Nikole E. Adams
March 19, 1980 – Sept. 24, 2021
Nikole “Niki” Elizabeth West Adams, 41, Grandview, died at her home Sept. 24.
Niki was born March 19, 1980, in Kansas City, the daughter of Jerry West and Sandi Kelley.
She grew up in Grandview and was a member of the Grandview High School class of 25.
Very early she entered the workforce and later obtained her General Equivalence Degree before furthering her education to become a CMA. Niki was a CMA for the elderly for 20 years.
She enjoyed reading and writing poetry, social media (especially TikTok), drinking her Pepsi and spending time with her family and friends. Her greatest joy was raising and spending time with her four sons.
Niki was preceded in death by her grandmother, Lily Midge Kelley; uncle, Brian Kelley; and grandfather, Raymond Kelley.
She is survived by the love of her life, Eric Jones, Grandview; four sons, Eric Jones Jr. (22), Terrell Jones (20), Trenton Jones (19) and Aiden Jones (14), all of Grandview; father, Jerry West, Grandview; mother, Sandi Kelley and husband, Bill, Cleveland; sister, Jessi Carroll and husband, RJ Carroll, nieces, Lilly and Audrey Carroll, all of Peculiar; and many loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, any contributions will go to Niki’s four surviving sons to assist with their needs and expenses.
A visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 9 at the Cullen Funeral Home, 612 W. Foxwood Dr., Raymore. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Floral Hills Cemetery, Kansas City.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore.
Anna L. Archer
Dec. 10, 1937 – Sept. 30, 2021
Anna Lou Archer, 83, Harrisonville, died at home Sept. 30. Anna Lou was born in Alton Dec. 10, 1937, the daughter of Thomas Archer and Nellie (Staires) Archer.
She graduated from high school and spent many years working for Western Electric. In life, Anna Lou was a homebody who ejoyed reading and crocheting.
Anna Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Nellie Archer; two sisters, Merle Paxton and Mary Turner; and three brothers, Thomas Archer, Jr., Jimmy Archer and Harlin Archer.
She is survived by her sister, Jane Archer; four nephews; four great-nephews; a niece; and a great-niece.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Lung Association online at http://www.lung.org.
A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Oct. 8 at Raymore Cemetery, Raymore.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore.
Bobbie J. Bohannon
Sept. 1, 1923 – Sept. 29, 2021
Bobbie Jean Bohannon, 98, Harrisonville, died Sept 29 at St. Luke’s East Hospital, Lee’s Summit. Bobbie was born Sept. 1, 1923, in Urich, the daughter of Robert Perry and Beulah Marie (Ashbrooke) Overbey.
She grew up in Urich, graduating from Urich High School. Bobbie met the love of her life, Orley Nivel Bohannon, and they were married June 21, 1942, in Flint, Michigan. They enjoyed 36 years together before his death March 6, 1979.
Bobbie lived in Michigan and Kansas City before settling down in Cass County, spending most of her life in Harrisonville.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Harrisonville, then later Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church and lastly Antioch Southern Baptist Church.
Bobbie enjoyed reading, completing crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles and watching the Game Show Network, especially “Jeopardy.”
She also had a love for baseball, whether it was watching her son, Larry, her grandchildren or the KC Royals, she likely would ask you to wait until the game was over to do other things, regardless of what it might be, including once when she wanted to postpone a surgery.
She was a true matriarch and always put her family at the forefront, often found reading or playing games with her grandchildren because she always had the time to give to them. Bobbie was blessed to be able to go camping with her daughters, Kay and Vicki, across the country to wherever they could set up their tent.
This resulted in trips to more than 40 states, the last one being when Bobbie was 87 and they camped throughout South Dakota.
After she went into the nursing home, she began to enjoy sitting and watching her hummingbird feeders outside of her window. Bobbie will be missed by all those who knew her, but leaves behind many wonderful memories.
Bobbie was preceded in death by herparents; her husband, Orley Nivel Bohannon; her sons, Larry Wayne and Jerry Lee Bohannon; her brothers, Marion Reed Overbey, William Stephen Overbey and Max Eugene Overbey; and her sisters, Nadine Lucille Smith and Phyllis Madeline Edwards.
She is survived by her daughters, Karen Kay Wallace and Vicki Sue and Rick Mitchell; her 16 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 8 at Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Atkinson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Urich Cemetery, Urich.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Jeremiah Joe Bruce
Jan. 15, 1975 – Sept. 18, 2021
Jeremiah Joe Bruce, Kansas City, was born Jan. 15, 1975, the son of Donald Francis Bruce and Catherine Sue (White) Bruce-Magee. He died Sept. 18, at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, at the age of 46 years, 8 months and 3 days.
