Rosa L. Conner
Dec. 20, 1928 – Nov. 3, 2019
Rosa Lee Evans Conner, 90, Harrisonville, died Nov. 3. Funeral services were Nov. 9 at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville, with burial in the Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville.
Rosa Lee was born Dec. 20, 1928, in Butler, the daughter of Amy Miller and Robert Evans. Rosa Lee grew up in Butler with her 10 brothers and sisters.
Butler is also where she met her husband. John and Rosa Lee were married Dec. 21, 1946.
Rosa Lee was a full-time mother and grandmother and enjoyed taking care of her children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook, homemaker and parent.
She was well known for her smile, kindness and many wonderful recipes. She will be deeply missed by all.
Rosa Lee was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Conner; parents; brothers, Glen, Orville, Buford, Eugene, Everett Paul Evans; and two sisters, Bertha Brittingham and Margie Brittingham.
Rosa Lee is survived by four daughters, Carol Moody and husband, Rick; Janet Moses and husband, Albert, all of Harrisonville, Mary Butler and Judy Myers, Lee’s Summit; a son, Larry Conner and fiancée, Laura Michaels, Cincinnati, Ohio; three sisters, Eva Lena Keeble, Leawood, Kansas, Doreen Speer, Independence, and Lola Jordan, Oliver Springs, Tennessee; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous friends and relatives.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Esther J. Ensley
March 29, 1937 – Nov. 3, 2019
Esther Jeffries Ensley, 82, Harrisonville, died Nov. 3 at Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville. A celebration of life was Nov. 8 at the Everett Community Church in Archie.
Esther was born March 29, 1937, in Steelville, the daughter of James E. and Mabel J. (Vance) Coffman.
She had lived in Kansas City, Kansas, moving to Cass County in 1975. She was a member of the Everett Community Church in Archie.
Esther found joy in spending time with her family and lifelong friends. She loved making road trips back to Steelville to see her family and in her free time liked reading, puzzles, playing cards and going to garage sales.
Esther was generous to a fault and cared about everyone without judgment and was a spitfire with a wicked sense of humor. Her smile could light up the room and her laughter was contagious. She made friends everywhere she went.
Esther had worked at Russell Stover Candy doing seasonal work and made friends who referred to themselves as the “Stover Girls.” They remained friends for more than 50 years. She was a joy to all who knew her.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands, Robert Jeffries and Hubert “Hoot” Ensley; three sisters and three brothers.
She is survived by four sons, Robert Jeffries, Jr., Archie, James Jeffries, Harrisonville, Morris Jeffries, Garden City, and Norman Jeffries, Pleasant Hill; a brother, Bill Coffman, Steelville; and numerous dearly loved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
John M. Hoover
May 29, 1958 – Nov. 2, 2019
John Michael “Mike” Hoover, 61, died Nov. 2, at his home in Kingsville. He was born on May 29, 1958, in Butler, the son of John Marcus Hoover, Jr. and Donna Jean Sallee.
Mike attended Harrisonville High School in Harrisonville as a member of the class of 1976. Mike moved from Harrisonville to Kingsville where he spent the past 30 years of his life. He was self-employed as a carpenter. Mike was of the Christian faith.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, John Hoover; his stepfather, Dennis Thompson; his son, Ryan Hoover; his maternal grandparents, Art and Vertie Sallee; his paternal grandparents, JM and Idell Hoover; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jack and Becky Lord.
Mike is survived by, his wife, Cheryl M. Hoover, of the home; his mother, Donna Thompson, Stockton; a son, Christopher Lehman, Kingsville; a
daughter, Lindsey Lehman and husband, Jon Seward, Kingsville; a brother, Monte Thompson, Stockton; three sisters, Cheryl L. Hoover of Raytown, formerly of Harrisonville, Kelly Foster and husband, Bob, Stockton, Stacy Graham and husband, John, Leonardville, Kansas; two grandchildren, Griffin Seward and Calvin Seward, both of Kingsville.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, Holden. A celebration of life will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Kingsville Baptist Church, Kingsville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to his wife, Cheryl M. Hoover.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, Holden.
Barbara Gregory
Dec. 26, 1943 – Nov. 5, 2019
Barbara Gregory, 75, Raytown, died Nov. 5 at Lee’s Summit Medical Center.
Barbara is survived by her children, Deanna (Scott) Hampton, Peculiar, Jim (Amber) Wuster, Blue Springs, and Matthew (Lupe) Wuster, Bottineau, North Dakota; her grandchildren, Steven, Deanna, Catherine, Emma and Taylor; a niece, Lauren; and a brother, David Gregory, Knob Noster.
Memorial services were Nov. 7 at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home with Brother Charles Brant officiating.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Raytown Emergency Assistance Program and can be left in care of the funeral home.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home, Warrensburg.
John E. Kagarice
July 4, 1936 – Oct. 31, 2019
John Edward Kagarice, 83, Peculiar, died Oct. 31 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City. Funeral services were Nov. 5 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, with burial in Freeman Cemetery, Freeman.
John was born July 4, 1936, in Garden City the son of Charles E. and Hattie Eva (Groce) Kagarice. He was a lifelong Cass County resident.
