George E. Brewster
Feb. 22, 1931 – Dec. 7, 2020
George “Gene” Eugene Brewster, 89, Raymore, died Dec. 7 at Foxwood Springs Living Center in Raymore. Gene was born Feb. 22, 1931, in Peculiar, the son of Frank David and Mabel Lucile (Morris) Brewster.
He was a 1948 graduate of Harrisonville High School. Gene was a United States Army veteran, serving from 1953 to 1955.
He married Violet Terrell Aug. 22, 1959, in Miami, Oklahoma.
Gene was a life-long resident of Cass County. He had lived in Peculiar from 1955 to 2016 before moving to Raymore in 2016.
Gene was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Peculiar.
He had worked for Waldo Foundation and B&B Foundation before retiring. He was a member of Carpenters Local Union
No. 61.
George was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Violet, Dec. 19, 2016.
He is survived by four sons, Bradley Brewster and Yvonne, Peculiar, Alan Brewster and Michelle, Parkville, Ellis Brewster and Denise, Liberty, and David Corder and Cheryl, Ridge Manor, Florida; a daughter, Canda Johnson and Paul, Marshfield; 15 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were Dec. 10 at the First Baptist Church in Peculiar, with burial in Wills Cemetery, Peculiar. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
William D. Butler
Jan. 21, 1944 – Dec. 8, 2020
William David Butler, Harrisonville, was born Jan. 21, 1944, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Clyde W. and Bessie Ann (Gilbert) Butler. He died Dec. 8 at St. Luke’s East, Lee’s Summit, at the age of 76 years, 10 months and 17 days.
Feb. 20, 1965, Bill married Darlene Faye Frazier in East Lynne.
Bill was employed as an assembler for General Motors Leeds Plant, Kansas City, before his retirement in 1995. After retirement, he was employed with Jim Looney Electric and was a bus driver for Durham Bus Services, all in Harrisonville.
Bill was a member and ordained deacon for South Haven Baptist Church, Belton.
He was an avid fisherman and hunter and a former member of the Harrisonville Optimist Club. He coached for many years in the Harrisonville Youth Football, Softball and Baseball leagues.
He enjoyed spending time with his grandson, clay target shooting, and had moved to Harrisonville at a young age from Des Moines, Iowa.
Besides his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Arnett.
He survived by his wife, Darlene F. Butler of the home; a son, David Butler and Breece, and a daughter, Dianah Hayward and Chris, all of Harrisonville; six grandchildren; a brother, Dan Butler, and a sister, Johanna Schnoor, both of Harrisonville; other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were Dec. 12 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, with burial in the Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Betty J. Clark
Sept. 27, 1945 – Dec. 3, 2020
Betty June Rogers Clark, 75, Harrisonville, was born Sept. 27, 1945, in Moniteau County, near Latham, the daughter of Harvey Elmer and Lula Pearl (Griffin) Rogers. She died Dec. 3 at her home surrounded with love and family.
Betty was a 1963 Tipton High School graduate. Sept. 12, 1980, she married Wiley Byron Clark, Jr., in Independence.
Betty was employed as a personnel analyst for the Missouri Department of Social Services. Following her retirement, she worked at the Hallmark Store in Harrisonville for several years.
She attended the Independence First Assembly Church. She enjoyed collecting pumpkins and other Halloween decorations, as well as Christmas trees and Christmas ornaments. She also loved gardening and traveling.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Loarn Rogers and Leo Rogers.
She is survived by her husband, Wiley, of the home; three brothers, Ivan and Doris Rogers, Warrensburg, Lawrence and Anita Rogers, Barnett and Dean and Gladys Rogers, Tonganoxie, Kansas; two sisters, Dorothy and Paul Enloe, Blue Springs, and Shirley Tippie, Pleasant Hill; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
Cremation has been accorded.
