Sandra Fay Lessley, age 62, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Friday, April 12, 2024, at North Point Skilled Nursing in Paola, KS.  She was born May 23, 1961, in Webb City, MO the daughter of James Lee and Dorothy Lavona Collins Petty.  Sandra worked for Med Plans Insurance Company and later in daycare.  She enjoyed dancing, camping, and spending time with her family.  Sandra was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan.  She had a heart of gold and would help anyone in need.

 

Survivors include her son Alex Lessley; siblings Larry Thompson, Linda Thompson, and Lenda Tibby; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, Darrel and Roy Thompson, a nephew, Bryan Mize, and her parents.

 

There was cremation.  Interment will be announced later to take place later in West Liberty Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Jolene Wanett West, age 82, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas and more recently of Garnett, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 6, 2024, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Jolene was born January 22, 1942, in Hillsboro, Kansas, the daughter of Henry Gaede and Mary Lou Gibson Gaede.  She married Harold A. West on August 30, 1963.  They were married for fifty-eight years until Harold tragically passed away in a car accident on December 15, 2021.

Jolene had a talent for crocheting and enjoyed making afghans for friends and family members along with numerous southern bell-style doll dresses.  She also enjoyed fishing, collecting all types of decorative birds, playing cards and playing Wahoo.

Jolene will be remembered for the love she had for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Area families might remember seeing Jolene from her years of working at the Ft. Scott Medicalodge.

 

Jolene is survived by her three children, Harold A. West II (Shaun), Cindy Brubaker (Troy) and John West along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are two brothers and two sisters.

In addition to her husband, Harold, Jolene was preceded in death by her daughter, Kay Ratzlaff in 2008, and also by two brothers and two sisters.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, April 11^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

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

Raymond L. Tucker of rural Fort Scott, Kansas passed into rest at his home early on April 5, 2024.He was born the first of three sons to Dave and Joanne Tucker on March 17, 1949. Raymond attended the Fort Scott school system, Fort Scott Community College, and Pittsburg State University. He joined the Army National Guard and served for five years.

 

While other little boys said they wanted to grow up to be cowboys, Raymond meant it. He and his brother Tom started buying, selling, and trading horses at an early age. Although he raised cattle in the past and did order buying for many years for large cattle feeding operations, his passion was horses. Whether the market was good or bad, that is where he wanted to be. He never met a gray or roan horse that he did not want to own.

 

Raymond married Diann Cook in Fort Scott on June 28, 1970. Together they had four sons, Scott, Steven, Brad, and Blake. He loved them dearly and was so proud of them. He is survived by his wife Diann, son Scott of Cleveland, Missouri, Steven and Jessica of Spring Hill, Kansas, Brad and Meredith of Fort Scott, Kansas, and Blake and Cass of Fort Scott, Kansas. Most precious to him were his grandchildren, Kelsie, Brett, Mallory, Ava, Gus, Newton, and Walker. They brought him great joy. He is also survived by his brothers Tom and wife Brenda of Humansville, Missouri, Terry and wife Janet of Fort Scott, Kansas. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as many special cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dave and Joanne Tucker.

 

Raymond’s lifelong hero was Roy Rogers. Roy Rogers always fought for what was right and protected those around him. He was one of the good guys. At the end of the Saturday morning TV episodes, Roy always told the little buckaroos to mind your Mom and Dad, eat all your vegetables, and say your prayers. Raymond was very compassionate and always prayed for children in need, people who were sick, and those in war torn countries.

 

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, with burial directly following at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel.

Memorial contributions in honor of Raymond are requested to be made to our local Wreaths Across America. Donations may be mailed to PO Box 937 Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at chenewitt.com.

Larry Lee Amer Sr., 65, beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on April 2, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He was born on August 2, 1958, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to Dorothy Irene Burch and James Lawrence Amer.

 

From a young age, Larry embraced his faith and accepted the Lord as his savior at the tender age of six. This foundation of faith guided him throughout his life, shaping his character and influencing his relationships.

 

Larry was a devoted son, bringing joy and comfort to his mother, Dorothy, with his love and affection. His dedication to his family extended to his role as a loving father to Larry Lee Amer Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas, and Amanda Lynn Herrington and her husband Paul of Fort Scott, Kansas. He took immense pride in his role as a grandfather to Christian Herrington, Kaydence Herrington, and Kholsn Herrington, finding joy in every moment spent with them.

 

He was a devoted brother to Kenneth Meek of Fort Scott, Kansas, and Fred Meek of Great Bend, Kansas, as well as a caring brother to his sister Darlene Norvell of Great Bend, Kansas. Larry cherished his family deeply and also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, whom he held dear to his heart.

 

Larry dedicated many years of his life to Extrusions Inc, where he formed lasting friendships with his colleagues. He had a passion for fishing, camping, and watching old western reruns, but his true love was found in everything related to hot rods and cars. Whether tinkering in the garage or attending car shows, Larry’s enthusiasm for automobiles was infectious.

 

In his later years, Larry found solace in the simple pleasures of life, cherishing the company of his neighbors and closest friends. He lived each day with a profound appreciation for the moments shared with those he held dear.

 

Larry Lee Amer Sr. will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His kindness, warmth, and unwavering love will forever remain in the hearts of those he leaves behind. May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to us all.

 

Funeral services will take place at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will take place later in the Prescott Cemetery, following cremation.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Care to Share, 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.

 

Marsha Kay Lafferty, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, April 1, 2024, at her home in Ft. Scott.  She was born January 29, 1952, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Russell Merriman and Beatrice Willis Merriman.  Marsha graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.  She first married Kenneth M. “Buddy” Gould on September 12, 1969, at Iola, Kansas.  They were later divorced.  Marsha then married Paul Lafferty on November 12, 1999, at Mound City, Kansas.

He preceded her in death on February 22, 2004.

Marsha had been employed as a bookkeeper and secretary for Central States Waterproofing for several years.  She later worked for Dayco Inc.

Favorite times were spent outside and making memories with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Survivors include her two children, Brandy Leslie (Brent) of Ft. Scott and Kelly Gould of Stockton, Kansas; four grandchildren, Danyelle Daly (Bryce), Alyssa Leslie, Beanna Leslie (Chris Johnson) and Cameron Bishop all of Ft. Scott and five great-grandchildren, Bryelle, Colson, Jaycee, Hendrix and Keeghan.  Also surviving are her soul mate, Dale Savage, of the home in Ft. Scott; a brother, Kenny Merriman (Liz) of Ft. Scott and half-siblings, Liz “Susie” Campbell, Nina Merriman, Christy Rusk and Russell Merriman and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Paul, Marsha was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Carol Durbin, and three brothers, Everett Merriman, Larry Merriman and Steve Merriman who was her twin.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Friday, April 5^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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

The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Marsha Lafferty 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.

Leta M. Hull, age 81, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin, MO.  She was born on September 27, 1942, in Liberal, MO, the daughter of Cora Lavon Ross.

Leta was a woman with a kind heart and loving spirit.  She was known by many names such as Wife, Mom, Grandma, Grandma Leta, and most importantly Woman of God.  She shared Jesus with everyone who entered her home.  Her favorite scripture was Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Her life was filled with children’s laughter and tears as she shared her home and heart with Grandma Leta’s Daycare.  She called them her kids because she loved them all like her very own.  She had a heart of gold and a scripture for everything.

 

Survivors include 4 ½ children, Charles (Chuck), Jim, Jeff, Gina, and her beloved dog Kozee; 35 grandchildren and great grandchildren; all Grandma Leta’s Kids; and a sister, Betty Haynes.

She was preceded in death by her mother, husband Charles Hull, brothers Don and Jim, and sisters Lois Size, Helen Lett, and Carolyn Hessenflow.

 

Rev. Daryl Gaddy will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Thursday, April 4^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

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

Memorials are suggested to Lee’s Paws & Claws 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.

Lynn Robinson Graham, age 75, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Monday, March 25, 2024, at Freeman Health System West, Joplin, MO.  Lynn was born on December 30, 1948, to John and Eltheda (Robinson) Kennedy in Blue Mound, KS. Shortly after graduating from college, she started her career in transcription at Mercy Hospital, where she met many lifelong friends.

