Showing posts with label OBITUARY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OBITUARY. Show all posts

Monday, February 23, 2026

Obituary - Richard Dean Sheppard

Richard Dean Sheppard age 68 of Holden, Missouri departed this life Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Saint Luke's East, Lee's Summit, Missouri. 

Cremation with a Celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available, courtesy Dickey Funeral Home.



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Sunday, February 22, 2026

Obituary - Hank Klumb

Born Henry Otto Klumb on Christmas Day, 1930, in San Antonio, Texas, he died on February 20, 2026 in Harrisonville, Missouri. Henry spent his final days surrounded by dear friends and family.

Throughout his 9.5 decades, “Hank” operated in high gear. He raced through life owning businesses, flying airplanes, painting seascapes, refinishing furniture, traveling to dozens of countries, writing poetry, restoring cars, riding horses, and enjoying everything on the farm.

Hank was graduated from Harlandale High School and famously “warmed the bench” for one of the first football games played in Monterrey, Mexico. He worked in electronics and joined the Texas National Guard, where he was the last of the radio airmen, a specialty phased out as pilots took over their own communications. The result was Hank served his country by flying around the United States getting plenty of “sack time.” He was a proud Veteran who finished with the rank he called “GFO.”

During the Cold War, his small business stumbled into the creation of bugging devices. Hank once pinned a flower with a radio transmitter on Ed McMahon’s lapel to demonstrate to Johnny Carson the cutting-edge spy craft of the era.

Around that time, he also landed his Piper Tri-Pacer on the wrong airfield near Washington, D.C. He was surprised to be greeted by armed Soldiers demanding to know who he was and why he was on their military base.

Subsequently, Hank grew his father-in-law Chet’s business representing manufacturers of construction equipment, and he built a sales team throughout the Midwest. He also expanded his business ventures to include rental properties in Missouri.

Hank was thrice married and had five children. He especially enjoyed time at Joanie’s “farm”: tending to the dogs, cats, and bees; riding horses; feeding the deer and fish; cutting, splitting, stacking, and burning firewood; watching squirrels get into the bird feeder; and enjoying the annual visit of a pair of geese who months later welcomed their goslings!

Hank is survived by Joanie Shores, his wife of nearly 40 years; his brother Gerry (Mary); his children Kathy Peña (Danny), Tom (C.J.), and Jason (Begonya); his grandchildren Tiffany, Geoffrey, Matthew, April, Andrea, Amanda, Maria’, Kandice, Amy, Joshua, Sofia, and Max Henry; and his former wife and mother of three of his children, Marli Klumb. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Kathryn; his brother, Billy; and his sons, Bill (Linda) and Steve (Judee); and his former wife and mother of two of his children, Gladys Huslage. 

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring.



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Saturday, February 21, 2026

Obituary - Harrel Curtis

Harrel L. Curtis, 91, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Beautiful Savior in Belton, MO. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, with a visitation beginning at 3:00 PM, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO.

A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available.



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Obituary - Sam Lefevre

Funeral services for Sam Lefevre of Butler, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler.  Visitation prior to services 10 - 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Bates County Fair.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Samuel “Sam” Ulysses Lefevre, age 88 of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler.  He was born July 24, 1937 to Ernest Pete and Marie Elizabeth Goodenough Lefevre in Butler.

Sam is survived by two sons, Randy Lefevre of Bronaugh, Missouri and Mike Lefevre and wife Johnna of Butler, Missouri; one daughter, Cheryl Baker and husband Gary of Odessa, Missouri; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Phillistein Bribey of Overland Park, Kansas and Martha Center of Oak Grove, Missouri; and one brother, Ernest Lefevre of Raymore, Missouri.  Sam was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Doris; and three sisters.



