Anna Marie Good
Aug. 13, 1937 – Oct. 15, 2021
Anna Marie Good, 84, Pleasant Hill, died Oct. 15 at Carnegie Village, Belton.
Anna was born Aug. 13, 1937, at home in Peculiar, a daughter of Harry J. and Alta Allenia (Laffoon) Rathjen.
She was married to Allen Lee Good on Oct. 10, 1959, and they enjoyed 42 years together before his death in 2001.
Anna was an avid crafter, flower gardener and bowler. She loved her Lord and served Him well.
Anna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Allen on Sept. 21, 2001; her brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Juanita Rathjen; and her beloved companion, Larry Dahmer.
She is survived by her sister, Gaylene Small and her husband, Hans; and beloved nephew, Jonathan Small.
No services are scheduled. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements were under the direction of Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Curt W. Hocker
May 24, 1963 – Oct. 12, 2021
Curt Hocker, 57, Drexel, died Oct. 12. Curt Wayne Hocker “Big Curt” was born May 24, 1963, in Paola, Kansas, the son of Marvin Hocker and Sybil Zimmerlee Mills.
He attended Drexel schools and then went to work right away. Curt worked for Dover Sod Farm for many years. He also
worked in construction building pole barns and homes and performed custodial work for Blue Valley Schools.
Curt was married to Betty Burrous for 22 years and they raised four children together.
He had many loves in his life, the first being his family, then came mushroom hunting, deer hunting, going fishing or basically any and everything outdoors.
Big Curt will always be remembered as a jack of all trades and a master of none.
He was preceded in death by his father Marvin Hocker; and his brother-in-law, Rick Jones.
Curt is survived by his mother Sybil Mills, Bronson, Florida,; his children, Melissa Nichols, Adrian, Elizabeth Smith, Adrian, Kurtis Hocker “Lil Kurt,” Drexel, and April Hocker, Florida; eight grandchildren, Sidney Hocker, Sage Smith, Cameron Frazier, Mykanzie Cadet, Maddox Cummings, Elija Cadet, Carson Smith and Leo Smith; sisters, Pam Jones, Williston, Florida, Patsy Stewart and Mike, Harrisonville, and Peggy Kidd and Ray of Williston, Florida; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Cremation, with a visitation was Oct. 22 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel. Memorial services followed also
at the chapel.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel.
John K. Hoffman
Oct. 2, 1955 – Oct. 18, 2021
John Korbut Hoffman, aka Santa and Elwood (Blues Brothers), 66, Lee’s Summit, died Oct. 18 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center with his wife, Deb, at his side. John was born Oct. 2, 1955, the son of Lt. Col. George Edward Hoffman and
Frances Evangeline (Korbut) Hoffman at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa Japan.
John spent his early years in Panama where his father was stationed with the Air Force. Eventually the family was sent to Richards-Gebaur AFB and settled in Grandview.
John graduated from Bishop Hogan High School in 1973. Always athletic, John excelled in football, basketball and track. After graduation, he attended Penn Valley Community College where he pursued a physical therapist assistant degree.
While in school, John joined the physical therapy department at CRMC in Harrisonville where he continued to work part time as he attended the University of Missouri-Columbia. John graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy in 1981.
He returned to Harrisonville where he continued to provide physical therapy services for more than 40 years.
Throughout the years, John provided care to thousands of patients both with his own physical therapy practice and later as an employee of Cass Regional Medical Center. He was fortunate to have found a career he loved and was able to enjoy it for a lifetime. He was the manager of physical therapy at the time of his death.
During his career, John volunteered countless hours acting as the trainer for several area high school football and basketball teams including Ray-Pec and Harrisonville. He enjoyed working with these young athletes.
He also had the opportunity to be the trainer for the Chiefs cheerleading squad-back when they had a co-ed cheerleading team that performed all types of tumbling and other gymnastic stunts. When kidded about working with cheerleaders, he would reply, “Well it’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta’ do it.”
John also pursued other activities outside of his professional career. He was active in the Harrisonville Kiwanis Club Mo-Ark District and served as the lt. governor presently and in the past was governor and president.
He has been a member of Kiwanis since Feb. 10, 1987. John was also very involved with Shop with a Cop in Harrisonville.
John’s sense of humor came through in 1998 as he and a friend, David Coffelt, decided to impersonate the Blues Brothers which they did multiple times over the years. They even had their own Blues Brothers look-alike automobile.
They performed in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Nebraska. Once they performed in front of 10,000 people. John has been a second-generation Santa Claus for more than 35 years with Deborah by his side as Mrs. Claus for the past four years.
John was married to the love of his life, Deborah, on Dec. 7, 2018, at CRMC surrounded by friends and work family.
John was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Polly Hoffman; and his older brother, George E. Hoffman, Jr. John is survived by his wife, Deborah Hoffman, of the home; mother-in-law, Barbara Wyman, Archie; a daughter, Leah C. Barry, DPT, and husband, Kyle Barry, DDS; and grandchildren, Russell and Charlotte, Maize, Kansas; a sister, Francina S. Hoffman, MD, Lee’s Summit; as well as many friends.
A celebration of life visitation was Oct. 25 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville. Cremation.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shop with a Cop and may be sent in care of Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, MO 64701.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Carol D. Kimbrough
Dec. 14, 1938 – Oct. 18, 2021
Carol Dean Kimbrough, 82, Drexel, died Oct. 18 at his home in Drexel. Carol was born Dec. 14, 1938, in Stella, the son of Onal Thurston Kimbrough and Margie May Kimbrough.
Carol grew up in the country with six siblings in southern Missouri. He had very strong men that he grew up around. That helped him to understand hard work and what it took to succeed in whatever he was doing. This is where he probably got his determination and drive to be a successful business man and to be successful in the race horse business.
During his childhood growing up, his mom especially influenced his strong values, where the men around him instilled hard work and determination and an extensive vocabulary which sent Carol to the principal on his very first day of school.
Carol married his lifelong partner, Frankie Ann Price, soon after he graduated from high school, on July 26, 1958.
After marriage, they moved to Kansas City, where Carol eventually started his own business. Carol was happily married
to Frankie for 61 years.
The last few years of mom’s life was the only time that Mom gave Dad a run for his money. Dad took very good care of her and his family. The values that were instilled in him as a boy, he carried throughout his entire life. Once Carol made the decision to do something, such as starting his own business, he had the capabilities to succeed.
Carol was well known in the American Quarter Horse Association, he had a love for horses. He grew up having and being
around horses. Carol was known as a straight forward, honest, hardworking man. He gave many people the opportunity to work when other companies would not. He was fair to people, but at the same time was not to be taken advantage of.
Carol was preceded in death by his wife, Frankie Ann Kimbrough; father, Onal Kimbrough; mother, Margie Kimbrough; brother, Dale Kimbrough; and brother, Melvin Kimbrough.
He is survived by his brother, Max Kimbrough; sister, Bettie Morgan; sister, Glenda Knowles; children, Clay and wife, Tresa Kimbrough, Ozark, Kevin and wife, Mitzi Kimbrough, Amoret, Vicki Kimbrough and significant other, Clay Clingman, Amsterdam, Carol Ann and husband, Tom Bell, Adrian; grandchildren. Richelle Jackson and husband Clint, Michael Fink and wife Jessica, Danielle Hutchinson and husband Tommy, Trevor Clingman and significant other Amethyst Wayman, Chad Kimbrough and wife Jessica, Monica Kimbrough and fiance Rob Whistle-Thein, Pete Kimbrough, Kaitlyn Payne and husband J.C., Dylan Bell and wife Dara, Zachary Marlow and wife Amanda, and Gregory Marlow; great-grandchildren, Marshall, Mason, Garrett, Grant, Stella, Landon, Melanie, Colby, Kennedy, Chesney, Becca, Braxton, Joanna Faye, Brantley, Easton, Myles, Lyric, River, Oakley and one on the way in April.
A visitation was Oct. 23 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel. Funeral services were Saturday, also at the chapel.
Cremation followed the services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stark City Church of Christ.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel, Drexel.
Patricia M. Nay
Aug. 26, 1931- Oct. 18, 2021
Patricia “Pat” May Nay, Lee’s Summit, formerly of Harrisonville, was born Aug. 26, 1931, in Worth County, the daughter of Ira and Jennie (Percy) Thackery. She died Oct. 18 at Village Care Center, Lee’s Summit, at the age of 90 years, 22 days.
Pat worked at Kansas City Life Insurance Co.
Dec. 1, 1951, she married William Ralph Nay in Kansas City.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years William R. Nay; a daughter, Kathleen S. Venchus; her brother, Elmer Thackery; and her sister, Velma Vecchio.
