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.