Obituary - Mary Simpson

Mary Fyock Simpson, formerly of Pleasanton, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2026. She was born on October 18, 1947, in Pleasanton, Kansas, the daughter of Floyd and Virginia Coffman Fyock. She graduated from Pleasanton High School in the Class of 1965 and following graduation she attended cosmetology school at Fort Scott Community College. After working in that profession for a while, she then changed directions and started working in the accounting department at Key Industries in Ft. Scott. She later held positions at several other accounting offices including the local newspaper. Once Mary found her way into the newspaper industry, she worked her way through the various aspects of newspaper operations and management before becoming the editor of the local paper; a job she thoroughly loved. She later retired as editor of the Linn County News. Mary’s belief in God was always strong and while her faith was first, it was followed very closely by loving and caring for her family. She was active in the Pleasanton Presbyterian Church and was involved with the Ladies Auxiliary. Her favorite pastimes were genealogy and spending time with her family, especially hosting family dinners. She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, painting, crafting, playing cards and writing.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Virginia Fyock, a brother, Charles C. Fyock, and a sister, Eleanore Bowers. Mary is survived by her three beloved children, daughters Alexandria (Danny) Childers and Laurie Masters, and son Joshua (Renea) Marshall; four grandchildren, Zachary, Zoe, Stephen, and Christopher. Other survivors include her nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nephews, and her best friend since childhood, Ruth Ann Weaver.  Mary will be remembered for her smile, creativity, independent spirit, infectious laugh and her beautiful blue eyes. Above all, she will be remembered for the love she shared so generously with those around her.

Visitation will be held 10 am Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Pleasanton Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will follow at 11 am. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasanton Presbyterian Church. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfuneals.com.

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Obituary - Estel Owens Keirsey

Estel Owens Keirsey, 98, of Adrian, MO, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2026, surrounded by love and family at Baptist Homes of Adrian. There will be a visitation on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM, with the funeral service at 11:00 AM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, MO. Interment at Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler, MO, will follow the service.

Estel was born to Fred and Grace Keirsey on June 1, 1928, in Ballard, MO. He spent most of his life in the Ballard and Adrian areas. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953, serving during the Korean War. After finishing his tour, Estel completed a business degree at the University of Missouri, where he met his lifelong love, Donna Jo York. The two married on November 27, 1957, and shared 68 wonderful years. During their happy union, a son, Fred Bruce, and a daughter, Jamie Denise, were born.

In his leisure time, Estel especially enjoyed hunting and spending time in the wilderness alongside his family and friends. This passion fueled a yearly pilgrimage to Wyoming with Donna and other loved ones, where he tagged many deer and antelope. He enjoyed his last hunt at 97 years old last November.

Estel and Donna traveled extensively throughout the fifty states and visited six foreign countries in their time together. For many years they spent the winter months in Texas. They were proud to share their curious and explorative nature with their granddaughters, whom they brought along on near and distant adventures most summers of their upbringing. His compass persistently pointed West, but his appreciation for all manner of landscape and wildlife was boundless.

At home on Keirsey Farms, Estel and Donna successfully bred, raised, and showed registered Arabian horses. One of their biggest successes was Crimson Ginger, Jamie's prized National Champion Mare. Others included an Arabian mare, Odra, who was named Top Five Western Pleasure, and Shah El Shams, a Champion Stallion who won third overall in National Futurity at the National show in Louisville. In addition to being a beloved pastime, Keirsey Farms found some outstanding success in their small breeding operation.

Estel is preceded in death by his son, Fred Bruce, and his parents, Fred and Grace. He is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Jo; daughter Jamie and her husband, Martin Lockard; granddaughters Haley and Paige; and dear friends Kenny Hooper and family...

He is loved beyond measure. May he rest in peace.

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Bears break four more records

The Bears had a great day at the Missouri Class 2 State Championship meet with three personal records, a new school record, and an All-State finish!

Results from the Friday state meet:

Erica Wilbers- 20th 20:02.0 PR, School Record, All-State

Catherine Cook- 58th 21:18.0 PR

Hayden Dickens- 75th 17:42.5 PR

Courtesy Butler High School

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Adrian students enrolled in dual credit classes receive scholarships

From Adrian R-III:

The Adrian Optimist Club has presented scholarships to the Blackhawks for years. One of the scholarships they offer is the Floyd Buhr College Credits Scholarship. This year, the Optimists awarded this scholarship to eight juniors and seniors enrolled in dual credit classes. Presenting the scholarships on behalf of the Adrian Optimist Club is AHS Teacher Mr. Jake Weeks. Recipients are: Devon Duncan, senior; Aynsley Zerbe, senior; Claire Newkirk, senior; Berkleigh Pierce, junior; Sydney Gach, senior; Emma Holmes, senior; Grace Engeman, junior; and Mya Glass, junior. Congratulations!

Thank you to the Adrian Optimist Club for always supporting the Blackhawks on their educational journeys.

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Montrose Bluejays Students of the Month

Montrose Students of the Month for October

Character Trait - Responsibility

From left to right:

6th grade - Alayna Whitford

9th grade - Kyla Koch

10th grade - Macey Tenholder

Congrats on a job well done!

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Free online class: Understanding Your Soil Needs

Healthy soil is the foundation of productive crops, pastures, gardens and landscapes. But do you know what your soil needs to thrive?

Join the free, two-hour virtual workshop, Understanding Your Soil Needs, and learn how to make informed decisions about soil fertility and soil health. Whether you manage a farm, pasture, garden or other land, you'll gain practical knowledge about soil testing, interpreting soil test reports, nutrient management, soil pH, organic matter and more.

As the saying goes: "Without a test, it's just a guess!" Learn how soil testing can help you avoid unnecessary fertilizer and lime applications, improve productivity and promote healthier soils.

Dec. 7, 2026 • 6 – 8 p.m.

Virtual via Zoom

Free

Register today: https://brnw.ch/21x6ZXP

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A great day to be a Bulldog

Help us congratulate Olivia Porter, senior at Ballard R-II School District, on signing with Graceland University to continue her volleyball career

Olivia is going to play volleyball at the next level, and we couldn't be more proud of her!

Your hard work, dedication, and love for the game have paid off. We can't wait to see all the amazing things you accomplish as you take this next step in your journey!

Congratulations, Olivia- the entire Ballard Bulldog family is cheering you on!

Courtesy Ballard schools

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Rich Hill Tigers: Another record broken

State Cross Country Results this week:

Andrew Kithcart-17th place, All-State team. Kithcart sets a new school record with a time of 16:51.

Hunter Bolser finished 38th with a time of 17:30.

Congratulations Tigers!

Courtesy Rich Hill Tiger Talk

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