It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of our loved one, Lory Ann Woods.  Lory passed from this world on Sunday August 17, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri.

Lory was born, February 27, 1956, in Kansas City, Kansas to Loretta May (Downing) Neal and William Frederick Neal.

Lory learned to ride horses at a young age and loved horses and the outdoors; she often spoke of her adventures riding. She enjoyed playing cards, specifically spades. Lory also loved to read, especially Western novels.  Zane Gray was one of her favorite authors.  She enjoyed watching Western movies and TV shows.  It didn’t matter if she had seen it before.  She enjoyed every minute of it.  She enjoyed going to stock car races with her family nearly every weekend in the Summer.  Each year the family spent time at both the Kansas State Fair and Missouri State Fair taking in the events that each had to offer. Lory especially enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and loved them so very much. Lory opened her home to others and was like mom to many and provided a safe place for them to stay.  Lory loved to be surrounded by family and friends and would often host gatherings to be enjoyed by everyone.

Lory is preceded in death by her spouse, Homer Lee Woods, her parents, Loretta May (Downing) Neal, her father, William Frederick Neal, sisters, Lola May Neal and Dorothy Lee Wallace and brother, William Frederick Neal.

Lory is survived by sons, Rollo Woods, Anthony Woods (Darrean), Sisters, Mary McKinley (Tony), Billie Nation (Brent), Carol Cox (Bill), Grandchildren, Maxtin McCurley, Kamiya Woods, Anthony Woods, Zyir Woods, Zeno Bost and Zeke Bost and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 23^trd at the Cheney Witt Chapel The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Lory Woods 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.

Stephanie H. Johnson, 82, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away August 5, 2025. She was born February 12, 1943, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Glenn R. Maupin and Helen M. (Huffine) Maupin. She married Charlie Johnson and he preceded her in death in December of 1982.

Stephanie received her Bachelor’s degree from PSU in teaching. She later went back to school and received her Nursing Degree from FSCC, becoming a registered nurse. Prior to her nursing career, Stephanie worked at the Tribune as the Circulation Manager, and also at the Farmer’s Co-Op. She worked at the old Newman Young Clinic doing data entry. She then worked at Medicalodge as Activity Director. After receiving her nursing degree, went back to Medicalodge as Director of Nursing. She became Kansas State Surveyor of Nursing Homes. She retired to take care of her elderly parents.

Stephanie loved music and loved singing with the Sweet Adaline’s, a local group that sang at competitions and performances. She loved to travel, but her greatest love was her family.

Survivors include her son, Kevin Asbury, of Fort Scott, granddaughter Kyra Tollen, married to Dustin Tollen, and great-grandson, Biron Tollen, and two nieces, Jennifer and Hillary. Stephanie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charlie, and her sister, Penny Berry.

Following cremation, Pastor Christopher Eshelman will officiate graveside services on Friday afternoon, August 22, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. There will be a visitation Thursday evening August 21, 2025, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Delphia Ann Chow, 92, of Fort Scott, passed away Friday, August 8, 2025, in Leawood, Kansas. She was born on March 23, 1933, in Mullens, West Virginia, the daughter of Willard Lee Basham and Sinda Florence (Shrewsbury) Basham. She married Stanley L.Y. Chow, M.D. on February 21, 1953, in Mullens, West Virginia; he preceded her in death on May 11, 1998.

Ann graduated from Fort Scott Community College, Nursing School, and was a practicing nurse for many years. Ann loved to sing and was an active member in the St Mary’s Catholic Church Choir for many years. She was also a member of the Diamond Community Church while residing in Fort Scott. She renewed her baptism at Austin Ridge Bible Church in Austin, Texas at the age of 90.

Survivors include her children: Nancy Thompson, Roseburg, Oregon, Patricia Chow-Dewey, London, England, Susanne Chow, M.D., Leawood, Kansas, Shirley Chow, M.D., Georgetown, Texas, Carolyn Chow, Sherman Oaks, California and Frank Michael Chow, M.D., Austin, Texas; twenty grandchildren: Christopher Thompson, Benjamin Thompson, Nicholas Thompson, Kathryn Chivarsky, Nicole Grierson, Tate Dewey, Alicia Wolfe, Andrea Bone, Alexander Rose, Lauren Richardson, Emily Richardson, Michael Elmendorf, Adam Stockhoff, Allison Chow, Mia Chow, Erin Sauter, Morgan Sauter, Catherine Sauter, Gina Dixon and Megan Dixon; and eighteen great-grandchildren. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley LY Chow. M.D., her parents; two brothers, Roy Basham, and Willard Basham, Jr.; five sisters, Bonnie Troup, Orean Kirk, Dorothy Hatcher, Beulah Rowe, and Edna Umile; a son, Gary Lee Dixon; a daughter, Michelle Chow-Sauter, M.D. and a granddaughter, Amber Rose.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the St. Mary’s Cemetery, in Fort Scott. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 pm-7:00 p.m. on Friday evening, August 15, 2025. Memorial contributions can be directed towards the American Cancer Society and World Central Kitchen, 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.

