Friday, February 27, 2026
Weekly report from the Henry County Sheriff's Office
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Rapid response saves Butler home
Shortly before 1:30 this afternoon the Butler fire department was called to 715 Country Club drive on a report of heavy smoke showing from the rear of the residence. Upon arrival, firemen made quick work of dousing the flames which appeared to be contained to the deck area.
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Obituary - Chester “Lee” Bowen
After graduating from Bronaugh High School, Lee was drafted and served in the United States Marines. Upon his return from the service, Lee owned and operated Bowen’s Motor for over 25 years and operated Skelly Gas Station for a time. Following his retirement, he and Melba moved to Stockton. He was a longtime member of the Nevada Elks Lodge.
Survivors include a son, Doug Bowen (Michele), Fairway, KS; two grandchildren; two nephews, Bob Bowen (Arlene), Nevada, and Duane Bowen, Madera Ranch, CA; a niece, Beverly Moon, Raytown, MO; and a special friend and caregiver, Tom Addington, Nevada.
Memorial services will be at 12:00p.m. on Thurs., March 5, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home, with Pastor Chad Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00a.m. until service time. Private committal will be in Moore Cemetery, Nevada.
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Obituary - Ethyl Marlene Hizer
Marlene was raised in Oklahoma and moved to Kansas City in the early 1950s. She graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1958. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in English & Spanish from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO and later earned her Master’s Degree in Library Sciences from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO. Marlene began as a High School English and Spanish teacher in North Kansas City, MO before she and Ammon came to Nevada in 1971. She raised her family, then in early 1985 took a job as the Director of the Nevada Public Library, retiring in 2000. Marlene was instrumental in moving the library from the Carnegie Building to its current location on 218 W. Walnut.
Marlene was a longtime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where she served in many roles. She was also a member of the DAR and MENSA.
Marlene is survived by her husband, Ammon, of the home; daughter, Holly Caldwell, Nevada, MO; two grandchildren, Colton Caldwell (Courtney), Nevada, MO and Erica Caldwell (Levi Dipman) and their children, Gunner, Moe, Max, and Marly, Lamar, MO; and son-in-law, Loren Hunt, Nevada, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Lori Hunt.
Graveside services will be at 2:00p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Newton Burial Park, Nevada. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in Marlene’s memory to the Nevada Public Library in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.
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Obituary - Myrtle May Ayres
On January 14, 1961, she married the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” Ayres. From that day forward, Chuck was the center of her world. Their marriage was one of deep commitment, loyalty, and shared adventure. Myrtle loved Chuck fiercely and without hesitation. She stood beside him through every season of life, offering steadfast support, unwavering loyalty, and a partnership built on dedication. Whether they were traveling on cruises, visiting California, or spending lively afternoons at their favorite casinos, Myrtle treasured every moment they shared.
Even after Chuck’s passing, her love for him never faded. She spoke of him often, carried his memory closely, and missed him every single day. Their bond was the defining relationship of her life — a love story marked by devotion, shared laughter, and a lifetime of memories.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chuck Ayres; her sisters, Maxine, Nellie, and Goldie Mae; her brothers, Jack, Leroy, and Richard; her step-brother and step-sisters; and her honorary great-granddaughter, Raylin.
Myrtle is survived by her brother, Pete Cook (Linda) of Lowry City, Missouri; her step-brother, Joe Daugherty of Liberty, Missouri; and her step-brother-in-law, Lowell Fairchild of Kansas City, Missouri. She is also survived by her nieces, Jennifer Church (Bill) of Raytown, Missouri, and Pat Dade (Tim) of Blue Springs, Missouri.
She was a proud honorary grandmother to Chris Church of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Michelle Reeves (Keith) of Warrensburg, Missouri; David Church of Independence, Missouri; Brandon Church (Nicole) of Blue Springs, Missouri; Brecklyn Findley (Jared) of Denver, Missouri; and Jillian Littlejohn (Jared) of Blue Springs, Missouri. She was also an honorary great-grandmother to Victoria, John, Danielle, Luke, Easton, Daden, Callan, Bowen, Aleta, Memphis, and the late Raylin — each of whom brought her immense pride and joy.
Myrtle lived boldly and loved deeply. Her strength, independence, and fierce devotion to her husband defined her life. She leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, resilience, and a love that endured beyond this life.
A graveside service will be held on March 7 at 1:00 PM at Green Lawn Cemetery in Rich Hill, Missouri, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and the lasting love she shared with Chuck.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Luke’s Hospice House will be greatly appreciated, in recognition of the compassionate care they provide.
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Obituary - Sybil Mills
A complete obituary is pending at this time.
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