Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary of Jack Steiner

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.

Obituary of Lois Bunn

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.

 

Obituary of Shirley Motley

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.

Obituary of Norma Kramer

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.

 

 

Obituary of Anthony Kinnaman

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.

Obituary of Betty Gillham

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.

 

Obituary of Rosemay Carruthers

Rosemary Ann Carruthers, age 88, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away peacefully Saturday, August 10, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born September 18, 1935, in Liverpool, New York, the daughter of John and Daisy Millis.

Rosemary had two siblings, June Hart and Ron Millis who both preceded her in death.

Rosemary was a woman of many talents that played into many different rolls in her life. To name a few, she was a wife, mother, executive secretary for several different corporations, a chamber of commerce manager, a poet, a published writer, and an independent and new home real estate agent in California. Rosemary was a member of the local Red Hat Society. She was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ft. Scott and has served several years as the church office manager.

Rosemary leaves behind her son, Richard Carruthers and wife, Robin, her daughter, Narine Crossland and husband, Dwayne, a granddaughter, Melissa Weeden and husband, Chad, a grandson, Trevor Crossland, a granddaughter, Shalyn Crossland and a great-granddaughter, Hailey Weeden.

Her family will all miss her deeply but never forget her as she passes on to her next step in the afterlife with her parents and siblings.

Following cremation, Rosemary will be laid to rest with her parents in the White Chapel Memory Gardens Cemetery in Dewitt, New York.

Arrangements were 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.

 

Obituary of Candy Bergemann

Candy Sue Bergemann, 71, of Fort Scott, passed away Tuesday morning, August 6, 2024, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. After suffering major health problems in 2017, she resided at Arma Health and Rehab in Arma, Kansas. She was born in Fort Scott, Kansas on March 23, 1953, to Earl J. and Jennie Irene (Adams) McGee. 

 

Candy graduated from Mound City High School in 1971. She married Marvin Bergemann on April 8, 1973, in Mound City, Kansas.

 

Candy loved her family and friends so very much. Her grandkids were her favorite. She had a deep love for music and dancing, and she loved watching thriller movies and wrestling. She loved her cats. She was truly a crazy cat lady. She had several different jobs over the years; she was a homemaker, a babysitter, a housekeeper, and a waitress.

 

Candy is survived by her son, Aaron (& Julia) Bergemann, of Willis, Texas; her daughter, Cara (& Rickey) Stewart, of El Dorado, Kansas. She also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren, Reagin Bergemann and Brittany, Clay, and Crocket Allen, and Harley, Briar (& Jillian) Thornton, Anastasia Stewart.

Candy became a great grandma on April 2, 2024, to Asa Mae Thornton. She is also survived by three sisters, Rettie Jean Weeks, Abilene, Kansas, Brenda Graves, Vass, North Carolina, Jane (& Perry) Townsend, Redfield, Kansas and three brothers, Wayne (& Heather) McGee, Park City, Illinois, Larry McGee, Nixa, Missouri, and Gary (& Barbie) McGee, Fort Scott, Kansas. She has many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Bergemann, her parents, and one brother, Vernon McGee.

 

Following cremation, the family will hold a Celebration of Life Service in Fort Scott at 12pm at Gunn Park Shelter House #7 on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

Bring your favorite side or dessert to share in a potluck.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Candy S. Bergemann Memorial Fund, 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. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Obituary of Jo Ann Hudson

Jo Ann Hudson, 79, of Fort Scott, passed away Tuesday morning, August 6, 2024, at her home.

 

Jo Ann Brillhart was the first and orneriest child of Josephine (Johnson) and Raymond DeLoss Brillhart. She was born on January 31, 1945, and she began to test the limits early. Raymond always felt he was too hard on her, and, of course, she would remind him how tough she really was. She was later joined by two brothers, Terry and Randy, whom she bossed around as much as she could for as long as she could.

 

In July of 1965, Jo Ann married Garyl Erie, and they soon had one daughter, Kendra Alayne, in March of the following year. They made their home in Fort Scott, Kansas, and though they lost their son, Jeffrey Scott, on the same day he was born in March of 1971, they were blessed with another daughter, Karee Jo, in January of 1972. Three grandsons, Jesse, Saylor, and Zander, joined the family in the coming years.

 

Jo Ann worked for Dr. Douglas Weddle for many years at Fort Scott Family Physicians, and she later passed her realtor exam. She cared for her husband, Garyl, in his last few months, and she never went back to full time work after that.

