Obituary - Juanita "Nita" Thompson

Juanita Belle (Keith) Thompson, “Nita”, age 81 of Butler Missouri, formerly of Raytown, passed away Friday, July 1st at her home in Butler with family by her side.

Growing up, Nita was heavily influenced by her father and grandmother where she learned how to get along in the world and who encouraged her to pursue her interests and how to turn them into income.

Nita met the love of her life, Doug Thompson, through their mutual love of cars. They were married in August of 1958 and thus began their life of adventures and experiences.

Nita became the driving force behind Doug’s extensive career as a world-renowned custom car builder that spanned 50 years.

Nita and Doug moved to Butler in 1990, where Nita took a job at KMAM/KMOE as a D.J. and became known locally as “The Church Lady”.

Nita’s strong interest in genealogy and family history led to her involvement in the Bates County Historical Society. Nita and Doug were so impressed with the rich history of the area that they joined the Historical Society where they developed a plan to re-house the local museum location. With the support of the Bates County Historical Society, the property that had been used as the county poor farm was purchased and renovated to house the artifacts and cultivate the culture of the area to all those who visit.

Nita is survived by her husband of 64 years, Doug Thompson of the home, 2 sisters, Terri Ridenhour of Holden, and Susan Salzman and husband Monte of Jefferson City. 3 daughters, Sandy Wilkes and husband Mike of Stilwell, KS, Diane Bartels and husband Steve of Butler, MO and Lisa Jay and husband Andrew of Los Angeles, CA. 7 grandchildren, Rachel Clinkenbeard and husband Matt of Overland Park, Sarah (Bartels) Summers and husband Ben of Shawnee, Nickie Bartels and husband Will Beshore of St. Louis, Corey Bartels and partner Cameron Kantor of Butler, and Spencer and Gwendolyn Jay of Los Angeles, 7 great-grandchildren, Nathan Clinkenbeard of Overland Park, Myra, Pierce, and Eleanor Chamberlain, Camryn and Hadley Summers all of Shawnee, and Ameilia Sue Kantor of Butler, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends.

Obituary - Leslie (Les) Eugene Krull

 Leslie (Les) Eugene Krull, 85, of Berryton, died Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at Prairie Winds Senior Living, in Berryton, KS. He was born June 9, 1937, to Eugene and Roberta “Pauline” (Townsley) Krull at home in Mound City, KS. 

The family then moved to a farm outside nearby Blue Mound, KS, where he attended elementary and high school, excelling in every sport and graduating as valedictorian in 1955.

Les was offered full scholarships to both West Point and Kansas State. He chose the latter, playing four seasons of football “both ways” – as quarterback on offense and as safety on defense – and lettering his junior and senior seasons. Les received individual recognition for the 1958 season as a “Wildcat” senior, including All Big 8 Honorable Mention at Quarterback and Safety, Big 8 Passing Leader, and Most Valuable Player as selected by his K-State coaches and teammates. Les enjoyed supporting Wildcat football as a loyal alumni member of the Golden Cats former players club. Before his senior year, Les married Roberta Arlene Stuart of Mound City on August 10, 1958. After graduation with a general business degree in May 1959, he began a 41 year career with Hallmark Cards, Inc., on June 8, 1959, before retiring on July 10, 2000. Over his career, Les worked in a variety of supervisory and management positions in the Kansas City, Lawrence, and Topeka manufacturing plants.

In 1984, Les became the Plant Manager of the Topeka Plant, serving for 17 years. For a time he served concurrently as Plant Manager over the Production Plant in Topeka and Osage City, until the latter was shuttered by Hallmark. A “people person,” Les knew the names of the more than 1,000 fellow Hallmarkers he led and he truly cared about each of them and their families. Closing the Osage Plant was the hardest thing he ever had to do while at Hallmark .

