Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary of Deborah Parker

Deborah Kay Parker, 70, of Redfield, Kansas, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. She was born January 19, 1952, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Neil Benjamin and Anna Mae (Powell) Smith. She married Ronald Dean Parker on April 18, 1971, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and he survives of the home.

Deborah graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1970.

In addition to her husband Ronald, Debra is also survived by her mother, Anna Smith, of Fort Scott; her children, Jeff Parker and Kim of Norfolk, Virginia, Kimberly Phillips and Adam of Fort Scott, and Beth Blankenship and Jeremy, also of Fort Scott; eleven grandchildren, Marra, Gabe, Conner, Alyssa, Damion, Kenny, Jessica, Russell, Gabe, Keira, and Ben, and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Neil Smith.

Jeff Feagins will conduct funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 31, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association 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.

Obituary of Richard Petrechko

Richard Eugene “Rick” Petrechko, age 67, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Monday, January 24, 2002, at the Kansas City Hospice House after injuries he received in an accident at his home in November of last year.

He was born October 29, 1954, in Independence, Missouri, the son of Richard Petrechko and Berniece Pitts Petrechko. Rick was raised by his mother and step-father, John Buell. Rick graduated from Truman High School in Independence, Missouri. He was currently employed by Extrusions, Inc. in Ft. Scott.

Rick enjoyed fishing and barbecuing. He also enjoyed reading historical books and listening to music. He was an avid fan of the Rolling Stones and enjoyed going to many different concerts over the years.

Survivors include his children, Jessica Lynn Collins of New Jersey, Bradley Petrechko (Rosalina) of Ft. Scott, Rex Petrechko (Erin) of Florida and step-children, E. J. Willard of Nebraska and Vanessa Willard of Ft. Scott and eleven grandchildren. Also surviving are his mother, Berniece Buell of Ft. Scott and two sisters, Paula Hochstedler (Mike) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Karen Mix (Mike) of Ft. Scott.

He was preceded in death by his step-father, John Buell, step-brother, Steve Buell and longtime companion and best friend, Lynette Vann.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, January 27th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Mirza Transportation Fund or the Paws & Claws Animal Shelter and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Sister Mary Concetta Cardinale

Sister Mary Concetta Cardinale, RSM, 98, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away Friday, January 14, 2022, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born February 22, 1923, in Chanute, Kansas, the daughter of Angelo and Helen Louise (Blome) Cardinale.

A faithful Sister of Mercy for 77 years and nursing pioneer, Sister Concetta entered the Sisters of Mercy on April 9, 1945, and professed final vows on August 16, 1951. She received her Nursing Diploma from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Fort Scott, Kansas, a bachelor’s Nursing Degree from St. Mary’s College in Xavier, Kansas, and was certified by the American Nurses Association for Excellence in Community Nursing in 1979. She received her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Maryland.

Sister Concetta served as Nursing Supervisor at Mercy Hospital, Fort Scott, Kansas and Nursing Director of Home Health Agency at St. Elizabeth’s Mercy Hospital in Hutchinson, Kansas, Administrator and Director for Reno County, Community Health Instructor at Wichita State University, and Director of Senior Programs and Mercy Compassionate Care at Mercy Health Center in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Sister Concetta organized the Mercy Associate Program in Fort Scott, Kansas, and was very involved in civic activities. She was a woman dedicated to helping the disadvantaged and poor. When she retired in 2010, she demonstrated to all how to grow old gracefully by maintaining her pleasant personality and quick wit.

Sister Mary Concetta is survived by one sister, Diane Cardinale Healy, four nieces, nine nephews, and numerous great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings.

Father Yancey Burgess and Father Ned Blick will celebrate the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am, Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at Mary Queen Angels Catholic Church, Fort Scott, Kansas, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

The Obituary of James Gerteis

James “Jim” Edmund Gerties, age 77, of Fort Scott Kansas, passed away on January 13th, 2022.

Jim was born in Wichita Kansas on July 23, 1944, to Jeremiah and Florence Gerteis. He graduated from Wichita East High School (1962) and continued his education at Friends University in Wichita. He joined the Air Force, on October 11, 1966, serving in Germany as a radar technician, and was honorably discharged July 18, 1972.

Jim married Terry Renee Beasley on July 13, 1974. They were married for 47 loving years.

Jim owned and operated Advanced Electronics, fixing and installing household electronic appliances.

In 1989, Jim continued his career at Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott as a Bio-Med Technician for more than 25 years. He was responsible for keeping all medical technology operating.

Jim enjoyed singing in the men’s barbershop quartet and helping those in need with his skills/talents.

Most importantly, Jim was an active member of the Church of Christ. His life’s mission was to fulfill Paul’s command in Ephesians 5:1-2: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” He shared his love with all and taught the gospel to those who would listen, opening his home to many.