Graveside services were Dec. 10 at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The Rev. D. Kent Deubner officiated. Honorary pallbearers were Robert Bond, Bryan Brown, Curtis Rogers, David Rogers, Danny Rogers, Ed Rogers, Jeff Rogers, Stephen Rogers,
Jason Tippie and Jon Tippie.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Kansas City Hospice House and may be sent in care of the funeral home.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Jason R. Fleming
March 20, 1976 – Dec. 3, 2020
Jason R. Fleming, 44, Pleasant Hill, was born, March 20, 1976, in Springfield, the son of James R. “J.R.” and Deana G. (Mitchem) Fleming. He died Dec. 3 at the Research Medical Center, Kansas City, due to COVID-19 complications.
Jason was a 1994 Lee’s Summit High School graduate. He went on to earn his Associates Degree at Longview Community College.
Feb. 15, 2003, he married Jennifer Cartmill in Topeka, Kansas, and to this union two children, Brandon and Jeremy James, were born; they later divorced, but remained friends and focused on successfully co-parenting their sons.
Oct. 24, 2020, he married his high school sweetheart, Amie K. (Harvkey) Cortinas, in Branson. Although married for such a short time, their deep love for each other will last for her lifetime.
Jason was employed as an engineer on the BNSF Railroad. He was a member of the Railroad Union Local No. 75. He was also a longtime member of the LifeQuest Church in Belton.
Jason enjoyed woodworking, riding 4-wheelers, and swing dancing with his sister. More than anything Jason truly loved spending time with his family, especially his boys, Brandon and J.J.
Jason was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Edwin and Doris Fleming, and his maternal grandfather, Bud Waldren.
He is survived by his wife, Amie, of the home; two sons, Brandon and J.J., both of Lee’s Summit; stepson, Harrison Cortinas, Peculiar; stepdaughter, Katie Cortinas, Pleasant Hill; his parents, J.R. and Deana Fleming, Pleasant Hill; sister and brother-in-law, Jayme and Brad Smith, Belton; his maternal grandmother, Emma Waldren, Springfield; nephews, Dylon Smith, Terry James “T.J.” Smith and Austin Smith; many beloved cousins; other relatives and a host of many friends.
Cremation has been accorded. A celebration of Jason’s life was Dec. 7 at the LifeQuest Church, Belton. Honorary bearers were Kenya Ackfeld, David Mitchem, Mykie “Cher” Nash, Shannon Ryan, Travis Ryan, Austin Smith, Dylon Smith, Stacie Wells, Terry “T.J.” Smith, Brad “B” Young and Jeremy “J.J.” Young.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Fredrick A. Mitchell
June 23, 1953 – Dec. 6, 2020
Fredrick Allen Mitchell, 67, Pleasant Hill, was born June 23, 1953, in Harrisonville, the son of Arlen E. and Betty J. (Bunger) Mitchell. He died Dec. 6 at Lee’s Summit Medical Center.
Fred was a 1971 Pleasant Hill High School graduate. While in high school he was an active member of the FFA and the Vo-Ag program.
Fred was married to Sandy Hammonds for a brief time. They divorced, but remained friends. In the fall of 1984, Fred married Sheila M. Neill in Pleasant Hill, and to this union a son, Jacob Mitchell, was born.
Fred had been employed as an off bearer saw mill operator for the Pleasant Hill Veneer Plant until becoming disabled in 1994 following an unsuccessful brain surgery. He also truly enjoyed working with Gray Brothers Farms in Pleasant Hill.
Prior to his disability, he enjoyed spending time with Jake, hunting, fishing and singing slightly off key to the Statler Brothers. Jake was the apple of his eye and he was so proud to be his dad.
He was a member of the Pleasant Hill First Baptist Church.
Fred was preceded in death by a nephew, Logan Gray.
He is survived by his son, Jacob Mitchell, Pleasant Hill; his parents, Arlen and Betty Mitchell, Pleasant Hill; two brothers, Gary and Cathy Mitchell, Osceola, and Richard Mitchell, Pleasant Hill; his sister, Susie and Darrell Gray, Pleasant Hill; several nephews; other relatives and friends.
Private family services will be held.
Interment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasant Hill Lay Clergy Love Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Helen D. Smith
Dec. 30, 1923 – Nov. 30, 2020
Helen Deane Smith, 96, Derby, Kansas, long-time resident of Daugherty, died Nov. 30. Helen Deane was born Dec. 30, 1923, in Daugherty the daughter of Robert James and Naomi (Noell) Powell.
She attended Hutchinson Rural School No. 62 from 1928 to 1937 and was a 1941 graduate of Harrisonville High School.
Helen Deane moved to Kansas City and went to work at Montgomery Ward, soon after graduating from high school.
She met Robert “Smitty” Smith at a USO dance. Smitty was from Hearne, Texas, and was in the U.S. Navy stationed at the Naval Air Station in Olathe, Kansas.
Helen Deane and Smitty were married in August 1944. A daughter, Lynda Lee, was born in 1945 and a year later, they moved to Daugherty where they resided more than 50 years. A son, Robert Deane, was born in 1957.
Helen Deane was a member of the Daugherty United Methodist Church until it closed in 1993. She transferred her membership in 1996 and attended the Harrisonville United Methodist Church. Helen was a born-again believer. She loved the word of God and was a faithful, dedicated prayer warrior for friends and family. She devoted her life to the Lord and family as a wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. The grand and great-grandchildren were her joy in life.
Helen was a beautiful seamstress and generously kept her home open to family and friends serving old-fashioned country -style cooking. She enjoyed music, singing hymns and playing the piano.
She always had a big garden, raising wonderful sweet corn and tomatoes. She loved watching birds and after she moved to Mulvane, Kansas, delighted teaching many of her caregivers how to identify them.
Helen Deane had friends of all generations and many have expressed how much they loved her and what she meant to them.
She was preceded in death by her husband, “Smitty” Feb 15, 2005, and her sister, Ruth Mathis. May 7, 2016.
Helen Deane is survived by her daughter, Lynda Lee and Rod Moravec, Mulvane; a son, Robert Deane and Leslie Smith, Jupiter, Florida; a sister, Winona Powell, Tucson, Arizona; her grandchildren, Lisa Kay and Aaron Waller, Wichita, Kansas, Jenny Marie and Jade Hopkins, Derby, Kansas, Bryan Deane and Dani Smith, Alpharetta, Georgia, Brittni and Chip Stallings, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; 10 great-grandsons, Andrew Waller and Allyn Waller, Wichita, Tanner Hopkins, Conner Hopkins and Parker Hopkins, all of Derby, George Stallings, Deane Stallings and Thomas Stallings, all of Palm Beach Gardens, Jacob Smith and Zachary Smith, both of Alpharetta.
Funeral services were Dec. 8 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville.
Burial was in the Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville. Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
James “Jim” Lea Stine
Feb. 26, 1939 – Dec. 1, 2020
James “Jim” Lea Stine, 81, Kansas City, died Dec. 1, at St. Joseph Medical Center.
James was born Feb. 26, 1939, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Emmett and Vivian (Gross) Stine. He graduated from Peculiar High
School 1957 and was proud of being an Eagle Scout, the highest attainable rank in Scouting.
Jim married his first wife, Nancy Savage, in January 1959, in Miami, Oklahoma, To this union, they had two daughters, Patricia and Sharon. He went on to marry his late wife, Laurie, in July 2003, in Kansas City.
Jim began his pipefitters apprenticeship Jan. 4, 1965, with Pipefitter’s Union 533. He was a member of the Pipefitters Union 533 until his death. He received his 55-year pin in 2020. He enjoyed taking cruises, traveling, photography and cooking.
James was preceded in death by his late wife, Laurie Lynn Stine; his parents: Emmett and Vivian Stine; and sister, Dixie Stine.
He is survived by his daughters: Patricia Hunt and husband, Greg, Lee’s Summit, and Sharon Halsey and husband, Jeff, Laurel Springs, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Alicia Morrison and husband, Sean Lee’s Summit, Claire Brooks and husband, David, of Sparta, North Carolina, and Jeremy Halsey, Overland Park, Kansas; two great-grandsons: Landon Morrison and Jacob Brooks; stepchildren: Jay Jensen, Hans Arwick, Jeffrey Arwick, Monte Arwick, Callie Kelley, Tracy Hannon, Jubilee Arwick and Rosanna Harbin; and many step-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life was held Dec. 11 at Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Paul Ray Watson
Dec. 27, 1943 – Dec. 8, 2020
Paul Ray Watson, 76, Raymore, died Dec. 8, at St. Joseph Medical Center, Kansas City.
