Arlene Joan Thomson, age 83, a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away to a better place on December 5, 2023.  She was under hospice care at her daughter and son-in-law’s home.  Abana, Thaddeus, and their two daughters, Sarah and Zipporah, together gave her wonderful care until her time on earth was over.

 

Survivors include one brother, Ronald Williams (Jane) of Ft. Scott; a son, Mark Thomson (Shin-Shin) of Las Vegas; two daughters, Abana Stephenson (Thaddeus) of Las Vegas and Leah Yamazaki of California; four grandchildren, Sarah, Zipporah and Leah Stephenson and Wade Yamazaki.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Wilfred “Bill” Thomson, her parents, Orman and Lula Williams and a brother, Donald “Pete” Williams.

 

The Rosary will be recited at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, January 13^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. A memorial service will immediately follow the Rosary.

A private burial will take place at a later date at the Worsley Cemetery west of Bronaugh, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Paws & Claws Shelter 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.

Virginia Louise Martin, age 91, resident of Lee’s Summit, MO, and formerly of Fort Scott, KS, died Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Wilshire at Lakewood Rehabilitation Center in Lee’s Summit.  Virginia Hockett was born February 11, 1932, in Bronson, KS, the daughter of Ray Carlton Hockett and Edna Jessie Thompson Hockett.

She married Melvin Martin on October 3, 1953.  She had two children and spent most of her married life as a housewife.  Virginia worked briefly at Wilco in Columbia, MO to help her daughter through nursing school.  Her son spent over 20 years in the Navy.  Her husband Melvin also served in the Navy prior to their marriage.  Virginia spent over 40 years in Fort Scott, residing at 742 Horton.

 

Virginia enjoyed baking for her family.  She tended her beautiful African violets while living in Overland Park, KS.  She spent the last two years of her life at Willshire at Lakewood Center.  Virginia was a member of the Community Christian Church, joining late in life. She always enjoyed visiting with people.

 

Survivors include her daughter, Nancy, Lee’s Summit, MO; her son, Michael and his wife Maggie, Jay, FL; and various other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband Melvin; 3 brothers, and her parents.

 

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 PM Wednesday, January 10^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

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

 

Lavone Page, age 93, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott.  She was born June 7, 1930, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Roy B. Cox and Nellie C. Robinson Cox.

Lavone married Walter Tom Page on July 15, 1946, at Ft. Scott.  Lavon was a devoted wife and mother.  Once her children were all in school, Lavon worked for a time at Elmer’s Café and also cleaned house for Ft. Scott residents.  She later worked for the Kansas Gift Shop where one of her duties was making their famous fudge.  Lavone loved to travel, and she went on many trips with her family.  She made numerous trips throughout the United States and traveled to the United Kingdom and France.  Lavone enjoyed music.  She played the guitar and harmonica and later in life took piano lessons.  She regularly attended the Ft. Scott Jubilee and also attended other area music performances.  Lavone was a member of the Hiattville United Methodist Church.

 

Survivors include a daughter, Lois Brillhart (Dale) of Mapleton, Kansas and a son, Thomas Page (Jonna) of Mountain Home, Idaho; two daughters-in-law, Lynda Page and Beverly Page; eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Lavone was preceded in death by her husband, Walt, on March 24, 1999.  She was also preceded in death by two sons, Steven Page and Billy Page, a granddaughter, Sherrie Page; three brothers, Ed, Lee and George Cox and a sister, Dorothy Coleman.

 

Rev. Carl Ellis will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 10^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Hiattville United Methodist Church or to the Guest Home Estates Activity Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chpael, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Mark Martin Meanor, age 48, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri.  He was born February 21, 1975, in Niskayuna, New York the son of Martin Wayne Meanor and Linda Lee DeLapp Meanor.

When Mark was young, the Meanor family moved from New York to Uniontown, Kansas.  Mark graduated from the Uniontown High School with the Class of 1993.  While growing up, summers were often spent with his grandpa in New York.  Many special memories where made on the banks of Lake Champlain.