Patricia is survived by a son, Mark Nay and wife, Marsha, Grandview; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
A memorial graveside service will be held at a later date at Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Mildred B. Roth
Sept. 30, 1919 – Oct. 20, 2021
Mildred B. Roth, 102, a longtime resident of rural Harrisonville, died Oct. 20 at Golden Years, Harrisonville. Mildred was born Sept. 30, 1919, in St. Clair County, the daughter of Rubert Vane Allinson and Nellie (Beardslee) Allinson.
She attended various schools in Kansas and graduated from East Lynne High School. She attended college at the University of Central Missouri and started a teaching career at Smith School before becoming a loving farm wife and mother.
Mildred met Harold Roth in East Lynne and they were married March 8, 1941.
They were involved in Farm Bureau, East Lynne Chamber of Commerce, People to People and the Harrisonville First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where she served as an elder.
Mildred was active in 4-H leadership, Elco Garden Club, the Cass County Extension Club, Progress Club, Christian Women’s Fellowship and many other organizations.
Mildred started teaching school again at Dayton and then East Lynne. As many people knew, Mildred was an avid gardener and loved flower arranging. She and Harold enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 states and six continents.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Lillian Allinson; her husband, Harold, of 74 years; and a grandson, Terry Roth.
She is survived by four children, Dwight Roth and wife, Wanda, Warsaw; Leonard Roth and wife, Polly, Lee’s Summit; Shirley Schrock and husband, Thomas, Garden City; and Carol Sue Richards and husband, Michael, Colorado Springs, Colorado; nine grandchildren and their spouses; 18 great-grandchildren and their spouses; and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Memorial services were Oct. 27 at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Christian Church, Harrisonville.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Deborah A. Burris
Dec. 2, 1958 – Oct. 13, 2021
Deborah Alice Burris, 62, Clinton, died Oct. 13 at her home in Clinton. She was born Dec. 2, 1958, the daughter of James Edward and Mildred Constance Wilson Taylor in Kansas City.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl Burris; a brother, David Taylor; and mother-in-law, Leota Burris.
Deborah is survived by three sisters, Melodye Mahler, Aurora, Colorado, and Theresa Evans and husband, Dennis, and Martha Taylor, all of Clinton; a daughter, April Soil; a brother, Rodney Taylor, Independence; an aunt, Donna Taylor, Adrian; three grandchildren, Tevin, Dominic and Jonnice; and nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Graveside memorial services and inurnment was Oct. 23 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Ronald D. Crain
July 4, 1936 – Oct. 13, 2021
Ronald Darrell Crain, 85, Rich Hill, died Oct. 13 at Sunrise Senior Living, Leawood, Kansas. He was born July 4, 1936, the son of Darrell and Elisabeth Bisterfeldt Crain in Chicago, Illinois.
Ronald, one of three children, grew up as a young child in Chicago. He moved with his family to a farm in the Foster community where he attended high school in Rich Hill.
While farming, Ronald also worked for GM/Fisher Body in Kansas City. His last place of employment was Crain Farms.
On Dec. 3, 1955, Ronald married Letha Lynn Littlefield and to this union, three daughters were born. He was a member of the Foster Christian Church.
Ronald is described as being hard working and driven. Pastimes included Civil War history, watching the stock market and researching land ownership, resulting in a Century Farm. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, sports, spending time at the lake house and boating.
Most importantly, Ronald made time for the best thing in life, family. His family was his life. “Having a close-knit family is a risky venture, because the greater the love, the greater the loss…” He will be fondly remembered, but sadly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Sandra Robb.
Ronald is survived by his wife, Letha Crain, Rich Hill; three daughters, D’Lesia Chambers and fiance, Steve Rippe, Ozark, Debra Hall and husband, Morris, Rich Hill, and Jacqueline Crain-Smith and husband, Paul, Shawnee, Kansas; a sister, Becky Robb, Rich Hill; a brother-in-law, Stan Robb, Rich Hill; two grandchildren, Jessica Lynn Skinner and Jennifer Anne Roth; four great-grandchildren, Jameson, Savannah, Henry and Samuel; and several nephews and nieces.
Funeral services were Oct. 18 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Burial was in Salem Cemetery, Foster.
Contributions may be given to the Foster Christian Church.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Betty J. Smith
March 27, 1930 – Oct. 18, 2021
Betty Jean Smith, 91, Adrian, died Oct. 18 at her home in Adrian. Betty Jean Poague, third child of Leslie and Thelma James Poague, was born March 27, 1930, southeast of Butler, in Lone Oak Township, Bates County.
Unlike the rest of her family who migrated to Oregon, Betty spent her entire life in Bates County except for two years when she lived in Vernon County, near Nevada.
On Feb. 12, 1948, she married the love of her life, Loren Earl Smith, Adrian.
They lived with his grandfather, Oscar Askew, for one year. During this time, Betty attended a school of cosmetology in Kansas City after which she and her mother-in-law opened Smith’s Beauty Shoppe on Main Street in Adrian.
Loren and Betty lived over the shop for about a year. In 1950, they purchased the home place located near Burdette, which had been in Loren’s family since 1898 and adjoined the farm where Loren had spent a good portion of his years growing up.
Betty and Loren lived there together for 56 years until Loren’s death in 2004.
Betty remained at the home until the moment of her death.
For most of Betty’s life, she remained at home raising the family and helping to keep everything running on the farm.
Even though she never opened her beauty shop back up, she did a lot of hair cutting, perms and styling in her kitchen. This helped a little with finances and allowed her to stay at home with the children. There were various times she would work part time in town, but she always managed to be home by the time the children arrived from school.
After her youngest child graduated from high school in 1982, she was employed at the Bates County Courthouse, remaining there the next 16 years. Betty enjoyed sewing and made most of her daughters’ clothes as they were growing up. Among her many hobbies, she has enjoyed making quilts, all kinds of needle work, oil painting, genealogy, riding horses, bowling and working on the computer.
Some of the high points in her life were the birth of four healthy children, 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Having them all come home on holidays and other special occasions brought great joy.
Vacation times with the family and traveling had created many wonderful memories over the years and she always looked forward to the next family reunion or vacation. She enjoyed spending time with her friends through various organizations such as Daughters of the American Revolution, McNeil Women’s Club and the Friday Bowlers.
Betty gave her life to the Lord at age 14 and was baptized in Walnut Creek at Foster. Throughout her married life, she served in the Burdette Baptist Church teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and was church treasurer for about 30 years. For the last several years, she attended the Adrian Baptist Church.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Loren Smith; her parents, Leslie and Thelma Poague; three brothers, Lewis, Harold and Willie Poague; a sister, Wanda Newport; and grandson, Daniel Patterson.
She is survived by her children, Gary Smith and wife, Treva, Steve Smith and wife, Teresa, all of Adrian; Lorraina and husband, Mark, Cody, Wyoming; and Dianne Patterson and husband, Joe, Adrian; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Alice Fritter, Richards, Wanetta Dryer, Grants Pass, Oregon, and Viola Kinman, Medford, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were Oct. 22 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian. Burial was in the Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian.
Memorial contributions may be made to Harmony Mission DAR Leta Wagy Scholarship Fund.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Danny L. Smith
Sept. 6, 1956 – Oct. 15, 2021
Danny Lee Smith, 65, Adrian, died Oct. 15 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. Danny was born Sept. 6, 1956, the son of Jesse F. and Betty R. Thomas Smith. He grew up in Butler and attended Butler schools.
If you were lucky enough to know Danny you are truly blessed. Danny was one of a kind who lived and loved life like no other.
Throughout his life he worked in many places. Just to name a few, Harry Cherry’s, Eldred Mobile, Sunroofing, mechanic for Don Malan, lineman for the city of Butler, custodian for the Butler R-5 School District and he was in charge of maintenance for the Bates County Courthouse for the last 17 years.
On Nov. 14, 1977, Danny married the love of his life, Marcia Scott. They shared 44 years of making memories. On April 17, 1992, they welcomed their only child, Jessica Marie Smith.
Danny was a devoted husband, father and brother. They say the best dads get promoted to grandpas and Danny became one on Oct. 3, 2013, when his only grandchild, Abel Landon Michael, was born. Danny enjoyed the outdoors fishing, hunting and anything outside. For many years, you could find him working on anything with a motor. You could count on finding Danny and Marcia at the race track on Saturday nights.
He loved spending time with Abel. He never missed a sports practice or game. They were continually outside either playing football, riding four wheelers or target practicing. They were always into something together. Where Danny was, Abel was right there by his side.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Betty Smith; a brother, Robert Douty; a nephew, Jesse Paul Douty; and a great-nephew, Keith Cooper.
Danny is survived by his wife, Marcia, Adrian; a daughter, Jessica Smith, Butler; a grandson, Abel Landon Michael, Butler; a brother, Dale Douty, and his wife, Retta, Butler; two sisters, Diana Bennett and husband, Jason, and Tina Hansen and husband, Mike, all of Butler; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; as well as many friends.
A visitation was Oct. 20 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler. Cremation followed the visitation. There was no funeral service.
Memorial contributions may be made to his grandson Abel’s Education Fund c/o Marcia Smith.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler.
Robert A. Vaughn
June 15, 1935 – Oct. 13, 2021
Robert Arlin Vaughn, 86, Adrian, died Oct. 13 at the Medicalodge of Butler surrounded by his daughters. Arlin was born June 15, 1935, the fifth son of Bernie Edwin and Lula Blanche (Walker) Vaughn, on a farm five miles west of Pleasant Hill.
He attended a one-room schoolhouse, Judy School, through the eighth grade. As he began his freshman year at Pleasant
Hill High School, he soon decided he might be better trained in the school of hard knocks. At the tender young age of 14, he left academia behind and began his journey into the workforce.
His brother, Bernie, got him his first job at Colonial Poultry Farms in Pleasant Hill. He also helped his brother, Harold, on the farm. When he turned 16, he began working for Pleasant Hill Municipal Utilities until he turned 19.
At that time, he went to Kilgore, Texas. Unable to convince companies that a 5’8” 135-pound Missouri farm boy was what they needed in the oil fields, he changed direction and headed to Louisiana where he worked for a telephone company pulling cable. With his youth and inexperience stacked against him, he soon headed to Linn Creek where his brother, Leo, helped get him a job working construction.
In February 1955, he met Stella Lee Stamper and after five months, he asked her to marry him. Since he was only 20 years old, he took Stella to meet his parents and have the consent papers signed. They were married July 10, 1955, and to this union three daughters were born. Throughout the next several years he remained involved in heavy construction.
In 1960, Arlin was involved in a very serious truck accident. He always said he believed the Lord had “given him another chance to get his act together.” Shortly thereafter, he and Stella gave their hearts to the Lord and were baptized in April 1960 at the Linn Creek Baptist Church.
In the late fall of 1962, Arlin decided to pursue his dream of being self-employed by starting his own excavation company. This lasted until 1967 at which time he began transporting over-width mobile homes throughout the 48 states.
In 1968, the family relocated to Adrian where he began working for Passaic Grain. In 1970, Arlin found himself back in the heavy construction game with TriCity Construction in Kansas City. There he would quickly climb the ranks to senior vice president.
After 11 years, he decided to form his own heavy construction company, RAVCO Enterprises, Inc. With his office next do or to his home and his daughter, Sandy, as his secretary, RAVCO provided job opportunities to many in the area for the next 10 years.
Then from 1991 until 1997, Arlin took the position of road and bridge superintendent of Cass County. He retired from there in September 1997 and spent the next four years doing consulting work.
Arlin had a lifelong love affair with the outdoors that he shared with friends and family. He loved family pontoon trips, taking the grandchildren fishing, floating the Missouri River with friends and his son-in-law, Terry, or just taking pictures of wildlife with Stella by his side on a lazy afternoon.
In his later retirement years, he took a writer’s course and began to write and eventually publish a book about his adventures on the Missouri River. In addition, he had several outdoor articles printed in the “Missouri Outdoors,” “Missouri Conservationist” and the “Lightning Ridge Outdoors Journal.”
Arlin was preceded in death by his bride of 66 years, Stella; his parents; and five brothers, Harry, Harold, Leo, Bernie and Danny.
He is survived by his daughters, Delia Hubbard and her husband, Terry, Neosho, Albeth Lovelace and her husband, Steve and Sandy Tallman and her husband, Paul, all of Adrian; six grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren, Michael and Stephanie Lovelace, Sean, Breanne, Jacob and Avery, Winterset, Iowa; Delisa and Seth Johnson, Boone, Grady and Ryker, Stark City; Kalan and Jessica Hubbard and Quinn, Joplin; Sarah and David Monaghan, Jacksonville, Florida; Matthew and Anna Tallman, Levi, Ryan, Thea and Troy, Adrian; Brenna and Ethan Romi, Stella and Baby Archer, due in November, Adrian.
Funeral services were Oct. 20 at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian. Burial was in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Memorial contributions may be made to the Adrian Community Library.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.
