John Lee Trebian, Jr., age 39, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Monday, May 13, 2024.  Services for John Trebian are pending and will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

Sylvia Ellen Woodall, age 85, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2024, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott.  She was born April 30, 1939, in Pleasanton, Kansas, the daughter of John Emery Henderson and Mary Olive Wilcox Henderson.  Sylvia graduated from the Pleasanton High School.  She married David Allen Woodall on January 31, 1960, in Miami, Oklahoma.  Sylvia was a devoted wife and mother.  She enjoyed cooking and sewing and caring for her family.

 

Survivors include her three children, Beverly Rast (Walter) of Coolidge, Arizona, Robert Woodall of Branchville, South Carolina and John Woodall of Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Also surviving are seventeen grandchildren and thirty-seven great-grandchildren.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband, David on December 1, 2016.  She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Crosby, a son, David Nolen Woodall, a great-grandson, Lance Haley, Jr., a brother, Emery Henderson and a sister, Frances Campbell.

 

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Thursday, May 16^th at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Friends and family will meet at the cemetery.  Following services, the family will have a time of visitation at the Carriage House, 301 S. Main St.

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

Memorials are suggested to the Sylvia Woodall 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.

Gene Valgene Davis, age 92, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott.  He was born March 28, 1932, in Arcadia, KS, the son of Charley and Chloe Totman Davis.  He married Patricia Ann Edgar on November 10, 1952, in Huntsville, AR.  She preceded him in death on December 15, 2012.  Gene worked for the Frisco Railroad, KG&E, Safeway, and finally KDOT, retiring in 1994.  He loved spending time with his family and treasured his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

 

Survivors include 3 daughters, Connie Peterson (Dallas), Lindsborg, KS, Linda DeMott (Gary), Fort Scott, KS, and Carol Graham (John), Parker, CO; a sister, Betty Christian, Wichita, KS; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.

His son Gary Davis passed away the day following on May 10, 2024

 

 

Rev. Dallas Peterson and Rev. Gary DeMott will conduct graveside services at 2:00 PM Friday, May 17^th, at the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM Friday until leaving for the cemetery at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

 

Jack “Happy Jack” Dale Carson, age 73, a resident of Garland, Kansas, passed away on Thursday May 9^th, 2024. He was born April 4, 1951 in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Kenneth and Effie (Beerbower) Carson. Jack married Donna Young on March 30^th, 1976 and later divorced.

Jack served his country in the United States Army and Kansas Army National Guard for many years. He was a jack of all trades but specialized in roofing and construction. Jack was a born story teller and was a true child of the 60s. He loved playing the guitar and harmonica and making music. He never knew a stranger and loved to have a good time with his family and friends. Jack left a lasting mark on this world and will never be forgotten.

Survivors include his 4 daughters, Jackie Brown (Aaron), Jamie Beckman, Jessica Carson (Dustin), and Jeannie Carson (Tommy). 11 grandchildren, Bailley (Jake), Bryce, Brett, Samantha, Adryan (Josh), Amber, Jackson, Riley, Ruby, Reese, and Remy. 4 great grandchildren, Cooper, Iris, Addy, and Westley. As well as many cousins and life long friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donna, and infant granddaughter, Reagan.

There was cremation. The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 17, 2024 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

There will be a celebration for Jack on Saturday May 18 at the large shelter house at Elm Creek at 1:00.

Memorials are suggested to the Jack Carson Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St. P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS. 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Donna Sue Schilling, age 78, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Ft. Scott. She was born May 3, 1946, in Nevada, Missouri, the daughter of William A. Carpenter, Sr. and Nellie Mae Lawrence Carpenter. Donna grew up in the Deerfield, Missouri area and graduated from the Nevada High School. She married the love of her life, Dale Schilling on March 4, 1966, at the First Church of God in Ft.Scott.

Throughout her life, Donna worked primarily in the insurance business. She was employed by the Western Insurance Company, American States Insurance Company, and later worked for Billiard-Hammer-Hartman Insurance Agency until she retired.

Donna loved life and spending time with her family. Many summers were spent watching her son, Travis, play softball and traveling to tournaments. Her home became the softball team’s gathering place, and she loved watching them play in the yard. Donna enjoyed shopping and was always on the lookout for a good bargain, a skill she taught to her granddaughters who lovingly renamed her Nana.

Donna and Dale made a point to attend every one of their granddaughters’ activities and enjoyed taking family trips to Branson.

As Donna’s health declined, quiet times at home were spent watching gameshows and being entertained by her great-grandson, Kalister. She was a long time member of Faith Church, watching online every Sunday.

Survivors include her husband, Dale, of the home; a son, Travis Schilling and daughter-in-law, Tina of Ft. Scott; two granddaughters, Taylor Qualls and Tabitha Schilling, a grandson-in-law, Levi Qualls and a great-grandson, Kalister Qualls. Also surviving are a brother, Bill Carpenter and wife Diana of Ft. Scott and a nephew, Doug Carpenter of Louisburg, Kansas.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents and a nephew, Scott Carpenter.

Pastor Matthew Hunt will conduct a graveside service at 11:00A.M. Wednesday, May 15* at the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 A.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Faith Church Building 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.

Fredina Ray Gonzales, age 67, a resident of Ft Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She was born November 17 of 1956, in Albuquerque, New
Mexico, the daughter of Clay C. Canon and Carolyn K. Kepley Canon.

She met the love of her life and true soulmate David Gonzales in Las Cruces, NM and married in 1974. They had a wonderful life journey together, relocating to Fort Scott, KS and expanding their family
with three children; Chasidy, Mikhail, and Danica.
Fredina devoted her life to loving and caring for her family and was steadfast in her faith in God. She opened her arms and heart to all around her, welcoming them into her home, feeding everyone her
home-cooked meals, with her special ingredient of “ made with love”.
While working for the public schools, she was a beacon of warmth and compassion. With a heart as vast as the sky, she was dedicated in her career of transporting children with disabilities, guiding them with patience, nurture, and understanding.

Fredina’s love knew no limits, she extended her kindness to the
elderly at Medical Lodge, becoming a cherished friend to those in their twilight years. She spent hours listening to their stories, sharing in their joys and sorrows, and offering comfort with her gentle presence.

In Fredina, the world found a rare gem—a soul who saw the value in every individual, regardless of age or ability. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, leaving behind a trail of love and
compassion that continues to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

Fredina was a big sister to her family in New Mexico, offering unwavering love, understanding, and guidance along the way, both in
triumphs and trials of their lives. Her presence brought comfort in times of uncertainty and joy in moments of celebration. Her infectious laughter and boundless optimism brightened even the darkest of days.

She was a source of strength and inspiration, a beacon of hope and resilience. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were touched by her grace. She
will be greatly missed by her children, family, and friends.
Survivors include her three children, Chasidy Sharp (Michael) of Louisburg, Kansas, Mikhail Gonzales (Danielle) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Danica Gonzales of Olathe, Kansas; twelve grandchildren, Marissa, Max, Miya, Immanuel, Mikiylah, Jalynn, Marcus, Jeremiah, Hallie, Alexis, Alianis, and Anastasia; a sister, Valerie Martinez and her children; Jason Martinez, Diane Canon, Raymond Martinez of Ft. Scott and a brother, Eddie Gallegos of New Mexico and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her brother and sister-in-laws; Elizabeth Bernal, Rachel Bernal-Flores, Christina (Reuben) Archuleta, Arthur (MaryAnn) Bernal, Donald (Dolores) Gonzales and Michael Bellman, all of Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Fredina was preceded in death by her parents, her granddaughter, Ava, and her husband, David Gonzales.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, May 11th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private burial will take place at a later date at the Dayton Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.
Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

 

I suppose I had a weird mindset about my wedding in 1980. Most young girls dream about their wedding and wedding gown for years. Although I wanted to marry, have children, and a loving home, I wasn’t the least bit interested in the wedding dress. To me, they all looked alike because they were all white. I like color, especially turquoise. I know wedding gowns come in all different hues now, but back then they didn’t. Jennifer, my bridesmaid, graciously offered her pretty wedding dress and I accepted. Her thoughtfulness spared me from the agony of looking at racks of colorless gowns. I very much enjoyed planning the details of the ceremony. For communion, we used the shot glasses Dad brought from Germany in WWII for “something old.” My high heels were new (and uncomfortable), the wedding gown was borrowed, and the garter was blue.

 

The Bible is old, but it has never lost its relevance. Very often I will discover a new jaw-dropping revelation on an issue I’ve been wondering about. Although the Word of God has been borrowed from generation to generation, no one has ever improved on its battered (but still working) content. And if you’ve ever experienced a blue season, your faith and belief in His Word has surely pulled you through.

 

We find the words “old paths” in the Old Testament. The “old paths” are described as “the good way” and the Hebrews were under obligation to walk in these paths. When they strayed, they always found themselves in dire straits. “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls’” (Jeremiah 6:16 NLT). When we go our own way (like the Fleetwood Mac song) we never find the peace we’re searching for. God’s way works because He designed it to be the only way to have rest. Living in an obedient and loving relationship with Jesus works. Not because it’s old, but because it’s the good way, the right way, and God’s way.

