Obituary - Barbara Ann Short

 Barbara Ann Short, age 77, Pleasant Valley, Missouri, formerly of Linn Valley, Kansas passed away Monday November 3, 2025. She was born on June 10, 1948 in Jackson County, Missouri the daughter of Samuel and Eliza Meece Allison. Barbara was united in marriage to Robert Short June 24, 1977. He preceded her in death on July 28, 2016. She worked for Southwestern Bell which was acquired by AT&T. When Barbara and Robert moved to Linn Valley she began working at Labette Bank. Barbara is survived by a daughter Laura Moss, two sons, Kevin Short and Tim Short, three sisters, Betty Harrelson, Dorothy Bradley, and Margie Stidham, and four grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Monday November 10, 2025 at the Schneider Funeral Home, La Cygne Chapel. Funeral service will be held 2 pm Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at the White Chapel Funeral Home and Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1 pm to service time at White Chapel. Burial will be in White Chapel Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Linn Valley Auxiliary. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

Obituary - Linda Lee Wheeler

Linda Lee Wheeler, 91, of Leawood, Kansas, formerly of Harrisonville, Missouri, died peacefully at Newport House on November 4, 2025. No services are scheduled at this time.

Born February 17, 1934, in Cooper County, MO, she was the daughter of John David and Huldah Mae (Hurt) Heinrich. Linda grew up in Pilot Grove and graduated from Boonville High School in 1952. Her curiosity, drive and love of learning carried her to Northwestern University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree and was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, and later to Tulane University in New Orleans, where she completed her master’s in social work. On June 9, 1961, she married Dr. Robert L. Wheeler in Boonville. After his medical training in Kansas City, they made their home in Harrisonville, where they built deep roots in the community, raised four children, and created a life centered on family, learning, and service.

Linda was a thoughtful leader and lifelong learner whose quiet determination shaped not only her community but also her family. She was both the first woman to serve on, and later to lead, the Harrisonville School Board, where she championed quality education and equity for all students. Her belief in the power of education was unshakable, and her encouragement and example guided all four of her children into careers as physicians, a legacy that reflects her intellect, support, and unwavering belief in their potential. She was also active in P.E.O. and the Harrisonville Planning Commission. Professionally, she worked as a social worker, bringing compassion and insight to her roles at the Harrisonville Dialysis Center and Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City.

Beyond her work, Linda had a wide and curious spirit. She loved to read, travel, and explore new ideas. At home, she found joy in the company of her cats and the wildlife that visited her backyard in Harrisonville, creatures she cared for with quiet affection. After retirement, she and Bob moved to Overland Park in 2014 and later to Leawood, where she spent her final years surrounded by family.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dr. Robert Wheeler, on January 20, 2019; and her brother, John Alan Heinrich in 2008. She is survived by her children: Melissa Wheeler of Prairie Village, KS; Rachel Wheeler and her fiancée, Joe McKean, of St. George, UT; Eden Wheeler and her spouse, Christopher Walker, of Lee’s Summit, MO; and Coleman H. Wheeler, and his spouse, Sarah, of Leawood, KS; six grandchildren: Tevan R. Balian, Aren J. Balian, Stefan W. Balian, Helton W. Walker, Miles Q. Wheeler and Alexandria L. Wheeler; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Those who knew Linda will remember her sharp mind, her steady warmth, and her unwavering belief in the value of learning and community.

Obituary - Leland Ray Underwood

Leland Ray Underwood, age 79, Fulton, Kansas passed away Sunday November 2, 2025. He was born on July 16, 1946 at Fort Scott, Kansas the son of Clifford and Wilma Clayton Underwood. He served time in the United States Navy. He then became an equipment operator in the Army National Guard where he retired from. Leland was united in marriage to Debby Kurtz on January 19, 1996. He was a member of Jehovah's Witnesses. Leland loved his family and spending time with them. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Pretty much anything outdoors. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Robert Underwood, and two great grandchildren. Leland is survived by his wife Debby, three sons, Kent Underwood and wife Michelle,Shane Mills and wife Jen, Dathan Mills and wife Ashley, seven daughters, Michele Lockhart and husband Jim, Kimberly Weimer, Stacey Rister and husband Zach, Katrina Goodridge and husband Troy, Elizabeth Sturm and husband Toby, Charlotte Loflin and husband Wesley, and Kendra Schelert and husband Allen, three brothers, Dale Underwood and wife Judy, Steve Underwood, and Paul Underwood and wife Diane, four sisters, Mary Wood, Patty Homan and husband Henry, Peggy Kuns and husband Jim, and Lori Bower and husband Terry, thirty-two grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 11 am Friday, November 21, 2025 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Disaster Relief at donate.jw.org. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

