William L. Hathaway, Jr., 75, of Fort Scott, passed away on June 6, 2023, at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He was born November 4, 1947, in Iola, the son of William L. Hathaway, Sr., and Helen Louise Hawkins. His father passed away at an early age. He was fortunate to have in his life Tom Norris and Dutch Hurd who filled the role of father figures.

 

He graduated from Fort Scott High School and while attending Fort Scott Community College he was drafted into the U.S. Army. During Vietnam, he was stationed in Germany where he served as a cook.

Upon his discharge in June 1969, he returned to Fort Scott and married the love of his life, Patty Sue Gaston, on August 23, 1969. They were married at the home of her parents on their rural Second Street farm.

During the 53-year marriage, they were blessed with two sons, Willie and Brandon.

 

William worked as a press operator at Extrusions for 53 years. He selflessly dedicated his life to his family. He was a well-known and respected little league baseball coach for both of his sons and many others. His grandchildren could count on him being the first one to the ballfield and the loudest voice of support behind home plate. He took great pride in spoiling his great-grandchildren and watching them grow. He could be found at Elm Creek camping, where he enjoyed fishing and cooking out with his family. No one that met William could deny his love for his family.

 

Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, William L. Hathaway III and wife Crystal, and Brandon E. Hathaway and wife Kim; four grandchildren, Torrie Singmaster and husband Dakota, Graham Hathaway, Nick Hathaway, and Kaidden Hathaway; two great-grandchildren, William, and Tyson Singmaster; a sister, Bertha Valdivia of Topeka; a brother, David Hathaway and wife Brenda of Fulton; and numerous extended family and friends.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Slim Valdivia, and nephew Kenny Clampitt.

 

Rev. Daryl Gaddy will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 13^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Fort Scott Recreation Department for Baseball and Softball 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.

 

 

Flona Jane “Jani” Palmer, age 68, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, June 4, 2023, at her apartment in Cavalry Crossing.

She was born October 11, 1954, in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of J. E. Douglas Palmer and Clara Christine Honaker Palmer.

Janie had lived primarily in Maryland where she worked for a time in childcare and also as a bus driver; however, her most important job was being a mother and grandmother.

She enjoyed arts and crafts – there was never a craft she would not try.  She especially liked painting and drawing as well as crocheting and cross-stitch.  In 2016, she moved to Kansas to be near family.

The last year and a half were spent at Cavalry Crossing.

Jani enjoyed playing marbles and participating in activities with the other residents.  She enjoyed reading and had recently reorganized the apartment complex’s library.  Some of her favorite times were spent at the beach.

Survivors include her three children, Michael Guns, Jr. (Julie) of Delaware, Christine Guns of West Virginia and Douglas Guns (Melissa) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and ten grandchildren, Michael Guns III, Morgan Guns, Alyssa Haymaker, Grayson Guns, Liam Guns, Douglas Guns, Jr., Zander Guns, Emma Guns, John Guns and Lincoln Guns.  Also surviving are a sister, Connie Callahan of Spokane, Missouri and three brothers, Rick Palmer, Cherry Hill, Maryland, Douglas Palmer, Jr., Onalaska, Texas and Ronald Hancock of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Janie was preceded in death by her parents.

There was cremation and no public service is planned.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Glenn M. Post, 103, resident of Redfield, Kansas, passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023, at his home. He was born on June 2, 1920, in Redfield, Kansas, the son of Marion Melvin Post and Gladys Elizabeth (McHenry) Post.

 

Glenn was a WWII veteran and member of the V.F.W., a 60-year member of the Xenia Masonic Lodge, as well as the Grange.

 

Survivors include his daughter, Vickie Kay McWilliams, of Redfield; two sisters, Anna Ruth Bybee of Parsons, Kansas, and Natalie Comstock, of Fort Scott; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a grandson, Robert Kerr.

 

Rev, Chub Bolling, Rev. Seth Bolling, and Tom Bradbury will officiate graveside services on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Marion (Paint Creek) Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mirza Transportation Fund 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.

