Obituary - Megan Janelle Schepker

Megan Janelle Schepker, age 41, was born on April 26, 1982, in Clinton, Missouri, the daughter of Scott Schepker and Gayla (Smith) Schepker, departed this life on December 24, 2023. A devoted daughter, mother, and a cherished friend, Janelle's presence brightened the lives of those she encountered.

Graduating from South Brunswick in Southport, North Carolina, in 2000, Janelle's life epitomized empathy and care for others. Known for her advocacy for the underdog, she impacted many lives with her selflessness and compassion.

Janelle’s infectious laughter and love for music were hallmarks of her vibrant spirit. Her joyful singing brought happiness to those around her, a reflection of her boundless enthusiasm for life, even in moments of playful embarrassment.

She spent most of her life as a Med Tech which showcased her commitment to service, and her recent role in the nursing home kitchen exemplified her caring nature, providing homecooked meals to residents she served.

However, Janelle's deepest love and devotion were reserved for her children, Jayden, Kya, Nevaeh, and Wyatt, who were the center of her world.

Janelle is preceded in death by her father, Scott Schepker, infant daughter, Jordan Schepker and infant son Joshua Paul Scheer, Jr., her paternal grandmother, Patricia Schepker, and maternal grandfather, Eldon Smith.

She is survived by her four children; Jayden Schepker of Springfield, Missouri, Kya Schepker, Nevaeh Scheer both of Warsaw, Missouri and Wyatt Scheer of Garden City, Missouri, her mother, Gayla Schepker, of Warsaw, Missouri; one sister, Jackie Whitaker and her husband Brent, a niece, Aspen Whitaker and a nephew, Gage Whitaker all of Warsaw, Missouri one brother, Slade Schepker, of Warrensburg, Missouri, maternal grandmother Linnie (Malinda) Newman of Warsaw Missouri and paternal grandfather Edward Schepker of Warsaw, Missouri. Megan's memory will forever live on in the hearts of her surviving family, and many friends.

A celebration of life for Janelle will be held at the River Church on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 4:00 PM with a visitation from 3:00-4:00.

Cremation is under the direction of Reser Funeral Home in Warsaw, Missouri.

Shooting Investigation in Pittsburg Kansas

On Friday, December 29, 2023 at approximately 1:31 AM, first responders from the Pittsburg Police Department, Pittsburg Fire Department and Crawford County EMS responded to an apartment located at Sycamore Village Residences, 2601 N. Joplin, for a report of an individual suffering from a gunshot wound.

The 28-year-old male was transported to Via Christi Hospital for a non-life threatening injury to his leg. The investigation into this incident is ongoing at this time.

Anyone having information related to this incident, or other crimes, is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620) 231-1700, or at our automated tip line, (620) 231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

Montrose woman injured in Vernon County rollover

On December Friday December 29th the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Vernon County along with Vernon County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a one vehicle rollover accident on Route D around 10 miles northwest of Nevada.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when westbound 2018 Ford Explorer driven by 39 year old Stefanie M. Hon of Montrose, Missouri traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a culvert, became airborne, and overturned.

Stefanie M. Hon sustained minor injuries in this accident and she was transported by ambulance to Nevada Regional Medical Center for treatment.

View crash reported below:

https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=230685325

Butler Youth Wrestling competed hard over the weekend

Tough competition down in Willard today, but the Butler Youth Wrestling club kids fought hard and did their best! Very proud of all their efforts. Here are the results:

Only one wrestler came home with a championship ring: LEVI WIESE II congratulations on placing 1st today!!!

Nolan Varns-2nd
Brayden McGuire-2nd
Melanie Varns-3rd in boys
Julius Varns-3rd
Easton Adams-5th

WE HAD A COUPLE KIDS GO TO ANDERSON, MO to wrestle today and they did very well:

Covy Riley-1st place (CONGRATULATIONS!!)
Gabriel Sines-2nd place

There will be a few kids battling back down here in Willard tomorrow, so to be CONTINUED….

Happy New Year everyone!! We are so proud of all of our little Butler Bears, and the effort they put forth each week!!

Obituary - Kathyrn Christina Miller

Kathyrn Christina Miller was born on December 29, 1947, the daughter of Harold Leevis and Althea Rosalie (Parker) Meyers. She passed away peacefully at St. Joseph Medical Center on December 27, 2023, age 75. She grew up in the Appleton City area, where she graduated from Appleton City High School in 1966. She then graduated from nursing school in 1972 and immediately began working at Ellett Memorial Hospital, where she remained until the present.

