Florence Marie Karnes, age 95, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Friday, July 26, 2024, at her home.  She was born October 30, 1928, in Fulton, KS the daughter of Howard and Lola White Taylor.

She married Harrison Edward Cox in 1945, in Erie, KS.  He preceded her in death in March 1974.  She later married Warren Eugene Karnes on October 30, 1977, in Fort Scott.  He preceded her in death in February 1998.

Florence worked for Walder’s Bakery, Key Work Clothes, and was the manager of the Salvation Army store.  She was a member of the V.F.W Ladies Auxiliary.  Florence was a generous person, always helping someone.  She enjoyed making quilts and baking, especially peanut butter cookies.

 

Survivors include five sisters, Betty Payne, Arcadia, KS, Shirley Driscoll, Denver, CO, Donna Thomas, Wagner, OK, Edna Page, Fort Scott, and Barbara Underwood, Fort Scott.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Joe, Bill, and Howard; and three sisters, Marita, Ethel, and Mary; and her parents.

 

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, August 1^st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Sheffield Cemetery, Arcadia, KS.

A visitation time will be held from 9:00 AM Thursday until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice 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.

Dale Lee Shelton died unexpectedly Sunday evening July 21, 2024, at Nevada Regional Medical Center.   He was born February 11, 1957, in Fort Scott, Kansas to Everett Frank Shelton and Mildred Irene Shelton, and grew up attending schools in Richards, Missouri and Fort Scott, Kansas.

On May 18, 1984, Dale married Shelly Turner with the couple celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2024. The pair welcomed their son Braden into the world in 2000. Dale worked 30 years for the US Postal Service as a postal clerk before retiring in 2008 to enjoy spending time with his family. Dale had a love for sports, especially baseball, which he shared with Braden. This helped create a truly special bond between the two. Dale coached Braden’s baseball and basketball teams over the years as his son grew up, and later took the opportunity to coach alongside Braden, together teaching a new generation of kids. The family also made many wonderful memories traveling around the state to Braden’s baseball and basketball tournaments and competitions.

Dale was an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs, a car nut, and a hard-working jack-of-all-trades handyman and mechanic.  He spent his free time working on cars, caring for his pets, going on daily walks with his wife, and watching ballgames. He was a selfless and kindhearted man who would always go out of his way to lend a helping hand to those who needed one and was especially devoted to his wife and son. Dale had a laid-back personality and a goofy sense of humor. He was generous in spirit and loved by everyone who knew him. Dale was a gentle, patient, and loving soul. A man with all the answers who is already greatly missed.

Dale was baptized into Christ in February of 2000 and was a member of Community Christian Church. A devoted Christian with a servant’s heart, Dale showed Jesus’ love to others through endless acts of service.

Survivors include his wife Shelly of the home, one son Braden, two sisters Linda Evans and Lana Beerbower (Gil) of Fort Scott, sister in law Sue Shelton of Redfield and aunt Lora Mason of Pittsburg, mother in law Sharon Ashcraft, sister in law Tammy Pruitt (Terry) of Fort Scott, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Everett and Mildred Shelton, a brother Dennis Shelton, and beloved pet Barkley.

 

Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Monday, July 29^th, at the Community Christian Church.  Cremation will follow.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 PM Sunday the 28^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the DALE SHELTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 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.

 

Dale Lee Shelton, age 67, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Monday, July 22, 2024, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center Emergency Room.  Services for Dale Shelton will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

Donald “Butch” Keith Hutchison age 81, a resident of Fort Scott Kansas, passed away at his home Sunday July 21, 2024.  He was born in Nevada, Mo on September 15, 1942, to Fred and Leota (Withrow) Hutchison.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Frederick Hutchison.  Butch graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1960 and then served in the US Navy for 3 years.

He returned to Fort Scott and worked at John Deere for many years, then worked at P&M Coal company in Lacygne Ks, then Kemmerer Wyoming.  He retired, returning to his farm in Fort Scott, Ks, where he loved to farm, hunt and fish, while assisting his community as a mechanic.

