Obituary - Kenneth "Ken" Beard

A Celebration of Life and Military Honors for Kenneth "Ken" Beard will be 11 a.m. Monday September 21, 2026 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation 10 - 11 a.m. Monday prior to the service at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Inurnment at a later date. Contributions to a VFW of your choice. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Kenneth “Ken” Don Beard, age 79 of Kansas City, Missouri died Friday, September 11, 2026 at Delmar Gardens in Lenexa, Kansas. He was born March 9, 1947 to Donald Dwight and Beulah Marie Chapin Beard in Appleton City, Missouri.

Ken, one of four children, grew up in the Pleasant Ridge Community in rural Bates County, Missouri. He attended elementary school at the Hudson School and graduated from Appleton City High School (Appleton City, Missouri) in 1965. In 1967 he joined the army and was stationed in Cu Chi Vietnam with the HHT ¾ Calvary, 25th Infantry Division. After discharge Ken returned to Butler, living there many years before moving to Kansas City, Missouri.

Ken and Marge Mount were classmates who were later reunited. After they found each other again, Ken would travel to California to see Marge and she traveled to Kansas City to see him–growing their relationship. They were married on March 25, 2002. Ken was a longtime barber at the Southside Barber Shop in Butler, then in Kansas City. He was a member of the VFW.

Ken was an honest and hard working man who made many friendships–not only through his time as a barber, but also as a member of the VFW. He had an uncanny ability to bring a smile or a laugh to anyone, regardless of how bad a day they were having. Ken loved to travel with Marge to National Parks where they could watch the animals or a beautiful sunset. A hobby of Ken’s was perfecting his BBQ recipes. He was always up for a lunch date with Marge and Angie to Jack Stack BBQ. As he got older, Ken enjoyed sitting in the garage with a cold drink, watching the cars go by and visiting with anyone who would stop by. Ken will be remembered with affection and gratitude by all those who knew and loved him.

Ken is survived by his wife, Marge Beard of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter, Angie Kauffman and husband Kermit of Butler, Missouri; two grandchildren, Kaleb Kauffman and wife Ceceily of Butler, Missouri and Lanie Kauffman and fiancé Lucas Vert of Republic, Missouri; one great-granddaughter, Dakota of Butler, Missouri; two sisters, Edna Fenimore and husband Darrell of Weatherford, Texas and Kathryn Landers and husband Dale of Omaha, Nebraska; one stepson, Brandon Bowles (Beth); six step-grandchildren, Ella Bowles, Sophie Bowles and Lily Bowles all of California, Kenzie Mitchell and Zach Mitchell (Ally) all of Kansas City, Missouri and Breanna Mitchell of California. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Leslie Beard; one sister, Joan Davis; and one stepdaughter, Angela Bowles.

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Donna "Dot" Reed Poland

Funeral services for Donna "Dot" Reed Poland will be 2 p.m. Monday September 21, 2026 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation 1- 2 p.m. Monday prior to services at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Appleton City Cemetery, Appleton City, Missouri. Contributions to the First Baptist Church in Paola, Kansas. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Donna Lee Reed Poland, age 83 of Paola, KS passed away on Wednesday September 16, 2026. She was born on January 8, 1943 to Earnest and Yvonne Reed in Appleton City, MO where she grew up and was an integral part of the community.

Donna was the youngest of four children and spent a large part of her youth working alongside her parents and siblings at the Dari-Burg where she learned the value of hard work.

Known affectionately as Dot or Dottie by her friends and family, Donna was remembered for always having a smile on her face, being the first person to lend a helping hand, for her strong faith and love of family. If she knew you, you were on her prayer list.

Donna married Gary Poland on May 24, 1969 and together they raised three children. They remained married until Gary went to be with his Savior on October 12, 2024 but in Donna's heart they remained married until she took her last breath.

Donna spent her entire career pouring into young people as a teacher both in the public school system and her church. She had a passion for young people and raising them up to be productive members of society.