In addition to family and work, Les was active in the community, to include as a member of the United Methodist Church for the past 50 years, as chair of the Topeka United Way, as honorary chair of the first YWCA “Woman of Excellence” award program in 1991, as president of Topeka Crime Stoppers, as a board member of the YMCA, Boy Scouts, and Junior Achievement, and as a member of the Topeka and Kansas Chambers of Commerce, Topeka Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), Masonic Lodge #286, Scottish Rite, and Arab Shrine. Les is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Roberta of nearly 64 years and his brother James Delmar Krull, Blue Mound. When Les prepared his “Last Wishes,” he concluded them with this: “My proudest achievement was participating with my wife Roberta in raising our 3 children to adulthood. We are proud of each of them and their own families.” His family legacy includes son Kyle (Gretchen) Krull, Overland Park, KS; daughter Kathi (Brian) Barlow, Peru, KS; and daughter Karen (Daniel) Remboldt, Brush Creek, TN, and eleven grandchildren (Scott, Christopher, Stefanie, Sarah, Kirsten, Anneliese, Jesse, Matthew, Brandon, Bethany, and Josiah) and ten great-grandchildren (Brenn, Blake, Jett, Kannon, Trey, Blayse, Olivia, Stratton, Hope, and Gaston). As Les grew up hoeing miles of bean fields, milking cows, driving a tractor, and doing all manner of general farm chores, he lived out his rural values by practicing the Golden Rule, working hard, and having fun. Les always considered himself that same “farm boy” from Blue Mound. While he held others to high standards, they were no higher than the standards he set for himself. He was known for his unique, active sense of humor and was a gifted storyteller. Les was generous to a fault. Les summarized his life in the family history he wrote in 2006, as follows: “Roberta has been a strength for our family direction and our life. I am personally very blessed in the life the Lord has allowed me to live. I thank him for it.” The family would especially like to thank the “care team” at Prairie Wind Senior Center for their loving, extra-mile care of Les and the entire family in his last days.

A visitation will be held from 4 pm to 7 pm, Friday, July 8, at Berryton United Methodist Church, 7010 SE Berryton Rd, Berryton, KS. Rev. Annie Ricker will conduct a Celebration of Life service at 10 am, Saturday, July 9, also at Berryton United Methodist Church. A visitation “down home” will be from 3 pm to 5 pm, Saturday, July 9, at Schneider Funeral Home Chapel, 319 Chestnut, Mound City, KS, following the visitation, there will be a brief graveside service at Sunny Slope Cemetery, Blue Mound, KS.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in person at the visitations or Celebration of Life (or online) to Berryton United Methodist Church, 7010 SE Berryton Rd, Berryton, KS 66409 (https://secure.myvanco.com/YGVE/home or Shriners’ Childrens St Louis, 4400 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 (https://www.stlouischildrens.org/giving) or (non-deductible) Prairie Wind Senior Care, 5227 SE 77th St, Berryton, KS 66409.

To leave a remembrance online, please visit www.DoveTopeka.com and/or www.SchneiderFunerals.com

MoDOT: Pavement Sealing Work Planned for State Routes in Seven Southwest Missouri Counties Starting Week of July 11

Pavement Sealing Work Planned for State Routes in Seven

Southwest Missouri Counties Starting Week of July 11

 

Southwest District – State routes in seven (7) southwest Missouri counties are scheduled to be sealed with a mixture of rock and oil beginning the week of July 11, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

 

Here’s a look at the locations:

• Benton County – Route UU from Missouri Route 7 to end of state maintenance at the entrance to Harry S Truman State Park (approximately 2.5 miles)
• Bates County – Missouri Route 52 from Bates County Route BB west of Appleton City east to Missouri Route 13 in Henry County near Deepwater (approximately 25 miles)
• Dallas County – Missouri Route 73 from U.S. Route 65 in Buffalo east to Cowden Road (approximately 0.5 miles)
• Dallas County – Route D from U.S. Route 65 in Urbana east to Missouri Route 73 in Tunas (approximately 8.2 miles)
• Polk County – Business Route 13 (Tilden Street) in Humansville from Missouri Route 13 east to Gulf Street (approximately 0.4 miles)
• Polk County – Missouri Route 215 from Missouri Route 123 in Eudora east to Missouri Route 13 near Brighton (approximately 11 miles)
• Polk County – Route D from Polk County Route NN northeast of Bolivar to Missouri Route 64 west of Louisburg (approximately 8.5 miles)
• Hickory County – Missouri Route 254 from Missouri Route 83 south of Wheatland east to Missouri Route 64 south of Hermitage (approximately 7.2 miles)
• Cedar County – Missouri Route 32 from just south of El Dorado Springs to Missouri Route 39 in Stockton (approximately 19.3 miles)
• Barton County – Missouri Route 43 from U.S. Route 160 south to Missouri Route 126 west of Lamar (approximately 6.4 miles)

 

Speed limits will be reduced to 45 mph where contractor crews are working.

 

Drivers also can expect flaggers and pilot cars directing them through the work zone. Drivers should wait for the pilot vehicle before proceeding through the work zone or before entering the work zone from a side road.

