Sarah Eugenia Wesner Eckles, 83, passed away peacefully in her home on January 22, 2023. Sally was born November 23, 1939, to Ermal and Hulon Albright Wesner in Ida, Louisiana.

She attended college at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where she was a member of Phi Mu sorority, the Honor Society, and met her husband-to-be, Robert Lee Eckles. At LSU, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and had a long career as a social worker in New Orleans.

Sally and Bob were married September 4,1960, at the Church of the Covenant, New Orleans. They celebrated 62 years of marriage in September, 2022.

She was a devoted wife, mother, friend and member of the First Presbyterian Church.

Bob and Sally arrived in Fort Scott from Pittsburg, Kansas in the early seventies to raise their three young daughters. For 33 years she worked for Bourbon County SRS (now CFS) as a caseworker and supervisor. There she built true and lasting friendships with her co-workers. Her concern for those in need was a primary concern for her in both her public and private life.

Her parents preceded her in death.

Sally is survived by her devoted husband, Bob, their daughters, Margaret (Harvie Jordan), Mobile, Alabama; Alice Eckles (Ross Conrad), Middlebury, Vermont; and Ruth Eckles (Joe Rizzolo), Bahama, North Carolina, as well as five grandchildren: Kate Jordan, the Rev. Sarah Jordan, Violet Eckles-Jordan (Rose’ Hernandez), Thea Price-Eckles and Ana Price-Eckles, and her brother Jim Wesner (GeorgeAnn Wesner), Cincinnati, Ohio.

 

Sally will be remembered by many who love her as a kind and wise friend, a devoted mother, and a gifted vocalist who gave so richly of her talents in the choir at First Presbyterian Church as well as community choirs for many years. She performed with the Madrigals, a dinner-theater style presentation through Fort Scott Community College, and played Mother Superior in a local theater production of “Sound of Music,”among other roles over the years.

 

Among her many sources of pleasure were her memberships in a birthday club lunch group and a women’s supper club, Second Shift, in Chapter CA of the PEO Sisterhood and in Presbyterian Women.

 

She loved nature, adventures, travel, and took her family on many vacations over the years – from the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone National Park to a cruise on the Mediterranean Sea. One of the special joys of her life was that she and Bob were able to take each grandchild on a graduation trip of their choice, this included excursions to Paris, Spain, Scotland, and Ireland.

 

In 2010, she received the Presbyterian Women’s annual Life Membership for Faithful Service. She was an ordained Elder in the church, and over the years served as a mentor to confirmands, worked with the Logos program, and hosted the Monday Lunch for Senior High students.

 

She was thankful for her church community and noted many times over the course of her illness how their prayers gave her peace, comfort, and held her up in her time of need.

 

Rev. Dr. Jared Witt will officiate funeral services at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Visitation is at 10:00 a.m., prior to service time.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to First Presbyterian Church and The Beacon, 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..

 

Clarence William “Bill” Willey, age 69, resident of Deerfield, MO, formerly of Lane, KS, passed away Thursday morning January 19^th, 2023, at Cox Barton County Hospital in Lamar, MO.  He was born July 3^rd, 1953, in Garnett, KS to Lloyd Warren Willey and Ester Rebecca Ashburn Willey.

Clearance, “Bill”, or “Billy” was raised in Lane, KS, and graduated from Central Heights in Richmond, KS.  Bill would serve thirty-five years in the military before his retirement. Bill spent three years in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1972 to 1975, and then he served thirty-two years between the Kansas Army Reserves and Kansas Army National Guard before retiring from the military in April for 2007.

Survivors include his three children, Brian Willey of Louisburg, KS, Jeremy Willey (wife Nikki) of Deerfield, MO, Deedra Doherty (husband Josh) of Columbus, KS; six grandchildren Brooke, Kayla and Carter Willey, Christian Doherty, Haven Cooper, and Neaveh Doherty; his brother David Willey and Helen Johnson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by two brothers Lloyd and Johnny Willey, his sister Sally Willey, a niece Vona Jo Willey, and his parents.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, January 27^th, at the U.S. National Cemetery Fort Scott with military honors.

Memorials are suggested to the Bill Willey 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

 

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James Erwin Golden, Sr., age 69, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.  He was born April 9, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Royal S. Golden and Elsie L. Foote Golden.