Donna is survived by her three children; Christina, Matt (Maryah) and Gari Dawn, eight grandchildren, Alyssa (Chris), Valerie, Ashley, Audrey, Evona, Caleb, Mitchell and Victoria and two great grandchildren, Robbie and Mehki.

She was preceded in death by her parents Earnest and Evon Reed, her brothers Roy and Joe, her sister Bessie and loving husband Gary.




"Well done good and faithful servant; You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the Joy of your Lord." Matthew 25:23

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Grace Mary Colvin

 

 Grace Mary Colvin, 88, Nevada, MO passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Moore-Few Care Center.    Grace was born on February 1, 1938, in Nevada, MO, to Lester and Jeanette (Leen) Pike.  She married Merylin Colvin in 1963, and from this marriage two daughters were born.

    Grace was raised in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School in 1956.  After graduation, she worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone company, worked a number of years as an insurance agency secretary for various agencies, including Renwick Insurance, and then served Heartland Hospital as a secretary for several years until her retirement.

    Grace loved playing Scrabble, enjoyed fishing, had fun bowling several years in a bowling league, but most of all, loved being with her family.    

    She is survived by her daughters, Lana O’Dell (Greg), and Tana Uttinger, both of Nevada, MO; 5 grandchildren, Zach Ricketts (Emily), Springfield, MO, Nate Uttinger, Nixa, MO, Emily Ricketts (Alessia Fitzpatrick), Seattle, WA, Trent Uttinger (Jacie), Nevada, MO, and Derek O’Dell (fiancé Hannah Schmuck), Fruit Cove, FL; 3 great-grandchildren, Kinley Ballard, Mason Uttinger, and Adalyn Uttinger; and sister, Jule Williams (Howard), Bronaugh, MO.  Grace was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Ashli O’Dell; son-in-law, Jeff Uttinger; 2 sisters; 4 brothers; and 2 infant sisters.

    Funeral services will be held at 1:30p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Ferry Funeral Home with Pastor Terry Mosher officiating.  Interment will follow at Moore Cemetery, Nevada, MO.   Friends may call until the hour of service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Nevada Animal Shelter in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

#MidAmericaLive

Jefferson Highway travelers pay visit to Butler as part of Centennial Celebration

This group, including visitors from Winnipeg all the way to Louisiana, spent some time in Butler today as our city has historic ties to the famous Jefferson Highway. 

Following lunch at the Bates County Museum, all assembled for this photo op on the square before continuing south to where the Jefferson Highway converged briefly with Route 66.

Jefferson Highway enthusiasts, including this group, regularly visit corridors of the famous highway and there is a strong possibility we'll see more travelers as the Jefferson Highway Crossroads of America 2026 Centennial Celebration is held this week, September 19th through 22nd.

Visit the Jefferson Highway website for more info here https://jeffersonhighway.org

  

#MidAmericaLive

Steiner's to be featured on America's Best Restaurants

Filming took place for an upcoming episode of America's Best Restaurants Roadshow at Steiner's Restaurant this morning and as seen here, Chef Corey is interviewed about the great dishes prepared behind the scenes.

The segment will aired in mid November with date and time to be announced.

Congratulations, Jeff and Amy!

#MidAmericaLive

School nurse receives 2 years probation related to sexual contact with minor

Former school nurse Rayanne McCoy of Rockville, MO has been charged with Endangering The Welfare Of A Child, 2nd Degree and received a Suspended Execution of Sentence of 12 months, with two years supervised probation.

According to a complaint filed in the Bates County Circuit Court, McCoy was accused of having sexual contact with a student on or about August 29, 2025. 

She was represented by attorney Lindsey Ikram of Kansas City, MO.


#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Mary Elizabeth Spall

Mary Elizabeth Spall (Ward), born February 13, 1949, passed away peacefully in her home on September 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of her family.

Mary was born to Dorothy and James Ward and grew up in Howell, Michigan, alongside her siblings, Judy, Harold, Raymond, Keith, and Alan. She graduated from Howell High School and carried many cherished memories of growing up with her family and siblings.

After graduating, Mary moved to Sheldon, where she began the next chapter of her life. There, she married her husband, Rex Spall, and together they raised their two daughters, Tracey Hanson and Candi Belew.

Mary dedicated nearly 25 years of her life to Walmart before retiring. She was known for her hardworking nature and devotion to her family.

Mary found joy in growing flowers and gardening. She especially treasured spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished by her family for generations to come.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Tracey Hanson, married to Larry Hanson, and Candi Belew (Jimmie, who preceded her in death), along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tracey and Larry's family includes Shane Hanson and Kim, and their children Logan, Landon, and Kristen; Kylei Hanson and her husband, Landon Wilson, and their children Kaelynn and Lane Wilson; and Colten Hanson and Nicole, and their children Bentlyee, Taylen, and Clay Hanson.

Candi's family includes Briana Kalleck and Casey, and their children Alyson and Emma Kalleck; Taylor Belew and Tierra, and their son Dayton Belew; and Tyler Belew and Jaycee, and their sons Holden and Jimmie Belew.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and James Ward; her beloved husband, Rex Spall; her brother, Harold Ward; and her sisters-in-law, Sue Ward and Kay Ward.

She will be deeply missed by her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with all of her family and friends who were blessed to know and love her.

Mary’s memory will live on through the family she loved so dearly, the gardens she lovingly tended, and the many lives she touched throughout her years.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon, MO with Elvin Winans officiating.

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Tamie Person

Tamie Person, age 69, of Harrisonville, Missouri, departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at her home, surrounded by love and family.

Her Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Dickey Funeral Home in Harrisonville, Missouri.

Tamie is survived by her husband, Jerry Person, with whom she recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. Together, they raised six children: Allison Person of Havertown, Pennsylvania; Emily Rhodes (Tucker Harper) of Lee’s Summit; Stephen Person (Caly) of Lee’s Summit; Bethany Wears (Daniel) of Belton; Anna Chambers (Justin) of North Kansas City; and Luke Person (Marlei) of Blue Springs.

Tamie and Jerry were blessed with 19 grandchildren: Shane, Adrienne, Nathan, Noah, Evan, Emma, Sophie, Anthony, Liam, Willow, Faye, Lyla, Gordon, Vayda, Etta, Clark, Archie, Rogue, and Heidi. They also had the joy of welcoming one great-grandchild, Violet.

Tamie and Jerry’s love for children extended beyond their own family. They opened their home and hearts to others, becoming foster parents to four children, while also welcoming other children into their home at various times throughout the years. Her home was a place where children could find love, acceptance, and a family.

At the age of 48, Tamie decided to pursue a new calling and become a social worker. She attended college for six consecutive years, ultimately earning her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she worked in many different settings and eventually had an office of her own. She especially loved working with troubled teenagers, and her compassion and determination allowed her to make a lasting difference in the lives of many young people.

Tamie was gifted with a beautiful singing voice and loved playing the guitar. She was frequently asked to sing at weddings and sang numerous solos at her church. Music was one of the many ways she shared her heart with others.

She also had a lifelong passion for quilting and crafts. Tamie made clothes for her children, wedding dresses, and countless bridesmaid dresses. She was rarely working on just one project at a time. Even when sitting down to watch television, she would almost always have a knitting, crochet, or cross-stitch project in her hands. Creating things for the people she loved was one of the ways she expressed her care and creativity.

Tamie was born in Saint Joseph, Missouri, and was adopted at six months of age. She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Carolus; her mother, Mildred Faye (Phillippe) Carolus; and her adopted brother, Stephen Carolus, who died as an infant.

Tamie will be deeply missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, extended family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched through her work, music, creativity, and generous heart. Her love for her family and her willingness to open her home and heart to others will remain part of her legacy for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation. Donations can be made through the link or mailed to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

#MidAmericaLive