Jeremiah was employed in sales for KC Promotions.
Earlier, he was a cook at Stilwell Smoke House, Stilwell, Kansas, and worked in flatwork.
He grew up in the Stanley/Stilwell, Kansas area. Jeremiah loved to cook and could cook about anything. He didn’t know a stranger and was willing to do anything for anybody.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Ron Magee; a sister, Leslie Bruce-Barney and his cousin, Jean Ann White.
Jeremiah is survived by a daughter, Sierra Catherine; a sister, Cherish (Bruce) Thomas, and husband Michael, Garden City; a half-sister, Lisa (Bruce) Bishop, Maywood; two step-brothers, Troy Magee, Olathe, Kansas, and Keith Magee, Overland Park, Kansas; several nieces and nephews; other relative and many friends.
Cremation. A private family inurnment will be held at the Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, at a later date.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the MS Foundation, the PKD Foundation or the American Cancer Society.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Terry L. Burger
March 21, 1975 – Sept. 27, 2021
Terry Lee Burger, 46, Archie, died Sept. 27 at St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City. Terry was born March 21, 1975, in Kansas City, the son of Jerry Lee and Sharon Kay (Dubray) Burger.
He was a 1994 graduate of Harrisonville High School.
Terry married Amara Kay Graham Jan. 23, 1999, in Independence. He had lived in Harrisonville before moving to Archie six years ago.
Terry worked as the supervisor of the treating department at Universal Forest Products No. 251 in Harrisonville, where he had worked for 24 years.
Terry was preceded in death by an infant child; grandparents; aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his wife, Amara Burger, and their children, Wyatt and SkyLee Burger, all of the home; his father, Jerry Burger, Archie; his mother, Sharon K. Dubray, Topeka, Kansas; a sister, Lisa Jenkins, Oronogo; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of life was Oct. 2 at the First Baptist Church in Archie. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Fred H. Davis
Feb. 20, 1944 – Sept. 26, 2021
Fred H. Davis, Harrisonville, died Sept. 26 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Lee’s Summit. He was born in Topeka, Kansas, but spent most of his years growing up on a farm north of Rossville, Kansas.
Being a farm boy, he learned the value of hard work. He developed a love for singing while driving a tractor, he said, because tractors in those days did not have radios.
Later he sang solos at Christian gatherings and was a song leader in more than one church.
He came to personal faith in Christ through a Topeka Youth For Christ group while still in high school. After graduating from Rossville High School in 1962, he attended Kansas State University where he graduated with degrees in chemistry and secondary education.
He was active in Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) at K-State and was chapter president his senior year. He also attended numerous IVCF camps at Bear Trap Ranch in Colorado Springs, Urbana Missionary Conferences in Champagne, Illinois, and others.
Fred had a contagious sense of humor and a laugh where his face would turn red and his shoulders shake. He was like an old pair of shoes that wore extremely well.
He was also mechanically inclined and loved to tinker and fix things, especially cars. Once he rebuilt the carburetor on his car and when he put the lid over the carburetor air filter, unbeknown to him, a fly got trapped inside the carburetor and the head of the fly got sucked into one of the fuel inlets which hindered the flow of gas and made the car run rough. After trying unsuccessfully numerous times to solve the problem, Fred finally took it to a professional mechanic who discovered what happened. He never did live that down.
Fred later attended Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City and became music director and educational director at several Baptist churches. During this time, he met Ruth Krauss and they were married in August 1969. In August, they celebrated their 52nd anniversary. She survives in Harrisonville.
Fred was way ahead of the curve when it came to computers. He started his own computer type-setting business where he would do business cards, fliers, brochures and about anything printed for individuals or businesses.
He and Ruth enjoyed traveling to visit family in Kansas and Texas, as well as attending Christian concerts at Silver Dollar City and in Kansas City. Their best ever trip was to Israel a few years ago.
One of the most life-changing things in Fred’s life occurred when he attended Focus Seminary in Kansas City, which was a personal-growth seminar patterned after a similar seminar founded by Dr. Phil McGraw before he became a TV celebrity.
Soon another similar, but more Christian-based seminar, began in Kansas City called Grace Adventure. Fred was on the leadership team of Grace Adventure for many years, where he impacted literally hundreds of lives. He was dearly loved.
After semi-retiring from Grace Adventure, he worked part time for the Ford dealership in Harrisonville delivering and picking up cars from all around the country. He helped plant the Abiding Love Baptist Church in Harrisonville and was its first pastor. He and Ruth later joined and became active members at the First Baptist Church in Lee’s Summit.
A graveside celebration of life service for Fred will be held at the Rossville Cemetery at a date to be announced later.
Memorial gifts in remembrance of Fred may be sent to the Samaritan’s Purse. For information, visit samaritanspurse.org.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
D. Scott Everett
Sept. 28, 1968 – Sept. 22, 2021
Dean Scott Everett, 52, Drexel, died Sept. 22 at St Luke’s South, Overland Park, Kansas. Scott was born Sept. 28, 1968, the son of Larmen Everett and Elizabeth Huff in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
He had an active, robust childhood growing up in New Mexico, becoming a Marine in 1986 and spending time in Puerto Rico.
Scott settled in Tucson, Arizona, with his former wife, Laura, where they raised three girls.
He worked as a heavy equipment operator and truly enjoyed moving dirt.
Scott moved to Missouri in 2010 and eventually married Melissa, helping to raise two more children.
He became a certified crane operator and found a new love with the “big red ladies.” He honestly loved his job. He was willing to share his knowledge with anyone willing to learn or just be there to give a young laborer boots or gloves, because he knew what it was like to do without.
His greatest pride in life though was his children and grandchildren.
Scott was an independent thinker who never shied away from anything and until the end did things his own way. He will be remembered as a teacher, a prankster and as someone who would do just about anything for those he loved.
Scott was preceded in death by both of his parents; his sisters, Tammy and Anna; and his brother, Randy.
Scott is survived by his wife, Melissa; children, Keesha, Katrina and Joe, Kayla, Dustin and Yessika, and Randilee; and his grandchildren, Annabell, Fisher, Raya, Ryan and Maureen; his siblings Ira and Carla, Athena and John, and Evette; and nephews and nieces he loved dearly. “Till Valhalla”
A local celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Oct. 10 at the VFW Post in Drexel.
There will be a second celebration in El Paso, Texas, at a later date.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler.
Robert L. Jefferson
April 20, 1928 – Sept. 29, 2021
Robert Lee Jefferson, 93, Foxwood Springs, Raymore, died Sept, 29 of natural causes, four years to the day following the death of his wife, Joan.
Bob was born April 20, 1928, at Mankato, Minnesota, the son of Anna and Leo Jefferson. He was the only surviving child of two children.
He graduated from Rapidan High School in Rapidan, Minnesota, followed by service in the United States Army from 1950 to 1953, stationed in Alaska and Colorado Springs, where he met his future wife, Joan McGuire, of Butler and they married May 10, 1953, at the Virginia United Methodist Church of Bates County.
They moved to Minnesota where they had two children, Lee Ann and Mark, before moving to Ames, Iowa, and then to Freeman in 1978.
Bob worked in the early years in farming, as county assessor and had a career with the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development as an appraiser.
He pursued his life-long passions for farming, woodworking, gardening and bird watching, as well as community service in Freeman and as treasurer of the rural water district.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Lee Ann Knudsen, Farmington, Pennsylvania; a son, Mark, Lee’s Summit; and granddaughter, Mark’s daughter, Jenna Jefferson, Bellevue, Washington.
The family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude for all the friends and family that made Robert Jefferson’s life a joy and suggest contributions be made to Kansas City Hospice, which provided the most excellent care and counsel in a most difficult time.
Funeral services were Oct. 4 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel. Burial followed in the Freeman Cemetery, Freeman. Memorial contributions may be made to Missouri Palliative and Hospice Care.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel.
Joyce M. King
Jan. 12, 1930 – Sept. 26, 2021
Joyce Marie King, Harrisonville, was born Jan. 12, 1930, the daughter of Daniel D. and Sylva May King. She died Sept. 26 at Golden Years Care Services at the age of 91 years, 8 months and 14 days.
Joyce was a child-care provider and watched several kids in the area.
She was 1960 graduate of the Hesston College and Bible School in Hesston, Kansas. Joyce was a member of the Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church near Garden City and later transferred her membership to the United Methodist Church of Harrisonville on May 10, 1992.
She loved to do puzzles, read, cross-stitch, make quilts and be outdoors.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold King and Chester King; two sisters, Juanita Porter and Carol Sue Lindsey.
Joyce is survived by her sister, Carolyn King; other relatives and friends.
Cremation. A celebration of life graveside service was at 10:30 a.m., Oct. 7 at the Clearfork Cemetery near Garden City.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Kenneth P. Luther
Jan. 2, 1950 – Sept. 28, 2021
Kenneth Paul Luther, 71, Drexel, died Sept. 28 in Kansas City, Kansas. Kenneth was born in Terrell, Texas, Jan. 2, 1950, the son of Kenneth M. Luther and Jewel Lee (Rutherford) Luther.
