Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Obituary - Mary Belle Marte

Mary Belle Marten age 52 of Garden City, Missouri departed this life Monday, October 6, 2025 at her home in Garden City, Missouri.

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available.

Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

Celebration of life service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wayside Waifs and sent in care of Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

Obituary - Jean Gatlin

Jean Gatlin, a remarkable woman whose love and kindness touched the lives of many, passed away peacefully at her home in Louisburg, Kansas, on October 6, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on February 19, 1952, Jean embarked on a journey that would see her become a loving wife, devoted mother, proud grandmother, and cherished friend.

A graduate of Louisburg High School, where she was part of the Class of 1970, Jean exemplified strength and independence throughout her life. She worked diligently as a mother, a homemaker and later as an office manager for the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks for over 20 years, where her dedication to her job mirrored her commitment to those she loved. Jean's headstrong nature and unwavering resolve allowed her to navigate her career while raising a family and supporting her friends.

On a magical Christmas evening in 1969, Jean married Bill Gatlin, in a ceremony at the Paola Methodist Church. Their union was a testament to a love, dedication, and resolve that lasted 56 years; they shared a home filled with laughter, support, and endless memories. Together, they had two sons, William and Jeffrey, who continued to uphold the family legacy of love and strength. Jean delighted in her role as a grandmother to her three granddaughters, Eva, Dani, and Scarlett Gatlin, providing them with warmth, wisdom, and a sense of adventure.

Jean's passions extended far beyond her professional accomplishments. She found immense joy in reading, cooking and baking, along with all sorts of crafting that included sewing, ceramics, and crocheting. An avid lover of nature and the outdoors, she cherished days spent fishing, camping, and canoeing with family and friends - soaking in the beauty of the world around her. Jean’s caring spirit is remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her; she was always ready to lend a helping hand, offering support to anyone in need.

Jean is preceded in death by her beloved parents, George and Eva Jacobs, along with her brothers, George Jacobs II and Sonny Jacobs, and her sisters, Earlene (Bill) Phillips, Sheila Jacobs, and Diane (Bob) McGonagle, as well as her son, Jeffrey Gatlin. Their memories live on in the loving hearts of those she leaves behind.

Jean's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, independence, and a commitment to family and friends. Though she may no longer walk among us, her spirit and the values she embodied will forever resonate in the lives of her husband, Charles "Bill" Gatlin; her son, William (Melissa) Gatlin; her three granddaughters, Eva, Dani, and Scarlett Gatlin; her brother, Jerry Jacobs; and her sister, Midge (Rob) Towery.

She will also be missed dearly by her many nieces and nephews to whom she represented not only family but a friend, a confidant, and so much more.

As we remember Jean, let us carry forward her legacy of love, generosity, and fierce nature ensuring that her brave spirit continues to shine brightly in our hearts.

Celebration of life will be held from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Town Square Event Space, 15 W Wea St, Paola, Kansas 66071.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to Always and Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, Kansas 66053.

Obituary - Bette Purtle

Bette Diane Purtle age 83 of Greenwood, Missouri departed this life Monday, October 6, 2025 at her home in Greenwood, Missouri. 

Cremation with a Celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

A complete obituary and service details will be posted once that information becomes available, courtesy Dickey Funeral Home.

Obituary - Mitchell Tracy

Mitchell Gene Tracy, 48 of Freeman Missouri passed away Sunday, October 5th, 2025.

Mitchell was a jack of all trades, master of none. Worked for IEC, did construction and remodeling homes in his community. He often assisted the retired people of Freeman. Mitchell loved the great outdoors, spending his life collecting rocks, meteorites and arrowhead hunting. He was an avid fisherman and spent as much time at the river as he could. Mitchell was a bit of an oddball but a great friend with a good spirit, he would give you the shirt off his back. People close to him will always remember his screaming laughter and great sense of humor.

