Obituaries from March 2025

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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.

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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...

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. ...

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...

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. ...

Rosemary Hambric, 92, passed away in Joplin, Mo., March 9, 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...

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.

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.

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. ...

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...

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.

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...

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. ...

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.

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.

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. ...

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.

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. ...

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...

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...

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. ...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. ...

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. ...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

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.

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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...

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. ...

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. ...

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...

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...

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. ...

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. ...