Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary of Elizabeth Schafer

Elizabeth Ruth Schafer, 82, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday morning, July 16, 2024, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City. She was born February 10, 1942, in Lebanon, Missouri, the daughter of Washington Davis Mann and Charlotte Lucille (Bethel) Mann. She married Robert Lee Schafer on November 27, 1964, in Butler, Missouri. He preceded her in death May 15, 2006.

 

Elizabeth graduated from Butler High School Class of 1960. She was Postmaster for many years, and later she and Robert were owners and operators of the Chenault Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Fort Scott. Elizabeth was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

 

Elizabeth is survived by her three children; Robyn Nameth and husband Scott, of Butler, Missouri, Matthew Schafer of Fort Scott, and Christina Kennedy and husband Darrett, also of Fort Scott; and three grandchildren, Claire Nameth, Marie Nameth, and Shai Kennedy.

In addition to her husband Robert, Elizabeth was also preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Jack Mann.

 

Following cremation, Pastor Sarah Gengler will conduct memorial services for Elizabeth at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church, Fort Scott, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. prior to services in the church parlor.

 

Interment will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or to CASA, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

Obituary of Shirley Sessions

Shirley Ann (Krull) Sessions, 83, of Elk City, Oklahoma, passed away on July 15th, 2024, at Legend at Rivendell Memory Care in Oklahoma City. Shirley was born on December 19th, 1940, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Charles and Veda (Towles) Krull.

 

Shirley spent her early childhood in Fort Scott, Kansas, where she loved spending time with her aunt and uncle, Robert and Shirley Towles, at their farm. She then moved to California with her mother, where she attended Grossmont High School. After graduating high school, she found her way to Elk City, Oklahoma where she raised her son, Dan Mannering, and later met her husband, Jack Sessions.

 

Shirley worked at Drilco for many years before retiring. She enjoyed fishing, bingo, crafting, gardening, getting her hair done every Thursday, her dog Mitzi, and spending time with her family and friends.

 

Shirley is survived by family members: Dan, Matthew, and Daniel Mannering; Kendra, Cooper, and Kennedy Cowan; Jackie and Theresa Sessions; and Greg and Charlotte Graham.

 

Funeral services for Shirley will take place at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Graveside services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Fairview Cemetery in Fulton, Kansas, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheneyfuneralhome.com.

 

Obituary Vicki Hartmetz

Vicki Lesa Hartmetz, age 68, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at her home. She was born to Keith and Nancy (nee Summers) Wilcox, September1, 1955 in Dodge City, KS. Her family moved to Liberal, KS., early in her childhood, and attended school there through high school graduation. She was active in the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, a
Masonic order; and sang in choirs and Madrigals in high school.

After graduating from Court Reporting School, in Topeka, KS., she moved to Denver, CO., and worked for the Denver Police
Dept. Homicide Unit Reporting Detective witness interviews. In late 1978 she was hired to serve as an Official Court Reporter for the Kansas Judicial system in Sedgwick County, KS., where
she met her future husband, Bruce Hartmetz, who was serving as a Sedgwick County Deputy Sheriff. After a brief courtship, they were married in Wichita, KS., July 21, 1979.

In 1989 she moved to the Denver Metropolitan area where she worked both as a Freelance Reporter and an Official Court Reporter for the State of Colorado. Vicki loved taking photographs of her husband, children, and most anything else that caught her eye.

When her children started playing organized sports, she became a rabid fan particularly of soccer and baseball. It was a rare
event for her to miss either one of her son’s ball games.

She loved travelling through the Rocky Mountains, staying in Estes Park or Glennwood Springs. She loved “adopting” neighborhood
feral cats by insisting Bruce feed and water them at least once a day regardless of weather.

In 2017 she got an opportunity to work for the State of Kansas Judicial System. She termed the move a ‘no-brainer’ as she would be 30 minutes from five of her grandchildren rather than 650
miles. She worked for the State of Kansas until she retired in April 2024.

Vicki was proceeded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Bruce; sons, Noah Clark Hartmetz, and Luke Merritt Hartmetz; six grandchildren; one step-grandchild; and
three step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, Chuck Wilcox, and George Wilcox; one sister, Carol Leaming; their spouses; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, July 25 th , at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until
service time at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Vicki Hartmetz 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.