 

Signs and message boards will alert drivers to the work zone.

 

Weather and/or scheduling delays will alter the work schedule.

 

A seal coat is not an alternative to an asphalt overlay, but is planned for these roads as an economical way to maintain and preserve the roadway. The treatments keep a road from deteriorating and will extend its life.

 

Project information:

• Contractor: Blevins Asphalt Construction Co., Mt. Vernon
• Total cost: $2.7 million
• Completion date: September 1, 2022

FREE Joe Nichols concert Saturday night in Rich Hill

On Saturday July 2nd is the FREE Joe Nichols concert in Rich Hill at 8 p.m. Opener Tim Nowell acoustic band starts at 6:30 p.m.

Joe has been a mainstay in country music for over two decades with six #1 singles, 10 Top 10 hits, such as "Gimmie That Girl", "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off", and "Yeah".

The 4th of July Committee would like to once again thank all of our sponsors and the many others that help support this celebration to keep this tradition alive since 1881!!

Bring your own lawn chairs. Come early and support our local food booths, craft vendors, and the carnival.

Concert is in Rich Hill's Park Place (west park)!

McBee’s Coffee N’ Carwash Opens First Location in Belton

McBee’s Coffee N’ Carwash Opens First Location Car wash, dog wash and a hot cup of coffee all in one June 30, 2022 – BELTON, Mo. – 

McBee's Coffee N’ Carwash celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its first-ever location at 590 E. North Avenue, today, June 30. “The concept for McBee’s Coffee N’ Carwash came from the idea that in today’s fast-paced world, car washes need to address two specific needs: high-quality washes and minimal time spent in the wash,” said McBee’s Coffee N’ Carwash Team. “Along with a high-end automated wash, customers can enjoy a great cup of coffee, with a flavor of their choosing, to sip on during the wash.” McBee’s uses a conveyor belt system which allows for easy loading and creates less stress than attempting to pull into a traditional rub-rail chain and drag/push system. 

The wash is designed to get cars in and out in less than 3 minutes (once they have entered the tunnel). 

The $800,000 family-owned luxury car wash offers a variety of options with free vacuums as well as a high-end, self-serve dog washing station with eight different soap options and a drying hose. The tasty cup of coffee is an added treat to enhance the whole experience.

From the city of Butler

The City of Butler would like to wish everyone a Happy and Safe 4th of July. 

Fireworks can be legally shot off in the city limits on July 3rd from Noon to 10:00 pm and on the 4th this year. 

City Hall will be closed on Monday.

Do you like pie?

Talented bakers Cassie Irick and Lorrie Swarnes from the Bates County Memorial Hospital Nutrition Services department have made some delicious pies to donate to the Rich Hill's 4th of July pie auction tonight! 

Cassie baked an apple pie, and Lorrie's pie is chocolate pecan. BCMH is participating in several Rich Hill weekend events with a First Aid & Comfort Tent at the concert on Saturday night (with our Rich Hill Family Care Clinic and a paramedic/ambulance), and a float in the parade on the 4th. See you there!

#happy4th #staysafe

Obituary - Edwin Leon Dennis

Edwin Leon Dennis, born in Mountain Grove, Missouri on February 14, 1957 to Angilee and Leon Dennis, died unexpectedly on June 28, 2022 at the age of 65. 

Edwin resided in Linn Valley, Kansas. Throughout his life he was an avid rodeo cowboy, hunter, fisherman, welder, mechanic, handyman, and jack of all trades. 

Edwin is survived by two siblings, his older sister, Charlotte Becker(John) of Butler, Missouri and a younger brother, Terry Dennis(Shirley) of Booneville, Arkansas. Edwin was an uncle to many, and known to most as "Uncle Ed".

He was an ornery uncle and would walk by with knuckle rubs on the head to Tracy Parks, Roger Parks, Janet Wason(James), and Teri-Rae Taylor(John). Edwin is also survived by many great nephews and nieces that he loved spending time with, AJ Smith(Kim), Matthew Garr, Britney Winkler(Zach), Roger Parks Jr., Logan Parks, Cassie Wason, Jordan Taylor, and John Taylor.

He also had many great-great nieces and nephews that he adored to be around. He is also survived by one aunt, Wanda Hardy, and two uncles, Wendell Dennis(Sharon) and Randall Dennis(Jan). Edwin was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

A private family gathering to honor Edwin's life will be held at a later date. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.