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Friday, February 20, 2026

Obituary - Joan Davis


Funeral services for Joan L. Davis of Butler, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler.  Visitation prior to services 10 - 11 a.m. Friday at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to American Diabetes Association or Medicalodge activity fund.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Joan Lucille Davis, age 90 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Medicalodge in Butler.  She was born February 21, 1935 to Donald Dwight and Beulah Marie Chapin Beard in Bates County, Missouri.

Joan is survived by three daughters, Cindy Bray of Butler, Missouri, Martha Fuhrman and husband Randy of Jefferson City, Missouri and Tammy Williams and husband Jerry of Rich Hill, Missouri; one son, John Davis and wife Linda of Kingsville, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Tyler Davis (Valerie), Cory Davis (Deanna), Kelsey Carter (David), Shawna Fuhrman, Danielle Vaught (Sam), Jacob Williams (Cindi), Lisa Thomas and Kevin Bray; ten great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Kathryn Landers and husband Dale of Omaha, Nebraska and Edna Fenimore and husband Darrell of Weatherford, Texas; and one brother, Ken Beard and wife Marge of Kansas City, Missouri.  Joan was preceded in death by her parents; husband, J.W. Davis (03/20/2002); and three grandsons, Kent Bray, Cody Williams and Abricus “Brick” Thomas.



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Thursday, February 19, 2026

Obituary - Johnny H. Mertens


Johnny H. Mertens, age 68, of Nevada, Missouri, passed away suddenly at his home on February 16. He was born on December 14, 1957, to the late Lavohn and Marvin Mertens.

   John graduated from Seneca High School in 1975, where he met his lifelong companion, Debbie. Together they built a life centered on faith and family and were blessed with three daughters: Jeanne, Jennifer, and Johnna.

    In his younger years, John answered God’s call to ministry and faithfully served the United Methodist Church, leading his family to many communities as he preached and ministered to others. After many dedicated years of service, he retired from preaching but continued to live out his faith in his daily life.

     When he wasn’t in the pulpit, John had a love for the thrill of the track. On many Saturday nights in his younger years, he could be found behind the wheel of the No. 32 street stock car race, embracing the excitement of racing. One of his greatest honors in recent years was watching his daughter Jeanne continue that legacy this past racing season, a source of immense pride and joy for him.

    Following retirement, John devoted himself to what he loved most - planning and decorating events. He found great joy in balloon artistry and event décor, taking special pride in decorating his daughters’ weddings and creating beautiful memories for their special days. John had a deep love for horses and the outdoors. Above all, he cherished his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Though he kept them on their toes, he adored each of them dearly. He always made sure his family was cared for and never failed to have a dollar and snacks ready for his great-grandchildren when they came to visit.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Lavohn and Marvin Mertens; two sisters, Jeanne and Judy; and one brother, Jim.

     John is survived by his lifelong companion, Debbie of Nevada, Missouri; his three daughters: Jeanne (Victor) Ellison of El Dorado Springs, Missouri; Jennifer (Jaren) Roberts of Nevada, Missouri; and Johnna (Matt) Boch of El Dorado Springs, Missouri; two sisters, Janie (Richard) Hopkins of Coker, Alabama; Janna Mertens of Gladstone, Oregon; eight grandchildren: Deven (Rachel) Watkins, Logan (Shaniah) Roberts, Justin Ellison, Jonathon (Kiera) Ellison, Caitlyn Roberts, Hannah Roberts, Gabby Boch, and Gavin Boch; and six great-grandchildren: Audra, Millie, and Maeve Watkins, Jackson and Bryson Roberts, and Everly Ellison. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

      John will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his adventurous spirit, his creativity, his devotion to family, and the joy he brought to all who knew him.

     The family will be holding a private ceremony at a later date.

     Memorial and floral tributes may be left for the family in c/o Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.



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Obituary - Erma Somers

Erma “Mickey” Somers (née Erma Nell Webb)

April 15, 1936 – February 6, 2026
Erma “Mickey” Somers, 89, of Rich Hill, Missouri, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026.
Born on April 15, 1936, Mickey was a devoted woman of faith who loved her Bible, cherished her cats, and was a longtime member of The Rich Hill Baptist Church.