Butch married his wife, Karen (Dunsworth) on June 10^th, 1962, in Hammond, Kansas.

Don is survived by his wife Karen of the home, daughter Donna (Hutchison) Hughes, husband Wade of Neosho, Mo, Cindy (Hutchison) Turner, husband Bill of Millington, Tennessee, and son, Brian Hutchison and Natasha of Fort Scott, Ks.  Sister Kay Arnold of Fort Scott, Ks and brother Denny Hutchison of Wyoming.  Grandchildren Michael Hutchison (Amy), Amanda Steffen (Sam), Brent Cagle, Brandy Hutchison, Elijah Lindo, Braydon Hutchison, and Andrew Hutchison.  9 Great grandchildren, along with multiple nieces and nephews.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private family burial will take place at the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel

. Memorial 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.

Patsy Cordelia Herman, age 90, resident of Lake Ft. Scott, passed to her Lord, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in comfort at her son’s home in Ft. Scott following a complicated illness.

 

Patsy was born May 9, 1934, in Dyer County, TN, the oldest child of W. Doyle Beasley and Belva P. (Tucker) Beasley. She graduated from Cardwell High School, Cardwell, Mo. in 1952 and continued her education to become a dental assistant, upon receiving her certification, and began her career in that position in Butler, Mo.

 

Patsy married Glen R. Herman on May 5, 1956, in Butler, Mo, which continued for 54 years until Glen’s passing in 2010. This union produced 3 sons, all born in Butler, Mo.

 

Patsy was a committed follower of Jesus Christ and longtime bible teacher within the home, life, and as a member of the church of Christ. Within that context she was a faithful wife, dedicated mother, and a loving grandmother.

 

Patsy was a creative entrepreneur and wore many business hats through the years, sales in Tupperware, Amway, and established 2 businesses, The Echo (woman’s resale clothing, Pittsburg, Ks) and The Wicker Shop (wicker furniture and home décor, Hutchinson, KS). She was also active and an officer within Altrusa International, a women’s organization dedicated to community service. She also volunteered at the Fort Scott National Historic Site for many years and drew in many families and friends to also volunteer. You could find her every Monday at the bookstore in her “Sargeant Herman” uniform.

 

Patsy and Glen loved playing golf and the Colorado Rockies. They traveled for 22 years to Colorado from late May until the first real snowfall. They loved the mountain life and Arrowhead Ranch community. They hosted and invited any and all to come and spend time with them.

 

Survivors include 2 sons, Tim Herman and wife Lois, and Jim Herman, all of Ft. Scott, and daughter-in-law Paula Herman, Baton Rouge, La., sister Renee Gerteis (Ft. Scott), and brother Billy Beasley (Bakersfield, CA). She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Jeremiah, Molly, Hannah, Paige, Annette, Lydia, Jon-Max, Christopher, Tori, and 17 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.

 

Patsy was preceded in death by her husband Glen, a beloved son Linn Herman, Bonnie Troll (sister), brother in-laws (Jim Gerteis, Red Troll) and her parents.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM Friday, July 26^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday evening at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to either Care to Share or Mt. Carmel Hospice 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.

 

Elizabeth Ruth Schafer, 82, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday morning, July 16, 2024, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City. She was born February 10, 1942, in Lebanon, Missouri, the daughter of Washington Davis Mann and Charlotte Lucille (Bethel) Mann. She married Robert Lee Schafer on November 27, 1964, in Butler, Missouri. He preceded her in death May 15, 2006.

 

Elizabeth graduated from Butler High School Class of 1960. She was Postmaster for many years, and later she and Robert were owners and operators of the Chenault Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Fort Scott. Elizabeth was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

 

Elizabeth is survived by her three children; Robyn Nameth and husband Scott, of Butler, Missouri, Matthew Schafer of Fort Scott, and Christina Kennedy and husband Darrett, also of Fort Scott; and three grandchildren, Claire Nameth, Marie Nameth, and Shai Kennedy.

In addition to her husband Robert, Elizabeth was also preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Jack Mann.

 

Following cremation, Pastor Sarah Gengler will conduct memorial services for Elizabeth at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church, Fort Scott, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. prior to services in the church parlor.

 

Interment will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or to CASA, 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. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

Shirley Ann (Krull) Sessions, 83, of Elk City, Oklahoma, passed away on July 15th, 2024, at Legend at Rivendell Memory Care in Oklahoma City. Shirley was born on December 19th, 1940, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Charles and Veda (Towles) Krull.

 

Shirley spent her early childhood in Fort Scott, Kansas, where she loved spending time with her aunt and uncle, Robert and Shirley Towles, at their farm. She then moved to California with her mother, where she attended Grossmont High School. After graduating high school, she found her way to Elk City, Oklahoma where she raised her son, Dan Mannering, and later met her husband, Jack Sessions.

 

Shirley worked at Drilco for many years before retiring. She enjoyed fishing, bingo, crafting, gardening, getting her hair done every Thursday, her dog Mitzi, and spending time with her family and friends.

 

Shirley is survived by family members: Dan, Matthew, and Daniel Mannering; Kendra, Cooper, and Kennedy Cowan; Jackie and Theresa Sessions; and Greg and Charlotte Graham.

 

Funeral services for Shirley will take place at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Graveside services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Fairview Cemetery in Fulton, Kansas, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheneyfuneralhome.com.

 

Vicki Lesa Hartmetz, age 68, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at her home. She was born to Keith and Nancy (nee Summers) Wilcox, September1, 1955 in Dodge City, KS. Her family moved to Liberal, KS., early in her childhood, and attended school there through high school graduation. She was active in the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, a
Masonic order; and sang in choirs and Madrigals in high school.

After graduating from Court Reporting School, in Topeka, KS., she moved to Denver, CO., and worked for the Denver Police
Dept. Homicide Unit Reporting Detective witness interviews. In late 1978 she was hired to serve as an Official Court Reporter for the Kansas Judicial system in Sedgwick County, KS., where
she met her future husband, Bruce Hartmetz, who was serving as a Sedgwick County Deputy Sheriff. After a brief courtship, they were married in Wichita, KS., July 21, 1979.

In 1989 she moved to the Denver Metropolitan area where she worked both as a Freelance Reporter and an Official Court Reporter for the State of Colorado. Vicki loved taking photographs of her husband, children, and most anything else that caught her eye.

When her children started playing organized sports, she became a rabid fan particularly of soccer and baseball. It was a rare
event for her to miss either one of her son’s ball games.

She loved travelling through the Rocky Mountains, staying in Estes Park or Glennwood Springs. She loved “adopting” neighborhood
feral cats by insisting Bruce feed and water them at least once a day regardless of weather.

In 2017 she got an opportunity to work for the State of Kansas Judicial System. She termed the move a ‘no-brainer’ as she would be 30 minutes from five of her grandchildren rather than 650
miles. She worked for the State of Kansas until she retired in April 2024.

Vicki was proceeded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Bruce; sons, Noah Clark Hartmetz, and Luke Merritt Hartmetz; six grandchildren; one step-grandchild; and
three step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, Chuck Wilcox, and George Wilcox; one sister, Carol Leaming; their spouses; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, July 25 th , at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until
service time at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Vicki Hartmetz 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Joyce Irene Martin, age 81, a former resident of Bronson, KS, died Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Credo Assisted Living, Fort Scott, KS.  She was born November 18, 1942, in Moran, KS, the daughter of Haskell Howell and Mildred Horner Howell.

She married Charles Joseph Martin on February 14, 1960, at Community Baptist Church in Iola, KS.  He preceded her in death on October 22, 2003.  She and her husband and 5 children, Charles, Jr., Samuel, James, Rachel, and Nathanael served one term as missionaries in the Samoan Islands of the South Pacific.  Joyce was a member of the Iola Baptist Church.

