Dona Farber
Dec. 18, 1933 – Dec. 18, 2020
Dona, affectionately called Doni by her friends, was born Dec. 18, 1933, in Greenfield, Iowa, at her family’s home on Depot Street. Her parents were Fred Wehrli, Sr., and Lillian Garnett Olsen Wehrli.
Dona graduated from Greenfield High School in 1951 with honors. She married Norman Farber and although they later divorced, they had two children, Susan Barngrover, Cleveland, and Daniel Farber, Lane, Kansas.
Doni always said she did not want to live if she couldn’t be productive and spent her life always contributing. She was a talented seamstress and remodeler and could create something practical yet beautiful out of nothing which brought wonderment to those who saw her handiwork.
She was also a buyer at the Jones Store Company for more than 10 years, as well as working at the Kansas Institute psychiatric hospital teaching and inspiring patients with her common sense, wit and experience.
She sold real estate and was an inventive entrepreneur. In addition, after her regular job, she spent many long hours supporting her children by flipping houses before it was in vogue. Doni was a groundbreaking trailblazer in a man’s world, yet kept her looks and charm all the while.
Most of all, she was a dedicated mother and grandmother who adopted many young people and stray animals who needed love and encouragement.
Doni also tried to bring a smile to everyone she encountered and she reported that it just made her day when she could lift others mood. Many sought her wise counsel and she was tolerant and charitable with everyone she knew.
She was a lover of clever commonsense sayings which she often recited, as well as the hundreds of nursery rhymes she used to keep her mind quick. Doni enjoyed cooking and sewing for family and friends and gardening with her daughter.
She labored extremely hard physically and was a fighter with a resolute spirit. She often told her family that she could be considered stubborn, but after age 35 she and her children, which followed in her stead, had deserved the right to be called determined.
Doni lived by herself until her fall. She had been active and productive with a mind as sharp as a steel trap. Though she fought through a myriad of complications for eight weeks and six hospitalizations including COVID pneumonia, sadly it was not meant to be, as her body could no longer bear the burden.
She characteristically fought back by dying on her 87th birthday, three days after she declared she was finished with hospitalizations and misguided interventions. She had made the most of her twomonth reprieve by spending time with her family and beloved cats.
Like John Wayne she had True Grit as, “life is getting up one more time than you’ve been knocked down.” She consistently proved her independence, like the old Sinatra song “I Did It My Way,” one would expect nothing less from a woman of her caliber.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Plymesser, Greenfield.
Doni is survived by her children, Daniel and Susan; son-in-law, Dean Barngrover, and granddaughter, Leah Barngrover, Cleveland; her sister, Delores Plymesser, Greenfield; and her brother, Fred “Butch” Wehrli Jr., Gardnerville, Nevada.
Doni would wish that you think of her when you see beauty in nature and remember her indomitable spirit when times are difficult.
A graveside service was Dec. 22 at the Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Pleasanton, Kansas.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Darell G. Inman
May 12, 1953 – Dec. 17, 2020
Darell Gene Inman, 67, Harrisonville, died Dec. 17 at Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, Kansas, after a hard-fought battle against COVID-19.
Darell was a hardworking man, a poet, author and most importantly he was a loving friend to everyone he ever met.
Darell found the Lord at the age of 14 and lived his life ever since then with a deep, compassionate faith.
Darell’s journey to heaven was preceded by both of his parents, Bobby and Bessie Inman, with whom he is finally reunited.
Darell leaves behind his wife, Janice Inman; sisters, Debbie and Mike Reaves, Diane Inman, and Donna and Roy Cleous; daughters, Kristi and Tim Atkins and Kelly and Andrew Marx; step-children, Joshua and Fannette Fannan and Heather
Fannan; four grandchildren, Sean, Brady, Savannah and Austin; and nine nieces and nephews.
Born in Sparta, Darell was a family man from the start. He valued every second with his family, both blood and chosen and made them his priority in life. There was nothing he loved more than spending time with his children and grandchildren and knew how to spoil them better than anyone else.
He never missed a sports game, band concert, dance recital, debate tournament or anything his family was in. Even now, we know he will be there guiding them on.
Countless people across the country are mourning the loss of a man who knew no limits to his love. The family wants them to know that though we may not be able to gather in person right now, we will always be united through the love Darell showed to us and that we hope everyone will take that love and put it back out into the world.
Funeral services were Dec. 21 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville.
Burial was in the Freeman Cemetery, Freeman.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
James Martin
Jan. 9, 1962 – Dec. 19, 2020
James Martin, 58, Archie, died Dec. 19. James “Jim” Martin was born Jan. 9, 1962, in Paola, Kansas, the son of James Clark and Betty Jo Ford Martin.
He grew up in Miami County and graduated from Louisburg High School in 1980.