Mickey is survived by her sister, Royce Baker, along with her niece, nephew, cousins, and friends, whom she held dear.

A graveside service to celebrate Mickey’s life will be held on April 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Green Lawn Cemetery in Rich Hill, Missouri. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend and share in remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Rich Hill Baptist Church or Green Lawn Cemetery. Courtesy Heuser Funeral Home


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Obituary - Goldie Fern Page

Goldie Fern Page, age 86, of Adrian, Missouri, departed this life on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at her home in Adrian, Missouri.

Goldie was born January 30, 1940, in Adrian, Missouri, the daughter of Cecil and Nina Page. She was a graduate of Ballard High School in Ballard, Missouri. Following her graduation, Goldie moved to Kansas City, Missouri and worked at Montgomery Wards. In 1972, after the passing of her daddy, she returned home to help her mom with the family farm. She was a faithful member of Cold Creek Christian Church.

Goldie worked at many different places throughout her life and was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. She had been employed at Sioux Chief since 1996.

Goldie had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, canning food, and tending to her garden. She cherished time spent with family and friends and was well known for hosting gatherings, especially her famous taco dinners.

Goldie devoted much of her life to caring for others. She lovingly babysat her nieces and nephews, along with many other children in the community who needed her care. She found great joy in supporting her family and especially enjoyed attending her nieces’ and nephews’ sporting events.

She is survived by her sister, Donna Mae Taylor; sister-in-law, Patsy Page; and many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Nina Page; three brothers, Lawrence Page, Billy Page, and Richard Page and wife Lois Page; and three sisters, Wilma Lee Love and husband Johnny Love, Barbara Sweet and husband Bruce Sweet Jr., and Evelyn Mickelberry and husband Roy Mickelberry and also brother-in-law Ted Taylor.

Goldie will be remembered for her caring heart, generous spirit, and her deep love for family and community.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with interment at Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri.

Visitation will be held 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.



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Obituary - Ella Mae Raynes

Ella Mae Raynes, 82, of Adrian, MO, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, at St. Joseph Medical Center. Funeral Service will be on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, MO, with an interment at Crescent Hill Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 10:00-11:00 AM on Friday, February 20, 2026. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Atkinson Funeral Home.

Ella Mae Raynes was born March 22, 1943, to Alva Reeser Estes and Alberta Susan (James) Estes in Osceola, MO. Being a natural caretaker, she left school early to care for a close family member. She moved to the Kansas City area, where she worked various jobs and started her true calling as a Mother of 3 girls. She later settled in Adrian, MO, where she worked at the Homestead and met her late husband, John Raynes. Ella enjoyed doing puzzles, coloring, playing games, and spending as much time as possible with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ella Mae Raynes is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, June Patterson, and nephew John Patterson. She is survived by her daughters, Paula (Lee Blancett) Anderson, Carmen Green, and Susan (Randy) Hight; grandchildren: Savanna (Cody Rutledge) Thompson, Kendra Owens, Niki (Kenny Saathoff) Green, Brian (Brittany) Plumb, and Bradley (Sarah) Birch; 16 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild on the way.

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Obituary - William Kelly Jones

William Kelly Jones of Butler, Missouri wishes were to be cremated and remembered with fond memories.  There are no public services scheduled at this time.  Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.    Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

William “Bill” Kelly Jones, age 89 of Butler Missouri died Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler, Missouri.  He was born July 31, 1936 to Hugh and Avis Taylor Jones in Paducah, Kentucky.

Bill retired after 30 years with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.  He then went to work as a director of security of the Unified Government of Kansas City, Kansas.  Bill was also a veteran of the Marine Corps. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Connie Jones of Butler, Missouri; eight children, Ralph Jones of Rogers, Arkansas, Cindy Brynestad of Cypress, Texas, Bill Jones of Kansas City, Kansas, Ramon Jones of Riverside, Missouri, Michael Jones of Olathe, Kansas, Kari Harris of Linn Valley, Kansas, Lisa Anderson of Kansas City, Kansas and Gary Anderson of Linn Valley, Kansas; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.



