Rickey “Rick” Callow, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, coach, mentor, and friend, passed away on July 20, 2026, at the age of 75. He lived a life defined by his love for family, dedication to his community, and passion for encouraging young people to reach their potential.

Born on March 28, 1951, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to Leslie and June (Arnold) Callow, Rick graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1969. He earned a basketball scholarship to Johnson County Community College before beginning a career in trucking with Midwestern Distribution. He spent 32 years driving for Reynolds Aluminum Supply Company before retiring in 2008, then returned to work as a school bus and activities driver for the Blue Springs School District, where he served for another 11 years.

On Valentine’s Day in 1976, Rick married the love of his life, Carolyn Allen. Together they built a marriage centered on family, laughter and partnership, recently celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They raised two daughters, Bethany Callow of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Jessica (Matt) Hochradel of Jupiter, Florida. Rick was deeply proud of his daughters, who adored him. They especially loved the childhood story that he transformed into Superman after they went to bed. One of Rick’s greatest joys was becoming “Grandpa Rick” to his granddaughter, Ella Hochradel. Ella brought endless happiness and artwork to his life.

Rick is also survived by his brother, Rodney Callow of Elk City, Kansas; his sister, Laura (Don) Shipman of Olathe, Kansas; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Rick’s influence extended far beyond his family. He devoted countless hours to youth sports and school organizations, believing in the power of teamwork, discipline, and encouragement. He coached girls’ soccer, leading the team to the Show-Me State Games twice, and later served as president of both the Blue Springs High School Girls’ Soccer and Drill Team Booster Clubs. Whether coaching, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, Rick generously gave his time and inspired those around him.

Family was always at the center of Rick’s life. He cherished game nights, summers at the lake, trips to Florida, KU basketball games with his nephew, concerts with Bethany, and accompanying Carolyn to events as a Husband of a Daughter of the American Revolution (HODAR). He was happiest simply being with the people he loved.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Cheney-Witt Funeral Home in Fort Scott, Kansas. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Family and friends are invited to remain afterward for a luncheon and a time of sharing memories.

Rick’s kindness, humor, generosity, and unwavering love for others will be remembered always. His legacy lives on in his family, the athletes he mentored, and the many lives he touched. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Norma Jean Nilges, known lovingly as Jean, was born November 9, 1928, in Sedgwick County, Kansas, and passed away July 12, 2026, in Garnett, Kansas, at the age of 97 from natural causes. She was united in marriage to Bernard J. Nilges on July 16, 1948. He preceded her in death June 17, 2021. She carried the memory of their life together with grace and steadfast love. Jean was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose life reflected the values she held dear.

Jean is survived by her daughters, Cristine M. Bacon and her husband, Charles of Moran, Kansas and Connie J. Hiner and her husband, Sam of Burlington, Kansas. She also leaves behind a loving family of grandchildren, Bryan Bacon and his wife, Brenda of McKinney, Texas, Jessica Bacon of Moran, Kansas, Tina Withers and her husband, Chris, Erica Combs and her husband, Donnie and Renee Fischer and her husband, Chancy all of Burlington, Kansas. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Abigail, Caleb, Austin, Hannah, Collin, Jocelyn, Cassidy, Evan, Ava and Addison, as well as a great-great-grandson, Oliver. Each of them carries forward a part of her love, her strength, and her example. Also surviving are three brothers, Reuben, David and Steven Blubaugh. In addition to her husband, Jean was preceded in death by five brothers, Robert, Ralph, Roger, Russell and Raymond Blubaugh and a sister, Lois Nilges.

As a Christian, Jean trusted in the promises of God and lived with hope in the Lord’s mercy and eternal care. Her earthly journey has now ended, but her faith assures those who mourn that death is not the final word for those who belong to Christ. May she rest in the peace of her Savior, and may her family find strength in the hope of eternal life and the assurance that love never truly ends. Her family would like to thank the staff at the Anderson County Residential Living Center for all their friendship and care for Jean over the last several years.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 23rd at the First Christian Church in Garnett, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the church. Following the service at the church, a graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. at the Gas City Cemetery in Gas, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Anderson County Residential Living Center or the Good Shepherd Hospice 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.

