Roberta W. Bess
June 11, 1937 – Dec. 30, 2020
Roberta Winnie Bess, Harrisonville, was born June 11, 1937, in Rapid City, South Dakota, the daughter of Gordon George and Marcella (Martin) Kasper. She died Dec. 30 at Crown Care Center, Harrisonville, at the age of 83 years, 6 months and 19 days.
In 1981, Roberta married Jim Bess in Missouri.
Roberta was employed as a seamstress and worked in the fabric department at Walmart in Lee’s Summit. She was a great equestrian and loved recreational and competitive trail riding. Roberta took first at the National Competitive Trail Riding Competition in the heavyweight division.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Bess, in 1989; and a brother, Rudy Kasper.
Roberta is survived by two daughters, Marcella Moore and husband, Henry, Warrensburg, and Marina Parris, Joseph, Oregon; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Gordon Kasper and Ralph Kasper and a sister, Waunda Magness, all of Harrisonville; other relatives and friends.
Cremation. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.
Ernest C. Fink
Sept. 27, 1932 – Dec. 31, 2020
Ernest Cecil Fink, 88, Drexel, died Dec. 31. Ernie was born Sept. 27, 1932, in Bates County, the son of Bert Edward and Cecil Delia (Stitt) Fink.
Ernie grew up in Bates County, on the family farm, and attended school at Woodland, a rural one-room school.
Ernie married Anna Marie (Hartman) Fink Aug. 3, 1953, in Louisburg, Kansas, at the Catholic Church.
Ernie and Ree moved east of Drexel and started their life farming and ranching south of the Woodland schoolhouse, near his parents.
Ernie and Ree had two children, Joseph Edward Fink and Lorrie Jane (Fink) Cook, they were raised on the farm where they learned their hard work ethic and their love for family. Even though the farm life was hard work, Ernie always made it fun and had time to coach many baseball teams.
On many occasions, Ernie would go from the field to the baseball diamond would clean up with a bucket of water and a washcloth on the way to the game.
In 1981, Ernie and Ree purchased the Skelly Station where he served the community for 15 years. Not only did Ernie provide a service to the adults, but he provided endless amounts of bubble gum to the children.
After running the station, Ernie worked for Rural Water District No. 4 for 20 years, while helping Joe custom hay which was always a highlight of Ernie’s summer.
Ernie and Ree left the farm in 1982 after purchasing the station and moved into Dr. Hartwell’s home where they lived for 15 years. During this time their four grandchildren, BryAnn, Adrianne, Amy and Shane, enjoyed their corner home a block from Main Street.
Ernie enjoyed spending endless hours with his grandchildren and many memories involved the cabin, Sunday dinners, the moped and as the grandchildren grew older, he followed their sports careers and took great pride in all of their accomplishments.
If you knew Ernie you would know that he was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, Republican and loved to tell the story of Joe’s 1973 football state championship game.
Later, the state championship story changed to be about the undefeated 1996 girls basketball team. He had three granddaughters on that team if you didn’t know it. Ernie also liked to reminisce about Joe and his pole vaulting career, which later turned into watching Shane compete at the state track and field.
Ernie was preceded in death by his son Joe; siblings, Frank and Edna Van Vlack; and his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Anna Marie Fink, of the home in Drexel; daughter, Lorrie and husband Bryon Cook, and daughter-in-law, Dixie Fink, all of Drexel; his four grandchildren and their families, BryAnn and Chris Middleton, Harrisonville, Adrianne and Alan Lane, Louisburg, Amy and Tyson Basore, Butler and Shane Fink, Drexel; eight great-grandchildren, Sami Lane, Kennedy Middleton, Camryn Lane, Claire Fink, Gunnar Basore, Cole Fink, Reagan Middleton and Payton Basore; as well as many extended family members and dear friends.
Cremation, with services to be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Drexel School.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel.
Ruth A. Hocker
May 27, 1929 – Dec. 30, 2020
Ruth Hocker, 91, Pleasant Hill, died Dec. 30 at Pleasant Hill Nursing & Rehab in Pleasant Hill. Ruth Alma Hocker was born May 27, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Charles and Eva Gillette Melchert.
