Shirley Jean Higgins, age 88, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, September 2, 2024, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.  She was born February 24, 1936, in Richards, Missouri, the daughter of John Logan Zimmerman and Effie Charlotte Debus Zimmerman.

Shirley graduated from the Richards High School with the Class of 1954.  While in high school, Shirley excelled at basketball.  Following graduation, she was invited to play basketball with the Redettes, a traveling women’s basketball team.  Shirley declined the offer and instead married Clyde Richard Higgins on August 13, 1954, at Nevada, Missouri.

In earlier years, Shirley worked at Aren’s Produce and also as a meat cutter for Food Town in Ft. Scott.  Following the birth of her son, Shirley began providing babysitting services out of her home.  She continued to babysit for over fifty years and provided care to countless area children.  She later worked eleven years for Community Care Connection where she provided in home care for the elderly and disabled.

Shirley loved to garden, play cards and watch KU basketball.  She had a tender heart for animals.  The children she babysat remember the menagerie of animals she kept in her backyard including the many bottle-fed baby squirrels.  Shirley also enjoyed taking car rides with her family.  She was a member of Community Christian Church.

Survivors include her three children, (Clyde)Terry Higgins (Lynne) of Carl Junction, Missouri, Teresa Jean Higgins (Paul) and Tammy Sue Ekis (Jerry) all of Ft. Scott and three grandchildren, Terra Higgins of Carl Junction, Missouri, Andrew Clyde Higgins (Savanna) of Siesta Key, Florida and Hunter Ekis of Ft. Scott.  Also surviving are the numerous children she babysat over the years.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde, on January 24, 2008.  She was also preceded in death by a half-brother, Dean Zimmerman and a half-sister, Rachel Minor.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 7^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Newton Burial Park in Nevada, Missouri.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Paws & Claws Animal Shelter of 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.

Raymond Henry Kalm, Sr., age 87, a resident of rural Garland, Kansas, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2024, in Overland Park, Kansas, surrounded by his family.  He was born March 22, 1937, near Mulberry, Kansas, the son of Lewis Hurl Kalm and Nellie Louise Pence Kalm.

Raymond graduated from Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1955.  He went on to further his education at K-State University.  Raymond served with the Kansas Army National Guard from 1959 to 1965.  In 1967, he was united in marriage to Bettie Garrens.  They made their home in Kansas City where they raised their boys, Randy, Raymond, Ronnie and Tommy.

Raymond worked as a freight conductor for the Frisco Railroad which later became Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad.  For thirty-six years, he rode the rails between Kansas City and Ft. Scott and maintained homes in both locations.  In addition to working on the railroad, he also farmed and raised cattle all his life.

Raymond took an active role in raising his boys.  He helped with their Boy Scout troop and went on many camping and hiking trips.  He was proud of the fact that three of his sons became Eagle Scouts.  In later years, Raymond was active with the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Committee, the American Legion and also served as treasurer of the Sheffield Cemetery Association.

Above all, Raymond loved spending time with his family.  He loved to plan and attend family gatherings for any occasion.  He was a member of the Hannon Free Will Baptist Church near Liberal, Missouri.

One of Raymond’s daily passions was to help someone else, and he was grateful that he was the beneficiary of assistance from many friends and neighbors.

Survivors include his children, Randy Kalm (Lynn) of North Kansas City, Missouri, Raymond Kalm, Jr. (Lori) of Stillwell, Kansas, Ronnie Kalm (Julie) of North Kansas City, Missouri and Tommy Kalm (Racquel) of Carl Junction, Missouri; six grandchildren, Randy Kalm, Jr., Tyler Kalm, Micah Heizer, Paige Kalm, Garrett Kalm, Katie Hudson; and four great-grandchildren, Blake, Sabrina, Angel and Christian.   Raymond also affectionately includes Jazzy Robinson and Kloe Hamilton among his granddaughters.   Also surviving are his stepchildren, Karla Tersiner (Jeff) of Hepler, Kansas, Mark Burr (Pat) of Centerview, Missouri and Rod Burr (Debbie) of Elkton, Maryland; a brother, Lewis Kalm of Frontenac, Kansas and a sister, Kathryn Doerfler of Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents Hurl and Nellie Kalm, his longtime special friend, Irene Thomas, his second wife, Kay Burr Kalm and his brother, Keith Kalm.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, September 5^th at the Hannon Free Will Baptist Church in Liberal, Missouri.

Burial will follow in the Sheffield Cemetery near Arcadia, Kansas.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Hannon Free Will 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

Heaven became a lot more fun on August 20, 2024, when Daryl Lee Roller, 79, of Lenexa, passed away suddenly while vacationing in France. This proud Navy veteran and his wife of 53 years, Christy (Larson) Roller, had just visited Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery in Normandy.

Daryl Roller was born on April 3, 1945, in Holton, Kansas, to Donald and Dorothy (Sawhill) Roller. He married Christy Larson on August 7, 1971. They made their home in Fort Scott, Kansas, until 2010.

Daryl served in the United States Navy from 1966-1969. He was assigned to Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 132 in Alameda, California and made two cruises to Vietnam aboard the USS Enterprise, CVA-65. The United States Navy was always an important part of his life. He visited and vacationed with sailors with whom he served 50+ years ago. Vacations with their families will always bring funny and fond memories.

Daryl received a Bachelor of Science degree in Printing Management from Kansas State College of Pittsburg. He was one of the first employees to begin operations at Ward/Kraft, Inc. in 1972. He retired from Ward/Kraft in 1999 as Vice-President/National Sales Manager. For the last 10 years of his working career, he served as the Director of Development at Fort Scott Community College. His coworkers remember him as being honest, with integrity and impossible handwriting!

While living in Fort Scott, Daryl held membership or leadership positions in a variety of organizations: Fort Scott Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Wednesday Morning Men’s Prayer Breakfast, United Way, American Cancer Society, Mercy Hospital Board of Trustees, the First United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 25, and VFW Post 1165. He was still a member of VFW Post 1165, serving as the post surgeon. In the 1990’s, he was elected to the Fort Scott City Commission, serving one year as Mayor. Daryl never hesitated to participate in Relay for Life skits, always allowing himself to be dressed in ridiculous costumes.

Since moving to Lenexa, Daryl had been active in the Lenexa United Methodist Church, volunteered as a docent at The National World War I Memorial and Museum and served as Service Officer and Adjutant for American Legion Post 327 in Shawnee. He was also part of the Post’s Honor Guard, participating in weekly funerals at the National Cemetery in Leavenworth and cemeteries around the KC Metro area. He and his Honor Guard squad had performed color guard duties for the KC Royals, Chiefs, and most recently Sporting KC.

Daryl chaired the VFW Post 1165 committee that raised the funds and coordinated the erection and dedication of the U.S. Navy Memorial in Fort Scott National Cemetery. This remains one of his greatest achievements and will be around for generations to come.

Daryl served many important roles in the family: field trip leader for the grandsons, “Roller Compound” Equipment Manager for Amy and Beth, and dogsitter extraordinaire! He would say his favorite hobby was cleaning and repurposing someone else’s “disregards” or, as his family lovingly called it, dumpster diving. There are many items in each of our homes that will always remind us of him.

Daryl is survived by his wife Christy, three daughters: Amy Roller, Beth Roller, Sarah (Trenton) Moots; two grandsons, Caleb and Noah Moots; brother Dale Roller; and sisters Delores Kratochvil & Donna Larrison. Daryl was also very close to his nieces, nephews, extended family on both sides, many lifelong friends, and grand dogs!

Daryl will always be remembered for his faith, patriotism, love and support of family and friends, his fun-loving spirit, strong work ethic and loyalty. He had a servant’s heart and truly gave his all to leave the world a better place.

Visitation will be on September 9th, from 5-7 pm at Amos Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive in Shawnee.

The memorial service will be at Amos on September 10th at 2 pm. Following the service, a reception will be held at the American Legion, 6521 Nieman Rd, Shawnee, Kansas.

