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The Excelsior Springs Standard publishes death notices free of charge as a public service. They are edited for length, clarity and conformity to style. An expanded obituary (indicated by an asterisk below) is available for a fee. Contact your funeral home for more information.)
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Lorene Ballard
Lorene Ballard, 95, Richmond, Mo. (formerly of Hardin, Mo.), died Wednesday, April 1, 2009. Visitation will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with services following at 2 p.m. Burial in Liberty Cemetery, northeast of Hardin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation.
Ralph Baughman
Ralph Morris Baughman, 80, Wood Heights, Mo., died Thursday, April 9, 2009, at Excelsior Springs Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Mr. Baughman was born July 10, 1928, in Scottsbluff, Neb., the son of John F. and Mary Ella (West) Baughman. He was married to Virginia Setzer on Jan. 7, 1950. He spent most of his career as a funeral director and embalmer. He was a long time member of Woods Memorial Christian Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Roy Baughman. Survivors include his wife, Virginia, Excelsior Springs; son, Randy R. Baughman, Missouri City; brothers, John Baughman, Holden, and Ray Baughman, Higginsville; three grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at Woods Memorial Christian Church in Excelsior Springs. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 13, also at the church. Burial will take place at Kidder Cemetery in Kidder. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Woods Memorial Christian Church.
Debi Bears
Debi Stapp Bears, 47, Glenaire in Liberty, Mo., died Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at her home. Ms. Bears was born Nov. 22, 1961, in Kansas City. She worked for Allied National Inc. for 20 years. She was preceded in death by her father, Carl Wesley Stapp, in 2000. Survivors include her mother, Louise Chrisman and husband, Jack, Liberty; and her brother, Lonnie Stapp, Kearney. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 24, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel in Liberty. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Winston Cemetery in Winston. Memorial contributions may be made to the Olive Branch Ministry at Northland Abundant Life Worship Center.
Fedrico Benavidez
Fedrico "Freddie" Benavidez, 66, Liberty, Mo., died Monday, April 13, 2009. Memorial services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, April 17, at South Liberty Baptist Church in Liberty. Arrangements are through D.W. Newcomer's Sons Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home in Liberty.
"Hal" Birkhold Jr.
Harold W. "Hal" Birkhold Jr., 63, Kansas City, Mo., died Sunday, April 19, 2009, in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Mr. Birkhold worked at Delphi in Kansas City. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Eley Funeral Home in Centrevillle, Mich.
*Patricia Bisbee
Patricia Yvonne Bisbee passed away quietly and peacefully among family and friends on the morning of April 17, 2009, at 73 years of age after a battle with breast cancer. She was born on Aug. 2, 1935, at the Garden of Eden in Lucas, Kan. Her parents, Casey and Emilie Rounkles, moved to Kansas City in 1940, eventually moving to Excelsior Springs in 1950. She graduated Excelsior Springs High School in 1953, and married her high school and lifelong sweetheart, Larry Bisbee, on Dec. 3 of the same year. Together they had four children, Patric,Chris, Caroline (Kiko) and Carey. She was a dedicated mother and housewife and played a key part in the formation of the family business, Clay Ray Plastics Company. Later she continued her entrepreneurial spirit, starting EPI - Excelsior Plastics Industries, which distributed plastic products to the floral industry. Even with that busy schedule she still found time to volunteer at North Kansas City Hospital. A highlight of her life was the gift of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who she often said were "God's reward for raising four kids." She loved to travel, seeing much of the world, often accompanied by her grandson. Eventually she found Fort Myers Beach, Fla., retiring there in 1992. There she enjoyed the warm Florida sunshine, daily walks on the beach and the beautiful gulf sunsets, and formed many cherished friendships. Patricia was preceded in death by her son, Patric Kimball; and parents, Casey and Emilie Rounkles. She is survived by her husband, Larry; her children, Chris and his wife, Amy, Caroline (Kiko) and Carey Bisbee; her grandchildren, Chad and his wife, Rebekah, and Trisha Bisbee; great-grandchildren, Matthew and Gracie Bisbee; her siblings and their spouses, John and Cheryl Dinsmore, Emily and Steve Stevens, Rodney and Judy Rounkles and Ramon and Sandra Rounkles; as well as many nieces and nephews. She leaves us a precious legacy of love of God, a positive attitude and a glowing spirit that is reflected in family and friends. Patricia's memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, at Woods Memorial Christian Church in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Cremation. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 217 W. Broadway, Excelsior Springs.
