Otis B. “Otie” Thomas passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott, KS.  He was born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin in 1933, the son of Francis C.O. Thomas and Gjerdis J. Thomas. Growing up together with older sisters Marie and Carolyn, he graduated in 1951 from the Griffith Institute in Springville, New York. He next matriculated at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, graduating in 1955 with a B.A. degree in Business Administration. Following university study and ROTC training, Otie married Helen Gillette of Briar Hill, New York and became an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving for four years and ultimately rising to the rank of Captain.

Upon leaving military service, Otie began a long and distinguished career in the graphics profession, serving a series of prominent national and international companies, including Graphic Controls (Buffalo), Fasson/Avery Dennison (Cleveland), Contact Products (Dallas), and Ward-Kraft (Fort Scott). Later in his career, he burnished his reputation for excellent customer service with his company Forms & Labels by Thomas and Graphic Resources/Liberty Labels. Following Helen’s passing in 2012, Otie married Thelma Wurtz of Fort Scott, Kansas in 2015.

While his older sisters have passed on, Otie is survived by close friends and family, including Michael McWilliams (Stanford, California) and Jennifer Froats-Washington (Dallas, Texas) together with nephews and nieces Christine Telfer (Bend, Oregon), Geoff Horn (Navasota, Texas), James Horn (Holly Lake Ranch, Texas), John Horn (Portland, Oregon) and Susan Craven (Denton, North Carolina).

Wherever he lived and worked, Otie was a tireless supporter of church and community, a sensitive and caring friend, and a devoted fan of his favorite local and national sports teams, forever optimistic that next season might be better.

We will all miss Otie’s irrepressible smile, his boundless spirit and his steady friendship. It has been a privilege for us all to have been a part of his very rich life.

Rev. Sarah Gengler will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Monday, April 28^th, at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Scott.

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

The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM Monday until service time at the Church.

Memorials are suggested to Presbyterian Village Fort Scott 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Frederick F. “Fred” Campbell, Jr., 94, of Fort Scott, passed away Friday evening April 11, 2025, at Guest Home Estates. He was born December 6, 1930, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Frederick F. Campbell, Sr., and Ola Mae (Morris) Campbell. He married Viola M. “Vi” Johnson September 2, 1951, and she preceded him in death on March 14, 2025.

Fred graduated from Fort Scott High School, and also from Fort Scott Community College. He served in the United States Navy from January 1949 to January 1950. He later graduated from WSU.

Fred was a life-long resident of Fort Scott, and a member of the St. John’s Global Methodist Church. He was an educator, teaching for many years for USD234 before becoming Superintendent for the district.

Fred is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Bush; four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife Vi, he was also preceded in death by his son, Joseph Frederick Campbell; his daughter, Nancy Marie House; his brother, Phillip M. Campbell, and two sisters, Donna Campbell, and Mary Ellen Dickerson.

Pastor Jim Brackett will officiate funeral services for Fred at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center. followed by burial at the Maple Grove Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Global Methodist Church and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Raymond L. Robinson, age 44, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025.  Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Friday, April 25^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Private burial will take place in the Robinson Family Cemetery near Redfield, Kansas.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Matthew Joe “Matt” Wiebelhaus, age 48, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, died unexpectedly Tuesday, April 8, 2025. He was born August 7, 1976, at Ft. Scott, the son of Gary Frederick and Judy Wiebelhaus.

Survivors include mother, Judy Wiebelhaus, of the home, siblings Mike Wiebelhaus (Tina) of Pleasanton, Kansas, Bob Wiebelhaus (Jan) of Garland, Kansas, Mary Froese of Wichita, Kansas, Gary Dean Wiebelhaus of Lawton, Oklahoma, Roy Wiebelhaus (Jenn) of Chehalis, Washington and Tim Wiebelhaus (Rebekah) of Lawrence, Kansas. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Matt loved spending time with his family and friends and embraced his role of being “Uncle Matt”. He was an avid KC Chiefs fan. He enjoyed traveling, playing games with friends and regularly attending the dinner theatre. He was also a movie buff. Everyone who knew Matt loved him, and he will be missed by all.

Matt was preceded in death by his father, Gary Wiebelhaus and a nephew, Matthew C. Wiebelhaus.

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct a memorial service at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, May 10th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service with the rosary being recited at 10:30 A.M.

Memorials are suggested to the Mary Queen of Angels Building 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

Judith Ann (Franklin) Beasley was born in Chanute, Kansas on June 3, 1951, to Robert Lee Franklin and Frances Ilene (Tripp) Franklin.  As the oldest of four children and as her mother battled sickness, she learned early on to take care of those around her.

She graduated from Ruskin High School in 1969, got married and had two beautiful daughters with John Ronald Burch.

Somewhat of a nomad after losing her mother, she moved a lot to try new jobs, always searching for the one that would provide the best for her and her family.

In Colorado, she found her love of police work and became a Sherriff Deputy.  She worked in many other lines of business from secretary to EMT to dispatch, and after planting roots in Fort Scott, Kansas, she found her favorite job as a corrections officer from which she retired.

Her hobbies included soaking in a hot bubble bath and cross-stitching.  She made beautiful creations that she gave as gifts and donated to the local hospital after her husband, Delbert passed away.

One of her favorites showed devotion to Jesus, depicting The Last Supper.  This piece won the purple grand champion ribbon at the Kincaid Farmers Fair which she was very proud of.

She was a loving sister, mother and grandmother who was not afraid to say anything that came to mind.  She enjoyed cracking jokes that would sometimes make people blush and she would giggle when she knew she caught them off guard.  She never knew a stranger and loved so much that if you were a friend, you knew you were also family.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Frances, father, Robert, brother, Robert Eugene “Gene” Franklin, and her husband, Delbert Lee Beasley, Jr.

She will be greatly missed by her sister, Linda Diana Langley and husband, Brad, brother, Howard Russell “Rusty” Franklin and girlfriend, Sonji Clary, daughter, Deanna Ilene (Burch)  Maiseroulle and husband, Paul, daughter Holly Jeanette (Burch) Welton and boyfriend, Brandon Graham; two bonus children, Susan (Beasley) Crews and Tim Beasley; grandchildren Jordan Woods and wife, Haley, D.J. Blethen and wife Angela, Logan Woods and wife, Jordan, Kimberlee Blethen, Brock Johanning, Blake Johanning, Brenna (Johanning) Whittington and Cameron Johanning; five great-grandchildren, Olivia, Copelan, Bryson, Beau and Isaiah, three nephews, Robbie, Danny and William, one niece, Alyssa and numerous other family members.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, April 14^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Judy Beasley 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.

Linda Ann Pruitt, age 71, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Monday, April 7, 2025, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, MO.  She was born May 8, 1953, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Walton “Walt” and Evelyn Vest Ham.  She attended Prescott, KS grade school, Pleasanton, KS high school, and Fort Scott Community College.

She married Urvy Pruitt on February 14, 1991, in Fort Scott.  Linda worked for the Prescott State Bank and later as City Clerk in Prescott.

Her many interests included crocheting, crafts, jewelry, homemaking, and visiting the casino.

She formerly attended the Prescott Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband Urvy of the home; 3 sons, Jeff Fugate (Robin) of Greeley, Co, Derek Fugate (Michelle) of Kearney, MO, and James Pruitt (Megan) of Wichita, KS; a daughter, Aleah Stice (Jacob) of Emporia, KS; a brother, Larry Ham (Pam) of Fort Scott, KS; a cousin Debbie Taylor of Fort Scott, KS; and numerous grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law Francis Pruitt, and a grandson, Johnathan Wane Fugate.

There was cremation.  No services are planned.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to the Linda Pruitt 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Marilyn Arleta (Haarberg) Baldonado was born on January 23, 1943 to William H. “Bill” Haarberg and Agnes G. “Peggy” (Walling) Haarberg in Chase County, Nebraska.  She died on March 25, 2025, in Crystal City, MO at Crystal Oaks Long Term Care after a long battle with Parkinson’s.

Marilyn grew up south of Wauneta, NE on the family farm and graduated from Wauneta High School. She attended college at Kearney College (University of Nebraska – Kearney) for two years before marrying Paul Baldonado in June of 1963 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta. They were married for fifty-seven years.

Marilyn spent many years as an executive assistant for Farmland Industries and concluded her working career managing the shower door manufacturing division of Ennis Glass in Fort Scott, KS.  Marilyn was active in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod throughout her life and was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Scott, KS.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Tranquilino “Paul” Baldonado, her parents Bill and Peggy Haarberg, her brother Eugene “Gene” Haarberg, and her sister Connie Kuecker.

She is survived by her brother Lorris Haarberg and wife Ruth of Arapahoe, NE, daughter Kyla Scarborough, son Paul “Ryan” Baldonado, and son Eric Baldonado and wife Darcy of Festus, MO.  She is also survived by her two granddaughters, Anna and Elena Baldonado, who brought her endless joy and provided her with many opportunities for fun, laughter and adventure.

There will be a small private burial at a later date.

Marilyn will be laid to rest with her husband Paul in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney
Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Conrad “Conard” Calvin Wright, age 82, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott.  He was born April 8, 1942, in Dade County, MO the son of John “Sam” and Perna Jones Wright.  Conrad graduated from FSHS with the class of 1960 and then FSCC in 1963.

He worked for Harlan Hardware in Fort Scott until it sold.  He then was employed with Mayco Ace Hardware until his retirement.  Conrad was a scoutmaster for 35 years.  He enjoyed working in the garden and repairing just about anything mechanical.  He loved spoiling all the neighborhood kids that knew him.

