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The Excelsior Springs Standard publishes death notices free of charge as a public service. They are edited for length, clarity and conformity to style. An expanded obituary (indicated by an asterisk below) is available for a fee. Contact your funeral home for more information.)
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Jeffrey Baker
Jeffrey E. Baker, 43, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo. Jeffrey was born Dec. 25, 1964, in Lincoln, Ill., the son of Earl and Una (Owens) Baker. He was married to Laurie Dodd on July 24, 1993; she survives of the home. Other survivors include aunts, uncles and cousins. Cremation. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Everlasting Life Church of God, 104 Main, Excelsior Springs. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.
Wallace Barr
Wallace G. Barr, 86, Parkville, Mo. (formerly of Gladstone, Mo.), died Friday, Feb. 15, 2008. Mr. Barr was born Nov. 23, 1921, near Holt, the son of Gilbert and Fannie Harris Barr. He worked for TWA for 27 years as an expediter. He belonged to Christ Church Unity. Survivors include his wife, Helen, of the home; daughter, Vicky Puett; sister, Wilma Riley; two grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, at Fry-Bross & Spidle Chapel in Kearney; burial in Fairview Cemetery in Kearney. Friends were invited to call from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Raymond Baxter
Raymond Ray Baxter, 79, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, at Excelsior Springs Medical Center. Mr. Baxter was born Jan. 5, 1929, in Vibbard, Mo. the son of William and Grace Simpson Baxter. On September 17, 1948, in Olathe, Kan., he was married to Doris Jean Hutton and to this marriage, two children were born. She preceded him in death in 1977. In June 1979 he was married to Wilma Lee Randolph in Oklahoma; she survives. Raymond was a member of Flack Memorial Christian Union Church and the I.O.O.F. #264. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, three sisters and one brother. In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Danny Baxter, Excelsior Springs; a daughter, Angela Elder, Excelsior Springs; one stepson, William Myers, Johnston City, Ill.; six granddaughters, Danica, Darla, Deanna, Karissa, Kelsey and Kara; 3 grandsons, Jacob, Devin and Clint; one brother, Larry Baxter, Vibbard; and several nieces and nephews. His sense of humor, practical jokes and “zerbert” kisses will be forever missed. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 3, at Flack Memorial Christian Union Church in Excelsior Springs. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held after noon Sunday, March 2, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. The family has suggested memorial contributions to the Flack Memorial Christian Union Church building fund.
Walter Binkley
Walter Elijah Binkley, 88, Kearney, Mo., died Monday, Feb. 18, 2008. Mr. Binkley was born Oct. 3, 1919, in Eugene, the son of Paul and Vinnie Binkley. He worked in the stock status department of Ford Motor Company in Claycomo and was also a cattleman in the Kearney area for 50 years. He was married to Jeannine Middaugh Binkley on March 27, 1959. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Jeannine Binkley, of the home; his children, Paul Binkley, Kearney, and Melissa Reynolds, St. Louis; one sister, Virginia Holley, Jefferson City, Mo.; and three grandchildren. Cremation. Arrangements are through Park Lawn Northland Chapel in Liberty.
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Audrey Bland
Audrey Fern Bland, 87, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Monday, Feb. 18, 2008, at the Excelsior Springs Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Ms. Bland was born June 25, 1920, the daughter of Charlie and Rhoda (Smith) Hutchings. She was married to Lonnie C. Bland on June 26, 1961; he preceded her in death in 1985. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert K. Hutchings, in 2004. Survivors include her cousins. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs. The family will receive friends from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.
Mary Jo Burns
Mary Jo Burns, 48, Richmond, Mo., died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008, at her home. Memorial graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kan. Arrangements are through Thurman Funeral Home, 507 E. Main St., Richmond, Mo.
Vince Chen
Vince Chen, 65, Kansas City, Mo., died Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008. Mr. Chen was the former owner of Hunan Garden in Kearney and at the time of his death was the owner of Jade Garden in Kansas City. Survivors include his wife, Anny; three sons; and seven grandchildren. Services will be private. Arrangements are through White Chapel Funeral Home.
James Colley
James Wilber Colley, 85, Kansas City, Mo., died Monday, Feb. 2, 2008. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at Gowing Chapel in Orrick; burial in South Point Cemetery in Orrick. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty. Memorial contributions may be made to Bible Research Ministries.
Tom Collins
Thomas Michael “Tom” Collins, 79, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at Excelsior Springs Medical Center. Mr. Collins was born Dec. 10, 1925, the son of Michael James and Hallie McMullen Collins. He was married to Martha Ellen Shehan in 1946; she preceded him in death in August 1993. After serving in the Army, he worked for a local hotel and then as a maintenance engineer with Job Corps. In 1976 he went to work in the same capacity for Bank of America until his retirement in 1991. He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include one daughter, Patricia Llewellyn, Excelsior Springs; and two sons, Jack Collins, Claycomo, and Kevin Collins, Blue Springs. A memorial visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Burial at a later date in Crown Hill Cemetery in Excelsior Springs.
Floyd Cromwell
Floyd J. Cromwell, 86, Kearney, Mo., died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Marshall. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Ridge Park Cemetery in Marshall. Memorial contributions may be made to Kendallwood Hospice in Riverside.