 

Survivors include four sons, Charles, Jr. and wife Michelle, Vista, CA, Samuel and wife Barbara, Festus, MO, James and wife Lori, Summerdale, AL, Nathanael and wife Dedra, Newton, KS; a daughter, Rachel O’Dell and husband Mark, Independence, MO; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Benjamin, Lynelle, Michael, Steffenie, Logan, Liam, and Caitlyn Martin, and Tyler, Sarah, and Justin O’Dell; 21 great-grandchildren; and 3 siblings Ella Britt, Iola, KS, Hazel Bahner, Topeka, KS and Wayne Howell, Topeka, KS.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline Mitchell, a brother, Allen Howell, and her parents.

 

Samuel Martin will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM Friday, July 19^th, at the Fairview Chapel in Mildred, KS.

Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until 10:30 at the Fairview Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to World Missions Bearing Precious Seed 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.

Larry William Stewart, age 63, a resident of rural Garland, Kansas, passed away Saturday June 29, 2024, at his home.  He was born September 18, 1960, in Long Beach, California, the son of Luther William “Stu” Stewart and Lela Williams Stewart.  Since his father was in the military, Larry lived in a variety of places throughout the United States while he was growing up.  He graduated from high school in Hernando, Mississippi.  Larry married Deborah Ervin in 1993.  While living in Ft. Scott, Larry worked at Hammond Seed and Elevator, Shepard Team Auto Plaza and as a clerk at area service stations.  He also enjoyed traveling to various malls and trade shows selling sports memorabilia.  He also enjoyed photography.

 

Larry is survived by his wife, Debbie, of Ft. Scott, Kansas and his children, Shelby Watkins and Virina Stewart, both of Ft. Scott, Dustin Stewart of Garland, Kansas and Savannah Stewart of Carl Junction, Missouri; twelve grandchildren and a great-granddaughter with another great-granddaughter on the way, and a brother, Mike Stewart of Hernando, Mississippi. Also surviving are Larry’s loyal dogs, Harley and Smiley who were by his side when he passed away.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter.

 

There was cremation.  Private services will take place at a later date.  Arrangements were under the direction 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.

Nolene Louise Whiteside, 97, of Fort Scott, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Presbyterian Village. She was born February 11, 1927, in the family home in Pawnee County, Kansas, the daughter of John “Walter” Stump and Esther Alveda (Larson) Stump. She married Edward Lee Whiteside on September 7, 1947, in Larned, Kansas. He preceded her in death May 8, 2008.

 

Nolene graduated from Larned High School in 1945 and then attended KU for two years in accounting. It was during this time that she met Ed, her future husband, while sitting out of campus activities due to a sprained ankle she injured playing softball. While everyone else was “digging dandelions” Ed came over to sit by her and talk. He later asked her on a date, and they continued to date after he returned to his home in Fort Scott to work in the family grocery store.

 

After they were married, Nolene and Ed lived over the Whiteside’s Grocery store for a short time before moving to a house and then eventually building two houses over the years. At their home on Lee’s Circle Drive they had the big yard that Ed liked and room for the large garden that Nolene loved. 

 

Traveling was something she and Ed enjoyed doing together, and through the grocery store business, Ed won several trips. They traveled to South America, Brazil, Hawaii, Kiawah Island, and San Juan Puerto Rico. After retiring, they took several trips with the Fun Seekers to Vancouver and Victoria Canada, Europe, Prince Edward Island, and Niagara Falls.

 

Over the years, Nolene has belonged to a number of different clubs including Kansas Federation of Women’s Club, of which she was Past President, 2nd district; Progressive Mothers Club, Pieran Club, DAR, Starlite FCE, Old Fort Genealogical Society, and church circle. She was also a leader for both the Campfire Girls and Cub Scouts when her children were involved. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served in a number of roles from Sunday School teacher, VBS director, Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, Administrative Board, Young Mother’s Circle, UMW Treasurer and President. Nolene enjoyed crocheting afghans and potholders, and loved gardening (vegetables and flowers) as well as reading.

