Dorothy L. Marks, age 83, a former resident of Ozark, Missouri, more recently of Fort Scott, Kansas, died early Wednesday, December 29, 2021, in Fort Scott.

Dorothy was born on July 18, 1938, Corydon, Iowa, to Godfrey “Nick” and Olive Marks, the youngest of five children: Dallas, Eleanor, Jeanne, and Maxine.

Dorothy was proud to have grown up in Iowa, and graduated from Corydon schools, where she played basketball. She loved her high school years, and remained in contact with her classmates throughout her life.

Dorothy loved to travel, and took many trips all around the United States. She was especially fond of the ocean, and often went to the coast, but her favorite place to travel from Iowa was Branson, Missouri.

After her parents passed away, Dorothy moved to Ozark, Missouri, to be able to go to Branson anytime she wanted! Dorothy loved the Branson music scene, and even worked for a time at the Mel Tillis show.

Dorothy was employed as a supervisor in several garment factories throughout her life, but her dream was to own and operate her own publishing company, so she quit her job and did just that.

She spent the last years of her career as the owner and operator of a retirement newspaper called The Prime Time News, which she distributed throughout the Springfield and Branson area.

Her other loves were dogs and cars. For many years, she traded for a new car about every year. She had many special dogs throughout her life, but her Shih Tzus named Mopsi One, and then Mopsi Two, were especially dear to her heart.

She was also an avid collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia.

Dorothy never met a stranger, and she was generous to all those in need. She was active in the Assemblies of God churches throughout her life.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, and special friends that she made throughout her life.

Following cremation, private burial will be held at a later date in Corydon, Iowa.

In honor of Dorothy’s memory, donations are suggested to Fort Scott Paws and Claws Animal Shelter, and can be left in care of 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.

Jessie D. Burkett, age 58, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS. He was born July 17, 1963, in Columbus, GA, the son of George and Faye Mannix Burkett.

Jessie worked as a press operator for a newspaper and then drove a truck for many years. He enjoyed woodworking and could fix anything.

He married Kimberly Graham on June 16, 1989, in Belton, TX.

Survivors include his wife Kimberly of the home; two daughters, Amanda Griggs (Ty), St. Mary’s, GA, and Amber Burkett (Chris), Belton, TX; a son, Aaron Burkett, Belton, TX; a brother, Tommy Burkett, TX; eight grandchildren, Azrah, Miley, Marly, Foster, Joshua, Crista, Haleigh, and Ayden; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Donna Coggin, a grandson, Jacob, and his parents.

Cremation has taken place.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Jessie Burkett memorial 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.

Stacy Annette Murrow, age 49, Blue Mound, Kansas passed away Monday, December 27, 2021.

The funeral service will be held at 11 am Wednesday, January 5, 2021, at the Mound City First Baptist Church.

Burial will be in the Sunny Slope Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Tuesday, January 4 at the Mound City Baptist Church.

Contributions are suggested to the Addison Stokes-Todd Education Fund or Linn County Care to Share, c/o Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box J, Mound City, KS  66056.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

Patricia Ann Cruse, 62, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away Saturday morning, December 25, 2021, at her home in Afton, Oklahoma. She was born November 23, 1959, in Fort Scott, Kansas the daughter of Russell Vincent and Alta Maye (Hall) Schasteen. She married Ricky Cruse, and later they divorced.

Patricia graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1978. She loved her debate team and spoke of it often. She went on to graduate from Fort Scott Community College. She worked for Kemper Insurance Company until her accident in 1983.

Patty was a member of the Community Christian Church in Fort Scott, and her love for her Lord and Savior was very evident. Patty loved life and lived it the best she could. She loved and valued her parents.

After her mother’s death in 2004, Patty resided with Gary and Evelyn Thurston, her lifelong friends. Later, in 2019, Patty moved to Oklahoma with the Thurston’s and she resided in the home of Chris and Holly Davidson, daughter of Evelyn and Gary. Patty was very happy with her life in Oklahoma and her nurse Holly. She died peacefully at home surrounded by this family. Heaven welcomed and Angel on Christmas Morning.

Patty is survived by her caregiver family and numerous nieces and nephews, including Robin Stephens and Kip Schasteen. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Jerry Schasteen.

Pastor Mike Buckamneer will conduct graveside services at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 31, 2021, at the Evergreen Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fort Scott Police Dept. 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.

After a 2-week hospital stay with an unconfirmed diagnosis, Todd Spencer Woodward, a 2003 Fort Scott High School Graduate, died on December 1, 2021, in Auburn, Washington. Todd was born to Barbara Doherty Woodward and John Spencer Woodward in Ocean Springs, Mississippi on July 26^th, 1984. Todd was proceeded in death by his father John “Woody,” his grandparents Margaret and John Woodward, and Delores and Bernard Doherty.

