Obituaries

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.

James Anthony “Jimmy” Houdashelt, age 60, resident of Fredonia, Kan., passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Candle Rock Nursing Home in Fredonia. There was cremation. The family will receive friends from 1 until 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the Cheney Witt Carriage House, 301 S. ...

Darrell Stephen “Steve” Houston, 75, of Fulton, Kan., passed away March 11, 2025, at Advent Health in Shawnee Mission, Kan. He was born July 18, 1949, in Nevada, Mo., the son of Willard Lafayette Houston and Margaret Ann (Barnes) Houston. He married Aleen, and they have been married for over 51 years...

Tonja Lynne Stockton, previously of Odessa, Mo., died on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Centerpoint Medical Center, Independence, Mo. She was 56. She was born on Aug. 12, 1968, in Northridge, Calif., and later adopted in 1974 by Ronald and Barbara Albright. She attended Fort Scott schools, graduating from Fort Scott High School in 1987...

William "Bill" D. Hall, age 83, of Fort Scott passed away on March 14, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan. There was cremation. Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct memorial services at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Interment will take place at a later date in the U.S. ...

Viola May Campbell, 92, of Fort Scott, passed away Friday morning, March 14, 2025, at Guest Home Estates. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Linda J. Schwatken, age 74, a resident of Joplin, Mo., passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at her home in Joplin. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 24, at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kan. The family will receive friends on Monday from 1 p.m. ...

Janice Patterson, age 100, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Medicalodge in Fort Scott. Services for Janice Patterson will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kan.

Tonja Lynne Stockton, 56, daughter of Ron and Barb Albright, passed away Thursday afternoon, March 13, 2025, in Independence, Mo. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Tommy C. Keith, age 83, resident of Arma, Kan., passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan. He was born on May 15, 1941, in Chanute, Kan., the son of Frank and Virginia Keith. He graduated from Chanute High School then Pittsburg State University. ...

Lois Joan Streeter, age 93 of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away in Louisburg, Kans., on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.  A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel. Burial will follow in the Pleasanton Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to the Vintage Park of Louisburg - Courtyard Garden Park Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com...

Morris “Joe” Bradshaw, 94, passed away March 7, 2025, at his home in Mound City, Kan. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Lloyd Wilson “Skip” Brown, 79, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife Laura by his side. He was a beloved son, brother, husband and friend to many people on his journey through life. Born in Baltimore, MD, he grew up around the world, courtesy of the United States Army, to include Japan, Europe and numerous family postings in the United States...

Michael Alan Cole, age 52, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away unexpectedly Friday, March 7, 2025, at his home. He was born Oct. 10, 1972, in Iola, Kan., the son of William Richard Cole and Audrey Kay Page Cole. Michael spent the first part of his life living and Bronson, Kan., and attending school in Uniontown. ...

Faye Cowan, 106, a resident of Mapleton, Kan., passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Guest Home Estates in Fort Scott. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Arthur “Mac” French, 75, of Fort Scott, passed away early Tuesday morning, March 11, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Lucille R. Goltra, age 97, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Monday, March 10, 2025, (12 days shy of her 98th birthday) at the Medicalodges in Fort Scott. She was born March 22, 1927, in rural Bourbon County, Kan., the daughter of Charles O. and Helen Grace (Roberts) David. Lucille married Robert J. Goltra, Sr. on Jan. 24, 1947. He preceded her in death on July 20, 1991...

Rosemary Hambric, 92, passed away in Joplin, Mo., March 9, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Donna Louise Housman, age 76, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Saturday at her home surrounded by family. Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct funeral services at 11 a.m. Friday March 14 at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Large Cemetery. ...

Alvin Eugene Wolf, age 60, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Friday, March 7, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Mo. There was cremation. A Celebration of Life service will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Parkway Church of God (Holiness). Memorials are suggested to the Alvin Wolf Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com...

Lester Waring, age 89, resident of Garland, Kan., passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Girard Medical Center. He was born Aug. 20, 1935, in Garland, the son of Albert Lester Waring, Sr. and Annie Marguerite Dobelbower Waring. Following high school, Lester served in the U. ...

Michial “Mike” Leon Spurling, 68, of Liberal, Mo., passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan., after a lengthy illness. Mike was born on July 27, 1956, in Lamar, Mo., to Wilbur and Ethel Spurling. He lived his entire life in the Liberal, Mo., area, where he was raised by Wilbur and Velma Spurling...

Michael "Mike" Shelden, 58, of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away March 3, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him. Born on July 24, 1966, in Fort Scott, Kan., he was the son of Virgil Shelden (deceased) and Mary Shelden. Mike was a devoted family man, known for his warm heart and deep love for those around him. ...

Betty Pauli Ruddick, age 91, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Sunday March 2, 2025, in Camdenton, Mo. She was born July 3, 1933, in Manhattan, Kan., the daughter of Lowell Carl and Wilma Swart Pauli. Betty graduated from Paseo High School in Kansas City in 1951 and graduated from Drury College in 1955. ...

David Allen Ayers, age 76, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital Emergency Room in Joplin, Mo. He was born June 7, 1948, in Mound City, Kan., the son of Chester Ayers and Reba Henderson Ayers. David graduated from the Blue Mound High School. ...

Wendell Oliver Arnold, age 89, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away early Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Medicalodge in Fort Scott. He was born July 1, 1935, in Ottawa, Kan., the son of Oscar C.R. Arnold and Effie Lynne Walker Arnold. Wendell graduated from the Ottawa High School. ...

Michael D. Shelden, 58, of Fort Scott, passed away at his home Monday evening. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Wanda Jane (Leek) Giddens passed away peacefully at her home in Tulsa, Okla., on Feb. 12, 2025, at the age of 95. Wanda was born on Jan. 18, 1930, in Richards, Mo., to Ross and Hazel (West) Leek, on what was recorded as the coldest night in the area – 13 degrees below zero. ...

Betty P. Ruddick, age 91, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Camdenton, Mo. Jay Lotterer will conduct funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 10 at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. ...

Delbert David Metcalf, “Dub” as he was known to most, age 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on Nov. 11, 1948, to Wayne and Ellen Schubert Metcalf in Fort Scott, Kan., where he remained a life-long resident. ...

Joyce Anne (Payne) Johnson, 85, of Augusta, Kan., originally from Fort Scott, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. She was born on Feb. 4, 1940, in Fort Scott, Kan.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl C. and Belva L. (Simons) Payne and granddaughter, Jordan Rene “JoJo” Shores. ...

Hubert Owen Thomas, “Tommy” to JoAnn, passed away Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, at his home in Pawnee Station, Kan., where he resided with his wife, JoAnn Thomas. Hubert was born June 22, 1940, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Earl Owen and Edna Mae Thomas and later the brother of Karen “Sue” Thomas...

Thomas “Tom” Frederick Karleskint, age 81, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., left this earthly body and went to be with Jesus on Feb. 21, 2025, in the comfort of his home. He was born July 14, 1943, in Fort Scott, Kan., the youngest of 13 siblings (Rita, Esther, Helen, Leo James, Marjorie, Joan, William, Rosalie, Alice, Carol, Patricia, Ruth, Tom) to Frederick and Caroline Karleskint. ...

Delbert David Metcalf, 76, passed away Sunday afternoon, Feb. 23, 2025, at Twin Oaks Health & Rehab, Lansing, Kan. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Thomas F. Karleskint, age 81, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at his home. Funeral services for Tom Karleskint will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kan.

Gayle Diane Farris, a beacon of love and courage, passed away on Feb. 4, 2025, in Greenville, S.C., at the age of 63. Born on Nov. 30, 1961, in Fort Scott, Kan., Gayle’s life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and the joy she brought to those around her...

Danny Lee Hall, age 72, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan. He was born Nov. 3, 1952, in Fort Scott, the son of Forrest Elvin “Slim” Hall and Betty Jean Wratchford Hall. Danny was disabled since birth, and his life revolved around time spent at home with his mom and dad. ...

Carolyn Jean Humphrey Kincaid died Jan. 17, 2025 in Montecito, Calif. She was 93. Carolyn was born in Fort Scott, Kan., on July 21, 1931 to Wilbur William Humphrey of Kansas and Bertha Harriet Lapham Humphrey of Clay Center, Kan. Her family moved to Carpinteria, Calif., in 1936. Carolyn graduated from Stanford University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy...

Penelope Sue Reasoner, age 73, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Mo. She was born on Dec. 23, 1951, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Eugene and Grace Berniece Pottorff Coombs. She attended early school years in St. ...

Patricia Margaret “Trish” Scott, age 63, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan. There was cremation. Memorial services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at the Cheney Witt Chapel. ...

Charles Robert (Chuck) Smith of Kansas City, Mo., passed away at Research Hospital on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 after a brief illness. Charles was born Aug. 8, 1965 to Gerald (Firpo) and Patricia Smith. Chuck grew up in Fort Scott, Kan., and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1983. ...

Charles Robert (Chuck) Smith of Kansas City, Mo., passed away at Research Hospital on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 after a brief illness. Charles was born Aug. 8, 1965 to Gerald (Firpo) and Patricia Smith. Chuck grew up in Fort Scott, Kan., and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1983. ...

Penelope Sue Reasoner, age 73, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Mo. Services for Sue Reasoner will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St.

Opal Maxine Hunziker, age 84, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died unexpectedly Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, at her home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery. ...

Gordon Leon Phillips, age 67, recently of Englewood, Colo., passed away peacefully in his sleep while at home Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. Gordon was born Aug. 28, 1957 in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Thomas E. Phillips and Josephine Marie (nee McDaniel) Phillips...

Sharon Kay Miller, 81, of Fort Scott, most recently Tallahassee, Fla., passed away on Feb. 4, 2025. She was born in Fort Scott, Kan., on June 11, 1943, to loving parents Kenneth Wilson Simons and Veda Fern Wheeler Simons. She graduated with the Fort Scott High School class of 1961. Sharon married George Kepley (G.K.) Miller on June 23, 1962 in Mapleton, Kan...