George Burns

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

George Michael Burns of Girard, Kansas died on August 1, 2020 in Eudora, Kansas after an extensive two year battle with prostate cancer. 

George was born in Pforzheim, West Germany on April 20th, 1958 and adopted by George and Mina Burns of Arma, Kansas. He graduated from Northeast High School in May 1976 and attended Pittsburg State University graduating from the Vocational Technical Department in May 1978. On August 2nd, 1980 he was joined in marriage to Mary Joeen Wilson at the First Presbyterian Church of Girard. He was employed by Mt. Carmel Medical Center, later Via Christi, for 43 years retiring in April 2019 as Nutritional Services Director. 

During his time at Mt. Carmel he was employee of the month several times. Additionally, he received the Via Christi Ministry and Mission award in 2002 for his contributions at the Pittsburg Health Resource Center establishing and coordinating meal planning. He was a member of the former First Presbyterian Church of Girard and had been baptized by the Catholic Church as an infant in West Germany. 

Survivors include: Wife of the home, Mary Joeen Burns; his son Adam and Brandy Burns of Eudora, Kansas; his daughter, Heidi Burns attending the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas; granddaughters Ansley Burns and Lennon Burns of Eudora, Kansas; his mother-in-law Beverly Wilson of Girard, Kansas; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Scott and Beth Wilson of Girard, Kansas; niece Maria Walczak of San Diego, California; nephews Eric Wilson of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and Seth Wilson of Girard, Kansas; his beloved dachshund, Liesl Burns; and numerous cousins in the Southeast Kansas area.
He was preceded in death by his parents George and Mina Burns and brother Ronald Burns of Arma, Kansas.
As per his wishes, no services will be held. His cremains will be partially scattered at his treasured hunting and fishing location, and the rest will be buried at Hosey Hill Cemetery in Weir, Kansas at a later date. The family requests all donations be made to the KU Cancer Center Comprehensive Account, the Cancer Research Gift Fund or the KU Cancer Center Drug Discovery Innovation. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Cremation arrangements are by Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762

Mickey Black

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Michaela “Mickey” Black, 49, of Baxter Springs, KS passed from this life on Monday, August 3, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family.

Mickey was born on September 27, 1970 in Nürnberg, Germany to Friedrich Oto Richard Schulz and Waltraud Schuh. 

Mickey worked at Galena Nursing Center for the last 12 years. When Mickey wasn’t working, she was always spending time with her family. 

Mickey is preceded in death by her mother, Waultrud Schuh; granddaughter, Hayden Creech.

Mickey is survived by her husband, Mark Adams of the home; four daughters, Jessica Denise Brown and husband Malachi of Baxter Springs, KS, Tina Carlene Creech and husband Whyatt of Baxter Springs, KS, Rylee May Black and Myka Ella Adams of the home; two brothers, Robert Alonso Schuh and Jürgen Reichel of Germany; sister, Susanne Poloczeck of Germany; five grandchildren, Chance Long, Addison Queen, Elijah Brown, Grayson Creech, and Hadley Creech.

Memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2020 from 4:00-7:00 p.m., at the Baxter Springs Community Building. Mickey has been entrusted to Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel for cremation. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Billye Nyberg

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Mrs. Billye Louise (Reynolds) Nyberg, Columbus, KS died Monday, July 13, 2020. She was born April 3, 1925 in Ottawa County, OK, the daughter of William W. (Bill Reynolds) and Lillian Marie (Sidenstricker) Reynolds. 

She was reared and attended schools in Columbus, KS working as a dental assistant before meeting and marrying Robert H. (Bob) Nyberg.

Mrs. Nyberg was an accomplished artist in oil, acrylic, and china painting. She was the illustrator of her high school yearbook, for which she was noticed by a scout for Walt Disney Studio, who invited her to come to California for an interview. Though she was unable to attend at the time, it was her inspiration to continue her art work, which also included sewing and quilting. She was a wonderful homemaker, and an outstanding cook and baker. 

Mrs. Nyberg was a member of the First Baptist Church in Miami, OK, where she lived most of her life. In her later years she attended the First Christian Church in Columbus. She enjoyed membership in several social and art clubs. 

She was preceded in death by a son, Robin, her husband Bob Nyberg, and her brother Lloyd Reynolds. 

She is survived by her son R. Dean Nyberg of Nevada City, CA, her sister Fayrene Skahan, Columbus, KS, a nieces Marta Brown and Betty Lou Crossland of Columbus, KS, a nephew, Aaron Reynolds of Kansas City, two granddaughters, Melissa Pittman, Sullivan, MO and Shannon Howell, Sapulpa, OK, and three great granddaughters.

We extend our gratitude to Autumn Place for the care she was given in her last years.

A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Jeffrey Simpson

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Jeffrey Todd Simpson, age 50, passed away at 6:42 am on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO following an illness.

Jeff was born on July 2, 1970 in Fort Scott, KS. His parents were Billy Lee and Gayle Carlene (Mayhood) Simpson. He was a lifetime resident of Columbus, KS.

He acquired an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science at Kansas City Kansas Community College. He then worked at Murdock Funeral Home for many years prior to owning and operating Simpson Funeral Home in Columbus, KS for a few years.

He was a member of First Christian Church in Columbus, KS. He was also a member of the Columbus Lions Club, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce where he was formerly on the board of directors, the Prudence Masonic Lodge #100 in Columbus, KS, the Pursel Order of Eastern Star #100 in Columbus, KS, and the Mirza Shrine in Pittsburg, KS. 

He married Shelly K Wait on April 4, 1992 and later divorced.