After graduating high school, Kenneth furthered his education and achieved his bachelor of arts degree at Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg.
Nov. 27, 1976, he married Edaleen Norris. Their union was blessed with a daughter, Tammy.
Kenneth was a computer programmer by trade. He worked for 22 years as the owner of DCustom System Designs. In life, Kenneth loved to travel anywhere he could, taking photos, watching birds, squirrels, chickens and other animals.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth M. Luther and Jewel Lee Luther.
He is survived by his loving wife of more than 45 years, Edaleen Luther; daughter, Tammy Shore and Darren; a brother, Tom Luther and Cherry; a sister, Madeline Blando and John; three grandchildren, Christopher Allaman and Sarah, Kayla Marsh and Lucas, and Brianna Woodruff and Trenton; and five great-grandchildren, Braylen, Brooklyn, Axel, Jace and Emersyn.
Graveside services were Oct. 2 at the Freeman Cemetery, Freeman.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore.
Lawrence L. Nodine
April 18, 1947 – Sept. 27, 2021
Lawrence Lee Nodine, 74, died at his home Sept. 27. He was surrounded by his wife, three children and their spouses.
Lawrence was born April 18, 1947, in Miami, Oklahoma. He was the youngest of nine children born to Oda John and Amanda Gleneth (Buckmaster) Nodine.
In 1968, Lawrence married his wife, Jane Kathleen (Gillogly) Nodine, in West Line. They lived in several different places throughout their marriage and enjoyed their retirement years living in Freeport, Florida. Kathleen was from the West Line area.
Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Burdis Nodine, Alvie Nodine, Donnie Nodine and Kenny Nodine; and his sisters, Nina Drake, Helen Kirksey and Shirley Maynard.
He is survived by his three children, Steven and his wife, Richelle Nodine, Niceville, Florida, Sheila and her husband, Jim Mullenix, McCalla, Alabama, and Sheryl and her husband, Joe Moore, Freeport, Florida; his brother, Joe Bob Nodine, Raleigh, North Carolina; his six grandchildren, Zoe Nodine and Samuel Nodine, Niceville, Florida, Peyton Mullenix and Caleb Mullenix, McCalla, Alabama, Zea Moore and Lexi Moore, Freeport, Florida; and many nephews and nieces.
Lawrence served in the United States Army for six years. He worked at Michelin (former BF Goodrich) for 32 years and in Security Resources at the University of Alabama for 10 years.
He never met a single person that he didn’t share with them the love of Jesus.
He loved to spend his time studying the Bible and traveling with his family.
Funeral services were Oct. 5 at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home, Niceville. A private burial will be at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida.
We would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses who went out of their way and worked hours on their own time to care for our dad. In Lieu of flowers, please donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Heritage Gardens Funeral Home, Niceville.
Myron E. Musick
March 8, 1932 – Sept. 27, 2021
Myron Musick, 89, Drexel, died Sept. 27 at the Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City. Myron Emery Musick was born March 8, 1932, at the family home in Lisle.He attended and graduated from Drexel schools in 1949.
United States Air Force in 1952. After extensive training, he began his assignment with the United States Air Force Police serving during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1956.
After returning home, he married Nina Louise Hoffman, a love that would endure for 64 years, until her death Feb.18, 2021.
Myron worked for Honeywell/Bendix for 34 years and enjoyed his life as a farmer.
He was a lifelong area resident and was a member of the West Line Christian Church, a past master of Coldwater Lodge No. 485 in Drexel and a current member of Grand River Lodge No. 276 in Freeman, where he received his 50-year pin Sept. 9, 2012. Myron was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter No. 314 Union.
Myron was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Louise Musick; and brothers, Marvin and Merlin Musick.
He is survived by his sons, Douglas Musick and wife, Kristie, and Gregory Musick and wife, Charlene; grandchildren, Shelbi Musick, Ashley Kasper and husband, Teddy, and Amy Faulkner and husband, Brian; his beloved great-grandchildren, Caleb, Houston, Brooks, Emory, Oaklee and Sloan; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Funeral services were Oct. 1 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel. Burial was in Glenwild Cemetery, Cleveland.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Grand River Lodge No. 276 or KC House and Palliative Care.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel.
Timothy J. Britt
March 13, 1954 – Aug. 22, 2020
Tim Britt, 66, died unexpectedly after taking a walk Aug. 22 in Butler. Tim was born March 13, 1954, in Iowa, the son of William J. “Bill” and Mary Ann Britt.