John Richard Mix, 92, lifelong resident of Devon, Kansas, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026, in his home with his wife at his side. Richard was born on October 18, 1933, to his parents, Edwin B. and Crystal A. Johnson Mix. He graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1951.

Richard started driving a tractor at the age of 9 and later worked with his dad farming and dairying for several years. Farming and driving the tractor were some of the greatest joys in his life. He persevered and continued until he was about 90 years old, with the help of his neighbors Ron and Kenny Wunderly, until this winter when he wasn’t able and they continued to help.

In 1956 Richard and Louise Smith were married and welcomed 2 sons, Ricky D. Mix and Michael D. Mix. They later divorced.

He later met Patricia (Pat) Reynolds through a mutual friend. On June 25, 1983, they were married and had 43 good years together.

He was a member of Devon Ruritan and helped the Devon Rural Fire Department and was on the Watershed board for many years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Pat of the home, two sons, Ricky and Norma Mix of rural Uniontown, and Michael and Karen Mix of rural Fort Scott, 4 grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. Cousins Mick and Ginny Cotter and Pat Young, and brothers-in-law Merle Reynolds and Dorvin Reynolds and his beloved dogs. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 am, on Saturday July 18 at the Centerville Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Devon Rural Fire Department, the Harry Hynes Hospice or the Southeast Kansas Humane Society. Donations may be sent to, or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.

Valerie Sue Graham was born on May 12, 1956, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and departed this life on July 13, 2026, in the very town where her story began, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a woman of Christian faith, a faithful soul whose days were marked by kindness, wisdom, and selfless devotion, and whose memory shall remain a light in the hearts of all who knew her. She was the beloved wife of Thomas S. Graham, and together they walked through the seasons of life with steadfast devotion and uncommon grace.

Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, Frank D. Greenfield and Joan G. Karleskint Greenfield, whose love and guidance helped shape the character of the woman she became. She was one of five children with whom four remain to survive her: Joel Greenfield, Kathleen North, Mary Hymer, and Donna Craven, with whom she shared the bonds that time could not diminish. Valerie was the loving mother of Ethan D. Hart of Fort Scott, Kansas, and Jennifer R. Hart. She was a devoted grandmother to Sgt. Cameron Harper of the United States Air Force, Evan Hart of Reedsport, Oregon, Juliet Hart, Illiana Graham, Autumn Graham, Addison Graham, and Klaire Graham, all of Fort Scott, Kansas. She was also blessed to know the joy of great-grandmotherhood through Ember Schellack of Fort Scott, Kansas. In all these relationships, she gave of herself without reserve, and her family was ever the treasure of her heart.

Her life was one of labor, learning, and enterprise. In her early years she worked waiting tables and cleaning, and in time she rose to become a business owner in her mid-thirties while also helping take care of her parents’ needs for years. When a new chapter opened before her, she and her husband Tom worked together transporting prisoners for law enforcement, serving as a team with diligence and resolve. Yet her greatest work was not found in title or trade, but in the building of a home and sanctuary at the “Graham Ranch” — Lake Fort Scott, where her family might feel loved, secure, and held within a haven of peace. There, among raising horses and creating unforgettable memories, she fashioned a legacy not of wealth, but of belonging, and for more than twenty-five years she and Tom raised the grandchildren, two of which they later adopted as their own children, giving them shelter, guidance, and the steady comfort of a mother’s and father’s love.

Valerie pursued education with uncommon purpose, studying Criminal Justice at Fort Scott Community College and earning a 4.0 grade point average. Her excellence was further honored by her membership in the National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa, tokens of her discipline and bright mind. She proved that it is never too late to seek knowledge, and that wisdom, when joined to humility, becomes a noble crown.

