Janice M. Copeland
Dec. 23, 1938 – July 20, 2021
Janice Marie Murff Copeland, 82, died July 20. Janice was born Dec. 23, 1938, in Rotan, Texas, the daughter of James Adell Murff and Lurlene Dutton Murff.
She graduated from Roby in 1957 and went on to attend Draughon’s Business College in Abilene where she lived with cousins, Milton and Evelyn Murff.
During her time in Abilene, she worked at Thornton’s Department store which is where she first met Glenn in the fall of 1957.
They began to date and soon after he was stationed in Guam. During this time, they corresponded and made plans to marry when he returned to Abilene.
Nov. 1, 1958, they were married. They continued to live in Abilene until October 1960 when they moved back to Fisher County.
Janice was raised as a farmer’s daughter, so she easily fell into becoming a farmer’s wife. She was not afraid of hard work and worked alongside Glenn to build their farm and life, doing whatever needed to be done in the field before coming home to take care of the household.
They joined Cross Roads Baptist Church in 1961 where both Glenn and Janice served in many ministry roles.
Janice served more than 50 years in music ministry playing the piano and organ. On top of this, Janice was always present for Vacation Bible School, served in the nursery and was chairman of the hospitality committee for a number of years.
She was a faithful woman who shared her love and need for Jesus with everyone around her. Even in late years, the nurses at Good Life Alzheimer’s Care Facility said you could feel a faithful presence when being around Janice.
Janice loved her garden. And more so, she loved sharing the fruits of her labor with everyone around. Along with her garden, Janice was an excellent cook.
There was always plenty for anyone who stopped by during dinner time and you could always bet on there being something sweet as well. She was also a skilled marksman and enjoyed shooting her shotgun in competitions.
Janice loved to be in service of others. In addition to her work at home and Cross Roads, she served as a Pink Lady at the hospital and was a substitute teacher for Rotan ISD.
She was preceded in death by her parents, J.A. Murff and Lurlene Dutton Murff.
Janice is survived by her husband of 62 years, Glenn; daughter, Kimberly Brooke and husband, Brent, Bangs, Texas; sons, Keith Copeland and Christine Kimbrell, Boiling Springs, South Carolina, and Kevin Copeland and wife, Sherry, Lindsay, Texas; grandchildren, Kayla Gallaway and husband, Logan, Alli Dieter and husband, Chad, Joey Brooke and wife, Chloe, Anthony Copeland and wife, Jesi, Emily Copeland, Erin Sieger and husband, Jordan, Paxton Copeland and husband, Avery Trombley, Hannah Copeland and Kloe Copeland; a brother, Jimmy Murff, Mt. Home, Texas; 10 great-grandchildren, two on the way; a
nephew, Andy Copeland, Archie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and others she considered family.
Services were at the First Baptist Church in Rotan, Texas. Burial was in the Roby Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home, Rotan, Texas.
Mark T. Danforth
June 11, 1955 – July 17, 2021
Mark Todd Danforth, 66, Harrisonville, died July 17 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City. Mark was born June 11, 1955, in Harrisonville, the oldest son of Jimmie Frank and Mary Kay (Long) Danforth.
He graduated with honors from Harrisonville High School in 1973. After graduation he enrolled in Kansas University where he studied drama, education and music.
Mark was an accomplished pianist and began playing at an early age. He was the student of the late Inez Hunt and performed in many recitals.
Mark owned and operated Touch of Class flower shop at Crown Center in Kansas City. His second career was at Century Investments in Kansas City.
After retirement, Mark devoted many hours of work to Wayside Rest in Harrisonville, which was built by his great-great-great-great-grandfather, Robert A. Brown, and is now occupied by Carol Prettyman, his great-great-great-granddaughter and Mark’s second cousin.
Mark was preceded in death by his father; two uncles, Kenneth Danforth and Clarence Danforth, Jr.; his grandparents, Clarence and Thelma (Wall) Danforth; and Walter Kenneth and Loretta (Todd) Long.
