Virginia Viel, 74, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025. She was born on December 22, 1950, in Hope, Arkansas, to Clinton and Bertha Lee. Virginia was known for her sharp wit, loud laugh, and even bigger heart.

She spent many years working in customer service for Lincoln National, Mass Mutual, and UniCare Insurance before later retiring from Cavalry Crossing. No matter where she was, Virginia made friends easily and never hesitated to speak her mind.

Virginia lived her faith through action, always showing up for people, offering encouragement, and loving her family fiercely. She is survived by her daughters Joetta (Brian) Reisz of Boise, Idaho, and Vanessa (Kirk) Poyner of Fort Scott, Kansas; her grandchildren, Jeron and Kenady Poyner of Fort Scott; and her siblings, Marie Knight of West Monroe, Louisiana, and Calvin Lee of Camden, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clinton and Bertha Lee; her brother, William Lee; and her two best friends, Linda Poyner and Karen Stewart, who were like sisters to her.

Virginia loved casino trips and competitive games of marbles with friends. She was passionately loyal to her family and happiest when surrounded by the people she loved. Whether it was a quick visit, a family gathering, or just sitting and talking, she made every moment count. Her greatest joy in life was being “Mimi” to her grandchildren, Jeron and Kenady, a role she treasured and poured her whole heart into.

Virginia’s life was full of personality, perseverance, and love. She made an impact on everyone who knew her, and the stories about her will be told for years to come.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by a memorial service from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Medicalodges of Fort Scott Activities Fund, a place where the residents and staff held a special place in her heart.

Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Esther Ruth Arnold, 72, of Fort Scott, passed away Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Fort Scott Freeman Hospital. She was born in Kirksville, Missouri on August 26, 1953, the daughter of Maynard Land and Ethel Elizabeth Grogan Osborn. She married Victor Arnold on June 21, 1986, in Kirksville, Missouri, he survives of the home.

She was an L.P.N. in Kirksville, Mo. She attended K.C.C.B.S. and taught there, as well. She graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University. In 1986 she moved to Fort Scott and taught at the Fort Scott Christian Heights School and substituted for U234. She is a member of the Parkway Church of God.

In addition to her husband, Victor, she is survived by a son, Alex Arnold of Fort Scott, a daughter Kaitlyn and Kyle Warren of Redfield, Kansas, a sister, Deborah Johnson of Lambertville, Michigan, 12 brothers & sisters-in-law, and a host of nieces and nephews, including Heidi Mykolajczyk and Katrina Christian. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services for Esther Arnold will be 10:30am, Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Parkway Church of God, with Pastor Nathan Bryant officiating. The Family will receive friends at 10:00 am Saturday at the Church prior to the funeral. Private burial will follow.

Memorials may be made to the Fort Scott Christian Heights School 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.

Michael Morris “Mick” Bradbury, a cherished husband, father, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the age of 82. Born in the family home north of Uniontown, Kansas, near the Dry Ridge area on December 1, 1942, Mick’s roots ran deep into the country soil. His early years were marked by the simplicity and richness of rural life, and he carried those values with him throughout his life.

Mick was a proud graduate of Uniontown High School, where he was a member of the football team. His love for sports was a thread that ran throughout his life, as he later enjoyed playing slow pitch softball and basketball on the Hammond Community Team.

For thirty-two years, Mick dedicated his career to Hammond Seed and Elevator, where his diligent work ethic and integrity were well known. Simultaneously, he managed his own farm and cattle operation, a testament to his tireless work ethic and love for the land. Even after his retirement, Mick’s days were filled with the responsibilities of tending to his farm, ensuring that everything was run with precision—a “tight ship,” as many would say. His pride in his work was evident in the meticulous care he took of his yard, trees, and garage.

A man of faith, Mick was a devoted member of the Rinehart Christian Church, where his Christian beliefs shaped his actions and interactions with others. He was known for his willingness to lend a hand to his neighbors, embodying the spirit of community and service.

Mick’s interests were as varied as they were passionate. In his earlier years, he enjoyed the thrill of bird hunting and the companionship of his horse, Buck. Fishing and golfing provided him with a sense of peace and a chance to connect with nature. His love for sports persisted as he became an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, rarely missing a game.

His joy for life extended to his cherished “toys,” his tractors, and farm equipment, which he operated with the same joy a child has with their favorite playthings. These tools of his trade were also his hobbies, and he spent many happy hours on them.