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Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Obituary - Molly Jane DeVasher

With broken hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Molly Jane DeVasher on February 14, 2026, at the age of 40.A recitation of the Rosary will take place at 5 PM and visitation will continue until 8:00 PM on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Clinton. Visitation will also be from 9:00-11:00 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Holy Rosary Church with a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 AM. Cremation to follow services. Memorial contributions can be made to the Molly DeVasher Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Born on August 1, 1985, Molly was the beloved daughter of Robert and Catherine (Chadwick) Sexauer and a cherished sister to her seven siblings. She was a proud mother, wife, cousin, aunt, niece, and friend to so many who were blessed to know her.

On August 14, 2021, she married the love of her life, Dusty DeVasher. Together they created a beautiful, blended family built on love, laughter, and unwavering support. Molly was a devoted mother to Danika, Millie, Dayton, Brian, and Hannah, and together she and Dusty welcomed their missing piece, Dawson. Her children were her greatest joy, and she poured her heart into every game cheered, every meal cooked, every lesson taught, and every hug given.

Molly was truly the light of every room she walked into. Her presence was warm, magnetic, and unforgettable. She was a gifted chef, a loyal friend, and the kind of woman who made everyone feel at home. Recently, she delighted in renewing her passion for working with students with behavioral needs where she brought the same loving energy she offered to her own children. She loved card games, throwing darts, and a competitive round of cornhole. Summers meant everything to her: 4th of July celebrations, farm life, lake weekends, concerts. She would often be found making memories with her people while cheering on the Mizzou Tigers, Royals and the Chiefs with delectable food spreads to feed an army. And of course, she never turned down a perfectly chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc shared with those she loved.

More than anything, Molly loved fiercely. She loved her family deeply, protected them passionately, and celebrated them loudly. Her laugh, her spirit, and her beautiful heart will live on in the lives she touched and the family she built.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we carry her light forward; in summer sunsets, in cheering from the sidelines, in shared meals, and in every perfectly chilled glass raised in her honor.

She will be missed beyond words and loved beyond measure.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri. Obituary submitted by the family.

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Obituary - Miriam J. Jackson

Miriam J Jackson, 88, of Adrian, MO, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2026, at her home. Graveside Service will be on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Pleasant Hill, MO.

Miriam J. Jackson was born on December 31, 1937, to Bishop Jerry J. Yoder and Amanda B. (Mullet) Yoder in Garnett, KS. Mim was born into the Amish community and deeply cherished their values and morals throughout her life. For many people, she was known simply as "Mim". She was a jack of all trades, from baking cakes in the 70s, owning the Old Cedar Inn in Garden City, and working at The Family Center in Harrisonville as an Administrative Assistant in the 80s, and lastly, working at Margie's Bridal Shop in the 90s. She married William (Bill) Troyer on May 11th, 1961, until 1983. Through those years, they brought into this world her pride and joy...Leon ('62), Michael ('71), and Eugene ('73). On June 15th, 1994, Mim found her best friend and married Jerry Jackson and his family of two daughters, Sharon and Tammy, and an infant son, Jerry Jr, who passed away at birth. Mim loved all three of them as if they were her own. That was Mim. Mim had a deep love for her family. She always made sure you knew that she loved you "more" and no birthday ever went unnoticed by Grandma. Mim was a remarkable woman of faith that God blessed our family with, and she could be found reading her bible often. Even when her eyesight failed her, Jerry would read to her. In her quiet moments, she enjoyed relaxing with her crossword puzzles.

