Mary Irene “Sug” Beckford, 90, formerly of Fulton, Ks. passed away Thursday morning, December 23, 2021 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas. Funeral arrangements for Mary “Sug” Beckford are incomplete and will be announced later by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Category Archives: Obituary
Obituary of Harold West
Harold A. West, age 79, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, passed away Wednesday, December 15, 2021, as the result of an automobile accident.
He was born August 30, 1942, in Ft. Scott, the son of Homer and Bessie West.
Harold proudly served our country in the Army in Vietnam.
He was an avid bowler in his younger years and could play pinocle for hours. His favorite board game was Wahoo where he told everyone their best play then moved their marble for them.
He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, junking, and working on small engines.
He loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Harold retired from Extrusions after working many years.
He didn’t know a stranger and was always willing to help friends and family.
He will be missed by many.
Survivors include his wife Jolene of 59 years; two sons, Harold Allen West(Shaun), and John West (Susan); a daughter, Cindy Brubaker (Troy); two sisters, Hazel Spielman and Cheryl West; grandchildren Christina West, Kylee Thomas, Jordan West, Jayden West, Bryon West, Angel Brazeal (Patrick), Joshua West, Brandon West, Aaron West, and Anthony Bauder (Mia); as well as great grandchildren, Nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Carl West, and Ron Lee West; two sisters, Hester Forrester, and Joan Bailey; and a daughter Kay Ratzlaff.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 23rd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Honor Guard.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the V.F.W. Post #1165 and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Wesley Dean Woellhof
Wesley Dean Woellhof, age 64, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, December 16, 2021, at his home following a battle with cancer. He was born August 3, 1957, in Emporia, Kansas, the son of Paul Lester Woellhof and Elinor M. Titus Woellhof.
Wes graduated from the Clay Center High School and later from Ft. Scott Community College with his Associates in Accounting.
In earlier years, Wes served as an undersheriff for the Cloud County Sheriff’s Department. He later received training as an EMT and helped organize the first ambulance service in Clay Center.
He married Mary Golden on June 15, 1978, at Ft. Scott. Wes later worked as an accountant and office manager for several area business including Comstock Lumber, Darrell Winter Construction, Flanner’s Owl Roost and Woellhof Electric.
He enjoyed spending time outdoors, camping and hiking, and had a love for nature and all animals. He especially enjoyed time spent with his children and grandchildren. He attended the Parkway Church of God (Holiness).
Survivors include his wife, Mary, of the home; three children, Cara Woellhof of Los Angeles, California, Rita Peck and husband, Brandon, of Ft. Scott and Edwin Woellhof and wife, Beckie, also of Ft. Scott and five grandchildren, Joshua, Abigail, Hannah and Lydia Woellhof and Rory Peck with another Peck granddaughter due in April. Also surviving are a brother, Paul J. Woellhof and wife, Carol, of San Antonio, Texas and a sister, Charlotte Mattson and husband, Eddie, of Quincy, Washington and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Rev. Bill Smith will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, December 21st at the Parkway Church of God (Holiness).
Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Monday evening at the Parkway Church.
Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Christian Heights 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.
Obituary of Rachel Hall
Rachel Marie Hall, age 52, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, December 16, 2021, at her home. She was born June 17, 1969, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Harvey Wayne Hall and Barbara Louise Taylor Hall. Rachel enjoyed listening to music and spending time with her family and friends. She was also a great fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. Rachel will be remembered for her fantastic fried chicken.
Survivors include her three children, Brandon Hall (Jodi Clayton), Jacklyn Colvin (Micah Davis) and Kenny Meek (Brandy Meek) all of Ft. Scott and nine grandchildren, Nevaeh Davis, Josephine Davis, Cora Davis, Katie Meek, Erica Grewing, Kylie Higgins, Elizabeth Higgins, Jason Johnson and Ashlin Williams and a great-grandson, Malachi Chamberlin. Also surviving are her mother, Barbara Underwood, of Ft. Scott; and three sisters, Tammy Underwood, of Garland, Kansas, Linda Wiggans and Cheryl Hawkins, both of Ft. Scott, numerous nieces and nephews and a special friend, Don Shorter.
Rev. Kevin Moyes will conduct funeral services at 1:00 P.M. Monday, December 20th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Following services, there will be cremation.
The family will receive friends on Monday from Noon until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Rachel Hall 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.
Obituary of James Brett Dawson
James Brett Dawson, age 65, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, December 13, 2021, at Advent Health in Shawnee Mission, KS. He was born January 9, 1956, in Kansas City, KS, the son of James “Jim” and Patricia Placke Dawson.
Brett enjoyed the Old West. He studied the history, did reenactments with the Border Creek Raiders, and acted in documentaries, movies, and a commercial. He met many interesting people in the industry. Brett recently found his passion in life teaching woodshop for Iola High School and CTE Construction for Neosho Community College.
He had a soft heart for all animals, especially horses. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, often playing pranks on them. Brett was a man of God willing to help anyone in need.
Survivors include his wife Debra of the home; 7 children, Amy Welch (Scott), Matt Dawson, Shawna Ivy (Milton), Hali Dawson, Brande Molina (Aaron), Victoria Wright, and Shelbi Neel; 15 grandchildren, Kalli, Kooper, Kinley, Karly, Dayton, Broc, Elisha, Alexis, Cameron, Arianna, Josie, JayJay, Jaymi, Kyng, and Kilo; a brother, Jeff Dawson; and a sister, Terri Diaz.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kalli Welch, a bother-in-law, Chris Wright, and his parents.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Friday Evening, December 17th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 Sunday afternoon January 9th, at the First Baptist Church in Mound City, KS.
Memorials are suggested to the Brett Dawson Scholarship Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Susan Chandonnet
Susan Denise Graham Chandonnet, age 66, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, December 11, 2021, at her home. She was born August 25, 1955, in Gardner, Kansas, the daughter of Elbert Ray Graham and Charlotte Lorraine Hixson Graham.
Sue married Rick Chandonnet. They later divorced.
Throughout the years, Sue had worked as a waitress at various Ft. Scott restaurants.
Survivors include her son, Tristan Chandonnet, of Huntsville, Texas; her sister, Kimberly Burkett (Jessie); and three brothers, Fred Graham, Tom Graham (Peggy) and Rick Graham.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
There was cremation. Private memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Sue Chandonnet Memorial Fund and may be left inc are 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.
Obituary of Scott Ehnes
Scott Lee Ehnes, of Stover, Missouri passed away Sunday morning, December 5, 2021, at the home of his aunt Jane Lacy, in Lathrop, Missouri. He was born July 8, 1960, in Cheyenne, Wyoming the son of Steven and Shirley Allene (Steely) Ehnes.
Scott served in the U.S. Army from 1977 until 1979. He worked as an industrial welder.
In addition to his aunt Jane, Scott is survived by his three sons, Scott, Jeremy, and Andrew; two sisters, Sharon Ann Wingert of Golden City, Missouri, and Susan Lucy Wilske, of Olathe, Kansas, and two brothers, Steven Lawrence Ehnes, and Stanley “Nick” Ehnes, both of Lebanon, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his step-father, Dennis Wright.
Rev. Ken Ansell will conduct graveside services at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Military Honors will be presented by the US Army Funeral Honors Detail, Fort Riley, Kansas. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Obituary of Virginia Durbin
Virginia Ellen Durbin, age 77, a resident of Fulton, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at her home.
She was born on the old Yonker place south of Hume, Missouri, on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1944, the daughter of Hirchel Sullivan and Wilma Ford Sullivan. Virginia graduated from Hume High School with the Class of 1962.
Virginia, the little girl from the sticks, married her best friend, Jesse Lee Durbin on June 2, 1962, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fulton. Together they had six children.
Virginia spent most of her life doing what she loved, taking care of and nurturing children. Several have mentioned that she was the best babysitter ever. In addition, she and Jesse welcomed numerous foster children into their home.
Virginia was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Scott. She also served on the Fulton Community Center Board.
Survivors include her husband, Jesse, of the home in Fulton; a daughter, Elena Durbin of Fulton, Kansas and four sons, Jesse Durbin (Janice), of Hume, Missouri, Doug Durbin of Kansas City, Ray Durbin (Maria) of Panama and Harold Durbin of Boston, Massachusetts; twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Karen Irwin (Everett) of Hume, Missouri and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a son, Joe Durbin and her parents.
Father Yancey Burgess will conduct Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. Thursday at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Ft. Scott. Burial will follow in the St. Michael’s Cemetery at Fulton.
The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
The Rosary will be recited at 7:30 P.M. Memorials are suggested to Integrity 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.
Obituary of Ruby Hixon
Ruby D. Hixon (86) recently of Franklin, TN peacefully departed this world on November 30, 2021. She was born Ruby Drucilla Bowen to James Andrew and Bertha Marie on March 29, 1935, in Deerfield, MO. She was married to William K. (Bill) Hixon on August 30, 1952. The Bill and Ruby team became true entrepreneurs who cultivated several successful businesses, the most notable being Style Rite Furniture. They purchased a failing furniture store in Aurora, CO and with their business acumen, hard work, and determination, built it into a prosperous enterprise. But they were both from the heartland and decided that Fort Scott was where they wanted to raise their sons. So, in 1968, they bought a dilapidated barn on the south side of town and converted it into what we all knew as the Furniture Barn. After a couple more decades in business at that location, they retired and enjoyed several years of traveling the country in their motorhome. But their hometown, Fort Scott, again called to them and they settled once again on Lake Fort Scott. Then Bill’s love for the Rocky Mountains drew them to find homes in the mountains but Ruby’s love of warm weather and golf sent them to Bella Vista, AR. Ruby lost her beloved husband of 55 years in 2007 and had difficulty finding her “forever” home until moving to the Nashville, TN area to be near her middle son, Mitch, and daughter-in-law, Lyn who lovingly watched over her until her passing.
Ruby is survived by her sons Mark (Mary Misasi), Mitch (Lyn Eshelbrenner), and Mike (Sherri Ruby), five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and her sister, Emma Frederick of Bella Vista, AR.
A celebration of her life will be held on December 17, 2021, at the Cheney Witt Funeral Home in Fort Scott, KS. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM with a memorial service from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM. The family will attend a gravesite service at the Fort Scott National Cemetery where Ruby will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Bill. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to one of Ruby’s favorite causes: macular degeneration disease research. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Elijah Miles
Elijah Dean Miles, infant son of James Miles and Leeann Stone, was stillborn Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada, Missouri. In addition to his parents, he is survived by four sisters, Audrey, Briley, Calley and Daphnie; grandparents, Jolene Matkin (Ken), Debra Stone and Cindy Lawrencce and great-grandmothers, Elizabeth Hill and Jeroldene Ellifrits. Also surviving are numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Pastor Jeff Feagins will conduct a memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, December 6th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Elijah Miles 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 cheneywittcom.
Obituary of Angelina Tamez
Angelina Marie Tamez, age 16, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Monday, November 29, 2021.
She was born July 8, 2005, in San Antonio, TX, the daughter of CJ Robison and Joe Tamez, Jr. Angelina was greatly loved and cherished.
She was such a positive person for her many friends and family. She was full of dedication, motivation, and determination. If she said she was going to do something, you could count on her doing it with her best effort. She loved being active. She was a perfectionist and always tried to do her absolute best at everything she did.
Angelina was the kindest, sweetest soul and touched everyone’s heart wherever she went. On the other hand, she was quite the prankster. When she loved, she loved hard. Angelina will be missed by many.
Survivors include her mother CJ Robison (Charles); her father Jo Tamez, Jr. (Amanda); siblings Alayna Tamez, Nichol Vasquez, Elena Robison, Xavier Tamez, Jonathon Tamez, Josh Vincent, and AJ Vincent; grandmothers, Cindy Divorne and Juanita Campbell; grandfather, Joe Tamez; the love of her life Cody Geiger; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by a brother, (Junior) Shawn Arwin Vincent; and grandfathers Shahn Divorne and John Campbell.
Matthew Wells will conduct services at 10:30 AM Saturday, December 4th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Friday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Angelina Tamez Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Mary Bell (Isabel) Tallman
Mary Bell (Isabel) Tallman, 93, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away November 24, 2021, at her home in Scottsdale,
Arizona. She was born April 9, 1928, in St. Paul, Kansas. She married Harry “Charles” Tallman October 13, 1946, in Fort Scott, Kansas and he preceded her in death February 10, 1991.
She is survived by a daughter, Nancy Ann Burns of Scottsdale, Arizona, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents, and a daughter, Mary Kathleen Laven.
Rev. Ken Ansel will conduct graveside services at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 2, 2021, at the Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.