Tom Skole

(From Roswell Funeral Home)

Thomas Tilo Skole, 87, of Roswell, GA. passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at his home surrounded by his family.

Tom was born on September 13, 1932 in Philadelphia, PA. to Peter and Rose Skole. He grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana and graduated from Southside High School where he was a four-sport star in baseball, basketball, football and track and field.

After high school, he received a scholarship to attend the University of Cincinnati. Soon after, he signed a contract to play professional baseball with the St. Louis Browns, including playing outfield for the Pittsburg and Independence Browns in 1951 and 1952. Tom had a stellar athletic career and after his baseball career was complete, he enlisted in the Army and attended Army Ranger School in Fort Benning, Georgia.

During his time in the service while stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tom met the love of his life Stella Roybal. They were happily married and inseparable for 65 years. While starting a family, they lived in numerous cities around the country before finally calling Roswell, Georgia their home in 1972.

Tom was a strong patriarch of his family and a good friend to all. He was a great father who always took care of his children. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren and loved being involved in their lives. It was always about “the family” to him and even in his final days would say to his loved ones, “just take care of Mom and take care of each other when I’m gone.” Tom was a strong, proud, and good man. He is loved and leaves a lasting legacy. He will be missed by many!

He is preceded in death by his parents Peter and Rose Skole, his two older brothers Warren and Ed, and his grandson, Tommy Burnett.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Stella Skole of Roswell, GA; sons, Mike Skole (Roswell, GA); Tony Skole (Jody) of Charleston, SC; and Scott Skole (Tampa, FL); daughter, Robyn Burnett (David) Roswell GA; grandchildren Mackenzie Morris (Will) and Valrico, FL; Matt Skole (Madison) of Roswell, GA: Jake Skole (Athens, GA); Mickey Skole (Roswell, GA); Tilo Skole (Charleston, SC); Jack Skole (Charleston, SC); Gehrig Skole (Charleston, SC); Great Grandson Hayes Morris (Valrico, FL) and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A visitation will be held at Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Road Roswell, GA. on Thursday, January 2, 2020 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Funeral service will be Friday, January 3, 2020 at 2:00 pm at St Peter Chanel Catholic Church, 11330 Woodstock Road, Roswell, GA. with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that a memorial donation be made to Roswell High School (Tommy Burnett Memorial Scholarship), 11595 King Road, Roswell, GA. 30075

Barbara McMillan

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Barbara Ann (Hucke) McMillan, 79, of Parsons, passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019 at the Parsons Presbyterian Manor. She had been in failing health several years.

She was born February 6, 1940, to Clair E. and Susan (Bamberry) Hucke. She was one of six siblings and grew up in Dennis, where she attended school. She graduated from Labette County Community High School at Altamont in 1958.

On March 7, 1959 Barbara married Bob McMillan in the Evangelical United Brethren Church at Dennis. Barbara and Bob were introduced by co-workers and married after dating for about 10 months. When her father passed away and her mother was moved to a nursing home, Barbara’s teenage brothers, Pat and Gene Hucke, came to live with them. 

In 1969, Barbara and Bob were given the opportunity to adopt a cute and delightful brother and sister, John and Anna, ages five and six. With teenagers and elementary children in their home, to their surprise, they had a son, Barry, born in 1971. Barbara said their doctor told them after the adoption he could almost promise a baby would be forthcoming. Bob and Barbara enjoyed 60 years of a wonderful married life together.

Over the years, Barbara and Bob moved several times, remodeling and building, often doing much of the work themselves.

Barbara was a member of the Soroptimist International Club of Parsons and Phi Beta. She enjoyed bowling, square dancing and taking care of her plants and flowers. Barbara always looked forward to traveling. Her favorite travels included her family vacations, Branson, MO and the cruises she went on with Bob. Her greatest joy was her family, whom she dearly loved. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, wanting to spend as much time as possible with them.

Barbara started her working career three days after graduating from high school. First, she joined Kansas Claims in the Parsons office, working there for 13 years. She was hired because she could do over 130 words per minute of shorthand. 

Next, she was a co-owner of Mid-States Adjustment, Inc. for 22 years, starting with one office in Parsons and helping grow the business to 14 offices in four different states. She then became co-owner of Superior Claims Services for 12 years. Barbara worked a total of 47 years in the insurance claims adjusting business before retiring in 2005. 

At one point in her career she was the only female owner of an independent insurance claims adjusting business in the United States. Barbara was a life member of the Kansas Claims Association, Inc. and served as director.

Survivors include her husband, Bob, of Parsons; her sons, John, of Parsons and Barry and wife Michele, of Lindsborg; grandchildren Clinton Forbes, of Leavenworth, Candace Mead, of Blue Springs, MO, Leticia Forbes, of Kansas City, MO, Elaina McMillan and Keira McMillan, both of Lindsborg; great-grandchildren Garrett Mead, Andrew Forbes, Rylan Mead, Isabella Forbes, Matthew Forbes, Noah Forbes and step granddaughter Layla Geiger; sisters, Clara Sue Rainwater of Tulsa, OK and Laura Jane Hummer, and her husband, Dean of Parsons; brothers William “Bill” J. Hucke, of Tulsa, OK, Pat Hucke, and his wife, Barbara of Parsons and Clair Eugene “Gene” Hucke, and his wife, Debra of Owasso, OK; many nieces and nephews who Barbara loved; and her best friend, Renate Graham.

Preceding her in death were her parents, a daughter, Anna Gaches, a grandson, Anthony Forbes, and a brother-in-law, Glen Rainwater.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 3, 2020 at the Faith United Methodist Church in Parsons, with Pastor Pat McReynolds officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Parsons.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m., Thursday, January 2 at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Soroptimist International of Parsons, Faith United Methodist Church of Parsons or Harry Hynes Hospice. They can be left at or mailed to the funeral home at Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Thomas Thompson

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Thomas Wray Thompson, 74, of McCune, died at 3:25 p.m., Saturday, December 28, 2019 at his residence at rural McCune.

Thomas was born February 4, 1945 in Pittsburg, Kansas, the son of Rex Arthur and Virginia Lee (Tevis) Thompson. He grew up and attended schools in Pittsburg and he attended Pittsburg State University.

He worked in Pittsburg for his parents as a meat cutter at Fieldcrest Superette, which later became Rex’s Superette until 1984. He then worked for Ron’s IGA as a produce manager from 1984 until he retired in 1989.

Thomas married Connie Papish Vaughn and they divorced. He later married Diane Marie Crockett on February 27, 1985 in Pittsburg. She survives of the home.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Girard; the American Rabbit Breeders Association and the American Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club. He was a member and past director of the Southwest Missouri Hare Raisers.

Thomas enjoyed showing rabbits, attending church, and working in the garden.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Diane, of the home, are a son, Kelly Thompson, and his fiancé, Marty White, of Pittsburg; a daughter, Abby Buck, and her husband, Brandon, of Girard; his grandchildren, Lance Thompson of Tempe, Arizona, Christopher Graham and Elizabeth Graham, both of Girard; his a sister, Barbara Rhodes, and her husband, Ron, of Pittsburg.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 4, 2020 at the United Methodist Church in Girard with Pastor David Clark officiating.

Friends may call after 2:00 p.m., Friday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church in Girard, the American Rabbit Breeders Association Youth Scholarship Fund, or Avalon Hospice, and these may be left at the church or the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.

Barbara Unrein

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Barbara Ann Unrein, 92, of Girard, died at 2:40 a.m., Friday, December 27, 2019 in the Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living in Lawrence, Kansas.

Barbara was born September 9, 1927 in rural Girard, a daughter of George Joseph Davied, Sr. and Minnie Delilah McClelland. She attended school in Greenbush, Kansas and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Pittsburg.

She married Herbert J. Unrein, Sr. on August 6, 1951 at Greenbush and they later divorced.
Barbara worked for 24 years as county office assistant at the Farmers Home Administration in Girard before retiring in 1983.

She was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, St. Michael’s Altar Society, the George C. Brown Post No. 26, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Euchre Card Club, all of Girard.

Barbara enjoyed her church activities and for six years she assisted senior citizens with their taxes.
She was a short time resident of Lawrence, Kansas and she always enjoyed Bingo and card games.

Survivors include her son, Herbert J. Unrein, Jr. and wife, Roxanne of Lawrence, KS; grandchildren, Kevin Unrein and wife, Stacie, Oklahoma City, OK, Andrea Unrein, Wichita, KS; sister, Mary Jo Boyd, Pittsburg, KS; step-children, Luke Thompson and wife, Lauren, Matthew Thompson and wife, Ashley, Cole Thompson and wife, Sally, Kristen Olson and husband, Jon; two great grandchildren, Maggie and Garrett Unrein; and nine step-great-grandchildren, Miles, Price, Reed, Jane, Nora, Isabelle, Owen and Zoey Thompson and Vincent Steppe.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, George Joseph Davied, Jr. and John Lou Davied; daughter-in-law, Margo Unrein, and twin step-great-grandchildren, Hadley Elizabeth and Chase Elliott Thompson.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 2, 2020 at St. Michael’s Church in Girard with Fr. Floyd McKinney officiating. Burial will be in St. Aloysius Cemetery at Greenbush. The Rosary will be at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard where the family will receive friends following the Rosary. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to St. Aloysius Cemetery at Greenbush and these may be left at the church or the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.
Condolences may be sent to www.wallfuneralservices.com

Pat German

(From Cheney-Witt Funeral Chapel)

Patricia Ann German, age 82, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, went to be with her personal Lord and Savior Thursday, December 26, 2019, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. She was born February 21, 1937, in Triadelphia, West Virginia, the daughter of Albert Martin King and Ruth Pauline Rhoades King. 

Pat married Norman Dean German on December 23, 1968, at Miami, Oklahoma. Pat had worked at Peerless Products for over twenty years. She enjoyed crocheting and used this talent to make hundreds of hats for the burn unit at the Shriners Hospital. Pat and Norman enjoyed traveling to various Shriners events especially parades. 

Pat also liked cooking and decorating cakes. Above all, Pat loved being a grandma to her three grandchildren, and made it her duty to faithfully pick them up after school. She was a past member of the First Christian Church and more recently a member of the First United Methodist Church as well as the Daughters of the Nile.

Survivors include her daughter, Dee Ann Davis and husband, Allen, of Ft. Scott and three grandchildren, Cody Allen Davis who is stationed at Al Udeid Air Force Base in Qatar, Jasmine Bradley and husband, Chad, of Ft. Carson, Colorado and Lee Patrick Davis, of Ft. Scott. Her husband, Norman, preceded her in death on April 4, 2008.

Following cremation, Rev. Reed Hartford will conduct a memorial service at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 4th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place at a later date at the U. S. National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Mirza Shrine Transportation Fund. This money will be used to take children to hospital visits and can be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Vicky Nation

(From Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home)

Vicky Lynne Nation, 57, of Fort Scott, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2019, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. She was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, June 15, 1962, the daughter of Fred Allen and Connie Arleata (Hanna) Pettyman.

She is survived by two sons, Bryan Nation of Fort Scott, Kansas and Blayne Nation of Reno, Nevada, her mother, Connie Prettyman, a sister, Toni Reece, and two nephews, Victor and Emerson Reece all of Pomona, Kansas.

The family will receive friends, 3:00 p.m., Sunday, December 29, 2019, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. All other services will be private. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

George Stonerock

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

George W. Stonerock, 85, of Girard, passed away at 7:23 a.m., Wednesday, December 25, 2019 in the emergency room of the Girard Medical Center.
George was born October 24, 1934 at Girard, a son of George B. and Grace (Crites) Stonerock.

He attended school in Girard and graduated from Girard High School. He also received additional training in electrical, heat and air.

At age eleven, George began working at Sell & Sons Hardware in Girard and continued to work there before entering the US Army in June of 1957.
George was in the 217th field artillery missile battalion at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama before entering the 102nd Engineering battalion at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He received his discharge in September of 1959 and returned to Sell & Sons Hardware.