"Jan" Branstietter
Janetta Susan "Jan" Branstietter, 67, Austell, Ga. (formerly of Richmond, Mo., and Lawson, Mo.), died Thursday, April 2, 2009, in Austell. Funeral services were held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 6, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Dalene Brown
Dalene Sue Brown, 62, Kansas City, Mo., died Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at Calvary Hospital in New York City, N.Y. Ms. Brown was born in Excelsior Springs. Survivors include two sons, Kenneth Risley and Jameslee Lewis; two grandchildren, Christopher Risley and Ashlee Lewis; and one brother, Richard Dryden. Cremation. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Margaret Butts
Margaret Ellen Butts, 72, Las Vegas, Nev., died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at her home. Ms. Butts was born April 11, 1936, in South Shields, England. Survivors include four sons, Marc Snelling and Joe Butts, both of Excelsior Springs, Travis Snelling, Las Vegas, Nev., and Lea Oliver, Miami, Fla.; one sister, Rena Mitchell; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Salem Christian Union Church in Excelsior Springs. Burial will take place at Crown Hill Cemetery in Excelsior Springs.
Matthew Byler
Matthew J. Byler, 31, Liberty, Mo., died Monday, April 13, 2009. Mr. Byler was born Aug. 16, 1977, in Kansas City, Kan. He grew up in Liberty, Mo., and attended school there. He was a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty. Survivors include his parents, J.D. and Sandy Byler; his chidlren, Kyle and Kaylee; and other family members. Visitation was held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty, followed by services at 7 p.m., also at the church. Burial in Lathrop Cemetery in Lathrop. Arrangements are through Park Lawn Northland Chapel in Liberty. Memorial contributions may be made to In As Much Ministry or Love Inc., both located in Liberty.
*Elsa Carrel
Elsa L. Carrel, 80, passed away April 7, 2009. Elsa was born Jan. 7, 1929, in Schweinfurt, Germany. She attended elementary and high school in Schweinfurt, and upon graduation was employed by the Kolb Department Store and the Army Air Force Post Exchange system. Elsa married Harry B. Carrel Jr. in 1953, and entered the United States in December 1955. Elsa and family resided in Fort Lewis, Wash., Fort Carson, Colo., Augsburg, Germany, Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Fort Riley, Kan., Fort Hood, Texas, Giessen, Germany, and returned to Excelsior Springs, Mo., when her husband retired in 1970. Elsa was preceded in death by her father and mother, Otto Vogel and Katherine Schenk Vogel, Schweinfurt, German; brothers, Willie Vogel, Schweinfurt, Germany, and Karl Vogel and wife, Gunda, Lichten Fels Koston, Germany; brothers-in-law, Otto Schmidtnecht, Schweinfurt, Germany, George Rittel, Excelsior Springs, Mo., C.D. Carrel and wife, Irene, Excelsior Springs, Mo.; and sister Anne Hettrich and husband, Alfons, Wurtzburg, Germany. Elsa is survived by her husband, H.B. Carrel Jr., of the home; two sons, Harry B. Carrel III, Chicago, Ill., and Carl Carrel, Excelsior Springs, Mo.; one grandson, John, and one great-grandson, Adain, Chicago, Ill.; two sisters, Christel Schmidtnecht, Schweinfurt, Germany, and Frieda Rittel, Kearney, Mo.; and 17 nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 10, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Burial in New Hope Cemetery in Liberty. Friends may call from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations either to St. Ann Catholic Church in Excelsior Springs or to Excelsior Springs Hospice.
Martha Lou Chaney
Martha Lou Chaney, Kearney, Mo., died Wednesday, April 22, 2009. Services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at Fry, Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Kearney. Visitation will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the services, at the funeral home. Cremation; burial at a later date in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kearney.
*Shirley Chowning
Shirley Mae Robertson Husher Chowning was born on Jan. 10, 1934, in Kansas City, Kan., to James Harold Robertson and Mae Patterson Robertson. She departed this life on Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at her home in Mirabile, Mo. Shirley had three brothers, Bill, Jim, and Ray. Bill and Jim have already passed away and Ray resides in Texas. On Jan. 19, 1952, Shirley was united in marriage with William Theodore Husher. From this union Shirley was blessed with five children, Patricia Mae, Sharon Kay, William Edward, Diana Fay, and Margie Rae. Pat and Sharon have departed this life. At the time of her death, Shirley had nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, three stepchildren, six stepgrandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley's husband, Ted, passed away on April 29, 1982, and on Oct. 29, 1983, she was united in marriage with Ellis Ray Chowning, who resides at the home. Shirley was a member of the Vibbard Christian Union Church where she was a Sunday school teacher of little children. Shirley was a happy and cheerful person who had a strong inner strength that helped to carry her through the hardest of times when life was unkind. She loved horses, painting nature pictures, crafts and sewing. She loved her family and she found much happiness in being with them at family gatherings or just "hanging out." When she was with the children you could just see the love radiating from her to them. She was a loving mother, wife and a devoted housekeeper who could always find time to help anyone who was in need. The sad times in Shirley's life came when her brother, Jim, was killed in Korea, and at the loss of Ted, Pat, Sharon and Bill. But with her faith in God and strong inner strength she overcame her sadness and carried on. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Prairie Ridge Christian Union Church, Polo, Mo. Burial will be in the Mirabile Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 1, at the Polley Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs, Mo.
Loretta Courter
Loretta D. Courter, 67, Parkville, Mo., died Friday, April 10, 2009, at St. Luke1s Northland Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. Mrs. Courter was born Aug. 13, 1941, in Wichita, Kan., the daughter of Kenneth and Leora Swenson. She was a beautician, operating room technician and chemical handler. Survivors include her husband, Larry Joe Courter, of the home; sons, Brian J. Courter and Devin E. Courter, both of Plattsburg; stepsons, Michael D. Rank, Kearney, and Mark T. Rank, Kansas City; stepdaughters, Melissa R. Huffman, Shawnee, Kan., and Melinda M. Rustici, Smithville; brother, Richard L. Swenson, Omaha, Neb.; sister, Vickey L. Swenson-Parsons, Broomfield, Colo.; and 23 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, April 18, at Meyers Funeral Chapel Northland in Parkville. Cremation. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Loretta D. Courter Memorial Fund, to be established at a later date.
Clyde Craven
Clyde O'Kell Craven, 86, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Monday, April 6, 2009, at Excelsior Springs Hospital. Mr. Craven was born June 16, 1922, in Excelsior Springs, the son of Hugh Allen and Hattie Alice (Wood) Craven. He was married to Loretta Fern Titus on Feb. 9, 1946; she preceded him in death. He was a lifelong resident of Excelsior Springs. Following his discharge from the Army, he worked in construction and a cabinet maker. In the 1950s he formed Clyde Craven Custom Homes, which he operated until his retirement in 1978. He was a member of Flack Memorial Christian Union Church. He had been a former member of Excelsior Springs Baptist Church. In addition to his wife and his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. Survivors include a son, Bryce Craven, Lawson; two grandchildren, Zachary Craven and Lorri Craven, both of Lawson; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at Flack Memorial Christian Union Church in Excelsior Springs. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery in Excelsior Springs. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.
Erma Dagley
Erma Nell Dagley, 95, died Tuesday, April 8, 2009, at the Excelsior Springs Convalescent Center in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Fry, Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Kearney, with services to follow at 2 p.m.
Delores Douglas
Delores Douglas, 70, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Saturday, April 18, 2009. Survivors include a daughter, Tabitha Douglas; a brother, Glenn Arnold; and a niece, Beverly Arnold. Graveside services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.
"Danny" Ducharme
Daniel W. "Danny" Ducharme, 60, Lathrop, Mo., died Tuesday, April 28, 2009, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Mr. Ducharme was born Oct. 26, 1948, in Holyoke, Mass. He moved to Excelsior Springs, Mo., in 1990, and lived there until he moved to Lathrop a year ago. He was also a resident of Belchertown, Mass. He was a machinist. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Ernest and Marie Claire (LeBlanc) Ducharme. Survivors include his two children, Richeline Breckenridge, Lathrop, and Chris Ducharme, Liberty; four siblings, Joyce Frye and Diane Provost, both of Holyoke, Mass., Naomi Rice, Wales, Mass., and Dennis Ducharme, Gower, Mo.; and three grandchildren. Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Excelsior Springs. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Cremation will follow the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Daniel W. "Danny" Ducharme Memorial Fund, in care of Bailey & Cox Family Funeral Service in Polo.
Pamela Duncan-Edson
Pamela M. Duncan-Edson, 56, Wichita, Kan., died Thursday, April 30, 2009. Survivors include her husband, Douglas, of the home; stepdaughters, Deborah Hopkins and Rachel Wolff, both of Kansas City; and brothers, Tim Duncan, Orrick, and Jim Duncan, Kansas City. Memorial services were set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, at Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Memorial contributions may be made to: Victory in the Valley, 3755 E. Douglas, Eichita, KS 67218; the American Cancer Society, 818 N. Emporia, S-100, Wichita, KS 67214; or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202.
