Evelyn June Blubaugh, age 79, a resident of Olathe, Kansas, passed away Saturday, September 3 2022, in Olathe. She was born May 19, 1943, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Marcus Oliver Studebaker and Pearl Leah Long. From an early age, Evelyn was raised by her grandparents, William and Lucille Long on the family farm near Westphalia, Kansas. She attended Pleasant Valley Rural School and St. Teresa’s Catholic School and went on to graduate from the Westphalia High School with the Class of 1961.

The Long and Blubaugh families were neighbors and friends in Westphalia; however, the romance between Evelyn and Russell began at the skating rink in Iola, Kansas. They were married on June 8, 1961. Together, Evelyn and Russell settled into life on the farm.

Evelyn’s home was always a beehive of activity as she worked to maintain the day to day behind the scenes operations of the farm. She cooked for their farmhands and anyone else who happened to show up at their home at noon. In 1985, Russell and Evelyn found it necessary to move off the farm and chose to move to Olathe.

Life in the city presented a new set of opportunities, as garage sales were plentiful, fabric stores and garden centers were just around the corner and department stores and supermarkets were always having a big sale. Evelyn was ready with her hands full of coupons or Kohl’s Cash. Everyone knew if Evelyn wasn’t home, she was probably at Dillons.

Evelyn will be remembered for her excellent cooking and baking, as well as her talents with a needle and thread. She made many a dress for her daughters and granddaughters, and also for their Barbie and baby dolls. Many children have been the recipient of one of Evelyn’s baby blankets. Evelyn was a devoted wife and mother and a loving grandmother to her four granddaughters, and worked hard to make special memories with them all. She will be lovingly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her husband, Russell, of the home in Olathe, her two daughters, Diane Hastert (Duane) of Garnett, Kansas and Deann Mitchell (Greg) of Olathe, Kansas; four granddaughters, Meagan Ingold (Josh), Lauryn Hastert (Jesse Linzay), Shelby Ellis (Tim) and Sydney Gray (Tristan) and two great-grandsons, Carter and Kaysen Ingold. Also surviving are two half-brothers, Dan Krauth and Marvin Studebaker (Maria) and a half-sister, Beverly Poe.

Evelyn was preceded in death by twin great-granddaughters, Marcie and Jaycie Ellis and a half-brother, Steve Studebaker.

Pastor Chris Goetz will conduct funeral services at 2:30 P.M. Thursday, September 8th at the First Christian Church, 200 S. Walnut St., Garnett, Kansas.

Burial will follow in the Mont Ida Cemetery.

Following services at the cemetery, the family will gather back at the church for a time of fellowship.

Donations in her memory may be sent to the Garnett Public Library, 125 W. Fourth St., Garnett, KS 66032 or left in care of the funeral home, Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Born August 10,1954 in St. Louis, Mo., the only child of Richard and Kathen Ohnemus. Sandy grew up in North St. Louis County and pursued music though this portion of her life. She was an accomplished accordionist who competed in several national events.  This is how she met her future husband, John.

Sandy married John Hrenak in 1979 in St. Louis and re-located to Fort Scott so John could pursue a career in Civil Engineering with the Kansas Dept of Transportation. She initially worked for Brown’s Refrigerated Express and briefly in the County Clerk’s Office before finding her career in medical and dental claims processing for several firms.  She worked in this capacity for Western, Insurance, American States, Lincoln National, Great West, and retired with Cigna Insurance.

Sandy was an avid bowler, holding positions as a league and association officer. She also shared her husband’s interest in auto racing. Together, they attended many racing events in several states before taking the step into ownership and participation in racing.  Sandy was an integral part of the 2H racing team as it competed on tracks in SE Kansas and Western Mo for more than 12 years.

Sandy is survived by her husband John, Timothy (Debbie) Hrenak of Florissant, MO., Thomas (Donna) Hrenak of Marthasville, MO., Michael Hrenak, William (Laura) Hrenak, and Andrew (Jackie) Hrenak all of St. Charles, MO. She is also survived by 7 nieces, and 6 nephews.