After his ashes have been received from France, a graveside service will be held at the National Cemetery in Fort Scott, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lenexa United Methodist Church, Tunnels to Towers, or a veterans’ charity of your choice

John Dale Wort, age 82, a resident of Fort Scott, KS passed peacefully on August 19th, 2024. John was born in Pittsburg, KS on September 13, 1941. John is survived by lifelong partner Linda Wort, daughter Amber (Jason) Buffington, granddaughter Bridget (Drew) Stoughton, two great granddaughters Genevieve and Violet Stoughton and sister Carol Purselley.

John served in the Army and was a proud veteran. John loved sharing stories of his time served in Berlin to anyone who was willing to lend him an ear. One thing you could count on from him was a good laugh and an ice-cold Pepsi in his hand.

John was a loving man who adorned time spent with his family and friends. He was so loved by anyone who had the opportunity to cross his path. He had a kind heart and soul.

Graveside services for John will be held October 10th, 2024, at 11AM.

John will be receiving military honors and burial at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywit

Marjorie “Marjie” Rose Lauber, age 86, formally of Fort Scott, KS died Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the Galena Nursing Center, Galena, KS.  She was born on November 11, 1937, in St. Paul, KS the daughter of Charles and Pearl Madl Lero.  She was the middle child of seven children, 3 brothers and 3 sisters.  She graduated from Saint Paul Catholic High School in 1955.

After graduating, she moved to Fort Scott and worked for Western Insurance Company.  She later worked in admissions for Mercy Hospital for 35 years.  Marjie met Richard Lauber, and they celebrated the Sacrament of Matrimony on May 30, 1959, at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  He preceded her in death on April 27, 1994.

Survivors include 8 children, Larry Lauber (Mary), Michael Lauber (Ellen), Richard E. Lauber (Dawn), Julie Manley (Kenny), Jean Stock (Charlie), Charles Lauber, Pamela Wallace (Jeff), and Katrina Ridge (Chris); 15 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Charlene Braden and Rosemary Brogan; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Timothy Lauber; siblings Francis Lero, Paul Lero, James Lero, and Dorothy Reel; and her parents.

Father Matthew David will conduct services at 10:00 AM Tuesday, September 3^rd at St. Francis Catholic Church, St. Paul, KS.

Father Yancy Burgess will conduct committal services following at 1:30 PM in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS.

The Rosary will be prayed at 5:00 PM Monday September 2^nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott, KS with visitation following from 5:45 PM until 7:00 PM.

Memorials are suggested to either St. Mary’s Catholic School or Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church Building 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.

It is with profound sadness that the family of Jackson Lynn Steiner announces his passing on August 28, 2024.

Jack was born on May 14, 1946, in Wichita, Kansas. He was the beloved son of Bill Steiner, Sr. and Evelyn (Mulsow) Steiner and the brother of Bill Steiner, Jr.

Jack graduated from Yates Center High School where he was a prominent student, serving as class president and a standout athlete. His athletic achievements were remarkable, including being named football captain, receiving All Tri-Valley League Football Honors in 1963 and setting a school record as the Tri-Valley 100-yard dash champion. His record in the 100-yard dash remains an intramural record after 60 years.

Following his high school graduation, Jack graduated from the Wichita School of Barbering. He also joined the Kansas National Guard where he served with distinction.

On September 2, 1967, Jack married his high school sweetheart, Linda Dianne Gibbs, with whom he shared 57 wonderful years.

In his professional life, Jack was an educator and coach, teaching and coaching for 27 years at Yates Center schools. He coached the high school girls’ basketball team, taking over during the third year of its existence. He led the teams to three Tri-Valley League Championships in three years; won several tournament and regional championships; won two sub state championships; was ranked first in the state in 1979-1980; and named Coach of the Year in 1980. The 1980 team has a record of 23 wins and 2 losses, which is still the best record in Yates Center High School boys and girls history.

Jack went on to coach freshman boys basketball for one year, then junior high boys basketball for fourteen years. His teams won nine championships during those fourteen years. Jack coached high school girls track for the tenure of his teaching career, with numerous athletes receiving state accolades.

Jack’s love and guidance extended beyond his family, touching the lives of numerous kids who looked up to him as a father figure. Jack was a passionate advocate for his students and athletes, fostering both athletic skills and life lessons in his players. He was a mentor to many. Jack continued to advocate for student athletes throughout the state of Kansas during his lifetime.