She found delight in the simple and sacred things of life. She loved gardening and labored to beautify her yard, planting in her flower beds and tending to her many house plants with patient care. She delighted in sharing her knowledge and great wisdom about life, offering counsel with honesty and tenderness. She cherished the Friday night card games at James and Joyce’s house, where fellowship and laughter made the evening merry. Above all, she loved caring for children and spoiling them, for she believed with all her heart that the children were innocent babes who needed protection, tenderness, and love most of all. She often said, “The little ones are innocent babes, and they need us the most. It is my purpose to make them feel safe and loved.” In that saying, her whole spirit may be known.

Those who knew Valerie remember her as a class act unto the very end, a woman whose unwavering love, support, kindness, and integrity never failed her. She moved through life with a quiet strength and a noble bearing, and in her presence, many found comfort, counsel, and peace. Her passing leaves an ache that words cannot fully heal, yet her life leaves behind a far greater gift, for she taught by example how to love well, endure faithfully, and serve with grace. Though death has claimed her earthly form, the goodness she sowed shall endure in the lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and all who were blessed to stand within the circle of her love.

A celebration of Valerie’s life will take place at 4:00 PM Wednesday, July 22nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will take place at a later date at the U.S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Kansas Sheriff’s Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Steven Jay Schultz, age 50, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Wichita, KS. He was born August 22, 1975, in Grand Forks, ND, the son of Michael and Sherrie Sather Schultz. Steve enjoyed fishing and cooking. He worked for several restaurants, and did restoration work with MTS and Mid-Continental Restoration.

Survivors include his father; his mother Sherrie Clark (Ronald Bainum) Fort Scott, KS; stepfather Kevin Clark Humboldt, KS; grandmother Donna Sather, Fort Scott, KS; daughter Danyelle Daly (Bryce) Fort Scott, KS; brother Jerry Schultz (Lisa) Fort Scott, KS; sister Amanda Ostrander (John) Humboldt, KS; 3 grandchildren, Bryelle, Colson, and Winne Daly; and numerous nieces and nephews.

There was cremation. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Monday, July 13th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Steven Schultz 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.

Laynard Leland Shearer, at the age of 85, passed away on July 3, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas, where he resided for the past 14 years. Laynard was born near Almena, Kansas on May 14, 1941, the son of Leslie and Velma (Douk) Shearer. He grew into manhood in rural Norton County, Kansas attending Almena Grade School, Dellvale Grade School and graduated from Lenora Rural High School with the Class of 1959. He holds degrees from Barton County Community College and Northwestern University Traffic Institute.

Lanny, as he was known to his friends, joined the U.S. Army in 1960 and served three years as a Military Policeman in Japan. After completing his military service, he joined the Norton, Kansas Police Department. After one year, he was accepted as a trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol. He retired after a 27-year career as the Patrol’s Assistant Superintendent with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served the last year of his career as Interim Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

He is survived by his wife Cynthia, a brother Gary Shearer (Rovella), and a sister Bernita (Willis) Daniels, both of Norton, Kansas, several nephews and nieces and many friends and relatives.

He was predeceased by his parents, Leslie & Velma Douk Shearer, his wife of 40 years, Kay (Diehl) Shearer, and his brother and wife, Keiford & Lucille Shearer.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026 at Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Charles Raymond Farley, age 78, resident of Fort Scott, KS, passed away Friday, June 26, 2026, at Medicalodge Fort Scott. He was born June 13, 1948, in Lawrence, KS, the son of Waldron and Sybil Converse Farley. Charles married Oleta Smith on September 2, 1995. They met at a café in Fort Scott where he was the cook and she was a waitress. Her daughter Peggy helped in the café washing dishes.

Due to his father working road construction, the family lived in several states. Education followed. He then served in the Marine Corps following school. Charles worked at various jobs in his lifetime. His favorite job was working at Kesler junk yard in Casey, IA.

Survivors include his daughter Peggy Hull (Kevin) Fort Scott, KS; and four of his beloved dogs; brothers Jim (Martha) Bronson, KS, Roger, Des Moines, IA, and Stephen (Patricia) Pheonix, AZ; sisters, Toni (Jerry) Plowman, Ellensburg, WA, Barb Winter, Ottumwa, IA, Elaine Hardman, Ottumwa, IA, Jacquie Sheeder (Darrell), Atlantic, IA, and Laura Johnson, Parsons, KS; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by Oleta, his wife of 30 years; his parents Waldron and Sybil Farley; nephew Joshua Sheeder; sisters Beth Rosenbeck, Beverly Head, and Virginia Houston; infant brothers Keith and Paul, and adult brothers Lyle and Wayne.