For those who really knew Mim, her love was her music! Her guitar was not far, and she had a knack for writing original songs in the country music style. Even though most weren't published or recorded, she wrote hundreds of original songs. We have scads of notebooks to prove it! From on stage in country music shows of Arkansas in the 60s, special music at church, to playing music at the Garden City Community Building in the 2000s, everyone who heard her sing and play could tell that music was her passion!

Miriam J Jackson is preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: Ben, Joe, Ervin, and Ira; three sisters: Emma, Cora, and Fannie; son, Leon. She is survived by her husband, Jerry Jackson; two sons - Michael (Crissy) Troyer of St. Joseph, MO, and Eugene Troyer of Grain Valley, MO; two daughters - Sharon Jackson of East Lynne, MO and Tammy (Dan) Cushard of Adrian, MO; 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Obituary - Mitch Grainger

Funeral services for Mitch Grainger of Foley, Alabama, formerly of Butler, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler.  Visitation prior to services 10 - 11 a.m. Friday at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Mitch Grainger Love Fund at Adrian Bank.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com

Dennis Mitchell “Mitch” Grainger, age 67 of Foley, Alabama went home to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, February 9, 2026 at Baldwin Health Hospital in Foley, Alabama with his sons by his side.  He was born October 6, 1958 to Harold Oliver and Barbara Ann Johnson Grainger in Kanas City, Missouri.

Mitch is survived by two sons, Justin Mitchell Grainger and wife Maria of Lavon, Texas and Joshua Michael Grainger and wife Lauren of Foley, Alabama; one daughter, Jennifer Zink and husband Scott of Van Cleave, Mississippi; four grandchildren, Jace Grainger, Jaelyn Grainger, Caleb Grainger and Madison Zink; mother, Barbara Grainger of Butler, Missouri; one brother, Mike Grainger and wife Pam of Butler, Missouri; two sisters, Lisa Evans and husband Bobby and Mitzi Grainger  🐾Tux🐾, all of Butler, Missouri; and numerous nephews, nieces and grand-nephews and nieces.  Mitch was preceded in death by his father, Harold Grainger and a niece, Jessica Leann Evans.



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Monday, February 16, 2026

Obituary - Debbie Maxine Savant

Debbie Maxine Savant, 68, Nevada, MO passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Nathan Richards Healthcare Center of Nevada.  She was born on September 25, 1957 in Nevada, MO to Darrell and Ramona (Long) Harden.   

    She was married to Richard Savant and from this marriage they had one daughter, Crissy Savant.   Debbie grew up in Nevada and lived in Nevada and El Dorado Springs.  She worked at the Nevada State Hospital for many years and also for Heartland Hospital for a time.  She was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, loved to fish and be outdoors, but most of all she loved being with her family.

    Survivors include one daughter, Crissy Savant, Nevada, MO; two grandchildren, Levi Flanagan and Brooklyn Flanagan, both of Republic, MO; one great-grandson, Colton Flanagan, Republic, MO; and her brother, Chester Harden, Joplin, MO.   She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Logan Flanagan.

    Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with Pastor Dennis Engelbrecht officiating.  Interment will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Walker, MO.  The family will receive friends from 3:00-5:00p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

     Memorials are suggested to the Nevada Animal Shelter c/o Ferry Funeral Home.  



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Obituary - Rex McCulley

Rex McCulley, age 79, Pleasanton, Kansas passed away Saturday, February 14, 2026.  He was born on November 27, 1946 in Pleasanton, Kansas the son of Oscar and Clara Culbertson McCulley.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic.  Rex was united in marriage to Donna Bradley on July 1, 1986.  For most of his working career, he was a truck driver.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Daniel, and two brothers, Ray and Roy McCulley.  Rex is survived by his wife, Donna, a son, Michael McCulley, a daughter, Ginger Neal-Cox, two sisters, Kay Phillipson, and Fay Benbrook, eight grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.  

Funeral service will be 11 am Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel.  Burial will be in the Centerville Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Wednesday, February 18 at the Pleasanton Chapel.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Wounded Warrior Project.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.  



