Sarah Kathrine “Kay” Jackson, age 92, a resident of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away Thursday, July 7, 2022, in Overland Park.  She was born June 19, 1930, in Ft. Scott, Kansas the daughter of L.C. Jackson and Kathrine E. Harris Jackson.  She grew up in Ft. Scott and graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.  She went on to become a para legal where she worked for the Austin and Spears Law Firm.

She is survived by her sister, Virginia Keal of Overland Park; a nephew, Bobby Jackson (Dara) of Ft. Scott and two nieces, Debora Barnes (Jim), Ash Grove, Missouri and Mary K. Auler (Leonard) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  Also surviving are several great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Robert E. Jackson and a nephew, Bryan “Kent” Keal.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 16^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

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.

Martha Ann Meinsen Scott, age 75, a resident of Fort Scott, passed away on July 5, 2022, after a short and devastating battle with Cancer.

She was born on December 5, 1946, to Erwin William Meinsen and Dorothy Caldwell Meinsen in Kansas City, Missouri.

Martha graduated from Raytown High School in 1964 and enjoyed working as a young woman in Kansas City.

In November 1969, she went on a blind date that turned into a lifelong commitment lasting 52 years.  During that first date, Jim and Martha danced the night away and bonded over their shared love of a very specific brand of cigarettes (Benson Hedges Menthol) and their favorite Beatle (George Harrison).  Jim showed up the next day at Crown Drugstore where Martha worked and asked for a second date.  Martha decided to host Jim and cooked him an unbelievable meal.  He proposed and within 2 weeks of meeting, they were married.  They eloped at City Hall in Kansas City, Missouri on November 26, 1969.  They chose Thanksgiving weekend because they would have 4 days off and it would be a convenient way to meet the family.

Jim and Martha lived in Kansas City and moved to Nevada, Missouri in 1972.  Martha began a 27 year career as a Personnel Officer at the Nevada Habilitation Hospital where she became best friends with Shirley Ann Bastow – a friendship that lasted 50 years.  While in Nevada, Martha was active in many organizations including St. Paul Lutheran Church as a Sunday school teacher, organizer of salad and potluck luncheons, and volunteer in the office.  She also held various leadership roles with the Jaycee wives at the local and state level.  Jim and Martha were very active outdoors people spending their weekends camping, canoeing, and trout fishing.  Martha also started another role that she excelled at – as Mom to Sarah born in 1976.

Jim, Martha, and Sarah moved to Fort Scott in 1988.  In addition to work, Jim and Martha opened Scotty’s Wine and Spirits on National and operated the establishment for over 15 years winning the Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award for their commitment and impact to the community.  Martha continued working at the Nevada Habilitation Center until she retired in 1999.  She retired early to fulfill her lifelong dream of being a homemaker for her treasured home (named Linderhof) – cooking, cleaning, gardening, and documenting all of her adventures through her weekly columns in the Fort Scott Tribune and Nevada Daily Mail, as well as other publications and her blog – Lines from Linderhof.

In 2013 and 2015, Martha realized the role she was born for – as Nana to Granddaughters, Lucy, and Piper.  As a Nana, she hosted so many tea parties (with pinkies up always and with fancy hats), crafted, baked, played cards and board games and was always ready for just about anything that Lucy and Piper could dream up.

Martha was deeply rooted in the Fort Scott community, and she became incredibly active in so many organizations and activities.  She was committed to her church, Trinity Lutheran, serving as head of the kitchen and food committee and organizing events, helping in the office, and volunteering any way to support the church.  She loved being a member of the FU Chapter of PEO and also loved her sisters and happily served as President.  Martha was an avid reader going through a book a day in retirement which led to her serving on the Board of the Fort Scott Public Library.  She loved the history of Fort Scott and was a founding member for the organization Friends of the Fort and was awarded a lifetime membership for her service.  She also was President of the Kansas City chapter of to the Daughters of Union Veterans (DUV).  She was also a member of the DAR and loved doing historical family research.  She was a passionate gardener becoming a Certified Kansas Master Gardener and founding the Garden Club of Fort Scott.  Martha was renowned for her cooking and became a founding member of the Cookbook Club and Birthday Club.  She was known for baking and decorating thousands of cookies or whipping up cakes or pies in support of many fundraisers.  While not a member herself, she also supported husband Jim’s efforts as a Rotarian helping with potato feeds, spaghetti feeds, and doing ALL of the cooking for Oktoberfest for 19 years – arguably, one of the most festive Rotary events.  She was a pet parent to many beloved dogs including most recently Doogie and Molly who are now living with her Granddaughters in Minnesota.  Her love of animals led her to coordinate, raise funds, and help build the Dog Park now located at Gunn Park.  She was a member of many sewing groups and was always working on a needlepoint or sewing project – usually for her beloved Granddaughters – making their annual Christmas Ornaments or custom Halloween Costumes.  For all of her commitment to the community, she and husband, Jim together won the Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award which was one of her proudest achievements.

