Obituaries

Charles "Charley" E. Wratchford of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at his home. Charley passed away after a brief battle with cancer. He fought hard and faced each day with courage. He was born Dec. 20, 1937, at home in Hammond, Kan., to the late Everett and Mabel Wratchford with his twin brother Gerald. He married Mary E. Carson on June 6, 1959, in Miami, Oklahoma...

Billie J. Budd Sr., 86, of Arcadia, Kan., died at 7:15 a.m. Friday, April 18, 2025 at Mercy Hospital at Pittsburg, Kan. Mr. Budd was born Feb. 17, 1939 at El Dorado Springs, Mo., the son of Wanda Floyd and Naomi Nelle Ewing Budd. Billie was a retired journeyman for Mid-Continental Restorations. ...

Otis B. “Otie” Thomas passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott, Kan. He was born in Rhinelander, Wisc., in 1933, the son of Francis C.O. Thomas and Gjerdis J. Thomas. Growing up together with older sisters Marie and Carolyn, he graduated in 1951 from the Griffith Institute in Springville, N.Y. ...

Bonnie Faye Bishop, age 76, Olathe, Kan. passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025.   A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Parker. Burial will be in the Sunny Slope Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at the Schneider Funeral Home, Mound City Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com. ...

Frederick F. “Fred” Campbell, Jr., 94, of Fort Scott, passed away Friday evening April 11, 2025, at Guest Home Estates. He was born Dec. 6, 1930, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Frederick F. Campbell, Sr., and Ola Mae (Morris) Campbell. He married Viola M. “Vi” Johnson Sept. 2, 1951, and she preceded him in death on March 14, 2025...

Rebecca Sue Landers, 60, wife of Troy Landers, passed away Friday, April 18, 2025, at the Horton House in Fort Scott, Kan. Following cremation, the family will have a celebration of life at a later date. Services are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com...

Harriet Anne Pavidis, age 83, of Fountain Valley, Calif., passed away peacefully with her family gathered around on Monday, March 10, in Newport Beach, Calif. Harriet was born on Jan. 10, 1942, in Kansas City, Kan., and was the beloved daughter of Martha and Robert Bruce...

Raymond L. Robinson, age 44, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025. Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 25 at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place in the Robinson Family Cemetery near Redfield, Kan. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kan. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com...

Otis B. “Otie” Thomas, age 91, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott. Services for Otie Thomas will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St.

Donald Eugene Gilleland, age 87, Joplin, Mo., went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. Don was born Feb. 20, 1937 in Turley, Okla., son of the late Lester Elsworth Gilleland and Alice Rebecca (Luton) Gilleland. He grew up in Owasso, Okla., where he attended school before enlisting in the United States Navy; where he honorably served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with V device (for Valor) and a Combat Action Ribbon before retiring in 1974 after 20 years of service.. ...

Matthew Joe Wiebelhaus, age 48, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at his home in Fort Scott. There was cremation. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the St. ...

Donald Gene Cooper, 76, of Richards, Mo., passed away early Thursday morning, April 17, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Palma J. Lyons, age 86, of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away at her home on April 12, 2025 with her family at her side. She was born on Dec. 7, 1938, in Throckmorton, Texas. In August of 2005, she married the love of her life Tom Lyons, who preceded her in death on Aug. ...

Fred Campbell, 94, of Fort Scott passed away Friday evening April 11, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by the KonantzCheney Funeral Home.

Judith Ann (Franklin) Beasley was born in Chanute, Kan., on June 3, 1951, to Robert Lee Franklin and Frances Ilene (Tripp) Franklin. As the oldest of four children and as her mother battled sickness, she learned early on to take care of those around her. ...

Linda Ann Pruitt, age 71, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Monday, April 7, 2025, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Mo. She was born May 8, 1953, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Walton “Walt” and Evelyn Vest Ham. She attended Prescott, Kan., grade school, Pleasanton, Kan., high school, and Fort Scott Community College. ...

Phyllis Sybil Colbert, age 89, formerly of Linn Valley, Kan., passed away Friday, March 28, 2025. A Gathering to Celebrate Sybil’s Life will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Fellowship Olathe. Visitation will follow until 8 p.m. Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. ...

Conrad “Conard” Calvin Wright, age 82, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott. He was born April 8, 1942, in Dade County, Mo., the son of John “Sam” and Perna Jones Wright. Conrad graduated from FSHS with the class of 1960 and then FSCC in 1963. ...

Betty Lou Wade, 78, Topeka, passed away Tuesday, April 1, 2025, after a long illness. Born Betty Lou Lyons, she was a native of Fort Scott, Kan. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Paul Wade; a sister, Brenda and her husband, Marvin Ketner, Castle Rock, Colo.; a son, Stephen Wade, Topeka; and two daughters, Heather and her husband, Ahmet Kildis, Tarpon Springs, Fla., and Tiffany Wade, Topeka. She has three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and six nieces and nephews...

Marilyn Arleta (Haarberg) Baldonado was born on Jan. 23, 1943 to William H. "Bill" Haarberg and Agnes G. "Peggy" (Walling) Haarberg in Chase County, Neb. She died on March 25, 2025, in Crystal City, Mo., at Crystal Oaks Long Term Care after a long battle with Parkinson’s...

Amanda Kay Thurston, age 41, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Monday, March 31, 2025 at her home. She was born March 24, 1984 in Fort Scott to Billy and Pam Cowan. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2002, went on to Fort Scott Community College to play volleyball, and later graduated from Missouri Southern University with a bachelors in human resources and business...

Sherry Lyn Daniels, a cherished sister, mother and grandmother, passed away in the gentleness of twilight on March 30, 2025, at the age of 76, in Topeka, Kan., after her battle with cancer.  Born on Feb. 4, 1949, in Fort Scott, Kan., she embarked upon life's journey...

Phyllis Sybil Colbert, age 89, formerly of Linn Valley, Kan., passed away Friday, March 28, 2025. A Gathering to Celebrate Sybil's Life will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Fellowship Olathe. Visitation will follow until 8 p.m. Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. ...

Earnest Lee Riley, 79, a resident of Medicalodges, Fort Scott, Kan., died peacefully in his sleep on March 29, 2025. Earnie was born in Nowata, Okla., on July 3,1945 to Earl Riley and Ruby Irene (Harris) Riley. For many decades, Earnie’s care was coordinated through the Kansas Guardianship Program while he resided and worked in facilities operated by Tri-Valley Developmental Services. Declining health occasioned his move to Medicalodges. There are no known survivors...

Joseph Francis "Mr. Joe" Cunningham III, age 57, passed away Monday, March 31, 2025.   A gathering to celebrate Joe's life will be held from 2 to 4 pm, Sunday, April 6, 2025 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Mound City Chapel. Contributions can be made to the Joe Cunningham Memorial for use by the family. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com...

Kay Amyx beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025, at the age of 83, surrounded by her family. She was born on Aug. 26, 1941, to Walter and Mary Campbell. Kay married the love of her life, Bill Amyx, on April 4, 1960. ...

Thelma Hensley, of Springfield, Mo., passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the age of 103. She was born on Aug. 20, 1921, in Vernon County, Mo., to Wilhelm and Mazie (Oliver) Schmidt. Thelma was one of three children in the home. Thelma married Calvin Rex Hensley on Feb. ...

Bannus Bruce Hudson "Chief" was a fearless force, powered by his unique mix of optimism, tenacity, and ingenuity. Ban passed on to his next adventure March 20, 2025, the first day of spring. Ban was 79 years old, and only a few months short of his stretch goal of hitting 80...

Thomas Andrew Jones, age 83, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Community Springs Healthcare in El Dorado Springs, Mo. He was born Oct. 18, 1941, in Detroit, Mich., the son of Robert and Hazel Adams Jones. They later moved to Woodbine, Iowa...

Warren Edward Knight, a quiet kind man, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Fort Scott, Kan. Warren was 88 years old. He was born in Centerville, Kan., on April 27, 1936, to hard working and loving parents Harry Austin and Minnie Belle (Kline) Knight. ...

Donny Ray Roberts, a beloved family man and respected business owner from Fort Scott, Kan., passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 27, 2025, at the age of 46. A Celebration of Life will be held at noon Sunday, April 6 at Gunn Park Shelter House #1, 1010 Park Ave., Fort Scott. ...

Darvin E. Weaver, 76, of Mulberry, Kan., died at 11:19 P.M. Friday, March 28, 2025 at Mercy Hospital at Pittsburg, Kan. Mr. Weaver was born July 19, 1948 at Pittsburg, Kan., the son of Clarence William and Jeanette Ramage Weaver. Darvin was a publisher and a printer who has been a resident of Mulberry since 1977. ...

Donny Ray Roberts, a beloved family man and respected business owner from Fort Scott, Kan., passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 27, 2025, at the age of 46. A Celebration of Life will be held at noon Sunday, April 6 at Gunn Park Shelter House #1, 1010 Park Ave., Fort Scott. ...

Thomas Andrew Jones, age 83, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Community Springs Healthcare in El Dorado Springs, Mo. He was born Oct. 18, 1941, in Detroit, Mich., the son of Robert and Hazel Adams Jones. They later moved to Woodbine, Iowa...

George Frederick Hightower, age 77, a resident of Walnut, Kan., passed away Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Prairie Mission Retirement Village in St. Paul, Kan. He was born March 27, 1947, in Hartman, Ark., the son of John David Hightower and Dorothy Anita Kuhl Hightower. ...

Dora Alice Baucom George, born April 12, 1954, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. A celebration of her life was held at United Funeral Service in New Albany, Miss., on Wednesday, March 26. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. ...

Richard “Rick” Curtis Johnson, Sr. age 65, a resident of Blackwell, Okla., passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Rapid City, S.D. Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle, 502 S. ...

Thomas Andrew Jones, age 83, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Community Springs Healthcare in El Dorado Springs, Mo. Services for Tom Jones will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

Donna Lee Stites, age 84, Mound City, Kan., passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 31, 2025 at the Wall Street Church. Burial will be in the Sunny Slope Cemetery, Blue Mound, Kan. Memorial contributions are suggested to Ronald McDonald House. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com...

Dora Alice Baucom George, born April 12, 1954, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. A celebration of her life was held at United Funeral Service in New Albany, Miss., on Wednesday, March 26. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. ...

Brent Ross Wheeler, 68, of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 27, 1956 in Fort Scott in the back seat of his parent’s car to Ralph and Mary Elizabeth Simons Wheeler. Brent and his loving wife, Polly Katrina Walrod were married on March 21, 1981. They were married for 44 years. He was a proud father to Nick and Brooke and a cherished Papa to his five grandchildren, who were the light of his life...

Linda was born on Jan. 24, 1942 in Garnett, Kan., to Lester and Almeta Prentice. She was the oldest of three children. Her sisters are Elizabeth (Barnett) and Judy (Scully). Linda grew up near Parker, Kan., and attended the Parker schools. She graduated with her class in 1960...

Janice Patterson, age 100, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died peacefully at the Medicalodge on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Jan was born Feb. 13, 1925, in Mapleton, Kan., to Willis Francis Patterson and Mabel Evelyn Cooper Patterson. Her family lived on a farm south of Mapleton. ...

On March 18, 2025, the Lord called Sam to saddle up and help gather His Heavenly herd. Melvin "Sam" Rife was born Jan. 7, 1934, in Shaw, Kan., to Preston "PK" and Julia (Rush) Rife. Sam led an eventful life enjoying many activities, like playing football, rodeoing, singing at amateur shows with his sister, water skiing, playing ice hockey on the Osage River, hunting with his buddies, and serving as a 4-H leader and role model for many. ...

Morris “Joe” Bradshaw, 94, passed away March 7, 2025, at his home in Mound City, Kan. He was born July 4, 1930, in Gatesville, Texas, the son of Joe Berry Bradshaw and Eva (Blackwell) Bradshaw. He married Sandra Jones Sept. 10, 2002, in Fresno, Calif., and she survives of the home...

Faye Cowan, 106, a resident of Mapleton, Kan., passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Guest Home Estates in Fort Scott. She was born Sept. 3, 1918, in Franklin Township in Bourbon County, Kan., one of 10 children to Samuel Fredrick Brillhart and Lillie (Tyler) Brillhart. She married Floyd A. “Buck” Cowan Dec. 14, 1941, in Mapleton, and he preceded her in death in 2003...

Viola May Campbell, 92, of Fort Scott, passed away Friday morning, March 14, 2025, at Guest Home Estates. She was born Sept. 17, 1932, in Pleasanton, Kan., the daughter of Harley Otis Johnson and Pearl May (Shaffer) Johnson. She married Fred Campbell, Jr. Sept. 2, 1951, in Fort Scott, and he survives of the home...

Arthur McCammon “Mac” French, 75, of Fort Scott, passed away early Tuesday morning, March 11, 2025. He was born Oct. 7, 1949, in Pittsburg, Kan., the son of Arthur McCammon French and Patricia Ruth (Bicknel) French. He married Nema Burton and together they had two children, Tommy and Courtney. They later divorced, and Mac moved to the Dallas, Texas area to work. He married Shawn Murphy later in life, and she preceded him in death on Jan. 9, 2021...

William “Bill” D. Hall, age 83, of Fort Scott passed away on March 14, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan. He was born on March 25, 1941, in Fort Scott the son of Bill Hall and Margie Lyons. Bill graduated from Fort Scott High School, Fort Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University. He also proudly served four years in the United States Navy. His working years were that of a carpenter...

Rosemary Hambric, 92, passed away in Joplin, Mo., March 9, 2025. Following cremation, private family services will take place at a later date. Services are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.