Judith Jene “Judy” Long
1942 – 2019

Judith Jene “Judy” Long, 76, of St. Joseph, died Monday, February 4, 2019, at St. Joseph Senior Living in St. Joseph. Judy was born August 4, 1942, in Buchanan County, MO, to Raymond Eugene and Mary Louise (Hollenbeck) Stroud.

Prior to retirement she worked as a cook for the St. Joseph State Hospital for over 30 years. She was a member of the Woodson Chapel Christian Church, and the Eagles #49 of St. Joseph. She had previously attended the Mound City Christian Church in Mound City, MO.

She was married to Calvin L. Long and he preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her parents and a sister Vicki L. Church.

Survivors include a sister Janice Hyatt; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodson Chapel Christian Church or to the Kickapoo Nation.

Visitation will be Friday, February 8, 2019 , from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery.

Betty Joan Gilleland
1935 – 2019

Betty Joan Gilleland, 83, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, February 3, 2019, at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born October 8, 1935 in Starfield, MO to Rollie and Clara (Carter) Musser.
Betty married Dee Gilleland on May 16, 1953; he survives of the home.
She was an avid reader and also enjoyed growing vegetables and flowers.
Betty loved children and spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Kay, Clay, Bill, Charles, Rollie, Jr., Allen, and Darrell Musser; sisters, her twin, Barbara Jean Musser, Anna Mae Summerfield, and Nettie Bottorff.
Additional survivors include her sons, Jerry Gilleland (JoDan), Max Gilleland (Cindy); grandchildren, Angie Murkins (Ryan), Tyler Gilleland (Abby); Andrew Gilleland, Cody Gilleland; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Doris Brinton; brother-in-law, Jon Gilleland (Ann); several nieces, nephews and extended family.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.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. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made to Noyes Home for Children.

Neal K. Nold
1959 – 2019

Neal K. Nold, 59, Clarksdale, Missouri, passed away Sunday, February 3, 2019.
He was born August 27, 1959 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Neal married Tracy Jo Smithson February 16, 1985. She survives of the home.
He was a member of Helena United Methodist Church, Helena Lion’s Club, MO Holstein Association, Dairy Farmers of America, Helena 4-H Alumni and Ball Association of Helena.
Neal enjoyed farming, tractors, sports and attending agriculture events. His greatest pride was being a grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Darline (Schottel) Nold.
Additional survivors include sons, Adam Nold (Heather), Chad Nold (Elizabeth), Brandon Nold (Sarah); grandchildren, Colby, Blake, Hunter, Lauren, Alaina, Wesley, Madison, Brooklynn; father, Kenneth Emmett Nold; sisters, Nancy Schmutzler (Glen), Cheryl Wyckoff (Randy), DeeAnn Schnitker (Donald); in-laws, Larry and Marilyn Singleton; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Thursday, Helena United Methodist Church. Interment Helena Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to Helena United Methodist Church, Helena Lions Club or Helena 4-H Club. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Joyce A. Watts
1942 – 2019

Joyce A. Watts, 76, of St. Joseph, MO passed away February 3, 2019.

She was born April 14, 1942 in Robinson, KS. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Robert “Speck” and Mildred Reed Watts.

She is survived by her companion Donald Painter of St. Joseph, two children: Angela Recob (Christopher), Mitch Bachman (Christina) all of Wathena, three grandchildren: Sara Recob Neal, Chalei Bachman Cockriel, Kiefer Bachman, three great grandchildren: Chandler & Paisley Cockriel and Jameson Neal, four sisters: Irene Ferry-Torres (Ray) of Hiawatha, Janice Owens (Bill) of Lenexa, KS, Bonnie Torkelson (Allen) of Robinson, Linda Nigus of Hiawatha, with numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation or service. Private inurnment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson, KS at a later date, under the direction of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, KS.

Memorials may be made to the Missy Newell Breast Cancer Foundation sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha, KS 66434.

Douglas Mead Christian
1967 – 2019

Douglas Mead Christian, 51, of Bella Vista, Arkansas passed away unexpectedly January 31 at his home.

He was born August 1, 1967 to Edward and Toni Christian in Hiawatha, Kansas. He attended schools in Hiawatha and then attended Beloit Technical School and graduated with a certificate in heavy machinery. Doug was an over the road truck driver at the time of his death.

