Obituary - Susan Barrett

Susan Barrett (née Guenther) passed away on August 4th, 2026, at the age of 71, in her home in Louisburg, Kansas. She was born on December 13, 1954, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Jane and William Guenther.

Susan was a devoted nurse who cared deeply for others throughout her career. She was intelligent, creative, and had a great sense of humor. Adventurous and fearless, she wasn’t afraid of anything. Her greatest joys in life were her family and her many creative passions. She was an avid sewer and crafter whose talents brought beauty and warmth to all who knew her. She also found great happiness in spending time with her grandchildren, caring for her dogs and horses, and tending to her garden.

She is survived by her three daughters: Carol Lyle, Lisa Stroh, and Mary Rommel; six grandchildren; and her half-brother, William Guenther, and his wife, Barb Guenther. 

She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Eden Lyle; her two husbands—Keith Barrett, to whom she was married for 42 years, and Michael Keeney, her husband of 2 years—and her parents. 

A celebration of life will be held on September 12th, 2026, from 2-4pm at her daughter’s house. Cremation has taken place. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Louisburg Kansas Senior Citizens Center, 504 S Metcalf Road, Louisburg, KS 66053.

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Obituary - Lennie D. Hill Crooks

Lennie D. Hill Crooks, age 93, of Mound City, KS, passed away on August 4, 2026. She was born to William and Loretta Hill on Feb 20, 1933. She married Donald Crooks on February 21, 1952. Their marriage produced four children: Susan, Mark, Shelley and Donna.

Lennie is survived by her daughters: Susan (Paul) Myers, Shelley (Jerry) Cochran and Donna (Rick) Long; 10 grandchildren: Jenny Herrmann, Matthew Cochran, Christine Teagarden, Jason Crooks, Stephanie Nichols, Janelle Davey, Shayla Long, Kyla Halsey, Dwight Long and Meriel Allen and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Lennie was preceded in death by her parents, four siblings, her loving husband Don, and their beloved and only son, Mark.

Lennie was a homemaker most of her life, tending to her family, home, garden, and farm. She and Don always attended church, with their four kids in tow. Lennie was a proud member of the First Baptist Church of Mound City. Lennie’s girls remember her playing stacks of records at bedtime and hearing each record drop. Lennie was a selfless caregiver to her aging mother, Loretta, and taught her daughters by example, how to care for an aging parent.

She loved having her kids and later, grandkids close to her. Her home was adorned with pictures of her children and grandchildren. She was a lovely hostess of family dinners and holiday celebrations until the family outgrew her little home. Her favorite way to say goodbye to loved ones was always: "Love ya back".

Her children and grandchildren remember many weekend camping trips to Stockton with her and Grandpa Don, and many slumber parties hosted by Grandma Lennie. She taught nearly every one of her grandkids how to play King in the Corner, and she would almost always win.

Lennie was a woman of many talents and hobbies. All who knew and loved her have memories of her gardening in her younger years and too-many-to-count sewing projects. Some of which projects were matching outfits for her grandkids, which resulted in giggles and eye rolls from the then teenaged granddaughters. Lennie always had a stack of romance novels on her side table and a current book in her hands. There was almost always a 1000-piece puzzle spread out on the dining room table. She loved her hummingbirds. She also enjoyed feeding her cat(s) through the front window in the dining room. Lennie sure loved her leopard print eye glasses and the compliments she received on them wherever she went.

She is famous with her family for her amazing home cooked meals. Some family favorite recipes are her chicken and noodles, donuts, and cinnamon rolls.

Lennie was so loved, and she will be missed dearly by her family. Until we meet again, "Love ya back, Lennie”.

Funeral Service will be Friday, August 7, 2026 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church, Mound City, Kansas. Visitation will be at the church from 1:00 pm until service time. Burial of cremains will be in Fort Scott National Cemetery at a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions to Mound City Library.

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Obituary - Kathryn Lynn (Christopher) Coffman

Kathryn Lynn (Christopher) Coffman, age 71 of Nevada, MO, passed away Monday. August 3rd, after a short illness. Kathy was born to William “Bill” and Colleen (Rankin) Christopher on March 13. 1955. She spent an idyllic childhood in Rich Hill MO, surrounded by family and a plethora of friends. She accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age, attending First Christian Church in Rich Hill, MO . She graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1973. She then married Daniel “Dan” Ray Coffman on December 12, 1975. The happy couple ended up in Nevada, MO with two children. Tracy Dawn and Brandon Christopher.

All 71 years of Kathy’s life were full of love. laughter, and kindness. She had this incredible gift of making people feel at home. It didn't matter if you’d known her for twenty minutes or twenty years-once you met her, you felt like you mattered. She welcomed people with kindness, listened without judgement, and loved without conditions.

Kathy’s main focus in life was her family. She celebrated every birthday, every holiday, every little accomplishment, and every reason she could find to shower blessings on those she loved. She didn’t need an excuse to love you-she just did. But nothing compared to her feelings about her grandchildren. She adored every minute she spent with them and loved them beyond reason.