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Mark Davis
Mark Allen Davis, 47, Kansas City, Mo., died Monday, Feb. 11, 2008, at his home. Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his mother, Marian Davis. He is survived by one daughter, Samantha Davis, Kansas City; his father, David Davis, Richmond; three brothers, Steve Davis, Blue Springs, Tom Davis, Joplin, and Paul Davis, Kansas City; two sisters, Sandra Pitts, Kansas City, and Linda Moss, Higginsville; and other relatives. In accordance with his wishes, he has been cremated and no services are planned at this time. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.
Mike Davis
Michael Edward “Mike” Davis, 64, Kansas City, Mo. (formerly of Richmond, Mo.), died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, at North Kansas City Hospital in North Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Davis was born July 21, 1943, in Galesburg, Ill., the son of Riley R. and Margaret M. (Scott) Davis. He was married to Betty Lou Carmichael on Sept. 19, 1982; survives. He was employed by Parvin Estates in Kansas City for the past 18 years, and prior to that had been employed by Shirkey Leisure Acres for nine years. He had portrayed Santa Claus for family, at nursing homes and at the apartment complex where he worked. He was preceded in death by his father; a son, Michael Scott Davis; and three sisters, Linda Davis, Phyllis Evans and Helen Canacari. In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter, Tresa Meis, Richmond; a stepson, Dwayne Price, Afton, Iowa; a stepdaughter, Carolyn Price, Warsaw; his mother, Margaret Davis, Snohomish, Wash.; three brothers, Jim Davis, Snohomish, Wash., Bob Davis, Kansas City, Kan., and Loren Scott, Gilson, Ill.; and one sister, June Likes, Glennrock, Wyo. In accordance with his wishes, arrangements are private under the direction of Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mike Davis Memorial Fund, in care of Polley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 271, Excelsior Springs, Mo. 64024.
*Mary Dillen
Mary N. Dillen, 95, Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008, at the Excelsior Springs Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was born Jan. 18, 1913, in Hominy, Okla., to Minnie Ethel and Norris Letell Church. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Excelsior Springs, PEO Chapter CJ and the Excelsior Springs Hospital Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Garth Dillen; son, Freddie Ray Stockwell; brother, Lester Church; stepsister, Refa Kilgore; and stepbrother, Cecil Hutchings. She is Survived by her daughter, Betty Todd, of the home; grandchildren, Rick Todd, Orrick, Mo., Cindy Todd, Sarasota, Fla., John Stockwell, Canton, Miss. Jean Bailey and husband, Paul, Liberty, Mo., and Dan Stockwell and wife, Deb, Zanesville, Ohio; one great grandchild; half-sister Mildred Vermillion and husband, John, Kansas City, Mo., and daughter-in-law, Lea Stockwell, Canton, Miss. Other survivors include two nieces of Excelsior Springs and a special niece and caregivers, Kathryn Lewis and husband, Charles, of North Kansas City, Mo. She also leaves her special granddaughter, Chris Gorman, of Manitou Springs, Colo.; special caregivers, Norma Griffey and Jackie Collins; and her beloved canine companion, "Doll Baby." Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at First United Methodist Church in Excelsior Springs, Mo. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Good Shepherd Hospice, 7611 State Line, Ste. 200, Kansas City, Mo. 64111.
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Karen Frazier
Karen Lee Otterson-Frazier, 56, Clearview City, Kan. (formerly of Linwood, Kan.), died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008. Ms. Frazier was born July 21, 1951, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of Frank and Betty Jean (McCall) Schultz. She worked in collections at GE Capital in Merriam, Kan., for many years before she retired in 2007. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by Duane Otterson and Ernest Frazier. Survivors include one daughter, Jeannie Howard, Lawson, Mo.; one sister, Anne Boroff, Columbia, Mo.; and three grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 29, at Alden-Harrington Funeral Home in Bonner Springs, Kan.; burial in Sarcoxie Cemetery near Linwood. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at the funeral home.
Charles Gordon
Charles Junior Gordon, 85, Independence, Mo., died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008, at Truman Medical Center East. Mr. Gordon was born July 12, 1922, in Butler, the son of Charles and Myrtle (Cummings) Gordon. He was an equipment operator for a consumer packaging company. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Mae Gordon; a son, Charles Lee Gordon; and a brother, Harold Gordon. Survivors include his children, Patrick Gordon, Oak Grove, Sheron Franklin, Independence, Debbie Carson, Independence, Larry Gordon, Blue Springs, and Ronald Brison, Independence; siblings, Dorothy Collins, Rye, N.Y., and Mary Ellen Wilson, Liberty; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, at Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Graveside services and burial will take place at 2 p.m. Monday at the Missouri Veterans’ Cemetery in Higginsville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri Veterans’ Cemetery Assistance League.
Lillian Hays
Lillian Marie (Titsworth) Hays, 89, Kansas City North, Mo., died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008. Ms. Hays was born March 19, 1918, in Moberly, the daughter of Eddie and Marie (Samuels) Railey. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion E. Titsworth Sr. Survivors include two sons; two sisters; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel in Liberty. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at Green Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.