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Obituary - Linda Ann Wymore


 Linda Ann Wymore, 74, of Nevada, MO, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, MO.   She was born in Butler, MO on June 26, 1951 to Thomas Lee and Dorothy Cleo (Zwahlen) Whitten.

       Linda graduated from Hume High School in 1969 where she enjoyed participating in band, choir, school plays, and basketball.  Linda worked as a legal secretary for Blake Hudson at Hudson Law Firm in Ft. Scott, KS for 49 years, retiring in 2023 after a successful battle with cancer.

      Linda was a member of Foster Christian Church for many years where she enjoyed playing the piano each Sunday and especially for Easter and Christmas programs.  After moving to Nevada in 2002, she joined First Baptist Church.  She loved her church family, especially the ladies in her Sunday School Class.  They would become very dear friends of hers.  Linda was a proud mother and grandmother, attending every event in their lives as their biggest cheerleader and supporter.  She was a wonderful cook and shared her favorites with her family and friends.  Her favorite thing to do was visiting her family and friends.  She enjoyed dancing, preparing meals for family and playing cards and Bingo with them.

      Survivors include her life partner, Dale Neal, Mound City, KS; her daughter, Tammy Hendren (Mike Ward), Nevada, MO; grandchildren, Dalton Hendren (Jordan Crozier), Rich Hill, MO and Melinda Hendren (Baily Solan), Springfield, MO; and three nephews and one niece  and their families who were very dear to her heart, Tom Whitten, Jr., Ronald Whitten, Tonya Jacobs, Doug Norbury, Rich Hill, MO.  Preceding her in death were her parents; one brother, Tom Whitten; a sister-in-law, Rosemary Whitten; and a niece, Deann Cobbs, Mound City, KS.

      The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, MO. 

     Those who wish may contribute in Linda’s name to Salem Cemetery, Foster, MO in care of Ferry Funeral Home.



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Obituary - Benny C. Odom

Benny C. Odom, lifelong resident of Cleveland, Missouri, was born August 10, 1937 in Kansas City, Missouri and departed this life on February 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 88 years, 5 months and 30 days.

He was the son of Robert Carroll and Bessie Edith (Powell) Odom.

Benny was a 1955 graduate of Cleveland High School. After graduation, he worked several years as a brick mason alongside his father and brother and became a member of the Bricklayers Union of Kansas City, Kansas. Benny then served as a Cass County, Missouri deputy sheriff for 10 years before becoming the Cass County Collector, a position he held for 30 years until his retirement. During his time as Cass County Collector, Benny clerked many farm auctions for John Goddard, Rick Cantrell and, Kirk Young. He also held the position of Chief of Police of Cleveland, Missouri.

On October 10, 1958 Benny was united in marriage with Judith Ann “Judy” Cravens and to this union four daughters, Tammy Lorraine, Julie Ann, Amy Lynne and Betsy Carol were born. Benny and Judy were married for almost 60 years before her passing on September 10, 2018.

Benny was a public servant at heart and had served on many committees and was a member of many organizations including Missouri Farm Bureau, charter member of the Cleveland Lions Club, past President of the Missouri County Collectors Association, Board Member of Missouri Association of Counties (MAC), served on the Midway School Board for 12 years and was President of the School Board for 6 of those years, served on the board of P.W.S.D. #7 for 12 years and was President of the Board for 8 years, and was elected Silver Haired Legislator of Missouri. Benny was a Mason and had been a member of the Cleveland Masonic Lodge. He was also a faithful and active member of the First Baptist Church of Cleveland, Missouri and had served as Chairman of Deacons.

Benny was completely devoted to his family. When his girls were young, he spent every weekend taking them to horse shows as well as all their other activities and that trend continued with his grandchildren.