George owned and operated Stonerock Plumbing in Girard. He later worked at the Army Ammunition Plant in Parsons, Kansas as a fireman and later as an electrician and a pipe fitter.

In 1971, he was employed by the City of Girard as a Crew Chief of the Light and Water Departments and later becoming Superintendent. He was a past Captain and volunteer at the Girard Fire Department for over 25 years. He also worked at Bill’s Coal Company as an electrician and a federal electric inspector. 

After moving to Grove, Oklahoma, he owned and operated Grand Lake Golf Cart Sales, before moving to Farlington Lake in November of 1998, where he worked in the maintenance department for Crawford State Park.

On October 5, 1957 George and Catherine “Kate” Richard were united in marriage at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Walnut, Kansas. She survives of the home.

George was a member of the George C. Brown Post. 26, American Legion of Girard; for over sixty-years he was a member of the Girard Masonic Lodge No. 93, AF & AM of Girard; the Consistory in Fort Scott; and the Mirza Temple in Pittsburg where he was a member of the Director’s Staff. He enjoyed fishing, working, helping others, spending time with his family, and dancing.

Survivors in addition to his wife are his son, Tony Stonerock, and his wife, Rhonda, of Girard, his daughter, Vicki Couch, of Pittsburg; his grandchildren, Anthony Stonerock, and his wife, Taylor, of Winfield, Kansas, Aaron Stonerock, and his wife, Emily, of Pittsburg, Chris Bradshaw, and his wife, Stephanie, of Joplin, Casey Bradshaw Morris, and her husband, Alex, of Olathe, Chayce Couch of Pittsburg; ; his great-grandchildren, Cayde Stonerock, Brenley Bradshaw, and Samuel Morris; his nieces, Zenna Appier of Frontenac, Phyllis Orr of Talequah, Oklahoma, and Sheila Martin of Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

George was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, William L. Stonerock; his sisters, Delia Mead and Cleta Sanzero.

Services for George W. Stonerock will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 30, 2019 at the St. Michael Catholic Church with Fr. Floyd McKinney officiating. Burial will be in the Girard Cemetery with Military Honors given by the George C. Brown Post No. 26, American Legion of Girard.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 29, from 6 till 8 p.m. at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard with Masonic Services by the Girard Masonic Lodge, No 93, AF & AM at 6:00 p.m. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home after 2:00 p.m., Sunday.

Memorials are suggested to the Mirza Transportation Fund or St. Michael Church Building Fund and these may be left at St. Michael’s Church or the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W. St. John, P.O. Box 258, Girard, Kansas 66743.

Donald Spencer

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Donald Lee Spencer 64, of Oswego, KS passed from this life on Monday, December 23, 2019 at the home of his brother.

Donald was born April 14, 1955 in Oswego, KS to the union of Orville Ray and Letha Fern (Haug) Spencer. Donald graduated from Oswego High School class of 1973. Donald was a welder throughout his life before retiring. One of Donald’s favorite things was to grill hamburgers outside.

Donald is survived by one sister, Carol Holmes of Oswego, KS; two brothers, Ray Spencer of Oswego, KS and Bill Spencer and wife Ginger of Oklahoma City, OK; along with several nieces and nephews.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Neal Spencer.

Donald has been entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home for cremation. A private burial of ashes will take place at the Oswego Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Gary LaRue

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Gary Dean LaRue, 61, of Pittsburg and a former Parsons resident, died at 3:12 p.m., Sunday, December 22, 2019 at his residence.

He was born April 28, 1958, at Van Nuys, California to Albert and LaVerne (Peterson) LaRue. His parents were natives of Parsons and returned to Parsons later. Gary came to Parsons in 1970 and later moved to Pittsburg.

He was a twin and was born with Down Syndrome. He was healthy for most of his years and enjoyed life. He loved trains, fire trucks, loud cars, music and ice cream.

Surviving is his mother, LaVerne LaRue, twin sister Mary Myers (Ron), sister Judy Mercado, brother Albert LaRue, and brother-in-law Bill Screws, all of Parsons and several nieces and nephews. 

Preceding him in death was his father, sister Martha Screws and brother-in-law Ernesto Mercado.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Monday, December 30 at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Special Olympics and may be left at or sent to the funeral home at Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online messages may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Roberta Carson

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Roberta M. Carson, 89, of Parsons, died at 8:10 a.m., Monday, December 23, 2019 at the Pittsburg Care and Rehabilitation Center in Pittsburg.

She was born April 10, 1930 at Parsons, a daughter of Emery E. and Marguerite L. (Sears) Whetzel. She grew up at Parsons and attended school here. She was employed as a waitress at the former Home Café and the Frontier Room at the Parsonian Hotel. She later worked at the Food Town Grocery Store and in the cafeteria at the Parsons Middle School.

On May 25, 1947 she and Daniel Carson were united in marriage at Parsons. He preceded her in death on March 17, 2003.

She was a member of the Parsons Foursquare Church. She enjoyed reading and studying the Bible, sewing and planting flowers.

Survivors include: two sons – Russell Carson, of Rural Parsons, KS, Rod Carson, of Joplin, MO; one daughter - Linda Meyer, of Lancaster, CA; one sister – Naomi Essig, of Parsons, KS; three grandchildren – Jennifer Rodie of Altamont, KS, Brad Carson, of Iola, KS, Dena Carson, Indianapolis, IN; numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two children – Daryl Carson, Melinda Kinsaul; three brothers – Robert Whetzel, Billy Whetzel, Richard Dale Whetzel; three sisters – Rosemary Whetzel (who was an infant), Betty Sherman and Wanda Mallon.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M., Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home with Reverend Florence Espeseth officiating. Burial will be in Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 P.M., Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Parsons Foursquare Church and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Carol Ruttgen

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Carol Ann Ruttgen, age 76, passed away at 11:59 pm, Monday, December 23, 2019 at Labette Health, Parsons, Kansas

Carol was born August 22, 1943 in Oswego, KS. Her parents were Clarence and Ethel (Strickland) Ruttgen.

After graduating from high school she was employed with the State of Kansas where she worked in a Child Welfare office in Kansas City, a job she held for 35 years. Upon her retirement she returned to Oswego in the 1990’s. She later worked at Walmart, Parsons, KS for a few years.