Bette Gibbs
Bette Jean Gibbs, 84, Liberty, Mo., died Friday, April 24, 2009. Ms. Gibbs was born April 17, 1925, in Joplin, Mo., the daughter of William and Ruth Hagensicker. She was married to Richard L. Gibbs on Feb. 25, 1943; he died March 25, 1990. She worked at Liberty High School as a cashier in the cafeteria for 15 years. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church for many years. She was a volunteer at Liberty Hospital. Survivors include her children, Ronald Gibbs, Kansas City, Sheryl Stegall, Kearney, Thomas D. Gibbs and Richard A. Gibbs, both of Liberty, and David L. Gibbs, Kearney; a sister, Virginia Knight, Joplin; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 27, at St. James Catholic Church in Liberty. Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, prior to the services. Private burial in Glenridge Cemetery in Liberty. Arrangements are through Fry, Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Kearney. Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Catholic Church, 309 S. Stewart, Liberty, MO 64068.
Steven Harter
Steven A. Harter, 59, Independence, Mo., died Saturday, April 18, 2009. Mr. Harter spent much of his life in the Kansas City, Mo., area but also lived in Ottawa, Kan., southern Missouri and California. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Irene Harter. Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer Dopson; sisters, Mina Shadden and Joyce Williams; brother, Raymond; and other relatives. A private memorial will be held by immediate family. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Memorial contributions may be made the Midwest Transplant Network by contacting Ellen at (913) 262-1668.
Virginia Hartman
Virginia Lee Hartman, 71, Wood Heights, Mo., died Monday, April 20, 2009, at St. Luke1s Hospital on the Plaza in Kansas City, Mo. Ms. Hartman was born March 28, 1938, in Minneapolis, Minn., the daughter of Earl D. and Bernice (Jensen) Bowers. She was married to Robert John Hartman on Oct. 16, 1980. She was a member of NARFE. She was also a longtime volunteer at the Good Samaritan Center in Excelsior Springs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and two great-grandchildren. Survivors include two daughters Deborah Brown, Lancaster, Calif., and Pamela A. McCown, Lawson; son, John Maltsberger, Sierra Vista, Ariz.; brothers, Fred Bowers, Washington state, and Clay Bowers, Boise, Idaho; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Cremation; a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo.
"Pat" Hill
Patricia Louise "Pat" Hill, 63, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died after a long battle with cancer on April 24, 2009. Mrs. Hill was born June 18, 1945, in Hawarden, Iowa, the daughter of Edwin and Ella Frerichs. She attended country school and graduated from Akron (Iowa) High School. She was married to John Hill on March 11, 1977. The family moved to Excelsior Springs in 1989. She was Dr. Buzard's nurse for 16 years before retiring for health reasons in 2007. Survivors include her husband, John, of Excelsior Springs; daughter, Karen Long, Cherokee, Iowa; daughter, Stephanie Lyons, Pierre, S.D.; son, Mickey Hill, Overland Park, Kan.; her mother, Ella Frerichs, Akron, Iowa; brother, Randy Frerichs, Akron, Iowa; and nine grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 28, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Excelsior Springs, with Msgr. William Caldwell officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, April 27, at the church, with a Rosary service at 7 p.m. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or The Blessed Father Selos Center in New Orleans, La.
*Roberta Howe
Roberta Ilene Howe, 83, Orrick, Mo., died Saturday, April 4, 2009, at her daughter's home in Orrick. Mrs. Howe was born March 15, 1926, in Osceola, Iowa, to Royal Clyde and Anna Gertrude (Patterson) Shinn. She married Gerald Fazel Howe of Osceola on March 7, 1947; he preceded her in death on Sept. 1, 1979. Survivors include five sons and four daughters-in-law, Donald and Kathy Howe of Orrick, Mo., Lanny Howe of Henrietta, Mo., Dennis and Lorri Howe of Richmond, Mo., Roger and Karen Howe of St. Joseph, Mo., and Michael and Tina Howe of Lawson, Mo.; one daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Jerry Gore of Orrick, Mo.; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry and Margo Shinn of Independence, Mo., and Gene and Minnie Shinn of Burlington, Iowa. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Jennifer Howe; and two brothers, Clyde Shinn Jr. and Lyle Shinn. Roberta graduated from normal teachers' training at Ames, Iowa, and taught for a while in a one-room schoolhouse near Murray, Iowa, before raising her children. Roberta was a housewife and homemaker. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the ALS Association. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at the funeral home. Burial will be at South Point Cemetery, Orrick.
*William John Kepler
2 March 1924 - 13 April 2009
At home in Safety Harbor, Fla., after a long illness. Loving husband and father. Survived by his spouse, Dawnie; brothers, Elmer and Edward; sister, Edna; sons, Steven of Safety Harbor, Fla., James and his spouse, Feliza, of Reston, Va., and William and his spouse, June, of Independence, Mo.; daughters, Jeanette Schnellmann of Oldsmar, Fla., Barbara Scobee and her spouse, Samuel, of Carthage, Miss.; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, 18 April 2009, at Hillcrest Cemetery, Excelsior Springs, Mo. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, 17 April, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo.
