Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary

Obituary of Joan Bailey

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Treasured memories are cherished by the family of Joan Evelyn Bailey.  Joan, 70, went home to her Lord and Savior on August 29, 2019.

During her time on Earth, Joan’s kind heart, generous nature, and touch of orneriness made the world a brighter place for all those around her.

An avid collector of angels, Joan’s love of the Lord made her an angel here on Earth to many. A powerful prayer warrior, Mrs. Bailey moved many mountains with her worshipful words. In this world, Joan embraced the phrase, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness,” serving as a housekeeping supervisor for Mercy Hospital for over 20 years.

Joan was born on August 11, 1949, to Homer and Bessie (Cady) West, the sixth of eight children.  In her younger years, siblings recall Joan’s ability to simultaneously behave as a complete angel and a total character.

Joan met the love of her life, Lewis Kenneth Bailey, in 1965 in Olathe, Kansas.  The soulmates wed on July 25, 1969. To this blessed union, two adored children, Timothy Allen and Kimberly Ann, were born.  Next to the Lord, Joan loved her family most of all, finding them a tremendous source of support and strength. For Joan, family was not limited to relatives, and she truly never met a stranger.  A familiar face to many, Joan and Lewis have called Fort Scott Kansas, home since the early seventies.

Joan is survived by her loving husband of fifty years, Lewis Bailey; her son Tim (Shayla) Bailey; her daughter Kim (Jess) Fletcher; and five beautiful granddaughters: Allexis, Allie, Rayna, Kandace, and Brinley.  Joan’s surviving siblings include Harold (Jolene) West, Hazel Spielman, Lessie Williams, and Cheryl West. Joan was also loved by many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Hester Forester, Carl West, and Roland West.

 

            Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Bethel Community 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.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Johnnie L. Harrison

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Johnnie Lyle Harrison, age 60, a resident of Arcadia, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, August 21st, 2019,  after succumbing to cancer at the Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Johnnie was born June 18, 1959, to George and Bernice (Endicott) Harrison in Fort Scott, Kansas. Johnnie worked for the City of Arcadia for several years. Johnnie’s life began like so many of the men of his time. He dropped out of school at an early age to work so that he could help provide for himself as well as is parents. He was a hard worker and especially loved working on his own home, whether that be tearing down walls or building new ones.

Johnnie was liked and loved by many and truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, country cruising, fishing, mushroom hunting, playing cards, watching westerns, and adding to his smurf collection.

Johnnie is survived by his seven children: John, Danielle, Jessica, James, Christina, Joseph, and Jason; his grandchildren: Hunter, Lilly, Kylee, Keaton, Kody, Elizabeth, Samantha, Jordan, Kage, Katie, Blake, Jacob, and Ryan; his sisters: Ruth and Debra; his brothers: Roger, Jerry, and Christopher; and his cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Christopher Harrison; a brother, Raymond Harrison; and a sister, Nancy (Harrison) Horn.

There was cremation.

Private burial will take place at a later date at the Hepler Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the Johnnie Harrison Memorial fund which may be left in the care of 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.

Or, if you would like to donate to the family, please visit the Funeral Expenses for Johnnie Fundraiser at https://www.facebook.com/donate/1387626031400563/?fundraiser_source=external_url.

Obituary

Obituary of Rhonda E. Pottorff

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Rhonda Elaine Heathman Pottorff, age 63, a resident of Nevada, MO., died Thursday, August 22, 2019, at the Landmark Hospital in Joplin, MO.

She was born July 5, 1956, in Fort Scott, KS. the daughter of Bert A. Heathman and Ida P. Hogan Heathman. She graduated from Lansing High School with the class of 1974.

She worked as a claim’s adjuster for  Lincoln National Insurance Company and later for Peerless products as a window framer. She enjoyed finger painting, ceramics, playing games on her tablet, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren. In her younger years Rhonda loved to fish and play pinball.

She is survived by her four children, Angie Witt, Sheboygan, WI., Nick Cagle, Nevada, MO., Tyler Cagle, Girard, KS., and Britany Bailey, Nevada, MO.; ten grandchildren; a brother, Allen Heathman, Nevada, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Greg Heathman; and a sister, Ruby Heathman.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, August 31, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Deerfield Cemetery.

Family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorial are suggested to the Rhonda Heathman Memorial Fund 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

Obituaryof Robert R. Stout

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Robert Ray Stout, age 79, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Friday, August 23, 2019, at Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS.

He was born July 17, 1940, in Ash Grove, MO, the son of Elmer Ray and Charlene Geneva Rasnic Stout.

He graduated from Fort Scott high school with the class of 1958. He married Karen Sue Phillips on July 14, 1965.

Bob served in the Navy for 20 years before retiring. He then worked for Ray Shepherd Motors for over 30 years. He also worked security for Value Merchandisers for 20 years.

He was a dedicated, hard-working employee. In his spare time, Bob enjoyed reading western novels on the front porch, riding motorcycles and watching pro wrestling. He loved spending time with his family, especially his son and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Karen of the home; a son, Steve Stout, Frontenac, KS; five grandchildren, Alexia Lang, Victoria Fortenberry, Kendra Stout, Joran Stout, and Garrison Stout; nigreat-grandchildrenren, Hunter, Aiden, Madison, Felicity, Zachary, Cheyenne, Kaitleigh, Addy, Nora, and one more on the way; and two nephews, Oliver and Thomas Stout.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Howard and Jack Stout; and his parents.

There was cremation.

Graveside services will be held at 12:30 PM Tuesday, September 3rd, at the U. S. National Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F.W.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM Tuesday until leaving for the cemetery at Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Bob Stout 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Donald L. Fritter

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Donald Lloyd Fritter, age 84, a resident of Springfield, Missouri, passed away Friday, August 23, 2019, at the James River Nursing and Rehab Center in Springfield.

He was born October 29, 1934, in Eve, Missouri, the son of Lewis William Fritter and Stella Lucille Gardner Fritter.

He married Jan Faulconer Hillier on November 7, 1975.

In addition to farming, Don had also worked several years for the railroad.  He enjoyed gardening and traveling.  He was a member of the South Street Christian Church.

Survivors include his wife, Jan, of the home in Springfield; a son, Rodney Lee Fritter, of Harrison, Arkansas and a step-daughter, Michelle Mott, of Jeffersonville, Indiana and two grandchildren, Brandon Lee Fritter and Cheldon Mott.  Also surviving are two brothers, Harold Fritter, of Richards, Missouri and Kenneth Fritter of Springfield, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Rev. Janet Given will conduct funeral services at 12:30 P.M. Wednesday, August 28th at the Cheney Witt Chapel

.  Burial with military honors will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Obituary

Obituary of Larry Joe Beck

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Larry Joe Beck, age 65, a resident of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2019, at his home.

He was born April 11, 1954, in Ft. Scott, Kansas.  He graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College.

  He went on to receive his BS Degree in Nursing from Pittsburg State University.  Larry Joe married Mary E.Evans on September 19, 1975, at Devon, Kansas.  He worked as a nurse at Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott.

He later served with the United States Air Force during Operation Desert Storm where he served as a clinical nurse.  Following his military service, he worked as a surgical nurse for Doctor’s Hospital in Springfield, Missouri and Cox Hospital in Monet, Missouri.

Larry Joe enjoyed reading, welding and playing golf.  He also was a licensed pilot.  He was a past member of the Devon United Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his wife, Mary, of the home in Mt. Vernon; his daughter, Samantha Beck-Paciorek (Andrew), of Baxter Springs, Kansas and his son, Jordan Beck (Angela) of Willard, Missouri and six grandchildren, Gaige, Danielle, Jaden, Maycie, Jackson and Adalyn.  Also surviving is his mother, Yvonne Beck; a sister, Susie Arvidson (Chris) of Ft. Scott and three half-brothers, Charles Jajdelski, of San Diego, California, Ron Jajdelski, of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Bob Jajdelski of Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Beck; a granddaughter, Charlotte and a half-brother, Mike Jajdelski.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, August 26th 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 10:45 A.M.

  Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society 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

Obituary of Estella E. Meech

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Estella Elizabeth Meech, age 84, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2019, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott.

  She was born June 7, 1935, in Hepler, Kansas, the daughter of Oscar Jacob Gier and Lizzie Belle Goff Gier.  She graduated from the Hepler High School where she excelled in basketball.  While still in High School, Estella would take the Katy Railroad train on Friday evening from Hepler to Fort Scott to work at the Frisco Café.  She stayed at Elizabeth Bowman’s boarding house on Wall Street.  She would take the Katy train back to Hepler on Monday morning and had to miss her first class.

  Estella married the love of her life, Dennis Walter Meech on June 6, 1953, by Judge Sam Mason in Ft. Scott.  They had two sons, Dennis J. Meech and James W. Meech.  Estella helped her husband, Dennis, on their dairy farm milking cows, gardening and raising their sons.

Estella also worked for Key Industries.  In October of 1972, she started working for Ward-Kraft.  She retired in 2003 as Credit Manager.  Estella loved to write poems and stories.  She also loved hosting family reunions and was famous in the family for her homemade noodles.  She also loved to travel for business and taking her children and grandchildren on cruises and vacations.  Estella was a caregiver to many family members and never hesitated helping anyone in need.  She touched many lives with her generous heart.

Survivors include her son, Dennis J. Meech and partner, Barb Kirk, of Ft. Scott, grandchildren, Chris and CJae Meech of Ft. Scott, Cody and Taysha Meech of Canyon, Texas, and daughter-in-law, Diane Meech; also her son, James W. Meech and wife, Marita, of Ft. Scott and grandchildren, JW Meech of Canyon, Texas and Elizabeth Meech of Borger, Texas.  Also surviving are a sister, Lela Ann Gier, of Ft. Scott, sisters-in-law, Juell “Julie” Ross of Topeka, Kansas, Joyce Meech, of Ft. Scott, Geneva Gier of Girard, Kansas, and Itha Jean Turitine, of Topeka, Kansas, and many nieces and nephews

. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Charley and Merle Gier and a sister, Opal Gier.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Friday, August 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s 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.

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Obituary of Winifred Daly

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Winifred Ada (Winnie) Daly, age 89, a resident of Fort Scott, died early Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at the Medicalodges of Fort Scott.

She was born January 18, 1930 in Richards, Missouri the daughter of Ross Albert Leek and Hazel Gwendolyne West Leek

. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1947.

She married Bob Daly on November 1, 1950, in Ft. Scott.

She taught in a one room schoolhouse near Hiattville, Kansas, and then later Deerfield, Missouri. She then got a position as the first Head Start teacher and worked there for 30 years.

Winnie enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and gardening. She loved fishing and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Survivors include her children, Becky Davis and husband, Don, of Ft. Scott, Judy Hayden and husband, Sam, of Maxville, Kansas, Gwen Lancaster and husband, Don, of Ft. Scott,  and Max Daly and wife, Laurie, daughter in law Sharon Daly, all of Ft. Scott; fifteen grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, twin sister Wanda Giddens, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Fleeta Antrim, of Fort Scott.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, parents; a son Jeff Daly; two grandsons, Eric Hayden and Joel Daly, Four brothers, Hollis, Wayne, Max, and infant brother Wilbert Leek.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 am Friday, August 9, 2019 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 pm Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.

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Obituary of Marjorie Faye Bowen

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Marjorie Faye Bowen, age 91, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and more recently of Spring Hill, Kansas, passed away Friday, August 2, 2019, at the Spring Hill Care and Rehab Center.

  She was born January 7, 1928, in Plew, Missouri, the daughter of Orval Sparks and Olga Baker Sparks.

She married William R. Bowen on August 3, 1946, in Columbus, Kansas.

Marjorie passed away one day prior to their 73rd wedding anniversary.

Marjorie worked in the housekeeping department at Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott.  She retired as Head of Housekeeping after twenty years of service.

She enjoyed sewing and crocheting as well as cooking, reading and working puzzles.  She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Bill, of the home; three children, Linda McClanahan, of Paola, Kansas; Billy Bowen and wife, Barbara, of Willard, Missouri; and Jim Bowen and wife, Pam, of Alma, Nebraska.  Also surviving are eight grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Girvan, Wallace, Willard, Kenneth and Carol Sparks and two sisters, Jean Burnett and Mary Means.

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

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 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.

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Obituary of John Coyan

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Jesus stretched out his loving arms and took John to live in his heavenly home on Wednesday evening July 31, 2019, at Country Place Memory Care in Fort Scott. John was born on February 7, 1945, at the family farm home near Redfield, Kansas. He was the oldest child of Daniel George and Clara Alice (Todd) Coyan.