Jim is survived by his wife Terry Renee Gerteis; daughters Maresa Ledford (David) of Columbia, Tennessee, and Rachel Dial (Tim) of Topeka; grandson Joseph Ledford and granddaughters Cana and Camille Ledford, and Cameryn and Carsyn Dial; brothers Robert (Ann) Gerteis and Charles Gerteis; nephews Steve and Mark Gerteis. Jim was a brother, father, uncle, and grandfather to many, not by blood, but by the rare love he had in his heart for others.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM Friday, January 28 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow at The Fort Scott National Cemetery at 1:30.

Open visitation will be held before the service at 10:30.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Care to Share and 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 Charles Hull

Charles E. Hull, age 81, a resident of Ft Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 15, 2022, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. He was born November 28, 1940, in Ft. Scott, the son of James I. Hull and Ruby Terrill Hull.  Charles was a man of honor, integrity and dignity.  He lived his life loving his wife, children and grandchildren with all his heart and soul.  There was nothing his family needed that he didn’t make sure they had.  No one every went hungry or thirsty when he was around.  His love for chicken was known by all.  To most, he was a quiet force, not saying much but everybody listened when he spoke.  He was a man of steel, a Superman, the John Wayne of westerns, but his family called him Dad and Grandpa.  He was born a man but died an angel.
Survivors include his wife, Leta, of the home; four children, Charles, Jim, Jeff and Gina; fifteen grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren. Also surviving are four brothers, Robert, Earl, Harold, and Leland and a sister, Beulah.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Joe and two sisters, Virginia and Liz.
Private funeral services with burial in the Evergreen Cemetery will be held Monday, January 24th.  Friends are welcome to pay their respects during the week at the funeral home.  Cards and other expressions of sympathy may be left in care of the funeral home or submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.  Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Obituary of Violet Magee

Violet Marie (Nardelli) Magee, age 97, passed peacefully, surrounded by family and caregivers, at her home, in Baldwin, Kansas, on January 11, 2022. Violet was born in Gross, Kansas to Mario Nardelli and Johanna (Zanona) Nardelli, October, 6, 1924. She graduated from Arcadia High School in 1941, completed her teaching certificate at Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg and began her first job in a one room schoolhouse at St. Paul, Kansas, on the “island”.

Violet’s life spoke music, like a tapestry. It was woven through her journey and defined her being. Using voice lessons to learn the English dialect, it was discovered that she was blessed with being a quick learner. Violet was most notably a talented pianist who could embellish music and teach others, piano and voice.   So gifted, her instructor accompanied her to Chicago for a debut of her talent and a musical tour.  Earlier, she had rekindled a friendship with a schoolmate; a pilot returning from World War II, so she came home for her true love.   She was married to Raymond Edward Magee on June 20, 1948 at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Mulberry, Kansas, during a rainstorm. A tornado followed the ceremony, so the reception was held in the family basement by the light of church candles.

Violet and Raymond celebrated 52 years of marriage and “were proud and grateful for five children and were honored that God had entrusted them to be their parents.” They spoke of goodness and their actions showed care and kindness. Their home was filled with cappellettis, cinnamon rolls, pies, meatballs, and handmade breads that were available to family and anyone that needed a place for the holidays. There were piano students of all ages, often 30 a week, along with scout meetings, homemade dance costumes, student recitals, voice lessons, and choir practice for mass and weddings.

Music made the moment, making every occasion better, as Violet played at graduations, civic symphony, community choir, school plays, as well as participating and judging piano and voice competitions. She volunteered her time at St. Mary’s as a music teacher. As the organist at Mary Queen of Angel Catholic Church for fifty years, generations remember Midnight Mass and Easter. She played at many weddings as well as funerals. Hundreds of thank you cards lined her scrapbooks, recalling her contribution to their ceremonies. Music was a large part of her life, and she was thankful for the opportunity, but most importantly she credited God for her talent.

Violet was a friend, a neighbor, a teacher, and a mentor. Most importantly, she was a wife, a mother to 5 children, a grandmother to 14 grandchildren, a great-grandmother to 6 great-grandchildren, and a loving dog owner to her loyal O’Riley.

Violet was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond.

Survivor’s include one daughter, Sharon Magee-Minor and husband, James, of Baldwin, Kansas; four sons, Dr. Raymond Daniel Magee, and wife Connie, Topeka, Kansas, Dr. Lawrence Marion Magee and wife, Michelle, Lawrence, Kansas, Mark Edward Magee, and wife Cabrina, DeSoto, Kansas, and Dr. Shawn Michael Magee, and wife Shirley Dawn, Topeka, Kansas.

