Linda Caroline Defebaugh, age 80, resident of Nevada, MO died Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center.  She was born June 28, 1944, in Fort Scott, KS the daughter of Wilbur and Hattie Frances Leonard.  Linda married the love of her life, Glen A. Defebaugh, on September 3, 1961, in Fort Scott.  He preceded her in death on January 17, 2019.  She lovingly supported Glen through his college studies to become a chiropractor.  Upon establishing his practice in Fort Scott, they worked together for 35 years until retirement.

Linda was always supporting her kids and grandkids with all their activities.  She loved cooking for them, especially her meatballs and pies.

She enjoyed playing cards, mowing the grass, driving to destinations and the casino on occasion.  Linda always had a project going, especially when Glen was away on a fishing trip.  She would constantly give items away if someone expressed a need.

Survivors include her five children, Teresa Ivey (John), Wichita, KS, Cheryl Eason (Curt), Eldorado Springs, MO, Brian Defebaugh (Shelby), Nevada, MO, David Defebaugh (Michelle), Fort Scott, KS, and Doug Defebaugh (Tonya), Fort Scott, KS; 3 sisters, Frances Brown, Shawnee, KS, Wanda Leonard, Pittsburg, KS, and Jeannie Wild, Broken Arrow, OK; 16 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Warren, Hubert, Edwin, and Larry Leonard; 4 sisters, infant Mary Leonard, Bernice Clame, Nadene Wurtz, and Wanita Monroe; and her parents.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct memorial services at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 8^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Interment will follow in the Deerfield Cemetery.

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

Memorials are suggested to either St. Jude’s Hospital or Care to Share 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Lisa Jayne Coyan, age 55, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. She was born January 2, 1970, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Gerald Beerbower and Jo Ann McCracken. Lisa married Timothy L. Coyan on August 3, 2011, at Ft. Scott.

Lisa had worked as a cook at various restaurants and had also worked in housekeeping at the Ft. Scott Inn. Lisa enjoyed art and graphic design. She was also an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Survivors include her husband, Tim, of Ft. Scott; three sons, Kenny Withers, William Hubbard and Jason Hubbard and special neighbors, Aaron and Andy Cowlishaw. Also surviving are five brothers, Scott Beerbower, Christopher Thurston, Dearl Stufflebeam, Flint Roufs and Aaron Roufs and two sisters, Chanel Thrush and Jeanette Sisseck.

Lisa was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald Beerbower and Jo Ann Roufs.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Lisa Coyan 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.

Alva Leroy Snyder, 89, resident of Bronson, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Labette Health Center in Parsons, Kansas. He was born August 23, 1935, in Harding, Kansas, the son of George Franklin Snyder and Mary Elizabeth (Townsend) Snyder. He married Marjorie Marilyn Schwartz on April 4, 1958, in Fulton, Kansas, and she preceded him in death January 5, 2005.

Ale graduated from Fulton High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 until 1960. He worked at Leroy Robinson Farms in Garden City as well as feed lots, and prior to Garden City, worked for Richard Clarkson operating a bulldozer. He also farmed for Delbert Campbell in Friend, Kansas, and bulldozed for Charles Brohan. Alva was a truck driver in both Scott City and Hesston, Kansas. He moved to Bronson in 1998 and worked for WalMart.

Alva is survived by his children; Roger Snyder and wife Connie, of Chelsea, Oklahoma, Michael Snyder and wife Trisha, of Independence, Kansas; six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Mary, he was also preceded in death by his son, Gale Snyder, his sister, Mary “Sug” Beckford, and two brothers, John Snyder and George “June” Snyder.

Rev. Chuck Russell will officiate graveside services at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Mapleton Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Goldie Marie Weyant Arndt, age 94, a resident of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute, Kansas.  She was born April 27, 1930, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Willis William Wells and Goldie Belle Weston Wells.

Goldie was raised in the Uniontown area and graduated from the Uniontown High School.  She married Miles Weyant on December 25, 1948.  Together they had five children, Jim, Brad, Chuck, Mary and Matt.

