Dennis Begley
Nov. 22, 1943 – July 3, 2021
Dennis Begley, 77, Freeman, formerly of Harrisonville, died July 3 at Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park, Kansas.
No services are scheduled at this time.
He was born Nov. 22, 1943, in Independence, the son of Thomas and Ruth (Croghan) Begley.
Dennis was raised by his step-father, Samuel Irvin Gowing and his mother, Ruth.
Dennis lived in Kansas City and Raytown before moving to Harrisonville in 1977.
He worked as a parts manager for Kansas City area car dealerships and owned and operated Serenity Acres Farm Boarding Kennel in Harrisonville for 22 years. He was a member of the NRA and Cass County Concerned Citizens.
Dennis is survived by two daughters, Bambi Harris, Cross Timbers, and Lisa and Dan Henley, Blairstown; three grandchildren, Bethany and John Sutcliffe, Freeman, Crissy Harris, Raymore, and Joe Henley, Blairstown; and four great-grandchildren, Ethan, Zander, Matthew and Gracie.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Georgia Minell Copeland
Feb. 25, 1941 – July 7, 2021
Georgia Minell Copeland, 80, Archie, died July 7 at the Pioneer Skilled Nursing Facility, Marceline. Georgia was born at home on the family farm in Bynumville, on Feb. 25, 1941, to mother, Georgie Murle (Penrod) Harmon and father, Ernest “Burnell” Harmon.
Georgia moved to Hamden where she grew up on the family farm and attended grade school at Fairview McCurry in 1959. After graduation, she moved to Kansas City and was married and had three sons, Mike Hicks, Kevin Fox and Steve Fox. In 1962, she began her lifelong career at Western Electric (now known as AT&T Technologies) where she was passionate about her work and greatly excelled in her craft, assembling tubes. So much so, that although dementia took away many of her memories, she could still detail the process of assembling these tubes up until the last few days of her life. In 1982, she married Allen Copeland and together they retired from AT&T Technologies in 1991 and then enjoyed their many hobbies together.
Georgia and Allen spent most of their adult lives together in the Archie area where they took joy in being parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.
Georgia had many hobbies. She loved gardening, traveling, camping, collecting antiques, playing cards and spending time with her family and friends. Most of all, Georgia loved supporting her grandchildren in all their various activities. Her and Allen’s unwavering support was foundational to their family’s success.
Georgia was patient, kind and always the hardest working one in the room, rarely sitting down. You knew where she had been by the spaces that she left – garden beds flourishing, weed-free and vibrant; homes spotless and well-organized; and most impactfully, hearts full from her gentle and reassuring countenance. Her work ethic and generous heart was unmatchable and served as a great example to her family and those around her. She was always there to lend a helping hand
to whoever was in need with a smile on her face and an endless supply of energy.
Georgia was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Copeland; her first spouse, Richard Hicks; a son, Mike Hicks; brother Elwood Harmon and wife Pauline, brother Marvin Harmon, sisters Gwenda Harmon and June Munden, brother-in-law, Dale Payne; and parents Ernest and Murle Harmon.
Georgia is survived by four children, Andy Copeland, Archie; Pamala Cox and her husband, Doug, Butler; Kevin Fox, Missouri; and Steve Fox, Atlanta, Georgia; and daughter-in-law, Cindy Copeland, Harrisonville; grandchildren, Preston, Amber, Paige, Tiffany, Ashley, Travis, Megan, Ashley, Taylor, Abigail and Lesley; 13 great-grandchildren with 1 on the way; two sisters, Leona Payne and Margie Sportsman, both of Marceline; one sister-in-law, Evelyn Harmon, Harrisonville; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, family and friends.
A celebrations of life service was July 13, at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville. Inurnment will be in the Virginia Cemetery, Virginia, Missouri.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Linda Kay Dickey
Nov. 25, 1948 – July 7, 2021
Linda Kay Dickey, Harrisonville, born Nov. 25, 1948 in Harrisonville, the daughter of George and Kathleen Allen. She died July 7 at her home surrounded by love and family at the age of 72 years, 7 months and 12 days.