Carol Lamb
Carol Lynn (Taylor) Lamb, 58, Smithville, Mo., died Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at her home. Ms. Lamb was born Dec. 22, 1950, in Smithville, the daughter of Howard Allen and Alice Lucille (Moore) Taylor. She worked as a medical receptionist. She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Kimberly Lamb. Survivors include her sons, Lance Lamb and Scott Lamb, both of Smithville; brothers, Gary Taylor, Hudson, Ill., and Keith Taylor, Smithville; sisters, Sharon Jones, Joyce Callahan and Linda Matthews, all of Smithville; and four grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Smithville; burial in IOOF Cemetery in Smithville. Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 24, at the funeral home.
*Eletha McBrayer
Eletha M. McBrayer, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Sunday, April 19, 2009, at Pleasant Valley Manor in Liberty, Mo. Eletha was born Aug. 31, 1926, to William Henry and Cora Leona Mae Smith Westendorff in Urich, Mo. She, along with her husband Delbert, owned the Inn & Out Restaurant in Excelsior Springs. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW. She was a Christian and was baptized at the Assembly of God Church in 2005. Eletha is survived by a son, William D. "Bill" and his wife, Scarlett, Raceland, La.; daughter, Patricia Daniel, Lexington, Mo.; daughter, Linda Evans and husband, Larry, Liberty, Mo.; sister, Virginia Williams and husband, Wayne, Clinton, Mo.; brother, Wilbur Westendorff, Blairstown, Mo.; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 24, at Bross & Spidle Chapel in Excelsior Springs. Burial to follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kearney. Friends may call from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at the chapel.
Kimberly McKinley
Kimberly McKinley, 41, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Tuesday, April 28, 2009. Mrs. McKinley was born Oct. 26, 1967, in North Kansas City, and graduated from Winnetonka High School. She worked in sales for Tri-Lateral Sales and was a member of Rock Falls Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Clark. Survivors include her husband, Richard E. McKinley Jr.; four children, Jeffrey Green, Kayla Green, Tiffany McKinley and Ashley McKinley; her mother, Patricia Sparks; her stepfather, Ron Sparks; brothers, Kevin Clark and Robert Rodriguez; and sister, Marie Cobb. Visitation will be held from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday, May 1, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel in Liberty. Graveside services will immediately follow in Glenridge Cemetery in Liberty. Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Hospital Oncology Clinic.
*Irene Mooney
Irene Kinsey Mooney went to be with the Lord on April 7, 2009. She was born on Sept. 17, 1944, in Ypsilanti, Mich., and is survived by her husband, Jere, son Jerry from New Port Richey, Fla., and three daughters, Lori of Marshfield, Mass., Patty and Debbie Mooney of Jonesboro, Ark., and their families. Also surviving is her mother Emma of Carney, Mich., brothers Conrad, Tom and Billy, sisters Linda and Jeannie, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Irene was preceded in death by her father, a brother, Jerry, and a sister, Kathy. Irene was known to almost everyone as Cindy. To her, family and friends were the most important things in life. Cindy's extended family included neighbors, co-workers, and a group of fourteen girlfriends with whom she canoed faithfully for 20 years. Cindy worked professionally as a landscape designer/director at William Jewell College for many years. She was highly energetic and had many hobbies and talents throughout her life. Cindy owned and operated several restaurants, catering businesses, bakeries and even formed a fencing crew for a couple of years to help out a close family friend. Of all her many talents, Cindy's greatest gift was painting. She created beautiful works of art on every surface imaginable, from canvas to saw blades. Many of Cindy's family and friends have enjoyed gifts over the years in the form of Cindy's artwork and will now cherish those paintings and artistic creations as memories for years to come. She was a woman of strength, integrity and had a brilliant mind, always saying things as she saw them. Cindy was a wife of 43 years and mother to more than just her own. She was respected and loved by everyone she came into contact with and will always be remembered by her family and friends with love, honor and respect. A memorial service will be 4 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2009, at Cathedral Baptist Church, where she was a member, with Brother Doug Welborn officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Burial will be private and there will be no visitation. For those wishing to leave lasting memorials, the family requests you please consider St. Bernard's Hospice, 1726 Marie Circle, Jonesboro, AR 72401. To sign an online guest book, go to www.emersonfuneralhome.com.
