Jolene Robinson

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Jolene Zacarello-Robinson, 71, of Pittsburg, KS, died May 29, 2018, at her home. She had been ill for the past three years.

She was born November 3, 1946, at Pittsburg, KS. She was the third of four daughters born to Tony and Hazel (Tridle) Zacarello.

Jolene retired from Pittsburg State University in 2012. While employed at PSU, she was the administrative specialist for the International Programs & Services Office. She made many friends from around the world that she remained in contact with. In 2002 she received an award from the Southern Law Poverty Center in recognition to her contribution to the ongoing fight against hatred and intolerance in America.

She is survived by her fiancé, Jerry Waggoner of Pittsburg, KS; two daughters, Jamie Dickerson (Rodney) of Ennis, TX, and Neely Evans (Phil) of rural Columbus, KS; a son, Reed Robinson (Kala) of Parsons, KS; two sisters, Carol Hollis of Topeka, KS, and Karen Brady of Pittsburg, KS; and a brother, Cory Zacarello of Frontenac, KS.

Also surviving are her seven grandchildren, Blaike, Brady, Levi, and Jaeden all of Ennis, TX. Corbin Hamilton (Georgie) of Denver, CO, Allie Evans and Garrett Evans of rural Columbus.

She was preceded in death by her parents and younger sister Debra Zacarello Emerson, who passed away in 1970.

Memorial Services will be at 6:00 p.m., Monday, June 18, 2018, at the Brenner Mortuary with Obi Nwagwu officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home prior to the service. The family suggests memorials to the W.I.NG.S Organization and/or Catholic Charities of St. Joseph Pastoral Center. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 East 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary.

Roy Frazier

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Roy Alvin Frazier, age 60, went to be with the Lord on June 2, 2018 at his home in Galena, Kansas. He was born on July 6, 1957 to Roy Frazier Sr. and Donna Kennedy Frazier Smith in Coffeeville, Kansas.

Roy attended Coffeeville Schools graduating with the class of 1975 from Coffeeville High School.

He married Marilyn Denise Watkins, April 7, 1978. Born to this union was one son Ryan A. Frazier. Included in the family is Tony Ray Breedlove and Shannon Glenn Breedlove (stepsons) and his fourth “son”, Chris Frazier (nephew).

He is survived by his sons Ryan A. Frazier of Baxter Springs, Kansas; Tony Ray Breedlove of Baxter Springs, Kansas, and Shannon Glenn (Christy) Breedlove of Riverton, Kansas. Additional survivors include Mother-In-Law Shirley Watkins of Galena, Sisters Debbie of Newton, KS and Wynona of Independence, KS, and brothers Troy and Tony both of Coffeyville.

Preceding Roy in death are his parents Roy Frazier Sr. and Donna Smith, and his wife Marilyn Frazier.

Family visitation will be Sunday, June 10, 2018 from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Derfelt Funeral Home Main Street Galena, Kansas. Funeral and Life Celebration Service will be held Monday, June 11, 2018, 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church 919 S. Main St., Galena, Kansas. Pastor officiate: Joseph Michael West, Jr.(nephew). Pallbearers: Chris Frazier, Logan Frazier, Gary Frazier, Jimmy Frazier, Mark Frazier, Christopher Frazier, Joseph West Sr. and Joseph West Jr. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Galena, Kansas.

In Lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate in memory of Roy to the First Christian Church of Galena, Kansas.

Chris Coots

(From Brenner Mortuary)

It is with great sadness that the family of Christopher Allen Coots announces his passing on June 1, 2018 at the age of 74.

He was born March 23, 1944 to Jeff and Bonnie Coots in Independence, KS. In 1962 he graduated from Chanute High School where he met the love of his life, Brenda with whom he celebrated 54 years of marriage.

Chris went on to graduate from Kansas State College of Pittsburg, later known as Pittsburg State University with a master’s degree in music education.