Mark married Kate Wilson on June 16, 2001, at Eureka Springs, Arkansas.  Throughout his life, Mark worked primarily as a mechanic.  He enjoyed working on cars and always had a project going.  He was also a great fan of NASCAR.  Mark was a devoted husband and a loving father to his two children.  He enjoyed fishing and also helping his daughter with her horse.

 

Survivors include his wife, Kate and his two children, Claire Meanor and Cole Meanor all of the home.  Also surviving are his parents, Martin Meanor and Linda Meanor both of Ft. Scott; a brother, Michael Meanor of Uniontown, Kansas and several nieces and nephews.

 

Following cremation, a graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, January 11^th at the Uniontown Cemetery.  Friends and family will meet at the cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the Mark Meanor Memorial Fund 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.

Charles Arthur Allen, 85, of Holland Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 23^rd, 2023, with his family lovingly by his side.  Although his family is deeply saddened by his passing, they are encouraged knowing that Charles touched many lives during his time on earth and is now celebrating in the arms of the Lord.  Charles was not one to quote scripture, but he encouraged others by the way he lived.  He believed in living life with a smile, a funny greeting and often his goodbye… “Keep up the good work.”  Those who met him were blessed to have known him.

Charles is survived by his loving wife Linda of 63 years; son Kurt Allen (wife Nona), daughters Susan Leonard and Kristin Wade (husband Robert); Nine grandchildren, Jacki Ferrier (husband Ryan), Lauren Ammons, Joce Renfro (husband Jordan), Kayla Crane (husband Ennio), Tim Wade (wife Kaity), Christopher Allen (wife Bryanna), Courtney Stoppel (husband Grant), Faith Adams (husband Davis) and Cale Wade; and four great grandchildren, Eden Cazares, Emma Crane, Archer Renfro and Juniper Adams; brother Harold “Pete” Allen (wife Janice) and sister Barbara Wheeler. Charles is loved and remembered by Rebecca Allen, Jim Leonard and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Esther Allen; sister Bonnie Hill and brothers Tommy Allen and Jerry Allen.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life in Holland, Michigan that will be held at Rose Park Baptist Church on January 13^th, 2024.  An additional celebration of life will be held in Fort Scott, Kansas at Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel on January 20^th, 2024 at 10:30 am.

 

Russell Leroy Blubaugh, age 88, a resident of Olathe, Kansas, passed away early Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at the Olathe Hospice House in Olathe. He was born December 20, 1935, in Bentley, Kansas, the sixth child of Oscar H. Blubaugh and Minnie A. Krauss Blubaugh’s ten children. In 1948, the Blubaugh family moved from Bently to a farm in Anderson County, Kansas northeast of Westphalia. Russ attended Mont Ida Rural Grade School and went on to graduate from Westphalia High School. He married Evelyn June Johns on June 8, 1961. Russ, along with his brother, Roger, eventually took over the operation of the Blubaugh Farm. They grew row crops, milked and raised beef cattle. They took pride in their land and received an Anderson County Soil Conservation award. While in Garnett, Russ and Evelyn were member of the First Christian Church where Russ served as a Deacon. In 1985, Russ and Evelyn left the farm and moved to Olathe, Kansas where Russ began working as a plumber for Gladstone Plumbing where he worked with his longtime friends Raymond and Milton Johnston. He worked in the profession until the mid-1990’s. Russ was a natural when it came to fixing things. Therefore, when he retired from plumbing, he started a part-time job with Lowe’s in Olathe. He enjoyed staying busy and helping the many customers. Russ enjoyed woodworking and helping Evelyn keep up their yard and flowerbeds, but above all he enjoyed spending time with his four granddaughters. Many hours were spent riding bikes, swimming, and going out for ice cream. Russ will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Survivors include two daughters, Diane Hastert (Duane) of Garnett, Kansas and Deann Mitchell (Greg) of Olathe, Kansas; four granddaughters, Meagan Ingold (Josh), Lauryn Linzay (Jesse), Shelby Ellis (Tim) and Sydney Gray (Tristan) and two great-grandsons, Carter and Kaysen Ingold with another Ellis grandson on the way. Also surviving are four brothers, Roger Blubaugh (Judy) of Olathe, Kansas, Reuben Blubaugh (Barbara) of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, David Blubaugh (Sheila) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Steve Blubaugh also of Excelsior Springs and a sister, Norma Jean Nilges of Garnett. Russ was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, on September 3, 2022; two infant twin great-granddaughters, Marcie and Jaycie Ellis as well as his parents, three brothers, Ralph, Robert and Raymond Blubaugh and a sister, Lois Nilges.