Bonnie Moss
Bonnie M. Moss, 92, Kansas City, Mo., died Sunday, April 19, 2009, at Riverside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Ms. Moss was born Sept. 28, 1916, in Breckenridge, the daughter of Ethel (Lingard) and G. Ray Smith. She was married to Charles Robert Moss on Aug. 6, 1937; they lived in the Braymer/Kingston area until they moved to Kansas City in 1942. She was actively involved with Central Christian Church in Kansas City, then at First Christian Church of North Kansas City. She was also involved in PTA while her children were in school. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Charles Robert Moss; an infant son, Charles Richard Moss; and a sister, Helen Hobbs. Survivors include two sons, Larry Moss, Claycomo, and Gary Moss, Liberty; a daughter, Linda Moss, Minneapolis, Minn.; a sister, Juanita Moss, Gilmer, Texas; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 16 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation was held Thursday, April 23, at McGilley Antioch Chapel in Kansas City. Funeral services were scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, April 24, also at the chapel. Graveside services were set for noon Friday at Evergreen Cemetery in Braymer. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church of North Kansas City.
Frank Parkison Jr.
Frank Edward Parkison Jr., 66, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Tuesday, April 14, 2009, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo. Mr. Parkison was born Feb. 9, 1943, in Leonardtown, Md., the son of Frank Edward and Cleo (Scott) Parkison Sr. He was married to Geniece Lee Hansford on Jan. 27, 1972; she survives. Growing up, he lived in various cities, as his father was in the Navy. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, he worked for Boeing Aircraft, moving to Colorado where he was married, then six months later he moved to Excelsior Springs. He worked for Ford Motor Company until his retirement in 1988. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Helen Wayno; and one brother, Edward Parkison. In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Helen Hancock, Excelsior Springs, and Darlene Greeley, Sedalia; one sister, Marcia Romo, Raytown; four brothers, Jim Parkinson, Puyallup, Wash., Leon Parkison, Texas, Douglas Parkison, Tacoma, Wash., and Stewart Parkison of Kansas City; and six grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 17, at Pisgah Cemetery east of Excelsior Springs, Mo. Military honors will be conducted at the graveside. There is no public visitation scheduled. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.
Lorraine Phillips
Lorraine M. Phillips, 85, died Friday, April 3, 2009, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo. Ms. Phillips was born July 18, 1923, in Leavenworth, Kan., and came to the Kansas City area via Excelsior Springs, Mo. She graduated from Excelsior Springs High School in 1941. After working in the administrative offices of the Rock Island Railroad, she became a homemaker. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. In addition to her parents, Frank and Josephine Kochanowski, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, John E. Phillips Sr., in February 2009; and two brothers, Harry and Gene Kochanowski. Survivors include four children, Mary Ann Phillips, Joplin, Cece Hopper, West Des Moines, Iowa, John E. Phillips Jr., Raytown, and Angie Phillips, Portland, Ore.; three sisters, Betty Dowell, Excelsior Springs, Louise Barr, Leawood, Kan., and Shirley Fagan, Lenexa, Kan.; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at McGilley & Sheil Funeral Home in Kansas City. Entombment in the Mt. Olivet Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the funeral home.
Nicholas Porter
Nicholas Clay Porter, 97, Kansas City, Mo., died Tuesday, April 28, 2009. Mr. Porter was preceded in death by his wife, Mary E. Porter. Survivors include two daughters, Sandra E. Vick, Olathe, Kan., and Mary K. Porter, Kansas City; one sister, Gertrude Endicott, Kearney; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Visitation was set for 9 a.m. Friday, May 1, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Kansas City, followed by funeral services at 10 a.m. Burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kansas City.
David Price
David M. Price, 53, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Sunday, April 5, 2009. Mr. Price was born July 19, 1955, the son of William and Edra Price. He worked as a printer. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Victoria, of the home; six children, Johnna O'Connor, Rebecca Price, David Michael Price Jr., Aimee Price, Aleisha Price and Allison Price; brother, William Price; sister, Connie Falkenberry; and one granddaughter. Graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at Pisgah Cemetery in Excelsior Springs. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.
Pete Roberts
Pete Roberts, 38, Rayville, Mo., died Friday, April 3, 2009. Mr. Roberts was born July 22, 1970, in Smithville, the son of Darrel Lee Roberts and Phyllis Jean Zeigler. He lived and worked around Kansas City as a motorcycle mechanic, builder and carpenter. In 1998, he moved to Rayville and worked at Lawson Manor & Rehabilitation Center. He was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis Jean Zeigler; and his brother, Owen Lee Roberts. Survivors include sisters, Mary Beth Webber and Donna New; brother, Harold Roberts; father, Darrel Roberts; and nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the Assembly of God Church in Lawson. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at Polley Funeral Home in Lawson. Burial will be at Lawson Cemetery.
