Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary of Katherine Proctor-Farr

Katherine Elaine Proctor-Farr, age 66, resident of Nevada, MO, died Saturday, June 19, 2021, at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin, MO. She was born June 6, 1955, in Wichita, KS, the daughter of David and Lillie Smith Moyer. She married Donnie Proctor on May 1, 1981. He preceded her in death on November 17, 1997. She later married Bill Farr. He preceded her in death in 2017. Kathy enjoyed reading books and watching HGTV. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.

Survivors include a daughter, Kim Starr and husband John, Billings, MT; a son, Ray Proctor and wife Angie, Nevada, MO; 2 brothers, John Moyer and wife Barb, and Mike Moyer and wife Pat, all of Wichita, KS; 4 sisters-in-law, Sherry Moyer, Wichita, KS, Diana Clark, Ft. Scott, KS, Cindy Proctor, Ft. Scott, KS, and Mary Jane Young, Garland, KS; 4 grandchildren, Andra, Nick, Chandler, and Thor; an aunt, Betty Moyer, Haysville, KS; mother-in-law, Margaret Bolden, Ft. Scott; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends; and special friends, Irvin and Dorinda Durossette.

Besides her husbands, she was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Moyer; a sister, Linda Moyer; and father-in-law, Don Bolden.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, June 23rd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Lath Branch Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Kathy Proctor-Farr Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Bernard Nilges

Bernard John Nilges, age 98, a resident of Iola, Kansas, passed away Thursday, June 17, 2021, at his home.

He was born August 24, 1922, in Scipio, Kansas, the son of Samuel P. Nilges and Mary Catherine Peine Nilges.

He served with the United States Army from 1942 to 1945. While with the Army, he participated in the Battle of the Bulge and later helped with relief efforts at the Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany. He was proud of his time spent in the military where he faithfully served his country.

Hospice had given him a plaque in honor of his military service just prior to his death. Following his military service, he returned to Anderson County, Kansas, where he married Norma Jean Blubaugh on July 16, 1948.

He owned and operated his own farm and dairy for forty years. He was a farmer and proud to be one. He loved to see things grow and to know that he had a part in that. He loved to be outdoors and enjoyed nature.

Following retirement from farming in the mid 1980’s, Bernie and Norma Jean moved to Iola, Kansas.

He worked for twelve years as a bus driver. He was also a very good carpenter. He loved working with his hands and was good at whatever he was doing.

Bernie was a soft-spoken man. He never asked for much and yet he gave so much to anyone and everyone.

He will be dearly missed not only by his family but by anyone who ever knew him.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dawn Henshall, Melissa Preston, Tammy Snyder, Melissa Andres, Rodney Andres and Debra Wools who have served as caregivers for both Bernie and Norma over the years.

Survivors include his wife, of seventy-two years, Norma Jean, of the home; and two daughters, Cristine Bacon (Chuck), of Moran, Kansas and Connie Hiner (Sam), of Burlington, Kansas. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Bryan Bacon (Brenda), Jessica Bacon, Tina Withers (Chris), Erica Combs (Donnie) and Renee Fischer (Chancy) and ten great-grandchildren, Abigail, Caleb, Austin, Hannah, Collin, Cassidy, Evan, Ava, Addison and Jocelyn and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Joe, Fred, Herman and Mark and three sisters, Cecilia, Agnes and Rose.

 

 

Obituary of Linda Moore

Linda Moore, 67, of Redfield, passed away early Thursday morning, June 10, 2021, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born December 10, 1953, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Charles Franklin “Pete” Parker and Helen Juanita (Cowel) Parker. She married Larry Allen Moore June 30, 1973, and he preceded her in death December 23, 2000.

Linda is survived by her children, Brenda Martin (Kirby), Redfield, Melissa Mitchell (Arthur), Wichita, Kansas, and Larry Joe Gier, Jr., Fort Scott; three brothers, Charles Parker, Redfield, Ronald Parker (Debbie), Redfield, and Frank Parker (Lucy), Fort Scott; seven grandchildren, Jesse Keppen (Natasha), James Keppen (Sharlotte), Shelby Moore (Clinton Hazen), Allen Moore, Kylie Geir (Chandler Betts), Kiera Gier (Donald Adams), Tamia Johnson; five great-grandchildren, Clinton Jr., Karson, Hunter, Annabelle, and Parker; and one great-granddaughter due in September, Aleah. In addition to her husband Larry, Linda was also preceded in death by her parents, and four great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life Visitation Friday, June 18, 2021, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, Kansas. Following cremation, internment will be held privately at a later date. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary of Mary Jo DiNardo

Mary Jo DiNardo, age 96, passed away June 14 at her home for the past 12 years at Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott.

