Jean Mary Peterson
1926-2017

Jean Mary Peterson, 90, of Fairview, died early Tuesday morning, October 24, 2017, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha.

Jean Mary Jackson was born at Brackley, Monaghan, Ireland, December 27, 1926, the third child of James and Florence Wiley Jackson – farmers. Jean grew up in Ireland and in her teen years, she went to live with her Aunt and Uncle – The Reverend Peter and Dora Connolly and cousin Rita in Scotland. While there Jean, committed her life to Jesus Christ. After doing some office work in Scotland, Jean and her sister Laura and cousin Rita moved to London where all 3 of them achieved their RN in nursing at the German Hospital. Then Jean and her sister got their mid-wifery training in the south of England where each of them delivered several hundred babies. They made house calls, riding around on their bicycles in the late 1940’s!! After that, it was off to Canada for the two nurses for a year or so, before entering the USA at Philadelphia. Jean also nursed in Seattle, WA, Joplin, MO, and then Denver, CO, where she met and married Virgil Peterson on September 9th, 1961. Virgil brought his bride back to his home state of Kansas and she nursed in a practice in Horton until she retired. Virgil passed away in January of 1999, aged 84. Jean lived alone till March of 2013 when she moved to Sabetha and nursing home. She will be greatly missed by all her relatives and friends.

Jean was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Hiawatha.

Survivors include step-children: Kathleen Sechler of Wichita, Pamela Peterson of Glendale, AZ; her brother Stanley Jackson (Olive), of Palo Cedro, CA; sister in law Mary Ellen Neibling of Highland; and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; and two siblings.

Being a nurse, it is not surprising Jean’s wish was to have her body bequeathed to medical science. No services are planned at this time but once study is completed, her remains will be cremated and buried with her husband Virgil at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Memorial contributions in her memory are suggested to Apostolic Christian Home or Trinity United Methodist Church, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

Elsie Irene Tallent
1924-2017

Elsie Irene Edwards was born at home in Jewell County Kansas on January 3, 1924. She passed away peacefully in Overland Park, Kansas on October 24, 2017 at the age of 93 years 10 months and 21 days.

Elsie was the oldest of 12 children born to Robert Clinton and Velma Leone McKinney Edwards and was fiercely proud of her family heritage.

She earned a teaching certificate and taught in a one-room school in Nuckolls County Nebraska for a year. She had many stories to tell of the escapades of her younger brothers while she was teaching. She met Dale Omer Tallent while shopping for groceries with her mother in Hardy. It took a few months for this charming young man to work up the courage to ask her out, they were married June 8, 1947 at Hardy Community Church, a marriage that lasted for 67 years. Dale preceded her in death August 10, 2014.

This union resulted in 7 children: Roxie (Gordon) Graham of rural Powhattan KS, Jean (Bob) Baker of Vacaville CA, David Tallent of Powhattan KS, Cindy (David) Barnes of rural Powhattan KS, Sandy Tallent, Teri (Ed) Burns of Laurel MD, Mark (Nita) Tallent of Overland Park KS; 20 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.

Mom took great pleasure in sewing for her family, everything from costumes for family and friends to wedding gowns, twirler outfits, and recital dresses. She was always involved and very active in her churches, acting as Superintendent of Sunday Schools, singing in the choir, directing children’s choirs, leading youth groups, organizing Vacation Bible Schools, leading adult Bible Study, serving in any capacity needed. As a leader of the Hiawatha 1st UMC she helped establish the Latchkey program.

She was extremely interested in her community and always strove to give back in volunteer work. She saw great need in Colorado and Wyoming with the migrant workers. She conceptualized and organized a summer school for the children of these families so they had a safe place to spend their days, finding volunteers to teach, cook, and care for them while their parents worked in the neighboring fields. In 1987 she was awarded Community Woman of the Year by the Hiawatha Business and Professional Women.

Mom was always available to help Dad in the stores he managed during busy seasons. She felt one of her biggest accomplishments began at age 55 when she became a bookkeeper at KNZA. She turned that into a career selling advertising which she discovered she was gifted at. She spent many months as the Top Sales Person of the Month, retiring at the age of 65.

Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, brothers Bob, George, Russ, Don (Squirt), and Bruce, daughter Sandra Rae (Sandy), grand-daughters Erika (Ricke,) Zancanella Shiflar, and Ashley Campbell Tallent, and grandson Paul Shiflar.

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

A Celebration of Elsie’s life is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, October 28, at the Union Church, Hardy, Nebraska, with Pastor Jacob Cloud, of First Methodist Church of Hiawatha, officiating. Interment will follow at the Hardy Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to the Hiawatha Latchkey Program or NEK Hospice, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

James “Kenny” Kenneth Adams
1952-2017

James Kenneth “Kenny” Adams 64, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, October 27, 2017 in a Kansas City hospital after a short illness. He was born December 2, 1952 in Bethany, Missouri, son of the late Alice & James Adams. He graduated from Benton High School class of 1971, he then served in the United States Air Force from 1972-1976 as an auto mechanic. After leaving the service, he worked at General Tire as a Manager. Kenny was an avid Royals & Chiefs fan, and he loved spending time with grandkids, and shooting pool. James was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, Shirley Clark and Wilma O’Keefe, and uncle, Bill O’Keefe. He is survived by daughters, Steffanie (Brian) Sethaler and Stacey (Justin) Wheatley both of Pottsboro, TX, sister, Treasa Riley, Saint Joseph, brothers, Billy “B.A.” Adams and Donnie “Boo” Adams both of St. Joseph, MO, Grandchildren, Audrey, Shelby, Jenson, aunt, Doris (Orville) Kilgore, several nieces & nephews, and his former wife, Susie Adams. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm tonight, Sunday, October 29th with a Memorial Celebration of his Life starting at 7:00 p.m. tonight, Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. He will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Inurnment will be at the Leavenworth National Cemetery at a later date.

Eva Lynelle Mingee
1950-2017

E. Lynelle Mingee 66, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away Friday, October 27, 2017 in a Kansas City, MO hospital. She was born December 17, 1950 in Maryville, MO, daughter of the late Bessie Ferne and John Mingee. She graduated from DeKalb High School, and first worked at Crouch Brothers Trucking, Eimbenders, Brown Trucking of KC, Yellow Freight, and retired from the National Fire Suppression Company. She grew up showing horses, was a friend and mother to other show horse girls. She enjoyed visiting and playing cards with friends, and she was a member of the Tripole Card group. She enjoyed antiques, shuffle board, cooking, and collecting and making jewelry especially southwest Native American jewelry. She was Catholic. Lynelle was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, John Barton Mingee, and half brother, Jerry Cook. Survivors include, brother, Bill (Cindy) Mingee, Platte City, MO, and sister, Sherry (Jerry) Sampson, DeKalb, MO, as well as several nieces & nephews. The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm Wednesday with Funeral Services to be conducted at 2:00 pm Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Barnett officiating. The Interment will be at the Sugar Creek Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the American Cancer Association or the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Kenneth W. Moppin
1937-2017

Severance, Kansas – Kenneth W. Moppin Sr., 79, of Severance, Kansas passed away Friday, October 27, 2017 at his home.

Kenneth was born on November 8, 1937 in Troy, Kansas to Lloyd & Martha (Thornton) Moppin.

Kenneth was a mechanic, working for Fruit Haul Trailers & Hoosier Water Company in Indiana for 30 years. He moved back to Severance & worked for Atchison Casting.
Kenneth enjoyed working with his honey bees, hunting, fishing & loved to mow grass.

Kenneth married Joyce Ann Adkins on March 20, 1965 in Blair, Kansas. She survives of the home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Eugene Moppin, brothers, Robert & Paul Moppin & a sister, Esther Coats.

Additional survivors: children, Kenneth Moppin Jr.(Hazel), Indiana;
Betty Bolin (Steve), Indiana;
Thomas Moppin (Shelly), Indiana;
Floyd Moppin, Severance;
Glenda Arant, Severance;
Brothers, Gary & Roy Moppin, St. Joseph;
Sister, Ilene Rich, Savannah;
Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

Funeral Service: 1:30 P.M. Tuesday, October 31, 2017
At the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas.
Visitation: 6-8 Monday evening at the funeral home, where friends may call after 12 noon Monday.
Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery, Severance, Kansas.
Memorials: Highland Ambulance Fund or Compassus Hospice.

Murl Cleo Corbet
1921-2017

Murl Cleo Corbet, age 96, died on October 27, 2017 at the Olathe Health Center Hospice House in Olathe. Born April 6, 1921, in Severance, he was the son of Guy and Mabel (Watkins) Corbet. Murl was the fourth of nine children and grew up as part of a large, farm family. He attended school in Severance and Hiawatha. In 1938 he, along with his three older brothers, joined the National Guard in Hiawatha. He was called to active duty in the Army in 1940. Murl was part of the Normandy Invasion in 1944. He remained in Europe and part of the occupation forces returning to the United States in 1945. He received five bronze stars for his service during World War II. Murl worked as the National Guard clerk in Hiawatha and retired from the Guard as a Chief Warrant Officer in 1961.

Murl Corbet and Dolores Ione Smith were married in 1948 and settled in Hiawatha. They had three children: Murleen DeeAnn, Cleo Craig and Karen Rae. The family lived in Hiawatha until 1961 when they moved to Garden City Kansas. In 1965 they moved to Yates Center, Kansas where Murl owned and operated the Yates Center Locker Plant from 1965 to 1984. After selling his business, Murl continued to work as a handyman and roofer in the Yates Center area for many years.

Murl was very active in the Yates Center Community and served two terms as the Yates Center Mayor. During his tenure as Mayor, he was responsible for the construction of the new reservoir and water tower allowing Yates Center to become a water supplier to the southeast Kansas region. In addition, he represented Yates Center on several south east Kansas committees including the Southeast Kansas Area Planning Commission and the Department of Corrections Juvenile Justice Committee. He was recognized for 30 years of volunteer service to Kansas Department of Children and Families in February of 2017. Murl was an active member of the First Christian Church in Yates Center and served on the Church Board. Murl received recognition as a 70 year member of the American Legion in 2015 and was a 65 year member of the Masonic Lodge of Hiawatha. He was initiated into the United States Field Artillery Association Order of Saint Barbara in February of 2017. Murl moved to Overland Park, Ks in early 2017 where he lived with his daughter’s family.

Murl was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores, his parents, Guy and Mabel Corbet and six brothers Veryn, Dallas, Dale, Arland, Kenneth and Norman Corbet. He is survived by children, DeeAnn Freeman and husband Jim of Overland Park, Ks., Craig Corbet of Iola, Ks and Karen Berman and husband, Dave, of Las Vegas, Nevada. Surviving grandchildren and great grandchildren include Christopher and Stephanie Corbet and children, Carter and Crosby, of San Diego, Ca, David and Carole Freeman and children, Daphne and Eleanor, of Paris, France, Daniel and Christine Freeman and daughter, Lilianna, of Olathe, Kansas, Brandon Berman and fiancé, Natasha Fernandez, of Irvine, California and Samantha Berman of Las Vegas, Nevada. Other surviving family includes sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Lawrence Thonen of Hiawatha, sister Edna Mae Futscher of Sun City, Arizona and many nieces and nephews.

The family will meet with friends from 1 until 2 p.m. Thursday, November 2, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, with Masonic Committal Services a courtesy of Masonic Lodge #35, AF&AM, of Hiawatha. Family and Friends to go in procession to Oak Hill Cemetery, Severance, for graveside services at 2:30 p.m. Reverend Dennis Fullbright, of the First Christian Church, will officiate. Military honors will be conducted by Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Yates Center Town Hall, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha after 12 noon until 7 Wednesday evening.

Rosalie Allison
1919-2017

Rosalie Allison 98, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, October 28, 2017 in a Saint Joseph, MO health care center. She was born July 5, 1919. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband James Allison, daughter, Betty Marriott, a grandson, two brothers, and three sisters. Survivors include son, Lloyd (Opal Ellen) Allison, daughter, Donna (Robert) VanHoozer, Yukon, OK. 10 grandchildren, several great and great grand children. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Graveside funeral services and interment will be on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at 11:00 am, at the Sugar Creek Cemetery, Rushville, Mo with family meeting at the Cemetery.

Richard Dean “Rick” Norris
1967-2017

Richard “Rick” Dean Norris, 49, of Kansas City, MO died Friday, Oct. 20, 2017 as the result of a motorcycle accident.

