Shirley J. Bockelman
May 19, 1935 – July 28, 2021
In the midst of the Great Depression, Shirley Jane Davis, 86, Peculiar, was born May 19, 1935, the daughter of J. Frank and Florence (Eye) Davis, who had met and courted in the dusty fields near Chapman, Kansas. She died July 28.
Soon after her parents married, they moved to Dallas, Missouri. It was there that Shirley was born and she was always proud of her tight-knit hometown. Shirley was an only child by record, but she had an adopted twin sister, Vera (Reinsch) Myers.
The two of them were inseparable and could be mischievous at times.
They would tell people who didn’t know them that they were half sisters or purposely tease the farmer’s bull. Their formative years were shaped by faith, family and friends.
June 17, 1955, with Vera by her side as maid-of-honor, Shirley married the boy next door, Allen Don Bockelman, a Korean War veteran that by God’s hand had survived numerous harrowing experiences. After his service, Allen joined his parents in the house building trade.
It was in the mid-1950s the Bockelmans bought two lots next door to each other just off of 108th and Holmes.
On those lots they constructed two homes, one of which they personally moved into and the other they sold to Shirley’s parents.
Allen, with the skills he had acquired working with his parents and Shirley with her college training in accounting, were a great match to run their own thriving residential construction business.
Throughout the years, they constructed many well-built projects at an honest and fair price.
Allen and Shirley rejoiced with each new additional to their new family unit.
Their children include, Paul Allen Bockelman and wife Kate, Peculiar; William Don Bockelman and wife, Leticia, Ocean Reef, Australia; John Frank Bockelman and wife, Dorcas, Peculiar; Steven James Bockelman and wife, Kathleen, Belton; and Rebecca Jane Bockelman Morrison and husband, Darrell, Raymore.
They were also blessed with 12 grandchildren and their spouses and now many great-grandchildren.
Shirley served in a variety of children’s ministries, including Sunday school classes, summer Vacation Bible Schools and in later life working in after-school programs with Child Evangelism Fellowship.
There will be a visitation from 11 a.m. to noon Aug. 7 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes
Rd., Kansas City, with services following at noon. Burial will be in Mt. Moriah Cemetery South, Kansas City.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City,
Bobbi B. Gaston
March 25, 1950 – July 26, 2021
Bobbi Berniece Gaston, 71, Archie, died July 26 in Archie. She was born March 25, 1950, the daughter of Robert Lester and Lydia Berniece Arnold McCall in Butler.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and three sisters, Sharon Horner, Linda Tanner and Doris Tanner.
Bobbi is survived by a son, Tracey Gaston and wife, Cheryl, and a daughter, Stacia Gaston, all of Denton, Texas; a sister, Patty Allen, Butler; three grandchildren, Katrina, Billy and Ashleigh; several nephews and nieces; and beloved pet, Dusty.
Funeral services were Aug. 4 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler, with cremation following the services.
Inurnment will be at later date in Jackson Cemetery, Krum, Texas.
Contributions are suggested to ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Home, Butler.
Geraldine “Geri” Yvonne
(Atkinson) Johnson
May 17, 1926 – July 30, 2021
When asked how she was doing, Geraldine “Geri” Yvonne (Atkinson) Johnson, would show a degree of equanimity as she responded, “Well, I’m good I suppose, I’m ready to go whenever the Lord taps me on the shoulder.” At the age of 95, on July 30 at the Holden Manor Care Center, Holden, the Lord tapped Geri gently on the shoulder and her mission here was complete.
Geri was born on May 17, 1926, in rural Centerview, the daughter of Samuel and Florence (Stone) Atkinson. On April 21 , 1957, at the New Liberty Presbyterian Church in Denton, Geri married her husband of 58 years, David K. Johnson, who preceded her in death March 12, 2016.
She was a member of the Christian Church of Warrensburg, then the Presbyterian Church of LaTour.
Geri called LaTour home where she spent her days tending to the Centurion family farm alongside her husband David. Geri was a strong farm wife and many stories of the farm included Geri caring for the animals, including the many cats in the barn and one particularly brilliant blind cow who escaped across the county one night to which Geri always used to remind us that cows were not as dumb as we might mistakenly think. Geri loved storytelling, reminiscing how she survived polio and even the time David accidentally backed over her with the grain truck, proving she was as tough as she was kind. She truly enjoyed the farm life, remembering fondly seeing all the cowboys and farmers on her trips with her dad to the sale barn in town and later attending the opera at Pleasant Hill and square-dances in the surrounding towns for entertainment.
