Jaunita Elizabeth (Chambers) Long, 91, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, in Olathe, Kansas, surrounded by family.

Jaunita was born June 8, 1935, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to Robert Tracy Chambers and Ruth Lee (Godman) Chambers of Hiattville. She was the baby of the Chambers family, the only girl, and sister to four older brothers: Robert James “Jim” Chambers, Donald Lee “Donny” Chambers, John Joseph “Joe” Chambers, and William Gerald “Bill” Chambers.

Being the only girl among four brothers may explain at least a little of the energy, independence, and plainspokenness that would characterize Jaunita for the rest of her life.

She graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg, Kansas, in 1956. On June 21, 1958, she married Vernon Ray Long, a United States Navy sailor, at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Fort Scott.

Navy life took Jaunita and Vernon many places, and while Vernon was at sea, Jaunita did what Navy wives have done for generations: she kept life moving at home. She raised five children through deployments, moves, and all the commotion that comes with a large family.

When Vernon died in 1985, Jaunita was just 50 years old and living in New Orleans. Faced with the necessity of building a new life, she did it in characteristic Jaunita fashion: she went to work.

She built a lawn and landscape business that eventually served 91 weekly customers, and she ran it for more than 20 years. Through sheer work and determination, she paid off her home and vehicles and built an independent life for herself. Somehow, she also found the energy to run some of the largest bowling leagues in the area.

In 2000, Jaunita returned to Kansas, settling in LaCygne to be near her brothers and their families. Retirement, however, never meant sitting still. She worked at the Longhorn Restaurant and LaCygne Liquor and became a familiar face in the community, known to all as “Aunt Jaunita.” If there were lottery tickets being sold for a local fundraiser, there was a good chance Jaunita had a stack of them and intended to see that they were sold.

She loved sports of nearly every kind, playing cards, working puzzles, bowling, and trips to the casino with friends and family. She loved people, activities, and having a good time. She was energetic, spirited, and never much inclined to leave you wondering what she thought. In later years she became equally well known for her bright purple hair, a choice that suited her perfectly.

Jaunita was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon; her parents, Robert and Ruth; her brothers, Jim, Donny, Joe, and Bill; her sisters-in-law Sara “Sally” Chambers, Virginia Chambers, and Shirley Chambers; and her eldest son, John Jeffrey “Jeff” Long. Jeff followed the family’s Navy tradition, serving for more than 20 years as a U.S. Navy submariner. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Doan) Long, and their sons, David and Daniel “Danny” Long.

Jaunita is survived by her children: Janice Jeanne “Jeannie” Brooks and her husband, David, of Ilwaco, Washington; Jeanne retired from Microsoft after a career in technology. Joseph Jerome “Joe” Long and his wife, Shania, live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where Joe is an attorney. James Jason “Jim” Long of Key West, Florida, is a retired U.S. Navy Master Chief and submariner. Joanne Long and her partner, Paul Merrifield, live in Frontenac, Kansas, where Joanne works as a government software training specialist.

Her grandchildren are Nicholas “Nick” Shotton, Matthew Shotton, Amanda Shotton, Michelle Schoettler and her husband, Cameron, Michael Long, David Long, and Daniel “Danny” Long. She is also survived by her great-grandsons, Gabriel and Emmett Schoettler.

Her family extended well beyond names on a family tree, to the many nieces and nephews she remained close to, as well as friends, neighbors, bowling partners, card players, casino companions, and countless others who crossed Jaunita’s path during her 91 years.

There is something fitting about Jaunita having lived long enough to become unmistakably herself. She worked hard. She survived hard things. She laughed, played, spoke her mind, and kept moving. She could start over when life required it, and she proved more than once that she was considerably tougher than circumstances might have suggested.

And eventually, she did it all with purple hair.

Jaunita was much loved, and the force of her spirit left its mark on many lives.

Following cremation, Jaunita will return home to Fort Scott, where she will be laid to rest at Fort Scott National Cemetery alongside generations of her family. It is also the home of the U.S. Navy Veterans Memorial designed and dedicated by her daughter, Jeanne — a fitting place of rest for the sister, wife and mother of U.S. Navy veterans.

There was cremation. A Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Timber Creek Restaurant, 14 E. Amity, Louisburg, KS. Lunch will be provided by the family. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 p.m. the same day at Fort Scott National Cemetery. Anyone who wishes to share will be welcome.