Doug married Kelly Jo Mallow September 16, 2000 in Kansas City. To this union, three children were born, Elizabeth Jane, 14, Jackson Mead, 10, and Elison Grace, 8. They all survive of the home in Bella Vista.

He is also survived by his parents Toni Hull, Ed and Deb Christian, a brother Ed Christian Jr. (Connie) all of Hiawatha, a sister, Mik Christie of Falls City, NE, a step brother Jerad (Monica) Enneking of Hiawatha. He is also survived by his mother in law, Michele Mallow of Las Vegas, three sisters in law Lisa Mallow of Mission, KS, Leslie (Curt) Mason of Shawnee, KS, Kindra Mallow of Las Vegas, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by a nephew, Jacob Christie, in June 2018.

There was nothing more important to Doug than his family. He loved spending time outside doing activities with them. Doug was a hard worker and a devoted husband and father.

Two services will be held in his memory.

Arkansas- Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory Saturday, February 9 at 1:00 pm.

Kansas-Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, Saturday February 16, with visitation at 1:00 and service following at 2:00

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Memorials be made out to the Doug Christian Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of either funeral home.

Deloris A. Buss
1934 – 2019

Mrs. Deloris A. Buss died on Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Hiawatha, Kansas at the age of 84. Deloris was born on December 7, 1934 at her Grandma and Grandpa Loseke’s house in Stanton County, Nebraska. She graduated from Pierce High School in 1952.

Deloris’s early life included meeting her future husband, Gerald Buss, when she was just 7 years old. They were married in 1952 and Gerald farmed while Deloris taught in a 1 room school house in Foster, Nebraska. They lived in Oxford, England for 1 year while Gerald was stationed there while serving in the Army. Deloris said that “living there was like being on a vacation all the time”. They returned to Nebraska and to a life of farming before moving to Springfield, IL in 1958 where Gerald completed his Master’s of Divinity. They then moved to Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Colorado and Kansas. After all the kids were off to school, Deloris started her life-long passion of caring for others in hospitals and nursing homes in Wisconsin, Colorado and Kansas. Gerald and Deloris retired in Hiawatha, Kansas.

Deloris was predeceased by Gerald and her oldest son, Anthony “Tony” Buss. She is survived by her children; Cathy Mueller, David Buss, Jerry Buss, Tim Buss, DeAnn Windibiziri and Sara Buss; 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Oaks Indian Mission, PO Box 130, Oaks, OK 74359; Upper Wolf Lutheran Church; or Freedom Hospice.

Burial will take place at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at the Upper Wolf Lutheran Church Cemetery, 1803 Sumac Road, Robinson, Kansas 66532. A memorial service will follow at 11 AM at Upper Wolf Lutheran Church, with a luncheon afterward.

Diane M. Wisdom
1943 – 2019

Diane M. Wisdom, 75, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, February 4, 2018 at LaVerna Village of Savannah, surrounded by her loving family.

Diane was born on October 28, 1943 in St. Joseph, Missouri to the late Hubert Lee and Norma (Culp) Jordan. She was a graduate of Lafayette High School.

Mrs. Wisdom retired from St. Joseph Transit after twelve years of employment, and previously worked at Laidlaw Transit and for the St. Joseph School District.

Diane was an avid bingo player and dog lover and enjoyed bowling on a local league for many years.

Diane married Quentin Wisdom on November 18, 1960. He preceded her in death on July 25, 2016.

Mrs. Wisdom was also preceded in death by her son, Clinton Lee Wisdom and infant son, Casey Garold Wisdom.

Diane is survived by her daughter, Lisa Wisdom-Strayer (Rex), St. Joseph, MO; granddaughter, Anna Leigh Wisdom; great-grandson, Drake Wisdom; step-grandsons, Travis Strayer (Stephanie) and Trent Strayer (Amanda); step-great-grandchildren, Courtney, Nick, Sage, Clayton, Jake, Morgan and Christian; three nieces, Twyla Major, Kim Smith-Marti, Bethany Potter and nephew, Steve Boeh.

Memorial Service 7:00 PM Monday, February 11, 2019 at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel, where the family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 PM Monday..