Mary Jo was born January 9, 1925, to Myrle and Wilma Gunsaullus in Fort Scott, Kansas. She graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1943. She married James V. DiNardo on January 15, 1946, after meeting at the Tower Ballroom in Pittsburg when he was stationed at Camp Crowder. Together they had five children. She worked at Citizens National Bank for over 20 years.

Mary Jo, fondly known as “Mary Go” to her family, will be remembered for her “champagne taste.” She frequently threatened her children and grandchildren that they wouldn’t be going to the Ritz” if they didn’t behave. She had an affection for her many dogs over the years as they were her constant companions.

Mary Jo was an exceptional cook and came from the generation that took pride in preparing two daily meals with her specialties including spaghetti and meatballs and garlic potato salad. She enjoyed driving her convertibles, happy hours with family and friends, reading, and dinner out. She also loved live music, and when living in Florida was a regular on the live music scene. Mary Jo and Jim enjoyed it when the family would visit their condo in Naples where they lived after retirement for several years. Mary Jo loved going to the casino and in the 70’s and 80’s organized several group trips to Las Vegas. Her last outing was a trip to the casino a few weeks before her death.

Survivors include her children, Susan DiNardo of Fort Scott; John DiNardo, Frisco, TX; Lisa (Mark) Ward, Fort Scott; Tammy (Brad) Hill, Pittsburg, KS; and five grandchildren: James (Dorian) DiNardo of Sweet Home, OR; April (Darwin) Stubbs, Juno Beach, FL; Alex and Austin Ward, Los Angeles; Bella DiNardo, Plano, TX; and two great-grandchildren Cormac & Carson Stubbs. Mary Jo also leaves behind some very special people at Presbyterian Village who became like family to her. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her husband in 2009, a son Marc James DiNardo in 1987, her parents, and a brother.

Following cremation, private family graveside services will be held at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The guest book will be available at the funeral home until July 6, 2021.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Presbyterian Village and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

 

Death Notice of Floyd Snyder

Floyd L. Snyder, Sr., age 74, a resident of West Richland, Washington, passed away January 21, 2021, in Washington.  A graveside service with Eastern Star services and military honors will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 19th at the Mapleton  Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to either the Shriners Hospital or Pets for Vets and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.

Obituary of Doris Williams

Doris Mae Williams, 93, of Redfield, Kansas died Friday, June 11, 2021, at the Country Place Senior Living in Fort Scott, Kansas. She was born December 9, 1927, in Fairplay, Missouri, the oldest of three daughters born to Charles and Aileen (Butler) Richard. Her parents moved to the Redfield area when she was an infant and she and her sisters were raised there. She married John C. (Jack) Williams on February 24, 1952, in Redfield, Kansas. He preceded her in death on February 12, 2005.

 

After graduating from Uniontown High School with the class of 1945, Doris moved to Kansas City to attend secretarial school. She was elected as the Bourbon County Treasurer in the election of 1948, before she was old enough to legally vote, even for herself. She worked for the County Treasurer’s office for eight years. She later ran the Redfield Grocery Store from 1968 until the late 1970s. After spending twenty years working for the Postal Service, she retired as Postmaster of the Redfield Post Office in 1998. In the 1980s, the Redfield bus route passed by the post office in the mornings, and Doris never missed the chance to wave at her grandkids as they passed by on their way to school. She was a life-long member of the Redfield Methodist Church and played piano there well into her 80s.

 

She and Jack moved to Jack’s family farm in 1959, raising their family just outside of Redfield. Five of her six grandchildren were lucky enough to be raised within shouting (or dirt-bike riding) distance of their house, especially because Grandma Doris always kept the refrigerator and freezer on the back porch stocked with pop, Capri Suns, and Schwan’s ice cream. She loved playing cards with her grandkids and great-grandkids. She was an Old Maid and Uno card shark and felt not even the slightest bit of guilt laying down a “Draw 4” card on any of them. Doris was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother, rarely missing any activity in which her family was involved. She loved watching her children and grandchildren play sports, perform at band and choir concerts, and show livestock at the Bourbon County Fair. She enjoyed taking her grandkids to movies, concerts, and the dinner theater. Most of the time they were well-behaved. She had an iron-clad memory and could recall word-for-word conversations that even her grandchildren had forgotten about. She loved her family well and never failed to tell them how proud she was of them. They felt the same way about her.

