Pauline “Polly” Louise (Gordon) Alsop, affectionately known by family members as “Red”, 99, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away Friday morning, July 29, 2022, at Infinity Park Nursing Home in Overland Park, Kansas. She was born February 8, 1923, in Eve, Missouri, the daughter of John Worth and Lillian Lola (Kearns) Gordon. She married Harold Dean Alsop February 8, 1941, in Girard, Kansas, and he preceded her in death June 18, 1997.

She worked for several years at the Bourbon County Tag Office. She was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church, White Shrine of Jerusalem, and Order of the Eastern Star.

Polly was kind and tender-hearted. She had a love for children and animals. She loved to play bridge with lady friends in both Fort Scott and Clinton. And she was particularly fond of playing Rook with all her family members – always had a Rook game going! She loved watching the Royals and Chiefs on TV.

Polly welcomed anyone to her table – there was always an extra plate. She loved to bake and cook and give to friends and neighbors during the holidays. She was known for her pies; “Polly’s Pies” and always had homemade ice cream. Polly was always cooking for a house full of family members and their friends! She was known far and wide by dozens of high schoolers as ‘Aunt Polly’ and her house was always the gathering place of all the kids.  Polly helped with MYF, Cub Scouts, Campfire; a little league baseball coach, homeroom mother…she did it all.

Polly also loved to sew and made clothes and costumes for her children and grandkids and made beautiful formals for her daughter Sue.

Polly is survived by her children, Gordon Dean Alsop, of Overland Park, Kansas; Ronald Dale Alsop, of Clinton, Missouri; and Paula Sue Black, also of Overland Park; five grandchildren, Kimberly DuVall, of Overland Park, Kansas; Michael Alsop, of Highland Ranch, Colorado; Hayley Bleck-Nemec, of Prairie Village, Kansas; Morgan Alsop, of Jacksonville, Florida; and Spencer Alsop, of Ocala, Florida; and three great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband Harold, Polly was also preceded in death by her parents, eight brothers, and three sisters.

Rev. Chris Eshelman will conduct graveside services at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 4, 2022, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Thomas W. “Tom” Madison, 56, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2022, as the result of a brain injury sustained in a motorcycle accident in Kansas City, Kansas on July 23, 2022. Tom was born July 6, 1966, son of William “Bill” Madison and Margie (Peterson) Madison in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Tom lived in Fort Scott during his early childhood before the family moved to Adrian, Missouri, then Columbus, Kansas to further his father’s career as a teacher and a coach.

The family returned to Fort Scott during Tom’s sixth-grade year. He attended Fort Scott schools through graduation from Fort Scott High School in 1984, where he was active in FFA. He earned his associate degree from Fort Scott Community College in 1986 where he was on the Rodeo Team and the Livestock Judging Team. He then attended Kansas State University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education in 1990.

After graduating from Kansas State, Tom taught two years of high school agriculture and FFA in Lewiston, Nebraska, then moved to Paxico, Kansas where he managed the Tiffany Springs Ranch, then the Laflin Ranch in Olsburg, Kansas.

He returned home to Fort Scott in 1995. He worked for Mid-Continental Restoration for several years before returning to teaching agriculture and FFA for two years in Pleasanton, Kansas.

In the mid-2000’s Tom began Madison Trucking and had been in the business of contracting to haul cattle since that time. In recent years, he also worked for his cousin Billy Madison at Spring Hill Pork Processors.

Tom (and Lindsay) Madison have two daughters, Kendall, and Lauren, who he spent a great time with during their 4-H years showing swine and other livestock at the Bourbon County Fair as well as traveling to shows in a regional series, the Kansas State Fair, and the American Royal.

He spent many years during and after college competing in rodeos and team ropings where he developed many close friendships that lasted a lifetime.

If any family or friends ever needed a hand, he could build or fix about anything and was always willing to help. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, knew someone everywhere he went, and could be heard anywhere nearby with his big laugh.

Tom is survived by his daughters Kendall and Lauren, and their mother Lindsay. His mother Margie Madison, all of Fort Scott; and his brother-in-law Robert Handke of Leavenworth, Kansas. Also surviving are aunts and uncles of the Madison family Nora Karleskint, Norma Kramer, Warren Madison, Cathy (Pat) Thomas, Frank (Deb) Madison, Claude Madison; aunts and uncles of the Peterson Family Mary Lou Schafer, Frank Peterson, Von (Susan) Peterson, Verna May “Sissy” (Jay) Mall, and Edith Peterson (wife of late Harry “Sonny”) and many cousins and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his late wife Talitha “Tally” Brown Madison; father, Bill Madison; sister Angela Madison Handke; aunts Carol (Madison) Lefever and Joyce Peterson; uncles Harry “Sonny” Peterson, Pat Peterson, Bill Peterson, Ben Karleskint and Bill Kramer; and cousin Todd Madison.

The family will receive visitors on Sunday, August 7^, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a memorial service on Monday, August 8 at 10 a.m., both at Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel in Fort Scott.

Burial will take place in Centerville Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Cowboys for Cancer Crisis Fund in honor of late friend Doug Hazelbaker, or to the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Ronald Eugene Love, age 53, a resident of rural Deerfield, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, July 28, 2022, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. He was born December 6, 1968, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Robert Sherman Love and Patricia Ann Johnson Love. Ron graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.

He married Jelene Bower on June 30, 2001, in Ft. Scott. In earlier years, Ron had worked for his family’s business, Love’s Trash Service. He later worked for Superior Wheels in Pittsburg, Kansas. Ron was a devoted husband and father. He will be remembered for his patient attitude toward his children. He enjoyed racing and for a time owned his own racecar. He was also a great fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the KU Jayhawks.

Survivors include his wife, Jill, of the home; and his four children, Alyson Love of Ft. Scott, Quentin Love of Nevada, Missouri and Gavin Love and Evan Love both of the home; his mother, Pat Love of Ft. Scott, a brother, Bob Love (Patty) of Ft. Scott, a niece, Maggie Love and a nephew, Rob Love (Jennifer). Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Amelia Bower of Deerfield, three brothers-in-law, Rick Jones of Ft. Scott and Tony Bower and Jason Bower (Thabena) all of Deerfield and several nieces and nephews on the Bower side of the family as well as a good friend, Paul Scrivener (Bridget) of Ft. Scott.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Love, Sr., father-in-law, John Bower and his brother-in-law, Doug Bower.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Friday, August 5^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 9 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart 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.

Edward Rice McDaniel, age 88, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at his home.  He was born March 3, 1934, the son of Frank and Alta Richards McDaniel.  Ed served in the United States Navy for 4 years.  He married Barbara Russell on June 3, 1956, in Hunt City, IL.  She preceded him in death on November 30, 2017.

For several years, Ed farmed with Barbara in Illinois.  They later would begin truck driving together for the next 25 years. Following driving for commercial companies, Ed turned to teaching truck driving at Fort Scott Community College for the next 15 years until retirement.  He enjoyed cattle, horses, and vegetable gardening.

Survivors include a daughter, Cindy Remlinger, Ft. Scott; a sister, Anna Belle Lambird, Newton, IL; 7 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Gretchen McDaniel; a son, Edward McDaniel; 2 brothers, Robert, and Jerry McDaniel; and a sister, Geneva Matar.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm Friday July 29^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Cremation will take place following with burial later in the Brockville Cemetery, Newton, Illinois.

Memorials are suggested to Elks Lodge #579 for Christmas Baskets 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 guest book at cheneywitt.com.

Bernard Lee Rauschenberger, “Bud”, 75, passed away Monday, July 11, 2022, in Fort Scott, Kansas, surrounded by loved ones at his home at the time of his death. He was born October 31, 1946, in Butler, Pennsylvania, the son of William Frank and Jeanette (Raybuch)

Rauschenberger. He married Nolene Mochel October 12, 1962, in Butler, Pennsylvania. They were married for over 50 years, and she preceded him in death. Out of that union were born four children.

Bud was a Jack of All Trades – Master of Some; he was a pastor, Bible School worker, Missionary, truck driver, caretaker, and autobody technician.

Bud is survived by his son, Brian (Jamie) Rauschenberger, of Jackson, Kentucky, and their children, Jessica (Jonathan) Barthelemy, Benjamin Rauschenberger (deceased), Brooke (Jeremy) Wright; daughter, Lisa (Robert) Price of Elwood, Indiana, and their children, Lacy Massey, Cody (Elizabeth) Price, Leeza (Jordan) Jackman, Kyle Price, LeAnn Price; daughter, Amy (Nathan) Bryant, of Fort Scott, Kansas, and their children, Amanda (Chris) Pierre, Nolan (Shelly) Bryant, Nathaniel (Emily) Bryant, Nicholas (Rhonda) Bryant; son, David (Mindy) Rauschenberger of Carmel, Indiana, and their children, Cory Rauschenberger (deceased), Audrey Rauschenberger, Tyler Rauschenberger, Grace Rauschenberger, Emma Rauschenberger. He is also survived by a brother, Frank Rauschenberger, three sisters, Joyce Benson, Linda Powell, and Sally Sebak, and sixteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Nolene, Bud was also preceded in death by his parents, two grandchildren, Benjamin Rauschenberger, and Cory Rauschenberger, and two sisters, Cathy McNight, and Peggy Turano, and a brother, James Rauschenberger.

