Linda K. Andrews
March 17, 1948 – Jan. 19, 2022
Linda Kaye Andrews, 73, Holden, died Jan. 19 at Holden Manor Care Center. Linda was born March 17, 1948, in Turlock, California, the daughter of Leonard Dwight Edrington and Myrtle Louise (Barker) Edrington.
She graduated from Turner High School in Kansas City, Kansas.
She married David Keet Andrews on Nov. 4, 1967, in Maryland. The couple resided in Kansas City, Kansas, for a time. Due to David’s Navy career, they eventually resided in Groton, Connecticut.
Linda lived in Chilhowee from 2005 until 2019, when she returned to Holden.
She loved watching old westerns, as well as golf. Linda especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Myrtle Edrington; husband, David Andrews; brother, Dennis Edrington; and sister, Darlene Bethea.
Survivors include two daughters, Tammy Andrews, Chilhowee and April Andrews, Warrensburg; a son, Paul Andrews and Amanda, Glenn Heights, Texas; a brother, Darrell Edrington, Kansas City; six grandchildren, Samantha Lynn and Cole, Warrensburg, Cearra Watson and Shane, Archie, Dakota Smith and Kylie, Pleasant Hill, and David Andrews, Kayelin Andrews and Jared Andrews, all of Glenn Heights; five great-grandchildren and another on the way.
A celebration of life gathering was Jan. 25 at Williams Funeral Chapel, Holden.
A private interment will take place at Battlefield National Cemetery in Springfield at a later date.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Williams Funeral Chapel, Holden.
James R. Dorgan
Sept. 1, 1944 – Jan. 24, 2022
James Richard “Jim” Dorgan, Kansas City, formerly of Garden City and Harrisonville, was born Sept. 1, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, the son of Clarence Villia “Hap” and Gertrude Roberta (Mandl) Williams. He died Jan. 24 at North Care Hospice, North Kansas City, surrounded by love and family at the age of 77 years, 4 months and 23 days.
On Nov. 3, 1984, Jim married Jennifer Louise Lee in Kansas City.
Jim was employed as a mechanic for Bayer Chemical in Kansas City, until his retirement in July 1986. He was baptized in 1986 and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, Kansas City.
He served as a volunteer firefighter and had lived in Garden City and Harrisonville before moving to Kansas City. Jim loved to talk, never knew a stranger and was the noisy neighbor in the neighborhood. He took great care of his lawn and cars.
Besides his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his son, James Michael “Mike” Dorgan, on June 17, 1997.
Jim is survived by his wife, Jennifer Dorgan, of the home; a son, Richard Dorgan and Madeana, Grain Valley; three daughters, Melinda Dorgan and Doug Courtney, Garden City, Rebecca Perdee and Tommie, Belton, and Holly Brown and Shawn, Smithville; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were Jan. 27 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, with burial in the Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville.
The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and may be left at the funeral home.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Kenneth W. Gentry
Nov. 25, 1936 – Jan. 1, 2022
Kenneth Wayne Gentry, 85, Belton, died unexpectedly and peacefully with his wife beside him.
Ken was born Nov. 25, 1936, in Drexel, the son of Raymond Cyril “Boss” Gentry and Esther Strom Gentry. He was the sixth of nine children who were born and raised in Drexel. It was during this time that he met and married Pauline (Smith) Gentry on March 9, 1957.
Ken taught for more than 33 years, serving first in Ballard as a teacher and basketball coach and then moved his young, growing family to the Kansas City area and taught in the Center School District for more than 30 years until his retirement at the age of 51. As a second career, he worked with the Kansas City Royals for more than 25 years and retired after the 2015 World Series was won.
He was a 1954 graduate of Drexel High School and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Central Missouri State University.
He was an avid sports fan, but especially loved basketball and golf. He belonged to many golf courses throughout the metro area and made numerous friends.
He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and always had a hug and a big smile for each of them.