Pastor Chris Goetz will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 2nd at the First Christian Church in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Mont Ida Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to Friends of the Garnett Library 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.

Harvey Preston Green Sr., a devoted husband, loving father, and dedicated community member passed away on December 25, 2023, at his home in Shawnee, Kansas. He was born on May 14, 1935, in Licking, MO, to Charles and Martha Green.

 

Harvey was preceded in death by his eight siblings: Fred Andrew Green, Arngie Green, Delphia Dodson, Melba Cooper, Albert Green, Charlie Green, Bessie Morgan, and Melvin Green. He was also preceded in death by three children: Debra Jones, Ida Rene Davis, and Timothy Green. Despite the sorrow of losing his siblings and three children, Harvey leaves behind a legacy of resilience and strength.

 

Harvey is survived by six children: Darlene Atkinson, Robert Green, Karen Winters, Janice Zickefoose, Harvey Green Jr., and Susan Leichter. He is also survived by many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

In his early years, Harvey served with honor in the United States Army, showcasing his commitment to duty and country. Following his military service, he utilized his skills as a maintenance technician, working across the country. Harvey’s dedication to learning was evident as he earned two Associate’s degrees, one as an insurance adjuster and the other in HVAC. Harvey was a proud Shriner and a member of the Rising Sun Masonic Lodge in Fort Scott, Kansas. His commitment to service extended to his role as the President of the resident group at the Homestead of Shawnee, where he also contributed as the editor of the assisted living newsletter, “The Spade.”

 

A man of many talents and passions, Harvey enjoyed playing musical instruments, spending quality time with his family and friends, and expressing himself through writing. Recently, he dedicated his time to serving as the President of the resident group at the Homestead of Shawnee, leaving a lasting impact on those around him.

 

Harvey’s love story with Wilma Jo Green, whom he was married to for 33 years, was a central part of his life. In a final tribute to their enduring love, Harvey was laid to rest in the Clarksburg Cemetery, next to Wilma.

 

A memorial service to celebrate Harvey’s life will be held at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:30 AM.

Following the service, a family meal will be served at the Cheney Witt Carriage House at 301 S. Main in Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

Harvey Preston Green Sr. will be remembered not only for his accomplishments and contributions but also for the love and warmth he shared with those fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in peace, leaving behind cherished memories that will forever be etched in the hearts of his family and friends.

 

Words of remembrance may be left online at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

Fredrick Dale Large left this earth to be with his Heavenly Father on December 25, 2023, at the age of 61. Fred was born May 3, 1962, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the son of Merle Eugene Large and Dorothy Mae Wiley Large.

Fred attended school in Ft. Scot, Kansas and Meredosia, Illinois. Fred has dealt with health problems since he was three years old. He has now been made whole; there is no more pain and suffering. Everyone who knew and loved Fred will always remember how much he loved working outside. He kept many lawns in Ft. Scott looking very nice until his health began declining a few years ago. They will also remember him as an inspiration because he never gave up. Doctors have been amazed that he hadn’t left us several years ago when he was diagnosed with lung cancer and battling epilepsy at the same time.

Fred will be missed. He will also be remembered for his charming smile and infectious laugh; you always knew you were going to get a chuckle when you were around him.