 

“Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence” (2 Corinthians 5:17 GW). This scripture is a powerful reminder that when an individual makes the decision to follow Christ, a life-giving transformation takes place. The old lifestyle of sin, brokenness and unrest is replaced by a new clean start as a forgiven and redeemed life in Christ. Spiritual newness becomes ours when we surrender everything and follow Him.

 

The price of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection is too high for us to borrow. To “borrow” means to take and use with an agreement to pay it back later. A believer’s new life now and eternal life later is a marvelous gift. The only thing we can do to show our appreciation is to accept Christ, love Him, and be exemplary ambassadors for Him.

 

I enjoy the Blues music on Beale Street in Memphis, but living with the blues is not cool. The best way I’ve found to escape the moody blues is Psalm 42:5 MSG: “Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? I fix my eyes on God and soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.” 

 

The Key: The Word of God is old, yet new, borrowed, but never blue.

Our beloved daughter Emily Louise Martin passed away the evening of May 1, 2024, at her home at the age of 27.  Emily was born and raised in Fort Scott, Kansas.  She was the baby of four daughters born to Jara and Dave Martin.

Emily was a happy child full of life and adventure. Emily had a smile that could light up any room and a laugh that was contagious. Emily loved to read, watch, and discuss all movies and books.  She felt emotions very deeply and was committed to those she loved.  She enjoyed many family vacations, especially to Disney World.  She loved her dog Indiana Jones, which she named after one of her favorite movies. She excelled in playing the piano and singing in high school, which she carried that love for music throughout her life.  She was employed as a paraprofessional where she found joy in helping the students that were assigned to her and how to help them succeed.  She loved her nieces and nephews dearly, who will miss playing with Aunt Em.  They loved to dress up as superheroes with her and envision saving the world.  She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and the community that she was raised in.

 

Emily is survived by her parents Jara (Eshelbrenner) and Dave Martin of Fort Scott; her sisters Breann Eden (Jonathan) of Fort Scott, Sherise Beckham (Tanner) of Fort Scott and Sophia Martin (fiancée Nick Duke) of Joplin, MO; and her nieces and nephews Kenlee Eden, Warren Beckham, Barrett Beckham, Hazel Eden, and Mason Beckham. She was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Jack and Sara Eshelbrenner of Fort Scott and paternal grandparents Max and Carolyn Martin of Joplin, MO.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, May 8^th, at the Community Christian Church.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Tuesday May 7^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Fort Scott High School Music Department 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.

Emily Louise Martin, age 27, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, May 8th, at the Community Christian Church. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Tuesday May 7th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Fort Scott High School Music Department 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.

Rungruedee Phuarbthong (Phoo arbthong), commonly known as Nong Brown, passed away Saturday, April 27, 2024, at her home in Derby, Kansas where she resided with Greg and her daughter Thanya.

She was born on November 15, 1975, in Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand, the daughter of Suporn Phoo-arbthong and Aree Phoo-arbthong.  Before and after her cancer diagnosis, Nong was a stay-at-home mother and prioritized her daughter over everything, including her own health.  She especially enjoyed gardening, her flowers, and hunting morel mushrooms in the Kansas spring.  Well, she did really enjoy shopping, often just walking for hours, looking, and buying nothing.

 

Survivors include Gregory Thomas and her child, Thanya Thayathon Brown-Thomas.  Also surviving are her mother, Aree Phoo-arbthong, and four brothers, Montree Phoo-arbthong, Phongsit Phoo-arbthong, Terasak Phoo-arbthong, and Naret Phoo-arbthong.  Nong was preceded in death by her husband Thor Brown and father Suporn Phoo-arbthong.

 

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 4^th, in the Clarksburg Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the Nong Brown Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Rungruedee Phuarbthong (Phoo arbthong), commonly known as Nong Brown, passed away Saturday, April 27, 2024, at her home in Derby, Kansas where she resided with Greg and her daughter Thanya.  She was born on November 15, 1975, in Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand, the daughter of Suporn Phoo-arbthong and Aree Phoo-arbthong.

Before and after her cancer diagnosis, Nong was a stay-at-home mother and prioritized her daughter over everything, including her own health.  She especially enjoyed gardening, her flowers, and hunting morel mushrooms in the Kansas spring.  Well, she did really enjoy shopping, often just walking for hours, looking, and buying nothing.

Survivors include Gregory Thomas and her child, Thanya Thayathon Brown-Thomas.  Also surviving are her mother, Aree Phoo-arbthong, and four brothers, Montree Phoo-arbthong, Phongsit Phoo-arbthong, Terasak Phoo-arbthong, and Naret Phoo-arbthong.

Nong was preceded in death by her husband Thorton (Thor) Brown and father Suporn Phoo-arbthong.

 

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 4^th, in the Clarksburg Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the Nong Brown Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.