Geri was a graduate of Blairstown High School and the Kansas City Secretarial School. She was formerly employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in their A.S.C. Office as well as in the Johnson County Extension Office and with the Jerry Tally Ford Motor Company.
Geri is preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Atkinson, and Florence Atkinson; her husband, David K. Johnson; one brother, Samuel Dean Atkinson; three nephews, William Porter, Keith Johnson, Mark Atkinson; two nieces, Karla Burton, Marie Kimberlin; one great nephew, Casey Ray Johnson.
She is survived by three nephews, D.G. Johnson and wife, Ginger, Holden, Charles “Hunky” Johnson and wife, Nita, Garden City, Jim Atkinson and wife Carol, Dogue, Virginia; two nieces, Karen Johnson, Garden City and Margaret Porter, Carey, North Carolina; many great nieces and nephews, family and friends.
For Geri, family seemed to be the one and only love that was greater than the farm. Although I didn’t know her as well as I would have liked, it doesn’t take a lifelong connection to understand that Geri valued her very large and extended family in a way that I have never witnessed before. From the detail she bestowed in her famous potluck dish or the laughter she enjoyed around the campfire down by Big Creek, family was at the center. I believe she could remember every birthday and every name of the most distant cousin twice removed. Although Geri would sometimes prefer to sit quietly reflecting, she would watch out the window for the school bus knowing the great-great nieces and nephews were on it and family was never far from her thoughts.
Funeral Services were Aug. 3 at Campbell – Cast Funeral Home, Holden, with Pastor Linda Dudley officiating. Interment was in the Holden Cemetery, Holden.
Pallbearers were Luke Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Jeremy Johnson, Justin Johnson, Jordan Johnson and Ryan Burton. Honorary Pallbearers were Eric Atkinson and Jacob Atkinson.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Holden Cemetery Association, 102 E 2nd St., Holden, MO 64040 in care of Campbell – Cast Funeral Home.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Campbell – Cast Funeral Home, Holden.
Garry L. Kimbrell
July 1, 1963 – July 25, 2021
Garry Lee Kimbrell, 58, Harrisonville, died July 25 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City.
He is survived by two daughters, Samantha Kimbrell, Emporia, Kansas, and Kristen Kimbrell, Harrisonville; a sister, Angela Moreno, Corona, California; his step-father, Johnny McArdle, Honolulu, Hawaii; other relatives and friends.
Cremation. A celebration of life service was Aug. 4 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Harrisonville, with military honors following the service.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Alan R. Lusso
Oct. 7, 1967 – July 21, 2021
Alan Ray Lusso, Harrisonville, was born Oct. 7, 1967, in Independence, the son of Robert Ray and Barbara Gale (Johnson) Lusso. He died July 21 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, at the age of 53 years, 9 months and 14 days.
Dec. 12, 2014, Alan was married to Cynthia Ann Winters in Independence.
Alan was employed as a maintenance supervisor for Yarco Company, Kansas City. He enjoyed antique shopping, collecting knives and guns, going on long walks on nature trails and taking Sunday drives.
Alan had lived in Independence before moving to Harrisonville.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Alan is survived by his wife, Cynthia Lusso, of the home; three sons, Derrek Lusso and Kelly, St. Joseph, James DeGan and Bailey, Pleasant Hill, and Bryan Mraz, Independence; five daughters, Jessica Schmidt and Nate, and Megan Schellhorn and Miles, all of St. Joseph, Nikki Willits and Kendall, Kansas City, Kansas, Gabrielle Lusso, Madison, South Dakota, and Marissa Lusso, Overland Park, Kansas; three step-daughters, Beth Stuetelberg and Alexandrea Schlotman, both of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Megan Schmitz and Hannah, Los Angeles, California; several grandchildren; four brothers, Craig Ward, Randy Ward, Richard Ward and Chuck Lusso; a sister, Linda Ward; other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were July 28 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, with inurnment in Mt. Washington Cemetery, Independence.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Alan Lusso Memorial Fund.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Sandra E. McCrery
Aug. 11, 1957 – July 25, 2021
Sandra Eileen McCrery, Harrisonville, was born Aug. 11, 1957, in Rolla, the daughter of Melvin Troy and Mildred Marie (Breedlove) McCrery Ellifrits. She died July 25 at Crown Care Center, Harrisonville, at the age of 63 years, 11 months and 16 days.