He is survived by his mother Barbara Doherty Woodward, of Fort Scott and his sister Amber Woodward Benzabeh and husband Adam Benzabeh of Westfork Arkansas. He is also survived by 16 Aunts and Uncles and 35 first cousins, as well as many, many friends who loved him.

After graduation, Todd attended college for a while and then moved to Orlando, Florida where he worked as an Audio/Visual Technologist for conventions all over the country in various venues. Covid effectively cancelled all conventions, so in Dec. 2020, Todd decided to follow his lifelong dream of living in the Pacific Northwest where his family had spent some very wonderful times. He was pursuing new career opportunities in Coding and Stock Brokerage there when he became unexpectedly ill on Nov. 20th. He lost his battle to his undefined illness after 2 weeks in the hospital.

Todd grew up in Vancleave, Mississippi, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas before moving to Fort Scott, his mother’s hometown, in 1995. His generous and gentle spirit was evident in the way he treated people. To his mother’s dismay, sometimes he would often give his things away if someone else needed them more. His empathy extended to animals. He rescued kittens, puppies, turtles, and even fish that had floated onto shore after a flood. He called a humane society to help save a heron that was sick at a hotel conference where he was working, and spent thousands to save his elderly Husky.

From an early age Todd was skillful in all sports until an injury at 12 years old prevented him from running.

He then turned his talent to electronical sciences, music, and photography. Todd was a gifted pool player as well as a musician, playing the guitar, saxophone, and piano by ear. He learned the lyrics to thousands of songs by heart.

Anyone in need could count on Todd. When his father and grandmother became ill, he stayed up all night, by their side, until the moment they passed. Todd was too good to leave this world so soon, but he left us with an incredible legacy of how to live a selfless life. He was the very best of us. We will miss his big bear hugs and quick wit.

Due to the nearness of the Holidays and difficult travel weather possible, a Memorial Service for Todd will be held in the Spring at a time and place in Fort Scott, Kansas, to be determined in the future. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Scott.

Although Todd did not have cancer, donations in his name are requested for Care to Share in Fort Scott (in appreciation for the care they gave both his Father and Mother) or to an Animal Shelter of donor’s choice. Memorial contributions for Care to Share 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.

Leslie “David” “Dee” George was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on December 23, 2021. He was born in Fort Scott, Kansas on December 30, 1942. He graduated from Uniontown High School and Pittsburg State University. He married the love of his life Barbara Irene Davis on June 3, 1962, and she preceded him in death on November 29, 2018. He worked for Phillips 66 in Bartlesville, OK for 28 years. He moved back to Uniontown and worked the next 28 years for Agricultural Engineering Associates in Uniontown, KS.

He was a loyal husband, dad, papa, brother, uncle, employee, and friend. He lived out his marriage vow “til death do us part” in his devotion to Barbara by sitting with her for hours, daily at the nursing home till her death. He loved to work hard and play hard, but he loved his family the most. His motto was “go big or go home!” He was the best Papa by traveling all over for sporting events, plays, or whatever the grandkids were involved in.

He is survived by his daughters Debra Thomas and husband Chad of Bartlesville, OK, daughter Susan (George) Dunkleberger and husband Scott of Edmond, OK; 3 granddaughters Emily and husband Danny of Tulsa, OK; Megan of Bartlesville, OK and Sydney of Edmond, OK and 3 grandsons Davis of Norman, OK, Tyler of Edmond, OK and Noah of Bartlesville, OK. Brothers “Skeet” George, Clare George, John George and wife Mindy, “Bugs” George and wife Mary Ellen, and Joe George and wife Loretta of the Uniontown area; sisters Janie Chisholm of Wichita, KS and “Tues” Andrews and husband Joe of Gas City, KS; numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews (almost too many to count!) In addition to his wife Barbara, he was also preceded in death by his parents, Les and Pauline (Buntain) George; brother Marion George; and several in-laws.

Pastor Ed Sneed will conduct funeral services at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at the First Church of God in Fort Scott, Kansas. The Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00p.m., Monday, December 27, 2021, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the First Church of God and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Leslie David George, 78, of Uniontown, passed away Thursday evening, December 23, 2021, at his daughter’s home in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Funeral Services for David George will be Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the First Church of God in Fort Scott, Kansas.

The Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 27, 2021, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the First Church of God and sent to, or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.

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.

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 23^rd, 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.

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 20^th 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.

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 17^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 Sunday afternoon January 9^th, 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.