He is survived by his mother, Mary Kay (Long) Aldous, Bethel Island, California; two brothers, Jimmie Scott Danforth, Adrian, and Randy Jay Danforth, Independence; and an aunt, Betty Fay (Long) Benham, Harrisonville.
Graveside services were July 21 at Brown Cemetery in Harrisonville at Wayside Rest.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville.
Russell S. Getty
July 23, 1965 – July 21, 2021
Russell “Russ” Scott Getty, 55, Sierra Vista, Arizona, died at his home July 21. Russ was born in Kansas City, the son of Robert F. Getty and Jerri S. (Gibbons) Getty on July 23, 1965.
Russ attended Harrisonville High School, graduating in 1983. Following graduation, Russ entered the Army.
Russ was preceded in death by his father, Robert Getty; and his paternal and maternal grandparents.
He is survived by his mother, Jerri Getty; sister, Krista Eidson; two sons and two daughters, Anthony, Scott, Ashley and Serenity; two nephews, Drew and Noah; a niece, Kelsey; and his loving partner, Angie Hudson.
Russ will especially be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor.
Russ donated his body to the United Tissue Network.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Jane E. Klausen
May 14, 1960 – July 16, 2021
Jane Ellen (Wilkins) Klausen was born May 14, 1960, in Kansas City, and died July 16 at Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Lee’s Summit at the age of 61 years, 2 months and 2 days.
She was the daughter of Richard George and Ada Jean (Bradley) Wilkins.
Jane spent her younger years in Grandview, graduating from Grandview High School in 1978. After completing cosmetology school and obtaining her cosmetology license, Jane went to work for the Jones Store Beauty Salon at Metcalf South Shopping Center, where she worked for many years.
In 1993, Jane accepted a position with the Hickman Mills School District as a paraprofessional in their special education program and was still working for the Hickman Mills School District at the time of her death.
On May 1, 1981, Jane married Dennis Roger Klausen in Grandview and to this union two children, Micah and Hannah, were born.
After their marriage they lived in the Kansas City area until August 1997 when the Klausen family moved to Pleasant Hill to make their home. After moving to Pleasant Hill, Jane worked part-time for Stephanie Pryor at Stephanie’s Salon in Pleasant Hill.
The greatest joy in Jane’s life was her family. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother and dearly loved to play with and entertain her grandchildren. Jane also enjoyed raising beautiful flowers and gardening.
Jane was a member of the First Baptist Church of Harrisonville.
Jane is survived by her husband, Dennis R. Klausen, of the home; her parents, Richard and Jean (Bradley) Wilkins, Grandview; a son, Micah Klausen and wife, Jaime, Harrisonville; a daughter, Hannah Klausen, Pleasant Hill; a brother, Alan Wilkins and wife, Laurie, Raymore; three grandchildren, Alaina, Karli and Dane; a niece, Heather Moran and husband, Zach, Kansas City; a nephew, Brad Wilkins, Raymore; other relatives and many friends.
Per Jane’s wishes, cremation has been accorded.
A memorial service was July 29 at the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill, with Pastor J.C. Beckner officiating.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Carolyn S. Lukenbill
March 4, 1953 – July 15, 2021
Carolyn Susan Lukenbill, 68, Harrisonville, died July 15 at her home. No services are scheduled. Carolyn was born March 4, 1953, in East St. Louis, Illinois, the daughter of Eddie and Dottie (Mosley) Gillison.
She married Darrell Wayne Lukenbill in May 2000, in Lee’s Summit.
Carolyn had lived in Colorado and Lee’s Summit, before moving to Harrisonville in 2005. She was an LPN before retiring.
Carolyn was an animal lover of all God’s creatures.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, Darrell Lukenbill, of the home; a son, Shawn Pickler, Colorado Springs, Colorado; and a sister, JoAnn Murphy, Melbourn, Florida.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Holly R. Miles
March 19, 1963 – July 20, 2021
Holly Renee Miles was born March 19, 1963, in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of David McCune and Joy Stoll. Holly was the second of four girls.
Her childhood was spent at the Lake of the Ozarks before relocating to the Grandview area. She graduated from Ruskin High School in 1981, working at a local gas station while attending cosmetology school to later become a hair dresser.
While working at the gas station, she met her future husband, James “Jim” Miles. They were married at the Jackson County Courthouse on July 22, 1982.
Holly went to work as a hairdresser at JCPenney shortly after their marriage, with Jim working as an over-the-road truck driver.
Together they were blessed with three children, Jennifer Ann in 1983, James Edward, Jr., “Jimmy” in 1985 and David Emanuel in 1986 who died from SIDS as an infant.
The family lived in Anthony, Kansas, Grandview and Peculiar before settling in Garden City in 1993. In Garden City, she became the neighborhood mama to all. Her door was always open, as were the snack cabinets.
She was always willing to offer up a ride, an ear to listen or a hug to any child in need.
She went to work for the Sherwood School District in the cafeteria, before accepting a position at Casco Area Workshop where she eventually became the marketing and production manager.
Holly thrived at her position for more than a decade until her health forced her to retire in 2003.
In May 2005, she was delighted with the births of her first granddaughter, Mia, and grandson, Emanuel. In the coming years, she became Granny to six more grandchildren, Jadyn, Jonis, Lilly, Marlee, Noah, Miles and Delilah.
Holly loved children, but her grandchildren were truly the biggest joy in life. She loved to spoil the grandchildren rotten and lived for their visits.
Holly was also a dedicated member of the Garden City community. Throughout the years, she was an officer for the Garden City Ball Association, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the Garden City Fall Festival Committee, an administrator for the Sherwood Community News & Views webpage, a sports coach, room mom, PTO member, scout leader and many other activities to benefit the place she called home.
She was a trusted source of information and was always willing to donate to anyone’s fundraiser under the condition that it benefit the Sherwood community.
In her later years, her health prevented her from traveling much further than doctor’s appointments and the homes of her family members. She never lost her positive outlook on life, continuing to inspire others throughout battles with breast cancer, numerous bouts with pneumonia and most recently, COVID.
She was open about her health struggles, hoping that her stories would help someone else coping with similar problems.
She died July 20 at KU Health Center in Kansas City, Kansas, the same hospital where she was born. She took her final breaths surrounded by family with the love of her life, Jim, holding her hand as she left this world for her next adventure.
She is survived by her husband, Jim Miles, of the home; daughter Jennifer Palis and Chris and son Jimmy Miles and Laura, all of Garden City; grandchildren, Mia Hymer, Emanuel Miles, Jadyn Flory, Jonis Miles, Lilly Miles, Marlee Palis, Noah Miles, Miles Palis and Delilah Miles; her mother and stepfather, Joy and Robert Stoll, Garden City; three sisters MyLinda Kifer and Dave, Sunrise Beach, Lori Vasquez and Marcos, Stockton, California, and Rhonda Stoll and Joel, Strasburg.
She leaves behind many family members and friends; and her four spoiled cats, Shoogie, Milo, Oscar and Bo.
She was preceded in death by her son, David; father, David McCune; sister; Angela Stewart; and her grandparents.
Holly was a champion for children in the Sherwood community. The family suggests contributions be made to the Sherwood PTO in her name.
A celebration of life visitation was July 28 at the Heart of Life Church, Garden City.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Garden City.
Calvin M. Yoder
July 22, 1946 – April 22, 2020
Calvin Morris Yoder was born July 22, 1946, the son of Walter and Elizabeth Yoder of Garden City. Calvin died April 22, 2020, surrounded by family and lifted-up in song.
Calvin grew up on his parents’ farm in Cass County, northwest of Garden City. He lived his life for Jesus by loving his family,
faithfully serving his church, caring for his farm and sharing his love of music and humor with people around the world.
