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
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Obituary - Wilma Louise Reeves
Obituary - Allen "Pete" Dewayne Runyon
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
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
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
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.
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
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