Mitchell is preceded in death by his brother Dylan Tracy and his mother Linea Tracy. He leaves behind his daughter Shyan Haynes and husband Brandon, his son Lucas Tracy, Father Michael Tracy, sister Naomi Mayfield and husband Kenneth, nephew Marshall and Niece Aurora and many Aunts, Uncles, cousins and countless others.

"Oh Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the Winds, and whose breath gives life to all the world, Let me walk in beauty, and let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and Rock. So when life fades as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame."

Services are pending and will be posted once they become available, courtesy Dickey Funeral Home.

Fields of Knowledge 4-H Podcast available now

New Podcast Episode!

Ever wondered what it’s really like to be in veterinary school? Our latest Fields of Knowledge episode takes you inside the world of veterinary education with special guest Zina Lor, a 3rd-year veterinary student at Colorado State University.

With a background in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from UC Santa Cruz and an interest in lab animal medicine, Zina shares the highs, challenges, and unique opportunities that come with pursuing a career in animal health.

Tune in to hear her journey and get an honest look at what it takes to follow your passion in veterinary medicine!

Little Apple news


 The Little Apple; Vol 33 no 41, October 7, 2025

Appleton City residential fall cleanup is taking place through Thursday, October 9. Large dumpsters are located at the Public Works Building, 110 S. Maple (across from the swimming pool). You will be responsible for getting your items into the roll-off containers. There will be 1 20 yard roll-off container for appliances, TV’s, computers and monitors available and 2 30 yard roll-off container will be available for sofas, carpets and other approved wastes. No tires, liquid paint, batteries, motor oils, concrete, cleaning solvents or yard waste can be accepted.
The Appleton City Library will have a book signing 3:00-5:00 p.m. Wednesday October 15. Frankie Lee Griggs, born in Appleton City in 1908, wrote numerous novels and short stories published in leading magazines. She wrote Heiress to Evil, which is set in Appleton City. The library has a collection of some of her books. Frankie Lee’s grandson, Thurlow Weed, has published a book of his grandmother’s historical fiction short stories from the American Midwest titled Stories from the Heartland. He will be in the AC Library to sign the books. Local names such as Piepmeier, Donnohue, Cline and Bailey are among a few of local names that appear in the stories which relate to life in the area in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God will be 7:00 a.m. Saturday October 11. All the men of the community are invited to join them for a time of great food and fellowship. Aaron Koch will have a short devotional.
Due to increasing membership activities, the Golden Apples will now be meeting at the banquet room of FarmHouse Kitchen at 5:00 on Thursdays. Please use the west door for entry. This week's (October 9) meal is Italian. Come join them for a good meal and fun.
The Knights of Columbus will have their monthly pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose on Sunday, October 12 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Treat your family to a hot breakfast you don’t have to cook or clean up. A free will donation will be greatly appreciated
Appleton City Rural Health Clinic is now offering free Diabetic Education Classes quarterly. Classes are held the second Thursday of every third month. The next class is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. October 9 in the Ellett Memorial Hospital Conference Room. Come learn about diabetes and diabetic meal planning from AC Clinic Nurse, Amy Oles. You do not have to be diabetic to come to the class.
Align your steps with God’s purpose in a world of challenges. Everyone is invited to attend “Furthering Your Walk With God” at the Appleton City Church of God, 401 E. 1st St, ACMO Sunday October 12 at 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and October 13-15 at 7:00 p.m. You can enjoy food and fellowship after the services. Ron Dunlap will provide the services.
On Saturday, October 18, Valley Center Church will host their 34th annual Oktoberfest. They are serving a German home cooked meal from 3:00-8:00 p.m. of smoked brats and turkey, German potato salad, homemade breads, desserts, a bazaar and more! Adults eat for $15. Children ages 6-12 eat for $3.00. Their address is 930 NE 1126 RD. Deepwater MO. The church is located 3 miles North of Lowry City or 12 miles South of Clinton off of 13 HWY.