Goldie loved to cook.  She owned and operated her own restaurant, Goldie’s Place, located on the north side of the square in Uniontown, for many years.  During this time, she made countless pies and was often called on to cater the annual Thanksgiving dinner for the employees of Bourbon County.

Goldie’s husband, Miles, preceded her in death on December 13, 1993.  She later married Larry Arndt on October 4, 2003.  They enjoyed several happy years together until his death in 2015.

Goldie was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her three children, Chuck Weyant (Donna) of Bronson, Kansas, Mary Beerbower (Alvin) of Uniontown, Kansas and Matt Weyant also of Uniontown and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother, Richard Wells (Sharon) of Poteau, Oklahoma.

In addition to her husbands, Goldie was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Jim and Brad Weyant, three grandsons, Clayton Michael Weyant, Brandon Weyant and Tony Weyant, a granddaughter, Melanie Beerbower and a sister, Una Wells.

Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct a memorial service at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, February 1^st at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown.

Private burial will take place at a later date at the Uniontown Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the First Missionary 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.

George Edward Montgomery, Jr., 81, of Fort Scott, went to meet the Lord on Wednesday evening, December 11, 2024, in Kansas City at KU Medical Center.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Yancey Burgess at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home

. Following cremation, interment is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. January 31, 2025, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery with Military Honors presented by the US Navy. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

David Wayne “Tiny” Watkins, age 77, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, at the Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.  He was born February 25, 1947, in Ft. Scott, the son of William Wayne Watkins and Edna Mae “Cricket” Kells Watkins.

David graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.  He married Teresa Horton on September 23, 1967.  Because his family owned the ambulance service in Ft. Scott, he was naturally drawn to a career in health care.  He helped operate the ambulance service in both Bourbon and Crawford counties.  He later graduated from Ft. Scott Community College and became a registered nurse.  He worked as a nurse at Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott and also as a nurse at both the Nevada Regional Medical Center and Heartland Hospital in Nevada, Missouri.  Dave finished his nursing career as a traveling nurse where he served at several other area hospitals.

Dave loved music and had played the drums in several local bands.  He and Teresa enjoyed taking trips to Branson to attend the music shows.  Many other memories were made on the many family vacations the family was able to take.

Survivors include his wife, Teresa, of the home; five children, Alicia Watkins, David Watkins (Alisha), Tracy Watkins and Scott Watkins all of Ft. Scott and Billy Watkins of Deerfield, Missouri.  Also surviving are seventeen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Cricket Watkins, a daughter-in-law, Amy Watkins and a sister, Cathy Killion.

Rev. James Brackett will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Monday, January 27^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 P.M.  Sunday 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.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Marie Tennison, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and wife. Patricia’s strength, passion, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Patricia is survived by her husband Kevin. Her children Chris (Angie) Grado, Melissa (Jeremy) Briggs, Kelly (Joe) Schaub, Stacy (Bryan) Bishop, Donnie (Carina) Hampton. Her beloved grandchildren Kaitlyn, Madison (Josh), Dylan, Jenna, Dominik, Dawson, Aayla, Elsa, Kynlee, Isaak, Mason, Jaxen, Ryker, Jase, Kyndal, Kaia, Lucas, Knoxlee, Logan. Her sweet great grandchildren Kingston, Hendrix, Ramsey, Slater.

And her siblings Jesse (Janet), Loretta (Rick), Paul (Tanna), Carol, Melchor (Connie), Nancy (Ernesto), Stephanie (Raymond) and many loved nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death her Mother, Father, her sister Mary Anne Grado and first husband Larry Hampton.

Patricia known as Mimi and Grandma Patty loved Disney including all things Mickey and Minnie. She was known for loving to collect things. She adored her grandchildren and spent as much time as she could loving and caring for them. She and Kevin (Papa) would do anything they could to provide and ensure the best for their grandbabies. She was the best Mimi ever. She was a devoted believer in Christ and prayed for her children and grandchildren always.

Patricia’s legacy of love, kindness, and joy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She leaves behind a family who adored her and will continue to honor her memory by cherishing the values she held dear.