He began his teaching career in Lakin, KS in 1968 and over the next 33 years taught in Haysville, KS, Pittsburg, KS and Girard, KS. During those years, he combined his incredible love of and talent for music with his passion for teaching to inspire hundreds of students to embrace music and the arts in their own lives.

After retirement, he and Brenda moved down to Afton, OK on Grand Lake, where they thoroughly enjoyed the serene atmosphere of lake life. Saturday afternoons in the fall would find Chris glued to the radio listening to his alma mater’s Gorilla football team or watching his favorite KU Jayhawks basketball team on TV. The past few years he relished in sharing his opinions on politics and the state of our country via his always lively Facebook page.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Jeff and Bonnie Coots, also of Afton, OK and and infant brother, Michael Wayne Coots.

The biggest constant in Chris’s life was his love and devotion to his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda, their three children, Angela Coots, Afton, OK, Shannon (Phil) Reynolds, Olathe, KS and Jason (Meredith) Coots, Jacksonville, FL., his grandchildren Jase and Devyn Schmidt, A.J. and Sam Coots, Maddie Reynolds, and Avery and Aidan Maris. He is also survived by his siblings, Jodi (Mike) Lucke of Osage City, KS, Susan Bailey, of Sierra Vista, AZ and Scott Coots, also of Sierra Vista, AZ, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to honor his life is being held on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at Brenner Mortuary in Pittsburg, KS. Visitation will begin at 5:30 pm with services to begin at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the PSU Foundation where a scholarship is being created in his name and dedicated to Future Music Educators. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. . Donations can also be made via PayPal at chriscootsfutureeducatorfund@yahoo.comFriends may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.

Mike Degraffenreid

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Michael E Degraffenreid, age 63 of Galena, passed away at 6:09 pm, Friday, June 1, 2018 at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO. He was the son of the late James F Degraffenreid and Sarah (McCoy) Degraffenreid Bowman.

He was born at Shepard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX on Oct 1, 1955. He was raised in Southern CA until moving to Kansas in 1969.

Mike held a variety of jobs. The term “jack of all trades” fits him well.

Mike joined the Army in 1973. After the Army, Mike met and married Linda Branson. They had 2 sons, Michael of Southern CA and Donald of Oregon. He later married Bridgette Cash of Southern CA. They had 2 daughters, Amee of Illinois, and Melissa of Texas. He is also survived by 3 sisters, Jody of Oklahoma, Marilyn of Kansas, and Gail of Kansas; 4 brothers, Robert and Eddie of Louisiana, Clint of California and Monty of Nevada; 6 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Jim, mother, Sarah, brother, Donnie, and sister, Donna.

He was entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS for cremation.

Orville Kroenke

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Orville W. Kroenke, 65, of Iola, Kansas, passed at 3:25 p.m., Thursday May 31, 2018 in the Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

He was born May 13, 1953 in Girard, Kansas, son of Oscar and Ida Mae (Howell) Kroenke. Orville attended Immanuel Lutheran Grade School at rural Hepler, Kansas and graduated from Girard High School. He received a degree in welding from Pittsburg State University.

Orville served in the US Marines during the Vietnam Conflict from 1971 until 1976.

He married Susan Baker on September 14, 1975 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Hepler. She survives of the home.

They lived in Oceanside, California while Orville was in the service before moving to Brazilton, Kansas and then to Iola, Kansas in 1983.

