Obituary - Vicki Lynne (Garland) Purvis

Vicki Lynne (Garland) Purvis was born on September 6, 1951 in Nevada, Missouri to W.O. (Oris) and Leona F. Garland. She passed away peacefully at her home in Raymore, Missouri on September 30, 2024.

Vicki grew up in Atherton, Missouri, and graduated from Ft. Osage High School in 1969. Her lifelong passions and skills blossomed during her time as a Girl Scout, where she cherished many adventures with her troop, her mother, and her Aunt Wanda.

After high school, Vicki embarked on a successful 35-year career with Sear, Roebuck & Co. in Kansas City. She relocated with the company to Mesquite, Texas, and later Naperville, Illinois, before returning to Kansas City in retirement.

It was at Sears where Vicki met her future husband, Larry Purvis. They were married on December 18, 1976, and together they created a beautiful life. At Sears, they were affectionately referred to as Barbie and Ken. Vicki remained close friends with co-workers everywhere who were with her in her last weeks.

Vicki’s kindness was a hallmark of her character. She had a unique ability to connect with everyone she met, making them feel special and valued. Her gift for remembering names made people feel included in her world, and she treated everyone with warmth and respect. She was always the first to lend a helping hand to neighbors, friends and family.

She loved gardening and created beautiful landscapes everywhere she lived. An avid reader, she enjoyed impromptu book club discussions and exchanging titles with friends.

Vicki will be deeply missed by her family, her close-knit “squad,” her partner in mischief, Debbie, and everyone whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Larry Purvis; her parents, Oris and Leona Garland; and siblings Sandra “Sandy” Sue Swenson and David Oris Garland.

Vicki is survived by her stepdaughters, Joy Purvis and Dawn (Steven) Lyles; her grandchildren: Brett (Jessica) Reynolds, Dylan Hays, Shelby (Chad) Shelkett, Shayla (Jordan) Legg, and Chase Lyles, and 17 great-grandchildren; her siblings: Dennis (Vickie) Garland, John (Sarah) Garland, and Tony (Tisha) Garland; eight nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation
Odessa Church of Christ Saturday, October 19, 2024
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
210 N. 4th Street
Odessa, MO 64076

Memorial Service
Odessa Church of Christ Saturday, October 19, 2024
1:00 PM
210 N. 4th Street
Odessa, MO 64076

Obituary - Steven Ray Parratt

Steven Ray Parratt, age 71, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at his home in Lowry City, Missouri. A Celebration of life service with Military Honors will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, October 4, 2024 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel in Clinton with visitation from 5:00-7:00 PM prior to the service. Graveside burial of cremains will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the Englewood Cemetery in Clinton, Missouri. Memorial contributions can be made to the Missouri Veterans Home-Canteen and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Steven Ray “Steve” Parratt was born in Clinton, Missouri to Harry Frank and Nellie Agnes (Houk) Parratt on August 30, 1953. He was the third son born into a family of four children—Orville (Keesler), Frank, Steve, and Norma. Steve was preceded in death by both parents, Harry Frank and Nellie Agnes (Houk) Parratt, a brother, Orville Keesler, and a granddaughter, Leslie Jean Hunter. He is survived by his only child, daughter, Jennifer Strong and husband, Stephen, of Fairhope, Alabama. Grandchildren, Steven Guynn (Fairhope, Alabama), Kendra (Strong) Wachner, husband Wesley of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Makayla (Strong) Johnson, husband Alex of Independence, Missouri, and two great-grandchildren, Emerson Sheek of Clinton and Kinsley Wachner of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Steve lost his mother at the tender age of four and was raised by his father, Harry, and his paternal grandmother, Edna (McNutt) Parratt. Steve often shared a core memory with his daughter, Jenny, of when he was four and was missing his mama after she went to the hospital to deliver her last baby, Norma. He asked Harry “Dad, when’s Mom coming home?” Steve shared that his father was shaving at the time and had to set his razor down, gather himself and gently explain to his inquisitive boy, “Son, your Mama has gone to Heaven, and she ain’t ever coming back home.” Nellie had just passed a few hours earlier after delivering Norma Jean. This affected all of the children’s lives drastically and placed a void in their hearts that was unfillable. This was a tragedy that was handled by Harry’s village—his mother, Edna, and his aunt Edith. Steve frequently reminisced with Jenny at what life was like living in a two-bedroom bungalow on Green Street with 3 siblings, a grandmother, and father, wherein many weekends and summers also included his cousins staying over—Sandy (Nance) and Robert Neal Scrogham, Beatrice (Parratt) Bilbruck and Tracia (Parratt) Weakley. He liked to tell stories of when they were nearly whipped to death by Grandma Edna for being ornery; riding bikes, playing games, fishing, hunting—especially with his Dad. Steve idolized his father Harry stating “he was a man above most men, they don’t make them like him anymore.” He frequently remembered playing baseball and football and how he loved sports, but hated school. Steve had many good buddies that would come over after school and play pool with him and his brother, Frank. When he was 16, Steve met Diane “Dee-Dee” Claypool in high school at the local skating rink and they fast became sweethearts. Steve and Dee-Dee liked to cruise the square and just plain be together; unfortunately, like many relationships in the teenage years, a son was conceived, born and placed for adoption in 1971. The two were soon separated by heartbreak at not being allowed to marry and all that that brings two young people who are in love. Steve directly went into the Marine Corps upon graduation and proudly served his country from 1971—1975. This was an accomplishment he was rightfully proud of, but like most Vietnam-era soldiers, he sacrificed his peace in the name of freedom. He was never the same and daily battled those demons ever so courageously—terms such as “PTSD” did not exist back then, but this one proud, act of service ultimately cost him his marriage and his peace of mind. Anyone who knew and loved Steve knew this about him and just accepted this was just “the way he is. He was as sweet as Santa, but came with a temper that could erupt at any given moment.” Steve and Diane reunited in 1975—were married in Clinton, Missouri and moved to San Diego/Orange County, California to complete the rest of his service to the beloved corps. To this union one daughter was born the day after his birthday in 1976, Jennifer “Jenny” (Parratt) Strong. Steve and Diane loved each other very much and their daughter, even more. However, that union struggled and survived for only eight years, but they frequently came together to successfully co-parent and co-grandparent over the years. Steve never remarried.