Kathy, besides her love for family and her amazing sense of humor, loved anything “coozy” : a cozy blanket, a cozy chair, a cozy evening surrounded by the people she loved. She excelled at creating a cozy life. She made people feel safe. Comfortable, Welcome, Loved. She had a rare gift.

When people talk about Kathy they don’t start with what she owned or what she accomplished they talk about how she made them feel: accepted and loved, and that says everything about what kind of person Kathy was. To know her was to love her. To love her is to miss her, although we hold fast to the hope that we will one day meet again in heaven.

In addition to her husband Dan, Kathy is survived by two children. Tracy (Jason) Comstock of Pittsburg, KS and Brandon (Laura) Coffman of Bow, New Hampshire, and four grandchildren: Garrett Comstock, Tate Coffman, Trevyn Comstock, and Brylee Coffman.

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Obituary - Brandon Daniel Luther

Brandon Daniel Luther, 27, of Nevada, Missouri, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, following a lengthy illness.

Brandon was born on June 9, 1999, to Bobby Luther and Maryann (Dilly) Luther. He attended the Sheldon R-VIII School District and graduated with the Class of 2017. Following graduation, he attended Missouri Welding Institute and worked on the road for Reed Dozing and Contracting.

Brandon loved spending time with his daughter, Maysin. He was always on the go & was happiest surrounded by friends enjoying life to the fullest. He also loved hunting, especially taking hunting trips with his Grandpa Dan. Brandon will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends who meant so much to him.

Brandon is survived by his daughter, Maysin Marie Luther; his father, Bobby Luther (Shauna); his mother, Maryann Luther; his grandparents, Linda Luther and Dan Dilly; his sisters, Ashley (BJ) Hensley, Courtney (Thad) Smith, and Aubry Luther; his nieces and nephews, Bryce, Brynn, Bryker, and Brystol Hensley, and Brooklyn, Taytum, and Thayne Smith; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Waneta Dilly and Junior Luther.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date with close friends and family. Memorial contributions may be made to a scholarship fund established for his daughter, Maysin through Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill, Missouri. 

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Obituary - Wayne Joseph Rotert

Wayne Joseph Rotert, 91, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2026, at The University of Kansas Hospital. He was born on November 22, 1934, on his family's farm in Germantown, Missouri.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Theodore William "Ted" Rotert; his mother, Viola Mary Rotert; his sister, Karen Burns; his brother-in-law, Calvin Burns of Joplin, Missouri; his brother-in-law, Willard Bettels of Butler, Missouri; and his sister-in-law, Angela Rotert of Clinton, Missouri.

He is survived by his two beloved daughters, Barbara Lynn Hosman (John) of Lee's Summit, Missouri, and Paula Jo Rotert of Hightstown, New Jersey. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Joe Hosman, Michelle Neer, and Nick Hosman; six great-grandchildren; his dear friends, Marcie and Linda Van Dyke of Kansas City, Missouri; his sister, Maureen Bettels of Butler, Missouri; his brothers, Alan Rotert of Clinton, Missouri, and Robert "Robbie" Rotert (Susan) of Appleton City, Missouri; his sister, Annette Swaters (Roger) of Deepwater, Missouri; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Wayne graduated from Montrose High School in Montrose, Missouri, and later attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

He dedicated 40 years of service to Kenworth Truck Company, where he worked as a Traffic Manager in Kansas City, Missouri, before transferring to Chillicothe, Ohio. Following his retirement, Wayne returned to Kansas City, where he treasured time spent with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their families.

Wayne also maintained a residence in Appleton City, Missouri, where he enjoyed working on tractors, fishing with his brothers, and embracing the slower pace of country life while making lasting memories with family.

A devoted Catholic, Wayne's faith guided his life. He will be remembered for his dedication to family, strong work ethic, kindness, and the love he shared with those closest to him. His memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him. Contributions can be made to the German Town Cemetery

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City of Harrisonville needs your input

As part of Your City, Our Mission, we are continuing our look at the City of Harrisonville’s Street Department and the important role they play in responding to city emergencies.

When urgent situations impact Harrisonville’s roads, the Street Department helps provide the support needed to keep crews, residents, and drivers safe. This includes responding to weather-related road concerns, placing temporary signage, traffic control, and assisting with emergency utility locates for digging.

Whether it is during severe weather, an unexpected road issue, or another urgent service need, the Street Department works to respond quickly and help keep Harrisonville moving safely.

This is your city, and our mission is to serve it well.

Take Survey Here https://www.jotform.com/form/261876284312158

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Sweet corn: Yummy and good for you!

Sweet corn is a summer favorite, but did you know it's packed with more than just great flavor?

One ear of sweet corn provides fiber, vitamins and antioxidants that support a healthy diet. It's a nutritious, versatile food that can be enjoyed fresh off the cob, grilled or added to your favorite recipes.

Find a recipe for Corn and Green Chili Salad: https://brnw.ch/21x4Gep

Learn more. Do more with MU Extension.

