Jessie Mae Neville, age 91, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 20, 2023.  She was born December 24, 1931, to Carl Ausemus and Emma Armstrong Ausemus, the youngest of the eleven Ausemus children.  She was born on the homeplace between Hiattville and Hepler.  After her father’s unexpected death, the family moved to Hepler where she finished High School and then moved to Girard.  Her first job was at Zettle’s Bakery in Girard.

Jessie Mae married Merle E. Neville on September 24, 1950, in Girard.  While living in Girard, they owned and operated a service station and rental cabins.  To their union four children were born, Gerald, Larry, Julie and David.  Jessie Mae later worked at Key Work Clothes in Ft. Scott from 1962 to 2000.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, sewing, gardening and cooking.  She was a great encouragement to her family; you could always count on Mom.

 

Survivors include three children, Gerald W. Neville of Wichita, Kansas, Julie Ledford (Brian) of Neosho, Missouri and David Neville (Doretta) of Ft. Scott.  Also surviving is a daughter-in-law, Linda Neville of Nixa, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Darcy Sinn (Doug), Chelle Lear (C.J.), Levi Neville (Joey), Jeremy Neville (Megan), Joseph Neville, Jordan Neville, Kimberly Large, Sarah Bussey and Joshua Dillahay (Megan) and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Merle and her son, Larry, as well as ten brothers and sisters, Bertha Stone, Helen Dumm, James Ausemus, Earl Ausemus, Kenneth Ausemus, Chet Ausemus, Lavon Fosberg, Elsie Montee, Lucille McDaniel, and Leeroy “Bub” Ausemus.

 

Pastor Mark Ledford will conduct funeral services at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 25^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Turkey Creek Cemetery north of Uniontown, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to Paws & Claws Animal Shelter 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.

Carolyn Sue Morrison, age 80, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott.  She was born February 18, 1943, in Moran, KS, the daughter of Clyde and Dorothy Darlene Hunsaker Stewart.  Carolyn was a very happy person.  She was a wonderful cook, her specialty being fried chicken.  Carolyn loved spending time with her family.  She will be greatly missed.

 

Survivors include 2 brothers, Melvin, and Frank Stewart; 4 sisters, Anna Reagan, Coleen Barker, Vicki Rhodes, and Denise Adams; a granddaughter, Sheila Weber; a great grandson, Josef Weber; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by a daughter, Debbra Weber; son in law Gene Weber; 2 sisters, Avis, and Clydean Stewart; and her parents.

 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, November 20^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Blue Mound, KS.  Memorials are suggested to the Carolyn Morrison Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Leland Eugene “John” Bolden, age 79, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at his home.  He was born December 2, 1943, in Ft. Scott, the son of Arthur Shrakes and Violet Bolden.

Following high school, John enlisted in the United States Army.  The Army became a career for John and he served for twenty years.

John married Barbara Ann Audilet on November 29, 1966, at Lowell, Arizona.

After retirement from the military, John and his family moved to Arizona where John began his second career as a copper miner.  He worked as an equipment operator in the copper mines for another twenty years.  John retired from mining in 2003.  He and Barbara lived for a short time in Iowa before relocating to Ft. Scott, Kansas partly because Ft. Scott had better fishing.  In addition to fishing, John also enjoyed hunting and working on vehicles as long as they weren’t Chevys.

 

Survivors include two daughters, Laura Barenthin of Ft. Scott and Barbara Ann Spinazzola (Tony) of Mesa, Arizona; six grandchildren, Craig Bolden, Jasmine Tomasi (Ethan), Lillian Barenthin, Alex Bolden, Sierra Spinazzola and Caitlyn Spinazzola and four great-grandchildren, Tessa Goddard, Auryana Bolden, Jonathan Bolden and Emilia Barenthin.  Also surviving are three brothers, William “Bill” Fountain of Ft. Scott, Richard Fountain of Joplin, Missouri and Randy Fountain, Manhattan, Kansas and three sisters, Naomi Hull of Groves, Texas and Myrtle Hull and Patty Hathaway, both of Ft. Scott.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara on July 15, 2020.  He was also preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Thelma Lewis.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 21^st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project 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.

Wilma Kay Graham, age 77, a resident of Redfield, Kansas, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023, at her home in Redfield.  She was born January 23, 1946, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of Clarence William Brown and Lois Kathleen “Kay” Wilson Brown.

Wilma married Larry Robert Graham on November 12, 1964, at Nevada, Missouri.

Wilma was an active member of the Redfield Community.  She served several terms on the Redfield City Council and was also a member of the Redfield Ruritan and the Redfield Baseball Association.  She kept busy working and organizing many breakfasts and chili feeds to support these organizations.  She also served as recordkeeper for the cemeteries in the Marmaton Township.

Wilma was a longtime member of the Redfield United Methodist Church.

In her spare time, Wilma enjoyed working outside, spending time with her grandchildren and taking the occasional trip to the casino.

 

Survivors include her children, Tresia Graham of Uniontown, Kansas, Ricky Graham (Angela) and Stephan Graham all of Redfield and Jason Hicks (Nicole) of Ft. Scott, Kansas; eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are three brothers, Richard Hill, Charles Hill and Broderick Glessner and two sisters, Diana Sullivan and Shasta Clay.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, on March 30, 2017.  She was also preceded in death by her father, Clarence Brown, who was killed in Okinawa, Japan during the Korean Conflict, her mother, Lois “Kay” Hill, two brothers, Dewey Hill, Jr and Kenneth Brown and a grandson, Rushton “Peanut” Hicks.

 

There was cremation.  A memorial service with burial in the Dayton Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Redfield Ruritan 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.

Deborah Rane Harris Nelson, age 74, born and raised in Fort Scott, Ks, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home in Olathe, Ks.

She was born on June 26, 1949, the daughter of Ray Hugh Harris and Cleta Mae Graham Harris.

Debbie graduated from Fort Scott High School.

After graduation, she spent her entire career as a dedicated employee of Mercy Hospital until she retired. She started as a Therapy Aide and later worked as a Certified Nurse Aide

She married Anthony Ware Nelson Jr.

Debbie enjoyed watching court shows, and westerns, and attending church at Mount Olive Church of God in Christ.  She read the Bible, prayed, and held many different roles in the church.

Debbie adored elephants which could be seen by her huge ceramic collection.

She also loved spending time with family.

Survivors include her three children, Toni Gibson, and husband Xander, Anthony Nelson the III, and Rosalyn Nichol, and her husband Jacob; and two grandchildren, Ella, and Nyha.  Also surviving are two brothers, Eugene, and Roger Harris; and three sisters, Glenda Harris, Rotena Gray, and Hattie Wright.

Her husband, Anthony, preceded her in death, in March of 1998. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, William Graham, Buford Harris, Donald Drake, Leon Harris, Phyllis Mason, and Linda Vann.

Elder Roger Harris will conduct funeral services at 1:00 P.M., Friday, November 17th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, Ks 66701.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Deborah R. Nelson, age 74, former resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society in Olathe, KS.  Funeral services for Deborah Nelson will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

Lois Marie Williams, 70, of Bronson, Kansas, passed away late Monday evening, October 30, 2023, at her home. She was born August 31, 1953, in Salisbury, North Carolina, the daughter of Joseph A. Williams and Bitha Agnes (Mabe) Williams. She married Larry Jay Simpson on July 15, 1995, and he survives of the home.

 

Lois was a bookkeeper for Boelte-Hall for many years until retiring to become a homemaker and spoil her husband Larry, of thirty years. She liked canoeing, and loved all animals, but especially her dogs. Lois loved her family, her friends, and her neighbors.