He was baptized at St John’s Catholic Church, Delhi, Iowa. He was raised for the first four years living above Bill and Mary’s tap (Delhi Tap) that Tim’s parents owned.
At the age of 4, the family purchased and moved to the family farm, “Irish Acres,” where he lived until graduating from St Joseph’s Elementary, Maquoketa Valley High School in 1972 and the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in 1976.
Tim was married to Ann Zenz from 1982 to 2009. Together they had two children, Tyler in 1991 and Krista in 1997.
He was a Boy Scout leader and chaperoned many Scout camping trips with Tyler including a stay in the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was also very involved with Tyler’s rising ranks to Eagle Scout and helped supply and finance Tyler’s high school robotics team.
He was involved in the Special Olympics taking Krista to practice and looked forward to the state meets to watch Krista compete in bowling, track and basketball.
Tim later met his fiancee, Beverley Larrick. Tim and Beverley enjoyed life including travelling on cruises, taking long walks together and were looking forward to spending summers back in Iowa after retirement.
As the first born of five children, Tim was a natural born leader and public speaker. In 11th grade, Tim won an REC presentation contest trip to Washington, D.C.
Tim had to give a presentation about this trip to the annual REC meeting and dinner attended by hundreds of people and area leaders. During the presentation, Tim’s big voice strongly stated his pleasure that while in D.C. he witnessed Congress pass an amendment to stop funding the Vietnam War because “it is beyond time we bring our troops home from a war we cannot win.”
Tim’s strong voice and presentation style brought many pats on the back. Tim was always thankful to his high school industrial arts teacher and mentor Glen Thompson who oversaw Tim building a short-wave radio to enter in an industrial arts contest at UNI.
Tim’s philosophy at this contest and in life was plan and present to your strengths. Tim won a four-year, full-ride scholarship to UNI which he said changed the trajectory of his life. From an early age, Tim’s independent, take charge style and love of public speaking helped him have no problem navigating the world.
Throughout high school and college, he was able to find great side jobs such as bridge construction, metal fabrication or loading tractors on semis. At each of these jobs, Tim made and maintained friendships and mentors.
After graduating with a degree in industrial arts in 1976, he started teaching school in Eldridge, Iowa. After a few years of teaching, Tim was recruited to the private sector and accepted a supervisor job at John Deere Engine Works in Davenport, Iowa.
Each Friday after work, Tim would buy his guys a keg at Kelly’s Circle Tap in Davenport. Tim won many sales awards and accepted ever-advancing roles and foreign travels and retired in 2019 as the Midwest Territory sales manager after 42 years at John Deere. He was still known locally as the John Deere guy.
Tim always had a spirit of adventure, excitement and unpredictability. From going on world travels, setting up clay pigeon shooting ranges for post-Christmas dinner entertainment to setting up John Deere Gator paintball fights through the woods and creeks on his farm or renting boats.
When Tim was in charge, you would never run out of food or booze and would be well entertained. If you jumped into a vehicle with Tim, you did not know if you would be gone two hours or 10 hours, but you knew you were about to have an adventure.
Tim was a licensed pyrotechnician and shot spectacular fireworks displays for surrounding community and family events.
This is a passion that Tim later shared with his son, Tyler. Tim donated many lawn mowers, chain saws and shotguns for various community fundraising raffles.
He was a member of Rotary, KCs and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and was often seen at mass and lighting holy candles for friends and family. He enjoyed spending time outside on his acreage, landscaping and had a passion for tractors, especially his antique JD collection.
Tim was very committed to and loved spending time with his children, siblings, friends and family.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents. He will be among the fifth generation of Britts buried at St John’s Cemetery, Delhi, Iowa.
Survivors include two children, Tyler and Krista Britt, fiancee, Beverley Larrick, Amoret; Tyler’s and Krista’s mother, Ann; siblings, Connie and Jerry Meisgeier, Traer Iowa, Jeff and Patti, Riverside Iowa, Jill and Tom Hentges, Palatine Illinois, and Dan and Jean, Waverly Iowa; and many nieces and nephews who adored FUT (Favorite Uncle Tim).
Friends are invited to graveside service at 1 p.m. Nov 6 at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Delhi, followed by a celebration of life at the Delhi Legion from 2 to 4 p.m.. Masking is requested.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Home, Butler.
Joyce N. Foxworth
Nov. 15, 1947 – Sept. 28, 2021
Joyce Nadine Swager (Clark) Foxworth, 73, Butler, formally of Foster, died Sept. 28 after a long battle with cancer at Lee’s Summit Medical Center. Joyce was born Nov. 15, 1947, in Baxter Springs, Kansas, the daughter of William Swager and Nadine Canady.
