Frank Simoncic

(From Friskel Funeral Home)

Frank James Simoncic 80, of Frontenac, KS died, Wednesday May 10, 2017 at the Medicalodge of Frontenac.

He was born April 28, 1937 in Chicopee, KS the son of Frank L. and Rose Mary (Castagno) Simoncic.

On June 23, 1962 he was united in marriage to Shirley Russell in Pittsburg; she survives at the home.

Frank was a sales manager for Bowlus Sporting Goods for many years; he then went on to attain his real estate license and worked as a real estate agent for several agencies in Pittsburg.

He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frontenac. He was also an avid golfer and hunter.

Additional survivors include two sons: Rick J. and his wife Jacque Simoncic of Frontenac and Ron L. Simoncic of Galesburg, KS, a sister Rosemary Ryan of Pittsburg; six grandchildren Jordan, Victoria, Marissa, Caitlyn, Hunter and Fischer Simoncic.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am, Friday May 12, 2017 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frontenac with Fr. Thomas Stroot as Celebrant. Inurnment of his cremains will take place at a later date. Parish rosary will be recited at 6pm at Friskel Funeral Home in Frontenac, KS where visitation will follow.

Condolences may be left at www.friskelfuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and/or the American Cancer Society these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Friskel Funeral Home of Frontenac.

Doris Wilkin

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Doris M. Wilkin, 91, of Pittsburg passed away at 4:27 p.m. Monday, May 8, 2017 at the Via Christi Hospital. 

She was born on July 9, 1925 to Roy and Letha (Ward) Fast at Pittsburg. She graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1943. After graduation, she worked in the office at Ramsay’s Department Store. 

On November 11, 1945, she married Bob Wilkin. During their marriage, she lived in Akron, Ohio, Manila, Philippines and Teheran, Iran. They later divorced. Returning to Pittsburg in 1968, she worked at the Pittsburg State University Physical Plant, retiring in 1990. 

Survivors include, two daughters and son-in-law’s, Donna and Mel Campbell of Pittsburg and Robin and John Hinman of Lawrence, Kansas; a grandson, Robby Lee and his wife, Brenda; great-grandchildren, Mavia, Hanah and Kaleb Lee of Pittsburg; a granddaughter, Heather Kulawiak and her husband, Jeff of Kent, Washington; and a special friend and companion, John Urankar. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Lewis Fast, and a sister, Alice Mallard. 

At Mrs. Wilkin’s request, there will be no services nor flowers. Private burial will take place in the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Pittsburg. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.

George Vanderpool

(From Brenner Mortuary)

George Vanderpool, Jr., 78, of Pittsburg, passed away at 11:04 a.m., Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born October 18, 1938, in rural Weir, KS, to George and Betty Nora (Burns) Vanderpool, Sr. George attended schools in rural Weir, KS, and graduated from Weir High School in 1957. He enlisted in 1956 in the Army Reserves and served with the Military Police. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1964. 

George and June Aikman were united in marriage on April 18, 1959, at Miami, OK. She survives of the home. George worked for several companies as a truck driver. Those included, Glick Mercantile, Fadler Produce, Arma Elevator and A.J. Cripe Bakery. Later he owned and operated the Guy's Potato Chip route in Pittsburg, Arma, Girard and Ft. Scott for thirteen and a half years, retiring in 2001. He worked for The Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium as Custodian for one year and then worked at The Family Resource Center as Custodian and Maintenance Man for nine and a half years, retiring in June of 2011. George took great pride in planting a vegetable garden every year and enjoyed sharing the produce with his family and his neighbors. He joined Countryside Christian Church in 1967 when the church was in existence for 10 months and helped with the building of the church. George was a people person. Every Sunday he greeted everyone that entered the church. He also loved going to Walmart to visit with the vendors and would say hi to everyone he saw, especially taking time to say hi to the little children and shake their hands. 

Survivors include his wife, June, one son, Steven Vanderpool of Pittsburg, two brothers, Larry Vanderpool (Martha) of Joplin, MO, and Terry Vanderpool (Debbie) of Frontenac, KS, six grandchildren, John Beasley, Adam Beasley, Carrie June Monroe, Craig, Mason and Adeline Vanderpool and nine great-grandchildren, three nieces and one nephew and several cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Penny Burrous who died January 13, 1998, and a sister, Shirley Mangile who died September 22, 2009. 

A service for George is set for 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 8, 2017, at the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, with Brian Thomason and Bryce Hotchkiss, conducting the service. Burial will follow in the Crocker Cemetery, south of Pittsburg. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m., until 3:00 p.m., Sunday, at the Brenner Mortuary. Friends may call after 12:00 p.m., Friday, to sign the register book. The family suggests memorials to the Countryside Christian Church, The Gideons International, or the Life Track Christian Church. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.