Rick was born on Dec. 9, 1967 in Atchison, KS to Richard and Betty J. (Hager) Norris. He graduated from Park University in Parkville, MO with a B.S. in Management and Human Resources and a Master’s Degree in International Business Management. Rick worked for over 16 years at Harley-Davidson Motor Company and was presently the Quality Manager of the Kansas City Vehicle & Powertrain Operations. His career began there in the wheels department. Rick married Debin Borowski on March 15, 2012 and lived together in Kansas City, MO. He was active in the establishment of the Dogs by Debin Adoption Center and cared deeply for animals. Rick was a dedicated family man and had a special bond with his grandson Jaxston. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, riding his motorcycle, and blues music.

Rick is survived by his wife, Debin. Additional survivors include daughter, Jessica (Jake) Henry, father, Richard Norris, sister, Brenda Norris, and grandson Jaxston Henry, all of Atchison, KS. Step-siblings include Kent (Dianne) Middleton, Karla (Nick) Claycomb, Kellie (Dave) Hall, Kayla (George) Lemke and Shelly (Jeff) Campbell. Rick’s mother, Betty J. Blide, and sister, Dee Ann Ferris, preceded him in death.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, Oct. 29th, 2017 at the Atchison Event Center, 710 S. 9th St., Atchison, KS. His body has been cremated, according to his wishes, and the family will receive friends from 5:30 to 8:30 pm on Saturday, Oct. 28th, at the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home, 800 Kansas Ave Atchison, KS. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Richard D. Norris Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home or online at PayPal.me/DogsbyDebin. Contributions will be used to develop a humane education community center in the Northland of Kansas City, MO. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

A ride will start at noon, kickstands up at 12:30 pm on Sunday for a procession to the services beginning from the Vehicle and Powertrain Operations Facility, Kansas City, MO. Following the services there will be a gathering of family and friends at the Norris Family Farm.

Harold Edwards Ripple, Jr.
1919-2017

Harold Edwards Ripple Jr., 98, of Hiawatha, passed away Monday morning, 23 October, at the Maple Heights Nursing Home.

Born March 24, 1919, in Dodge City, KS, he was the son of the late Harold E (Sr.) and Ada (Hopper) Ripple. A graduate of Dodge City High School and Dodge City Junior College, he attended Northern Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. However, he left school during the war to serve in the Army Corps of Engineers building Army Air and returned to and graduated from the College of Optometry in 1947. He practiced optometry in Hiawatha 36 years from Sept. 1, 1947 until retirement in 1983 .

On May 29, 1949, he married Margery Elizabeth Shideler, who preceded him in death on Jan. 18, 1978. Of that union, two children were born and survive, Patricia (Mike) Marsh and Gary (Susan) Ripple.

On Feb. 17, 1979, he married Deloris Parker Hathhorn, who survives of the home. This union brought another son and daughter into the family: Steve (Marla) Hathhorn and Debra Hathhorn Wright, of Hiawatha.

As a member of the Kansas Optometric Association (KOA), he served as president of the Kansas Optometric Association, president of the Kansas Optometric Foundation, Chair and Secretary of the State Optometric Board of Examiners, President of the seven-state Heart of America Contact Lens Association, and President of the Kansas Ethics Committee for Optometry. As a member of the American Optometric Association, he earned recognition as a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He received numerous honors from both professional associations including KOA’s Emeritus Member and KOA’s first recipient of its Lifetime of Excellence Award for his exemplary ethical and professional character.

Dr. Ripple was a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Hiawatha for 70+years where he served many times on its Board of Trustees and on its Session with multiple terms as Session Clerk. From 1955 until 1963, he served on the Hiawatha Board of Education. He was one of three original founding members of the Hiawatha Elks Lodge serving one term as Exalted Ruler and a member for 70+ years. He was also active for 70+ years in the Masonic Lodge and was a member of the Abdullah Shrine. As a long-time member of the Hiawatha Kiwanis Club, he served once as president, and he was a member of the Hiawatha Country Club. He also served on the Boy Scouts’ District Committee and on the Troop 111 Committee, and he was proud to be an adult member of the Pony Express Council’s tribe of Mic-O-Say. As an enthusiastic KSU Wildcat fan, he attended almost all KSU football games from 1970 until 2015. He loved the mountains and took many trips with family and friends to the Ripple family cabin in Colorado. He was a woodwork craftsman and made intricate, keep-sake toys for his children and grandchildren. Well into his 90s, he enjoyed golf, bridge, fishing and bowling.

In addition to those already mentioned, other survivors include: one brother, Dr. William Ripple of Dodge City, KS.; nine grandchildren and their spouses: Chris (Angie) Grojean of Omaha, NE; Kristin (Chad) Soden of Hiawatha; Randee (Justin) Abitz of Wamego, KS.; Robyn (Aaron) Lanter of Hiawatha; Ryan (Jamie) Hathhorn of Olathe, KS; Emily Ripple (Travis) Rudolph of Dallas TX; Lisa (Shelby) Wendland of Lawrence, KS.; Graham Ripple of Kansas City, MO.; and Jacob (Cas) Marsh of Aurora, CO.; fourteen great-grandchildren: Austyn, Jaydee, Cade, Natalee, Reid, Reese, Westin, Charlotte, Allie, Drew, Henry, Kayla, Savanna – and another baby Wendland on the way; and 2 great-great grandchildren: Kooper and Piper.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Virginia Baldwin.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. until 4:30 Wednesday. The family will meet with friends at the First Presbyterian Church in Hiawatha from 6 until 8 p.m. that evening.

A Celebration of Harold’s life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, Hiawatha. at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 26, with Reverend Nancy Tuma will officiate. Masonic committal services will be a courtesy of Masonic Lodge #35, AF&AM of Hiawatha. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

The family requests that remembrances be given to the Kansas Optometric Foundation, Hiawatha’s First Presbyterian Church, or the Maple Heights Activity Fund, which may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Abby Jo Riggs
1991-2017

Abby Jo Riggs, 25, Crawfordville, FL, passed away Saturday, October 21, 2017 in St. Joseph, Mo. She was born December 14, 1991 in St. Joseph, Mo. She graduated from Benton High School in 2010. She lived life to the fullest and loved unconditionally. Her laugh was contagious and her smile lit up any room. She was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister and mother. Remarked as kind, sweet and dearly loved by her “Lil’ P”. She was a Christian. Abby was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandparents, Thomas & Dora (Rosie) Emberry and paternal grandparents, Jim & Beverly Crist. Survivors include: Mom & Dad, Angela & Larry Helfery Sr.; father, Albert Crist; daughter, Chevy “Lil’ P” Riggs; sister, Ryleigh Helfery; maternal grandmother, Roxann Townsend; aunt, Amy Trowell (Mack); cousins, Boden Williams, Tate & Madelyn Waynick; step-brother, Larry Helfery Jr.; step-sisters, Amy Danner and April Helfery. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, Thursday, October 26, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home with Jim Hale officiating. The family will receive friends and family from 6:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial donations to the Chevy Riggs Educational Fund. Please make checks payable to Chevy RyLynn Riggs and send to Nodaway Valley Bank, 6304 King Hill Ave. St. Joseph, MO 64504

Connie Nadine Koelliker
1940-2017

Connie N. Koelliker, 77, of Hiawatha died Sunday evening, October 22, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving caregivers of Brown County Developmental Services and family. She was born March 25, 1940 in Highland , Kansas one of four children to John Wesley and N. Fern (Beaman) Koelliker and she lived most of her life in Hiawatha where she was employed at BCDS up until a few days before she passed. Connie is preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Patricia (Pat) R. Nigus, a nephew, Randy Koelliker and a great-nephew, James Francis Weiland. Survivors include brothers D. Gene Koelliker (Pat) of Hiawatha; Gary Koelliker (Phyllis) of Highland and brother-in-law Donald Nigus of Hiawatha, nine nieces & nephews and numerous great nieces & nephews and great-great nieces & nephews and her special family at BCDS. She loved everyone and considered them her friend. She loved to watch the birds and squirrels outside her window on a daily basis. She enjoyed listening to country, oldies and gospel music. She loved playing Bingo, going for rides in her van/car and getting it washed so it looked clean and shiny. Shopping was always something that put a smile on her face as she liked to pick out new clothes for work. In her younger years she enjoyed bowling at Maple Lanes in Hiawatha and going to the Special Olympics. She attended the First Christian Church of Hiawatha and enjoyed her time in the Sunshine Class on Sunday’s. A celebration of Connie’s Life is planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, October 26, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha with Chaplain Ryan VanPeursem officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery, Highland. The family will meet the friends an hour prior to services at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions are suggested to BCDS, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S. 7th St., Hiawatha , KS 66434.

Leslie Ivan Rieger
1917-2017

Leslie Ivan Rieger, age 100, died on October 21, 2017, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha. He was born on May 11, 1917, on the family farm in Fairview, Kansas. He was the youngest of 9 children to the union of Charles Henry Rieger and Louisa Schaible Rieger. He graduated from Fairview High School with the class of 1935. He attended the University of Kansas and received a degree in Business Administration in 1940. He married Rosalys McCrerey on April 12, 1940. They had one son, Christopher Philip Rieger, of Norman, Oklahoma.

After graduation from KU he worked for TWA in flight control in the downtown Kansas City Airport. He also worked for Remington Arms in the Engineering Department at Lake City, Missouri. In the fall of 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve and attended Northwestern University in Chicago, as the Navy used various university campuses for training during the World War II. At completion of this training he was promoted to Ensign and transferred to the Supply Corps. He attended Supply Corps School on the Harvard campus at Cambridge, Massachusetts. Duty stations included the Naval Air Training Station at Corpus Christi, Texas, the 8th Naval District Commissioning Detail at New Orleans, Louisiana, and aboard the USS Uvalde, an attack cargo ship operating in the Pacific Theatre. Prior to being assigned to sea duty he was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade.

He completed active duty in the spring of 1946 and released from the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1952, returning to Hiawatha, Kansas. He was engaged in private business in farming and operation of the Hiawatha Monument Works. In 1958 he returned for post- graduate work in Public Administration at the University of Kansas. He later served the city of Manhattan, Kansas, as Assistant City Manager, Director of Finance and Personnel, and was ultimately appointed City Manager by the Manhattan City Commission. The Rieger Meeting Room at Manhattan’s City Hall was named in honor of his service to the City of Manhattan.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Manhattan, Kansas, as well as the Hiawatha and Manhattan Lion’s Club where he served as President of both clubs. He was a lifetime member of the KU Alumni Association, the Kansas State University’s President’s Club, and the VFW Post 1786 in Manhattan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings and his wife. He is survived by his son and daughter- in- law, Christopher and Kimberly Rieger of Norman, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Sara Rieger Ayres, her husband John and great granddaughters Gabrielle and Allison, of Leawood, Kansas; Jana Rieger of San Diego, California; Michael Rieger of San Francisco, California; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held Friday, October 27, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha, Kansas. Shane Spangler will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Riley County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1202 Manhattan, Kansas, or the McCrerey-Rieger Scholarship, Kansas State University Foundation: 1800 Kimball Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan, Kansas 66502. Please indicate Fund Q85026.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, after 10 a.m. until 7 Thursday evening.

Pamela Sue Mullins
1956-2017

Pamela Sue Mullins, 61, of Atchison, KS died Monday, Oct. 23, 2017 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017 at the Second Christian Church in Atchison. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, Oct. 26th at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Second Christian Church Building Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Pam was born on March 17, 1956 in Winchester, KS the daughter of John D. and Betty L. (Smith) Daum. She had attended Atchison and Nortonville schools graduating in 1974. She worked as a phlebotomist for Atchison Hospital for 25 years, and at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, Leavenworth for 8 years before retiring in January of 2017. Pam was a member of the Second Christian Church, Atchison and was active the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life for many years before she, herself, was diagnosed. She enjoyed sewing, crafts, painting, reading and especially spending time with her children and grandchildren who adored her. In her words, “They are the absolute best part of life.” Pam was known by many as an extremely hard-working, grateful, and thoughtful person who went out of her way to help others. Her attitude toward her battle with cancer was nothing short of inspiring.

She was married to Mark E. Mullins on August 9, 1975 at Sacred Heart Church, Atchison. Mr. Mullins survives of the home. Additional survivors include two sons, Nicholas and Joseph Mullins, both of Atchison, KS, two daughters, Carolyn (Mark) Bowers, Rushville, MO and Angela (Donnie) Brown, Lancaster, KS, three sisters, Sarah Conway, and Debra Munsterman, both of Leavenworth, KS, and Barbara Zeltner, Atchison, KS and four grandchildren. Her parents, a brother, Richard Daum and sister Charlene Artman, preceded her in death.

Michael Claude Kennedy
1951-2017

SOLDIER – Michael Claude Kennedy, 66, of Soldier, died Thursday, October 19, 2017 at his home.

He was born July 1, 1951 the son of Robert and Hazel Bock Kennedy. He graduated from Soldier High School in 1969. He served in the U.S. Army from November 1971 to November 1973 and was stationed in Alaska.