Donald Henley
Donald J. Henley, 73, Kearney, Mo., died Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, at Kansas University Medical Center. Mr. Henley was born May 22, 1934, in Hendon, Mo., south of Marshall, the son of Sidney and Vivian Scott Henley. He was married to Mary Fries on Nov. 12, 1960. He owned and operated Henley Motor and Equipment Co. in Kearney for more than 20 years before he retired in 1999. He was a member of Kearney Community Covenant Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Vernon Henley and Phillip Henley. Survivors include his wife, Mary, of the home; a daughter, Gayle Sembroff, Liberty; a brother, Carroll Henley, Gladstone; and one grandson. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2, at Kearney Community Covenant Church in Kearney; burial in Glenridge Cemetery in Liberty. Friends were invited to call from 1 p.m. until the time of the service Sunday at the church. Arrangements are through Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Kearney. Memorial contributions may be made to Kearney Community Covenant Church.
Ruthie Herod
Ruthie L. Herod, 81, Gladstone, Mo. (formerly of Ray County, Mo.), died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008, in Riverside, Mo. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, followed by services at 11 a.m. Burial in Richmond Memory Gardens.
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Harold Holloway
Harold V. Holloway, 64, Richmond, Mo. (formerly of Kansas City, Mo.), died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, at the Shirkey Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Richmond. Mr. Holloway was born May 3, 1943, in Ray County, the son of Johnnie L. and Mary Frances (Hayes) Holloway. He was married to Janet G. Richardson on July 3, 1991. He was a member of Millville United Methodist Church. He worked for 31 years at Ford Motor Company’s Claycomo plant, retiring as a receiving/inspection supervisor in 1998. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Johnnie L. Holloway Jr., Lester E. Holloway, Arnold K. Holloway, and Gary D. Holloway. Survivors include his wife, Janet Holloway, of the home; two daughters, Amy Wirsig, Richmond, and Kimberly Class, Kansas City; one sister, Marie Bates, Tulsa, Okla.; two brothers, Donald R. Holloway and Melvin G. Holloway, both of Richmond; two stepsons, Jim Rinehart, Denver, Colo., and Doug Rinehart, Independence; one stepdaughter, Becky Sharp, Kansas City; and eight grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens, with military graveside services conducted by American Legion Post #237 and VFW Post #4398. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richmond Parks & Recreation Department.
Anna Holt
Anna Kathryn (Dale) Holt, 93, formerly of Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Monday, Feb. 11, 2008, at Cass Medical Center in Harrisonville, Mo. Mrs. Holt was born Sept. 1, 1914, in Paradise, the daughter of Robert Clyde and Bertha Jane (Meek) Dale. She was married to Andy Harden H9olt on Aug. 29, 1931. She was a lifelong homemaker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andy Holt, in 1990; and two siblings. Survivors include three sons, Teddie H. Holt, Independence, Thomas A. Holt, Pleasant Hill, and Anthony H. Holt, Excelsior Springs; a daughter, Karen Sue Means, Excelsior Springs; a sister, Frances Wilkinson, Bethany; four grandsons; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Private family services were set for 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. No visitation is scheduled; internment will follow services at Antioch Cemetery in Holt.
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*Gertrude (Riggs) Isaac
Ora Gertrude "Trudy" (Riggs) Isaac, 80, formerly of Excelsior Springs, Mo., and now of Kearney, Mo., died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, at North Kansas City Hospital in North Kansas City, Mo. Gertrude was born Aug. 13, 1927, on a farm near Diamond, Mo., in Newton County, the daughter of Ernest Valentine and Helen Mae (Howell) Riggs. In 1943, her family moved to a farm on Highway 92 near Kearney, Mo. She attended Excelsior Springs High School the remainder of her sophomore year, and graduated from Kearney High School in 1945. After high school, she was employed by John Deere Plow Co. in Kansas City and attended Kansas City Secretarial College. In 1946 she became employed at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Excelsior Springs, Mo. (now occupied by the Job Corps), where she met Melvin Isaac, and they were married Nov. 29, 1946, and celebrated their 58th anniversary in 2004. She worked at the VA Hospital until 1960, except for one year when she worked as a medical secretary/receptionist in the office of Drs. Robichaux, Sanders and Nicholson in Excelsior Springs. In 1960, she transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration, where she was employed in the Flight Standards Division and at the Air Traffic Control Center. She retired in 1983 as Administrative Officer at the Flight Standards Air Carrier District Office (ACDO) at KCI Airport. She received 10 outstanding performance awards while at the ACDO. The highlight of her career was when she was recognized in 1981 by Drew Lewis, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, with an Award of Excellence presented in Washington, D.C., for sustained outstanding performance. After retirement, Gertrude worked as a tax preparer at H&R Block and for several years as a real estate associate at RE/MAX in Excelsior Springs. Gertrude was an energetic person. She showed horses competitively all over the state of Missouri for many years. She held the distinction of being the first licensed woman judge of all breeds of horses in the state of Missouri. She actively participated in youth activities at Elkhorn School and the University of Missouri Extension Service. She was the Ray County 4-H horsemanship leader for several years. She also gave private riding lessons. She received the Silver Clover Award for service in 4-H activities. She