Ruby Rhinehart

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Ruby Mae Rhinehart, 95, of Webb City, Missouri passed from this life on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Galena Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Galena, KS.

Ruby was born on June 2, 1921 in Galena, KS to the union of Frank and Alice (Shira) Stansberry. Ruby was united in marriage to Thomas P. Rhinehart on August 29, 1948 in Bentonville, AR. Thomas preceded her in death on May 29, 2004.

Ruby was a homemaker throughout her life, loving and caring for her family and friends. Ruby was an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City, MO until entering in the Galena Nursing Center in June of 2013. Ruby also enjoyed planting flowers, crocheting and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Ruby is preceded in death by her parents; husband; five brothers, Kenneth Stansberry, Freddie Stansberry, Porter Stansberry, Johnny Stansberry, and Irish Stansberry; one sister, Joyce Hopkins.

Ruby is survived by four sons, Bobby Morey of Wichita, KS, Jerry Morey and wife Pat of Joplin, Mo, Bill Rhinehart and wife Pat of Surprise, AZ, and Tom Rhinehart and wife Kathy of Loma Linda, MO; three brothers, Clyde Stansberry and wife Pat of Galena, KS, Bill Stansberry and wife Evelyn of Carl Junction, MO, and Lonnie Stansberry of Seneca, MO; two sisters, Angie Shaver and companion Carl Schaffer of Clearwater, KS, and Betty Sweet and husband Charlie of Galena, KS; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS. Pastor Steve Patterson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, Joplin, MO. Family will receive friends Monday evening from 7:00-8:00 p.m., at Derfelt Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Thelma Thiele

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Thelma Elizabeth Thiele, 88 of Columbus, KS died April 29, 2017 at Medicalodge in Columbus, KS.
She was born October 9, 1928 in Hallowell, KS the daughter of Claire E. and Eva A. (Smith) Wofford. 

She was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Columbus.

She was very active in the Cherokee County 4-H club for over 20 years. She was an adult leader and past president. She also was involved with the FCE and the Community Free Lunch Program.
Thelma worked as a teacher's aide for many years and retired in 1994

Survivors include 3 sons; Tom (Ann) Thiele of Columbus, KS, John (Karen) Thiele of Joplin, MO, Jim (Rebecca) Thiele of Columbus, KS, a brother Walter Wofford, Topeka, KS, along with 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Claire and Eva Wofford, husband William Thiele and brother Carl Wofford.

Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Tuesday May 2, 2017at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Columbus, KS with Rev. Dale Powell officiating. Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8 pm, Monday evening. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Memorials may be made to the Columbus Library and/or McKee cemetery; these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 611 S. East Avenue, Columbus, KS 66725. 

Services by Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, Columbus, KS. 

Leonard Stefka

(From Parker Mortuary)

Leonard J. Stefka, age 86, Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away at 4:55 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Via Christi Village, Pittsburg.

Leonard was born January 24, 1931 in Comstock, Nebraska to the late John Stefka and Anna Kluna Stefka and had lived in Joplin from 1957 until moving to Ft. Scott in 1999.

A diesel mechanic by trade, Leonard was active with Little League Baseball, Boy Scouts of America and the American Legion. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association, Western Fraternal Life Association and the Teamsters. Leonard was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean War.

He married Donna Stefka on February 14, 1957 in Carl Junction. She preceded him in death on March 16, 2017.

Survivors include two sons, Wade Stefka, Ft. Scott, Kansas, David Stefka, Linn, Missouri; four grandchildren, Kyle, Kaila, Erica, Aleksander and several nieces and nephews.

Leonard was preceded in death by a daughter, Rhonda Jean.

Funeral services are planned for Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel. Interment will follow at Forest Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

Betha Stoops

(From Bennett Wormington Funeral Home)

Betha Darleen Stoops, 87, of Monett entered into eternal rest on Sunday April 30, 2017 while staying at the Aurora Nursing Center in Aurora, Missouri. She was born in Jennings, Kansas on March 10, 1930; the daughter of the late Edward and Leona (Randall) Rodewald. She was united in marriage on July 22, 1950 in Joplin, Missouri to Carl Stoops; he survives.

She was the owner of Stoops Manufacturing in Monett and a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses Church in Monett.

Betha is survived by her husband Carl of the home; one son: Stan Stoops of Verona; one sister: Glenna Brown of Pittsburg, Kansas; two grandsons: Jerad and Sabin and two great-grandsons: Joshua and Riley.

She was preceded in death by both her parents and one daughter: Carleen Kay Stoops on May 24, 1953.

Visitation for Betha is being held on Wednesday May 3, 2017 from 12:00p.m. to 2:00p.m. at the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri. Funeral services will immediately follow visitation on Wednesday May 3, 2017 at 2:00p.m. at the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri. Burial will follow services at the Monett I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Monett, Missouri.

Memorial donations for Betha may be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri.