Jim Brown
July 12, 2019
Jim Brown, aged 72, of Harrisonville, died July 12 at his home surrounded by family and love.
Jim is survived by his son, Timothy W. Brown and his wife, Lindsey, Harrisonville; two daughters, Elizabeth Ann Bedsaul and her husband, Bill, Harrisonville; and Susan Marie Bedsaul and her husband, Ken, Grandview; a brother, Mike Brown, Smithville; a sister, Pat Ysassi, Harrisonville; nine grandchildren; five great-grand-children; other relatives; and many friends.
Inurnment is to be in the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery, Higginsville, with military honors and will be held at a later date.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Mildred L. Call
April 8, 1940 – July 15, 2019
Mildred Louise Call, Pleasant Hill, was born April 8, 1940, in Kansas City, the daughter of Hurshel Richard and Beaulah Alvina (Hubbard) Call.
She died July 15 at the Pleasant Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 79 years, 3 months and 7 days.
Mildred worked as a mail room support for the IRS. She lived in numerous places throughout the United States, such as California, Arizona, Alabama, Missouri, Arkansas and Kansas.
Mildred loved to read and collect all sorts of things.
She was always trying to get things she thought others could use which caused her to accumulate many, many things. Mildred had a large family of boys and girls who she loved and did everything she could for them. She will be missed enormously. Godspeed to our mom, may she rest in peace.
Besides her parents; she was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Call; and a sister, Mary Gast.
Mildred is survived by her children, Dorothy Anderson, Independence; David Rayburn, Taneyville; Donald Rayburn, Reno, Nevada, Dennis Rayburn, Fordland; Chuck Rayburn, Pleasant Hill; John Rayburn, Madison, Alabama; and Dora Shelton, Lowry City, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers, Hurshel Call, Deepwater, and John Call, East Lynne; a sister, Mackey Ginnings, Harrisonville; and other relatives and many friends.
Cremation. A celebration of life service was July 20 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Pamela S. Christensen
Feb. 16, 1962 – July 13, 2019
Pamela “Pam” Sue Christensen, Belton, was born Feb. 16, 1962, in Osceola, the daughter of Dale Wayne and Ronnie Snyder.
She died July 13 at her home at the age of 57 years, 4 months and 27 days.
Jan. 24, 1987, Pam was united in marriage to Flemming Juel Christensen in Clinton.
To this union was born Danielle Christensen. She was the bright star in Pam’s life.
Pam was employed as a reimbursement coordinator for Kindred At Home in Overland Park, Kansas. She was a member of the Barrett Baptist Church, Pampa, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Juel Christensen; and a brother-in-law, Joe Overturf.
Pam is survived by her husband, Flemming Christensen; her daughter, Danielle Christensen; her parents, Dale and Ronnie Snyder; her mother-in-law, Mona Ebeck and her husband, Charlie; her in-laws, Hanne Overturf, Inge Howard and husband, Roger, Jan Christensen and wife, Holly; Beth Wilson and husband, Mark; numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends.
Funeral services were July 19 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Garden City, with burial in the Landaker Cemetery near Lowry City.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Casco Sheltered Workshop, Harrisonville.
Ruby M. Clark
Nov. 29, 1925 – July 12, 2019
Ruby Mildred (Anderson) Meade Clark “Hot Lips”) died July 12. She was born Nov. 29, 1925, the fourth child of James Adam and Ella Ethel (Sanders) Anderson in Crane.
She was raised on Anderson Ridge at the horseshoe bend of Crane Creek off the Old Bluff Road south of Hurley. After graduation, she moved to Kansas City where worked at Sears with her sister, Mary. March 30, 1945, she was chosen as a Sears Pin-up Girl in World War II and later that year she married James Meade from Hurley.
She was baptized May 10, 1964, at Ruskin Heights Lutheran Church, Kansas City, and spent most her life as a homemaker, raising her two children.
Ruby moved back to Kansas City after living in California, Utah and New York, and worked at Woolworth’s.
Ruby had an off-the-cuff sense of humor and was not afraid to speak her mind.
She could be a little spit fire which was attributed to her short 4’5” Anderson stature. She once boasted she was a dead aim with a rock and could defend herself quite well.