Paul was born Dec. 27, 1943, in Thayer, a son of Amos and Leatha (Crews) Watson.
He married Carolynn Madden Dec. 25, 1965, at the Freewill Baptist Church in Thayer. Paul was a U.S. Navy veteran. He had worked for Hanrahan Asphalt in Kansas City for 41 years. He was a member of the Southland Baptist Church, Belton.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carolynn Watson, on June 3, 2020, one brother, Carl Watson; and two sisters, Marie Keltner and Alice Watson.
He is survived by two sons, Tony Watson (Jennifer), Archie, and Kevin Watson (Kimberly), Peculiar; two brothers, Waymon Watson (Ruth), Thayer, and Gene Watson (Marsha), Belton; one sister, Ruth Herring, Branson; a half-brother, Wayne Watson (Jackie), Overland Park, Kansas; mother-in-law, Irene Madden, Thayer; a sister, Shirley Walters (Bishop), Greenfield; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; seven step-grandchildren; 14 step-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Graveside services were Dec. 12 at Walker Cemetery, Thayer, MO.
Arrangements were under the direction of Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Florene Wiltz
Feb. 25, 1954 – Dec. 3, 2020
City of Clarendon, the county seat of Monroe County in Arkansas, was the birthplace of Florene Meins Wiltz, Feb. 25, 1954, and she was the eighth child born to Leon and Florence (Moss) Meins. We reflect: Psalm 127:3 NIV – Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.
Florene’s specialness came about during her infancy. She received penicillin as an antibiotic and it was not learned that Florene was extremely allergic to penicillin and this allergy left permanent effects. Challenges or not, God blessed Florene with a rich measure of friendliness and happiness that could not be contained.
“Hiiiiiiii!!!!” Can you hear her? If you knew her well, this totally rings in your mind loud and clear. She may spot you in Walmart, Scavuzzo’s, McDonald’s or the gas station and you would hear, “Oh, Hiiiiii.”
“Oh, I’m just fine.” Florene was never complaining and always happy to see you and gladly greeting everyone with a smile. This was Florene Meins Wiltz.
Incredibly independent, proud, hardworking, strong willed and never wanting help, this is the true Meins way and Florene came by it naturally. Don’t you expect she maybe even greeted Jesus that way? “Oh, Hiiiiii.”
Yes, oh how she loved Jesus. But truly, how much more, Jesus loved her. Florene Meins Wiltz was born again in washing and rebirth of the water and the God’s Word when Baptized into Jesus Christ her Savior in the summer of 1962, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Grandview, She was 8.
As a farmer’s daughter, Florene worked on the farm, helping her momma at home and doing chores. Moving to Missouri, they had a stop in Grandview, but found home to be at the Barr, later Petree, Ranch in the Dayton area. This land has now become Missouri conservation land near the Grand River.
Florene attended school at Choctaw, a one-room schoolhouse in Dayton, and furthered her education at Sherwood with Roberta Allen as her teacher. She held several jobs through the years to include Casco Area Workshop, as her mother Florence Meins was a charter partner in the creation of the Casco workshop.
Florene worked in the housekeeping department of the original Cass Medical Center, took in ironing at her home and cleaned several homes, businesses and clubs in Harrisonville and always walked to them all.
Many knew Florene, but may not realize it or have known her name. Florene, in adult years, could very often be spotted walking through Harrisonville, as she was driven by her desire to do everything herself.
She would walk from her home at Oaks Mobile Home Court to city hall to pay her utility bill and back to the bank or the hardware store before finding her way home. Yet, she may need some milk and off to the grocery or drugstore she would
walk and always hoofing it, never on a bicycle.
Friends and family slow on the city street to say “Hi” and offer a lift, ‘Hiiiiiii’ she’d say “no, go on ahead, I like to walk, I’m just fine, go on ahead” and Florene would walk her bag of groceries and milk home. She was so excited when the city put in new sidewalks down Commercial Street because she just knew they were put in for her.