Shortly after completing her education, Kathy met and later married Jerry D. Miller on September 30, 1972, her husband of 34 years. To this union two children were born: Christopher and Timothy. Before getting married, she worked at Ellett Memorial Hospital at its old location.

Kathy was always involved in the healthcare service of her community as long as she remained able, which was more than 50 years. Additionally, she dearly enjoyed tending her flowers and gardening in the springtime, once having four gardens at the same time. She also loved shopping. Yet the most important thing to her was her family, especially her grandchildren.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Leevis and Althea Rosalie (Parker) Meyers; husband, Jerry Miller; and her brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her two children, Chris (Kelly) Miller and Tim Miller; two grandchildren: Wyatt and Morgan Miller; three siblings: Bobby (Janice) Williams, Tim Williams, and Clarice Hutchings; along with many extended family and good friends.

Kathy will be deeply missed by her many families and friends.

Obituary - Dale Leonard Brown

Dale Leonard Brown, age 70, of Raymore, Missouri passed away December 27, 2023.

A visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., 612 W. Foxwood Dr., Raymore, Missouri. Funeral services are at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Following the services, burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, Greenwood, Missouri with military honors.

Dale was born in L’Anse, Michigan on November 4, 1953, the son of Leonard J. Brown and Helen J. Strauch. Dale grew up in a large family, he was one of twelve children, David, Darell, Daniel, Douglas, Donald, Darin, Dean, Dwight, Delores, Laura, and Kathy. After high school Dale served his country in the United States Army. He went on to further his education and received his master’s degree in chemistry with a minor in environmental science at University of Missouri. Dale met the love of his life, Jo Lynnete Beydler and they were married on November 8, 1975. Together, they were blessed with three wonderful children, Lucas, Andrew, and Lacey. Dale was a very faithful member of the Countryside Bible Church where he served as an Elder in the church. In life, he worked as an environmental engineer for Honeywell and retired after 35 years of service. He loved spending his spare time whittling, fishing, shooting at the range, and washing his truck multiple times a day if needed. But most of all he loved spending his time with his children and grandchildren.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Helen Brown; his sister Delores Kugler; his granddaughter, Abigail Estelle Brown; and his in-laws, Raymond and Virginia Beydler.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Jo Lynnete Brown; three children, Lucas D. Brown (Amy), Andrew J. Brown, and Lacey J. Burgess (Keith); three grandchildren, Brody Brown, Levi Brown, Keith Burgess, Jr. and one on the way in April; ten siblings, David Brown (Veronica), Darell Brown (Nancy), Daniel Brown (Colleen), Douglas Brown (Marcia), Donald Brown (Loretta), Darin Brown (Sharon), Dean Brown (Marie), Dwight Brown, Laura McElroy (Mark), and Kathy Gaylord (Arnold); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Countryside Bible Church c/o Robin Simpson 305 Sandra Ln. Belton, Missouri 64012.

Butler Bears High School Wrestling Team competed in the 56th Annual Kinloch Classic in Springfield this weekend

The Butler Bears High School Wrestling Team competed in the 56th Annual Kinloch Classic in Springfield this weekend. 

We were the smallest school in attendance out of 24 teams.

Team: 13th.

Individual results:
106: Phineas Goertz: 8th place.
113: Mayan Pajula: 13th place.
138: Damian Alkire: 3rd place.
150: Kellen Long: Champion!
175: Isaac Rodriguez: 4th place.
215: Zayne Nuzum: 10th place
285: Wyatt Miller: 16th place.

We did well considering we were missing a few key players and we are extremely young.

Next up is the Butler Varsity Tournament. Girls on Friday, Jan 05th with a 3:30PM start time. The boys on Saturday, Jan 06th with a 9AM start time.

Obituary - Tyler R. Claypool

Tyler R. Claypool, age 32, of Nevada, MO, passed away Friday, December 29, 2023.

Friends may pay their respects and sign the book, from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, Wednesday, January 3 and Thursday, January 4, at Ferry Funeral Home.

Services for Tyler will be 10:00 am, Monday, January 8, 2023 at Ferry Funeral Home. There will be a private family burial at Click Cemetery.

The complete obituary will be updated soon.