Jean Russell, age 74, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2025, at her home.  Leota Jean Russell was born September 9, 1950, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Charles Gruver and Doris Hillman Gruver.  Jean’s father passed away when she was very young and she was raised by her mother and stepfather, Floyd Camp.

Jean graduated from the Shawnee Mission West High School with the Class of 1968.  She married Wayne Russell on August 17, 1968, in Lenexa, Kansas.  Jean and Wayne lived most of their married life in Easton, Kansas.  Jean was employed as a management analyst for the United States Government based out of Ft. Leavenworth.  Following retirement, Jean and Wayne returned to Ft. Scott.

In her spare time, Jean enjoyed reading and coloring.  She also loved to crochet.  The many blankets she made for her children and grandchildren are cherished heirlooms.

Jean is survived by her husband of fifty-six years, Wayne Russell of the home; four children, Angela Mishler of Ft. Scott, Wayne “Tony” Russell (Dawn) of Easton, Kansas, Cindy Russell of Ft. Scott and Jesse Russell (Angie) of Liberty, Missouri; eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren with one more on the way.  Also surviving is a brother, Charles Gruver.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Cheryl and Beth.

Rev. Connie Edgerton will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Friday, February 14^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the St. Michael’s Cemetery in Fulton, Kansas.

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

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and may be left in the 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.

Gordon Leon Phillips, age 67, recently of Englewood, Colorado, passed away peacefully in his sleep while at home on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

Gordon was born August 28, 1957, in Fort Scott Kansas, the son of Thomas E Phillips and Josephine Marie(nee McDaniel) Phillips.

Gordon worked as a mechanic for various businesses throughout his career.

He was a graduate of the Fort Scott Senior High, class of 1975.
He had a passion for music and played several types of guitars. He also had a passion for gardening and cooking, often sharing his garden harvests and food creations with his neighbors and friends.

Gordon is survived by his eldest daughter, Heather Phillips, a son Robert Phillips, a daughter Nicole Phillips Sweat, a son Adam Phillips, grandchildren are Shyanne, Skylar, Shane, Shelby, Cody, Mindy, Kaden, Jase, and great-grandchildren Trinity, Gabriel, Raelynn, and twins Brantley and Lilyana.

He is also survived by several cousins, friends, and his dog Chico.

He was preceded in death by his mother and his father, a brother Thomas Phillips Jr., half-brothers James and Robert Hughes, and a half-sister Nancy Hughes Wells.

He was a baptized Christian.

There are no services planned. His final resting place will be chosen at a later date.

Tammy Marie Gode, age 49, a resident of Fulton, Kansas, passed away early Tuesday morning, January 21, 2025, at her home. She was better known by Kansas relatives as Marie, to California relatives as Tammy, and to her grandchildren as Grandi.

Marie was born on July 23, 1975, in California and is the daughter of Paula Snavely (nee Adams). Paula and her daughter Marie moved to Fort Scott, Kansas, in the early 90’s, where Marie became a mother several years later at age 23, to her daughter Danielle.

She is survived by her mother, daughter, her grandchildren, her spouse, two younger siblings – a brother and sister, and several nephews and a niece. Marie was preceded in death by her grandparents, and several other beloved family members.

Following cremation, friends, family, and community members are invited to a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 p.m. on March 1, 2025, at Gunn Park, Shelter House No. 6. A private burial will take place at a later date at the Oak Grove Cemetery. Services are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Linda Caroline Defebaugh, age 80, resident of Nevada, MO died Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center.  She was born June 28, 1944, in Fort Scott, KS the daughter of Wilbur and Hattie Frances Leonard.  Linda married the love of her life, Glen A. Defebaugh, on September 3, 1961, in Fort Scott.  He preceded her in death on January 17, 2019.  She lovingly supported Glen through his college studies to become a chiropractor.  Upon establishing his practice in Fort Scott, they worked together for 35 years until retirement.

Linda was always supporting her kids and grandkids with all their activities.  She loved cooking for them, especially her meatballs and pies.

She enjoyed playing cards, mowing the grass, driving to destinations and the casino on occasion.  Linda always had a project going, especially when Glen was away on a fishing trip.  She would constantly give items away if someone expressed a need.

Survivors include her five children, Teresa Ivey (John), Wichita, KS, Cheryl Eason (Curt), Eldorado Springs, MO, Brian Defebaugh (Shelby), Nevada, MO, David Defebaugh (Michelle), Fort Scott, KS, and Doug Defebaugh (Tonya), Fort Scott, KS; 3 sisters, Frances Brown, Shawnee, KS, Wanda Leonard, Pittsburg, KS, and Jeannie Wild, Broken Arrow, OK; 16 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Warren, Hubert, Edwin, and Larry Leonard; 4 sisters, infant Mary Leonard, Bernice Clame, Nadene Wurtz, and Wanita Monroe; and her parents.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct memorial services at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 8^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Interment will follow in the Deerfield Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to either St. Jude’s Hospital or Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Lisa Jayne Coyan, age 55, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. She was born January 2, 1970, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Gerald Beerbower and Jo Ann McCracken. Lisa married Timothy L. Coyan on August 3, 2011, at Ft. Scott.

Lisa had worked as a cook at various restaurants and had also worked in housekeeping at the Ft. Scott Inn. Lisa enjoyed art and graphic design. She was also an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Survivors include her husband, Tim, of Ft. Scott; three sons, Kenny Withers, William Hubbard and Jason Hubbard and special neighbors, Aaron and Andy Cowlishaw. Also surviving are five brothers, Scott Beerbower, Christopher Thurston, Dearl Stufflebeam, Flint Roufs and Aaron Roufs and two sisters, Chanel Thrush and Jeanette Sisseck.

Lisa was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald Beerbower and Jo Ann Roufs.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Lisa Coyan 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.

Alva Leroy Snyder, 89, resident of Bronson, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Labette Health Center in Parsons, Kansas. He was born August 23, 1935, in Harding, Kansas, the son of George Franklin Snyder and Mary Elizabeth (Townsend) Snyder. He married Marjorie Marilyn Schwartz on April 4, 1958, in Fulton, Kansas, and she preceded him in death January 5, 2005.

Ale graduated from Fulton High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 until 1960. He worked at Leroy Robinson Farms in Garden City as well as feed lots, and prior to Garden City, worked for Richard Clarkson operating a bulldozer. He also farmed for Delbert Campbell in Friend, Kansas, and bulldozed for Charles Brohan. Alva was a truck driver in both Scott City and Hesston, Kansas. He moved to Bronson in 1998 and worked for WalMart.

Alva is survived by his children; Roger Snyder and wife Connie, of Chelsea, Oklahoma, Michael Snyder and wife Trisha, of Independence, Kansas; six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Mary, he was also preceded in death by his son, Gale Snyder, his sister, Mary “Sug” Beckford, and two brothers, John Snyder and George “June” Snyder.

Rev. Chuck Russell will officiate graveside services at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Mapleton Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Goldie Marie Weyant Arndt, age 94, a resident of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute, Kansas.  She was born April 27, 1930, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Willis William Wells and Goldie Belle Weston Wells.

Goldie was raised in the Uniontown area and graduated from the Uniontown High School.  She married Miles Weyant on December 25, 1948.  Together they had five children, Jim, Brad, Chuck, Mary and Matt.

Goldie loved to cook.  She owned and operated her own restaurant, Goldie’s Place, located on the north side of the square in Uniontown, for many years.  During this time, she made countless pies and was often called on to cater the annual Thanksgiving dinner for the employees of Bourbon County.

Goldie’s husband, Miles, preceded her in death on December 13, 1993.  She later married Larry Arndt on October 4, 2003.  They enjoyed several happy years together until his death in 2015.

Goldie was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her three children, Chuck Weyant (Donna) of Bronson, Kansas, Mary Beerbower (Alvin) of Uniontown, Kansas and Matt Weyant also of Uniontown and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother, Richard Wells (Sharon) of Poteau, Oklahoma.

In addition to her husbands, Goldie was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Jim and Brad Weyant, three grandsons, Clayton Michael Weyant, Brandon Weyant and Tony Weyant, a granddaughter, Melanie Beerbower and a sister, Una Wells.

Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct a memorial service at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, February 1^st at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown.

Private burial will take place at a later date at the Uniontown Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the First Missionary Baptist Church 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.

George Edward Montgomery, Jr., 81, of Fort Scott, went to meet the Lord on Wednesday evening, December 11, 2024, in Kansas City at KU Medical Center.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Yancey Burgess at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home

. Following cremation, interment is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. January 31, 2025, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery with Military Honors presented by the US Navy. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

David Wayne “Tiny” Watkins, age 77, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, at the Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.  He was born February 25, 1947, in Ft. Scott, the son of William Wayne Watkins and Edna Mae “Cricket” Kells Watkins.

David graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.  He married Teresa Horton on September 23, 1967.  Because his family owned the ambulance service in Ft. Scott, he was naturally drawn to a career in health care.  He helped operate the ambulance service in both Bourbon and Crawford counties.  He later graduated from Ft. Scott Community College and became a registered nurse.  He worked as a nurse at Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott and also as a nurse at both the Nevada Regional Medical Center and Heartland Hospital in Nevada, Missouri.  Dave finished his nursing career as a traveling nurse where he served at several other area hospitals.

Dave loved music and had played the drums in several local bands.  He and Teresa enjoyed taking trips to Branson to attend the music shows.  Many other memories were made on the many family vacations the family was able to take.

Survivors include his wife, Teresa, of the home; five children, Alicia Watkins, David Watkins (Alisha), Tracy Watkins and Scott Watkins all of Ft. Scott and Billy Watkins of Deerfield, Missouri.  Also surviving are seventeen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Cricket Watkins, a daughter-in-law, Amy Watkins and a sister, Cathy Killion.

Rev. James Brackett will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Monday, January 27^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 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.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Marie Tennison, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and wife. Patricia’s strength, passion, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Patricia is survived by her husband Kevin. Her children Chris (Angie) Grado, Melissa (Jeremy) Briggs, Kelly (Joe) Schaub, Stacy (Bryan) Bishop, Donnie (Carina) Hampton. Her beloved grandchildren Kaitlyn, Madison (Josh), Dylan, Jenna, Dominik, Dawson, Aayla, Elsa, Kynlee, Isaak, Mason, Jaxen, Ryker, Jase, Kyndal, Kaia, Lucas, Knoxlee, Logan. Her sweet great grandchildren Kingston, Hendrix, Ramsey, Slater.

And her siblings Jesse (Janet), Loretta (Rick), Paul (Tanna), Carol, Melchor (Connie), Nancy (Ernesto), Stephanie (Raymond) and many loved nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death her Mother, Father, her sister Mary Anne Grado and first husband Larry Hampton.

Patricia known as Mimi and Grandma Patty loved Disney including all things Mickey and Minnie. She was known for loving to collect things. She adored her grandchildren and spent as much time as she could loving and caring for them. She and Kevin (Papa) would do anything they could to provide and ensure the best for their grandbabies. She was the best Mimi ever. She was a devoted believer in Christ and prayed for her children and grandchildren always.

Patricia’s legacy of love, kindness, and joy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She leaves behind a family who adored her and will continue to honor her memory by cherishing the values she held dear.

Rest in peace, Patricia. You will be forever missed and always remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 25^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel with Robert and Kathy Clark officiating.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Patricia Tennison 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.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Marie Tennison, a beloved mother, grandmother, and wife. Patricia’s strength, passion, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Patricia is survived by her husband Kevin. Her children Chris (Angie) Grado, Melissa (Jeremy) Briggs, Kelly (Joe) Schaub, Stacy (Bryan) Bishop, Donnie (Carina) Hampton. Her beloved grandchildren Kaitlyn, Madison (Josh), Dylan, Jenna, Dominik, Dawson, Aayla, Elsa, Kynlee, Isaak, Mason, Jaxen, Ryker, Jase, Kyndal, Kaia, Lucas, Knoxlee, Lucas, Logan. Her sweet great grandchildren Kingston, Hendrix, Ramsey, Slater.

And her siblings Jesse (Janet), Loretta (Rick), Paul (Tanna), Carol, Melchor (Connie), Nancy (Ernesto), Stephanie (Raymond) and many loved nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death her Mother, Father, her sister Mary Ann Grado and first husband Larry Hampton.

Patricia loved Disney including all things Mickey and Minnie. She was known for loving to collect things.

She adored her grandchildren and spent as much time as she could loving and caring for them. She and Kevin would do anything they could to provide and ensure the best for their grandbabies. She was a devoted believer in Christ and prayed for her children and grandchildren always.

Patricia’s legacy of love, kindness, and joy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She leaves behind a family who adored her and will continue to honor her memory by cherishing the values she held dear.

Rest in peace, Patricia. You will be forever missed and always remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 25^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel with Robert and Kathy Clark officiating.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Patricia Tennison 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.