He was kind, gentle, calm, soft-spoken, fair and loving. He had an endearing crooked smile for all he met.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Pauline; a son, Richard Gentry and wife, Annette, Kansas City; three daughters, Vicki Constant and husband, Kenny, Jacksonville Beach, Florida, Pam Gentry Probst, Overland Park, Kansas, and Kim Hooper and husband, Clayton, Freeman; nine grandchildren, Bryan, Brooke and Brandi Gentry, Hannah, Heidee and Steve Shaffer and Haley Hooper, James Probst, IV and Jill Probst and Kelsi Constant; one great-grandson, Julian Shaffer; surviving siblings, George Gentry, Opal Foster, Loisann Holtz, Susie Rasco and Sandy Gentry; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life was Jan. 15, with words from his grandchildren, held at Memorial Station in Belton Memorial Park, Belton. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association.
Mary A. Hackett
June 10, 1945 – Jan. 16, 2022
Mary Ann Hackett, 76, Kingsville, died Jan. 16 at Western Missouri Medical Center, Warrensburg, surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born June 10, 1945, in Raytown, the daughter of William H. and Muriel L. (Chapman) Smith.
She was a 1963 graduate of Raytown High School and briefly attended Oklahoma Baptist University.
She married Gary Clayton Hackett on Aug. 8, 1964, in Raytown. They were blessed with five children, all of whom were an answer to her prayers.
At a young age, Mary gave her life to the Lord and walked unwavering in her faith, sharing the love of Jesus to countless others along the way.
On Aug. 8, 1965, exactly one year after their marriage, Gary and Mary moved to the farm in Kingsville where she spent
the rest of her life in selfless devotion to her family.
She was a homemaker and farm wife and in more recent years added pastor’s wife to the role.
She homeschooled all five of her children and taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School for many years at Grace Pentecostal Church where she was a long-time member.
Mary enjoyed many things including gardening, growing flowers and reading. She also enjoyed singing with the Garden City Community Choir.
Mary loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her home was always open and anyone was welcome to come in and have a bowl of ice cream.
Mary loved her family, her friends, her neighbors, her nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers, but most of all she loved the Lord. He was more precious to her than anything this world had to offer.
She wanted everyone she knew to know and love Him too.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Sam and Bill Smith; and seven grandchildren who were born into the loving arms of Jesus.
Mary is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Gary; five children, Gail Denney and Daniel, Centerview, Susie Doll and Darren, Urich, Ellie Rushly and Levi, Harrisonville, Nate Hackett and Troi, Kingsville, and Esther Heaper and Josh, Garden City; 18 grandchildren, Dakota and McKenzie, Tyler, Annika and Abbigail Denney, Dausha, Rebecca, Dallas and Dalton Doll, Seth, Laith, Trenton and Cole Rushly, Lane, Landon, Layton, Lason, Lexi, Landry and Liberty Heaper; two great-grandchildren, Emmilynn and Avary Denney; two brothers, Jim and Steve Smith; two sisters, Nancy Hart and Susie Darrah.
Services are pending with Williams Funeral Chapel, Holden.
Genevieve F. Kauffman
Dec. 17, 1923 – Jan. 12, 2022
Genevieve F. Kauffman, Sandy, Oregon, was born in Creighton Dec. 17, 1923, the daughter of Clark and Bessie Bonar. She died Jan. 12 at the age of 98 years and 26 days surrounded by family in Sandy.
Genevieve graduated from Garden City High School in 1942. On April 24, 1943, she married J. Vincent Kauffman and to this union five children were born, Jean, Jane, John, Jim and Jerry. They also raised two granddaughters, Tammy and Pamela Powell.
Genny was a wife and homemaker who helped with their farming operation until Vincent’s death in 1979. She moved to Colorado in 1981 where she owned and operated an apartment complex. She was a member of the Greeley Wesleyan Church. She moved to Sandy in 2018.
She possessed the gift of hospitality and loved to cook and bake. She shared that gift with family, friends and neighbors alike. Many people looked forward to having a pie, cake, cookies or cinnamon rolls suddenly appear at their door.
She also loved spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Some of their fondest memories are of her fixing her famous biscuits and gravy along with many other dishes, whenever they were with her. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent; a daughter, Jane and son-in-law, Leroy; her parents; two brothers, Gerald and Everett; and a great-great-grandson, Skyler.
Survivors include a daughter, Jean Sherrell and husband, Pat, Richland, Washington; three sons, John Kauffman and wife, Sara, Pryor, Oklahoma, Jim Kauffman and wife, Julie, and Jerry Kauffman and wife, Joyce, all of Glenwood Springs, Colorado; two granddaughters, Tammy Fisher and husband, Tom, Greeley, Colorado, and Pam Hubbard and husband, Roger, Sandy; 10 additional grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Cremation. A graveside service will be at the Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, at a later date.