 

Leta Ann Poore Welch, 82, of Fort Scott, peacefully passed away on June 3, 2023, to join her Lord and Savior. She was born on December 13, 1940, in Bronson, Kansas, to the late Paul and Pearlie Roberts Poore. Leta was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Pearlie Poore, her beloved brothers Howard and Melvin Poore, her nephew Brian Shelton, and the love of her life, Jerry Welch.

 

Growing up in Bronson, Leta attended Bronson schools and cherished her hometown. She embodied love as a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Leta dedicated many years of her life working at the Western Insurance Company, Newman Young Clinic, and Key Industries. Her caring nature led her to employment at Tri-Valley Developmental Center and Care-4-U, where she found joy in taking care of others.

 

Leta is survived by her sister Martha (John) Shelton of Drexel, Missouri; her son Roger (Carolyn) Welch of Bronson, Kansas; her daughter DeAnn (Bill) Cambers of Walnut, Kansas; and her daughter Lisa (Ron) Gray of Olathe, Kansas. She leaves behind cherished grandchildren Ryan (Jonna) Mills of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Paul Welch of Fort Scott, Kansas; Bayley (Brett) Linn of Garnett, Kansas; Kelsey (Dalton) Bruns of Mound City, Kansas; Jordyn (Jon) of Spring Hill, Kansas; and Dane Cummings (Dani) of Girard, Kansas. Leta’s great-grandchildren, Isaac Mills and Kate Mills, Brynleigh and Barrett Linn, Sutton and Walker Bruns, Luke Cooper, and Remi Cummings, will forever carry her memory. Additionally, she is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members who will deeply miss her presence.

 

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Horton House for their exceptional love and care during her stay there.

 

Rev. Marty DeWitt will officiate graveside services to celebrate Leta’s life on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Uniontown Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

 

Heather Rachelle (Eads) Tupin, 45, resident of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, May 23, 2023. She was born August 12, 1977, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Roy Earl Eads, Jr. and Juanita Elizabeth (Bigelow) Eads.

 

Heather was a proud graduate of Fort Scott High School. She was a Federal Contractor with the General Services Administration for the U.S. Government. She was an avid traveler with a dream of visiting every National Park. She loved to laugh and smile, and cheer on the Dodgers with her two boys and Jake the cat. She treasured her time spent with those she loved, and capturing each memory to be shared with everyone.

 

Heather is survived by her sons, Christopher Tupin and Zachary Tupin, both of the home; her parents, Roy and Juanita Eads of Fort Scott; her brother Johnny Eads of Fort Scott, her brother Chris Eads and wife Angie, also of Fort Scott; nieces and nephews, Hali Scharenberg and husband Matt, Paxsten and Brightin Eads, and Bob Tupin; and her significant other, Todd Davis, of Aurora, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kelley Rachelle Tupin, and her sister, Christine Eads.

 

Following cremation, a Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the National Park Foundation, https://www.nationalparks.org/. Contributions may also be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences and words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

 

John Dewey Kirby, age 61, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Wednesday, May 24, 2023.  He was born November 23, 1961, in Wichita, KS, the son of William and Mary Elizabeth Long.

John was a bull rider for over 20 years on the rodeo circuit.

More recently he worked maintenance for Lake Chaparral in Mound City, KS.

He enjoyed anything outdoors, camping, woodworking, and listening to rock music.

John always had his trusty dog “Bo” by his side.

He loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

John married Chastity Mackley on November 12, 2022, in Fort Scott.

 

Survivors include his wife Chastity of the home; a son Dustin Erikson; a daughter, Cherokee Erikson (Clint Szuwalski); and 3 grandsons, Hunter, Gunner, and Kaiser.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

 

There was cremation.  A memorial service will be announced at a later date.  Memorials are suggested to the John Kirby Memorial Fund 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.

Alice May Tripp, age 89, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and more recently of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the Chase County Care & Rehabilitation Center in Cottonwood Falls.

She was born October 29, 1933, in Deerfield, Missouri, the daughter of George L. Crosby, Sr. and Beulah Parker Crosby.  Alice attended Ft. Scott schools and graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1951.

She worked for the Western Insurance Company for four years.  She then went on to become a licensed cosmetologist in 1956.  Alice was an entrepreneur, and in 1958, she opened her own shop in Ft. Scott, which she operated for forty-three years.  Alice had many regular clients who were also close friends

She was a member of the Olive Chapter #13 Order of the Eastern Star.

In 1980, Alice married Ray Tripp.  He preceded her in death on May 21, 2014.  Alice was also preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by a brother, George L. Crosby, Jr. (Alice Fay) and her sister, Rosa Marie Bolinger (Jim); five nephews, two nieces.  Also surviving are four step-daughters, Rhonda McAlister (Ted) of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Sandra Buntain (Mike) of Springfield, Missouri, Marsha Heiser (Jerry) of Prescott, Kansas and Laura McDysan (Lee) of Berryton, Kansas and a host of other friends and family members.

 

Pastor Mike Bright will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 26^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Pittsburg Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Cherry Grove 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.

Mary Lou Young was born in Wichita, KS on May 27th, 1955, to Gilberta Mae Burger. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Friday May 19th, 2023.

Mary was united in marriage to Wade Douglas Young after rekindling their young love on August 26th, 1982, in Fort Scott, Kansas on the steps of the United Missionary Baptist Church. They cherished each other for 40 years and from their union came a beloved daughter, Kimberly Young. Who joined her two sons Shawn and Larry Judson from a previous union.

Mary had a green thumb and loved to working outside in her flower garden and decorated for every holiday. She was a woman of routine and habit which included the Days of Our Lives right before an afternoon nap. Usually, the right hand of her beloved husband, they could be found cruising through town together.

Mary was a loving mother who treated every child as her own. She loved being a Nana and a great grandmother. Those left to treasure her memory are her children, Kimberly Young (Brett),  Larry Judson (Tasha), Shawn Judson (Becky), Step-Children Cyress Alexander (Todd) and Wade W. Young (Rusty); bonus daughters, Chelsea Zandler and Danielle Wisely (Shawn); twelve grandchildren, Keegan, Nicholas, Wade, Bekah, Elisha, Mary, Benjamin, Jonathan, Donathan, Darian, Gabrielle and Alessandra; great-grandchildren, Savannah, Whitney, Melissa, Moses, Rhysland Wade, Rhys and Riser. Siblings Patricia Malone. In laws; Nellie Satterfield (Terry), Wayman Young (Linda), Floyd Young, Frank Davis, Rodney Young, Rhonda Warren (Ike).

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Wade D. Young who passed just this year. Also preceding are her Mother Gilberta Burger and siblings Bonnie Busby, Walter Sanders, and John Heidrick. In laws Teresa Davis, Junior and Elouise Young, Goldie Young and Janice Ray.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial gathering held at 12:00 PM June 2nd, 2023, at Gunn Park shelter house #7.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Mary Young Memorial Fund 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.

Joyce E. Woods, 70, of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away on May 17th from health complications.  Her two sons were with her at the time she left to be with her Lord and Savior.

 

Joyce was born on April 6, 1953, to Rachel Maxine Wright Woods in Fort Scott, KS.  After graduating from FSHS in 1971, she studied at Fort Scott Community College followed by Pittsburg State University where she obtained her B.S. and M.S. degrees in education.  After graduation she began her teaching career in USD 234 in Fort Scott.  She was a kindergarten teacher for 29 years where she had an everlasting impact on many students she had taught throughout the years.  She received many teaching awards throughout her career.

 

What made her the happiest and most proud were her two sons Ryan and Jordan.  Ryan, a retired Army Veteran and currently working in IT, also gave her a granddaughter in 2005, Elyana Ryan Woods.  Jordan, who followed in her footsteps in Education, is a teacher and a coach in Pittsburg.  She loved to brag about her boys to anyone willing to listen even if they were not willing.

 

Being the God Fearing woman that she was, Joyce loved to praise and worship with everyone she came in contact with.  She loved to share her love of God with people by reciting bible verses, praying, having bible studies, singing, and loving the way that Jesus did.  Everyone that she came in contact with, she made sure to show her way of loving them, usually with a treat or some gift.

 

Lastly, Joyce would want to be remembered by her humor she brought into any and all situations, contagious laugh, and her love for ALL of God’s people.

 

Joyce was preceded in death by her mother, Rachel M. Woods, JoAnne Fewell (sister), Gerald L. Woods (brother), Marvin R. Woods (brother), Marita Eileen Woods (sister), Mickie E Brown (sister), and many friends and loved ones.

She is survived by her two sons Ryan of Kansas City and Jordan of Pittsburg, granddaughter Elyana, nieces, nephews, and many other loved ones.

 

A visitation will be at Konantz-Cheney in Fort Scott on May 23rd, from 6-7 p.m. and a Celebration of Life service May 24th at Community Christian Church at 10 a.m.

 

In lieu of flowers, per Joyce’s request, the family will accept monetary donations that will go towards a memorial scholarship fund for educators.  Memorial Donations may be 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

 

Harriet Ann Ross, age 93, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Ft. Scott.  She was born November 27, 1929, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Lancelot Jameison and Ivalu Thompson Jamieson.  Harriet graduated high school in Prairie Village, Kansas and went on to graduate from Park College in Kansas City.

Harriet loved dancing.  In earlier years she danced professionally and also taught ballet and tap dancing.  She married William L. Ross on May 14, 1955.  As Bill was an air traffic controller, Harriet followed him around the world where he was employed at various airports.  Harriet and Bill made their home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Puerto Rico; Panama; Nashville, Tennessee and Wichita, Kansas.

Harriet had been employed for TWA, and as a district manager for Sarah Coventry costume jewelry, and as an office manager for various psychologists.  Following retirement, they moved to Florida.  While living in Florida, Harriet’s love of dance was rekindled, and she organized and taught a dancing group that performed at various community events.  Later in life, Bill and Harriet relocated to Ft. Scott, Kansas to be near family.

Survivors include her husband of sixty-eight years, William, of the home; a son, Mike Ross (Mimi) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and two grandchildren, Krista Park (Matt) and Luke Ross and four great-grandchildren, Jovie, Kenley, Noble and Kansas Park.  Also surviving is a daughter-in-law, Willow Ross of Wichita, Kansas.

Harriet was preceded in death by a son, Steven Ross, her parents, and an infant sister, Janet.

Following cremation, burial will take place at a later date at the Liberty Cemetery in Warrensburg, Missouri.

Local arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com

Marguerite Anna Edwards, age 91, a former resident of Bronson, Kansas and more recently of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away Sunday, May 14, 2023, at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.

She was born February 25, 1932, in Harriman, Tennessee, the daughter of Amos George Stuehser and Katherine May Hope Stuehser.  Marguerite married Homer Lee Edwards on December 30, 1960, in Folkston, Georgia.

They lived the first several years of their marriage in Nashville, Tennessee until they relocated to California in 1969.  While in California, Marguerite was employed as a secretary for the English Department of California State University at Los Angeles.

Following the death of her husband Homer on September 6, 2000, Marguerite moved to Connecticut to live with her son.  They eventually moved to Bronson, Kansas before settling in Kansas City.

 

Survivors include her son, Huey Edwards and wife, Martha of Kansas City, Missouri and five grandchildren, Christopher, Ambor, Wendy, Billie Joe and Mike.

In addition to her husband, Marguerite was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Dave Edwards and a brother Alvis Stuehser.

 

Private burial will take place in the Bronson Cemetery at Bronson, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the Epilepsy Foundation and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Bo 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com

Heaven welcomed its newest Angel…..

Eva Irene Lowry, on Friday May 12th, 2023 at 8:25 am.

Many knew her as “Toby”, lovingly nicknamed by her big brother.

She was joyfully welcomed into the world by her parents Roy Charles Jewell and Bessie Mae Bybee Jewell on July 27th, 1934.