 

She was a devoted and fun-loving mother and grandmother who loved spending time with her family.  Her bubbly personality was sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.  She could be found most days putting a puzzle together while sitting in front of her T.V. watching The Food Network. She enjoyed making treats; her brownies were always requested anytime there was a gathering where side dishes were a must, and her Chex mix for the Holidays was something everyone looked forward to.  She loved her Coca-Cola collectibles, word search puzzles, bingo, and her cats.  She also enjoyed spending time with her best friend Nancy.

 

Lynn is survived by her son, Brandon and her grandchildren, Garrison, Jenna, and Ashlyn.

 

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 PM Friday, March 29^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private family burial will take place later.

Memorials are suggested to Lee’s Paws and Claws 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.

John William Read, age 68, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas,  passed away Monday,  March 25, 2024.

 

John was born March 8, 1956, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Francis  Marion “Cisco” Read and Ruth Louise Groner Read.

 

John was married May 22, 1976 to his wife Paula Raye Smith at the Catholic church in Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

He attended elementary school at Saint Mary’s Catholic School, where he made lifelong friends, and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1974.

 

He began working as a mechanic at the age of sixteen and was a diesel mechanic for B&D until the flood of 1986.  Shortly after, he began working for Kansas Truck Center Freightliner in Wichita, Kansas until his retirement in 2021.

 

After retirement, he and Paula moved back to Fort Scott to spend more time with their children and grandchildren.  In addition to being with his family, he enjoyed fishing, tinkering and fixing things, growing tomatoes, and reading to his great-granddaughter.

 

He is survived by his wife Paula Read; one son David Charles Read and his wife Jessica of Carl Junction, MO; one daughter Carrie Louise Read Lord and her husband Heath of Uniontown, KS; four grandchildren Isabel Neva Read and Isaiah William Read both of Carl Junction, MO, Krystal Raye Lord of Chanute, KS and McKenna Mae Lord of Uniontown, KS; and one great-granddaughter Bexley Raye Shelton of Chanute, KS.  Also surviving are one brother Chuck Read: six sisters: Becky Grounds, Brenda Read, Julie Smith, Carol Read, Joyce Swearingen, and Rose Gauthier; and several nieces and nephews.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, March 29th at the Apostolic Christian Church in Ft. Scott.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the John Read 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.

Fairy Fay Baggett DeLaney of Garland, Kansas, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Medicalodge in Frontenac, Kansas, at the age of 66.  She was born on June 4, 1957, in Beaver, Oklahoma, to Kathy Louise Baggett Windsor and Dewey Winebaugh of Forgan, Oklahoma.  

 

On November 19, 1977, she married the love of her life, Donald DeLaney, Jr., in their home in Fort Scott Kansas.  Five years later, she finally became a mom to their only child, their daughter Chelsea DeLaney Andrew in 1982.  Fay was very devoted to her husband and her daughter; she loved them very much.  Then twenty-six years later she got to see her only daughter get married to her son-in-law, Joseph Andrew of Pittsburg, Kansas.  Then in 2014 Fay was over the moon in love when she finally became a grandma which she was very proud of, and welcomed her first granddaughter, Laney Andrew.  In 2017 she welcomed her second granddaughter, London Andrew, and she didn’t know that she could love these two granddaughters this much.  She absolutely adored and loved and spoiled her grandbabies.  Fay was a great mother and even better grandmother.

 

Fay carried many hats.  She graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1977.  Then two years later graduated from Fort Scott Community College Cosmetology School.  She worked in several places including USD 234, Walmart, Ward/Kraft but was best known for working at the bank as a teller.  

 

Fay was active in her church and served on several committees. She and her husband loved to volunteer at her daughter’s school and activities.  She was known as everyone’s mom and loved the title of it.  The biggest enjoyment she had was watching and seeing her granddaughters dance and their school activities as well.  She was a loving mother and grandmother and everyone’s biggest cheerleader.  She always had a smile and would always listen and give advice when needed.  

 

Fay and Don loved decorating for the holidays, they loved to see everyone smile and enjoy driving by their house on holidays especially during the Christmas months.  She loved to bake, do crafts, and make wreaths.  

 

Fay is survived by her husband, daughter, son-in-law, her two granddaughters, her mother, brother, four sisters, two brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews.  She was loved and will be greatly missed.

 

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Edward, and grandmother Ellen Jane Baggett; her father and mother-in-law Donald and Nora DeLaney, Sr., a brother-in-law, and two sisters-in-law.  

