Obituary - Ella Mae Rich

Ella Mae Rich, a lifelong resident of Rich Hill, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026 at the age of 98. She devoted her life to her family, her community, and serving others with kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. On January 27, 1951, Ella Mae married the love of her life, Marvin Rich. Together they built a loving home and raised three children: Warren Rich of Rich Hill, Missouri; Vickie Sue Rich of Rich Hill, Missouri; and Greg Rich who preceded her in death. Ella Mae was a proud grandmother to Scottie Rich, Jason (Brenna) and Merida Rich, Jeremy (Katrina) Rich, Tony (Elizabeth) Rich, Keith (Tracy) and Ayden Rich, Becky (Justin) Moreland and Melissa Eaton. Great Grand Children Justin, Riley, Jozelynn, Cheyanne, Jacey, Brooke, Jordan, and Cody. Loved by her Sister Dorothy Mitchell and Daughter-In-Law Nancy Rich.

For many years, Ella Mae dedicated herself to being a homemaker. In 1968, she began a new chapter by joining the Rich Hill School District as a cook at the elementary school. Her talent for preparing delicious home-cooked meals and her strong work ethic earned her a promotion to Head Cook, a position she proudly held for 31 years. She touched the lives of generations of students with both her cooking and caring. Ella Mae’s greatest joy was caring for others. She devoted her life to her family and was always willing to lend a helping hand, providing in-home care to many neighbors during times of need. Her compassion and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

She found great happiness in decorating for the holidays, especially the Fourth of July and Christmas. Her beautiful Christmas displays became well known throughout Rich Hill, earning her several city awards and bringing joy to her community. An avid gardener, Ella Mae filled her yard with colorful flowers, particularly her beloved red geraniums and vibrant tulips. Her passion for gardening led her to become an active member of the Rich Hill Garden Club. Ella Mae was also an exceptionally talented quilter. Every new baby in the family received a handmade quilt lovingly crafted by her hands, and many couples treasured the beautiful quilts she created as wedding gifts. Each stitch reflected her love, generosity, and remarkable talent.

She took immense pride in her hometown. Following the Rich Hill Tigers’ 2000 State Championship, Ella Mae created a beautiful quilt that was auctioned to help fund a monument at the Rich Hill Tigers football stadium, leaving a lasting tribute to her community. Ella Mae lived a life defined by love, faith, hard work, and service. She will be remembered for her warm heart, generous spirit, delicious meals, beautiful gardens, treasured quilts, and the countless lives she touched throughout her 98 years.

Funeral Services

Tuesday July 7, 2026

Heuser Funeral Home

Rich Hill, Missouri

Service at 2:00 p.m.

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Obituary - Kent E. Hall

Funeral services for Kent E. Hall of Amsterdam. Missouri will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. No visitation prior to services. Burial in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel, Missouri. Contributions to Adrian VFW Post 1935. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Kent Earl Hall, age 92 of Amsterdam, Missouri died Monday, July 6, 2026 at his home, surrounded by family. He was born November 23, 1933 to Chester Earl and Edna Lizzie Belle Ray Hall in Amoret, Missouri.

Kent is survived by his wife, Hazel Hall of the home; two sons, Todd Hall of Amsterdam, Missouri and Jeff Hall and wife Kelly of Butler, Missouri; two granddaughters, Brandi Hill and husband Jeff and Becki Newkirk and husband Daniel, all of Adrian, Missouri; and four great-grandchildren, Kenton and Libby Hill and Tucker and Garrett Newkirk. Kent was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Edna Hall; one infant son, David John Hall; and three sisters, Maxine Hall, Nancy Gwin and Shirley Sage.

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Obituary - Jerry Wayne Vogel

Jerry Wayne Vogel, 70, of Deepwater, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026. He was born on February 19, 1956, in Montrose, Missouri, the youngest of six children born to Erwin and Beatrice (Greufe) Vogel.

Jerry attended St. Mary's Catholic Grade School and graduated from Montrose High School in 1974. Following graduation, he worked alongside his brother, Bill, laying carpet before beginning a career in construction as a heavy equipment operator. He later joined MoDOT, where he worked for many years until his retirement in 2018. Construction was more than a career to Jerry-it was a skill he mastered and a trade he continued to enjoy throughout his life.

Jerry was known for his mild manner, wonderful sense of humor, and his willingness to help others, especially family with any project. He had a kind heart and was always the first to lend a helping hand. His generosity, quiet strength, and caring nature touched everyone who knew him.

His greatest pride and joy were his granddaughters, Jaelyn and Kinnzie, who brought endless happiness to his life. Some of their favorite traditions were going thrift shopping together and sharing meals at Applebee's. One of the girls' favorite memories of their Papa was climbing into his car and discovering the random treasures left behind from their last adventure together, small reminders of the special moments they shared that will always bring a smile to their faces.

Jerry treasured every moment spent with his son, Jerad. Whether they were tackling home projects, spending time with the girls, or enjoying one of Jerad's home-cooked meals, those moments meant everything to him. Together they built an unforgettable wooden swing set for the girls-a project that challenged them both but became one of the family's favorite memories.

Jerry enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved fishing, riding his four-wheeler around the yard, volunteering with Harvesters, and spoiling his beloved dog, Daisy, with the best treats he could find. He found happiness in being outdoors, spending time with those he loved, and creating memories with his family.

He was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Don Vogel.

Jerry is survived by his son, Jerad Jurgensmeyer; granddaughters, Jaelyn and Kinnzie Jurgensmeyer; siblings Barbara (Ed) Steinbach, Carolyn (Mike) Pope, Bill (Deb) Vogel, and Judy (Dennis) Daugherty; sister-in-law Cathy Vogel; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Jerry's life was defined not by the things he owned, but by the love he freely gave. His family will forever remember his kind heart, gentle spirit, helping hands, and the countless memories they were blessed to share with him.

Though he will be deeply missed, his love and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Forever loved, always remembered.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to Harvesters and may be left at Hill & Son Funeral Home.

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Obituary - Brandy Elaine Little

Brandy Elaine Little, age 44, of Harrisonville, MO, passed away on July 5, 2026, at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born December 6, 1981, Brandy was known for her unwavering loyalty, faith, honesty and fierce protective spirit. She stood firmly beside the people she cared about and faced life’s hardships with determination and grace.

Brandy’s greatest joy was being a mother. Her children were the center of her world. The love she had for them was constant and undeniable. She poured herself into her family and leaves behind a legacy of courage and devotion that will continue through those who loved her most.

Brandy is survived by her children, Ayden, Ava, Jaxsyn, Jaden, and Joshlynn; her partner, Josh Lavelock; her mother, Susan Berryman; her siblings, Joshua Lawson and Nicolette Hollingsworth; nieces and nephews; many other family members and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Lawson.

Brandy was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. Her memory will remain with her family always.

Cremation with a Celebration of Life Service will be held 4:00 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2026 at Heart of Life Church, Garden City, Missouri with inurnment at Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville, Missouri at a later date.

Visitation will be held 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2026 at Heart of Life Church, Garden City, Missouri.

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Obituary - Mary Ann Leyh

Mary Ann Leyh age 90 of Harrisonville, Missouri departed this life Saturday, July 4, 2026 at her home in Harrisonville, Missouri. 

Cremation with no services scheduled. 

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available, courtesy DIckey Funeral Home.

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Recipe of the Week

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The Museum Minute

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Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my concern regarding the low voter turnout in Missouri, particularly for the local elections held every April. and August. These elections frequently cover significant tax increases, yet turnout often averages only 11%. August 4th election will cover whether or not our votes will even continue with the power it should have. Are citizens really just going to give up our voting power? 

It is vital that we encourage more citizens to fulfill their civic duty by participating in these votes. Furthermore, with the upcoming election on August 4, 2026, it is important that voters are well-informed about the issues on the ballot.

To help clarify the decisions ahead, here's a brief summary below:

Amendment 1: Continues a sales tax for conservation, They have been receiving this sales tax for 42 years, however, many times we have voted on them getting other taxes. Its always one more tax, one more renewal, just a few pennies.  At some point citizens should ask when it will stop. They have been receiving this since 1984. Question WHY? There is always a reason for this tax, that tax, do they need it, because Americans do. Governments across the globe are getting Billions while our seniors are scraping pennies and vets can't get help. There is always a good reason put on paper for any tax, but somewhere it has to stop. if citizens vote NO, then they will have to trim the fat.

Amendment 2: Will open up our constitution to add changes on the elected position of assessors. This will delete the language from the Missouri constitution that exempts counties with populations between 600K and 700K from needing to elect the assessor in the county. The ONLY county that currently fits this is Jackson County. So if people vote YES, Jackson county will NEED TO START ALLOWING CITIZENS TO ELECT THEIR ASSESSOR.

Amendment 4: WILL REMOVE THE POPULAR VOTE AND LEAVE THE FINAL SAY TO ALL  ELECTIONS UP TO THE CITY PEOPLE. 

So we the people will no longer say what happens in Missouri, only Kansas City, ST Louis, Springfield, Sedalia and Columbia WILL DECIDE, EVERYTHING: just as many other states that have done this may put Missouri into resembling Oregon, Washington and California. As these states have done a lot to remove the individual from electing mostly common sense. So much of Missouri is NOT in the city and i don't want to trust city people to make my life decisions for me. If citizens vote NO, then we will still have our vote count.

Amendment 5; Claims to want to lower our taxes by raising the taxes on corporations. It doesn't tell people that Many small mom and pops are Limited Liability CORPORATIONS, these corporations are the places many Missourians like to shop. If they get hit with a higher tax, they will pass that down to the customer and BOOM, we will have to pay more for the cost of living, not just food, but any of the goods that we buy. So EVERY SMALL INCORPORATED BUSINESSES LIKE SANDYS, KOHENS, HERTZOG, MCBEES, ETC.

If Missouri raises taxes on corporations like NYC,CA and OR did, our companies (THAT KEEP US EMPLOYED), are likely to move to states that aren't jacking up their corporate taxes. I have NEVER SEEN THE STATE DELETE TAXES FOR INDIVIDUALS. I DON'T BELIEVE THEY WILL AND I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO PAY $20 FOR SINGLE SANDWICH. I believe people should require the state to LOWER ITS SPENDING , instead of raising taxes every time they want more money. Especially in light of all the money we have seen that has been stolen, sent over seas, pocketed instead of helping our citizens. Personally I don't see any need for all of our small corporations to have to cover expenses that politicians should just stop making. If the state of Missouri can not live with in their means of the Billions they already take in then CUT THE SPENDING. BALANCE A BUDGET LIKE EVERY MISSOURI CITIZEN HAS TO DO. So if we vote NO, It shows we want to keep our small mom and pop corporations in business with out raising prices.

This editorial isn't just a quick review of the AUGUST 4TH ELECTION.

It is more than that, it is letting citizens know 11% of Missouri ALWAYS RAISES TAXES, ADDS THINGS THAT MAKE US ASK WHY. GET OUT AND VOTE  EVERY APRIL, AUGUST NOVEMBER AND WHEN EVER THERE IS AN ELECTION.

WE AS CITIZENS ARE LOSING MORE ALL THE TIME BECAUSE WE LEAVE IT TO OTHER PEOPLE. THOSE PEOPLE ARE MAKING IT HARD ON THE REST OF US. PLEASE ALWAYS VOTE, ALWAYS BRING OTHERS, NEVER LEAVE IT UP TO SOMEONE ELSE.

My thoughts in this letter to the editor, Mrs. Coon

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