Obituary - Donna "Dot" Reed Poland

Funeral services for Donna "Dot" Reed Poland will be 2 p.m. Monday September 21, 2026 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation 1- 2 p.m. Monday prior to services at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Appleton City Cemetery, Appleton City, Missouri. Contributions to the First Baptist Church in Paola, Kansas. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Donna Lee Reed Poland, age 83 of Paola, KS passed away on Wednesday September 16, 2026. She was born on January 8, 1943 to Earnest and Yvonne Reed in Appleton City, MO where she grew up and was an integral part of the community.

Donna was the youngest of four children and spent a large part of her youth working alongside her parents and siblings at the Dari-Burg where she learned the value of hard work.

Known affectionately as Dot or Dottie by her friends and family, Donna was remembered for always having a smile on her face, being the first person to lend a helping hand, for her strong faith and love of family. If she knew you, you were on her prayer list.

Donna married Gary Poland on May 24, 1969 and together they raised three children. They remained married until Gary went to be with his Savior on October 12, 2024 but in Donna's heart they remained married until she took her last breath.

Donna spent her entire career pouring into young people as a teacher both in the public school system and her church. She had a passion for young people and raising them up to be productive members of society.

Donna is survived by her three children; Christina, Matt (Maryah) and Gari Dawn, eight grandchildren, Alyssa, Valerie, Ashley, Audrey, Evona, Caleb, Mitchell and Victoria and two great grandchildren, Robbie and Mehki.

She was preceded in death by her parents Earnest and Evon Reed, her brothers Roy and Joe, her sister Bessie and loving husband Gary.

"Well done good and faithful servant; You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the Joy of your Lord." Matthew 25:23

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Obituary - Grace Mary Colvin

 

 Grace Mary Colvin, 88, Nevada, MO passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Moore-Few Care Center.    Grace was born on February 1, 1938, in Nevada, MO, to Lester and Jeanette (Leen) Pike.  She married Merylin Colvin in 1963, and from this marriage two daughters were born.

    Grace was raised in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School in 1956.  After graduation, she worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone company, worked a number of years as an insurance agency secretary for various agencies, including Renwick Insurance, and then served Heartland Hospital as a secretary for several years until her retirement.

    Grace loved playing Scrabble, enjoyed fishing, had fun bowling several years in a bowling league, but most of all, loved being with her family.    

    She is survived by her daughters, Lana O’Dell (Greg), and Tana Uttinger, both of Nevada, MO; 5 grandchildren, Zach Ricketts (Emily), Springfield, MO, Nate Uttinger, Nixa, MO, Emily Ricketts (Alessia Fitzpatrick), Seattle, WA, Trent Uttinger (Jacie), Nevada, MO, and Derek O’Dell (fiancé Hannah Schmuck), Fruit Cove, FL; 3 great-grandchildren, Kinley Ballard, Mason Uttinger, and Adalyn Uttinger; and sister, Jule Williams (Howard), Bronaugh, MO.  Grace was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Ashli O’Dell; son-in-law, Jeff Uttinger; 2 sisters; 4 brothers; and 2 infant sisters.

    Funeral services will be held at 1:30p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Ferry Funeral Home with Pastor Terry Mosher officiating.  Interment will follow at Moore Cemetery, Nevada, MO.   Friends may call until the hour of service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Nevada Animal Shelter in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

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Jefferson Highway travelers pay visit to Butler as part of Centennial Celebration

This group, including visitors from Winnipeg all the way to Louisiana, spent some time in Butler today as our city has historic ties to the famous Jefferson Highway. 

Following lunch at the Bates County Museum, all assembled for this photo op on the square before continuing south to where the Jefferson Highway converged briefly with Route 66.

Jefferson Highway enthusiasts, including this group, regularly visit corridors of the famous highway and there is a strong possibility we'll see more travelers as the Jefferson Highway Crossroads of America 2026 Centennial Celebration is held this week, September 19th through 22nd.

Visit the Jefferson Highway website for more info here https://jeffersonhighway.org

  

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Steiner's to be featured on America's Best Restaurants

Filming took place for an upcoming episode of America's Best Restaurants Roadshow at Steiner's Restaurant this morning and as seen here, Chef Corey is interviewed about the great dishes prepared behind the scenes.

The segment will aired in mid November with date and time to be announced.

Congratulations, Jeff and Amy!

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School nurse receives 2 years probation related to sexual contact with minor

Former school nurse Rayanne McCoy of Rockville, MO has been charged with Endangering The Welfare Of A Child, 2nd Degree and received a Suspended Execution of Sentence of 12 months, with two years supervised probation.

According to a complaint filed in the Bates County Circuit Court, McCoy was accused of having sexual contact with a student on or about August 29, 2025. 

She was represented by attorney Lindsey Ikram of Kansas City, MO.


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Obituary - Mary Elizabeth Spall

Mary Elizabeth Spall (Ward), born February 13, 1949, passed away peacefully in her home on September 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of her family.

Mary was born to Dorothy and James Ward and grew up in Howell, Michigan, alongside her siblings, Judy, Harold, Raymond, Keith, and Alan. She graduated from Howell High School and carried many cherished memories of growing up with her family and siblings.

After graduating, Mary moved to Sheldon, where she began the next chapter of her life. There, she married her husband, Rex Spall, and together they raised their two daughters, Tracey Hanson and Candi Belew.

