Obituary - Luke Joseph Kates

Luke Joseph Kates, passed away unexpectedly on April 19, 2023, in Independence, Missouri. He was only 37 years old. His family is deeply saddened by his sudden death. Luke was born on February 24, 1986.

Services for Luke will take place on Tuesday April 25, 2023, at Abundant Life Church, 304 SW Persels Road, Lees Summit, MO 64081. 

Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM and his Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM. Graveside Service will begin at 1:00 PM at Oak Ridge Memory Gardens, 18301 East Salisbury Road, Independence, MO 64056.

Luke is survived by his father Johnny Kates and mother Barbara Kates, his wife Karina Kates, his children Beckett Kates and Nova Kates. Forever remembered by his siblings Jacob Kates and his wife Ashley Kates, Lori Babers and her husband Nate Babers. Forever loved by his nephews Trey Kates, Mason Kates, Jonathan Babers, Zachary Babers and Elijah Babers.

Luke is preceded in death by his brother Johnny Lee Kates Jr., grandparents William Kates, Dorothy Kates, Claude Strutton, Lora Strutton and his adopted grandparents Alvin and Margaret Cain.
Luke was born at Menorah Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up in Kansas City, Independence and Oak Grove, Missouri. He started his own company and was always his own boss.

Luke was a passionate soul and was always the life of the party. His passions included motorcycles, off-roading, softball, anything that went fast, golf, fishing and the list goes on and on. His biggest passion was his family and friends.

Luke was a compassionate son, brother, husband, dad, and friend. His laugh would fill up a room, and his mischievous smile would let you know he was always up to something. Luke was, above all, honest and loyal to the people that were in his circle. He made an impact on any life he touched. Luke will be greatly missed. Until we hug again.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to go to the Fundraiser for Luke's wife and kids. 

Donate Here Published by Heartland Cremation & Burial Society - Raytown Office, Chapel & Crematory on Apr. 23, 2023.

BCMH Honors Auxiliary Volunteers

Auxiliary members pictured, front row from left: Beverly Wainwright, Juanita White, Ruby Westmoreland, Kathleen Bunch, Faye Hunt and Pat Friederich. Second row: Carol Hedrick, Phyllis McBrayer, Judy Taylor, Kathleen Eckert, Kelly Stark and Lora Padley. Back row: Alvina Harrison-Wells, Carol Lewis, Barbara Weaver, Elizabeth (Liz) Schlechty, Dee Hall, Beth Taranto, Bob Thomas, Charlotte Guss, Mike Humphrey (chaplain) and Doris Null. Not pictured: Norman Black, Missie Good, Holly Rabourn

For Auxiliary Appreciation Week, Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) recognized and celebrated our very special Auxiliary volunteers with a banquet on Friday, April 21.

Volunteers contribute a great deal to our hospital, its patients and employees. Their accomplishments include:

· Donating the equivalent of four full-time employees’ hours of work in 2022

· Raising funds to help purchase needed equipment for the hospital

· Sponsoring activities to show appreciation to BCMH health care workers

· Coordinating the annual Operation Sock-it-to-Me Service Project for school children in Bates County

During the banquet, members were recognized for hours of service with a pin and were given a hanging flower basket as a thank you gift from the hospital.

The awards ceremony included the announcement of the 2022 volunteer of the year, Norman Black. Norman goes above and beyond in his role as an auxiliary volunteer, taking on several shifts a week at the information desk and acting as minute-taker for Auxiliary meetings. In his life, Norman has worn many hats: licensed practical nurse, pastor, Christian school principal and administrator. In 2022, he published a book, “A Merry Heart”.

Like Norman, volunteers perform many tasks, and their service is invaluable. They are the first to greet patients and assist them with the registration process. Some volunteers help with accompanying patients to their appointment destination. Others help run the gift shop, performing various duties including shopping, stocking, planning, and assisting customers.

Auxiliary members say they like to volunteer because it helps to get out into the community on a regular basis to build relationships, get more exercise, and fill their week with purpose. All of our volunteers enjoy helping others, and they are of tremendous help to our patients, visitors and employees. Members enjoy a few perks for volunteering, include a free meal on their service days, and discounts on gift shop merchandise and BCMH health services.

If you would like to learn more about volunteering with BCMH Auxiliary, speak to a volunteer at the information desk or gift shop, or visit https://www.bcmhospital.com/auxiliary-volunteers/

BCMH thanks our volunteers for their gift of service.

Norman Black, 2022 Volunteer of the Year at Bates County Memorial Hospital.

El Dorado Springs High School Boys Golf wins conference championship

Congratulations to our El Dorado Springs High School Boys Golf team as they won the Conference Championship Today in Buffalo. All 5 boys received All Conference Honors! 

(In photo, left to right: Riley Massie, 11; Aidan Walker, 12; Noah Bland, 11; Rees McCullough, 11; Parker Heitz, 9.)

Go Bulldogs!

Flip through this week's News-Shopper and see the Best of Bates County!

 

Follow this link to flip through all 32 pages https://online.fliphtml5.com/xgttb/ioal/

Way to go fellas!

We would like to congratulate Butler High School Golfers Aiden Lybarger on his 1st place finish in the Ozark Highlands Conference golf tournament! 

Also congrats to Dylan Randalls on his 4th place finish. Way to go!!!