She is preceded in death by both of her parents.

Sandy passed away at home on August 31st, may God bless her soul.

There was cremation.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 Wednesday evening, September 7^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Elvin “Dale” Wiley, 78, of Fort Scott, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. He was born January 4, 1944, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Fred Funston and Opal Virginia (Duncan) Wiley.

He married Annetta Marie Harth on May 12, 1962, in Fort Scott. They were married for sixty years, and Marie survives of the home.

Dale served in the U.S. Navy from 1962 until 1966 on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Kittyhawk. He was a Firefighter for Fort Scott Fire Department for twenty-three and half years from 1967 until 1992. He was a carpenter for over forty years, working with his brother Lloyd on his days off from the fire department. Later he began repairing sewing machines for Helen’s Fabric. He was also a machinist, and loved to build and make things. He particularly loved a good challenge.

In addition to his wife Marie, Dale is survived by his two sons, Bryan Wiley and wife Kimberly, of Independence, Missouri, and Bradley Wiley and wife Robin, of Fort Scott, Kansas; a brother, Lloyd Wiley, of Fort Scott; six grandchildren, Jessara Bowenshulte, and husband Tyler, Cullan Wiley, Breck Wiley, Whitley Wiley, Chelsea Zandler, Daryn Wiley and fiancé Collin Grayum; one great-grandson, Bennett Bowenshulte, and one more great-grandchild on the way. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Dorothy Hoffman; two brothers, Larry Wiley, and Don Wiley; and an infant sister Netti.

Following cremation, Pastor Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 3, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will take place at the Fort Scott National Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends Friday evening September 2, 2022, from 6-7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made 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.

Norma Jean Fitzsimmons, 90, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away Tuesday morning, August 23, 2022, at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born July 8, 1932, in Redfield, Kansas, the daughter of Harry Earl and Pearl (Gunsolley) Wilson. She married Richard Donald Fitzsimmons on August 16, 1950, and he preceded her in death May 4, 2010.

Norma is survived by her sons, David Fitzsimmons, of Waynesville, Missouri, Mike Fitzsimmons, of the Lower 48, and Kevin and wife, Brenda Fitzsimmons, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; a sister, Barbara Bolinger, of Olathe, Kansas; a son-in-law Matt Townsend of Fort Scott, Kansas; eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Julie Townsend; five sisters, Wylma Pearl Campbell, Juanita Durbin, Una Bowles, Thelma Darlington, and Dora Ellen Henning; and a brother, Harry Duane Wilson.

Funeral services will be at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at 10:00 a.m. at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 West Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.  Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Marilyn Maxine Ward, age 88, a resident of rural Mulberry, Kansas, passed away early Thursday, August 25, 2022, at her home.  She was born October 28, 1933, in Jasper County, Missouri, the daughter of James Endicott and Iris Wilson Endicott.  Marilyn first married Harvey Harrison in 1952. They later divorced and she married John C. Ward in 1975.  Marilyn was a devoted wife and a loving mother to her five children.  She enjoyed sewing and doing puzzles.

Survivors include her children, Harvey David Harrison of Fulton, Kansas, Janice Durbin (Jesse) of Hume, Missouri, Wilma Cagle of Mulberry, Kansas, Sandra Elaine Nutter (Walter “Buster”) of Garland, Kansas and Darryl Harrison of Weir, Kansas; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.  Also surviving are a sister, Alice Fink of Redfield, Kansas and two brothers, Robert Endicott of Hepler, Kansas and J. W. “Jingles” Endicott of Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, John, on November 8, 2005.  She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Wayne and James Endicott, five sisters, Laverne Harrison, Mary Lee Heathman, Carol Ybarra, Irma Hughes, Lucille Quick and Leona Endicott and a son-in-law, Jack Cagle.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, August 29^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 9:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Avalon Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association 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.

