Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Frederick A. “Fred” Geneva, age 84, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died unexpectedly Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at the Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, Kan.

He was born April 29, 1933, in Fort Scott, the son of William and Eloise Dever Geneva. He graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1951. He then attended Fort Scott Junior College until he was drafted into the Army. He married Mildred Ellen Ashford on January 10, 1953, in Eureka Springs, Ark. After two years in the service, he returned to finish his degree at Pittsburg State Teacher’s College. Fred worked for Bruce Marble Works for several years. He then began his career with the Western Insurance Company, eventually working as a field manager. He worked in the insurance field many years, retiring from Safeco Insurance. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, lifting weights and hunting arrowheads. He relished his time spent working on his farm property following retirement. He loved watching all the kid’s sporting events and activities. He spent many years going to coffee with his friends on Mondays. He attended Christian Gospel Chapel in Fort Scott.

Survivors include his wife Ellen of the home; three children, Julie Brown and husband Danny, Brett Geneva and wife Nancy, and Cherie Witt and husband Matt, all of Fort Scott; six grandchildren, Danny Brown, Jared Brown, Amanda Johnson, Luke Geneva, Hannah Geneva, and Jayden Witt; eleven great-grandchildren, Jacob Geneva, Lily Geneva, Chase Brown, Skyelar Brown, Treyton Brown, Kanin Brown, Bailie Brown, Gunnar Brown, Allie Brown, Leighton Johnson, and Reid Johnson; and a half-sister, Mary Francis Miller and husband James, Cypress, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Monday, November 20, at Christian Gospel Chapel, 2305 E. Maple Rd, Fort Scott. Burial followed in the U. S. National Cemetery. Military Honors were conducted by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F.W. The family received friends from 10:30 a.m. Monday until service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to the St. Jude’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.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Alberta Marie Fisher, age 76, a resident of Franklin, Kan., passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2015, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan.

She was born March 3, 1941, in Fort Scott, Kan., the daughter of Albert Combs and Ruth Ballinger Combs. Alberta graduated from the Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1959. She married Larry Wilson and he preceded her in death. She later married Darryl Fisher on September 14, 2006, at Eureka Springs, Ark. In earlier years, Alberta had worked for both the Western Insurance and Key Industries in Fort Scott. She later worked for many years in the Physical Department of Pittsburg State University. Alberta enjoyed music and in younger years, played the violin. She also enjoyed antiquing and sewing, but above all she cherished the moments with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a woman of faith and attended the Open Door Fellowship Church.

Survivors include her husband, Darryl, of the home; a son, Billie Budd, Jr., and wife, Vicki; two daughters, Cindy Schroeder and Terri Hoffman and husband, Bryan; a step-son, Larry Wilson, Jr., and wife, Carla and a step-daughter, Jean Culver and husband, Darryl; 17 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Al Combs and wife Kathy, and a sister, Sherry Hendrickson. In addition to her husband, Larry, she was preceded in death by two step-sons, Ronnie Wilson and Michael Fisher; a step-daughter, Janet Anderson and two sisters, Linda Carpenter and Beverly McReynolds.

Rev. Don Talent will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 18, at the Open Door Fellowship Church, 918 W. 20th St., in Pittsburg. Burial will follow in the Crocker Cemetery south of Pittsburg. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday 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, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Wendy Sue Arnold, age 66, of Kansas City, passed away Friday, November 10, 2017, at the Medicalodge of Girard.

Memorial graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at the Evergreen Cemetery, in Fort Scott, Kan., under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel.  The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. after the graveside service at the Carriage House, 101 S Main St, Fort Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online quest book atcheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Patricia E. Garrison, age 75, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Saturday, November 11, 2017, at Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott.

She was born on August 22, 1942, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Keating Sheehy. She graduated from Hume High School. She was a dedicated homemaker who also worked through the years for Sears in Iola and Fort Scott and Security State Bank in Fort Scott. She was a volunteer for the hospital and the church. She was an awesome mother, step-mother, grandmother and aunt. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy. Patricia was an active member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Survivors include her son Jeff Locke and wife Michelle, Satanta, Kan.; three step-sons, James Garrison, Phoenix, Ariz., Jon Garrison and wife Marianne, Fort Scott, and Jeff Garrison and wife Barbara, DeSoto, Kan.; a sister, Mary Kay Johnson and husband Charlie, Prescott, Kan.; a sister-in-law, Mary Beth Sheehy, Fort Scott; nine grandchildren, Megan Underwood, Matthew Locke, Morgan Locke, Mason Locke, Joseph Garrison, Christina Adams, Jacob Garrison, Joshua Garrison and Cole Oberg; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death her husband, Jim Garrison; three brothers, twin Patrick Sheehy, John Sheehy, and Bill Sheehy; a sister, Elizabeth Alt; and twin infant siblings Mary and Joseph Sheehy.

Father Robert Wachter will conduct services at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 16, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the St. Michael’s Cemetery, Fulton, Kan. The Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The family will receive friends following from 6 until 8. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic School and may be left 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.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Calvin Lewis Pitts, age 90, a resident of Fort Scott, died Saturday, November 11, 2017, at the Franklin House.

He was born November 15, 1926, in Pawnee, Kan., the son of Harry Pitts and Nola Elizabeth Inman. He married Grace Wiggans, March 7, 1953, they later divorced. He then married Mary Louise Whitlock, May 28, 1971. She preceded him in death on November 12, 2008. He loved fishing, hunting, gardening and scrapping junk. He was a past member of the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165. Calvin liked to ask people “How old do you think I am?” or “I’m older than I Look.”

Calvin is survived by his children; son, Ed Pitts and wife Luanne, daughter, Nola Smith and husband Richard, both of Redfield, and a step-son, Carl Hall, of Pittsburg; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; five brothers, Jim, John, Harold, Eldon and Kenneth “Pete” Pitts; five sisters, Helen Hood, Grace Buford, Josephine Michaels, Juanita Schroder, and Rowena Hines; and two stepbrothers Ed and Dave Lusk.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V. F. W. The Family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7 p.m.Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the V.F.W. or Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO 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

Mary Elizabeth Johnson, age 78, former resident of Fort Scott and more recently of Kansas City, Mo., died, Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at the Highland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

She was born, August 25, 1939, in Ghent, N.Y., the Daughter of Nathaniel Johnson and Marion Gangloff Johnson. Mary was an LPN and worked in Hospitals in Kansas and Missouri, later Mary and her daughter had a house cleaning business. She was Member of the Community Christian Church and went on a Mission trip to Mexico. She loved to socialize and spend time with her family. Mary enjoyed reading, helping others, crocheting and watching animals.

Survivors include her daughter, Andrea Thebo and husband Richard of Kansas City, Mo.; a son Scott Nolan; grandson Jeremy Gagnon, I, and Wife Diana; great-grandson, Jeremy Gagnon, II; two brothers, Arthur Johnson of Rutland, Vt., and Cassius Johnson of Pittsfield, Mass.; a sister Peggy Fargo of Virginia; she was preceded in death by her parents.

There was cremation. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, November 13, 2017, at the Carriage house.  Memorials are suggested to the Mary Johnson Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Tina Lee Banwart, age 31, of Fort Scott, Kan., went Home on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, surrounded by family and friends. She lost her battle of cancer to win the victory into eternal life with her Savior Jesus Christ.

She was born at home on March 29, 1986, in Gridley, Ill., in the very house where her great grandfather was born in 1906. She married Tyler Banwart on August 8, 2004.

Survivors include her husband, Tyler; three daughters Talya, Nadia and Cecelia Banwart; her parents Roger and Darleta (Marti) Gramm (Lexington, Ill.); two sisters Tara Wettstein (Gridley, Ill.), and Traci Wettstein (Chicago, Ill.); her special brother Tyler (Morton, Ill.); three nephews Ben, Miles and Chance Wettstein (Gridley, Ill.); one niece Katja Wettstein (Chicago, Ill.); grandparents Delores Marti, and Ron and Ann Daughterty, all of Gridley, Ill. Tina would also want to include, as her family, all her precious Banwart relatives who so lovingly embraced her.

Tina gave her heart to Jesus on August 9, 1998, and began a lifetime of selfless service in God’s kingdom. She graduated her home school education in 2003 and commenced her nursing degree; first at Heartland Community College in Normal, Ill., and completing the degree in Kansas. She served as a nurse at Fort Scott Mercy Hospital until the birth of their first child in 2008. Tina continued to serve in volunteer positions at Fort Scott Christian Heights, local cooking classes, and many Bible studies. More recently she worked part time at the family HairBow Center business. Everywhere she considered opportunities to shine the light of Christ. But her greatest joy was loving her little girls and watching them grow into the amazing image of her own gorgeous spirit.

Tina’s passion was the Word of God. She read, studied and memorized much scripture to inspire and share to others its Truth. Her radiant smile and gentle spirit touched countless individuals; where only now in heaven she is realizing its full impact.

She will be greatly missed, but Tina’s desire would be for all to take the torch of Jesus and shine on until we are all reunited in Heaven forever.

Well done thou good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of thy Lord. Matthew 25:23

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, November 11, at the Community Christian Church, 1919 Horton, Fort Scott. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 Friday evening at the church. Memorials are suggested to Fort Scott Christian Heights and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Josephine Brillhart, age 91, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, November 6, 2017, at the Medicalodge of Fort Scott.