Paul L. Klein
Nov. 6, 1964 – Jan. 17, 2022
Paul Louis Klein was born Nov. 6, 1964, in Harrisonville, and died Jan. 17at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, at the age of 57 years, 2 months and 11 days.
He was the son of Ralph Klein and Roberta (Baum) Klein.
Paul was a lifelong resident of Pleasant Hill, graduating from Pleasant Hill High School in 1983. He went on to further his education at the Electronics Institute of Grandview, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics.
Paul worked for several foundation and construction companies throughout the years and was a member of the Laborers Union No. 1290. He also worked for Johnson Cabinet Company in Pleasant Hill and had been a member of the Carpenters Union.
On March 17, 2000, Paul married Patsy Ann (O’Keefe) McNew in Bridal Cave, Camdenton.
Paul was a member of St. Bridget Catholic Church.
In his younger years, Paul was a member of Cub Scout Troop No. 300 of Pleasant Hill. He was also a beekeeper for more than 20 years and a member of the Midwest Beekeepers Association.
Paul was an outdoorsman who loved and respected nature. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. Paul spent countless hours fishing for crappie, catfish and trout with his family and friends.
In the fall, Paul, Chuck and Pat spent countless hours on the farm in Sedalia together waiting on that “monster buck.” Paul was an avid gardener and raised a large garden every year.
Paul will be remembered as a very big hearted, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and a very true and honest friend, who could be the life of the party.
Paul was preceded in death by his loving father, Ralph Klein, on Jan. 28, 2021; and his sister-in-law, Sarah Klein, in 2020.
He is survived by his very devoted and loving wife, Patsy Ann Klein, of the home; his mother, Roberta (Baum) Klein, Pleasant Hill; two sons, Michael McNew and wife, Mariah, Archie, and Devon Klein and wife, Miranda, Lebanon; a daughter, Angela Klein, of the home; a brother, Charles “Chuck” Klein, Raymore; a sister, Cynthia Brownsberger and husband, Paul, Pleasant Hill; grandchildren, Justin and Hayden Klein and Bellamy and Madex McNew; nieces and nephews, Marla Sanders and husband, Christopher, Raymore, Patric Brownsberger and wife, Cynthia, Oak Grove, Matthew Klein and wife, Jill, Smyrna, Georgia, and Susan Maasen and husband, Jerold, Pleasant Hill; great nieces and nephews; his beloved dog Hank; other relatives and many friends.
Cremation has been accorded.
A visitation and prayer service were Jan. 29 at the Wallace Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill with Father Joseph I. Cisetti
officiating.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Samuel J. Lilly
Oct. 25, 1959 – Jan. 23, 2022
Samuel Joseph Lilly was born Oct. 25, 1959, in Harrisonville, and died Jan. 23 at St. Joseph Medical Center, Kansas City, surrounded by the love of family, at the age of 62 years, 2 months and 29 days.
He was the son of Robert Eugene and Mildred Lois (Rockwell) Lilly.
Sam attended grade school in both Pleasant Hill and Lone Jack. Later, the Lilly family moved to Lee’s Summit, where Sam also attended school.
Throughout the years, Sam worked several places, eventually starting his own company, Lilly Mechanical.
In 1991, Sam met his wife, Diana Laney. They made their home in several places including Independence, where they were living at the time of Sam’s death.
Sam enjoyed hunting, fishing, hunting mushrooms and was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan.
Sam was a loving husband, father, brother and uncle who cherished his family and looked forward to time spent with each and every one of them.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mildred Lilly; two sons, Gage and Dillon Lilly; and two sisters, Louise Boston and Dorothy Cornelius.
He is survived by his wife, Diana Laney Lilly, of the home; sons, Nick Lilly and wife, Amanda, Wentzville, Matthew Lilly, Kansas City, Scott Laney and wife, Charity, North Kansas City, and John Laney, Garden City; daughters, Jillian (Lilly) Hager and husband, Gerald, St. Louis, Ashlee Kendrick, Warrensburg, and Sara Schrock and husband, Daniel, Garden City; brothers, Curtis Lilly and Sherry, Springfield, Jim Lilly and Jack Truman, Kansas City, and Keith Lilly and Debbie Lee’s Summit; sisters, Linda Farnsworth and husband, Gary, Pleasant Hill, Genia Merideth and husband, Bob, Lee’s Summit, Mary Gower and husband, Frank, Pleasant Hill, Pam Lilly, Lee’s Summit, and Annette Creel and husband, Robin, Kansas City; 13 grandchildren; a great-grandson; other relatives and many, many friends.
Funeral services were Feb. 1 with the Rev. Lynne Brown officiating at the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Casket bearers were Jason Gower, Justin Gower, Chris Rudder, John Withers, Bob Stears and Frankie Cardello. Burial was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Ronald J. Paskon
July 29, 1938 – Jan. 15, 2022
Ronald James Paskon, 83, died Jan. 15. Ron was born July 29, 1938, in Kansas City, the eldest son of John and Marguerite (Moore) Paskon.
Ron married Mary Ellen Denman on Feb. 29, 1964, in Independence. They lived in the Peculiar area all their lives.
Ron started his career as an insulator and was a member of Local 27 Asbestos Workers for 41 years. Ron passionately loved hunting, fishing and the wilderness.
It was in the middle of the woods or on the side of a mountain that Ron felt both at home and closest to God. He had many adventures with those who became lifelong friends.
Ron was a tirelessly active volunteer for the Lee’s Summit Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation at RMEF.org.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marguerite; his brother, David Paskon; and his son, Ronald James, Jr.
Ron is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, of the home; his daughter, Ronda Paskon Schulenberg, Lee’s Summit; his grandsons, Tanner and Cameron Schulenberg, Lee’s Summit; his brother, John Richard Paskon and his, wife, Alla, Kansas City; his brother David’s wife, Suzy Paskon, Belton; and his beloved dog, Montana.
A visitation will be from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Cornerstone Chapel, Peculiar. Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. following visitation. at the chapel in Peculiar.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Tammy J. Powers
Aug. 4, 1964 – Jan. 21, 2022
Tammy JoAnn (Bartlett) Powers, Harrisonville, was born Aug. 4, 1964, in Kansas City, the eldest daughter of Jimmy and Virginia “Ginger” Bartlett. She died Jan. 21.
On Aug. 2, 1985, Tammy married the love of her life, Patrick Powers, at the Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church. To this union, two daughters were born.
In November 1972, at the age of 9, Tammy accepted Jesus as her personal Savior. She attended Harrisonville Community church and enjoyed serving lunch at Kinder Kastle.
Tammy loved crocheting, gardening, genealogy, helping in the hayfields, helping with the cattle, going to dinner with the girls and spending time with her family.
She loved her grandbabies, “her little people” so fiercely. She spoiled them and spent all of her time with them making everlasting memories.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter, Kynlee Grace McLean.
Tammy is survived by her husband of 36 wonderful years, Pat Powers, of the home; two daughters, Jennifer and Spencer McLean and Laura and Kyle Schneidler, all of Garden City; four grandchildren, Addisynn, Shayne, Sydney and Austyn McLean; two sisters, Tracey Bowers, Belton, and Jamey and Eric Derks, Branson; her father-in-law, Jim Powers, Garden City; three brothers-in-law, Jim and Vicky Powers, Latour, Andy and Marcella Powers, Garden City, and Sean and Andrea Powers, Harrisonville; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services were Jan. 28 at the Harrisonville Community Church, Harrisonville, with burial in the Clearfork Cemetery near Garden City.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Kinder Kastle.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Leroy C. Tillett
Aug. 1, 1945 – Jan. 19, 2022
Leroy Clinton Tillett, 76, Blairstown, died Jan. 19 at his home.
Leroy was born in Salem, Oregon. He was the youngest of three sons. There he went to grade school and high school and he enjoyed math especially. After high school, Leroy served his country in the United States Air Force where he was an aircraft mechanic, from 1962 to 1965.
When he arrived home, he began his civilian life as a union carpet layer. Some years later, he went to work at Branaman’s Cabinet shop where he worked for many years. When he left Branaman’s, he worked at Walmart until he retired.
During his life, he married four times and had children with two of those wives but, that would not complete his fatherhood.
In July of 1982, he married Charlotte who already had children and the two big families became one huge family. He was dad to them all and showed unconditional love to all of his children.
Leroy was a bit of a hippy and he enjoyed the music of his time. He liked to travel and he always liked old cars, even buying a few he put some effort into restoring. He also collected small cars for many years such as Matchbox and Hot Wheels.
He was a decent pool player and enjoyed good books and good movies. He had a heart of gold and was so sensitive.
One may find him watching “Bambi” and his kids would tease him about shedding a few tears when Bambi’s mother was killed.
Leroy and Charlotte also loved going to garage sales and second-hand stores, always looking for treasures. They also shared their love of animals and family and in their hearts, adopted many of both along the way. They were both always so well loved in return.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Hazel Tillett; two brothers, Jerry and Jim Tillett; a son, Robert Tillett; and a grandson, Christopher Sidwell; other family and friends.
He is survived by his children, Angela Sidwell and husband, Tony, Garden City, Joseph Sipple, Blairstown, Richard Tillett and wife, Michelle, Cleveland, William Sipple, Tipton, Shannon Sipple and wife, Shelly, Harrisonville, Michael Sipple, Blairstown, Daniel Tillett and wife, Cathy, Belton, David Tillett, Harrisonville, Ronnie Tillett and wife, Amanda, Cape Girardeau, and Damon Tillett, Cape Girardeau; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Cremation. A celebration of life will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 12 at the North Park Community Center, Harrisonville.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Debbie Adams
Feb. 6, 1955 – Jan. 26, 2022
Debbie Adams, 66, Butler, died Jan. 26 at MedicaLodge in Butler. Deborah Bedwell Adams was born Feb. 6, 1955, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of William and Jean Berry Bedwell.
Her father was serving in the United States Navy at the time, so the family would move several times while she was growing up. They spent the first few years of her life in Virginia Beach before moving home to Butler where Debbie would finish school and graduate from Butler High School in 1973.
On Dec. 13, 1975, Debbie married Larry Adams and two sons were born to this union, Neal and Jared.
Throughout Debbie’s life she worked various jobs around Butler. First, she worked at the hospital in the Respiratory Therapy Department until she quit to care for her mother-in-law.
Driving her to Kansas City multiple days a week for kidney treatments. Debbie was always there to care for her family and friends first and foremost.
She worked for a short time at the local Casey’s and Walmart, but most will remember seeing her at the Jennings Market where she worked for more than 25 years until it closed.
Debbie liked to stay busy and loved crafting, quilting and baking. Her greatest joy in life came from her family. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents; son, Andrew Tyler Adams; a sister, Jenny Thornton; and a brother, Richard Bedwell.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Larry Adams; sons, Neal Adams and wife, Cassandra, and Jared Adams; two grandchildren, Casody Friend and Kyson Adams; a brother, Kelly Bedwell; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Funeral services were Jan. 31 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler.
Cheryl J. Bagby
Dec. 13, 1946 – Jan. 22, 2022
Cheryl Jean Bagby, 75, Adrian, died Jan. 22 at her home west of Adrian, surrounded by her family. Cheryl was born Dec. 13, 1946, in Butler, the daughter of John E. and Peggy Lou (Summers) Petty.
Cheryl graduated from Adrian High School on May 22, 1964. She married Larry Bagby on May 23, 1964.
Cheryl was a homemaker. Alongside her husband of 57 years, they raised three sons, Jay, Alan and Scott.
Cheryl enjoyed going to the lake with her family and friends. She enjoyed traveling, going on several cruises and trips to the beaches. Cheryl had a strong love for all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them.
In 1988 Cheryl accepted Jesus as her Savior and was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Adrian.
Cheryl was preceded in death by her father, John Petty; father and mother-in-law, Marshall and Faye Bagby; brother-in-law, Harold Cashier; and nephew, Brian Petty.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Larry Bagby; her children, Jay Bagby and Lynn, Alan Bagby and Sarona, and Scott Bagby and Megan; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; her mother, Peggy Petty; brothers, Steve Petty and Linda, Jerry Petty and Nancy, Denny Petty and John Petty and Jonna; sister-in-law, Freda Cashier; aunts, Virginia Cox and Marilyn Vidal; and many nieces and nephews.
Cheryl will be greatly missed by her family, friends and neighbors.
Memorial services were Jan. 27 at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian. Memorial contributions are suggested to Heartland Hospice or to Lily Pad in Adrian.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.
Theodore W. Bridges
Nov. 29, 1927 – Jan. 19, 2022
Theodore “Ted” William Bridges, 94, Adrian, died at home with his wife of 72 years, Rosalie, by his side on Jan. 19.
Ted was born in Willow Springs on Nov. 29, 1927, the son of John Thomas Bridges, Sr., and Anna Isabelle Dunning-Smith Bridges.
At the age of 18, Ted enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp.
He was stationed in Fort Richardson, Alaska, where he worked as a radio mechanic, working his way up to sergeant before his discharge in 1949.
Ted met the love of his life, Rosalie (Payne) Bridges when he hitched a ride on a school bus while making his way home from the service. They were married in the fall of 1949, starting their married life in Kansas City before eventually moving to Adrian, where they built their own house.
They had four children, JoAnn, Lynn (deceased), Theresa (deceased) and David along with adopting Lynn’s daughter, Danielle, after her death.
Ted provided for his family by working at Westinghouse and then Bendix before quitting in 1964 to pursue his dream of owning and operating his own business.
He purchased a service station in Adrian, Ted’s Apco, which he ran until his retirement in 1993. Along with operating his business, he was a founding member of Calvary Baptist Church in Adrian, sponsored a little league baseball team for many years and served as fire chief for the volunteer fire department.
Ted was preceded in death by his father, John Thomas Bridges; his mother, Anna Isabelle Dunning Bridges; five brothers; five sisters; and his daughters, Lynn and Theresa.
Survivors include his wife, Rosalie; his children, JoAnn, David and Danielle; seven grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were Jan. 28 at the Calvary Baptist Church, Adrian. Burial followed in the Garden City Cemetery, Garden City.
Memorial contributions may be made to charity of choice.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.
Marian E. Eikenbary
Sept. 11, 1920 – Jan. 26, 2022
Marian Elizabeth Eikenbary, 101, died peaceful at MedicaLodge in Butler Jan. 26, 2022. Marian was born at home, the daughter of Fred and Nell (Ayer) Wheatley Sept. 11, 1920.
One of nine siblings, she was the oldest girl.
Marian attended Rich Hill High School and graduated with the class of 1938. The love of her life, Lloyd Eldon “Pete” Eikenbary, courted her on horseback and they waited until she graduated to marry.
They were married Nov. 2, 1938, in the Methodist parsonage in Butler, and started married life in a one-room home in Rich Hill.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Pete; a son, Edward Oran; and four brothers, Kenneth, Jim, Warren and Forrest.
Left behind to cherish her memory are a son, Eldon and Karen; a daughter, Brenda “Kay” Henley and Elvin; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were Jan. 29 at Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill. Burial followed in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Memorials are suggested to the Mark Wheatley Scholarship Fund or Papinville Historical Association.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill.
Ila F. McMeins
Oct. 30, 1931 – Jan. 17, 2022
Ila Fay (Gregory) McMeins, 90, Mount Ayr Iowa, died Jan 17 at Greater Regional Health, in Creston, Iowa. She was born in Amsterdam on Oct. 30, 1931, the daughter of Jess and Ruby (Summers) Gregory. She was their ninth child out of 12.
After graduating high school, Ila married Richard Frazier McMeins of Drexel in a double wedding ceremony with her brother, Jack, and Violet Gregory on May 28, 1949.
Before Richard died in 2020, they had been happily married for 70 years. Ila traveled with Richard while he was in the Air Force. They then settled in Overland Park, Kansas, while working at Bendix off and on for more than 45 years.
After retirement, they relocated to Lee’s Summit. In 2015, they moved to Mt. Ayr Iowa, to be closer to their daughter, Becky. Ila was a fun and outgoing wife, mother and granny.
She liked playing cards, ping pong, basketball, croquet and badminton. Her favorite things were their lake house, traveling and reading.
Ila is survived by her two sibling, Pod and Karen Gregory, Amsterdam, and Hope Blake, Buffalo; three children, Gregory and Pam McMeins, Olathe, Kansas, Becky and Brian Brown, Tingley, Iowa, and Chad McMeins, Mojave, California; six grandchildren, Jamie McMeins, Angel and Marcus Crawford, Kelly Hicks, Mandy and Randy Brungardt, all of Olathe, Chelsey Kuonen of Diagonal, Iowa, Elly and Justin Hawk, Osceola, Iowa; 15 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and four great-great -grandchildren.
Ila was a Christian and loved her Lord Jesus Christ along with her family and friends. She was greatly loved and will live on in our hearts forever. We love you mom (Granny).
Ila has been cremated and a celebration of life service will be May 21 in Amsterdam.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Armstrong Funeral Homes, Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Rodney J. Newland
Oct. 22, 1944 – Jan. 26, 2022
Rodney James Newland, 77, Butler, died , Jan. 26 at his home in Butler. He was born Oct. 22, 1944, the son of Roderick and Pauline Ashford Newland in Kansas City.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Gail Diane Newland, on Aug. 22, 2021.
Rodney is survived by three sons, Andrew Newland and wife, Linda, Garden City, Chad McCammon and wife, Stephanie, Holton, Kansas, and Tracy Newland and wife, Tracy, Tuscumbia, Alabama; two daughters, Diane Shelton and husband, Ron, Amoret, and Tammy Reagan, Joplin; two brothers, Phil Newland, Fairborn, Ohio, and Forrest “Spike” Newland and wife, Debbie, Springfield, Ohio; three sisters, Sandra Parker, South Carolina, Linda Mae Newland, Kansas City, and Pamela Bale, Butler; 13 grand-children; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Inurnment and graveside services were Feb. 1 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.
Contributions are suggested to Heartland Baptist Fellowship in Harrisonville. Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Clarence R. Watts, Sr.
July 6, 1932 – Jan. 19, 2022
Clarence Roger Watts Sr., 89 Qulin, formerly of Butler, died Jan. 19 at Westwood Hills Health and Rehab, Poplar Bluff. He was born July 6, 1932, the son of Clarence Jacob and Opal Arvelia Giddens Watts in Adrian.
He was preceded in death by his parents; twin infant sons in 1962, William Dean and Robert Austin; a grandson, Derek Watts; a daughter, Patricia Davis; a brother, Dale Watts; and a sister, Joyce Arnold.
Clarence is survived by two sons, Clarence Roger Watts, Jr., Ellington, and James Watts and wife, Sandra, Warsaw; two daughters, Elaine Kaighen and husband, Chuck, Harrisonville, and Judith Jean and husband, Michael, Bay City, Michigan; a brother, Delbert Watts and wife, Marion, Adrian; long-time companion, Colleen Nail, Qulin; 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren, with three on the way.
Funeral services were Jan. 27 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Interment with military honors was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Ruby “Ellen” Wry
April 8, 1931 – Jan. 26, 2022
Ruby “Ellen” Wry, 90, Ballard, died Jan. 26 at her home, peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
She was born April 8, 1931, to the late Charles Arthur and Ethel B. Greer Umstattd. She was one out of nine children and the last remaining sibling. She grew up in Ballard and graduated from Ballard High School in 1948. She went on to marry Chauncey Wry and had three daughters.
Ellen lived a long, fulfilling life. She was a woman of God, an amazing wife, wonderful mother and an even better grandma. She worked as a teacher for many years. She was a faithful member of Johnstown Church of Christ. She enjoyed worshipping God, fishing, gardening, quilting, traveling baking her “famous” chocolate chip cookies, watching game shows, working her puzzle books and spending time with her family.
She is preceded in death by her parents; eight siblings, Arnold, John, Ralph, Donald, CW, Delbert, Delena and an infant sister, Rosalee; husband Chauncey Wry; and two grandchildren, John Meade Jr. and Michael Meade.
Ellen is survived by her three children, Shari and husband Bill Thorup, Jill Henry and Lisa and husband John Meade; 12 grandchildren, Erik and Brandon Black, Jaime Crozier, Amanda Calhoun, Alisa Harris, Emily James, Patricia Kaiser, Zachary, Ian, Jacob and Stuart Meade, and Amber Dickson; 23 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm Monday, January 31, 2022 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).
Funeral services Jan. 31 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler. Burial in Johnstown Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler.