyed fishing with her husband Tom. She was a Christian. Debbie was preceded in death by husband, Thomas Henry Nell, her parents, sister Mary Jane Hahn, and brother, Billy Hahn. Survivors include, sons, Travis Nell, St. Joseph, MO, and Thomas (Heather) Nell, Excelsior Springs, MO, Grandchildren, Alexis, Maddie, Luke, Joslin, and Justin Nell, sisters, Jessie Fisk, and Sandy Puckett of Saint Joseph, MO, brother, Paul Hahn, Cameron, MO, and niece, Cayla Curley, St. Joseph, MO.
Funeral services; 10:00 am, Thursday, January 25, 2018, Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Dr. Roger Wilcoxen officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, St. Joseph, Missouri.

Brent Allen Michael Murphy
1996-2018

Brent Allen Michael Murphy 21, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Friday, January 19, 2018. He was born January 24, 1996 in St. Joseph, MO, He attended Benton High School and was very active in their baseball program. He loved spending time with his daughter and his family, and enjoyed growing up playing Little League and High School baseball and played on several travel teams. Brent was preceded in death by paternal great grandmother, Melba Murphy, paternal great grandparents, Bonnie and Richard Danner, maternal great grandfather, “Sonny” Scott, and maternal grandmother Linda “Grams” Spurr. Survivors include, parents, Tisha (Matt) Gibson, father, Bronson Murphy of St. Joseph, MO, daughter, Madalynn Rose Murphy, paternal grandparents, Steve & Beverly Murphy, St. Joseph, MO, maternal grandparents, Sandy & Donnie Duncan, maternal great grandmother, Joyce Scott of TX, maternal grandfather, Randy (Amy) Brown of TN, brother, Hunter (Brittney) Gibson, sisters, Hope Gibson, Brianna Murphy and Aizlynn Murphy all of St. Joseph, MO.
Funeral services; 10:00 am, Friday, January 26, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, Ricky Sands officiating, The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Madalynn Murphy Education Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Verl Dean Shaiffer
1952-2018

WATHENA,KS Verl Dean Shaiffer, 65, of Wathena, Kansas formerly of Highland, Kansas died Sunday, January 21, 2018 at his home.

Verl was born on February 29, 1952 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Russell and Helen (Mc Nutt) Shaiffer. He lived most of his life in Highland before moving to Wathena in 1994.

Verl was a member of the United Methodist Church in Wathena, was active in the DCSW and Doniphan County Chamber of Commerce. Verl was the first recipient of the Doniphan County Quiet Hero Award, also a member of the Troy and Highland Lions Club and Hiawatha Elk’s.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his brother, George William Shaiffer of Colorado Springs, CO

Nieces, nephews, cousins, special family friends, Larry & Theresa Rohrer, Genia & Luke Deets, Dalen, Dayton, Hope & Hayla.

FUNERAL: Wednesday, January 24, 2018 – 3:00 P.M.

At: Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas

Burial: Highland Cemetery in Highland, Kansas

Visitation: family will receive friends Wednesday 1 hour prior to funeral services (2-3 PM Wednesday) at the funeral home. Friends may call after 12 noon Tuesday.

Memorials: Mail a smile or Wathena UMC

www.harmanrohde.com

Jesse Francis Cooley
1959-2018

Jesse Francis Cooley 58, Saint Joseph, Missouri died Thursday January 18, 2018. Born May 21, 1959, Kansas City, Preceded in death Parents, Jesse Francis (Carol) Cooley. Survivors; companion, Kathy Howerton. three sisters. Cremation under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Jesse Cooley memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home .

Bobby Porter Howard
1938-2018

Bobby Porter Howard, 79, of St. Joseph, MO, formerly of Macon, MO passed away on
Thursday, January 11, 2018, at the Samaritan Hospital in Macon.
Bobby was born on November 16, 1938 in Macon, the son of Charles Olen and Dora
Frances (Porter) Howard. Bobby served in the U.S. Airforce. He was united in marriage
to Judith E. Anderson, she preceded him on October 25, 2002, he later married Linda
Kay Borttoff/Nichols, she survives. Bobby retired from Con-Agra after working there for
33 years. He was a member of the Callao Christian Church and later a member of the
Representatives of Christ Fellowship in St. Joseph. Bobby enjoyed fishing, playing cards,
and spending time with friends and family.
Bobby is survived by his wife, Linda; two children, Joan Kirtley and her husband Kevin
of O’Fallon, IL, and Jeff Howard and his wife Lisa of Salisbury, MO; four step-children,
Mike Nichols and his wife Tami of St. Joseph, Paul Ontiveros of St. Joseph, Tammy
Munoz and her husband JR of Riverside, CA, and Kim Hawkins and her husband Scott of
St. Joseph, his grandchildren, Jarod Smith, Joel Smith, Jeffrey Smith, Kenny Howard,
Justin Howard, and Jaden Howard; step-grandchildren, Kaden Kirtley, and Starr Kirtley;
also 11 other step-grandchildren and 7 step-great- grandchildren; two brothers, Mike
Howard and his wife Connie and Denny Howard and his wife Rhonda, one sister, Karen
Hall and her husband Chuck, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Judith; one brother, Corky
Howard, and one sister, Peggy M. Fuller.
Funeral services will be at 3:00 pm, Sunday, January 14, 2018, at Hutton & McElwain
Funeral Home in Macon, with Pastor Rob Diamond officiating. Burial will be in the
Locust Grove Cemetery in Callao. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon, from 2:00 pm
until the time of service, at the funeral home. Family suggests memorials to the Locust
Grove Cemetery or Representatives of Christ Fellowship Church in St. Joseph.

Albert Eugene Witte
1929-2018

Albert Eugene Witte, 88, of Atchison, KS, passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at the Atchison Senior Village.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison, KS, with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating. Burial will follow at Sugar Creek Cemetery, Rushville, MO. Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Monday, January 15, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran School Grant Fund or Trinity Lutheran School Endowment Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Albert was born November 20, 1929, in Atchison, KS, the son of John and Minnie (Cook) Witte. He graduated from Atchison High School. Albert worked for Rockwell for over forty years as a maintenance man. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving as an usher and elder. Albert enjoyed fishing, gardening and woodworking. He especially loved his family, getting together for fish fry and barbeques.

Albert married Sarah Emily Smart on October 12, 1950 at Carol Baptist Church, Atchison, KS, she survives of the home. Additional survivors include three daughters, Pam (Dean) Harden, Everest, KS, Sandra Peuker, Rushville, MO, Cindy (Allen) Harden, Lancaster, KS a sister, Laverne Magers, Atchison, KS, eight grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and a son in law, Bob Delzeit, Rushville, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Jeannie Delzeit, and two brothers, Leonard and Edward Witte, two sisters, Leota Boatright and Opal Davis, a great granddaughter Rheagan Smith and a great grandson Jayden Filbert.

Destiney Marie Williams
1995-2018

Destiney Marie Verbick-Williams 22, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2018 in Saint Joseph, MO. She was born May 9, 1995 in St. Joseph, MO, and graduated from Mid-Buchanan High School 2013 she attended Missouri Western. She was very active in high school with cheerleading, volleyball, choir, band, and F.F.A. She loved her kitty’s, hanging out with her friends and singing Karaoke. She worked at Choices as a caregiver. Survivors include, father, Brian Williams, mother, Tasha Williams( James Gregory), Faucett, MO, maternal grandparents, Billy (Terry) Verbick, Faucett, MO, maternal great grandfather, Floyd “Gus” Blanton, paternal grandfather, Ronald McGaughy, paternal grandmother, Gevona Williams, brother, Jashawn Hill, sisters, Serenity Williams, and Quinnay Williams, step sister, Krishauna Johnson, half sisters, Jaceonna Hill, and Malasia Hill, aunts, Ronet McCaughy, Brittaney Williams, and Kimberly Williams, uncles: Ronald McGaughy, Zackary McGaughy, Eli Verbick. three cousins: Grace, Landry, and Beau Verbick.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Monday, January 15, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. Leanna VanZandt-Nauman officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Agency Cemetery . Memorials are requested to the. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Ronald Paul Hardy
1958-2018

Ronald “Ron” Paul Hardy 59, of Faucett, Missouri, passed away Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. He was born August 28, 1958 in St. Joseph, MO, son of Joan and Leland Hardy. He graduated from DeKalb High School 1976 attended Platte College, and graduated from Missouri Western State College with a business degree. He was a Real Estate Appraiser for many years. Ron was an avid runner, and loved horses and raising quarter horses, he also enjoyed volunteering at the Therapeutic Riding Center in Kearney, MO, and working with handicap children. He was a member of Pony Express Saddle Club and Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church and was very active in the Sunday School Class. Ron was preceded in death by father, Leland Gene Hardy. Survivors include, mother, Joan Hardy, Saint Joseph, MO, brother, Larry (Linda) Hardy, St. Joseph, MO, sister, Julie (Bernie) Norris, Elkland, MO, nieces, Heather Kendall, and Amy Hardy-Rost, nephews, Jeremy Norris, and Zachary Norris, 5 great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm, on Monday, January 15, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Pastor Jim Barnett officiating, The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Bethel Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Northland Therapeutic Riding Center, Kearney, MO. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Galen Franklin Weiland
1939-2018

Bendena, KS Galen Weiland passed away January 10, 2018, at Mosaic Health Care in St. Joseph, MO.

Galen Franklin Weiland was born August 13, 1939 to Frank and Lucille (Dunn) Weiland in Highland, KS.

Galen attended Highland High School and Highland Community College. He married Ruth Long on June 4, 1960. They moved to Bendena, KS in 1963. Galen was dedicated to the success of his Bendena Community and to Doniphan County:

Former Manager – Bendena Grain Co.
Past Master of Masonic Lodge #440
50 years – continuous membership of Smithton Lodge #1 – Highland, KS
Member of the Hiawatha Elks Lodge #1741
Kansas State Representative of the 1st District – 1990 – 2001
Current Trustee of Independence Township
Current Treasurer of Rural Water District #2
Member of Midway/Doniphan West Board of Education
Former Chief of Rural Fire District #3
Former member of Mo-Kan Regional Council
Former Director of the Economic Development Commission and the Doniphan County Chamber of Commerce
Survivors include wife Ruth, son Terry (Lisa) Weiland, Bendena, daughter Teresa Weiland, Palm Harbor, FL, Sister, Jody Keebler, Highland, KS, granddaughter Terra (Matt) Jones, Topeka, KS, grandson, Cody (Silvia) Weiland, Bendena, KS, granddaughter, Bereanna Weiland, Bendena, KS, great-grandson, Carter Weiland, Bendena, KS and numerous nieces and nephews
He is preceded in death by his parents: Frank and Lucille, brother, James Allen D., sisters, Marsha Simpson, Paulette (Paul) Staudenmaier, Sherrie Lou (Curt) Mattox, niece, Lori Mattox, nephew, Jason Stonebarger and grandson: James Frances Weiland.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Frank and Lucille, brother, James Allen D., sisters, Marsha Simpson, Paulette (Paul) Staudenmaier, Sherrie Lou (Curt) Mattox, niece, Lori Mattox, nephew, Jason Stonebarger and grandson: James Frances Weiland.

Survivors include wife Ruth, son Terry (Lisa) Weiland, Bendena, daughter Teresa Weiland, Palm Harbor, FL, Sister, Jody Keebler, Highland, KS, granddaughter Terra (Matt) Jones, Topeka, KS, grandson, Cody (Silvia) Weiland, Bendena, KS, granddaughter, Bereanna Weiland, Bendena, KS, great-grandson, Carter Weiland, Bendena, KS and numerous nieces and nephews

Memorial contributions on behalf of Galen Weiland may be made to: Bendena Community Park Fund and/or Doniphan County Home Health sent in care of Bendena State Bank or Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Highland.

A Celebration of Galen’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Monday, January 15, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland, with Don Harter officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Sunday, where the family will meet from 5 until 7 that evening.

Laura Sue Hancock
1929-2018

Laura Sue Hancock 88, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, January 12, 2018 in Saint Joseph. She was born April 30, 1929 in Mound City, Missouri, daughter of Susan & Robert B. Humphrey. She grew up in St. Joseph and graduated from Lafayette High School. She traveled the world with her older brother and his family, and helped her sister in law with their five children. Once back in the USA, she went to California to be with her youngest brother and his wife to help with their four children. On her many trips to St. Joseph over all those years, there were five boys of her middle brother and older sister that she spoiled and gave no end of joy too. Finally in her 30’s, she married Bert, and had a daughter of her own, Mary Neff. Laura was a seamstress, in St. Joseph and specializing in making period clothes for antique dolls, many of which were shipped to her from out of state, as her reputation grew for her excellence in the craft. Laura was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bert Hancock, daughter Mary, sister, Jean Miller, and brothers; Robert and Galen Humphrey. Survivors include: brother, Calvin Humphrey, granddaughter, Barbara Neff-Brummer and husband Matt, and their children, Payton, Brody, and Camdenn Brummer, as well as her many loving nieces and nephews, who’s lives she filled with love and joy. Ms. Hancock will cremated under the care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Mabel Roberts
1925-2018

Mabel was born November 8, 1925 to Walter N. and Glennora (Tolles) Lidgett in Council Bluff, Iowa. On September 20, 1942, she married Russell Leo Roberts her Senior year at Pickett High School, while he was serving in the Army, and was on leave in Leavenworth, Kansas. They celebrated 70 years together before his passing on March 1, 2013. Mabel worked at Quaker Oats, and later in the 70’s worked at The Paris. She was a loving mother, homemaker, baker and cook. She was very active in grade school and high school PTA , serving in several officer positions. Mabel was a very strong Christian, and she was baptized on January 31, 1954 at Copeland Baptist Church, where she is still a member. In the church she devoted herself to teaching Sunday School Classes, cooking for all kinds of dinners, decorating for all seasons and volunteering for the vacation bible school that was held in the summers. She was the WMU President and retired on 9/16/2007 from that position after 30 years of service. She could make the best apple pie! She loved to cook for her family and loved to try new recipes. One of the girls she used to babysit for would say, ” Mabel’s house always smells good because she always has something in the oven!” She also loved to work in her flower beds and doing yard work. Russell and Mabel had built their own lake house on Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas. They enjoyed the weekends and summer vacations there with family and friends from 1973 to 2002. Mabel always lent a helping hand by taking care of family members. She and Russell took in a number of family members over the years to care for them. She and Russell cared deeply for their families. They also had foster children for several years. Mabel was preceded in death by a baby daughter, Deborah Lynn, husband, Russell, and her only brother, Walter “Buzz” Lidgett of Fresno, CA. Surviving her are children: James L. (Vernis) Roberts, St. Joseph, David L. Roberts, St. Joseph, MO. Gerald L. Roberts, Leavenworth, KS, and Susan L. (Macon) Dudley, Rushville, MO, and their daughter, Blair (Michael) Seabaugh and greatgranddaughter, Skylar Rose Seabaugh, of Platte City, MO. There are numerous grandchildren living on the west coast. Flowers are appreciated, and those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests that they be made to Copeland Baptist Church. Funeral Service: 10 am Thursday, Rupp Chapel, Rev. James Kerns officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home, the Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery.

Robert Arthur “Bob” Lewman
1926-2018

Robert A. “Bob” Lewman, 91, of Cummings, KS, died on Monday, January 15, 2018 at the Atchison Senior Village.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, January 18th, 2018 at the Cummings Christian Church with Rev. Jim Cormode officiating. Burial will follow at the Cummings Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, January 17th, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Cummings Christian Church, Cummings Cemetery or Atchison Senior Village and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Bob was born on August 6, 1926 in Cummings, KS the son of Leonard E. and Grace M. (Hattan) Lewman. He attended Atchison County Community High School. Bob was a farmer and a dairy farmer in the Cummings Community, retiring in 1992. Bob was a member of the Cummings Christian Church, where he served as Deacon for over 55 years and on the church Board of Directors. He enjoyed farming, sports, watching the grandkids and great grandchildren play sports, country and gospel music, KU and KC Chiefs, playing cards, going to the casino, collecting decks of cards and especially his family. He served as past member of the Atchison County Dairy Board, on the Water District # 5 Board, the Cummings Cemetery Board, the ASC Board, St Nick’s School Board and the Atchison County Extension Board. He was also active in supporting the 4-H and the Atchison County Fair.

He was married to Edith M. Parrott on May 1, 1949 at Cummings Christian Church. She survives of the home. Additional survivors include two sons, Jerry D. (Ann) Lewman, Topeka, KS, and Donald D. (Kathleen) Lewman, Cummings, KS, two daughters, Linda D. (Keith) Kuykendall, Atchison, KS, and Cheryl D. (David) Jacobson, Nortonville, KS, two sisters, Patricia L. Porter, Atchison, KS and Helen Meader, Sabetha, KS, nine grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. His parents, and four brothers, James E., Ralph M, Winston L., and Roy Lewman and a sister, Mary Jane Harmon preceded him in death.

Becky Jo McFeeters
1957-2018

Hiawatha, KS Becky Jo McFeeters, 60, of Hiawatha, died unexpectedly Monday evening, January 15, 2018, at her home.

She was born February 6, 1957, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, one of five children born to John and Dora Bartholemew McKee. Becky grew up at Cedar Rapids prior to moving with her family as a teenager to Missouri. Becky worked hard to complete requirements for her GED. She met her first husband George Baxter where they soon moved to Sabetha and where two sons were born: Larry and Jason. They lived in Sabetha and Hiawatha and later divorced. Becky worked as a telemarketer and as a fast food waitress in Hiawatha.

Becky enjoyed playing card games, putting puzzles together as a family, coloring with her grandson, Jeffery. She crocheted, loved watching “Wheel of Fortune” on TV; along with the older shows such as “Little House on the Prairie.” She was very out-spoken and gave you her 2 cents when she thought you needed it or not!

She married Randel McFeeters, July 21, 1983, at the Courthouse in Hiawatha as he was on leave from the Army. They made Hiawatha all of their married life and had two children: Randel, Jr., and Stephanie.

Survivors include her husband Randy of the home; three sons: Larry Baxter and Jason Baxter, both of Cassville, MO, Randel McFeeters of Hiawatha; a daughter Stephanie McFeeters (Craig Royer) of Hiawatha; sister Suann Lawson (Randy) of Morrill; two grandchildren: Jeffrey Wayne Gaston, Jessie Baxter. Also surviving are her sister in law Shawna Miller (Dan) of Hiawatha.

Becky was preceded in death by her parents John and Dora McKee; brother Dennis McKee; sisters: Delores McKee, Luann Davis; infant daughter Sherry Baxter; infant grand-daughter Elizabeth Ann Gaston; and ex husband George Baxter.

Services are planned for 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 19, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl will officiate. Cremation will follow services with private inurnment to be at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

The family will meet with friends from 7 until 8:30 Thursday evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Becky McFeeters Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home.

David Lee Henderson
1957-2018

David L Henderson 60, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. He was born June 7, 1957 in St. Joseph, MO. He married Brenda Green on December 31, 1982 and she survives of the home. He worked at Broadmoor Apartments in the maintenance department. He enjoyed fishing, race cars, and working on cars. David was preceded in death by father, Denzil Henderson, mother, Betty Jean Phinney, brother, Danny Henderson, and sisters, Carol Henderson and Nancy Wade Walker. Survivors include, wife, Brenda Henderson of the home, sons, David Jr. and John Henderson of St. Joseph, MO, daughter, Sarah Henderson, Topeka, KS, 2 grandchildren, and sister Donna McPherson. Funeral services; 2:00 pm, Thursday, January 18, 2018, Rupp Funeral Home, Chaplain William “Skip” Crisp officiating, The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Yvonne A. “Matawehwin” McCartney
1984-2018

Yvonne Anita McCartney, Matawehwin, 33, passed away Monday January 15, 2018 at St Francis Hospital.

Yvonne was born at St Francis Hospital on October 26, 1984 to Tony Hyde and Angelina Ramirez of Hiawatha. She was a lifelong resident of Hiawatha.

Yvonne graduated from Hiawatha High School in 2003. Yvonne volunteered as a daycare assistant and her occupation was a real estate investor. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother to 5 children.

In 2002 she met the love of her life, James McCartney Jr. Yvonne and Jim held their wedding services inside the grand canyon in Nevada on December 7, 2004. Yvonne was proud to be a stepmom to the children of her heart, Monica and David McCartney. On May 6, 2006 Yvonne was greatly blessed with the birth of her son, Felix. Yvonne became a puppy mom to her pride and joy Chihuahua, Mason in the summer of 2016. Yvonne and Jim were blessed with the arrival of their niece and nephew into their home in June 2014. Jim and Yvonne have raised their beautifully blended family together in Hiawatha Ks.

Yvonne was preceded in death by 7 of her unborn children lost through miscarriages, her niece Paula Joanna-Tonyanita Hyde, her mother Angelina Ramirez, her grandmother Bernice Hyde, step brother Justin Swindle, Aunt Veronica “Meatie”, cousin Felton, cousin Quincy, cousin Xushu Brown “Lil Shu”.

Yvonne is survived by her husband Jim McCartney Jr, 5 children, Monica McCartney, David McCartney, Felix McCartney, Bradley Krebs Jr., and Joanna Hyde II, her Chihuahua Mason, her parents, Tony and Helen Hyde of Hiawatha, 13 sisters, Justina Brockman of Shawnee, Kansas, Joanna Hyde of El Cajon, California, Ophelia Hyde of Flagstaff, Arizona, Alexandria Hyde of St. Joseph, MO, Arlissa Simmons of Leadville, Colorado, Darliss, Alissen, Marissa, Iriss, Clarissa “CD”, and Vanessa “Nessy” Whitebird of Horton Kansas, Jessi Whitebird of Kansas City, KS, and Riss Whitebird of Holton Kansas, three brothers Austin, Alvin, and Devin Whitebird of Horton Kansas, step brother Bruce Swindle, her family by marriage, Jim and Sue McCartney of Falls City, NE, Mick and Mary Clary of Wathena, KS, Mario and Connie Ramirez of Holton Ks, Sean and Marsha Frederick of Falls City, NE, Keith McCartney of Falls City, NE, aunts Cynthia, Andrea, Lucinda, and uncle Xusha, and several nieces, nephews, friends, and other family members.

Yvonne enjoyed traveling with her husband and children, bowling on a league in St. Joe, and holding babies in daycare. Yvonne’s most enjoyed hobby was going to her kids’ activities, planning their schedules and taking care of them and her puppy. Yvonne attended First Baptist Church in Holton, KS.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-7:30 Thursday evening. Funeral services are planned for Friday morning at 11am January 19th at Chapel Oaks funeral Home, Hiawatha with Pastor Tim O’Bryrne officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Hope cemetery, Hiawatha.

Memorial contributions will be applied to her children’s college funds. Donations may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S. 7th St., Hiawatha,KS 66436

Glenn Franklin Adkins Jr.
1928-2018

Glenn Franklin Adkins Jr. 89, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2018 in Saint Joseph, MO. He was born January 14, 1928 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Anna “Louise” and Glenn Adkins Sr. He graduated from Benton High School 1945 and attended St. Joseph Junior College, and served in the United States Army Aircorp. He worked as a Federal Meat Inspector for the USDA retiring after 33 years of service. Glenn was very active in the Union serving as president of the Meat and Poultry Inspection Local Union #638, and as vice president of the Southwest Council of Meat Inspection locals. He was a former member and past Deacon with King Hill Baptist, now a member of 1st Baptist of St. Joseph. Glenn was preceded in death by wife, Betty Adkins, his parents, and daughter, Gail Adkins. Survivors include, daughters, Glenda Butner, Overland Park, KS, and Barb (Greg) Spalding, Kansas City, MO, three grandsons, Corey (Tabitha) Blevins, Country Club, MO, Damien (Amanda) Blevins, Agency, MO, and Mark (Cassi) Butner, Overland Park, KS, granddaughter, Kimberly Guenther, St. Joseph, MO, step grandchildren, Kara, Kelsie, Korrin, and Kendra, 13 great grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 10 – 11 am Thursday, at the Rupp Funeral Home, Funeral services: 11:00 am, on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Sister Barb Conroy officiating. The Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Mosaic Hospice.