Rest in peace, Patricia. You will be forever missed and always remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 25^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel with Robert and Kathy Clark officiating.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Patricia Tennison 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.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Marie Tennison, a beloved mother, grandmother, and wife. Patricia’s strength, passion, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Patricia is survived by her husband Kevin. Her children Chris (Angie) Grado, Melissa (Jeremy) Briggs, Kelly (Joe) Schaub, Stacy (Bryan) Bishop, Donnie (Carina) Hampton. Her beloved grandchildren Kaitlyn, Madison (Josh), Dylan, Jenna, Dominik, Dawson, Aayla, Elsa, Kynlee, Isaak, Mason, Jaxen, Ryker, Jase, Kyndal, Kaia, Lucas, Knoxlee, Lucas, Logan. Her sweet great grandchildren Kingston, Hendrix, Ramsey, Slater.

And her siblings Jesse (Janet), Loretta (Rick), Paul (Tanna), Carol, Melchor (Connie), Nancy (Ernesto), Stephanie (Raymond) and many loved nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death her Mother, Father, her sister Mary Ann Grado and first husband Larry Hampton.

Patricia loved Disney including all things Mickey and Minnie. She was known for loving to collect things.

She adored her grandchildren and spent as much time as she could loving and caring for them. She and Kevin would do anything they could to provide and ensure the best for their grandbabies. She was a devoted believer in Christ and prayed for her children and grandchildren always.

Patricia’s legacy of love, kindness, and joy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She leaves behind a family who adored her and will continue to honor her memory by cherishing the values she held dear.

Rest in peace, Patricia. You will be forever missed and always remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 25^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel with Robert and Kathy Clark officiating.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Patricia Tennison 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.

Alta Dean Davis, age 97, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, January 12th, 2025, at her home.  She was better known by Kansas relatives as Aunt Deanie, to California relatives as Auntie Alta and to many friends as Miss Alta.

Alta was born on December 31, 1927, in La Harpe, Kansas, the daughter of Benton More, Jr. and Mary Ann (Fifer) More.  Benton and Mary moved to Fort Scott, Kansas, with their nine children, Alta being the youngest.  Alta started school at the age of five, skipped a grade in elementary school and ventured West to California in hopes of adventure and higher wages at the age of 16.

After arriving in California, Alta first worked as a waitress, then went to work at a car dealership for Mr. Phil Davis.  It was at the car dealership where she met Craig Chandler Davis, the dealership’s owner’s son.  Craig and Alta were married on April 16th, 1949 in Oakland, California.  The couple owned and operated the All Automatic Transmission Company in Hayward, California.  The Davis family welcomed their son, Curtis Dean Davis on December 15th, 1953.

In addition to being a wife and mother, Alta was an entrepreneur, real estate investor, financial all-around business woman and philanthropist.  She worked diligently to provide for her family working a variety of jobs at the transmission shop and working trade shows and events at Bay West/Showplace in the San Francisco Concourse.  It was at the concourse where her entrepreneurial spirit was sparked; while working here she ran a popcorn machine on the side for extra income.

Alta attended Bible Study at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension in Oakland, California, was a member of the Martin C. Kauffman 100 Club of Alameda County, and loved to support many organizations including the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, the Boys and Girls Club of San Leandro, The First Church of God and the Wheelchair Foundation.

Alta enjoyed traveling with friends and family.  Her adventures took her around the world including many cities and countries in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and even a penguin expedition to Antarctica.

After living in California for more than 70 years, she returned to Fort Scott and enjoyed reconnecting with family and making new friends.  She was always ready to make a witty joke, share a smile, lend a helping hand, play a game of Hand and Foot or a round of Mexican Train dominoes.

Alta is survived by her great-great nephews, Jared Leek and Rob Shaw of the home, nieces Johnna Kay (Davis) Ballou, Betty Joan (More) Crane, Joyce (More) Love, Juanita (Rhyerd) Sinn, all of Fort Scott, Kansas, niece Sheryl (Davis) Hardin of Danville, California, nephews Leroy Bedingfield of Kansas City, Missouri, and Michael Davis of Oakdale, California, and many generations of nieces and nephews.

Alta was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, son, daughter-in law Laurie Henrietta Britton Davis, beloved friend of many years Norman L. Bradshaw “Brad” and many family members.