Mick’s legacy is carried on by his loving wife, Wilma; his devoted daughters, Debbie Nafzger (Jerry) and Buffie Eskridge (Elvis); his six grandchildren, Jace Wright, Mackenzie Salgado (Rick), Shelby Shaw (Kenny), Madison Wright (Mark), Bryce Wright (Shelby aka “Red”),and Katalaya Eskridge and his ten great-grandchildren, Mahayla, Laiken, Logan, Harlow, Hollyn, Ellison, Eli, Everly, Emrie, and Escher. Also surviving are his three brothers, Bill Bradbury (Carole), Tom Bradbury (Myrna) and Max Bradbury (Betty) and his sister, Margaret Epp (Glendon) as well as the countless lives he touched with his generosity, humor, and indomitable spirit. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his memory will continue to inspire and guide us.

In his life, Mick Bradbury was a man who loved deeply, worked hard, and gave generously. His story is one of a life well-lived, marked by the values of family, faith, and community. As we say farewell to this remarkable man, we celebrate the enduring impact he has made on all of us. Mick’s journey on this earth may have come to an end, but his spirit lives on.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 23^rd at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Uniontown Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service. 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.

Sharon Kay Button, age 70, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at her home. She was born on March 22, 1955, in Tulsa, OK, the daughter of Lloyd and Barbara Ivey.

Sharon graduated from Fort Scott High School. She worked for two different Insurance Companies as well as USD234. She loved spending time with family, especially the grandchildren and their activities. Sharon attended Community Christian Church and lived out her Christian faith.

Survivors include her children Kelley Tucker and husband Darren, Kimberly Graham-Coon and husband Robert, Kristy Sickles and husband Jeremiah, Scotty Button and wife Samantha, and Kaylee Button; grandchildren Garrison, Nathan, Jenna, Ashlyn, Addisyn, Brock, Dana, Delci, Delaney, Keith, Brooklyn, Allie, Lily, Cooper, and Lillian; and a brother, John Ivey and wife Teresa. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Lloyd, Jr. and Randy Ivey, and grandchildren Karissa, Benjamin, and other heavenly grandbabies.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Friday, September 19^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.

Roy Gene Colum, Sr., age 91, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. He was born August 6, 1934, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Elbert Alexander Colum, Sr. and Melinda Amanda Mae Smith Pigford. Roy graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and then went on to serve with the United States Navy from 1952-1956.

Roy was united in marriage to Kathleen Young on December 12, 1952. He was stationed in San Diego and upon completing his military service, he decided to remain in that area. He took a job with the City of San Diego where he worked for the City of San Diego Park and Recreation and Street Division. After many years, he retired from the City and began working for both Avis and Hertz rental car companies.

Roy enjoyed watching the news, keeping up with current events. Following retirement, he took a “part-time” position with the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint, a San Diego newspaper. In earlier years, he enjoyed bowling and playing softball. He enjoyed sports of all kinds and was a great fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Roy and Kathleen later returned to Ft. Scott where they have made their home for the last several years. While living in Ft. Scott, Roy took an active role in sharing studying Ft. Scott history and family genealogy. In preparation for the annual Gordon Parks Celebration, he was often called upon to identify people and places surrounding Ft. Scott’s African American community. Roy loved life and his family. He worked hard to provide for his family and faithfully cared for his wife as their health declined. Roy has left a legacy of hard work and perseverance and a strong family who will carry on in the days ahead.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen, of the home in Ft. Scott and five children, Roy Gene Colum, Jr., Kimberly Joyce Colum-Wright, Byron Arthur Colum, Larren Scott Colum and April G. Davis. Also surviving are a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and Great Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Elbert A. Colum, Sr., his mother, Melinda Amanda Mae Pigford and his brother, Elbert A. Colum, Jr.

There was cremation, and he will eventually be laid to rest at the Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. Arrangements were 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.

Charlotte Elaine Lucas, age 77, a long-time resident of Humboldt, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott, Kansas. She was born June 15, 1948, the daughter of Gerald Lee Stephens, Sr. and Evelyn Nadine York Stevens. Charlotte grew up in Humboldt and graduated from Humboldt High School. She was united in marriage to Lewis William “Bill” Lucas on April 25, 1981. Charlotte worked as a CNA and CMA at the nursing home in Humboldt for many years. She had been an active member of the First Baptist Church of Humboldt. Charlotte loved her grandchildren dearly and always wanted to spend time with them or hear about their activities. She also enjoyed spending time with her friend group known as the “Golden Girls.” She could often be found socializing at the senior citizens center or visiting the Humboldt Library. She also never missed Humboldt’s annual Bibelesta Parade.