 

Doris is survived by three children: LuAnne Pitts and husband Eddie, Steve Williams and wife Marci, and Diana Almasi, all of Redfield; one sister; Jo Ann Dalton of Fort Scott; six grandchildren: Brent Almasi of Las Vegas, Nevada, Bill (Beth) Pitts of Fort Scott, Garin (Treva) Williams of Charleston, South Carolina, Jayci (Chad) Cosens of Fort Scott, Brandon (Brandi) Pitts of Fort Scott, and Kelci (Jimmy) Ebrecht of Olathe, Kansas; and thirteen great-grandchildren: Jaxon, Blaine, Graci, Macy Jo, Shayd, Finean, Dryden, Cal, Cash, Colby, Cameron, Kreedyn, and Boden. In addition to her husband, Jack, she was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Gerry Brewer, and a son-in-law, Alex Almasi.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, June 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Woods Cemetery at Redfield.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 9:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Bourbon County Fair Association or the Country Place Activity Fund and may be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Doris Williams

Doris Mae Williams, age 93, a longtime resident of Redfield, Kansas, passed away Friday, June 11, 2021, at the Country Place Senior Living Facility in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, June 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Woods Cemetery at Redfield.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 9:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Bourbon County Fair Association or the Country Place Activity Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Norman James Spencer

Norman James "Shorty" Spencer

Norman James “Shorty” Spencer, age 92, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and more recently of Prescott, Arizona, passed away Friday, May 21, 2021, in Arizona. He was born May 2, 1929, in Attica, New York, the son of Harold Spencer and Elsie Hanner Spencer. He grew up in New York where his family worked in the dairy business.

He later moved to Arizona and then to California prior to moving to Ft. Scott in the 1970’s. Norman worked as a truck driver for Mid-Western Distribution.

In later years, he worked as a driver for the Amish.

He first married Marion Drake on December 20, 1951, in Ithaca, New York. They later divorced.

He then married Juanita Fear on June 11, 1977, in Nevada, Missouri. She preceded him in death on July 2, 2012.

Survivors include his four daughters, Vicki Kilgore, of Glendale, Arizona, Janet Spencer, of Prescott, Arizona, Peggy Quintella of Welton, Arizona and Marianne Avett, of Ft. Scott, Kansas; six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three sisters, Eleanor, Inice and Eloise.

In addition to his wife, Juanita, he was preceded in death by a son, James Edward Spencer, a grandson, a great-grandson, eight brothers and four sisters.

Rev. Gary Demott will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the West Liberty Cemetery.

The family will receive on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Casual dress is encouraged.

Memorials are suggested to the Hammond United Methodist Church or Gideons International and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Eugene Farmer

Eugene L. Farmer (91) was born in the family farmhouse near Devon, Kansas, on January 5, 1930. He passed peacefully May 19, 2021, at Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott. He was the second child of Alfred and Rowena (McCrum) Farmer.

He, his older sister, Colleen, and younger brother, Don, all attended a one room country school for the first eight years. Later he graduated from Ft. Scott High School. In high school Gene excelled in both football and track. In January of 1949 he married Betty Jane Martin. On their first anniversary in January of 1950 he proudly brought home his wife and first child, Cindy. Cindy was followed by Rod in 1951, Kathy in 1952 and Marty in 1957.

Always a hard worker, he gained plumbing and heating experience from working for his father-in-law, C.C Martin of Martin Plumbing and Heating. Gene then began working in construction. Some of the buildings of which he helped build were the National Guard Armory, Mercy Hospital, and the KG&E company. He worked morning and night often milking both his father’s and his own cows, as well as sometimes farming in the moonlight.

In 1956, Gene began a new occupation as fireman, brakeman, and conductor for the Frisco railroad working between Kansas City and Fort Scott. At that point he was able to purchase his own farm just north of Bethel School and Church. He and his family moved to Overland Park in May of 1968.

In 1983 Gene married Ruth Milam Williams, a teacher and coach in the Olathe School District. After 35 years of service, Gene retired from the Burlington Northern Railroad in January 1992. Upon retirement, with his strong work ethic, Gene followed his first love and purchased a farm, built their dream home, and began farming outside of Ft. Scott.

Gene and Ruth joined the First Presbyterian Church in Ft. Scott where they were quite active. Gene served as a deacon and Ruth served on many committees. Gene moved his Shriners’ membership to Mirza Temple of Bourbon County. He particularly enjoyed activities that benefited the crippled children. Having season tickets for many years they attended KU basketball and football home games and enjoyed many vacations with the Flying Jayhawks Alumni Association. Always a farmer, he loved to plant large gardens each spring and both enjoyed giving away much of the harvest to church, family, and friends. He loved training bird dogs (mostly setters) and took pride in being one of the most passionate quail hunters in Bourbon County. In addition to a love for the outdoors, which included farming, hunting, and fishing, he also pitched fast pitch softball for the Devon Hay Bailers.

