George R. Hall, age 76, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Friday, August 21, 2020, at the K.U. Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. Services for George Hall will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
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Category Archives: Obituary
Obituary of Orville Shinn
Orval Edward “Dan” Shinn, age 72, a resident of rural Bronson, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at his home.
He was born March 12, 1948, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Danny L. Shinn and Wilma M. Eastwood Shinn. At a young age, the family moved to Stinnett, Texas, where Orval graduated from the Stinnett High School with the Class of 1966.
Orval later served a tour of duty with the United States Army in Vietnam. He later reenlisted as served as an air traffic controller for the Army.
Following his retirement from military service, he went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Archeology from Troy University in Alabama and went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Archeology from the University of Alabama. He was employed by the engineering firm of Burns & McDonnell where he worked in the Archeology Department. This job had him working on construction sites throughout the United States.
Orval first married Jane Forgoress and they had a son, Gabriel. They were divorced.
Orval later married Carla Morris on October 22, 2011, at Overland Park, Kansas.
Orval loved football and because of the time spent in Alabama was an avid fan of the Crimson Tide. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting.
Throughout his life, both Orval and his dad, Danny, maintained a love for the Shinn family farm near Turkey Creek. They often spent summers working on the farm. Following his retirement, Orval and Carla built their retirement home on the farm.
He was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown, Kansas.
Survivors include his wife, Carla, of the home; his son, Gabe and wife, Tracy of Mebane, North Carolina; Carla’s sons, Bryan Ballard and wife, Lynn, of Lathrop, Missouri and Sean Ballard and wife, Jackie, of Kenilworth, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Grayson and Parker Shinn and Kyle, Matthew, Blake, Evan and Addie Ballard and a great-grandson, Gunner. Also surviving are two sisters, Dana Eudey, of Tulia, Texas and Lorrain Cook of Yuma, Arizona.
Rev. Marty DeWitt will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, August 22nd at the First Missionary Baptist Church. Burial with military honors will take place in the Turkey Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, PO Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Norman Gates
Norman L. Gates, age 91, formerly of Uniontown, KS, died Thursday, August 13, 2020, at the Franklin House, Ft. Scott, KS. He was born November 2, 1928, in Mapleton, KS, the son of Albert and Grace (Brillhart) Gates. The family later relocated to Uniontown, where Albert ran the local blacksmith/mechanic shop.
Norman graduated from Uniontown High School. After graduation, he enlisted with the United States Navy at the age of 18 and served on the U.S.S. America, U.S.S. Roosevelt, U.S.S. Forrestal, U.S.S. Intrepid, U.S.S. Shangri-La and the PBY aircraft, and Naval bases throughout the world.
On June 25th, 1950, he married the love of his life, Wilma Jean Kegerreis. Together they made their home in many different cities including Yokosuka, Japan; Pretty Prairie, KS; Memphis, TN, and several years in Jacksonville, FL during his military career. After attaining the rank of Leading Chief Petty Officer of VA 64 (Black Lancers), he retired from military life and the family moved back to Uniontown in 1966 where he took over his father’s mechanic shop.
Later he accepted a position as a Driver’s License Officer for the State of Kansas attaining the position of Supervising Drivers License Examiner and served in that position for 20 years until retirement.
Norman and Jean had a wide circle of friends and loved to entertain. Most weekends you would find them with friends and family, frequently hosting a card game, dinner, picnic, or some kind of holiday gathering. An annual event was his birthday “Weenie Burn” at the farm every November.
Camping was also a favorite pastime and the family enjoyed trips to Colorado, New York, California, and various other destinations together over the years. They were very involved in many local activities and groups including the Masonic Lodge and Mirza Shrine. Norman loved participating with his friends in all the group activities such as Shriner’s Oriental Band and Funny Cars to name a few. He also served in the Honor Guard at the National Cemetery in Ft. Scott for several years.
Norman was an avid hunter and fisherman and he taught Hunter Safety Classes for many years. He loved teaching young people the proper way to use guns safely and to respect the great outdoors. He received recognition from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Conservation and was awarded The Order of the Buffalo pin for his devoted service. He collected guns all his life and enjoyed showing them off to anyone interested in weaponry.
He loved music and in his later years taught himself to play the harmonica. He often composed original music for family and friends and loved to entertain with originals as well as old standards. He loved to dance, and he and Jean belonged to a square-dance group for several years. He was always willing for one more dance…whether it was on a proper dance floor, out on the deck or just through the kitchen. He was a gifted woodcarver and was always creating some new something.
Norman loved life and people. He never knew a stranger and could find someone to talk to no matter where he went. Kids knew him as the man who always had candy to give and you could always count on him to teach or entertain you with a joke or a good story.
He loved his family and his friends and if you were his friend you WERE family. He shared his passions and love of life with everyone he knew. He will be missed by many but please remember him with a smile. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Franklin House and their wonderful caregivers.
Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, his parents Albert and Grace Gates, his sister Viola (Gates) Bowers, and his brother Marvin Gates.
He is survived by his children, Linda Kay Gates Morgan (Bill), Overland Park, KS; Norman Dale Gates (Cheryl), Niceville, FL, and Michael Jon Gates (Brandi), Mapleton, KS; eight grandchildren, Andrew Gates (Erin), Christopher Gates (Holly), Ryan Morgan (Miki), Christin McCullough (Zeb), Shane Gates, Lauren Lindiakos (Rick), Jason Gates (Kyli), and Kathryn Morgan; and eighteen great-grandchildren, Lenny, Tyler, Alexandra, Layla, Bryar, Korie, Scarlett, Masen, Lilianna, Austin, Libby, Vivienne, Landon, Breckett, Lexi, Lizbeth, Sophia, and Nikolas.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct graveside services at 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 18th, in the Mason Cemetery south of Uniontown.
Military honors will be provided by the U. S. Navy Honor Guard.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 Monday afternoon at the Cheney Witt Chapel with Masonic services at 5:00.
Memorials are suggested to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Larry Grimes
Larry Lee Grimes, age 71, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Friday, August 7, 2020, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.
He was born on June 15, 1949, in Ft. Scott, the son of Claude and Frances Wolfe Grimes. He graduated from FSHS with the class of 1967.
Larry married Barbara Fry on August 18, 1968, in Hiattville, KS.
He served in the U. S. Airforce from 1968 until 1972. Larry then opened Grimes Texaco. He later worked for Bradbury Coal Company, Petromark Oil Company, the sale barn and as a volunteer for the fire department. He loved riding horses and spending time with his grandchildren.
He was a member of the Hiattville United Methodist Church and taught Sunday school.
Survivors include his wife Barbara of the home; two daughters, Tammy Grimes and Mike Marsh, Fulton, KS, and Kathy Bradbury and husband Steve, Carroll, OH; a sister, Alice Grimes; seven grandchildren, Breanne, Kolby, Tylar, Krista, Alexia, Kyle, and Nicole; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a sister Lorene VanBuren; and his parents.
Pastor Carl Ellis will conduct graveside services at 1:30 PM Tuesday, August 11th, at the Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Monday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to either the Hiattville United Methodist Church or Fort Scott Fire Department and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Kathleen Hunsucker
Kathleen Grace Hunsucker, age 66, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.
She was born July 8, 1954, the daughter of John Hunsucker and Patricia Lamb Hunsucker.
Kathleen was a social butterfly at Tri-Valley. She was known for her happy-go-lucky attitude and took an interest in the people around her. She enjoyed doing jobs in the Work Center and participating in activities, especially puzzle time.
Survivors include her father, John Hunsucker, of Winfield, Kansas and eight brothers and sisters, Claude Hunsucker, of Wichita, Kansas; Linda Bakken, of Independence, Kansas; Debbie Pollett, of Burden, Kansas;Tom Hunsucker, of Wichita, Kansas; Connie Streit, also of Wichita; John Hunsucker, of Douglas, Kansas; Peggy White, of Chanute, Kansas and Mary Enderud, of Oxford, Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Hunsucker and three brothers, Ronnie, Bobby and Chris Hunsucker.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 13 at the Elk Falls Cemetery in Elk Falls, Kansas. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Judy Duffy
Judy Kay Duffy, age 78, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, August 3, 2020, at Select Specialty Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas.
She was born September 13, 1941, at Emporia, Kansas, the daughter of Leonard Walker and Hildred America Standau Walker.
She first married Charles Turner. They later divorced. Judy later married Loyal Duffy on August 13, 1993, at Miami, Oklahoma.
In earlier years, Judy made her home in both Kansas City and Emporia. She worked in Human Resources for Montgomery-Ward. She later became a licensed dental hygienist and worked in this capacity for a time. She was later employed in document services at Wolf Creek Power Plant.
Following her marriage to Loyal in 1993, she moved to Ft. Scott. She enjoyed tending her flowers and watching birds as well as traveling and taking trips on the motorcycle. Following her husband’s retirement, Judy and Loyal spent several years working for the parks department at Beaver Lake.
Survivors include her husband, Loyal, of the home; a daughter, Brenda Gordon and husband, Robert, of Hartford, Kansas; two step-children, Kevin Duffy and wife, Shelley, of Burlington, Kansas and Deanna Duffy, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, six grandchildren, Josh Turner, Scott Turner, Trisha Ecton, Patrick Gordon, Mikel Duffy and Kenyon Duffy and several great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Quintin Walker of Kansas City, Kansas and Freda Birchmier, of Americus, Kansas.
She was preceded in death by a son, Charles “Chuck” Turner, Jr.; two sisters, Hildred Marie Barrett and Helen Sill and three brothers, Jack Walker, Leonard Walker, Jr. and Darrel Walker.
There was cremation. A memorial service with burial in the Chicago Mound Cemetery at Emporia, Kansas will take place at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes 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.
Obituary of Forestine Hoover
Forestine Rosetta Hoover, 90, of Fort Scott, passed away early Friday morning, July 31, 2020, at the Medicalodge Nursing Home.
She was born December 4,1929, in Devon, Kansas, the daughter of Charles Frederick and Gladys Ida (Huss) Miller. She married Eldon Hoover August 5, 1951, in Fort Scott, and he preceded her in death March 5, 2003.
Forestine was a Registered Nurse and worked for Mercy Hospital early in her career, but most people will remember her as Dr. Pratt Irby’s nurse at Newman Young Clinic and then later for Dr. Dean Gettler.
She was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church, and Gideons International.
Forestine is survived by her children, Denise Arlene Imel and husband Chuck, of Tampa, Florida, Teresa Lee Maki and husband John, of Alma, Missouri, Linda Rose Prior and husband Ian, of Tampa, Florida, Sandra Lynn Fagan and husband Ed, of Honolulu, Hawaii, and James Eldon Hoover, of Joplin, Missouri; a brother, Arthur Calvin Miller, of Higginsville, Missouri; a sister, Esther Alpha Anderson, of Tuttle, Oklahoma; fourteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Eldon, she was also preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter, Cheryl Ann Hoover, a grandson, Gabriel Thayer Hoover, and three brothers, Delbert, Louis, and Joe Miller.
Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, followed by burial at the Fort Scott National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Southern Baptist Church and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Obituary of Wesley Gress
Wesley Allan Gress, 68, of Fort Scott, passed away late Sunday night July 19, 2020, at Via Christi Ascension in Fort Scott, Kansas. Wes was born March 22, 1952, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Warren Wesley and Dorothy Mae (Snyder) Gress. He married Colene Janette Summers August 24, 1975, in Kansas City, Kansas, and she preceded him in death January 15, 2020.
Wes attended Devry Institute of Electronics in Chicago, Illinois, and was an electrician for Niece Industries. He was a hands-on person that could fix anything. He played golf, loved gardening, was a master on the grill and loved to cook. He was an avid Chiefs and Royals fan. He loved listening to music.
Wes is survived by his daughters, Andrea Weak of Pocahontas, Illinois, and Stephanie King, of Pittsburg, Kansas; a sister, Sherry Sugg, of Lakewood, Colorado; and two grandsons, Levi Weak and Kyran Weak. In addition to his wife Colene, he was also preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter, Renea Lynn Gress.
Following cremation, memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2020, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 West Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Obituary of Earl Colley Jr.
Earl “Poncho” Colley, Jr., age 55, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at his home.
He was born October 24, 1964, in Tahlequah, OK, the son of Earl Colley, Sr. and Pamela Rice Colley.
Earl worked for Rent-A-Center for 17 years. He never met a stranger and could always make you laugh. He enjoyed MOKAN races, football (Chiefs), swimming, and classical rock music.
Earl was a talented individual, from auto mechanic, to carpentry, to cooking.
He and wife Lisa never had an argument.
Survivors include his wife Lisa of the home; three sons, Zach Lyman, Ft. Scott, Andrew Colley and wife, Erica, CA, and Joseph Colley, CO; two daughters, Kaitie Lyman, Ft. Scott, and Enjoli Colley, CO; three brothers, Rusty Green, Joplin, MO, Earl Colley and wife, Froenie, Sulphur OK, and Jamie Allen Rice, Midland, TX; a sister, Missy Colley Carriger and husband Darren, Osawatomie, KS; 10 grandchildren including JayLynn and Lynkoln Lyman; and 7 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
There was cremation. Memorial graveside services will be held at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the Earl Colley, Jr. Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Addie Ralph
Addie Mae Ralph, age 94, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2020, at the Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.