Samuel Roy Evans, age 71, lifelong resident of Devon, KS, died Saturday, August 20, 2022, at his home.  He was born March 12, 1951, in Ft. Scott, KS, the son of Samuel and Nina Henning Evans.  He graduated from Uniontown High School in 1969.

Sam married Linda Shelton on April 16, 1971, at the Devon United Methodist Church.

He worked for over 20 years for Bourbon County as a heavy equipment operator until retiring in 2016.

Sam enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and riding horses in his younger days.  He always had a dog by his side.  He was passionate about his grandchildren and was so proud of each of them.  Sam could be described as a unique individual.  He was a member of the Devon Masonic Lodge #92 for over 25 years.

Survivors include his wife Linda, of the home; 2 daughters, Kelly Eastwood and husband Ken, Nevada, MO, and Katie Casper and husband Bo, Devon, KS; 2 sisters, Shirley Jefferis and husband Jim, Moran, KS, and Mary Ellen Beck, Mt. Vernon, MO; a brother, Gene Evans, Ft. Scott; 6 grandchildren, Marine Lance Corporal Corbin Eastwood, Caleb Eastwood, Mesa Casper, Kodi Jo Casper, Bryn Casper, and Samuel Cole Casper; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Sam Evans; his mother, Nina Evans McCullough, and 2 brothers in law, Joe Beck, and Dennis Shelton.

Pastor Danny Brown will conduct graveside services at 11:00 AM Thursday, August 25^th, in the Centerville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 10:45 AM Thursday prior to leaving for the cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Shriner’s Transportation Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Clifford Eugene Carpenter, age 66, resident of Liberty, MO, died Friday, August 19, 2022, at Liberty Health and Wellness Nursing Home in Liberty, MO.  He was born March 12, 1956, in Ft. Scott, KS, the son of Chester and Betty Dixon Carpenter.  Clifford retired from Hallmark Greeting Card Distribution Center in Liberty, where he worked as a forklift operator.  He greatly enjoyed treasure hunting at flea markets and dealing with antiques in his spare time.

Survivors include his mother, Betty Carpenter, Lamar, MO; 3 brothers, David Carpenter and wife Teresa, Jasper, MO, Norman Carpenter and wife Tonya, Ft. Scott, KS, and Carl Carpenter, Kansas City; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in by his father.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, August 24, 2022, in the Deerfield Cemetery, Deerfield, MO.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Duane Ketron, age 67, passed away on August 16, 2022 at Medicalodge of Fort Scott after suffering from a long illness. He was born February 19, 1955 in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Arthur Hursh Ketron and Mary Louise Clark Ketron.

Duane graduated from Fort Scott High School and worked at Peerless in Fort Scott for many years. He still owned his first car, a 1959 Ford Fairlane 2-door sedan named “Old Betsy”, that he dreamed of restoring. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a winning smile with those he encountered. In addition, he was an avid Royals fan and loved dogs and cats.

Survivors include two sisters – Kathee Light of Hoxie, AR and Carolyn Strauch of Neosho, MO; four nieces – Kamela Light of Hoxie, AR; Shawnta (spouse Randal) Whited of Walnut Ridge, AR; Caroline Green (spouse Steve) of Topeka, KS; and Julia (spouse Gabriel) Carroll of Springfield, MO; eight great-nieces/nephews – Harley Light, Chance Phillips, Memory Light, Hannah (spouse Brandon) Dawson, Weston Whited, Ethan Whited, Zackary Green, and Bradley Green; one great-great-niece – Londyn Light.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Hursh and Mary Louise Ketron, his younger brother, David Arthur Ketron, brother-in-law Ronnie “Frog” Light, and niece Kristy Light.

Visitation with the family and friends will be Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 10:30 am in the Cheney Witt Chapel

Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 am with interment at Memory Gardens after the Memorial Service.

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

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, love, and acts of caring for our brother and uncle Duane. We also want to thank the Cheney Witt staff for all their assistance and caring service. Please join us in celebrating and remembering his life.