While in Brazilton Orville was a farmer and stockman. After moving to Iola he worked in construction.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. After retiring he enjoyed spending time with his family. He enjoyed woodworking, camping, riding horses, and doing projects with his grandchildren.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, Susan, a son, Cpt. Scott Kroenke, US Army, and his wife, April, of Portland, Oregon; his daughter, Amy Grizzard, and her husband, Scott, of Valentines, Virginia; his grandchildren Austin and Jessica Kroenke, Harrison and Emma Claire Grizzard. His brothers Keith Kroenke, and his wife, Vicki, of Bowling Green, Missouri, Robert Kroenke, and his wife, Deanna, of St. Paul, and Edward Kroenke of Big Sandy, Texas; his sisters, Joy Holloway, and her husband, J.D., of Girard, Reta Baker, and her husband, Bill, of Fort Scott, and Janice Baker, and her husband, Charley, of Hepler.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Freda Kos, and brother-in-law, Al Kos.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Hepler with Pastor Jay Hobson officiating. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Hepler.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard where friends may call after 2:00 p.m., Monday.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or Smiles From Jamie Foundation. These may be left at the Immanuel Lutheran Church or Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.

Condolences may be sent to www.wallfuneralservices.com

Ruth Brown

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Ruth Nadine (Mitchell) Brown, 98, of Chicopee, KS, passed away at 1:40 p.m., Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Medicalodges of Girard.

She was born September 15, 1919, at rural Arcadia, KS, the daughter of Jesse Thomas and Chleo (Smith) Mitchell. She attended Girard High School and graduated in 1937. She then graduated from Kansas State Teachers College with a Bachelor’s degree and then a Master’s degree in Education.

On September 5, 1942, she was united in marriage to Marvin A. Brown at Lamar, MO. He preceded her in death on July 18, 2001. Ruth was a school teacher for over 42 years. She taught in Hatch, Lane, Weir, Treece, and Girard Middle School. In 1981 she was honored by receiving the “Master’s Award” for the Girard school district #248.

Membership was held in the Farlington United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her sister, Willadean Bever of Girard, KS; nieces, Susan Friggeri and her husband Robert of Girard, KS, Judy Nelson and her husband Randy of Fort Scott, KS, and Kay Page and her husband Joe of Chicopee, KS; nephew, J.T. Mitchell of Pittsburg, KS, and several great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, James Smith Mitchell, a niece Janice Mitchell and nephews, Greg Bever and Rod Bever.

A service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday (June 4) at the Brenner Mortuary with Pastor Dallas Peterson officiating. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery. The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to the start of the service on Monday at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to Farlington United Methodist Church and/or Chicopee Foundation Inc. 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.

Earl Riggin

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Earl DeWayne Riggin, 63, of Pittsburg, passed away at 3:43 p.m., Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO.

He was born May 18, 1955, at Girard, KS, the son of Harlan Wendell and Betty Frances (Rabone) Riggin. He graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1973 and from Pittsburg State University in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in Computer Programming.

Years before he got his college degree he had established himself as a talented and hard worker on neighboring farms. In 1979 he established a custom harvesting business that serviced customers from Texas to Idaho.

One harvest he met the love of his life, Mary Hill. They were married o December 13, 1986 in Dillon, Montana. They were best friends and partners in all the work of their business, farm and parenting.

Earl became a loving father to Mary's two sons and daughter and later his nephew Erik Starliper, whose mother had passed. Earl and Mary welcomed Erik into their hearts and home.

He was extremely loyal to his customers, friends, and family.

He and his wife were members of the First Church of the Nazarene, Pittsburg.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Daniel and (Kimberly) Foster of Ft. Worth, TX, William and (Bethany) Foster of Pittsburg, Krystine and (Brett) Messer of Pittsburg, nephew Erik Starliper of Pittsburg, Cole and Cade Riggin of the home. His siblings, Steven R. Riggin of St. Louis, Ralph M. and (Alice) Riggin of Eastvale, CA, and Rita M. and (Doug) Swan of Lexington, KY, nine grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Laura Yvonne Riggin and Carol Irene Woodruff.

A memorial service for Earl will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 7, 2018, at the First Church of the Nazarene, Pittsburg, with Reverend Jim Sukraw conducting the service. Private family burial will take place at a later date at the Crocker Cemetery, Pittsburg. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Shriner's Hospital, and/or Vie Medical Clinic, Pittsburg. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 East 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.