Calvin attended Number 9 community school and was a 1964 graduate of Harrisonville High School. Upon graduation, he bought a nearby farm. Most of his life was spent working the farm and operating Yoder Brothers Dairy with brother Willard.
On Sept. 10, 1966, Calvin married Mary Rachel Kuhns of Kansas City. Calvin and Mary shared their lives together for 44 years until Mary’s death in 2010.
They had four children, son Wesley in 1971, daughter Gwendolyn in 1972 and twin daughters Cynthia and Melinda in 1992.
Following Mary’s death, Calvin married Michelle Rene Bishop on Aug. 5, 2011.
Calvin and Michelle continued to live on the family farm, providing milk and other farm products to the community. Together they nurtured children through foster care and adopted a daughter, Faith Leigha, in December 2017.
A lifelong member of Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church, Calvin served as song leader, church elder, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School music director, camp counselor and many other roles.
Music was a huge part of Calvin’s life. He grew up listening to his dad, Walter, sing in gospel quartets. Calvin was introduced to barbershop harmony in his 20s and went on to a long career in quartet singing. He was a founding member and lead singer of the Rural Route 4 quartet that won the 1986 International Championship of barbershop quartet singing.
Calvin also sang for many years in a mixed gospel quartet, Jubilee Transfer.
Calvin was director of the Garden City Community Choir, performing an annual Easter Cantata for 48 years. Within the community, he sang in various quartets for many funerals and community events.
In addition to his parents, Calvin was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary.
He is survived by his second wife, Michelle, and daughter, Faith, of the home; a son, Wesley, his wife, Kate, and grandchildren, Elizabeth and Matthew, Seattle, Washington; a daughter, Gwen Meeks, and her husband, Chris, and grandchildren, Jacquelyn, Cameron and Jillia, Garden City; a daughter, Cynthia, Garden City; a daughter, Melinda Young, and her husband, Quentin, Wichita, Kansas; a brother, Willard, and his wife, Velma, Garden City; a sister, Linda Kaiser, and her husband, Duane, Durham, Kansas; many nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Donations in memory of Calvin Yoder may be made to Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church, P.O. Box 320, Garden City, MO 64747. Please indicate “Calvin Yoder Memorial Fund” on your donation.
Funds will be used to spread the good news of Jesus Christ through various mission organizations dear to Calvin’s heart.
As an alternative, donations in honor of Calvin may be made directly to Gideons International.
A private family graveside service was held at the Clearfork Cemetery near Garden City.
A hymn sing service was July 24 at the Heart of Life Church, Garden City.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Thomas E. Arnold
Feb. 10, 1952 – July 15, 2021
Thomas Edward Arnold, 69, Adrian, died July 15 at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Tom was born Feb. 10, 1952, the son of Thomas R. and Joyce (Watts) Arnold in Butler. He was the first of eight children.
He graduated from Adrian High School in 1970 and Faith Baptist Bible College, Ankeny, Iowa, in 1975 with a degree in Bible and theology.
On Aug. 8, 1981, Tom married Patricia Pitts, his wife of nearly 40 years. To this union two children were born.
Tom loved his family, his church family and most of all his God. Tom accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age and became a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church where he served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher and deacon and sang special music for many services.
The song, “No Room,” became his special song at Christmas every year.
Tom had a variety of jobs through the years as youth pastor, camp director, construction worker, hardware estimator and special education teacher. He retired in 2008 because of his declining health.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Thomas R. Arnold; and two of his brothers, Lester Arnold and Phillip Arnold.
He is survived by his wife, Pat, of the home; a daughter, Lydia Couch and husband, Tom, Harrisonville; a son, Paul Arnold and wife, Sabrina, Pleasant Hill; eight grandsons, Grady Couch, Deacon Couch, Titus Couch, Emmett Couch, Asher Couch, Jack Arnold, Max Arnold and Sam Arnold; a granddaughter, Meredith Couch; his mother, Joyce Arnold; a brother, John Arnold and wife, Debbie; four sisters, Susan Davis and husband, Doug, Beverly Foster, Brenda Ortiz and husband, Pablo, and Brenda Sue Arnold; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services were July 20 at the Calvary Baptist Church, Adrian, with burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.
