Phillip Lee Brown 50, of Savannah, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at the result of a boating accident on the Missouri River.

He was born June 4, 1968 in Poplar Bluff, MO, son of Judy and Gerald Brown. He graduated from Berning High School and married Dianne Pierce on November 25, 2003 and she survives of the home. He was a Control Operator with KCPL since 2007. He enjoyed motorcycles, boating, his beloved dog Schmitty, he had a heart of gold, and enjoyed helping other people at all times. But most of all he loved Jesus.

Phillip was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Brown, and brother, David Brown.

Survivors include, wife, Dianne Brown of the home, Savannah, MO, mother, Judy Brown of Florescent, MO, sister in law, Sue (Tony) Sassano, niece, Gabrielle Sassano, nephew, Anthony Sassano, brother, Mark Brown, and best friend, Ronnie Blevins, as well as numerous other friends. The family would like to give a special thanks to: Mark Spratt, Rich Orth, Charlie, Jeff McCoy, Donnie Kerns, Brian Dalbey, and Steve Adams for thier diligent efforts in bringing Phil home to us.

Funeral services: 3:00 pm, Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Andy Campbell officiating, The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Bethel Cemetery . Memorials are requested to the Three Rivers Hospice. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Donna Ireland, 62, of Hiawatha, KS died unexpectedly Wednesday evening, May 22, 2019 at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

She was born February 26, 1957 in Horton, KS to Donald and Jennie Cramar Ireland. She graduated from Horton High School and continued her educational training through Vocational Rehabilitation in Atchison.  She joined Brown County Developmental Services, Inc. in 1982.  She lived in the first and only group BCDS Home, and due to her independent living skills was one of the first people to try apartment living which she was very successful.  She worked at the Bank of Horton Student Loan Department from 1987 until it closed.  She then got a job at Citizens State Bank and Trust in 1990 where she worked with the BCDS crew preparing statements for mailing and was still employed there at the time of her death.  She was the cashier in the BCDS Thriftshop since 1994.  As the BCDS Cashier, Donna made friends with all the customers and was especially close to several customers knowing about their families, children, and grandchildren. BCDS received many compliments through the years from customers regarding Donna’s friendly, helpful personality when working in the Thriftshop.  An employer once said that Donna was “the face of BCDS”.

She was appointed to serve on the Kansas Council of Developmental Disabilities and attended meetings in Topeka, lobbied for funding with the Kansas Legislature and was always a self-advocate for her many friends at BCDS. She was both the President and the Secretary of the Brown/Doniphan Council of Community members.  Donna was always a leader regarding political issues.  She was a loyal friend to other BCDS folks and was especially proud of her family, especially her sister Sue, and loved spending time with them and sharing stories about them with her friends at BCDS.

Donna enjoyed dances and bowling. She was very involved with the Halloween Parade every year and helped at the Christian Church Bazaar.

She is survived by a sister; Sue (Lester) Soyland of Hiawatha, KS, nieces; Michelle (Dan) Leif of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Susan (fiancé Chris Gormley) Amon of Lee’s Summit, MO, three great nephews; Nicholas & Joseph Leif and Taylor Amon, and great niece Danielle Wotipka.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a niece; Genette Harris.

Memorial Services are planned for 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, KS. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services on Tuesday.  A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be given to BCDS in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com.

Charles Stephen “Steve” Swymeler, Jr., 54, Hermann, Missouri; formerly of St. Joseph; passed away from cancer on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri with his loving family by his side.

Steve was born on November 17, 1964 in St. Joseph, Missouri to the late, Charles Stephen Swymeler, Sr. and Connie (Younger) Swymeler.  He was a graduate of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School and a 1983 graduate of Bishop LeBlond High School.  Steve received a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Missouri Western State University.

Mr. Swymeler began his career in community affairs and workplace campaigns as Campaign Director with United Way of Greater St. Joseph, his hometown.  Steve’s career progressed and responsibilities increased when he joined United Way of the St. Paul area, in St. Paul, Minnesota serving as Sr. Manager of Workplace Campaigns, and later as Director of Leadership and Planned Giving.  He joined the Community Affairs team at Target Corporation managing their team member workplace campaigning at the national level and year-round relationships with local United Way partners.  While with Target, he helped grow their annual team member workplace campaign into the second largest retailer campaign in the United Way system.  Steve served as Vice President of Workplace Campaigns for Heart of America United Way and the recently formed United Way of Greater Kansas City.  Most recently, Steve was Assistant Vice-President Community Affairs Manager for Wells-Fargo Advisors.