Carol never married. She attended the Zion Hill Church rural Oswego. She enjoyed caring for her cats and dogs.

Surviving are 5 nieces an nephew, Donnie Ruttgen, Oswego, Greg Ruttgen, Welch, OK, Mark Ruttgen, Parsons, Sherry Foister, Parsons, and Teresa Poindexter, Grove, OK. She is also survived by several great nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.

She was entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home, Oswego, KS for cremation. No services are planned.

Pat Patterson

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

On Saturday, December 21st, 2019, around 4:30 p.m., Roy C. "Pat" Patterson, Jr., lay down on his bed to take a nap, and woke up in the streets of Heaven.

Pat was born on October 7, 1948, to Pollyanna and Roy C. Patterson, Sr., in Oklahoma City, OK. He graduated from Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City in 1967. After graduation, Pat went to work at Tinker Air Force Base in the packing and shipping department. He retired from TAFB after 24 years of service.

In 1993, Pat moved to Riverton, KS, to be closer to family. Pat volunteered at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO, as a floor walker, delivering gifts to patient rooms, from 1994 until 2016. Pat also volunteered at Riverton USD 404 School District as an office aide from 1994 until he fell ill in the late spring of 2019. Pat visited and attended several churches in the area, including Grace Community (Riverton Friends) Church in Riverton and First Baptist Church in Galena, KS.

Pat knew no strangers. Everyone, including fans from as far away as Humboldt and Neodesha, KS, knew of Pat as "Riverton's #1 Fan." He attended every high school home sporting event--often leading the football team out onto the field--, read books to elementary students, was known for riding his three-wheeled bicycle around Riverton, and was famous for wearing a sombrero on "hat day" during Homecoming Week. Pat had a mind like a steel trap, remembering everyone, and rarely left a conversation without reminding his friends he would pray for them.

Pat is preceded in death by his parents, Pollyanna and Roy C. Patterson, Sr.

He is survived by first cousins Cloise, Galena, KS, Debra, Baxter Springs, KS, and Alice, Sharon, and Janice of Texas, as well as several 2nd and 3rd cousins.

There will be a visitation on Friday, December the 27th at Derfelt’s Funeral Home in Galena, KS from 6:00 pm to 8 pm. The funeral will be held at Grace Community Church in Riverton, KS at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December the 28th. Pastor Aaron Polok will officiate. A grave side service will be held in Oklahoma City on Monday December the 30th.

Shirlene Smith

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Joetta “Shirlene” Smith, age 73 of Oswego, passed away at her home on Saturday, December 21, 2019.

Shirlene was born on September 20, 1946 to the union of Willie Eddie Smith and Olive Fayetta (Smith) Smith. She was a member of the Oswego High School Class of 1964, and had lived in Oswego all of her life. She worked at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant in Parsons, as a telemarketer with Stamco, and was self-employed cleaning houses around the Oswego area. She was a longtime member of the Oswego Assembly of God Church and played the piano there for many years.

She is survived by two brothers, Eddie Don Smith (wife, Karen) of Chetopa, and Rennie Smith (wife, Glenda) of Oswego, as well as several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Ms. Smith was entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home of Oswego for cremation. No services are planned at this time. 

The family will conduct a private burial at Pleasant Valley Cemetery at a later date, when she will be interred beside her parents.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Michele York

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Michele Lee York, 42 of Pittsburg, KS died Thursday, December 19, 2019 at her home.

She was born April 6, 1977 in Little Rock, AR the daughter of Charles Monroe Hill and Rebecca Lee Thomas.

She was married to David York on Dec 19, 1995; he survives her of the home.

Michele was a CNA/MedAid.

Additional survivors include her children Clarissa & husband Chris Millis, April & husband Austin Feast, Kathryne York and Kaleb York of the home. In-laws Lora Feast, Edward Taylor, Keyanna Feast, Levi Taylor; Mother: Rebecca Gatewood; Father: Charles Hill; Mother in-law: Mary Kathryne York, brother in-law: James York, Jr., Sister in-law: Sylvia York; Grandchildren Malaina, Ayden Millis and Hayden Lee Feast; siblings Charles Kelley and wife Amii; Amanda Wolfe and husband Lee, Ramona Kelley; nieces and nephews James York, Ann York, Lundin York, Jenny Stone, Belladonna Tippin, Lance and Lainey Noble, Logan, Kayden, Paezley Kelley.

She was preceded in death by her Grandmother Pearl Thomas, Grandfather Frank Thomas, father-in-law James Durwood York, Sr. uncle Ronnie Hill, Aunts: Jessica Partain, Tammy Findley, Donna Hill and Beverly Thomas.

Memorial visitation will be 10am – 11am, Tuesday December 24, 2019 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg. Condolences maybe left at www.bathnaylor.com. 

Services by Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522. S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS.

Sharon Grommet

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Sharon Lynn Grommet, 68, of Parsons, died at 4 p.m., Saturday, December 21, 2019 at her home.

She was born February 7, 1951, in Parsons to Kenneth and Violet (Paden) Mayfield and was raised one mile north of the Neosho-Labette County line. She attended the Oak Grove School and South Mound School. She graduated from Erie High School in 1969 and in 1971 received an Associate of Arts degree from Labette Community College.

In 1973 she graduated from Pittsburg State University, majoring in elementary education with an emphasis in library science. She also earned a Masters in elementary education and an Education Specialist degree in general school administration.

From 1973 to May of 1976 she taught at Deepwater, Missouri. In 1976 she began teaching in St. Paul and later in Erie. She retired in 2008 and started working in the Parsons school district. She retired again in 2014 and substituted for the Erie, St. Paul and Altamont districts. After 2016 she mainly substituted for the USD 506. She had taught various junior high language arts and math, and second and fourth grades.

Sharon was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Beta Sigma Phi International, K.N.E.A. and N.E.A. She was K.N.E.A. president many times and served on the negotiating team. While teaching for 101 district she was building tech at St. Paul and Thayer and served as Master teacher several times. Her hobbies were sewing and needlework, reading, planting flowers and taking care of everyone. She was a tech wiz, loved her family deeply and had a strong faith in God.