Stephanie H. Johnson, 82, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away August 5, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Mildred Lucille Kesler, 61, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away July 31, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Jo Ann Thomas, 83, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 27, 2025, surrounded by family.

Jo Ann was born on May 4, 1942, in Ft Scott, KS to Oscar and Jimmie Sapp. As a young girl, a serious bicycle accident with her sister led her to Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott for recovery. It was there she first felt called to become a nurse—a decision that would define much of her life.

She attended the Mercy School of Nursing, living in the convent with the sisters. After briefly parting ways with her boyfriend at the time, Hubert, the sisters themselves summoned Hubert and encouraged a reunion as her grades were being impacted. Those same sisters would later be present for the births of their children.

Jo Ann’s passion for nursing guided a remarkable career. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University, she went on to receive her master’s from the University of Kansas and later graduated with the first class of Nurse Practitioners at KU. She began her career as a supervisor at Mercy Hospital before moving with her husband, Hubert, to Germany, where they worked at the same hospital. Hubert often joked that the Army had made him a medic just so Jo Ann could serve as a civilian nurse at the Army Hospital.

When they returned to Kansas, Jo Ann resumed her work at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, eventually serving in multiple leadership roles, including Chief Nursing Officer. She later founded Executive Rural Nurses, a consulting group dedicated to helping rural hospitals move from operating “in the red back into the black”. Her success in that role led to her appointment at Allen County Hospital as Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer, where she achieved financial stability for the hospital after years of losses.

Even in retirement, Jo Ann continued to give back, accepting the role of Director of the School of Nursing at Fort Scott Community College to ensure a local pathway for future nurses. During these years, she was also elected by her peers to the Kansas State Board of Nursing, where she served for several years as President, leaving an enduring mark on the profession she loved so deeply.

Jo Ann’s Catholic faith was a constant source of strength and meaning throughout her life. She gave generously of her time to Saint Mary’s Catholic Church and School, where she was a familiar and devoted presence. While she cherished her faith deeply, she also delighted in life’s simple joys—music, sunshine, and long afternoons at Thomas Lake, floating in the water and making sure her hair stayed perfectly dry.

Jo Ann and Hubert, whom she lovingly called Tommy, built a life together that was full of kindness, patience, and unwavering love. They raised three children—Gregory Owen, Elizabeth Ann, and Natalie Sue—and their home was later filled with the laughter and love of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Some of the family’s fondest memories are of the many trips Jo Ann and Hubert took their grandchildren on in their motor home. Adventures that were always filled with joy and togetherness. Passing only months apart, Hubert and Jo Ann leave their family with the peace of knowing their love story continues beyond this life.

She is survived by her three children Gregory Thomas, Elizabeth (Joe) Wright, Natalie (John) Snyder, her seven grandchildren, Bart (Nicole) Wright, Nicholas (Chelsea) Thomas, Drew (Hannah) Wright, Zachary (Stevie) Snyder, Lucas Snyder, Ella Snyder, Thanya Brown-Thomas, and four great grandchildren, Raelynn Wright, Sofia Thomas, Brooks Wright, and Ellison Thomas. One sister Bobbi Kemna.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hubert Owen Thomas, and her parents Oscar & Gladys “Jimmie” Sapp, grandsons Nathanial Wright, Hunter Thomas and soon to be daughter-in-law Nong Brown.

A Funeral Mass was held on August 1st at 10 am at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church,   burial followed at Clarksburg Cemetery. A Rosary was held at Cheney Witt Funeral Home on Thursday, July 31.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jo Ann Thomas Memorial Nursing Scholarship in care of Cheney Witt. Donations may also be dropped off at City State Bank, Ft. Scott, KS.