Knowing he is at peace now, he will be missed by family, friends, and especially his pet dogs.

There was cremation. Graveside memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, July 20th, in the Clarksburg Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Charles Farley 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.

Donald Gene Harper Sr., formerly of Peculiar, MO passed away Sunday, June 28, 2026 at the Freeman Hospital in Fort Scott, KS.

Donald was born November 29, 1937 at the family home in Peculiar. He was the eldest child of Herb and Florence Harper.

He married Sheryl Harper (Garten) on May 18, 1957 at the Harrisonville Baptist Church. They were blessed with six children, Donnie, Jonalin, Sherri, Jeff, John Philip, and Tim.

Donald lived most of his life in and around Peculiar and worked as a heavy machine operator helping build Crown Center and later as an entrepreneur. He was a deacon at the Peculiar First Baptist Church and Pleasant Prairie Baptist Church.

Donald was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sheryl Harper, sons Jeffrey Harper and John Philip, his parents Herb and Florence Harper, and his brother Jerry Harper.

Cherishing his memory are his surviving children Donald Harper, Jr. (Julie) Hutchinson KS, Jonalin Witt (Larry) Raymore MO, Sherri Catron Harrisonville MO, and Timothy Harper (Janet) Fort Scott KS; Jim Harper St. Petersburgh FL, Vicki Coleman Raymore MO; ten grandchildren: Amanda, Matthew, Laura, Ashleigh, Zach, Michael, Katie, Seth, Jonathan, and Shaydon – plus numerous beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 11th at 11:00 AM at Wills Cemetery, 21825 S Thorngrove Rd, Peculiar, MO 64078. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Special Olympics, Missouri, online at https://support.specialolympics.org/ or submit check to Special Olympics Missouri, Attn: Memorial Giving, 305 Special Olympics Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65101.

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.

Evelyn Louise Nelson

September 3, 1925 — June 25, 2026 | Age 100

Evelyn Louise Nelson was called home to glory on June 25, 2026, in Fort Scott, Kansas, having lived one hundred years marked by unwavering faith, extraordinary love, and a servant’s heart that never rested. She was born on September 3, 1925, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Reverend Gather Roberson and Estella Roberson, and from her earliest days, the foundation of her life was rooted in God.

Evelyn was educated in Ypsilanti, graduating from Ypsilanti High School before going on to nursing school in Traverse City, Michigan, where she served as President of her class. She went on to work as a dedicated nurse in the post-surgery unit at the University of Michigan Hospital, where her compassion and skill touched the lives of countless patients. It was in those hospital halls that she met Robert Nelson, a radiographer who would become her husband, her partner, and her greatest companion.

On October 2, 1965, Evelyn and Robert were united in holy matrimony at Metropolitan Memorial Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, family, and service. Evelyn later stepped away from her nursing career to care for her beloved mother, who came to live with the family, tending to her with the same gentle devotion she had given her patients. She then poured herself fully into her home, her church, and her community.

Evelyn was a woman of deep and abiding faith. She was raised in the church of her father, Second Baptist Church of Ypsilanti, and later became a devoted member of Metropolitan Memorial Baptist Church under the leadership of her brother, Reverend SL Roberson. When she and Robert relocated to Fort Scott, Kansas in the spring of 1997, she joined United Missionary Baptist Church, where she continued her ministry until the end of her life. Across more than fifty years of faithful service, Evelyn taught Sunday school to the youngest children, sang in the Senior Choir, and served on the Missionary Board, visiting the sick and shut-in with prayer, presence, and care.

Beyond the walls of the church, Evelyn’s generosity flowed freely into her community. She read books to elementary school children in Willow Run and in Fort Scott, Kansas, giving the gift of story and imagination to young minds. And she baked, lovingly and tirelessly, filling the homes of families near and far with cakes, cookies, and pies made with her hands and her heart.