In the 1980s, Florene was active in community events as a volunteer. She’d work beside many others in helping park cars at the city park for the Fourth of July festivals. Also, when Log Cabin Days were in high gear, she’d be helping there too with traffic or parking cars and in any way needed.
Florene had many loves. She more than enjoyed family reunions and loved old-time rock and roll. She’d dance like no one was there but her and Elvis and we loved her zeal of dancing to the twist, the chicken dance and the YMCA.
Florene loved eating fish, fried shrimp, a bowl of chili from Wendy’s, a McDonald’s fish sandwich or strawberry shake, vanilla ice cream and a good baked tayta with sour cream. She always drank iced tea with no sugar, coffee was taken black and she was in church whenever the doors were open to receive Jesus gifts and hear the good news of Jesus’ love for her and all people.
You could nearly always find sitting right beside her in the pew her true love, best friend, helpmate and fiance, Sonny Wilson. Her heart was full when riding with him in his truck anywhere they wanted to go. They’d cruise the city lake and watch the geese, take in an episode of Andy and Barney on TV, catch a couple of garage sales and ooh and awe over the Christmas lights on all the homes through the season as they toured Harrisonville.
They would talk through everything, even that Sonny wanted to go home to Jesus first and she would follow. Sonny’s love was reflected in his huge giving heart. Sonny’s help to Florene and her siblings with handling yard care, small errands and helping sometimes to attend doctor visits blessed everyone involved.
Florene loved to go, whether it was thrift store shopping or the monthly gather with the Jolly 60s Bunch at the New Covenant Fellowship in Garden City or the occasional trip the Ozarks, which included maybe a show at Branson and Silver Dollar City where she could dive into a funnel cake, one of her favorite things.
Though it was always fun to go, Florene was a simple lady and she could not wait to get back home. Home is where her heart was. She liked to be home and isn’t that truly where she is now, she’s home in heaven with Jesus, her Savior.
Special was Florene, but Feb. 25 was especially joyful as her birthday was the same as her father, Leon Meins. They most always celebrated together over a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Florene is now perfect in heaven with her Savior Jesus. We celebrate Florene’s body is no longer affected by the long-term troubles of hepatitis, liver failure, breast cancer or even the struggles of other limitations. Florene always enjoyed being busy, staying involved and being a servant to help others.
Happy to help was what she was. Before sickness weakened her flesh, she was mowing her grass, raking her yard, cleaning at church, making cookies for others, painting her deck, walking to Obie’s car wash for a quick visit and always paying her own way, never wanting to be a trouble to anyone.
Florene died Dec. 3 at Belton Regional Medical Center, Belton. Florene was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Harrisonville.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Florence (Moss) Meins; and a sister, Barbara Meins Gunnerson; a brother-in-law, Don Riggs; and two nephews, Alvin Kirkemier, Anton Meins; and two great nieces, Chloe Meins and Miranda Meins.
Florene enjoyed being a part of her large family. She was one of 10 children. Leon and Florence were blessed with five girls and five boys and Florene was child number eight.
Florene is survived by Gladys and Lester Kirkemier, Arkansas, and William “Bud” Meins, Texas, and Dorothy Riggs, Harrisonville, Dillard and Carol Meins, Harrisonville, Lanny and Toni Meins, Ava, Ronnie and Judy Meins, Garden City, and Dale and Nita Meins, Louisiana, and Dana Yoder, Garden City. Through these brothers and sisters she also leaves her nieces, nephews and greats adding up to about 78 in all.
Florene had a special love for Sonny Wilson. Her heart was devoted in love for her best friend, companion and fiance.
Their love was a gift to each other in so many ways and in a way many never experience. Florene leaves Sonny with her love and awaits Sonny’s arrival in heaven.
Funeral services were Dec. 9 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, with burial in the Dayton Cemetery near Garden City.
Family suggests memorial contributions be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or the Dayton Cemetery Association.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Sheryl A. Yoakum
April 3, 1956 – Dec. 3, 2020
Sheryl Ann Yoakum, Kimberling City, was born April 3, 1956, in Butler the daughter of Elmer Joseph and Sarah Alene (Prier) Jacobs. She died Dec. 3 at Shepherd of the Hills Living Center in Branson at the age of 64 years and 8 months.