Mike attended the Circleville Christian Church and was a member of Local 1290 Laborers. He loved to farm, garden, and share time with the grandkids.

Working for Local 1290, he helped build Jeffrey Energy Center and later worked in maintenance there. He was also a farmer and a stockman.

He married Mary Manning on August 11, 1979 in Topeka. She survives, of the home.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, a brother-in-law, Denzel Long and a sister-in-law, Cathy Kennedy.

Other survivors include his mother, Hazel Kennedy; a son, Christopher Kennedy; a daughter, Michelle Dallas, and husband Jeremy, all of Soldier; two brothers, Tom Kennedy and wife Beverly, Silver Lake and his twin, Patrick Kennedy, Circleville; three sisters, Sue Kennedy, Topeka, Jeanne Long, Plano, TX and Karen Othmer and husband Treve, Topeka; and four grandchildren, Jeremy Michael Dallas, Kendra Mary-Kathryn Dallas, Logan Robert-Thomas Dallas and Khloe Grace Kennedy.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 27th at the Circleville Christian Church. Burial with military honors will follow in the Olive Hill Cemetery. Mike will lie in state starting Wednesday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. A rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home, followed by visitation until 8:00. Memorials are suggested to Honor Flight or Jackson County Friends of Hospice, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 1034, Holton, 66436.

Douglas Scott Anderson
1962-2017

Douglas Scott Anderson, 55 of Holton, KS passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at his home.

Memorial service will be 11:30 AM, Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Muscotah United Church, Muscotah, KS with Rev. Al Shirmacher and Rev. Mark Armstrong officiating. Family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the church. Memorials are suggested to Lupus Foundation for Research and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral who is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Douglas was born on January 11, 1962 in Horton, KS, the son of Carl and Bonnie (Peabody) Anderson. He graduated from K-State with a degree in Mass Communication. Douglas was an exceptional salesman for Don Coffey sporting goods company. He also worked for KNZA as General Manager of Sales. Douglas was a member of the Muscotah United Church, Muscotah, KS and attended Stanley Presbyterian Church while living in Kansas City. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, basically anything outdoors. Douglas especially loved playing and writing music.

Douglas married Laurie Coffey in 1986, they later divorced. He married Maylo McCaslin on April 30, 2009, she survives of the home. Additional survivors include his parents Carl and Bonnie Anderson, Muscotah, KS, a son Ben Anderson, Lawrence, KS, a daughter, Bonnie Anderson, Lawrence, KS, two brothers, Dick and Vicki Anderson, Loveland, CO and Dennis and Kathy Anderson, Holton, KS, and he was loved by his niece and nephews.

Dorothy Lewis
1932-2017

Dorothy Lewis 85, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at her home in St. Joseph, MO. She was born February 2, 1932. She was a homemaker. She enjoyed reading her bible, taking drives in her car, and camping. She formerly attended St. James Catholic Church. Dorothy was preceded in death by brother, Mike Lenz, and her mother, Catherine Lopez. Survivors include: companion, Monty Phropher, her dog, Harley, and nieces & nephews.
Funeral Services; 2:00 pm Tuesday, October 24, 2017, Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Waunita Lillian (Wiedmer) Moskau
1926-2017

Wathena, Kansas – Waunita Lillian (Wiedmer) Moskau, 91, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Friday, October 20, 2017 at the Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Waunita was born on January 23, 1926 in Wathena, Kansas to Edward & Lillian Marolf Wiedmer.

She was a lifelong member of the Zion United Evangelical Church, Women’s Guild, Happy Valley Extension Club, Wednesday Women’s Bible Study, Youth Friend & volunteered at the school library all of Wathena, Kansas. She was a homemaker & worked at the Flower Peddler, retiring after 15 years. Waunita was active in the community & always ready to go places at a moment’s notice!

Waunita married Harlan R. Moskau on June 28, 1946 in Wathena, Kansas. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, grandson, Bryan Bahr, sisters, Cecilia Meng & Vera Hartman, & brothers, Laverne & Warren Wiedmer.

Survivors, Kathy Caton (Stan) of St. Joseph, Missouri
Christy Bahr (Ron) of Wathena, Kansas
Annette Brown (David) of Pattonsburg, Missouri
Colette Adams (Jerry Jr.) of Kansas
9 Grandchildren & 11 great-grandchildren
Sister, Alma Rainey (J.A.) of Sun City, Arizona
Many nieces, nephews, cousins & special friends.

Funeral Service: 2 P.M. Wednesday, October 25, 2017.
At the Zion United Evangelical Church, Wathena, Kansas.
Visitation: 1 hour prior to service at the church. Friends may call after 12 noon Tuesday at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.
Burial: Zion United Evangelical Church Cemetery, Wathena, Kansas.
Memorials: Zion United Evangelical Church, Zion United Evangelical Cemetery Fund or the Wathena EMS.

Eden Lucille Morin
2017-2017

Eden Lucille Morin, 5 day old daughter of Kevin & Kelsey Morin of Kansas City, Missouri passed away Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. She was born October 14, 2017 in Kansas City. Survivors include parents, Kevin & Kelsey Morin, of the home, brother, James Morin of the home, grandparents, Greg & Connie Logan and John & Marian Morin all of St. Joseph, MO, great grandmother, Margaret Swafford, St. Joseph, MO, great grandparents, Ed & Jean Curry, St. Joseph, MO., aunt, Kristin (Charles) Walker, aunt, Kelly Morin, uncle, Kurt (Jordan) Morin, aunt, Janelle (Tyler) Northway, aunt, Haley (Kyle) Richardson, cousins, Piper, Mack, Sloane, Elle Marie, Macoy, Blakely, Kennedy.
Private Graveside Funeral Services and Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Heaven’s Child

She’s in the sun,
the wind, the rain,
she’s in the air
you breathe with
every breath you take.
She sings a song,
of hope and cheer,
there’s no more pain,
no more fear.
You’ll see her in
the clouds above,
hear her whisper
words of love,
you’ll be together
before long, until then
listen for her song.

Odell Stephen Crawford
1923-2017

Odell Stephen Crawford 93, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Friday, October 20, 2017 in St. Joseph, MO. He was born December 29, 1923 in Campbell, MO, son of Maggie and Cecil Crawford. He married Clara Hisel on November 9, 1944 in Troy, KS. He served in the Army and is a veteran of the World War II. He worked at Swift & Co. and Hillyard Chemical. Odell was preceded in death by wife, Clara, his parents, and 3 brothers, Harold, Norman and Charles Crawford. Survivors include, daughter, Sarah (Wayne) Siebern of St. Joseph, MO, grandson, Steven Siebern of St. Joseph, MO, granddaughter, Erica (Calvin) Siebern-Pham of Los Angeles, CA, granddaughter, Deborah (Richard) Siebern-Dennis of St. Joseph, MO, and 3 great grandchildren, Caiden, Emma, Isabella Pham.
Funeral services; 1:00 pm, Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, Rupp Funeral Home. Interment; Memorial Park Cemetery, with Military Services under the direction of the Missouri Funeral Honors Program. Memorials are requested to Mosaic Hopice. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Leslie Ivan Rieger
1917-2017

Leslie Ivan Rieger, age 100, died on October 21, 2017, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha. He was born on May 11, 1917, on the family farm in Fairview, Kansas. He was the youngest of 9 children to the union of Charles Henry Rieger and Louisa Schaible Rieger. He graduated from Fairview High School with the class of 1935. He attended the University of Kansas and received a degree in Business Administration in 1940. He married Rosalys McCrerey on April 12, 1940. They had one son, Christopher Philip Rieger, of Norman, Oklahoma.

After graduation from KU he worked for TWA in flight control in the downtown Kansas City Airport. He also worked for Remington Arms in the Engineering Department at Lake City, Missouri. In the fall of 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve and attended Northwestern University in Chicago, as the Navy used various university campuses for training during the World War II. At completion of this training he was promoted to Ensign and transferred to the Supply Corps. He attended Supply Corps School on the Harvard campus at Cambridge, Massachusetts. Duty stations included the Naval Air Training Station at Corpus Christi, Texas, the 8th Naval District Commissioning Detail at New Orleans, Louisiana, and aboard the USS Uvalde, an attack cargo ship operating in the Pacific Theatre. Prior to being assigned to sea duty he was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade.

He completed active duty in the spring of 1946 and released from the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1952, returning to Hiawatha, Kansas. He was engaged in private business in farming and operation of the Hiawatha Monument Works. In 1958 he returned for post- graduate work in Public Administration at the University of Kansas. He later served the city of Manhattan, Kansas, as Assistant City Manager, Director of Finance and Personnel, and was ultimately appointed City Manager by the Manhattan City Commission. The Rieger Meeting Room at Manhattan’s City Hall was named in honor of his service to the City of Manhattan.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Manhattan, Kansas, as well as the Hiawatha and Manhattan Lion’s Club where he served as President of both clubs. He was a lifetime member of the KU Alumni Association, the Kansas State University’s President’s Club, and the VFW Post 1786 in Manhattan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings and his wife. He is survived by his son and daughter- in- law, Christopher and Kimberly Rieger of Norman, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Sara Rieger Ayres, her husband John and great granddaughters Gabrielle and Allison, of Leawood, Kansas; Jana Rieger of San Diego, California; Michael Rieger of San Francisco, California; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held Friday, October 27, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha, Kansas. Shane Spangler will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Riley County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1202 Manhattan, Kansas, or the McCrerey-Rieger Scholarship, Kansas State University Foundation: 1800 Kimball Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan, Kansas 66502. Please indicate Fund Q85026.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, after 10 a.m. until 7 Thursday evening.

Edmond “Ed” Meschke
1928-2017

Edmond “Ed” Meschke, 89, Dekalb, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2017, at his home.
He was born in Rolla, Missouri to Bruno and Emma Meschke on February 27, 1928.
Edmond served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1947-1950; in 1949 he served with the United Nations in HIFA Palestine.
He married LaVonne E. Goyer in April 1950; she precedes him in death. They were blessed with three children.
Edmond worked for Rolla Electric until 1953 when they moved to Kansas City, Missouri where he took a job with Pitney Bowes, Inc. as a Customer Service Engineer. In 1957 he accepted a transfer to St. Joseph, Missouri as a Resident Customer Service Engineer, where he worked until he retired on December 1, 1989.
He married Dolores Leaming January 22, 1998; she survives of the home. They were both avid travelers and loved fishing; especially for trout. They belonged to the Good Joe Sam’s Chapter Camping Club and Membership Coordinators for the Missouri Good Sam organization for 4 years. They were also members of Midwest RV Camping Club of St. Joseph, Missouri.
He is also preceded in death by his parents; five brothers and three sisters.
Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Dolores; daughters, Cheryl Boyer (Lloyd), Tammy Barnett (Mike); son, Terry Meschke (Jodie); grandchildren, Mark Boyer, Sarah Meschke, Aaron Meschke, Bradley Miller, Kenton Miller; great grandchildren, Grace Boyer, Jackson Boyer, Zoey Miller, Piper Miller; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
The family will gather with friends 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Mosaic Life Care Hospice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Jerry Dean Fones
1941-2017

Jerry Dean Fones 76, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday October 17, 2017 at his home. He was born September 5, 1941 in Pattonsburg, Missouri son of Edith (Darby) & Donald Fones. He married Mary Hendrix on September 23, 1960, in Savannah, MO. He worked at Richardson Screw & Anchor as a Machine Operator. He was a nature lover and loved being outside with the kids. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a member of Sparta United Methodist Church. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, and 1 sister. He is survived by wife, Mary Ellen Fones of the home, daughter, Deborah Cox of Independence, MO, son, Donald Fones of King City, MO, daughter, Marilyn Lemmer of Harrisonville, MO, daughter, Sandra Searcy of Okeechobee, FL, daughter, Anna Burkert of St. Joseph, MO, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, brother, Roger Fones of St. Joseph, MO, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. Friday, October 20, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home. He will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Marilyn “Jeanne” Meyer
1927-2017

Marilyn “Jeanne” Meyer, 90, of Fairview, died Thursday morning, October 19, 2017, at her home surrounded by her family.

Cremation is planned with a Celebration of Jeanne’s life planned for 11 a.m. Monday, October 23, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Pastor Mike Dunnaway officiating.

The family will meet with friends Sunday afternoon from 3 until 5 at the funeral home.

Because of Jeanne’s love of little children, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Paul’s Preschool at Fairview, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha, 66434.

Dorothy M. Kerl
1927-2017

Dorothy M. Kerl, 90, of rural Hiawatha, died Wednesday evening, October 18, 2017, at Falls City Care and Rehab, surrounded by her family.