James grew up and attended school in Denver, Colorado.  He served with the United States Army from 1975 to 1979 where he was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri.  While with the Army, James served with the Military Police and also did photography work.

Following his time with the Army, Jim moved to Ft. Scott, Kansas to pursue a career in truck driving.  He married Connie Hayes and they had two sons, James Jr. and Daniel.  For the majority of his life, James worked in the trucking industry where he was able to travel throughout the country.  For a time while his sons were in high school, James worked for the Water Treatment Plant in Ft. Scott, but later returned to trucking.  Following his retirement, James loved to drink coffee and spend time with his grandchildren.

 

Survivors include his two sons, James E. Golden, Jr. and Daniel Golden (Joyce) all of Ft. Scott; twelve grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.  Also surviving are three brothers, John, Dean and Dale Golden and a sister, Colleen Schmersal.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two grandchildren and his former wife, Connie.

 

Following cremation, a celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the James Golden 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.

Wade Douglas Young, age 69, resident of Fort Scott, KS, gained his Heavenly wings surrounded by the love of his family on Friday, January 20, 2023, at Medicalodges Fort Scott.  He was born October 10, 1953, in Fort Scott, the son of Marion and Lena (Kerr) Young.  He was united in marriage to Mary Lou Johnson on August 26, 1982, in Fort Scott on the steps of the church.  They cherished each other for 40 years and from their union came beloved daughter, Kimberly Young.

 

Never knowing a stranger, you would usually encounter Wade with a smile on his face or offering a helping hand to someone in need.  He could be found at the dirt track rooting for Bolin, donning his blue and orange for the Denver Broncos, cheering on the Fort Scott High School football team, singing to some Motown oldies, or waving as he cruised around town with Mary by his side.  He was also a very adoring father, grandfather, and friend.

 

Those left to treasure his memory are his wife, Mary; his children, Kimberly Young (Brett), Cyress Alexander (Todd), Wade W. Young (Rusty); step-sons, Shawn Judson (Becky), Larry Judson (Tasha); bonus daughters, Chelsea Zandler, and Danielle Wisely (Shawn); twelve grandchildren, Keegan, Nicholas, Wade, Bekah, Elisha, Mary, Benjamin, Jonathan, Donathan, Darian, Gabrielle, and Alessandra; five great-grandchildren, Savannah, Whitney, Melissa, Moses, Rhysland Wade, and another on the way; siblings, Nellie Satterfield (Terry), sister-in-law Eloise Young, Wayman Young (Linda), Floyd Young, brother-in-law Frank Davis, Rodney Young, and Rhonda Warren (Ike).

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Loretta Young, Mary Anne Young, Janice Ray, Goldie Young, Junior Young, and Teresa Davis.

 

There was cremation.  No public services are planned.

The guestbook is available to sign at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Wade Young 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Dorothy Taylor, 77, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at her home. She was born October 27, 1945, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Charles James Alfred Bloesser and Nellie Ida (Brundige) Bloesser. She married Marvin Lee Taylor, Sr. on November 26, 1966, at the Redfield Methodist Church in Redfield, Kansas. He preceded her in death on August 5, 2022.

 

Dorothy graduated from Nevada High School in 1963, and was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Fort Scott.

 

Dorothy is survived by her children, Marvin Lee Taylor, Jr., of Dallas, Texas, Evan Randall “Randy” Taylor (Kayla Mitchell), of Fort Scott; two sisters, Lorraine Schnarre, of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Carol Arnold, of Nixa, Missouri; and four grandchildren, Dayton Lee Taylor (Lauren), of Manhattan, Kansas, Kyle Mitchell, Courtney Shelton, and Jackson Marlow, all of Fort Scott.

In addition to her husband Marvin, she was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Alva Bloesser and Henry Bloesser; and two sisters, Leah Stubblefield, and Connie Shoemaker.

 

Rev. Joel Crippen and Rev. James Collins will conduct funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at the First Southern Baptist Church, with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends 6:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening January 24, 2023, at the funeral home.

Funeral Services will be livestreamed on Facebook Live via the Konantz-Cheney Facebook page for anyone unable to attend.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Southern Baptist Church, 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.

 

Trisha Diane Willard, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away at age 42, on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. She was born on December 11, 1980 in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Richard Eugene Willard Jr. and Susan Diane Wurtz Willard. Trisha grew up in Ft. Scott and she was an honor student at Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College, where she made a lot of lifetime friendships.

She met and later married Paul Studyvin in the spring of 2000 on the cusp of the century. They were later blessed with three children. Trisha was a loving and devoted mother and went above and beyond to give her children a loving, happy childhood. She enjoyed playing tennis, bowling and softball, as well as cooking, writing and photography. She was also a music enthusiast and fan of the band Pearl Jam and the shows Frazier and Seinfeld. She was a passionate, sentimental, kind hearted, strong willed woman who was always ready for a new adventure.

Survivors include her children, Chloe Studyvin, Carlee Studyvin, and Greg Studyvin; her parents, Rich Willard and Susan Wurtz-Willard; her brothers, Trenton Willard, Dusty Willard and Ziad Nabhan; and her sister Makya Coulter. She is also survived by her former husband, Paul Studyvin and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Tara Willard and her grandparents, Norman and Carol Minden, Richard Willard Sr., Gene and Dorothy Dull and Willie and Lois Wurtz.

Following cremation, a celebration of life service will be held at the 1:00 PM, Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the Faith Church.

Private burial will take place at the Maple Grove Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Trisha Willard 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.

Inez Mae (Graves) Haugen, 95, of Fort Scott, passed away early Tuesday morning, January 10, 2023, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. She was born July 10, 1927, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of John Owen Smither and Dorothy Eleanor (Manges) Smither.

She married William Allen Graves September 10, 1945, in Fort Scott, and he preceded her in death September 17, 1994. She later married Milton O. Haugen July 25, 1997, and he preceded her in death in November of 2011.

 

Inez graduated from Fort Scott High School and attended Fort Scott Community College. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fort Scott.

 

Inez is survived by her children, Doug Graves and Christy, of Fort Scott, Sherry Hartshorne and Dave, Peggy Gniffke and Terry, Rick Haugen and Mary; fourteen grandchildren, including Chad Hall and Pamela, of Sedalia, Missouri, Chris Bart, of Hays, Kansas, Brady Graves, of Fort Scott, and Taylor Chaplin and Matt, also of Fort Scott. She is also survived by twenty-nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husbands, she was also preceded in death by her parents, two daughters, Teresa “Terry” Ann Hall and Tracy Lea Helm, and a brother, Harold Smither.

 

Following cremation, Rev. Ken Ansell will conduct graveside services at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2023, at Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Family and friends will meet for a visitation at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home the day of the service and leave for the cemetery at 1:45 p.m. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Marjorie Lucille McGinnis, age 97, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott.  She was born August 24, 1925, in LaCygne, Kansas, the daughter of Henry Isiah Bergmann and Stella Lee Boyd Bergmann.  She grew up and attended school in LaCygne.

Marjorie first married Henry Robert McDaniel in 1942.  To this union, five children were born, Robert, Louise, Harvey, Connie and Michael.  Henry passed away in 1957.  She then married William R. Peacock in 1960.  Marjorie and Bill had one daughter Michelle.  Bill passed away in 1990.  Marjorie later married Roy “Mac” McGinnis in 1997.  He passed away in 2015.

Throughout her life, Marjorie lived in many places, primarily in Oklahoma and Kansas.  She had worked a a variety store for several years in Owasso, Oklahoma and also worked for twelve years for Wal-Mart in both Miami, Oklahoma and Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Marjorie enjoyed reading and crocheting.  She was a past member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary.

 

Survivors include her children, Robert McDaniel of Miami, Oklahoma, Harvey McDaniel of Eudora, Kansas, Connie Fergerson of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Michael McDaniel of Ft. Worth, Texas and Michelle Stine of Redfield, Kansas; eleven grandchildren and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a sister, Ruth Allison of Marshall, Missouri.

In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Louise Schuler, three grandchildren, four sisters and nine brothers.

 

Graveside services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Monday, January 16^th at the Oak Lawn Cemetery in LaCygne, Kansas.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 9:30 A.M to 10:30 A.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery.