On July 23, 1982 she and Philip E. Grommet were married at Miami, Oklahoma. He survives of the home.

She is survived by a son, Nathan Grommet and a daughter Stacey Grommet, both of Parsons. There are five grandchildren, Addison Grommet, Alyjah, Isayah and Josiah Doyle and Layla Grommet. A sister, Lou Marilyn Hunt, of Parsons, survives. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and brother, Don Mayfield.

A Celebration of Life will be at 10 a.m., Friday, December 27, 2019 at the Wesley United Methodist Church, with Rev. Tim Bever officiating. Burial, at a later date, will be at East Bethany Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home from 7 to 8 p.m., Thursday. Memorials are suggested to Hope Lodge or to the Wesley United Methodist Church. They may be left at or sent to the funeral home at Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online messages may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

John Renard

(From Cheney-Witt Funeral Chapel)

John Arthur Renard, age 81, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Friday, December 20, 2019, at his home. He was born July 22, 1938, in Ellsworth, KS, the son of Carl E. and Myrtle E. Hundley Renard.

He married Judith Ann Hammons on May 17, 1964, in Mapleton, KS. Following high school, John served in the U. S. Navy. He worked for Smoky Hill Electrical CO-OP in Ellsworth, KS. They moved to Newton, KS, for about a year before taking the job in Fort Scott in 1969. He worked for KG&E as a lineman and equipment operator until his retirement in 1992. 

In 1979, John opened his shoe repair shop, Main Street Shoe Repair, inside Calico Cottage. The shop later moved to the most recent location at the back of Country Cupboard, 12 N. Main St. He enjoyed working in his shop, watching Kansas State football on television, checking boxes of Judy’s to-do lists, attending children’s and grandchildren’s events and attending family reunions. John was a member of the First Christian Church and later attended the First United Methodist Church. He will be remembered as an awesome husband, dad, and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife Judy; three sons, Jim Renard and wife Melissa, Dallas, TX, Ron Renard wife Geila, Marshall, MO, and Dave Renard, Mapleton, KS; a daughter DeeAnne Miller and husband Kevin, Ft. Scott, KS; 2 sisters, Eunice Smith, Summerville, SC, and Mary Knottgen, Topeka, KS; 4 grandchildren, Kellen Renard, Kevin Miller, Jr., Sara Todorovic and Patrick Coman; 3 great grandchildren, Vance Salazar, Lyric Coman and Violet Coman; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Leroy and Kenny Renard; 5 sisters, Velma Schwerdtfeger, Billie Harold, Rita George, Linda Boese, and infant sister Alma Renard.

There was cremation. Rev. Reed Hartford will conduct memorial services at 11:00 AM Friday, December 27th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. 

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Bourbon County Fair and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Connie Watkins

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Connie Lee Madison-Watkins, 74, of Erie, went to be with the Lord at 12:00 P.M., Sunday, December 15, 2019 in her home at Erie, surrounded by her family.

Connie was born August 27, 1945 at Lawrence, KS, a daughter of Harold Eugene and Ruth Adaline (Anderson) Richards.

Her family moved to Humboldt, KS at an early age and she attended school there, graduating from the Humboldt High School in 1963. She moved to Texas in the early 1970’s and had a long career in banking before becoming the owner of Curves for Women. In 2012 she moved to Erie.

She was united in marriage to Dale Howard in 1963 and they had one daughter, Michelle Louise. She later married Mike Watkins in 2013. He survives of the home.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church at Humboldt. She loved her family, animals and enjoyed life.

In addition to her husband, survivors include: one daughter and son in-law – Michelle and Mike Stein, Erie, KS; one step-daughter – Elysia Watkins, Minnesota; one brother – Buck Richards, Erie, KS; three sisters and brothers in-law – Sherry and Tim Mitchell, Chanute, KS, Colleen and Butch Krout, Casper, WY, Teri and Rusty Robison, Chanute, KS; one sister in-law – Cindy Ashlock, Erie, KS; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews. Preceding her in death were her grandparents, parents and two brothers.

A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 P.M., Sunday, December 22, 2019 at Horizons at Prairie Ridge with Butch Krout officiating. Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice of Parsons and may be left at the service or mailed to the Pierce-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, P.O. Box 182, Erie Kansas. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Jerry Jones

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Jerry Francis Jones, age 87, passed away December 12, 2019 at his home following an illness.

Mr Jones was born November 22, 1932 in Parsons, KS. His parents were Guy and Velma Roberta (Provo) Jones.

He served in the U S Army from August 28, 1953 to June 21, 1955. He retired from the human resource department at LTV Tower in Dallas, TX. He enjoyed researching genealogy. He was greatly loved by his neighbors and his family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Jack Jones.

Surviving are two nieces Robin Kelly, Richardson, TX and Debbie Warrick, Coppell, TX.

Graveside services will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, December 28, 2019 at Oswego Cemetery. Pastor Bob Conway will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home, Oswego, KS.

Donnis Willis

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Donnis Marie Willis, age 80 passed away at 7:35 am, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO following an illness.

MS Willis was born May 18, 1939 in Galena, KS. Her parents were Cletis and Elsie (Shira) Barker. She was a lifetime resident of Galena.

She retired in 1984 after working several years as a registered nurse. Among her pastimes were fishing and puzzle books

Donnis was married to Vern Willis in 1985. He passed away in 1994. She was also preceded in death by her parents and one brother, John Barker.

Surviving is one brother, Marvin Barker (wife, Cathy) Galena, KS; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be at 11 Am Friday, December 20, 2019 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Galena, KS. Pastor Steven Daugherty will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS.

Mary Hollingsworth

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Mary Belle Hollingsworth of Baxter Springs, Kansas, 95, passed away from this life at 4:30 am on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Galena Nursing and Rehab Center.

Mary was born on October 14th, 1924 in Rock Falls, Illinois to Burton and Clara Jones.

She married William F. Hollingsworth on October 14th 1946 in Dixon, Illinois. William and Mary lived in Baxter Springs, Kansas for the last 40 years. They were members of The Church of the Nazarene in Baxter Springs, Kansas.

