Robert Dean Griffiths, age 72, a resident of rural Bronaugh, Missouri, passed away Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Freeman West Health Center in Joplin, Missouri following a brief illness. He was born September 11, 1953, the son of Harold Griffiths and Betty Wunderly Griffiths. Bob grew up on the family farm near Bronaugh where he learned to love farm life and the hard work that came along with that lifestyle. After graduating from Bronaugh High School, Bob married Shanna Ruth Culp on February 15, 1975, at Ft. Scott, Kansas. Bob owned and operated his own trucking company. In earlier years, he drove all over the United States; later he settled into making short runs, hauling cattle and grain. Bob hauled his last load of cattle the day before he became ill. In addition to trucking, Bob also maintained his own farm and cattle operation. He wasn’t afraid of hard work and constantly kept busy tinkering on some sort of project. Bob’s wife, Shanna, passed away on March 4, 2022. After her death, Bob began a relationship with Glenda Leer. Bob and Glenda enjoyed his last years together.

Survivors include his two children, Doug Griffiths (Priscilla) of Fouke, Arkansas and Lisa Peterson (Shane) of Albany, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Emily Workman (Brett), October, Tatum, and Kutter Peterson, Jorja and Barrett Griffiths and Beau Hendershot and three great-grandsons, Jayce and Wade Workman and Augustus Peterson. Also surviving are his dear friend, Glenda, a brother, David Griffiths and two sisters, Carol Claflin and Joyce Agee, several nieces and nephews and a sister-in-law, Sarah McCully (Les). In addition to his first wife, Shanna, he was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Bill Griffiths and a sister-in-law, Sheri Daniels.

Following cremation, a gathering for friends and family will be held from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday, January 30th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Bob and Shanna will both be laid to rest at the Worsley Cemetery west of Bronaugh at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Farm Aid 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.

Rose Mary Bailey, 95, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2026, at the Credo Senior Living Center in Fort Scott. She was born March 6, 1930, in Eve, Missouri, the daughter of Joseph Ray Clyburn and Edna Pauline (Weber) Clyburn. She married Arthur Leon Bailey December 18, 1949, in Garland, Kansas, and he preceded her in death on May 29, 2009.

Rose was active in Shriners Mobile Noble and Eastern Star, achieving her 75-year pin in the Topaz Chapter O.E.S. She was secretary of the bowling league, and also enjoyed playing cards.

Survivors include her son, Larry Bailey, of Fort Scott; her daughter Debra Holt and husband Randy, also of Fort Scott; six grandchildren, Justin Bailey, Jeremy Bailey, Ryan Bailey, Clint Holt, Ross Holt, and Haley Fry; twelve great-grandchildren, Dakota, Trevor, and Brayden Bailey, Madison Brothers, Shelby Bailey, Myla and Dani Bailey, Julian and Mara Fry, Rhys Holt, Knox and Eastyn Holt; two great-great-grandchildren, Kinzer and Colyns Brothers. In addition to her husband Arthur, she was also preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Margie Martin, and three brothers, Earl Clyburn, Joe Clyburn, and Donald “Bill” Clyburn.

Graveside services have been postponed due to weather. Memorial contributions may be made to Care To Share or Shriner’s Hospital and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

DEATH NOTICE

Jason Thomas Buffington, age 53, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, KS. There was cremation. Memorial services will be announced at a later date by the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Esther Mae Marsh, age 80, resident of Fort Scott, KS and formerly Bronson, KS, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.

Due to expected severe weather, the funeral service is delayed a week to 1:00 PM Saturday, January 31st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Cremation will follow.  Memorials are suggested to Medicalodge Activity 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Katherine Lorraine (Harkness) Wynn, age 88, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by members of her family, on January 17, 2026, in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Lorraine was born in Prescott, Kansas, on August 26, 1937, to Lawrence Phillips and Lille (Buchanan) Phillips. She was raised in Prescott, Kansas, where she graduated from Prescott High School and later received her degree in cosmetology from Stewart Beauty Academy in Topeka, Kansas.

Lorraine was married to K. W. Harkness for 40 years. They had four children and loved taking trips in the family camper and on Honda Goldwing motorcycles. K. W. and Lorraine eventually traveled the Alaska Highway to Fairbanks on a motorcycle. K. W. Harkness preceded her in death on May 24, 1995.

Lorraine married Ronnie Wynn on November 2, 2001, and they were married for almost 25 years. They enjoyed going on several cruises with her family and traveling across Kansas with Ron’s grandchildren.

Lorraine had several occupations during her life. She started as a beautician but soon worked in the family business painting and hanging wallpaper. She always said her most important career was being a housewife and mother. She liked collecting recipes and enjoyed cooking for her family. Some family favorites included homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, noodles, sugar cookies, ginger cookies, and raisin pie. She always made elaborately decorated cakes for family birthdays and even made wedding cakes for family and friends.

Lorraine loved Jesus and her family. She would do anything for her children. She loved her church family and was especially happy when she settled in Fort Scott, where she could attend Grace Baptist Tabernacle, and raise her children.

She is survived by her husband, Ronnie Wynn; three children, Angela Mae (Harkness) Russell and husband Rick of Arkansas, Shawna Lorraine Harkness of Fort Scott, and Jarett Stanton (Stan) Harkness and wife Deana of Texas; two stepchildren, Jeremy Wynn and wife Stanna of Colorado, and Julie Patton and husband T. C. of Oklahoma; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by beloved cousins, nieces, and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, K. W. Harkness; her son, Kevin Harkness; and two sisters, Irene Paddock and Ladeen (Vaughn) Poole.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, January 22nd at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Burial will follow in the Prescott Cemetery in Prescott, Kansas.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the International Waldenstrom’s Macrogloblinemia Foundation 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.

Esther Mae Marsh, age 80, resident of Fort Scott, KS and formerly Bronson, KS, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, KS. She was born on September 22, 1945, in Iola, KS, the daughter of Claude Charles Bennett and Goldie Mae Dunbar Bennett. Esther was raised on the family farm northwest of Iola. She attended Carpenter country school and later graduated from Iola high school with the class of 1963.

Esther worked for SEKAN Printing for over 30 years. She married Clifton Carl Marsh in 1981 in Fort Scott KS. He preceded her in death on July 18, 2025. She enjoyed sewing, making quilts, flowers, gardening and all things outdoors. She loved listening to classic country music.

Survivors include a son, Ted Sutterby, Linn Valley, KS, a daughter, Audra Peterson (Les), Highlands, NC; 4 grandchildren, Luke, Gregory, Joshua, and Emily; 4 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Chester Bennett, Buffalo, KS, and Lester Bennett, Colony, KS; a sister, Mary Evans, Yates Center, KS; a sister-in-law Margaret Bennett, Humboldt, KS; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Vincent Marsh, a brother, Webster Bennett, and her parents.

Pastor Jeff Feagins will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Saturday, January 24th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Cremation will follow. Memorials are suggested to Medicalodge Activity 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Lorna L’Deana (DeVilbiss) Slater, 80, of rural Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. She was born Tuesday, May 29, 1945, in Waynoka, Oklahoma, to Loren V. and Jesse M. (Buckland) DeVilbiss.
Lorna grew up on the family farm near Waynoka, helping raise Hereford cattle. She graduated from Waynoka High School in 1963 and later from the Oklahoma School of Banking and Business in Oklahoma City.

On October 22, 1964, she married Larry “John” Slater. They began their married life in Cashion, Oklahoma, followed by three years in Waynoka before making a big move in 1974 to a farm near Chetopa in southeast Kansas, where they lived for 30 years. They later moved to rural Fort Scott.

Over the years, Lorna worked for several school districts, including Cashion and Waynoka, Oklahoma, and later Chetopa, Kansas. Her most fulfilling work, however, was raising dogs on the farm. She raised Dachshunds, Corgis, and her favorite breed, the West Highland White Terrier. She especially enjoyed meeting the many people who came into her life through selling her puppies.