Bernard Rovito
Bernard M. Rovito, 88, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at Excelsior Springs Hospital. Mr. Rovito was born Sept. 9, 1920, in Weehawken, N.J., the son of Thomas and Margaret (McMahon) Rovito. He was married to Catherine Wickhurst on May 23, 1941. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine; sister, Ortenzia-Ann Keating; and brothers, Gennaro Rovito, Robert Rovito and Edward Rovito. Survivors include two daughters, Sharon Shever, Hereford, Ariz., and Nancy Richardson, Oregon; three sons, Bernie Rovito, Fairhaven, Mich., and Thomas Rovito and Mark Rovito, both of Excelsior Springs; four sisters, Margaret Scorziello, Elizabeth Schmidt, Delores Ehlen and Arline Stepkovich; brother, Thomas Rovito; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Cremation. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.
Ruth (O'Hare) Ryan
Ruth (O'Hare) Ryan, 56, died Sunday, April 5, 2009, at Pourdre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colo. Mrs. Ryan was born Aug. 21, 1952, in Excelsior Springs, Mo., the daughter of Fred and Edith O'Hare. She lived there until 1979, attended Excelsior Springs school, then moved to Fort Collins. She was married to Randy Ryan in June 1990. She worked for Mountain Bell/US WEST/QUEST for more than 30 years. Most recently, she worked at Front Range Brain and Spine in Fort Collins. She was preceded in death by her father, Fred O'Hare; and her brother, Dennis Stevenson. Survivors include her mother, Edith O'Hare; her husband, Randy Ryan; her daughter, RayAnn Roskop; stepdaughters, Brandi Ryan and Jennifer Kooienga; and eight grandchildren with a ninth on the way. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Bohlender Funeral Chapel in Fort Collins, Colo. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ruth Ryan Memorial Fund, in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, CO 80524.
Kathryn Smallwood
Kathryn L. Smallwood, 99, Los Angeles, died Sunday, April 12, 2009, at North Kansas City Hospital in North Kansas City, Mo. Ms. Smallwood was born Nov. 2, 1909, in Columbia, Mo., the daughter of William B. and Eliza (Gamble) Lewis. She was married to Millard Smallwood on Oct. 13, 1955; he preceded her in death in 1985. She was employed with the California Public Board of Education until her retirement in 1980. She was a member of Christ the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by six sisters and three brothers. Survivors include two nieces, Lillian Rainey, Lawton, Okla., and Shirley Watkins, Washington, D.C.; two great-nieces, Virginia Johnson, Lawton, Okla., and Maud Fleming, Kansas City, Mo.; four great-nephews, Ivan Williams, Colorado Springs, Colo., Ross Rainey, Liberty, Mo., George Rainey, Excelsior Springs, Mo., and David Rainey, Youngstown, Ohio; and other relatives. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at Jesus Is The Rock Pentecostal Church, 605 Main St., Excelsior Springs, Mo. Visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at the church. Burial in Elmwood Cemetery. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo.
Crystal Smidt
Crystal Lynn Smidt, 43, Kansas City, Mo., died Thursday, April 9, 2009, at her home. Ms. Smidt was born Nov. 15, 1965, in Lincoln, Neb., the daughter of Edwin Barton and Sandra May (Knadle) Smidt. She was a licensed practical nurse and had worked at several hospitals and nursing homes. At the time of her death, she was employed by New Mark Care Center in Nashua, Mo. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Virgil Knadle, Edwin Smidt and Myrna Smidt. Survivors include two daughters, LaTeshia Smidt, Altamont, Mo., and Felicia Hoskins, Rayville, Mo.; her parents, Sandra Goza, Lufkin, Texas, and Ed Smidt, Firth, Neb.; two brothers, Scott Smidt, Lincoln, Neb., and Dusty Smidt, Lawson, Mo.; one sister, Melissa Smidt, Lincoln, Neb.; one grandson; and a grandmother, Gladys Knadle, Lincoln, Neb. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo. The family will receive friends following the service until 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the family, who will then give to a charity of their choosing.
Sally Smith
Sally (Saralee) Archer Smith, 85, died Thursday, April 2, 2009. The family received friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 5, at Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home in Liberty. A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 6, at Second Baptist Church in Liberty. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
*Wilma Polk Smith, D.C.
Dr. Wilma "Billie" Smith, age 93, went home to be with her Lord on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009. She was born June 7, 1915, at her parents1 home in Excelsior Springs, Mo., and was delivered by her father, Dr. D.T. Polk, city health physician. Billie lived a full, rich life. She and her husband of 65 years, Dr. Ray E. Smith, had six daughters, one of whom had cerebral palsy, inspiring her to found the Connie Smith School, c. 1953, which is now known as the Maple Valley State School. She received her degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College, and her practice was focused on children with special needs. She had many talents, including painting, singing, writing, fundraising by performing pantomime shows with her family members, and coordinating small theatrical productions later in life at John Knox Village. However, people were her first love. Her beautiful soul and countenance embraced everyone she met and brought out the best in them. Her legacy of love and caring as "Mom," "Nana" and "Marmie" extended beyond her family to all who came in contact with her over the years. She was preceded in death by her husband; her daughters, Elnora Koetting and Connie Smith; her parents, Dr. D.T. and Elnora Polk; a brother; and five sisters. She is survived by daughters, Myrna Metz, Edmond, Okla., Betty Whiteaker, Overland Park, Kan., Sharon Garcia and her husband, Alex, Overland Park, Kan., and Linda Stubbendeck and husband, Norm, Platte City, Mo.; as well as 14 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Also, two nieces, Sue Machado of Sparks, Nev., and Ann Mucinich of Sacramento, Calif. We wish to thank the staff of St. Joseph Medical Center and Odyssey Hospice for their faithful care prior to her death. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee's Summit, Mo., with visitation from 9 to 11 a.m.
Carol Stephens
Carol Ann Stephens, 70, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Monday, April 6, 2009, at Excelsior Springs Hospital. Mrs. Stephens was born Feb. 27, 1939, in Camden, the daughter of William Francis and Lottie Louise (Rogers) Chaney. She was married to Roy Lee Stephens on Jan. 17, 1959; he survives. She served as a telephone operator for a time. Following her marriage she was a homemaker, raising her children and caring for her family. She was a member of Crescent Lake Christian Center. She was preceded in death by her parents. In addition to her husband, survivors include four children, Jimmy Stephens, Lee1s Summit, Teressa Romazon, Lawson, Barbara Gillespie, Lawson, and Diana Clark, Excelsior Springs; one sister, Darlene Atha, Richmond; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be after 2 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at the funeral home, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Heart Association, The American Lung Association or the National Kidney Foundation.
James Stephenson
James Bryon Stephenson, 39, Gallatin, Mo., died Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton, Mo. Mr. Stephenson was born July 11, 1969, in Clay County, the son of James Edwin and Marvalene Elizabeth (Seek) Cates. He was married to Belinda Lee Dunnam on Aug. 19, 2000; she survives. He attended public schools in Excelsior Springs and Independence. He had been employed with Wendy's and other restaurants, Derstler Lumber Company, Landmark and Intercontinental Steel before his health failed. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Jack Halterman; one brother, Vernon Whelchel Jr.; one sister, Jodie Halterman; and his grandparents, Erma Faye Loyd, Marvin E. Seek, Maggie Cates and Jim Cates. In addition to his wife, survivors include three children, Misha Stephenson and James Stephenson Jr., both of Gallatin, and Karl Robbins, Farmington; one brother, Chad Loyd, Richmond; one half-brother, James Cates, Mosby; and one half-sister, Kendra Duncan, Lake of the Ozarks. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, April 27, at Sunny Slope Cemetery in Richmond. There will be no public visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the James Stephenson Memorial Fund, in care of Polley Funeral Home, 122 W. North Main, Richmond, MO 64085.
Mary Thomas
Mary C. Thomas, 92, Gladstone, Mo., died Sunday, April 26, 2009, at Woodbine Health Care Center in Gladstone. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 30, at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kan. There will be no prior visitation time. Arrangements are through Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Kearney, Mo.
W.R. "Bill" Thomas
W.R. "Bill" Thomas, 99, died Monday, April 13, 2009. Mr. Thomas was born in the southeast bottoms outside of Liberty, Mo., on Nov. 26, 1909. He worked in the construction industry for 40 years, and in later years he did ground maintenance for William Jewell College. In addition to his parents, William and Lula Thomas, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph and Robert; and three sisters, Lela, Mary Ruth and Dora Alice. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn, of the home; daughters, Sharon Kincaid, Liberty, and Karen Thomas, Prathersville; two brothers, George Thomas and Roy Thomas; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Services were set for 10 a.m. Friday, April 17, at D.W. Newcomer1s Sons White Chapel in Gladstone. Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Hospital Hospice or Liberty Hospital Visiting Nurses.
Ruth Willis
Ruth Willis, 101, Rayville, Mo., died Tuesday, April 7, 2009. Visitation was set for 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 10, with services at 11 a.m., at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Burial in Crowley Cemetery in Rayville. Memorial contributions may be made to Vitas Hospice.
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