Sandra was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her step-father, Hershel Eugene Ellifrits; and a brother, Wendall Eugene Ellifrits.
She is survived by two sons, Terry Lynn “Buck” McCrery and Douglas Troy McCrery, both of Blue Springs; two sisters, Karen Ann Werner and husband, Lynn, Edgerton, and Kimberly Diane Ross and husband, Kenny, Strasburg; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Cremation. A celebration of life service will be held at Maywood Baptist Church, Independence, at a later date.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Elizabeth J. Murphy
Jan. 18, 1920 – July 23, 2021
Elizabeth Jean “Betty” Standish Murphy died July 23 at Kansas City Hospice House at the age of 101 years, 6 months, 5 days. Betty was born and lived most of her life in Rosedale, Kansas, (now Kansas City, Kansas) until relocating to Harrisonville where she had resided at Crown Care Center since 2014.
Daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, great- and great-great-grandmother, (yes, five generations), friend and co-worker, were just a few of the hats she wore in her lifetime.
Employment consisted of numerous office positions, among them Jules Borel & Co. and most notably Studio DuVall’s in the Ward Parkway Shopping Center, owned and operated by her first-born daughter, Sharon Welsh, who died in 1989.
The youngest of nine children born to Arthur and Effie (Craine) Standish, deceased 1929 and 1969, she survived them all. She was married to Delbert J. Murphy, deceased 1981, and together they raised four children, Sharon Welsh, Patricia Jurgeson married to John, Cleveland, Deborah Murphy, Belton, and Michael Murphy married to Debra, Trophy Club, Texas; five grandchildren with two bonus grands; 10 great- grandchildren with four bonus greats; and two great-great-grandchildren with another to be born in October; all because two people loved each other.
Betty lived through world wars, some right there at home, the Great Depression, men on the moon, Polio to COVID-19 and so much more.
Her love of gardening and boating created the most fabulous flower gardens with driftwood and rocks from Stockton Lake; bowling at Roe Lanes was highly competitive and a family tradition; caramel rolls and cream puffs were her specialty that rivaled any bakery; so many talents, from stained glass to creative handmade gifts for all occasions which blessed family, friends and her other residents.
She was a classy, sassy lady with a bit of glitz and bling to her attire; hugs and blowing kisses defined her come and go.
She was a member of Rosedale Congregational Church, she created children’s story time, which was known to include a live lamb and baby chick to illustrate the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus; Florence Nightingale nursing qualities without the degree served us all so well; documented Standish descendant to Myles Standish, thanks to our historian, Deborah Murphy, an English military officer among the pilgrims on the ship Mayflower who played a leading role in Plymouth colony’s foundation in 1620.
Some quotes that describe the essence of our beloved include: “She lived with a mind and in a body that could not keep up with her spirit,” “To live in the hearts and memory of those left behind is to not die.”
Betty J. Murphy, motto and mantra, “this too shall pass!” How else would she survive 101 plus years.
A celebration of life visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Beck Event Space, 201 S. Independence, Harrisonville.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Jarred W. Richardson
May 20, 1980 – July 29, 2021
Jarred W. Richardson, 41, Fort Wayne, Indiana, died July 29. He was born May 20, 1980 in Kansas City.
He graduated from Woodlan High School, Fort Wayne, in 1998.
He was an autoworker at the General Motors Fort Wayne Assembly Plant and a member of UAW Local 2209.
Jarred served a term as a UAW Alternate Committeeman.
He enjoyed playing golf and was a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. He was preceded in death by his father, Reagan Richardson, as well as his grandparents.
Surviving family include his mother, Melanie (Roger) Fienen, Harrisonville; and his sister, Amy Richardson, Ohio.
A gathering of friends and family was Aug. 5 at the UAW Local 2209 Union Hall, Roanoke, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Allen County SPCA.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Greenlawn Funeral Home, Fort Wayne.
