Butler Public Library Noon Year's Eve Event

The Butler Public Library held a "Noon Year's Eve" event at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 31 for area children. Thirty children plus parents attended this program where the children listened to stories, made themed crafts, celebrated with a countdown and balloon drop and had a light lunch.

The library is thankful for the support of the parents and the community members who donate to the library so such programs can occur. 

Those interested in library events can follow the Butler Public Library's Facebook page, visit www.butlerpubliclibrary.org, or stop in and talk with staff.

Obituary - Irene G. Powell

The Service for Irene will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at Hill and Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri . The Minister officiating the service will be Pastor Tony Reynolds Interment will be in Appleton City Cemetery, Appleton City, Missouri The family suggests Memorial donations be made to the First Christian Church in Appleton City.

Irene G. Powell passed from this life on December 31, 2015 at 97 years of age. She was born in rural Laclede County, Missouri on September 18, 1918, the youngest of six children born to Newton Clark and Carrie Ann (Woolsey) Gouge. After attending rural grade school she entered high school in Stoutland, Missouri, graduating in May of 1937. She continued to live at home with her parents while caring for her ailing mother Carrie who died the following February 28, 1938.

After the death of her mother, Irene was hired as the companion for an older lady suffering with arthritis. They traveled to Arkansas and Oklahoma so her employer could take treatments in the hot mineral baths. Later Irene was hired to care for Anna Bowling and her daughter Mary Ann while Ann’s Husband Lloyd was traveling around Missouri building roads as he was employed by Royce Zink Construction of Appleton City. Lloyd had a handsome friend who was also employed by Zink Construction, so Anna and Lloyd decided the two should meet. Thus began the courtship of Richard Powell and Irene. They were married on June 18, 1942 in St. Louis where Richard was stationed while serving in the Army Air Corps. Irene continued to live in Lebanon and work in a bank until Richard was honorably discharged. They settled in Appleton City where Richard resumed working for Zink Construction. Richard had rented three rooms in Grace Kidd’s home for them. Their only child Carol Ann was born on May 24, 1944. Irene was a stay at home mom until Carol Ann was in grade school.

She worked for Brownsberger’s Department Store for approximately 20 years; then babysat in her home for a short time before becoming a cook for Head Start in Appleton City for six years. Her final employment was with Yoss Brothers Grocery.

Irene was a longtime member of the Appleton City First Christian Church where she taught a preschool Sunday school class, served as superintendent of children’s Sunday school, led and taught vacation Bible school and was active in CFW where she held several offices. She was a founding member of the church quilt guild and also often quilted with the group at Ohio Christian Church. She was a former member of the Appleton City Rebecca Lodge and had belonged to the local PTA while her daughter was in school. In later years she was a member of the Ellett Memorial Hospital auxiliary.

Irene was a wonderful cook most noted for her yeast rolls and glazed donuts, which she always supplied for bake sales and the country store at the Appleton City fair. People would stand in line to get them often calling her at home to have her mark them sold before the actual sale day.

Irene was a very good seamstress although she claimed to not enjoy it. Quilting was a favorite pastime as was crocheting and she made numerous pillows and afghans to give as gifts. Many people have some of the Christmas ornaments that she crocheted. She crocheted 30 bells to decorate the ends of the pews for her granddaughter’s wedding.

Preceding Irene in death were her parents; husband Richard in 1990; four sisters: Lucy Atkins, Katherine Logan, Pearl Mooney and Lorene Pryer; and one brother Elston Gouge. She is survived by her daughter Carol Ann and husband Gary Hackney; granddaughter Deborah and husband Brent Emsbarger; great-granddaughters Morgan and Sydney Emsbarger; plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Butler man arrested on Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance

Bryan C. Ferrel

On 12/31/15 around 10:35 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Bates County arrested 35 year old Brian C. Ferrel of Butler, Missouri.