Survivors include:  her husband, Jim Scott and 1 daughter and her family:  Sarah and Andrew Punch and their daughters Lucy and Piper of Excelsior, Minnesota.  Additional survivors include Martha’s brother, David Meinsen (Lee’s Summit, MO) and his 3 daughters.  Jennifer and Todd Rains and their daughter Alexandra (Sarasota, FL), Stacy and Brian Hitchcock and their daughter Kayleigh (Pleasant Hill, MO), Crystal and David Blackburn and their son Dawson (Pleasant Hill, MO).

A memorial service will be held at 9:30 AM Monday, July 11^th at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at Fort Scott National Cemetery.

The family will receive family and friends at a visitation Sunday, July 10^th from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, please support an organization important to Martha.  Her family suggests either Friends of the Fort or Trinity Lutheran Church 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.

Mary Elizabeth Darling, age 91, a resident of Ft. Scott, KS, passed away on July 5, 2022, at Guest Home Estates, Ft. Scott.

Mary was born on March 4, 1931, on a farm a mile south of Uniontown, KS, the second of four daughters of Roy and Mildred McKee.  She attended the Uniontown school system with her elementary education taking place in a one room schoolhouse.  She was married to Rodell “Rodie” Darling on April 29, 1950, in Uniontown.

Well known throughout Ft. Scott, Mary had a long and varied work career.  One of her first jobs as a young woman was at Key Work Clothes.  She also worked at the Quincy Lumber Yard, the First Methodist Church office, the USD 234 Board of Education office, Whiteside’s grocery store, and the Bourbon County Vehicle Tag office.  At one time she was also a real estate agent.

Mary enjoyed many activities throughout her life and could often be seen walking throughout Ft. Scott.  Beginning in the mid-1970’s Mary and Rodie became accomplished square dancers and participated extensively as members of the Iza Stompers Square Dance Club.  Mary’s biggest joy in life was her family and on numerous occasions she traveled near and far to be with them.

Survivors include her husband Rodell, of the home; one son, Clay Darling (Virginia), Pittsburg, KS; two grandchildren, Elizabeth Hope Darling (Ryan), Pittsburg, and Linden Reid Collins (Austin), Dallas, TX; three great grandchildren, Eden Darling, Pittsburg, Ruby Darling Collins and Reid Yeager Collins, Dallas; her sister Esther Holt, Uniontown; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Linda Sue Collins; and two sisters, Maxine Ebberts and Carol Mix.

Mary was loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Services will be conducted at 10:00 AM Saturday, July 9^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Guest Home Estates 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.

Mar 2, 1928 – July 5, 2022

Joseph Edward “Ed” McCracken, age 94 of Hiattville died July 5, 2022 at Via Christi  Hospital in Pittsburg. The son of Joe and Nellie (Peelle) McCracken, Ed was born on the family farm only a mile from where he lived most of his adult life.

When WWII broke out and his older brothers were called into service, he dropped out of Girard High School to run the family farm.  After the war, he continued his education, graduating Fort Scott High School in 1948.

In 1959, he married Elma Pellett in Fort Scott.  She preceded him in death on October 25, 2005.

Over the years Ed farmed, worked for the Goodlander Mill, and worked for KDOT.   In his later years, he continued working around the farm and honed his cooking skills often baking bread and making his famous cinnamon rolls.

He was known for his big heart and willingness to help others. He also had the ability to fix almost anything and sometimes without duct tape. He will also be remembered for his amazing ability to remember dates, his strength, and his strong work ethic. Ed played as hard as he worked, playing baseball for several teams and bowling for many years.

Ed is survived by daughters Linda (Rod) Thomson, Olathe, KS and Ester McCracken of the home; grandsons Jacob (Victoria) Thomson, Oswego, IL and Jared Thomson, Henderson, NV; and many nieces and nephews who treasured their time with him.  He was a special uncle to several, none more than Steve and Brandon Fisher.

Last, but not least, he will be missed by Tucker and Brylee, two of his many beloved pets over the years.

