Charles Arthur Allen, 85, of Holland Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 23^rd, 2023, with his family lovingly by his side.  Although his family is deeply saddened by his passing, they are encouraged knowing that Charles touched many lives during his time on earth and is now celebrating in the arms of the Lord.  Charles was not one to quote scripture, but he encouraged others by the way he lived.  He believed in living life with a smile, a funny greeting and often his goodbye… “Keep up the good work.”  Those who met him were blessed to have known him.

Charles is survived by his loving wife Linda of 63 years; son Kurt Allen (wife Nona), daughters Susan Leonard and Kristin Wade (husband Robert); Nine grandchildren, Jacki Ferrier (husband Ryan), Lauren Ammons, Joce Renfro (husband Jordan), Kayla Crane (husband Ennio), Tim Wade (wife Kaity), Christopher Allen (wife Bryanna), Courtney Stoppel (husband Grant), Faith Adams (husband Davis) and Cale Wade; and four great grandchildren, Eden Cazares, Emma Crane, Archer Renfro and Juniper Adams; brother Harold “Pete” Allen (wife Janice) and sister Barbara Wheeler. Charles is loved and remembered by Rebecca Allen, Jim Leonard and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Esther Allen; sister Bonnie Hill and brothers Tommy Allen and Jerry Allen.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life in Holland, Michigan that will be held at Rose Park Baptist Church on January 13^th, 2024.  An additional celebration of life will be held in Fort Scott, Kansas at Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel on January 20^th, 2024 at 10:30 am.

Russell Leroy Blubaugh, age 88, a resident of Olathe, Kansas, passed away early Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at the Olathe Hospice House in Olathe. He was born December 20, 1935, in Bentley, Kansas, the sixth child of Oscar H. Blubaugh and Minnie A. Krauss Blubaugh’s ten children. In 1948, the Blubaugh family moved from Bently to a farm in Anderson County, Kansas northeast of Westphalia. Russ attended Mont Ida Rural Grade School and went on to graduate from Westphalia High School. He married Evelyn June Johns on June 8, 1961. Russ, along with his brother, Roger, eventually took over the operation of the Blubaugh Farm. They grew row crops, milked and raised beef cattle. They took pride in their land and received an Anderson County Soil Conservation award. While in Garnett, Russ and Evelyn were member of the First Christian Church where Russ served as a Deacon. In 1985, Russ and Evelyn left the farm and moved to Olathe, Kansas where Russ began working as a plumber for Gladstone Plumbing where he worked with his longtime friends Raymond and Milton Johnston. He worked in the profession until the mid-1990’s. Russ was a natural when it came to fixing things. Therefore, when he retired from plumbing, he started a part-time job with Lowe’s in Olathe. He enjoyed staying busy and helping the many customers. Russ enjoyed woodworking and helping Evelyn keep up their yard and flowerbeds, but above all he enjoyed spending time with his four granddaughters. Many hours were spent riding bikes, swimming, and going out for ice cream. Russ will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Survivors include two daughters, Diane Hastert (Duane) of Garnett, Kansas and Deann Mitchell (Greg) of Olathe, Kansas; four granddaughters, Meagan Ingold (Josh), Lauryn Linzay (Jesse), Shelby Ellis (Tim) and Sydney Gray (Tristan) and two great-grandsons, Carter and Kaysen Ingold with another Ellis grandson on the way. Also surviving are four brothers, Roger Blubaugh (Judy) of Olathe, Kansas, Reuben Blubaugh (Barbara) of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, David Blubaugh (Sheila) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Steve Blubaugh also of Excelsior Springs and a sister, Norma Jean Nilges of Garnett. Russ was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, on September 3, 2022; two infant twin great-granddaughters, Marcie and Jaycie Ellis as well as his parents, three brothers, Ralph, Robert and Raymond Blubaugh and a sister, Lois Nilges.

Pastor Chris Goetz will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 2nd at the First Christian Church in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Mont Ida Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to Friends of the Garnett Library 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.

Harvey Preston Green Sr., a devoted husband, loving father, and dedicated community member passed away on December 25, 2023, at his home in Shawnee, Kansas. He was born on May 14, 1935, in Licking, MO, to Charles and Martha Green.

Harvey was preceded in death by his eight siblings: Fred Andrew Green, Arngie Green, Delphia Dodson, Melba Cooper, Albert Green, Charlie Green, Bessie Morgan, and Melvin Green. He was also preceded in death by three children: Debra Jones, Ida Rene Davis, and Timothy Green. Despite the sorrow of losing his siblings and three children, Harvey leaves behind a legacy of resilience and strength.

Harvey is survived by six children: Darlene Atkinson, Robert Green, Karen Winters, Janice Zickefoose, Harvey Green Jr., and Susan Leichter. He is also survived by many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In his early years, Harvey served with honor in the United States Army, showcasing his commitment to duty and country. Following his military service, he utilized his skills as a maintenance technician, working across the country. Harvey’s dedication to learning was evident as he earned two Associate’s degrees, one as an insurance adjuster and the other in HVAC. Harvey was a proud Shriner and a member of the Rising Sun Masonic Lodge in Fort Scott, Kansas. His commitment to service extended to his role as the President of the resident group at the Homestead of Shawnee, where he also contributed as the editor of the assisted living newsletter, “The Spade.”

A man of many talents and passions, Harvey enjoyed playing musical instruments, spending quality time with his family and friends, and expressing himself through writing. Recently, he dedicated his time to serving as the President of the resident group at the Homestead of Shawnee, leaving a lasting impact on those around him.

Harvey’s love story with Wilma Jo Green, whom he was married to for 33 years, was a central part of his life. In a final tribute to their enduring love, Harvey was laid to rest in the Clarksburg Cemetery, next to Wilma.

A memorial service to celebrate Harvey’s life will be held at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:30 AM.

Following the service, a family meal will be served at the Cheney Witt Carriage House at 301 S. Main in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Harvey Preston Green Sr. will be remembered not only for his accomplishments and contributions but also for the love and warmth he shared with those fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in peace, leaving behind cherished memories that will forever be etched in the hearts of his family and friends.

Words of remembrance may be left online at cheneywitt.com.

Fredrick Dale Large left this earth to be with his Heavenly Father on December 25, 2023, at the age of 61. Fred was born May 3, 1962, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the son of Merle Eugene Large and Dorothy Mae Wiley Large.

Fred attended school in Ft. Scot, Kansas and Meredosia, Illinois. Fred has dealt with health problems since he was three years old. He has now been made whole; there is no more pain and suffering. Everyone who knew and loved Fred will always remember how much he loved working outside. He kept many lawns in Ft. Scott looking very nice until his health began declining a few years ago. They will also remember him as an inspiration because he never gave up. Doctors have been amazed that he hadn’t left us several years ago when he was diagnosed with lung cancer and battling epilepsy at the same time.

Fred will be missed. He will also be remembered for his charming smile and infectious laugh; you always knew you were going to get a chuckle when you were around him.

Fred is survived by his siblings, Dianna Brown (Russ) of Auxvasse, Missouri, Curtis Large (Tammy) of Beardstown, Illinois, Joyce Mills (Robert) of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Gena Surratt, of Meredosia, Illinois and Chuck Large (Beth) also of Meredosia, Illinois. Also surviving are a brother-in-law, Jim Brown of Ft. Scott, Kansas, step-grandmother, Enid Large of Ft. Scott, two aunts, Ruby Brown of Duenweg, Missouri and Marie Wiley of Ft. Scott as well as many nieces, nephews, step-aunt and uncles and his beloved companion, his dog, Missy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle Large and Dorothy Large Hofman, a sister, Susan Brown, a brother, Thomas Large and brother-in-law, James R. Surratt and a nephew, Aaron Brown.

There was cremation. Burial will take place at a later date in the West Liberty 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.

Anita Lavon Lightwine, age 84, resident of Moundville, MO, died Sunday, December 24, 2023, in Nevada, MO.  She was born December 4, 1939, in Deerfield, MO, the daughter of Gaylord Franklin Pettibon and Erma Roberts Pettibon.  She lived and raised her family in various locations with her husband Howard’s Naval career.  They finally settled in Moundville, MO in 1976.  Anita worked as an LPN for the Nevada State Hospital until her retirement.  She enjoyed gardening in her free time.  She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her 4 sons, Leslie Lightwine (Mary), Clever, MO, Lee Lightwine (Anne), Zionsville, IN, Anthony Lightwine (Jamie), Nevada, MO, and Michael Lightwine (Jamie), Moundville, MO; 9 grandchildren, Patrick, Gavin, Dustin, Victoria, Rachel, Megan, Shelby, and Tristan Lightwine, and Alyshia Rosales; and one brother, Jack Pettibon.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Lee Lightwine; 4 brothers, Burl, Grover, Keith, and Forrest Pettibon, and her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 PM Thursday, December 28^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott, KS.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.  Memorials are suggested to the Arbor Day Foundation 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 left

Dustin Ray Wiggans, age 46, resident of Knox City, TX formerly of Fort Scott, KS passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2023, at his home.

Dustin was born February 11, 1977, in Fort Scott to Jimmy and Pam Wiggans.  He graduated with the class of 1995 then immediately began eight years of service in the Navy.  Dustin was initially stationed at Pacific Missile Range Facility on the island of Kauai where he trained as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer.  Subsequently he was stationed at Naval Air Station Fallon in Fallon, NV.  While at NAS Fallon, Dustin continued his duties as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer.  After leaving the Navy, Dustin began his career in the world of agronomy, receiving a bachelor’s degree in hydrology and a master’s degree in agronomy from Iowa State University.  He was currently working for the USDA in Knox City.

Dustin is survived by his father, Jimmy Wiggans and mother and stepfather Pam and Robert Williams; 2 sisters, Ali Wiggans (Matt) and Abi Krieger (Michael); and 2 nieces, Jocelin and Henley Rae Krieger.  He also leaves behind his girlfriend and partner, Ashley Nicole Cook; his beloved pet/sidekick, Kenni; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents Virgil and Lola Wiggans, and Jack and Pat Vender.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Tuesday evening December 26^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Cremation will follow with interment later in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.  Words of remembrance may be left online at cheneywitt.com.

Nancy Patterson, long-time resident of Fort Scott, age 86, died on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Horton House in Fort Scott, Kansas.  Her death was attributed to Alzheimer’s disease.

Nancy Jo Smith was born on August 1, 1937, in Lawrence, Kansas to Emmett P. and Naomi M. Anderson Smith.  She attended Pinckney Grade School, Lawrence Junior High School, and was a 1955 graduate of Lawrence High School.  Receiving the Karen Carlton Memorial Nursing Scholarship, Nancy was a 1958 graduate of St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing, Kansas City, Missouri.

At the home of her parents, Nancy was married to Jerrold Clifford Patterson on December 13, 1958.  They are the parents of five daughters: Sandra Lynn, Sharon Sue, Brenda Kay, Deborah Ann, and Laura Lee.

The family moved from Overland Park, Kansas to Ava, Missouri in January 1971, where they were owner-operators of the Otasco store. On Thanksgiving Day of 1973, the Pattersons moved to Fort Scott.  Nancy retired from Mercy Hospital in January, 2000, with 26 years of service, most of which was spent as a surgical nurse.  She is a past president of the Mercy Auxiliary.  With a passion for genealogy, Nancy is a member of the Old Fort Genealogical Society and has researched not only the families of Anderson, Smith, Reynolds and Patterson, but also numerous Bourbon County families.  These are available in the OFGS library.

As a charter member of West Park Church of the Nazarene, Nancy taught adult Sunday School class and was very involved with the Nazarene World Missionary Society.  She and Cliff traveled to Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, Papaua New Guinea in 1989 to observe first-hand third world medicine.  Most recently, Nancy attended the Diamond Community Church in rural Fort Scott.

Following Cliff’s death in early February 2019, Nancy lived at Country Place Senior Assisted Living in Fort Scott.   She moved to Horton House on September 2, 2023.

Survivors include:  daughters, Sharon McGaughey,  Kybruz, CA; Brenda  DeKeno (Don), Pea Ridge, AR;   Deborah Allen (Tim), Fort Scott, KS; and Laura Bonnell (Dwight), Aztec , NM.  Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, Joshua McGaughey (Bethany), Placerville, CA; Joseph Allen (Mallory), Fort Scott, KS; Jessica Borba (Seth), Placerville, CA; Nathaniel McGaughey (Rebekah), Placerville, CA; Dustin DeKeno (Chris), Oklahoma City, OK; Jacob Allen (Sarah), Wichita, KS; Corbin Soliday (Rachel), Lee’s Summit, MO; Sawyer DeKeno, Tulsa, OK; Andrea Soliday, Gardner, KS; Tayler DeKeno,  Pea Ridge,  AR; Jonathan Allen, Fort Scott, KS; and Caleb Soliday, Topeka, KS.  Nancy leaves fourteen great-grandchildren, Abraham Borba, Lela Borba, Maggie Kansas McGaughey, Tayton Allen, Gus McGaughey, Kyler Allen, William Borba, Lily Borba, Avery McGaughey, Joel Soliday, Andrew (“G”) Borba, Diana Allen, Olivia Soliday, and Elijah Allen.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Cliff; her parents; daughter, Sandy (January 2010); and her only sibling, a brother, Robert E. Smith (September 2006).

Rev. Joan Koller will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Friday, December 22^nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday evening at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to either Cross Power Agape Ministries or Alzheimer’s Association 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 left online at cheneywitt.com.

Nancy’s family would like to note that this obituary was hand- written by Nancy. We are unsure of the date or the circumstances when she wrote it since the hand-written copy included only blanks in many places, but it was important enough to her for her to keep it tucked away in a folder. We want to honor her by publishing it but we certainly believe that she was much too modest in this account of her life.

Agnes Ruth Hill, age 90, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Friday, December 15, 2023, at the Homestead assisted living facility in Girard, Kansas.  She was born January 20, 1933, in San Pedro, California, the daughter of Henry Carl Jones and Sophie Evelyn Borders Jones.

Ruth married Roger Hill on July 23, 1955.  Following their marriage, Ruth and Roger lived in St. Louis, Missouri for a few years before relocating to Ft. Scott.  Over the years, Ruth had worked as a telephone operator and later at the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center where she helped prepare Meals on Wheels.  However, her primary occupation was taking care of her family.  She will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother to her four children.  Ruth loved the outdoors and spent many hours working in her garden and canning the fruits of her labors.  She also had a tender heart for animals and often took in and cared for stray dogs and cats.

Survivors include her children, Dennis Hill of Lamar, Missouri, Diana Johnson (Sam) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Dallas Hill (Tammy) of Arma, Kansas.  Also surviving are several grandchildren, great and great-great-grandchildren.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Dawn Maurer, son-in-law, Tony Fleeman, and a daughter-in-law, Frances Hill.  She was also preceded in death by her former husband, Roger Hill, her parents and a sister, Emma and a brother, Carl.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, December 21^st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery.

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

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or the American Kidney Foundation 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.

Joaquina Naveira, resident of Farlington, KS, formerly of Elizabeth, NJ, died Tuesday, December 12, 2023, in Farlington. She was born August 16, 1937, in Cuba, the daughter of Eugenio and
Regina Garcia. She married Nicholas Humberto Naveira in Cuba on October 27, 1963.

He preceded her in death on June 9, 2023. They arrived with their son in the United States in 1969 and settled in New Jersey. Joaquina worked several factory jobs in her early career. She was a
wonderful cook and seamstress.

Survivors include a son, Jose Naveira, and wife Becky, Fort McKavett, TX; a daughter, Daisy Naveira, Farlington, KS; 2 granddaughters, Emily Naveira, Cincinnati, OH, and Ashley Naveira,
Arlington, VA; 4 brothers; and 1 sister in Cuba.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by 2 brothers, 1 sister, and her parents.

Chaplain Adam Parrish will conduct graveside services at 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 20  at the Farlington Cemetery. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook
at cheneywitt.com.

Velma Jean Russell, age 94, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed peacefully December 6, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Emporia, Kansas. She was born May 17, 1929, in Redfield, Kansas, the daughter of Wesley and Marjorie Reasoner. In 1938, the family moved to California, near Stockton. They returned to the Midwest nine years later. In 1946, Velma graduated from the Nevada High School in Nevada, Missouri. The following year, she returned to California by train. Her boarding did not go unnoticed by a young sailor returning from leave. He introduced himself somewhere between New Mexico and Arizona. They corresponded while he was at sea, met when they could, and were married on December 18, 1948, in Vallejo, California. Of all her accomplishments in life, her marriage ot sixty-seven years, and her six children and their families were, by far, her most significant and what she cherished the most. Velma’s faith in Christ sustained and enriched her. She gave her best in whatever she endeavored. She was a wonderful wife, mother and friend. Those who knew her were glad they did.

She is survived by a daughter Jane Gorton (Chris) of Emporia, Kansas and their sons, Nathan, Wyatt and Lucas (Casie); four sons, Paul Russell of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Sam Russell (Debra) of Salina, Kansas and sons, Simeon, Gabriel and Austin; Rod Russell (Rene) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and their children, Reed, Devon (Ben), and Chad (Casey) and Phil Russell (Misty) of Parsons, Kansas and their sons, Ben, Abe (Maddie) and Silas. Also, grandsons Wayne and Brian. Velma had eighteen great -grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William, son, Wesley, her parents and two brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Friday, December 15th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time at the funeral home. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Susan E. Willard, 80, resident of Fort Scott, passed away late Thursday evening, December 7, 2023. She was born February 4, 1943, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of Thomas Hotard and Beulah (Vicknair) Hotard.

She married Ralph Owen “R.O.” Willard on May 27, 1966, in Metairie, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. He preceded her in death on August 15, 2011.

Susan graduated from Ben Franklin High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Meadows Draughon College, also in New Orleans. She worked at Dowell until her marriage to R.O. and then she became a Homemaker. They moved to Fort Scott in 1990.

Susan is survived by her daughter, Holly Ross, recently of Fort Scott; her son, Barry Willard and wife Marie, of Lees Summit, Missouri; and two grandchildren, Jeff Willard, and Elisabeth Ross.

In addition to her husband R. O., Susan was also preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Thomas Hotard, Jr.

Pastor Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery immediately following the services.

Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Roy Burton Johnson, age 89, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Saturday, December 9, 2023, at his home.

He was born February 24, 1934, in Ft. Scott, the son of Hugh W. Johnson and Mary Rebecca Neptune Johnson.  Roy graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1953.  After high school, Roy served for two years with the United States Army.  Following his military service, Roy returned to Ft. Scott and married Letha Shelton on October 27, 1956, at the First Church of God in Ft. Scott.

Roy and Letha lived in Shawnee Mission, Kansas for nine years.  They then left the city and purchased a farm six miles west of Ft. Scott where they lived the majority of their married life.  Roy ran milk routes for approximately sixteen years and also owned and operated a hardware store and lumberyard in Redfield, Kansas for nine years.  Roy later began a career in insurance where he worked as an agent for twenty-five years.

In 2009, Roy and Letha sold their farm and moved into Ft. Scott.  Roy was still actively doing insurance work until his retirement in 2016.  Throughout his life, Roy has been an active member of the First Church of God where he served as Elder for many years.  He was awarded with a Life Elder Certificate in 2016.  Roy was also a member of the Redfield Ruritan Club for over fifty years where he served in a variety of capacities including club President, District Governor and Foundation Chairman.  He was also a member of the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-seven years, Letha of the home; a daughter, Kelly Asbury of Exeter, Missouri; a granddaughter, Kyra Tollen (Dustin) of Battlefield, Missouri and a great-grandson, Biron Roy Tollen.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Olan, Bernard and James Johnson and two sisters, Ruth Lowry and Lois Fritter.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 P.M. Thursday, December 14^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

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

Memorials are suggested to the Ruritan National Foundation or the First Church of God 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.