On July 3, 1982, Linda married Billy Bob Dickey in Harrisonville, where they lived their lives together until the addition of a dream vacation home in Marco Island, Florida, where they enjoyed the sun and fun of the beach together with family and friends for many years. Linda looked forward to going to the beach each year and was greatly taken care of by those that worked at the beach. They loved her and were always ready with their chairs right on the front row of the beach.
Linda was a 1966 graduate of Harrisonville High School and later received an associate’s degree from Stephens College and masters degree from Webster. She was a teacher in the Harrisonville School District from 1970 until her retirement in 2003.
She enjoyed mentoring and educating students of all ages throughout her career and was even awarded the Crystal Apple Award by Gary Lezak in 1997. She loved her students as much as they loved her.
Linda made friends wherever she worked and wherever she went, and enjoyed lifelong friendships. She was known for her generosity, kindness, her love of the beach, Dr. Pepper, and anything chocolate.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Linda is survived by her husband, Bill Dickey, of the home; two sons, Kevin and wife Karla Montgomery, Lee’s Summit, and William Dickey, Portland, Oregon; four grandchildren, Spencer Montgomery, Aimee Bates, Derrick Homan and Kyle Homan; and a great granddaughter, Emma Bates; and other relatives and many friends.
A traditional funeral service was July 12, at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, with burial in the Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Linda Dickey Scholarship Fund.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Vida M. Greening
Dec. 9, 1926 – June 25, 2021
Vida Mae (Leake) Greening, 94, Harrisonville, formerly of Monroe City, died June 25 at Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City. She was born Dec. 9, 1926, in Monroe City, the daughter of Elmo and Elsie Young Leake.
She was a graduate of Monroe City High School in 1944. She worked at Rock Island Arsenal during World War II. She worked at St. Brendan’s School in Mexico, Missouri. She also worked in dietetics at the University of Missouri Medical Center.
She was an avid volunteer. She was awarded the John Fields Community Service Award at the Monroe City Nutrition Center in 2005.
She was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles 2730 in Columbia; was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 4240; a lifetime member of American Legion Post 376 in Shelbina; a member of the Daughters of Isabella in Monroe City; and a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Harrisonville.
She enjoyed playing cards, fishing, reading her romance novels, baking and enjoying time with her family.
She was married Sept. 27, 1947, in Monroe City to Marvin E. Greening. He preceded her in death Dec. 4, 1992.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers, John Leake and Arnold Leake; and two sisters, Frances Grant and Mary Hays.
She is survived by two sons, Marvin (Linda McBride) and Martin (Mona) Greening, Columbia; a daughter, Sharon Duncan (Phillip), Harrisonville; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Bill “Ellie” Couch, Stoutsville; seven grandchildren, Nicki Seaton (Richard Hurt), Harrisonville, Chase (Janelle) Greening, Columbia, Jamie Greening, Columbia, Tara (Timothy) Green, Shawnee, Kansas, Gregory (Jill) Greening, Ashland, Joshua (Jennifer) Duncan, Chesterfield, and Patricia Hatridge, Alexandria, Virginia; 17 great-grandchildren; a great-great–grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial was June 30 at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Monroe City, with Fr. Matthew Flatley officiating.
Graveside services were at the Holy Rosary Cemetery, Monroe City. A Parish Rosary service and a Parish Scripture service were at the Garner Funeral Home, Monroe City. Pallbearers were Donnie Hays, Ray Greening, Phil Hays, Paul Hays, Tom Leake and Jim Rawlings.
In lieu of flowers memorials have been suggested to the Monroe City Nutrition Center or the Cass County Council on Aging, Harrisonville.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Garner Funeral Home & Chapel, Monroe City.