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

Anna Mae Smith, age 92, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Guest Home Estates in Fort Scott.  She was born May 15, 1930, in Hiattville, KS, the daughter of Albert and Sarah Hixon Powell.  She graduated from Hepler, KS High School.  She married Neil Smith on April 1, 1951, in Eureka Springs, AR.  He preceded her in death in 1992.  Anna worked for Key Industries for over 25 years until her retirement.  She enjoyed quilting, reading, traveling, collecting magazines and books, bird watching and attending auctions.  She took care of her family, making sure all needs were met.  She especially loved weekends spoiling the grandchildren.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church.

 

Survivors include a sister, Mary Estenson; 3 grandchildren Jeff Parker (Kim), Kimberly Phillips (Adam), and Beth Parker; 5 great grandchildren Gabe Parker, Conner Parker (Alyssa), Marra Holt (Gabe), Keira Phillips, and Benjamin Phillips; a son-in-law, Ron Parker; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Deborah Parker; and 5 brothers, Tom, George, Wayne, Don, and Joe Powell.

 

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 Tuesday, January 17^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Private burial will take place at the U. S. National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 10:30 Tuesday morning at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Eleanor Faye Rogers, age 88, resident of Mapleton, KS, died Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott, KS.  She was born on February 1, 1934, in Blue Mound, KS, the daughter of Glenn and Reta Dizmang McGee.  She married Harold Rogers on May 18, 1952.  He preceded her in death on December 4, 2001.  Eleanor enjoyed growing flowers, especially roses.  She served many years working for the Bourbon County Democrats.  She was a 60-year member of Eastern Star.  She was a member of the Mapleton Methodist Church.

 

Survivors include a son Tim Rogers (Liza), Jacksonville, FL; 2 daughters Susan Smith, Belton, TX, and Karen Rogers, Ft. Scott; a sister-in-law Carolyn McGee, Blue Mound, KS; 7 grandchildren, Steven Rogers (Wendy), Elizabeth Richter (Matt), Sam Smith (Jennifer), Ted Smith (Allison), Lattica Foster (Dan), Robbie Hall, and Jerried Hall; 14 great grandchildren Madison Reynolds, Jaycek and Adalyn Rogers, Cooper Smith, Avery and Natalie Smith, Tanner and Hayden Foster, Madisyn, Tucker, Baylee, and Jonah Hall, and Bennett and Corbin Richter; and several nieces and nephews.  Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Charles McGee, and her parents.

 

Rev. Connie Edgerton will conduct funeral services at 3:00 PM Sunday, January 15th, at the Mapleton Methodist Church.  Burial will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 Sunday afternoon at the Church.  Memorials are suggested to either Mapleton Fire Department or Paws and Claws 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Nancy DeWitt, age 81, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 9, 2023, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott.  She was born January 31, 1941, in Los Angeles, California.  Prior to moving to Ft. Scott, Nancy had made her home in Iola, Kansas.  She loved dogs especially chihuahuas and meticulously kept a photo album of all the pets she had over the years.

 

She is survived by several nieces and nephews.  Nancy was preceded in death by a brother, Robert and a sister, Lorraine.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 1:30 P.M. Monday, January 16^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Following services there will be cremation.

Burial will take place at the Greensburg Cemetery in Greensburg, Kansas at a later date.

Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online g

Caleb Scott Warner, age 30, resident of Erie, KS, died Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at Freeman Hospital, Joplin, MO.  He was born January 13, 1992, in Lee’s Summit, MO, the son of Michael Dale Warner and Tammy Sue Hockett Warner.  Caleb graduated from Girard, KS High School with the class of 2010.

He served in the National Guard and was deployed to Germany as a heavy equipment operator.  He was greatly loved and will be missed.

 

Survivors include his mother, Tammy Sue Hambric and husband Rob, Hepler, KS; grandmother Evelyn Hockett, Chanute, KS; daughter Ember Rose Warner, Erie, KS; sister Ashley Villela, Kyle, TX; and brothers Justin Messershmidt, Hepler, KS, and Joshua Warner, Fort Scott, KS.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Amanda Warner, grandmother Alta Faye Warner, grandfather Noble Warner, grandmother Evelyn Hendricks, and grandfather Larry Hockett.

 

There was cremation.  Memorial services will be held at 11:00 Saturday, January 14^th, at the First Baptist Church, Fort Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the Ember Rose 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.