Fred is survived by his siblings, Dianna Brown (Russ) of Auxvasse, Missouri, Curtis Large (Tammy) of Beardstown, Illinois, Joyce Mills (Robert) of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Gena Surratt, of Meredosia, Illinois and Chuck Large (Beth) also of Meredosia, Illinois. Also surviving are a brother-in-law, Jim Brown of Ft. Scott, Kansas, step-grandmother, Enid Large of Ft. Scott, two aunts, Ruby Brown of Duenweg, Missouri and Marie Wiley of Ft. Scott as well as many nieces, nephews, step-aunt and uncles and his beloved companion, his dog, Missy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle Large and Dorothy Large Hofman, a sister, Susan Brown, a brother, Thomas Large and brother-in-law, James R. Surratt and a nephew, Aaron Brown.

There was cremation. Burial will take place at a later date in the West Liberty 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.

Anita Lavon Lightwine, age 84, resident of Moundville, MO, died Sunday, December 24, 2023, in Nevada, MO.  She was born December 4, 1939, in Deerfield, MO, the daughter of Gaylord Franklin Pettibon and Erma Roberts Pettibon.  She lived and raised her family in various locations with her husband Howard’s Naval career.  They finally settled in Moundville, MO in 1976.  Anita worked as an LPN for the Nevada State Hospital until her retirement.  She enjoyed gardening in her free time.  She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

 

Survivors include her 4 sons, Leslie Lightwine (Mary), Clever, MO, Lee Lightwine (Anne), Zionsville, IN, Anthony Lightwine (Jamie), Nevada, MO, and Michael Lightwine (Jamie), Moundville, MO; 9 grandchildren, Patrick, Gavin, Dustin, Victoria, Rachel, Megan, Shelby, and Tristan Lightwine, and Alyshia Rosales; and one brother, Jack Pettibon.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Lee Lightwine; 4 brothers, Burl, Grover, Keith, and Forrest Pettibon, and her parents.

 

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 PM Thursday, December 28^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott, KS.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.  Memorials are suggested to the Arbor Day 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 left

Dustin Ray Wiggans, age 46, resident of Knox City, TX formerly of Fort Scott, KS passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2023, at his home.

 

Dustin was born February 11, 1977, in Fort Scott to Jimmy and Pam Wiggans.  He graduated with the class of 1995 then immediately began eight years of service in the Navy.  Dustin was initially stationed at Pacific Missile Range Facility on the island of Kauai where he trained as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer.  Subsequently he was stationed at Naval Air Station Fallon in Fallon, NV.  While at NAS Fallon, Dustin continued his duties as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer.  After leaving the Navy, Dustin began his career in the world of agronomy, receiving a bachelor’s degree in hydrology and a master’s degree in agronomy from Iowa State University.  He was currently working for the USDA in Knox City.

 

Dustin is survived by his father, Jimmy Wiggans and mother and stepfather Pam and Robert Williams; 2 sisters, Ali Wiggans (Matt) and Abi Krieger (Michael); and 2 nieces, Jocelin and Henley Rae Krieger.  He also leaves behind his girlfriend and partner, Ashley Nicole Cook; his beloved pet/sidekick, Kenni; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents Virgil and Lola Wiggans, and Jack and Pat Vender.

 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Tuesday evening December 26^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Cremation will follow with interment later in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.  Words of remembrance may be left online at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

 

 

Nancy Patterson, long-time resident of Fort Scott, age 86, died on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Horton House in Fort Scott, Kansas.  Her death was attributed to Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Nancy Jo Smith was born on August 1, 1937, in Lawrence, Kansas to Emmett P. and Naomi M. Anderson Smith.  She attended Pinckney Grade School, Lawrence Junior High School, and was a 1955 graduate of Lawrence High School.  Receiving the Karen Carlton Memorial Nursing Scholarship, Nancy was a 1958 graduate of St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing, Kansas City, Missouri.

 

At the home of her parents, Nancy was married to Jerrold Clifford Patterson on December 13, 1958.  They are the parents of five daughters: Sandra Lynn, Sharon Sue, Brenda Kay, Deborah Ann, and Laura Lee.