She was affectionately called Hot Lips by her grandsons, Richard “Ricky” and Wesley, whom she helped raise. When she would get mad or upset, her grandsons would always say, “Quit percolating Hot Lips.”
Ruby always wore high-heel shoes to make her look taller. She took great pride in her appearance and always looked like she just walked out of a beauty shop. Advance notice was given to go anywhere as it took her forever to get dressed, pick out her matching jewelry and put on her makeup, which she carried in a rather large cosmetic case.
Ruby never learned to drive because she said she couldn’t reach the control peddles, but she loved shopping with anyone who would take her. She had closets full of matching clothes and shoes, usually bought in the children’s department.
She was generous, thoughtful and often bought for others who took her shopping. When she was younger, she sent clothes from the big city to her little sister, Peggy, while she was still on the farm in Hurley.
She loved her Coke and drank it until the day she died. She loved to sweep the house and porch with a straw broom and her house was always clean. Her bathroom was decorated in frogs and elf ceramics adorned her living area.
Ruby first married James Meade and had two children, Jimmy Gale Meade and Connie Lynn (Meade) Mullen.
After they divorced, she met and married Roy Clark while working at Woolworth’s in September 1984. Ruby took great pride in her family and spoke lovingly of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ella Anderson; her husband, Roy Clark; a son, Jimmy; four siblings and their spouses, Howard and Lena Anderson, Mary and Earnest Boyd, Milford and Thelma Anderson and Doris and Willis Barnett; and ex-husband, James Meade.
Ruby is survived by her daughter and caretaker, Connie Mullen, Harrisonville; her two sons: Richard “Ricky” Anderson and his wife, Amanda, and twins, Sawyer Grace and Imogen Ruby, Independence, and Wayne Wesley Mullen and his wife, Kimberly, and his two sons Malaki and Paxton, Ozark; Jimmy’s wife, Phyllis, Pleasant Hill, and their four children: Denise Suzel Harris, Greenville, and her son, Willy Harris, Pleasant Hill, James Maurice Meade (Bubba) and his wife, Cassandra, and their children Ava, Riley and Jett James, Pleasant Hill, and Christopher Shane Meade and his two children, Sage and Lela, Lake Winnebago, and Jesse Gibbons Meade, Austin, Texas. She also leaves a stepson, Dennis Clark, and his two children and her youngest sister, Peggy Anderson Caldwell and husband, David, Marionville.
Ruby will be forever remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt to all of her nieces and nephews and she will be missed by all that knew her.
One of the last things she said was, “Everything is just water under the bridge; everyone just needs to get along.” She is flying with the angels today and singing the graces of God.
Ruby chose to be cremated and there will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. July 27 at the Harrisonville Meadows Community Center on Lincoln Road in Harrisonville.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Mary H. “Corky” Cook
July 3, 1931 – July 19, 2019
Mary Henrietta “Corky” Bane Cook, 88, Freeman, died, July 19 at her home. Funeral services were July 22 at the Freeman Presbyterian Church, Freeman, with burial in Freeman Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Haven.
Corky was born July 3, 1931, in Drexel, the daughter of Henry Francis and Mary Ann (Williams) Bane. Corky was the youngest of three sisters, Mildred Briant and Lois L. Wood, both deceased.
Corky and Steryl B. Cook were married Dec. 24, 1948, at the Freeman Baptist Church. She completed high school, graduating in May 1949 and soon thereafter they moved to their first farm south of Freeman.
Corky and Steryl were the proud parents of four children: Larry Ray, born Dec. 5, 1951, (Larry died Dec. 31, 1951); Kevin Layne Cook, Freeman; Keith Wayne Cook, Freeman; and Kelly Sue Elliott, Belton.
Corky was a homemaker, farm wife, caregiver for her three children, member of the Freeman Presbyterian Church, Cass-Midway PTA, Freeman Historical Society, Freeman Community Club and the greatest group in the Freeman community, the Domestic Dames. She was also a member of Harrisonville Bayard Chapter No. 179, Order of Eastern Star and was presented her 50-year pin in 2012.