Survivors include two brothers, Robert Wright (Mary) of Garnett, KS, and John Wright of Sabetha, KS; and a sister Carol Fehr, Fort Scott.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Wanita Morehead, two brothers, Arthur and Marvin Wright, and his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, April 7^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Boy Scout Troop #114 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Amanda Kay Thurston, age 41, resident of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away Monday March 31st, 2025 at her home. She was born March 24th, 1984 in Fort Scott Kansas to Billy and Pam Cowan. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2002, went on to Fort Scott Community College to play volleyball, and later graduated from Missouri Southern University with a bachelors in human resources and business.

She became a momma in 2004 to Teryn Kay Farley. She married Chris Thurston in August 2007, they later divorced, but from their marriage she had Bryton Henry Thurston September 2009.

Amanda was a natural athlete, she loved competition, and grew up competing in all the sports. Amanda loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, fire pits, and animals. She had a soft spot for the injured animals, and always seemed to find a way to bring them home.

Her and her mom shared an unfortunate love for the Pittsburgh Steelers as well.

Amanda had a big heart for the ones she loved, when she loved she loved hard. Her circle was called the Amanda-dome, and if you were in it, you were in it for life.

She often told her parent’s that it was her world, and they were just living in it. She made her own rules, and was stubborn as the day was long.

Amanda had a lot of good years, and if you knew our Amanda in her good years then you were blessed to know one of the best. Amanda was incredibly proud of her children, she loved them immensely, even on the tough days.

It was no secret that she had some struggles, and spent the last few years fighting her inner demons. Our family has walked a road we wish on no one. Amanda is free of the demons, is no longer fighting, and has finally released the chains.

Amanda is survived by her parents Billy G. Cowan, and Pamela K. Ballou Cowan of Fort Scott. Her children, Teryn Kay Farley of Franklin Kansas and Bryton Henry Thurston Deerfield Missouri. Her siblings Josh and Chrystal Cowan, their children Raylee, Jace and Grady of Redfield, Kansas. Ashley and Tyler Valentine, their children Treyton and Ryland of Fort Scott. Paternal grandmother Margaret “Peggy” Cowan. Maternal grandparents Larry and Johnna “Kay” Ballou, all of Fort Scott. She was also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather Gene Cowan.

There was cremation, and the family will have a celebration of life Monday April 7th from 5-7 at Cheney Witt Chapel. Private family burial will follow at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to Fort Scott High School Zero Reasons Why, or Care to Share 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Earnest Lee Riley, 79, a resident of Medicalodges, Fort Scott, KS died peacefully in his sleep on March 29, 2025. Earnie was born in Nowata, OK on July 3,1945 to Earl Riley and Ruby Irene (Harris) Riley.

For many decades, Earnie’s care was coordinated through the Kansas Guardianship Program while he resided and worked in facilities operated by Tri-Valley Developmental Services.

Declining health occasioned his move to Medicalodges. There are no known survivors.

Earnie will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS on April 5, 2025. Arrangements are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Donny Ray Roberts, a beloved family man and respected business owner from Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 27, 2025, at the age of 46.

Donny was the proud owner of Roberts Outdoor Works, a family business that was his greatest professional achievement. Beyond his work, he was known for his passion for rock crawling and show cars, with one of his most cherished memories being his top 10 placement at the Sparks of the Ozarks event.

A true family man, Donny was renowned for being the life of the party and a dependable source of support for those around him. His vibrant personality and generous spirit touched the lives of many.

Donny will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the entire Fort Scott community. His passion for life, love for his family, and commitment to his business will be remembered by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife Jennifer (Jae) Miller-Roberts of Fort Scott, KS; his father Ronnie Roberts of Fort Scott, KS; brother Ronnie Roberts (Jennifer) of Fort Scott, KS; children Austin Robichaux (Theresa) of Bar Hill, UK, Corryn Cortner (Wyatt) of Emporia, KS, Lillian Greer of Nevada, MO, Adalay Connet of Emporia, KS, Jaeci Roberts (Arden) of Harrison, OH, Morgan Roberts of Columbus, OH, Kyleigh Roberts of Ross, OH, Cody Roberts of Fort Scott, KS, and Bella Roberts of Fort Scott, KS.  Also surviving are nieces and nephews Damian Roberts (Katiria) of Louisburg, KS, Jerica Roberts (John) of Fort Scott, KS, and Jasime and Mackie Roberts of Fort Scott, KS.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda (Large) Roberts.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 6th at 12:00 pm at Gunn Park Shelter House #1, 1010 Park Ave., Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Lunch and drinks will be provided.

Memorials are suggested to the Robert’s Children Scholarship 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 online at cheneywitt.com.