He married Betty Lue Zimmerman Nov. 24, 1961, in Harrisonville officiated by the Rev. George Monroe.
He had lived in Peculiar since 1978. John, known as “Farmer John,” raised cattle, geese, rabbits and pigeons. He had worked for Pryor Brass in Kansas City for 29 years.
John was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers, Charles, Gene, Don, Walter, Carl, Jack and Rob Kagarice; and three sisters, Hazel May Smith, Emma Cooley and Mildred Leavell.
He is survived by his wife, Betty, of the home; a son, John Greg Kagarice, Garden City; two grandchildren, Rebecca S. Kagarice and John James Kagarice; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Cecil C. Keeth
Oct. 27, 1931 – Nov. 3, 2019
Cecil Clinton Keeth, 88, formally of Raymore, died Nov. 3 at Crown Care Center, Harrisonville.
A celebration of life visitation was Nov. 8 at the Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care, 14310 E 42nd St. S, Suite 600, Independence, MO 64055.
Cecil was born Oct. 27, 1931, in Tuscumbia, the son of William Henry and Blanche May (Moneymaker) Keeth.
Upon graduation from high school, he entered the United States Air Force, serving in active duty during the next 20 years. During this time, he attained the rank of Master Sergeant and saw military action as part of both the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Upon discharge, he remained an employee of the Civil Service, serving with their FEMA program. He then went to work for Ree’s Contract Service in 1991 and retired as CEO in 2003
Cecil was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and taking special walks with his grandchildren. He enjoyed assisting with the local Boy Scout organization and their many activities. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Raymore.
Cecil was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley (2017); his parents; and siblings, Vernon, Ailene, Verlon, Freda, Kenneth and Jimmie.
He is survived by two sons, Cecil Henry Keeth (Linda), Harrisonville, and Daniel Lee Keeth (Melena); his daughter, Sherry Lynette Keeth; a sister, Esther Dinwiddie (Ronald). He also leaves three grandchildren, Matthew Keeth (Kamra), Jessica Keeth and Brian Miller; eight great-grandchildren, Madeline, Mary, Maggie, Mattea, Piper, Charlie, Isabella and Austin.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore.
James R. Lindley
April 23, 1943 – Nov. 5, 2019
James “Jim” Robert Lindley, 76, Harrisonville, died Nov. 5 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City. A Masonic Service was Nov. 8 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, with the funeral service following. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery, Latour. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner Hospital for Children.
Jim was born April 23, 1943, in Kansas City, the son of Harry “Jeff” and Marcella Lucille (Doerle) Lindley. He was a lifelong Cass County resident and a graduate of Kingsville High School.
Jim was a truck driver for County Beverage in Kansas City and had received the Million Mile award for a million miles driven without an accident. He was a member of Teamsters Local No. 41.
Jim purchased Johnny’s Liquor Store in Harrisonville in 1992 which he operated until he retired and sold the business in January 2005.
Jim was a member and past master (1978) of Cass Masonic Lodge No. 147 in Harrisonville, a member of York Rite, Scottish Rite and Ararat Shrine, all in Kansas City. His memberships also included the Cass County Shrine Club, Cass County Wildcats, Ararat Motor Escort, Ararat Corvette Club and Ararat Provost.
Jim was an Ararat Ambassador in 2014 and 2015 and a member of Quetzalcoatl. He was also a member of the Cass County Elks Lodge.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Duane Lindley and F.L. Lindley; and infant twin brothers, Larry and Jerry.
He is survived by two sons, Jim Lindley and his wife, Julianne, Kansas City, and Jerry Lindley and his wife, Leveta, Raytown; three sisters, Jeannie Beck and Bonnie Kinney, both of Harrisonville, and Sue Bass, Pleasant Hill; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Kim L. Riggs
Dec. 11, 1959 – Nov. 1, 2019
Kim Leon Riggs was born Dec. 11, 1959, in Harrisonville and died Nov. 1 at Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville at the age of 59 years, 10 months and 21 days.
He was the son of Rex Leon and Jeannette L. (Sartin) Riggs.
Kim spent most of his life in the Pleasant Hill area, graduating from Pleasant Hill High School in 1978. After graduation, he worked as a heavy equipment operator for Riggs Excavating Company.
Kim loved the outdoors and the hobby he enjoyed most was fishing. He also was completely devoted to his dog and cats.
Kim was preceded in death by his mother, Jeannette L. (Sartin) Riggs Aug. 11, 2015, and his sister, Karla Lynn Riggs, April 23, 1990.