The funeral arrangements are provided by Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home of Fort Scott.

Corinne Teressa Demko passed away peacefully on September 27, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas. She will be remembered with love by her family, friends, former students, and the countless people whose lives she touched throughout her life.

Born on February 26, 1952, in New Jersey, to John and Dorothy Gleason, Cory was blessed with a fierce spirit, wonderful sense of humor, and big, open heart. It was in New Jersey that she met the love of her life and husband, Allan Demko. Together, they built a home, family and wonderful careers in New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, and finally Kansas.

In her professional life, Cory was a beloved teacher at Laconia Head Start for 25 years, dedicating herself to helping young children learn, grow, and feel loved and supported. Her warmth, kindness, patience, and genuine love for children left a lasting impression on countless lives. The children and families she served held a very special place in her heart, and the impact she made will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.

Cory’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She was proud of and is survived by her three sons, Luke, Mathew, and Andrew Demko. And it was during her retirement in Kansas and frequent trips to California that she took on her most cherished role as “Nanny” to her beloved grandchildren. Nanny tried to never miss any of their events and, if she did, loved seeing highlights and getting a play-by-play shortly thereafter. Supporting her family and celebrating their accomplishments brought her tremendous joy.

Cory was preceded in death by her husband Alan S. Demko; her parents John and Dorothy Gleason; and her sisters Suanne Cordani and Valerie Gleason. She is survived by her sisters Christine Heimbuch and her husband James; her sister Kathleen Gleason; her brother John Gleason and his wife Carol; her son Matthew Demko; her son Andrew Demko and his wife Courtney Demko; her son Luke Demko and his wife Kimberly Demko; and her cherished grandchildren, Samantha Demko, Olivia Demko, Coralen Demko and Easton Demko.

Those who knew Cory knew she had many passions (books, card games, mahjong, the Boston Red Sox, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, to name a few), and she never hesitated to share her enthusiasm for the things she loved.

Cory will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her kindness, laughter, love, and generous spirit will remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Her memory will live on through the generations of her family, through the children she taught, and through all those fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

A celebration of her life will be held at Mary Queen of Angels Church in Fort Scott, Kansas on October 8, 2026, at 10:00 am with burial at St. Mary’s cemetery following the mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Corinne’s memory to St. Mary’s School in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Fletcher Keith Wheeler, age 86, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away at home on September 28, 2026. He was born on December 19, 1939, in Hiattville, Kansas to Warren (Fay) Wheeler and Dorothy (Lorene) Barker Wheeler.

Fletcher spent much of his working life with the Frisco and Burlington Northern Railroad as a brakeman and conductor. He enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. He especially looked forward to trips to Minnesota and Canada to hunt with his brothers, nephews, grandson, and friends. He also liked Monday night poker games, where good company and mostly friendly competition were part of the tradition. He loved spending time with and spoiling his granddaughter, and he left her with many special memories. Dogs were also a big part of his life, and he loved his German Shepherds and Malamutes.

One of the things he was best known for was his ability to fix things. He was often the person others turned to when something needed repair. Those who knew Fletcher will remember his stories and laughter. They will remember the trips, the games, and his willingness to always lend a helping hand.

Survivors include daughters, Shelly Shirley (Tom), Springfield, Mo and Lisa Wheeler, Palm Harbor, FL; grandson Daniel Shirley (Ashley), Kansas City, Mo; granddaughter Kaitlyn Shirley of Springfield, Mo and sister, Cynthia Post, Fort Scott, Ks.

Fletcher was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Kay, brothers Jerry Wheeler and Rex Wheeler, sister Shirley Burcham, and nephews DeWayne Post and Joshua Wheeler.

Per his wishes, there will be no service.

Memorials are suggested to go to Wayside Waifs (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.

Janice Elaine Clark Ramsey
October 3, 1940 – September 30, 2026

Janice Elaine (Clark) Ramsey, age 85, a former resident of Uniontown, Kansas and more recently of Ft. Scott and Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Via Christi Village in Pittsburg. She was born October 3, 1940, in Fort Scott, to loving parents Roy E. and Nellie L. (Smith) Clark. Janice passed away just three days prior to her 86th birthday.

Janice graduated from Uniontown High School with the Class of 1958. After graduation, Janice began working for the Western Insurance Company until she was joined in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Richard L. Ramsey, on October 18, 1959. Richard had joined the United States Air Force in 1957. They spent their early years of marriage in military housing on Edwards Air Force Base in California. They returned in April of 1962 to make their home in Uniontown. Encouraged by their four children, Janice and Richard made the move to Fort Scott in November of 2014 before the winter. Richard and Janice had celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in October of 2014, but sadly her loving husband passed away unexpectedly in August of 2015.

Janice retired from the Bourbon County Appraiser’s office as a staff member in October of 2005. She worked various jobs throughout her life which included Ray Shepherd Motors as a receptionist and at the Farmer’s Co-op in Uniontown.

Her hobbies included watching her favorite sports; she was an avid fan of KU basketball and Kansas City Royals baseball. She always took pride in her cherished children and grandchildren and enjoyed attending their sporting and school events. Janice also loved to play Bunco with her friends. She also liked eating out, shopping, and going to the movies.

Janice often felt her greatest accomplishment was her children and her blessed grandchildren. Janice had a glow that beamed with pride as she watched the family grow and bring much enjoyment to her world. Her favorite holiday was always Christmas with the many decorations and trees and also keeping up with the family Christmas stockings. If 2026 could have brought an old fashioned Christmas, she would have had her four children and their spouses, her twelve grandchildren and their spouses, and her twenty-two great-grandchildren with another due in December. As family, we counted it would have been fifty-seven stockings.

Survivors include her children: Lisa (Don) Barker, Nevada, Missouri; Jeff (Robyn) Ramsey, Hugoton, Kansas; Cheryl (Jim) Koppa, Fort Scott, Kansas; and Joel (Laura) Ramsey, Girard, Kansas.

Grandchildren: Brett (Kayla) Campbell, Pittsburg, Kansas; Trevor (Jami) Campbell, Overland Park, Kansas; Steven (Courtney) Ramsey, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Dan (Elaina) Koppa, Fort Scott; Derek (Randi) Koppa, Fort Scott; Joshua (Samantha) Ramsey, Mesa, Arizona; Denton (Suzy) Ramsey, Pittsburg; Reed (Noreen) Ramsey, Galt, California; Dane (Allison) Ramsey, Nixa, Missouri; Mariah (Aaron) Lulf, Derby, Kansas; and Miranda (Jeremy) Turner, Norwich, Kansas; twenty-two great-grandchildren with a 23rd expected in December.

Also surviving are her brother, David Clark, Independence, Kansas; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Pat) Ramsey, Joplin, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents, Roy and Nellie Clark; her in-laws, Elmo and Mary Ramsey; a grandson, Ryan C. Campbell; and great-granddaughter Reece Koppa.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 6, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The family will receive friends at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Harry Hines Hospice and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., PO Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Vickie Sue Floyd, 58, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 27th in Nevada, Missouri surrounded by family.

Vickie was born on January 26, 1968, in Fort Scott, Kansas to Ronald Gene Johnson and Carol Sue Lowry Faith. She grew up in Fort Scott, Kansas. Vickie was a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) for over 30 years taking care of many others who needed her stewardship.

Vickie was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be remembered for her kindness and love towards everyone. Her love for her family was amazing. She especially enjoyed fishing and sports. She was a big Kansas City Chiefs fan and enjoyed attending or watching their games. She cherished the time spent with her grandchildren as she would light up around each one of them.

Vickie is survived by her loving companion of 15 years Larry Osborne, five kids Trey Silvola and wife Brook, Kimberly Coates, Megan Floyd, Gary Floyd II and wife Breanna, Tiera Floyd, eleven grandchildren Rylee, Asher, Khadyn, Finley, Brooklynn, Kamani, Jorraun, Jadyn, Jordin, Wriggley, Jerrickson, and Trenton.

She was preceded in death by maternal grandmother Emma Lowry and grandfather Louis Lowry, paternal grandmother Anna Mae Ruby Johnson and grandfather Russell Gene Johnson, and son-in-law Harold Coates.

The family will have a Celebration of Life at a date and place to be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the memory of Vickie Floyd to her family to help defray final expenses. Donations may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.

Kenneth Raymond Middleton, age 84, of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Credo Memory Care, in Fort Scott, Kansas. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa and great grandpa. He is now reunited with his loving wife and best friend Lavon of 64 years.