Marilyn Lucille Bonnett
1954-2018

Marilyn Lucille Bonnett 63, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday January 6, 2018 at her home in St. Joseph. She was born May 5, 1954 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of the late Edna Everett Fattig. She attended Benton High School and was a Homemaker. She enjoyed sewing, crafts, cooking, bingo, singing, and loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of the Evangelistic Temple. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Bonnett, her parents, three brothers, Delbert, Larry and Jimmy Fattig, two sisters, Dorothy Conard, and Carol Sue Nichols. She is survived by daughters, Becky Bonnett, and Lora (Rick) Maddox, sons, David (Rebecca) Bonnet, and Bill (Tricia) Bonnett, sister, Joyce (Bob) Oehring, all of St. Joseph, 12 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the King Hill Christian Church. She will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Marilyn Bonnett memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Robert H. Pitts Jr.
1947-2018

Robert H. Pitts, Jr., 70, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2018, at Mosaic Life Care.
He was born March 14, 1947, in St. Joseph, to the late Catherine R. (Zuptich) and Robert H. Pitts, Sr. Bob graduated from St. James Parochial School in 1961 and Christian Brothers High School in 1965. He served his country in the Missouri Air National Guard from 1966 to 1972 at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base. He was employed by Southwestern Bell and AT&T for 30 years and retired in 2001. Bob loved playing the guitar and singing. He was a regular performer at Magoon’s Famous Delicatessen. He was the Pitts family “Trivia King” and a regular winner of trivia competitions in St. Joseph. His trivia team, The Hood Rats, was five time league champion. He was an avid reader and an aficionado of the Pitts and Zuptich family ancestry. He loved his nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews and they dearly loved their Uncle Bob. Family meant everything to Bob and he lived a full and meaningful life. Surviving family include his siblings Dianna Koelliker (Terry), Judith Meyer (Steven), and John Pitts (Eileen) of St. Joseph, and Phillip Pitts (Patti) of Jefferson City, MO. He is also survived by his nephews and nieces: David, Sarah, and Paul (Abby) Worley, and Kay (Bryson) Turner, Phillip (Lindsey) and Andrew Pitts, Katie (John) Fandrey, Jesse (Lori) and James (Holly) Pitts, Megan and Jeffrey Meyer, and Maureen (John) Ueligger. Bob’s surviving grand nephews and nieces are: Dominick and Delaney Worley, Kennadi, Ali, Lydia, and Simon Turner, Kayla, Avery, Reese, Olivia, Aubrie, Harper, Poppy, Hadley and Mackie Pitts. In addition, Bob is survived by his Uncle Edgar Arnn of Indianapolis, IN, and his Aunt Mary Alice Pitts of Pea Ridge, AR, and many dear cousins. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Patrick, who often declared that Bob was his “fevret” brother. The family will receive friends from 10-11 am with a memorial service at 11, at Rupp Funeral Home, Saturday, January 13, followed by a dinner for all of Bob’s friends and family at noon at St. James Catholic Parish Hall. On Friday, January 12, there will be a gathering of Bob’s family and friends at St. James Catholic Parish Hall at 5pm. A burial service at Buttram Chapel Cemetery in Pea Ridge, AR, will be held later this spring. If family and friends would like to make a contribution in memory of Bob, his brothers and sisters suggest Missouri Special Olympics and St James Parochial School. Bob had a special place in his heart for all special Olympians and all children.

Stella Marie Goin
1920-2018

Wathena, Kansas – Stella Marie (Schultz) Goin, 97, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Monday, January 8, 2018 at the Wathena Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Stella was born on February 3, 1920 in Wathena, Kansas to Otto Herman & Leatha (Dinning) Schultz.

She worked at Big Smith Jean Factory before she was united in marriage to Melvin M. Goin. He preceded her in death in 1973. Stella was a member of the Zion United Evangelical Church, Wathena. She was past President in the Women’s Guild, member of the Happy Valley Homemakers, Larkettes Club, leader of cooking in the Cloverleaf 4-H Club. She was active in campaigning for the American Heart Association.

She was a wonderful mother who farmed along with Melvin and her son Gerald, after Melvin’s passing she drove trucks, tractors etc. She was honored for her excellent cooking pies, doughnuts, noodles and everything in between. She helped Carol in Daycare for 20 years and took care of her sister, Anna. Everyone loved Grandma Stella.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, son, Dennis William Goin, son-in-law, John Richard “Dick” Hartman, grandson, Richard Garrett Hartman, sisters, Lydia Pohl (Oscar) & Anna Schultz & brothers, Otto Richard Sr. (Ida) & William “Bill” (JoAnn) Schultz.

Survivors, her children, Melvin Goin (Cathy) of Lawrence, Kansas;

Carol Hartman of Wathena, Kansas;

Gerald Goin of Wathena, Kansas;

7 grandchildren & 10 great-grandchildren;

Daughter-in-law, Virginia Goin of Lee’s Summit, Missouri;

Many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.

Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, January 10, 2018
At the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.
Visitation: 6-8 Tuesday evening at the funeral home, where friends may call after 12 noon Tuesday.
Burial: Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Joseph, Missouri.

Memorials: Wathena EMS or the Zion United Evangelical Church.

Anthony David “Tony” Haverkamp
1982-2018

Anthony David “Tony” Haverkamp, 35, of Atchison, KS died on Saturday, Jan. 6th, 2018 at the Mosaic Life Center, St. Joseph, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday, Jan. 12th, 2018 with visitation to follow until 8:30 pm at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with Fr. Jeremy Heppler, OSB officiating. The body will be cremated following the visitation and funeral ceremony with burial at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association 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.

Tony was born on Jan 18, 1982 in Atchison, KS the son of Eldon L. and Deborah K. “Debby “ (Reynolds) Haverkamp. Tony worked as a cook at the Metropolitan Steakhouse, Leavenworth before his debilitating asthma forced him to stop working. He enjoyed working on cars, fishing, watching NASCAR, the KC Chiefs and KU Basketball.

Survivors include his father, Eldon L. Haverkamp, of the home, a brother, Jason Haverkamp, Atchison, KS, a half brother, Waylon Barnett, Marshfield, MO, his paternal grandmother, Frances Haverkamp, Atchison, maternal step –grandmother, Carol Hazlett, Atchison, uncle, Francis (Roseanne) Haverkamp, and two aunts, Judy Hundley, and Jeri Ann Ostertag, both of Atchison, KS. His mother preceded him in death.

Ruth Margaret Durkin
1925-2018

Ruth M. Durkin, 92, of Atchison, KS, passed away Monday, January 08, 2018 at Atchison Senior Village.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, with Fr. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Pat’s Cemetery. Family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Atchison Senior Village and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Ruth was born February 6, 1925, in Atchison, KS, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Lucius) Cline. She was a homemaker. Ruth was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She enjoyed reading, watch sports, especially KU basketball.

Ruth married Leo Durkin on March 7, 1942 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on August 26, 1985. Survivors include six sons; William (Kathy) Durkin, Phoenix, AZ, Russell Durkin, Atchison, KS, Richard (Jeanne) Durkin, Atchison, KS, Edward (Marsha) Durkin, Bartletsville, OK, Patrick (Michelle) Durkin, Atchison, KS, Daniel (Jenny) Durkin, Atchison, KS and a daughter, Mary (Harold) Vandeloo, Atchison, KS, a sister Susan Durkin, Eudora, KS, ten grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Leonard, Orville, Clarence, Donald Russell Cline and a sister Mary McClure.

Sue Ellen Thompson
1940-2018

Sue Ellen Thompson, 77, Atchison, passed away, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, KS.

Sue was born on Sept. 6, 1940 in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of Carl and Lucille (Harrison) Sherrick. Sue earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) and had been a caseworker for Health Services for Migrant Workers in Kansas City, Kansas. Sue enjoyed reading; watching movies with her husband, George; knitting; and gardening.

Sue and George Franklin Thompson III were married at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atchison on April 1, 2001.

Sue is survived by her husband, George; one daughter, Alexandra S. Manley, Overland Park, KS; and one, granddaughter, Mia Rose Handy.

Cremation is planned and no services will be held. The Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, is in charge of Mrs. Thompson’s arrangements.

Betty Jean Johnson
1935-2018

Betty Jean (Fitzgerald) Johnson, 82, of Nortonville, KS, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, January 8, 2018.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 13, 2018 at the Nortonville Christian Church with Rev. Bob Carter and Mark Armstrong, officiating. Family will receive friends from noon until service time at the church. Mrs. Johnson will be cremated following the service and burial will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to Alzheimer’s Foundation, Jefferson County Hospice and Old Town of Oskaloosa and may be sent in care of the O’Trimble Funeral Home, PO Box 267, Nortonville, KS 66060. Words of comfort and remembrance may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Betty Jean was born on April 22, 1935 in Farmington, Kansas to John and Mae Eva (Freeborn) Fitzgerald. Mae died in 1940 due to complications with pneumonia. John married Bessie V. Ward and together they raised Betty, her two brothers, John Fitzgerald, Jr. and Charles Fitzgerald and her step-brother. Betty graduated from Effingham High School (ACCHS) in 1953. She attended Manhattan Christian College in Manhattan, KS. She wed Clifton Johnson on August 1, 1954 at Farmington Christian Church.

Betty worked for Atchison Daily Globe; the Naval Base in San Diego, CA; the Army Base in Fort Leavenworth, KS and Jefferson County North School District as a bus driver. Betty had many talents and hobbies including: ceramics, quilting, sewing, upholstery, painting and gardening.

Betty and Cliff raised eight children: Cheryl Sanders (Nortonville), Cindy Edwards (Nortonville), Patty & Roger Mosby (Horton), Brenda Foster (Nortonville), Bob Johnson (Nortonville), Mickey & Sheila Johnson (Nortonville), Liz and Edward Rostetter (Circleville), and Kathy Johnson (White Bear Lake, MN).

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Brenda, two granddaughters, one grandson, and one great-grandson. She is survived by her husband, Clifton Johnson, seven children, 31 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren (soon to be 5).

Oliver “Merle” Shell
1921-2018

Oliver “Merle” Shell, 96, of Atchison, KS died on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018 at his home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, Jan. 12th, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral home with Fr. Jon Hullinger, Rector at Trinity Episcopal Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Atchison. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 pm on Thursday, Jan. 11th, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Quilt of Valor, and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Merle was born on May 10, 1921 in Effingham, KS the son of Clyde and Daisey (Hitchner) Shell. He graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1939. He served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946. Merle was wounded in Germany during World War II and was awarded a Purple Heart. He returned home and worked for the former JG Decorating, Atchison, Kaufman Flooring, Atchison, then Ford Motor Company, and then worked 25 years as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service, Atchison. Merle was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church, the VFW Post # 1175 and the American Legion Post # 6, and served as President and Secretary for many years for the I.O.O F. Lodge. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, camping, dancing and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

He was married to Noami Jeanne Parrett on July 9, 1944 in Atchison County. She preceded him in death on Dec. 24, 1981. Survivors include a son, David “Spider” (Kris) Shell, Atchison, KS, three daughters, Jeannie Delfelder, Atchison, KS, Kathleen “Ann” (Jim) Moore, Havensville, KS and Carole Shell, Atchison, KS, a sister, Dorothy “Dot” Underwood, Atchison, KS, two sister-in-laws, Jo Marie Shell, Holton, KS and Helen Lund, Atchison, KS, seven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren. His parents, wife, two brothers, Chester and Rawlin Shell, and one sister, Laura Leonard, preceded him in death.

Christopher Rush
2018-2018

Owen Christopher Rush, stillborn, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, January 5, 2018 at St. Luke’s North Hospital, Kansas City, MO.

Memorial service will be 4:00 PM, Friday, January 12, 2018 at Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, KS, with Rev. Robert Ziegler, officiating.

Owen is survived by his parents Christopher and Jessica Rush, two sisters, Alexis and Lorelai all of the home, paternal grandfather, Donald Rush, paternal grandmother Gail Atkins, St. Joseph, MO, maternal grandparents, Candace and Robert Whitman, Shawnee, KS, Jo Stafford, Sedalia, MO, paternal great grandmother Mary Atkins, Viburnum, MO, maternal great grandmother Edith Stafford, Sedalia, MO and numerous aunts and cousins.

Janice Lee Capper
1939-2018

Janice Capper, 78, long-time resident of Agency, Mo left this life to begin her next, exciting adventure, Monday, January 8, 2018. Janice enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and collecting roosters. She was the owner of Fable Acres Exotics. She was preceded in death by her husband Dellon (Bud) Capper and sons Michael Nielsen, David Curl and Rodney Curl. She is survived by her daughter Dawn Baker and her husband JD; sons Jimmie Curl and wife Michelle and Rick Teague and wife Kim. Grandchildren Jon Baker and wife Brandy, Darice Baker, Lindsay Curl, Dominic, Damion and Destiny Curl, Khristina Strandquist and Ricky Teague. Great Grandchildren Jakob Baker, Dacota and Montanna Wilfong, daughter-in-law, Jessica Curl and her son, Carson. Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away. Janice will be cremated under the care of the Rupp Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Ferrell Lee Meyer
1954-2018

Ferrell Lee Meyer 63, of Faucett, Missouri passed away Monday January 8, 2018 at his home. He was born February 26, 1954 in St. Joseph, Missouri son of Joy & Robert Meyer. He graduated from Faucett high school. He was a farm hand. Ferrell was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Jennifer Piatt. He is survived by uncle, Cowan (Angela) Brownell of Faucett, MO,and his employer, Larry McQueen of Faucett, MO. A Graveside Memorial service will be held at a later date at Halleck Cemetery, Taos, MO. He will be cremated under the care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Dr. Warren De Guia Callantra
1945-2018

Dr. Warren De Guia Callanta 72, of St. Joseph, died Sunday January 7, 2018. Born May 3, 1945 in the Phillipines, son of Preciosa & Prisciliano Callanta. Preceded in death by: parents: Preciosa and Prisciliano Callanta. Survivors: wife Antoinette Callanta, sons, Warren and Giovanni Callanta, daughter, Anjanette Macatangay. 9 grandchildren, a sister, and 2 brothers. Memorial service: later date in Illinois. Cremation under the direction and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Robbie “Scott” Burton
1970-2018

Robbie “Scott” Burton 47, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, January 8, 2018 in a Saint Joseph, health care center. He was born January 20, 1970 in St. Joseph, MO, son of Alice Carol Marie and Chuck Larabee. He graduated from Helen Davis School, and he loved country music, horses, Pepsi, McDonalds, going to Camp Rainbow, and the library. Scott was preceded in death by his parents, and grandparents who raised him David and Sylvia Burton. Survivors include, aunt, Debbie Moran, Platte City, MO, three nephews, Zach, David, and Michael Moran, his Specialized Support services family, and caregiver, Raydean Quimby.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 pm, on Friday, January 12, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Pastor Leanna VanZandt-Nauman officiating, The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Specialized Support Services for Scott’s group home.