John attended county grade schools and graduated from Uniontown High School with the Class of 1963. He was employed by Peerless Products from 1963 until 1966. He was then employed by Key Industries for over 28 years. At the time he left, John was the supervisor over shipping and receiving, with responsibilities which included ordering and purchasing of new equipment including tractors, trailers and various warehouse equipment. During the 1986 flood, John waded through the flooded Key Building to turn off the electricity, thus averting a potential fire.

He then obtained the position of his dreams when he was hired by USD 234 as a bus route driver and bus maintenance. He first drove both a regular route and a kindergarten route. He thoroughly enjoyed the kindergarten children and was proud of the fact that he was able to teach the children the days of the week. He then became the route driver for physically handicapped children. He loved the constant interaction with the school children. He retired in 2013 after 18 years of service.

During this entire time, he maintained a small cow-calf operation raising Beefmaster Cattle and baling hay for the cattle. John was very proud of the fact that his cows were gentle enough to pet and eat range cubes out of his hand. John continually had St. Bernard dogs. The dogs always accompanied him to check cows and were his constant companions. Also, John was very fond of cats.

In his younger days, he enjoyed racing stock cars. He was an avid NASCAR fan, having attended many races including the Dayton 500.

He was a member and worshiped at First Baptist Church in Fort Scott; having been baptized at an early age. He also held memberships in Xenia Lodge #47 and Olive Chapter #13 Order of the Eastern Star. John was a lifetime member of the Bourbon County Fair Association. For several years he was a community leader for the Pawnee 4-H Club. Until his health declined, he was a regular blood donor. John was happiest when he was outside enjoying the beauty of God’s creation, and visits from his all of his grandchildren.

On February 14, 1966, he married Barbara Ann Rhoades. To this union two daughters were born; Bernetta Alice and Suzann Denise. Barbara preceded him in death.

On July 2, 1993, he married Karen Endicott in Fort Scott, Kansas, and Karen survives at the home. He is also survived by his daughters and their families; Bernetta and Sean Stewart of Henderson, Nevada and their sons Rhoades and Victory; Suzann and Ahmad Audi of Prairie View, Illinois and their children Ali, Jawad and Layla. A stepson Joe Raines and wife Gina of Norfolk, Virginia, two step-granddaughters; Madelyn Raines of Alliance, Ohio, and Arminda Raines and John Drexler of Irwin, PA.

He is also survived by a brother and his wife, George and Lois Coyan of Redfield and two sisters Sharon Shirley and Janette Danley both of Fort Scott; a brother-in-law and his wife, Oscar and Ruth Endicott; two sisters-in-law and their husbands, Billie and Steve Young and Michele and Greg Schick, all of Fort Scott, and a sister-in-law Debbie Endicott, also of Fort Scott. Also surviving are three nephews, Doug Coyan, Mike Coyan and David Lee; two nieces, Rhonda Jantz and Dawn Nichols, and two girls who were very special to his heart – Katie Racy and Samantha Racy.

Pastor Norman Tillotson will conduct a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 123 Scott Avenue under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in the Pleasant View (Large Cemetery).

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, from 6 pm to 7 pm at Konantz-Cheney.

Memorials are suggested to either Care-to-Share or the First Baptist Church and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.c

Obituary

Obituary of Jean Isaac

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Jean Isaac, 81, formerly of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away Tuesday morning, July 30, 2019, in Mission, Kansas. She was born February 18, 1938, in Uniontown, Kansas, the daughter of Earl and Iva (Holt) Wittsell.

Jean was a school teacher for twenty-five years, retiring in 2000 from the Uniontown School District, USD235. Her life centered around her children and grandchildren, and teaching.

Jean is survived by her children, Kim Irby and husband Steve of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Kelly Goss and husband Randall of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Barry Isaac & wife Frankie of Pittsburg, Kansas, Tammy Townsend and husband Mike of Fort Scott, Kansas, and Cody Isaac and partner Randy McPherson of Mission, Kansas; twelve grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her son, Randy Isaac.

Following cremation, the family will receive friends for a visitation Saturday afternoon, August 3, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to USD235 and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.