Ruth married Richard Hocker and to this union five children were born. Ruth and Richard lived and raised their family in Archie.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband; son Terry Hocker; daughter, Linda Laughlin; and 10 brothers and a sister.
She is survived by her sons, Ronald Hocker and wife Linda, Larry Hocker and wife Phyllis, and Charles Hocker and wife Cheryl; son-in-law Dennis Laughlin, daughter-in-law Pam Hocker, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Graveside services were Jan. 7 in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Services were under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel.
Everett M. Lee
Nov. 1, 1933 – Jan. 3, 2021
Everett Monroe Lee, 87, died Jan. 3, at his home in Peculiar. He was born Nov. 1, 1933, in St Clair, the son of Charles W. Lee and Esther (Cox) Lee.
He graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1952. He then served in the U.S. Navy for two years during the Korean
War. After returning from war he went to CMSU in Warrensburg to play football and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts. He then went to Lincoln University in Jefferson City to obtain a Master’s Degree in Economics.
He accepted a position as a physical education teacher/director, implementing the first physical education program in Jefferson City. He went on to work for the Economic Development Department for the State of Missouri, and was then hired to work for the Keep America Beautiful campaign. He advanced his career working for Missouri Public Service and became a diligent lobbyist for economic development.
Upon retiring, he decided to start his own real estate company, South Longview Real Estate, which he sold to JD Reece. He then began his career in doing whatever his heart desired which was a lot with his family, community and several athletes in and around his community which included coaching baseball, softball and football, as well as writing the weekly sports report in the Jackson County Advocate for many years.
Everett was a great family man and a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
He married Shirley Jean Thornberry and the couple had six children, 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was a social, active man who was deeply involved in traveling, coaching, writing, community services and a true prayer warrior for all of his life. He enjoyed his family, sports, his church and his community. His family and friends will always remember him as a caring, loving, involved and the absolute greatest ‘Grandpa Pigeon’ that ever lived.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his wife, Shirley Jean Lee; daughters, Cheryl Ann Bestvater and Dayna Lynn Masters; his brother and sisters, Alice Orndahl, Evelyn Lee and Bill Lee.
He is survived by his children, Rick Lee, Davenport, Iowa, Randy and Melissa “Kathy” Lee, Grandview, and Rance Lee, Kansas City; 13 grandchildren, Jessica Lee, Rocky Lee, Jeff Masters, Tyler Masters, Ryan Lee, Brooke Bestvater, Elizabeth “Hope” Lee, Dalton Lee, River Lee, Justin Masters, Dustin Lee, Grace Lee and Faith Lee; his two great-grandchildren, Keaton Lee and Tyler Lee; his sister. Dorothy P. Goza, Maryville, Tennessee; along with several nieces and nephews.
A private family funeral service was Jan. 9 at the Peculiar Cemetery, Peculiar, next to his wife and two daughters. The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, love and support for Everett when he was alive and for all of us who are now grieving his loss, God Bless.
The family asks that donations be made in the name of Everett Lee to two very important causes in Everett’s life, the American Cancer Society and Harvesters.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Helen M. Kenney
April 4, 1930 – Jan. 5, 2021
Helen Marie Kenney, Holden, died Jan. 5 at the age of 90 years, 9 months and 1 day. She was born at Eight Mile near Harrisonville, April 4, 1930, the daughter of James William and Gladys Marie (Garrett) Lotspeich, the sixth of eight children.
She moved with her family to Garden City when she was 3 years old. She attended the Garden City public schools, graduating in 1948.
June 20, 1948, she married her high school sweetheart, Don Leroy Kenney, at the Garden City Baptist Church. They lived on the farm near Garden City and while there, six children were born to them.
In April 1967, they moved to their farm near Holden. Helen accepted the Lord into her heart at the age of 8 and was a member of the Garden City Baptist Church. She faithfully served there in many areas and ways of ministry. She served as pianist and organist, there for 60 years.
