Richard “Wayne” Cowen, 70, of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away Thursday afternoon October 1, 2020, at Country Place Memory Care Center. He was born July 18, 1950, in Fort Scott, the son of Glenn Richard and Freda Elaine (Bentley) Cowen.

He married Beverly Jean Ballou on March 13, 1993, in Fort Scott, and she survives of the home.

Wayne attended Bunker Hill Country School and graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1968. He went on to graduate from Fort Scott Community College, followed by K-State.

Wayne was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and an active choir member as well as serving on the Board of Deacons and an Elder in Session.

He worked for Ward Kraft and Ennis Business Forms as a Printing Supervisor.

Wayne was a member of the 6^th Kansas Cavalry Dragoon Unit, participating in Civil War re-enactments, and a volunteer at the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

He was active in the Northwest Scott 4-H.

He enjoyed woodworking, square dancing, and family get-togethers and holiday meals, and playing games.

He loved spending time with family and loved going to his grandkids’ sporting events.

Wayne had a sweet tooth, especially for ice cream and cookies, and had the nickname “Cookie Monster.”

In addition to his wife Beverly, Wayne is also survived by his children, Tisha Moore and husband Kevin of Blue Springs, Missouri; Nikia Harlan and husband Jeremy of Katy, Texas; Marissa Cowen of Higginsville, Missouri; Lacey Ratliff and husband Josh, also of Higginsville, Missouri; Simon Ballou and wife Jennifer of Fort Scott; Debbie Ballou of Fulton, Kansas, and Jason Ballou and wife Carol of Fort Scott; three brothers, Kenton Cowen, Brad Cowen and wife Joyce, Larry Cowen and wife Sondra, all of Fort Scott; eighteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Rev. Dr. Jared Witt will conduct graveside services at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 8, 2020, at Memory Gardens of Bourbon County, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association or the First Presbyterian Church Choir and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Catherine Shackelford, 95, of Fort Scott, passed away Monday morning September 28, 2020, at Via Christi Ascension in Pittsburg, Kansas.

She was born August 24, 1925, in Enid, Oklahoma, the daughter of John and Dora C. (Goeller) Ivan.

She married Robert Everett Shackelford in Colton, California and he preceded her in death August 29, 2001.

Catherine and her husband Robert owned and operated restaurants in California where they lived for a number of years. She was a member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Catherine is survived by her children, Gaylord Oberst and wife Deb, of Fort Scott, Glenn Oberst, also of Fort Scott, Carol Arner of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Rose Workman and husband Scott, of Lawrence, Kansas; eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Robert, Catherine was also preceded in death by her parents, and all of her siblings, having been the last surviving member of her family.

Father Yancey Burgess will officiate graveside services at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, October 1, 2020, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Mary Ann Worthington Klenklen, age 86, resident of Springfield, MO, passed away peacefully at Springfield Mercy Hospital on Friday, September 25, 2020.

Mary Ann was born June 21, 1934, to Fred and Alice Sager in Frederick, KS. When she was young, the family moved to Moran, KS, where she grew up and attended schools there graduating from Moran High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Bill Worthington, on November 23, 1952, at the Bronson Baptist Church, where they were very active.

She enjoyed her family, loved to watch the Royals and Chiefs, and enjoyed playing cards with her friends at the Gardens Independent Living Center, where she spent the last eight years.

Besides raising three children and always being present at all their activities, she was employed by Western Insurance, Klein Tools, Ward/Kraft, and Pittsburg Yamaha, where she worked for her son, Dewayne.

After the loss of her husband, Bill, she married Charles Klenklen in 1991. They enjoyed a lot of traveling together. Charles preceded her in death in May 2011.

She was also preceded in death by both parents, her sisters, Maxine and Imogene, her brothers, Don and Marvin.

She is survived by her sister, June Terrell of Moran, KS, her son, Dwight Worthington (Marita) of Pocatello, ID, a daughter, Charlotte Shireman (Greg) of Springfield MO, and son, Dewayne Worthington of Arma KS, grandchildren: Andrew Shireman, Stephen Shireman (Hannah), Tyler and Casey Worthington, and one greatgrandchild, Charlotte Ann (Charlie) Shireman.

Because of COVID 19, private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either the American Diabetes Association or your favorite charity and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KD 66701 Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Donna Lea Hall, age 78, resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at her home while surrounded by her family.

She was born on October 4, 1941, in Redfield, Kansas, to Edwin Elmer Christy and Edith Alice Hartman Christy.

She married the love of her life, Clete Hall on January 13, 1962, in Miami, Oklahoma. It is alleged by him that they met when she honked at him while driving around town. Donna was an avid KU Jayhawks basketball fan and her family delighted in watching her cheer them on by yelling at the television. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and attending her grandchildren’s athletic games and school events. She had a very close bond with each of her grandchildren and will be greatly missed.

Donna is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Clete Hall, a son, Brian Hall and wife Joyce, Fort Scott, Kansas, a daughter, Stacy Carpenter and husband Doug, Bryan, Texas, a daughter, Cheryl Gallagher and partner Jason Locke, Spring Hill, Kansas, 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Beatrice Christy, a sister, Carol Christy and a brother, Edwin (Junior) Christy.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct memorial services at 10:00 AM Friday, October 2nd, at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle. Family committal will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle from 9:00 AM until service time on Friday morning.

Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers to either Grace Baptist Tabernacle or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Jess Francis Fletcher III, age 46, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, September 21, 2020, at his home.

He was born April 29, 1974, in Lawrence, KS, the son of Jess Francis Fletcher II and Suzanne Marie Garfield Fletcher.

He married Kim Bailey on March 10, 1997, in Ft. Scott.

Jess worked a handful of jobs in his lifetime including Packer Plastics Plant, grocery store, and Taco Tico where he would wear the taco costume for local parades and handing candy to kids. He later worked at Carlisle and most recently for Ward Kraft. Jess had a strong work ethic, making sure he provided for his family.

Jess enjoyed fishing, mobile games, and grilling. He really liked beef jerky, often receiving it for Christmas and birthday gifts. He had a quick wit and funny response.

Great importance was placed on his girls knowing the Lord and the values that come from that relationship. Spending time with his girls provided his most cherished memories.

Survivors include his wife Kimberly of the home; two daughters, Rayna and Kandace; his father Jess and Neila; four sisters, Alicia Alcorn and husband Chief, Sherri Harleman, Kathi Wagner, and Sandi Rowe and husband Jason; and eight nieces and nephews, Allie Bailey, Cassidy Alcorn, Destiny Alcorn, Jaina Harleman, Darsie Harleman, Jordan Rowe, Kaylee Rowe, and Tyler Rowe.

He was preceded in death by his mother; two nieces; and a nephew.

Pastor Ben Heffernan will conduct graveside services at 1:00 PM Friday, September 25^th, at the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Fletcher Children Education Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bonnie Sue Taylor, 80, of Bronson, Kansas, passed away Thursday afternoon September 17, 2020, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. She was born November 15, 1939, in Coffeyville, Kansas, the daughter of Raymond Samuel and Florence Rhoda (Wyckoff) Mason. She married Ronald “Ronnie” Fred Taylor on May 31, 1959, in Fort Scott, and he survives of the home.

Bonnie was the office supervisor at Newman Young Clinic from 1957 until she retired in 1996. Bonnie attended Xenia Baptist Church. Her family was the light of her life.

In addition to her husband Ronnie, Bonnie is survived by son Raymond Taylor, of Bronson; a sister, Peggy Davis of Fort Scott; three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Samuel Mason, and a son, Brad Taylor, April 3, 2001.

Rev. Randy Smith will conduct graveside services at 10:00 a.m. Monday September 21, 2020, at the Bronson Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com

Charles Wesley Smith, 95, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday afternoon September 16, 2020 at Medicalodge. He was born April 27, 1925, in Devon, Kansas, the son of William George and Bertha Mae (Sauerwein) Smith. He married Ruth Irene Johnston on July 16, 1950, and she preceded him in death in 1988. He married Maxine Louise Kinney on April 30, 1990, and she survives. Charlie and Ruth lived in Louisburg, Kansas from 1950 until 1955, and then Winfield, Kansas. Charlie moved to Fort Scott in 1990. He and Maxine have lived in Fort Scott since 1990.

Charlie graduated from Fulton High School in 1943 and entered Fort Scott Junior College in 1946. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Kansas State University in 1950, and his Master’s Degree from Colorado State University in 1967.

Charlie was the Vocational Ag instructor at Louisburg High School from 1950-1955 and started the first Louisburg FFA Chapter. He worked for the Kansas Extension Service and was the Cowley County Extension Agent from 1955 until 1988.

He served and held office in a number of organizations. He was a board member for the National County Agents Association, was Director of the NCAA North Central Region covering 12 states, Chairman of the NCAA National Scholarship Committee. He served as President, Vice President, and Secretary for the Kansas County Agents Association and was also Board Director for the Kansas State University Ag Alumni.

Charlie received numerous awards and recognitions including Epsilon Sigma Phi State Distinguished Ag Service Award, Epsilon Sigma Phi Meritorious Service Award, National Association of County Agents Distinguished Award, Kansas State 4-H Award, and was both the Jaycee Community Man of the Year and Kiwanis Layman of the Year.