After his retirement, Benny enjoyed spending time in his woodworking shop, mowing his lawn, fishing and hunting, but most of all, he loved the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Judy, Benny was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Bessie Odom; brothers, Charles Edward Keeran and infant Donald Earl Odom; sisters, Wilma Jean Bain and Shirley Ann Barthol; great-granddaughter, Sophie Lueker and son-in-law, Dennis Lueker.

He is survived by his daughters, Tammy Lorraine Lueker, Julie Ann Holder and husband Aaron, Amy Lynne Hinkle and husband Mike, and Betsy Carol Frazier and husband Ron, all of Cleveland, Missouri; sister, Ruth Elaine Zimmerman of Cleveland, Missouri; 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.

The family of Benny C. Odom will receive friends from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Cleveland, 420 W. Main, Cleveland, Missouri 64734. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the church with Brother Henry Green officiating. Casket Bearers will be Mike Hinkle, Aaron Holder, Ron Frazier, Rob Irvin, Tom Suver and Dave Irvin. Honorary are all his Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. Interment will follow in the Glenwild Cemetery.

Contributions are suggested to Logan Meerkatz and Clay Palmer Scholarship Memorial Fund. Checks should be made out to Mason Owens and on the Memo line please note “Memorial Scholarship Fund”.

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Obituary - Donna M. Clary

Donna M. Clary, 94, of Savannah, Missouri, formerly of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home, with her daughters by her side, on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Funeral services will be held 11:00am Thursday, February 19, 2026 , with a visitation starting at 10:00am, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville. Burial in Wills Cemetery, Peculiar, MO. A complete obituary will be added when it becomes available, courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home.

Friday, February 13, 2026

Obituary - Patty Jo Elder

Patty Jo Elder, age 86, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, surrounded by love. She lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and a deep sense of responsibility.

Patty was born on October 1, 1939, in Appleton City to Leroy and Faye Gregg. She carried with her strong pride in doing things the right way, a value that guided her throughout her life and left a lasting impression on those who knew her. She spent her entire life in Appleton City and Montrose, Missouri, building deep roots in the community she loved.
She married the love of her life, Jim Elder, in 1956. Together they built a strong and loving home grounded in faith and family, raising two daughters, Tricia Lee and Tamberla Faye.
Patty was spunky, opinionated, and expected the very best from herself and others. She owned and operated her own beauty shop for 18 years, faithfully serving her clients and forming lasting friendships. Later, she and Jim opened Elder RV Sales and Accessories, building a successful business together and continuing their shared work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.
She was a devoted Christian and longtime member of Holy Trinity Church of Appleton City. Her faith remained a steady foundation throughout her life.
Patty was a wonderful cook who found joy in preparing large meals for family gatherings and celebrations, making sure no one ever left her table hungry. She loved gardening, especially tending to her flowers, and enjoyed shopping and spending time with those she loved most.
Patty and Jim shared a love of travel and explored extensively over the years, often bringing their grandchildren along to create lasting memories. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were among her greatest joys, and she took pride in watching her family grow.
Patty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Elder; her parents, Leroy and Faye Gregg; her sister, Marvine; and her son-in-law, Jeff Cook.
Patty is survived by her daughters, Tricia Evans and her husband, Mark Evans; and Tamberla “Tami” Cook; her grandchildren, Tyler Evans and his wife, Katie Evans (and their son, Asher Evans), Brit Kenny and her husband, Nick Kenny (and their children, Aubrey and Bowen), and Cassidy Biship and her husband, Zech Biship; along with extended family and dear friends who will forever cherish her strength, warmth, and unwavering love.
A graveside service will be held at the Appleton City Cemetery on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Church of Appleton City. (Formerly United Methodist Church)
Her legacy of hard work, high standards, and devotion to family will continue to live on in each of them.

Obituary - Jake Lee Jacobs

Jake Lee Jacobs age 16 of Harrisonville, Missouri departed this life Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri surrounded by love and family. 

Cremation with a celebration of life are pending and will be posted once that information becomes available. 

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available, courtesy Dickey Funeral Home.


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