Ralph Milton Kasper
June 11, 1943 – July 6, 2021
Ralph Milton Kasper, Harrisonville, was born June 11, 1943, in Rapid City, South Dakota, the son of Gordon George and Marcella E. (Martin) Kasper. He died July 6 at his home at the age of 78 years and 25 days.
Ralph was married to Patti Jo Grossman in Kansas City, on March 7, 1964 until her death on Oct. 1, 1991. On Feb. 10, 1999, he was married to Janis Kay Bitney Clawson in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ralph was employed as a sheet metal worker through the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 2, Kansas City. He enjoyed gardening, quilting, watching the birds and squirrels, traveling and spending time with his family and grandchildren. Ralph loved woodworking, was very talented and could make anything. He loved to help others.
In addition to his first wife Patti, he was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Rudy Kasper; and a sister, Roberta Bess.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Jan Kasper of the home; six children, David Kasper and wife Rhonda, Pleasant Hill, Robert Kasper and wife Melissa, Belton, Debbie Hille and husband Matt, Raymore, Kathy DeVore and husband Gene, Blue Springs, Pamela Andersen and husband Kent, Pleasant Hill, and Zeke Clawson and wife Tisha, Bolivar; 11 grandchildren, Becca, Andy, Kylie, Danny, Bailey, Amber, Alex, Kara, Evan, Zachary and Taylor; a great-grandson, Landon; a brother, Gordon Kasper and wife Karen and a sister, Waunda Magness all of Harrisonville; other relatives and many friends.
Cremation. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 5 p.m. July 16 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 5 p.m. July 16, at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society and may be left at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Barbara M. Keyton
Sept. 18, 1944 – July 11, 2021
Barbara Maxine Keyton, 76, Garden City, died July 11 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City. She was born Sept. 18, 1944, the daughter of William and Opal McGuire Thomas in Butler.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Donald Keyton; and a brother, Jerry Thomas.
Barbara is survived by a son, Proctor Keyton and wife, Casey, Archie; three daughters, Anita Sharp and Michael “BoBo”, Metropolis, Indiana, Judy Hecox and husband, Jeff, Montana, and Amy Keyton and significant other, John Unterneyer, Leeton; three sisters, Betty Brent and husband. Jim, Warsaw, Shirley McNeall, Lee’s Summit, and Pennie Doss and husband, David, Urbandale, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a great-grandchild on the way.
Funeral services were July 12 at the Heart of Life Church, Garden City. Burial was in the Strasburg Cemetery, Strasburg.
Contributions are suggested to the Heart of Life Church or the Masonic Lodge.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Robert W. Spitler
Nov. 18, 1956 – July 4, 2021
Robert W. Spitler, 64, Pleasant Hill, died July 4 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Kansas City. No services are scheduled at this time. Robert was born Nov. 18, 1956, in Holden, the son of Daniel Ray and Sarah Rose (Cornelius) Spitler.
He grew up in East Lynne and was a lifelong Cass County resident. He was a 1975 graduate of Harrisonville High School.
Robert married Barbara Ann Tomes June 30, 1984, in Grain Valley. He was a United States Marine veteran and had worked as a framer for Schult Industries in Blue Springs.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents.
Robert is survived by his wife, Barbara Spitler, Pleasant Hill; a son, John Henry Spitler, Knob Noster; two brothers, Kenny Spitler and Donald Spitler, both of Pleasant Hill; a grandson, Kevin Whitman; and a step-grandson, Logan.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Helen M. Van
Oct. 12, 1968 – June 23, 2021
Helen Marie Van, Garden City, was born Oct. 12, 1968, in Santa Ana, California, the daughter of Thomas Richard and Georgiana (Pickens) Johnson. She died June 23 at her home at the age of 52 years, 8 months and 11 days.
On March 5, 1998, Helen married David Alvin Van in Garden City.