She was a homemaker most of her life where she also would babysit.
Through babysitting, she had a hand in many different children’s lives. Joyce always had a love for children, which led her to working at Hume School as a teacher’s aid.
She later was a fill-in as postmaster which led to her taking the permanent postmaster position at Foster Post Office until she retired.
After retirement, Joyce enjoyed traveling and fishing. Joyce always loved to grow flowers along with watching for birds at her bird feeders.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Alan Clark; her second husband, Charles Foxworth; and a brother, David Swager.
Joyce is survived by her children, Tony Clark and wife, Sherry, Nevada; Perry Clark and wife, Lisa, and Kristi Gaylord and husband, Richard, all of Butler; four grandchildren, Renae Duncan and husband, Skylar, Duane Gaylord and wife, Ashley, Alan Clark and Kadan Jackson; a great-grandson, Brendan Gaylord; two brothers, Jimmy Swager and wife, Vickie, and Bill Swager and wife, Liz; a sister Patricia Curry; along with many other friends and family.
Cremation with a memorial service Oct. 3 at the Double Branch Christian Church, Butler.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler.
Wanda Robinson
July 1, 1933 – Sept. 28, 2021
Wanda Robinson, 88, Butler, died Sept. 28 at Bates County Memorial Hospital, Butler. Wanda was born July 1, 1933, in Steinhausen, Germany, daughter of William and Anna (Coch) Dahlke.
In November 1959, she married James A. Robinson in Kansas City, Kansas. He preceded her in death in September 1986; also preceding were her parents and two brothers.
Wanda is survived by her children, Jim, Allen and Elizabeth Robinson, all of Butler.
Private family burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler.
Darlene Sparks
Aug. 19, 1932 – Sept. 27, 2021
Darlene Sparks was born Aug. 19, 1932, in Waverly, and died Sept. 27 at Seasons Memory Care Center, Kansas City, at the age of 89 years, 1 month and 8 days.
She was the daughter of William Edward and Martha Alberta (Sylvester) Sparks.
Darlene spent her younger years and attended school in Waverly.
Darlene was always a very independent, hard working woman and while still in her late teens, she moved to Kansas City and went to work at the Forum Cafeteria in downtown, Kansas City. After securing employment and a place to live, Darlene took her younger sister, Martha, and raised her until she was through high school.
Darlene held several jobs throughout her lifetime, but in 1976 she took a position with General Motors and remained there until her retirement in 1996. She was a member of UAW Local No. 31 of Kansas City.
Darlene loved to travel. While working at General Motors, she was able to travel to Russia with a group from the UAW.
Later she traveled to Israel with her son, Sparky Graham, and also traveled extensively throughout Europe. When Darlene wasn’t traveling, she enjoyed working in her yard and was an accomplished china painter.
Darlene loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the happiest when surrounded by her loved ones.
Darlene attended the First Baptist Church of Raytown.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, William and Martha Sparks; her husband, Robert Dale Johnson; a daughter, Rhonda Darlene Phillips; a son, Arthur Lee “Little Buck” Graham, III; a grandson, Ryan Graham; a stepson, Billy Johnson; two brothers, Donald Funk and Othel Funk; and a sister, Martha Jones.
She is survived by a son, Othel “Sparky” Graham and Debi Robinson, Grandview; a stepson, Greg Johnson, Blue Springs; five grandchildren, Christian Lee Graham, and wife Roni, Adrian, Jayme Cox, Missouri, Michelle Davenport and husband Chris, Green Ridge, Arthur Lee “Jake” Graham, IV, and wife Kelsey, and Wiley Rank, all of Grandview; nine great-grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were Oct. 3 at the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill, with the Rev. Tim Casteel officiating.
Casket bearers were Sparky Graham, Jake Graham, Wiley Rank, Christian Graham, Christian Graham, Jr., Jesse Graham, Arthur Lee Graham, V, and Owen Graham. Interment was Oct. 4 in Floral Hills Cemetery, Kansas City.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Herman I. Strauch, Jr.
April 6, 1931 – Sept. 24, 2021
Sept. 24 Herman I. Strauch, Jr., 90, of Butler died at Butler Center. He was born April 6, 1931, the son of Herman I. Strauch, Sr., and Velda A. (Chandler) Strauch in Lincoln, Nebraska.
He attended grade school there until his family moved to Independence. There he went to Columbian grade school, and graduated from Northeast High School in 1949.
