Jacquelyn “Jackie” Kaye Weiser
1961-2018

Jacquelyn “Jackie” Kaye Weiser 56, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday July 17, 2018 in Saint Joseph. She was born November 10, 1961 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of the late Arlene & Jack Messner. She graduated from Central High School, and Vatterott College. She was a homemaker, who enjoyed reading and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Jacquelyn was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include: daughters, Ashley (Charles) Rainsbarger, Platte City, MO, and Katie Weiser, Saint Joseph, MO, son, Jason Weiser, St. Joseph, four grandchildren, Briana, Hudson, Amelia, Ross Cody, and great grandson, RJ, two brothers, Mike and Kirk Messner of St. Joseph, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home. She will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Gwendolyn Dale Montgomery
1928-2018

Gwendolyn Dale Montgomery 90, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2018 in a Savannah, MO health care center. She was born March 22, 1928 in Klammoth Falls, OR. She was a Homemaker who enjoyed sewing and spending time with her family. She attended the Faith United Church. Gwendolyn was preceded in death by husband, Harold F. Montgomery, mother, Cora Mull, daughter, Sharon Montgomery, and brother, Wesley Clayton. Survivors include, daughters, Paula (Larry) Bryson of Amazonia, MO, and Janet (Lynn) Reed of Salina, KS, son, Martin (Juanita) Montgomery of Springfield, MO, six grandchildren, Steven Bryson, Michael Montgomery, Gregory Bryson, Timothy Montgomery, Brett Reed, Amy Bryson, and Laura Hall, 7 great – grandchildren, Justin & Lacy Montgomery, Weston, Chase, Lillian, Kaylynne, and Riley.
Funeral services: 2:00 pm, Friday, July 20, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Jim Oswald officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Asera Care Hospice or Faith United Church Building Fund.

Tommy R. Whisenand
1953-2018

Tommy R. Whisenand 65, passed away Thursday July 12, 2018. He was born January 1, 1953 in St. Joseph, Missouri son of Frances & Andrew Whisenand. He married Carolyn Harding on June 24, 1972, He attended Lafayette High School and retired from the United States Navy after 22 years of service, he was a FAA Certified Mechanic Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, son, Craig Whisenand, and sister, Trudy Muff. He is survived by wife, Carolyn Whisenand, daughter, Kellie (Joel) Martinez, grandchildren, Tristan & Peyton Martinez, brothers, Larry (Kathy) Whisenand, and Billy (Debra) Whisenand, sister, Cindy (Rudy) Fuentas, sister In law, Gale Harding. brother in laws, George Hilliard, and Robert (Debi) Harding, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews & nieces. Memorial services will be held at a later date, the inurnment will also be at a later date at the Leavenworth National Cemetery. He will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Wilma I. (Bottom) Ross
1921-2018

HAVENSVILLE – Wilma I. (Bottom) Ross, 96, of Havensville, died Sunday, July 8, 2018 at the Eastridge Nursing Facility in Centralia.

She was born September 18, 1921 in the Bucks Grove Community near Havensville, the daughter of Roy and Eva Mae Kroth Bottom. She graduated from Soldier High School in 1939 and received a teaching certificate from Kansas State University.

Wilma taught at rural schools in Jackson County for seven years. She later worked in the Topeka School system in their hot lunch program, and then was the activities director at Dyers Nursing Home in Topeka.

She was a member of the Bucks Grove United Methodist Church, and had taught the nursery class and was treasurer for the church. She also attended the Havensville Christian Church.

Wilma married J. Francis “Pepsi” Ross on March 30, 1946 at Mayetta. He died December 11, 2000.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Goldie Krebs and Lorah Mae Wyatt, and two brothers, Albert Bottom and Verne Bottom.

Survivors include a son, Leon Francis Ross, Havensville; two daughters, Judy Kathleen Byers, Omaha, NE and Susie Ann Ross, Mayetta; two brothers, Ralph Bottom, Holton and Gene Bottom, Inman; a sister, Betty Smith, Beattie; five grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 12th at the Havensville Christian Church. Burial will follow in Bucks Grove Cemetery. Wilma will lie in state Wednesday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga, where family and friends will meet from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Bucks Grove United Methodist Church or the Onaga Library, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 312, Onaga, 66521.

Lloyd “Roger” Ruhnke
1942-2018

Wathena, Kansas – Lloyd “Roger” Ruhnke, 76 years old passed away Monday, July 9, 2018 at the Mosaic Hospital, St. Joseph, Mo., with his children and grandchildren at his side.

Roger was born on March 14, 1942 in Troy, Kansas to Lloyd Rueben Ruhnke & Opal Jeanette (Monroe) Ruhnke.

Roger served in the US Navy Seabees, and then moved to Wathena, Ks. He made his living as an Electrician and was a Farmer all of his life. Roger enjoyed hunting and had traveled to Colorado many times to Elk hunt. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Nancy Cassidy of St. Joseph, Mo. & sister Linda Clary of Troy, Ks.; son-in-law Marvin Ross of Troy, Ks.

Survivors include his 3 daughters, De (Rick) Ashworth, Wathena
Stacy Ruhnke, Wathena
Natalie (Brian) Simpson, Wathena

Grandchildren: Brianna (Ryan) Wardein, Cheyenne Ward, Ali (Ryan) Johnson, Emily (Sheldon) Hawkins, & Nathan Richter; great-grandchildren: Greyson, Jackson & Eric.

Funeral Service: 10:00 A.M., Saturday July 14, 2018 at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Ks. Roger will lie in state at Harman-Rohde Funeral Home, Wathena, Ks. on Thursday. Friends may view Roger Friday after 9:00 A.M. at Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, with visitation: 6-8 PM on Friday evening.

Burial: Mount Olive Cemetery, Troy, Kansas. Military honor’s under the auspices of the American Legion Post #161.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials suggested to Wathena American Legion #161, Wathena EMT’S or Doniphan County Ambulance Dist. 1.

Debora “Debbie” Ann Scott
1959-2018

Debora “Debbie” Scott, 58, of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, July 9, 2018 at her residence. She was born October 13, 1959 in St. Joseph, daughter of Nancy & Billie Scott Sr. She graduated from Central High School class of 1976. She worked at Weiser’s Family Cleaners. Debbie enjoyed crafting and going to the casino. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Billie Scott Sr., brothers, Gary Grubb and Bill Scott Jr. and sister, Judy Jennings. She is survived by her mother, Nancy Scott, of St. Joseph, sister, Diana (Steve) Greiner of St Joseph, brother, Steve Scott of St. Joseph, her godparents, Janice and Ronald McCulloch and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. An inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorials are requested to the Debbie Scott Memorial Fund, c/o Rupp Funeral Home .

Kevin Curtis Jones
1954-2018

Kevin Curtis Jones 64, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at his home in Saint Joseph, MO., after a courageous 30 year battle with cancer. He was born March 2, 1954 in De Kalb, MO, son of the late Delia Maxine and Roy Clifford Jones. He graduated from De Kalb High School and attended Missouri Western State University. He married Cindy Masteller on September 23, 1978 and she survives of the home. He worked at Stone Containers as a supervisor and Tilco Printing. He loved to fish, hunt, travel, going to the ocean, and listening to classic rock, and he was a member of the DeKalb Christian Church. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Joel Davis Jones. Survivors include, wife, Cindy of the home two sons, Brian Hendrix, St. Joseph, MO, and Billy Hendrix, Hiawatha, KS, brothers, Kenton (Debi) Jones, DeKalb, MO, Jerry Jones (Debbie Young), St. Joseph, MO, Ronnie (Teri) Jones, DeKalb, MO, and a sister Linda Ann Jones of Kansas City, MO.
Funeral services: 2:00 pm, Monday, July 23, 2018 at DeKalb Christian Church, Pastor David Jordan officiating, The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Westlawn Cemetery.

Clyde “Dugan” Vernon Richardson
1932-2018

Clyde “Dugan” Vernon Richardson 86, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2018 at a Saint Joseph, MO health care center. He was born June 19, 1932 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Frances and Walter Richardson. He worked at General Iron and Metals, and Midwest Metals as a crane operator, and retired from the St. Joseph Stockyards. He loved horses and animals and enjoyed being outdoors, and he was a Christian. Dugan was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, Debbie Peden, and Terry Hershman, four brothers, Eugene Shelby, Walter Jr, Donald and Ronald Richardson, four sisters, Martha Pruett, Mary Lyons, Judy Moran, and Dorothy Ward. Survivors include, daughter, Sherry (Scott) Cox, three sons, Clyde “Buddy” Richardson, Jr., David ( Leanna) Richardson, and Ryan Richardson of St. Joseph, MO, 10 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, brother, Steve (Lily) Richardson, Hopkins, MO, four sisters, Helen (Ron) Barber, Donna JoAnn (Fred) Ziegler of St. Joseph, MO, Connie (Mike) Stout, Helena, MO, and Tammie (Mike) Hall, St. Joseph, MO, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services: 10:00 am, Monday, July 23, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Rodney Krumme officiating, The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.

Carol Sue Yager
1942-2018

Carol Sue Yager 76, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, July 14, 2018 at her home. She was born January 10, 1942 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of the late Stella and William Yager. She attended Lafayette High School and a Homemaker and a member of the Strong Tower Baptist Church. Carol was preceded in death by former husband, Jerry Lee Dyer, her parents, sons, Michael Dyer, and Dennis Dyer, and a brother, William Yager. Survivors include, daughter Debra (Tony) Zuchowski, sons, Phillip (Connie) Dyer, and Douglas (Christi) Dyer, daughter, Cheryl (Bill) Bayer-Bullock, 12 grandchildren: Scott Allen, Lynetta Bayer, Amber Mahoney, William (Jen) Bayer Jr, Philip Lee, Tilene Prater, Kassey (Chris) Tharp, Taylor & Tyler Dyer, Krystle Wolfenbarger, Miranda Dyer, and Conner Dyer, and 22 great grandchildren, and her babies Sofia & Madison.

Funeral services: 10:00 am, Friday, July 20, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Tom Wilson officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Mount Auburn Cemetery . Memorials are requested to the Carol Yager Memorial Fund in care of Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Dolores Jean Tate
1942-2018

Dolores Jean Tate 76, Platte City, Missouri died Sunday July 15, 2018. Born April 1, 1942, Atchison, Ks. Preceded in death by parents, Leo and Dorothy Sullivan, sister, Beverly Berry. Survivors son, David Tate, daughter, Connie Tate, sisters, Arlene (John) Dorsey, Sharon, Marilyn (Charles) Cox, Dottie (Steven) Dobbs, and Brenda. Cremation under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. There are no scheduled services at this time. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Tracy Darren Hulser
1964-2018

Tracy Darren Hulser, 53, of Topeka, passed away on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at the Medicalodges Jackson County nursing home in Holton.

He was born October 29, 1964 in St. Joseph, MO, the son of Steve and Ruthetta Hower Hulser. He graduated from Highland Park High School in Topeka.

Tracy was preceded in death by his sister, Janie Hulser.

Survivors include his father, Steve Hulser, Topeka, his mother, Ruthetta Hulser, Holton, one brother, Travis Hulser, Sugar Creek, MO, and his son, Aron Hower, Olathe.

Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 13th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will be private in the Holton Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Bethany Baptist Church, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 1034, Holton, 66436.

Everett Raymond Groce
1941-2018

Everett Raymond Groce 76, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Monday July 9, 2018 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. He was born October 18, 1941 in St. Joseph, Missouri son of the late Corine & John Groce. He married Sharon Meeks Groce on September 25, 1961, and she survives of the home. He graduated from Lafayette High School, and he he worked at Nelly Don, and retired from Wire Rope Corporation of America as a maintenance supervisor. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and had a hole in one at the Savannah golf course, he also enjoyed the Kansas City Chiefs, and Royals, watching westerns, and having coffee at Burger King with his friends in the mornings. Everett was preceded in death by his his parents, a son, Scott Allen Groce, sisters Dorothy Pendleton, Betty, Judy, and Elsie, brothers, John, Delmer, Jim and twin brother, George Groce. Survivors include wife, Sharon Groce of the home, son, Randy Groce, Saint Joseph, MO, brother, Ted (Mary Lee) Groce, and a sister Barbara (Wilbert) Taylor. There will be a celebration of life and inurnment at a later date. Mr. Groce has been cremated under the care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Second Harvest Food Bank or Charity of donor’s choice. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Rob Horvatic
1964-2018

Robert “Rob” Alan Horvatic, 53 of Atchison, KS, passed away Tuesday, July 10, 2018, at The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS.

Memorial service will be 3:00 PM, Monday, July 16, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, KS. Family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. Per Rob’s wishes the family has requested appropriate funeral attire to be worn by those attended. Words of comfort to the family may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Rob was born July 29, 1964 in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Richard and Charlotte (Zemaitis) Horvatic. He loved being a dad and a grandpa. He lived for his family. Rob was the definition of a people person. He never met a stranger, and cared about everyone he met. He was a handyman and a problem-solver. Most remarkably, he brought humor to the people around him, which served him well in his 6-year battle with cancer. He faced the disease courageously and with a tenacity and determination to continue life in a productive, meaningful manner. “When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.”-Stuart Scott 2015.

Rob married Beth Melchior on May 30, 1987. She survives of the home. Additional survivors include his parents, Richard and Charlotte Horvatic, Independence, MO, five children, Adam Trebor and Nicole (Lewis) Horvatic, Leavenworth, KS, Hilary Ann and Jeffrey Jackson, Omaha, NE, Jacob Andrew Horvatic, Kansas City, MO, Seth Joseph Horvatic, Lawrence, KS, Benedict Charles Horvatic, Atchison, KS, two brothers, Kenneth (Patty) Horvatic, Kansas City, MO, Jaime (Terrie) Horvatic, Fort Worth, TX, two sisters, Nancy (Joe) Stegeman, Independence, MO, Susie (Greg) Addison, Independence, MO, two grandchildren; Vivian Lynn-Marie Horvatic, Leo David Jackson, with another baby Jackson due in September, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Aaron Ahles-Iverson
1978-2018

Aaron Peter Ahles-Iverson, 40, child of God, died Friday July 13, 2018. He was born February 20, 1978 to Valerian Ahles and Christine Iverson.

Aaron grew up in many places but went to high school in Atchison, Kansas where he graduated in 1996. He then went to college at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph Missouri, graduating with a degree in instrumental music education. He then served as director of bands at Chilicothe, Missouri for two years. After that, he worked with a college friend in the then new business Prolific Technologies of St. Joseph, becoming the manager.

Through all of this, music has been and continued to be a large and important part of his life. In high school, he went for three years to Lutheran Summer Music Academy (LSM). As a senior, he received the John Phillip Sousa award for outstanding musicianship and leadership. During college, he was active in bands, jazz, orchestra, and chamber music. It was also then, that he began arranging music, including for marching band shows. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, serving as president of the chapter. He was a long time member of the St. Joseph Symphony, as bassoonist. He also played in the Northwinds Symphonic Band of Kansas City and the Cameron Municipal Band. He played many instruments in many ensembles, being able to pick up almost any wind instrument and play at a performance level.

Aaron and his brother were inseparable almost from Ben’s birth. They shared their mutual love of music, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, baseball, and discussion of theological and current events. Along with friends, they made epic journeys visiting baseball fields across the country. Aaron loved space, astronomy, and NASA, following the space program even as a young child. He believed in God and the exploration of the universe: his faith gave him a sense of awe and amazement, which fueled his love of science.

The brightest sunshine in his life recently, was his niece Elizabeth. Aaron was so proud, not only to be her uncle, but her godfather as well. He loved her greatly and became even more protective of her since his brother’s death in March. It is no coincidence that Aaron died four months to the day of his brother’s funeral.

Aaron was preceded in death by his grandparents Elizabeth and Valentine Ahles (Cold Spring, MN) and Mildred and Alvin Iverson (Spring Valley, WI) and his brother the Rev. Benjamin Ahles-Iverson (Taylor, WI). He is survived by his parents, Rev. Valerian Ahles and Rev. Christine Iverson, his sister Phoebe (and Nathan) Schwabe, sister-in-law Rev. Mara Ahles-Iverson, and niece Elizabeth Kay Ahles-Iverson.

Memorials are to be given to the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) World Hunger Program, and the St. Joseph Symphony.

Franklin Lee Cochran
1937-2018

WATHENA, KANSAS – Franklin Lee Cochran, 81, of Wathena, Kansas died Saturday morning, July 21, 2018.

Frank was born on January 25, 1937 in Stewartsville, Missouri to Ralph and Sally Cochran. He lived most of his life in Wathena. Frank worked for and retired from Krause Milling in St. Joseph, Missouri.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Frank married Shirley Hontz on January 18, 1970 in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives of the home. He was preceded in death by his parents, and 15 siblings.

Additional survivors include;

Rick Hoffman (Kathy), De Linda Hoffman both of Wathena;
Pam Deen (Ron) of Gentry, Missouri;
5 granchildren, 6 great-grandchildren;
Sister; Harriett Harris and brother; Cecil Cochran both of the state of Missouri;
Numerous nieces, nephews, cousin and friends.

Funeral Tuesday, July 24, 2018 – 10:30 A.M.
At the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.
Visitation: family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the funeral (9:30-10:30) at the funeral home where friends may call after 9 am Monday.
Burial: Bellemont Cemetery, Wathena, Kansas.

Memorials: Frank Cochran Memorial Fund

Tammy Sue Rich
1974-2018

Tammy Sue (Schellhorn-Harshman) Rich 43, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday July 22, 2018 at her home in Saint Joseph. She was born October 27, 1974 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of Ruth & Edward Schellhorn. She married Raymond Rich on June 13, 2018. She graduated from Lafayette High School, and worked at McDonalds, and Allorica. She enjoyed crafts, coloring with markers, fishing, computer games, she had a large Coca-Cola memorabilia collection, and she also loved animals. Tammy was a Christian. She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Schellhorn. Survivors include husband, Raymond Rich of the home, mother, Ruth Schellhorn, St. Joseph, MO, twins children: Tammi and Paul Rich, daughter, Miley Rich, 5 siblings: John (Shirley) Schellhorn, Wichita, KS, Kim (Keith) Fowler, St Joseph, MO, Jerry (Julie) Schellhorn, Stewartsville, Dennis (Kathy) Schellhorn, Stewartsville, MO, and twin brother, Sam (Angele) Schellhorn, St Joseph, MO, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home, memorial services following 3:00 pm, at the Rupp Chapel. She will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Tammy Harshman Rich Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Tresa Diane Testerman
1964-2018

Tresa Diane Testerman 54, of Faucett, Missouri passed away Saturday July 21, 2018 at her home. She was born February 12, 1964 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of the late Julia & Frankie Hass. She graduated from Lafayette high school. She enjoyed Indians, eagles, and dolphins. Tresa was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Bryan and Rick Hass. She is survived by son, Brian (Kassi) Testerman, Faucett, MO, step daughter, Lee Ann (Jeff) Beck, Savannah, MO, former spouse, Phillip Testerman, Faucett, MO, granddaughters, Trinity & Aria Testerman, brothers, Frankie (Cindy) Hass, Bobby (Brenda) Hass, twin brother, Terry Hass, sister in law, June Hass, sisters, Ronda Hass, and Waynie Nigh. several nieces nephews, and her mother in law, Virginia Testerman. Memorial services following Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the Sparta United Methodist Church. She will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.