Helen was the head manager for Burger King in Belton for 10 years and earlier had owned and operated the Casa VeAmigo’s Restaurant in Garden City.
She had a very strong faith and attended the Heart of Life Church, Garden City, and would help anyone she could. Helen enjoyed helping out at the homeless shelter in Kansas City and watching “Criminal Minds.”
She was preceded in death by her mother.
Helen is survived by her husband, David Van, and son, Brandon Van, both of the home; a daughter, Breanna Van, Harrisonville; a granddaughter, Amari Lynn; her father and step-mother, Thomas “Tom” Richard and Wendy L. Johnson, Garden City; a brother, Thomas George Johnson, Bolivar; other relatives and many friends.
Cremation. A celebration of life potluck was July 11 at the Garden City Community Center, Garden City.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Elaine Cribbs
June 10, 1936 – July 7, 2021
Katherine Elaine Broce Cribbs, 85, Butler, died July 7 at Medicalodge Nursing Center, Butler. She was born June 10, 1936 to Edwin Paul and Beatrice Ruth Akins Broce in Forest City.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 54 years, Sid Cribbs in 2010; two brothers, Harold Broce and Alfred Broce; a sister, Doris Purvis; brother-in-law, Melvin Purvis; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Broce.
Elaine is survived by her daughter, Debbie Dunlap and husband Ron, Butler; one brother, Gary Broce and wife Susan, Indianapolis, Indiana; three sisters, Ruth Glidewell, St. Joseph, Sharon Davis and husband Danny, Stronghurst, Illinios, and Karen Bayless and husband Dennis, of Elwood, Kansas; sister-in-law, Elaine Broce, St. Joseph; two grandchildren, Mandy Yates and husband Tommy and Jeff Dunlap and wife Christy, all of Butler; 10 great-grandchildren, Andrew and Nicholas Clutter, Jaxon and Molly Dunlap, all of Butler, J.T., Breland and Jakob Yates, all of Louisiana, Adrienne Kimball and husband Carl, Grant Griffin and wife Mirsadeez, Butler, and Kennedy Green and husband Hunter, Louisiana; and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were July 10 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions are suggested to Happy Hill Church of God.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Herschel D. Ewing
March 4, 1952 – July 4, 2021
Herschel Dale Ewing, 69, Butler, died July 4 at Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City. He was born March 4, 1952, the son of Kenneth Dale and Verna Loraine Epperly Ewing in Clinton.
Herschel, one of four children, attended schools in Passaic and Butler, graduating from Butler High School in 1970.
He worked as a United States Postal worker, retiring in 2004. On Aug. 14, 1970, he married Peggy Ruhs and to this union, four children were born.
He was a dedicated member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Adrian.
Herschel was generous, a hard worker, hospitable and selfless. He appreciated so much the care he was given by medical staff, always thanking them and providing baked goods as a thank you.
Enjoyments included his work, camping, garage sales, riding motorcycles, building things, watching westerns, visiting with friends and going to Texas in the winter.
He dearly loved his family and spending time with them. In recent years, he especially liked going to his cabin at Stockton Lake, the cabin that he and his family built.
Herschel was actively involved in his church and delighted in planning the men’s canoe trip. Herschel would want all to remember the love that was once shared and to “Miss me, but let me go.”
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Carol Rapp and infant Donna Jeanne Ewing.
Herschel is survived by his wife of 50 years, Peggy Ewing, Butler; four children, Christina Ewing, Raymore, Ken Ewing and wife, Kimberly, Creighton, Amanda Ewing and Heather Ewing, both of Butler; a brother, Melvin Ewing and wife, Diana, Butler; five grandchildren, Kylea Ewing, Kaleb Ewing, Abbigail Ewing, Jaiden Stathas and Raegan Bellfy; an honorary granddaughter, Chloe Davis; and uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins.
A celebration of life service was July 9 at Calvary Baptist Church, Adrian. Burial was in Benjamin Cemetery, Amoret.