After graduation, he got a job and met Shirley Irene King and after dating a very short time they were married April 29, 1950. To this union three children were born, Linda Diane, Susan Denise and David Alan. They celebrated 53 years of marriage before Shirley’s death in 2003.
Herman worked at Blue Valley Foundry in Kansas City with his father for 15 years. In 1961, his sister and brother-in-law bought the Ford dealership, Barr Motor Company, in Butler and offered him a job. What a change from the dirty, hard, hot work of the foundry to selling cars.
He took the job and commuted for almost a year, until their third child was born in March 1963. The family moved to Butler in November of that year and Mother was not a fan. She was the first of eight siblings to leave Independence, we had a lot of company for a couple of years.
Later she would admit, that was the best move they ever made. Herman retired from selling cars in 1991 due to the loss of his leg from cancer, but he could always tell you who bought what car.
In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling. The family spent many weekends at Lake of the Ozarks, where his folks had a cabin. There was always work to do, but they played hard as well. There would sometimes be 16 or more in a small one-room cabin. There was always lots of good food to eat and mischief to get into.
Herman and his brother, dad and brothers-in-law, loved to get the big ones. Lots of fish stories were told around the table. The folks like to take their grandchildren with them when possible and Branson was a favorite destination.
Herman was very active in the community, not only as a car salesman, but in the government as well. He was a former president and member of the chamber of commerce, a city councilman and a founding member of the Bates County
Relay for Life in which he sold tons of tickets at the Walmart parking lot. He loved his community and all the people.
Herman baptized as a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1959 in Independence. He was very active in the church and served as a deacon.
After moving to Butler, he was called to the office of priest and in 1984 he and Shirley started attending the Adrian Restoration Branch of Jesus Christ Church in Adrian, where he held the office of elder and served as treasurer for many years.
Herman was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Shirley, in 2003; sister, Beverly Jean Strauch; sister and brother-in-law, Bobby and Kenny Barr; and brother, Jerry Strauch.
Herman is survived by his family, daughter Linda Diane Allison, Butler, grandson, Micah and Mandy Allison and great-grandchildren, Charlee, Cobee and Caylee Allison, Angelton, Texas; daughter, Susan Denise and Kevin Munsterman, Appleton City, grandson Junior and Rena Munsterman and great-grandchildren, Eli, Alyzabeth, Olivia, Isabelle, Emmalea, Orianna and Ammon Munsterman, Odessa, and granddaughter Delana Ann Munsterman, Appleton City; son, David Alan and Kim Strauch, Springfield, grandson, Ben and Shelby Strauch, great-grandchildren, Greyson and Rowyn, Adrian; grandson Joe and Katelyn Strauch, great-grandson. Joey, Lee’s Summit, grandchildren, Mitchell Trafford, Houston, Texas, Mallory Trafford, Kansas City, Mason Trafford, Aurora, Colorado, and Marek Trafford, USMC Camp Pendleton, California; sister and brother-in-law, Sandra “Sandy” and Gordon Stevens, Lee’s Summit, and their family; and a host of nieces and nephews and friends.
Funeral services were Oct. 2 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler. Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.
Contributions are suggested to the Butler Elementary Library or Bates County Relay for Life.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
I. Dorothy Vetter
Sept. 9. 1922 – Sept. 19, 2021
Ida Dorothy Vetter, 99, died Sept. 19. Dorothy was born Sept. 9, 1922, in Thayer, Iowa, she was the 11th child of 13 born to William and Mary (Meislahm) Zellmer.
At age 4, her family moved to the Butler area to farm.
In 1943, she married Roy Clyford Hill in Nevada. They had eight children, moving to the Boise, Idaho, area in 1946. She divorced Roy in May 1959, to raise her children for the most part by herself.
In the early 1970s, she went to work at St. Luke’s Hospital, where she worked until retirement in 1987.
She met and married George James Vetter in 1975 and she became a second mom to his three children. Later in years, she spent several hours daily with George at the nursing home before his death in 2006.
She was an active member of the local VFW auxiliary for several years.
Throughout her life, she was a member of several local churches, the most recent being Central Assembly and then City Hope.
She loved her time at church with several lifelong friends.
During her retirement years, she spent lots of time planting and nurturing her flowers. Taking care of her flowers brought a smile to her face.
She always tried to have lots of homemade cookies on hand for anyone who stopped for a visit. She loved waiting on everyone and was eager to please.
Dorothy was preceded in death by both parents; all 12 siblings and their spouses; her grandson, Kirk Pruett; and her granddaughter, Crystal Hill.
She is survived by her children, Jerry and Pauline Hill, Ula and Larry Carr, Deanna Moon and Melinda Pruett, all of Boise; Phillip and Jolene Hill, Nampa, Idaho; Alma and Ron Willhite, Sweet, Idaho; Tim and Connie Hill, Laurel, Montana; Tony and Deanna, Kuna, Idaho, Cheryl and Wayne Barber, George Vetter and Robin and Stan Deeg, all of Boise; 16 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren. Services were Sept. 27 at AldenWaggoner Funeral Home, Boise, Idaho.
Elnora A. Weeks
June 4, 1941 – Sept. 29, 2021
Elnora “Ann” Weeks, 80, Adrian, died Sept. 29 at Bates County Memorial Hospital, Butler. Ann was born June 4, 1941, the daughter of John and Ruth (Lewis) Vermillion in Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Shortly thereafter, they moved to California for a few years before her family returned to Independence. When young and in school, Ann felt school to be a drag, but was very involved in yearbook, student council and several other organizations.
She graduated from Blue Springs High School in 1959. Ann met Bill Weeks in 1958 and they dated off and on for several years.
On Jan. 8, 1961, she married Ernest William “Bill” Weeks, Jr., in Independence. They were blessed with two children. They started their lives together in Kansas City.
After eight years, they moved to a farm in Amsterdam. They lived there for seven years, raising their children before moving to their permanent home in Adrian.
Ann loved her family most of all. She was the glue that kept not only the immediate, but extended family together.
She enjoyed all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved and cared for them and most of all enjoyed playing all kinds of games with them. She tried not to miss any activities, birthdays, graduations or any special occasions involving family or friends.
Ann was a caring, compassionate woman who did a lot for her community.
She was involved in community blood drives, elections, food pantry, hospice and was honored in being voted woman of the year in 2007.
Ann had many achievements throughout her life, but her biggest accomplishments were her abundant family and marriage of 61 years. Ann was a very faithful woman who loved Jesus and was very active in the Christian Church. She was a loving, kind woman, but could be feisty too. She was always up for a good debate with anyone at any time. What she loved most of all was talking about the Bible.
Ann had several jobs throughout her life, but she was most proud of going back to college to get her Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work. She worked as a social worker for four years at the Bates County Health Center.
She also obtained her realtor license and worked for Don Ghere Realty in Butler for several years. She loved learning and would have gone to school every day of her life if she could have.
When Bill retired, they traveled more and had been to every state in the United States. They wintered in Florida in their
fifth wheel for many years until they decided to buy a winter home in Arizona. Throughout their many travels, Ann enjoyed their trip to Israel the most.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, James and John Vermillion; and one sister, Marilyn Culp.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Bill Weeks, Adrian; a daughter, Dawn Lewis and her husband, Steve, Adrian; a son, Bo Weeks and his wife, Tracy, Adrian; five grandchildren, Ashley Turner and Aaron, David Patterson and Andrea, Ethan Weeks, Jacob Weeks and Tommy Weeks; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were Oct. 2 at the Adrian Christian Church, Adrian. Burial followed in the Virginia Cemetery, Virginia.
Memorial contributions may be made to Show-Me Christian Youth Home or Adrian Christian Church.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.
Clayton E. Wolford
Jan. 17, 1943 – Sept. 29, 2021
Clayton Eldon “Pete” Wolford, 78, Adrian, died Sept. 29. Pete was born Jan. 17, 1943, in Bakersfield, California, the son of Clayton and Polly Wolford.
He married Margaret S. Overturf Feb. 9, 1972. Pete was a very selfless man who would give anybody anything that he had.
If you needed a place to stay his door was always open. In life he enjoyed old westerns, John Wayne, playing poker, auctions, races and listening to his sons-in-law play music.
His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was very proud of every one of them and they were all his babies.
He had many stories to tell about his life and the many experiences he encountered in his early years as he worked in the oilfields of California. Later in life he started his own company, Precision Hydraulics, where he worked with his two brothers until he retired.
Pete was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Margaret Wolford; two sons, Eldon and George Wolford; four sisters; four brothers; and his parents.
He is survived by his children, Phillip and wife, Pat Eskew, Louisiana, Jeff Overturf Arkansas, Clayton Wolford and wife, Kelly, Warsaw, Tiffany Turner, Butler, David Wolford, Adrian, Dwayne Wolford, Liberty, Michelle Parks, Belton, Tommy Wolford, Ballard, Virginia and husband, Doug Nelson, Adrian, Rose and husband, Tim Hickey, California, and Sue and husband, Steve Nelson, Adrian; two sisters, Suzi Scaparro, Oregon and Joann Talent, California; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and cousins.
Funeral services were Oct. 2 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler. Cremation followed services. Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler.