On Saturday morning, March 9, 2024, Peter Michael Graham went to his true home in Heaven. His last hours were spent in his parents’ arms as he peacefully passed away at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., with his grandmothers nearby.

Peter was born January 9, 2020, at Ascencion Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan., to Doug and Kristen Graham of Girard, Kan. He was baptized by Fr. Floyd McKinney at St. Michael Catholic Church in Girard and attended regularly with his family when his health allowed.

Peter was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Edgar Henry Graham, Jr. of Uniontown, Kan., and Steven Francis VanLeeuwen of Brazilton, Kan., as well as an uncle, Christopher Andrew Graham. He is survived by his parents, his grandmothers, Nancy Sue Graham of Uniontown and Mary Deanne VanLeeuwen of Girard, and his five siblings: Gabrielle (11), Andrew (10), Elizabeth (8), Katherine (5), and Daniel (2).

Peter had been fighting a rare form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) since March 2023. He will be greatly missed by his family as well as the medical professionals and support staff who had become such an important part of his life over the past year.

Peter was a loving and playful boy with a big smile and a mischievous sense of humor. He enjoyed mixing up his Play-Doh colors and conducting “experiments” with his slime. He loved Mickey Mouse, superheroes, and the stuffed animals that kept him company when he wasn’t feeling well.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 15, at the church hall at St. Michael Catholic Church. A rosary will follow at 7 p.m. for anyone who would like to participate.

Fr. Daniel Vacca will conduct a funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 16, at St. Michael Catholic Church.

Burial will follow at St. Aloysius Cemetery at Greenbush seven miles west of Girard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family, who intend to distribute the funds to organizations that provided support throughout Peter’s treatment, and may be left in care of Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W. St. John St., Girard, KS 66743.

Janice (Good) Waltmire, AGE 86, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, March 9, 2024.

She was born the youngest of four children in Mound City, Kansas on August 20^th, 1937, to the late Ralph and Hayden Good. Janice met her lifelong love, the late Harvalee Waltmire in high school, and the two were married in 1958, sharing 65 years together. They moved to Overland Park, KS to raise their family before retiring and moving to their farm in Fulton, Kansas.

Janice found her greatest joy in the time she spent with family and friends. Whether vacations to Colorado, weekend motorcycling, singing in the church choir, or dancing with Harv in their living room, her stories of love, and laughter leave the most lasting memories.

She was known for her down-home charm and hospitality, making everyone feel like family. To her last moment, Janice left us with warmth, affection, and a lasting smile that will live on in those who will always love her.

Janice is survived by her children: Vera (Jeff) Heller of Houston, TX, Brian (Gina) Waltmire of Overland Park, KS; grandchildren: Rachel, Brooke, Samantha, Max; seven great-grandchildren; and brother: Bill Good of Nevada, MO.

Rev. Connie Edgerton will conduct funeral services at 10:30 am March 14, 2024, at Fulton Methodist Church, Fulton, KS. Burial will follow at Osaga Cemetery, Fulton, KS.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memorial made to the Colon Cancer Coalition. Donations 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 “Don” Russell, 74, went to be with his heavenly father on March 8, 2024, after a long fight with kidney and heart disease.

He was born in Kansas City, KS on November 18, 1949, to James L. Russell and Ruth E. Selbe. He was accompanied in birth that day by his twin sister, Maurita “Rita” Garnette Russell (West).  Don and Rita were eventually a part of a family that included 12 boys and 2 girls.

While the family moved a number of times, a good part of Don’s formative years were spent in or near Fulton, Kansas.  Don’s father, James Lowell Russell passed away on November 29, 1964, at the age of 51.

He married Linda Sue Parrent in Shawnee, Kansas on March 27, 1971, at the home of Linda’s parents.  Don had one daughter Jamie Payton, and three sons, Casey, Les and Matthew “Matt” Russell.

Around 1974, Don and Linda came to Fort Scott, KS and settled to live.  Shortly after the move to Fort Scott he went to work for the City of Fort Scott in the water department.  He continued to work for the city of Fort Scott for his entire career, retiring as the city Economic Development Director.  Over the course of his career, he led, or supported numerous economic development initiatives for the city and Bourbon County.

He was also active in a number of community organizations, helping others.  For many years, he was an active sponsor for Alcoholics Anonymous and he served for years on the Bourbon County Drug and Alcohol Council.  He also served the community as a reserve police officer for a number of years in his free time from responsibilities at the city.

However, as a member of such a large family, his largest presence was as a husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather.  The Russell family (and the varying surnames that branch off from them) are a large family that loves to gather together.  Don was an integral, and beloved part of those gatherings, and will be greatly missed by all of his siblings, children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Wherever the Russell family gathered together, cars played an important role in those gatherings.  Don and many of his brothers loved restoring automobiles.  If you drove past Don’s home (or one of the assorted garages they worked from) you regularly saw antique vehicles in some stage of restoration.  That love of vehicles continued into retirement when Don and his brothers, bought, scrapped, and continued working on old cars.  When pulling a hulk into the driveway, with assorted parts in the bed of the pickup he would have to explain to Linda (who was unconvinced) “look at it, It’s got potential”.  Many, many of the Russell children (Don’s nieces and nephews) learned to drive in cars from the 1930’s – 1960’s.

He is survived by his wife Linda, sons Casey and wife (Mindy), Les and wife (Jena), and Matt, daughter Jamie Payton, brothers, Jesse, Dennis, Bob, Wayne,Chuck, and Kevin, four grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Brysen (DeChant), Madilyn, and Max, two great-grandchildren, Landon and Kylie DeChant, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jim, Leo (Jay), Joe, Jerry, and Les, his sisters Louise, and Rita as well as numerous other loved ones.

There was cremation.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday, March 14, 2024 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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.

Ronnie Lee Felt, age 85, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the Via Christi Medical Center, Pittsburg, KS. He was born November 4, 1938, in Fort Scott, the oldest son of Kenneth Marcellus Felt and Sylvia Mae Beerbower Felt. He graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1956. Ronnie married Laura Lea Coonrod on April 5, 1959, at Cato, KS. Ronnie started trucking right out of high school. He was also a farmer and a rancher after purchasing his parents’ farm in 1972. Ronnie and Laura would become the owners and operators of Felt & Sons Trucking Company out of Redfield, KS in 1982. He chased that white line for over three million miles with his sons and family by his side. Through his time trucking, Ronnie, also known as Bigfoot, made many friends and built relationships that would last his lifetime. He served as a Deacon at Mt. Orum Baptist Church.

Ronnie retired at the age of 72. His pride and joy was his family, especially the grandkids and great grandkids. He could often be found in his recliner with multiple great grandchildren piled on his lap. He led his family for 85 years with knowledge and wisdom. At the end of his life, he was surrounded by the family that loved and adored him.

Survivors include his wife Laura of the home, and children Rickie Felt and wife, Cindy of San Antonio, Troy Felt and partner, Tami Shirley of Redfield, and Rhonda Kellstadt and husband Robert of Mound City. Six grandchildren, Kathy Felt, Kenny Felt (Megan), Clayton Dierksen (McKenna), Tyler Felt (Skylar), Haley Arnold (Adam), and Cade Kellstadt (Avery) and his great-grandchildren: Blair, Waylon, Easton, Knox, Smith, Carver, Creek, Olivia, and Macy. Ronnie is also survived by his siblings Shirley Felt Cary, CH Felt, and Gary Felt.

He was preceded in death by a grandson Scott Felt, his parents Kenneth and Sylvia Felt, and a sister Marcella Felt Butler.

Pastor Tom Bevard will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, March 13^th, at the Mt. Orum Baptist Church, Redfield, KS.

Burial will follow in the Mt. Orum Cemetery.

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

Memorials are suggested to either Shriner’s Hospital or St. Jude’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.

Mary Louise Todd Beveridge, age 98, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and more recently of Olathe, Kansas, passed away Friday, March 1, 2024, at her home in Olathe.

She was born February 19, 1926, at Pittsburg, Kansas, the daughter of Isaac H. Todd and Hallie Swett Todd.  Mary was a graduate of Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, Ft. Scott Junior College and Pittsburg State University.  She also did graduate work at the University of Kansas.

On graduating college, Mary was employed as society editor for the Ft. Scott Tribune.  She later worked for USD #234 and then as assistant library director for Ft. Scott Community College.  She retired in May of 1992 and moved to Olathe to be near her family.

Mary was a past member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Scott where she served as an elder.  She later became a member of the Village Presbyterian Church on Antioch in Overland Park, Kansas.  She was also a member of the American Library Association, the Greek societies, Phi Alpha Theta and Delta Kappa Gamma, and the American Association of University Women.  In earlier years in Ft. Scott, she had served as Vice-President of the Old Fort Historic Governing Board as well as the Bourbon County Historic Preservation Association.  Following her retirement, she volunteered her time to the Olathe Public Library and the Harmony Public School of Overland Park.

Survivors include her son, John Beveridge of Overland Park, Kansas, a grandson Christopher D. Beveridge and wife, Moria and a great-grandson, Callan Beveridge all of Shawnee, Kansas.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Melvin O. Beveridge who was Superintendent of Postal Operation in Ft. Scott for many years.

Graveside services will be held at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft Scott at 11 a.m. on March 8, 2024.  Memorials are suggested to the Ft. Scott Community College Endowment Association, the First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Scott, the Village Presbyterian Church on Antioch in Overland Park, Kansas or any organization supporting nature conservation 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.

Lolita Dawn Mumbower, age 59, a resident of Devon, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at her home.  She was born March 16, 1964, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Wayne Robinson and Rosalee Burch Robinson. Lolita married Delwin Mumbower on January 24, 1986, at Ft. Scott, Kansas.  In earlier years, Lolita had worked as a waitress, but the majority of her life was spent making a home for her family.  Lolita will be remembered for her friendly personality.  She loved spending time in the coffee shop making new friends.  She enjoyed doing many things; however, fishing was not one of them.  She will be dearly missed by her family and those who loved her.

Survivors include her husband, Delwin, of the home; three children, Cody Mumbower (Mary) of Fulton, Kansas, Kara Mumbower of Devon, Kansas and Krista Wyatt (Shawn) of Ft. Scott and sixteen grandchildren, Madalynn, Mason, Miranda, Meredith, Molly, Marshall, Montgomery, Micah, Martin, Emilee, Elijah, Bradyn, Blayce, Bricyn, Blaetyn, and Paisley with another grandchild expected to arrive in August.  Also surviving are two bonus grandchildren, Marla and Glynda.  Lolita was preceded in death by her parents and an infant granddaughter, Kamrynn.

Pastor Randy Smith will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, March 12^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  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.

Donald L. Woods was born November 15, 1954, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and passed away March 2, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Donald was a life-long Fort Scott resident who attended Fort Scott schools including Fort Scott Community College. He graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1972. Basketball was his sport of choice not only while attending high school but also as an adult in the local Industrial League.

Donald was a modest man, but he could not hide his outstanding work ethic. He mowed grass, shoveled snow, and cleaned office buildings all while working a full-time job, first at Whitesides West IGA and later as a custodian for USD 234 at Fort Scott High School.

If Donald had a passion other than riding his Honda Goldwing Motorcycle, it was his love for the moving business. As Donald told the story, he began working for his grandfather Clarence Wright’s moving business as soon as he was big enough to pick up a piece of furniture. After working for his grandfather, Donald then began working part-time for his brother Marvin Woods at Fort Scott Transfer. In 1999 Donald finally started his own household goods moving business: Don Woods Moving, LLC. Neither the cold, heat, rain, snow nor a pandemic kept Donald away from a moving job. Donald moved pianos, gun safes, jewelers’ safes, churches, hospitals, parts of a petting zoo and even St. Benedict. Moves took Donald (and Cindy) to Massachusetts, Florida, Texas and Reno, Nevada. Donald told Cindy that these were “mini-vacations” and that the real one would come soon. After retiring from USD 234 and selling his moving business in 2022, Donald dreamed of traveling on that orange bike.

Donald L. Woods is survived by his wife of 49 years, Frances L. “Cindy” Woods, a son, Arthur Hodge II of Las Vegas, Nevada, a brother Melvin Woods and wife Raisa of Olathe, Kansas, and a sister Jackie M. Vann of Joplin, Missouri. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his mother Rachel Maxine Woods, and by four sisters: JoAnn Fewell, Mickie E. Brown, Joyce E. Woods, and Marita Eileen Bullock. Also preceding Donald in death were two brothers: Gerald L. Woods and Marvin R. Woods. Donald is also survived by his friend and cousin Idella Brown and her husband D.K. Brown.

Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Scott, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

A private family burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.

Instead of flowers memorial contributions may be made to either the Kansas University Cancer Center, or Mount Olive Church of God in Christ Scholarship 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.

Anna D. Miller, age 68, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.  She was born April 26, 1955, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Frank Miller and Laura Eden Miller.  Annie completed Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1973.  Annie had a variety of jobs during her life.  Some of which included working at the Oak Ridge Nursing Home, Ennis Printing and the Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center.  Annie’s life centered around her family.  She loved traveling and organizing family outings and get togethers.  She also enjoyed assembling and wrapping her niece’s and nephew’s Christmas presents.  One could say that Annie was a tomboy; favorite times were spent camping and fishing with family as well as going to rummage sales and estate sales.  She had a mechanical mind and enjoyed tinkering with cars and motors.  She also liked photography and taking care of her cats and dogs.

Survivors include her brothers, Frank “Tink” Miller and wife, Bobby Ann of Ft. Scott, George Miller and wife, Susan of Eudora, Kansas and Doug Miller and wife, Tammy, also of Ft. Scott as well as several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Laura Miller.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, March 4^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Lath Branch Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 P.M. Sunday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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.