The Obituary of Joyce Martin

Joyce Irene Martin, age 81, a former resident of Bronson, KS, died Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Credo Assisted Living, Fort Scott, KS.  She was born November 18, 1942, in Moran, KS, the daughter of Haskell Howell and Mildred Horner Howell.

She married Charles Joseph Martin on February 14, 1960, at Community Baptist Church in Iola, KS.  He preceded her in death on October 22, 2003.  She and her husband and 5 children, Charles, Jr., Samuel, James, Rachel, and Nathanael served one term as missionaries in the Samoan Islands of the South Pacific.  Joyce was a member of the Iola Baptist Church.

 

Survivors include four sons, Charles, Jr. and wife Michelle, Vista, CA, Samuel and wife Barbara, Festus, MO, James and wife Lori, Summerdale, AL, Nathanael and wife Dedra, Newton, KS; a daughter, Rachel O’Dell and husband Mark, Independence, MO; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Benjamin, Lynelle, Michael, Steffenie, Logan, Liam, and Caitlyn Martin, and Tyler, Sarah, and Justin O’Dell; 21 great-grandchildren; and 3 siblings Ella Britt, Iola, KS, Hazel Bahner, Topeka, KS and Wayne Howell, Topeka, KS.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline Mitchell, a brother, Allen Howell, and her parents.

 

Samuel Martin will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM Friday, July 19th, at the Fairview Chapel in Mildred, KS.

Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until 10:30 at the Fairview Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to World Missions Bearing Precious Seed 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.

Obituary of Larry Stewart

Larry William Stewart, age 63, a resident of rural Garland, Kansas, passed away Saturday June 29, 2024, at his home.  He was born September 18, 1960, in Long Beach, California, the son of Luther William “Stu” Stewart and Lela Williams Stewart.  Since his father was in the military, Larry lived in a variety of places throughout the United States while he was growing up.  He graduated from high school in Hernando, Mississippi.  Larry married Deborah Ervin in 1993.  While living in Ft. Scott, Larry worked at Hammond Seed and Elevator, Shepard Team Auto Plaza and as a clerk at area service stations.  He also enjoyed traveling to various malls and trade shows selling sports memorabilia.  He also enjoyed photography.

 

Larry is survived by his wife, Debbie, of Ft. Scott, Kansas and his children, Shelby Watkins and Virina Stewart, both of Ft. Scott, Dustin Stewart of Garland, Kansas and Savannah Stewart of Carl Junction, Missouri; twelve grandchildren and a great-granddaughter with another great-granddaughter on the way, and a brother, Mike Stewart of Hernando, Mississippi. Also surviving are Larry’s loyal dogs, Harley and Smiley who were by his side when he passed away.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter.

 

There was cremation.  Private services will take place at a later date.  Arrangements were under the direction 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 of Nolene Whiteside

Nolene Louise Whiteside, 97, of Fort Scott, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Presbyterian Village. She was born February 11, 1927, in the family home in Pawnee County, Kansas, the daughter of John “Walter” Stump and Esther Alveda (Larson) Stump. She married Edward Lee Whiteside on September 7, 1947, in Larned, Kansas. He preceded her in death May 8, 2008.

 

Nolene graduated from Larned High School in 1945 and then attended KU for two years in accounting. It was during this time that she met Ed, her future husband, while sitting out of campus activities due to a sprained ankle she injured playing softball. While everyone else was “digging dandelions” Ed came over to sit by her and talk. He later asked her on a date, and they continued to date after he returned to his home in Fort Scott to work in the family grocery store.

 

After they were married, Nolene and Ed lived over the Whiteside’s Grocery store for a short time before moving to a house and then eventually building two houses over the years. At their home on Lee’s Circle Drive they had the big yard that Ed liked and room for the large garden that Nolene loved. 

 

Traveling was something she and Ed enjoyed doing together, and through the grocery store business, Ed won several trips. They traveled to South America, Brazil, Hawaii, Kiawah Island, and San Juan Puerto Rico. After retiring, they took several trips with the Fun Seekers to Vancouver and Victoria Canada, Europe, Prince Edward Island, and Niagara Falls.

 

Over the years, Nolene has belonged to a number of different clubs including Kansas Federation of Women’s Club, of which she was Past President, 2nd district; Progressive Mothers Club, Pieran Club, DAR, Starlite FCE, Old Fort Genealogical Society, and church circle. She was also a leader for both the Campfire Girls and Cub Scouts when her children were involved. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served in a number of roles from Sunday School teacher, VBS director, Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, Administrative Board, Young Mother’s Circle, UMW Treasurer and President. Nolene enjoyed crocheting afghans and potholders, and loved gardening (vegetables and flowers) as well as reading.

 

Nolene is survived by her children, Sheryl Bloomfield, Fort Scott, Marilyn (Ron) Bailey, Phoenix, Arizona, and Lee (Nadine) Whiteside, Goodyear, Arizona; four grandchildren, Jenny (Ryan) Sciara, Matt (Sara) Bloomfield, Kate (Brian) Reddy, and Andrea (Andrew) Omer; nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Ed, Nolene was also preceded in death by her parents, sister, Maxine Stump, brothers, Leonard and Ralph Stump, infant daughter, Nancy Ann Whiteside, great-granddaughter, Olivia Bloomfield, and son-in-law Tim Bloomfield.

 

Pastor Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. on July 15, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church with burial following at the Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. A visitation is scheduled for Sunday evening July 14, 2024, 5:00-6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the Olivia Bloomfield Foundation (oliviabloomfieldfoundation.org) and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

The family would like to offer special thanks to the caring staff of Gentiva Hospice. Also, Nolene’s family sends a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Presbyterian Village for their loving and wonderful care over the past five years.

 

Obituary of Curtis Platt

Curtis Ryan Platt, age 38, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada, Missouri.  He was born March 28, 1986, at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, to Alan Joe Platt and Linda  Kratzberg Platt.  Curtis graduated from Central Heights High School in Richmond, Kansas with the Class of 2004.

He started his career with Holland Quarry as a plant operator with his dad.  He then worked road construction for Lexico with his Uncle LeRoy where he inherited the nickname, Gilligan.  After Lexico, Curtis worked for Doherty Steel in Paola, Kansas before going to work as a supervisor for Fabcon Precast in Pleasanton, Kansas where he worked until his death.

Curtis was united in marriage on February 2, 2013, in Ft. Scott, Kansas to Tausha Malone.  Curtis and Tausha were married for eleven wonderful years.  Not only was Curtis committed to Tausha, but he was also committed to his new stepdaughter, Hayley who he loved as his own.  Curtis and Tausha were also blessed with a son, Jase Ryan on August 27, 2014.

Curtis enjoyed working on four wheelers and razors for family and friends.  One of his favorite pastimes was hopping in the razor with Jase and going on a night ride with all his friends.  Curtis also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing softball, which is how he and Tausha met.  His greatest enjoyment was spending time with Tausha, Hayley and Jase.  Curtis and his contagious smile will be lovingly missed by his family and many friends.

 

Survivors include his wife, Tausha and son, Jase of the home, a stepdaughter, Hayley Bean and grandson, Kyson Castleberry of Arkansas, his parents, Joe and Linda Platt of Richmond, Kansas, two brothers, Erik Platt and wife, Chloe of Princeton, Kansas and Chad Platt and girlfriend, Victoria McMoran of Garnett, Kansas and his grandmother, Elsie Kratzberg of Greeley, Kansas.   Also surviving are his in-laws, Brandon and Kathy Malone of Ft. Scott and Linda Rogers and Al Schaffer of Jefferson City, Missouri, brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Sara Kottwitz of Barnett, Missouri and Heather and Thaine Geiger of Ft. Scott.

Curtis was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Nick Kratzberg and Edward Platt, his grandmother, Waunita Porter, three cousins, Kris Stockard, Rebecca Jones and Ricky Jones and a sister-in-law, Leesa Haehn.

 

The family will receive friends 5 to 7 Thursday evening at the at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, July 13th at the First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Cindy Molini will conduct a graveside service at 1:30 P.M. Saturday, at the St. Boniface Cemetery in Scipio, Kansas.

Following the graveside service, the family will gather at St. John’s Hall, 406 Prairie St., Greeley, Kansas for a time of fellowship.  Memorials are suggested to the Jase Platt Education 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 remembr

Obituary of Arlan Kent Boyd

Arlan Kent Boyd, 75, of rural Redfield, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 30, 2024. Kent was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, to John Curtis Boyd and Norma Paulene (Huckaby) Boyd on October 25, 1948. Eighteen years their junior, he joined his older brothers, Curtis Eugene Boyd and Donald Lee Boyd.