2023 Harrisonville High School Prom Court Announced

Congratulations to the 2023 Harrisonville High School Prom Court!

Queen candidates are Bella Tracy, Kadence Schrock, Arianna Darling, Tayler Szudarski, Martina Bova, and Piper Coppedge 

King candidates are Brett Hopkins, Micah Cheek, Gunnar Lee, Kole Snook, Luke Burroughs, and Dillon Metchnikoff. The King & Queen will be crowned at Prom this Saturday!

Obituary - Mark Darren White

Mark Darren White, age 61, of El Dorado Springs, MO, passed away April 22, 2023, at home doing what he loved most, working cattle.

Mark was born November 1, 1961, in El Dorado Springs to Doyle and Darlene (Marshall) White. He was best known as the Virgil City/Montevallo “fix it” man.

He was a man of many talents and unique creations, including, but not limited to, an office chair Christmas tree stand, an item every home needs. He was an avid deer and turkey hunter, but only after he perused the grocery aisle for Little Debbie and diet Dew.

Mark worked for many years, starting in high school, for Bill Beaty, hauling various farming equipment and learning life lessons along the way. After his time there, Mark went to work for O’Sullivan’s, where he spent many years, before kicking his feet up at 3M. After his working career, he terrorized the pop aisles looking for his daughter, but not before he found his apple fritters.

He spent his afternoons gossiping in Beaty’s shop; then he would round out his week at his sister Kristi’s greenhouse. Mark believed that his word was his bond no matter if he was custom combining, haying, working cattle, or working his 7-7. If Mark said it, he would make it happen. If you needed a helping hand, he was there.

Mark was a great dad, but you didn’t ask him to teach you how to drive a stick or cook you stew. He never missed a ball game, school program, or chance to teach his daughter. Along with his siblings, Mark had a multitude of friends and cousins that he shared lifetime memories with, from stick horses, shooting blue rock, and concerts, to things that should never be repeated. Mark was loved by all, and he loved them all dearly. Family meant everything to Mark.

Mark’s life abruptly changed when he ran into Kris at the grocery store in the summer of 1998. After asking his sister Shelley for Kris’s number and coming up short, it was nothing for Mark to call Kris’s dad, Dennis, to ask for her number. Kris brought joy into Mark’s life, including her son Chase. After many dates, family dates, and a few years, they got married on November 8, 2002. Mark and Chase shared multiple memories together, and some of the same life qualities. The best life advice Mark ever taught Chase was “how to keep his mouth shut.”

The holiday season has always been important to Mark. He especially loved Christmas, which got a whole new meaning when his granddaughters entered into his world. He was a master at giving his granddaughters gummy butterflies just before supper. Hershey chocolates became their own food group. Whatever his grand babies needed, grandpa delivered.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Darlene White; sister, Shelley White-Briscoe; and infant brother, Steven Lane White.

He is survived by his wife, Kris White; daughter, Cass White and wife, Tara-Kanita; son, Chase Gardner and wife, Ally; granddaughters, Ollie and Lena; father, Doyle White and companion, Laurel Corlett; sisters, Kristi Toliver and husband/best friend, Darren, and Kasey Sindel and husband, Steve; sister-in-law, Sandy Fairbetter and husband, Craig; mother-in-law, Connie Maberry; father-in-law, Dennis Burton and wife, Mary Ellen; nieces: Thomara White-Briscoe, Abby Crow and husband, Alex, Mya White-Briscoe, Libby Toliver, and Darby Sindel; nephews, Morgan Toliver and wife, Brittany, and Adam Fairbetter; great-nephew, Conlin; great-nieces, Tinsley and Tatum; and beloved sidekick, Trixie.

There will never be another Mark White.

Cass County Sheriff's Office Auxiliary Rodeo

The Cass County Sheriff's Auxiliary is excited to host the 2nd Annual Cass County Sheriff's Rodeo this October 6th & 7th at the Harrisonville North Park Rodeo Grounds. The goal of the CCSO Auxiliary is to provide a premiere benefit rodeo that will support our commitment to public safety and children through the efforts of the Sheriff's Auxiliary. Through our concerted efforts, we will provide a memorable experience for the community and its participants. The event brings a better understanding of the relationship between Law Enforcement and the public.

“We are excited to bring this family friendly event to our community again this year. We are so thankful to all who participated in last year's big success. We look forward to even more fun with this year's event and the opportunities we can provide to support the Sheriff's Office in Cass County” said Auxiliary President Darren Rew.

Proceeds benefit the Sheriff's Auxiliary, a volunteer 501(c)(3) public service organization. The CCSO Auxiliary provides support to the community through children programs and specialized team assistance. The Auxiliary has funded more than $50,000 for D.A.R.E., Tan Santa, Law Enforcement Wellness, Benevolence Fund, Family Support, K9, and UAV programs.

“I am excited to be part of this event and to offer the community a family friendly event. The Auxiliary is a key part of our office and the programs funded from the proceeds are essential to support the men and women who provide quality public safety to the County. The 2022 Rodeo was a huge success and we anticipate this year will be even better” Sheriff Jeff Weber.

The C. R. McKellips Rodeo Co., Inc. will provide a Friday and Saturday night performance sanctioned by the United Rodeo Association and the Missouri Rodeo Cowboy Assoc.

For more information or questions about sponsorship email rodeo@cassmosheriff.org