Billy J. “Bill” Shepard, age 82, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died early Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at his home.  He was born on January 22, 1941, in Parsons, KS, the son of William Harvey Shepard and Daisy Bell Blackburn Shepard.  Bill was raised in Parsons and graduated from Altamont High School.

He worked for Precision Products in Parsons for 25 years.  After moving to Fort Scott, he worked for Extrusions Products until he had to leave due to health.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, working with wood, and bingo.  Bill married Kay Knight and to this union were born two daughters, Rhonda Joellen Rundle and husband Lenis, Carterville, MO, and Kristen Kaye Reel and husband Darin, Altamont, KS.

They later divorced.  He married Virginia (Ginny) Elbrader on May 10, 1990, in Fort Scott.

In addition to his wife Virginia, Bill is survived by his daughters; 5 grandchildren, Audry Enochs, Ashley Rundle, Shelby Farmer, Kyle Reel, and Meagan Genton; 5 great-grandchildren, Conor, Tahlia, Brook, Rylan, and Jaxson.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers Charles, Lloyd, and Wayne Shepard, 5 sisters, Virginia (Jupe) Walters, Ruby Walters, Bonnie Dack, Donna McElroy, and infant Erma Shepard.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, October 23^rd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Mt. Orum Cemetery.

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

Memorials are suggested to either Care to Share or Paws and Claws 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Leann Polen, of Carrollton, Missouri, and formerly of Fort Scott, Kansas, completed her life journey at her home at 5:07 p.m., Monday, October 9, 2023, with her loving family surrounding her.

She graced us with her presence for fifty-seven years, three months, and one day.

On July 8, 1966, in Fort Scott, Kansas, Robert Dale and Wilma Christine (Bussell) Shores welcomed their youngest daughter Dorthy Leann. She joined a brother, Rick, and a sister, Janet.

Leann enjoyed school, especially cheerleading, and was an avid tennis player. She graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1984 while obtaining her Associate of Arts degree from Fort Scott Community College and her Bachelor in Sociology from Baker University. While attending Baker University, she met the love of her life, Ben. They began dating in February 1987 and felt instantly connected; by April, they were head over heels in love, felt their courtship was lifelong, and became engaged. A few months later, on August 1, 1987, they were united in marriage in Fort Scott, Kansas, and to this union were born three sons, Dallas, Spencer, and Benjamin “Luke.” They spent their honeymoon at the family cabin in Minnesota, and for the next thirty-six years, they made many lasting memories and an everlasting legacy.

Before the boys were grown, Leann was a social worker with the Missouri Division of Family Services. She spent the rest of her life as a homemaker, wife, and mother to their three boys. She was perfectly made to be a mother of three sons, remaining diligent yet firm but always showing them support and unconditional love. She was connected in the community and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, the prestigious Carrollton Women’s Club, and Carrollton Kiwanis Club. She served on the Carroll County Arts Association and Carrollton YMCA boards.

She also served as a board member for the Hale School District, Carrollton School District and Carroll County Trust Company.

Leann was a genuine and classy lady who loved life. She understood how every day was a gift, by the age of ten when she had a life-threatening brain abscess that left top neurologists with only the choice of performing an experimental surgery to save her life. She knew that she had a purpose and persevered to live her life to the fullest.

Her passion was playing and coaching tennis, beginning as a high school freshman and playing through her college time at Baker University. After relocating to Carroll County, she began coaching tennis privately at the YMCA, later coaching at Chillicothe High School and Carrollton High Schools, leading a team to the state level and placing fourth in Missouri.

Anyone who met Leann would soon know she was a diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan, including her son’s friends, who were always welcome in their home but were aware that she could transition effortlessly when the Kansas City Chiefs were playing.

Her two favorite things in life were the Kansas City Chiefs and Diet Coke. Leann especially loved the water, preferably the beach, but she enjoyed soaking up the sunshine in her pool at home. Her favorite place is Rendezvous Beach in the British West Indies in Anguilla. Ben and the boys preferred the family cabin in Minnesota, and Leann, because of her love for Ben and the boys, adapted and began to appreciate the lake and woods; she enjoyed their family cabin trips.