Sheryl was an excellent homemaker and a loving mother.
She was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Branson. Sheryl grew up in Drexel and was a 1974 graduate of Drexel High School.
Sheryl had lived in Drexel, Harrisonville, Adrian, and Louisburg and Lenexa, Kansas, before moving to Kimberling City.
Sheryl’s most loved and important responsibilities were being a wife, mother and grandma. She enjoyed cooking and her happiest times were being around family.
She was preceded in death by her parnts and sister, Kathy Purkey.
Sheryl is survived by David Yoakum; her son, Kyle Yoakum and Aubry of Louisburg; her daughter, Kristy Randel and Joren of Emporia, Kansas; four grandchildren, Raegan, Chase, Brynn and Broden; three brothers, Joe Jacobs, Don Jacobs and Ron Jacobs, all of Drexel; other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were Dec. 6 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, with burial in the Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Jody B. Baker
May 9, 1959 – Dec. 7, 2020
Jody Bret Baker, 61, Mascoutah, Illinois, died Dec. 7 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, Illinois. He was born May 9, 1959, the son of Jack Conard and Nancy Lee Graham Baker in Butler.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
Jody is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Rose Lippi Baker, Mascoutah; three sons, Reggie Baker, Belleville, Illinois, Riley Baker, Mascoutah, and Ryan Baker, Butler; five daughters, Jasmine Baker and fiancee, Andrew, St. Louis, Jade Baker, Mascoutah, Janey Baker, Los Angeles, California, Jessica Baker and Janelle Baker; his parents, Jack and Nancy Baker, Butler; brother, Jamie Baker and wife, Kristi, Welch, Oklahoma; two sisters, Jacque Waite and husband, Brian, and Joni Duffield and friend, Dennis Deel, all of Butler; several nephews and nieces including Rance Waite, Brianne Golladay, Tayler Waite, Bailey Shaffer, Lexie Baker, Lawrence Yutuc, Jaime Yutuc and Janey Baker; an uncle, Curtis Graham and wife, Moneca, Las Cruces, New Mexico; and an aunt, Debbie Johnson, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Funeral services for Jody Baker were Dec. 12 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Martha Cummings
June 6, 1930 – Dec. 6, 2020
Martha Cummings, 90, died Dec. 6 at Western Missouri Medical Center, Warrensburg. Martha J Cummings was born in Bates County June 6, 1930, the daughter of Oscar S. and Irene (Sliffe) Blankenship. She succumbed to complications of COVID-19 the afternoon of Dec. 6.
Martha was a graduate of Adrian High School. She married Lyle Cummings June 1, 1948, and they resided on a Cass County farm near Dayton before moving to Clinton in 1960.
Soon after their marriage, Lyle began his career with American Family Insurance, with Martha providing assistance and support every step of the way during their 52 years with the company.
Martha and Lyle led long lives of service to their church, American Family customers, the Clinton community and especially veterans. They passed this robust legacy of service to their three children and five grandchildren.
Martha was an active member in the Clinton United Methodist Church, devoting many years as a member of the choir, as well as a Sunday school teacher. She was also a Jubilee member.
She was the first and a long-time director of volunteers at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital, a life member of the auxiliary and served a term as president of the Missouri Association of Hospital Auxiliaries.
Martha enjoyed volunteering with the Truman Lakes Association and served as president, cherishing her role of promoting Clinton and Truman Lake.
She was passionate about her 71-year membership in the American Legion Auxiliary. She served every local office including treasurer for decades. She also held many elected positions in the district. She was instrumental in bringing the Girls State Program to Clinton High School. Providing assistance to veterans brought
her great satisfaction.
Martha was always supportive of her three children, serving as a both a Camp Fire leader and Cub Scout Den Mother during their childhood years.
She was also a member of several other local civic groups, including the Udolpha Miller Dorman chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Garden City chapter of the Order of Eastern Star and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.
The entirety of her volunteerism to the community was recognized by the Greater Area Clinton Chamber of Commerce when she was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 1985.