What a wonderful difference she made in the lives of many. “Always in our Hearts”

 Because the Funeral Mass is for family only, friends and neighbors may view Violet on Wednesday, January 19th thru Friday, January 21st, from 8:00 am until 7:00 pm at Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, Fort Scott, Kansas.

A private family service will be held at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, on January 22nd, 2022, where she was the organist for 50 years.

A private family graveside service will follow at Garden of Memories, Pittsburg, Kansas.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Violet may be made to Mary Queen of Angels Music Ministry or Engineering Scholarship at Kansas University, Raymond and Violet Magee. Memorials may be left in care of Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 West Wall, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary of Karen Stout

Karen Sue Stout, age 81, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at her son’s residence in Frontenac, KS.

She was born April 5, 1940, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Jack Willard Phillips and Kathryn Marie Williams Phillips.

She graduated from FSHS with the class of 1958. Karen married Robert Ray Stout on July 14, 1965, in Ft. Scott. He preceded her in death on August 23, 2019.

Karen worked for the Western Insurance Company in Ft. Scott. She later worked at the laundry mat where she enjoyed visiting with people.

She enjoyed flowers, fishing, dining at Max’s Way Station, reading the Tribune, and local sports. She was a fan of both the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. Karen was very interested in American Indian culture. She loved spending time with her family.

Karen was baptized in the Nazarene Church.

Survivors include a son, Steven Ray Stout and wife Courtney, Frontenac, KS; 5 grandchildren, Alexia Lang, Victoria Fortenberry, Kendra Stout, Joran Stout, and Garrison Stout; 11 great-grandchildren; and a niece, Jeannette Ramsay-Query.

Besides her husband, she was preceded by a brother, Kirk Phillips; a sister, Beverly Ramsey; stepmother Virginia Herre; aunt, Louise Bell; and her parents.

There was cremation.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until 1:15 PM Wednesday, January 19th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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

Services are under the direction 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 Lois Parks

Lois Marie (Duncan) Parks, age 93, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully at home on January 6th, 2022. Lois was born on September 17, 1928, to Richard and Alma Duncan. On December 1st, 1946, she married Floyd Donald Parks. They had one daughter, Clara (Parks) Dunn and one granddaughter, Hannah Dunn.

A life of 93 years made Lois witness so much change in the world. She grew up on the Duncan Farm near Cherry Grove Church. She worked at the Crown Drug Store as a young girl. As an adult she worked at the Western Insurance Company. Later she and Floyd owned Bruce Marble Granite until they sold it.

Woewoe or O-Woe, as she was affectionately known by her loved ones, loved spending time with her family and friends. She was known for her quick wit and contagious laugh and smile. She loved her “grand dogs” and enjoyed spending time with them. One of her favorite things was sneaking them snacks when no one was watching. She also enjoyed visiting the chickens at Hannah’s house. Lois lived life to the fullest and was always down for a game of bingo or a trip to the casino. She was also an avid fan of the Chiefs and Royals and never missed watching a game.

She is survived by her daughter, Clara Dunn; her favorite son-in-law, Mike Dunn, granddaughter, Hannah Dunn; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Parks; her parents Richard and Alma (Frye) Duncan; her sisters: Thelma Felt, Ruth Embry, and Faye Mabery; and her brother, Hurchel Duncan. Lois was the last of her Duncan generation.

The visitation will be held on Thursday evening, January 13, 2022, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home and there will be graveside services at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 14, 2022, at Memory Gardens.

The Family suggests memorial contributions to Care to Share or Fort Scott City Dog Pound.

Obituary of Robert Stone

Robert (Bob) Lee Stone passed away on January 7, 2022, in Overland Park, KS from Parkinson’s disease. Bob was born September 22, 1941, in Louisville, Kentucky to Robert Thomas and Elsie Burr Payne Stone. His siblings include twin sister Beverly Ann Stone Felton, and brother Stephen Bruce Stone.

 Bob graduated from Bartlett High School in Memphis, TN.  He continued his education at Northwest Mississippi Community College and Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Business Administration and Industrial Arts.

Inducted into the Army in May 1966, Bob served in Korea during the Vietnam War.   He was honorably discharged in May 1968

. He was married to Virginia Ann Vincent May 10, 1968, to August 1989.  They had twin sons, Robert Bryant, and Vincent Barrett. 

  On January 1,1996 he married Pamela Sue Vineyard.

 Bob spent the majority of his working career in the garment industry in various locations and finished his career with Key Industries in Fort Scott, KS.    

Bob loved Jesus and was active in the Baptist church in the various communities he lived as a Sunday School teacher, camp counselor, and participated in mission trips.   

He leaves behind his wife Pam, son Bryant of Muscle Shoals, AL and son Barrett and wife Katherine of Florence, AL, and three grandsons, Rett, Ren, and Rowan, his sister Ann, two nieces and a nephew, several great-nieces and nephews, and great, great-nieces and nephew. 

His loved ones who preceded him in death were his parents, Bob and Elsie, his brother, Steve, and his nephew Johnny Felton. 

Celebration of Life service will be held at Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, Fort Scott, Kansas at 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 14th, with burial service at Fort Scott National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. 

  Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church of Overland Park, KS, First Baptist Church in Fort Scott, KS, or charity of donor’s choice 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.

Obituary of John Rodabaugh

John L. Rodabaugh, age 74, a former resident of Pittsburg, Kansas and more recently of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, January 6, 2022, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

He was born February 17, 1947, in Pittsburg, the son of Roy Rodabaugh and Anna Mae Westerlin Rodabaugh.  John graduated from the Pittsburg High School and then served with the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He had worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a track foreman for thirty years.

John married Hope Hall Gage on July 6, 1996, at Ft. Scott.  He was a member of the Marvin Armstrong Masonic Lodge #187 of Pittsburg, the Scottish Rite and the Mirza Shrine.

John enjoyed coon hunting, fishing and raising fighting roosters.  He attended the Open Door Church in Pittsburg.

Survivors include his wife, Hope, of the home; a daughter, Johanna Strum (Joshua) of Walnut, Kansas; two step-sons, Troy Gage (Barbara) of Columbus, Kansas and Jason Gage (Melissa) of Louisburg, Kansas and ten grandchildren, Tommy, Pixie, Brayden, Danielle, Johnathan, Bryce, Devin, Brock, Danny and Deacon.

John was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Roberta Hurlbert and a step-son, Tom Gage II.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial with military honors will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.

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

Memorials are suggested to the Shrine Transportation 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 Edward Wolf

Edward Theodore Wolf, age 61, resident of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve in Fort Scott, Kansas.

He was born February 13, 1960.

He attended and graduated from Fort Scott High School, USD 234.

Ed was a member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic  Church

He was a master carpenter who framed many homes and a very organized and hard-working person who wanted his work done correctly the first time.

Ed loved to be outdoors with nature and animals.

He is survived by his mother Erma Knight of Fort Scott, his Step-Father Warren Knight and Step-Mother Helen Wolf of Valley Falls, Kansas.

Ed’s sister Brenda Savage of Fort Scott. Also a niece Kelsa Jo Savage, and a great-niece Charlie Jo.

Ed also leaves a step-daughter Jill Cochran of Olathe, her husband Trent, and 3 granddaughters, 2 grandsons.   In addition a step-son John Cronin and 2 step-grandsons.

Also his close friend Chris Cronin the mother of Jill and John.

One of Ed’s best friends was his cousin Joe Wylie.

Ed was preceded in death by his Father Theodore Melvin Wolf on April 25, 2019.

There will be a Graveside service at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be left to Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 705 S. Holbrook , Ft. Scott, Kansas 66701 and/or Ft. Scott Animal Shelter, 600 N. Barbee, Ft. Scott, Ks 66701

 

Obituary of Anna Rose

Anna Marie Rose, 100, of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away, Monday evening, January 3, 2022, at the Medicalodge Nursing Home in Fort Scott.  She was born December 23, 1921, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the daughter of Rupert Marcus and Clara Alma (Price) Warren.

 

At the age of five, she and her family moved from Muskogee to McCune, Kansas where she attended Idell Grade School and McCune High School, graduating in 1941. After graduating she attended the Coffeyville School of Cosmetology. She had her own business for a short time in McCune.

 

She married Floyd Rose on February 2, 1944, and lived in the Girard, Kansas area for a short time before moving to the Uniontown area. She was a farmer’s wife for many years. In 1968 she went to work at the IMP Boat Plant where she was an upholsterer for ten years. After retiring from there she started sewing for other people and did alterations for the Boot Jack in Fort Scott. She altered wedding dresses and made bride’s maid dresses for many people in Fort Scott and the surrounding area. In her later years she made quilts and hand quilted them. She was very proud of the many quilts she made.

 

Anna was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church of Uniontown. For many years she was an active member of the ABW and held office in the District Organization. She was a member of the Uniontown Red Hat Society for many years. They ventured out to many places of interest and enjoyed restaurants in the surrounding area for their monthly excursions. She always enjoyed the luncheons and visits with friends.

 

Anna is survived by son, Merle Rose and wife Betty of Uniontown, daughter Linda Inkelaar of Derby, Kansas, daughter Carol Cameron and husband Mike of Muskegon, Michigan; eleven grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and fifteen great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Floyd, son Gary, and infant son, an infant daughter, two grandsons, Jeff and Greg Shriver, brothers, Bill and George Warren, and son-in-law, Leo Inkelaar.

 

Rev. Marty DeWitt will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown with burial following in the Uniontown Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, January 10, 2022, at the Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Alpha Christian Children’s home 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.