Susan L. Goddard
Dec. 12, 1963 – July 21, 2021
Susan Lynn (Nuffer) Goddard, 57, Amsterdam, died July 21 at the Kansas City Hospice House after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Lynn was born Dec. 12, 1963, the daughter of Richard and Nancy Nuffer.
She was a graduate of Shawnee Mission South High School and later attended the University of Kansas.
Lynn married the love of her life, John David Goddard, on Sept. 15, 1984, in West Line.
Lynn treasured her husband, children and grandchildren above all else. Family was her greatest joy. She had a bright, fun personality and loved “her people” fiercely.
She spent much of her adult life as a stay-at-home mom, while also working periodically at the Miami R-1 School District where her children attended.
Lynn never missed a school or club event, where you could often find her and Dave on the very front row cheering. Recently, Lynn worked part time for State Farm Insurance in Butler as an office manager.
In her spare time, you would find her happily alongside her two grandchildren, shopping for flowers and plants or crafting.
Lynn was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy Nuffer; her father-in-law, John Goddard; and cousin, Susie McNeil.
She is survived by her loving husband, Dave Goddard, of the home; father, Richard Nuffer, Leawood, Kansas, a son, J.R. Goddard and Brandee, Pleasant Hill; daughters, Jessie McWilliams and Ben, Cleveland, and Kara Goddard, Butler; grandchildren, Macie and Ty McWilliams; brother, Chuck Nuffer and Gail, Overland Park, Kansas; mother-in-law, Barbara Goddard, Cleveland; sister-in-law, Kathy Pippenger and Rex, Salina, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation was held July 27 at the Adrian Christian Church in Adrian and a memorial service followed, also at the church.
Burial was in Glenwild Cemetery, Cleveland.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Arrangements were under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler.
Colleen Gregory
Feb. 7, 1931 – July 16, 2021
Colleen Gregory, 90, Amsterdam, died July 16 in Parker, Kansas. She was born Feb. 7, 1931, the daughter of Leroy Samuel and Grace Blanche Atkins Crouse in Kansas City.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, J.B. Gregory; two brothers, Paul Rood and Larry Crouse; and a sister, Donna Essenpreis.
Coleen is survived by two sons, Guy Gregory and Jay Gregory, both of Amsterdam; Linda “Pinky” Haverfield and husband, Charlie, Parker, Kansas, and Nina “Snookie” LaFollette and husband, Charley, Cleveland; 10 grandchildren; and many great- and great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were July 22 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler. Burial was in Scott Cemetery, Amsterdam. Contributions are suggested to Scott Cemetery or Amsterdam Churches.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Betty B. Robey
Dec. 12, 1925 – July 17, 2021
Betty Berniece Robey, 95, Butler, died July 17. She was born Dec. 12, 1925, the daughter of William Elmer Sims and Luella Jackson Sims in Butler, the youngest of nine children.
Betty retired as senior vice president of First National Bank of Butler after 50 years of employment.
She was married to Charles Robey for more than 60 years. Betty was very involved in the community as the president of the Butler Chamber of Commerce and the Butler Planning Association, as a member of the Ohio Street Methodist Church and as a founding member of the Butler Business and Professional Women’s Club.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; nieces, Shirley Hermann and Connie Shaffer; nephews, Frank Hedger, Jerry Hedger and Dwight Hedger; and great-nephew, Jeff Hartley.
Betty is survived by great-niece, Carol Rocco, Lee’s Summit and her sons, Jesse and Jamie Lefebure; nephew and niece, Jack and Pam Hedger, Butler; great-nephew, Bret Hermann and Brenda, Springfield; sister-in-law, Alice Wimsatt, Lee’s Summit; and many other nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services were July 20 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler. There was a private burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Children’s Mercy Hospital.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.