Corky was blessed with four grandchildren, Benjamin Paul Cunningham (Kim), Lee’s Summit, Adam Lloyd Elliott, who died Oct. 7, 2008, Corinne Suzanne Elliott (Anthony Bricker), Pleasant Hill and Daniel Keith Elliott (Haley), Pleasant Hill. But her greatest blessings are her three great-granddaughters, Adyson Izabelle Elliott, Sloan Elizabeth and Quinn Ella Cunningham.
Corky worked at Walmart from 1976 to 1991. After retiring, Corky and Steryl began enjoying retirement together, spending time with their grandchildren and taking short trips to see the countryside. In May 2002, Steryl became ill and Corky became his full-time caregiver until his death in August 2003.
Corky didn’t let being a widow slow her down. She continued to get out and about and enjoy life, her family and friends.
Late in 2017, Corky was placed on palliative care and then progressed to hospice care in 2018, remaining at home through her entire journey. Although her health was declining, she was in great spirits and enjoyed her visits from family and friends.
She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Robert Cook (Linda), Freeman; a niece, Janice Inman (Darel), Harrisonville; a nephew, James Cook, Freeman, and many great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends.
Arrangements were under the direction of Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Floyd A. Herrell
Oct. 31, 1929 – July 15, 2019
Floyd Allen Herrell, Harrisonville, was born Oct. 31, 1929, in Everett, the son of Lewis Milford and Nora Iona (Lucas) Herrell.
He died July 15 at his home surrounded by love and family at the age of 89 years, 8 months and 15 days.
Sept. 2, 1950, Floyd married Phyllis Ann Calhoun in Harrisonville. He later married Ann Riggs in Gardner, Kansas. Floyd was employed as a supervisor for General Motors Leeds Plant, Kansas City, until his retirement in 1983.
He was a United States Army veteran of the Korean War, a member of Grand River Masonic Lodge No. 276 A.F.&A.M., Freeman and the Ararat Shrine, Kansas City.
He enjoyed playing in the band at the West Line Opry. Floyd loved his family, fishing, the outdoors, haying and tending to his cattle. He was a lifelong area resident.
Besides his parents, Floyd was preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis, Feb. 8, 1995; his son, Floyd “Butch” Herrell, Jr.; and a brother Virgil Herrell.
Floyd is survived by his wife, Ann Herrell, of the home; his son, John “Mike” Herrell (Vickie L.), Harrisonville; stepson, Charles E. Riggs (Bobbi), Lake Lotawana; four stepdaughters, Laura Gaither (Leonard), Peculiar, Shirley A. Cook (Sam), Louisburg, Kansas, Norma K. Rice, Holden, Ann M. Bacon (JB), Broussard, Louisiana; 13 grandchildren; 13 step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; three step-great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Earl Herrell, Grand Prairie, Texas; two sisters, Opal Wiskur and Hazel Monroe, both of Archie; other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were July 20 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, with burial in the Brady Cemetery near Harrisonville. Masonic services were July 19 at the funeral home.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Lewis E. Kitson
Aug. 9, 1934 – July 16, 2019
Lewis Edward Kitson, Peculiar, was born Aug. 9, 1934, the oldest of six boys to James Harold and Georgia Doris (Snowden) Kitson.
He died July 16 at Wilshire of Lakewood, Lee’s Summit, at the age of 84 years, 11 months and 7 days.
Sept. 10, 1955, Lewis was married to Arlene Ann Davis. To this union eight children were born.
Lewis served in the Navy during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. He worked for the Government Civil Service in many capacities and places before retiring.
Lewis and Arlene moved to Missouri with his employment in 1970. They chose Peculiar as their home because they liked the name. Lewis joined the Ararat Shrine in the 1970s and was an active member until he began scaling back in 2016. He was a member of the Oak Grove Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene Kitson, Oct. 28, 2011.
