Obituary - Paul Dean Benham

Paul Dean Benham, age 80, Pleasanton, Kansas passed away Saturday, April 26, 2025. He was born on September 23, 1944 in rural Stockton, Missouri the son of John H. and Ada Mae Lucille West Benham. After graduating from Stockton High School in the Class of 1962, he went to work for Hallmark. Just short of forty years later, he retired from Hallmark and went to work at NAPA in Pleasanton. Paul was united in marriage to Genie Harkness on April 10, 1981. He was a member of the Mine Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Pleasanton. He enjoyed hunting, working on cars, and car racing. Racing didn't matter if it was dirt track, NASCAR, or drag racing. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Dale Benham, a grandson, David, and a step daughter, Robyn Lewis. Paul is survived by his wife Genie, a son, Ronald Benham and wife Lara, two daughters, Paula Rothenberger, and Karesa Benham, a brother, Ralph Benham, a sister, Donna Howerton, stepson, Marcus Lewis, numerous grand, and great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 11 am Thursday, May 1, 2025 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel. Burial will be in the Pleasanton Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Wednesday, April, 30, 2025 at the Pleasanton Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasanton Mine Creek Missionary Baptist Church. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

Obituary - James Gardner

James Price Gardner, 71, Nevada, MO passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada.    James was born on April 6, 1954 to Richard, Sr. and Patricia (Cobb) Gardner in Chillicothe, MO.   

    James was raised in Nevada and Rich Hill.  He worked at Fram for 12 years and also for Crane Plumbing  and  TLT Wiring Company in Nevada for several years.

     James enjoyed fishing and playing the drums.

     Survivors include one son, Price Gardner, Iowa, and one daughter, Lindsey Gardner, Iowa; several grandchildren; his siblings, Richard  Gardner, Jr., Nevada, Larry Gardner (Lisa), Sheldon, MO, Sandra West (Bill), Horton, MO, Cindy Terrell (Dave), Midwest  City, OK, and Jack Gardner (Marla  Scheman), Horton, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Patricia Thomas and Teresa Burchell; and a nephew, Jason Gardner.

     Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, Apil 28, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with Pastor Terry Mosher officiating.  Interment will follow at Balltown Cemetery, Horton, MO.  The family will receive friends from 1-2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

     Those who wish may contribute to the family in care of  Ferry Funeral Home.

Obituary - Phyllis Helen White

Phyllis Helen White, aged 77, passed away on April 20, 2025, in Nevada, Missouri. Born to Henry Helleck White and Betty Jane Coolen, Helen dedicated her life to service, education, the arts, gardening, and her beloved animals.

Helen was born in Kansas City but spent her formative years in Rich Hill, MO.  She was a proud graduate of Fort Scott Mercy School of Nursing. She continued her education at Texas A&M University, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing. During her active duty in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1972, Helen provided critical medical triage and combat care for the wounded and additionally served a tour as an orthopedic nurse at the 67th Evacuation Hospital in Qui Nhon. Her courage and dedication earned her several honors, including the Vietnam Service Medical Awards and the National Defense Service Medal. At the time of her honorable discharge, she held the rank of Captain—an impressive achievement and especially noteworthy for women of that era.

After her military service, Helen worked in various public and private nursing roles while discovering her passion for painting, particularly war-themed art. She took immense pride in having her artwork showcased publicly, aiming to illuminate the profound impact of war and reflect on the strength of human resilience. Her works were displayed at the National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago, the Museum of Political History in St. Petersburg, Russia, and the Springs Art Gallery. Upon returning to Nevada, she became an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

A devoted gardener, Helen transformed her home into a sanctuary filled with roses, irises, and other flowers that attracted birds and butterflies. This serene environment helped her cope with the PTSD she experienced after her service. Her love for animals shone through her fish and three cherished cats, which brought her daily joy.

Helen was the epitome of grit, determination and resilience. She is survived by her great niece, Laura Ellis Tibodeau. Her faith community played a significant role in her later years, providing strength and companionship.

A memorial service celebrating Helen’s life will be held 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, with Pastor Nicki McIntyre officiating. The family will received friends from 10:00 am until service time.

Friends and family are invited to honor her journey and enjoy lunch afterward.

She will be laid to rest in the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas. 