West Central Missouri Community Action Agency will host its 60th Anniversary Denim & Diamonds Casino Night on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Primitive Olde Crow & Winery in Clinton. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The fundraiser includes dinner, casino-style games, raffles, and prizes, with proceeds supporting housing, food assistance, job training, transportation, and small business programs that strengthen rural families and communities across the region. Tickets are $50. For more information visit: wcmcaa.org/denim-diamonds-fundraiser
A fish fry benefit fundraiser will be held 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. October 10 at the Fair Haven Park on Hwy C, 8 miles north of Walker, MO. The menu includes fried fish and hush puppies, baked beans, cole slaw, fried potato wedges and homemade bread and butter. Freshly cranked ice cream and homemade pies (baked by the community ladies) for dessert. A freewill donation will benefit Stoney Creek, Walnut Creek and Shady Lawn Schools.
Growing In Grace Community Center will have a Kid's Fun Day October 18 is at the community center from 3:00-6:00 p.m. They will be baking Halloween cookies with Breanna Swartz, making Halloween goodies bags to take home and having fun with games and food.
The AC Library is starting to plan for this year's fall events and first on the list is for Halloween. If you are interested in participating in the Safe Trick or Treating event this year, please email the library at acmolibrary@gmail.com and let them know, so they can add you to the participant list.
Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for October, 2025. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Oct 10 - Ortho-Dr. Gray, Oct 14 - Rheumatology-Dr. John, Oct 15 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Oct 16 – Podiatry- Dr. Pace, Oct 17 – Ortho-Noble, FNP, Oct 22 - Ortho-Dr. Gray, Oct 22 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Oct 28 - Rheumatology-Dr. John, Oct 30 - Neurology- Dr. Shoaib
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Oct 9 Diabetic Class in the conference room of Ellett Memorial Hospital 4:00 p.m.
Oct 11 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God 7:00 a.m.
Oct 12 Knights of Columbus pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Oct 12-15 Revival at the Appleton City Church of God,
Oct 13 Columbus Day Government offices and banks closed
Oct 15 Book signing at the AC Library 3:00-5:00 p.m.
The Montrose FBLA is continuing their Shoe Drive from through October 17. If you need to dispose of some new or gently used shoes (no holes or missing soles), please contribute them to their drive. Drop off points are at Montrose R-XIV School, Montrose Savings Bank, and Ellett Memorial Hospital, St, Clair Co. State Bank or Bartz Photography. Their collection goal is 2500 pairs of shoes, sandals, boots, tennis shoes, cleats, flip-flops, Crocks and more. For more information, contact Robyn Eckhoff, FBLA Adviser, at reckhoff@montrose.k12.mo.us.
The MU Extension office in St. Clair County is offering a Barn Quilt class in Osceola on October 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The class will be held at the library in Osceola, 115 Chestnut Street. Jocelyn Wheeler from Hickory County will be the instructor for the class. Participants will have the opportunity to construct either a 2 ft x 2 ft design for $45.00 or a 1 ft x 1 ft design for $25.00. The 1 ft x 1 ft board is intended for those who would like to hang their barn quilt indoors. It is not durable enough for outdoor hanging. Register for the class at the Extension office located inside the west door of the courthouse, 655 Second Street, in Osceola, or by calling 417-646-2419, by October 7. For more information or for ADA accommodations please call the St. Clair County Extension office at 417-646-2419.
Ellett Memorial Hospital announces their 8th Annual Girl’s Day Out on Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Come receive your pre-registered annual mammogram by Diagnostic Imaging Center Mobile 3D Coach. Appointments can be made at 913-344-9989 and receive a tote when you check in, containing many fun items. Walk-ins are welcome too. Missouri’s Healthy Women Program is available for those who qualify, who do not have insurance. Please attend even without a mammogram and gather information, support others, recognize survivors, shop and win door prizes. Local vendors will be in attendance. A light lunch served and there will be treats to indulge! Everyone is welcome to attend
