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.

Nancy Susan Townsend, age 76, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, went to be with Jesus Thursday, December 3, 2020, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.

She was born June 10, 1944, in Bourbon County, KS, the daughter of Charles Orlando and Mary Josephine Pitts Michael. She graduated from Uniontown high school. Nancy married Roy Townsend on March 30, 1964, in Miami, OK.

She worked several jobs over her career in Ft. Scott including Western Insurance Company, Medicalodge, Consumers, Value Merchandisers, Ft. Scott USD234 cook, as well as babysitting. Nancy enjoyed sewing, gardening, anything outdoors, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was involved with Boy Scouts and a leader for the Awana program at church. She was a member of the Bethel Community Baptist Church.

Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Survivors include her husband Roy of the home; two sons, Perry Townsend and wife Jane, Redfield, KS, and Jerry Townsend and wife Amber, Chanute, KS; a brother, Ernie Michael and wife Mary Ann, Redfield, KS; four sisters, Nola Hughes and husband Jerry, Stotesbury, MO, Margaret Parker and Merle Mayfield, Ft. Scott, Rose Lowe, Chanute, KS, and Charlotte Michael, Nevada, MO; two grandchildren, Adam Townsend and Sarah Bower and husband Justin; a great-granddaughter on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Private graveside services will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Tuesday December 8^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either Ronald McDonald House or Bethel Community 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.

Carol Jean (Perry) George, age 76, from Redfield, KS, passed away Monday, November 30, 2020, at Country Place Senior Living in Ft Scott, KS, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on June 4, 1944, in Ft. Scott, KS, the daughter of William Herbert and Ruby Eileen (Heckenlaible) Perry. Carol was raised in rural Bourbon county and graduated as valedictorian from Uniontown High School Class of ‘62. She married the love of her life, Raymond Eugene “Skeet” George on March 26, 1963. They built a life of love and devotion for over 57 years.

Once married, Carol started her professional career as a stenographer for Key Industries. After that, she enjoyed years of service as executive secretary for Sister Mary Trinity as well as led public relations for Mercy Hospital in Ft Scott. After graduating from Pittsburg State University with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design; she worked for many years at SEKAN Printing in Ft Scott. Carol then earned her insurance license and spent many years helping Skeet develop a successful insurance career with Banker’s Life & Casualty.

Carol combined her professional life with work as a fulltime farmer’s wife and mother. Many an evening and weekend was spent doing chores, helping work hogs or cattle, and then cooking an evening meal for Skeet and eventually, their three children Paula Ann, Daniel Ray, and Dawna Kay. As her children grew, she went to every ball game, school activity, or music recital. Carol was a very good cook and was always nominated to bring homemade rolls to family dinners. For a time, she even made and decorated wedding cakes. Carol loved to travel with Skeet, their children, and eventually grandchildren. Many vacations were spent in Myrtle Beach, Branson, as well as around the world with trips with Skeet. She cherished time with her grandchildren, going to the zoo, drawing or painting pictures, reading stories, or watching movies. Every member of the family knew of her love and joy in time spent together.

Carol served the Lord Jesus Christ and was an active member of the United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women (UMW) in Uniontown. She enjoyed serving as a Lay Minister for the church and took her children on numerous mission trips to spread the gospel. For many years community children looked forward to the “Pirate Cave” at the annual Good ‘Ol Days. She also always worked the “Chicken Booth” at the Labor Day Picnic in Uniontown to help the church. Carol supported her children and grandchildren and helped with many a 4H project cooking, sewing, art, or photography.

Carol is survived by her husband, Skeet; children and their spouses and grandchildren: Paula and Tim Ulrich and children Logan his wife Amanda, Rebecca, and Micah; Dan and Bernadette George and their children Benjamin Ray and Luke William; and Dawna and Chris Huhman and their children Alex, Madelyn, Olivia Carol, and Maxwell Skeet; siblings Pauline (Perry) Hartman, and Bill Perry; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by their infant daughter, Kimberly Carol; her mother and father; and infant brothers Rex and Phillip.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, December 5^th, at 2:00 pm in the Uniontown Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Uniontown United Methodist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 South Main St., P.O. Box 347, Ft Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.