Margaret Lucille Leatherman, age 91, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and more recently of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at the Communities of
Wildwood in Joplin. She was born October 25, 1930, in Deerfield, Missouri, the daughter of Norman Louis Pettibon and Lucille Pilcher Pettibon. Margaret graduated from the Nevada High
School and the Ft. Scott Junior College. She went on to receive a teaching certificate from Pittsburg State Teachers College. Prior to her marriage, Margaret taught at both the Mapleton,
Kansas grade school and the Lath Branch School east of Ft. Scott. Margaret married Donald Leatherman on May 11, 1952, in rural Deerfield, Missouri. Together, they owned and operated
their own farm for many years. After her children were grown, she worked for a time at Master Printers and for Sears in Ft. Scott. Margaret was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed
fishing, gardening and tending her flowers. She was a longtime member of the First Southern Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and was active with the Awana program.

Survivors include three sons, Tom Leatherman (Connie) of Deerfield, Missouri, Steve Leatherman (Debbie) of Joplin, Missouri and Mark Leatherman (Leanne) of Ft. Scott, Kansas, ten grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Also surviving is a son-in-law, David Cannon of Louisburg, Kansas and a sister, Norma Yoos, also of Joplin.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Don, on January 7, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Beth Cannon and her sister, Beverly Davis.

Pastor Clarence Newman will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Monday, August 22 nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery

The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 P.M. Sunday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the First Southern Baptist Church or 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.

Mary Ellen Harper, age 96, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, August 13, 2022, at her home.  She was born September 26, 1925, in Uniontown, KS, the daughter of Benjamin and Hazel Cox Hite.

She married Richard Harper on October 29, 1944, in Arma, KS.  He preceded her in death on August 15, 2008.  Mary Ellen’s life was all about her family.  She made sure no one lacked for anything.  Her many talents included sewing, embroidery, working dot-to-dot and puzzle books, and fishing with a cane pole.  She loved music, attending the Ft. Scott Jubilee, and watching tv, especially the news.

Mary Ellen was an excellent cook.  Her specialties included fried chicken, noodles, and pies.  She did have a mortal fear of snakes and lizards.

She was a member of Eastern Star, Devon Methodist Church, and later attended Diamond Community Church.

Survivors include her daughters, Linda Harryman, and Katherine Johnson and husband Billy Joe, all of Ft. Scott; 12 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; and 34 great-great grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Melvin, and Gary Harper; two grandsons, Benjamin Underwood, and Raymond Harper; three brothers, Richard, Donald, and Earl Hite; a son in law, John Harryman; and her parents.

Pastor Rick Hite will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 20^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.

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

Memorials are suggested to either Kids with Courage Foundation or Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Dean Brown, age 91, a resident of Fulton, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, Kansas.  He was born October 7, 1930, in Uniontown, Kansas, the son of Durward “Duke” Brown and Pearl Ballah Brown.  Dean graduated from the Fulton High School.

He married Fern R. Wardrip on July 2, 1949, at Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Throughout his life, Dean worked at various jobs.  He had been employed at both the Prescott and Mound City Elevators and for a time owned and operated his own service station in Fulton.  Dean loved the land and being outdoors and especially enjoyed helping his brother, Donnie, with his farming operation.  Dean enjoyed antique cars and often drove his Model A Ford in area parades.  He was also active with the Fulton Community Center.

Survivors include his four children, Shirley Webber (Gary) of Paola, Kansas, Ed Brown of the home in Fulton, Sharon Oakes (Jim) of Clarksville, Tennessee and Lynn Brown (Melissa) of Ft. Scott, Kansas; nine grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother, Donnie Brown (Georgia) also of Ft. Scott and several nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his wife, Fern, on September 15, 2013.  He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Gale and Gary Brown and two sisters, Delma Wood and Juanita Brown.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct graveside services at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 16^th at the Mapleton Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Prescott Food Pantry 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.