 

In addition to her husband Larry, Lois is survived by a sister, Diane Kent; a brother, Grady Williams; grandson, Jace Simpson, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

 

A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, November 12, 2023, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the Buck Run Community Center in Fort Scott. Condolences and words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Danny (Dan) Ray Schweikhardt, age 64, resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at his home. He was born on June 13, 1959 in Fairfax, Missouri and was the son of Charles and Lenar Schweikhardt.  Dan was raised in Des Moines, Iowa, and the family spent many happy summers and holidays in St. Joseph and Mound City, Missouri with grandparents.  He graduated from Southeast Polk High School and attended Grand View University.

 

He worked as a mechanic, became a welder and was the Lead over the Paint Line at Labconco in Fort Scott, where he worked for 30 years before retiring in 2021.  Dan was a talented artist who loved working with his hands.  He was known for his woodworking and could build anything.  He loved music, fishing, fireworks and especially his dogs. He loved making Halloween costumes and would dress up as Santa for Christmas, and with his dog at his side, drive around in his red convertible Mustang.   Florida was a favorite place of his to visit. Dan was loved by everyone he came in contact with and will be missed by all

 

Dan is survived by his son, Matthew, and his children, Royal Lee and Max Schweikhardt; stepsons Chris Goodman (fiancee Kaylyn) and his four boys, four girls, and three grandchildren; Josh Schoemig; brother Dennis Schweikhardt (wife Peggy) and nephews Chris and Mike Schweikhardt.

He was preceded in death by his parents and former wife Paula Goodman/Schweikhardt.

 

Following cremation, a visitation will be held from 4:30 P.M. until 6:00 P.M, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Arraignments are being handled by 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.

 

 

 

 

Sandra Lee Riley, also known as Sandi, passed away on October 20, 2023, at the age of 81 in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born in Oklahoma in 1942 to Charles and Mabel Bevis.  Sandi traveled extensively as a child due to her father’s military service.  She carried this love of travel throughout her life.

 

Sandi is survived by her son, Shawn Riley, daughter-in-law, Laine Riley, and her granddaughters, Morgan Larrison and Jordan Riley.   Sandi is survived by her daughter, Deborah Hulsey, and grandsons Alexander, Evan, Cian, and Soren Hulsey. In addition, Sandi is survived by her brother, Larry Bevis. as well as many friends who will also miss her strength, wit, and compassion.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Dr. Ron Riley, her parents, and her brother, John Bevis.

 

Sandi had a commitment to community service and dedicated much of her time to volunteer work. She actively participated in various organizations, including Girl Scouts, Salvation Army, Daughters of the American Revolution, Red Hats, Women’s Education Scholarship Fund, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Sandi was also an active member of Country Club Christian Church, where she and Ron enjoyed their Sunday School Class for many years.

 

In her spare time, Sandi enjoyed pursuing her hobbies. She was an avid painter, seamstress, and baker.  Sandi loved westerns, especially John Wayne movies and the show Yellowstone.  Sandi’s love of history was passed down through the generations and her knowledge was extensive. She is loved by many and will be missed by all.

 

Private family graveside services will be held in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Rinehart Fund (Undergraduate endodontics) at UMKC – School of Dentistry and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Leonard Dale Haulotte, age 79, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, October 23, 2023, in Ft. Scott.

He was born May 14, 1944, in Woodstock, Illinois, the son of Leo G. Haulotte and Elaine A. Bogard Haulotte.  Leonard grew up and graduated high school in Woodstock.  While living in Woodstock, Leonard worked as a die maker at Duro Tool & Die.

Leonard married Carol Goodbody on October 20, 1972, in Ft. Scott, Kansas.  They lived in Ft. Scott for a time and later returned to Woodstock where Leonard was again employed by Duro.  In 1987, Leonard and Carol moved back to Ft. Scott, and Leonard owned and operated Haulotte’s Retail Liquor for fifteen years.

Before retirement, Leonard worked as a die maker for Peerless Products in Ft. Scott.  Leonard was a member of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.  He was a past member of the Elks Lodge of Woodstock.