Varalucksana S. Slaughter
April 29, 1954 – July 22, 2021
Varalucksana Suchato Slaughter, 67, also known as Oay to many, died from cancer-related complications July 22 at Research Medical Center. In the Kansas City area, she’s been known as a wife, mother, friend, artist, singer, dancer, teacher, advocate and all-around pillar of the Thai community.
Oay was born in Bangkok, Thailand, and graduated from Silpakorn University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in graphic design.
After school, she was employed by the Thai Ministry of Industry and worked to help uplift rural and tribal communities through their crafts.
In 1984, she came to the United States to study fibers and graphic design at the Kansas City Art Institute. In Kansas City, Oay met her soon-to-be-husband. They married in 1987 and had a son, Stephen, in 1988.
Together they lived in Kansas City, Kansas, during which time Oay helped to bring a sense of home to many Thai college students studying in the Kansas City area.
From 1993 to 1996, the Slaughters resided in Jakarta, Indonesia. During that time, Oay volunteered with the National Museum of Indonesia. The proximity to Thailand allowed her to easily maintain and reforge connections with her family.
Upon their return to the United States in 1996, the Slaughters settled in Harrisonville, where they lived to the present day.
There Oay used her knowledge and passion to help people of all ages and capabilities.
At the turn of the millennium, Oay intensified her involvement with the area Thai community and she created the Thai Cultural Center of Greater Kansas City.
She also got involved with Kansas City’s Ethnic Enrichment Commission and was appointed Commissioner of Thailand.
Through her positions, she brought the community together and served as a forging force by being, among many other things, an interpreter, health care facilitator, immigration negotiator, bridge between small businesses, envoy to a multitude of both local governments and NGOs, and cultural ambassador to the greater community.
There are so many more things that Oay had done and positive impacts made on every life she touched, that this obit merely scratches the surface.
Her physical presence is gone and leaves a sense of absence in those who love her, but her enduring spirit and will lives on. May her memory be a blessing to all.
Oay was preceded in death by her mother, Phanit Suchato; and father, Wathana Suchato; and a sister, Vatchara Harper.
Oay is survived by her husband, Richard Lee Slaughter; a son, Stephen Kendall Slaughter; brothers, Natthana Suchato, Pirot Suchato, Pisit Suchato and Thanin Suchato; sisters, Sirirat Hantaweewattana, and Saowaluck Suchato; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Beck Event Space, Harrisonville. A family only prayer and blessing will be at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Donations may be made to Sarah Cannon Center https://sarahcannon.com/about/sarah-cannon-fund.dot.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Kenneth F. Steckly
April 25, 1939 – July 22, 2021
Kenneth Floyd Steckly, Garden City, was born April 25, 1939, in Beaver Crossing, Nebraska, the son of Floyd and Agnes (Schweitzer) Steckly. He died July 22 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, surrounded by love and family at the age of 82 years, 2 months and 27 days.
On June 5, 1959, Kenneth married Darlene Mae Stauffer in Milford, Nebraska.
Kenneth was a pastor for 50 years until his retirement. He served Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church in Garden City and churches in Milford, Wayland, Iowa, and Deepwater. Later, he owned and operated Steckly Home Improvement, Garden City.
Kenneth loved traveling and going on adventures with his wife, Darlene. He loved to share his passion for farming and collecting tractors with his children and grandchildren.
He also loved spending each birthday celebrating around a fire and having a family wiener roast. Kenneth was always telling stories and jokes. He loved Jesus, as his Savior and his family deeply.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Darlene Steckly, of the home; two sons, Randy Steckly and Malinda, Garden City, and Scott Steckly and Deena, Tampa, Florida; a daughter, Lori Hernandez and Paul, Garden City; six grandchildren, Emy and Scott, Tony and Shannon, Luke and Christina, Taylor and Ryan, Lane and Alex, and Wyatt; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Vilas Steckly, Hesston, Kansas, and Maynard Steckly, Seward, Nebraska; other relatives and a host of friends.
A celebration of life service was July 26 at the Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church, Garden City. There was a private family burial.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Garden City.
Steven W. Truninger
June 14, 1964 – July 29, 2021
Steven Wayne “Steve” Truninger was born June 14, 1964, in Harrisonville, and died July 29 after losing his battle with Covid, at Lee’s Summit Medical Center in Lee’s Summit, surrounded by the love of his family, at the age of 57 years, 1 month and 15 days.
He was the son of John Russell and Myrtle “Kay” (Bailey) Truninger.