 

Following cremation, Pastor Mike Bright will be officiating funeral services at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 29, 2024, at the Cherry Grove Baptist Church, with burial following at the Pleasant View-Large Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The visitation will be Thursday evening, March 28, 2024, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Since Fay absolutely loved her two granddaughters and education, the family suggests memorials be made to the Children’s Educational Fund for her granddaughters Laney and London Andrew.  Memorials 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.

Shirley Custodio Spaulding, age 63, resident of Austin, AR, and more recently of Fort Scott, KS passed away Sunday, March 17, 2024.  She was born in Siruma Camarines Sur, Philippines.

She was married but divorced shortly after she moved to the United States.  She then raised her 6 children by herself in a country where she barely understood English. So, she was a very strong woman.

She was a survivor of trauma in the Philippines and many more here in the United States.  But she did it because of her faith in God and Jesus Christ. She prayed often.

She loved her family dearly and would do anything for them. She was proud of her children and grandchildren, bragging about them often.

Her spouse for 35 years was James Spradlin.

She had breast cancer 2 years ago. A month later she needed brain surgery.  Then last year in October 2023, cancer returned in her back, brain, lungs, and bone. Shirley then decided to move to Fort Scott, KS in February 2024, to be closer to her family. She was establishing care and treatment at KU Cancer Center in Overland Park, KS.  But she lost her battle with cancer and passed away at Freeman Hospital in Joplin MO Sunday morning.

 

She loved spending time in nature, gardening, landscaping, cooking, karaoke, dancing, fishing, playing bingo, lottery scratch-offs, collecting antiques, and so much more. She was always active doing something. She was always making sure everyone around her was taken care of and happy. She sacrificed so much for her children.

 

Survivors include James Spradlin of the home; her children and grandchildren, Anthony Spaulding- 5 children, Chrystaleah Doherty & Shane Doherty (son in law) – 5 children, Lyzl Spaulding- 2 children, Angela Collet, Casey Spaulding & Marsha Walker (daughter in law) – 5 children, and Shane Spaulding & Elizabeth Underwood (daughter in law) – 4 children.

 

Private family services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Richard Jack Riley, age 85, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott.  He was born March 10, 1939, in Ft. Scott, the son of Wallace Riley and Dorothy Brotherton Riley.  Richard graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.

He married Phyllis Darlene Totman on August 31, 1957, at Miami, Oklahoma.  Following their marriage, Richard enlisted with the United States Air Force.  He served for six years and was stationed primarily at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base near Kansas City.

Following his military service, Richard returned to Ft. Scott.  He worked in the printing department of the Western Insurance Company which later became American States Insurance Company.  He also did printing work for Lincoln National Insurance Company and Sekan Printing.

During this time, Richard obtained his minister’s license from the Nazarene Church.  He was a long-time member of the Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene.  After his retirement, he served as pastor of the Nazarene Church in Humboldt, Kansas for nearly ten years.

Richard was a man of many talents.  He enjoyed drawing and painting and was an accomplished cartoon artist.  He published a book of his cartoon series, The Lil’ Wrangler.  These cartoons were featured in a variety of periodicals including the Western Horseman.

Richard also worked as a sign painter.  He designed and painted numerous area signs including the Ruddick’s warehouse on the 69 Bypass in Ft. Scott and the Chicken Mary’s sign near Pittsburg.

Some of his favorite times were spent on the water.  He enjoyed deep sea fishing and going out on his sailboat.  He was fortunate enough to take a father and son cruise onboard the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy while his son, Nathan, was serving with the United States Navy.

Following the death of his first wife, Phyllis, on June 13, 2012, Richard married Linda June Hurd on April 6, 2013.  Richard and Linda enjoyed five years of married life until her death on May 30, 2018.  Richard left behind a legacy of faith and love and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

 

Survivors include his three daughters, Belinda Yockey (Don) of Joplin, Missouri, Christine Bosley (Gary) of Ft. Scott and Carol Johnson (Michael) of Lawrence, Kansas.  Also surviving are eleven grandchildren, and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wives, Richard was also preceded in death by his son, Nathan Riley; two brothers, Ronnie and Paul Riley and a sister, Mary Ann Brenner.

 

Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 1:30 P.M. Friday, March 22^nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene Mission 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.