In addition to her love of farm life, Lorna and her family raised show lambs, an endeavor that connected her to 4-H and FFA kids and families. For many years, she clerked the annual show project sale, where she enjoyed visiting with families and encouraging young people. These show kids and their parents became an extension of her own family, and she took great pride in watching them succeed with their projects they purchased.

Lorna was an active member and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church in Edna, Kansas, and later the Hiattville Methodist Church in rural Fort Scott.

She treasured time spent with family, which often included a competitive game of dominoes. She enjoyed bus trips with local friends and never passed up a good garage sale, especially when accompanied by her friend Phyllis. Lorna proudly embraced her role as “Aunt Lorna,” always front and center at family gatherings to inspect the new prospective members.

She is survived by her husband, Larry “John” Slater, of the home; her daughter, Diane (Mark) Brillhart of Fort Scott, Kansas; her son, Daren (Tiffany) Slater of Dacoma, Oklahoma; grandsons Clay Brillhart of Fort Scott, Kaden Slater of Dacoma, and Kolby (Kaytin) Slater of American Fork, Utah; and great-grandson Emmett Slater. She is also survived by four step-granddaughters and their families: Jenny Brillhart (Joseph and Peyton) of Santa Rosa, Florida; Megan Brillhart (Vander and Jagger) of Fort Scott; Brianne Brillhart (Cooper) and Cameron Brillhart (Riley, Trevor, and Moe), all of Nevada, Missouri. She is further survived by her brother, Mac DeVilbiss of Yukon, Oklahoma, and numerous extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Adrian and Glenn DeVilbiss.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, January 23rd at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle, 502 S. Margrave St., in Ft. Scott, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday January 22nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  On Saturday, January 24th family and friends will gather at 12:00 P.M. at the Waynoka Methodist Church, 110 Flynn St. Waynoka, Oklahoma. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 P.M. at the Memorial Hill Cemetery in Waynoka, Oklahoma. Memorials are suggested to the Hiattville United Methodist Church or the Memorial Hill Cemetery Association 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.

David Charles Nelson, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Freeman West Health Center in Joplin, Missouri. He was born December 12, 1953, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of George and Mary Nelson. Dave grew up in Kansas City. He served for a time with the United States Army. After his military service, he later returned to Kansas City where he worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad for several years. He married the love of his life, Debbie Soverns in 1996 in Kansas City. They later moved to Ft. Scott.

Survivors include his wife, Debbie, of the home; three daughters, Crystal, Kathy, and Marlena; three stepsons, Rob Chris and Toney and several brothers and a sister. Dave was preceded in death by his parents and a stepson, Johnny.

Cremation was handled by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Lorna L’Deana (DeVilbiss) Slater, 80, of rural Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. She was born Tuesday, May 29, 1945, in Waynoka, Oklahoma, to Loren V. and Jesse M. (Buckland) DeVilbiss.

Lorna grew up on the family farm near Waynoka, helping raise Hereford cattle. She graduated from Waynoka High School in 1963 and later from the Oklahoma School of Banking and Business in Oklahoma City.

On October 22, 1964, she married Larry “John” Slater. They began their married life in Cashion, Oklahoma, followed by three years in Waynoka before making a big move in 1974 to a farm near Chetopa in southeast Kansas, where they lived for 30 years. They later moved to rural Fort Scott.

Over the years, Lorna worked for several school districts, including Cashion and Waynoka, Oklahoma, and later Chetopa, Kansas. Her most fulfilling work, however, was raising dogs on the farm. She raised Dachshunds, Corgis, and her favorite breed, the West Highland White Terrier. She especially enjoyed meeting the many people who came into her life through selling her puppies.

In addition to her love of farm life, Lorna and her family raised show lambs, an endeavor that connected her to 4-H and FFA kids and families. For many years, she clerked the annual show project sale, where she enjoyed visiting with families and encouraging young people. These show kids and their parents became an extension of her own family, and she took great pride in watching them succeed with their projects they purchased.

Lorna was an active member and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church in Edna, Kansas, and later the Hiattville Methodist Church in rural Fort Scott.

She treasured time spent with family, which often included a competitive game of dominoes. She enjoyed bus trips with local friends and never passed up a good garage sale, especially when accompanied by her friend Phyllis. Lorna proudly embraced her role as “Aunt Lorna,” always front and center at family gatherings to inspect the new prospective members.

She is survived by her husband, Larry “John” Slater, of the home; her daughter, Diane (Mark) Brillhart of Fort Scott, Kansas; her son, Daren (Tiffany) Slater of Dacoma, Oklahoma; grandsons Clay Brillhart of Fort Scott, Kaden Slater of Dacoma, and Kolby (Kaytin) Slater of American Fork, Utah; and great-grandson Emmett Slater. She is also survived by four step-granddaughters and their families: Jenny Brillhart (Joseph and Peyton) of Santa Rosa, Florida; Megan Brillhart (Vander and Jagger) of Fort Scott; Brianne Brillhart (Cooper) and Cameron Brillhart (Riley, Trevor, and Moe), all of Nevada, Missouri. She is further survived by her brother, Mac DeVilbiss of Yukon, Oklahoma, and numerous extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Adrian and Glenn DeVilbiss.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, January 23rd at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle, 502 S. Margrave St., in Ft. Scott, Kansas. On Saturday, January 24th family and friends will gather at 12:00 P.M. at the Waynoka Methodist Church, 110 Flynn St. Waynoka, Oklahoma. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 P.M. at the Memorial Hill Cemetery in Waynoka, Oklahoma. Memorials are suggested to the Hiattville United Methodist Church or the Memorial Hill Cemetery Association 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.

ROSE MARY BAILEY

Rose Mary Bailey, 95, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2026, at the Credo Senior Living Center in Fort Scott.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 pm on Monday, January 26, 2026, in the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

William Homer “Bill” Douglas Jr., 88, passed away on January 8, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and good friend to many, Bill lived a full and vibrant life.

Bill was born on December 14, 1937, in Rich Hill, MO, to William and Edith Douglas. Bill graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1955 before embarking on a career that spanned several decades. He began his professional journey with the Bank of Warsaw in Warsaw, MO. After moving to Fort Scott, KS in 1962, he began a job at Security State Bank followed by an 11-year tenure with the Western Insurance Companies. He later joined Citizens National Bank and served as a vice president and loan officer for 25 years until he retired in 1999. Alongside his civilian career, Bill served in the Army National Guard followed by the Army Reserves.

In 1960, Bill married Donna Carolyn (Goodenough), with whom he shared 65 years of love and companionship. Together they built a life filled with adventure and shared experiences. In their younger years, they enjoyed camping trips with their daughters to a range of locations, from Farlington Lake to Yellowstone to Florida. He and Donna later traveled to Hawaii, Alaska and every other state but North Dakota plus several European destinations and popular cruise locales. They wintered for nineteen years in Weslaco, TX, returning each year to reunite with their Texas friends and family. Of course, many trips were also made to Branson to sight-see, enjoy music, and take a few whirls on the dance floor to his favorite country song, “All My Exes Live in Texas.”

A man of faith, Bill was a founding member of Community Christian Church in Fort Scott, KS, where he served as both deacon and elder and often lent his voice to the church choir.  He and Donna later attended Rinehart Christian Church in Richards, MO.

Known for his wit and fun-loving spirit, Bill had a gift for bringing laughter into any room. Whether at work or among friends, he was always ready with a joke or light-hearted comment. His enthusiasm also extended into the outdoors—he had a passion for motorcycles and often took weekend biking trips with his buddies.

In addition to his wife, Donna (Goodenough) Douglas, other survivors include daughters Carolyn (Tom Blau) Jaqua, Kansas City, MO; Marilyn (Mitch) Yung, Springfield, MO. Surviving grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Lauren (Aaron) Hannon of Shawnee, KS and their three children, Hayes, Jane, and Ivy; Katherine (Andrija) Markovic, Overland Park, KS and their son, Matija; Collin (Gabby) Yung, Kansas City, MO; Ryan Jaqua, Lenexa, KS.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Monday, January 12^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until service time Monday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Rinehart Christian Church and may be left in care of Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.