Besides his wife, Ed was predeceased by his parents and 10 siblings: O’Ella Ross, Ester Fisher, Dewey McCracken, Wm. (Howard) McCracken (MIA WWII), Beth McCracken (Infant), Ruby Niemeir, Dee Burnam, Ruth McCarty, Don McCracken, and Carol (Kay) Davis.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, July 9^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private burial will take place at a later date at the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

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.

Janice Ilene Pent, age 76, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, July 2, 2022, at the Via Christi Emergency Room.  She was born July 17, 1945, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Ivan Louis and Alice Faye Embry Smith.

She married Richard Pent on January 9, 1963, in Nevada, MO.  He preceded her in death on July 15, 1994.

Janice was an avid KC Royals and Chiefs fan.  To say Patrick Mahomes was her favorite is an understatement.

She enjoyed reading novels and watching game shows.  Janice was a very giving person who always had an open door for those in need.  She was a loving and caring grandmother who will be greatly missed.

Survivors include two daughters Ronda Eastwood and husband Dan, Ft. Scott, and Tracy Jordan and Kevin Gray, Cincinnati, OH; a son, Patrick Pent and wife Lisa, Ottawa, KS; a brother, Billy Smith and wife Linda, CA; 10 grandchildren, Ashley, Derek, Mitchell, Danielle, Jordan, Taylor, Kelsey, Amber, Cameron, and Jacob; 22 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and finally, her beloved cat Ebony.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Richard “Ricky” Pent; a daughter, Angela Pent; four brothers, Donald, Neil, Harold, and Gary Smith; two sisters, Rosalie Cox, and Joyce Johnson; and her parents.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Friday, July 8^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday from 11:00 until 1:00 at the funeral home.

Chiefs and Royals attire is encouraged.

Memorials are suggested to the Janice Pent 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.

Alfred Heinrich Basel, 86, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away early Monday morning, June 27, 2022, at the Girard Medical Center.

He was born June 3, 1936, in Hanau, Germany, the son of Otto and Elisabeth (Froschhauser) Basel.

After moving to the United States as a young man, Alfred married his first wife Brigitte whom he met in Germany, and together they had a daughter, Sonja.  Alfred and Brigitte were later divorced.

Later in life, he met and married Ernestine “Ernie” Mae (Bilyew) Lotterer on February 21, 1990, in Joplin, Missouri, and she preceded him in death June 29, 2006.

Alfred later met Ernestina Plouvier who was a loving caregiver to Alfred’s wife Ernie before she died.  Alfred and Ernestina married on November 12, 2008 and she survives of the home.

Alfred was a Sergeant First Class in the US Army as an Orthotic Specialist, making artificial limbs.  He enlisted in 1958 and served 2 tours in Vietnam as part of a medical evacuation Battalion, honorably retiring after twenty-one years in 1979.

He continued his skill of making orthotic devices for military veterans in San Antonio, Texas for several years.  Later, he worked for Key Industries in Fort Scott as well as other area businesses.

His love of people and travel was well known.  For many years Alfred would travel to Germany around the time of his birthday and the Pentecost celebration.  He also enjoyed the many family reunions in Germany.

Here in the States, Alfred joined Tex Crutcher and many others as part of the Citizens Bank “Funseekers” on many memorable trips over the years.  He also enjoyed traveling seeing nature and historical sites such as Washington, DC.  He particularly enjoyed the wineries in and around Hermann, Missouri.

Alfred was known for giving rides to those that needed them.  His most frequent passenger was Jake Underwood.

Alfred also enjoyed singing.  He found that song is the one thing that helped calm his wife Ernie when she suffered from Dementia.  Later, Alfred and JT Knoll sang many times at the Sunset Manor in Frontenac for the residents there.  That love of singing didn’t end there, he joined the Uniontown United Methodist Church where he regularly sang for the congregation.

Survivors include his wife Ernestina of the home; his daughter, Sonja Basel, of Ludwigsburg, Germany, granddaughter Lynn also of Ludwigsburg, step-daughter Shelly Minton (Phil), of Pittsburg, Kansas, and step-son Jay Lotterer (Crystal), also of Pittsburg; a sister, Gisella and her family of Germany and other relatives in Germany.

In addition to his wife Ernie, he was also preceded in death by his parents, and two step-sons, Steven Lotterer, and Jeff Lotterer.

Rev. Carl K. Ellis will conduct funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at the Uniontown United Methodist Church with burial following at the Mt. Orum Cemetery in Redfield, Kansas, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warriors Project, 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.

Leona Maxine Garrett, 91, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away early Thursday morning June 30, 2022, at the Oak Pointe Nursing Home in Carthage, Missouri. She was born March 2, 1931, in Cato, Kansas, the daughter of Wesley Curtis and Leona Florence (Coonrod) James. She married Jack Herbert Garrett August 26, 1950, in Arcadia, Kansas, and he preceded her in death January 7, 2001.

Maxine was a Red Hat Lady, and she loved to spend time with her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed fixing big family dinners, and all of her grandchildren think she makes the best macaroni and cheese, chicken and noodles, and spaghetti and meatballs.

Survivors include her children, Jack Garrett and wife Deborah, of Carthage, Missouri, Sandra Moore, of Monterey, California; six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Jack, she was also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Tracy Coe; and a great-grandson.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 1:30 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with a visitation prior to services at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 7, 2022. Burial will follow at Large / Pleasant View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Cradling Memories, Milo James Coe Foundation at cradlingmemories.org, or 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.

Gladys Arlene Rexroad, age 98, resident of Tulsa, OK, died Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at her home.

She was born June 26, 1924, in Arcadia, KS, the daughter of Harry and Annie Elizabeth Watkins Smith. She married Basil E. Rexroad on December 18, 1955, in Arcadia. He preceded her in death
on November 1, 1978.

Gladys will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her son, Max Rexroad and wife Linda, Tulsa, OK, whom Gladys lived with; a niece, Ruth Arlene Waring, Garland, KS; a nephew Donnie Smith, Miami, OK; as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a
daughter, Karen Browning; a brother, Tommie Smith; a nephew, Glenn Smith; and a great niece, Sheryl Waring.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 6th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St.

Burial will follow in the Large Cemetery, south of Ft. Scott.

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

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

Deborah Ann Stewart, age 65, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

She was born December 12, 1956, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of William Lawrence Gates, Jr. and Dixie Auluwee Dill Gates.  Debbie graduated from Ft. Scott Christian Heights and remained a loyal Crusader supporter throughout her life.

She had worked at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott for twenty-seven years and had recently retired a few months prior to her death.  In addition to working at the Medicalodge, Debbie also sold Avon.  She was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan.  Debbie had been attending the Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene.

Survivors include two sisters, Donna Smith (Nathan) of Ft. Scott, and Victoria Gates all of Ft. Scott and a brother, Randy Gates (Angela) of Girard, Kansas; three nieces, Kayla Smith of Ft. Scott, DeAnn Hixon (Brandon) of Topeka, Kansas and Melissa Yacouzaai (Nick) of Tulsa, Oklahoma and a nephew, Nate Smith of Ft. Scott.  Also surviving is a special friend, Robert Wilkerson of Ft. Scott and Debbie’s beloved dog, Minute.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, William L. Gates III and a sister, Dixie Diane Hixon.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 5^th at the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 A.M.

Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Christian Heights 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.

Ralph Newton Stapp, 98, was promoted to be in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, June 20, 2022, at his home in Fort Scott, Kansas.  He was born December 3, 1923, in Arcadia, Kansas, the son of Ralph Newton and Nellie Lucille (Montgomery) Stapp.  He married Mary Evelyn Lawhead on January 26, 1968, in Miami, Oklahoma.  She preceded him in death June 21, 2003.

Ralph graduated Fort Scott High School Class of 1942.  He was a lifelong farmer and rancher at the family farm west of Fort Scott.

He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving in the Pacific Fleet during World War II.  He sailed out of the San Francisco Bay, under the Golden Gate Bridge, to enter the war.  North of the Golden Gate Bridge is a statue honoring the sailors who sailed from there to enter World War II, and Ralph was one of those sailors.

Ralph was a faithful member of First Assembly of God, serving many years as a board member.  He was a man devoted to God and prayer.  He was a 50+ year member of the Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Survivors include his sister, Joyce Platt of Livermore, California, nephews, Rev. John Gifford, Charles Gifford, Joe Bridgman, Scot Bridgman, David Platt, and great nieces and nephews.  Also surviving are Ralph and Mary’s dear friends who they considered their extended family; the McNutt Family, Craig, JoAnn, Travis, Tyler, Nicole and Tanner. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary, and two sisters, Margaret Stapp and Mary Ellen Gifford.

Rev. Don Payne, who served as Ralph’s Pastor for over 14 years, and Rev. John Gifford, his nephew, will conduct funeral services at 11:00 am Friday, July 1, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.  Burial will follow at the US National Cemetery with Military Honors presented by the US Navy Funeral Honor Detail out of Kansas City, Missouri. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.