Contributions are suggested to Kansas City Hospice House.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Bill Tarter
Sept. 7, 1944 – July 8, 2021
William “Bill” Michael Tarter, 76, Butler, died July 8 at his home. He was born Sept. 7, 1944 to Cortes Alvy, Sr. And Louara Lucille Porter Tarter in Independence.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Donna; one brother, James Tarter; and one sister, Julia Nighswonger.
Bill is survived by his son, Dave Tarter and wife Debbie, Butler; one daughter, Meg Ross and husband Jason, College Station, Texas; two brothers, Cortes Tarter, Jr. and Clyde Tarter; three sisters, Opal Hinton, Dorothy Doss and Joan Clapper; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; a host of nephews and nieces; great-nephews and great-nieces; and many cherished friends.
Funeral services were July 11 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler. Burial was in the Salem Cemetery, Foster. Contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Home, Butler.
Bobby D. Thomas
Sept. 27, 1966 – May 17, 2021
Bobby Dale Thomas, 54, Butler, died May 17 in Butler. He was born Sept, 27, 1966, the son of Charles Henry and Dorothy Mae Baker Thomas in Butler.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sharon, in 2006; a son, Jay Thomas; a sister, Misty Allen; cousins, Shelly Gaston and Darrell “Dink” Thomas; and several more beloved family members.
Bobby is survived by two sons, Steven Thomas and wife, Natalie, and Calen Chaney, all of Butler; a brother, David Robinson and significant other, Donna Kisner, Butler; three grandchildren, Brooklyn, Kenyon and Rayah; and nephews and nieces.
Bobby’s wishes were to be cremated.
There are no public services scheduled at this time.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Stella L. Vaughn
Feb. 12, 1933 – July 2, 2021
Stella Lee (Stamper) Vaughn, 88, died July 2 at Medicalodge Nursing Home in Butler, surrounded by her family. Stella was born Feb. 12, 1933, in a rural community known as Passover, located on the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.
She was the daughter of William Earnest and Ollie May Stamper. Stella was the youngest of eight children. She attended Linn Creek Elementary School.
Stella met Robert Arlin Vaughn in February 1955 and they were married July 10 of that same year. To this union three daughters were born, Delia, Albeth and Sandy.
Stella was baptized on Easter Sunday in 1960 in Camdenton. She was a member of the Linn Creek Baptist Church.
The Vaughn family resided in Linn Creek until October 1968 when they moved to Adrian.
Security Program. She also enjoyed serving as hostess for the Homestead House Restaurant, seating and visiting with guests.
Stella was talented in embroidering and made numerous sets of pillowcases and tea towels that she shared as gifts to many who were special to her. She was always up for a game of rummy. She enjoyed the outdoors, planting and caring for her flower garden and rose bushes.
She was a collector of bells, bird figurines (especially doves), any grandchild’s toys that were left overnight and rocks she would collect from the vacations she took around the country which she proudly displayed in her front yard.
Stella devoted her life to raising her three daughters and was proud to be a wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. She was lovingly referred to as “Grandma Gorgeous” (by her own request) by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Stella was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and three sisters.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Arlin, of the home; her daughters, Delia and Terry Hubbard, Neosho, Albeth and Steve Lovelace and Sandy and Paul Tallman, all of Adrian; six grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren, Michael and Stephanie Lovelace, Sean, Breanne, Jacob and Avery, Winterset, Iowa; Delisa and Seth Johnson, Boone, Grady and Ryker, Stark City; Kalan and Jessica Hubbard and Quinn, Joplin; Sarah and David Monaghan, Fremont, Nebraska; Matthew and Anna Tallman, Levi, Ryan, Thea and Troy, Adrian; Brenna and Ethan Romi and Stella and baby Romi (due in November), Adrian.
Funeral services were July 7 at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian, with burial in the Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Adrian Rural Fire Department or the Adrian Park Board.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.