Steve is honored to have been a two-time United Way Worldwide Spirit of America Judge, travelled internationally in the cast of “Up With People” in 1985, and recent graduate of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurions program.

Steve was a member of St. George Catholic Church, in Hermann, Missouri.  He was a running enthusiast end enjoyed participating in  marathons.  He was an avid supporter of the Arts, loved gardening and travelling.

Steve is survived by his mother, Connie Swymeler, of St. Joseph; sisters, Lisa (Mark) Adams, of St. Joseph; Lori (Jim) Sullivan,  of St. Louis, MO, Lynn (Bryan) Davis, of St. Joseph; brother, Mitchell (Angela DeRossi) Swymeler, of Kansas City; partner, Scott Donnachie, of St. Louis, MO; 12 nieces and nephews and 5 great nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Mickey & Earl Swymeler; maternal grandparents Clark & Teresa Younger; and his father, Charles Stephen “Steve” Swymeler, Sr.

Memorial Mass 10:00 AM Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.  Inurnment Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Family to Receive Friends 4:00 to 6:30 PM Monday, May 27, 2019 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, with a Prayer Service to be held at 6:30 PM Monday.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to St. Francis Xavier Parish, St. Joseph, MO or Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation.

Dennis Lee Miller, 57, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. He battled cancer for a year.

Dennis was born in St. Joseph, Missouri Hospital on February 5, 1962 to Nicholas L. & Mary Ann (Begesse) Miller.

He graduated from Wathena High School in 1980. He worked in the restaurant business his whole life.

Dennis was preceded in death by his mother Mary Ann Miller, 2 sisters, Martha Barclay & Mary Louise Miller.

Survivors, Father, Nicholas Miller Sr., Wathena, Kansas.

Brothers, Nick Miller Jr., Commerce, Texas

Roger Miller (Carla), St. Joseph, Missouri.

Robert Miller, Wathena, Kansas.

Twin brother, Daniel Miller, Kansas City, Missouri

Sister, Barbara Ryan (Jack), Tempe, Arizona

Nieces & nephews, Ashley Medina (Billy), Waxahachie, Texas, Sean Miller, Texas, Ryan Miller, St. Joseph, Missouri, Kari Winfrey (Roger), Sibley, Missouri, Taylor and Samantha Barclay, St. Louis, Missouri.

Dennis wishes were to be cremated, with private family service.

Memorials: Cancer research of Donor’s choice.

Harman-Rohde Funeral Home, Wathena, Kansas is in charge of arrangements.

Erma L. Lewis, 95, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at a local health care facility.

She was born on December 20, 1923 in St. Joseph, Missouri to George and Estes (Deshon) Chambers.

Erma was married to Hurrell “Red” Wilson, from this union they had two sons. She then married Robert H. Lewis in 1961. He preceded her in death in 1968.

She was the co-owner/operator of the Tic-Tok Restaurant and of Modern Hardware/Kitchen. Erma was also a realtor with Sinclair Realty. She was a member of the Ashland United Methodist Church.

Erma was also preceded in death by her parents, sons; Joe Denis “Pete” Wilson and Steve L. Wilson; brothers, Curtis Chambers (Bernice), Al Chambers (Lillian), Buzz Chambers (Betty) and Jim Chambers; sisters Doris Collins (Doc), Eula “Wid” Ellis; and best friend, Saralyn Wagers.

Survivors include daughters-in-law; Nancy Wilson, St. Joseph and Pat Wilson, St. Joseph; grandson, Jed Shields, Omaha, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Ruby Chambers, Whitecloud, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the staff of LaVerna Senior Living for their care.

Farewell Services 1:00 P.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. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Friends of the Animal Shelter or Alzheimer’s Association.

Rhonda Louise Vestal 56, of Atchison, Kansas formerly of St. Joseph, MO, passed away Tuesday May 21, 2019.