He was born September 13, 1940, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Lee and Allie Middleton. Ken grew up in Petersburg, Kansas, and graduated from Uniontown High School in 1958. He married his high school sweetheart Lavon Kay Richards on July 22, 1961, at Paint Creek Church in Redfield, Kansas.

Kenneth was best known to his friends as “Speedy,” a nickname he earned from his school bus driver.

Ken joined the Navy in December of 1961 and spent 20 years traveling the world and living a life of adventure as a Naval intelligence officer. Lavon and their three children joined him on his deployments when possible, traveling the world also. After his Naval retirement, Kenneth and his family settled back in Uniontown, where he worked at the local grain elevator until his final retirement in 2002. Ken loved spending time in his garden, playing pool with the guys and having morning coffee with friends at Union Station. His greatest love was the time spent with his wife Lavon, who preceded him in death in 2025.

He is survived by his three children: Sandy (Perry) Lackey of Eldorado Springs, Missouri; Steve (Chris) Middleton and Greg (Semina) Middleton, both of Uniontown, Kansas; 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lavon Middleton; his parents Lee and Allie Middleton; four sisters, Lois Cooney, Carrier Elbrader, Carolyn Roark and Donna Davidson; and one brother, David Middleton.

Kenneth will be laid to rest at Paint Creek Cemetery in a private family ceremony at a later date.

Gerald “Jerry” Wayne Culp, passed away due to health complications on September 18, 2026, at the age of 72. Born on October 6, 1953, to Leroy and Leota (Harris) Culp in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Jerry was alumni in spirit with Fort Scott High School, Class of 1971. He continued his education at Pitt State University, where he developed a strong foundation for knowledge. His sense of duty and adventure led him to serve in the US Navy, where he proudly served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, forming lifelong friendships and memories.

In the course of his life, Jerry had the great fortune of meeting the love of his life, LeAnna, on a fateful Friday, January 13th. They married in Oklahoma on December 28th, celebrating a love story that would bless them with two beautiful daughters. Tragically, Jerry lost LeAnna too soon in 1988. He raised the girls in their family home at 6th & Margrave where he taught them an unwavering loyalty to the Kansas City CHIEFS.

Jerry was predeceased by his cherished parents and his dear wife, LeAnna, along with her parents, Ann & Leroy Adkins. He leaves behind his beloved daughters, Mindy and Cassie, as well as Cassie’s husband, Bobby. His grandchildren: Adrian, Alexis, Peyton, JaeAnna, and Lucas. Jerry is also survived by his brother, Ron, and Ron’s wife, Rhonda, and their children. Additional loved ones include: Stana Meade; Lana, Robert, Harley, & Everly Parras; Lucille Cooney & kids.

The family asks that you plant a tree or flower in his honor in lieu of donations. Jerry always had a green thumb and would say, “Put your feet in the grass.”

Graveside services will be held on October 1, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at the National Cemetery in Fort Scott, KS. Everyone is welcome. Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.

Donald Ray Wynn went to be with the Lord on September 13, 2026 at the age of 92. He was born on January 26, 1934 at Lyons, KS.

His parents moved from Lyons, Kansas to the Pittsburg, Kansas area when Dad was a young boy. His father was a farmer and lost his farm due to drought and the depression. His father worked as a welder at the coal strip pit mines and did some farming in the area. They moved to the state of Oregon where his father worked as a welder in the shipyards. When Dad was 10 years old he sold newspapers out of a makeshift cardboard box and shined shoes to help the family make money. He and his older brothers also ran a first-ever grocery cart business to deliver groceries to people in the area.

Their next move brought the family to Fort Scott, Kansas. They purchased a farm south of where Briggs Auto is located. Dad attended Fort Scott school system. His family moved again from Fort Scott to Louisburg, KS before Dad’s senior year of high school. He did not want to make the change of schools again; Dad stayed in Fort Scott and lived in the YMCA building and asked the attendant to wake him every morning to go to school. He worked at the White Grill & Nu-Grille to put himself through school. He graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1953. Dad was in the Navy and Naval Reserve after high school with honorable discharge in 1955.