She was a wonderful cook, in particular her gift for making her homemade noodles and rolls each holiday for family gatherings in her home and her Dutch apple pie was legendary around town. Taking care of her yard, flowers and plants was her favorite pastime in addition to reading, playing the piano, studying genealogy and watching the Chiefs and Royals.
Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle, in 2011; her parents; and her son-in-law, Gary Moberly.
She is survived by her children, Carla Moberly, David and Jennifer Cummings and Steve and Terri Cummings, all of Clinton.
She was the proud grandmother of Mark Moberly, Devin and Bill Moberly Gentilesco, Casey and Garett Brown Cummings, all of Kansas City; Andy and Breanne Cummings and Adam and Jayme Bittle Cummings, all of Clinton; and a precious great-granddaughter, Blake Cummings.
Her siblings, Dick and Janice Blankenship, Searcy, Arkansas, JoAnne and Gene Waite, Joplin, and Ruth and Gerald Hinten, Keller, Texas; as well as three nieces and three nephews; other relatives and many friends.
The family extends their deepest appreciation to Dr. Jim Clouse of Golden Valley Memorial Hospital, Dr. Syed Hasan and Dr Mark Pluym of Western Missouri Medical Center and her amazing nurses, Mandy and Charlie, for their compassionate care provided to Martha during her last few days.
Funeral services were Dec. 10 at the Clinton United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Garden City Cemetery, Garden City.
Memorial donations in Martha’s honor may be made to the music department at the Clinton United Methodist Church, Clinton Animal Rescue Endeavor (CARE) or the Clinton Elks Lodge. Donations may be left at the funeral home
Arrangements were under the direction of the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton.
Charles E. Niggley
Sept. 30, 1939 – Nov. 14, 2020
Charles “Chuck” Elton Niggley, 81, died at the Niggley home in Beaverton, Oregon, Nov. 14. Chuck was born Sept. 30, 1939, in Butler, the eldest of three children to Mona Inez (Dixon) and Charles “Charley” George Niggley.
He attended Harmony Country School and graduated from Ballard High School in 1957. He served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1960 and was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Ft. Bliss, Texas, and the Lone Jack Nike Missile Site near Kansas City.
He met his future wife, Patsy Marie Welliver, during a Student Government Day at the Bates County Courthouse where they both represented their high schools.
They married Feb. 18, 1961, at the Merwin Christian Church and later welcomed three children to their family: Nancy, Cindy and John.
Chuck attended Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg. He double majored in physics and mathematics and graduated in 1963. His career in computer science and super computers took the family to Cape Canaveral, Florida; Houston, Texas; Seabrook, Maryland; Orlando, Florida; San Diego, California; Prairie Village, Kansas; Clear Lake City, Texas; Apple Valley, Minnesota; Overland Park, Kansas; back to San Diego; Sunnyvale, California; and finally, retirement in Beaverton.
His work supported NASA Gemini, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs at Cape Canaveral, Goddard Space Center, Johnson Space Center and NASA Ames Research Center. Chuck was very proud of his work and loved to wear NASA shirts or hats and share his experiences with others.
He could strike up a conversation with anyone and loved to learn about the lives of others, families and where they grew up.
Chuck had a fascination with air travel. He ventured high in the sky by hot air balloon, helicopter and innumerable airplane trips. He relished volunteering for a later flight on overbooked planes in exchange for free travel vouchers.
One remarkable trip originated from Patsy tracking down the obituary of Chuck’s great-grandfather from Fideris, Switzerland. In the spring of 1993, Chuck and son, John, visited Fideris. While dining at the Gasthaus zum Platz Hotel restaurant, Chuck told the waitress/owner he was a Niggley and wanted to meet other Niggleys. She introduced herself as Paula Niggli and said she would have the Fideris mayor, Hans Niggli, come meet them.
This was the beginning of many visits for the reunited Niggli/Niggley families. Chuck and Patsy traveled extensively over the years, visiting friends and family around the United States, England, Belgium, Colombia, Sweden, Scotland and Switzerland.