Mary dedicated nearly 25 years of her life to Walmart before retiring. She was known for her hardworking nature and devotion to her family.

Mary found joy in growing flowers and gardening. She especially treasured spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished by her family for generations to come.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Tracey Hanson, married to Larry Hanson, and Candi Belew (Jimmie, who preceded her in death), along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tracey and Larry's family includes Shane Hanson and Kim, and their children Logan, Landon, and Kristen; Kylei Hanson and her husband, Landon Wilson, and their children Kaelynn and Lane Wilson; and Colten Hanson and Nicole, and their children Bentlyee, Taylen, and Clay Hanson.

Candi's family includes Briana Kalleck and Casey, and their children Alyson and Emma Kalleck; Taylor Belew and Tierra, and their son Dayton Belew; and Tyler Belew and Jaycee, and their sons Holden and Jimmie Belew.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and James Ward; her beloved husband, Rex Spall; her brother, Harold Ward; and her sisters-in-law, Sue Ward and Kay Ward.

She will be deeply missed by her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with all of her family and friends who were blessed to know and love her.

Mary’s memory will live on through the family she loved so dearly, the gardens she lovingly tended, and the many lives she touched throughout her years.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon, MO with Elvin Winans officiating.

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Obituary - Tamie Person

Tamie Person, age 69, of Harrisonville, Missouri, departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at her home, surrounded by love and family.

Her Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Dickey Funeral Home in Harrisonville, Missouri.

Tamie is survived by her husband, Jerry Person, with whom she recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. Together, they raised six children: Allison Person of Havertown, Pennsylvania; Emily Rhodes (Tucker Harper) of Lee’s Summit; Stephen Person (Caly) of Lee’s Summit; Bethany Wears (Daniel) of Belton; Anna Chambers (Justin) of North Kansas City; and Luke Person (Marlei) of Blue Springs.

Tamie and Jerry were blessed with 19 grandchildren: Shane, Adrienne, Nathan, Noah, Evan, Emma, Sophie, Anthony, Liam, Willow, Faye, Lyla, Gordon, Vayda, Etta, Clark, Archie, Rogue, and Heidi. They also had the joy of welcoming one great-grandchild, Violet.

Tamie and Jerry’s love for children extended beyond their own family. They opened their home and hearts to others, becoming foster parents to four children, while also welcoming other children into their home at various times throughout the years. Her home was a place where children could find love, acceptance, and a family.

At the age of 48, Tamie decided to pursue a new calling and become a social worker. She attended college for six consecutive years, ultimately earning her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she worked in many different settings and eventually had an office of her own. She especially loved working with troubled teenagers, and her compassion and determination allowed her to make a lasting difference in the lives of many young people.

Tamie was gifted with a beautiful singing voice and loved playing the guitar. She was frequently asked to sing at weddings and sang numerous solos at her church. Music was one of the many ways she shared her heart with others.

She also had a lifelong passion for quilting and crafts. Tamie made clothes for her children, wedding dresses, and countless bridesmaid dresses. She was rarely working on just one project at a time. Even when sitting down to watch television, she would almost always have a knitting, crochet, or cross-stitch project in her hands. Creating things for the people she loved was one of the ways she expressed her care and creativity.

Tamie was born in Saint Joseph, Missouri, and was adopted at six months of age. She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Carolus; her mother, Mildred Faye (Phillippe) Carolus; and her adopted brother, Stephen Carolus, who died as an infant.

Tamie will be deeply missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, extended family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched through her work, music, creativity, and generous heart. Her love for her family and her willingness to open her home and heart to others will remain part of her legacy for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation. Donations can be made through the link or mailed to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

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Obituary - Robert Leroy Stolte, Jr.

Robert Leroy Stolte, Jr., 74, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on September 14, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held in October, date and time will be announced when finalized.

Robert was born on May 19, 1952, in Kansas City, MO, to Robert Stolte Sr. and Virginia Stolte. He grew up with his siblings: Beverly, Diane, Kathy, Leon, Robin, and Melinda. He lived much of his life in Harrisonville and spent his working years in a variety of roles. He worked installing C-Band satellite dishes and also spent time as a taxi driver. Later, he worked for the Cass County Public Library, where he drove the bookmobile before retiring.

During the Vietnam conflict, Robert was stationed in Thailand, where he served as a message relay technician. His interest in radio and communications continued throughout his life. He enjoyed tinkering with electronics and remained fascinated by radios, communications, and the technology behind them.

Robert was a loving father to his three children: Amanda, Ryan, and Christopher Stolte. He was a beloved father-in-law to Ryan's wife, Liz. He was also a proud grandfather to Ben Gerke and his wife, Emma, and to the apple of his eye, Reece Stolte. Robert dearly loved being a great-grandfather to Eleanor and Brynley Gerke.

Robert was always his grandchildren's biggest fan. He took great pride in watching them grow and was always there to support and encourage them. He was also someone his children and their spouses could count on whenever they needed advice, a helping hand, or assistance with a home project. Whether it was offering his knowledge or simply showing up when he was needed, he was always willing to help.

Robert had a playful side that came out every Fourth of July. He was always the biggest kid when it came to fireworks, making sure there were plenty for everyone to enjoy. Those celebrations were another way he brought his family together and created memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Robert was also a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for his generosity, his willingness to help, his curiosity about electronics and communications, his love of family, and the many memories he created with those he loved.

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