Steve spent his entire lifetime in his beloved hometown of Pleasant Hill. For many years he worked alongside his dad, John, on the family-owned sod farm.
Later he worked for Radmacher Brothers Excavating.
Steve was a man of varied interests and hobbies, you could usually find him on the farm tinkering with his “bike” with the radio turned up, or training a new hunting dog. He enjoyed pitching horseshoes, bowling, golfing, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed riding his “bike,” sometimes alone for solitude and peace, other times with friends for the camaraderie.
Above all else, Steve loved his family.
Steve was preceded in death by his father, John Russell Truninger, Aug. 1, 2013; and his sister, Debbie Truninger.
He is survived by his mother, Kay Truninger, Pleasant Hill; his daughter, Mandy Slead and husband, Ryan, Kansas City; brother, Charles Truninger, Harrisonville; two sisters, Denise Carter and husband, Ray W., also of Harrisonville, and Karen Taylor, McKinney, Texas; three grandsons, of which he was very proud, Conner, Gavin and Dylan; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were Aug. 5 at the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill, with Bill Cotton officiating. Casket bearers were Dusty Beattie, Kenneth Radmacher, Louis Walton, Denton Benson, Dorsey Embrey and Gavin Neill.
Interment was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
In Memory of Steve Truninger the family suggests contributions to your favorite pet rescue organization.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Jo-Ann VanMeter
Aug. 29, 1931 – July 24, 2021
Jo-Ann (Porter) VanMeter, 89, Harrisonville, died July 24 at Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City. Jo-Ann was born in her family’s home in Harrisonville on Aug. 29, 1931, the youngest child of Theodore and Zedna (Bramhall) Porter. They weren’t expecting a new addition to their family and always told Jo-Ann she was their “surprise blessing.”
Jo-Ann spent her entire life in Harrisonville. She graduated from Harrisonville High School in 1949 with a group of friends that remained close from the first grade throughout their lives.
Her first job was at Bowman’s Photography Studio on the square, where she was working the day she met Robert “Bob” VanMeter. On May 13, 1951, they were married at the First Christian Church in Harrisonville.
Together they built Van’s Flowers and Things. Many fondly remember this fantastic little shop that was a mainstay on the Harrisonville Square for 38 years. JoAnn designed beautiful arrangements and of all the stories shared over the past few weeks the ones involving her creativity and generosity in the flower shop were the best.
On New Year’s Eve, 1955, they welcomed their only child, Robert “Bob” VanMeter, into the world. He fit right into their lives and grew up in the flower shop beside them as they worked.
Jo-Ann and Bob loved taking Bobby on trips around the country. They could often be found hauling back all the “treasures” they’d purchased strapped to the top of the car and hanging out the windows.
When Bob introduced his parents to a Dutch foreign exchange student named Annemieke Jansen in 1973, she was welcomed into their home with open arms. A few years later she returned to Harrisonville, this time to stay. Jo-Ann was thrilled to finally have a “daughter” and always loved Annemieke as her own.
Bob and Annemieke’s daughter, Monique, joined the family and the flower shop in 1979. Jo-Ann didn’t know it yet, but she had found her new partner in crime.
As far as grandmothers and granddaughters go, you’d be hard-pressed to find another pair that loved and enjoyed each other as much as they did.
They traveled, played every card game under the sun, shopped, tried new restaurants and did blind taste tests to find the best French fries in town. Jo-Ann was even known to drop in on Monique during her years at MU and go to a college class or two with her.
During Monique’s internship in New York City, Jo-Ann came to visit and stayed an extra week because there was just too much more to see and do. Their adventures were endless and their time together was precious.
In 2011, Brice Porter Comstock was born and Jo-Ann was able to care for him the first few years of his life. When Monique would chide her for holding him too much or letting him sleep in her arms instead of his crib, she’d simply dismiss it and say, “There’s never any harm in loving a baby too much.”
In one of her journal entries from 2013 she wrote, “Today I am staying with my great-grandson, Brice, at his house, 55 years ago, my son was this age. I don’t remember him being so busy or noisy. But I wasn’t 81 years old then.” Brice was truly her pride and joy.
Jo-Ann enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life, including genealogy, traveling, playing cards, handwork and exploring the “city” with friends. She loved a good estate sale and could never pass up a bargain (if you don’t believe it, come take a look at her basement).
