Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Frances G. Hall, age 79, passed from this life on Saturday, May 6, 2017.

She was born November 30, 1937, to George and Mary (Hubbard) Wingate in Leeton, Mo.  She graduated from McClouth High School. Growing up, Frances was an accomplished horse woman.  Among those accomplishments, she was the 1953 Kansas State Champion and the 1953 Missouri State Runner Up in Western Pleasure and Horsemanship. In 1954, she repeated as the Kansas Western Pleasure and Horsemanship champion and won the 1954 Missouri State champion in both Western Pleasure and Horsemanship. Frances ran and retired from the Fort Scott Sale Barn Cafe located in the Fort Scott Livestock Barn where she cooked and served delicious home style cooking for many years.  Frances was well known for her cooking and baking skills—especially her pies.  She was lovingly known as “The Pie Lady.” She lived life her way—working hard, being honest, straight forward and with kindness in her heart!  Frances was always willing to help those in need.

She is survived by her children: Randy Hunsperger and wife Cathy of Yates Center, Kans.,  Brenda

Robertson and husband Ken of Pittsburg, Kans., Sharon Olivas and husband Mike of Fort Scott, Kans., Larry Bowman and wife Twyla of Fulton, Kans., and a brother, George Wingate and wife Carol of Paola, Kans.

Frances is also survived by 12 grandchildren and many great grandchildren, as well as many others who lovingly referred to her as “Mom” or “Grandma.”  She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Donna Linn, formerly of Uniontown, Kans., a brother Bill Wingate formerly of Bronson, Kans., a grandson, Butch Hall formerly of Uniontown, Kans., as well as four great grandchildren.

There was cremation. The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 Thursday evening, May 11, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Care to Share which 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.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Sister Mary Bernadette Karleskint, age 99, a former resident of Fort Scott, Kans., and more recently of St. Louis, Mo., passed away Saturday, May 6, 2017, four days prior to her 100th birthday.

She was born Anna Cecilia Karleskint on May 9, 1917, in Miami, Okla., the daughter of Joseph Karleskint and Mary Hickman Karleskint. She was one of eight children. Sister Mary Bernadette, as she was known in religious life, entered the Sisters of Mercy on June 23, 1935, and pronounced Perpetual Vows on August 16, 1941, in Webster Groves, Mo. Sister Mary Bernadette ministered in education as a teacher and administrator in Kansas, Louisiana, Texas and Missouri. Among her positions, she served as principal and as a school superintendent in Fredonia and Walnut, Kans. After retiring from education, she volunteered at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Mo. When sister formally retired again, she moved to Catherine’s Residence, the retirement home for the Sisters of Mercy in St. Louis, Mo.

Sister’s ministry of prayer was a daily priority for her and she frequently prayed for the community as well as the needs of the world.

Father Robert Wachter will conduct Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery. Services are 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.

Lois Jean Wynn, age 82, had the joy of being called home to Heaven to join our Lord and Savior on April 19, 2017.

Lois was born October 12, 1934, in Talmage, Kans., the daughter of James and Mary Luker.  She graduated from Uniontown High School and then began work at the Western Insurance Co. in Fort Scott, Kans.  This is when she met a very handsome young man named Don, who swept her off her feet.  They fell in love and were married on September 19, 1954.  Lois and Don had four children, two girls and two boys.  She was a charter member of Faith church of Fort Scott, and she loved her church.  She made sure that each of her children found a love for the Lord and she is happy because all of her kids, grandkids, and most of her great grandkids (babies excluded) know the Lord as their personal Savior. She taught kids in Sunday school, she worked with the youth and she loved teaching women’s bible studies.  She also loved to read, Louis Lamoure being one of her favorite authors. She enjoyed the way he described the old west and made you feel like you were a part of it.  She also enjoyed old and new quilts.  She liked the hand-quilting style and the design they had.  It was a joy to her when she would see one finished.  She also had a real desire to find out about the old one-room school houses in Bourbon County.  She would always talk with the old timers that were from the area and see where the school houses were and what they could tell her about them.

Survivors include her loving husband of 63 years, Don Wynn; her daughter Deborah Wynn, Mounds, Okla.; son and daughter in love Rick and Mary Wynn, Uniontown, Kans.; daughter and son in love Tina and Eromosele Aigbiremonlen of Mounds, Okla.; son and daughter in love Mark and Amy Wynn, College Station, Texas; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; sisters Lucille Ward and Phyllis Randall and husband David; a brother Eldon Luker and wife Gloria; a sister-in-law Mary Lou Luker; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Kenneth Luker; and a sister, Bonnie Cornwell and husband Robert.

There was cremation. Pastor Matthew Hunt conducted memorial services at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Faith Church of Fort Scott. Memorials are suggested to either Mercy Hospice or Faith Church of Fort Scott 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.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Douglas Blaine Hazelbaker, age 51, a resident of rural Redfield, passed away early Monday, May 1, 2017, at the Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott.

Doug was born May 31, 1965, to Alice and Norman Hazelbaker.  He and his wife, Jana, were married on August 17, 2002, and are the parents of daughters, Dylan and Dakota. In 1983, he graduated from Uniontown High School.  While in high school, he competed in the Kansas State High School Rodeo Association, and he was the state champion in both calf roping and steer wrestling, and the Reserve All-Around cowboy his senior year.  While attending Allen County Community College and Northwestern Oklahoma State University, he competed in both calf roping and steer wrestling, while earning a Bachelor’s degree in education.  Doug began his teaching career as a 4th grade teacher and was teaching middle school math at Jayhawk-Linn in Mound City, where he touched the lives of many young people and worked with wonderful friends over the past 25 years.  His passion for calf roping extended well beyond college, and he logged many miles from rodeo to rodeo, building great friendships over the years. Some of his accomplishments in calf roping include IPRA rookie of the year, Great Lakes PRCA circuit finals contestant, Cheyenne Frontier Days performance qualifier, and IFR qualifier in 1991.  In 2016, he qualified for the Interstates Rodeo Association finals, and Dylan wears his jacket from that association.  He also competed in the United Rodeo Association for many years, and in the year end finals for 2016 finished 5th overall in the over 40 calf roping. Dakota is honored to wear his URA jacket, and Dylan proudly wears the belt buckle he won.

Survivors include his wife Jana and daughters Dylan and Dakota of the home; parents, Norman and Alice Hazelbaker, Redfield, Kans.; a sister, Carol Camac and husband Joe, Augusta, Kans.; a brother, Mike Hazelbaker and wife Susan, Alma, Kans.; nieces and nephews, Cole, Travis, and Lucas Camac, Cole Fowles, Cassidy Anderson, Quincy and Emma Charleston, and Cooper, Colton, and Canyon Charleston.

Cowboy Preacher Marty Brock will conduct memorial services at 11 a.m. Friday, May 5, at the Fort Scott Fairgrounds Arena.  In case of inclement weather, the memorial service will be moved inside the Danny and Willa Ellis Fine Arts Center at FSCC.  The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. at the FSCC Agriculture Building (Armory).  In lieu of flowers, the family strongly suggests memorials to the Hazelbaker Girl’s Scholarship 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.  The family asks for any special memory or story of Doug to be brought to the service or mailed to Jana Hazelbaker, 1311 Hwy 54, Redfield, KS 66769.  These memories will be used to compile a scrapbook for Dylan and Dakota

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Ian Ray “Kirk” Keitzer, age 56, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, April 24, 2017.

He was born September 9, 1960, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of James Keitzer and Joyce Smith Keitzer.  Kirk grew up in the Brookside area of Kansas City.  He attended and graduated from the Kansas City Christian High School in Merriam, Kans., with the Class of 1978.  He later attended College of the Ozarks in Branson, Mo.  Kirk was an avid sportsman who enjoyed baseball, basketball, football, golf and fishing.  He moved to Fort Scott in 2003 and worked for Carlisle Company until his illness forced his retirement.

Survivors include his sweeties and companion of thirty years, Rhonda Chinn, of Fort Scott and her children, Rachelle Sprague and Bart Chinn, both of Fort Scott; his grandchildren, Lee Sprague, Justice Sprague, Mia Hull, Garrett Chinn, and Darius Chinn, all of Fort Scott, Sarah English and husband, Josh and great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Elijah and Sophia English all of Peculiar, Mo.  Also surviving is a sister, Renee Grainger and husband, Frank of Belton, Missouri.  He was preceded in death by both his parents and his two brothers, Allen and Eric Keitzer and his beloved grandmother, Helen Stonebreaker Smith Tanner.

A private graveside service will be held Thursday at the Fairview Cemetery east of Mildred, Kansas.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Lewis Kelley Arnold, age 91, a former resident of Fort Scott, Kans., and more recently of Pittsburg, Kansas, died Monday, April 24, 2017, at Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg.

He was born September 21, 1925, in Fort Scott, the son of Lewis B. Arnold and Susie M. Kelley Arnold.  Kelley graduated from the Fort Scott High School.  He served with the United States Army during World War II.  He first married Maxine Ashford on September 9, 1951, at Fort Scott.  She preceded him in death on July 14, 1998.  He later married Carol Simmerman. She preceded him in death on March 5, 2015.

Kelley had managed the Ben Franklin Store in downtown Fort Scott for many years.  He later operated his own mechanic shop.  He was a member of the Community Christian Church.  He was also a member of the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Garland Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite Consistory and the Mirza Shrine.

Survivors include two granddaughters, Natasha Carballo and husband, Eric, and Nacole Smith and fiancé, John Williams, all of Dallas, Texas, and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by a son, Stephen Arnold and a daughter, Susan Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars.  The family will receive friends on Friday from noon until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Avalon Hospice’s Blossom for Hearts Program 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.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Troy Dale Beerbower, age 54, a resident of Fort Scott, Kans., passed away Saturday, April 22, 2017, at the Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott.

He was born April 24, 1962, in Fort Scott, the son of Lowell William Beerbower and Donna Kay Lawson Beerbower.  He graduated from Fort Scott High School and Pittsburg State University.  He married Kim Felt in May of 1989. Troy owned and operated Troy Beerbower Restoration which specialized in masonry and roofing as well as other construction related projects.  He enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors.  He also liked playing softball and basketball as well as cards.  He was a member of the Faith Church.

Survivors include his wife, Kim of the home; three children, Derek Stumfoll and wife, Samantha, and Amanda Larsen, all of Fort Scott, and Kandyce Cox and husband, Blake, of Uniontown, Kans., and also a grandson who he was raising, Brian Stumfoll, of the home in Fort Scott; eleven additional grandchildren, Bailey, Blakely, Catherine, Christian, Lyrics, Braxtyn, Daetyn, McKennon, Peighton, Kamden and Gabriel.  Also surviving are four brothers, David Beerbower and wife, Donna Jo, of Fort Scott, Allen Beerbower and wife, Kim, of Redfield, Kans., Gary Beerbower, and L. W. Beerbower and wife, Julie, also of Fort Scott and a sister, Rhonda Tinkey and husband, Preston, of Fort Scott as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Pastor Matthew Hunt will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Friday, April 28, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Marmaton Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Troy Beerbower Memorial 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.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Rose Alene Feagins, age 83, a resident of Fort Scott, Kans., passed away Sunday, April 16, 2017, at her home.

She was born October 9, 1933, in Alpena Pass, Ark., the daughter of Alex C. Craig and Stella Garrison Craig.  She married Billy Joe Feagins on December 9, 1951.  They later divorced.  Alene had worked in housekeeping and as a nurse’s aide for Mercy Hospital for thirty years.  She retired in 1996.  She enjoyed gardening, embroidering and reading as well as spending time with children and her dogs.  She also collected glass baskets and salt and pepper shakers.  She was a member of the Marmaton Community Church.

Survivors include her seven children, Wanda Ogle and husband, Dale, of Fort Scott, Margaret Spencer, of Pittsburg, Kans., Ruth Hawkins, of Fort Scott, Randy Feagins of Fort Scott, Karen Bley and husband, Randy, of Deerfield, Mo., Michelle Cunningham and husband, Mike, of Leavenworth, Kans., and Michael Feagins and wife, Kim, of Fort Scott. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Irene Feagins and Dorothy Wiebeck.

Pastor Jeff Feagins will conduct funeral services at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, at the Marmaton Community Church.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Marmaton Community Church or to Paws & Claws Animal Shelter and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Edna Mae Tourtillott, age 78, resident of Fort Scott, died Monday, April 17, 2017, at her home.

She was born October 19, 1938 in Linn County, Kans., the daughter of Jacob Barrett and Cleta Paddock Barrett.  Edna Mae was a graduate of Prescott High School. She married Richard Sharp in 1960.  They later divorced.  She married Raymond Tourtillott in 1983.  In earlier years she worked for Western Insurance Company.  She retired following 27 years as shipping clerk for Ward Kraft Business Forms.  She was a member of Community Christian Church and the 55 Plus church group.  She enjoyed camping and spending time with grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Raymond, of the home; two sons, Richard Sharp and wife, Jennifer of Olathe, Kans., and David Sharp and wife Michelle, Fort Scott; one daughter, Sherry Culp, Fort Scott; two step-sons, Michael Tourtillott and wife Sandy, Las Cruces, N.M., and Joseph Tourtillott and wife Becky, Fort Scott; one sister, Mildred Bolin, Fort Scott; and a sister-in-law, Carol Barrett, Fort Scott.  Also surviving are 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert Barrett; sister, Mary Johnson and a great-grandson, Gavin Sharp.