Surviving are two daughters, Ashley R Brownfield (husband, Scott) of Joplin, MO and Baylee K Simpson of Fayetteville, AR; and his father and stepmother, Bill and Sue Simpson of Columbus, KS.

He was preceded in death by his mother and one brother, Jason B Simpson.

Masonic rites will be at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at Derfelt Funeral Home in Columbus, KS. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home. The family requests those in attendance wear face masks due to COVID restrictions.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Derfelt Funeral Home in Columbus, KS. Neal Martin will officiate. Burial will be in Lone Elm Cemetery in rural Columbus, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hope for MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Foundation in care of the funeral home.

Alice Gaines

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Alice Irene Gaines, age 76 of Baxter Springs Kansas, was called home to our Lord on August 1, 2020.

Born May 23, 1944, to Earl and Estella Staton, Alice was a warm, selfless, kind-hearted woman who touched the lives of everyone lucky enough to know her.

Alice was sweet with a zest for life. You would often find her planting her "sticks" while working in the yard or sweating it out to the oldies. She played a mean game of Gestures and was a topnotch Nurtz competitor. 

As a woman of strong faith, Alice was a lover of old hymns and would do her best to sing along. Her greatest joy, however, was the time spent with her family. Whether it was teaching her great-grandsons how to bake, sewing costumes or dance outfits, or demonstrating how to roll down a hill properly - family was everything to Alice and Alice was everything to them. First to lend a hand, last to complain, and often laughing until she cried, Alice will be greatly missed by many. 

She is preceded in death by her father (Earl Staton), sister (Mary Ann Pliler), and dogs (Fifi and Rusty).

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, David Gaines; her mother (Estella Staton); her sisters Earleene Spaulding and Sue Smith (Ed); her children Shawn Pearce (Monte), and Eric Gaines; Grandchildren Amberlie Sisco (David), and Amanda Boyd (Michael); GreatGrandchildren Gage Piper, Maddix Piper, Rylan Pearce; along with many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks for the tremendous service provided by Hospice Compassus.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 7, 2020 at the Baxter Springs Cemetery. Pastor Bobby Wade will officiate. Memorial donations may be made in Alice’s memory to the Ronald McDonald House in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Terry Clugston

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Terry Lynn Clugston Sr, age 72, passed away at 4:59 am, Friday, July 31, 2020 at his home following an illness.

Mr Clugston was born October 29, 1947 in Pittsburg, KS. His parents were William Walter and Alma Irene (Shreve) Clugston. He returned to Kansas in 1985, moving from Phoenix, AZ.

He graduated from Auburn High School, Rockford, Ill with the class of 1966. Later in the year, he entered the US Navy and served with the Seabees from 1966 – 1972. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

He was involved in law enforcement, serving the communities of Cherokee, Weir, McCune, and Baxter Springs. He retired as a Jail Administrator with the Cherokee County Sheriff Dept. He had also worked as a truck driver and a diesel mechanic. He was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans. He enjoyed pottery, fishing, and taking drives along the countryside.

He was married to Pauline McDougal on May 17, 1989 in Cherokee, KS. She survives. 

Additional survivors include two sons, Terry L Clugston Jr (wife, Brenda), and Roger Aaren Marshall, all of Columbus; one daughter, Jennifer Leeper, Columbus; 4 grandchildren, James M Leeper, Millicent Lynn Clugston, Morgan Lynn Leeper, and Madlyn Paige Clugston. He also leaves his first wife, Peggy (Mienert) and her husband, Carl Larson, Rockport, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Mary Ann Clugston, and two brothers, Steven Clugston and William Walter Clugston.

Terry was entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home, Columbus, KS for cremation. The family will gather to celebrate his life at a later date.

Thelma Frakes

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Thelma I. Frakes, 91 of Girard passed away at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, July 30, 2020 at her home in Girard surrounded by her loving family. 

She was born September 5, 1928 in Mindenmines, Missouri a daughter of George W. and Mabel V. (Hughes) Crank. 

Thelma attended schools in Beulah and Girard, Kansas. 

On November 24, 1948, Thelma was united in marriage to Ellis D. Frakes at the Baptist Church Parsonage in Girard; he preceded in death on May 16, 2014. They celebrated their 65th anniversary in 2013. 

She retired from her employment in the finishing department of the F.M.I. printing company in Girard after 26 years of service. 

Thelma enjoyed loving her family and cooking. 

Thelma was a member of the Girard United Methodist Church. 

Survivors include one son, Dennis Frakes of Girard; her son-in-law, Jon Mikrut of Girard; grandsons, Kevin Mikrut and his wife Jenna of Girard, Tim Mikrut and his wife Lacy of Girard; Derrick Frakes of Kansas City, Missouri; two sisters, Deloris Avery of Hutchinson, Kansas; Vivian Leach of Greeley, Colorado; Great Grand-Grandsons, Jason and Cole Mikrut of Girard; Great-Granddaughter, Avinelle Mikrut of Girard; Sister-In-Law, Donna Munden and her husband Robert of Pittsburg, Kansas.

In addition to her parents and husband, Thelma was preceded in death by a daughter, Cheryl L. Mikrut on September 6, 2005; four brothers, Earl Crank, Everett Crank, Melvin Crank, Howard Crank; four sisters, Ruth Maxine Crank, Lorene Burns, Ruby Demoret and Wilma Dietz. 

Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Hospice and these can be left at the funeral home or mailed to the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W. St. John, P.O. Box 258, Girard, Kansas 66743

A private service and internment will take place at the Girard Cemetery at a future date. 

Condolences may be sent to www.wallfuneralservices.com