She was born November 25, 1925, in Humboldt, Kan., the daughter of William Johnson and Lucy Mary McClanahan Johnson. She married Raymond D. Brillhart on April 29, 1943, at Fort Scott. Josephine had been employed by Peerless Products for more than 20 years. She enjoyed quilting, dancing and playing cards as well as traveling and shopping. She was a member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Survivors include her three children, Jo Ann Hudson and husband, Blake, of Fort Scott, Rev. Terry Brillhart and wife, Fran, of Riverview, Fla., and Randy Brillhart and wife, Ann, of Wichita; eight grandchildren, a step-granddaughter, 18 great-grandchildren and a great-great- granddaughter. Also surviving is a sister, Violet Hale and husband, Bob, of Fort Scott. Her husband, Raymond, preceded her in death on December 6, 1998. She was also preceded in death by a grandson, Jeffrey Erie; five sisters, Betty Jameson, Dolly Wheeler, Beulah Morgan, Florence Smith and Blanch Past and a brother, Charles Jackett.

Rev. Terry Brillhart will conduct funeral service at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, November 10, at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Auston Charles Lewis, age 86, of Greenfield, Mo., passed away Monday, November 6, 2017, at Mercy Hospital Springfield, Mo.

He was born on August 1, 1931, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Henry and Ethel Atkins Lewis. Auston married Fannie Wood in 1949, they later divorced. He then married Lila Hayes, on June 11, 1955, she preceded him in death on November 23, 2009. He then married Linda Thompson on January 12, 2015. Auston was self-employed doing roofing and carpenter work.

Auston is survived by his wife, Linda Lewis, a son, Perry Lewis, of Greenfield, Mo., two daughters, Teresa Cozart and husband, Bryan, of Little Rock, Ark., and Jennifer Thompson and husband Chris of Apple Valley, Calif.; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He is also preceded in death by his parents, a son, Tim Lewis, and a daughter in-law, Kathy Lewis.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2017, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Marmaton Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Wanda Lea Kraft of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away on Saturday, November 4, 2017, at her home.

Wanda was born to George and Alice Miller on April 23, 1932, in Gridley, Kan. Wanda married Harold Kraft on November 5, 1950, in Wichita, Kan. Wanda and Harold later moved to Fort Scott and made it their home. Wanda loved God and her family and enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Wanda was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, George and Alice (Scales) Miller; her husband, Harold Kraft; and one son, Gary Kraft. She is survived by her two siblings, Daryl (Kathy) Miller of Overland Park, Kan., and Sandra Todd of Conway, Ark., as well as her four children: Nancy (Tom) Sinn of Greenville, S.C.; Jan (Tom) Byler of Fort Scott; Roger (Chris) Kraft of Fort Scott; and Diana (Roger) Davis of Fort Scott. Wanda is also survived by ten grandchildren: Tommy (Shannon) Sinn, Tena (Todd) DeVaney, Ted (Tricia) Sinn, Kim Byler, Rachel (Nathan) Wells, Ryan (Alivia) Kraft, Megan (Ian) Goodyear, Haley (Mark) Bellmyer, Kelsey (Caleb) Bellmyer, and Marley Davis, as well as sixteen great-grandchildren with one more on the way and many nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at Evergreen Cemetery. The service will be conducted by Wanda’s grandson, Ted Sinn. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Christian Learning Center or Tri Valley Developmental Services 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

Colen James Milburn, age 84, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Friday, November 3, 2017, at his home.

He was born March 6, 1933, in Fort Scott, the son of Alfred Milburn and Hazel Taylor Milburn. He married Bonnie Harold on July 22, 1986, at Las Vegas. Colen had worked as a Fort Scott barber for 60 years. In earlier years, he enjoyed riding motorcycles, hunting and horseback riding. He also liked going on drives in the country and taking trips to the casinos. He was a past member of the First Christian Church.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie, of the home; two sons, Michael Milburn and wife, Twila, and Duke Milburn and wife, Pam, all of Fulton, Kan.; nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister Marcella Bates, of Wichita, Kan. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Kirk Milburn, two brothers, Marion and Harold Milburn and six sisters, Cora, Lillie, Valeria, Earlene and Pearlene Milburn and Velma Cleveland.

Pastor Steve DeMott will conduct funeral services at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 12, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 10 a.m. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Mercy Hospice 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

Benjamin Harold Kemna, 25, of Shady Shores, died Monday, October 30, 2017, at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Ben was born on July 10, 1992, in Dallas, Texas, to Barry Joseph and Gina Marie (Skotnicki) Kemna. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Denton and president of the Denton Chess Club.

He is survived by his parents, Barry and Gina Kemna of Shady Shores; sister, Lexie Biedrzycki of Austin; brothers, Joshua Kemna of Dallas, Christopher Kemna of Shady Shores; grandparents, Bobbi Kemna of Fort Scott, Kan., Sharon Eatman of Fort Worth; nieces, Avery and Harper Kemna, both of Melbourne, Fla.; and many aunts uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeremy Kemna; grandfathers, Harold Kemna and George Skotnicki.

Private burial will take place Saturday in Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kan. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at chenywitt.com.