Steve received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, joined the Local 20 Roofer’s Union and retired after 30 years. Besides his years in the military, Steve lived most of his life in Clinton, Missouri and moved to Lowry City, Missouri country around 24 years ago. He preferred a quiet, secluded life, but enjoyed the rare visitor and spending his time with his local friends, especially his best friend, Jerry Bonner, who he referred to as “my brother from another mother.”

In 1980, Steve was invited to the Assembly of God Church in Clinton, Missouri. There, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was instrumental in the formation of his daughter’s faith journey, as well. Jenny and Steve constantly talked of the grace of Christ and how without the love of God, nothing is possible. Jenny looked forward to her daily talks with her Dad on the way home from work where he would ask how the patients were all doing, she would tell him, he would remember things about his childhood, share memories, and she always looked forward to her Dad’s sayings. Amongst her favorite were, “I’m not a complete dummy, don’t let the clothes fool you,” “Beam me up Scotty, there’s no form of intelligent life around here...followed by "Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doooooooo (Jenny knows how this one goes, you’ll have to have her demonstrate).” One of his best attributes was being able to help you laugh even when life was hard, “life is tough, but you’re tougher, you’re my kid after all” he would frequently say. Jenny appreciated his wit/humor oftentimes especially when he would state the obvious in life and follow it up with pause and then say “WRITE THAT DOWN.” Some good examples are “Coffee is hot, don’t spill it in your lap (pause)…. write that down” or “never fry bacon naked (pause)…. write that down.” His humor and wit were endless. Steve was a very intelligent and well-read man; frequently would read up to 2-3 books per day. He especially loved novels by James Patterson, Stephen King, and Patricia Cornwell, among others. However, his favorite book, by far, was The Bible. He had read it from front to back multiple times in his life. He would say “my favorite parts are the words in red, they are the most important (pause)…write that down.” He hadn’t owned a television in years. He listened to his beloved Cardinals and Chiefs on the radio, all his favorite music and most of his news came from the radio and the newspaper. Jenny, her husband Steve, and the grandbabies all got a BIG treat to go see his favorite rock and roll hero of all time, Bob Seger, in his last farewell tour, 3 rows back from the stage. It was important to Steve to be able to experience that with his daughter and the whole family. No matter the cost, he made it happen. Watching Steve sing, sway, and yes, even cry to his favorite Seger tunes was a spiritual experience. Steve was young again for just a few hours and his eyes were like that of a little boy watching his favorite star. He loved the simple things in life…a good pot of coffee, bacon and eggs every morning, conversation with a beloved friend or his daughter, a good book, hummingbirds, blowing his and everyone else’s leaves when he was physically able, and most of all…a good, cold beer.