Helen and Don were blessed watching their three sons grow up. They were active in many sports and other activities and were excellent students and she enjoyed their accomplishments and the successful lives they have made for themselves and others.
Helen was a homemaker. She enjoyed their rose garden and many other flowers, the vegetable gardens they raised and where she canned and froze the produce.
She often shared the flowers, produce and canned goods with others and it made her happy to be able to do that.
Helen worked at the Holden Manufacturing Co. for 12 years. She later worked at Sherwood Cass R-8 School in Creighton for eight and one-half years, where she enjoyed being the piano accompanist for the middle and high school choirs. Helen had a special love for music.
She truly enjoyed the gift the Lord gave her and loved playing and sometimes singing music. She played for many weddings, funerals and other occasions. She gave piano and organ lessons for more than 40 years. She was the accompanist for and a charter member of the Garden City Community Easter Cantata for 29 years and sang in it later. She accompanied the Holden Brass Band for three years.
Helen loved her family very much. She enjoyed cooking for them and having them come and visit. They were her pride and joy. She was thankful to the Lord for all her blessings in life.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don, Jan. 31, 2019; her daughter, Dona Diane in 1950; two sons, Michael Don in 1955 and a stillborn son in 1962; two brothers, Jim and Robert “Bob” Lotspeich; five sisters, Juanita Meyer, Ioma McFerrin, Naomi Hawn, June Leslie and Wilma Sisk; three nieces, Barbara Kellam, Judy Phelps and Beverly McFerrin; two nephews, Jerry McFerrin and Steve Leslie.
Helen is survived by her three sons, Doug Kenney and Kristi, Clinton, Mark V. Kenney and Mary, Overland Park, Kansas, and Russell W. Kenney and Judy, Warrensburg; 11 grandchildren, Jeff Kenney and Lara, Josh Kenney and Paige, Jake Kenney and Melana, Jamie Briggs and Colt, Sam Kenney and Emily, Max Kenney and Nicole, Luke Kenney, Michele Hunolt and Doug, Mike Kenney and Tarah, Brad Kenney and Shelby, Andrew Kenney and Carly Thomas; 20 great-grandchildren; a niece, Cindy Longstaff Julian and Mike and son, Nicholas, Roeland Park, Kansas,; nephew, Gregg Longstaff; and nephew, Calvin Leslie, whom their home was shared through the years; other relatives and a host of friends.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Garden City.
Barbara A. Ratcliff
June 15, 1935 – Jan. 2, 2021
Barbara Ann Ratcliff, 85, Drexel, died Jan. 2 at Shawnee Parc, Overland Park, Kansas, after a battle of more than two years with cancer.
A funeral service will be held Jan. 23 at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and the memorial service at 11 a.m. Graveside services will immediately follow at Houstonia Cemetery, Houstonia.
Barbara was born June 15, 1935, to Raymond and Mary Schondelmeyer, at their home in Houstonia. She was the seventh child of eight. When she was very little she was voted “Little Miss Houstonia.” She attended Sedalia Smith-Cotton High School. Barbara attended Central Missouri State University and graduated with a B.S. in Business Education and minor in History the spring of 1958. Several years later, she obtained her Master’s Degree in Business Education.
She married the love her of her life, Gwen Ratcliff, Dec. 28, 1963, in a ceremony at Broadway Presbyterian Church in Sedalia. The couple quickly added three children to their nest from 1964 to 1967.
Their lives were busy while Gwen farmed and Barbara continued her teaching career, simultaneously shepherding their children through public school at Archie. Barbara taught at various Missouri schools including Polo, William Chrisman, Drexel and Miami teaching typing, shorthand, business and computer classes.
She retired as a high school business teacher after nearly 39 years of teaching and touching lives along the way.
She was a dedicated member and served as secretary of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association for many years. She was voted as the distinguished Honorary Retired Teacher of the Year for 2020, but due to COVID-19, was not able to be presented with this award.
She was a long-time member of the Community of Christ Church in Harrisonville. She served as Sunday School teacher, played the piano and served countless meals and decorated many tables throughout the years. She enjoyed giving her time at Crown Care Center playing the piano (sometimes accompanied with singing by Ruby Allen) and visiting with the retired folks.
She was constantly giving and truly had a servant’s heart. She spent her retirement years tending to her garden and flowers.
She loved living in the country and watching God’s creation all around her. She never dwelled on the hard times, but relished in good memories. She loved being with her family and friends and never knew a stranger.
She was always decorating or making a craft. She enjoyed baking and taking treats or a hot bowl of soup to a neighbor. She always had extra gifts and toys on hand to give out.
Most of all, she loved being with her family and grandchildren. She spent many hours going to tea parties, picnics, dance recitals, band concerts, soccer and softball games, Boy Scout events and started a taffy business with her oldest grandson.
She was always a teacher at heart and taught her children and their children the value of hard work, patience, humility, kindness, perseverance, tolerance, forgiveness, understanding and how to have a lot of fun along the way. Most of all, she modeled unconditional love. She will always be remembered as a very loyal and loving person who truly enjoyed making and doing things for others.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers: Raymond, John, Bill, James, and Charles Schondelmeyer; and sisters: Mary Sissom and Virginia Bridges.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Gwen Ratcliff; son, Harold Ratcliff and wife, Dana; and their children, Alexis and Brayden, Argyle, Texas; daughter, Starla Kinman and husband, Keith (KC), and their children, Katlyn, Casey, Adam, Whitney and Kyle, Omaha, Nebraska; and son, Jerod Ratcliff and wife, Michele, and their children, Trevor and Olivia, Harrisonville. She also is survived by her sister-in-law, Wanda Schondelmeyer, Ballwin. She also had several nieces, nephews, cousins and people that she loved like they were her own family.
She will be missed by all that knew her.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
William R. Scott
June 25, 1945 – Dec. 28, 2020
William “Bill” Robert Scott, Urich, was born June 25, 1945, in Kansas City, the son of Clifford and Ethel Mae (Shulse) Scranton. He died Dec. 28 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, at the age of 75 years, 6 months and 3 days.
Jan. 2, 1966, Bill was married to Connie Jo Hudson in Urich.
Bill was employed as a mechanic welder for Asphalt Sales Company, Lenexa, Kansas, until his retirement in 2003. He was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War.
Bill loved to fish, being with his grandchildren, was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying and working on airplanes. He was proud to build his dream home outside of Urich and loved working on the farm.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Rodney Scott, April 6, 1971.
Bill is survived by his wife, Connie Scott, of the home; two daughters, Dana Bennefeld and Denise Scott, both of Raymore; five grandchildren, Tyler Emerick, Alexandra Setzer, Austin Emerick, Emma Conner and Carter Fields; a great-granddaughter, Taylor Emerick; a brother, Robert Scott, Phoenix, Arizona; other relatives and many friends.
Cremation. No services are scheduled at this time.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Charles W. Siegenthaler
Sept. 27, 1963 – Jan. 4, 2021
Charles William Siegenthaler, 57, Kansas City, formerly of Harrisonville, was born Sept. 27, 1963, the son of William Earl and Mary Lou (Zimmerman) Siegenthaler. He died Jan. 4 at the Bridgewood Health Care, Kansas City, at the age of 57 years, 3 months and 8 days.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by a brother, Cecial E. Siegenthaler, Kansas City; a sister, Maria Gruver, Mesa, Arizona; three nephews, Jerome N. Woodson, Michael A. Woodson and Jonathan M. Gruver; three nieces, Elizabeth M. Woodson, Jessica A. Woodson and Katherine L. Gruver; two great-nephews, Xaver and Remy Woodson; two great-nieces, Celesta and Zendara Woodson; other relatives and many friends.
Cremation. A private family inurnment will be held at the Freeman Cemetery, Freeman, at a later date.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Zelma L. Aldridge
Sept. 23, 1918 – Jan. 6, 2021
Zelma Lee Aldridge, 102, Butler, died Jan. 6 at Adrian Manor Nursing Home in Adrian. She was born Sept. 23, 1918, the daughter of Casey Blake and Mary Belle Thomas Campbell in Odessa.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Aldridge, in 1992; a brother, Max Campbell; and a sister, Jenne Bell.
