Obituary - Beverly Inez (Bell) Johnson

Beverly Inez (Bell) Johnson of Raymore, MO passed peacefully on December 7, 2023.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., 612 W. Foxwood Dr., Raymore, MO 64083. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 13, 2023 with burial to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Kansas City, MO.

Beverly was born in Kansas City, MO on August 27, 1931. She was the oldest of three children of Frank E. and Edith L. (Waller) Bell. Beverly had two siblings, Janet Earlene (Bell) Dyer (Philip) and Col. William E. Bell (Mary).

Beverly married Earl Warren (Bud) Johnson on June 10, 1949. They were blessed with six (as Bev would say, “Perfect” children). Patti Wescoat (Larry), Kelly Johnson (Pam), Tim Johnson (Debbie), Paul Johnson (Nancy), Julie Kincaid (Brian), Zach Johnson (Shannon). She had 21 grandkids, 34 great grandkids and 6 great-great-grandkids.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Edith Bell, her sister and brother-in-law Janet and Philip Dyer, and brother Col. Bill Bell, her husband, Bud Johnson, two daughters-in-law, Kathy (West) Johnson and Sheryl (Scoggins) Johnson and one son-in-law Andrew Aguirre.

Beverly and Bud lived in the KC area most of their married lives. Together they built, owned and operated B/J Productions for over 45 years. B/J Productions was a Promotional Company that included B/J Photos for Santa and the Easter Bunny pictures at many local malls and events; and the Bud Johnson Petting Zoo which traveled locally as well as over much of the north-western United States. Many of their children and grandchildren were active participants in their business as well.

Beverly was raised attending church as a child. As a young mother she was active at the First Baptist Church of Grandview. She taught Sunday School and had an active role in the WMU (Women’s Missionary Union). In 1970 she moved her membership from the First Baptist church to Belvidere Heights Baptist Church and remained active as a Sunday School teacher, member of the Church Council and WMU until her death. She loved the Lord Jesus with all her heart, read her Bible and prayed daily, which guided her life and she had a continuing prayer list for her children, family and friends.

Beverly would always tell everyone that all of her children were “Perfect”, even as her children would shake their heads. Beverly enjoyed doing things and going places with her kids and she talked with them daily. She enjoyed traveling and visiting with friends. She enjoyed going to the great-grandkids sports events and school programs. She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Belvidere Heights Baptist Church 15109 White Ave, Grandview, MO 64030.

Butler JV boys wrestling team traveled to Harrisonville for a tournament today

The Butler JV boys traveled to Harrisonville for a tournament today.

We did well overall. We lost some close matches. Most had their first career matches, and they all improved as each round progressed. With more mat time, we will win those close matches.

I am super proud with the camaraderie this freshman group has with each other.

Results:
Mayan Pajula: 3rd place.
Dustin Grubb: 3rd place.
Wyatt Miller: 3rd place.
Phineas Goertz: 4th place.
Aidin Powell: 4th place.

Archie head football coached named coach of the year

We would like to congratulate Archie High School Football Coach Drew Smith on being selected as the Coach of the Year by the Missouri Football Coaches Association!

Butler Junior High Wrestling Team performed well in Lexington Tournament

The Butler Junior High Wrestling Team competed in the Lexington Tournament Friday night. It was a long night, but we performed well.

Results:

Alayna Alkire: 1st place.
Brandon Brunson: 1st place.
Abel Bryan: 1st place.
Addy Cochran: 1st place.
Catherine Cook: 1st place.
Hunter Long: 1st place.
Breanne Mallatt: 1st place.
Brittany Mallatt: 1st place.
Jacob Thomas: 1st place.
Brennden Ball: 2nd place.
Elizabeth Bedwell: 2nd place.
Riley Bordelon: 2nd place.
Raylynn Bowers: 2nd place.
Emma Dixon: 2nd place.
Addy Kuda: 2nd place.
Bentley Myers: 2nd place.
Ariel O’Connell: 2nd place.
Mikayla Combs-Gibson: 4th place.
Colby Dugan: 4th place.

Next up is conference @ Buffalo on Weds. start time is 5PM.

Amsterdam teen injured in Bates County rollover accident

On Friday December 8th around 11:40 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol along with Bates County Sheriff's Deputies and Bates County EMS responded to a one vehicle rollover accident on 52 Highway east of Route J in rural Bates County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the westbound 2002 Dodge 1500 pickup driven by a 17 year old juvenile male motorist from Amsterdam. Missouri was westbound when he drove off the road, struck and embankment and overturned.

The male was transported to the Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler for treatment of moderate injuries.

View crash report below:

https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=230651778

 

Truck fire just north of El Dorado Springs

On Friday December 8th the El Dorado Springs Fire Department along with Cedar County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a truck fire on 82 Highway around a half mile north of El Dorado Springs.

No one was injured in this fire and the truck was a total loss.

Photos courtesy of the El Dorado Springs Fire Department 

BHS Winter Band Concert a great success

We would like to congradulate the Butler High School Band on a wonderful winter concert performance tonight. 

Also a huge shout out to band director Michael Watts on a very successful first band concert at BHS. 

If you have a chance please check out and support your local band boosters. They work really hard for these kids! 

Please enjoy a few photos from tonight's concert. 

Obituary - Karen Sue Ward

Karen Sue (Munsey) Mersman Ward, 79, of Clinton, Missouri passed away Thursday, December 7, 2023 at the Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. She was born August 23, 1944 in Napa, California, the daughter of Homer Leon Munsey and Dorothy Gail (Martin) Munsey.

She married Robert Earl Ward on July 25, 1982 in Reno, Nevada. He survives of the home.

Karen was employed as a cashier and checker for the Sav-On stores, and owned and operated Fredrick’s Club while living in California. She enjoyed camping, fishing, quilting, traveling and boating on the lake.

In addition to her husband Bob, she is survived by two sons, Rodney Mersman (Connie), Leavenworth, Ks., and Randy Mersman, Leavenworth, Ks.; one grandson, Dillon Mersman; one brother, Rick Friant (Greta), Portland, Oregon; and one niece, Shahna Tumey, Roach, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Karen’s wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton.