Alvin Eugene Wolf, age 60, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Friday, March 7, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO.  He was born October 16, 1964, in Fort Scott, the son of Kenneth and Sharron Tucker Wolf.  Alvin worked on the farm for many years.  He also worked as a heavy equipment operator for the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.  He married Rita Bailey on March 5, 1988.

Alvin enjoyed stock car racing, both dirt track and NASCAR.

He loved spending time with his family, especially the grandkids.

Survivors include his wife Rita of the home; 9 children, Kevin Peck, Wes Peck (Elizabeth), Brandon Peck (Rita), April Meanor (Mike), Brandy Eady, Kenneth Wolf, Ashley Wolf (Matthew Sisney), Travis Wolf (Allyson Loden), and Dalton Moore; 16 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; his mother, Sharron Wolf; a sister, Tammie Bunn (Ronnie); and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant brother and his father.

There was cremation.

A Celebration of Life service will be held from 2:00 until 3:00 Saturday afternoon, March 15^th, at the Parkway Church of God (Holiness).

Memorials are suggested to the Alvin Wolf 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.

Michael Alan Cole, age 52, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Friday, March 7, 2025, at his home.  He was born October 10, 1972, in Iola, Kansas the son of William Richard Cole and Audrey Kay Page Cole. Michael spent the first part of his life living and Bronson, Kansas and attending  school in Uniontown.  When he was in the sixth grade, the family moved to Houston, Texas.  They returned to Kansas in 1993.

Michael was united in marriage to Stephanie Marsh on February 27, 1999, at Ft. Scott.  He worked hard to provide for his family.  He had worked at several area businesses throughout the years.  He primarily did masonry work for Mid-Continental Restoration.  He enjoyed doing the masonry work, but he had a desire to spend more time at home with his family.  For this reason, he started a job at ITW Pro Brands in Olathe.  He was currently employed by Cardinale FG Glass Manufacturing in Spring Hill, Kansas.  Michael had a mechanical mind and enjoyed tinkering on and fixing things.  He also enjoyed restoring their historic home in Ft. Scott.

He enjoyed the WWE and the NFL.  He was a great fan of the Green Bay Packers and was able to celebrate his 50^th birthday by watching a Packers game at Lambeau Field.  He attended the Faith Church south of Ft. Scott.

Survivors include his wife, Stephanie, of the home; children, Devlin and Brennyn Cole, eldest daughter, Mackenna Groover, son-in-law, Avery and granddaughter, Everlie all of Ft. Scott.  Also surviving are his mother, Audrey Cole of Ft. Scott and two sisters as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Cole.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday, March 13^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Cremation will follow and a private burial will take place at a later date at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the Michael Cole 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.

David Allen Ayers, age 76, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital Emergency Room in Joplin, Missouri.  He was born June 7, 1948, in Mound City, Kansas, the son of Chester Ayers and Reba Henderson Ayers.  David graduated from the Blue Mound High School.

Following high school, he worked for a time on offshore oil rigs in the Louisianna Gulf Coast and he also worked for the Tyson poultry processing plant in Iola, Kansas.  David married Nancy Beerbower on June 9, 1974, at Blue Mound.  Together they had two children, Kristy and David “Bart” Ayers.  This marriage ended in divorce, and David was later united in marriage to Linda Dunfield in 1989.  For a time, he farmed in the Blue Mound area, and he also worked at Klein Tool in Moran, Kansas.  While working for Klein, David took several trips to Japan to help with training and maintenance issues.  David later took a position with the Jayhawk Linn School District where he worked as a custodian and maintenance man.  He retired from the school system after several years of service.

David loved being outdoors where he enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as taking trips on his motorcycle.  He especially loved bow hunting and was a member of the Kansas Bow Hunters Association, where he often helped with youth camps and training events.

He was known for his friendly personality and generous spirit.  He was able to couple these qualities with his love for hunting by being active with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, an organization which helps provide wild game to those in need. In addition to hunting deer, David also enjoyed hunting for “treasure.”  He loved going to flea markets and garage sales as well as helping his son, Bart, with his scrap metal business.  David was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mound City, Kansas.

Survivors include his wife, Linda, of the home; three children, Kristy Ayers-Saunders of St. Clair, Montana, David “Bart” Ayers (Crystal) of Ft. Scott and David “D.W.” Wilson also of Ft. Scott; four grandchildren, Sabree Schnichels (Mark) of Moran, Kansas, Dawsen Dodge and J. T. Dodge, both of North Carolina and Kellen Geneva (Luke) of Olathe, Kansas and six great-grandchildren, Kamdyn, Kylee, Kruze and Khenzo Schnichels and Jacob and Lily Geneva.  Also surviving are two brothers, Robert Ayers of Eldorado Springs, Missouri and Roger Ayers of Uniontown, Kansas.

David was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Cherry Lee Ayers and Mary Ann Agard, a grandson, Jesse Dodge and two great-grandchildren, Kaidyn and Kaize Schnichels.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, March 12^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Curry Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) 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.

Michael “Mike” Shelden, 58, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away March 3, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him. Born on July 24, 1966, in Fort Scott, Kansas, he was the son of Virgil Shelden (deceased) and Mary Shelden.

Mike was a devoted family man, known for his warm heart and deep love for those around him. An avid fisherman, Mike found peace and joy on the water, casting a line and sharing stories with friends and family. He was well-liked, respected, and will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is survived by his son, Austin Shelden of Kansas City, Missouri, his long-time partner, Amy Walker of Fort Scott, Kansas, his siblings, Pat Shelden and Holly Gonzalez, also of Fort Scott, Kansas, and a host of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews whom he cherished dearly: Madison Shelden, Alek Shelden, Hayden Shelden, Camden Stiles, Corbin Shelden, Sutton Shelden, Sullivan Gonzales, Sevren Gonzalez, Gabriel Gonzalez, Taxen Cosens, Asher Cosens, and Iyla Soehlig.

He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Shelden.

Following cremation, graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Military honors will be presented at the cemetery by the U.S. Marine Corps.  A Celebration of Life will follow services at the Elks Lodge, 111 W. 19^th St. Fort Scott, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to go to Patrick Shelden, 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.

Mike’s legacy of love, kindness, and laughter will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Lester Waring, age 89, resident of Garland, KS passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Girard Medical Center.  He was born August 20, 1935, in Garland, the son of Albert Lester Waring, Sr. and Annie Marguerite Dobelbower Waring.  Following high school, Lester served in the U. S. Army.

He married Ruth Arlene Smith on June 3, 1961, in Hepler, KS.  After the service, he worked for Aaron Produce and on the farm for Walter Golden, Joe Bailey, and Don Rutherford.  Lester worked for USD234 from 1970 through 1998 as a Fort Scott high school custodian.  He was a member of the Garland fire department, serving as chief for several years.  He served as caretaker of the Clarksburg Cemetery for many years.  Lester was a member of the Rinehart Christian Church and formerly the Community Christian Church.

Survivors include his wife Ruth of the home; children Brenda O’Keefe, Eudora, KS, and Richard Waring (Tracy), Wilsey, KS; 3 sisters, Effie Mitchell, Mary Brown, and Barbara Kellogg (Ronny), all of Fort Scott, KS; 5 grandchildren, Bailey Waring, Addison Goebel (Tristyn), Levi Waring, Michaela Safford, and Peggy Darr (Richard); and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sheryl Waring; a brother Donald Waring; and his parents.

Rev. Kevin Moyers and Rev. Leon Weece will conduct funeral services at 10:00 am Saturday, March 15^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Large Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Friday evening at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Rinehart Christian Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Wendell Oliver Arnold, age 89, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott.  He was born July 1, 1935, in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of Oscar C.R. Arnold and Effie Lynne Walker Arnold.  Wendell graduated from the Ottawa High School.  He went on to attend Ottawa University and then graduated from Emporia State University.  Wendell lived in Lawrence, Kansas, where he worked in various capacities for area restaurants and nightclubs.  Wendell later moved to Ft. Scott to be near his sister.  While in Ft. Scott, he made his home at the Cavalry Crossing Apartments before moving to the Medicalodge in August of 2024.  Wendell never met a stranger and was kind and generous to all.

Survivors include his sister, Rosalyn Good, of Ft. Scott and his brother, Lytle Arnold, a resident of the Medicalodge in Frontenac, Kansas.  Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Florence May White and a brother, Joseph Arnold.

Rev. James Brackett will conduct graveside services at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 11^th at the Walnut Creek Cemetery in Wellsville, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the St. John’s Global Methodist 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.

Betty Pauli Ruddick, age 91, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, passed away Sunday March 2, 2025, in Camdenton, MO.  She was born July 3, 1933, in Manhattan KS, the daughter of Lowell Carl and Wilma Swart Pauli. Betty graduated from Paseo High School in Kansas City in 1951 and graduated from Drury College in 1955.

She met Alvin Matthews Ruddick at Drury College, and they married on July 16, 1955, in Kansas City, MO.  Al and Betty owned the Ruddick’s, Inc. furniture store in Fort Scott until 2000.

Betty was a homemaker, worked at Ruddick’s, and worked at the Fort Scott Tribune. She volunteered with the Campfire Girls for 19 years, as a Rape counselor for 15 years and was instrumental in establishing the Bourbon County CASA program and worked as the director and a volunteer for many years.  She was a longtime member of the FU Chapter of the PEO and was a member of the First United Methodist Church and participated in numerous committees and organizations within the church.  Much of Al and Betty’s time revolved around their family, friends and life at their cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Betty’s survivors include 3 daughters,  Lisa Rucker and husband Ron, St. Louis, MO, Linda Burger, St. Louis, MO, Leslie Ogden and husband Chris, Lee’s Summit, MO;  grandchildren Jeremy Ruddick (Nicole), Liberal, MO , Abby Simmons (Cody), Carl Junction, MO, Haley Trainor (Michael), Boston, MA,  Aaron Rucker,  Dallas, TX, Samatha Burger, Lee’s Summit, MO, Nick Ogden (Taylor), Lee’s Summit, MO, and Hannah Ogden, Mission, KS; great grandchildren, Cooper Ruddick, Jackson Simmons, Henry Trainor, Nell Trainor and Emma Ogden; sister-in-law Patricia Pauli, Shawnee, KS and  many nieces, nephews, great nieces and  great nephews .

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband Alvin M. Ruddick, daughter Lori G. Ruddick, brother William C. Pauli, stepmother M. Maxine Pauli, and stepsister Sharon Coyan.

Jay Lotterer will conduct funeral services at 11:30 am Monday, March 10th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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

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

Memorials are suggested to be made to either Bourbon County CASA or Ellna’s Adult Care and may be left or sent in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Betty P. Ruddick, age 91, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Camdenton, MO. Jay Lotterer will conduct funeral services at 11:30 am Monday, March 10^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 until service time Monday morning at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to either Bourbon County CASA or Ellna’s Adult Care 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Delbert David Metcalf, “Dub” as he was known to most, age 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on November 11, 1948, to Wayne and Ellen Schubert Metcalf in Fort Scott, Kansas, where he remained a life-long resident. Shortly after graduating from Fort Scott High School in 1966, he entered the United States Navy, where he served 3 years overseas as a Navy Yeoman. He would later attend Pittsburg State University, where he successfully completed his bachelor’s degree. On March 2, 1970, he married the love of his life, Cheryl Elaine Sanders, in Miami, OK, and together they raised 3 strong and independent sons.

Delbert began his Social Services Career with the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) in August 1975 and he retired from the Kansas Department for Children and Family Services (DCF) in December 2009, having worked in front line benefits determinations from the time food stamps were issued on paper, to supervision in Bourbon and Linn Counties, and the last several years as the head of Operations for the local region. Delbert was active with the Bourbon County Coalition from the late 90’s into his retirement, serving on Task Forces for Domestic Violence, Child Care, Transportation and Housing, and helping to support community agencies like The Beacon, Mother to Mother Ministries, and Network for Families. In his retirement, Delbert returned to DCF as a volunteer, helped with food distribution at The Beacon and assisted the Good Neighbor Action Team with home improvement and repair projects.

“Dub” loved hunting coon, singing and picking the guitar, and telling stories. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Delbert is survived by his sons; Michael Metcalf and his wife Michelle of Leavenworth, KS; Jacob Metcalf and his wife Melissa of Jacksonville, FL; Joshua Metcalf and his wife Sara of Tulsa, OK; four grandchildren, Mitchell Metcalf, Elijah Metcalf, Norah Metcalf, and Jack Metcalf; one brother Michael Metcalf and his wife Debbie of Nevada, MO; one sister Shirley Moberg and her husband Henry of Cotton, MN; and many nieces and nephews. Delbert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cheryl, his brother Alvin, Alvin’s wife Linda, and his parents.

Following his cremation, a graveside memorial service will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy Funeral Honors Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to Care to Share, 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.

Hubert Owen Thomas, “Tommy” to JoAnn, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025, at his home in Pawnee Station, Kansas where he resided with his wife, JoAnn Thomas.  Hubert was born June 22, 1940, in Fort Scott Kansas, the son of Earl Owen and Edna Mae Thomas and later the brother of Karen “Sue” Thomas.

Hubert was a man of many trades, but most of all he loved providing and caring for his entire family.  He grew up on a farm east of Fort Scott where he attended the Diamond School and built life-lasting friendships.  He later graduated from Fort Scott High School.

Like many young men, Hubert ran from the farm and started his young adult life working for Mid-Continental Restoration where he only added to his friend list.  Hubert met the love of his life sometime around 1958 while on another date in Hepler, Kansas.  He married JoAnn in April 1963 and loved her until the day that he passed.  Being one who was always leaning forward, he didn’t wait for a draft and voluntarily joined the Army during a period of severe unrest in Vietnam.  Fortunately, Hubert was able to serve out his two years as a medic in Germany with his beautiful wife by his side.  Their first child was born six months after they returned to the US.  It was then, Hubert decided, life on the road was not fit for “his” family.

For the remainder of his life, Hubert would build his legacy.  He learned how to run a dozer, purchased it, and turned it into a General Construction business by the early 1980’s.  Thomas Construction is still alive today and has made its mark all over Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.  After his father passed in 1970, Hubert was drawn back to the farm. What began as 300 acres of inherited “leased” land and an “M” Farmall tractor became the four square miles of property his next three generations of Thomases, Wrights and Snyders enjoy today. Today his legacy can be witnessed through the love these three families share and continue to cultivate.

As the years went on, Hubert found his true passion was the one he ran from as a young man. He leaned into the cattle business, as a “Cattleman”.  He could often be found with a big smile on his face sitting at the livestock auctions, working cattle, and watching grandkids show cattle in shows in multiple states.  In fact, he was just at a show with grandkids three weeks ago in Texas.  There was always a freezer full of beef for anyone in his family to grab a steak from.

Hubert is survived by his wife JoAnn Thomas, his sister Sue Gray, his three children Gregory Owen Thomas, Elizabeth (Joe) Wright, Natalie  (John) Snyder, his seven grandchildren, Bart (Nicole) Wright, Nicholas Owen (Chelsea) Thomas, Drew (Hannah) Wright, Zachary (Stevie) Snyder, Lucas Snyder, Ella Snyder and Thanya Brown-Thomas, and four great grandchildren, Raelynn Wright, Sofia Thomas, Brooks Wright, and Ellison Owen Thomas.  Hubert was preceded in death by his parents Earl Owen and Edna Mae Thomas, his future daughter-in law, Nong Brown, and his grandsons Nathanial Wright and Hunter Thomas.

Hubert Owen Thomas lived big and loved even bigger!  He will be missed by all he touched!

Funeral services for Hubert are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the Clarksburg Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, February 26, 2025, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home

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

Thomas “Tom” Frederick Karleskint (age 81), resident of Fort Scott, KS., left this earthly body and went to be with Jesus on Feb. 21^st, 2025, in the comfort of his home. He was born July 14^th, 1943, in Fort Scott, KS, the youngest of 13 siblings (Rita, Esther, Helen, Leo James, Marjorie, Joan, William, Rosalie, Alice, Carol, Patricia, Ruth, Tom) to Frederick and Caroline Karleskint. Tom married Nancy Ann Brooker on July 24^th, 1965, and together they had four children – Michael, Richard, Randy, Matthew.  They also had thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Tom was a local farmer and rancher in the Fort Scott area for many years. In addition to his love for farming/ranching, he enjoyed hunting, eating fish that someone else caught, shooting, arrowhead hunting, and had a passion for antique guns and western memorabilia.  He loved spending time with his family and friends.  Tom had a deep love for God and His word. He always had a video camera in his hand, recording his grandkids any chance he could. Tom was faithful about picking up the phone, at any given time, to check on and catch up with any and everyone.

If you were acquainted with Tom, you know that everyone was special to him no matter the length of time you had known him. He was an amazing, Godly example, who lived out what he believed in and loved to tell anyone he could about Jesus. Tom served in the Army National Guard as an Engineer from 1964-1971, and had as many stories from that experience also.

He is proceeded in death by his son, Matthew Karleskint (1997) and his two great-granddaughters, Kimber and Kennedy (2024). Survivors include his wife, Nancy Karleskint, his three sons Mike Karleskint (Thosha) of Fort Scott, KS., Richard Karleskint (Sheryl) of Park City, KS., Randy Karleskint (Michelle) of Skiatook, OK.; daughter-in-law Shawna Karleskint-Cooper (wife of Matthew Karleskint), Arkansas; thirteen grandchildren: Aaron, Amber, Jeremy, Josh, Jonathan, Kari, Jordan, Savannah, Kristin, Ashley, Andrew, Luke, Shayne; and eleven great-grandchildren: Gus, Gaige, Jayston, Jayva, Case, Jalen, Jadyn, Joelle, Matthew, Kyndal, Milo.

Rev. Rod Hillhouse and Rev. Shane Swint will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 1^st, at the Apostolic Pentecostal Church, 1330 215^th St., Fort Scott, KS.  Burial will follow in the West Plains Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Apostolic Pentecostal Church 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Gayle Diane Farris, a beacon of love and courage, passed away on February 4, 2025, in Greenville, South Carolina, at the age of 63. Born on November 30, 1961, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, Gayle’s life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and the joy she brought to those around her.

Gayle’s journey began as the cherished daughter of Eldon and Donna Hall, both of whom, along with her siblings Margie Singmaster, Larry Hall, and Glen Hall, predeceased her. Her life was enriched by her loving family, including her late husband, James Farris. She was a devoted mother to her three daughters, Rachelle Knotts (Morgan), Niki Wielgus (Paul), and Ashley Thornton. Her legacy continued to flourish through her eight grandchildren, Mikaela, Rylee, Liam, Jordan, Abbigail, Ethan, Jaxton and Emma, and one great-grandchild, who were the light of her life.

A woman of exceptional intellect and determination, Gayle graduated summa cum laude from Pitt State with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She achieved this remarkable feat while raising her three daughters, a testament to her strength and dedication. Her professional life was marked by a deep commitment to helping others, and she carried this passion into every aspect of her life.

Gayle’s resilience was evident in her personal battles as well. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, she faced the disease with characteristic tenacity. Even as her health declined significantly 12 years ago, she remained a fighter. Her indomitable spirit shone through once more when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer six weeks before her passing. Through it all, Gayle’s humor, love, and courage never wavered.

An avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, Gayle’s enthusiasm for football was infectious. She could often be found cheering on her beloved team, a cup of coffee in hand, surrounded by the laughter of her family.

Her role as “Mimi” was one she embraced wholeheartedly, pouring love and attention into her grandchildren and great-grandchild. The moments spent with them were among the most precious of her life.

Gayle’s interests extended beyond the football field and family gatherings. She was a woman who found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as savoring a good cup of coffee and loving on her grandchildren. Her presence was a source of comfort and happiness to all who knew her.

Those who were fortunate enough to know Gayle will remember her as a funny, loving, and courageous soul. Her laughter was contagious, her heart generous, and her bravery an inspiration. Gayle’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with the love of her family, and the countless lives she touched through her work and personal endeavors.

Following cremation, services for Gayle are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, Fort Scott, Kansas

. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott.

Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.