Saturday, December 20, 2025

Obituary - Wilma Louise Reeves

Wilma Louise Reeves, age 89, of Mound City, Kansas passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025. She was born on July 3, 1936 in Amoret, Missouri to Nelson and Bessie Cole. She graduated from Miami Rural High School and then attended Central Business College in Kansas City, Missouri where she met her husband, James Merle Reeves. They married on October 20, 1957 and enjoyed 68 years of marriage. Wilma grew up on a family farm in Amoret, MO and participated in all of the necessary farm chores with her sisters and brother. After moving to Kansas City, she worked at Montgomery Wards, Western Union, Hallmark, and then went to work as a seamstress at Kay’s Fashions. After working at Kay’s she began her own alterations business out of her home. During those years she also made a wedding dress for a daughter in-law, hand sewing the beading, and she took pride in making all of her granddaughters matching, adorable dresses. She also made Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. After several years of doing alterations out of her home she opened her own alterations shop named Wilma’s Alterations. Wilma loved helping others and was a beautiful seamstress. She did this for many years until retirement in 2001. Jim and Wilma moved from Kansas City, KS to Mound City in 2001. Wilma is survived by her husband James, their sons Mike, Scott(Lori), and Pat (Tami), her sisters Daisy, Elizabeth and Leona, her grandchildren Hope(Derek), Natalie(Bryan), Courtney(Josh), Brooke, Hannah(Wally), Gretchyn(Chris), Kyndel(Sam), Nelson(Megan), Graycee(Allan), and Faythe, eight great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and her beloved “kitties." She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her in-laws, her infant son Eugene, a daughter-in-law Shirley and her brother Bill.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 - 11:30 am, Monday, December 22, 2025 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Mound City Chapel. Visitation will be from 10:30 am until service time. Burial immediately following in the Richland Stateline Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to Gentiva Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com

Obituary - Allen "Pete" Dewayne Runyon

Allen "Pete" Dewayne Runyon, 67, of Adrian, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Butler Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Butler, MO. A visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. Graveside services will follow at 1:30 PM at Belton Cemetery in Belton, MO.

Born on February 6, 1958, in Kansas City, MO, to Allen Shotwell and Joyce Arlene (Kinnison) Runyon, he was raised in rural Missouri, graduating with the Class of 1976 from Cass Midway High School. His dedication to hard work was evident in his career as a foundation specialist, where he contributed his skills to both Red Foundations and later Andy's Foundation. He had a passion for concrete construction and took pride in every project he undertook.

A true countryman at heart, Pete was known for raising cattle and enjoyed the simple pleasures of rural living. This connection to the land deeply influenced his life and the lives of those around him, earning him the respect and admiration of friends and family.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Pete was a family man who was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marilyn Jean Crawford, whom he married on May 30, 1981. Together, they shared a bond that left a lasting impact on those who knew them. Although heartbreakingly, she left this world in 1986, Pete continued to honor her memory while focusing on raising their three children: Hannah, Chadwyk, and Zachary.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Marilyn Runyon. He is survived by his children: Hannah Teeter of Blue Springs, MO; Zachary Runyon of Archie, MO; and Chadwyk Runyon of Adrian, MO; five grandchildren; and his sisters: Kathy Hughes of Lee's Summit, MO; Diane Goode of Lone Jack, MO; and Marsha Farr of Independence, MO.

Obituary - Virginia Rose "Sis" Cooper

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.  Visitation prior to services 1 - 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.  Contributions to the Butler Senior Center. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Virginia Rose "Sis" Cooper is survived by one sister-in-law, Debby Cooper of Butler, Missouri; four nieces and nephews, Shanie DeLozier and husband Brian, Shannon Dean and significant other, Echo, Sammy Helm and husband Mike and Justin Dean Cooper, all of Butler, Missouri; and numerous great-nephews and great-nieces.  Sis was preceded in death by her parents; brother Dean; and nephew, Troy Dean Cooper.

Obituary - Lyle Howard

Graveside Service and Interment for Lyle Howard of Butler, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2025  at Oak Hill Cemetery Butler.  Visitation 10 - 11 a.m. Monday, December 22 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler.    In Lieu of Flowers, Contributions to the Family (for funeral expenses). Online condolences
 www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Lyle Clark Howard, age 84 of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Medicalodge in Butler, Missouri.  He was born January 16, 1941 to Lyle B. and Marjorie Aleene Hubbard Howard in Butler, Missouri.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Linda K. Howard of Butler, Missouri; two sons, Jay Howard and Michael Snethen and wife Grace all of Butler, Missouri; four grandchildren, Katie Howard, Tyler Howard (special friend Allison), Kayla Dodson (Logan) and Logan Snethen; three great-grandchildren, Rose, Violet and Ryder; one brother, Larry M. Howard and wife Kathleen of Thorp, Washington; one sister, Esther A. Hopcroft and husband Barry of Sedro-Woolley, Washington; and two nephews, Jed Howard and Jeff Adams.  Lyle was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Sandra; second wife, Karen; and two sons, Michael and Chad Howard.


