William Grant Wiggans, age 66, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Thursday, December 17, 2020, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott. He was born January 12, 1954, in Ft. Scott, the son of Donald Wesley Wiggans and Betty Bernice Powell Wiggans.

He married Amy Minor in 1984. Before they married, he was known as “Wild Bill” and after, that changed to “Sweet William.”

Bill worked road construction for several years before working for Bourbon County his last 12 years. He was known as “Roust About” by his co-workers. Bill could operate any type of machinery. He enjoyed horses, dogs, and tinkering with mowers and tractors.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved them all. Bill will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his wife Amy of the home; four sons, Randy Earnest and wife Carrie, Bronaugh, MO, Patrick Earnest, Ft. Scott, Gerod Wiggans, Ft. Scott, and Gary Wiggans, Ft. Scott; adopted son Ron Widder and wife Cathy, Ft. Scott; his mother, Betty Wiggans, Ft. Scott; a sister, Carla Fowler and husband Mike, Ft. Scott; 14 grandchildren, Taylor Jo, Koltin, Mattie, Garrett, Isaac, Kendall, Nellie, Chandler, McCallister, Jackson, Poncho, Rhya, Daisy, and Jayda; two great-grandchildren, Emiyah and Everleigh; special caregiver Amber Anderson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by three sisters, Susan Schnichels, Mary Sampson, and Dawn Sharp; and his father.

Mike Chipman assisted by Rev. Floyd Minor will conduct graveside services at 10:30 AM Tuesday, December 22^nd, at the Clarksburg Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Monday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Bill Wiggans Memorial 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.

Marjorie Dee Stringer, 85, of Fort Scott passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at the Presbyterian Village. She was born August 17, 1935, in Chanute, Kansas, the daughter of Joel Emmett and Irma Joy (Woodell) VanMeter. She married Wayne Stringer December 30, 1954, in Thayer, Kansas. He preceded her in death September 15, 2013.

Marjorie was a secretary and treasurer for Fort Scott High School for many years. She was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church, and she was also a member of the Iza Stompers and the City Hand Bell Choir. Marjorie was active in Starlight FCE, the Camping Club, and the Garden Club.

Marjorie is survived by her children, James Wesley Stringer of Rogers, Arkansas, Rhonda Sue Allen and husband Jim of Fort Scott, and Randall Wayne Stringer and wife Valerie of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; a brother, Dale VanMeter and wife Iris, of Post Falls, Idaho, Phyllis Johnson and husband Howard, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; sister-in-law Maude Burns of Iola, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Chris Stringer and wife AnnDee, Elizabeth Kinnaman and husband Ryan, Jennifer Barngrover and husband Dan, Matthew Stringer and wife Kelly, Hilary Randolph and husband Preston, Scott Allen, and Marliss Allen; a step-granddaughter, Stephanie Sherrick; nine great-grandchildren, and two step-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband Wayne, she was also preceded in death by her parents, twin sister Marian Carson, another sister Shirley Powers, a brother Wayne VanMeter, and daughter-in-law Cynthia Stringer.

Rev. Ken Ansell will conduct private family funeral services Monday December 21, 2020, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Presbyterian Village or Gideons 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.

Margaret Ann Lewis, age 73, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.

She was born September 3, 1947, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of John Byron “Jack” Hagood and Christina Gertrude Peters Hagood.

She graduated from FSHS. Margaret married Timmy Lewis on September 15, 1973, in Mapleton, KS. He preceded her in death on April 16, 2008.

Margaret worked much of her 30-year career in home health as a CNA for Community Care Connection. She formed many lasting relationships with the individuals she cared for.

She enjoyed playing mobile games and spending time with her family. She was a regular at Pete’s on Wall St., drinking coffee and visiting with friends early each weekday. She would go to Max’s on the weekend mornings and NuGrille daily for dinner.

She loved dogs and would always reference her son’s dogs by asking “how’s my babies doing?”

Survivors include her son, John Cauthon and wife Beth, Ft. Scott; two brothers, John Hagood and wife Barbara, Medicine Lodge, KS, and Mike Hagood, Ft. Scott; and several nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Besides her husband Timmy, she was preceded in death by both parents.

Rev. Dr. Jared Witt will conduct services will at 9:00 AM Monday, December 21st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private family burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Sunday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Margaret Lewis Memorial 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.

Ruth Elizabeth Farmer, 82, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away on December 15, 2020. She is survived by her loving husband, Gene Farmer, who currently resides at the Presbyterian Manor of Fort Scott.

Ruth was born March 14, 1938, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Edward and Edith Milam. She married Gene Farmer on December 3, 1983, at Overland Park Christian Church in Overland Park, Kansas where they lived until they retired and built a home on their farm in Fort Scott in 1996.

Ruth grew up in Overland Park, Kansas, attending Overland Park Elementary and Shawnee Mission North High School where she graduated in 1956. She then attended the University of Kansas from 1956 to 1960 and received a BS in Education majoring in Physical Education. She was an active member of Alpha Delta PI sorority and participated in several outside clubs and organizations. She also went on to receive her Master of Science Degree in Education from KU in 1969.

Ruth enjoyed a satisfying 34-year career as a Physical Education Teacher for the Olathe Kansas School district, first at Olathe North High School from 1960 to 1968, then at Santa Fe Trail Junior High from 1968 until her retirement in 1994.

Ruth loved to travel, collected all kinds of KU and Jayhawk memorabilia, and gardened on their farm.  She and Gene took several wonderful trips and cruises together. She enjoyed making cross-stitch and needlepoint gifts for her family and friends such as Christmas stockings, pictures, and quilts, and always included a Jayhawk somewhere on each. Ruth was an avid KU basketball and football fan and held season tickets to Allen Field House for over 30 years. She and Gene also enjoyed attending the New Theatre dinner theater in Overland Park with her sister & her husband.  Ruth was also active in several Women’s organizations and church groups over the years both in Overland Park and Fort Scott.

Ruth was the oldest of three and is survived by her loving sisters Janice M. Sprinkle of Overland Park and Margaret A. Ferriman of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, and numerous nieces and nephews of the Sprinkle, Ferriman, and Milam families.  When Ruth married Gene, she became the stepmother of Cynthia Huyett (Kansas City, KS), Rod & Kris Farmer (Olathe, KS), Marty & Sandy Farmer (Independence, MO), and Kathleen Bailey (Belton, MO) who preceded her in death.  Over the next 37 years she became grandmother of 18 and great grandmother of 16 who knew her as either Aunt Ruthie or Grandma Ruthie.   

Rev. Dr. Jared Witt will conduct private graveside services at Centerville Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home

. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 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.

Grace Berniece Hill, age 95, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas and more recently of Olathe, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at the Evergreen Community of Johnson County in Olathe.  She was born on February 14, 1925, in Oakley, Iowa, the daughter of Leonard Pottorff and Dollie Marker Pottorff.  She first married Eugene Coombs they had five children and later divorced.  Grace then married William J. Hawkins on July 2, 1955, and three more children were added to the family.  Bill preceded her in death on April 17, 1992.  She later married Gerald Ray on November 7, 1993.  They were married for five years until his death on December 29, 1998.  On June 1, 2001, she married Willis William “Bill” Hill and he too preceded her in death.  Grace worked for a time in housekeeping at Mercy Hospital, but her main priority was taking care of her family.  Grace was a devoted wife and a loving mother to her eight children.

Survivors include five children, Larry Coombs (Sherry), of Batesville, Arkansas, Penelope Sue Reasoner (Randy) of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Paul Hawkins (Connie) of Carterville, Missouri, Hugh Leonard “Leo” Hawkins (Brenda), of Kearney, Missouri and Mike Hawkins (Wanda), of Kansas City, Missouri and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a sister, Bertha Tobey, of California.  In addition to her husbands, Grace was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Hull, two sons, Jerry Coombs and Gary Coombs, two brothers, Calvin Pottorff and Olan “Shorty” Pottorff and three sisters, Vera Ogren, Dorothy Hovey and Iva Bley.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 P.M. Wednesday, December 16^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.   Pallbearers will be Bill Hawkins, Mike Smith, Kincaid Hurst, Isaac Hurst, Jerry Coombs, Jr., and Dawson Russell.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Evergreen Community Hospice 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.

Marsha Ann Hudson, age 69, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. She was the beloved wife of 48 years to Leigh Carleton Hudson; dear mother of Tyler William Hudson (Jenn) and Ryan Carleton Hudson (Alka); and cherished grandmother to Reece Ricci Hudson, Rory Ann Hudson, Uma Hudson, and Ian Hudson. She treasured her family, her friends, her church, and her community in Fort Scott. She was a person of deep faith, integrity, beauty, positivity, frugality, and love. Marsha was born in Wichita, Kansas, December 5, 1951, the daughter of Ralph William and Mildred L. (Parker) Corn and younger sister to Jim Corn (Cheri).

A proud graduate of Emporia State Teachers College in 1973, she was a member of the Tri Sig Sorority and won “Miss Sunflower” as the most photogenic student. After graduation, Marsha was a home economics teacher for several years and helped to put her husband through law school.

After raising two young boys, she became a free-lance interior decorator in 1983 and worked with Ruddick’s Furniture in Fort Scott until her retirement many decades later. Marsha was very active in all parts of her community. She was a Charter Member of the Pioneer Kiwanis Club; she began working with the Bourbon County Red Cross in 1982, becoming President in 1985; she was a member of the P.E.O. Chapter AQ, becoming the Vice-President in 1985; she worked on the “Holiday Homes Tour” and Good Old Days committees; she was a member of PTO and was a Debate and Cook-Off Judge; she was Winfield Scott School pictures chairperson; she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Yearbook Chairman 1985-1986; and she was a member of Magazine Club and Bridge Club.

Marsha was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott, having served as both Deacon and Ruling Elder. Marsha was strongly committed to the local schools, and in particular the debate and forensics programs, and she helped these programs take root and blossom. She was surrounded by many strong friends throughout the community and was both grateful and proud to live in Fort Scott. More than anything, she had a remarkable ability to get along with—and relate to—everybody. Marsha’s go-to phrase was: “If you can get along with people, you can do anything.” As so many in Fort Scott can confirm, Marsha lived this statement with a smile on her face every day of her life.

Her family is extremely thankful for the Kansas City Hospital and Palliative Care team. Due to the public health situation, the family will be conducting a family-only graveside service under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, and a celebration of life will be next year (on a date to be announced and circulated by her family). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to First Presbyterian Church in Fort Scott. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Dr. Ronald Ray Riley, age 81, passed away Monday, December 7, 2020, at his home in Kansas City, MO.

He was born on October 16, 1939, in Ft. Scott, KS, the son of Raymond C. Riley and Fern Kerr Riley.

In 1964, he married the former Sandra Bevis of Kansas City, MO, and they enjoyed 56 years of marriage.

Two children were born, Shawn Ray Riley and Deborah E. Hulsey, and both have grown to be responsible citizens. He was blessed with 6 grandchildren of which he was very proud. He was greatly loved and will be missed by all.

Dr. Riley practiced general dentistry at first and later the specialty of endodontics in Wichita, KS, for a total of 38 years. He practiced in every conceivable practice arrangement and gained his specialty degree and American Board Certification without benefit of a formal graduate program. History will remember Dr. Riley as the first Board Certified Endodontist to practice in the State of Kansas.

Following retirement from practice in 2002, he began a second career at the University of Missouri School of Dentistry as a dental educator (Clinical Associate Professor) in endodontics. He served UMKC for 16+ years. He also served Indian Health Service for 13 years as an endodontist. He also taught Dental Hygiene at Wichita State university for 15 years and was responsible with Mrs. Riley and others in 1968 for starting The Wichita School of Dental Assisting which is still going strong.

He graduated from Wichita East High School in 1956 at the age of 16 and received his A.B. degree at Wichita State University at the age of 20 and graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry four years later. Dr. Riley served in the US Air Force as a general dentist at the rank of Captain following graduation and prior to establishing private practice.

Some of his professional activities included life membership in The Wichita Dental Society, The Greater Kansas City Dental Society, Kansas and Missouri Dental Associations, American Dental Association, Diplomate, American Association of Endodontists, American Board of Endodontists, College of Diplomates, Omicron Kappa Upsilon and a Life Fellow and Missouri State Chair of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Dr. Riley selected for membership in the Sunflower Dental Study Group and he qualified for Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. He was inducted as a Fellow in both the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. Dr. Riley has served as consultant to USAF, Veteran’s Association, Indian Health Service, and the Kansas Board of Dental Examiners. He was the recipient of many scholastic and academic honors including the prestigious David A. Moore Excellence in Teaching Award at UMKC School of Dentistry and was selected as the instructor of the year by his students. He was recognized as a Distinguished Teacher every year of his teaching career. He helped to train over 2000 students in endodontics.

Dr. Riley published research and clinical articles related to endodontics and contributed to dental texts and journals. He presented numerous continuing education courses and lectures throughout his career.

Dr. Riley was a member of Country Club Christian Church in Kansas City, Hillside Christian Church in Wichita, and First Christian Church in Ft. Scott.

Survivors include his wife Sandra; children Shawn and Deborah; and all his grandchildren.

Private family graveside services will be held in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Rinehart Fund (Undergraduate endodontics) at UMKC – School of Dentistry and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701, or by calling (816) 235-2060. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Gary Wayne Roberts, age 60, passed away on December 8, 2020, at his home in Fort Scott, Kansas. Gary was born May 29, 1960, in Osceola, MO, the son of Dorn and Mary (Edwards) Roberts.

Gary lived his life to the fullest doing what he loved. He was a mechanic for many years. He was also a local truck driver for the Pittsburg, KS, area.

He spent a lot of his time living either in Kansas or Arizona due to having family in both places. He just recently settled in Fort Scott to be closer to his siblings.

Gary was a prankster and loved to play pranks on anyone he could get to fall for them.

His laughter was one of a kind that anyone who knew him will never forget.

He also had a love for muscle cars and step side trucks.
Although he never had any biological children, he was like a dad to many.

His love for kids was insurmountable. Gary also had his own nicknames for all those kids and for most of his friends. If you had a nickname you knew you were loved by him.

Gary was proceeded in death by both parents, a brother, Timothy Roberts, a nephew, Harvey and a great niece, Sandra Ann. He is survived by two young ladies that he considered his daughters, Stacey Day and her daughters Taylor and Madison from Pittsburg, KS, and Tiffany Gottschall and her daughter Addison from Arizona. He is also survived by two brothers, Loren (Susan) Roberts, Garland, KS, Ronnie Roberts, Fort Scott, KS, three Sisters, Sherry (Dan Neff), Centerville, KS, Joyce (Dan) Henderson, Louisburg, KS, and Melinda Shepherd, Arma, KS.

There was cremation. Private family burial will take place later. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Marilynn Konantz Miller 100, of Hastings, Nebraska passed away December 7, 2020. She was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, on April 3, 1920, the daughter of Hazel Marie (Bicknell) and Bruder Konantz. She graduated from the University of Kansas in 1941, was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, Pi Lambda Theta (an education honorary), and the Dean‘s Acapella Choir.

After college graduation, Marilynn taught music in Coffeyville, Kansas and married Douglas Franklin Miller on October 7, 1944, in Fort Scott. The couple had three children. In 1955 Douglas’s long-time employer, Sears, moved the family to Hastings, NE, where the family lived for many years. Marilynn was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a charter member of Chapter HT of PEO, and a life member of Olive Chapter of Eastern Star in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Music was an important part of Marilynn’s life. She played violin in the Hastings Symphony Orchestra in the 1960’s and taught music at St. Cecilia’s Elementary School in the 1960’s and 70’s. She also taught piano at Hastings College in the preparatory department and was a staunch supporter of The Hastings College Music Department. Marilynn loved to play the piano, socialize with friends, play bridge, read, travel to Colorado to visit her grandchildren, and travel the world on cruise ships.

Marilynn is survived by her three children: Mary Lynne Koepke and husband Jerry of Littleton, CO; Annie Marie Young of Colorado Springs, CO; and Martin Miller and wife Lynda of Doniphan, NE. She has four grandchildren: David Koepke and wife Laura of Golden, CO; Katie Koepke of Golden, CO; Michael Young and wife Diana of Atlanta, GA; and Elizabeth Young of Aurora, CO. Marilynn has two step grandsons: Skyler Rader and Logan Rader. She has 3 great-grandchildren: Ava Koepke, Wyatt Koepke, and Aria Sophia Young. She has 5 nieces: Susan Foster, Becky Sandhaus, Mary Lauber, Hilda Poort, and Sue Grover. She has 3 nephews: Bruder Stapleton, Jack Stapleton, and Jimmy Miller. Marilynn is preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Franklin, and her sister, Hazel Marie Stapleton.

Marilynn always enjoyed family and supported her loved ones in all they undertook. She valued her connections with the Hastings Community and cherished her many friends and associates. Marilynn has been a resident of Edgewood Vista for ten years, and her family wishes to extend gratitude to their fine staff for all their care, kindness, and support. Rev. Steve Cole will officiate the graveside service, December 14, 2020 at the National Cemetery in Fort Scott, KS under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held in Hastings, NE next spring or summer.