Chuck was well known for his tour guide skills. He personalized the trip according to member wishes and the time allowed. Getting your feet in the car and door shut before he took off was a critical skill to keeping the tour on schedule. Some highlights include hosting city dwellers at the family farm, NASA Mission Control, local wineries, Fideris, the San Diego area and the most popular and frequent tours of San Francisco, Golden Gate Park and Bridge, Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory, Coit Tower, Alcatraz, Lombard (the “crookedest”) Street, cable car rides and a Chinatown meal of Dim Sum.
Chuck and Patsy’s home was always open to family, friends, and people from all over the world, including international students. Chuck enjoyed introducing people to unique and international foods. He loved to cook and feed people. He delighted in taking others to his favorite restaurants, especially those with flavors from around the world. He was a “foodie” before there was a Food Channel and a patron of local farmer’s markets wherever he lived.
Chuck was on a first-name basis with many farmers and took an interest in their farms and their families.
Wherever they lived, finding a church community was important to Chuck and Patsy. Chuck often served as a deacon, traveled on mission trips in the United States and internationally and cooked countless meals for fellowship. He was an
active member of the Beaverton Fellowship Church. He also worked as a youth soccer organizer and referee in Apple Valley, Minnesota, and in the Kansas City area.
He was inducted to the Kansas Soccer Hall of Fame for Lifetime Achievement for his volunteer work with youth soccer.
In retirement, Chuck took an interest in antique tractors, threshing machines and gardening.
He was a member of the Portland Swiss Club and Beaverton Garden Club. Chuck delighted in cooking meals and donating groceries for the Life Change Center for Women and Their Children and The Family Promise shelter in Beaverton.
Parkinson’s Disease became part of the family in 1984 with Patsy’s diagnosis. Throughout the years, Chuck was a tenacious and steadfast advocate, caregiver and ally for Patsy. He was a tireless educator about Parkinson’s Disease and a peer mentor for caregiver support groups.
Chuck helped raise money for Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) and enjoyed attending the annual PRO fundraising walks with Patsy and the John Niggley family. One year they dressed as superheroes, with Patsy as Wonder Woman and Chuck as Superman.
Chuck was a proud dad, brother, uncle and grandpa. He enjoyed sharing news of the family’s younger members and bragging on their achievements. He was lovingly nicknamed Unkie Bear (or UB) by his Niggley nephews.
Chuck was preceded in death by his wife Patsy.
He is survived by his children, Nancy (Jenny Lindberg) Niggley, Roseville, Minnesota; Cindy and Bob Barter and children Elizabeth, Katherine and Rebecca, Pittstown, New Jersey; John and Malin Niggley and children, Emma and Charlie, Beaverton; siblings, Mary Ann and Jim Hull; Richard and Joyce Niggley; nephews, Chris and Lorraine Hull; Jason and Grayce Niggley and Doug and Liz Niggley, numerous relatives and friends.
Chuck’s family requests memorial donations to your local food pantry or to Union Gospel Mission Life Change Center for Women and Their Children in Beaverton, Oregon at ugmportland.org.
Jimmy E. Vaughn
June 18, 1940 – Dec. 3, 2020
Jimmy Elvin Vaughn, 80, Urich, died Dec. 3 at Truman Lake Manor in Lowry City. He was born June 18, 1940, the son of Raymond Arlo and Zora Mildred Murr Vaughn in Vinita, Oklahoma.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Eugene and Bobby; son-in-law, Glenn Cubley; and grandson, Matthew Cubley.
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Wanda Vaughn, Urich; three sons, Michael Vaughn and wife, Diane, Grandview, David Vaughn and wife, Brenda, Urich, and Jimmy Vaughn and wife, Shelly, Harrisonville; two daughters, LaDonna Cubley, Grandview, and Janet Glover and husband, Ed, Clinton; a brother, Glenn Vaughn and wife, Jean, Prescott, Kansas; a sister, Arlene Seitz and husband, Bob, Chugiak, Alaska; 15 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and a large extended family and host of friends.
Funeral services for Jimmy Vaughn were Dec. 9 at Calvary Baptist Church in Adrian. Burial was in Prescott Cemetery, Prescott. Contributions are suggested to the Calvary Baptist Church.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