The family has requested memorial donations to the Walnut Grove Cemetery Fund.

Helen Mrowczynski
1921 – 2019

On Thursday, January 31st, at age 97, Helena Mrowczynski passed away. She had a massive stroke Monday morning and never regained consciousness. Our joy lies in the knowledge that on Sunday, she enjoyed a joyous day with her family celebrating her great-grandson Han Mellenbruch’s 12th birthday. Helen’s great-granddaughter, Xochitl Suh, wrote the following biography for a sixth-grade project: “Once on a farm in Poland there lived a little girl who would one day leave her homeland in search of a new life in America. Helen grew up in the 1920s and ‘30s and lived on a farm like everyone else, but she stands out from others after you hear her story. In school she was a good student and intended to pursue her studies up to high school (not many people went to college then) but Helen’s schooling was cut short. One regular day, Helen and her family were home when a troop of German soldiers arrived in the small village. The soldiers had orders to make all the families leave and pack clothes. They were not allowed to carry valuable items or money, which the soldiers took for themselves. Twenty-four hours later Helen was in Germany on a forced labor farm, where she worked the next six years, through the course of World War II. The overseer running Helen’s camp was not as cruel as others, but the work was hard and Helen suffered many terrible experiences. However, during the war Helen met a kind man named Ted. He and Helen fell in love and married. She and Ted had two children, Eugene and Wanda. After the war was over Helen was very relieved and happy. She wanted what was best for her new family, so she and Ted decided to travel to the U.S., but immigrating was difficult. Sometimes they would be at the train station and about to leave, when someone would stop them. Thankfully Helen and her family did eventually make it to the U.S. Because their money and possessions had been taken by the Germans, they asked a family in Texas to contribute the fare for their trip in exchange for a year’s work. Arriving in Texas, they began working at the family’s house. The family was harsh and treated Helen and Ted like slaves. The family was always saying do this and that and hurry up, don’t take all day. This was certainly not the way Helen wanted to be treated and not what she thought America would be like. After the year was over, Helen was very relieved. She moved far away, to St. Joseph, Missouri, where she and Ted started jobs and bought a home for their family. Eugene and Wanda started school and the whole family was grateful and very happy. At ninety-five years old, Helen still lives in St. Joseph, all by herself. She loves to tell stories of when she was a little girl. While an outsider might think of her as a kind, elderly woman, she is actually as mighty as an army, as fierce as a dragon, and as courageous as a lion. Helen’s story shows all the hard times she had to go through, but it also shows how she didn’t give up and kept on going even if the path she traveled was rocky. Even on the days when she thought nothing would work out, she kept on going and now she has traveled a long way from where she started. She has led an inspiring life and I can’t believe what she went through.” Left to mourn Helen’s passing are her children: Eugene (Sharon) Mrowczynski and Wanda Ryan, grandson, Jarrett Mellenbruch (Grace,) and great-grandchildren, Xochitl Suh and Han Mellenbruch. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted, and grandson, Robert (Bob) Mrowczynski, who loved visiting his grandparents in St. Joseph and Sugar Lake. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at St. James Catholic Church, the family will receive friends from 5-7pm Monday with the rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM Monday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Jerry Ramsey
1943 – 2019

Jerry Ramsey, 75, Savannah, Missouri, passed away Thursday, January 31, 2019.
He was born July 20, 1943 in Fillmore, MO to Willis and Estelle (Karr) Ramsey.
Jerry could do anything; from cooking to mechanics. He loved his nieces and nephews and he was considered more as a father or brother to them.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Twyla Lance; brothers, Bill Ramsey and Bob Ramsey.
Survivors include his sister, Phyllis Berg; numerous nieces and nephews.
Private Graveside Farewell Services & Internment, Fillmore Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Noyes Home for Children.

Carroll Eugene “Gene” Morton
1938 – 2019

Carroll Eugene “Gene” Morton, 80 of St. Joseph, MO, died Friday, February 1, 2019, at Shady Lawn Nursing Home in Savannah, MO. Gene was born May 7, 1938 in Gallatin, MO, to Carroll O. and Doris I. (Brown) Morton.

He served his country in the U.S. Naval Reserve for 8 years and then the Missouri Air National Guard for 19 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant. He worked as an auto mechanic for JC Penny for 19 years, and then retired as an auto mechanic for Wal-Mart after 17 years of service. Gene was a member of the RLDS Church.

Gene married Beverly Koehler on April 10, 1959 at Woodson Chapel in St. Joseph. He is survived by his wife Beverly; daughter Terry Mabury and husband Kevin; son Ricky Morton and wife Cheri; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister Janice Pepper and husband Dennis; other relatives and friends.

He enjoyed woodworking, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shady Lawn Nursing Home in Savannah, MO, or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 5, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel in St. Joseph. Graveside services will be Wednesday, February 6, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Erma “Jean” Hockaday
1933 – 2019

Erma Jean Hockaday, 85, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Friday, February 1, 2019, at her home.
She was born May 28, 1933, in St. Joseph.
Erma married A.C. “Pete” Hockaday on July 21, 1951. He survives of the home after 67 years of marriage.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Leo, Sr., and Gladys Irene (Simpson) Mace; sisters, Betty Chaney, Ruth Ann Brestman, Dixie Sebern, Virginia Mace, Jerry Mace, and Karen Edwards; and brothers, Ernest Leo Mace, Jr., Pete R. Mace, and Marvin Mace.
Survivors also include her daughter, Nancy Daugherity (Lonnie); four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Pearl McDonald
1929 – 2019

Pearl McDonald of Bolckow passed away February 2, 2019, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.

Pearl was born Martha Pearl Anderson April 15, 1929, in Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, daughter of Ennis and Rosa (Shelton) Anderson.

As a young child, she survived the Dust Bowl by moving west to California with her parents and extended family. On March 15, 1946,

Pearl married Billie Wayne McDonald, originally from Rosendale, who had been serving in the US Navy in California during World War II.

Their children, Jerry and Judy, were born in California. In 1959, Bill and Pearl purchased a farm in Bolckow and engaged in farming until retirement. Pearl also worked many years for Andrew County Title (formerly Elkins Abstract) in Savannah.

Pearl’s greatest joys were spending time with her family, friends, and neighbors, vegetable gardening, and rooting for the Royals and Chiefs.

Pearl was preceded in death by her husband Bill in 2003.

She is survived by her son Jerry McDonald (Donna) of Cosby and daughter Judy Townsend (Herb) of Sedalia; grandchildren: Jeff McDonald (Kelly), Erin Bouchard (Will), Jennifer Diggs, and Will Diggs (Tabby); and great-grandchildren: Colin, Owen, August, Julius, Sylvia, Jaylen, Madisyn, Olivia, and Amelia.

A graveside service will be 10 am Saturday, February 9, at Walnut Grove Cemetery, State Hwy B, near Bolckow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to North Andrew Scholarship Foundation, 9120 Hwy 48, Rosendale, MO 64483.

Arrangements are under the direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith Savannah Chapel.

Terri Lynn Wisneski
1956 – 2019

Terri Lynn Wisneski 62, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, February 2, 2019 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. She was born November 18, 1956 in St. Joseph, MO, and graduated from Mid Buchanan High School. She married Joe Wisneski on March 6, 1978 and he survives of the Home. She was a homemaker who also had worked at Butchart Floral and Dairy Queen restaurants. She enjoyed crafting, gardening, and her horse Custer, but most especially spending time with her family. Terri was preceded in death by father, George Zed Cordonnier, and step father Charles Harry Morgan. Survivors include, husband, Joe Wisneski of the home, mother, Sonja Morgan, St. Joseph, MO, daughters, Amie (Tim) Bally, Agency, MO and Abbie (Nate) Sales, Lawson, MO, sons: Joshua Wisneski, Andy (Amy) Wisneski, Tylor Wisneski, of St. Joseph, and Tanner Wisneski, Agency, brother, Chip Morgan, St. Joseph, sisters, Cindi Cress, and Shellie (Chris) Leidy of St. Joseph, MO, her mother in law, Patsy Wisneski , St. Joseph, MO, 11 grandchildren and several nieces nephews. Funeral services: 10:00 am, Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Jim Longe officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Agency Cemetery, Agency, MO. Memorials are requested to the Terri Wisneski memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.