The highlight of her life was becoming a grandmother, “Gigi”; she quickly slid into the role and made it look seamless. Her grandbabies were the sunshine she required, and she loved them so dearly.

Leann is survived by her parents, Robert and Wilma Shores of Fort Scott, Kansas; her loving and devoted husband, Benjamin Polen, of the home; three children, Dallas R. Polen of Carrollton, Spencer J. Polen (Jessica Smith) of Carrollton, Benjamin Luke Polen (McKayla) of Lee’s Summit; a brother, Rick Shores (Linda) of Texarkana, Texas; a sister, Janet Fancher (Reggie) of Fort Scott, Kansas; two grandchildren, Savannah Leann Polen and Benjamin Reid Polen.

She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, D. Allen Polen; mother-in-law, Emmalie “Emmie” Caroline Polen-Cowherd; uncle, Richard (Dick) Shores; and cousin, Heidi Shores.

There will be a visitation to embrace the incredible life of Leann and for family and friends to join and share in their memories on Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Foster Funeral Chapels, Carrollton, Missouri.

A funeral service will commence at Carrollton United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 20, 2023, with Rev. Poese Vatikani officiating.

If you are considering a memorial contribution in memory of Leann, they are humbly suggested to the United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund or Carrollton High School Tennis Team.

Foster Funeral Chapels, Carrollton, Missouri. Online Condolences may be left for the family on our website,www.fosterfuneralchapels.com, or connect with them on our business Facebook page: Foster Family Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services, LLC.

Carma Jean Tucker, age 63, of Fort Scott, Kansas, died early Saturday, October 14, 2023, after a long battle with breast cancer.

Carma was born on September 4, 1960, in Gravette, Arkansas, to Rev. James David and Betty Jean Bergen Tucker, the fourth of six children.

As a pastor’s kid, Carma attended school in Gravette, Arkansas, El Monte, California, and Fort Scott, Kansas, where she graduated from Fort Scott Christian Heights. She was employed as a waitress at Flanner’s Owl Roost, and in the meat department of grocery stores in Gravette and Miami, Oklahoma. She retired from R&R Solutions in Gravette, when she moved to Fort Scott to care for her parents as their health declined. She lovingly cared for her father until his death in 2021, and cared for her mother until Carma’s own health rapidly declined in recent weeks.

Carma loved her home on the family land in Arkansas, where she enjoyed tending to her chickens and flowers. She loved nature, and was always collecting items to decorate her home and gardens. She enjoyed Southern Gospel music, and her family finds great comfort in knowing that she had accepted Christ as her Savior.

Carma fiercely loved her friends and family, but her greatest joy was found in her four sons: Landon (Nancy) Simons, and Jayce Simons all of Fort Scott; Dakota Simons of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Tucker “TJ” Grigsby of Saint Petersburg, Florida, and her beloved grandchildren: Kinsey and Hunter Simons, and Sydney Cullison.

Carma is also survived by her mother, Betty Jean Tucker, brothers Roger (Genie) Tucker, Mark (Brenda) Tucker, Joe (Belinda) Tucker, sister Kerri (Kirk) Bland, and sister-in-law Carolyn Tucker. She was proceeded in death by her father, Rev. James David Tucker, and a brother, Jimmy Tucker. Carma is also survived by a host of loved ones from her large family, and many friends who became a second family, especially her co-workers at R&R Solutions.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 20, 2023, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday 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, PO Box 347, Fort Scott, KS. 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Jean Ann Reeves, age 80, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Thursday, October 12, 2023, at St. Luke’s East Hospital, Lee’s Summit, MO.  Services will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St.

Karen K. Keen, age 81, a resident of Overland Park, KS, passed away at the St. Luke’s Hospice House, Kansas City, October 3, 2023, comforted by her son Jeff and daughter-in-law Lilie Hall.

Karen was born in Calhoun, MO, April 26, 1942, to Dorthy Beryl Rushing and Paul Leaford Savage. The family later moved to Fort Scott where she met her husband, Gary Hall. Gary’s service in the Navy took them to various duty stations and travel overseas where she developed her love of traveling. She later owned her own travel agency, International Tours, in Tahlequah, OK. After moving back to Overland Park, she continued organizing cruises for friends and family.

Karen is survived by sons Jeff Hall (wife Lilie), Mitch Hall (wife Kella), stepchildren Heather Aaron (husband Greg), Ralph Keen (wife Teresa), Taylor Keen (wife Jennifer), Emerald Sheridan (husband Louie), 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of which she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by 3 husbands, her sister, parents and stepsons Gary Aaron and John Keen.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct memorial services at 11:30 AM Thursday, October 12^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until service time Thursday morning at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the St. Luke’s Foundation 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Karen Kay Keen, age 81, resident of Overland Park, KS, died Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at the St. Luke’s Hospice House, Kansas City, MO.  Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct memorial services at 11:30 AM Thursday, October 12^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until service time Thursday morning at the funeral home.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Linda L. Metcalf, age 74, of Ft. Scott, passed away, Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at her home. She was born December 27, 1948, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Albert S. Cox, Sr. and Rosalie Smith Cox. She graduated from Ft. Scott High School in 1966. Linda married Alvin W. Metcalf on November 10, 1964, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Linda worked for Key Industries before retiring from the State of Kansas SRS.

Linda enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to travel, enjoyed watching the Great British Bake-Off and Father Brown as well as caring for her many animals.

Linda is survived by a son; Clint Metcalf (Taira), Lawrence, KS. a daughter, Kristen Metcalf, Denver, CO; five grandchildren, Joseph Berkey, Keenan and Halle Gregory, and Amelia and Landon Metcalf; four great-grandchildren, Emerald, Etain, Eislinn, and Lydia Berkey; two brothers, Bill Cox ( Kelly), Ft. Scott, KS. and Robert Cox, Murphysboro, IL., three sisters, Vicki Parsons, Pittsburg, KS. Teresa Ahmadi (Reza), Houston, TX. and Cindy Larsen (Dan), Ft. Scott, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two grandsons, Kyle and Ian; a brother, Sonny Cox; two sisters, Jean Schroder and Sharon Baucom; and her beloved husband, Alvin W. Metcalf.

There was cremation.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct graveside services at 11:00 AM Friday, October 6, at the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:00 AM until leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 AM.

Memorial contributions are suggested to  Lees Paws and Claws and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Danny Maurice Fewell, age 58, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Monday, October 2, 2023, at the Pittsburg Care & Rehab Center in Pittsburg, Kansas.  He was born January 29, 1965, in Ft. Scott, the son of Charles Eugene Fewell and Katherine Lee Nelson.  Danny grew up in Ft. Scott and graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1983.  He served for six years with the Kansas Army National Guard.  Over the years, Danny had worked at Mid-Continental Restoration, Valu Merchandisers and Key Industries until ill health forced his retirement.  Danny loved football and was an avid fan of the San Francisco ‘49ers.  Danny never missed his sons’ football games or wrestling matches.

Survivors include his two sons, Zarek McKhale Fewell of Salina, Kansas and Cayman Lee Fewell of Ft. Scott.  Also surviving are his mother, Katherine Hopkins of Ft. Scott, his father, Charles Fewell of Springfield, Missouri, two brothers, Shawn Brown and Brent Fewell and a sister, Becky Brown, as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Rev. Earis B. Hopkins, Sr.

Rev. George Proctor will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 10^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association or 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.

On September 27^th, 2023, Leola “Tilli” Mae Miller, age 78, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, moved from the Earth to Heaven while at home after a long and difficult illness.  She was surrounded by her family at the time of passing, knowing and feeling the love from each.

Tilli was born on May 21^st, 1945, to Theo Melvin Thomas and Ida Louis Hanson in Fort Scott, Kansas.  She grew up in the Hiattville area, attending grade school in Hiattville, Kansas, high school in Fort Scott, Kansas and eventually received an Associate of Arts degree from Fort Scott Community College, graduating with honors.  This was accomplished while raising her four children, maintaining a job and being a housewife…she was a busy lady.

Although small in stature, she was strong and held the world on her shoulders several times throughout her life, always able to move forward.

She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, all of whom understood their importance to her in her life.  Through hard times and wonderful times, she was able to raise her family and was very proud of her achievements.