provided care and assistance to her parents in their last years, and enjoyed assisting Melvin with his cattle and dog enterprises. Gertrude loved working the soil, planting gardens and flowers. She always said it was a carryover from making mud pies as a child when she was told, "Working in the dirt was next to godliness." Gertrude was a member of the Bethel All-Denomination Church at Jasper, Mo., and a former member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and FAA Civiarettes. She is survived by her son, Jeffrey, of Excelsior Springs; one brother and wife, Val Riggs Jr. and Susan, Troy, Kan.; two sisters and husbands, Esther and Dr. Hubert Campbell, Gulfport, Miss., and Doris and Marvin Letow, Austin, Texas; three nieces; one nephew; three grandnieces; and three grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin, on March 13, 2005; her parents; and one nephew. Cremation, with burial of the cremains in Fairview Cemetery in Kearney. Arrangements are through Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Kearney. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
*Billy Keefhaver
Billy Jack Keefhaver, 84, Holt, Mo., passed away Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Keefhaver was born on Dec. 15, 1923, in Ferrelview, Mo., the son of Charles M. and Anna (Odessa) Keefhaver, and the youngest of seven children. Bill served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and retired from the Missouri State Highway Patrol as a commercial vehicle inspector. He was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus member. He was also an active farmer until his death. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, and two brothers. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Lorraine; one son, David Keefhaver and his wife, Donna, of Holt, Mo.; two daughters, Theresa Ousby and husband, Jesse, of Holt, Mo., and Virginia Hill and husband, Michael, of Independence, Mo.; six grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Rosary will be at 10:30 a.m., prior to Mass at the church. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Resurrection North Cemetery in Kansas City, Mo. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to St. Ann Catholic Church, Excelsior Springs, Mo. where he was a member for 57 years.
Kathy Lamson
Kathy D. Lamson, 50, Camden, Mo., died Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at her home. Ms. Lamson was born Sept. 27, 1957, in Independence, the daughter of Arlin F. and Bertha F. (Patrick) Shaw. She was preceded in death by her mother. Survivors include her longtime companion, Mike Dunwoodie, of the home; father, Arlin F. Shaw, Buckner; sisters, Linda Shaw, Sugar Creek, and Lois Short, Bates City; brother, Chuck Shaw, Higginsville; daughters, Neoma Seutter and Abby Sander, both of Lexington; and 11 grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at Polley Funeral Home in Richmond. Cremation.
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*"Don" Lemoine
Richard Donald "Don" Lemoine, 79, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, at Excelsior Springs Medical Center. Mr. Lemoine was born Feb. 10, 1929, in Cottonport, La., the son of Hilary and Viola Juneau Lemoine. Richard was a seaman in the Navy and served during the last months of World War II. He was also a diver for the Navy. He was a surveyor for many years for the Geological Survey for Rolla, Mo. Richard was employed by General Motors Fairfax, where he was known as Rocky, for 35 years. He also served there for many years as a committeeman. On Dec. 15, 1974, he married Karen Goodman in Excelsior Springs, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William "Nippy" Lemoine. He is survived by his wife, Karen; four children and their families, Luann and David Kongs, Marysville, Kan., Chris and Gayle Lemoine, Thompson, N.D., Dawn Renee and Ron Gregory, Oregon, and Kelly and David Sisney, Overland Park, Kan.; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; brothers, Jules "Teeny" Lemoine, Marksville, La., and Mikal and Judy Lemoine, Bellavista, Ark.; sister, Emma Lemoine Jacobs; sisters-in-law, Sandy and Kenneth Shumate, Plattsburg, Mo., Martha and Marian Coffman, Lathrop, Mo.; and many special friends, including Carl and Connie Love, Bob and Judy Summers, Jerry and Susan Ingels, and Wallace Woods. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Burial in Crown Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from noon to 2 p.m. Friday at the chapel.
Rausey Lilley
Rausey Hamner Lilley, 98, died Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, in Richmond, MO. Ms. Lilley was born July 15, 1909, in Camden, the daughter of James Monroe and Georgia Molly Blair. Survivors include her son, Lonnie W. Mamner, Fairway, Kan.; her daughter, Wanda Cunningham, Marshall; four grandchildren and five great-grandsons. Cremation. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Excelsior Springs.
Robert Loos
Robert O. Loos, 82, Liberty, Mo., died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. Mr. Loos retired from Fireman’s Fund America Insurance Company, where he was in safety engineering. Survivors include his wife, June; son, Brian; daughter, Brenda Conway; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, at White Chapel Funeral Home and Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
Wilma Major
Wilma (Brown) Major, 96, Kansas City, Mo., died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, at Lawson Manor & Rehabilitation Center in Lawson. Ms. Major was an election judge, an Avon representative and a Sears sales associate. She was married to Don Major for 38 years before he preceded her in death in 1968. Survivors include her daughter, Donna Friedrich; two grandchildren, Christie Endsley, Orrick, and James McArthur, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; and five great-grandchildren. Visitation was scheduled for 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 8, at McGilley Antioch Chapel, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Floral Hills Cemetery.