Other hobbies included hunting, fishing, and learning to live off the land. Jenny remembers her Dad frequently bringing home whatever was in season as a little girl—rabbits, squirrels, deer, turkey and her dad cleaning and processing it all himself. She used to get into trouble for getting into his truck and picking up the animals/touching them by her mother, “put down that squirrel down, you’re gonna get sick!” Steve would tell Jenny “it’s okay baby, it’s the only time you can hold them and they won’t bite you.” He frequently took Jenny fishing, where he taught her how to bait her own hook and clean her own fish. He would load up, throw in a Bob Seger eight track and sing the entire way to and from the excursion. As a little girl, Jenny thought her Daddy looked and sang exactly like Mr. Seger and frequently asked him, “Daddy, are you really Bob Seger?” He would laugh and tease her “Maybe…but don’t tell your mom.” That was all Jenny had to hear; everyone got the news at school and in church, “My Dad isn’t really Steve, he’s Bob Seger, but don’t tell my Mom.” Fishing was special for them; so, he tried to branch out and take the child deer hunting once, but right before he dropped a big doe Jenny had a change of heart and screamed, “Don’t shoot her, Dad, she might be a mother!” He loved to tell that story; Bambi’s mom was saved by the bleeding heart of a child. Arrowhead hunting was probably one of his most favorite hunts of all time, though. Over his lifetime, he had discovered close to 5 thousand arrowheads—walking the creek in his free time was a form of therapy for him. His children and grandchildren will have these artifacts for years to come and pass down, thanks to his care and diligence.

Ten months ago, Steve was preceded in death by his oldest granddaughter, “Leslie Jean” Hunter. It literally broke his heart. Not a night would go by the daily phone conversations didn’t end with this heartache and the painful memory of holding his crying baby while they were burying his baby’s baby. It tore him to pieces—he would say “I was there when she was born and it feels wrong to be burying her, I’m supposed to go first. I miss her so terribly.” It was his deepest wish to be able to hug Leslie Jean again one day, as well as his father, and meet his Lord and Savior “soon, but not too soon.” This is where he would add that he may have another 10 to 12 years to be able to watch his grandson and namesake, Steven Michael, graduate from lineman school in Georgia, maybe one day get married, his beloved step granddaughters, Kendra and Makayla continue to grow their families, and spoiling his great grandbabies; Steve was good at that. Many a child in our family, including his ex-wife’s daughter, would receive a multitude of toys and their first motorized vehicles from Grampa Steve; he was virtually Santa to the grandbabies and anyone who touched his heart. His daughter was settled and happily married in Fairhope, Alabama and he was continuing to think about quite possibly joining Stephen and Jenny in the Bay House and getting his own Bay Boat to captain, he just had to “do something with all this stuff.”
However, he never made it to Fairhope physically, and Jenny will have to experience it with him only in spirit.

Steve was incredibly generous and didn’t like a fuss made about it. A story that was shared was a neighbor of his and his wife had a horrible car accident. Somehow a generous amount of money made it to this family, and they learned where it came from and never forgot what that helped them be able to do. Steve didn’t do it for the recognition, it’s just who he was. If he could help, especially if children were involved, he did. He had a soft spot for the elderly, children, and animals, especially if they weren’t being fed or cared for properly. He never claimed to be perfect, and in fact, would say “I have a lot to be sorry for, but I know Jesus loves me, died on that cross for me, forgives me, and will one day welcome me home.” He placed all his trust in that; Christ alone. In closing, Steve was a complicated man who loved a simple life, his country, the Marine Corps, and the Lord Jesus Christ with all of his heart (pause) …write that down. Semper Fi, Marine.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.

Power outage in Nevada

We have had several reports of power outages throughout the city of Nevada at this time. 

Crews have been advised and are working to fix this issue! 

Character Kids of the Month for the Hume School District

Character Kids of the Month for the Hume School District

These students were chosen for being RESPECTFUL! Congratulations!

Front row: Kindergarten - Schuyler Ginger, 1st Grade - Annaliese Hein, 2nd Grade - Coy Boyles, 3rd Grade - Myla Dirks, 4th Grade - Jack Courson, 5th Grade - Kyle Brown, 6th Grade - Zaney Terry


Back row: Senior - Nate Harris, Junior - Evie-Lyn Lewis, Sophomore - David White, Freshman, Lola Wriston, 8th Grade - Hailey Olive, 7th Grade - Annabelle Patrick

Character Kids of the Month for the Hume School District

These students were chosen for being RESPECTFUL! Congratulations!

