Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Drexel woman injured in crash on 18 highway

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, a 19 year old Drexel woman received moderate injuries in a single car accident a little after 4 pm yesterday afternoon. The report indicates that a 2002 Honda Civic driven by the woman left the roadway, struck and bridge and overturned on 18 highway near county road 14001.

The driver was transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center for treatment; the vehicle was totaled.

The MSHP no longer provides names in publicly available crash reports. 


Drizzle, rain and wind...

Obituary - Donald Ray Smithhisler

Donald Ray Smithhisler, affectionately known as "Don" was born on January 13, 1944, in Kansas City, Missouri. He passed away on October 25, 2025, in Osawatomie, Kansas, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, determination, and cherished memories among family and friends.

Don’s career spanned decades in the construction industry, his professional journey began with a dedication and a passion for road construction that significantly contributed to the communities he served. After a few years in road construction, he owned Skelly Filling Station in Osawatomie. He would then begin his career with Kansas City Power and Light (KCPL) from 1976 to 1991. Following this, he established his own company, Ross Construction, which he operated until 1998. He then continued his successful career at Dodson International until his retirement in 2021.

A proud alumnus of Osawatomie High School, where he graduated in 1962, he had a short stent at Pittsburg State studying HVAC until his father's passing. Don was known for his enthusiastic personality. He had a hot-headed demeanor but was always vocal about his thoughts and opinions. His love for gatherings made him the heart of many celebrations, most notably his annual Super Bowl parties that brought family and friends together.

In his personal life, Don had a variety of interests that kept him engaged. Cattle ranching was a significant hobby, and he always had projects to work on that reflected his industrious nature. He was also an avid traveler for work, having explored various corners of the world including Russia, Spain, Dubai, Turkey, Africa, and the Bahamas, as well as numerous locations across the United States. In addition, he enjoyed swimming and hosted pool parties whenever he had the opportunity.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Karen Davis; his daughter, Michele Minden; his sons, Bryan Smithhisler, Chad Smithhisler, and Derek Smithhisler; along with 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who will forever cherish the memories they created with him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ines Naomi Smithhisler; his father, Claude Hillary Smithhisler; and his sister, Claudette Wigle.

Visitation will be held on November 2, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Paola, Kansas. A graveside service will follow at Osawatomie Cemetery at 2:45 PM. There will be a lunch hosted at the Memorial Hall in Osawatomie following the graveside service.

Donald Ray Smithhisler will be remembered for his contributions to his community, his zest for life, and the love he shared with those around him. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vitas Hospice c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel 305 N. Pearl St. Paola, KS 66071. 

Obituary - Virgil G. Uttinger

 Virgil G. Uttinger, 74, Nevada, MO, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Medicialodges of Nevada following a lengthy illness.  Virgil was born January 18, 951 in Fort Scott, Kansas to Claud and Mable M. (Barnes) Uttinger

Virgil, was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Raymond Uttinger of Springfield, MO.  He is survived by his wife, Lela Faye Uttinger, and a son, Jacob Uttinger, both of the home; two sisters, Claudia Wheeler (Donald), and Patricia Ann Rogers (Gerry) of Fort Scott, Kansas. One sister-in-law, Peggy Uttinger of Springfield, MO, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

No services are planned, courtesy Ferry Funeral Home.

Obituary - Sharon Keys

  

Sharon Kay Keys, 80, El Dorado Springs, MO passed away on Friday, October 24th, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO. Sharon was born January 27, 1945, in Pittsburg, KS to Harold and Maurine Mae (Jackson), Trogle.

     Sharon was raised in Nevada and Lamar and graduated from Nevada High School Class of 1964. For most of her life Sharon worked in healthcare as a CNA. She worked at Truman Healthcare in Lamar for several years and at Bristal Manor in Lamar. Although she lived most of her adult life in Lamar, Sharon has lived in El Dorado Springs for the past two years.

     Survivors include a daughter, Marilyn M. Berberich (Bradley), Nevada; 11 grandchildren, Alissa Meyer, Troy Hicks, Jennifer Ridley, Elizabeth Berberich, Austin Highfill, Amanda Carel, Aaron Highfill, Rusty Hicks, Stephanie Hicks, Lisa Hicks, and Jerica Hicks; 21 great-grandchildren; one niece and several nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Charlotte Kay Highfill; a son, Gregory Dean Hicks; and a sister, Sandy Manley.

     Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.  Friends may call now and until the hour of service at the funeral home.  

Obituary - Daisy Jean Butler

Daisy Jean Butler (née Cochran) of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on October 26, 2025, at the age of 78, surrounded by love. She was born on February 21, 1947, in Lone Jack, Missouri, to Lennie and Velma Cochran.

On June 22, 1963, Daisy married William Butler. Together they built a beautiful life and raised four children.

Daisy lived much of her life in Missouri but traveled across the United States with her husband, Bill, during his careers in the Navy and as a truck driver. She was a homemaker by trade who loved gardening and working in her yard, taking on home improvement and redecorating projects, collecting elephants and porcelain dolls, and spending time with her family and friends catching up over a cup of coffee at the dining room table.

She had a deep love for Christmas and found her greatest happiness in life was when she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren-when her home was filled with laughter, love, and the beautiful chaos of a loud and loving family.

Daisy could always be counted on for advice, support, and understanding—the person everyone turned to for comfort, reassurance, and love. Her door, and her heart, were always open. She could often be found in her kitchen listening to country music, sipping her coffee, and playing a game of solitaire. Known to everyone as “Granny,” Daisy loved and cared deeply for all those she considered family. She was a woman of great wisdom, warmth, and strength, with a lifetime full of knowledge and advice. Her life can be beautifully summarized in two words: love and compassion.

She was preceded in death by her parents; several beloved siblings; her husband, Bill; her daughter-in-law, Tania; and her great-grandson, Ryland.

She is survived by her four children Bill, Barbara, Chris and David; grandchildren Mike, April, Wayne, Adam, Zach, Tera, Paula, Erin, David, Alex, Kyden, Heidi and Randa; twenty-one great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and another great-great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her beloved siblings Geri, Edna, Mary, Ethel, and Mitchell, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Her love shaped generations, and her spirit will continue to shine through those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her and will forever be remembered as the heart and soul of her family—the one who held everyone together with love, laughter, endless grace, and unwavering devotion. Daisy’s warmth and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she loved most.

Obituary - Peggy L. Linder

Peggy L. Linder, 91, of Freeman, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Golden Years in Harrisonville, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, October 30, 2025, with a visitation beginning at 10:00am at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville. Burial will follow in the Freeman Cemetery in Freeman, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice. A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available.

Obituary - Andrea Galloway

Andrea Galloway, 58 of Butler, Missouri passed away October 25, 2025 at Meadow View Health & Rehabilitation in Harrisonville, Missouri. Graveside services will be held 11:00 am Saturday, November 8, 2025 in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Family and friends are welcome to gather at Mullinax Funeral Home just prior, for a procession to the cemetery. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Following services, a Memorial Gathering will be held at the HCS building located behind Railroad Salon, 707 W. Ohio Street, Butler. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Liver Foundation. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Andrea was born November 6, 1966 to Connie Grimes and Eddie Galloway. She was the granddaughter of Roy and Helen Grimes, Harrison Galloway, and Virginia Green.

After her mother’s marriage to Ed Russell, Andrea grew up in Independence, MO. with her two sisters. Attending Tri-City Christian School until 9th grade. The family then moved to Ballard where Andrea was the fourth generation to graduate from Ballard High School.

Andrea fell in love with Maurice “JuJu” Carmichael and was blessed with her beloved son, Seth. Maurice would later pass away in 1993. In 1996 Andrea was united in marriage to Louie Dabbs.


In life, Andrea was active in local politics and served as the Vice Chair of the Bates County Republican Party. She was an avid supporter of the KC Chiefs as well as the Royals, she loved attending Royal’s games.

She is remembered for card parties, garage sales, and driving fast, even in her electric wheelchair. Most of all, Andrea was a “tough talker” with a not so hidden soft heart, and her love for her son. She was also a very proud MayMay to her grandbabies.

Andrea is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Seth and Amy Carmichael of Butler, MO., her grandchildren, Cameron and Caylynn, and her Texas family and many friends.

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