After graduation he met Lois Luker and they were soon married at Paint Creek Church of the Brethren in Uniontown, KS on September 19, 1954. Dad and Mom spent a short time in Kansas City, KS before moving to Harrisonville, MO. He farmed with his father and 4 brothers. He would get up at 4:00 AM to milk cows with some of his brothers while the other brothers milked at night. They all had jobs in the Kansas City area. Dad would then leave at 6 AM to drive to Independence, MO to work at Katz Drug Store and return home between 5 to 6 PM. His evening task was building their new home till around 10 PM. He enjoyed oil painting for 1 to 2 hours to wind down before bed. The city job was 5 days a week but milking cows was 7 days a week with extra farm work on weekends.

In 1969 Dad purchased a farm south of Uniontown, KS, and started a dairy business with brother-in-law Eldon Luker. Dad left the dairy business in 1978 and worked for himself doing carpentry work and farmed his own land. In 1985 he went to work at Uniontown High School as a custodian until his retirement in 1999. After retirement he continued to work part time for the school until he was 75 years old. He retired from farming in 2015.

Dad was a loving father who believed in taking care of his family and providing for them as best he could. Our dad was a special kinda guy. He could do almost anything. He taught us how to farm, to build things, do electrical wiring, and repair anything to keep it going without having to take it to town to be repaired. He was able to rebuild engines, build buildings, fix equipment, etc. It didn’t matter what the task was, he would take it on and not quit until it was done. Dad taught us to never start a job unless you are willing to finish it.

Dad was very meticulous in the way he wanted things done — you couldn’t just throw something together and hope that it was good enough. No! You had a job to do and you learned to do it right. He was a hard worker who spent long hours doing back-breaking work and never quit. He taught us how to love our spouse and be a father to our kids. Dad always tried to have some kind of fun while we worked and around home; he was a little ornery in some ways and would catch you off guard with some prank of his or tried to make you laugh. Although the fun part never seemed to last long enough, it was always about getting things done.

Dad was always involved in the church. The family attended Paint Creek Church of the Brethren from 1969 to late 1980. He became involved and was a founding member of Faith Christian Center, which later became Faith Church in Fort Scott, KS. He was very instrumental in helping build the church in Fort Scott, both physically and spiritually. Dad always tried to help people that would cross his path. He tried to show them Jesus in his everyday life.

His wife passed away in 2017 and he continued to live at home by himself until his passing. Dad was a man that stood tall and had every reason to. He was the best kind of dad to have, and none better in our eyes.

He was the fifth child born of 9 children to Perry Oscar Wynn & Alma Martha Helene Siemsen. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, his wife Lois, 5 brothers — Virgil Siemsen, Norman Wynn, Kenneth Wynn, Cecile Wynn, Paul Wynn — and 2 sisters, Laverne Dillion and Darlene Bunger.

He is survived by his children Deborah Wynn of Mounds, OK; Rick Wynn (Mary) of Uniontown, KS; Tina Aigbiremonlen (Eromosele) of Mounds, OK; and Mark Wynn (Amy) of College Station, TX. Also surviving are his sister Peggy Lynn of Harrisonville, MO; brother-in-law Eldon Luker of Fort Scott, KS; and sister-in-law Phyllis and her husband David Randall of Kansas City, MO. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren — Joy, Charity, Nathan, Andrea, Johnathan, Kaitlin, and Destiny — and 14 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 24 at Cheney Witt Chapel. Matthew Hunt will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM. A private family burial will follow at Mason Cemetery, rural Uniontown.

Memorials are suggested to Faith Church Heart for The House and may be left in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 South Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at cheneywitt.com.

Eileen Marie McDaniel, age 84, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Monday, September 21, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Pittsburg, KS. She was born on April 27, 1942, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Fred and Elsie Eberle Sinn. She graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1960. She married Glen Johnson. He preceded her in death. She later married Norman McDaniel on February 14, 1992.

In addition to homemaking and raising children, Eileen worked as a supervisor at a packing plant, managed Village Inn, and later worked for Gene’s IGA. She enjoyed flower gardening, cooking, baking, and house cleaning. Eileen also had an extensive collection of Angel figurines.

Survivors include her husband Norman of the home; children Jeff Johnson, Brian Johnson, Tonya Wirths, Christine Faurbo, and Julie Sealey; grandchildren Austin Grey, Keifer Johnson, Avery Johnson, Corrina Johnson, Quinton McDaniel, and Gabriele Faurbo; great grandson Kholton Johnson; and numerous other grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Brent Johnson; an infant twin sister; four brothers; and her parents.