Evelyn is survived by her devoted husband of sixty years, Robert Nelson; her six children, Estella Holbrook-Brown, Robert Craig Nelson (Bob Kruzman), Joyce McKelvy (Al McKelvy), Gloria Nelson Walls (Keith Walls), Ronald Nelson, and William Nelson (Melissa Nelson); her goddaughter, Yvonne Johnson; ten grandchildren, Marlon Johnson, Ondria Horton, Chianti Brown, Mishae Rice, Kevin Johnson, Erica McGowan, William Che Brown, Michael McKelvy, Ashley Johnson, and Kennedy Louise Nelson; and seventeen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Gather Roberson and Estella Roberson, and her beloved siblings, Reverend SL Roberson, Reverend Gather Roberson, Walter Roberson, Harold Roberson, and Garthonia Roberson.

Evelyn Louise Nelson lived Proverbs 20:7 in full: “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.” She set an example not only for her children, but for every life she touched, and the blessing of her legacy will be felt for generations to come.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time.

Memorials are suggested to the Robert & Evelyn Nelson Scholarship Fund at Fort Scott Community College and may be left in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Charyl Ann Deloney, 81, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on December 18, 1944, in Sioux Falls, the daughter of Frank Joseph and Etta Mae Brown Doherty, Charyl lived a life filled with faith and laughter. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary Deloney, with whom she shared 47 cherished years of marriage.

A woman of deep faith, Charyl was a devoted member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and lived her beliefs openly and sincerely. Through her years running the Diet Center and her work with Birthright, she helped many people with compassion and dedication.

Charyl was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her children, Christl Beitzinger and her husband, Joe, of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Matt Deloney and his wife, Julie, of Fort Scott; two Sisters, Sharon and David Hoover of Joplin, Mo., and Theresa and Darius Adams of Joplin, Mo., and her grandchildren, Emilee Beitzinger, Ashlee James, Aubree Beitzinger, Adam Deloney, Nicholas Deloney, Sam Deloney, Carrissa Bowman, Brady Fink, and Alex Fink. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Brownie Doherty, and a sister, Frances Sanborn.

Charyl embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. She loved spending time with family and friends, often enjoying conversation over a glass of wine. Her wit and steadfast love for her family will be remembered by all who knew her. Though her passing leaves a profound void, her legacy of faith and devotion to her Catholic beliefs will continue to inspire all whose lives she touched.

Following cremation, Father Yancey Burgess will celebrate the funeral mass at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday June 25, 2026, at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. The Rosary will be Wednesday evening, June 24, 20226, at 6:00, and the visitation will take place afterward until 7:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School in honor of Charyl’s life and her enduring commitment to faith and family. Contributions 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.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. Romans 8:28.

Karen Ann Endicott-Coyan, 72, passed on Friday morning, June 19, 2026, at Freeman Medical in Fort Scott with family beside her.

Karen was born August 6, 1953, to William Junior and Grace Lorene (Cash) Endicott, the fourth of seven children. She grew up in the Pawnee and Hiattville areas of Bourbon County. She was baptized at the Cherry Grove Baptist Church where she is a member. She learned many life-long skills as a member of 4-H. Karen graduated from Uniontown High School in 1971, and in September of 1971, she married Joel Raines. They had one son, Joseph William Raines, on July 29, 1972. They divorced in January 1973. Karen raised her son by herself while working and completing her education.

Karen graduated from Fort Scott Community College and attended Pittsburg State University majoring in accounting. During her career, she was employed for 5 years by Fort Scott Coca-Cola in accounts receivable; 14 years at Mid-Western Distribution in accounting, with her last position as Accounting Manager; 23.5 years at Mercy Hospital of Fort Scott, focusing on Medicare and Medicaid Reimbursement and Advocacy; and 1 year at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler, Missouri, in Reimbursement, before her cancer diagnosis forced her retirement.

On July 2, 1993, she married the man of her dreams, John A. Coyan, her soul mate and best friend. They enjoyed their life together on the farm and grew closer and more in love as each year passed. Their marriage was truly a blessing from God. Karen’s heart was shattered on July 31, 2019, whe`n her beloved John was called to his eternal home.