Friends, family and community members are invited to a Celebration of Life service to be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 3:00 PM, Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas

. A private burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas, will take place prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Carmel Hospice or the First Church of God and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Linda Sue Beckham passed away January 14, 2025, at the age of 84. She was born in Topeka, Kansas but spent most of her adult life in Fort Scott, Kansas. While she enjoyed retirement, she often spoke fondly of her co-workers after many years of working at Whiteside’s West in Fort Scott. She loved her family dearly, held a special place in her heart for all animals and thoroughly enjoyed working in her garden.

She is survived by her loving husband Joe Beckham; her sisters Cindy Chase and husband Richard, Robin Knapp and husband Carroll; her children, Becky Howard and husband Kevin, Bob Beckham and wife Jamie; grandchildren Kiel and Tanner Beckham, Haley, Zack and Lukas Howard and Katie Hutson; great grandchildren Jonathan and Zoey Howard, Savannah, Everly and Kinsley Hutson, Fynnlie, Warren, Barrett, Kiegan and Mason Beckham.

She was proceeded in death by her parents Norberta and Elmer Russum.

There was cremation.  A visitation will be held Monday, January 20th from 3:00-5:00 PM at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Interment will follow at a later date in Butler, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Paws and Claws and leave in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Editor’s note: the venue for the funeral has changed.

Joseph Michael Grieshaber, age 52, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Friday, January 10, 2024, at his home following a brief fight with cancer.  He was born November 3, 1972, in Neosho, MO, the son of Michael and Kathy Miller Grieshaber.  Joey worked as a youth minister for several years before becoming an EMT.  Upon the death of his wife, Jamie Channel, he changed direction and became a schoolteacher.  He was currently employed at Uniontown, KS teaching 6^th grade and coaching football.  Joey married Stephanie Krieger on February 27, 2022.  Joey enjoyed all things outdoors, including hunting, fishing, and camping.  He was deeply involved with Highland Games and that community.  He loved spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife Stephanie of the home; nine children, Petra Johnston (Caleb) Raytown, MO, Titan Grieshaber, Kansas City, MO, Adrianna Krieger, Joplin, MO, Amayah Rodriguez, Joplin, MO, Alexandria Boyd (Gauge), Joplin, MO, and Ryder Cosens, Truman Burns, Kyser Grieshaber, and Riggs Grieshaber, all of the home; his mother, Kathy Villa (David), Bakersfield, CA; and 2 brothers, Austin Vill (Maddie), and Pierce Villa (Cynthia), both of Bakersfield, CA.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Jamie; a sister, Melissa Cooper; and his father.

There was cremation.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, January 18^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Joey Grieshaber 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 b

Joseph Michael Grieshaber, age 52, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Friday, January 10, 2024, at his home following a brief fight with cancer.

He was born November 3, 1972, in Neosho, MO, the son of Michael and Kathy Miller Grieshaber.  Joey worked as a youth minister for several years before becoming an EMT.  Upon the death of his wife, Jamie Channel, he changed direction and became a schoolteacher.  He was currently employed at Uniontown, KS teaching 6^th grade and coaching football.  Joey married Stephanie Krieger on February 27, 2022.  Joey enjoyed all things outdoors, including hunting, fishing, and camping.  He was deeply involved with Highland Games and that community.  He loved spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife Stephanie of the home; nine children, Petra Johnston (Caleb) Raytown, MO, Titan Grieshaber, Kansas City, MO, Adrianna Krieger, Joplin, MO, Amayah Rodriguez, Joplin, MO, Alexandria Boyd (Gauge), Joplin, MO, and Ryder Cosens, Truman Burns, Kyser Grieshaber, and Riggs Grieshaber, all of the home; his mother, Kathy Villa (David), Bakersfield, CA; and 2 brothers, Austin Villa (Maddie), and Pierce Villa (Cynthia), both of Bakersfield, CA.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jamie; a sister, Melissa Cooper; and his father.

There was cremation.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, January 18^th, at St. Paul’s Church, 2423 W. 26^th St., Joplin, MO.

Memorials are suggested to the Joey Grieshaber 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 online at cheneywitt.com.