Ruth Pittman
1925-2018

Ruth L. Pittman, 92, of Hiawatha, went to be with her Lord and Savior, January 8, 2018, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha.

She was born August 24, 1925, at Robinson, one of two daughters born to Thomas and Grace Courton Martin and lifelong resident of Brown County. The family moved to Hiawatha when Ruth was years 5 old to make their home. She grew up here, attended Hiawatha schools, later graduating with the class of 1943. She worked as a telephone operator a few years before she married.

Ruth was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Hiawatha; and the United Methodist Women of the Church.

She married Howard Pittman, April 23, 1949, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Hiawatha. They made Hiawatha their home all of their married life where she was a homemaker, and devoted to raising her family. He died October 21, 2000.

Survivors include two sons Thomas Pittman of Spring, Texas, Roger Pittman of Denton, Kansas; a daughter Dorothy Fushia of Leavenworth, KS; a sister Leta Rohlmeier of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania; 6 grandchildren: Eric, Abby, Mandy, and Carla; 9 great-grandchildren; with several nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; and husband Howard.

Memorial Services are planned for 2 pm Friday at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home.

Inurnment will follow at Hiawatha Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 Friday.

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

Joetta Martinson Wagoner
1964-2018

Joetta Martinson Wagoner, 53, of Fairview, died Monday, January 8, 2018 at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.

Joetta was born in Hiawatha, May 23, 1964, one of four children to the late Willard “Bill” and Eleanor Mae Camblin Martinson and had lived in the Hiawatha/Fairview area all of her life. She grew up on a farm west of Hiawatha, attended Hiawatha schools where she later graduated from Hiawatha High School. Joetta assisted in the care for her elderly father until his death. She also was a caregiver for several other families in the area for the elderly. She in recent years bought a home in Fairview where she worked as a cashier for All Star Truck Stop in Sabetha.

Joetta, when she was growing up, attended Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Fairview; was an active member of Abate District #11, of Hiawatha. She enjoyed the outdoors, Harley Davidson, and the old barns on the family farm.

She married Alvin Wagoner. To this union a son Arthur was born. Alvin died in 2013.

Survivors include her son Arthur Wagoner of Fairview; two brothers: Martin Martinson of Wetmore, Kevin Martinson of Hiawatha; nephew Joshua Martinson; nieces: Heather, Tiffany, Brianna, Carissa; and a host of great-nieces, nephews, and friends.

Joetta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Alvin; and a brother Billy ‘Beefy” Martinson in 2012.

Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, January13, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha. Burial will follow at Hiawatha Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Friday, where the family will meet from 6 until 8 that evening.

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

Mary K. Holden
1924-2018

Mary K. Holden passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at The Pines in Hiawatha.

She was born October 23, 1924 in Stanberry, Missouri, one of 8 children to Elery Joe and Thelma Leona Broderick Phillips. Mary K attended school and graduated from Hiawatha High School. She also attended Highland College for 2 years.

Mary K. taught school at Linden Hill during the war in 1945-46. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Hiawatha. She did a lot of volunteer work for the church.

She worked 30 years for the Hiawatha Community Hospital as a nurse aide. Her favorite part was working in the OB department with all the little babies.

Mary K. married William E. “Bill” Holden in Sabetha, Kansas, February 4, 1946. They have made Hiawatha their home most of their married life. Bill passed away April 16, 2015.

Surviving are their two daughters and son: Mary Ellen (Dan) Bryan of Chillicothe, MO, Sandra (Wayne) Feuerbacher of Oskaloosa, KS and William J. (Cathy) of Weir, Kansas; two sisters: Betty Kellenberger of Horton, KS and Ethel Gilbert of Topeka, Kansas; 11 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, four brothers, two sisters, grandson, Darin Bryan and a great-granddaughter, Kendall Goff.

Friends may call after noon on Friday. Visitation will be at 1:30 with the funeral at 2:30 pm on Saturday January 13, 2018 at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Hiawatha Community Hospital Foundation for the OB Department and may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S. 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Betty Sallee
1935-2018

TROY, KS Betty (Lowery) Sallee, 82, of Troy, Kansas died Monday, January 8, 2018 at her home.

Betty was born on June 24, 1935 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Claude and Nellie (Brown) Lowery. She grew up in Oklahoma and moved to Troy in 1973. Betty was a loving mother and wife. She worked outside the home at Webster’s Jewelry Store, Garnett, Kansas, Groh Orchard, Wathena, Kansas, Joe Optican’s Jewelry as a diamontologist, Adams Jewelry, Creviston’s & Sons Jewelry and Dillard’s Department Store all of St. Joseph, Missouri.

Betty became a Christian as a child. At her death she was a member of the Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri, Happy Homemakers of Doniphan County, Kansas and the Gideon’s Auxiliary.

Betty married Kenneth H. Sallee on Sept. 3, 1955 (62 years) in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He survives of the home. She was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters, Sandra and Cindy, son, Kenneth “Scott” Sallee, granddaughter, Amy Christine Sallee, 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

Additional survivors include her daughters, Robin Smith (John) of Drumright, Oklahoma;

Shelley Anderson of Wathena, Kansas;

3 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren as well as many other friends and family.

Funeral: 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 13, 2018
At: Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas.
Visitation: 6-8 Friday evening at the funeral home, where friends may call after 9 A.M. Friday.
Burial: Monday, January 15, 2018 at the Highland Cemetery in Pawnee, Oklahoma.

Memorials: Gideon’s, Wathena & Troy Fire Departments or EMS.

Brenda Lee Keller
1963-2018

Troy, Kansas – Brenda (Liechti) Lee Keller, 54, of Troy, Kansas passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at her home.

Brenda was born on August 31, 1963 at Ft. Riley, Kansas to Charles and Kathryn (Despain) Liechti.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Survivors: her life long partner, Ronald Keller

3 children, Joseph Keller (Tasha), Rebecca Keller (John Robinson) and Nathaniel Keller (Aimee) all of Troy.

Mother, Kathryn Liechti of Elwood, Kansas;

Sister, Ruth Cluck of Highland, Kansas;

Brothers, Charles Liechti, Jr. of Elwood, Kansas;

Mike Liechti of Troy;

Jerry Liechti of Elwood;

9 grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral Service: Saturday, January 13, 2018 – 2:00 P.M.

Visitation: Friday evening 6-8 pm at the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Troy where friends may call after 12 NOON Friday.

Burial: Courter Cemetery, Troy, Kansas.

Franklin C. Kinsey
1926-2018

Troy, Kansas – Franklin C. Kinsey, 92, of rural Troy, formerly of Manhattan, Kansas passed away January 6, 2018 surrounded by family.

He was born January 6, 1926 to Hugh Daniel and Adah Dunn Kinsey.

He attended rural school Climax No.9 south of Troy; and graduated from Troy High School in 1943.

He attended Kemper Military School 1 year before serving 2 years in the U.S. Navy, WWII. He also attended Iowa State University for 1 year before graduating from Kansas State University in 1949 with a B.S. degree in Engineering.

After graduation, he went to work for the USDA Soil Conservation Service as an Area Engineer. He retired from the area office in Manhattan, KS in 1986.

Franklin married Barbara Jean Daub of Highland, Kansas May 31, 1951. She preceded him in death on November 13, 2004. He was also preceded in death by his parents & a daughter-in-law, Janice Sue Kinsey.

He was a member of the Troy American Legion Post No.55, Troy Masonic Lodge #55, Troy Chapter No 16, Atchison Commandery No 2, Salina ISIS Shrine, and ISIS Shrine Legion of Honor.

Survivors include: son, Hugh C. Kinsey granddaughters, Nicole Grable (Jeremy), Kristin Franken (Corey), Andrea Kinsey; great-grandchildren, Cayley and Alyson Grable, Braxton and Kamryn Franken & a sister, Barbara Adan Hunter, (Bill).

Graveside Service: 11 A.M. Wednesday, January 10, 2018

At the Mount Olive Cemetery, Troy, Kansas

Visitation: Tuesday evening 6:30-7:30 pm at the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas where friends may call after 12 NOON Tuesday.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Janice Kinsey Memorial Scholarship Fund

Mary “Moo” Ellen Gilland-Prater
1932-2018

Mary Ellen (Moo) Gilland-Prater 85, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday January 4, 2018 at Mosaic Hospital with her family at her side. She was born on September 19, 1932 to the late Dewey L. and Edna Mae (Dickerson) Gilland in DeKalb, Mo. and lived there until the age of 6 when the family moved to Allendale, Mo. She attended school in Allendale & Grant City, Mo, the two places she always considered home, along with her current residence which she has lived for 66 years. Mary Ellen married J.D. Prater in 1951, and after 41 ½ years, divorced but remained very close until his passing in 1992. Mary Ellen worked at the hot dot counter at Kresge’s, Snow White Restaurant, and retired from Perkins Restaurant after 17 years in 1995. She was the first recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Most Friendly Award. Mary Ellen loved her family, and was the best Mom & Grandmother called Moo. She was always there to help the kids when needed. She loved outdoors, plants, and watching the fish in her Koi Pond. She also did ceramics and working puzzles. She had a infectious laugh, but could be a little ornery, stubborn, and very opinionated. Mary Ellen and her daughter, Mary Dale Colwell, were very close, and you seldom saw one without the other, and often could hear them laughing before you saw them. Her grandson, Jeff, and great grandson, Jordan, whom she helped raise, were her greatest joy, and she cherished them with all her heart. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, brother, George Dewey Gilland, sisters, Pat Hall, and Naomi Williams. She is survived by daughter, Mary Dale (Joe) Colwell, grandson, Jeff (Rachael) Hamilton, great grandson, Jordan (Ashley) Hamilton, and a great granddaughter, Maddy, due in January, 2018, brother, Jon Quentin Gilland, Albuquerque, New Mexico, cousin, Barb Mae Smith, St. Joseph, cousin, Johnny (Kandra) Dickerson of Des Moines, IA, along with a host of nieces and nephews. The Family will receive friends from 1-2 pm Tuesday with funeral services: at 2:00 pm Tuesday, Rupp Chapel. The interment will be at the Agency Cemetery, Agency, MO.

Terry Lee O’Dell
1956-2018

Terry Lee O’Dell 61, of Saint Joseph, Missouri died Thursday, January 4, 2018. Born September 18, 1956 in Mt.Vernon, Washington. He enjoyed Bingo and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Norma O’Dell. Survivors include; wife, Leona O’Dell, sons, Terry Lee Jr., Jerry O’Dell (Randy Babbs,) John (Amanda) and Norman O’Dell all of St. Joseph, MO, grandchildren: Dakota Hensley, Breanna O’Dell, Faith O’Dell, and brother, J.R. O’Dell. Celebration of Life 9-11 am Tuesday, Rupp Chapel. Memorials are requested to the Terry O’Dell Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Herbie Ray McClasky
1957-2018

Herbie Ray McClasky 60, Kansas City, Missouri died Tuesday, January 2, 2018 in Kansas City. Born October 28, 1957, Belton. Preceded in death by parents: Manuel & Dorothy McClasky. Survivors include wife, Wilma McClasky, Kansas City, MO, daughters, Tammy Ellis, Kelly Cannon, Nichole McClasky, and sister, Sue Jeffers. Cremation under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. There are no scheduled visitation or memorial services at this time. Memorials are requested to the Herb McClasky memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Lydia M. Larimore
1924-2018

ONAGA – Lydia M. Larimore, 93, of Onaga, died Friday, January 5, 2018 at the Eastridge Nursing Facility in Centralia.

She was born October 11, 1924 at Havensville , the daughter of Leonard and Alice Hammerly Bonjour. She graduated from Onaga High School in 1942.

Lydia was a member of the First Congregational Church, UCC in Onaga. She had worked at Slimaker Dress Factory in Onaga, which later was S&S Sports Wear and then Pyramid Manufacturing.

She married Russell F. Larimore on March 11, 1945 at Harrington, Delaware. He died March 23, 2008.

Lydia was also preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include a son, Steve L. Larimore and wife Linda, Salem, MO; two brothers, Lawrence Bonjour and Merle Bonjour, both of Onaga; three grandchildren, Christina Stark, Jesse Larimore and Josey Larimore, six great grandchildren, Katelyn Diaz, Harper Larimore, Hadley Larimore, Madison Larimore, Aubrey Larimore and Jase Larimore, and two great-great grandchildren, Sophia Diaz and Elaina Diaz.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 9th at the First Congregational Church. Burial will follow in the Neuchatel Cemetery north of Onaga. Lydia will lie in state Monday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga where family and friends will meet from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Neuchatel Cemetery, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 312, Onaga, 66521.

Rodney R. Bruns
1959-2018

Elwood, Kansas Rodney R. Bruns, 58, of Elwood, Kansas passed away Thursday, January 4, 2018 at his home.

Rodney was born on July 13, 1959 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Clyde L. & Delores (Culver) Bruns.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Julie Mitchell & a brother, Tom Simpson.

Survivors: Jeremy Bruns (Aubrey Ellsworth), Elwood, Kansas

3 grandchildren

Nephews, Derek & Landes Mitchell

Great-nieces & nephews

There are no scheduled services.

Memorials: Rodney Bruns Memorial Fund c/o of Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.

Donna Sue Shepherd
1939-2017

It is with much love and sadness we announce Donna Sue Shepherd, our beloved mother, grandmother and sister went home to be with the Lord at the age of 78 on December 30, 2017. She was born in Mulberry to the late Harlan and Lillian Mae Gaines on May 23, 1939. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Billy Olen Shepherd, and two grandsons, Kregg Allen Moran, and Luke Harlan Shepherd.

After attending Mulberry High School, Donna and her husband moved to Kansas where they raised their three children. Throughout her life, she showed many skills by owning and operating several businesses, and through flipping homes. Since returning to Mulberry in 2009, Donna was very active with many improvement projects and acts of service to her community. She had a compassionate and fun loving heart, always looking out for others, and most recently, she served as a member of the Mulberry City Council. Her leadership and desire to make Mulberry a better place inspired many. Donna attended Vine Prairie Baptist Church.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Todd Shepherd and wife Charlene of Cheney, KS, Kim Tharp and husband Charles of Springfield, MO, and Laura Golden and husband Jarod of Mayetta, KS; grandchildren, Jacki and Joseph Bergman, Kami and Brian Bohnstedt, Sage and Brieann Shepherd, Kourtney and Josh Pickel, Morgan and Brian Dewey, Karter Moran, and Preston Golden; and a great-grandchild, Mason Bohnstedt; and four sisters, Wilma Peevy, Wanda Bruce, Harlene Jackson, and Diana Morse, all of Mulberry.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 6, 2018 at the Vine Prairie Baptist Church in Mulberry, officiated by Brother Tom Smith with burial to follow at New Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Pallbearers will be Joseph Bergman, Brian Bohnstedt, Josh Pickel, Sage Shepherd, Brian Dewey, Karter Moran, and Preston Golden.

In honor of Donna’s community service and commitment to Mulberry, please consider memorials to the Mulberry Public Library at 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, AR 72947.

To place an online tribute, go to www.edwardsvan-alma.com.

Paul Weishaar
1934-2018

Edwin Paul Weishaar, 83, of Nortonville, KS died on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018 at the Stormont-Vail Hospital, Topeka, KS.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, Jan. 8th, 2018 at St. Joseph Church, Nortonville, KS with Fr. Tom Aduri as Celebrant. Burial will follow in the Hart Cemetery. A parish and Knights of Columbus rosary will be recited at 6:30 pm on Sunday, Jan. 7th, 2018 at the St. Joseph Church with visitation to follow until 8:30 pm. The O’Trimble Chapel, Nortonville is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hart Cemetery and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Edwin was born on Nov. 28, 1934 in Nortonville, KS the son of Henry and Regina (Orscheln) Weishaar. He attended St. Joseph Catholic Grade School and graduated from Nortonville High School in 1952. Mr. Weishaar farmed and worked as a molder for the former Rockwell International for over 41 years. He was a member of St. Joseph Church, Nortonville, the Knights of Columbus, the Eagles Lodge, Lawrence, and enjoyed coon hunting, fishing, farming, gardening and helped with the canning He especially enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was married to Nancy Stillman on June 15, 1956 in Bethel, KS. Mrs. Weishaar survives of the home. Additional survivors include three sons; Jack Weishaar, Atchison, KS, Tim (Sarah) Weishaar, and Toby (Linda) Weishaar, both of Meriden, KS., five sisters, Genevieve Drimmel, Atchison, Lavern (Edwin) Davis, Nortonville, Betty Jean (Jim) Franks, Topeka, KS, Judy (John) Wagner, Topeka, and Mary Ann (Warren) Hall, Topeka, seven grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. His parents, two brothers, Elvin and Vernon Weishaar, one sister, Eileen Weishaar, and one grandson, Matt Weishaar, preceded him in death.

Mary Winifred “Wini” McClellen
1927-2018

Mary Winifred ‘Wini’ McClellen, 90, of Manhattan, KS, formerly of Atchison, KS, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Via-Christi Village in Manhattan.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison, with Rev. Robert Ziegler, officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Atchison. Family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are suggested to the Arthritis Foundation or Trinity Lutheran Church Music program. Words of sympathy and remembrance may be left online at beckerdyer.com. The Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, is entrusted with her arrangements.

Mary Winifred Palmer was born on February 18, 1927 in St. Joseph, MO, the daughter of Edmund and Amanda (Bramhall) Palmer. Wini graduated from Atchison High School in 1945; she attended Pittsburg State University and received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Music from Baker University, Baldwin, KS; Wini received her Masters Degree in Music from Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. Wini taught in the music department at Atchison County Community High School, Effingham, for thirty-three years and gave private lessons to numerous organ and piano students.

Wini held several professional memberships with many local and national music organizations including: ACTA (Atchison County Teachers Association); KNEA (Kansas National Education Association); NEA (National Educators Association); MENC (Music Educators National Conference) and KMEA (Kansas Music Educators Association); American Guild & Organists; ADK; SAI; MTNA (Music Teachers National Association); and American Hand Bell Ringer Director. Wini had also been a flute instructor for the Mount Conservatory of Music, Atchison; had served on the Liturgy Committee of Christ Episcopal Church, St. Joseph, MO; and served as the instrumental director at Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison, where she directed four hand bell choirs, and played the organ for Sunday services for many years. Wini had also been a cellist for the St. Joseph Symphony and with the Benedictine Orchestra.

Wini and Arthur Easterday were married on October 13, 1946; they divorced in 1978. Wini then married James McClellen on September 23, 1978; James preceded Wini in death on August 16, 1998. Wini is also preceded by her parents; stepson, Michael McClellen; brother, Lewis Palmer; and a sister-in-law, Bettye Palmer.

Survivors include a son, Steve Easterday, Manhattan; daughter, Lynn (Easterday) Graham, Sykesville, MD; stepson, Ross McClellen; stepdaughter, Pamela Dorton; stepdaughter-in-law, Kathleen McClellen; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren; nephews, Rick, Mick, Curt, and Greg Palmer.

Robert Daniel “Bob” Corning
1941-2018

Robert Daniel “Bob” Corning, 76, of Effingham, KS passed away Thursday, January 04, 2018, surrounded by his family.

Memorial service will be 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 11, 2018, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, with Rev. Stephen Lucas officiating. Burial at Mt. Vernon Cemetery will be at a later date. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to American Heart Association and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Words of comfort to the family may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Bob was born December 5, 1941 in Atchison, KS the son of Lester and Marie (Sutlief) Corning. He worked for Rockwell as a Maintenance Mechanic, moving to San Diego he worked for the school district maintenance department and when he moved back to Atchison he worked for the City on the Mall maintenance. Bob enjoyed racing stock cars, bowling, shooting darts, hunting, fishing and his dogs.

Bob married Kathleen Ann Brower on October 22, 1992, she survives of the home. He is also survived by his children, Kim and David Blasi, Atchison, KS, Steven and Tammy Corning, Atchison, KS, Kate and Rick Jones, Atchison, KS, a step-children, Edward Besosa, Fort Bragg, CA, and Cindy and Timothy Herrod, Savannah, MO, a brother, Lester Gene Corning, Cusseta, GA, a sister, Darla Grove, San Diego, CA, seventeen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a granddaughter and a great grandson.

Russell “Eddie” E. Forbes
1928-2018

WATHENA,KS Russell (Eddie) Forbes, 89, of Wathena, Kansas died Wednesday, January 3, 2018.

Eddie was born on November 8, 1928 in Wathena, Kansas to Russell D. & Edith (Wilson) Forbes. Eddie attended school in Elwood, Kansas graduating in 1947. He later entered the U.S. Army and served in Korea where he received a Purple Heart being wounded in combat. After returning home Eddie farmed with his dad and began to raise watermelon. They would sell them along the highway in front of the house for many years. Eddie retired from farming in 1991.

He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church, American Legion Post#161 and V.F.W. Post #5531 all of Wathena.

Eddie married Marion Fountain on December 20, 1958 in Elwood, Kansas. She preceded him in death on December 26, 2005. He was also preceded by his parents and a sister, Virginia Sheridan.

Survivors include; 2 sisters; Dixie Paden (Bill) of Wathena;

June Handley of St. Joseph, Missouri;

Brother, Phillip Forbes (Kay) of Dallas, Texas;

10 nieces and nephews.

Funeral: Saturday, January 6, 2018 – 10:30 A.M.
At: First Baptist Church in Wathena
Burial: Bellemont Cemetery in Wathena where there will be Full-Military Honors under the auspices of the Wathena American Legion Post#161
Visitation: family will receive friends Friday 6-8 pm at the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena where friends may call after 12 NOON Friday.
Memorials: either the First Baptist Church or the American Legion Post #161

Vernon J. “Joe or Gus” Gibbons
1941-2018

Vernon J. “Joe or Gus” Gibbons, 77, of Robinson, went to be with his Savior, Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at his home.

He was born November 22, 1941, near Robinson, the only child born to Clarence and Fern Glenn Gibbons. Gus grew up at Robinson where he attended school there, graduating with the class of 1960. He started his working career with the battery plant in Leavenworth until he was laid off. He began work at the Leavenworth A&P Store, he was promoted to assisted manager working at the Holton A&P. To satisfy a friend, he applied and was hired with the Michigan/Wisconsin Pipeline. They had a natural gas compressor station at Havensville where he worked until 1970, moving to Louisiana. In 1974, he then moved to Three Oaks, Michigan. He was transferred to Lamoni, IA in 1983 where he retired in 2000. The company changed names through the years and when he retired as superintendant after 33 years of service, it was known as El Paso Natural Gas.

Joe or Gus, as he was known to family and friends, was a dedicated family man, and most importantly, dedicated to his God. He was a member of the Nortonville Christian Church; Trinity Christian Church at Decatur, Iowa; was a member and elder of The Christian Center in Hiawatha. He was a volunteer fireman at Three Oaks, Michigan while living there. He enjoyed his hobby of woodworking, making keepsakes for each of the grandchildren. To say that he was a Star Trek buff, would be an understatement! He and his wife Janice, walked the Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson, to assist them for mapping graves there. Joe was a very dedicated “Find A Grave” member on the internet, and helped many folks find forgotten family members graves.

He married Janice DuBois, June 18, 1961, in Nortonville, KS. In 2001, after remodeling his parent’s home, they retired to Robinson. She survives of the home.

Also surviving are his daughters: Debra Allen (Jerry) of Robinson, Danita Bourland of Hiawatha, and Deanna Beckmann (Kevin), also of Robinson; 7 grandchildren: John, Holly, Kami, Kristen, Eric, Martina & Tyler; and 7 great-grandchildren: Jaysen, Cayla, Zoey, Landon, Lane, Marc, and Aaron.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; and a son Jeffery Gibbons in 2006.

A Celebration of Gus’s life is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, January 6, at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Pastor Tony French officiating. Interment will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 12 noon Friday, where the family will meet from 7 until 8:30 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rose Hill Cemetery, sent in care of funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Mary Nelle Adkins
1937-2018

Mary Nelle Adkins 80, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at the Fairfax, Community Hospital. She was born April 11, 1937 in Holt County, MO, daughter of the late Ruth and Lee Shull. She graduated from Graham High School and the Missouri Methodist Nursing School. She worked at at the St. Joseph Hospital, and for Dr. Maginn’s office as a nurse. She enjoyed reading, flower gardening, going to the Mustangs games, spending time with her grandkids and great grandkids, going to their ball games, she also enjoyed taking vacations to Southern Missouri, the Omaha Zoo Trips, and going to the Casino White Cloud. She was a Presbyterian. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John Adkins, her parents, step son and wife, Raymond (Fay) Woolsey, grandsons, Dylan Adkins, Sam Monroe, and Justin Monroe, granddaughters, Alexis Adkins, and Echo Kerns, and daughter-in-law Beverly Adkins. Survivors include, daughters, Marilynn (John) McEvoy, Mary Jane (Robert) Caples, of St. Joseph, Marsha (Ric) Dreher, Clinton County, Barbara (Dave) Cotton, Oregon, MO, son, James (Elizabeth) Adkins, St. Joseph, MO, step daughter, Juanita Clouse, St. Joseph, MO, step son, Dick Adkins, St. Joseph, MO, brother, LeRoy (Connie) Shull, Savannah, MO, sister, Letha Marie Mowry, Maryville, MO, grandchildren: Amanda (Mike) Brock, Navada McEvoy, Harvey Smith Jr., Correy (Teri) Adkins, Cody (Candy) Adkins, Erica Caples, Ariel (Mike) Stallsworth, Mollie (Justin) Gramer, Tim (Attia) Dreher, Samantha (Eric) Timothy, Austin Cotton, Nick Adkins, Beth (Bryan) Slusher, Jennifer and Heather Dreher, Steve Monroe, John Clouse, Rhonda Kerns, Vickie (Tony) Darby, Brenda Woolsey, Patsy Rodriquez, River Adkins, Kellie (Dewey) Coy, and Thomas Adkins, 52 great grandchildren, 22 great great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm, on Monday, January 8, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Pastor Scott Jensen officiating, The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Monday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers, to the St. Joseph Humane Society.