She was highly intelligent, quick witted, and sometimes sharp with the tongue and quick with the switch, but she was the rock for her family…always prepared to support them, in any manner they needed.

In most photos she can be seen smiling or talking, she loved to do both.  She loved life and lived it – too many memories and stories to tell.  She had a passion for any and all animals, country life, and the outdoors.  She was an amazing cook and loved to cook for her large family and review recipes in her library of cookbooks and should be considered the Pie Queen of Fort Scott.

She was, and always will be, admired and looked up to with love and appreciation.  She will be missed greatly.

Her work effort was realized and admired throughout her life, most notable was employment with Nuss and Farmer Law firm in Fort Scott, the United States Postal service, and finally Mid-Continental Restoration from which she retired.

Although her married life was difficult, she finally met the love of her life, Gordon Lee Miller.  They married in Littlefield, Texas on February 5^th, 1993.  Upon his retirement, they returned to rural Redfield, Kansas to live.  He preceded her in death in 2007.

She is survived by a daughter, Trisa Diane Bolden of Fort Scott, three sons – Steven R. Mason and wife Kendell of Fort Scott; Kenneth (Mike) Mason and wife Jennifer of Uniontown, Kansas; Mitchell D. (Mason) Welch of Redfield, Kansas and a stepson, Mitch Miller.  Surviving grandchildren are Candace Dietrich and husband Aaron, Tiffany Garrison and husband Chris, Blake Bolden (Cheyanne), Alex Mason and wife Holli, Ashton Nobles and spouse Sydney, Zach Mason and wife Megan, Jordan Mason, Paige Mason, Morgan Gonzales (Tim) and Augustus (Gus) Welch. Her family also consisted of 13 great-grandchildren, Adrianna, Mae, Ireland, Mya, Gwinevere, Lucy, Gunner, Markala, Paxton, Rory, Parker, Owen, and Ryan.

She was preceded in death by her parents Theo Melvin Thomas and Ida Louis (Hanson) Thomas, a brother James Thomas, and a grandson, Jacob Welch.

Funeral services will be conducted at the Cheney Witt Chapel at 10:30 AM Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM until service time.

Burial will be at a later date.

Memorials in her name are suggested to Paws and Claws in Scott and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, PO Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Vickie Rae Marsh, age 70, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott.

She was born January 12, 1953, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Clark D. “Red” Holt and Jean Feagins.  Vickie Graduated from the Bronaugh High School.  She married Terry Marsh on March 8, 1990, at Ft. Scott.  Vickie had worked as an outreach worker for Head Start program and later as a bus driver for the Ft. Scott USD #234 School District.

In her younger days, Vickie enjoyed pitching for the women’s fast pitch league and also bowling.  Vickie enjoyed hunting for treasures at garage sales and going on her yearly Christmas shopping spree with the girls.  She enjoyed attending arts and crafts festivals and creating crafts of her own.

When health permitted, Vickie rarely missed one of her grandchildren’s sporting events.  Quiet times were spent doing crossword puzzles.

She was a member of the Community of Christ Church.

Survivors include her husband, Terry, of the home; her daughter, Karri Stumfoll (Troy) and her son, John Hawkins (Michelle) all of Ft. Scott; six grandchildren, Allie Hawkins of Ft. Scott, Reba Montgomery of Titusville, Florida; Derek Stumfoll of Nevada; Troy R. Stumfoll (Heather), Libby Stumfoll (Josh) and Ciara Stumfoll all of Ft. Scott and five great-grandchildren, Kolson, Aiyanna, Easton, Harley and Tyson.  Also surviving are her parents, Dale and Jean Wheeler of Ft. Scott and siblings, Robert Holt (Terrie) of Cañon City, Colorado; JR Wheeler (Rocky) of Ballard, Missouri; Renae Russell (Rock) of Denver, Colorado and Deanna Snow (Frank) of Pleasanton, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Vickie was preceded in death by her father, Red Holt and two sisters, Sherrie Diane and Jeanine.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 3^rd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Following services, there will be cremation and a private burial will take place at a later date in the Centerville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 5 to 7 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