Endearingly called Bud, he was loved by many. He lived a life for Jesus Christ and made Heaven his home for all eternity. His life story and conversion was aired on the Unshackled program, #3680.

We as a family plan to see him again! We are coming Mama & Papaw, so make room – this is just a “see ya later!”

A Celebration of Life is being planned for October 29, 2022, at Mt. Zion Bible School in Ava, Missouri.   Local arrangements are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Illah May (Mason) Parsons, 89, of Fort Scott, passed away late Tuesday evening, July 19, 2022. She was born April 18, 1933, in Uniontown, Kansas, the daughter of Lester Dewey and Myrtle May (Ludlum) Mason. She married Earl Wesley Parsons on December 14, 1954, in Miami, Oklahoma, and he preceded her in death October 13, 1990.

Illah worked in Data Input for the Western Insurance, and retired from American States Insurance in 1987.

Survivors include her sons Wayne Parsons and his wife Sheretta, and Jerry Parsons and wife Neicha, both of Fort Scott, and Dale Parsons and wife Cheryl, of Olathe, Kansas; a brother, Harold Mason and his wife Peggy, of Peculiar, Missouri; a sister, Leona Fails of San Jose, California; five grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Earl, she was also preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Kenneth Mason.

Rev. Ken Ansell will conduct Funeral Services at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Mercy Pediatric Cardiology Unit 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.

Carol Jean Hiel “Tina Burns”, 56, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at her home. She was born on February 28, 1966, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Melvin Lee and Shirley Jean (McCallum) Ransier.

Tina loved life and loved her family. She loved wolves and collected dreamcatchers, fingernail polish, and family photos. She enjoyed watching Days of our Lives, sitting at her dining room table, eating ice, and playing her “Family Farm Seaside phone game.”

Her favorite thing to do was spend time with Randy and the grandbabies. Tina was always just a phone call away, and faithfully kept up and checked on her family and friends every day.

Tina is survived by her life-partner of 27 years, Lawrence “Randy” Burns, of the home; a daughter, Brittany Burns, of Nevada, Missouri; a son, Christopher Hiel and wife Kasandra, of Pittsburg, Kansas; five brothers, Robert and his wife Debbie, Ernie, Billy, Jeff, and Danny, and one sister, Charlene, and ten grandchildren, Aleson, Ajaxx, Rilee, Anthony, Jason, and Lorrayne, Timothy, Jr., Savannah, Alexis, and Brayden.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Timothy Hiel; a brother, David Ransier, and two sisters, Kathy Marshall, and Mary Ransier.

Following cremation, the family will hold a Celebration of Life, for family and close friends at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Ruth Rosamond Lowry of Richards MO, passed away peacefully at her home on July 8, 2022. Daughter of William Hugh and Mary (Neptune) Johnson, she was born January 1, 1931. She lived on the family farm at Eve MO until her marriage to Airman Albert Warren (“Budge”) Lowry on July 25, 1952.

To their union was born daughters, Lou Ellen and Carolyn and son, John. The family was dedicated to service with the United States Air Force until 1972. At that time, they returned to Richards to make their home. Prior to his unexpected death in 1973, Albert and Ruth made the first payment on their farm.

In 2011, she returned there to live out her life. In the years following her husband’s death, Ruth made her home in Nevada MO, Ottumwa IA, Wichita KS and Joplin MO.

Following graduation from Nevada High School in 1948 and receiving her teaching certificate from Pittsburg State, she held a variety of jobs beginning as a teacher in a one-room school and finishing her career as a supervisor with the Social Security Administration where she worked from 1973 until her retirement in 1990.

Ruth often marveled at the extraordinary life she was given, the places she traveled and the people she met. Her life was supported by her strong faith in God and she filled it with love and service for her family, friends and church communities. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Nevada MO. Ruth will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by brothers James (J.W), Olan and Bernard and sister Lois Fritter.

She is survived by her brother Roy and his wife, Letha and sister in law Kay (Lynn) Johnson; Children: Lou Ellen, Joplin MO, Carolyn, Bryan TX, and John, Richards MO; Grandchildren: Marshal Lowry (Allison) Bryan, TX; Katie and James Moncivais, Austin, TX, Chris (Jessica) Moncivais, Marfa, Texas; Emily (Josh) Appeldorn Springdale AR, Erin (Tom) Evans Lenexa, KS; John (Kirby) Lowry Bartlesville, OK and Heather (Nathan) Glassman Denver CO; Great grandchildren: Isabella Appeldorn, Apollo Evans, Maelie, Georgie and Carmen Lowry and Ava Marie, Lucy, Joseph and Gemma Glassman.