Kent attended Redfield Country School, Fort Scott Public Schools, Fort Scott Community College, and Allen County Community College. In 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, for two years. Kent continued his military service for an additional 25 years, proudly serving in the Kansas National Guard.

On September 25, 1970, Kent married the love of his life, Amy (Spencer) Boyd, at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott, KS. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Angela Dawn Boyd Zerinsky Simon and Kristin Marie Boyd Bishop. Kent loved being a girl dad, but was thrilled beyond measure to welcome David Zerinsky, Jason Simon and William Bishop as sons. Kent bought each of them a pair of Key overalls to “welcome” them to the family. Teaching his sons, and later his grandchildren, to Bass fish became a priority for Kent.

Kent spent most of his life working in all aspects of construction; from the smallest of jobs for a neighbor to running multimillion dollar projects for a large company. Kent was always the go-to person for any job because he could do most anything and was trusted to do it well. Kent was an avid outdoorsman. If he didn’t have a tool in his hand, it was a fishing pole or rifle. As a passionate bass fisherman, he humorously told his daughters they were not allowed to get married or have children during a bass tournament weekend. Kent held several titles and had many nicknames over the years. Among all his monikers, “Poppy” was his favorite, lovingly bestowed upon him by his cherished grandchildren: AnnaMarie (Annie) Zerinsky Simon, Kendrick Ames Michael Simon, Winston Thomas Bishop, and Linden James Bishop.

Kent was an active member of the Mirza Shrine Temple in Pittsburg, KS, and the Masonic Devon Lodge #92 Valley of Fort Scott Scottish Rite. Kent took pride in his time as a member of the Elks Lodge, delivering meal boxes every Christmas and helping with the kids fishing tournament. Children have always delighted him and always brought a smile to his regionally famous blue eyes. He was known affectionately as “Mr. Kent” to hundreds of local children as he made regular appearances at New Generation Child Care and Preschool over the course of 32 years to fix whatever might have needed fixin’.

He attended the First United Methodist Church and was known for his love of people. Kent enjoyed socializing with friends and family at every opportunity. You could find him at the donut shop every weekday morning, the Sale Barn cafe on Saturday, and “choir practice” in Hammond on Sunday.

Kent will be remembered for his kind heart, ornery grin, and quick wit. He always ended every conversation with, “Love you, be good.” His legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Kent’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of “His Girls”- Amy, Angela,and Kristin that can never be filled, but his memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rev. Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Friday, July 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery with Masonic Rites and Military Honors.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Kent Boyd Scholarship Fund for Construction Trades 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 of Kent Boyd

Kent Boyd, age 75, a resident of rural Redfield, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, June 30, 2024, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Friday, July 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. Masonic rites and military honors will be provided at the cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Kent Boyd Scholarship Fund for Construction Trades 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 of Michael Carpenter

Michael Donald Carpenter, age 73, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and more recently of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Sunday, June 23, 2024, at his home with his wife and sons at his side after suffering from dementia.

Mike had a tragic fall in August of 2023, and has been on hospice care ever since.

Mike was born October 24, 1950, in Ft. Scott, the son of Donald Lee Carpenter and Margaret Lorene Bowles Carpenter.  Mike married Linda Faye West on May 28, 1970, at Liberal, Missouri.  This union was blessed with two sons, Brian Michael and Brad Russell.

Mike worked in the printing industry for forty years.  He was employed as a pressman at both Ft. Scott and Girard.

Mike was passionate about baseball.  He loved coaching his sons’ little league teams.  Many of the boys he coached still keep in touch to this day.  He also loved fishing and hunting and watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals

Some other of Mike’s favorite things were his 1969 Red Mach 1 Mustang, watching John Wayne movies, listening to Elvis and Creedence Clearwater Revival, as well as hunting mushrooms each spring.

While living in Ft. Scott, Mike attended the Diamond Community Church.

Mike and Linda made many memories over their fifty-three years of marriage.  They were able to take several memorable trips to Santa Fe, New Mexico, Lake Tahoe in California and Cancun, Mexico (where Mike was almost detained.)  Playing Keno together was also a favorite pastime.

Mike enjoyed reading history and having a good conversation.  He often reminisced about his teenage friends in Arcadia, Kansas.  Mike’s number one priority was taking care of his wife, Linda, and their family.  He always wore a smile and lived and loved life to its fullest.