Zelma is survived by two sons, Larry Aldridge, Belton and Doug Aldridge and wife Becky, Butler; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services are today at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Burial was in Odessa Cemetery in Odessa.
Contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Rosemary M. Fritts
Dec. 15, 1928 – Jan. 1, 2021
Rosemary M. Wilson Fritts died Jan. 1 at the Adrian Manor Nursing Home at the age of 92. Rosemary was born Dec. 15, 1928, the youngest of seven children, to Celia and Lawrence Wilson near Spruce.
Rosemary grew up around Merwin where she attended school, graduating school in 1947. She married Albert Perry Fritts June 22, 1946, and to this union four children were born.
Rosemary was interested in crafts and especially helping with Bible School crafts. She had a love of gardening and flowers, enjoyed the garden club, sewing clothing for her family and baking French bread.
She was proud of her family. Her sweet quiet spirit made her loved by many.
Rosemary worked in Kansas City for a short time, at JCPenney in Butler, as the Adrian school cook and Bass Busters in Amsterdam.
Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Clayton, Donald and Richard; three sisters: Versene, Genevieve and Doris; her husband, Perry; her daughters: Nancy and Joyce; and a son, Joseph.
She is survived by her daughter, Janace Rugg and her husband, Jay, Adrian; grandson, Jason Perry Rugg and wife, Jessica, great-grandchildren, Penelope and Leo, Bonner Springs, Kansas; grandson, Jacob Daniel Rugg and wife, Tiffony, Adrian; along with several nieces and nephews.
Private family graveside services were Jan. 8. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Adrian Christian Church, where she worshipped for many years.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.
Kenneth A. Fullerton, Sr.
July 21, 1952 – Dec. 31, 2020
Kenneth “Kenny” Arthur Fullerton, Sr., 68, Butler, died Dec. 31 at Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park, Kansas. He was born July 21, 1952, the son of Clifford Arthur and Ethel Robbins Fullerton in Granby.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Cindy Morrison; a brother, Clifford Allen Fullerton; a sister, Joann Fullerton; and two grandsons, Cody and Taylor York.
Kenny is survived by his wife, Judy Fullerton, Butler; two daughters, Melanie York and husband Bobby, Diamond and Melanie Gribble and husband William, Overland Park, Kansas; two sons, Kenneth Arthur Fullerton, Jr., Raytown, and Ryan Barnes and wife, Angela, Liberty; three sisters, Mary Jane Koboski, Oklahoma state, Joyce Hottel, Neosho, and June Hatfield, Granby; 12 grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
Memorial services were Jan. 8 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Norma J. Grimes
Jan. 5, 1930 – Jan. 4, 2021
Norma Jean Grimes, 90, formerly of Ballard, died Jan. 4 at Adrian Manor in Adrian. She was born Jan. 5, 1930, the daughter of Perry Allen and Roxy Golden Deardorff Hill in Altona.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don Grimes; son, Michael Grimes; granddaughter, Mica Jean Grimes; brother, Jim Hill; and sister, Mary Ellen Whitehead.
Norma Jean is survived by two sons, Randy Grimes and wife Karen, Archie, and Dale Grimes and wife Kelly, Urich; two daughters, Joyce Elaine Combs and husband Troy, Holden, and Janice Louise VanSandt and husband Ronnie, Adrian; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren
Funeral services were Jan. 8 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler. Interment was in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian.
Contributions are suggested to the Walnut Grove Presbyterian Church or Mike Grimes Scholarship Fund c/o Cattlemen’s Association.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Hazel I. Williams-Mammen
Hazel I. Williams-Mammen was born Sept. 17, 1925, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Daniel Wesley Martin and Mary Lee Acton-Martin. She was the oldest of eight children, (herself, Audrey, Harold, Thomas, June, Jenny, Lela and Rachel).
She grew up in rural Ashland on a small plot of land in a small creek valley. Her favorite memories there were the cliff-lined hills covered with wild columbine flowers and the old swimming hole. Growing up in the Great Depression and the dust bowl, times were obviously not always easy. However, a fond memory Hazel held onto was her mother making wild plum jelly and homemade bread.