Lewis is survived by his children Glenda Kitson, Gale Garten and husband, Mark, Gerry Hammack and husband, Marc, James Kitson and Marilyn, Michael Kitson and wife, Linda, Georgia Cambridge and husband, Derek, Steven Kitson and wife, Nancy, and Ginger Doll; 21 grandchildren, Bryan, Bradley, Alisha, Phillip, Lynnette, Jennifer, Nathan, Jon, Angela, Sara, Amanda, Abby, Amy, Lauren, Ronnie, Lonnie, Sara, Kara, Justin, Jessica and Jason; and 39 great-grandchildren; five brothers, Clair Kitson and wife, Barbara, Lyle Kitson and wife, Karin, Leonard Kitson and wife, Judy, Larry Kitson and wife, Lynn and LD Kitson; other relatives and many friends.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Eddie J. Irvin
March 11, 1944 – July 13, 2019
Eddie J. Irvin, 75, Cleveland, died July 13 at his home in Cleveland.
Graveside services were July 17 at the West Union Cemetery, Cleveland.
Eddie was born March 11, 1944, in Cleveland, a son of Edmon J. and Mary Alice (Coffey) Irvin. He was a lifelong resident of Cleveland.
He was married to Barbara Ann Decker, Nov. 24, 1962, in Miami, Oklahoma. Eddie was a stone mason and owned Eddie Irvin Construction Co. 35 years before his retirement in 2007.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara, April 24, 2016; and a brother, Ronnie Irvin.
Eddie is survived by two daughters, Cindy Harris and husband, Chuck, Archie, and Cathy Frazee and husband, Ronnie, Pleasant Hill; a son, Chris J. Irvin, Cleveland; six grandchildren, Justin Kircher, Randy Kircher, Christopher Kircher, Rebecca Chisam, Zachary Burton and Hannah Frazee; six great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Peggy Jo Rick
June 18, 1941 – July 13, 2019
Peggy Jo Rick, Smithville, formerly of Harrisonville, was born June 18, 1941, in Smithville, the daughter of Robert Hammond and Sarah Elizabeth (Boydston) Blankenship.
She died July 13 at Oak Pointe of Kearney, surrounded by love and family at the age of 78 years and 25 days.
Peggy was employed at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, in patient billing until her retirement in 2011. She was a member of Heartland Baptist Fellowship, Harrisonville.
Peggy enjoyed her family, especially her grandchildren, traveling, taking cruises and shopping. She had lived in Harrisonville before moving to Excelsior Springs, Missouri in 2015.
Besides her parents, Peggy was preceded in death by her daughter, Valerie Kassen, June 21, 2010; a grandson, Clint Staggs; two brothers; and six sisters.
Peggy is survived by two daughters, Vicki Staggs, Smithville, and Kim Murphy (John), Loxahatchee, Florida; four grandchildren, Shauna, Nick, Zach and Alexa; a son-in-law, Ron Kassen, Harrisonville; her sister, Shirley Abbott, Excelsior Springs; other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were July 16 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, with burial in the Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Stella Robinson
April 1, 1938 – July 17, 2019
Stella Mae Robinson, 81, Harrisonville, died July 17 at her home. Stella was born April 1, 1938, in Grand-view, the daughter of Cecil and Dolly (Snelling) Zimmerman.
Nov. 3, 1956, she was united in marriage to Cecil A. Robinson in Grand-view. Growing up on a farm, she loved riding horses, jumping ditches and rounding up cattle.
Stella was employed at IRS, holding several positions. Before retiring April 29, 1994, she was privileged with the opportunity to travel for training to Washington, D.C., and then training other employees.
Her passion in life was oil painting, winning several ribbons and participating in shows.
As a member of Harrisonville Fine Arts, she served several years as student art chairperson of which she was most proud, understanding that it was an important job to promote art in young people.
Stella spent many house researching family history, in early days traveling to get information at cemeteries and courthouses.
It was an honor to serve her Lord at Faith Baptist Church in Harrisonville.
Traveling in the trailer, finding historic places, meeting new friends and fly fishing with her husband were all things that brought her great pleasure.
Stella was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; and two sisters. She is survived by her husband, Cecil, of the home; her children, Steven Robinson (Heather and Laura Smith (Kirk), all of Olathe, Kansas, and David Robinson, Grandview; a sister, Emma, of Oregon. She was so proud of her four grandchildren, Aaron and Nathan Smith, Ashley Quickel (Jake) and Conner Robinson.
Funeral services were held July 20 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville with burial in the Freeman Cemetery, Freeman. Memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Baptist Church, Harrisonville, or to the charity of choice.
Arrangements were under the direction of Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.