A tractor purchased by Gene’s dad, Alfred, was a 1955 Minneapolis Moline ZB. Gene had it restored and enjoyed driving it in Ft. Scott parades. He won several awards including driving the featured tractor that appeared on the collector button for the 2008 Pioneer Harvest Fiesta. Gene’s grandson (Josh) later purchased the tractor which may be seen in future Turner Day parades. Both Gene and Ruth felt honored in receiving the 2009 Bankers Conservation Award for Bourbon County.

Gene is survived by three children Cynthia Huyett, Rod (Kris) Farmer, Marty (Sandy) Farmer, a brother, Don (Paula) Farmer, two sisters-in-law, Janice (Lee) Sprinkle and Margaret (Rob) Ferriman, thirteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by Kathleen Bailey Oatman (daughter), Jane Martin Farmer (wife of 28 years), Ruth Milam Farmer (second wife of 37 years) and Colleen Kelley (sister).

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, June 10, First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott at 308 S. Crawford under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 1-2 pm with the service beginning at 2 pm. Interment will follow at the Centerville Cemetery.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made either to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or First Presbyterian Church and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary of Frederick “Canaan” Smith

Frederick “Canaan” Lee Smith was born at Shawnee Mission Hospital on May 13, 1983.  He died unexpectedly at the age of 38, on May 24, 2021, in Denver, Colorado.

Canaan was a current resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and was working as a Millwright Mechanic on gas/steam turbines for power plants with Mohawk Services (MD&A).

Canaan graduated from Pleasanton High School and attended Johnson County Community College.  He later moved to Wichita, Kansas where he managed several Jiffy Lube locations.  He then returned to Ft. Scott where he joined his life-long friend, Steven, working for Mohawk Service.  They traveled throughout our nation working on power plant turbines.  While in Denver, he obtained his A Mechanic goal.

Canaan was a devoted son, loyal brother and friend.  He enjoyed traveling, loved his 1967 Firebird and doted on his beloved dog, Baby.  He loved to cook, watch funny movies, and spend time with friends and family.  When he was not traveling, you could find him grilling a great steak with shrimp at home.  Canaan had a big heart, never met a stranger, always willing to help others and was loved by all those who knew him.  He will be deeply missed.

Canaan is survived by his mother, Laura, step-father, Skip Brown, his father, Fred Smith and Sue Carey, his sister, Tanya Glessner and brother-in-law, Randy Glessner, his brother, Jesse Smith and sister-in-law, Misty Smith, grandmother, Marjorie Turner, uncles and aunts, James Grubb, Aideen Grubb, Joel Grubb, Angela Grubb, a multitude of extended family and cousins, his life long friends, Steven Thomas and Christopher Brooks.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, June 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Norman J. Spencer

Norman James “Shorty” Spencer, age 92, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, May 21, 2021, in Arizona.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the West Liberty Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Bonnie (Beasley) Troll

Bonnie Gean Troll (nee Beasley) died peacefully at home on June 2, 2021. She was 85 years old. Waiting for her in heaven was her beloved husband, Red. They are finally reunited after 65 years of marriage.

Bonnie was born on January 16, 1936 in Dyersburg, Tennesee. She was the second of her four siblings, born to Belva and Doyle Beasley. She was a graduate of Cardwell High School and worked for many years as a nurse. She married her soulmate, Eugene (Red) Troll on September 15, 1956. They were the very proud parents of Karolyn McEntee (Jerry) and Gerald Troll.

Bonnie and Red raised their children in San Diego, California. She was a hard-working nurse, a dedicated mother, and a cherished friend to countless people. After their children were grown, they retired to Nevada, Missouri, where they lived on their farm, gardening, growing, and loving each other and their families.

Bonnie was well known in her community as an avid and gifted quilter. She was a gardener with the greenest of thumbs, and could make anything grow. In addition to quilting and canning, she was an extremely dedicated and active member of the Church of Christ.

Bonnie was so many things to so many people. She was a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a friend, and a confidante. She dedicated her life to helping people in any way she could. She loved deeply, and was so very loved by everyone lucky enough to meet her. She had a way of making friends everywhere she went, a trait proudly carried on by her family and network of friends.

She is remembered by her sisters, Patsy and Renee, and her brother Bill. She joined her mother, father, and husband in heaven.

Her legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in her children, grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her family extends far beyond that, and we all are honored to have had her in our lives.

Deepest appreciation to Compassus for their care and attention during this challenging time.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, June 4th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.