 

The family moved from Overland Park, Kansas to Ava, Missouri in January 1971, where they were owner-operators of the Otasco store. On Thanksgiving Day of 1973, the Pattersons moved to Fort Scott.  Nancy retired from Mercy Hospital in January, 2000, with 26 years of service, most of which was spent as a surgical nurse.  She is a past president of the Mercy Auxiliary.  With a passion for genealogy, Nancy is a member of the Old Fort Genealogical Society and has researched not only the families of Anderson, Smith, Reynolds and Patterson, but also numerous Bourbon County families.  These are available in the OFGS library.

 

As a charter member of West Park Church of the Nazarene, Nancy taught adult Sunday School class and was very involved with the Nazarene World Missionary Society.  She and Cliff traveled to Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, Papaua New Guinea in 1989 to observe first-hand third world medicine.  Most recently, Nancy attended the Diamond Community Church in rural Fort Scott.

 

Following Cliff’s death in early February 2019, Nancy lived at Country Place Senior Assisted Living in Fort Scott.   She moved to Horton House on September 2, 2023.

 

Survivors include:  daughters, Sharon McGaughey,  Kybruz, CA; Brenda  DeKeno (Don), Pea Ridge, AR;   Deborah Allen (Tim), Fort Scott, KS; and Laura Bonnell (Dwight), Aztec , NM.  Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, Joshua McGaughey (Bethany), Placerville, CA; Joseph Allen (Mallory), Fort Scott, KS; Jessica Borba (Seth), Placerville, CA; Nathaniel McGaughey (Rebekah), Placerville, CA; Dustin DeKeno (Chris), Oklahoma City, OK; Jacob Allen (Sarah), Wichita, KS; Corbin Soliday (Rachel), Lee’s Summit, MO; Sawyer DeKeno, Tulsa, OK; Andrea Soliday, Gardner, KS; Tayler DeKeno,  Pea Ridge,  AR; Jonathan Allen, Fort Scott, KS; and Caleb Soliday, Topeka, KS.  Nancy leaves fourteen great-grandchildren, Abraham Borba, Lela Borba, Maggie Kansas McGaughey, Tayton Allen, Gus McGaughey, Kyler Allen, William Borba, Lily Borba, Avery McGaughey, Joel Soliday, Andrew (“G”) Borba, Diana Allen, Olivia Soliday, and Elijah Allen.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Cliff; her parents; daughter, Sandy (January 2010); and her only sibling, a brother, Robert E. Smith (September 2006).

 

Rev. Joan Koller will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Friday, December 22^nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday evening at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to either Cross Power Agape Ministries or Alzheimer’s Association 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 left online at cheneywitt.com.

 

Nancy’s family would like to note that this obituary was hand- written by Nancy. We are unsure of the date or the circumstances when she wrote it since the hand-written copy included only blanks in many places, but it was important enough to her for her to keep it tucked away in a folder. We want to honor her by publishing it but we certainly believe that she was much too modest in this account of her life.

Agnes Ruth Hill, age 90, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Friday, December 15, 2023, at the Homestead assisted living facility in Girard, Kansas.  She was born January 20, 1933, in San Pedro, California, the daughter of Henry Carl Jones and Sophie Evelyn Borders Jones.

Ruth married Roger Hill on July 23, 1955.  Following their marriage, Ruth and Roger lived in St. Louis, Missouri for a few years before relocating to Ft. Scott.  Over the years, Ruth had worked as a telephone operator and later at the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center where she helped prepare Meals on Wheels.  However, her primary occupation was taking care of her family.  She will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother to her four children.  Ruth loved the outdoors and spent many hours working in her garden and canning the fruits of her labors.  She also had a tender heart for animals and often took in and cared for stray dogs and cats.

 

Survivors include her children, Dennis Hill of Lamar, Missouri, Diana Johnson (Sam) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Dallas Hill (Tammy) of Arma, Kansas.  Also surviving are several grandchildren, great and great-great-grandchildren.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Dawn Maurer, son-in-law, Tony Fleeman, and a daughter-in-law, Frances Hill.  She was also preceded in death by her former husband, Roger Hill, her parents and a sister, Emma and a brother, Carl.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, December 21^st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or the American Kidney Foundation 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.