 

She and her friend, Blake Hudson, got together in December of 1996, and decided to marry on April 1, 2000. Jo Ann became Jo Hudson, and she and Blake enjoyed their lives together for many years, which were mostly filled with fun.

 

Jo fought on until the morning of August 6, 2024. Being as stubborn as she was, no one who knew her was surprised by her tenacity. She is survived by her loving husband, Blake, who cared for her to the end with the truly appreciated help and care provided by several caregivers, aides, home health, and hospice nurses the last months of her life. They were wonderful.

 

Jo is also survived by her daughters: Kendra Purtle and her partner, Aaron Gaston of Osage Beach, Missouri, and Karee Erie of Pittsburg, Kansas; her grandsons, Jesse Purtle, and his daughter Purslane Everett Purtle, of Joplin, Missouri, Saylor Purtle, Tacoma, Washington, and Zander Purtle, of Osage Beach, Missouri; and her stepdaughter Nancy Wilson and her husband, Jack, and their three children, Josephine Wilson, Landon Wilson, and Cole Wilson, of Overland Park, Kansas. Also surviving are her brother Rev. Terry Brillhart and his wife, Fran, of Topeka, Kansas, and their big, beautiful family, and her brother Randy Brillhart and his wife Ann, of Wichita, Kansas, and their children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Josephine, her first husband Garyl, and their son Jeffrey Scott Erie.

 

Following cremation, Rev. Terry Brillhart will conduct services for Jo at 11:00 a.m. on Monday morning, August 12, 2024, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Interment will follow at the St. Mary’s Cemetery. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

Obituary of Frank Burchett

Frank A. Burchett, age 92, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, August 5, 2024, at his home. He was born June 21, 1932, in Richards, Missouri, the son of Cecil A. Burchett and Julia A. Lowry Burchett.

Frank graduated from Richards High School and was salutatorian of his class. Following high school, Frank went to work at Wall Street Body Shop in Ft. Scott. In addition, Frank also farmed and raised dairy and beef cattle. Frank eventually converted his dairy barn into a body shop and later moved his shop to 54 Highway on the east side of Ft. Scott.

Frank was a member of the First Christian Church where he served as a deacon and on the building committee. Frank married Mary Boggess Trowbridge on February 14, 1989.

Frank was not afraid of hard work and enjoyed keeping busy. After selling his auto body shop, Frank and Mary remodeled several homes that they resold or used as rental properties. They also owned and operated Frank & Mary’s Sales, an antique store/flea market located on Tenth Street just east of the railroad tracks. Frank also kept busy with his small engine repair shop.

Favorite times were spent surrounded by the large family where Frank often served up his famous homemade ice cream.

Frank will be lovingly missed by his wife, Mary of the home; his six daughters, Vicki Kerley (Robert) of Ozark, Missouri, Sherry Kellogg (Roger) of Springfield, Missouri, Regina McAllister (Cam) of Ft. Scott, Donna Banwart (Jim) also of Ft. Scott, Tonia West (Mike) of Norman, Oklahoma, and Trina Whitson (Kirk) of Clarksville, Tennessee; his step-children, Todd Trowbridge (Susan) of Pittsburg, Kansas and Shelly Dakil of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Also surviving are sixteen grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Alice Palmer.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, August 17th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

A private burial will be in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital and may be left in the 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 Taylor Bowman

Taylor Christine Bowman, age 31, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, completed her journey into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. She was born November 13, 1992, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Christopher Mark Bowman and Lana Lanette Hayden Bowman.

Taylor graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and the Ft. Scott Community College. Taylor had worked both as a CNA and in the dietary department at area nursing homes. She was currently employed as a cashier at Dollar Tree in Pittsburg.

Taylor had a green thumb and enjoyed tending to her many houseplants. She also enjoyed collecting owls and diamond painting. Taylor loved to travel, having made her own way to her dream trip to Ireland and Great Britain at the age of sixteen. She attended the Community Christian Church.

Survivors include her parents, Christopher Bowman and Lana Bowman, both of Ft. Scott, and two sisters, Cari Hunziker (Doug) of Drexel, Missouri and Leslie Farris (Nathan) of Decatur, Michigan. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Raymond and Marjorie Hayden and Arthur “Tolle” and Doris Bowman.

A Celebration of Life will take place Thursday, August 8 at 1:30 pm at the Cheney Witt.

A time of visitation to follow at the chapel.

Taylor will be laid to rest next to her beloved grandparents at a later date during a private ceremony, in Centerville Cemetery in Devon, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the Taylor Bowman 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 chenewitt.com.