Jo Ann will be remembered for her compassion, her unwavering love, and her devotion to both her family and her profession. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.

William Leslie Ross, age 96, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at his home. He was born October 25, 1928, in Warrensburg, Missouri, the son of John F. Ross and Goldie Andrews Ross. Bill married Harriet Ann Jamieson on May 14, 1955. He had worked for many years as an air traffic control specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration. While working for the FAA, the Ross family made their home in Milwaukee, Nashville and Wichita as well as Puerto Rico and Panama. Following retirement, they moved to Ocala, Florida where they resided at On Top of the World retirement community. Bill enjoyed playing tennis and traveling. They later relocated to Ft. Scott to be near family.

Survivors include a son, Mike Ross (Mimi) of Ft. Scott, 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. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Harriet, on May 16, 2023. He was also preceded in death by his son, Steven Ross, two sisters, Laverne McNamara and Winnie Danaldson and four brothers, Gene, Jack, L.T., Ralph and Bob Ross.

There was cremation. Burial will take place at a later date in the Liberty Cemetery, Warrensburg, Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of Cheney Witt Chapel 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Nicholas R. Payne, age 34, passed away July 4, 2025.  A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, August 2nd at the Pittsburg Adventist Church, 430 E. 21st St., Pittsburg, Kansas.  Private burial will take place at a later date in the Clarksburg Cemetery near Garland, Kansas.  Memorials are suggested to the Nicholas Payne Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.

Julie Ann Elbrader, 79, passed away tragically on July 8, 2025, in a fire at her lifelong home. She was born on July 7, 1946, to Levi Albert Thompson and Elnora Josephine (Lewis) Thompson. Julie was the second youngest of six siblings, all of whom have passed away: Mary, Marjorie, George, Doug, and Levi. On August 14, 1964, Julie married Robert Elbrader, who preceded her in death after 60 years of marriage.

Julie’s life was marked by selflessness and quiet strength. She opened her heart and home to those in need, especially children, and was a steady and loving presence. Julie was an unofficial historian, the keeper of her family’s stories, memories, and photographs. Her gentle spirit, unwavering generosity, and deep love for her family leave a lasting legacy.

A devoted mother of five, Julie is survived by her children Ricky (Archie) Thompson of Colorado Springs, CO; Marty (Dena) Thompson of Ft. Scott, KS; Ambrosia (James Greene) Shapiro of Richmond, CA; Tara (Jason) Peters of Puyallup, WA; and Jessica (Matt Bower) Shapiro of Iola, KS. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including Natasha Thompson of Fort Scott, KS and great-great niece Claire Bower, of the home.

Following cremation, graveside services will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Clair Bower fund 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.

Peggy Ann Lowry “Hill”, walked through the gates of Heaven on Monday, July 28^th, 2025.  Peggy was born on October 12, 1955, to Donald Eugene and Rosetta Mae (Proctor) Lowry.  Peggy had two children, Jennifer Rose Lowry and James Robert Lucas.

Peggy loved to cook and everything she made was amazing, from her special Hawaiian Chicken to fried chicken and baking was her way of showing love.  If she found a new recipe that she liked, she would write it down on whatever she could find.  Peggy will be remembered for her famous Black Walnut Banana Bread.  Peggy worked as a waitress in Fort Scott, Kansas at the Flamingo, Flanner’s Owl Roost, and the Colonial restaurants.  Peggy also worked as a CNA in Arma Kansas and in Nevada, Missouri (where she lived for many years).

Peggy graduated in 2016 with her diploma from Chanute High School in Chanute, Kansas.  Peggy had a quick smile and an infectious laugh.  Peggy loved dancing and listening to music, her favorite artists being Elvis Presley, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Gary Allen.  Peggy enjoyed driving in the country, listening to music and spending time with her friends.  She loved day trips to wherever the road took them.  Peggy was a bright spot in this world that will continue to shine in the hearts and minds of all that knew her.

Peggy is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Arnold (Troy) of Fort Scott, Kansas; a son, James Lucas, Fort Scott; and a brother, Bobby Proctor of Wichita, Kansas.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Eugene and Rosetta Mae Lowry; two brothers, Donald “Donnie” Eugene Lowry and Jeffrey “Jeff” Roe Lowry; one of her best friends/sister-in-law Debra Sue (Long) Lowry; and many aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, July 31^st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM Thursday until service time at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and may be left 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.