Charles Grant Russell, age 78, a resident of rural Redfield, Kansas, passed away Friday, February 29, 2024, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.  He was born July 9, 1945, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of George Russell and Bernice Stine Russell.  Charles attended school in Uniontown Kansas and later graduated from Ft. Scott Christian Heights.  He married Joy Jury on December 24, 1976, at LaCross, Kansas.  Charles worked for many years as a farmer and stockman.  In addition, he also worked as a rural mail carrier for the Redfield Post Office.  He had attended the Grace Baptist Tabernacle and later the Bethel Community Church.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his son, Joe Russell and wife, Jimmy Lyn of Redfield, Kansas; six grandchildren, Cassie Cox (Jason) of Redfield, Eli Gregg who is currently stationed in California with the United States Marine Corps, Conner Gregg, Trevor Russell and Kohlton Russell all of Redfield with a great-grandchild on the way.  Also surviving are three sisters, Judy White and husband, Joe, and Nancy Graham all of Uniontown, Kansas and Elaine Fisher of Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Joy, on October 23, 2001.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Wilkinson.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 P.M. Thursday, March 7^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Following visitation, there will be cremation and a private burial will be held in the Centerville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Charles Russell 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.

Mary L. Beveridge, age 98, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, more recently of Olathe, Kansas, passed away Friday, March 1, 2024, at her home in Olathe.  Funeral services for Mary Beveridge will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Robert Evans “Bob” Hirons, age 77, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Advent Shawnee Mission Hospital in Merriam, Kansas following complications from extensive back surgery.  He was born December 10, 1946, in Kansas City Missouri. He attended public school in Independence, Missouri and eventually moved with his family to Overland Park, Kansas and became part of the second graduating class at Shawnee Mission West High School.  Bob served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968 where he was deployed in Korea with a unit that trained troops for the Vietnam War. He also served in the Kansas National Guard from 1979-1984.

Bob returned to Kansas City after his Army service and soon began a 40-year career with the U.S. Postal Service. During this time, he also served as a union representative and steward with the American Postal Workers Union.  Bob met his wife, Barbara Joan Hirons at a New Year’s Eve party in her hometown of Fredonia, KS. They began dating when they were both back in Kansas City and were married on March 17, 1970.  They moved to Fort Scott in 1971 and have resided in their beloved Victorian home on Crawford Street since 1976.  Bob dedicated much of his free time to serving at Community Christian Church in various roles including Sunday school teacher, deacon, elder, treasurer, and board chairman.  He and Joan joined Rinehart Christian Church and he has poured himself into caring for this church community over the last 6 years. Bob was passionate about baseball. He enjoyed coaching his sons’ little league teams, religiously followed the Kansas City Royals, and loved taking trips with his family to visit stadiums throughout the country. He also loved to follow the KU Jayhawks with his two sons and the KSU Wildcats with his grandson. Bob took great delight caring for his grandchildren in their earliest years, and loved attending their piano recitals, athletic events, and school activities as they grew older.

Survivors include his wife Joan and his children Michael (Julie) of Leawood and Scott (Alison) of Overland Park and three grandchildren:  Shade, Phoebe and Nora Hirons, all of Overland Park.  Also surviving are his brother Franklin Hirons (Lori) of St. Croix, VI and his sister Sandra Garrison (Dan) of Asheville, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Hirons (1973) and Edith Hirons Dennis (2017).

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Friday, March 1^st, at the Rinehart Christian Church in Richards, MO.  Burial will follow at 1:30 PM in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.  The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:30 Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Rinehart Christian Church Building 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.

James Roy Danley, age 82, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott.  He was born September 21, 1941, in Ft. Scott, the son of Marvin James Danley and Ruth Post Danley.

Jim graduated from the Fulton High School.  After graduation, he served with the United States Navy from 1960 to 1964.  He was stationed in Japan for a portion of his service where he was assigned to Helicopter Utility Squadron #1.

Following his military service, Jim married Paula Baez.  Jim and Paula along with Paula’s two young sons, Pedro and Hector, then moved back to the family farm near Devon, Kansas.  Jim continued to farm and raise cattle until 1976 when he purchased the Finney County Feed Yard in Garden City, Kansas.  He owned and operated the feedlot for several years.

Jim and Paula later divorced and Jim relocated to Springfield, Missouri.  At this time, he began working as a cattle buyer for the Joplin Regional Stockyard.

He later moved to Ft. Scott to be closer to his family.  Jim enjoyed playing golf and traveling.  He was able to take several trips including vacations to Canada for fishing as well as touring Australia and Ireland.  He was a past member of the Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his sons, Pedro Morillo of Fulton, Kansas and Hector Morillo of Garden City, Kansas; six grandchildren, Carmen Hickman (Chris) of Garden City, Kansas, Alisa Morillo of Wichita, Tonya Chandler (Donnie) of Wichita, Kansas, James Morillo of Ft. Scott, Joshua Morillo of Perkins, Oklahoma and Jace Morillo (Alexandria) of Mound City, Kansas; twenty-one great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are extended family members, Henry and Patty Homan who helped provide for his care and an aunt, Yvonne Short.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 2^nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial with military honors will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Mt. Carmel 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.