She was a member of PEO Chapter GR, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Cass County Family History Guild. She devoted countless hours volunteering at the original Cass County Historical Society at The Margaret Wade Archives and was always so pleased when she made a discovery that led someone closer to their ancestry.
The past few years took their toll on JoAnn physically, leaving her unable to do many of the things she enjoyed or see the friends she loved so dearly. She remained home bound, but cherished outings to restaurants or family gatherings when she was able to attend.
She never took a moment for granted and always thanked those who reached out to her for their time and never asked for anything in return. She was the embodiment of the word “love” and there was never a human so selfless.
She was once asked what she wanted to be remembered for. Her response was, “That I was a morally good woman, a good mother, grandmother and friend. I recently found an ancestor’s tombstone with the engraving, ‘She did all she could do.’” And Jo-Ann truly did all she could do.
Jo-Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Zedna and Ted Porter; her husband, Bob Van Meter; a brother, Ted; and two sisters, Elizabeth “Sis” Coble and Helen Little Flack.
She is survived by her son, Bob Van Meter and his wife, Annemieke; her granddaughter, Monique Comstock; her great-grandson, Brice Comstock; her nieces, Judy Berry and Richard, and Jo-Ann Jennings; and many treasured friends.
A celebration of life will be held at the Harrisonville Community Center from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 29 on what would have been Jo-Ann’s 90th birthday. All friends and family are welcome. Please come as you are and stay as long as you’d like.
There will be food, drinks and memories to share. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Kansas City Hospice House in Jo-Ann’s name.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Margaret L. Vaughn
July 27, 1932 – July 24, 2021
Margaret Lavonna Vaughn, 88, Harrisonville, was born, July 27, 1932, on the family farm south of Pleasant Hill, the youngest daughter of William Henry and Frieda Ann Bertha (Saathoff) Maynard. She died July 24 at St. Luke’s East Hospital, Lee’s Summit.
Margaret was a 1950 Pleasant Hill High School graduate.
April 9, 1950, she married Bernie Clifford Vaughn in Lee’s Summit and to this union two sons and one daughter was born. He preceded her in death Feb. 13, 2016.
Margaret was employed as a waitress in Pleasant Hill for a while and in 1961 went to work at Western Electric in Lee’s Summit. Later, she worked for Ruperts Manufacturing in Blue Springs until she had to take leave because of her rheumatoid arthritis.
Margaret and Bernie lived on a farm west of Pleasant Hill for 55 years. In June 2006, they sold their farm and bought a home in Harrisonville. They spent the winters in Panama City Beach, Florida, for 23 years.
She was a member of the Pleasant Hill First Christian Church where she served on the Diaconate. She truly enjoyed her church and her Christian Women’s Fellowship. She was also a member of the Ivy Leaf Chapter No. 215 Order of the Eastern Star and the Homemakers Hobby Club.
She enjoyed going to the Community Center in Harrisonville with her friends to exercise, swim and eat meals. She also loved reading and crocheting different things for her family and friends and playing Bunco.
Margaret was also preceded in death by her parents and four sisters, Esther Porter, Gladys Bell, Maxine Hershberger and Faye Porter.
She is survived by two sons, Wayne and Linda Vaughn, Pewaukee, Wisconsin, and Bill and Annie Vaughn, Pleasant Hill; a daughter, Linda and Mickey Robertson, Salem, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Michelle Dixon, Kate Scott, Karen Diller, Chris Vaughn, Adam Vaughn, Scott Vaughn and Julie Vaughn; 13 great-grandchildren, Ethan Dixon Millard, Allison Scott, Owen Scott, Claire Diller, Grace Diller, Taylor Badger, Conway Vaughn, Delilah Vaughn, Tyler Vaughn, Olivia Vaughn, Emma Kinney, Michael Kinney and Alex Vaughn; other relatives and friends.
Private family graveside services were at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Arthritis Foundation and may be sent in care of the funeral home.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Diana L. Ewing
March 3, 1956 – July 27, 2021
Diana Lee Ewing, 65, Butler, died July 27 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City. She was born March 3, 1956, the daughter of Eldon and Norma Boyles McMurray in Butler.
She was preceded in death by her father.