Jack was an animated storyteller and had an extraordinary sense of humor. He was a proud father, grandfather, and an avid sports fan. He was an accomplished individual beyond his career, having earned his pilot’s license and real estate license. Jack barbered part-time in Iola for 60 years. He and Linda raised exotic animals, specializing in miniature donkeys. They raised four national champions. Jack’s favorite pastime was spending time with his family.

Jack was a member of the American Legion Post 13, the Kansas Barber Association, Kansas Teachers Union, and the Jaycees.

Jack’s memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Linda, of the home; his son, Lane Steiner, Yates Center; his daughter Krystal Steiner Nickelson and husband Patrick, Fort Scott, Kansas; two grandchildren, Paige and Keira Nickelson; his brother, Bill Steiner, Jr., Yates Center, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cremation will take place. A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to Harry Hynes Hospice, or The Town Hall of Yates Center, or Quilts of Valor in care of 4 Golden Stitches, and memorials may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas.

Condolences for the family can be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.

Thomas Clark Johnson, age 90, resident of Bronson, KS, died Friday, August 23, 2024, at the Allen County Regional Medical Center.  Services for Thomas Johnson will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

Lois Ann (Query) Bunn, 83, resident of Hallsville, Missouri, passed away Monday evening, August 26, 2024, at The Stuart House Nursing Home in Centralia, Missouri. She was born on September 8, 1940, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the only child of L.B. “Dick” Query and Ida Mae (Wolf) Query. She married Phillip Ross Bunn in March of 2015 at the Clarksburg Valley Chapel (Clarksburg Church of God Holiness) in Fort Scott, Kansas, and he survives of the home.

Lois Ann was passionate about her missionary work and her work as an educator. She spent many years in the mission field from 1968 through 1981, teaching and ministering. She served in the U.S. Virgin Islands in the 70’s and 80’s. She also taught Bible School in Fort Scott. She later focused her efforts on the Clarksburg Church, and she and Phillip served there for many years.

In addition to her husband Phillip, Lois Ann is also survived by her step-children, Edlyn Fay Donnovan of Hallsville, Missouri, and Gregory Bunn of Ava, Missouri; three grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, and many cousins on both the Wolf and Query sides of her family. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Rev. Harold Martin and Rev. Kevin Allred will officiate funeral services for Lois Ann at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the Clarksburg Valley Chapel under the direction of the Konantz Cheney Funeral Home.

The visitation is at 1:00 p.m. at the church prior to services. Burial will immediately follow funeral services at the Clarksburg Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Clarksburg Valley Chapel and may also 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.

Shirley Ann (Coultas) Motley, 86, saw her Savior face to face on August 27, 2024, after a brief illness.  Shirley was born September 8, 1937, in Barry, IL to H. Glenn Coultas and Georgia Ann (Smith) Coultas.

She was a 1955 graduate of Barry High School and married John Roy Motley that same year.  They raised three sons: Gregg Motley (Kim), Fort Scott, KS, Tim Motley, Seattle, WA, and Chris Motley, Kansas City, MO.  After beginning their marriage in Barry, IL, the family moved to Tonawanda, NY, Quincy, IL, Lee’s Summit, MO, and Raytown, MO.

After her three sons were school age, Shirley worked as an office manager and bookkeeper for a newspaper, car dealers, medical practices and her son, Tim’s salon.  She was an avid newspaper reader and loved to keep up with current events, the Kansas City Royals, the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas Jayhawks and devotedly followed politics. She loved to bowl, knit, quilt, sew and bake.

Shirley was a devoted Christian and faithfully attended church her whole adult life. She loved old hymns, radio/TV preachers, and reading her Bible. She donated much of her income to her favorite charities, including many for the benefit of the Holy Land. Her faith informed her attitude toward family as she readily welcomed numerous foster children and adopted grandchildren into the family as if they were her own.

Shirley had a sharp mind, quick wit, and a razor tongue, often used to entertain her friends and loved ones.  Shirley was feisty and did not tolerate injustice or behavior she considered inappropriate.

In 2018, she moved to Fort Scott, KS, to live near her oldest son, Gregg and his wife, Kim.  Her final residence was Guest Home Estates where she received loving care during her final four months of life.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers Glenn Gail Coultas and Dean Coultas, a daughter-in-law, Betty Rose Motley (Gregg), a grandson, Brian Motley and great-grandchildren, Nes Burton and Charleigh Burton.

She is survived by a brother, William Coultas (Diana), Industry, IL, three sons and a daughter-in-law, her eight grandchildren: Allison (Andy), Paige (Keith), Katie, Ben (Rachel), Kaylie (Pedro), Jesse, Khloe (Levi), and Max, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Visitation and a memorial service will be held on Grandparents’ Day and her birthday, September 8, 2024, at the Cheney Witt Chapel,

Fort Scott, KS. Visitation will begin at 1:00PM, followed by the service at 2:00PM.

Cremation.  Memorials are suggested to Faith Church 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.

Norma Joyce Kramer, 86, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Nevada Regional Medical Center.She was born November 4, 1937 to William Henry Madison and Blanche Louise (Tucker) Madison in Fort Scott. She attended country schools and St. Mary’s Catholic school in Fort Scott. On September 30, 1954, she married Bill Kramer. He preceded her in death in 2017.

She enjoyed listening to music, staying active, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and watching them in their many sporting events and activities. She was a lifelong member of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Survivors are her sons, Michael Kramer and wife, Patricia, of Fort Scott and Larry Kramer, and wife Grace, of Fort Scott; her daughter, Dolores Pruitt and husband, Jim, of Fort Scott; her grandchildren, BJ Pruitt (Kayla), Brett Kramer (Erica), Jake Kramer, Cody Kramer, Cole Pruitt (Samantha), Megan Crosier (Clint), Patricia Sheehy (Morgan), and Michael Kramer; her ten great grandchildren and one expected in October; her siblings Nora Karleskint, Warren Madison, Cathy Thomas, Frank Madison, and Claude Madison.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, brother William Madison, and sister Carol LeFever.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 26th at the Kennedy Gym with Father Yancey Burgess officiating.

Burial will be at the National Cemetery in Fort Scott.

A rosary will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 25th at Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel with a visitation to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Care to Share. Donations may be sent to the Cheney Witt Funeral Home, 201 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS  66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Anthony Price Kinnaman, age 77, resident of Overland Park, KS died Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the Olathe Hospice House, Olathe, KS.  He was born February 3, 1947, in Winfield, KS the son of Thad and Edqarita Kinnaman of Sedan, KS.  He graduated from Pitt State University.  Anthony retired from Luke Airforce Base in Glendale, AZ.  He was a member of the Arizona Wildfire Incident Management Team.  He married Gretchen Schafer on January 1, 2001, in Sedona, AZ.

Survivors include his son Michael Kinnaman (Chrissie), 3 stepchildren, Kristopher and Karlee Goodbody, and Kasey East; 5 grandchildren, Madison Goodbody, Tyler and Nathan Kinnaman, and Ethan and Aria East; a brother, Patrick Kinnaman (Sharon), Yarnell, AZ; and a sister Connie Rogers, Sedan, KS.

There was cremation.  Memorials are suggested to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital 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.

Betty Ann Gillham, 92, of Fort Scott, passed away early Wednesday morning, August 7, 2024, at Medicalodge in Fort Scott. She was born on April 18, 1932, in Iola, Kansas, the daughter of Elmer William Jones and Fern Fayette (Cercy) Jones. She married Wendell Dale Gillham on February 18, 1950, in Iola, Kansas, and he preceded her in death on February 18, 1984.

Betty is survived by her children, Twyla Joy Homewood, of Humboldt, Kansas, Laron Gillham, of Fort Scott, and Neicha Parsons, also of Fort Scott; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Wendell, Betty was also preceded in death by her parents, a son, Norlan Roy Gillham, and three brothers, Walter Jones, Howard Casey Jones, and Donald Jones.

Pastor Norman Tillotson will conduct graveside services at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Kincaid Cemetery in Kincaid, Kansas, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

A visitation will be held Thursday evening, August 15, 2024, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 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.