Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary: C.L. “Pete” Peterson

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

C.L. “Pete” Peterson, age 75 of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Friday July 14, 2017, as the result of an auto accident in New Mexico.

He was born on February 2, 1942, in Fargo, N.D. After graduating from high school he joined the U.S. Marine Corp and spent the next four years at Camp Pendleton, California, Japan and the Pacific Theater. It was in San Bernardino, Calif., that he met and married Judy Grove in 1963, they later divorced in 1981. He spent 32 years in California then moving to Fort Scott, Kan., in 1992. He was a life member of the VFW Post 1165 Fort Scott, Kan., and a life endowment member of the NRA.

Pete is survived by two daughters, Penny Zaritsky and husband Marty of Big Bear, Calif., and Becky Elliott and her husband Terence of Riverside, Calif.; three grandchildren, Amanda and Sarah Zaritsky, and Cora Elliott; two brothers, Tom Peterson, of Independence, Mo., and Mike Peterson and wife Judy of Las Vegas, Nev.; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 14, 2017, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kan. Arrangements entrusted to the Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel, 201 S. Main Fort Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at www.cheneywitt.com.

Obituary: Clifford Daniel Matthew

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

“Precious in the sigh of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

God called Clifford Daniel Mathew home to Heaven on August 2, 2017, after a long, hard battle with cancer at the age of 63.

He was born January 24, 1954, in Elkhart, Ind., the son of Richard and Dorothy Jones Mathew. Upon graduation from Holt High School in Holt, Mich., with the Class of 1972, Dan joined the Air Force and served four years at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He worked as a Lab Tech. He accepted Jesus Christ to be his Savior while in the Air Force. As soon as his four years were completed, he went to Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo., as God had called him to be a pastor. That’s where he met the love of his life, Lisa Kay Lindbloom. They were married on August 17, 1979. Together, they served the Lord in Bath, Mich., they then started Grace Baptist Church in Ulysses, Kan. In 1986, he served six years with the National Guard. He then went to WSU and got his respiratory degree. The Lord would use them in several different churches across the country with his last pastorate being at Xenia Baptist Church.

Clifford Daniel Mathew, who went by Dan, is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lisa Kay Mathew, and their daughter Michelle and her husband, Joel Reasoner. Joel and Michelle are missionaries in Russia. He is also survived by his brother Bob Mathew and wife Sheri, who reside in Sterling Heights, Mich., and his sister Miriam King and her husband Michael, who reside in Beckley, W.V.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy and his father Richard, and his grandbaby, Sweet Pea.

Pastor Randy Smith will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 9, at the Xenia Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery with Brother Jeff Copes officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Air Force. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Xenia Baptist Church or 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.

 

Obituary: Doris Madrine Chaplin

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Doris Madrine Chaplin, age 82, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Thursday, August 3, 2017, at the Fort Scott Manor.

She was born October 7, 1934, in Hiattville, Kan., the daughter of Joseph Page and Anna Goff Page. She married Everett Chaplin on April 1, 1950. Doris was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed sewing and cooking as well as gardening and canning. She also loved spending time with her numerous grandchildren. In earlier years, she had attended the Pawnee United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her son, Raymond Chaplin and wife, Ellen, of Fort Scott; two daughters, Dorothy Wiggans and husband, Richard, of Springdale, Ark., and Donn Chaplin, of Fort Scott; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great-grandchildren. Her husband, Everett, preceded her in death on February 9, 2016. She was also preceded in death by eight brothers, seven sisters, a half-brother and a half-sister.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 2 p.m. Monday, August 7, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Osaga Cemetery west of Fulton, Kan. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday 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.

 

Obituary: Ralph J. Sluder, Jr.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Ralph J. Sluder, Jr., age 95, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Saturday, July 29, 2017, at the Guest Home Estates in Fort Scott.

He was born May 11, 1922, in Fort Scott, the son of Ralph J. Sluder and Julia Margaret Karleskint Sluder. Ralph served with the United States Army during World War II. Following his time with the military, he began a career with Eastern Kansas Utilities which later became K. G. & E. He worked as serviceman and agent and retired after 31 years of service. He enjoyed fishing and boating as well as listening to country western music and watching the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a man of faith who loved the Lord.

Survivors include his sisters, Anna Gibson and Erma Knight and her husband, Warren, all of Fort Scott, and a special friend Betty Clayton, also of Fort Scott. He will be lovingly remembered as Uncle Junior by his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Mercelia Cox, Mary Moore and Ruth Helen Sluder and three brothers, William, Joseph and Charles Sluder.

Pastor Derry Gibson will conduct graveside services at 11 a.m. Friday, August 4, at the U. S. National Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars. 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 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.