Karen enjoyed reading, cooking, especially baking, and working in her flowers, plants, and African Violets, as well as counted cross stitch and spending time with her family. Karen cherished time spent with her grandchildren. When Madelyn and Arminda were young, Karen and John made several trips each year to Pennsylvania. She was an excellent cook and baker, and truly enjoyed hosting get-togethers with family and friends.

Karen was a member of the Cherry Grove Baptist Church. She was a life-member of Bourbon County Fair Association, and former Treasurer; she had served as Pawnee Republican Precinct Committee Woman; Trustee of Pawnee Township; and Treasurer of the Pleasant View Cemetery Association for over 25 years. She served as a 4-H project leader while her son was a member. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years. She served as Worthy Matron for 3 years, District Aide, Rand Committee Member, Grand Teller, and Special Page twice.

She is survived by her son, Joe Raines and Sonja Davis of Fort Scott, having moved from Roxboro, NC to be Karen’s care-givers; two granddaughters, Madelyn Raines, of Canton, Ohio, and Arminda Grace Drexler and husband John of Pennsylvania; a brother, Oscar Endicott and wife Ruth; sisters Michele Schick and husband Greg, and Billie Young and husband Steve; and a sister-in-law, Debbie Endicott, all of Fort Scott. She is also survived by a step-daughter, Suzann Audi and husband Ahmad; 3 step-grandchildren, Ali, Jawad, and Layla of Prairie View, IL; 5 nephews, Jim Endicott, Mike Endicott, Tim Endicott, William Schick, and Matthew Schick; and 6 nieces, Leanna Howard, Louella Howard, Stephanie Nimmo, Stacy Davis, Alycia Endicott, and Mary Grace Barfield. In addition to her beloved husband John, she was also preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, Joyce Elaine Howard, and Joy Lee (Yodi) Endicott; a brother, Robert Endicott, and a brother-in-law, Dennis A. Howard.

Pastor Mike Bright will officiate a celebration of Karen’s homegoing at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Cherry Grove Baptist Church, with burial following at the Pleasant View (Large) Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The family will greet friends Thursday evening, June 25, 2026, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with O.E.S. Service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Karen requested memorial donations to Care to Share, or Cherry Grove 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, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Mary Kathleen (Matney) Davis, 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children, on June 17, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas, following complications from surgery.

Mary was born on March 25, 1943, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to William and Vera (Shine) Matney. On June 17, 1961, she married Gerald Joseph Davis, beginning a marriage filled with great memories and family. They would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on the day of her passing.

Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She poured her heart into raising her children and creating a home filled with laughter, and lasting memories. Whether waterskiing, fishing with loved ones, or riding horses, Mary cherished every moment spent with her family. She taught her children the value of hard work, determination, and seeing every task through to completion—lessons that continue to guide them today.

Mary dedicated 25 years of service to Tri-Valley. Beginning her career as the bus driver and rose through the organization to become Director of Operations. Her leadership and commitment earned her numerous awards and the respect of colleagues and friends. After retirement, she continued to serve on the Tri-Valley Board for several years, reflecting on her dedication to helping others.

In her quieter moments, Mary enjoyed reading, watching television, playing pinochle, and challenging family and friends to a game of Scrabble.

Mary is survived by her children: Mark James (Connie) Davis of Gravette, Arkansas; William Edward (Andy Trinh) Davis of Wichita, Kansas; Elizabeth Ann (Ronnie) Swezey of Franklin, Kansas; and Teresa Kathleen (Jerry) Davenport of Fort Scott, Kansas. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Jenni (Brandon) Edge, Jacob (LeAnn) Davis, Mary Swezey, Brianne (Joe) Sheridan, Dehn Davenport, Davis (Courtney) Davenport, and Jeremy (Alex) Swezey. She also leaves behind several beloved great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and a brother-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her son, Michael; her granddaughter, Amanda Davis; her brothers, Michael and Patrick Matney; her sister, Theresa Shaw; and her parents.