Marilyn Arleta (Haarberg) Baldonado was born on January 23, 1943 to William H. “Bill” Haarberg and Agnes G. “Peggy” (Walling) Haarberg in Chase County, Nebraska.  She died on March 25, 2025, in Crystal City, MO at Crystal Oaks Long Term Care after a long battle with Parkinson’s.

Marilyn grew up south of Wauneta, NE on the family farm and graduated from Wauneta High School. She attended college at Kearney College (University of Nebraska – Kearney) for two years before marrying Paul Baldonado in June of 1963 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta. They were married for fifty-seven years.

Marilyn spent many years as an executive assistant for Farmland Industries and concluded her working career managing the shower door manufacturing division of Ennis Glass in Fort Scott, KS.  Marilyn was active in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod throughout her life and was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Scott, KS.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Tranquilino “Paul” Baldonado, her parents Bill and Peggy Haarberg, her brother Eugene “Gene” Haarberg, and her sister Connie Kuecker.

She is survived by her brother Lorris Haarberg and wife Ruth of Arapahoe, NE, daughter Kyla Scarborough, son Paul “Ryan” Baldonado, and son Eric Baldonado and wife Darcy of Festus, MO.  She is also survived by her two granddaughters, Anna and Elena Baldonado, who brought her endless joy and provided her with many opportunities for fun, laughter and adventure.

There will be a small private burial at a later date.

Marilyn will be laid to rest with her husband Paul in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas.

Arrangements 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.

Conrad “Conard” Calvin Wright, age 82, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott.  He was born April 8, 1942, in Dade County, MO the son of John “Sam” and Perna Jones Wright.  Conrad graduated from FSHS with the class of 1960 and then FSCC in 1963.

He worked for Harlan Hardware in Fort Scott until it sold.  He then was employed with Mayco Ace Hardware until his retirement.  Conrad was a scoutmaster for 35 years.  He enjoyed working in the garden and repairing just about anything mechanical.  He loved spoiling all the neighborhood kids that knew him.

Survivors include two brothers, Robert Wright (Mary) of Garnett, KS, and John Wright of Sabetha, KS; and a sister Carol Fehr, Fort Scott.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Wanita Morehead, two brothers, Arthur and Marvin Wright, and his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, April 7^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Boy Scout Troop #114 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.

Amanda Kay Thurston, age 41, resident of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away Monday March 31st, 2025 at her home. She was born March 24th, 1984 in Fort Scott Kansas to Billy and Pam Cowan. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2002, went on to Fort Scott Community College to play volleyball, and later graduated from Missouri Southern University with a bachelors in human resources and business.

She became a momma in 2004 to Teryn Kay Farley. She married Chris Thurston in August 2007, they later divorced, but from their marriage she had Bryton Henry Thurston September 2009.

Amanda was a natural athlete, she loved competition, and grew up competing in all the sports. Amanda loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, fire pits, and animals. She had a soft spot for the injured animals, and always seemed to find a way to bring them home.

Her and her mom shared an unfortunate love for the Pittsburgh Steelers as well.

Amanda had a big heart for the ones she loved, when she loved she loved hard. Her circle was called the Amanda-dome, and if you were in it, you were in it for life.

She often told her parent’s that it was her world, and they were just living in it. She made her own rules, and was stubborn as the day was long.

Amanda had a lot of good years, and if you knew our Amanda in her good years then you were blessed to know one of the best. Amanda was incredibly proud of her children, she loved them immensely, even on the tough days.

It was no secret that she had some struggles, and spent the last few years fighting her inner demons. Our family has walked a road we wish on no one. Amanda is free of the demons, is no longer fighting, and has finally released the chains.

Amanda is survived by her parents Billy G. Cowan, and Pamela K. Ballou Cowan of Fort Scott. Her children, Teryn Kay Farley of Franklin Kansas and Bryton Henry Thurston Deerfield Missouri. Her siblings Josh and Chrystal Cowan, their children Raylee, Jace and Grady of Redfield, Kansas. Ashley and Tyler Valentine, their children Treyton and Ryland of Fort Scott. Paternal grandmother Margaret “Peggy” Cowan. Maternal grandparents Larry and Johnna “Kay” Ballou, all of Fort Scott. She was also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather Gene Cowan.

There was cremation, and the family will have a celebration of life Monday April 7th from 5-7 at Cheney Witt Chapel. Private family burial will follow at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to Fort Scott High School Zero Reasons Why, or 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.

Earnest Lee Riley, 79, a resident of Medicalodges, Fort Scott, KS died peacefully in his sleep on March 29, 2025. Earnie was born in Nowata, OK on July 3,1945 to Earl Riley and Ruby Irene (Harris) Riley.

For many decades, Earnie’s care was coordinated through the Kansas Guardianship Program while he resided and worked in facilities operated by Tri-Valley Developmental Services.

Declining health occasioned his move to Medicalodges. There are no known survivors.