Diana is survived by her husband of 47 years, Melvin Ewing, Butler; a son, Shawn Ewing, Blue Springs; a daughter, Amy Reinke and husband, Brien, Branson; her mother, Norma Fancher and husband, Ed, Nevada; two brothers, Bruce Buckner and wife, Tina, Rich Hill, and Rick Williams and wife, Louann, Nevada; four sisters, Gina Butler, Nevada, Melinda Cornett and husband, Perry, Parker, Kansas, Teresa Morrow and husband, Dale, Adrian, and Tina Morriss and husband, Steve, Harrisonville; three grandchildren, Bryce, Madyson and Sam; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Funeral services were July 31 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler. Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.
Contributions are suggested to the Education Fund for Grandchildren.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Home, Butler.
Robert I. Miller
March 6, 1938 – July 25, 2021
Robert “Bob” Ivan Miller, 83, Raymore, formerly of Butler, died July 25 at Village at Carroll Park, Grandview. He was born March 6, 1938, the son of Elton and Frankie Frederick Miller in Butler.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marilyn Miller; a brother, Don Miller; and four sisters, Margaret Garrett, Ruth Beatty, Hope Koenig and Jean Thomas.
Bob is survived by a son, Steven Miller and wife, Shandra, Raymore; a daughter, Keli Miller, Overland Park, Kansas; two sisters, Lois Simpson, Belton and Sharon Kellogg and husband, C.J., Butler; a brother, Jack Miller and wife, Joan, Independence; three grandchildren, Robert Skyler Sutton Miller, Tanna Ann Miller and John Tucker Bradley Miller; and
nephews, nieces and cousins.
Funeral services were July 30 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler, followed by a private family interment in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.
Contributions are suggested to the Butler Alumni Association or Butler Bear Backers.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler.
Ronald W. Radford
June 9, 1960 – July 27, 2021
Ronald “Ronnie” Wayne Radford, 61, Butler, died July 27 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in rural Butler.
He was born June 9, 1960, the son of George William and Waneta Foster Radford in Appleton City.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Ronnie is survived by his wife, Shauna Radford, Butler; nine children, Tony Radford, Montrose, Jesse Radford, Butler, Vanessa Radford, Belton, Trista Foulk and husband, John, Raymore, William Radford and wife, Brianne, Belton, Colyn Rae Chastain, Clinton, Seth Galloway, Nevada, Montana Radford, Butler, and Gabriel Radford and friend, Journey, Butler; 17 grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Aug. 2 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Interment was in Radford Cemetery, Spruce.
Contributions are suggested to the family.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Scott Shearer
July 22, 1974 – July 28, 2021
Scott Shearer, 47, Butler, died July 28 at his home in Butler. Scott Kory Arthur Shearer was born July 22, 1974, in Glendale, Arizona, to Gene and Coleen Derenburger Shearer.
He spent the first part of his childhood in Phoenix, Arizona, until the family moved to Amoret where he graduated from Miami High School in 1992.
In 1998, Scott was married to Bridget Popplewell and to this union two children were born, Mariah R. Shearer and Gage Kory Shearer.
Later, Scott would be married to Jeanette Cacias and to this union two children were born, Sianna and Greyson Shearer.
Scott worked for Church & Dwight for 11 years. He was proud of his advancements and achievements he made during his career with the company, beginning first as a temp employee and working his way up to full time.
In 2016, Scott earned his Associates Degree in Business from Metropolitan Community College and this also helped to advance his career.
Scott was a very family oriented man and he enjoyed his kids and grandkids. His favorite times were those spent in the backyard grilling with family.
Scott was preceded in death by his father Gene Arthur Shearer, Jr.; his brother Gene Arthur, III; and by his paternal and maternal grandparents.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Shearer; daughter Mariah Shearer and significant other, Maximilian Haas, and their children, Sylvia and Sophia Haas; his son, Gage Shearer, and wife, Lacy, and their children, Kimbry Ella and Easton Shearer; his daughter, Sianna Shearer; his son, Greyson Shearer; and his step-sons, Jacob and Joshua Smith.
Scott is also survived by his mother, Coleen Shearer-Smith; brother Paul Shearer; nephews Shay Wilson, Peyton Shearer and Cameron Cantor; many other nieces, nephews and extended family members that he held dear.
Cremation with a visitation to be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Aug. 7 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. Saturday, also at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler.