Determined to be educated, nothing was going to stop her. She walked through fields of snow and had to cross two creeks to make it to the one-room schoolhouse where she even sat on a log because there were not enough seats.
Even though she was not an outgoing student, she excelled in school, even completing two grades in one year. While going to school one day, Hazel tragically fell out of the wagon and sustained a major injury and with extensive medical treatment and grit she learned how to walk again. After graduating the one-room school, she attended and graduated from Ashland High School.
When she graduated from high school, she took her first apartment with a friend and worked in a hardware store scooping up nails where she made $11 a week to pay for rent, food and incidentals. Whenever the opportunity arose, she would fill in at the candy or cosmetic counter, which would increase the money that she made. She also worked at a commercial laundry service where she pressed pillow cases, sheets and towels. Despite working, she decided she wanted to continue her formal education by attending a secretarial training school in downtown Columbia for young women, where she learned shorthand and dictation skills.
While working at the hardware store, she met who would be her first husband, Edward Dennis Williams. They were married May 26, 1951.
After receiving her secretarial certificate, she obtained a position as a secretary in the Horticulture Department at the University of Missouri. She worked at the University of Missouri for 25 years. She was appointed the secretary of the Missouri State Horticultural Society and served for many years.
While living in Rocheport, she was the president of the Rocheport Friends and was instrumental in bringing the replica of the old Katy Depot to Rocheport in 1995 and was a member of the Rocheport Christian Church. She also established Green Cricket Antiques in Columbia and Rocheport and owned and operated those stores until she relocated to Lexington.
In Lexington, she opened a small consignment store until her husband died Feb. 18, 1998.
She met and married her second husband, Henry Joe Mammen, Sept. 19, 1999, and moved to Butler where she lived on the farm with her husband. At that time, she purchased one of the oldest standing homes from the Civil War and opened a bed and breakfast. She attended Saint Matthews Lutheran Church. She lived in Butler until her husband died June 1, 2014. She relocated back to Lexington to be close to her family. When attending church, she attended the First Baptist Church in Higginsville.
During her life, she developed many interests such as gardening, cooking, antique collecting, jewelry making, quilting and was an amateur writer.
She had four children, Carl Martin, Mary Hentges (husband Jim), David Williams (wife Cindy) and Donna Slusher (husband Lee), whom she loved dearly. She had a plethora of grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she also adored and loved.
These were the stories that Hazel wanted shared with everyone.
There will be a private family service and burial at Lexington Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the
Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids or Preferred Hospice and left in the care of the funeral home.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, Lexington.
Glen B. Merryfield
Nov. 11, 1925 – Jan. 2, 2021
Glen Byron Merryfield, 95, Butler, died Jan. 2 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. He was born Nov. 11, 1925, the
son of Caryll L. and Jessie Inis Smith Merryfield in Appleton City.
Glen was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ila Ann Wilt Merryfield in 2015; and an infant grandson, William Brandon Rich.
Glen is survived by a son, David Merryfield and wife MaryAnn, Butler; two daughters, Diana Rich and Robin Lesmeister and husband Francis, all of Butler; a sister, Shirley Simmons and husband Bo, El Dorado Springs; six grandchildren, Jesse Merryfield and wife Bridget, Lacy Glass, Jeffrey Merryfield and wife Lara, Denver Lesmeister and wife Jessica, Dakota Lesmeister and wife Rachel and Cheyenne Reinke and husband Tyler; 14 great-grandchildren, Macy, Mabry and McCoy Merryfield, Mya,Rowan and Cruze Glass, Bria and Bobbi JoAnn Merryfield, Grayson and Onnalea Lesmeister, Oakleigh and Walker Lesmeister and Dyxon and Eastyn Reinke; and a host of nephews and nieces.
Graveside services were Jan. 13 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler. Contributions are suggested to the Butler Public Library or Children’s Mercy Hospital.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Sharon R. Newman
July 17, 1961 – Dec. 26, 2020
Sharon Roxanne (Miller) Newman, 59, Butler, died Dec. 26 at her home in Butler. She was born July 17, 1961, the daughter of Robert Edward and Charlotte Ann Underwood Miller in Butler.