Mary is survived by her daughter Laurie Olson and spouse Robert Olson of Gaithersburg, Maryland, daughter Billie Gess of Baxter Springs, Kansas, daughter-in-law Linda Hollingsworth. She is also survived by her grandchildren Anthony Hollingsworth, Matthew Hollingsworth, Andrew Hollingsworth, Angela Campbell, Mark Olson and Logan Gess. Survived by great grandchildren Kathryn Hollingsworth, Caroline Hollingsworth, Claudia Hollingsworth, Ethan Campbell and Cole Campbell.

Mary is preceded in death by her spouse William F. Hollingsworth, daughter Glenda Regan, grandchild Tammy Regan and a son Lee Hollingsworth.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held in Dixon Illinois at Lowell Park in the Spring of 2020. Condolences may be sent to 2027 East Ave. in Baxter Springs, Kansas 66713. The family has entrusted Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel for cremation.

Geraldine Hopkins

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Geraldine Karl Hopkins, 94 of Columbus, KS died Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at her home.

She was born July 6, 1925 in Columbus, KS the daughter of Harris L. and Ruth D. (Painter) Hopkins.

She graduated from Columbus High School and then went on to the Kansas Teachers College where she earned a Bachelors of Education and Library Science degree and then later a Masters.

Geraldine worked for the Columbus School District for 45 years, she also taught evening classes at Labette County Community College.

She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Columbus, additional memberships include the National Education Association (NEA), Kansas Association of School Librarians, Daughters of the American Revolution, Kappa Phi, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Beta Sigma Phi, she also enjoyed reading and traveling.

Survivors include a niece: Ruth Blankenship Box of Columbus, KS, a nephew: Matt Blankenship of Oswego, KS; great-nieces and nephews: Heather Metcalf of Branson, MO, Brian Blankenship of Columbus, KS, Sarah Box Wolken of Scammon, KS and Danny Box of Columbus, along with many great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Harris D. Hopkins, a sister Norma J. Blankenship and a nephew Stephen D. Blankenship.

Memorial services will be 2 pm Monday December 23, 2019 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Columbus with Reverend Lindsey Clarke officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Columbus City Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. 

Services and arrangements are under the direction of the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Columbus.

Robert Nankivell

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Robert Lee Nankivell, Jr., 58 of Pittsburg died Monday December 16th, 2019 at his home. Bob was born April 13th, 1961 in Pittsburg, KS the son of Robert Nankivell, Sr. and Alice (Godard) Nankivell.
He was raised in Pittsburg and graduated from PHS in Pittsburg.

He was currently working at J.M. Farms in Miami, OK. He was member of the Black Diamond Lodge No. 274 Weir, KS and Kent Chapter No. 117 Order of The Eastern Star. He was a proud 10 year clean member of NA.

Survivors include his mother Alice and father Robert “Bob” Nankivell, and one niece Ashley Nankivell Wilson and her husband Chet Wilson of Frisco, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his brother William “Bill” Nankivell.

Memorial services will be 2pm Monday, December 23, 2019 at the Lighthouse Tabernacle (604 S. 200th St.) in Pittsburg with Rev. Daryl Gaddy officiating. Family will receive friends at the Church from 12 noon until service time. 

Memorials may be made to the Lighthouse Tabernacle. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Cremation arrangements by Bath-Naylor Funeral Home.

Doris Veatch

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Doris J. Veatch, 89, of Topeka, died at 5:55 p.m., Sunday, December 15, 2019 in the UKH St. Francis Medical Center in Topeka with her family by her side.

Doris was born June 17, 1930 in Weir, the daughter of Floyd Fudge and Irma Baum. She graduated from Weir High School.

Doris married Ted C. Veatch on December 26, 1952 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Ted preceded her in death on October 15, 2009.

Doris was a homemaker and a member of the United Methodist Church in Girard.

Survivors are a son, John Veatch, and his wife, Sue, of Topeka, their daughters, Wendy, Sherri, and her husband, Pat, and their children, Gage, and Tyson; Kelly, and her husband, Mike, and their children, Keira and Lauren; her daughter, Jan S. Veatch-Yoger of Topeka, and her son, Justin, and his wife, Amanda, and their children, Cianna, Gabriella, and Nolan; a son, Jeff Veatch of Topeka, and his son, Jeffery, and his wife, Polina.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents and five sisters.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. Saturday until service time. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 27, 2019 at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard.

Graveside funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 28, 2019, at the Girard Cemetery with Pastor Rick Prideaux officiating. Burial will follow the service.

Memorials are suggested to the Firemen’s and Policemen’s fund in Topeka or Disabled American Veterans and these may be left at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.

Sandra Jacquinet

(From Cheney-Witt Funeral Chapel)

Sandra M. Jacquinet, age 74, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, December 16, 2019, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS. She was born January 2, 1945, in Girard, KS, the daughter of John Douglas and Virginia Katherine Thomas Owen.

Sandra worked for Mercy Hospital as a ward clerk. She retired after 32 years. She was a strong supporter of Relay for Life for many years. She enjoyed reading novels, especially mysteries and westerns. She liked going to rummage sales and eating out with friends. Sandra helped raise her youngest grandson Bart. While at Medicalodge for the past 3 ½ years, she took pride in making sure everyone at her dining table was well taken care of.

Survivors include a son, Brad Jacquinet and wife Tanya, Keller, TX; grandchildren Maura, Max, Emma, and Bart Jacquinet; two brothers, Michael Owen and wife Ginger, Girard, KS, and Danny Owen and wife Cindy, Farlington, KS; two sisters, Linda Farmer and Terrie Sprague and husband Sonny, all of Ft. Scott; an aunt, Lucinda McCormick, Girard, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by a nephew, Timothy Farmer; and her parents.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Thursday, December 19th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Farlington Cemetery, Farlington, KS. The family will receive friends from 9:00 until service time Thursday morning at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com

Jonnie Nading

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Jonnie Joe Nading of Oswego, KS left this world on December 12, 2019 at the age of 72.

He was born on September 13, 1947 in Oswego, the son of Harry and Helen. He served in the United States Army for over 24 years.