For most of his life Jim worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator for Willerton Construction and recently for Hettinger Excavating.
Jim was a proud father, he enjoyed attending many activities and coaching summer sports of his children. Later in life Jim became an even more proud grandfather and was just as active in their lives.
Jim loved to play golf, camp and play cards. He was always the friend you called when you needed help or just an encouraging word.
Jim is survived by his parents Clark and Betty Martin; his sons, Justin Kircher and Andrea, Eric Martin and Brent Martin; daughter, Leah Martin and David Dunn; and son, Seth Eastabrook and Lauren; his grandchildren, Ethan, Aiden, Koen, Tory, Delilah, Corbin, Maverick, Deacon, Danika, Jaylen, Koby, Andrea, Logan, Amanda, Kyle, Kiera, Tripp and Ryer; his brothers, Rick and Barry Martin; nephew, Derrick Martin; along with many cousins, extended family members and friends.
Funeral services were Dec. 26 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel.
Burial was in the Glenwild Cemetery, Cleveland. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel.
Richard B. Tanksley
Feb. 28, 1936 – Dec. 11, 2020
Richard (Dick) Bentley Tanksley was born Feb. 28, 1936, in Wichita, Kansas, and died at home, surrounded by the love of his
family Dec. 11 at the age of 84 years, 9 months and 13 days.
He spent his younger years in Wichita, Kansas, graduating from WSU in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.
He said that his most rewarding experience was being married to his bride for 64 years, Rose Marie; and his grandchildren were his numero uno hobby. Preaching was his most rewarding professional experience.
Dick was employed as commissioner of property and insurance for Kansas City for more than 30 years. He was a member of the International Right of Way Association and he also taught the Dead Sea Scrolls for SPARK at UMKC.
He was the pastor of the Cleveland Christian Church for 11 years. He served on the board of directors as president of Camp Fire, Inc. and also was a broker of commercial real estate with Victor Ross and Co.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, William Bentley and Alice Pearl (Johnson) Tanksley; and a grandson, Nicholas Rodriguez.
He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie Tanksley, of the home; a son, Richard Tanksley; two daughters, Sherrie Schaich and husband, Marlin, and Susan Calltharp and husband, Todd; three grandchildren, Ashley Vohs and husband, Stephen, Matthew Schaich and wife, Laurel, and Rachel Madl and husband, Parker; a great-granddaughter, Harper.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private graveside service was held with the Rev. Joe Walker officiating. The family suggests contributions to the Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64113, where Richard was an active and faithful member.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Anita B. Taylor
Nov. 13, 1931 – Dec. 19, 2020
Anita B. (Wilt Ricketts) Taylor, Raymore, died Dec. 19. She was born Nov. 13, 1931, in Harrisonville, the daughter of Roscoe Connard Wilt and Ella Myrtle (Jennings) Wilt.
Anita grew up in Cass County and attended Garden City High School.
She was married to Kenneth K. Ricketts in 1949.
They were the parents of C.E. and Linda. Anita worked as a pharmacy technician for more than 35 years, most of those years at Sam’s Pharmacy in Raytown.
Kenneth and Anita loved camping, boating and traveling.
Anita married Austin G. Taylor in 2003. They enjoyed several years of traveling and attending any country music show (especially bluegrass) they could find. Austin said Anita always knew someone or was related to them wherever they went.
They loved playing cards and Anita was the social secretary for her card group.
She was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend. Family always came first.
She was preceded in death by husbands Kenneth in 2002 and Austin; her parents; brothers, Kenneth Wilt and Don Wilt; sister, June Ison; son, C.E. Ricketts; and granddaughter Catrina Ricketts.
Anita is survived by her daughter, Linda Burgess, Stilwell, Kansas; grandchildren, Holly, Heather, and Eric and wife Jodi and children, August and Zelda, Burgess, Christopher Ricketts and wife Shan na and daughter, Emma; great-grandson,Carson; and many relatives and friends.
Graveside services were Dec. 23 at the Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Ernest Weers
Sept. 18, 1943 – Dec. 21, 2020
Ernest Weers, 77, Drexel, died Dec. 21 at Lee’s Summit Medical Center in Lee’s Summit. Ernest “Ernie” Weers was born Sept. 18, 1943, in Bucyrus, Kansas, the son of Ernest and Grace Palmer Weers.
Ernie worked in construction for several years, then worked on the dock and drove for Yellow Freight. He retired about 15 years ago.
He was married to Sharolyn “Sherry” Smith July 12, 1969. They were blessed with two daughters. Ernie always enjoyed staying close to home, spending his time with family and tending to his yard and garden.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sherry Weers; and siblings, Norma Hicks and Gary Weers.