Obituary - Lillie Mae Jackson

Lillie Mae Jackson, age 97 of Pleasanton, Kansas passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. She was born the daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Viola Mae Brant Wurtz on April 23, 1928 in Mound City, Kansas. Lillie married Glen Jackson on May 15, 1946 to this union five children were born. Glen preceded her is death on December 1, 2010. Lillie was a life time resident of Linn County, she and Glen ran and operated several different business in the county over the years, from rental houses, a green house and probably one of the most memorable was Big G’s in Pleasanton. Lillie retired at the ripe age of 92. You always knew where you stood with Lillie as she was outspoken and always told you what you thought. She loved flowers and gardening, cats, watching game shows in the evenings and she was constantly staying busy. But overall, she lived for her children. Lillie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a son, Larry Eugene Jackson, one grandchild and one great grandchild. She is survived by her four daughters, Carolyn Butler and significant other, Gary, Glenna Mae Bell (Dale), Janet Tiffin (Roger) and Sandy Lash Peterson (Bill), eight grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 am, Monday, October 27 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel. Visitation will be from 10:30 am to service time. Burial will be in the Pleasanton Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to Care to Share, Linn County and may be sent in care of Schneider Funeral Home P.O. Box 525 Pleasanton, Kansas 66075. Online condolences may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com

Obituary - Donald Lee Wolf Jr.

Donald Lee Wolf, Jr., 76, Nevada, MO passed from this life on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. Donald was born August 13, 1949 in Nevada to Donald Lee (Sr.) and Anna Mae Wolf.

No services are planned, courtesy Ferry Funeral Home

Ellett Memorial to host Veterans breakfast

 Ellett Memorial Hospital will be serving a FREE breakfast to veterans and their spouses on Veteran’s Day - Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 from 7:30-9:00 am. Stop by the EMH cafeteria and allow us to say “thank you” for your service to our nation!

Butler council approves park cameras

Vandalism and other problems have plagued some of the parks around Butler as of late and the decision was made to go ahead and install security cameras at the Sensory Park along Mill street which will hopefully help curb the problems. In recent times vandals have used spray paint to deface some of the equipment, as well as set fire to the porta potty among other things and it is hoped that the cameras will help bring those responsible to justice. New cameras will also be placed at the  police department and Aquatic Center to enhance safety in those areas as well.

On a related note, new playground equipment will be installed at Douglas Park in east Butler at a cost of $78,185.00, which came a half price according to Parks & Rec Director Scott Bitner. 

Rezoning from residential to commercial for a plot adjacent to the city shop on Mill street was approved following a request by Brian Tippie. Plans are to turn the old building into a automotive detailing shop.     (Continued next page)

The decision was met with some opposition as council members Rich, Liggins and Hall voted no with Rich saying that a conditional use permit might be the better solution as "we can't change the rules every time someone asks" however, the three votes were not enough to stop the approval.

All upgrade work is completed at the Butler wastewater treatment plant and a final walk-thru will happen soon to seal the deal. The work included a new generator as well as other improvements that will keep the plant in compliance with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Replacement of the culvert on Fort Scott street near Scout Park has been postponed until next Summer. Councilman Scott Mallatt said that it likely would be safer to do the work when school is not in session which the others agreed. A discussion was held after it was questioned if funding will still be available for the project if done next year- the answer was yes.

A $20,000 grant was received for new radios for the police department and it was reported that all the equipment has been installed, making the project now complete.

While there have been many improvements at the Butler airport, much work is still to be done. Plans are to remove the orange hangar that sits just north of the fuel tanks and replace it with an official terminal that would be more pilot/passenger friendly. Much work lies ahead on that project which includes finding a buyer who would dismantle the structure and move it to another location. Fuel sale woes continue to plague the airport as while the credit card machine is now working, getting avgas out of the tank due to a pump issue is a lingering problem that will hopefully be resolved soon. 

Remember the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm, at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend.

Route BB highway to be closed for repairs

 

Route BB CLOSED between Missouri Route 18 and Route D northeast of #Butler 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday, November 4-6. MoDOT crews replacing damaged pipes in three (3) locations underneath the road https://www.modot.org/node/78924