He married his childhood sweetheart Sheryl Jolene Nading in 1969. They had two children together, Memory Anne (Indranil) Dandaroy and John (Jill) Nading. 

In addition to his children, he is survived by his brother, Harry Raymond Nading Jr., his two grandchildren, Hunter Nading and Tyler Nading, and his companion, Bobbi Jo Lehmann.

A service will be held at the Lutheran church in Oswego on Sunday December 22 at 2 pm. Memorial donations may be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in memory of his beloved late wife. The family has entrusted Derfelt Funeral Home for cremation. Online condolences can be made at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Julie Lane

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Julie Ann (Burrows) Lane of Baxter Springs, Kansas passed from this life on December 13, 2019 at her home, she was 60 years old.

Julie was born on January 26, 1959 in Columbus, Kansas to Floyd and Nellie (Niday) Burrows. She graduated from Riverton High School with the class of 1977. She got her associates degree from Northeast Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma. Julie was the Director for many years for San Pasqual Academy in San Diego, California. She created Bags of Love in 2008, a charity for kids going into a foster care.

Julie enjoyed quilting, sewing, reading, gardening, arranging flowers, and fishing with her family. She loved sailing, playing the harmonica, singing, and loved to have fun and laugh. Julie was touched, and talented at anything that required creativity. Julie lived in the area most of her life and was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Galena.

Julie is survived by her son Lonnie Bradford and wife Nichole of Springfield, a brother Kip Burrows and wife Amy of Baxter Springs, Kansas and sister Shelly Hartin of Baxter Springs, Kansas. She is also survived by her grandkids Payton Darnell (Bradford), Lindsey Goddard, Jordan Goddard, Alyvia Goddard and two great grandchildren. Julie was very close to all her nieces and nephews. She truly loved her family and her family loved her.

Julie is preceded in death by her parents, a son Craig Bradford, a brother Steve Burrows and a sister Marsha (Burrows) Neely.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Julie’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday December 19, 2019 at Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel in Baxter Springs, Kansas. The family has entrusted service to Derfelt Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Derfelt Funeral Home to help with expenses. Online condolences can be made at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Opal Binford

(From Cheney-Witt Funeral Chapel)

Opal G. Binford, age 85, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Sunday, December 15,2019, at her home. She was born July 29, 1934, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Alvin and Bertha Graves Gray.

Opal married Earl “Doc” Binford on November 23, 1979. He preceded her in death. 

Opal worked for Western Insurance Company in Ft. Scott for 21 years. She enjoyed flower gardening, cooking and baking, her specialty being banana cake and deviled eggs. She was a member of Daughters of the Nile and White Shrine. Opal was always happy and liked to have a good time.

Survivors include a daughter, Lisa “Genan” Boone Constantine; a stepson, Dick Binford; stepdaughters Sheri Buntain, Belinda Skiles, Ruth Ricci, and Betsie Binford; a brother, Jerry Gray and wife Kathy; a sister, Jeanette Schweikert; sister-in-law Diane Gray; 16 grandchildren; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Bob and Louis Gray; an infant sister Calvina Marie Gray; brother-in-law Bob Schweikert; one granddaughter; and her parents.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct graveside services at 2:00 Thursday, December 19th, in the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to either American Heart Association or Mirza Transportation Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Wilma Leach

(From Cheney-Witt Funeral Chapel)

Wilma Earlene (Koger) Leach, age 81, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at her home. She was born September 25, 1938, in Neodesha, Kansas, the daughter of William Earl and Aileen Koger.

Wilma attended Neodesha Schools and graduated from the Neodesha High School in 1956. She attended Junior Colleges part-time in Coffeyville, Ark City and Fort Scott. 

She was married to Adin Leach on April 26, 1958, at the Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville, Kansas. Wilma worked at Mercy Hospital while living in Independence, Kansas and received training and education in pastoral care. 

After moving to Ft. Scott in 1990, Wilma began working at Mercy Hospital in pastoral care. Wilma started Mother to Mother Ministry of Bourbon County, Kansas with a grant from Catherine’s Legacy in 1998. The mission was to serve single mothers or any person or family in need. Her service to those that she helped lasted almost twenty-two years until closing September 16, 2019 because of her health. Her ministry was made possible by the initial grant, some government programs, local individuals, organizations, and churches including many wonderful volunteers and benefactors.

Wilma is survived by her husband, Adin, of the home; daughters, Angie Plaisance and husband, Marc, of Peachtree City, Georgia, Amy Stephens and Mark Ferrell, of Independence, Kansas, Dee Dee O’Malley and husband, Mike, also of Independence, Alison Leach, of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Mimi Turner and husband, Josh, of Ottawa, Kansas. Also surviving are fifteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Her son Alan Leach, of Washington, DC passed away in January of 2015.

Father Yancey Burgess and Father John Marconi will celebrate Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 18th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Ft. Scott. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 P.M. Wednesday at the Calvary Cemetery in Independence, Kansas. The rosary will be recited at 6:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Visitation will follow from 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic School and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Shannon Ewan

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Shannon Jo Ewan, 37, of St. Paul, died at 11:50 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 2019 in the Girard Medical Center.

Shannon was born April 15, 1982 in Wichita, Kansas, a daughter of Harold Dean and Sandra Jo (Bergmann) Ewan. She grew up in St. Paul and attended schools in Chanute, graduating from Chanute High School in 2000.

Since 2002, Shannon worked at Rescare in Parsons where she helped the staff with others and their needs.

Shannon enjoyed her family, especially buying gifts for all her nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Survivors include her mother and father of St. Paul; her brother, Cory Ewan, of Erie; her sister, Laken Westhoff, and her husband, Wade, of St. Paul; her grandmother, Norma Jean Ewan, of Walnut; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Shannon was preceded in death by her grandparents Leroy “Bud” Ewan and Robert and Jean Bergmann.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 21, 2019 at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard with Pastor Jim Frech officiating. Burial will be in the Girard Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 20, 2019 at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard where friends may call after 2:00 p.m., Friday.

Memorials are suggested to Rescare of Parsons and these may be left at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.