She was born March 18, 1963 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of the late Wilma & Donald Lay. She graduated from Benton High School class of 1981. She worked at Green Hills, Dollar General as a clerk. She enjoyed going to auctions especially at the G & G Auction house in Rushville, MO, she also enjoyed the 4 F Flathead Club, camping, and fishing. She was an excellent cook and a loving and caring person who loved her grandchildren.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by daughter, Amy Markley, Atchison, KS, son, Bronson Vestal (Billie Joe Mollett), St. Joseph, MO, step daughter, Wendy Metcalf, companion, Steve Metcalf, Atchison, KS, grandchildren, Haley, Hugh, Trent, Dalton, and Bronson Jr., sister, Sherryl Grubb, Ankeny, IA, and brother, Donald Lay Jr..

A Celebration of Rhonda’s life will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 1:00 pm at the G & G Auction Hwy 45 & 59, Rushville, MO. She will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Rhonda Vestal Memorial Fund in care of Rupp Funeral Home.

Charles “Chuck” Montgomery, Jr., 60, of Hoyt, died Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at his home.

He was born March 23, 1959, at Santa Anna, California, the son of Charles Montgomery, Sr. and Barbara Godfrey Montgomery. He graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1977.

Chuck worked for Kansas Power and Light, and later OneOk, until his health forced him to retire.

He married Pamela S. Dale on August 5, 1977 in Topeka. She survives, of the home.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jeremy Montgomery, a brother, Jeffery Montgomery and his sister, Patricia Platt.

Other survivors include a daughter, Misty Flewelling and husband Phil, Holton, two brothers, James Montgomery and Bobby Montgomery, both of Valley Falls, a sister, Deanna Bernauer, Topeka, and three grandchildren, Bailey and Brooke Flewelling, and Jeffery Montgomery.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 25th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hoyt. Burial will follow in the Hoyt Cemetery. Chuck will lie in state after 9:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home where a visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday. Memorials are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 280, Hoyt, KS 66440.

Richard Allan Thompson 70, Saint Joseph, Missouri died Saturday May 18, 2019 in Saint Joseph.

Born December 2, 1948, St. Joseph, Preceded in death by father, Frank Thompson, mother, Jewell Canfield, sisters, Joyce Holmes, and Marilyn Horner.

Survivors include brother, Kenneth Thompson, Saint Joseph, MO, nephew, Mark Donahoo, several nieces and nephews. Cremation under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

There are no scheduled visitation or memorial services at this time. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Lakeshia Tashea Hughes 30, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday May 19, 2019.

She was born June 19, 1988 in St. Joseph, Missouri, and was a homemaker.

She is survived by mother, Lisa Hughes, father Theodore Hughes, daughters, Ondrell and Oubrell, brothers, Dontane, Devontra, Darrion and Nathanial Hughes, sisters, Airreanna, Shamika, Doneshia and Micha Hughes, and her companion Daniel Rivera.

Memorial services following Friday, May 31, 2019 at 2:30 pm at the Rupp Funeral Home. She will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Lakeshia Hughes Memorial fund Online tribute fund, and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com, select “tribute fund”, or in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Janetta “Net” Christine Dudley
1963-2019

Janetta “Net” Christine Dudley, 56, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2019.

She was born March 1, 1963 in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Janetta enjoyed cooking, dancing, singing, spending time with family and enjoyed life to the fullest.

Survivors include children, Douglas Dudley, Sr., Marko Dudley, Sr. (Ciera), Shantassa Wilbon (Darryl), Laressa Dudley; grandchildren, Jazmeria “Jazz” Irving, Douglas Dudley, Jr., Dai’Janise Stano, Marko Dudley, Jr., Daria Dudley, La’Shelle Dennis, Tyesha Dennis, Mekhi Reed, Melik Reed, Mehkel Dudley, Donte’ Gray, Roosevelt Noel, Alisha Kepner, Silas Kepner; great-grandson, Owen Farrell; mother, Katherine Dudley; father, Donald Meredith; siblings, Donnie, Yvette, Willie, Marlene, Jackie, Heath, Brian, Trella, Donna, Maurice, Guyetta, Kathleen, Lisa, Kenny, John; numerous nieces and nephews.

Farewell Services 3:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 1:30 to 2:30 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses or to donate online visit Janetta’s Tribute Page at www.meierhoffer.com and select donate now.