And. . . a Merry 60-degree Christmas to you and yours.
Greg @ 660 Weather Spot
After completing his education as a high school graduate, Roger embarked on a fulfilling career of thirty-nine years as a welder for the railroad. His craftsmanship and dedication to his work earned him respect from colleagues and friends alike, reflecting his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
Beyond his professional life, Roger had many passions that brought him joy. He found solace and excitement in finding a cheap deal on anything. He loved to save a dollar a lot of time with his good friend Curtis Hildebrandt at auctions. He loved the great outdoors, enjoying activities such as hunting, fishing, and camping. While camping at Pomona Lake, he loved spending time with friends Justin and lake daughter Jennifer Claypool, friends he called family. Additionally, he cherished the time he spent working the family farm. Above all, Roger loved being surrounded by family, a bond that defined much of his existence and brought him immense happiness.
Roger is survived by his step-kids, Kimberly Shepherd and Larry Reddick; grandchildren Gregory Shepherd, Marcus Shepherd, and Michael Oughton; and great grandchildren Austin, Malachi, Makayla, Jayden, Kinsley, Maddox, Julian, and the Altic family. He is predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Maxine Downey, along with his brother, Doug Downey, and his wife Dian Downey. Their memories remain a cherished part of his legacy.
The family will hold a visitation on December 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Dengel & Son Mortuary, located at 235 S Hickory St. in Ottawa, Kansas. Following the visitation, a graveside service will take place at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Paola, Kansas, at 12:00 PM.
Roger will be remembered fondly as a loving grandfather and friend; whose spirit touched all those who knew him. His dedication to his family and his passions will forever be held dear in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
Allison married her soulmate, Jared Hibbitts, on July 29th, 2011. In union, they shared five children who were the center of their world – Dani (Stetson), Alex (Michaela), Hailey (Emily), Jenna, and Jacob. Although Allison’s pride and joy were her children, she also had a special bond with her nephew, Dillinger, and niece, Charlie. She affectionately became known as “PP” to her nieces and nephews and many other young members of the family.
Allison was the kind of mother whose love knew no limits, extending far beyond her own home to everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. She made it her goal to ensure that those around her were always cared for, comforted, and never alone.
Allison enjoyed life and loved many things, such as traveling, hiking, thrifting, and trying new hobbies. She had the best personality and imagination. She collected salt-and-pepper shakers, instruments most people wouldn't know how to play, and anything related to Bigfoot. She was always planning events to bring her family together. She loved taking care of those around her and making them happy. Her nurturing spirit created a sense of belonging wherever she went, and her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched with her compassion, strength, and unwavering love.
Allison is survived by her husband, Jared Hibbitts, of the home. She is also survived by her parents, Scott and Carion Rumans; her in-laws, Tom and Rhonda Hibbitts; her sister Amy Ballard (Eliot); her brother and sister in law, Brian and Tanna Appleby; her beautiful children, Dani Brown (Stetson), Alex Hibbitts (Michaela), Hailey Spencer (Emily), Jenna Hibbitts, and Jacob Hibbitts; her nieces and nephews Preston, Tucker, Sawyer, Dillinger, Emma, Charlie, Bailey, Skylar, and Luke along with several Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, and Friends who loved her dearly. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Elmo and Hedwig Pilcher, and Wayne and Leota Rumans, along with Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins.
Please join us in honoring and celebrating the life of Allison at Church of Christ, 13664 E.54 Highway, Nevada, MO at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December17, 2025 at Ferry Funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the family c/o Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.