She was born September 26, 1925, in Pleasanton, Kansas, the daughter of Charles J. Vest and Francena Holmes Vest. She married Henry Delbert Ralph on October 8, 1947, at Salinas, California.
Addie was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
She was a member of the Prescott Baptist Church.
Survivors include her daughter, Debra Taylor, of Ft. Scott; a grandson, Jeremy Taylor and wife, Teresa, of Springfield, Missouri and two grandchildren, Kailey and Caden.
Addie’s husband, Delbert, preceded her in death on January 28, 2017. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Charles “Buddy” Vest and a sister, Evelyn Ham.
A private funeral service will take place on Tuesday, July 28th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Addie will be laid to rest beside her husband, Delbert, at the Holmes Cemetery northeast of Prescott, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to the Medicalodge Activity Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Judy Tripp
Judy Tripp passed from this life July 24, 2020, at her home in rural Fort Scott, KS. She was born July 8, 1940, the daughter of Lawrence and Cloye (Zentner) Tripp in Algona, Iowa. She attended Beloit schools. She married Don White in 1957, Lincoln KS, and had 4 children. They later divorced. Don preceded her in death in 2015.
In the past, she worked in the healthcare field for over 35 years as a nurse’s aide in Lincoln and Uniontown. She enjoyed volunteering for Pastoral Care at Mercy Hospital, Fort Scott, KS. She cleaned many houses in the community, creating lasting friendships. She utilized her nursing skills to help with their care during times of illness. She enjoyed pleasure cruises with family and friends and seeing the different ports. Family get-togethers were always filled with laughter and good memories. She enjoyed living in the country with her house dog, Sugar.
Survivors include 4 children: Donald Jr. (Connie), Debra (Dave) Duffey, Ricky (Lisa) White, David (Brenda) White. 16 Grandchildren: Anthony (Shelly) White, Tiffany White, Natasha (Tom Reifschneider) Reed, Nicole (Tim) Brown, Nathaniel (Ashley) Collins, Joseph (Kristen) Duffey, Jacob Duffey, Sunnie (Ben) Bishop, Ashley Boyle, Matthew Hanson, Erica (Kale) Schmid, Daniel (Sadie Small) White, Michael White, David M. White, Joshua (Cortney Sherman) White, Jessica White. 28 Great Grandchildren: Brittany White, Lainie White, John Reed, Victoria Reed, Andrew Reed, Tyler Reed, Dillon Reifschneider, Austin Collins, Nicholas (Katleyn) Ragan, Mackenzie Brown, Abbigale, Brown, Owen Brown, Lillie Brown, Jasper Collins, Sampson Collins, Augie Collins, Myles Duffey, Paige McBride, Carisa McBride, Ayden McBride, Brynna Bishop, Izaac Hanson, Tate Hanson, Brylee White, Avery White (due in August),Jaxson White, Jamison White, and Charlotte White. 1 Great Great Granddaughter: Riley Ragan. A brother: Earl Tripp and wife Mary. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Victor and Robert Tripp, and her parents.
Visitation is 10 a.m. Monday, July 27th, at the Hiattville Methodist Church, Hiattville KS. Pastor Carl Ellis will conduct funeral services at 11 a.m. at the Hiattville Methodist Church. The burial and memorial will take place in Elmwood Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Hiattville Methodist Church in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Edith I. Brillhart
Edith Irene Brillhart passed from this life, on Wednesday evening, July 22, 2020, at the Olathe Medical Center Hospice House.
She was born December 10, 1928, the daughter of Ward and Edith Wellington of Mapleton, Kansas. She was a graduate of Blue Mound High School where she met and later married Carl Brillhart on June 29, 1946.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband Carl of 60 years who died January 2006, her brother Paul Wellington and wife Fay of Independence, Mo., her parents, Ward and Edith Wellington of Mapleton, Ks, and great-grandson, Rueben Brillhart of Hutchinson, Ks.
Irene is survived by her brother Joe Wellington and wife Betty of Edmond, OK, as well as four children, David Brillhart and wife Brenda of Aurora, CO, Sue Sackett and husband George if Olathe, KS, Steve Brillhart and wife Mary of Hutchinson, KS, and Sheila Marmon of Gainesville, TX, as well as 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Irene was a member and actively involved in the Community of Christ in Mapleton, KS. Her most important and valued positions in life were that of devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend.
She enjoyed an active social life with friends of the Scott Avenue Apartments where she lived and with longtime friends of her surrounding farm community.
Richard Long and David Nickelson will officiate at the graveside service at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 24th, at Mapleton Cemetery under the direction of Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel.
The family asks that donations be made to your local Hospice House. Words of remembrance and condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.