Toby was preceded in death by her father, mother, brother William Jewell, her sister Jaunita Jewell Lloyd and her husband Richard E Lowry.

 

She attended grade school through high school in Ft Scott, where she met her best and  lifelong friend Helen Rosalee Coyan Rager, who married Darrell Rager, her husband Richard’s,  best friend. What  fun it was to raise their kids across the street from one another.

 

At the tender age of 11, Toby saw a  young man downtown, and said, “Mom, I love his looks, I’m going to marry him!” Five years later on March 30th, 1951 she married him! The love of her life, Richard E Lowry.

 

After a brief time of living in Wichita and Kansas City, Ks. They settled in Ft Scott. Richard went to work for Beltone. A year later, in 1959 He and Toby started their own hearing aid bBusiness called Lowry Hearing Aid Service. Toby and Richard became hearing aid specialists, helping people to hear better in southeast Kansas. They both were well loved by their clients.

 

To sound more businesslike Toby began using   “Irene” after promising her beloved husband to take good care of his people upon his untimely passing on July 8th, 1983. Irene took over the business by herself, and had a faithful, devoted attitude and work ethic in her business  and personal life.

She loved to give whatever she did 100% whether it was serving on the local school board, the Kansas Hearing Aid Society Board, the school PTA, her church board at the 1st Church of The Nazarene where she was a member. Over the years  she served as Sunday School Teacher, church secretary, church treasurer, choir member, and VBS Director for nearly 20 years.

 

Irene loved to feed people! She received great joy by cooking for anyone hungry! For years she along with her husband Richard would make all the chili for the annual Eugene Ware Elementary Chili Feed Fundraiser. The husband/wife duo were the creators of the tastiest Chili in Ft. Scott, Ks.

 

Irene was also voted as Ft Scott’s Business Woman of The Year. She faithfully drove to her Pittsburg Ks office four days a week come rain, sleet, snow or shine, until her retirement at 82, in 2017. Leaving her people in the capable hands of her son, Brian Lowry.

 

Their marriage was blessed with four children, who she is survived by,

Debra J Ediger of Topeka Ks.

Cathy A More of Olathe Ks.

Brian K Lowry of Ft Scott Ks.

And Brent D Lowry of Yukon Ok.

 

She was also the proud Nannie of 8 grandchildren who loved her to the moon and back!

Michelle Ediger Glaze

Brooke Ediger Larson

Caleb Bachman

Careah Bachman Pruter

Ryan Lowry

Amanda Lowry Sellers

Brayden Lowry

And Bryce Lowry.

 

Plus 10 great-grandchildren who thought she hung the moon!

Peyton and Rhyan Glaze

Blakely and Taygen Larson

Dawson and Landry Bachman

Noble, Willing, and Haven Pruter and Adeline Sellers.

All are angels, of course!

 

All of her accomplishments aside, Irene became a totally devoted follower of Jesus Christ in 1962. If she was here, she would give each of you what she gave to each of us…..JESUS! She was the worlds  greatest daughter, sister, aunt, mother and wife.

 

When asked, if she would do anything over differently she said that she would have married Daddy at 11, because Daddy died so young. Although she had to wait five years to marry him, Daddy waited 40 years for her to join him in Heaven!

 

We are so happy shes no longer in pain, and we have no doubt that she is dancing on streets of gold with Jesus and Daddy.

At the end, without opening her eyes, Mama lifted up her head and smiled the most  precious smile ever seen and said, “It’s So Beautiful! My Homecoming is So Beautiful! Yes, Jesus! Yes, I Love You!”

 

WELL DONE! Eva Irene Lowry, My Good and Faithful Servant!

Truly Joy does come in the morning, It came on May 12, 2023 at 8:25 am and escorted our precious Mother from pain to peace into the eternal rest of our Loving Father, God.

We will love you forever Mama and can’t wait to see You again! We will follow you all the way home to Heaven!

 

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

 

Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, May 18^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

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

Memorials are suggested to the Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene Youth Department 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.