 

Survivors include his wife, Linda, of the home in Joplin and his cherished sons, Brian Carpenter (Amy) of Grove, Oklahoma and Brad Carpenter (Bri) of Carthage, Missouri; two beautiful granddaughters, Kaylee and MacKenzie; and four awesome step-grandchildren, Ledger, Brooklin Mason and Jerrica.  Also surviving are a brother, Jim Carpenter of Arma, Kansas and sisters-in-law, Brinda Bolton (Mark) of Ft. Scott and Drinda Farrell of Paola, Kansas and many special nieces, nephews and cousins as well as life-long best friends, Dan and Judy Buckmaster and sons, Chad and Chris of Checotah, Oklahoma.  Their families made many happy memories taking trips and raising their boys together.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Debbie and a brother, Steve.

 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, July 1st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Following services, there will be cremation and a private burial will take place at a later date at the Shiloh Cemetery in Liberal, Missouri.

Memorials are suggested to the Shiloh Cemetery Association 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 of Kathryn Wunderly

 

Kathryn Ruth Wunderly, age 72, of rural Fort Scott, KS passed away peacefully with her family at her side Monday, June 24, 2024, at her home.  She was born September 8, 1951, in Fort Scott, KS, the daughter of Robert J. Sr. and Lucille Goltra.  Kathryn attended Fort Scott schools and married her high school sweetheart, Ronald F. Wunderly on June 18, 1971.

 

Survivors include her husband, Ron, of the home and two children, Kenneth Wunderly and wife, Kerry, and daughter Jennifer Richards and husband Jeremiah and their children Calista, Lucia, Bede, Boaz, Frances, and Imogene all of Fort Scott, KS.  Also surviving are her mother, Lucille, Fort Scott, KS.; brothers Robert J. Goltra Jr. (Carol), Emporia, KS, David Goltra (Eileen), Fort Scott, KS, and Timothy Goltra (Shirley), Fort Scott, KS; sisters Mary Brown, Satanta, KS, Margie Fountain, Fort Scott, KS, Carole Minor, Fort Scott, KS, and Teri Crays (Brent), Fort Scott, KS. Also, her Wunderly family, Barbara Schmidt, Fort Scott, KS, Linda Wunderly, Mound City, KS., Michael Wunderly, Fort Scott, KS, Daniel Wunderly (Stephanie), Redfield, KS, Donald Wunderly (Peggy), Fort Scott, KS., and Joseph Wunderly (Marsha), Fulton, KS, as well as many loving nephews, nieces, and a host of long-time friends.

 

Kathryn was preceded in death by her father, Robert, sister Patrica Hall, father and mother-in-law Fred and Julia Wunderly; brothers-in-law Bob Cook, Monty Brown, Raymond Schmidt, Floyd Minor, and Lawrence Wunderly; sister-in-law Patricia Cook; and nephew Daniel Hall.

 

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct the funeral mass at 10:00 AM Saturday, June 29th, at the Kennedy Gym.

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

The rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM Friday June 28th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel followed by visitation from 6:30 until 8:00.

Memorials are suggested to the Kathy Wunderly 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 chenewitt.com.

 

 

 

Obituary of Aletha Koppa

Aletha F. Koppa, age 87, a former resident of Kansas City, Kansas, and more recently of Paola, Kansas, passed away Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the North Point Skilled Nursing Center in Paola, Kansas. She was born May 8, 1937, in Walker, Missouri, the daughter of Charles and Willa Harden. Aletha married Herman Koppa on April 14, 1957, in Nevada, Missouri.

Aletha occasionally worked as a file clerk; however, her main occupation was being a devoted wife and mother to her five children. She worked hard making sure the needs of her family were met. Special memories were made while camping and spending time at the lake with family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Herman, of Paola and her five children, Linda Peters and husband, Randall of Olathe, Kansas, Roger Koppa of Texas, Beverly Koppa, of Olathe, Kansas, Doug Koppa of Kansas City, Kansas and Mark Koppa of Paola, Kansas; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Donald Harden of Nevada, Missouri.

Aletha was preceded in death by four brothers, Darrell, Dutch, Allen and Charles Harden and three sisters, Marguerite Kittsmiller, Rosemary Brundridge, and Glady Newby.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, June 27th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Hiattville Cemetery, Hiattville, Kansas. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association 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.