Survivors include a daughter, Karon Schnichels (Troy) of Linn Valley, Kansas; ten grandchildren, Brandi Robertson, Heather Hillis, Megan Sherbon, Courtney Miller, Kyle Schnichels, Zayne Schnichels, Madgelene Harper, Eric Lee Lucas, Sarha McCormick, and Heath Lucas; twenty-eight great-grandchildren and twelve great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a daughter-in-law, Mandy Lucas, a sister-in-law, Lorraine Stephens and a nephew, Simon Stephens. Charlotte was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, on December 28, 2017. She was also preceded in death by a son, Eric Lucas, a daughter, Melody Lucas, a brother, Gerald Stephens, Jr. a grandson, Earnest Lucas and a great-granddaughter, Oaklynn.

Pastor Jerry Neeley will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Monday, September 8^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to Tri-Valley Developmental Center 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.

David Michael Harney was born on 7 March 1935 in Winchester, Massachusetts, one of nine children of the late Edward Francis “Ted” Harney and Mabel Garland, of Arlington. In the late 1950s, David served in the US Army in Korea. He then studied to be a landscape architect and started a successful landscaping business in southern California.

In the 1970s Dave moved to Fort Scott and went into the truck-transport business. While Dave spent years traveling throughout the United States he maintained a home in Fort Scott, Kansas, where he had many close friends that he considered family. He enjoyed his friends, enjoyed life, and always had his many projects to work on.

In 2007 Dave built his dream home in Fort Scott and held a family reunion for his brothers and sisters and their offspring in 2008, including his “favorite nieces”. He received many offers to purchase his dream home and later sold it and moved into a smaller home which he then landscaped beautifully so that it became a showplace. In retirement David continued landscaping which he loved.

His family was important to David, and over the years he amassed a large collection of family photographs from the 1890s to present, as well as family letters, which he organized and digitized in preparation to creating a family book or video. David’s work on this project will be continued by his sister Linda and his niece Susan “Suki” Vierra.

David is survived by his brothers Richard Harney, Oregon; Peter Harney, Washington; and sister Linda (Harney) MacDonald, Wyoming; as well as his many “favorite” nieces and nephews on the East Coast, Gulf Coast, and West Coast.

There was cremation.  Private burial will take place at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Arrangements were 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.

Edward Lee Ramsey, age 60, went to meet his Lord and Savior on August 28, 2025. Ed was born in Independence, Missouri on May 2,1965. He was the beloved son of Leonard Roscoe Ramsey and Mary Louise Ramsey and nephew of Martha Ann Gentry. He was the proud and loving father to Garrett and Rebecca Ramsey, Tanner Ramsey, and Yheana Josol.

He was an even prouder Granddad to Grady Ramsey, Emery Ramsey, Remington Ramsey and Waylon Ramsey. Ed was the loving brother to Dana Ramsey, Bob Padgett and Terry Fritz. He was a loving uncle to Ross and Brenna Nolan, Spencer Nolan, and Brook Roberts. Ed was married to his beloved and caring wife IanLou Matanod Ramsey and loved and appreciated all of his family here and in the Philippines.

Ed was a loving husband and good father. He preached the family motto “Family over everything”. Ed (Eddie) graduated from Uniontown High School in 1983 and then continued his education and football career at Ottawa University where he earned the name “Big Ed”. Ed was a passionate lifelong teacher, coach and mentor to many. One his favorite motivators was to say “Pin your ears back and go”. His entire life Ed loved spending his time hunting (especially with Max, Chip, Gunner and Molly), fishing, and riding his ATV. There were many memories made enjoying the great outdoors.

After retirement, Ed was fortunate enough to be able to return home to the Uniontown community where he worked as a bus driver and served First Missionary Baptist Church as a deacon. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.

Following cremation, services will be held for Ed at the First Missionary Baptist Church (100 5th Street) in Uniontown, Kansas on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. After the service, we will lead a procession to Ed’s favorite spot on the hill- we will have a prayer fire and fellowship for all who wish to attend. If you feel led to give, your donations will go towards an education fund for Ed and Ianlou’s daughter Yheana. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.