SERVICES

Judith “Judy” Rockey
1934-2018

Judith “Judy” Rockey, 83, of Atchison, KS died unexpectedly on Saturday, Jan. 6th, 2018 at the Lakeview Village East Side Terrace Rehabilitation Center, Lenexa, KS.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, Jan. 13th, 2018 at the United Methodist Church, 501 Kansas Ave, Atchison, KS. The body has been cremated and burial of cremated remains will follow the service in the Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison, KS. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until time of service at the United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Community of Christ Church or the Atchison Humane Society 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.

Judy was born on Nov. 28th, 1934 in Bendena, KS the daughter of Horace D. and Edna (Dittemore) Williams. She graduated from Troy High School in 1953. She earned an Associate’s degree from Cottey College, Nevada, MO and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from University Kansas in Education. Judy began her teaching career in a one room school house in Moray, KS. She then was a beloved first grade teacher for 41 years for USD# 409 at Central Elementary School. She retired in 1997. She touched many lives in a positive way and left a legacy of educational impact.

Judy was an active member of the Community of Christ Church, was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, was a 56 year member of the FT Chapter of PEO, Atchison, a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority for 50 years, a member of a Red Hat Society, and sang for many years with the Sweet Adeline’s. She loved her time acting in plays and shows in Theatre Atchison and was a member of the Encore Radio Players. She enjoyed being a Docent for the Amelia Earhart home, she was on the Election Board, loved her swimming at the YMCA, she was Friends of the Atchison Library and Member of the National Education Association for 41 years. Judy loved to read and always had a book in her hands when relaxing. Trips to the lake with friends and family were a highlight for many years. Although she never actually water skied, she was known for some good sunbathing time. Judy loved watching old movies, KU basketball, KC Royals and Chiefs, and especially spending time with her grandchildren who are following her footsteps by attending KU like their dear grandma.

She was married to Rudolph “Rudy” Rockey on June 7th, 1959 in Fanning, KS. Rudy preceded her in death on Oct. 5, 2015. Survivors include a daughter, Lynn (Brian) Finn, Olathe, KS, a brother, Earl (Sharon) Williams, Blue Springs, MO, a sister-in-law, Evelyn Williams, San Antonio, TX, two grandchildren, Conor and Reagan Finn, and many nieces and nephews she dearly loved. Her parents, husband Rudy, and one brother, Lafe Williams, preceded her in death.

Judy will be missed by many because she was loved by many.

John Charles Coufal
1939-2017

John was born on March 17, 1939 at Sparks, KS, the son of John and Etta Yost Coufal. He grew up on the family farm south of Troy, KS and graduated from Bendena High School, the second to last class to ever graduate from that school. Growing up, John enjoyed fishing and hunting, two activities that he instilled in his two sons as they grew up.

John was a Navy veteran, serving from 1957-1961 with the majority of his enlistment being served at Argentia Naval Base in Newfoundland. When his enlistment was up, he returned to school, earning a teaching degree from Northwest Missouri State University and taught Industrial Arts classes at East Topeka Jr. High. He then went on to earn a Master’s Degree from Emporia State University and became an administrator at the Youth Center of Topeka, and eventually finished his educational career at Flint Hills Special Education Coop in Emporia.

John married Marcia Doris Fleck on December 16, 1961 in Clarinda, IA. She survives, of the home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Clifford (Bud) Coufal, and a sister, Margaret Marcell.

Other survivors include his two sons, David Coufal (Cynthia), Holton, and John Howard Coufal (Molly), Dover, FL, one sister, Ruth Thielbar, Michicot, WI, and five grandchildren, Guy Coufal, Ty Coufal, Janelle Hearn (Brandon), Joshua Coufal (Christal), and Jacob Coufal

John willed his body to the University of Kansas School of Medicine. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Netawaka, KS. Military Honors will be conducted at the church. Memorials are suggested to Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT), Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center (Topeka), or Immanuel Lutheran Church (Netawaka), in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1034, Holton, KS 66434.

Edward Sewell Lawrence Jr.
1930-2017

Edward Sewell Lawrence Jr. 87, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, December 29, 2017 in Saint Joseph. He was born October 25, 1930 in Rushville, Missouri, son of Christine & Edward Lawrence Sr. He married JoAnn Moberly Lawrence on February 10, 1950. He graduated from Rushville High School. He worked at Rushville Service Station, Rushville Grocery Store, VP for Ferrill Propane Gas as a small business owner, and he was a Vice President in charge of loans at the Park Bank (now UMB). He served in the Army one year and the Air Force for 4 years during the Korean War, where he received the National Defense Medal. He enjoyed singing in barber shop quartets and family quartet, and he was the young persons choir director for the Rushville Christian Church. Edward was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Lawrence, father, Edward Sewell Lawrence Sr., and mother, Christine Gladys Lawrence. He is survived by son, Chuck Lawrence of Tucson, AZ, son, Kirk (Lorna) Lawrence of St. Louis, MO, daughter, Sandra Flocks of Houston, TX, 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, great nephew, Jonn-Thomas Casey, and niece, Myrna Hopkins of St. Joseph. A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm on Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of his wife, JoAnn. He will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Carlos Berto Negron
1952-2017

Carlos Berto Negron 65, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, December 28, 2017 at his home. He was born July 4, 1952 in Ponce, Puerto Rico, son of Milagro & Carlos Negron III. He worked at Triumph Foods in maintenance, and as an Interpreter. He served in the United States Air Force. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends, barbecuing, and his dog, Luey. He is survived by wife, Mary Negron, 9 children and 4 step children, numerous grandchildren, 4 sisters-in-law and 2 brothers-in-law, his numerous Brookside friends, and he had several brothers and sisters. He will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Carlos Negron Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home

Anna Pearl Eaton
1941-2017

Anna Pearl Eaton 76, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, December 29, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. She was born September 10, 1941 in DeKalb, MO, daughter of the late Margaret and Richard “Russell” Ogden. She graduated from DeKalb High School, and married Lee Eaton on July 22, 1960 at the DeKalb United Methodist Church. She enjoyed working with orthopedic and handicapped children at the Truman Middle School, then as the bookkeeper at Benton High School. She also worked in the print shop at the St. Joseph School District and at Eye Candy Graphics & Arts. Anna enjoyed cooking, baking, spending time with her family, and Christmas was her favorite holiday. Anna was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include: husband, Lee Eaton of the home, three sons, Dale (Janice) Eaton, Brian (Jenna) Eaton, and Eric (Rose) Eaton all of St. Joseph, MO, daughter, Rhonda (Jim) Luck, 12 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and brother, Ted (Dorothy) Ogden Buhl, ID.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home. Pastor Jim Longe officiating. 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 Westlawn Cemetery, DeKalb, MO

Michael “Mike” T. Pitts
1947-2017

Michael T. ” Mike” Pitts 70, of St. Joseph, MO passed away Saturday, December 30, 2017 at his home. He was born May 21, 1947 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Elsie A (Fry) and Michael J. Pitts. He graduated from Benton High School in 1965. He was a lifelong farmer, a life which he loved. He also loved hunting, fishing, spending time with his wife, Mary, and being around his children, grandchildren, and his dog, Sassy. He was a member of the St. James Catholic Church. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Kathryn Frances Nurski, and granddaughter, Bricklynn Pitts. Survivors include wife: Mary Pitts of the home, three children: Terri (Scott) Mears, Mike (Laura) Pitts, and Tracy (Denny) Shifflett, grandchildren, Marli, Tracer, Cierra, Michael, Emma, Sammie Jo, Quinton, and Karlee. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 11:00 am at the St. James Catholic Church. The Rosary will be recited at 5:30 pm, Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home with the family to receive friends from 6 to 8 pm on Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the St. James Renovation Fund or American Heart Association.

Gary Dean Liechti
1946-2017

Gary Dean Liechti 71, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2017 in Saint Joseph, MO. He was born October 25, 1946 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Betty and Edward Liechti. He graduated from Central High School class of 1964, and he served in the United States Army and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He married Fonda Kelley on May 20, 1995, and she survives of the home. Gary worked at the Goetz Brewery until it closed, then retired after 34 years of service from the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier. He was an avid bowler, participating in many leagues around the area. He was also very active in the Postal Union, and a member of Midway Baptist Church. Gary was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include, wife, Fonda Renee Kelley-Liechti of the home, daughters, Rene (Tom) Hill, St. Joseph, MO, Rebecca Jean (Nathan) Carroll, Maryville, MO, and Gabi Liechti, St. Joseph, MO, son, Dustin (Heather) Kelley, Springfield, MO, grandchildren, Alyson Hill, Ashley Hill, Alycia Hill, Dalton Hall, Melissa Hall, Jade Parker, Teagan Bayer-Kelley, and Zane Kelley, stepgrandchildren, Makya, Alex, Hannah, and Shyann, and a sister, Sherri (Lee) Abell. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home with Pastor Ryan O’Donnell 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 Memorial Park Cemetery . Memorials are requested to the Shepherds Residential House, 5702 Amazonia Road, St. Joseph, MO.

Patty Ann Barnett
1940-2017

Patty Ann Barnett 77, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. She was born May 10, 1940 in Bethany, MO, daughter of the late Vena (York) and Wesley Barnett. Patty was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Mary Jane Burton. Survivors include, sister, Faye (Dennis) Brown, Saint Joseph, MO, brother, Wesley L. (Gayle) Barnett, Hiawatha, KS, as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Burton 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 Highland Cemetery at 1:00 PM Thursday. Memorials are requested to the Highland Cemetery Association.

Patricia Ann Owens
1949-2017

Patricia Ann Owens 68, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday December 31, 2017 at a local health care center. She was born March 5, 1949 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of the late Susie & Thomas Wright. She married Donald Owens on July 30, 1976, he precedes her in death. She attended Lafayette High School, worked seasonally at Kovacs Fireworks and was a Homemaker. She loved cooking and playing board games. Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and two brothers William “Billy” Lough, and Thomas Wright. She is survived by son, Charles Owens of St. Joseph, MO, grandson, Spencer Owens, step granddaughter, Sadie Jolly. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home. She will be cremated following the visitation services under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Patricia “Pat” Edna Beahler
1942-2017

Patricia “Pat” Edna Beahler 75, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2017 in Kansas City, MO hospital. She was born September 10, 1942 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of the late Margaret and Donald Osteen. She graduated from Benton High School 1960 and married Edward Beahler on February 26, 1982 at Miami, Oklahoma. She worked at Stetson Hat Company until it closed. She enjoyed flower gardening, and networking with her family and friends via face book, she loved spending time with her grandchildren. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Donald Osteen. Survivors include, husband, Edward Beahler of the home, sons, William (Kimberly) Smith, St. Joseph, MO, Michael (Heddi) Smith, Darmstadt, Germany, step sons, Edward Frank (Wendy) Beahler Jr., Troy, KS, and Brian D. (Jennifer) Beahler, Newark, DE, sister, Peggy Patrylak, St. Joseph, MO, 8 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm, on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Pastor Leanna VanZandt-Nauman officiating, 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 Bethel Cemetery. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Doris Judy Robinson
1944-2017

Doris Judy Robinson 73, of Faucett, Missouri, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2017 in Faucett, MO. She was born August 25, 1944 in Agency, MO, daughter of the late Doris and Bob Lytton. She graduated from Faucett High School and married Jim Robinson on August 21, 1965. She worked at Whitaker Cable, Geco, and managed the DeKalb Folks home for years. She enjoyed reading, keeping up with the world on her computer, and she was a Christian. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, and a grandson, Bret Lawson. Survivors include, husband, Jim Robinson of the home, son, Danny (Amy) Robinson, daughters, Stacia (David) Lawson, and Karia Robinson all of Faucett, MO, grandchildren: Dalton Robinson, Mackenzie (Donald) Jones, Coleman Lawson, Kolby Korell, Kayleigh Huss, great grandchildren, Sadie Gentry Zoey Jones, and her brother, Bob (Carolyn) Lytton, Agency, MO. and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Friday, January 5, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. James Barnett officiating, The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Halleck Cemetery. Memorials are requested to Halleck Cemetery Association. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Kathy Burgess
1959-2017

HOLTON – Kathy Burgess, 58, of Holton, died Sunday, December 31, 2017 at the Community Hospital in Onaga.