Front row: Kindergarten - Schuyler Ginger, 1st Grade - Annaliese Hein, 2nd Grade - Coy Boyles, 3rd Grade - Myla Dirks, 4th Grade - Jack Courson, 5th Grade - Kyle Brown, 6th Grade - Zaney Terry


Back row: Senior - Nate Harris, Junior - Evie-Lyn Lewis, Sophomore - David White, Freshman, Lola Wriston, 8th Grade - Hailey Olive, 7th Grade - Annabelle Patrick

Adrian Halloween Sight and Safety Night

 

Obituary - Jacqueline Delores Gunsaullus

Jaqueline Delores Gunsaullus, age 87, a resident of Chanute, KS, passed away Saturday, September 28, 2024. She was born July 29, 1937, in Salina, KS, the daughter of Les and Dorothy Stucker Culp. Jackie graduated from Fort Scott High School and attended one year at Fort Scott Community College. Jackie married Jack Gunsaullus in 1956. He preceded her in death in 2003. 

Jackie worked as a clerk for the Bourbon County Treasurer’s office for many years. In her younger years she enjoyed teaching Sunday school classes at First United Methodist Church, playing in a bowling league, reading and spending time with her children. Later in life, Jackie enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, taking care of her beloved pets, and keeping in touch with friends and family. She was always an avid KC Royals and Chiefs fan, loved watching Days of Our Lives and watching a good movie

Survivors include her son Steve Gunsaullus (Chanute, KS) and daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Rodney Perkins (Chanute, KS), and 6 grandchildren, Angie Hall, Tabetha Lane, Amanda Harper, Brandy Cruse, Chadley Cruse, and Tatum Cruse and many great and great-great grandchildren. Jackie was preceded in death by her father and mother, Les and Dorothy, her husband, Jack, daughter, Nancy Hembree, daughter, Donna Gunsaullus, and granddaughter, Danielle Cruse.

There was cremation. Private burial will take place later in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. Donations, gifts and memorials are suggested to the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility in Iola, KS and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft.

Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary - Billy J. Graham

Billy J. Graham, age 92, a lifelong resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, September 30, 2024, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. 

He was born November 8, 1931, in Ft. Scott, the son of Louis Graham and Helen Briggs Graham. Billy graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1950. He married Shirley Nutter on July 3, 1954. 

The couple honeymooned in Chicago and since Billy was an avid baseball fan, part of their trip was spent at a ball game. Throughout his life Billy was well known in his community. He worked at Master Printers, Mid-America Business Forms and Mayco Ace Hardware. He also managed the Fox Theater and the Mo-Kan Drive-In. Billy enjoyed baseball, basketball, and football. He faithfully supported the St. Louis Cardinals, KU Jayhawks and the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. 

Billy will also be remembered for his bowling skills where he rolled several perfect games. During the 1960’s and 70’s he worked as a scout for the Ft. Scott Community College Greyhound Basketball Team. Later in life, he enjoyed eating ice cream, listening to baseball on the radio and working puzzles on his computer. He was also frequently seen, on his scooter, “walking” his dog Suzie.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley, a son John Graham (Carol) of Parker, Colorado and a daughter, Grace Sweat (Bill) of Ft. Scott; four grandchildren, Robert Nolan (Alisa), Kim Nolan, Christopher Graham (Heather) and Timothy Graham (Ruth) and two great-granddaughters, Ashton and Adelynn Nolan as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Billy was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Kenneth, Robert and Harold Graham and a son, David Graham.

There was cremation. A celebration of Billy’s life will be held on Saturday, October 12th from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Carriage House, 301 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Butler Chamber of Commerce September Yard of the Month

BETTER LATE THEN NEVER! Here is the SEPTEMBER Yard of the Month!

"It was in early 2018 when Kelly moved to Butler and bought his first home on High Street. From the moment the house changed hands, Kelly began the transformation process of making the house into a home. It was that same year that we met and began our journey as a couple. 

Six years, 1 beautiful elopement, and hundreds of projects later, and that olive green house is now our little blue oasis. 

Kelly and I both share a love for flowers and gardening, so while our front yard is nice, it's our backyard that's our peace and joy. There's not many things better than starting a morning with a cup of coffee out back with the cats, listening to the fountain, and enjoying the flowers. 

From painting to planting, coming up with more projects, and continuing to turn our house into a home is something we're looking forward to."