2025 marks 90 years since Dr. Ellett first opened Ellett Hospital in 1935. To help commemorate this great milestone the hospital is hosting a 90th Anniversary Celebration on October 24 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. A slideshow of Ellett Hospital throughout those 90 years will be part of the festivities. To complete the slideshow they are asking for help from the local community. If you have photos of Ellett Hospital from years past, please reach out to Michelle Siegismund. They are especially interested in photos from the old hospital building and photos of the current facility from 1973-early 2000’s. You can contact Michelle Siegismund at by phone at 660-476-5249, email at michelle.siegismund@ellettmemorial.com or by sending a Facebook messenger message to the Ellett Memorial Hospital Facebook account.
Funds are needed for the backpack program. Holy Trinity Church in AC houses this project, which is funded by you, the community. They now are sending 35 packs of food home with school kids weekly. The cost is $950 per month and they are reaching out for help. Donations are accepted at the church and may be made to: TUMC, with memo: Backpack. Thank You.
River of Life Fellowship hosts Third Sunday meetings each month called “All the More” meetings at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend, and they will have a variety of “different kinds” of meetings over the year including singspirations, times of fellowship, formal and more informal times of worship. They will enjoy snacks and fellowship after each meeting. The next three events are: Sunday, 10/19: Monegaw Strings Bluegrass Gospel, Sunday, 11/16: Phil & Pam Morgan Gospel Ministry and Sunday, 12/21: Game & Fellowship Night with Prizes and Goodies
The Appleton City Ministerial Alliance meets throughout the year providing community services and opportunities for the area churches to gather together for worship. Additionally, the ACMA helps people through the region in a variety of ways. In 2023 the ACMA founded the Tony Reynolds Memorial Scholarship, which is a $1000 scholarship awarded locally to an area student pursuing continuing education post-high school. Some in the community have asked about the ability to make donations directly towards the scholarship fund that are not used in other ACMA endeavors. At any time, you may make donations towards the ACMA and they encourage you to do so. You may make donations at any of their community meetings, or feel free to contact one of the ministers serving in the ACMA for more information.
The Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation was established in 2000 by a local couple to benefit and carry out the purposes of Ellett Memorial Hospital. The Foundation has played a major role in the Hospital’s recent renovation/expansion project. The Foundation is a 501c3 organization and plays an important role in ensuring the future of the Hospital by providing an avenue for individuals, groups and corporations to lend their financial support through tax-deductible contributions. The Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation would like to extend an invitation to the community to assist with this project. They would like to welcome all current and past members of the community and service area to make a donation to the Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation. Donations can be restricted or non-restricted for use as the donor identifies. Recognition will be given for all contributions. For further information, contact Julee Snyder, Ellett Memorial Hospital, 660-476-211.
“The Little Apple” was started by the A. C. Economic Development as way of informing residents of news and events sponsored by area businesses and organizations. Items of a clearly personal nature, such as birthdays, anniversaries, awards (not group sponsored), personal sales and the like are not accepted for publication. Items may be edited for accuracy, grammar or space restrictions. Please email articles for “The Little Apple” to dcp81@embarqmail.com by Tuesday evenings or bring them to Dr. Payton’s office to be included in that week’s edition. To receive "The Little Apple" free by e-mail, or to be removed from the email list, send your e-mail address to dcp81@embarqmail.com If you have changed your email address, please send the current address, so the list can be updated.

Cool start to the day

 


A
cool start, but the warmest part of the day is between 3-4pm and there will barely be a cloud in the sky.

Things get warmer beginning today and we'll be back into the 80's by Friday.
Could be a chance for some rain Friday morning? It looks light, and chances currently around 20-30%??? And. . . . if I had to bet, I'd say rain makes KC but not sure how much makes it south of KC.
-Greg@660weather



Butler High School Student of the Month, Sydney Davis


 


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