She was born December 30, 1959 at Holton, the daughter of Jack and Mary Ann Servaes Robinson. She graduated from ACCHS at Effingham in 1977.

Kathy was a nurse with Jefferson County Home Health.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Zachary Gilliland, and a brother, Joseph Jack Robinson, who died in infancy.

Survivors include two sons, Andy Gilliland (Amy), Berryton, and Jacob Gilliland (Kathleen), Emporia; her significant other, Sam Dillon, of the home; three sisters, Sue Havel (Joe), Larkinburg, Robin Whitten (Mick), Theodosia, MO, and Becky Robinson, Lawrence; and three grandchildren, Abby Gilliland, Kaylee Gilliland and Blaine Gilliland.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 6th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Larkinburg Cemetery. Kathy will lie in state Thursday and Friday at the funeral home where family and friends will meet from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday. Memorials are suggested to Friends of Hospice of Jefferson County, and may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1034, Holton, 66436.

Donna Lane
1937-2017

Donna Lane 80, Saint Joseph, Missouri died December 29, 2017. Born March 13, 1937 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Preceded in death by; husband, Wilbur Lane, parents, Arthur & Mabel Pitts, son, Donald Ferris, daughter, Lisa Ferris, brother, James Pitts, sisters, Opal Joy Sample, and Lorretta June Sample. Survivors are 7 children; Roger (Marsha) Ferris, Ed Ferris, Cindy (Cecil) Coffee, Sharon (Johnny) Goodpasture, Debbie Lynn Ferris, Robert Allen Ferris, and Summer Dawn Giles. Numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces & nephews. She will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Donna Lane Memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home

Bula Rose Lett
1931-2018

Bula Rose Lett 86, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, January 1, 2018 at a local health care center. She was born June 16, 1931 in Des Moines, IA, daughter of the late Bula Pate-Collins and Harold Collins. She graduated from Convent of the Sacred Heart and married Charles Lett on January 27, 1961. She was a homemaker, and worked at the Ferbert Nursery, and at the Rupp Funeral Home as Funeral Assistant. She was a consummate volunteer, for many local southside organizations as well as church organizations. She was a former President of the St Joseph, MO FireFighters Auxillary. She was a member of the St. James Altar Society, the Daughters of Isabella, a former member of St. Patricks Catholic church, and a member of St. James Catholic Church. She was once awarded the Diocesan Bishop’s Service Award. She was also a cat lover. Rose was preceded in death by husband, Charles Lett, her parents, and daughter, Roselee Faust. Survivors include, daughter Patricia (Wayman) Spangler, St. Joseph, sons, Harold (Cindy) Lett, Smithville, MO, and Vincent (Christy) Lett, St. Joseph, MO, son in law, Russ Faust, Bozeman, MT, grandchildren:, Kate & Joshua Faust, Jared (Emily) Spangler, Garret (Natalie) McDowell, Charlie V, Lett, Ryan & Amy Lett, and great grandchildren, Kincaid & Piper, and her beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm, on Friday, January 5, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Fr. Evan Harkins officiating, The Rosary will be recited at 5:30 pm, at the Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the M’Shoogies Animal Rescue. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

John F. Meier
1949-2017

Troy, Kansas – John F. Meier, 68, of Troy, Kansas passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at his home

John was born on August 19, 1949 in Mound City, Missouri to Eugene & Pearle (Drake) Meier.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Pearle (Drake) Meier, brothers, Edwin “Butch” & Michael Meier.

Survivors: sisters, Linda Wilkerson and Teresa Lopez;

Sisters-in-law, Linda Bennett and Debbie Meier;

Very dear aunt, Jorgine Drake;

A family of very close friends, Steve Adams, Jerry Jones, Paul Gronniger, Jeremy Blanton, Jim Ricklefs and Trudie Dean;

Special cousins, Ricky, Roger and Ronnie Drake.

Many nieces , nephews, cousins and friends.

John graduated from Troy High School in 1967. He graduated from Northeast Kansas Area technical school with computer repair technology. Worked for Sears Repair Service and later started his own business, John’s T.V. Repair. John was a volunteer fireman and EMT for Troy, which he was very proud of. John had a very interesting life, doing “John Meier” stuff. He will be missed by many.

Memorial service: 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 6, 2018
At the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Troy.
There will be no scheduled visitation.
Inurnment: Mount Olive Cemetery in Troy at a later date.

Memorials: John Meier Memorial Fund.

SERVICES
Memorial Service
Saturday, January 06, 2018
11:00 AM

Harman-Rohde Funeral Home
128 N. Main St.
Troy, Kansas 66087

Sandra Marie Donelson
1950-2018

Sandra Marie Donelson 67, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2018 in a Saint Joseph, MO health care center. She was born October 11, 1950 in St.Joseph, MO, daughter of Helen and John Brown. She graduated from Benton High School, and was a homemaker. She enjoyed watching TV, and loved to swim and fish in her younger years. Sandra was preceded in death by father, John I Brown. Survivors include, mother, Helen Brown, St. Joseph, MO, daughter, Angie Wuest, St. Joseph, MO, three sons, Shane (Ramona) Brown, Troy Brown and Charles Donaleson of St. Joseph, MO, brothers, John (Norma) Brown, Jack (Ruth) Brown of St. Joseph, MO, sister, Nancy Brown, grandchildren: Lee Wuest, Travis Wuest, Selena Hayes, and Logan Pettis, great-grandchildren: Waylyn Hayes, and Ivy Rose Wuest.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 pm, on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Pastor Leanna VanZandt-Nauman officiating, The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Phillip Steven Kirschner
1939-2018

Phillip S Kirschner 78, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at his home. He was born May 6, 1939 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Katherine and Earl Kirschner. He graduated from Benton High School, and farmed for most of his life. He enjoyed going to his grandkids ballgames and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed playing cards and going to the casino. Phillip was preceded in death by 1st wife, Eunice Sue Kirschner, and 2nd wife, Cathy Kirschner. Survivors include, son, Scott (Charlene) Kirschner, and daughter, Cindi (Don) Meers both of St. Joseph, MO, step-daughter, Sarah Pedersen, five grandchildren: Taylor, Cayce and Kyle Kirschner, Abbie and Jacob Meers, and 3 step-grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Monday, January 8, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. Scott Wineinger officiating, The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the King Hill Cemetery. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Michael S. Oswalt
1957-2017

Michael S. Oswalt, 60, of Atchison, KS, passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at the Medicalodge of Atchison.

Michael was cremated. A visitation will be held from Noon until 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home.

Michael was born on May 6, 1957 in Topeka, Kansas the son of Emmett K. and Mary Patricia ‘Tish’ McKee Oswalt. Michael attended St. Benedict’s Elementary School and graduated from Maur Hill Prep School in 1975. Michael worked as a skilled brick layer his entire adult life and his craftmanship is found in buildings all over in the Atchison, St. Joseph, and Kansas City, MO areas. Mike was an Eagle Scout and he enjoyed fishing and gardening.

Mike and Lori Jones were married on August 14, 1999 in Atchison, KS.

Michael is survived by a son, Matthew Wayne Oswalt, Effingham, KS; step-son, Tobin Ford, Effingham; step-daughter, Elizabeth (James) Vieyra, Hutchinson, KS; six brothers, David Oswalt, Leavenworth, KS; Kelly Oswalt, St. Joseph, MO; Jerome Oswalt, Dearborn, MO; Owen Oswalt and Brian (Amy) Oswalt, both of Atchison; Chris (Shelley) Oswalt, Platte City, MO; four sisters, Diane (Mike) Perkins, Atchison; Patty (Jim) Blevins, Highland, KS; Marcia Collins and Amy (Mark) Peters, both of Leavenworth, KS; and his caregivers, Jay and Sidwell Jones, Atchison.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Tish Oswalt; a nephew, Jerome Oswalt.

Tamiki Rae Santos-Olsen
1977-2017

Tamiki Rae Santos-Olsen 40, of Independence, Missouri, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2017 in a Kansas City, MO hospital. She was born January 22, 1977 in St. Joseph, MO. She graduated from Central High School 1995 and attended Missouri Western State University. She married Jill Perry on 1/17/2014 and she survives of the Home. She worked at Southwest Airline for 13 years in many jobs, and as a customer service representative. She loved art and music, and attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Tamiki was preceded in death by paternal Grandmother, Rosa Santos. Survivors include, wife Jill of the Home, father, Ray Santos, mother Tammy Santos, maternal grandparents, John & Connie McGarry, all of St. Joseph, daughter, Noelani Olsen, son, Noah Olsen, In laws, Jim & Linda Perry, St. Joseph, MO, sister, Tyiese Santos, St. Joseph, MO, niece, Destiny Santos-Hunter, and nephew, Daelan Santos-Hunter and her former husband and father of their children Kevin Olsen.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm, on Friday, December 29, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Pastor Andy Campbell officiating, The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Bethel Cemetery, DeKalb, MO. Memorials are requested to the Olsen Childrens education fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Jaycob Dalton Mulanax Pe Nosh Wah
1993-2017

TOPEKA – Jaycob Dalton Mulanax, Pe Nosh Wah, died Sunday, December 24, 2017.

He was born December 14, 1993 in Topeka, the son of Gary and Lori Roberts Mulanax. He graduated from Rossville High School in 2012.

Jaycob loved working outdoors and had been a foreman with Luxury Lawn and Landscape in Topeka.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Irvan and Janet Mulanax, and his great grandma, Vena Mae Thompson.

Survivors include his father, Gary Mulanax and wife Shelly, Hoyt, his momma, Lori Roberts, Topeka, grandparents, Kenneth and Marilyn Roberts, Burlingame, two sisters, Madison Mulanax, Topeka and April Melton, Osage City, two step brothers, Dalton Quimby and Wyatt Lickteig, both of Topeka, three nieces, Trinaty and Caydance Eastman, and Kensley McAvoy and a nephew, Kamdyn Melton.

Cremation is planned. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Friday, December 29th at the Citizens Potawatomi Community Building in Rossville, followed by a Memorial Service at noon. Memorials are suggested to the Jaycob Mulanax Memorial Fund in care of Envista Credit Union in Topeka. Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hoyt is assisting the family.

Rose Marie Erickson
1964-2017

Wathena, Kansas Rose Marie Erickson, 53, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Saturday, December 23, 2017.

Rose was born on June 26, 1964 in Nodaway County, Missouri to Mickey & Delores J. (Buckley) Rhyne.

Rose was kind, caring & giving spirit, who never met a stranger. She was a giver by nature & would go without to help anyone.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Tracy Jones Jr., sisters-in-law, Sarah Steele & Sue Erickson, & brothers-in-law, Harold & Sonny Erickson & Foster mother, Crystal Brown.

Survivors: Daughter, Ashley Erickson Trotter, Kansas City, Missouri

Son, Rhyne Marceau, Wathena, Kansas

Step daughters, Tammy Twyford (Norm)

Pamela Crockett (Ted)

Stephanie McManis

Step-sons, Byron Shelton

Damiean Erickson (Mona)

Sister, Tessie Mauzey (Butch)

Brother, Randy Hayward (Vicki)

Best friend & life companion, Melvin Erickson

Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, Multiple foster brothers & sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.

Memorial Service: 2 P.M. Saturday, January 6, 2018

At the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.

There is no scheduled visitation.

Inurnment at a later date.

Memorials: Rose Marie Erickson Memorial Fund.

www.harmanrohde.com

Francis Lou “Fran” (Reynolds) Perkins
1931-2017

St. Joseph, Missouri Frances Lou “Fran” (Reynolds) Perkins, 86, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at her home.

Fran was born on February 7, 1931 in Forest City, Missouri to Ralph & LaVera M. (Hayes) Reynolds.

She was a member of the Brookdale Presbyterian Church of St. Joseph, Missouri.

Fran married John T. Perkins Jr. on April 2, 1952 in Hopkins, Missouri. He preceded her in death in 1999. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Jackie Hunziger.

Survivors: daughters; Pamela J. (Charles) Clibon of Helena, Missouri;

Daphni (Azhar) Ishak of Bartlett, Tennessee;

Son, John (Jennifer) Perkins of St. Joseph, Missouri;

11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren & 6 great-great-grandchildren;

Sisters; Bobbie Graham of St. Joseph, Missouri;

LaVona Worley of Forest City, Missouri.

Funeral Service: Saturday, December 30, 2017 – 1:00 P.M.
At the Brookdale Presbyterian Church in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Visitation: family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the funeral at the church (12 Noon till 1). Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas in charge of arrangements.
Burial: Craig Cemetery in Craig, Missouri.
Memorials:Brookdale Church

Michael “Crazy” David Gillispie
1962-2017

Michael ” Crazy” David Gillispie 55, of St. Joseph, MO., passed away Thursday December 28, 2017. He was born November 17, 1962 in Atchison, Kansas son of the late Mary Sue & Richard Gillispie. He married Debbie Blanton on December 23, 1994, in St. Joseph, MO. He graduated from Benton High School. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his grandmother Pearl McAdams who raised him in the home. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors. He is survived by wife Debbie of the home, daughters, Devin (Austin) Riggs, Country Club, MO, Maycee Blanton, son, Keenan Blanton both of St. Joseph, MO, grandchildren: Delaney, Hudson, and Laurel Riggs, and Nova Pearl McDowell, as well as several nieces and a nephew. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm Friday, December 29, 2017, with memorial services following at 7:00pm at the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Mike Gillispie memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Cynthia R. “Cindy” Stewart (Miller)
1962-2017

Cynthia R. “Cindy” Stewart, 55, of Atchison KS died unexpectedly on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 at the Atchison Hospital.

Memorial services will be 6:30 pm on Thursday, Dec. 21st, 2017 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with visitation to follow. Burial of cremated remains will be at a later date at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Atchison. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Cynthia Miller was born on June 3, 1962 in St. Joseph, Mo the daughter of Robert and Gloria (Dever) Miller. She attended Troy High School and lived and worked in the Troy area for several years. Cynthia attended the Northeast Kansas Area Vo-Technical School in Atchison in the Medical Assistants Program. She was employed at Plasma-Biological Services as a processor for seven years. Cindy enjoyed gardening, raising flowers, cooking and especially spending time with her grandchildren. She was an avid Chief’s fan.

She was married to Kenneth Stewart on Feb. 15, 1980 in St. Joseph; MO. Mr. Stewart survives of the home. Additional survivors include a son, Kenneth Stewart, Jr, Atchison and a daughter, Christy Pennington, Bendena, KS, a sister, Tess (Bryan) Wagner, Platte City, MO and three grandchildren, Cayden, Gwen, and Weston. Her parents preceded her in death.

Arend Wallace
1950-2017

Arend Wallace 67, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, December 17, 2017 at his home in Saint Joseph, MO. He was born April 2, 1950 in Katwijk aan Zee, Holland, son of Jacoba and Clare Wallace. He was a 1968 graduate of Ladue High School in St. Louis, MO. He served in the Navy aboard the USS Chicago during the Vietnam War. On April 2, 1992 in Union, MO, he married Linda Wilcox. He worked at Tyson as a Sanitation Engineer. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, his animals, reading, cars, architecture, and making things. Arend was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include, wife, Linda Wilcox of the home, son, Howie (Liz Walk) Deal of Gulf Port, MS, daughter, Nicki (Bill) Raymond of Raymore, MO, 4 grandchildren, Brandon Deal, McKenna, Will, and Blake Raymond, aunt, Nies Hasenoot of Florence, OR, 2 brothers, James Michael Wallace of St. Joseph, MO, and Peter John Wallace of Duluth, MN, and 2 nephews, Shawn & Matthew Wallace, and mother in law, Ruth Pritchett, of the home.
Funeral service; 9:00 am, Thursday, December 21, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home, Rev. James Barnett officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM, Wednesday, Rupp Funeral Home. Interment; Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS. Memorials are requested to the St. Joseph Animal Shelter.

James F. West
1940-2017

James F. West 77, of Saint Joseph, Missouri died December 17, 2017. Born April 16, 1940 in Marceline, Missouri son of the late Mary & Floyd West. He worked at Boehringer 25 years, and Ameripac. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, fishing and Triumph Motorcycles. James was preceded in death by his 1/2 sisters, Patricia Lee, and Pamela Jones. Survivors include son, Mark West, daughters, Lauren West, and Carley West, 6 grandchildren, and a brother, Jerry Mace. Mr. West will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the James West memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Jack Dorrell
1936-2017

Bendena, KS

Jackie Dale “Jack” Dorrell, 81, husband, father, and avid sports fan died peacefully at his home in Bendena, Kansas, December 19, 2017. He was born February 27, 1936 to Russell and Hazel Dorrell on a farm near Highland, Kansas. Jack attended various county schools with his mother as his teacher. He graduated from Highland High School where he was a charter member of the FFA and enjoyed participating in football, basketball and track where he developed a love of sports that would continue throughout his lifetime. Upon graduation he attended Highland Community College before joining the Navy in 1955. Jack served his country for four years spending time on the USS Hancock and the USS Philippine Sea.

Jack and Rosalie Ramseier were married on November 29, 1958 and enjoyed 59 years together, first making their home in San Diego, California. Upon completion of his service, they moved to Topeka, Kansas, where Jack began honing his skills at a milling company. A transfer took him and Rosalie to Kansas City where they made their home in Gladstone, Missouri. While in Kansas City he worked for various contractors continuing to learn the building trade. Wanting to return to the area, in 1967 the family moved to a farm near Severance where he farmed for several years. However, the building trade had made a strong impact, and in 1974 he started Jack Dorrell Construction building many houses in the Doniphan County area. It wasn’t uncommon for many to refer to their home as the House that Jack built. Later Jack would return to working in Kansas City making the daily trek from their home in Bendena from 1984 until his retirement in 2010.

Jack loved his grand children and was so proud of them. He eagerly attended all their activities whether athletic, musical, or theatrical. Most nights he could be seen cheering on the Mustangs, Blue Jays, or Wildcats. Later as his children attend K-State, he became a die-hard fan enjoying tailgating and attending games. It was always a family affair.

Jack was a member of Highland Masonic Lodge #1 and a 4-H leader for 46 years. During that time he made many lifelong friends at the livestock shows and traveled with his children and grandchildren across the nation hauling cattle to the Jr. Hereford Nationals. He loved an adventure and in 2004 purchased Poppin’ J kettle corn.

Jack is survived by his wife, Rosalie, sons Gregory (Robin), Buckley, WA; Gary (Karen), Highland; daughters Jacqueline (Jeff) Coleman, Atchison; Jennifer (Taylor) Gatz, Sabetha; grandchildren Allie Barger, Megan Dorrell, Ashely Wann, Sarah Roney, Daija Coleman, Katelyn and Allen Dorrell, Jordan, Lauren, and McKenna Gatz, and six great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Jack’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, at the Highland Methodist-Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Jerry Petering officiating. Masonic committal services will be a courtesy of Smithton Lodge #1, AF&AM, of Highland. Burial will follow at the Highland Cemetery, with military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. Friday, where the family will meet from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Doniphan County 4H Program or Denton United Methodist Church, sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33, Highland 66035.

AnnaMae Brown
1931-2017

AnnaMae Brown, 86, formerly of Holton, died Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at the Legend at Capital Ridge Nursing Facility in Topeka.

She was born October 21, 1931 at Havensville, the daughter of James and Effie Marts Mumert.

AnnaMae was a member of the First Baptist Church in Holton. Over the years at various churches she had been a Sunday School superintendent and teacher, secretary and treasurer at church, and had played the organ and the piano.

She had worked at nursing homes in Nebraska and Onaga, where she was an aide and activities director.

She married Vernon Silver on November 7, 1947 at Holton. He died July 24, 1989. She married the Rev. Jessie Corley on July 10, 1992 at Holton. He died May 10, 1996. She married Fred L. Brown on February 14, 1998 at Holton. He survives, of the home.

AnnaMae was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Evelyn Brunkow and her brothers, John Mumert, Warren Mumert, Glen Mumert and Clifford Mumert, and a step son, Paul Crouch.

Other survivors include a daughter, Thelma Jean Scroggins, Topeka; a step son, Donald Brown (Pam), Kansas City, KS, four step daughters, Carolyn Anderson (Lawrence), Charlotte Collingham, and Sue Pater (Darrel), all of Topeka, and Janet Vickery, Murray, KY, a step daughter-in-law, Duranna Crouch, Topeka, several nieces and nephews, two grandchildren, thirteen step grandchildren, many great and great-great grandchildren, and her beloved and devoted pet, Buffy.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 27th at the First Baptist Church in Holton. Burial will follow in the Holton Cemetery. AnnaMae will lie in state Tuesday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. Family and friends will meet from 9:30 until service time Wednesday at the church. Memorials are suggested to Heartland Hospice, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 1034, Holton, 66436.

Jimmy Wykert
1951-2017

Troy, Kansas Jimmy Wykert, 66, passed away at his home in Troy, Kansas, Wednesday, December 20, 2017.

Jimmy was born on September 11, 1951 in Highland, Kansas to Harold Franklin & Gladys Helen (Harness) Wykert.

He was a member of the U.S. Army, Serving in Seoul South Korea. Jim loved being a grandfather. He was always there to help others in need. He enjoyed riding and rebuilding Harley Davidson motorcycles. Jim was also an amazing wood carver.

He was preceded in death by his parents & a brother, Donald Wykert, sisters-in-law Anna Wykert and Nanci Wykert, and a niece Kelli M. Wykert.

Survivors: spouse, Debbie Simpson of Troy, Kansas;

Son, Michael Carpenter (Micca) of Troy, Kansas;

Daughter, Jamie Sue Wykert (Jermaine Murphy Jr.) of Atchison, Kansas;

Step sons, Kevin VanWey (Chandra) of Troy, Kansas;

Kyle Culp (Gretchen) of Troy, Kansas;

Step- Daughters, Judy Pollard of Wathena, Kansas;

Traci Smith (Logan) of Troy, Kansas;

Katie King (Brad) of Troy, Kansas;

14 Grandchildren & 10 great-grandchildren;

Brother, Johnny Wykert of Hebron, Kentucky;

Sisters, Dixie Meng (Bob) of Wathena, Kansas;

Patricia Masters (Terry) of Sundance, Wyoming;

Sister-in-law, Janet Wykert of St. Joseph, Missouri;

Numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial Service: 12 noon Saturday, January 13, 2017

At the Troy Christian Church, in Troy, Kansas

Visitation: 1 hour prior to service at 11:00 A.M.

Inurnment: Walnut Grove Cemetery, Iowa Point, Kansas

Memorials: Jimmy Wykert Memorial Fund.

Sherry Sue Redmond
1955-2017

Sherry Sue Redmond 62, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday, December 23, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. She was born October 21, 1955 in St. Joseph, Missouri, attending Benton High School, then she was a homemaker and worked at the Stationary Credit Union as a Loan Officer over 20 years. She enjoyed gardening & bingo, but most especialloy spending time with her grandchildren. Sherry was preceded in death by her husband, David Redmond, Sr., father, Ernest Walter Abbott, mother, Flora Ann Matthews and step father, John “Potts” Matthews, and daughter, Dana Sue Redmond. She is survived by sons, David (Lori) Redmond, Jr. and Brian Redmond both of St. Joseph, MO, grandchildren, Clay, Brody, Gavin, Owen, Scotlyn, Brian, and Reece, a brother, Billy Ray (Mayme) Abbott, sisters, Carol Porter, Jerry Abbott, Diane (Fred) Bodde, and Amy (Art) Hecker all of St. Joseph, MO, as well as several nieces & nephews. She will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Julia Heroch
1956-2017

Julia Heroch 61, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2017. She was born July 15, 1956 in the Federated States of Micronesia, daughter of Imwie and Fichiuo Heroch. She is survived by 11 children; Rupenti Kanus, Seventy Kalus, Renchenina Kalus, Agnes Nino, Tanita Nino, Cherrin Kalus, Akiter Nino, Youri Nino, Youme Kalus, Kanry Nino and RK Kalus, several brothers and sisters, and numerous other family members. Funeral services 1:00 pm to 8pm Sunday, December 24, 2017 at the Rupp Funeral Home. Burial services will be conducted in Udot Island, Chuuk State, Micronesia, in January 2018.

Bob Frealy
1924-2017

Bobby Joe Frealy was born the son of Eugene Stanley Frealy and Maggie Faye (Tyner) Frealy on July 5, 1924, in Camden, Arkansas, and departed this life on December 24, 2017 at the age of 93.

He was united in marriage on June 22, 1946 to Lenora Cotham, who preceded him in death on February 2, 2002.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary Lou Area and son-in-law Jack Area, Topeka, KS, granddaughter, Kristina Rottler (Nathan), Topeka, grandson, Robert W. Area, Colorado, ten great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Maggie Frealy; five brothers, Eugene, Austin, David, Bill and Jackie Frealy; and four sisters, Mary Lou Tourigny, Faye Frealy, Betty Scharff and Alice Frealy.

Bob joined the Navy in January of 1942, where he served with the South Pacific Fleet on the U.S.S. Portland during World War II. He was a life member of the Holton V.F.W. and American Legion, a former president of the Vet’s Club, and was a Bingo caller for many years.

After the war, most of his life he worked in the timber and sawmill business. He enjoyed life, loved his family and appreciated all of his friends, especially his card playing buddies.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 28th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with military honors will follow in the Holton Cemetery. Bob will lie in state at the funeral home where family and friends will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 1034, Holton, 66436.