*Clara McCroskie
Clara B. McCroskie, 92, Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008. Clara was preceded into heaven by her parents; three brothers; three sisters; her husband, Virgil; and grandson Casey. She is survived by one son, James V. McCroskie and wife, Barbara, North Kansas City; one daughter, Beverly J. Sims and husband, Judge Thomas E. Sims, retired, of Kansas City, Mo.; seven grandchildren, James, Robert and Michael McCroskie, Clara Jane Adkins, Tom Sims Jr., Shelby Beck and Stephen Sims; and 11 great-grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to Focus Health Care, Kirby Barnes of New Mark Care Center and Tom Redford of NorthCare Hospice for their never-ending care, professionalism and love for our mother. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 3, at First Presbyterian Church of North Kansas City, 2125 Fayette St. North Kansas City, Mo. Burial followed in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Gladstone. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are through White Chapel Funeral Home in Gladstone, (816) 452-8419. The family suggests memorial contributions to NorthCare Hospice or First Presbyterian Church of NKC.
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Patricia McRobert
Patricia Ann McRobert, 74, Richmond, Mo., died Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, at Shirkey Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Richmond. Ms. McRobert was born Sept. 26, 1933, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Michael Paul and Anna Maxine (Barker) Palmer. She was a teacher, starting at Montgomery County High school in 1955 and retiring from the Park Hill School District in 2003. She also worked part-time at Hall’s Plaza and Crown Center stores from 1978 to 2003. She had been a member of Hillside Christian Church in the 1970s. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her son, Michael Paul McRobert, Kansas City; daughter, Sally McRobert Wise, Leonardtown, Md.; brother, Paul Palmer, Kansas City; and six grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29, at Gerth Funeral Chapel in Memphis, Mo., where visitaion will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Friday. Inurnment in Memphis Cemetery. An open house for family and friends will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at the home of Mike and Anita McRobert, 5720 N. Wilson Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. Memorial contributions may be made to Care Alternatives Hospice of Kansas City, in care of Gerth Funeral Service, 115 S. Main, Memphis, Mo., 63555.
Marguerite McSweeney
Marguerite McClung McSweeney, 90, Liberty, Mo. (formerly of Menlo, Iowa), died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. Graveside services were scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, at South Oak Grove Cemetery in Stuart, Iowa. Open visitation was scheduled from 9 a.m. Thursday until the time of the service Friday at Ruppert Funeral Home.
Vivian Meyer
Vivian Meyer, 87, Blue Springs, Mo., died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, at St. Mary’s Manor. Ms. Meyer was born June 30, 1920, in Polo. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Meyer, on Nov. 7, 2003. Survivors include two sons, Alfred E. Meyer, Blue Springs, and Leonard L. Meyer, Independence. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit; burial in Glenridge Cemetery in Liberty. Visitation will be held from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Annette Mick
Annette Lourene Mick, 71, Gower, Mo. (formerly of Smithville, Mo.), died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008. Survivors include her husband, Bob Mick; daughters, Claudette Brinker, Excelsior Springs, and Denise Mick, Trimble; brother, Russell Anderson; and four grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at the Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Smithville, where visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Oneida Cemetery in Oneida, Kan. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Research Center.
Myrtle Minter
Myrtle Irene (Jarrett) Minter, 90, Lexington, Mo., died Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, at Shirkey Leisure Acres in Richmond, Mo. Mrs. Minter was born Sept. 18, 1917, in McFall, the daughter of Ross and Etta (Boyle) Jarrett. She was married to Darl D. Minter on Aug. 28, 1938. She worked as a waitress for many years and was a member of St. Luke Evangelical Church in Lexington. Her only sister, Reva Russell, died just a few short hours after she did. Survivors include her husband, Darl, of the home; three sons, Ronald Darl Minter, Osborn, Bruce A. Minter, Nixa, and Jim Minter, Parker, Colo.; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Visitation was held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at St. Luke Evangelical Church in Wellington, followed by services at 11 a.m. Mrs. Minter lay in state from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at Kolkmeyer Family Funeral Home in Wellington. Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Mercy Hospital, ATTN: Resource Development, 2401 Gillham Rd., Kansas City, Mo. 64108.
Dixie Olson
Dixie Olson, 85, Liberty, Mo., died Monday, Feb. 11, 2008. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orville Olson; and her daughter, Kay Dittmer. She was a longtime member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty. Survivors include one daughter, Vicki Gukhool, Liberty; one son, Jerry Olson, Scottsdale, Ariz.; two sisters, Helen Crabill, St. Joseph, and Mickie Cox, Scottsdale, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty, with visitation scheduled for the hour preceding the service. Private burial. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty.
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Beverly Parrish
Beverly Kay Parrish, 54, Richmond, Mo., died Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008, at her home. Ms. Parrish was born Oct. 14, 1953, in Frankfurt, Germany, the daughter of Kenneth and Rosalie (Dodd) Parrish, who preceded her in death. She worked most of her life as a hairstylist, and in 1974 was married to David Rudy. Survivors include her daughter, Lisa Lynn Beatty, Richmond; sisters, Ann Mazzarella, Scottsdale, Ariz., Kathleen Parrish, Riverside, and Velma Hattox, Leavenworth, Kan.; brothers, Kenneth W. Parrish, Kansas City, and Richard L. Foos, Leavenworth, Kan.; and one grandson. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 18, at Second Baptist Church in Richmond; burial in White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Gladstone. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Richmond.
Michael Pearson
Michael E. Pearson, 52, Richmond, Mo., died Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, at his home. Graveside services were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at Richmond Memory Gardens in Richmond. Arrangements are through Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
“Whitey” Peters
James D. “Whitey” Peters, 71, Richmond, Mo., died Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, at his home. Graveside services will be held at noon Wednesday, Feb. 20, at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville. Arrangements are through Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Deborah Renfrow
Deborah Gay Renfrow, 47, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo. Mrs. Renfrow was born August 22, 1960, in North Kansas City, the daughter of Boyd James and Betty (Birmingham) Cockrum. She was married to Kenneth E. Renfrow Jr. in September 1992; he survives. She worked for TWA and then was a homemaker for several years. She and her husband moved to St. Joseph and then returned to Excelsior Springs. She was self-employed in construction clean-up, and for the past seven years owned and operated the Greenville General Store in Kearney. She was preceded in death by her father and her grandparents. In addition to her husband, survivors include three children, Damien Nyugen, Carrollton, Callie Nyugen, San Francisco, Calif., and Jilliann Renfrow, Excelsior Springs; two stepchildren, Kenna Hankins, Ft. Worth, Texas, and Kenneth Renfrow III, St. Joseph; her stepmother, Kathy Cockrum, Excelsior Springs; and one grandson. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
Carl Roberts
Carl E. Roberts, 56, Blue Springs, Mo., died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008. Survivors include his wife, five children, and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, at Advantage Chapel. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the chapel. Burial will be in Sunny Slope Cemetery in Richmond. Maria Batson Maria M. Batson, 48, Kansas City, Kan., died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008, at Providence Medical Center. Survivors include two stepchildren, including Angela Metoyer, Smithville, Mo.; and other relatives. Funeral services were held Thursday, Feb. 28, at Skradski Funeral Home in Kansas City, Kan.; burial in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Action.
Reva Russell
Reva Opal (Jarrett) Russell, 93, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, at Lawson Manor and Rehabilitation Center in Lawson, Mo. Ms. Russell was born March 10, 1914, in Pattonsburg, the daughter of Roscoe and Etta (Boyle) Jarrett. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Excelsior Springs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her only sibling, Myrtle Minter, on the same day, Feb. 22, 2008. Survivors include one son, Gary Keith Russell, Kansas City; one daughter, Judith Gayle White, Excelsior Springs; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. The family was to receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial was set for 1 p.m. Tuesday at Pattonsburg Memorial Gardens in Pattonsburg.
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Dale Schley
Dale Schley, 86, Kansas City, Mo., died Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008. Mr. Schley was born June 19, 1921, in Sherman, Iowa, the son of Oscar and Etta Baker Schley. He worked as a mechanic on heavy equipment. He was a member of Southland Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen. Survivors include four sons, Marvin Schley, Wilberton, Okla., and Michael Schley, Jeffery Schley and Craig Schley, all of Kansas City; one brother, Glen Schley, Kansas City; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs; burial in Hillcrest Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post 741 in Excelsior Springs.
Danny Seely
Danny Oliver Seely, 65, Kirbyville, Mo., died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, at Skaggs Community Health Center in Branson, Mo. Mr. Seely was born Feb. 5, 1943, in Clay County, the son of William J. and Helen L. (Ray) Seely. He worked as a brick mason. He was married to Joyce Barnett on April 4, 1963, and the two later moved from Excelsior Springs to Kirbyville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Ruby Holman. Survivors include his wife, Joyce Seely, Kirbyville; five sons, Donnie Campbell, Lawson, Bobby Campbell, Rayville, Scott Seely, Kirbyville, Steven Seely, Powersite, and Mike Seely, Branson; two daughters, Pam Zumalte, Excelsior Springs, and Kim Sochocki, Branson; one brother, Bill Seely, Mosby; two sisters, Wilma Hardwick and Flora Phillips, both of Excelsior Springs; 16 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 7, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs; burial will be at a later date in Crown Hill Cemetery in Excelsior Springs. Arrangments are through Snapp Bearden Funeral Home in Branson.
Nancy L. Shearer
Nancy L. Shearer, 79, Polo, Mo., died Monday morning, Feb. 4, 2008, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo. Mrs. Shearer was born Dec. 29, 1928, in Excelsior Springs, the daughter of Glen and Opal Ware. She was married to Bob Shearer on Oct. 2, 1946. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Jean Beason, and an infant son. Survivors include her husband, Bob, Polo; two sons and one daughter, Robert “Spook” Shearer, Lawson, Brad Shearer, Polo, and Debbie Glenn, Lawson; two brothers, Bill Ware, Excelsior Springs, and Gary Ware, Mosby; three sisters, Pat Wartenbee, Glenda Pulse and Judy Swope, all of Excelsior Springs; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. It was Mrs. Shearer’s request to be cremated, and that no public services be held. Burial will take place at a later date. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Lawson.