 

Nolene is survived by her children, Sheryl Bloomfield, Fort Scott, Marilyn (Ron) Bailey, Phoenix, Arizona, and Lee (Nadine) Whiteside, Goodyear, Arizona; four grandchildren, Jenny (Ryan) Sciara, Matt (Sara) Bloomfield, Kate (Brian) Reddy, and Andrea (Andrew) Omer; nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Ed, Nolene was also preceded in death by her parents, sister, Maxine Stump, brothers, Leonard and Ralph Stump, infant daughter, Nancy Ann Whiteside, great-granddaughter, Olivia Bloomfield, and son-in-law Tim Bloomfield.

 

Pastor Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. on July 15, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church with burial following at the Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. A visitation is scheduled for Sunday evening July 14, 2024, 5:00-6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the Olivia Bloomfield Foundation (oliviabloomfieldfoundation.org) 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. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

The family would like to offer special thanks to the caring staff of Gentiva Hospice. Also, Nolene’s family sends a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Presbyterian Village for their loving and wonderful care over the past five years.

 

Curtis Ryan Platt, age 38, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada, Missouri.  He was born March 28, 1986, at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, to Alan Joe Platt and Linda  Kratzberg Platt.  Curtis graduated from Central Heights High School in Richmond, Kansas with the Class of 2004.

He started his career with Holland Quarry as a plant operator with his dad.  He then worked road construction for Lexico with his Uncle LeRoy where he inherited the nickname, Gilligan.  After Lexico, Curtis worked for Doherty Steel in Paola, Kansas before going to work as a supervisor for Fabcon Precast in Pleasanton, Kansas where he worked until his death.

Curtis was united in marriage on February 2, 2013, in Ft. Scott, Kansas to Tausha Malone.  Curtis and Tausha were married for eleven wonderful years.  Not only was Curtis committed to Tausha, but he was also committed to his new stepdaughter, Hayley who he loved as his own.  Curtis and Tausha were also blessed with a son, Jase Ryan on August 27, 2014.

Curtis enjoyed working on four wheelers and razors for family and friends.  One of his favorite pastimes was hopping in the razor with Jase and going on a night ride with all his friends.  Curtis also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing softball, which is how he and Tausha met.  His greatest enjoyment was spending time with Tausha, Hayley and Jase.  Curtis and his contagious smile will be lovingly missed by his family and many friends.

 

Survivors include his wife, Tausha and son, Jase of the home, a stepdaughter, Hayley Bean and grandson, Kyson Castleberry of Arkansas, his parents, Joe and Linda Platt of Richmond, Kansas, two brothers, Erik Platt and wife, Chloe of Princeton, Kansas and Chad Platt and girlfriend, Victoria McMoran of Garnett, Kansas and his grandmother, Elsie Kratzberg of Greeley, Kansas.   Also surviving are his in-laws, Brandon and Kathy Malone of Ft. Scott and Linda Rogers and Al Schaffer of Jefferson City, Missouri, brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Sara Kottwitz of Barnett, Missouri and Heather and Thaine Geiger of Ft. Scott.

Curtis was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Nick Kratzberg and Edward Platt, his grandmother, Waunita Porter, three cousins, Kris Stockard, Rebecca Jones and Ricky Jones and a sister-in-law, Leesa Haehn.

 

The family will receive friends 5 to 7 Thursday evening at the at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, July 13^th at the First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Cindy Molini will conduct a graveside service at 1:30 P.M. Saturday, at the St. Boniface Cemetery in Scipio, Kansas.

Following the graveside service, the family will gather at St. John’s Hall, 406 Prairie St., Greeley, Kansas for a time of fellowship.  Memorials are suggested to the Jase Platt Education 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 remembr