Orville Wayne Heyer, age 59, a resident of Mapleton, Kansas, passed away Sunday, March 31, 2019, at his home in Mapleton. He was born July 10, 1959, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Alvin Dean Heyer and Phyllis Ann Hammack Heyer. He married Lori Hilderbrand on November 8, 1984. He worked as a carpenter. He also enjoyed working with horses, hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Lori; five children, Becky Taylor (Layard) of Sedalia, Missouri, Billy Heyer (Tracy) of Mapleton, Kansas, Greg Hilderbrand, of Springfield, Missouri, Zach Heyer (Jenny) and Elizabeth Heyer (Cody), all of Chilhowee, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Skylor, Chase, Kiel, Lee, Logan, Lynlee, Ally and Sammy with one more on the way and two great-grandchildren, Remi and Merlena with one more great-grandson on the way. Also surviving are three brothers, Bert Troy Parker (Debbie) of Smithton, Missouri, Donald Parker (Sherry) of Augusta, Kansas and Alvin Dale Heyer (Sherry) of Allville, Missouri; two sisters, Cathy Rodriguez (Johnny) of Kansas City, Kansas and Shelley Garrison (Rusty), Greenridge, Missouri and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Anthony.

Mike Naccarato, age 90 passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Friday, March 8, 2019, in Conroe, Texas. Mike was born March 20, 1928, in Carona, Kansas to Gaetano and Antonetta Ferraro Naccarato.

He is survived by his children, Bettiann Barnard of Montgomery, Texas and Steven Naccarato and wife Suzanne of Wimberley, Texas, five grandchildren-Adam Barnard, Emily Barfield and husband, Steve, Mike Naccarato, Sam Naccarato and wife Karli and Thom Naccarato. Other survivors include his companion Mary Jo Hampton, sister-in-laws Angie Naccarato and Mary Gleason and many nieces, nephews and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Betty Smith Naccarato, his parents, Tom and Anna and siblings-Frank (Nora), Mary (Glen) Haskell, Edith (Joe) Embesi, Sibio (Shirley) and Vic.

He attended Fort Scott Jr. College in Fort Scott, Kansas where he received his degree in engineering and where he excelled in Basketball and Football.

Mike served in the United States Army Survey Control 13th Field Artillery Battalion of the 24th Division Korea Duty.

His love for his work included 35 years of experience in the surface coal mining industry. He worked for Pittsburg & Midway Coal Mining Company from 1947-1970. He also worked for Consolidated Coal Company, Peabody Coal Company and Morrison-Knudsen residing in Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado and Texas.

He was an amazing gardener and enjoyed sharing his fruits and vegetables with family and friends.

Other talents included excelling in basketball and football throughout his school years, being a great dance partner to his wife and others and in recent years enjoying his trips to Coushatta playing blackjack and socializing.

He leaves the legacy of love, hard work and love for his family. Anyone who knew him enjoyed his humor, friendly smile and generous heart and he will be missed by all.

Mike’s funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main Street Fort Scott, Kansas.

Internment with Military Full Honors will follow at 11:00 a.m. where he will be joined with his wife, Betty at Fort Scott National Cemetery 900 East National Avenue Fort Scott, Kansas.

Family and friends are invited back to the Carriage House 301 Main Street following the cemetery service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made by check or on-line in his name to: (check) Honor Flight, Inc. 175 South Tuttle Road Springfield, Ohio 45505 or (on-line) email: https://www.honorflight.org/donate

Grace P. Hyatt, September 3, 1928 – March 14, 2019. Grace Hyatt, of Emporia, Kansas, died at Newman Hospital in Emporia,Thursday.

Grace Pauline Hyatt went to be with her Lord and her husband in Heaven. Her cowboy went to Heaven twelve years ago on Friday. Grace Pauline Carmean was born near Des Moines, New Mexico. Her parents were Dorothy May Meier Hintergardt Carmean and Charles Pearson Carmean. She was named for Grace Longwell who helped with the delivery.

Very, very poor, the family was rich with love in the Land of Enchantment. Between 1928 and 1934, the family moved several times. Grace remembered crawling up on the bed to see her baby sister, Eva, in 1932 in Springer, New Mexico. Shortly afterward, the family moved by covered wagon to Miami, New Mexico. During the Great Depression, many poor families moved by wagons since they did not own vehicles. Grace began school in Miami, New Mexico. The family was back near Des Moines during the Dust Bowl. The Ken Burns documentary placed them at the epicenter of the many dust storms. Charlie “Shorty” had severe asthma but did not move to Kansas until the middle of World War II.

They settled on the old Perkins farm at Xenia, Kansas. Ernest Edward Hyatt of Folsom, New Mexico, and Grace Pauline Carmean of Xenia, Kansas were married at the Bourbon County Courthouse on March 21, 1946. Grace and Ernest were going to be different from everyone when they got married. They took a train from Ft. Scott to Kansas City, Missouri to be married. A three-day waiting period was in effect in Missouri, so they took a bus back to Ft. Scott. The bus had a flat tire in Louisburg and lost a lot of time, much to the annoyance of the passengers and soon to be newlyweds. The courthouse closed at 5 P.M. Grace and Ernest arrived at 4:55 P.M. just in time to be married by Probate Judge George Newell Bainum.

Grace’s earlier years were spent as a homemaker and mother. The Hyatt’s lived their entire married life in Allen and Bourbon Counties except for eight months. They lived and worked on the XT Ranch in Folsom, New Mexico in 1947 where Ernest was raised. The XT Ranch was just down the road from where Grace was raised.

Grace was a Baptist.

She died on Pi Day. She didn’t know about science but sure could bake pies. She was a good cook and also enjoyed crocheting, gardening, canning, music, her coffee, animals and flowers. She had many windmills, reminders of New Mexico. She had one regret; she never did visit Hawaii to get a grass skirt. She was a member of the Bronson Order of Eastern Star #65 and later the Olive Chapter #13 of Ft. Scott for over sixty years, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Kansas Woman’s Day Club.

She was preceded in death by sisters, Eva Brecheisen, Marjorie Schultz; half-sisters, Inez Carmean, Ola May Carmean, Goldie East, Amelia Wasmer and Helen Faucett and half-brothers, Frank Carmean, Chrest Hintegardt and Adolph Hindergardt.

Survivors are Randy and Betty Pierson, Clay and Randielle Houser and Calvin Houser, all of Emporia and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends all over the world.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, March 17^th at the Cheney Witt Bronson Chapel, Eastern Star Services and funeral services will follow visitation.

Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery where Grace will be laid to rest beside her cowboy.

Memorials are suggested to the Xenia Masonic Lodge #47 AF & AM, the oldest lodge west of the Mississippi River which continues to do work in the original building in which it was chartered.

A Mr. Stevenson was the wagon master that brought the Carmean ancestors to Bourbon County from Ohio. The town was named Xenia (Z-Knee), Kansas after Xenia (Zinnia), Ohio. In the meantime, the editor of the Xenia News moved as a Free Stater to Lawrence, Kansas and on to what he founded as Emporia, Kansas. Preston Plumb had many connections to Emporia and both Xenias.

Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Bronson Chapel, 501 Pine Street, Bronson, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Robert “Bob” Howard, age 76, resident of rural Ft. Scott, KS, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, after his battle with cancer.

He was born in Ft. Scott on September 18, 1942. Bob joined the Navy in 1960. He married Judy Saker on March 7, 1964, in Ft. Scott. He was Sailor of the Year at the National Parachute Test Facility in El Centro, CA, and attended USC under a Naval program where he received a degree of Directorship for Motion Pictures. After 20 years of service he retired as a Chief Photographer from Combat Camera Westcoast.

Following his military service, he worked for 28 years as a Senior Service Tech for Noritsu America in Florida, the Caribbean, and Oklahoma. Both his military service and job with Noritsu took him to over 42 different countries. Upon retiring from Noritsu he returned to rural Ft. Scott.

Bob enjoyed playing softball, golf, cards, hunting, fishing, and any other competitive sport. He was a member of Mirza Shrine, Bourbon County Shrine Club and was a driver for Mirza’s Hospital Dads.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Judy, of the home; a daughter, Tracy Dahl, Park City, KS; a son, Brian Howard, Orlando, FL; grandchildren Chad Dahl, Wichita, KS, and Sydney Dahl, Valley Center, KS; great-grandson Landon Dahl, McPherson, KS; and sister-in-law, Monto Jo Saker, rural Ft. Scott.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Howard; mother, Mildred Logan Howard Miller; and younger brother William “Billy” Howard.

There was cremation.

The family will host a Celebration of Life from 4:00 until 6:00 PM Saturday, March 16^th, at the Carriage House, 301 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS.

Memorials are suggested to either Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Mirza’s Hospital Dads Transportation Fund, or Care to Share, 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.

Ronnie Renee Byrd Allen, age 36, a resident of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed Monday, March 11, 2019, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

She was born September 24, 1982, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Alonzo Byrd and Lenna McNamar Byrd. Ronnie attended Fort Scott Schools. She enjoyed singing and drawing and was known for her outgoing and charismatic personality.

Survivors include her three children, Brantley Prock, of Pittsburg, and Darious Prock and Zaria Byrd, both of Ft. Scott. Also surviving are two sisters, Sarah Allee and Jessica McComb and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alonzo Byrd and Lenna Bruce.

There was cremation. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.

Alice Jean Armstrong, 80, of Ft. Scott, died on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at the Medicalodge in Frontenac, KS.

Jean was born on August 22, 1938 at Hepler, KS to David and Ethel (Hardin) Huber. She graduated from Hepler High School in 1956 and attended Ozark Bible College in Joplin, MO.