Don Barnes

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Don Boyd Barnes, 102, of Pittsburg, passed away at 8:19 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Medicalodge of Frontenac.

He was born November 8, 1917 at rural Columbus, Kansas, the son of Urie and Mary Alice (Miller) Barnes. He graduated from West Mineral High School in 1934.

On December 18, 1935, he was united in marriage to Thelma Lucille Parsons at Fort Scott. She preceded him in death on May 16, 2011.

Mr. Barnes worked for the Board of Education in Columbus for twelve years and later in Pittsburg for 34 years as the supervisor of operations and transportation. He retired in 1983.

Membership was held in the First United Methodist Church of Pittsburg, where he was a past member of the Board of Trustees; past President and Director of Pittsburg Recreation Department; Past President and Board Member of Kansas State Transportation Association; Past President and Board Member of State Association of Building Operation Superintendents; Member of Board of Directors of the original group that started J.L. Hutchinson Baseball.

Survivors include Donald G. Barnes and his wife, Marybeth of Ocala, Florida, Richard Barnes and his wife, Judy of Bartonville, Texas, and Terry J. Barnes and his wife, Mary Christine of Pittsburg; seven grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, seven brothers, Charles Barnes, Paul Barnes, Homer Barnes, Maurice Barnes, Robert Barnes, Cleo Boyd, and Karl Boyd; and four sisters, Donna Spriggs, Mildred Hale, Mary Westervelt, and Mattie Hevel.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at Brenner Mortuary with Chaplain Johnie Adkins officiating. Burial will be follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Brenner Mortuary on Wednesday evening, December 18, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Friends may call after 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Brenner Mortuary Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests expressions of sympathy in memorials to USD 250 Foundation, in care of Brenner Mortuary. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.

Sami Milburn

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Samantha “Sami” Jean Milburn, 22, of rural Arcadia, passed away at 5:35 a.m. Thursday, December 12, 2019 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born March 28, 1997 at Girard, the daughter of Tim and Deborah (Johns) Milburn. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2015. Later she graduated from Ft. Scott Community College with her Cosmetology certification.

Membership was held in the Trinity Lutheran Church LCMS of Girard; National Barrel Horse Association, Better Barrel Races. As a youth, she was a member of Christian Youth Rodeo Association, Lucky Riders 4-H Club, and the Fort Scott High School FFA. She was also a past member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and the American Cowboy’s Rodeo Association.

She served on the Crawford County Fair Board with her mom in 2016 and 2017. One of Sami’s passions was to mentor youth and teach them horsemanship and the sport of rodeo. She was able to do this with Cross Trails Cowboy Ministry, where she was one of the founding coaches, where she served as their barrel coach for three years.

Survivors include her parents, Deborah and Jay Russell of the home and Tim Milburn and Kristie Bauder of Girard; a brother, Jayce Milburn of the home; fiancé’, Tyler Gray of Girard; a step-brother, Kyle Bauder of Girard; three step-sisters, Whitney Bauder of Pittsburg, Kelsey Burke and Addy Martin, both of Girard; maternal grandparents, Bill and Donna Hunkele of Aiken, South Carolina, Jim and Brenda Johns of Pittsburg, and Richard and Jackie Coursey of Aurora, Missouri; paternal grandparents, Jim and Frankie Milburn of Kansas City, Missouri; two uncles, Dale and Kate Hunkele of Columbus, Georgia and Kenny and Angie Milburn of Raytown, Missouri; and very special friends, Shannon Durbin, Morgan Manly and Hannah and Sue Fredericksen.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. at 8:00 p.m. Monday (Dec. 16th) at the Brenner Mortuary. A private family service will take place at a later date. The family suggests memorials be given to Sami Milburn Memorial Fund. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.

Ruth Wells

(From Cheney-Witt Funeral Chapel)

On December 11, 2019, the Good Lord called a faithful servant home to glory. Ruth Fidelia (Culler) Wells, age 88, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, entered her heavenly home on Wednesday evening at the Medicalodge in Girard, Kansas. She was born January 23, 1931, at the family farm home in Vernon County, Missouri.

She was happily married to Kenneth Earl Wells on April 16, 1950, a union that lasted for over fifty-six years. 

God gave them six children; Steven E. Wells, Kathryn E. (Kathy) Wells, Deloris E. (Lorie) Wells, Faith E. Varner, Warren E. Wells and Dwayne E. Wells. Her surviving grandchildren are Melissa J. Love, Clifton Varner, Daniel Varner, Michael Wells, Cassandra (LeeAnn) Wells, Rose Wells, Matthew Wells and Jamie Judy. There are also several surviving great-grandchildren. Ruth is now enjoying seeing her Savior’s face and sharing Heaven with her husband who passed away August 1, 2006; two of her children were also awaiting her there, Warren and Deloris (Lorie). Ruth’s parents, William B. Culler and Mary (Marie) Leer Culler and brothers, William (Bud) Culler and John Culler are all deceased. Ruth has two younger siblings, Donna Marie Culler and Dorothy Jane Hicks.

Ruth loved family. She cared for children of all ages during her life. She was a teacher at a country school at the age of seventeen, after only one years of college. She was a teen Sunday School teacher in a Baptist church in Wichita. Ruth worked in the nursery at the First Southern Baptist Church and she was the primary care giver in the church nursery at Grace Baptist Tabernacle for 13 years. During the last few years of her life, she started a small church called Cross Road in the former Catt School building, in rural Fort Scott.

She was well known for her homemade pies and cast-iron skillet fried chicken. Her children’s friends were always welcome at any time to sit down at the supper table and enjoy farm raised meals. Ruth spent her last months telling others about her Savior, Jesus Christ in the nursing homes in southeast Kansas. Residents in the Girard facility called her “Grandma” and some would ask her to pray for them. She will be missed here on earth but she is welcomed up there in Heaven by her Creator and family members as well as Christian friends.

Pastor Bradley Friesen will conduct a graveside service, at 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 17, 2019 in the Deerfield Cemetery in Deerfield, Missouri. 

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 10:00 – 10:45 AM, prior to leaving for the cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Bible Believers Baptist Church Mission Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.