Sharon was a talented floral designer with artistic ability and sense of style to develop pleasing designs.
She could transform flowers into beautiful wreaths, bouquets, vases and centerpiece elements.
She possessed customer service skills, as well as organizational skills and loved to make people happy. Sharon was also a gifted musician.
In addition, she was very fond of animals, most recently her mini collie, Gracie. Her most recent work experience was coordinator at WIC in Nevada.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Rick Newman, Butler; three daughters, Amanda Bangs, Kristin Wright and Brittany Foster, all of Virginia state; an uncle, Reid Miller and wife Nancy, Viola, Idaho; eight grandchildren; and her mini collie, Gracie.
Graveside services were Jan. 7 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Jesse F. Smith
Nov. 6, 1923 – Dec. 30, 2020
Jesse Frank Smith, 97, Butler, died Dec. 30 at his home in Butler. He was born Nov. 6, 1923, the son of Franklin Reason and Bessie Pritchett Smith in Richards.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Smith; stepson, Robert Douty; a brother, Kenneth Smith; two sisters, Marjorie Smith and Grace Poyner; a grandson, Jesse Paul Douty; and a great -grandson Keith Cooper.
Jesse is survived by a son, Danny Smith and wife Marcia, Adrian; two daughters, Diana Bennett and husband Jason and Tina Hansen and husband Mike, all of Butler; a stepson, Dale Douty and wife Retta, Butler; a stepdaughter-in-law, Brenda Douty, Butler; a brother-in-law, Louie Thomas, Lee’s Summit; 14 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Graveside services with military honors were Jan. 4 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions are suggested to Heartland Hospice or The Carpenter’s Cup.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Chapel, Butler.
John L. Wolfe
Oct. 1, 1955 – Jan. 4, 2021
John Lester Wolfe, 65, Adrian, died Jan. 4 at his home. John was born Oct. 1, 1955, in Butler, the eldest son of Joseph Vernon and Isabelle (Gressett) Wolfe.
He had a sister, Debbie Frazier and husband, Richard; and a brother, Vernie and wife, Lisa. His daughter, Shauna Mae Sterner, was his only child.
John grew up in Adrian. He was very active in Boy Scouts, starting with Cub Scouts and working his way up to accomplishing the rank of Eagle Scout.
He always enjoyed going to the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in the summers with his dad (a scout leader), his friends and his brother. He even loved going back to camp for Call Night when his nephews were in Boy Scouts.
John was a member of the Adrian United Methodist Church and was baptized at a young age. He was involved in UMYF all through middle and high school. He graduated from Adrian R-3 High School in 1974 and always enjoyed going to class reunions to reminisce with his classmates.
John held several jobs throughout his career, such as working at Don Trinkle’s station, Western Electric, Midwest Lumber, a laborer for construction, the city of Adrian Water Department and a house painter.
He loved fishing, listening to classic rock music, playing the lottery and watching the Royals and Chiefs. One of his favorite days was when his daughter, Shauna, took him to a Royals game for Father’s Day.
John was a member of the Elk’s Lodge in Harrisonville and helped with their Bingo games every Wednesday. He was also a member of the Adrian Lions Club for a while. He loved the Three Stooges and “Who’s Line is it Anyway” and could be heard laughing throughout the whole house when he was watching them.
He had an infectious laugh that would make you want to join in. He liked playing cards on Saturday nights with his mother, favorite sister and brother-in-law. He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews as they were growing up and as they became adults. John had a gruff exterior, but underneath it all, he loved his mother, daughter and family fiercely. He would also do anything for a friend.
John was preceded in death by his father, Joseph, and his nephew, Aaron.
He is survived by his mother, Isabelle; daughter, Shauna; sister; brother-in-law; brother; sister-in-law; nieces, nephews, and great nieces. He will be missed.
Memorial services were Jan. 8 at the Adrian United Methodist Church, Adrian.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.