She married Thomas Armstrong on April 26, 1958 in Hepler, KS. He preceded her in death on March 11, 1994.

She and Tom were charter members and helped to start Community Christian Church in 1972. She served many roles within the church, including youth leader, secretary, and pianist. She was a very gifted Bible teacher and mentored many over the years. She also loved to garden and tend to her flowers. Her favorite pastime, however, was to spend time with her family.

Survivors are sons Mike Armstrong and his wife Gina of Springdale, AR and David Armstrong and his wife Velva of Washington, MO; six grandchildren (Erin, Anna, Stacy, Heather, Abigail, Joel); seven great-grandchildren with one more on the way (Zoey, Bella, Peyton, Asher, Juniper, RJ, Owen); a sister-in-law, Bea Huber of Girard, KS; a brother-in-law, Ken Armstrong and his wife Sharon of Bartlesville, OK; many nieces and nephews and countless friends.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, brother Kenneth Huber, sister Dorothy Hanson and her husband Pete, sister Josephine Knopp and her husband Willis.

Rev. Mike Armstrong and Rev. David Armstrong will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM Monday, March 11^th, at the Community Christian Church.

Private family burial will take place in the Evergreen Cemetery later in the afternoon.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 PM Sunday at the Community Christian Church.

Memorials are suggested to either Wycliffe Bible Translators or Community Christian Church 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.

Ruth P. Sharp, age 89, of Fort Scott, KS, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at home at Guest Home Estates in Fort Scott.

She was born June 7, 1929, in Lamar, MO, the daughter of Troy and Nellie Taylor Fanning.

Ruth grew up on a farm in Lamar and worked in the fields with her brothers.

She married Bob Taylor on March 20, 1950. Bob preceded her in death on November 30, 1965. She married Robert K. (Jack) Sharp on September 3, 1966, who preceded her in death on February 27, 2008.

Ruth is survived by two children, Doris Taylor Hite (Jim) of Wichita, KS, and Kenneth R. Sharp (Dawnie, deceased) of Fort Scott; nine grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 19 great-great grandchildren, and two brothers, Raymond (Ruth) Fanning of Grandview, MO, and Carl (Linda) Fanning of Independence, MO.

Besides her husbands, she was preceded in death by two sisters, five brothers, and her parents.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Monday, March 11^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Loretta McLaughlin, 98, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away Monday morning, March 4, 2019 at the Pioneer Ridge Nursing Facility in Lawrence, Kansas.

She was born June 19, 1920, in Horton, Kansas, the daughter of Henry Joseph and Leona Theressa (Hillebrand) Gampper, Sr.

She married William Patrick McLaughlin June 12, 1950, in Horton, Kansas. He preceded her in death January 21, 1986.

Loretta was a homemaker, but at different times in her life she was also a riveter during WWII for the Boeing Corporation, and later an Avon Lady. She was a much-loved parishioner of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Fort Scott.

Loretta is survived by her son, Shawn William McLaughlin, of Wichita Falls, Texas; one brother, Fred Gampper of Frisco, Texas; a granddaughter, Stephanie Ziegler and husband Gary, of Lawrence, Kansas; three great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband William, Loretta was also preceded in death by a son, Patrick Eugene McLaughlin; a brother, Henry Joseph Gampper, Jr.; and a sister, Gertrude Louise Pillsbury.

Following cremation, Father Yancey Burgess will celebrate the Funeral Mass at10:00 a.m. Friday, March 29, 2019, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The Rosary will be at 9:00 a.m. prior to services at the church, and burial will follow at the Fort Scott National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic School and 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.

Mary Elizabeth Lundberg, age 101, resident of Bronson, KS, died Monday, February 25, 2019, at Arrowood Lane, Humboldt, KS.

She was born August 31, 1917, in Redfield, KS, the daughter of Clarence Lee Harber and Lila May Quick Harber.

She attended Redfield School,  graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1936, then Fort Scott Junior College in 1938.

Elizabeth graduated from White’s Cosmetology in Wichita. She worked in Wichita until she bought a beauty salon in Bronson in 1940.

She married Thomas A. Lundberg on February 10, 1946. He preceded her in death in 1975. Elizabeth worked as a homemaker during the years of raising her two children. She then went to work at Moran Manor in the dietary department until retiring in 1988.

She was a member of the Bronson United Methodist Church, Eastern Star, and several clubs. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, community work and mowing the yard. Elizabeth also exercised twice a week and usually enjoyed going for coffee afterwards.

Survivors include a son, Thomas L. Lundberg and wife Janice, Wichita, KS; a daughter, Marcille Amburgey and husband Terry, Toronto, Canada; and two grandsons and a granddaughter, all of Toronto, Canada.

She was preceded in death by four siblings.

Rev. Jim Stigall will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Saturday, March 2^nd, at the Bronson United Methodist Church.

Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Bronson United Methodist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Bronson Chapel, P.O. Box 93, Bronson, KS 66716. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.