There was cremation. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 2nd, at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Patricia Mullies, a wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandma, Great Grandma and friend passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2026 surrounded by her family who loved her. She was 84 years old. Patricia is now reunited with her husband of 61 years, who preceded her in death in 2022.

Born at Bates County Memorial Hospital on October 29, 1941, Patricia was the loving daughter of Wayne and Letha Jennings. The family resided in Rich Hill in several homes and later a farm located just outside of Rich Hill, Missouri. Patricia graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1959. She was her class Valedictorian and a Cheerleader. After her High School graduation, Patricia attended Stephen College in Columbia, Missouri for one year. She worked at Owens Corning and later Katz Drug on Main in Kansas City. Shortly afterwards, she met David Mullies and they were married on October 15, 1960, when she was 18 years old. After marrying, they lived in Pittsburg, KS (Pittsburg State), Iowa City, IA (University of Iowa) and Waco, TX (Baylor University). While David was pursuing a Law Degree, Patricia held various jobs using her shorthand skills, even working for the Dean of the University of Iowa Medical School and later the Dean of the Baylor University Business School. Upon David’s graduation from law school, the couple settled in Fort Scott, Kansas where they raised their family. Their family grew in 1966 with the birth of their daughter, Lisa and expanded again in 1970 with the addition of their son, John.

Mom was a member of Beta Sigma Phi since 1970 and would later work for Citizens National Bank as a secretary. She was involved with Homes for Holidays. She supported her kids as they went through school in Fort Scott and later at KU. She supported her kids in sports, cheerleading, scouts, dancing, and was the best birthday party planner around. Mom and Dad were also members of the Fort Scott Country Club and developed many lifelong friendships. Mom would spend much of her time supporting her husband David in the community of Fort Scott from the Chamber of Commerce to Jaycees to Kiwanis.

As time passed, Patricia and David began to split their time between Fort Scott and Lake of the Ozarks. They went back and forth between these two homes for many years. They had a wonderful circle of cherished friends in both locations. Throughout the years, they liked to spend a few winter months in Destin, FL where they would enjoy a rental condo near the gulf.

She was preceded in death by her husband David Mullies, parents Wayne and Letha Jennings, and her brother Gary Jennings. She is survived by her daughter Lisa and Rich George of Elmhurst, Illinois; her son John and Carrie Mullies of Olathe, Kansas. Her grandkids Heather and Alex Ong of Overland Park, Kansas; Richard and Julia George of Indianapolis, Indiana; Megan George of Elmhurst, Illinois; Daphne Mullies of Olathe, Kansas and her great-granddaughter Clara Ann Ong of Overland Park, Kansas. Patricia is also survived by two sister-in-laws, Marilyn Weickert of Pleasanton, Kansas and Donna Jean Jennings of Rich Hill, Missouri.

Mom loved Fort Scott, Kansas. Thank you to the staff of Sage Grove Memory Care of Olathe, who have cared for her over the past few years. We also want to give a special thanks to Lona Kipper who helped us care for our mom while she was still living at home.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. With funeral services on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Pleasanton Cemetery following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce to help businesses in Fort Scott. Contributions may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 309, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701, or may be sent directly to the Chamber of Commerce at 231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.

Judith Darlene Baucom Larkin Baker, age 83, passed away Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the home of her daughter in rural Erie, Kansas. She was born May 25, 1943, in Chanute, Kansas, the daughter of Lewis Joseph Baucom and Bertha Edna McAllister Baucom. Judi grew up in Fulton, Kansas. She was a wife, a mom, a hairdresser and a nurse. She furthered her education and became a Registered Advanced Practice Nurse. Judi had made her home in Las Vegas, Nevada and recently moved in with her daughter because of health reasons.

Survivors include her husband, Glen Baker, of Las Vegas; a daughter, Laura Peterson (Frank) of Erie, Kansas; four grandchildren, Kerri, Seth, Evan and Macoy; four great-grandchildren, Bridget, Cole, McKenzie and Brooke and two great-great-grandchildren, Paisley Jo and Briar Rose. Also surviving is a son-in-law, Michael Antony. Judi was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Larkin. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Helen Edna Hively; three adult brothers, Jerry Lee, Jean Glenn and Lewis Edward Baucom and four infant brothers, Kenneth Eugene, Marion Dwayne, Lloyd Noel and Jackie William Baucom.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, September 8th at the Fairview Cemetery north of Fulton, Kansas. Services 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.