Friday basketball scores

Boys

Reeds Spring 45
Clinton 46

Osceola 45
Crest Ridge 67

Nevada 54
Harrisonville 50

Ballard 36
Holden 47

Drexel 65
Montrose 20

Everton 56
Sheldon 77

Girls

University Academy 28
Butler 48

Osceola 44
Crest Ridge 30

Pleasant Hill 53
Harrisonville 47

Drexel 47
Montrose 37

Everton 29
Sheldon 41

Lockwood 61
Verona 27

Appleton City n/a
Adrian n/a

Friday, December 19, 2025

Obituary - Brenda Foster Vitale/Liberty

Brenda was born July 24th 1960 to Lenard and Florence Foster of Rich Hill Mo. She attended elementary school until age 13 when she stayed at home to help run the house and watch her younger brothers while her parents worked. She loved working on cars with her father. She later went back and received her GED in 2020. She was married to Rex Vitale and had 4 children. They later divorced. She was married to Lawrence Bayless and later divorced but stayed good friends. She married the love of her life Gerald Liberty in 2010. She had a very full life living in some amazing places and working various jobs while raising her 4 loving children. She always had a story to tell and love to give!

She was preceded in death by her parents Lenard and Florence, brother Eddie, husband Gerald, and 2 granddaughters Rose and Giavanna.

She is survived by children Tom Vitale (Lisa), Joe Vitale (Rachel), Brian Vitale (Callie), Kandi Bayless (Daniel), Joseph Liberty (Amanda), Allyssa Liberty. Brothers Matt Foster (Terrie), Chuck Foster (Rachel), Mike Foster -maybe surviving-

Several grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Courtesy Heuser Funeral Home

Fuel again available at the Butler airport

All members present for the December 16 Butler city council meeting

Guest Pat Simons presented several requests to council. He commented that when the water is turned on at a residence, the employees leave and sometimes it can leak. He also mentioned that it is an inconvenience that only one person can sign an account to turn on electricity and thought that this should change. Mayor Henry commented that he had talked to the utility clerk and thought that both could sign but he would get to the bottom of this. Simons also wondered why County Wide Disposal only picked up one item on the monthly pick-up day at apartment complexes instead of picking up for each tenant. He asked council to address this issue on the next contract. Mayor Henry noted that the monthly pick-up is solely at the discretion of the Sanitation company as they volunteer to do this and do not charge for this service.

Guest Marsha Youngblood announced that the Wall That Heals is coming to Bates County on April 30, 2026. She described what it is and where it will be held. She mentioned that three special benches are being made and will be placed on the city square in remembrance of  three Bates County veterans who perished in the Vietnam War. She asked council for permission to hold the event at the North grassy area at Nursery and Orange Streets and asked for volunteers, trash service, porta potties, and electricity. Council members asked Mrs. Youngblood to get a list of the needs and bring it back to council. Motion by Rich, seconded by Mallatt to approve holding this event. Motion passed unanimously by ayes.


Councilman Scott Mallatt reported that the Planning Commission had met and had held a public meeting for a rezoning application presented by Charles Stump. The Commission voted to issue a Conditional Use Permit for 105 South Lyons and present this to council for their consideration. Following a public hearing, the council voted and unanimously agreed to issue the conditional use permit to Stump.


Councilman Denny Rich went over the key points of the Airport Commission meeting he had attended. They voted to approve the Capital Improvement Program Report for the terminal building with relocating the Orange Community Hangar. He announced that the fuel dispenser on the tank is finally working and that they are still looking for a manager. They requested the Codes Officer investigate and remove a travel trailer parked at the airport that is occasionally lived in. As of this writing, the Codes Officer did talk with the owner and it will be removed in the next three weeks.


Scott Mallatt informed council that the Parks & Recreation Commission was looking into establishing rules and regulations for the Trail of Memories. The Trail was  originated by individuals who wanted a place for memorials to loved ones but are now all gone so it has become up to the city to maintain. He mentioned that the play structures are currently being constructed this week at Douglas Park. They will put the plaque back that was donated by Juanita Jacobs when it is finished.


Mallatt also called for a City Owned Facilities Meeting for the second council meeting in January at 6:00 p.m. They will discuss the Trail of Memories and the Old Highschool building and would like all members of council to be present.


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





Over 260 receive coats in Coats for Kids drive this year

Carol Ann Winburn and the staff at DSWA CPAs in Butler are pleased to report that the Coats for Kids project is responsible for over 260 Bates County youngsters receiving brand-new coats this year. All contributors were entered in a drawing Dec. 19, for a counter-top ice maker, and the winner is Patty Hoskins of Butler.

Every year school nurses and teachers from ten school systems across the county nominate students and pre-schoolers who might not have a warm coat that fits if not for Coats for Kids. They also help in the discreet delivery and fitting of all the coats, jackets and hoodies. Thanks also goes to the Butler WalMart and the High School Thrift Shop for their generous donations to the project.

Of course, the program depends entirely on the generosity of clients, friends and folks throughout Bates County who give so willingly every single year. They have made it possible for over 260 kids to know the thrill of a brand-new coat that fits! -- Carol Ann Winburn

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