Cremation is planned with a Celebration of Dorothy’s life planned for 1:30 Tuesday, October 24, at First Presbyterian Church, 206 E 20th St., Falls City, Nebraska, with Reverend Nancy Tuma officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at Cornelison Cemetery, east of Reserve.

The family will meet with friends from 6 until 7:30 Monday evening at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard or Cornelison Cemetery, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Eugenia Adeline “Billie” Hetz
1918-2017

Eugenia A. “Billie” Hetz, 98 of Atchison, KS passed away Thursday, October 19, 2017, at the Atchison Senior Village.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Monday, October 23, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison, KS, with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Sunday, October 22, 2017 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran School Endowment Fund or American Lung Association and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Billie was born on December 22, 1918, in Atchison KS, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Lehman) Peters. She was a homemaker. Billie was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she participated in Morning Break, LWML making quilts and XYZ Club and helped fold church newsletters. She enjoyed fishing, camping, bird watching, gardening flowers and cactus.

Billie married Jack Hetz on April 20, 1939 in Troy, KS; he preceded her in death in September 20, 2005. Survivors include two sons; Gene and Judy Hetz, Atchison, KS, Richard Hetz, Atchison, KS, two daughters, Joyce and Bob Williams, Atchison, KS, Norma and Stan Donahoo, Easton, MO, a daughter in law Pat Hetz, Atchison, KS, a brother, James Peters, Atchison, KS, thirteen grandchildren, and seventeen great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, a son, Wayne Hetz, ten brothers and sisters and a great grandson Mason Hetz.

Robert Allen Lofton
1951-2017

Robert Allen Lofton 66, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday October 14, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. He was born June 18, 1951 in St. Joseph, Missouri son of the late Doris & Allen Lofton. He married Janice Tworek on June 19, 1974, and she survives of the home. He graduated from Lafayette High School, and worked as a Quality Control Inspector at Atchison Casting. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on automobiles, going to auctions, gaming, and traveling when he was younger. He loved his dog Gypsy and cat Baby. Robert was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include wife, Janice Lofton of the home, sister Mary Burns, brother in laws, James, Jeff, and John Tworek. nephews Rex, Ryan and Rory Burns. Mr. Lofton will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

John Henry Wood
1935-2017

John Henry Wood 81, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday October 15, 2017 at a Saint Joseph health care center. He was born December 18, 1935 in Stanberry, Missouri son of the late Naomi & Ezra Wood. He worked at Wire Rope as a Dye Maker. He served in the United States Navy. John was preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca Wood, parents, brothers, Eugene and Richard Wood. Survivors include: brother Loren Wood, Stanberry, MO niece, Mary (Raymond) Radil, Peoria, AZ, sister, Hazel, Savannah, MO. He will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home, he and his wife will be inurned at the Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Danielle Marie Suman
1971-2017

Danielle Marie Suman 45, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, October 15, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care hospital in Saint Joseph, MO. She was born October 28, 1971 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of the late Janet and Steve Stains. She enjoyed Arts/Crafts, rock collecting, unicorns, and garage sales. Survivors include, husband, Harold Suman, daughter, Ashley Hayes, son, Dalton Suman, stepchildren: Brittany Hines, Nathan Suman, grandchildren, Naveah, Michal, Brenda, and Colt. brothers, Tanner Wykert, James Sipes, Steven Stains, Jr., and Greg Richey, and her sister, Crystal Angold.
Funeral services are pending at the Rupp Funeral Home, In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to the Danielle Suman Memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Thelma Verna Fultz
1918-2017

Thelma V. Fultz, 99, formerly of Huron, KS, died Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Wathena Health Care Center, Wathena, KS.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 20th, 2017 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Don Harter officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Huron Cemetery, Huron, KS. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Atchison, and may be sent in care of funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Thelma was born on Sept. 12, 1918 in Robinson, KS the daughter of Stephen F. and Myrtle A. (Funderburg) Robertson. She graduated from high school in 1936. Thelma had worked at Montgomery Ward, Horton, KS, as a telephone operator in Huron, Ks and helped her husband Alvin as a bookkeeper for the Fultz Blacksmith Shop in Huron. She went back to Benedictine college and earned her L.P.N. certificate working as a nurse for Atchison Casting, retiring in 1976. Thelma was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Sunshine Unit, the American Legion Auxiliary Post #288, Everest, KS and helped as a Sunday school teacher, played the piano and enjoyed fishing, cooking, sewing, needle work, knitting and quilting.

She was married to Alvin L. Fultz on April 24, 1937 in Atchison KS. He preceded her in death on May 19, 1998. Her parents, and seven brothers, four sisters, and thirteen nieces & nephews all preceded her in death. Survivors include 25 nieces and nephews.

Bobbie Jo Arnold
1964-2017

STEWARTSVILLE, Mo. Bobbie Jo Arnold, 53, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, October 17, with her family at her side.
Bobbie Jo was born in Saint Joseph, Missouri, on May 23, 1964. She attended McKinley Elementary, Rushville-DeKalb Schools and graduated from Benton High School. She spent 10 years in gun manufacturing at the Hatfield Gun Company and worked as a waitress for 30 years at various restaurants including her family-owned RB&Ls, the Tik-Tok, Betty’s Café, Cordonniers and Adams. Bobbie Jo loved meeting people from all walks of life and always opened her heart fully to family, friends and customers. She rarely met a stranger who did not walk away a friend. She is preceded in death by her mother, Betty Faulk; grandparents Roy and Ruby Faulk; nephews Bernie Derry, Jr. and Jimmy Derry; and dear cousin, Carrie Cook. Survivors include a beloved son, Bruce Bish and beloved daughters Sarah Jean Arnold and Anastasia Gillard. She was a proud grandmother to Bruce Bish, Jr. and Addy Hartrampf. Other survivors include father, Ray Faulk (Shirley); five brothers Lawrence “Larry” Derry Jr., Luis Derry (Peggy), Lucas Derry, Bill Derry (Nancy), Bernie Derry (Candy) and five sisters Linda Derry, Leslie Pummell (Melvin), Lorie Auxier, Ruby Puri (Rahul) and Betsy Faulk (Billy Couch). She was blessed with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and was especially grateful to her best friend and life partner, David Donahoo. Bobbie Jo was a nature lover and enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, hiking in Bluffwoods and walking along the Mighty Mo. Many of her fondest childhood memories were spent in Tennessee at her grandparents’ farm where she and her siblings and cousins loved to fish, run through the cotton fields and consume vast amounts of Dr. Pepper along with her Grandmother Faulk’s homemade biscuits. Friends and Family are welcome to a visitation and memorial service: Friday, October 20, 2017, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Rupp Funeral Home. 6054 Pryor, St. Joseph, MO 64504, In lieu of flowers, a fund has been established for funeral expenses and her two grandchildren. Donations can be made payable to: The Bobbie Jo Arnold Fund, Nodaway Valley Bank, 6304 King Hill Avenue, St. Joseph, MO 64504, Additionally, Bobbie Jo asked that friends and family please consider a donation, in her memory, to the mental health and substance abuse program of their choice. Bobbie Jo, you are so loved and will never be forgotten.

Donald L. Bowen
1939-2017

Donald L. Bowen, 78, Atchison, KS, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital in St. Joseph, MO.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM, Friday, October 20, 2017 at Faith Bible Fellowship Church, Atchison, with Pastor Stephen Lucas, officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Atchison. Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Thursday, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Faith Bible Fellowship Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Words of comfort and remembrance may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Donald was born July 15, 1939 in Willow Springs, MO, the son of Charlie Roy and Hazel V. (Inman) Bowen. Don was a self-employed contractor, owning and operating Don’s Asphalt Company for many years. Don also owned and operated, C & B Used Cars, Atchison. Don was a member of Faith Bible Fellowship Church, he enjoyed fishing and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Don and Cecelia Evans were married on September 18, 1961 in Atchison.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Cecelia Bowen, of the home; son, John (Teresa) Portenier, Jr., Atchison; three grandchildren, Sabrina (Mike) Lasater, Michelle (Brandon) Underwood, and Ryan (Laura) Portenier; eight great grandchildren, Erin (Derrick) Hughes, Jacob Portenier, Colin Lasater, Kerstin Underwood, Lexi Lasater, Kinley Underwood, Kennedy Portenier, and Brooklyn Portenier; two great-great grandchildren on the way; brothers, Ralph, Denny and Lynn Bowen; sisters, Joyce Overton and Linda Harris.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, George, Homer and Hershel Bowen.

Jean Gibson
1929-2017

Jean Gibson, 88, of Highland, died early Thursday morning, October 12, 2017, at Mission Village Living Center in Horton.

She was born at St. Joseph, Missouri, September 26, 1929, one of three children born to Lloyd Francis and Margaret Mclaren Dawson. Her parents and her were one of the first cars to cross the new Missouri River bridge (at that time), connecting Missouri and Kansas. Jean had lived nearly all of her life in the Sparks/Highland area. She attended Sparks schools where she graduated high school; graduated from Highland Junior College; and Northwest Missouri State University, where she received her Masters’ Degree. She worked as an executive secretary most of her working life, first for Highland College, Anchor Serum (now Boehringer-Ingelheim), and Vatteroff College, both in St. Joseph, before retiring.

Jean was a member of Highland United Methodist-Presbyterian Church; also a member of the Order of Eastern Star. She loved being involved with Highland PRIDE and volunteering with the Highland Food Pantry. Jean was instrumental in starting and maintaining the Highland Memorial Day program, which is very well attended each year. She loved to cook and wrote articles for the Horton Headlight, and on occasion St. Joseph Newpress. Above all, she loved her family and community.

She married Charles William “Bill” Gibson, January 25, 1947, at Troy. They made Highland their home nearly all of their married lived until moving to Horton to assisted living center in recent years.. He died December 4, 2013.

Survivors include her children: Terry Gibson (Doris) of Highland, Kevin Gibson of Kansas City, KS, Chris Gibson (Trish), also of Highland; a brother Lloyd Dawson, Jr., of Highland; a sister Joan Bryan of St. Joseph, MO; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Jean was also preceded in death by her parents; and a great-grandson Josh Torkelson.

The family will meet with friends a half hour prior to services at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 16, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland. Pastor Jerry Petering will officiate, assisted by Sam Blythe. Family inurnment will follow at Highland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Highland PRIDE, sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 33, Highland 66035.

Ethel Louise McCollum
1945-2017

Ethel Louise McCollum 72, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. She was born July 27, 1945 in St. Joseph, Missouri, daughter of the late Geraldine & Randall Kirby. She graduated from Central High School class of 1963. Ethel worked at the Elwood School District and at Lover’s Lane Credit Union as a Secretary/Bookeeper. She loved to read, she and enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles and playing Mah Jongg. She was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin McCollum, her parents, son, Carson Tubbs, grandson, Carson W. Tubbs II, brother, Wayne Bowlin, and sister, Donna Lightbody. Survivors include daughter, Stephanie Tubbs-Harbeston (Ed) Wathena, KS, son, David (Dena) Tubbs, Marceline, MO, grandchildren, Hadley K. Mangum, Brandon, Tyler and Nathaniel Noble, Logan and Davin Tubbs, great grandson, Calvin Mangum, 7 nieces and nephews, and sister, Betty (Mike) Jones-Kornblum, Springfield, MO. The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm Saturday with a Memorial Service to be held at 3 pm Saturday, October 14, 2017 at the Rupp Funeral Home. She will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Child Rescue Guatemala with Midland Ministries in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Emma “Jean” Roland
1934-2017

Wathena, Kansas – Emma “Jean” Roland, 83, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Thursday, October 12, 2017 at her home.

Jean was born on March 15, 1934 in Wathena, Kansas to Marion Gregg & Ama Alice (Verbryck) Phelps.

She worked as a waitress at the Hardy’s Café in Wathena for many years & also was a member of the Women’s VFW Auxiliary.

Jean married Harold L. Davis Sr. on January 21, 2000. He survives of the home.

She was preceded in death by her parents & a sister Talba Davis.

Additional survivors: Daughters, Treva Jean Bollman,
Winchenda Mae McIlvian,
Deana Marie Brown,
Tammy JoLynn Sutton,
Jacqueline Anne Roland,
Sons, Gregory Carl Roland,
Ricky Eugene Roland,
William Joseph Roland,
Step-son, Harold L. Davis Jr.,
Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren & great-great-grandchildren

Jean’s wishes were to be cremated with a party at a later date.
Memorials: Compassus Hospice
Harman-Rohde Funeral Home, Wathena, Kansas in charge of arrangements.

Rodney Wayne Chase
1957-2017

Rodney Wayne Chase 59, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, October 13, 2017 at his home. He was born May 28, 1957 in St. Joseph, Missouri, son of the late Norma & Charley Chase. He graduated from Central High, then went to serve in the United States Air Force. He worked as a Mill Rite, who enjoyed fishing and camping with his wife, Lori, hanging out with his grandkids and friends. He also enjoyed watching Nascar, and tinkering in the basement. Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Lori Jean Chase, and sister, Carolyn McNett. Survivors include sons, Delvin and David McClure of St. Joseph, MO, daughter, Heidi Chase, Virginia, he had a total of seven grandchildren, including, Bailey & Austin McClure, brothers, Ron (Linda) Chase, DeKalb, MO, and Carl (Teresa) Chase of Savannah, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Thursday October 19, 2017 at the Rupp Funeral Home. He has been cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Paul Vonfischbach
1947-2017

Paul Vonfischbach, 70, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, October 11, 2017.
He was born April 30, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY to Paul and Grace (Bello) Fischbach.
Paul enjoyed woodworking and Yankees baseball. He loved his children.
He was preceded in death by his parents;
Survivors include daughter, Jennifer Caracciolo, NY; sons, Mathew Fischbach, Booker, Madison and Parker VonFischbach; brother, Robert, CA.
Family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, Living Hope Church. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to his children’s education fund c/o Nodaway Valley Bank. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Betty Lou (Martin) Kirschner
1925-2017

Betty Lou (Martin) Kirschner, 91, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly Friday, October 13, 2017, at her home.
She was born December 7, 1925 to Clarence and Aurie (Ham) Tibbetts.
Betty married Curtis (Dink) Martin August of 1950; he passed away in November of 1982. She later married Jack Kirschner in 1983; he passed away in June of 1999.
She graduated from Lafayette High School, class of 1944. Betty worked at Westtab, Standard Oil, Green Hills and for the last 10 years at at Walgreens with plans to retire October 30th 2017 and looked forward to doing volunteer work after her retirement. She was very active and strong willed. Betty was a huge supporter of the military, the American flag and her country.
Betty enjoyed going to garage and estate sales her entire life. She was an amazing lady that loved all animals and was a very caring and giving person even to people she didn’t know.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands; brothers, Melvin E. Tibbets, Gene Tibbets; and sister, June Rose Craig.
Survivors include son, Alan Martin (Jane), Quartz Hill, California; daughters, Nancy Lou (Martin) Gore, Parkville, Missouri, Tracy Ann (Martin) McLaughlin; stepsons, Tom Kirschner, Roger Kirschner (Linda), Neosho, Missouri; grandchildren, Amy and Ryan Martin, Brannon Gore (Stacey), Jordan and Myles McLaughlin, Tim Kirschner (Telara), Danielle Gruen, Brandon Kirschner (Megan), Sherry Smith (Matt), Mark Kirschner, Tammy McQuiston (RC), 18 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and her loyal companion cat, “Miss Kitty”.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to St. Joseph Animal Shelter. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Mark Andrew Denney
1950-2017

U.S. VeteranMark Andrew Denney, 67, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017 at his home with his family by his side. Born on Aug. 1, 1950 in Kansas City, Missouri, Mark was brought up 40 acres near Edgerton, Missouri by Margaret and Merle Denney and attended North Platte High School in Dearborn, Missouri. Known as both a class cut-up and heartthrob at North Platte, Mark graduated in 1968 and went on to attend the University of Missouri, where he enjoyed an illustrious music career that included a stint in the rock group Smokey Bayer and the Aspirins and performing a song before a state convention of the Future Farmers of America. Mark had a military career spanning near three decades, serving in the Air Force and later the Army. Through his life, Mark’s interests included reading, cooking, drawing cartoons, starting up new business ventures, attempting to build and fix things around the house (with mixed results) and fishing (also with mixed results). Above all, he was proud of his family, his faith and his service to his country. Mark is survived by his Cynthia Denney, his wife of almost 35 years; two sons, Andrew Denney of Brooklyn, New York, and Nick Denney of Sequim, Washington; and his two grandchildren, Summer and Hayden Denney. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017 at Family Worship Center Church at 12293 John Glenn Road in Country Club Village, Missouri. Pastor Douglas Cline will officiate. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home, located at 6054 Pryor Ave. in St. Joseph. Interment will be held later on Wednesday at the Leavenworth National Cemetery in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.

Anne (Parkinson) Douglass

Anne (Parkinson) Douglass, 77, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, October 15, 2017.
Farewell Services are pending Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.

William Thomas Young

William Thomas Young, 89, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, October 15, 2017.
Farewell Services Thursday, 1:00 P.M., Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.

Terrance Sterling Hollingsworth
1946-2017

Terrance Sterling Hollingsworth, 71, of Atchison KS died on Tuesday, Oct 3, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Center, St. Joseph, MO

Mr. Hollingsworth has been cremated according to his wishes, and no services will be held. Memorials are suggested to Breast Cancer Support 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.

Terrance was born on March 2nd, 1946 in Atchison, Kansas the son of Joseph David and Frances (Brown) Hollingsworth. He was a retired United States Army veteran serving from 1971 to 1993. After his retirement from the service he worked as the Head Chief for the Hart Hospital in Texas. He moved back to Atchison in 2011. He was a member of the VFW Post # 1175, Atchison, KS and enjoyed fishing, his dog – Ike, tinkering, and leatherwork.

He was married to Jessie Rae Zabel on June 3, 1967. She preceded him in death in Sept. of 2008. Survivors include two sons, Michael (Gloria) Hollingsworth, Macomb, MI, and Asa (Jennifer) Hollingsworth, Tumwater, WA, three daughters, Tresia (Jim) Metz, Freeport, IL, Helen Bieker, Lorraine, KS, and Michelle Horton, Atchison ,KS, a brother, Ron Hollingsworth, Atchison, KS and two sisters, Gerri (Don) Hutchings, Krebs, OK, and Marla Winn, AR, twelve grandchildren, three great grandchildren and three step grandchildren and a niece/nephew who were his caregivers, Grace (David) Wilburn, of Effingham, KS. His parents, wife Jessie, and a daughter, Tara Garza preceded him in death.

Wilbur Dale Miller
1929-2017

Wilbur Dale Miller, 88, of Atchison, KS, passed away, Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at the Atchison Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Memorial Services will be 2:00 pm, Sunday, October 8, 2017 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, with Rev. Michael Strickland, officiating. Family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, Sunday, at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Emporia, KS on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 10:30 AM. Memorial contributions in honor of Dale are suggested to the First Baptist Church or the Atchison Humane Society and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Words of sympathy and remembrance may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com

Wilbur Dale Miller was born on August 7, 1929 in Holton, KS, the son of Charles and Ocie (Coffelt) Miller. Dale moved to Atchison with his mother, Ocie, and step father, Guy Wheeler, in 1943 and graduated from Atchison High School in 1947. Dale served his country in the US Navy, being discharged in 1950. For the past sixty-two years, Dale has worked with Steinlite Corporation in Atchison as a production manager. Dale was a faithful member of the Atchison First Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, Trustee of the church, and former Sunday School Superintendant; a Past Master (1962) and member of the Atchison Masonic Lodge #158; member of the Topeks Camping Club. Dale enjoyed camping, yard work, gardening and crafts. Dale especially loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Dale and Adalee Padgett were married on August 25, 1951 in Atchison.

Dale is survived by his wife of 66 years, Adalee, of the home; two daughters, Cheryl Lynn (Mark) Fink, Topeka, KS, and Lori Ann (Gary) Andrews, Emporia, KS; two grandchildren, Sarah Lynn Fink, Spring Hill, KS and Sinjin Michael (Amber) Andrews, Emporia; two great grandchildren, Abeni and Alivia Andrews; brother, Jack (Sandy) Miller, Topeka; sister-in-law, Bonnie Wheeler, Kansas City, MO; Aunt Carrie Miller, Holton.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather; two brothers, Charles Miller and Dick Wheeler.

Pastor Lela May Gardner-Warner
1948-2017

Pastor Lela May Gardner-Warner 69, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, October 6, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 12, 1948 in Plattsburg, MO, daughter of the late Lillie and Idris “Rex” Gardner. She graduated from South Park Christian and Ambassadors Bible College. She married Dale Warner on January 5, 1999, and he survives of the Home. She was the Pastor with her husband Dale at the Ambassadors of Faith Christian Center, she also was the Dean of the Ambassadors of Faith College and Seminary. She loved to brag about her grandchildren, camping with her family, singing in church, making quilts, sewing, and watching the Dallas Cowboy football. She loved her family and her church family. Lela was preceded in death by her parents, son, James T. Young, brothers, Roy and James Sonny Gardner, a sister, Levina Gardner, and great grandson, Karsyn Nathaniel Young. Survivors include, husband, Dale W. Warner of the home, children; Michael (Robin) Young, Shannon (Rodney) Senicerios of St. Joseph, MO, Tonya Young, Great Bend, KS, and John Warner, St. Joseph, a brother, Charles (Anna May) Gardner, Plattsburg, MO, sisters, Helen (Sonny) Perman, St. Joseph, MO, Rose (John) Utter, Raytown, MO, and Doris Ferguson, Liberty, MO, sister in law, Betty Gardner, Richmond, MO, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, loving caregiver and former husband, Herschel Davenport, and her baby puppy, Bubbles.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home with Rev. Beau Walker officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Ebenezer Cemetery . Memorials are requested to the Noyes Children’s Home.

Maxine Boling
1922-2017

EMMETT – Maxine Boling, 95, of Emmett, died Sunday, October 8, 2017 at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka.

She was born May 6, 1922 on a farm east of Havensville, the daughter of Roland and Flossie Alban Bahret. She graduated from Soldier High School in 1940.

Maxine had been a member of the Mt. Olive United Methodist Church until it closed. Since then she has been a member of the Emmett United Methodist Church.

She married Clifford Boling on March 8, 1943 in Holton. He died July 22, 1994.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Lemoine Boling, who died in 1970.

Survivors include a son, Charles Wilson, Silver Lake, and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 13th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga. Burial will follow in the St. Clere Cemetery. Maxine will lie in state Thursday at the funeral home where family and friends will meet from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Heart of Jackson Humane Society or Midland Hospice, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 312, Onaga, 66521.

Diana L. Smith
1957-2017

Diana L. Smith 59, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday October 10, 2017 at her home. She was born October 30, 1957 in Granite City, Illinois daughter of Pauline & Charles Fowler. She was a Homemaker, and a Christian. Diana was preceded in death by her father, Charles Fowler, brothers, David, Donnie, and Dennis Fowler. She is survived by husband, Eddie Smith, mother, Pauline Fowler, Preston, MO, son James (Erica) Payne, St. Joseph, daughters, Donnita Payne, Saint Joseph, MO, and Davon Barnett, Mexico, MO, grandchildren, Jordan, Sadie, Tyler, and Ashley Payne, Amber and Tearra Elam, Cheryl and Chelsey Newhauser, and Shannon Watts, great grandchild, Bentley , brothers, Charles Fowler Jr., St. Joseph, MO, and Gary (Helen) Fowler, Preston, MO, former husband, Harry Payne. The family will receive friends from 6-7 PM Thursday, with a funeral service to be conducted at 7:00 pm Thursday, at the Rupp Funeral Home. Danny Gach officiating. She will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home following the services.

Ronald Leroy Wall
1944-2017

St. Joseph, Missouri Ronald Leroy Wall, 73, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at the Wathena Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Ronald was born on September 23, 1944 in Union Star, Missouri to Arch & Verna (Brewer) Wall.

He worked as a pressman at Mead Products.

Ronald married Irene Lewis on April 13, 1971 in Burlingame, Kansas. She survives of the home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Ray Dean Wall, sister, Dorothy McMillen & 2nephews & 2 nieces.

Additional survivors: sons, Jeffery Wall (Brandy) Daniel Wall 6 grandchildren & 1 great-grandson

Ronald’s wishes were to be cremated with a Memorial service at 2 P.M. Thursday, October 12, 2017 at the First Lutheran Church, 302 South 10th St. St. Joseph, Missouri. Visitation: 1 hour prior to service. In Lieu of flowers memorials to defray the cost may be made to the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home P.O. Box 426 Wathena, Kansas 66090. www.harmanrohde.com

Norma Jean Russell
1933-2017

Wathena, Kansas – Norma Jean (Jones) Russell, 84, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2017.

Norma Jean was born on Jan. 30, 1933 to Glenn R. Jones and Nora (Hartman) Jones in rural Doniphan County, Kansas. She lived in Wathena all of her life.

She was a 1950 graduate of Wathena High School and attended Gard Business University. She worked for Bartlett Mortgage Company and Vinyard Construction Company and then worked for the District Court of Doniphan County for 20 years, retiring as Clerk of the District Court in 1995.

She was a member of the Wathena United Methodist Church for 72 years and was an active member of the United Methodist Women. She was a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program and a volunteer at the Wathena Keen-Age Center.

Norma Jean married Donald R. Russell on September 16, 1956 in Wathena. He preceded in death on June 13, 1995. She was also preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Russell of Centennial, Colorado and her beloved friend, Robert Keifer of St. Joseph, Missouri.

FUNERAL: Saturday, October 14, 2017 – 10:30 A.M.
At: United Methodist Church in Wathena
Burial: Bellemont Cemetery in Wathena
Visitation: family will receive friends Friday evening 6-8 at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena.

Dorothy Irene Woodruff
1935-2017

Wathena, Kansas – Dorothy Irene (Lentz) Woodruff, 81, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at the Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Dorothy was born near Iowa Point, Kansas on November 14, 1935 to Omer L. Lentz and Verna L. Lake Lentz.

Dorothy lived at Iowa Point and attended elementary school there except for a short time when they lived in Laramie, Wyoming. She attended high school at White Cloud, Ks. After graduating, she and Robert J. Woodruff Jr. were married on September 19, 1953. They lived in Kansas City, Missouri, Kingsville, Mo., Blair, Ks., Wathena, Ks. and Atchison, Ks. Dorothy was a Christian and a member of First Baptist Church of Atchison and a former member of First Baptist Church of Wathena, Ks. She was involved for 10 years with the Macedonian Ministry which involved ministries all over Kansas into Missouri & Nebraska. She and her husband owned & operated Decade Acres Mobile Home Park in Atchison, Ks. for 28 years, before retiring to travel in their motor home & spend winters in Arizona & Texas.They enjoyed trips and traveling together, visiting nearly every state, also Canada & Mexico. However, there was “no place like home, Kansas!” Dorothy was first of all a wife, mom and grandma. She enjoyed gardening, growing flowers of all sorts, cooking and baking for her family. She will be happy in her new home with Jesus, her Lord and Savior, reunited with her husband, family & friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her father Omer Lentz, step-father Owen Lentz & step-father Joseph Christainson, and mother Verna Lake Lentz Christainson; grandparents, Ed and Sadie Lentz and Henry Lake and Nancy and George Hiskey. Robert Woodruff preceded her on November 25, 2008.

Surviving are Bob & Mary Ann Woodruff of Wathena, KS. Grandchildren Susan & Aaron Barton, Great-grandchildren Steve Barton & Shelby Barton, Cameron Woodruff, Noel Beech (Michael) Grandson, Matthew Woodruff (Kristin) Great-grandchildren Gavin, Jillian & Taylin Woodruff.

Carol and Patrick McReynolds of Genoa, Arkansas; Grandchildren Heather Trauger (Andy) Great-grandchildren Bethany Trauger, Hannah Trauger, Geoffrey Trauger & Carolyn Trauger; Grandson, Samuel McReynolds (Melissa) Granddaughter Sarah McCool (Jacob) Great-grandchildren, Finn & Molly McCool.

Tim & Pam Woodruff of St. Joseph, Missouri; Granddaughter Kirsten Woodruff, Grandson, Timmy Woodruff, Granddaughter, Taylor Ellis (Kyle) Great-granddaughter, Olivia Ellis. Grandson Kyle Woodruff (Whitney) and Great-granddaughter, Rowan Woodruff.
Brother, Jerry W. Lentz and nephew Christopher W. Lentz.

Funeral Service: 1:00 P.M, Saturday, October 14, 2017 at First Baptist Church, Wathena, KS.
Visitation: 6:00-8:00 Friday evening at First Baptist Church, Wathena, Ks. Friends may call after 12 noon Friday.
Burial: Sunset Memory Garden, Atchison, Kansas
Memorials: First Baptist Church or Diabetes Foundation

Angel Martinez
1921-2017

Angel Martinez 96, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away October 11, 2017; arrangements are pending at the Rupp Funeral Home.

Thomas A. Bingaman
1926-2017

Thomas A. Bingaman 91, of St. Joseph, MO passed away Monday, October 2, 2017 at his home. He was born August 12, 1926 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Linnie and Columbus Bingaman. He graduated from Benton High School and served in the United States Navy during WWII. He retired as a Meat Inspector with the United States Department of Agriculture. Tom was an avid fisherman, who enjoyed gardening and yard work, he was a devoted husband to his late wife Mary Alice (Smaich) Bingaman who passed away February 20, 2017. Tom was a member of St. James Holy Name Society, South St. Joseph Progressive Association, South Side Sertoma, and St. James Catholic Church. Preceding in death by are his wife, Mary Alice, his parents, sister, Geraldine (Joe) Dukes, two children, Lisa Ann and Timothy Bingaman. Survivors include a niece Janet Lewis of Scottsbluff, NE, sister in law, Angie (James) Deberry, Fairway, KS.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, October 5, 2017, at the St. James Catholic Church, Fr. Evan Harkins Celebrant. The Rosary will be recited at 6:00 pm, Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the St. James Renovation fund.

Mary Ann Cunningham
1944-2017

Mary Ann Cunningham 73, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2017 in Saint Joseph, MO. She was born June 28, 1944 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of the late Mary and Cecil Dennis. She married David Cunningham on November 23, 1991 and he survives of the home. She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, fishing, and loved to collect noisy clocks, and was a member of the Solid Rock United Pentecostal Church. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Donald , Floyd and Orville Dennis, sisters, Kathryn Warren, Thelma Burke, and Audrey Snider, stepson, David Cunningham. Survivors include, husband, Morris David Cunningham of Saint Joseph, MO, daughters, Debbie L. Nickle (Ellen Woodbury) St. Joseph, MO, Kelly A. Nickle (Eric Hill), Kyle, TX, Connie Jo (Paul) Barrott, Carriere, MS, step daughters: Kimberlee Neukam, and Melisa Sue McKale all of St. Joseph, MO, 8 grandchildren, Aaron (Katie) Nickle, Jodie (Colten) Turner, Joshua & Jamie Shannon, and William, Andrew, Lillian, Abbigail Barrott, 3 great grandchildren, Ethan, Allie and Brooke Nickle, brothers, Clyde Dennis, St. Joseph, MO, Bobby Dennis, Faucett, MO, sisters, Floy Mae White, St. Joseph, MO, and Darlene Dennis, Elwood, KS., as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Friday, October 6, 2017 at 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 Dearborn Cemetery. Memorials are requested to a charity of the donors choice. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Marilyn Kay Horner
1946-2017

Troy, Kansas – Marilyn Kay Horner, 71, of Troy, Kansas passed away Monday, October 2, 2017 at the Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Marilyn was born on June 24, 1946 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Frank & Anna Jewell (Minton) Thompson.

She worked for D&G Restaurant for over 20 years, selling bingo cards for White Cloud Casino and owned and operated Rookies in Troy, Kansas.

Marilyn married Russell “Dean” Horner on August 9, 1969. He preceded her in death on May 22, 2017. She was also preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Sandy Goltz & a sister, Joyce Holmes.

Survivors: son, Terry Horner (Amy) of Troy, Kansas
Brothers, Richard & Kenny Thompson of St. Joseph, Missouri
Grandchildren, Mitch Horner (Kelsey), Larissa Hoffman (Brandon), Brennan Wehner (Kelsie) & Tyler Horner.
Great-grandchildren, Alexis Horner, Allie Horner, Bosten Horner. Maddex Hoffman, Baily Hoffman, Braxton Hoffman & Oaklie Wehner.
Nieces & nephews

Funeral service: 9:00 A.M., Thursday, October 5, 2017.
At the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas.
Visitation: 6-8 Wednesday evening at the funeral home, where friends may call after 1:00 P.M. Wednesday.
Burial: Mount Olive Cemetery, Troy, Kansas.
Memorials: Doniphan County American Legion Baseball

Benjamin A. Glick
1945-2017

Benjamin A. Glick, 72, Albany, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2017, at Mosaic Life Care, St. Joseph, Missouri.
He was born August 31, 1945 in Kansas City, Missouri to Leland and Violette (Findley) Glick. The family moved to San Mateo, California in 1959 where his father worked for TWA.
Benjamin was a member of the International Alliance of Theatre Stage Employees (IATSE) in San Jose, California before his retirement in 2015. Prior to that he worked for Calma Co.
He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Aaron Glick.
Survivors include brother, Bill Glick (Lorraine), San Jose, California; sister, Carolyn Dobbins (Tim), Capitola, California; nephews, Christopher, Tim; nieces, Meme, Cathy, Darla; great nephews, Jasper, Jake and great niece Violet.
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Gregory E. “Greg” Leslie
1959-2017

Gregory E. “Greg” Leslie, 58, Country Club, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2017, from late stage pancreatic cancer diagnosed in early July 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born February 4, 1959 to Phillip E. and K. Mardine (Denger) Leslie at Dallas County Hospital in Perry, Iowa. Greg was raised in Perry where he attended grade school, the Dawson, Iowa 5th grade school, and then completed Junior High School in Perry. He graduated from Perry Community High School in 1977. After high school he enrolled in the University of Iowa and graduated in 1981 with a B.S. degree in Political Science. Greg was a loyal Hawkeye fan and was often referred to as Mr. Hawkeye as he proudly sported the black and gold and cruised around in what he commonly referred to as the “Hawkeye” Jeep.
After college, Greg was employed with the City of Iowa City, Iowa in 1982 in the transit division as a bus operator and was later promoted and served as an Operations Supervisor. In 1988 Greg took a position with ATE/Ryder Management and Service Company where he was hired as an Associate. He was later appointed the Assistant General Manager for the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District, in Peoria, IL. In 1991, he was appointed the Transit General Manager for the City of St. Joseph, MO. He served in this capacity for 6 years. He also served as Secretary of the Missouri Public Transit Association in 1996 & 1997. In 1998, he accepted a position with Shelter Insurance Companies as a Property Casualty resident adjuster. Mr. Leslie remained employed by Shelter Insurance as a resident Auto Adjuster until the time of his death. Greg was also a member of the St. Joseph Host Lions Club where he went through the chairs as a 1st and 2nd Vice President and then President.
Greg was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his parents; brother, Warren A. Leslie, and beloved companion of twelve years, his floppy eared Schnauzer, Sox.
He dearly loved his son, Paul and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, who blessed him with two beautiful grandchildren, Zoey and Stephen.
Greg was an avid sports enthusiast but was especially fanatic about his beloved Hawkeyes and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
Survivors include his son, Paul Leslie (Elizabeth), Country Club Village, MO; grandchildren, Zoey and Stephen Leslie; brother, Dennis Leslie (Susan), Perry, Iowa; brother, Lynn Leslie (Sarah), Garrettsville, OH; sister, Kita Goodson (James), Clive, IA; former wife, Mary Dean, Andrew County, MO; and dear friend, Kathie Lawrence, St. Joseph, MO.
Farewell Services 3:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family requests donations in remembrance of Greg to be made to the St. Joseph Host Lions Club and/or the University of Iowa Foundation. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Ralph V. Beahm
1922-2017

Ralph V. Beahm, from the St. Joseph and Kansas City areas died
Sunday at the age of 94.
Born in Huntley, NE he was raised on the family farm and played
sports, earning all-state in high school football.
Ralph served in the Army Air Corp from 1942-1946 then began work
for the Lipton Tea Co followed by sales roles at Bevington Wholesale
Beverage in NE and IA.
In 1948 Ralph married Marcella Chase from Logan, IA. They moved to
Kansas City where Ralph worked for Bevington & Basile Wholesale.
Ralph coached little league baseball, was a Boy Scout leader,
served on the Mission, KS planning board and was an elder at Southridge
Presbyterian in Roeland Park, KS.
In 1976 he moved to St. Joseph, Mo, and worked as manager of K&B
Beverage Distributing Co. He later worked for Midland Bottling Co and
then St. Joseph Beverage. In total Ralph worked for over 55 years in the
beverage industry. He was a humble man, loved his family, and truly
enjoyed his friendships with customers over the years.
Ralph was a member and past commander of American Legion Post 396
and 11, and member of the VFW, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Moila
Shrine.
Ralph was proceeded in death by his parents, Orley and Mertie;
brothers, Willard, Lloyd, Lester and Merle; and his loving wife Marcella,
“Marcy”.
Ralph is survived by son Cliff (Connie); grandson, Jason;
granddaughter, Jenna, great-grandaughter Parker; and son Bruce (Joan);
grandsons, Alex and Kevin.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home &
Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with
friends 12:00 Noon to 1:00 P.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home &
Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in Ralph’s
honor to The Salvation Army. Online guest book and obituary at
www.meierhoffer.com.

James L. “Jim” Lancey
1948-2017

James L. “Jim” Lancey, 69, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2017.
He was born May 30, 1948 in Maryville, Missouri to Ray and Jeanne (McGinnis) Lancey.
Jim was a member of the Baptist Faith.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with friends and family.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and step parents, Mary Lancey and Ernie Wright.
Survivors include daughters, Denise Peters (Jeremy) and Teresa Cluck (Chris); grandchildren, Jackson Kinney and Alexis Cluck, Liam and Olivia Peters; sisters, Rae Jeanne Messick and Janis Easter (Don); brother, David Lancey; step-brother, Keith Williams; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers the family request donations made to a charity of the donors choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Kenneth J. Dugan
1933-2017

Kenneth J. Dugan, 84, Faucett, Missouri, formerly of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2017.
He was born January 30, 1933 in Lebanon, Missouri to Dempsey and Rosie (Dalton) Dugan.
Kenneth married Sally Creasey July 27, 1952, she survives of the home.
He was co-owner of Dugan-Lowe Oil Company for 25 years.
Kenneth served in the Air Force for four years. He enjoyed playing poker, watching old westerns and football and loved spending time with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Tena Rose Mazurak and Karen J. Dugan; grandson, Lance Anderson; sister, Toni Ryan and infant sister, Ruby Jane Dugan; brothers, Everett and Dempsey Dugan, Jr.
Additional survivors include daughters, Debbie Johnson (Dennis), and Lori Dugan; brother-in-law, Leo Shirley (Judy); grandchildren, Brian Johnson (Heather), Kenna Butler (Steve), John Paul Anderson (Janaha), Megan Dugan, Wendy and Brad Wood; great-grandchildren, Austin, Amber, John Dean, Jacob and Jordan Anderson, Will, Hayden and Tyler Johnson, Evan and Nathan Butler, Kendal Matthews, Garrett Smith; great-great grandchildren, Aaliyah and Graesyn Anderson; sister, Hazel Sheets; and numerous nieces and nephews.
“Be Cheerful”
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Faucett Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to The American Heart Association or The Alzheimer’s Association. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Karen Ann Soyland
1964-2017

Karen Ann Soyland of rural Robinson went home to her Lord on September 25, 2017 in Phoenix AZ, where she had traveled to receive treatment for a cerebral aneurysm. She was born in Atchison Ks on June 22nd, 1964 to Leo and Catherine Mathias Soyland. Baby Karen came home to the family farm south of Denton, where she was raised by loving Christian parents. Along the way she was joined by sister Kelli, and brother Paul. She attended Midway schools, graduating with the HS class of 1982.

Karen was never sitting still, and most people had a hard time keeping up with her. If she were asked, she would say that her greatest accomplishment and pride was in her 5 children. Her example, encouragement, prodding, protection, and never-failing mothers love have so far produced 2 medical doctors, a commercial pilot, a medical student, and an honor student at K-State. Karen was employed for many years with the NE Kansas Multi County Health Dept. She was the administrator for the WIC and Healthy Start programs for Atchison, Brown and Doniphan counties. She visited, held, and advised for the care of many, many newborns, and to this day when in those communities, she will often see a child as old as early teenager, and say “Yep, I did that one”, and she always remembers their name. She also served as an assistant clerk of the District Court in Brown Co. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she substitute taught schools in Hiawatha, Atchison and Doniphan West. Most recently she was the director of McCarthy Baptist Church CDC (child development center) in St. Joseph until her health failed. Karen was an accomplished musician. She accompanied church choir for many years, played for students competing at state music festival, played saxophone in community bands in Topeka and Atchison, and along with Roger was a founding member of Atchison Jazz Express.

She is survived by her husband and best friend, Roger Tollefson of the home, her parents Leo and Catherine Soyland of Topeka, sister Kelli (Phil) Scott of Colorado Springs, and brother Paul (Erica) Soyland of Lawrence. Her children include Maria (Justin Boccardo) Compton and their children Jude, Lucas, Joaquin, Mateo and Camila of Punta Gordo FL; Heidi (Justin) Smith of Albany Oregon and their children Tate & Channing; Brendan (Becky) Compton of Wichita; Hannah (Taylor) Olson and son Crew of Overland Park; and Breanna Compton of Manhattan. She is also survived by stepsons Joshua (Evette) Tollefson of Punta Gordo FL, and Tabor Dean (Monica) Tollefson of Tucson AZ. Her step grandchildren include Joshua, Elisabeth and Caleb.

By her wishes, Karen was cremated. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 30th, 2:00PM at McCarthy Baptist Church , 2710 S Belt Hwy, St Joseph Mo. The family will greet friends at the church prior to and following the services. Memorials are requested to McCarthy Baptist Church CDC, and can be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

She loved and cared deeply for those near or dear to her, and her absence is deeply mourned by her family, friends, church and neighbors. Now she is finally healed from her long battle, and Home with her Lord.

Chapel Oaks Funeral home in Hiawatha is in charge of the arrangements.

Marjorie L. Denkinger
1943-2017

Hiawatha, KS Marjorie Lucile Denkinger was born May 16, 1943, in Brown County, the only child of Wesley and Esther Ann Wickstrom Denkinger, of rural Robinson. She died Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at Maple Heights Nursing and Rehab Center in Hiawatha, at the age 74.

Marjorie’s mother Esther Anna (Wickstrom) Denkinger died August 3, 1957 when Marjorie was 12 years old. Marjorie attended school in Highland, Kansas and then went to Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa. After her graduation in 1965, she taught in an elementary school, after several years she returned to her home in south Brown County, Kansas to help her father on their farm. After his death July 28, 1978 she continued farm management with her renter Raymen Winter. In 1991 because of failing health she moved to an apartment in Hiawatha, Kansas.

Marjorie actively participated and attended the Bellevue Methodist and in later years, Trinity Methodist of Hiawatha. She was an accomplished pianist, enjoyed cooking, making scrapbooks, sewing and genealogy.

Her travels took her to Norway for farm related meetings, and to visit relatives where she collected information for an in depth history of the descendents of Jacob and Sagra Wickstrom

A Celebration of Marjorie’s life is planned for 11a.m. Monday, October 2, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Pastor Jerry Petering officiating. Private burial will be at Highland Cemetery in Highland, Kansas.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 12 noon until 7 p.m. Sunday.

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

Jeremy Tilton
1990-2017

Highland, KS Jeremy Tilton, a son, a brother, father of two, cousin and friend, died unexpectedly on September 25, 2017 in Brookings, Oregon after a rock climbing accident. He was 27.

Jeremy is survived by his parents: Carl Tilton and Lori Simmons; children Annalisha Tilton and Erica Tilton; paternal grandmother Marilyn Tilton; maternal grandfather David Simmons, maternal grandmother Shirley Simmons; siblings: Audrey Tilton, Tiffany Tilton, and Morgan Tilton. Also surviving are his step-sister’s: Kelly and Kassey Ward; aunts, nieces, nephews and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather LeRoy “Pete” Tilton.

Jeremy was born September 3, 1990, in Atchison Kansas to Carl and Lori (Simmons) Tilton. He attended Highland Grade School at Highland and Cros-Lex Middle and High School, Crosell, MI.

He moved to Colorado in 2013 and was working in carpentry, as well as, a laborer for a moving company. His passion was mountain hiking and rock climbing; highest accessible point was always his destination. His band of brothers and him were always into mischief. Jeremy was always known best for his big smiles and loving hugs.

A celebration of his life service are planned for 1-3 Sunday afternoon, October 1, 2017 at the Highland Community Center, 407 West Avenue, Highland, from 1-3.

Memorials are suggested to Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 33, Highland 66035, to assist with funeral costs.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Pamela Jean Geoffroy
1960-2017

Pamela Jean Geoffroy, 57, of St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, September 28, 2017, at home, surrounded by her loving family, after a hard fought battle with cancer.
Pam was born on August 24, 1960, in Guilford, Missouri, to James “Pete” and Alice Kennedy.
Pam graduated high school from South Nodaway High School in 1978, where she was also crowned Homecoming Queen.
She married Thomas Geoffroy on July 6, 1989, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tom survives of the home.
Pam’s time working spanned for many years, including time at H.D. Lee, Ed’s Sporting Goods, and most recently, Mosaic Life Care.
Pam enjoyed family gatherings, where everyone came together to have a good time and a few cold beers. She was loved by many, and never knew a stranger, and she was like a second mom to her numerous nieces and nephews.
Pam was of the Christian faith.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; brother, Michael Kennedy; sister, Sandra Davis; father-in-law, Thomas Geoffroy Sr.; step-father-in-law, Wade Norman; and nephew, Corbin Watts.
Pam will be greatly missed by her surviving family: brother, Bobby Kennedy; sister, Angie (Robert) Embrey; mother-in-law, Jean Norman; brother-in-law, Scott Geoffroy; sisters-in-law, Tracy Geoffroy and Amy Riddick; nieces and nephews, Christopher, Timothy (Delleene), Erica (Brandon), Jake, Shayna, Amber (Matthew), Jeremy, Ceirra, Danielle (Kai), Dustin, Dylan, Callaway, Halley, Gunner, Colton and Addison; great-nieces and nephews, Quintin, Madeline, Avery, Julia, Austen, Izzy, Noeah, Kalie, Aria, Levi, Faith, Tallyn, Brylee, Jaelyn, Matthew and Athena; and many beloved friends.
The family will receive friends from 12-1 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2017, at the Rupp Funeral Home.
A funeral service will follow beginning at 1 p.m., at the funeral home.
Interment will follow at the Weatherman Cemetery, in Guilford.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society, in Pam’s honor.

Thelma M. Billups
1916-2017

WATHENA, KS – Thelma (Mooney) Billups, 101, of Wathena, Kansas died Wednesday, September 27, 2017.

Thelma was born on January 13, 1916 in Sparks, Kansas to Charlie and Ada (Dyer) Mooney.

Thelma married Earl Billups on December 28, 1940 in Leavenworth, Kansas. He preceded her in death on November 14, 1991. She was also preceded by her parents and a sister, Grace Blanton.

She is survived by her son, Danny Billups (Donna) of Highland, Kansas
2 grandsons; Kevin and Kent Billups and numerous nieces.

FUNERAL MASS: Monday, October 2, 2017 – 10:30 A.M.
At: St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wathena
Burial: Bellemont Cemetery in Wathena
Visitation: family will receive friends 1 hour prior to Mass at the church with a Rosary prior to Mass. Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena in charge of arrangements.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers family requests memorials either to the St. Joseph Catholic Church or the Activity Fund at the Wathena Nursing & Rehab.

Lennis E. Davies
1929-2017
Norman L. Davies
1930-2017

Norman L Davies was born April 5, 1930 to Lou H. and Ida (Barnhill) Davies. He died at home peacefully on September 27, 2017. He was proceeded in death by his sisters Frances Cullum, and Vera Simpson; Brothers Lewis Davies and Ernie Davies. He is survived by his half-brother Johnny Dale Davies of California.

Lennis Elaine (Kiger) Davies was born December 26, 1929 to George Albert and Cora (Carlton) Kiger. She died on September 29, 2017. She was proceeded in death by husband Norman L. Davies, sisters Carol Emerson and Doris Stocking, and by her brother William Kiger. She is survived by one sister Wanda Ruhnke of Atchison.

Norman and Lennis were united in marriage on July 24, 1949. Their marriage was unwavering, and is an example of true love and commitment that endured through their final days. Norman and Lennis both had strong faith in God and were active members of the Troy United Methodist Church. Norman and Lennis were entrepreneurs working hand in hand to grow Davies Oil Co., Inc. to the successful business it is today. Norman believed in hard work, and living a simple life. Norman’s hard work was demonstrated by 70 years of dedicated service to Standard Oil/Amoco/BP, he was a well-known, honored, and awarded Standard Oil/ Amoco/BP Jobber. In addition to Davies Oil Co., Inc., they owned Davies Backhoe and Trenching in the 1960’s, where they dug all the natural gas lines for Troy, Highland, and Wathena. Norman was very active in the community, he was involved Troy City Council, USD #429 School Board, served proudly in the Kansas National Guard, Troy Lodge #55 AFAM, St. Joseph Scottish Rite 32-degree, Kansas Oil Marketers Association, and Moila Temple. Lennis was a very private person but her support behind the scenes allowed Norman to be dedicated to these responsibilities.

Also left to miss them are their children Gary N. (Joi) Davies and Vickie (Frank) Nurski. Grandchildren Ashleigh (John) Eddy, Haskell, AR; Luke (Denise) Davies, Bloomington, IL; Dustin (Brian Gach) Nurski, St. Joseph, MO; Thad Nurski, Los Angeles, CA. Great grandchildren Addyson, Ainsley, Archer Davies; Robert and Daxton Eddy. Step grandchildren Crystal (Jaylon) Ashburn, Derek (Stacy) Trant, and three step great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at the Troy United Methodist Church on Monday, October 2, 2017, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. The visitation is open to the public, and the family invites you to join them to share stories and remembrance of Norman and Lennis. Friends and Family may call at Harman-Rohde Funeral Home, Troy after 8:30 A.M. Monday.

A private family graveside services on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 to include Masonic services.

Burial: Mount Olive Cemetery, Troy, KS

Harman Rohde Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials either to Troy United Methodist Church, Troy Ambulance Fund, Troy Masonic Lodge #55, or donors choice in the name of both Norman and Lennis.

Helen L. Donly
1931-2017

Helen L. Donly, 86, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, September 30, 2017.
She was born August 8, 1931 in Rossville, Kansas to George and Rosie (Hejmanek) Olejnik.
Helen married William Donly January 10, 1954, he preceded her in death in 2013.
She was member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and Czech/Moravian Lodge.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Josephine Pressgrove and Georgianne Davis; brothers, William, George, Rudolph, Henry and Edward Olejnik.
Survivors include daughter, Deborah S. Seiter (Edwin), St. Joseph, MO; son, Kevin P. Donly (Terri), Fullerton, CA; sister, Agnes Wike, Topeka, KS; 8 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Parish Rosary 6:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory where family will gather with friends 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Stacy Ranie Stout
1970-2017

Stacy Ranie Stout 47, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday September 30, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care hospital. She was born August 24, 1970 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of Janet & Galen “Bud” McCoy. She was a Homemaker, who enjoyed going to the boat. Stacy was preceded in death by her father. Survivors include: y mother, Janet McCoy, St. Joseph, MO, son, Matthew (Chantali) Flech, daughters, Sharmyn Shryock, Sierra Shryock, and Samantha Allen all of St. Joseph, MO, grandchildren, Sasha, Sonnee, Nayeli, and Cypress, brother, Carl (Addie) Nation, Portageville, MO, sisters, Gina (Tom) Atkins, and Stephanie (Jammie) Reynolds both of St. Joseph, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. She will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. The inurnment will be at a later date. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Stormi Shiann Harbord
1986-2017

Stormi Shiann Dennis-Harbord 31, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday September 30, 2017. She was born February 19, 1986 in Clarinda, Iowa, She worked at Merrill as a Home Health worker. Stormi was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Charlene Butcher Weston, paternal grandfather, John Henry Butcher. Survivors include; mother, Tina (Garland) Graham, father, Scott Dennis, adopted father, Dean Harbord, 5 children: Jayleeiona, Daniel, Amier, Cirrell, and Lateera, brothers, Sean Peden, and Bradley Dennis, step brother, Travis Graham, sisters, Kristina Peden, Jessica DeSpain, and Sierra Dennis, cousins: Karista, Kaylee, Tryston, Tomeria, Michael, Laresha, Nyesha, Treshaun, Jayden, Nahjae, Kei, Ryan, April, and Tony, aunts, Mary (Kevin) Bolieu, Kelly, Sheryl, Regina, aunt, Billie (Don) Beaver. A memorial service will be held , at a later date. She will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers to the Stormi Harbord Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Diana Lynne Terry (Gerard)
1947-2017

Diana L. Terry, 70, of Atchison KS died on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017 at her home unexpectedly.

Memorial services will be 2:00 pm on Friday, Oct. 6th at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Burial of cremated remains will follow in the Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison, KS. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society, Atchison Animal Control or the First Christian Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Diana was born on March 25, 1947 in Atchison KS the daughter of William E. “Bud” and Dorothy Jean (Day) Gerard. She graduated from Atchison High School in 1965 and attended a business college in St. Joseph, MO. Diana worked as a secretary/receptionist for the Social Rehabilitation Services in Atchison for 38 years retiring in 2007. She was a member of the First Christian Church, the Martha Washington Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, the V.F.W. Auxiliary Post # 1175, and Project Concern. She enjoyed bowling, playing bingo, her dogs Stoney and Sassy, and especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was married to Jack C. Gilliland on April 16, 1976. Mr. Gilliland preceded her in death on Jan 15, 1992. She was later married to Billy G. Terry in May 24, 1996. Mr. Terry preceded her in death on Nov. 6, 2002. Survivors include two daughters, Elizabeth “Beth” (Rudy) Charnick, Atchison, and Julie Gilliland, Atchison, a sister, Carol Gerard, Kingman, KS, seven grandchildren, Tiana Burke, Topeka, KS, Ashli Brown, Omaha, NE, Jack Burke, Timothy Burke, both of Plant City, FL, Billie, Dana, and Cole Loucks, Atchison, KS, two great grandchildren, Rylan Wilson-Brown, and Annabelle Ward, both of Omaha, NE, and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, and both husbands, preceded her in death.

Stephanie L. McNeely
1972-2017

Stephanie L. McNeely, 45, of St. Joseph, MO died on Thursday, September 28th, 2017 at Abbey Woods Living Center, St. Joseph, MO.

Memorial services will be 10:00 am on Saturday, October 7th, 2017 at the New Life Assembly of God Church, 1004 S. 5th St., Atchison, KS with Rev. Ken Watkins officiating. The body has been cremated and burial of cremated remains will be at a later date in Mt. Vernon Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until time of service at the church. The Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions are suggested to help with final expenses. Condolences may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Stephanie was born on November 30, 1972 in Lamar, MO the daughter of James and Beverly (Moore) McNeely. She graduated from Atchison High School in 1991. Stephanie had worked as bartender and waitress for many different places and had worked in factories. She had attended New Life Assembly of God Church and enjoyed doing crafts.

Survivors include two daughters, Alyssa Powell, and Hannah Widner, of Atchison, KS, parents, James and Beverly McNeely, Atchison, KS, brother, Will Wilson, Atchison, KS, sister, Candi McNeely, Atchison, KS, and two grandchildren , significant other, Jarent Fischer, St. Joseph, MO. Her sister, Angela Vandeloo, preceded her in death.

Rupert B. “Pat” Patterson
1921-2017

Rupert B. “Pat” Patterson, 96, St. Joseph, Missouri, went home to be with his Lord Sunday, September 24, 2017.
He was born February 3, 1921 in Wathena, KS to Hobart and Verba Patterson.
Pat proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII and retired from Mead Products. He was a member of Bible Baptist Temple, American Legion and Rock Club.
He enjoyed painting, drawing, fishing and woodworking.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; parents; brother, Bufford Patterson; sister, Bula Summa; and brother, Ishmael Patterson. Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, Bible Baptist Temple. Interment Frazier Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family request donation’s made to Bible Baptist Temple. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Grace I. “Ivalou” Backhus
1925-2017

Grace I. “Ivalou” Backhus, 91, of Hiawatha, died Saturday, September 23, 2017, at Maple Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hiawatha.

Grace was born December 21, 1925, at Upland, Kansas, one of nine children of the late Raymond and Minnie Sherman Bender.

Grace married Alvin Backhus at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Tampa, KS August 11, 1946. After discharge from the service of World War II, they lived/ farmed near Tampa a few years (Alvin’s family at Tampa calls Grace “Shorty”) before moving to the Kansas City area in 1954 to live until 1988, where Grace worked at Ben Franklin, TG &Y, and the fountain at Woolworth Department Store. She would start work as a clerk, later becoming manager. They both retired and moved to the Phoenix, AZ area to make their home. About nine years ago, the couple moved to Brown County, KS near Robinson/Hiawatha to be near family. They recently celebrated their 71st anniversary at Maple Heights Nursing Home where Alvin resides.

Upon making their home in the Hiawatha area, they became members Zion Lutheran Church.

Other survivors include a daughter Edna Lehew (Robert) of rural Hiawatha; a son Edward Backhus (Tina) of Sarasota, FL; a living sister Twila Lee Poulson of Charlotte, NC; 5 grandchildren: Dan Backhus, Doug Backhus, Dawn Perdomo, Billy Baker, and Cheryl Tarwater; with 18 great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

A Celebration of Grace’s life is planned for 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Tampa, KS, with the Reverend Michael Dunaway officiating. Interment will follow at the Church Cemetery, with a visitation/reception immediately following back in the Church basement.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 3-7 p.m. Tuesday.

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

Norma Jane Blasing (Harvey)
1935-2017

Norma Jane Blasing, 82 of Manhattan, KS passed away Monday, September 25, 2017 at Meadowlark Hills Collins House Care Facility, Manhattan, KS.

Memorial service and burial will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association or Meadow Lark Hill, Manhattan KS and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com

Norma was born on March 24, 1935 in Lawrence, NE the daughter of Jesse and Marie (Robinson) Harvey. She was housekeeper for Benedictine College and the laundry department at Mt. St. Scholastica. Norma was a member of the United Methodist Church in Manhattan. She had pride in keeping a clean house and enjoyed the outdoors. Norma’s greatest joy was her kids and grandchildren.

Norma married Max Blasing on June 29, 1957 in Manhattan, KS. He preceded her in death on January 9, 2005. Survivors include her children; Kevin and Darlene Blasing, Atchison, KS, Carolyn and Bill Hall, Gower, MO, Keith Blasing and Debbie Wishart, Manhattan, KS, Kimberly Blasing, Manhattan, KS, Kurtis Blasing, Manhattan, KS, Karen and Steve Bartlett, Camden Point, MO, Leah Gerdes and Bruce Kimmi, Atchison, KS, eleven grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren with one on the way, numerous nieces and nephews and her extended family at Meadowlark Hill Collins House, Manhattan, KS.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and siblings.

Jerry Dean Porter
1935-2017

Jerry Dean Porter, 81, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, September 14, 2017 at his home in St. Joseph. He was born October 7, 1935 in St. Joseph, Missouri son of Vera and Opal Porter. He graduated from Benton High School in 1955. He worked at AGP for several years. He was a United States Marine. He enjoyed dance classes, dancing, bowling, and when he was younger he liked to hunt and fish. He also liked going to car shows and playing the organ. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by 2 sisters, Betty Jean Klepees, St. Joseph, MO and Virginia Gerber, a niece, Bette (Terry) Munger, St. Joseph, MO, and several other nieces and nephews. Memorial Service: 7:00 pm Thursday, September 28, 2017, Rupp Funeral Home. He will be cremated under the care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Norman Roland Attebury
1933-2017

Norman Roland Attebury 84, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday September 24, 2017 in Saint Joseph. He was born February 7, 1933 in St. Joseph, Missouri son of the late Opal & Virgil Attebury. He married Madge Clark Attebury and she survives of the home. He worked at North Town Auction and was the owner operator of the N R Attebury Sod Company. He enjoyed tinkering with appliances in his retirement. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, son, Curtis Attebury, and step son, Joe Goin Jr., and his sister, Myrtle Hayes. He is survived by wife Madge Attebury of the home, sons, Norman Lee (Roxanne) Attebury, Mike (Mary) Attebury, and Mark Attebury all of Saint Joseph, MO, daughters, Debbie (Clarence) Cox, Bethany, MO, and Wendy Bray, Port Angeles, WA, step daughter, Debbie Weir, his special caregivers and grand daughters, Shelly Dulin, and Stacy Lucker, as well as other grandchildren, Megan, Kyle, Mark, Tyler, Donna, Felicia, Drew, Luke, Joey, Dana, Savannah, Austin, Christopher, Tanner, and numerous great grandchildren and friends. He will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. There are no scheduled visitation or funeral services at this time.

Pamela Louise Palmer
1960-2017

Pamela Louise Palmer 57, Plattsburg, Missouri died September 24, 2017. Born January 14, 1960 in St. Joseph. Preceded in death: husband, Fred Palmer, father, James White, mother & step father, Margaret (Wilber) Stains, brothers, Jimmy White, Michael Stains, step brothers, Larry & Steve Stains. Survivors: sisters, Vickie Clark, Crystal Stains. Cremation under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home, She will be buried with her husband at the Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Lois Marie (Wilson) Hager
1929-2017

Lois Marie (Wilson) Hager, 87, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2017.
She was born October 22, 1929 in Guilford, Missouri to Chester and Getha (Laughlin) Wilson.
Lois married James Hager September 30, 1950, he preceded her in death August 10, 1993.
She was a member of Ashland United Methodist Church, Beta Sigma Phi and Soroptomist International. Lois was an office manager at St. Joseph Memorial Park Cemetery for 46 years.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Cleo Dale Wilson; sister-in-law, Rosemary Wilson; brother-in-law, Afton Oliver. Survivors include brother, Arthur Wilson; nephews, David Oliver (Mary), Wayne Oliver, and Keith Johnson (Janet); niece, Shirley Oliver.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations made to Ashland United Methodist Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.