He is survived by four sons, Keith Leon Riggs, Garden City, Kyle Dean Riggs, Lamar, Richard “Rick” Hood, Independence, and Jake Riggs, Holden; his father, Rex Leon Riggs and wife, Starr, Harrisonville; his wife, Christina Riggs, Holden; two brothers, Kevin Riggs and wife, Teri, Pleasant Hill, and Keith Ray Riggs and wife, Amy, Harrisonville; three grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were Nov. 7 at the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill, with Pastor Steve Fleshman, officiating. Casket bearers were Kevin Riggs, Keith Ray Riggs, Keith Leon Riggs, Kyle Riggs, Richard “Rick” Hood and Jake Riggs. Honorary bearer was Frank Osbourne. Burial was in the Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Arthur L. Graham, III
July 10, 1954 – Nov. 3, 2019
Arthur Lee “Little Buck” Graham, III, was born July 10, 1954, in Kansas City, and died Nov. 3 at Research Medical Center, surrounded by the love of his family, at the age of 65 years, 3 months and 23 days.
He was the son of Arthur Lee Graham, Jr., and Eva Darlene (Sparks) Graham.
Little Buck spent most of his life in Grandview where he attended Grandview High School. He worked for General Motors for 30 years and retired as team leader in production. Little Buck was also a proud member of UAW Local No. 31. In addition, he was owner, president and CEO of his own company, Graham Salvage.
Dec. 31, 1988, Little Buck was married to Rosemary Alice Taylor in Independence and to this union one son, Arthur Lee Graham, IV, was born.
The most important thing in Little Buck’s life was his family. He was a loving and devoted son, father, brother, papa, uncle and cousin. He was fiercely protective of those he loved and always available if any of them needed him.
Little Buck enjoyed inviting his family and friends to his home at Lake of the Ozarks where he would entertain them with fishing expeditions and boating experiences.
Little Buck was a member of St. Matthew Presbyterian Church in Grandview and a proud member of Visions Motorcycle Club.
He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Lee Graham, Jr., and two sisters, Ronda Darlene Phillips and Sandy Otis.
Little Buck is survived by four sons, Christian Lee Graham and wife, Roni, Adrian, Arthur Lee Graham, IV, and wife, Kelsey, Grandview, Jeff Westbrook and wife, Stephanie, and James Westbrook all of Olathe, Kansas; his mother, Darlene Sparks, Grandview; two brothers, Othel L. “Sparky” Graham, Grandview, and William Joseph Graham and wife, Felicia, Lee’s Summit; a sister, Bonnie Ragsdale, North Kansas City; 12 grandchildren, Christian Lee Graham, Jr., Jesse Wayne Graham, Arthur L. Graham, V, Owen Graham, Raegan Graham, Jayden Martinez, Aubriana Westbrook, Olivia Baldwin, Jaxton Westbrook, Kane Westbrook, Vivian Westbrook and Taylor Westbrook; other relatives and many, many friends.
Funeral Service for Arthur Lee “Little Buck” Graham, III, was Nov. 9 at the Wallace Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill with Pastor Alan Kinder, officiating.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Wilma L. Graham
Nov. 26, 1929 – Nov. 1, 2019
Wilma L. Graham, 89, Adrian, died Nov. 1 at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Kansas City.
A celebration of life service was Nov. 9 at Crossroads United Methodist Church, Belton.
Wilma was born Nov. 26, 1929, in Adrian, the daughter of John D. Long and Veda C. (Coke) Long. She grew up with three siblings, Maxine, John “Pete” and Sylvan.
After graduating high school, Wilma entered the workforce. In the winter of 1964, she was married Feb. 15 to her late husband. Together they were blessed with two children, Kyle and Betsy. Later in life, she was blessed with grandchildren.
Wilma was a woman of faith and a longtime member of the Belton United Methodist Church, currently, Crossroads United Methodist Church. More recently, she attended and was very involved in the Adrian United Methodist Church.
Wilma was preceded in death by her loving husband of 38 years, Robert D. Graham; parents, John and Veda Long; sister, Maxine Goebel; and two brothers, John “Pete” Long and Sylvan Long.
She is survived by her son, Kyle Graham (Sherri); a daughter, Betsy Graham; and four grandchildren, Amanda Myers, Brennan Chapman, A.J. Stone and Jessie Stone.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore.
Verna J. Kooker
Oct. 18, 1952 – Nov. 5, 2019
Verna’s wishes were to be cremated. A visitation was Nov. 8 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler, with inurnment at a later date in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Good Shepherd Hospice.
Verna June Kooker, 67, Butler, died Nov. 5 at Medicalodge of Butler.
She was born Oct. 18, 1952, the daughter of Walter Samuel, Sr., and Mildred Marie Herman Fuller in Butler.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Lynn Fuller; and a half-sister, Reta Boyce.
Verna is survived by a son, James Chandler, Jr., and wife, Melissa, Foster; two daughters, Megan Bagby and husband, Scott, Adrian, and Jill Ross and husband, Adam, Louisburg, Kansas; two brothers, Sam Fuller, Jr., and wife, Beverly, and Joe Fuller and wife, Peggy, all of Butler; two sisters, Carol Ireland and husband, Jack, Nixa, and Karen Russell and husband, Dwain, Butler; a half-sister, Betty Fuqua; a sister-in-law, Doris Fuller, Butler; seven grandchildren, Brittani Simms and husband, Tim, Colby Chandler, Trenton Bagby, Olivia Bagby, Hayden Ross, Adyson Ross, Ethan Ross; and two great-grandchildren, Brayden and Makynleigh.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Home, Butler.