Donations may be made to the PTSD Foundation of America in her name, in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

Obituary - Jennifer McCubbin

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jennifer Lynn (Joiner) McCubbin, 49, of Harrisonville, Missouri, on April 24th, 2025, at 3:46 PM. Jennifer was a beloved wife, sister, mom, aunt, friend, and work colleague who touched the lives of many with her kindness, warmth, and unwavering spirit and contagious laughter.

Of all the special gifts in life, however great or small, to have you as our sister was the greatest gift of all. Sissy, FaFa, Big Jen or Jenny: we will always think of you, miss you and love you forever. You fought so hard to stay, but your body said it was time to go home.

Born on July 25th, 1975, to Jerry and Carla Joiner, Jennifer brought joy and love to everyone she encountered throughout her life. Jennifer was a graduate from Sherwood High School, Creighton, Missouri, class of 1993. Jennifer went on to attend college at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. While attending college Jennifer worked at Dairy Queen in Harrisonville, Missouri where she would later meet her future husband, Terry McCubbin. After four years of dating and with the help of a step stool, Terry and Jennifer became husband and wife on October 14th, 2000, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Jennifer had a passion for her many furr-babies, past and present, as well as her family. She loved going to watch Danny and Derek play football and wrestle. She loved watching Brooklynn play volleyball. She loved playing BINGO and going to the Casino CHA CHING.

Jennifer is survived by her husband, Terry McCubbin.1 Sister: Sue (Joiner) Dumont (Larry). 4 Brothers: Daniel Joiner (Jennifer), Mike Roberts (Arletta), Matthew Joiner, and Bobby James. 3 Daughters: Allison Campbell (Brett), Shian Duarte (Jason), and Ashley McCubbin. 3 Granddaughters: Vanessa Toledano, Emma Campbell, and Elise Duarte. 3 Nephews: Daniel and Derek Joiner and Justin Dawson (Corrina). 2 Nieces: Brooklynn Joiner and Courtney Stillwell. 2 Great Nieces: Cheyenne Stillwell and Ashlyn Dawson. 2 Great Nephews: Korbin Stillwell and Bentley Dawson. And many more family and friends. Jennifer will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Jennifer's family and friends will cherish the memories, celebrating a life well-lived. Jennifer was always there with a helping hand, a kind word, or a comforting presence, making the world a better place simply by being in it.

A ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held at a later date, where loved ones will gather to honor and celebrate Jennifer's remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, Missouri, for her cremation.

Rest in peace, Jennifer. Your legacy of love, kindness, and strength will continue to inspire us all.

State Farm Athlete of the Week Brandon Hammett

We are excited to announce this week’s State Farm athlete of the week, Junior, Brandon Hammett from Butler High School. Brandon runs long distance on the Butler Track team. He was nominated by his head coach Richard Courter. Coach Courter stated “Brandon had a stellar week by setting three school records. His times of 4:29.30 in the 1600m and 9:51.95 in the 3200m both rank #1 in the state in Class 2, and his time of 2:00.49 in the 800m is the #2 time in the state in Class 2. Brandon is also an excellent student in the classroom.” Brandon participates in cross country, track and baseball at Butler. We asked Brandon what he feels it takes to be at the top of his sport and he stated, “a lot of running and especially putting in the work during the off season.” We asked him what advice he would give to a younger classman and he stated “you’ve got to put in the miles even if you don’t always want to.” His favorite track memory thus far is earning his first state medal in cross country his sophomore year. Brandon has hopes of going to college to run and majoring in finance. We wish him and the Butler Track team the best of luck as they compete next week at the conference track meet.

Pictured: Head Coach Richard Courter; Brandon Hammett, son of John and Pam Hammett; Kellie Davidson, State Farm

MSHP investigating fatal crash near Truman Lake

The Missouri Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash this afternoon that has claimed at least one victim along the "mile long bridge" on 7 highway over Truman Lake. Early reports indicate following a head-on collision, one vehicle plunged off the bridge and into the water.

Recovery efforts may take some additional time; bridge traffic may be reduced to one lane for several hours. 

Updates will be provided as the become available from the Highway Patrol.

Ahhhh finally...

 

Less than cooperative weather for the first planned event, the Adrian Lions Club was finally able to hold their annual Easter Egg Hunt today, much to the delight of all. Many thanks to all who helped as well as those who attended.

A look at Monday/Tuesday severe weather