Ernie is survived by his daughters, Sharolyn Barnhart and Sharise Hettinger and her husband Britain; grandchildren, Adison Barnhart, Cole Barnhart, Braley Barnhart, Tyler Hettinger and Shelbi Hettinger; siblings, Robert Weers and wife Bernice, Dolores Baert, Rose Orr, Joyce Yzquierdo and husband Junior, Arnold Weers and wife Mary Jo, George Weers and wife Mick, Lavene St. Clair and husband Dave and Gaylee Lund and husband Ron; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Funeral services were Dec. 29 the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel, with burial in the Sharon Cemetery, Drexel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Drexel VFW.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel.
Virginia Carter
Sept. 10, 1938 – Dec. 16, 2020
Virginia Carter, 82, Clinton, died Dec. 16. She was born in Appleton City, the daughter of Hoarce and Rosa Mackey, one of five children.
She graduated from Lowry City High School and married the love of her life, Eugene Carter, in 1956. She was a mother to Ricky, Debbie, Randy and Brandy, as well as step-mother to Hope and Faith Carter.
She cherished being a mother and grandmother. She always hosted the holidays and enjoyed her family immensely.
As a career, she worked for the Golden Valley Memorial Hospital for 20 years.
She was interested in real estate and enjoyed completing home repairs. She also loved looking for treasures at garage sales and thrift stores, as well as, traveling, sightseeing and eating at restaurants with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Debbie and husband Eugene; siblings Ross, Eddie and Mildred.
She is survived by her eldest sister, Doris Nagle, Kansas City; sons, Rick and Cheryl, Windsor, and Randy and Lisa, San Diego; and daughter, Brandy, Peculiar; 11 grandchildren, Stacey, Amy, Brian, Emily, Sarah, Dawn, Devin, Jeramiah, Charity, Cody and Haley; 12 great-grandchildren, Kirsten, Alec, Brennen, Evie, Keira, Evan, Michelle, Kelsey, Katelyn, Karley, Kinzleigh and Hunter; and three great-great-grandchildren, Lane, Kayden and Declan; many nieces and nephews.
Virginia inspired all who knew her. She was an amazing mother who only knew how to love. She was easy going and always ready to do something fun. She will be missed and never forgotten.
he family would like to thank all of Virginia’s caregivers from the Arbors in Clinton and Truman Manor in Lowry City.
Services were Dec. 21 at Consalus Funeral Home, Clinton.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Henry County Memory Fund in memory of Virginia Carter is suggested. Donations may be left at Consalus Funeral Home, 209 S. 2nd St., Clinton, MO 64735.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Consalus Funeral Home, Clinton.
Wilma M. Cowley
Oct. 1, 1942 – Dec. 18, 2020
Wilma May Cowley, 78, Butler, died Dec. 18 at her home surrounded by family. She was born Oct. 1, 1942, the daughter of Birdie Craven in LaCygne, Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Charles Martin Cowley, Sept. 7, 2018; a son, Steve Cowley, Oct. 6, 2010; and mother, Birdie Schulenberg.
Wilma is survived by a son, Tim Cowley and wife, Dorinda, Rich Hill; a daughter, Janice (Cowley) Nieder and husband, James, Rich Hill; nine grandchildren, Sheryl (Hunter) Scudder, Jimmy Nieder, David Nieder, Renee Cowley, Jesse Cowley, Daniel Cowley, Crystal Cowley, Matt Cason and Jason Weeks; 11 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Bill Craven, LaCygne, Kansas, and Junior Schulenberg and wife, Roberta, Butler.
Funeral services were Dec. 23 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.
Contributions are suggested to Heartland Hospice or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Home, Butler.
Betty G. Pruden
Oct. 3, 1922 – Dec. 17, 2020
Betty Gene Pruden, 98, Adrian, died Dec. 17 at Nathan Richard Nursing Home in Nevada. Private family services were Dec. 27. Memorial contributions may be made to the Adrian Public Library, P.O. Box 306, Adrian, MO 64720.
Betty was born Oct. 3, 1922, on a farm south of Holden, the fifth of six girls born to Clifford Stephen “C.S.” and Bessie Ray (Duncan) Davis.
Her mother died when she was just 8 years old. Betty attended school at Pleasant View and graduated from Holden High School as the class valedictorian in 1939, at the age of 16.
She attended Central Missouri State University until World War II when she went to work in Parsons, Kansas, at a war plant.
March 31, 1943, she married Homer Eugene “Gene” Pruden. They had seven children, four who survived, Cindy, Roger, Stephen and Christine.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years, Homer Eugene Pruden, March 4, 2009; children, Patricia Elizabeth, Susan Denise and Michael Eugene; and four sisters.
She is survived by two sons, Stephen Pruden and Darlene and Roger Pruden and Connie, all of Adrian; two daughters, Cindy Kendrick, Adrian, and Christine Twyman and Charles, Linn Creek; a sister, Frankie Hancock, Holden; 16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.