Cheryl Sidebottom
Cheryl Lynn Fletcher Sidebottom, 50, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Monday, Feb. 18, 2008. Ms. Sidebottom was born Dec. 3, 1957, in Kansas City. She attended Excelsior Springs High School, and during her senior year there in 1977 she became a certified nurse's assistant; she worked in that profession until she became ill. She was a member of Rock Falls Baptist Church. Survivors include her parents, Victor and Elizabeth Jane Fletcher; one brother, Larry Dean Fletcher, Wyoming; two uncles; and nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at Excelsior Springs Baptist Church; burial in White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Gladstone. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.
*Gerald Smalley Sr.
Gerald Justin Smalley, Sr., 85, Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Monday, Feb. 18, 2008, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo. Gerald was born Nov. 24, 1922, in Williston, N.D., the son of Laban Guy and Rowena Mae (McGlothlin) Smalley. He was a 1941 graduate of William Chrisman High School in Independence, Mo. He served his country in the U.S. Army during both World War II and the Korean Conflict. On March 22, 1946, he and Dorothy L. "Tobie" were married. He was self-employed as a paint contractor. In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters. Survivors include his wife, Tobie, of the home; daughter, Sandra Williams, of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; two sons, Gerald "Bub" Smalley Jr. and wife, LaDonna, of Cole Camp, Mo., and Rob Smalley and wife, Lisa, of Lawson, Mo.; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008, at the Old Union Christian Union Church on Hwy. C east of Lawson, Mo. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday prior to services at the church. Burial with military honors will be in the Old Union Cemetery. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Old Union Christian Union Church or to Liberty Hospital Hospice.
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Larry St. John
Larry Wayne St. John, 51, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo. Mr. St. John was born Sept. 26, 1956, in Excelsior Springs, the son of Donald Andrew and Joan Marie Ballinger St. John. He was married to Denice Carolyn Bishop on Dec. 1, 1979; she preceded him in death Sept. 9, 2007. Mr. St. John worked for a short time for Whitaker Cable before going to work at Smithville for Clay County as an irrigation specialist; he worked there for 28 years. He was the Assistant Superintendent for Clay County Parks and Recreation and had been involved in the building of Paradise Point golf course. He was a member of the Christian Science Church. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his father. Surviving include his son, Eric St. John, Excelsior Springs; his mother, Joan St. John, Excelsior Springs; one sister, Pamela Jones, Excelsior Springs; and three brothers, Donnie St. John, Wood Heights, and Mark St. John and Tommy St. John, both of Excelsior Springs. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 7, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. No visitation is scheduled. Burial will be at a later date in the Polley Cemetery.
Frances Summers
L. Frances Summers, 88, Lawson, Mo. (formerly of Excelsior Springs, Mo.), died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, at her home. Ms. Summers was born Dec. 12, 1919, in Kansas City, Kan., the daughter of Joseph M. & Cloey M (Clevenger) Schmitz. She was married to Harold Summers on Oct. 25, 1937; he preceded her in death on March 20, 1980. She had worked as a photo developer for Strathman Studios in Excelsior Springs. She was later a school bus driver for the Excelsior Springs District before retiring after 20 years. She was a member of the Pisgah Baptist Church. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one son, James Harold Summers; and one brother, James C. Schmitz. Survivors include two daughters, Linda Evans, Lawson, and Laytena Nickols, Excelsior Springs; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at noon Thursday, Feb. 14, at Polley Funeral Home in Lawson. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Clyde Tesam
Clyde “Te” Tesam, 73, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, at Excelsior Springs Medical Center. Mr. Tesam was born Jan. 14, 1935, in Campo, Calif., the son of Marcello and Sadora Brown Tesam. On Feb. 19, 1971, he was married to Donna Delano, who survives of the home. After graduating from high school, he went to work for the National Forest Service. He then entered the United States Marine Corps, serving for 15 years and obtaining the rank of sergeant. He was later employed by DataGraphics before retiring in 1978, and he and his family moved to Excelsior Springs at that time. Clyde was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He enjoyed woodworking, collecting telephones, pewter Indians and Native American art. He also enjoyed working in his yard, and exercising, especially walking. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers; two sisters; and one granddaughter. In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Rick Tesam, Leesville, La.; one daughter, Gina Tesam Reading, Alpine, Calif.; and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Excelsior Springs. Visitation will be held prior to the service at the church. Burial with military honors will be held in Hillcrest Cemetery. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home of Excelsior Springs.
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Nancy Turner
Nancy Kay Turner, 61, Kearney, Mo., died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, at her home. Ms. Turner was born March 3, 1946, in Independence, the daughter of Robert and Mildred Long Hurst. She had lived in Kearney for 15 years. She was married to Earl Glenn Turner on June 15, 1968. For a number of years she owned and operated Nancy’s Beauty Salon in Independence, and in 1987 she retired from salon work and became a travel agent for All Points Travel and, later, for World Wide Travel. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Bob Hurst. Survivors include her husband, Glenn, of the home; three daughters, Dana Rowe, Lee’s Summit, Kim Turner, Dallas, Texas, and Sherri Boyd, Republic; one sister, Sandra Wilson, Mesquite, Texas; and three grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, at Flack Memorial Church in Excelsior Springs; interment will be held in Cowgill Cemetery in Cowgill. Friends may call from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Kearney.
Leonard Wampler
Leonard C. Wampler,72, Kansas City, Mo., died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008. Mr. Wampler was born June 5, 1935, in Amazonia, Mo. He retired in 1993 after 39 years of service at Owens Corning Fiberglas. He worked the last 10 years at K-Mart. He was an avid hunter and trap shooter champion, a pastime for which he won many awards. He had a great passion for archery as well. He married Donna Easter in 1953; she died in 1997. In addition to his parents, Everett and Nancy Wampler, he was preceded in death by a son, Phil Wampler, Kansas City; two sisters, Bernice Zimbelman and Bette Muscavitch; and two brothers, Bill Wampler and Gene Wampler. Survivors include two sons, Brad Wampler, Kansas City, and Steve Wampler, Lincoln, Mo.; two daughters, Barb Carter, Excelsior Springs, and Nancy Bossert, Kansas City; one sister, Arletta Stephens, Kansas City; one brother, Francis Wampler, St. Joseph; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, at White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Kansas City. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.
Marjorie Watkins
Marjorie Duderstadt Watkins, 84, died Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008. Mrs. Watkins lived in Excelsior Springs, Mo., for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Valera McCleary and Henry Duderstadt; two brothers; one sister; and her great-grandson, Joshua. Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Ray; two sons, Gordon, Kearney, Mo., and Warren, Bedford, Texas; two daughters, Marjorie, Amarillo, Texas, and Gretchen, Hurst, Texas; four grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Service will be private. Interment in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Memorial contributions made to the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital or the Shriners Children’s Hospital.
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*Robert Whipple
Robert A. Whipple, 78, Kearney, Mo., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008, at his home. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at St. James Catholic Church, 309 Stewart Rd., Liberty. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery, Liberty. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at Fry-Bross & Spidle Chapel in Kearney, where a prayer service will be held at 8 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Children’s Mercy Hospital or Liberty Hospital Hospice. Robert was born in Liberty, Mo., Jan. 14, 1930, to Richard and Myrtle Belle Whipple. Along with his parents and four sisters, Robert traveled by a horse-drawn wagon to Kearney, where his parents founded Whipple Printing Co. and the Kearney Courier, first published in April 1932. Following graduation from Kearney High School, he entered the U.S. Army, where he was stationed at 7th Army Headquarters, Stuttgart, Germany, from 1951-1953. Upon returning to the States, Robert worked selling Heidleberg printing presses, and was based out of Minneapolis, Minn. It was there he met, and later married, Phyllis A. Symons, Oct. 20, 1945. They had four children together. Upon his father’s death, Robert returned to Kearney in 1958, and along with his mother and sister took over operations of the printing company and newspaper. Upon his mother’s death in 1965, he and his sister formed a partnership and continued the family business together until his “official” retirement in 1995. He was active in the community as a member of the Kearney R-1 School Board, Lions Club, Odd Fellows and the Jesse James Festival Committee. He also served on the Board of Directors of Kearney Commercial Bank. He continued to serve on the Board of Directors for Clay County Savings Bank up until the time of his death. Robert is survived by his wife, Phyllis; four children, daughters Roberta A. Hammond and husband, Robert, Springfield, Mo., and Mary Kathryn Caine, Kearney, and sons Richard N. Whipple and wife, Jodi, Kansas City, Mo., and David W. Whipple, Kearney; grandchildren, Adam and Hilary Hammond, Michael, Alec and Nicholas Caine, Ryan, Courtney, Meg and Aidan Whipple, and Caleb, Cole and Christian Whipple; along with a niece and several nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Myrtle Belle; sisters, Margaret, Georgia, Mary and Elizabeth; and a brother, Richard.
Lawrence Wiese
Lawrence A. Wiese, 68, Kearney, Mo., died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kearney. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, at Mount Moriah Terrace Park Funeral Home in Kansas City; burial in Mount Moriah Terrace Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Research.
Donna Wright
Donna Josephine Wright, 79, Lawson, Mo., died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, at Lawson Manor. Mrs. Wright was born April 17, 1928, in Chillicothe, the daughter of Vernon and Clara Stanberry Farris. She was married to Roy Junior Wright in July 1948; he survives. She briefly worked as a hair stylist prior to her marriage. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Wright lived in Chillicothe, then moved to Kansas City in 1950. They returned to Chillicothe in 1986 and in 2000 moved to Lawson to make their home. In 2004, she became a resident at Lawson Manor. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Melanie Briggs; and a grandson, Jesse Dearinger. In addition to her husband, survivors include two daughters, Dana Speiser, Lawson, and Jennifer Park, Chillicothe; one half-sister, Clyda Gumminger; nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at the Lawson Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at Polley Funeral Home in Lawson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Mary Zitnik
Mary Keenan Zitnik, 75, Kansas City, Mo., died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, at home. Survivors include one daughter, Julie Weinman, New York, N.Y.; two sons, Charles Zitnik, Kansas City, and James Zitnik; and five grandchildren. Funeral Mass will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City; private burial. Memorial contributions may be made to the James A. and Mary Zitnik Scholarship Fund at St. Ignatius College Prep School in Chicago, Ill.
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