Earnie will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS on April 5, 2025. Arrangements are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Donny Ray Roberts, a beloved family man and respected business owner from Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 27, 2025, at the age of 46.

Donny was the proud owner of Roberts Outdoor Works, a family business that was his greatest professional achievement. Beyond his work, he was known for his passion for rock crawling and show cars, with one of his most cherished memories being his top 10 placement at the Sparks of the Ozarks event.

A true family man, Donny was renowned for being the life of the party and a dependable source of support for those around him. His vibrant personality and generous spirit touched the lives of many.

Donny will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the entire Fort Scott community. His passion for life, love for his family, and commitment to his business will be remembered by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife Jennifer (Jae) Miller-Roberts of Fort Scott, KS; his father Ronnie Roberts of Fort Scott, KS; brother Ronnie Roberts (Jennifer) of Fort Scott, KS; children Austin Robichaux (Theresa) of Bar Hill, UK, Corryn Cortner (Wyatt) of Emporia, KS, Lillian Greer of Nevada, MO, Adalay Connet of Emporia, KS, Jaeci Roberts (Arden) of Harrison, OH, Morgan Roberts of Columbus, OH, Kyleigh Roberts of Ross, OH, Cody Roberts of Fort Scott, KS, and Bella Roberts of Fort Scott, KS.  Also surviving are nieces and nephews Damian Roberts (Katiria) of Louisburg, KS, Jerica Roberts (John) of Fort Scott, KS, and Jasime and Mackie Roberts of Fort Scott, KS.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda (Large) Roberts.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 6th at 12:00 pm at Gunn Park Shelter House #1, 1010 Park Ave., Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Lunch and drinks will be provided.

Memorials are suggested to the Robert’s Children 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.

Warren Edward Knight, a quiet kind man, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025 in Fort Scott, KS.  Warren was 88 years old.

He was born in Centerville Kansas on April 27, 1936 to hard working and loving parents Harry Austin and Minnie Belle (Kline) Knight.  He graduated from Parker High School in 1954 while he helped on the family farm near Centerville, KS.

He went on various adventures after High School, then served as a Private First Class in the United States Army in the 47^th Field Hospital, 67^th Medical Group at Fort Sam Houston Texas and continued his service to others as a member of the American Legion Post 25 in Fort Scott, KS.

He was an excellent Carpenter for Capital Federal as a member of the International Painters and Allied Trades Union in the Kansas City area until his retirement in 2000.  His passion and work ethic were inspirational to anyone who was privileged enough to witness it.

Warren was a confirmed bachelor until he met Erma Rose (Sluder).  They married on October 17, 1975 and then spent many enjoyable years together.  Family was important to Warren and he could always be found at family reunions smiling at the camera, pitching horseshoes that spun like a Frisbie, and making everyone laugh with his unexpected wit.

Watching the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, collecting old car license plates, coins, and other memorabilia were things Warren enjoyed doing.  He loved old cars and could talk about every one he owned and what it meant to him.

Warren was preceded in death by his wife Erma, his parents, and 10 siblings: Willard, Francis, Wendell, Enid, Thelma, Kenneth, Maurine, Harold, Carolyn and H. Roger.

Warren is survived by many loving nieces and nephews, a step-daughter, step-granddaughter, and step-great granddaughter.

Memorial Service will be held at the Fort Scott National Cemetery on April 8, 2025 at 11:00am.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Legion Charities or Medical Lodge of Fort Scott.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 8^th at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Military honors will be provided by the American Legion.

Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Medicalodge Activity Fund or the American Legion 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.

Thomas Andrew Jones, age 83, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Community Springs Healthcare in El Dorado Springs, MO.  He was born October 18, 1941, in Detroit, MI the son of Robert and Hazel Adams Jones.  They later moved to Woodbine, IA.

Tom was Postmaster in Fort Scott for 17 years, retiring after 35 years in 1997.  In retirement Tom loved to hunt, fish, and read.  He served as a Deacon at the Community of Christ Church in Fort Scott.

Tom was united in marriage to Karon Lee on February 4, 1962.  She survives of the home.  This union produced 4 children, Kim (Kevin) Kruse of Midwest City, OK, Kristi (Dan) Gregory of Camdenton, MO, Kara (Alan) Knapp of Springfield, MO, and Thomas Jones II (Tony) of Manhattan, NY; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, April 2^nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel in Fort Scott, KS.

Another service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, April 4^th, at the Cutler-O’Neill-Meyer-Woodring Funeral Home in Council Bluffs, IA.

Burial will follow in the Hazel Dell Cemetery, Council Bluffs, IA.

Memorials are suggested to the Community of Christ Church of Fort Scott 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.

Thomas Andrew Jones, age 83, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Community Springs Healthcare in El Dorado Springs, MO.  Services for Tom Jones will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

Richard “Rick” Curtis Johnson, Sr. age 65, a resident of Blackwell, Oklahoma, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Rapid City, South Dakota.  He was born April 26, 1959, in Salina, Kansas, the son of Robert Johnson and Doris Thornton Johnson.

