Obituary - Rebecca (Becky) Faye Holmes

 

Rebecca (Becky) Faye Holmes, 67, of Nevada, MO passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026,  following a brief illness.  She was born on November 29, 1958 in Neosho, MO to Clarence and Mary Joyce (Summers) Adams.   She married Tim Holmes on July 11, 1988 and he survives of the home.

     Becky graduated from Nevada High School in 1976. Together she and Tim built a life centered around family. Becky had a heart for children. She owned and operated Becky’s Daycare from 1986 to 2007 and spent 25 years as a foster parent, opening her home and heart to countless children. She also shared a love for animals, operating Silver Moon Cockers for more than 20 years.

     Beyond her devotion to family, Becky treasured her friendships, shared laughter, and the adventures and memories made along the way. She leaves behind a lifetime of love and countless lives made better simply by knowing her.

     She is survived by her husband, Tim; children, Dustin Thomas (Mandy), Tyler Holmes (Shelby), Stephanie Holmes (Ricky), Jacob Holmes, and Ethan Holmes (Katie); grandchildren, Colton, Landon, Preston, Tabitha, and River; and brother, Steve Craker.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Adams.

     A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada, with Pastor Bill Platt officiating.

     Memorial contributions may be made to Vernon County Cancer Relief in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

     Becky will be remembered for the love she gave, the laughter she shared, and the lasting place she holds in the hearts of those who knew her.

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Obituary - Randi Lee Cornett

Randi Lee Cornett, age 75, formerly of Linn County, Kansas passed away Friday, October 23, 2026 in Roseburg, Oregon.  He was born on October 22, 1951 the son of Delbert R and Juanita Joan Mendell Cornett.  During his working career he worked as a welder and a carpenter.  Randi was united in marriage to Linda Cannon on July 11, 2012.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He was a 3rd Degree Mason.  He liked to ride his motorcycle and whittle.  After retiring he helped others as a handy man.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Julie Cornett, and a brother, Raymond Cornett.  Randi is survived by his wife, Linda, a son, Jacob Speasl, two brothers, Glen Cornett, and Perry Cornett, a sister, Mary Michelle, other extended family and friends.  

Graveside funeral service will be held 11 am Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Richland Cemetery.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.  

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Obituary - Ernest Roy Ransier

Ernest Roy Ransier, age 65, Pleasanton, Kansas passed away Monday, October 19, 2026. He was born on April 21, 1961 at Fort Scott, Kansas the son of Melvin and Shirley McCallum Ransier. During his working career, he worked as a laborer in the construction industry. His family was the most important part of his life, especially his grandkids. He enjoyed fishing and reading, favoring John Grisham novels. He was a talented poet. He wrote several poems that have been published. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, David Ransier, and four sisters, Mary Ransier, Cathy Ransier,Carol Tina Ransier, and Linda, and his dog, Boss. Ernest is survived by a daughter, Joanna Bustillos and husband, Jesus, a son Johnathan Ransier, two brothers, Robert McCallum, and Billy Ransier, a sister, Charlene Wynn, and five grandchildren, William, Antonio, Stella, Charlotte, and Daisy. 

Visitation will be 5 to 7 pm Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Care to Share. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

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Obituary - Mary Bell Wise

A memorial service for Mary Bell Wise will be 2 p.m., November 7, 2026 at the New Covenant Fellowship Church in Garden City, Missouri. Care is entrusted to Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555). Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Obituary lovingly written by the family.

Mary Bell Wise, 97, passed away on October 29, 2026, after a long, memorable and impactful life.

Born Genevieve Bruce on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1928, she was adopted at two weeks old by her loving parents, Joe and Emma Gloyd, who named her Mary Bell. She grew up in Dayton, Missouri, where she attended Choctaw Country School, a one-room schoolhouse, before graduating from Garden City High School.

On June 14, 1946, Mary married Donald Lee Wise. Together, they built a life centered around family, hard work, and love. They made their home on the family farm in Dayton where they raised their four children and created countless memories. In 1972, they moved to Osage Beach, Missouri, and later returned to Garden City, where they lived in the senior housing community. Mary and Donald were able to celebrate their 40th, 50th, and 60th wedding anniversaries surrounded by family and friends.

Throughout her life, Mary was no stranger to hard work. In addition to raising her children and helping on the family farm, she worked at Western Electric, several garment factories, and Allee Enterprises. Wherever Mary went, friendships followed. Many of the people she met through her work became lifelong friends.

Having been adopted as an infant, Mary always wondered if she had biological siblings. At the age of 90, she finally had the joy of meeting her sister, Joyce Wagner, and her nieces, Laura and Linda, who traveled from Oregon to celebrate her 90th birthday. Mary also had the opportunity to meet her brother, Larry Ashley, and learned of three other siblings, Joann, Darrel, and Janet, who passed away before they could meet.

In 2022, Mary moved to Foxwood Springs Senior Living in Raymore, Missouri, where she formed a particularly special friendship with her roommate, Helen. The two shared a wonderful bond and truly loved one another.

Mary was a woman of faith who loved and believed in Jesus Christ. Before moving to Foxwood Springs, she attended New Covenant Fellowship Church in Garden City, Missouri. Her favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Mary was preceded in death by her loving parents, Joe and Emma Gloyd; her beloved husband, Donald Lee Wise; her son, Johnny Joe Wise; her grandson, Richie McMechan; and her siblings Joyce, Joann, Larry, Darrel, and Janet.

Mary is survived by her children, Connie Conner of Adrian, Missouri; Dewayne Wise (Karen) of Urich, Missouri; and Lea Ann Powell (Leary) of Camdenton, Missouri; 12 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and dear friends.

Mary’s life was a testament to the beauty of kindness, the importance of family, and the strength of faith. Though she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in knowing that her earthly journey is complete and she is now at peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Bates County November 3, 2026 Election Results

Unofficial results

10 of 10 precincts reporting

45.99% voter turnout

State Auditor

Scott Fitzpatrick 3,607

Quentin Wilson 1,378

Dustin Coffell 256

U.S. Rep. Dist 4

Mark Alford 3,773

Jordan Herrera 1,375

Thomas Holbrook 176

State Rep. Dist 62

Sherri Gallick 1,653

Liz Davenport 539

State Rep. Dist 125

Dane Diehl 2,178

Lynda C. Jones 950

Circuit Court Judge

Julie Highley 4,515

Presiding Commissioner

Christopher Gach 4,089

Mary DuBray 1,222

County Clerk

Jami Page 4,527

Circuit Clerk

Shelli White 4,493

 

Recorder of Deeds

Danyelle Baker 4,365

 

Prosecuting Attorney

Cody Johnson 4,394

Retain Judge Paul C. Wilson
Yes 2,938

No 1,910

Retain Judge Lisa Hardwick

Yes 3,023

No 1,774

Amendment 3

Yes 3,112

No 2,277

Amendment 6

Yes 2,447

No 2,870

Amendment 7 

Yes 2,582

No 2,721

Amendment 8

Yes 3,456

No 1,860

Proposition A

Yes 2,750

No 2,537

Rich Hill question

Yes 109

No 162

Amsterdam question

Yes 50

No 21

Drexel question

Yes 30

No 7

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From the Bates County Collector/Treasurer office

To clear some confusions up:

Everyone pays school taxes and yes its majority of your taxes.

If your assessed value goes up then so does your taxes, which means all indentities get more taxes

City stickers have ALWAYS been included in your CITY taxes, but our new program allows us to break it down. I do not as the Collector get to ADD any sort of taxes. I have laws and statues to abide by. This statement has came to my attention and wanted to address it.

Personal Property can change due to change of vehicles and levies

Personal Property is based on Jan 1st. If you get rid of a vehicle or purchase anything you will fix that on the next years assessment sheet. Those are mailed out after Jan 1st by the Assessor's Office.

Senior Tax Credit renewals have not been determined at this time. It won't be until at least after the first of the year. Once that decision is made we will make sure to notify.

If you have road issues please contact your TOWNSHIP we have NO authority over them.

Our office doesn't mind answering questions please call us at 660-679-3341. This is just hopefully to understand your statement a little better with as much new information it has on it.

.

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Reception held honoring Bates County Prosecutor Hugh Jenkins

Retiring Bates County Prosecutor Hugh Jenkins has had an impressive career- 39 years as Prosecutor which is a Missouri record. To honor him and this accomplishment, a reception was held this week at the Bates County Courthouse with co-workers, friends and associates. Included in the festivities, two proclamations were presented honoring his achievements- one by the Bates County Sheriff's Office and the other by Missouri State Representative Dane Diehl. 

All during which Jenkins got plenty of advice on things to do with his upcoming post-career free time. 

Relaxing? Fishing? Not likely. Hugh indicated his plans are to stay busy as usual and we'll probably still see him around on a regular basis.

Mid America Live is planning to do an in-depth interview to gain insight on his career following his official last day in office, December 31st, when assistant prosecutor Cody Johnson will take over the position. 

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Obituary - Gilbert Lee Willson

 

Gilbert Lee Willson, 84, Nevada, MO, passed from this life on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada. Gilbert was born November 30, 1941, in Sheldon, MO, to R.L. and Anna Mae (Kessler) Willson.

     Gilbert grew up in rural Vernon County and graduated from Metz High School in 1959. He met Eleanor on a blind date in December of 1959. They were married on October 21, 1960, and two children were born to this union. A daughter, Deborah (Debbie) born April 16, 1962, and a son, Robert (Rob) born April 11, 1970.

     Gilbert was very hard-working and a good provider for his family. He farmed using all the latest techniques, some he innovated until he rented the farm in 2009. He loved working with the dirt and continued building waterways, terraces, etc. until just a few days before he entered the hospital.

     He also loved to travel, so each year after the Vernon County Youth Fair he, Eleanor, Debbie, and Robby would take a summer trip in their RV. Most Christmas’ was spent in Arizona.  After retiring from farming, he and Eleanor took guided tours to Ireland, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and Lake Michigan. They also enjoyed road trips to 45 other US states.

     Gilbert was very active in the community and served on many boards including NFO, Ruritan Club, Harwood -12 years, Walker School Board -21 years, Director of Sac Osage Electric Board -5 years, Director Representing Sac Osage on KAMO Board in Vinita, OK, and Production Credit Association Advisory Board.

     He was awarded Vernon County Conservation Farmer of the Year, Goodyear Conservation Award of Merit, Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City and MU State Achievement Award, Nevada – Vernon County Chamber of Commerce Agri – Business Pacesetter Award, and University of MO Extension Leader’s Honor Roll. 

     In addition to farming, he also worked for the MO Dept. of Transportation for 8 years, after which in 1970 he started a fertilizer business and later a ridge till equipment business. 

     After becoming a grandpa in 1998, he made time for his granddaughters. He rarely missed a ball game, or program, and especially tried to never miss a birthday.

      Left to grieve his passing is his wife Eleanor of 66 years; four granddaughters, Kelsey (Mikel) Bailey, Emily Willson, Breanne Willson, and Claire Willson; siblings, Dee Jacks, Ruby (Everett) Forkner, Peggy Hunt, Mary Ellen Comstock, and Janet (Gary) Nichols; a cousin, Eugene (Karen) Story; and numerous nephews, nieces, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his children, Debbie Wheatley and Rob Willson; his parents, R.L. and Anna Mae Willson; two sisters, Joyce Emory, Freda Raabe; and four brothers-in-law, Roy Emory, Walt Jacks, Raymont Hunt, and Gary Comstock.

     Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Marvin Chapel Cemetery in Nevada with Terry McKinney officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

     In lieu of flowers Gilbert requested donations to Marvin Chapel Cemetery c/o Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

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