 

Obituary: Lloyd M. Seifert

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Lloyd M. Seifert, age 88, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Saturday, July 29, 2017, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott.

He was born July 9, 1929, in Wooldridge, Mo., the son of Herman John Seifert and Emma Heckerman Seifert. Lloyd served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married Bonnie Brizendine on October 3, 1954, in Bunceton, Mo. He worked for the Katy Railroad for 36 years. He greatly enjoyed the railroad and worked everywhere between St. Louis and Houston. He enjoyed spending time on his wooded property, including hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with his family, whether hunting and fishing with the grandkids or attending their activities. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, from push mowing and cheering for the KC Royals to cracking pecans and walnuts to give away. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post #1165, serving with the honor guard, and the Trinity Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his wife Bonnie of the home; two sons, Kelly Seifert and wife Sharon, Sioux Falls, S.D., and Doug Seifert and wife Nancy, St. Peters, Mo.; one sister, Emma Lou Stover, Boonville, Mo.; four grandchildren, Dr. Clinton Seifert and wife Laura, Mitchell, S.D., Kyle Seifert, Mission, Kan., Amanda Campeau and husband C.J., Ballwin, Mo., and Austin Seifert, St. Peters, Mo.; five great grandchildren, Josie, Daniel and Sadie Seifert and Carter and Eli Campeau; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Otho Seifert; four sisters, Lucille Smith, Loretta Rainsbarger, Gertrude Huebee, and infant Julia Seifert; and his parents.

Vicar Michael Apfel will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 1, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in 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 5 until 7 Monday evening at the Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church 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.

Obituary: Merle F. Hart, Jr.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Merle F. Hart, Jr., age 83, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2017, at his home.

He was born February 13, 1934, in Chetopa, Kan., the son of Merle F. Hart and Martha Lou Bradley Hart. Merle graduated from the Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1952. He later enlisted with the United States Air Force. He married Dolores Juanita Daum on June 5, 1955, in Fort Scott. Following his service with the Air Force, Merle returned to Fort Scott and began a 26 year career with the United States Post Office. Merle enjoyed hunting, reading and attending estate auctions.

Survivors include his wife, Dolores, of the home; three daughters, Candy Hart and husband, Craig Dunn, of St. Paul, Minn., Kim Hart-McBride and husband, Ron McBride, of Olathe, Kan. and Kelly Hart and husband, John Lane, also of Olathe; two grandchildren, Jacob Hart-Lane, of Augusta, Kan., and Aubrey McBride, of Emporia, Kan. Also surviving are a brother, Kenneth Hart and wife, Evangeline, of Garland, Kan., and a sister, June Christy and husband, Gene, of Girard, Kan. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 2, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the National Rifle Association or the Fort Scott Public Library 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 atcheneywitt.com.

 

Obituary: Raymond Dean O’Dell

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Raymond Dean O’Dell, age 87, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at the Mercy Hospital Emergency Room in Fort Scott.

He was born November 13, 1929, in Bourbon County, Kan., the son of Albert Milton O’Dell and Anna Mabel Carpenter O’Dell. He married Ruby May Larson on August 30, 1948, at Fort Scott. Ray worked as the produce manager for Whiteside’s IGA for forty-five years. Following his retirement, he operated his own lawn care business. Ray enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. In earlier years, he played in a band that often performed at the Eagles Lodge and area communities. He was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Survivors include his four children, Rick O’Dell and wife, Amy, of Carthage, Mo., Deborah Graham and husband, David, of Orange Beach, Ala., Marquita Lamer and husband, Raymond, of Kansas City, Mo., and Dion O’Dell and wife, Holly, of Joplin, Mo.; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. His wife, Ruby, preceded him in death on September 26, 2013. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Merlin O’Dell and George Carpenter, and three sisters, Naomi Wise, Pearl Kellogg and Audrey Wise.

Pastor Larry Stevicks will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 29, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the White Cemetery near Richards, Mo. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Emmanuel Baptist 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: Thomas Marvin Heter

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Thomas Marvin Heter, of Garland, Kan., passed away peacefully on July 20, 2017. He was 79 years old.

Tom will be remembered for his passion, intelligence and his love of art, photography and music. An excellent musician who performed on guitar, keyboards and vocals, Tom’s record collection ran into the thousands. Since the 1960s, his and Jean’s home has been a hub for folk, jazz and blues musicians. Tom was also gifted as a visual artist, specializing in 35 millimeter black and white photography. Working as a professional photographer he took special pride in the printmaking process, which he mastered in his kitchen darkroom.

Tom is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jean Heter, and by his two children, Annette and Storm. Tom is survived by his siblings David, Charles, Gracie and Steve. He was a proud grandfather and great grandfather.

On Monday, July 23, at noon, a memorial service will be held at Cheney-Witt funeral chapel, Fort Scott, Kan. Services were under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kan.

Obituary: Evalena McCracken Pate-Rash

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Evalena McCracken Pate-Rash, age 88, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kan.

She was born September 16, 1928, in Excelsior Springs, Mo., the daughter of Walter Ira Pate and Anna Irena Carmer Pate. She worked outside the home at various jobs, yet her biggest responsibility was that of homemaker for her family. She enjoyed the outdoors, traveling, camping and fishing. She loved spending holidays with family, especially Christmas. She liked to play cards with the family, and really hated to lose at any game. She liked cooking for her family, especially German chocolate cake and spaghetti red. She was a member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Survivors include four children; Cecil Rash, Topeka, Kan., Roy Rash, Independence, Mo., Donna Marie Hassan and husband Ahmad, Katy, Texas, and Glenn Rash and wife Vana, Fort Scott, Kan.; two sisters-in-law, Edna Pate, Mustang, Okla., and Ina Mae Rash, Vail, Colo.; 10 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Henry Rash; a daughter, Sherry Palmer; a sister, Emma Anna Pate; a brother, Emmet Ira Pate; three half-brothers, Chester Atwood, Gailen Atwood, and Oray Pate; a half-sister, Sarah Mae Atwood; and her parents.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 27, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time on Thursday. Memorials are suggested to 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.

Obituary: Laura Mae Benson Croan

Submitted by the Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Laura Mae Benson Croan, age 94, a resident of Fort Scott, died Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at the Fort Scott Manor.

She was born August 11, 1922, in Gardendale, Ala., the daughter of Thomas Alexander Benson and Pearl Luvada Moncreif Benson. She married Dr.  Harold C. Croan on September 3, 1949, in Hernando, Miss., he preceded her in death on March 19, 2008.

She is survived by a son, Randall Scott Croan, and wife Sharon of Overland Park, Kan., a daughter-in-law, Gayla Croan, of Fort Scott; two granddaughters, Morgan Felt and husband Carson, of Fort Scott, and Blair Croan and husband Parikshit Singh, of Phoenix, Ariz.; as well as several nieces and nephews; she was preceded in death by her Husband Dr. Harold C. Croan; a son, Allan Benson Croan; four sisters, Marie Craddock, Pearl Melville, Christine Arnold-Hook and Carolyn Farmer; and her parents.

There was cremation. Rev. Steve Cole will conduct a memorial graveside service at 10 a.m. Monday, July 24, 2017, at the U. S. National Cemetery. Memorial are suggested to the Fort Scott Manor Activity 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.

Obituary: Starr Rochell Stephens-Nutter

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Starr Rochelle Stephens-Nutter, age 38, a resident of Arma, Kan., died early Sunday, July 9, 2017, at her home.

She was born February 23, 1979, in Fort Scott, Kan. She graduated from St Mary’s Colgan High School and then went on to Fort Scott Community College and received her associate’s degree. She married Jeremy Nutter on October 6, 2001. She was employed by the Craw-Kan Telephone Company.

Starr is survived by her husband Jeremy of the home; a daughter, Christian Nutter; a brother, Scott Ball of Arcadia, Kan.; and a sister, Susan Shelton of Pittsburg, Kan. She was preceded in death by her dad, Robert Stephens.

There was cremation and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Obituary: Roger Duane Ranes

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Roger Duane Ranes, age 83, a resident of Moran, Kan., died Thursday, July 13, 2017, at the Franklin House in Fort Scott, Kan.

Roger was born August 23, 1933, in Coffeyville, Kan., the son of Homer L. Ranes and Alma C. Cushman Ranes. He graduated from Leroy High School. He married Ruth Meats. She preceded him in death on October 11, 2011. He served in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Hancock. While in the Navy, he was stationed in many foreign countries. He loved to hunt and fish, especially catfish. In 1957, he and a friend drove to Alaska in a 1939 Plymouth. He was an avid gardener and loved to coach Little League Baseball.

Survivors include his two sons, David Ranes and wife Verna, and Scott Ranes and wife Randi, all of Mapleton, Kan.; five grandchildren, Chad Ranes, Dereck Ranes, Tyler Ranes, Ethan Ranes and Beckett Ranes; three great-grandchildren, Jaxon Ranes, Talie Henry and Tryke Henry; and a brother, Jerry Russell and wife Betty, of Leroy, Kan. In addition to his wife Ruth, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Denise Ranes; and his parents.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct graveside services at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 20, 2017, at the Altamont Cemetery in Leroy, Kan. Memorials are suggested to the SEK Humane Society of LaHarpe 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.