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Little Apple news

August 5, 2026

Election results from the St. Clair Co Clerk:

Republican: State Auditor: Fitzpatrick 657  Wistrand 354    US Rep: Alford 1578  Shelton 420  Vera 109    State Rep #28: Kalberloh 2025  

State Senator #4: Alexander 1114  Pollitt 676  Lentz 377   Associate Court Judge: Baker 1966  County Clerk: Fletcher 1868  

Collector: Guffey 2072     Treasurer: Freeman 954  Kneller 1162  Clerk of Circuit Court: Harper 1163  Roth 1040   Recorder: Jackson 1974 

Presiding Commissioner: Byrne 274  Meredith 595  Mallicoat 268  Stoddard  447 Bryant 68  Gardner 553  Prosecuting Atty: Dysart 1965

Democratic: Auditor: Wilson 190  Upchurch 111  US Rep: Herrera 64  Russell 33  Gray 36  Rick 4  Cass 66  Rogers 58  Miller 49 

US Rep #126: Perry 301 State Senator #28: McCaffree 294    Libertarian: Auditor: Coffell 12    US Rep: Holbrook 12  

Amendment #1: yes 2019  no 657  Amendment #2: yes 2003   no 639  Amendment #4: yes 641  no 2063  Amendment #5: yes 426  no 2279

The Depot Taco Salad Lunch will be Wednesday, August 12, 2026 serving 11:00-1:00. The taco salad with toppings, drinks and a variety of homemade cakes all for $10, will be served at the historic MKT Railroad Depot.  You may dine in or carry out.  All proceeds are used by the Appleton City Museum for the maintenance of the Depot, Historic WH Appleton Library, Moore School and Museum. Please join them as Appleton City Landmarks Restoration continues to celebrate its 40 year anniversary this year.

Growing in Grace Community Center will have a back to school bash 1:00-3:00 p.m. August 8. They will have a taco bar, soft -serve ice cream and cookies, clothing giveaway, and Heather Smith will be giving haircuts from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at The Red Door. All clothing and haircuts will be free to the kids. Taco bar is free will donation to help with cost. If anyone has any clothing donations or just want to help with cost of haircuts or school supplies, please let them know by text 660 492 3425.

The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God will be 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8.  All the men of the community are invited to join them for a time of great food and fellowship.   Rodney Leiber will have a short devotional.  

The Knights of Columbus will have their monthly pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose on Sunday, August 9 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.  Treat your family to a hot breakfast you don’t have to cook or clean up.  A free will donation will be greatly appreciated

The Museum will be open this Saturday, August 8, 1:30-4:30 and there will be a demonstration on an old treadle sewing machine as Kenna Bartz sews quilt blocks.  The "Forty Quilts for Forty Years" of the Museum Anniversary runs through August 28 at 503 N Maple, Appleton City, MO.  

The AC Public Library has some fun upcoming events for adults and kids.  August 10 at 11:00 p.m., they have a special story hour for kids learning about germs and the importance of hand washing with the St. Clair County Health Department. Perfect for right before school starts.  August 12, at 4:30-6:30 for Adult's Craft Night, they will be painting your very own barn quilts. Stop by the library to sign up.  August 17 at 11:00, they will be hosting a story hour and back to school bash with free school supplies through the Center of Human Services and other fun activities for the kids. Stop by for information about our Adult's Book Club and their book for September, The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood.

Do you remember the Dari-Burg and Evonne Reed in her waitress uniform? If you have a picture of her and/or Ernest Reed that the AC Museum could copy, please contact Linda Lampkin at acmolampkin@yahoo.com

The AC Fall City Wide Garage Sale dates have been set for September 25 & 26. Permit details will be posted at a later date. 

“The Little Apple” was started by the A. C. Economic Development as way of informing residents of news and events sponsored by area businesses and organizations.  Items of a clearly personal nature, such as birthdays, anniversaries, awards (not group sponsored), personal sales and the like are not accepted for publication. Items may be edited for accuracy, grammar or space restrictions. Please email articles for “The Little Apple” to dcp81@embarqmail.com by Tuesday evenings or bring them to Dr. Payton’s office to be included in that week’s edition. To receive "The Little Apple" free by e-mail, or to be removed from the email list, send your e-mail address to dcp81@embarqmail.com If you have changed your email address, please send the current address, so the list can be updated.

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for August. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Wednesday,  August 5 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday, August 6 - OB/Gyn- Dr. Kallberg,  Friday, August 7 – Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA,  Tuesday,  August 11 - Rheumatology- Dr. John, Wednesday, August 12- Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA, Thursday, August 13- Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA, Friday August 14 –Orthopedic-Dr. Gray, Wednesday, August 19 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday, August 20 –Podiatry: Dr. Pace, Friday, August 21 – Orthopedics- Laura Noble, FNP, Tuesday, August 25 - Rheumatology- Dr. John, Wednesday,  August 26 - Orthopedic-Dr. Gray,  Wednesday,  August 26 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Thursday, August 27 - Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib, Friday, August 28– Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Aug 8     Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God 7:00 a.m.

Aug 8     Sewing/quilt making demonstration at the AC Museum 1:30-4:30

Aug 8     Growing In Grace Back to School Bash 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Aug 9     Pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose 8:30-10:00 a.m.

Aug 12   Depot Taco Salad Lunch serving 11:00-1:00

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