Mr. Ferrel was arrested for 1.) Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine 2.) Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 3.) 2 Misdemeanor Warrants - Cole County 4.) no seatbelt.

He was booked into the Bates County Jail and is currently listed as bondable.



Copyright Mid America Live News

Obituary - Wayne Andrew Henson

Wayne Andrew Henson, 85, Drexel, Missouri, died Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 4, 2016 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, Missouri with visitation from 1:00-2:00 p.m.



(A complete obituary will be posted when available).

Obituary - Virginia Cline

Virginia Cline

Funeral services for Virginia Cline will be 2 p.m. Sunday, January 3, 2016 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation will be prior to services from 1-2 p.m. Sunday at Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions in lieu of flowers to American Cancer Society. Online condolences, www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Virginia Cline, age 78 of Blue Springs, Missouri died Thursday, December 31, 2015 at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri. She was born November 4, 1937 to V.L. and Esther Irene Jennings Harbert in Johnstown, Missouri.

Virginia is survived by her son, Joe Cline Jr. and wife Brenda of Independence, Missouri; one daughter, Ronda Romeo and husband Mike of Blue Springs, Missouri; one sister, Karen Hunt of Independence, Missouri; Uncle and Aunt Ralph and Evelyn Jennings of Butler, Missouri; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Joe Cline in 2003; and aunt, Frances Williams.

Updated Obituary - James Russell Joy

James Russell Joy

James Russell Joy, 35, son of George Michael “Mike” and Linda Rose (DeMaggio) McKee and Stanley Joy, departed this life December 24, 2015 at St. Luke’s Hospital in North Kansas City, Missouri. James was born April 20, 1980 in Kansas City, Missouri and spent the early years of his childhood in the Kansas City area. Mike and Linda later moved their family to Montrose, Missouri where James attended Montrose School for several years. He felt it was important to finish his high school education earning his GED after a few years.

James continued to make his home in rural Montrose, but worked in the Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri areas doing tree trimming, roofing and concrete work.

Hunting deer occupied some of James’ free time and he also enjoyed fishing in the strip pits surrounding the Montrose area. Spending time with his family and friends was very important to him. He and his Grandpa Scott had a special bond. James’ most selfless act was the gift of life. It was his wish to donate his organs to someone who needed them if an accident ever occurred. Several of the most blessed life giving Christmas gifts were received through his family’s desire to allow his wishes to be carried out.

Preceding James in death were his maternal grandmother and step-grandfather Mae DeMaggio and Ervin Scott; maternal grandfather and step-grandmother, Ed and Violet DeMaggio; paternal grandparents James and Virginia Joy; step-grandfather Harold McKee; and an aunt Mary Kendall.

Survivors include his stepfather and mother, Mike and Linda McKee; his father Stanley E. Joy; one sister Paula Jean Joy; one brother George Allen McKee; five half-sisters: Carol Joy, Shirley Joy, Jamie Joy, Peggy Sue (Chris) Fayard and Paige Joy; two half-brothers William Joy and Levi Joy; two nephews Joseph Kempinger and Noah Kempinger; a step-grandmother Betty McKee; many other aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for James will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, January 2, 2016, at Hill and Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri. The Minister officiating at the service will be Pastor David Putthoff.

The visitation will be held from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. preceding the service.

The family suggests any Memorial donations be made to Midwest Transplant. Donations may be left at the funeral home.

Obituary - Raymond McKinney

Raymond McKinney 55 of Harrisonville, Missouri departed this life on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at ABC Healthcare, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Final arrangements entrusted to Cass County Cremation Service, Harrisonville, Missouri. An obituary will be posted when that information becomes available.

Obituary - Shirley Foster

Shirley Foster, of Rich Hill, passed away on Sunday, December 27th at her home in Rich Hill. She was 55. Arrangements are under the direction of Heuser Funeral Home. 

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 2nd at Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill. 

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Shirley Foster Memorial Fund, in care of Heuser Funeral Home.