Tim Woodring will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Friday in the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to either Mercy Hospice or SE Kansas Respite and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Virginia Maxine Page, age 85, a former resident of Fort Scott, Kans., passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at the home of her daughter in Bozeman, Mont.

She was born April 20, 1931, in St. Clair County, Mo., the daughter of Omer Finis Witt and Virgie Ann Bland Witt.  She started to school at the age of four and graduated high school at the age of sixteen.  She then attended Kansas City College and Bible School, as well as the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri at Kansas City.  She married Rev. John I. Page on August 1, 1951, at Black Jack, Mo.  She was a faithful and devoted wife who assisted with her husband’s ministries in both Black Jack Church of God (Holiness) and the Parkway Church of God (Holiness) in Fort Scott.  She served as choir director and church pianist.  She was always a gracious hostess and will be remembered for her apple and pecan pies.  Another one of her passions was spreading the gospel message to the people of Haiti.  She had gone on numerous mission trips to Haiti and was currently serving as President of Haiti Missions, Inc.

Survivors include her four children, Brenda Parsons, of Peculiar, Mo., Carma Judy and husband, Mike, of Orange, Texas, Courtney Cresse and husband, Jonathan, of Bozeman, Mont., and Jonathan Page and wife, Kasee, of Lawrence, Kans.; eight grandchildren, Brett Parsons and wife, Kimberly, Carly Parsons and fiancé, Joe Cameron, Lynden Judy and wife, Katie, Cade and Colter Cresse, and Sierra, Jonas and Orrin Page; and four great-grandchildren, Ava Parsons, and Tally, Claire and Jhett Judy.  Her husband, Rev. John I. Page, preceded her in death on January 28, 1999.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, a son-in-law, Dr. Charles Parsons, two grandsons, Charles Anthony Parsons and Gabriel John Parsons and a brother, Edward Cleo Witt.

Rev. Jonathan Cresse will conduct funeral services at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at the Parkway Church of God (Holiness).  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Parkway Church of God (Holiness) 1111 State St., Fort Scott, Kans.  Memorials are suggested to Haiti Mission, Inc. 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.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Tarecia Jean Herring, age 68, resident of Fort Scott, Kans., died Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at Fort Scott Manor.

She was born on August 24, 1948, in Fort Smith, Ark., the daughter of Billie Jo Greenlee and Wilma Janelle Sesso. She married Larry Wayne Herring on March 1, 1963, in Fort Scott. He preceded her in death. Tarecia work for Peerless Products in Fort Scott. In her younger years, she enjoyed being outdoors; camping, fishing and raising livestock. She especially liked dogs and horses. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Survivors include two sons, John Herring and wife Heather, Uniontown, Kans., and Wayne Herring and wife Tamy, Fort Scott; two daughters, Tammie Robison, Fort Scott, and Gennie Shields; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Royce Greenlee; and her parents.
There was cremation. Pastor Larry Stevicks will conduct memorial services at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow at a later date in Milum Cemetery, Lead Hill, Ark. Memorials are suggested to the Tarecia Herring Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Freada Louise Fleming, age 84, resident of Fort Scott, Kans., died Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at Mercy Hospital ER.

She was born December 16, 1932, in Vernon County, Mo., the daughter of Cleve and Mary Bridges Brundridge.  She married Richard Fleming on May 25, 1950, in Nevada, Mo.  He preceded her in death on December 21, 2010.  She worked at home, raising the children, until 1975.  She then began working as an inspector for Key Work Clothes in Fort Scott, retiring after 25 years.  In the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, she belonged to the Busy Bee Club and EHU.  She enjoyed gardening, canning, embroidery, cross word puzzles, country music and raising cows.  She lived for her kids and grandkids, never missing an event while she was able physically.  She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints.

Survivors include two sons, Doug Fleming and wife Kay, and Rodney Fleming and wife Kelly, all of Fort Scott; two daughters, Brenda Tourtillott and husband Kenneth, and Debbie Shaw and husband Kenny, all of Fort Scott; one brother, Joe Brundridge, Kansas City, Mo.; two sisters, Doris Quackenbush, Nevada, Mo.,  and Ruby Villans, Indianapolis, Ind.; a brother-in-law Ralph Fleming; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; one step-grandchild; eight step-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Harry Wesley Brundridge, Harry Leonard Brundridge and infant brother Cecil Brundridge; an infant great-granddaughter, Reece Tyler Koppa; a sister, Peggy Smith; a half-brother, Roy Brundridge; and two half-sisters, Hazel Cargill and Sylvia Brundridge.

President Kenneth Tourtillott will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Virgil City Cemetery, Vernon County, Mo.  The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday evening at the Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation 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.