At Ruth’s request, her body was donated to the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Burial will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Arrangements are 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.

Loretta Marie Swafford, age 82, resident of Overland Park, KS, formerly of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, July 16, 2022, at AdventHealth Care Center, Overland Park, KS.

She was born February 26, 1940, in Kansas City, KS, the daughter of Judson and Dorothy Merriman Careswell.  She married Virgil Peck on November 18, 1956.  They later divorced.  Loretta married Reo Swafford on March 22, 1992, in Wichita, KS.  He preceded her in death on December 9, 2006.

Loretta enjoyed quilting, sewing, crocheting, and gardening.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren.  She volunteered for Mother-to-Mother, Mercy Hospice and Our Father’s House.  Loretta was a member of Mercy Auxiliary, FCE, and the Red Hat Ladies.  She was a member of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

Survivors include 3 children, Charlotte Morris, Ft. Scott, KS, Virgil Peck, Jr. and wife Tamara, Havana, KS, and Daniel Peck and wife Brooke, Tyro, KS; 2 brothers, Jud Careswell, Albuquerque, NM, and Monty Careswell, Windsor, CO; a sister, Judi Williams, Yukon, OK; 8 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and one on the way.

Besides her husband, Reo, she was preceded in death by a brother, Ted Careswell; an infant daughter, Janet Marie Peck; and her parents.

Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Friday, July 22^nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to either Gideons or Fort Scott Christian Heights 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.

Marnie Marie Finney, age 52, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at her home. There was cremation. The family will announce a memorial service to be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

Harry Dee Carpenter, age 86, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at his home.  He was born January 2, 1936, in Pleasanton, Kansas, the son of Harry F. Carpenter and Emogene McCoach Carpenter.  Harry attended Pleasanton schools and graduated in 1954.

He joined the U. S. Navy that same year.  Harry married Janet Rae Hurd on May 23, 1961, in Ft. Scott.  Following their marriage, Harry and Janet made their home at various military bases throughout the United States including Hawaii.  Harry received numerous medals from serviced performed as a Hospital Corpsman while serving with the United States Marines on his second tour of Vietnam.  Harry retired after twenty years of service in 1974, as a Hospital Man First Class serving with both the U. S. Navy and the U. S. Marines.  He later returned to Ft. Scott and graduated from the Ft. Scott Community College in 1978.  He was later employed by Mayco Ace Hardware, Tri-Valley Developmental Services and as a driver for Mercy Hospital.

Survivors include his wife, Janet, of the home; two sons, Jon Carpenter (Kim) of Ft Scott and Jim Carpenter (Diane) of Olathe, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Jana Johnson (Michael) of Ft. Scott, Kyle Carpenter (Anna), of Erie, Kansas, Jon Thomas Carpenter (Rachel), of Ft. Scott, Kelsey Young (Drew) of Bentonville, Arkansas, Crystal Haro (Jamin) of Overland Park, Kansas, Mark Feagins of Joplin, Missouri, Adrian Ariana and Jayden Carpenter, all of Olathe, Kansas and five great-grandchildren, Randell and Liam Johnson, Evelyn Carpenter, Macy and Micah Haro.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Louise Licklider and a brother, Larry Carpenter.

According to Harry’s wishes, there was cremation.  No services are planned at this time.

Burial with military honors will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department, the Ft. Scott Police Department or the Paralyzed Veterans of America 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.

Bettie Lou Crays DuVall, age 91, resident of Lockwood, MO, formerly of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Lockwood.

She was born October 11, 1930, in Hiattville, KS, the daughter of Harold I. and Audrey M. Loudenback Crays.  Bettie moved to Ft. Scott around the age of 16 to attend high school and work part time.  During her senior year, she met Herbert “Gene” DuVall.  They would be married on September 4, 1949, in Ft. Scott.  He preceded her in death on May 10, 2015.

Besides being a full-time homemaker, Bettie also became proficient with home renovation and decoration. She was a self-taught seamstress and a master gardener.  She helped with the Bourbon County Extension Office, participated in the Homes for the Holidays tours, and was a member of P.E.O. and the First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Tanya DuVall-Haubein and husband David, Lockwood, MO; a sister, Helen Davenport and husband Jim, Aurora, NE; a granddaughter, Ann Owen and husband Brady, Lockwood, MO; 4 nieces, Lori Barrett, Debra Masur, Marilyn Gilstrap, and Carolyn VanSantan; and several cousins.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a bother Harold Crays, Jr., and his wife Dorothy; a nephew, Justin Davenport; and her parents.

Rev. Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM Monday, July 18^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

The family will receive friends Monday from 9:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.

Burial will take place at 9:00 AM Tuesday, July 19^th, at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to either the First United Methodist Church or American Legion Post #25 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.