 

Survivors include his wife, Carol, of the home; two sons, John Christopher “Chris” Haulotte of Leaf River, Illinois and Matthew Haulotte of Woodstock, Illinois; four grandchildren, John J. Haulotte, Sydney Lang (Jacob), Ben Haulotte and Brandon Haulotte (Morgan) and a great-grandson, Mason Lang.  Also surviving are a sister, Laura Boal (Terry Figard) of Woodstock, Illinois and four nephews.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Linda Wilson and a brother-in-law, Virgil Boal.

 

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, October 26^th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church (Kennedy Gym).

The Rosary will be recited at 9:30 A.M. Thursday prior to the Mass.

Following services, there will be cremation.

Burial will take place at a later date at the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the Mary Queen of Angels Building 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.

William “Will” Allen Wallis, age 66, Fort Scott, KS passed away at his home on Tuesday October 17, 2023 after a battle with ALS.

 

Will was born on April 21, 1957 to Allen Thedell Wallis and Shirley June Simpson Wallis.

 

William owned the Reddy Refreshment vending and catering, which was a family business early in life. He also worked for FEMA as a Logistics Chief over numerous natural disasters for many years. After 8 years working as the Bourbon County Emergency Manager, he retired in December of 2022.

 

Will and Judith “Judy” Ann Wallis were united in marriage on horseback on August 15, 2009.

 

Will’s Christian faith was very important to him and he loved to read and study the Word. Will enjoyed fishing with his family and taking his bass boat to the lakes. He also enjoyed time spent with his grandkids, deer hunting, loved horses, and his beloved bloodhound. Will was an avid woodworker and spent many hours restoring furniture for his and his wife’s antique business. He collected John Deere toy tractors and loved restoring them. Will was active in local toy shows, the antique division at the BBCO Fair and the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta.

 

Will is survived by his wife; children Adam Wallis and wife Shari, Aaron Wallis, and Alicia Wallis; step-children Tim Brown and wife Nicole and Angie Bin; nephews Luke Wallis and Jack Wallis; grandchildren Stori, Aurora, Josie, Clinton, Brantley, Emma, Levi, Austin, Nick, Makenzie, Abbigale, Owen, Lillie; and great-grandchildren Riley, River, and Hudson. Will is also survived by his former spouse Marian Wallis.

 

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother Mark Wallis.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, October 21^st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to either the ALS Association or Paws and Claws and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Jean Ann Reeves, age 80, a beloved resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at St. Luke’s East Hospital in Lee Summit, Missouri. Jean was born in Zilwaukee, Michigan, to parents Nelson and Georgia Bauer.

 

In 1961, she graduated from Beaverton High School, embarking on a path that led her to Fort Scott, where she and her family settled in 1978. Together, they ventured into the world of business, establishing their own Welding Supply enterprise.  She furthered her career by providing dedicated support during her tenure at Mercy Hospital and the Hudson & Mullies Law Firm.

 

Jean’s true joy in life revolved around her precious grandkids, who ranged in age from 23 to as young as 6. Her heart swelled with pride as she attended their numerous activities, from swim meets to volleyball matches, basketball games, and dance recitals.  As a mother and grandmother, Jean conveyed a nurturing spirit that touched the hearts of those around her.

 

Throughout her life in Fort Scott, Jean was a dedicated member of Pioneer Kiwanis, PEO Chapter FU, and the Magazine Club. Her legendary card-playing skills and predictable Sonic drink runs leave a lasting impression on all who knew her.

 

Jean is survived by her loving daughters and their spouses, Amy and Dan Kelly, Rachel and Chris Pruitt, and Carrie and Whitney Archer. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Will, Jack, Kate, Brooklyn, Sydney, Grayce, Ruby, Dalton, and Holden, each holding a special place in her heart. Additionally, she leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Barbara Wasalaski.

Her memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew her and will be deeply missed every day.

 

A memorial service to honor Jean’s life, officiated by Rev. Dusty Drake, will take place at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 27th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on October 26th from 5-7 PM at the funeral home.

Memorials be made to CASA, a cause dear to Jean’s heart. Contributions may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel at PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  To share your cherished memories and words of remembrance, please visit the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.