Almost immediately after high school, Rick enlisted with the United States Navy.  He faithfully served his country from 1978 to 1992.

After his service with the Navy, he became a long-haul truck driver.  He frequently made trips between Oklahoma and Canada and was serving in this capacity when he became ill in South Dakota.  Rick enjoyed traveling, making people laugh, and constructing model cars.  Rick was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys always cheering them on for each game. One might also say he was a movie connoisseur, never missing a new film.  Rick was a man of faith and a longtime Baptist.

Survivors include a daughter, Christine Johnson and her fiancée, Spencer of Perry, Oklahoma and a son, Richard C. Johnson, Jr. of Ponca City, Oklahoma; a brother, Bill Johnson of Minneapolis, Kansas and two sisters, Margaret Johnson also of Minneapolis, Kansas and Sharon Johnson of Salina, Kansas.  Also surviving is his fiancée, April Panama.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A. M. Tuesday, April 1^st at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle, 502 S. Margrave St., Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the United States Navy.  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.

George Frederick Hightower, age 77, a resident of Walnut, Kansas, passed away Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Prairie Mission Retirement Village in St. Paul, Kansas. He was born March 27, 1947, in Hartman, Arkansas, the son of John David Hightower and Dorothy Anita Kuhl Hightower. George married Leona Marie Reed on August 9, 1965, Alpena, Arkansas.

Following their marriage, George served three tours in Vietnam with the United States Army.

Throughout his life, George worked at Churchill Manufacturing in Chanute where he helped construct oil pumping equipment. He later was employed by the Erie Lumberyard and then Neosho Small Parts also located in Erie. In addition, he also worked in law enforcement for the City of Walnut.

George enjoyed fishing and playing cards with his good friends.

Survivors include his four children, George Hightower (Amber) of Georgia, Paula Robertson (Jamie) of Thayer, Kansas, Leo Hightower (Megan) of Chanute, Kansas and Wayne Hightower (Pam) of Ft. Scott, Kansas; twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Donna Guntharp (Jackie) and a step-brother, Mike Shrum.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Leona, on January 3, 1992. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Maryann Hobbs and Cathy McDole, an infant brother, Del Edward Hightower and a step-brother, Rick Shrum.

There was cremation. Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct graveside services at 1:30 P.M. Friday, April 4th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 1:15 P.M.

Memorials are suggested to the Walnut Community Service Organization 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.

Dora Alice Baucom George, born April 12, 1954, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose kindness and generosity touched many lives.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert George; her parents, Lewis and Marie Baucom; her sister, Peggy Baucom and a grandson.

She is survived by her children, Les George (Bianca), Robin Butwan(Christopher), Kathryn Knoer (Brad), Shari Brown, Tami Simmons (Joe); her cherished grandson, Ethan Butwan and many loved grandchildren and great grandchildren; her brother, Joe Baucom; and her sisters, Kathy Swingle and Jo Ann Scott (John).

With a heart for service, Dora found joy in caring for children, supporting her church, and dedicating her time to helping the elderly in her community. She lived a life of faith, compassion, and selflessness, always putting the needs of others before her own.

Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A celebration of her life was held at United Funeral Service in New Albany, MS on Wednesday, March 26^th.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, March 29^th, at the Centerville Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gideons International at SendTheWord.org in her honor.  Local arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.

Janice Patterson, age 100, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, died peacefully at the Medicalodge on Thursday, March 13, 2025.  Jan was born February 13, 1925, in Mapleton, Kansas, to Willis Francis Patterson and Mabel Evelyn Cooper Patterson.  Her family lived on a farm south of Mapleton.

She attended school in Mapleton for her early years and graduated as Valedictorian from Fulton High School in 1943.  In the fall of that year, Jan enrolled as a freshman at Ft. Scott Junior College.  The 1944 school yearbook pictured her as a Student Council Member and part of the annual staff.  The next year, she went to Kansas City to work for Pratt and Whitney, a defense contractor during World War II

By 1950, she was working for Skelley Oil in Kansas City.  By the early 1970’s, she was transferred to Tulsa, Oklahoma where her career ended with Chevron Oil.  In the early 1980’s, she retired and returned to Ft. Scott.  She was very active in the First Christian Church where she eventually became a deacon.  Jan also played bridge, attended FCE meetings and belonged to different social groups.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents Willis and Mabel Patterson as well as her brothers, Elgin Patterson, John Patterson, Byron Patterson and sister-in-law, Erma Essicks Patterson, a sister, Doris Underwood and brother-in-law, Jake Underwood, and a niece, Ruth Ann Underwood Burleson.

Jan is survived by two nieces, Susan Underwood Karleskint of Uniontown, Kansas and Mary Underwood Gregory and husband, Brad, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri.  In addition, there are six great nieces and nephews and seven great-great-nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, March 29^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church 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.