He was active in the First Christian Church of Winfield, Kansas and was also an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott, Kansas. He taught high school age Sunday school classes, and he taught Bible study classes in the Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center. He also volunteered at Mercy Hospital. He and Maxine received the Award of Merit from the Fort Scott City Commission.

Charlie is survived by his three children David Smith of Lawrence, Kansas, Dennis Smith and wife Carol of Louisburg, Kansas, and Sandra Bowzer and husband Greg of Omaha, Nebraska; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Georgia Mae Hill of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, and Ann Simonsen of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; a step-daughter, Judy Kinney Hunter and husband Bill of Platte City, Missouri; a step-son, Doug Kinney and wife Lynn of Manhattan, Kansas; three step-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren. In addition to his first wife Ruth, Charlie was also preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, William Smith.

Rev. Dr. Jared Witt will conduct graveside services at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winfield, Kansas, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Heifer International and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Raymond Tyler Maxwell Harper, 19, of Fort Scott, passed away Sunday evening, September 13, 2020. He was born February 7, 2001, in Topeka, Kansas.

Ray attended Fort Scott schools, and worked for both Twister Trailers and Laco Guttering. He enjoyed fishing, carpentry and building things, and loved to be outdoors.

Survivors include his parents, Charles Ray and Connie Jean (Riley) Harper, of Fort Scott; numerous brothers and sisters: Melonie Harper, Donald Harper, Jessie Harper, all of the home, Nicole Hall and husband Derek, Tiffani Bradley and husband Keith, both of Uniontown, Kaylie Harper and husband Clayton Miller of Fort Scott, Jenna Clayton and husband Ty of Redfield, Elijah Roberts, Ethan Roberts, and Gloria Roberts, all of Texas, Taylor VanZant, Kristal Castillo, both of Fort Scott, Lorenza Burris of Pittsburg, Kansas, Angelica Gonzalez, Christina Ramirez, both of Girard, Kansas, and Cassidy Riley of Harrisonville, Missouri; grandmothers Leah Riley of Fort Scott, and Marguerite Harper of Kansas City, Kansas; great-grandmother Mary Ellen Harper of Devon, Kansas; numerous nieces and nephews.

Raymond was preceded in death by paternal grandfather Gary Harper and maternal grandfather Tommy Riley.

Jeff Michael will conduct graveside services at 1:00 p.m. Monday September 21, 2020, at the Centerville Cemetery in Fort Scott under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

A visitation will be held following the service at 3:00 p.m. at Gunn Park, Shelter #5.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Raymond Harper Fort Scott High School Cross Country Scholarship and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Esther Agnes Werling (nee Meyer), of Olathe, Kansas, died September 9, 2020, at the age of 98.

She was born in Grandfield, Oklahoma, February 13, 1922, to parents Reverend Walter H. and Anna Meyer. Esther was reared in Haven, Kansas, and as a child, attended the Lutheran Grade School.

Esther continued her Lutheran education by attending both St. John’s Academy and St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas, where she met her future husband and the love of her life, SJC student Dick Werling. Esther treasured her years as a “Johnnie.” Following graduation from SJC in 1941, Esther was called to St. James Lutheran School, Quincy, Illinois, as a teacher at the primary grade level, while Dick enrolled at the University of Kansas to study medicine. With the onset of WWII, Dick enlisted and served in the US Navy and on November 21, 1943, the two were married in Kansas City, Kansas. Once the war ended, the couple eventually settled in Hill City, Kansas, where they reared seven children.

As a loving and devoted wife and mother, Esther excelled in her role as homemaker. She was a wonderful cook and her children still describe her cherry pie as “the best in the world!” Esther enjoyed sewing, painting, crafting, and needlework–and she loved music. Sharing that love of music with her family, Esther encouraged and supported music lessons whether piano, vocal, instrumental, or percussion. She also had a wonderful sense of humor and there was always music and laughter in the Werling household! With her warm and friendly personality, Esther made countless friends over the years while maintaining strong, long-established and loving relationships with her children, grandchildren, and extended family members.

Esther had a deep and abiding faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, which she shared with her family. In 1960, she and Dick were charter members of Grace Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, in Hill City. Esther was very active in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and taught Sunday School and pre-confirmation catechism class. She played the organ for Sunday church services and on Saturdays led a Bible class for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Esther also became a spokesperson for assisting Lutheran churches throughout the state of Kansas in starting Sunday School classes for children with disabilities.

As the mother of a son with Down Syndrome, Esther held a deep compassion for children with developmental disabilities. And as a parent seeking assistance in educating and training her son, she was instrumental in obtaining a grant which helped establish the Kobler Center, a facility in Hill City for individuals with disabilities. Esther accepted the responsibility for the position of Director.

Following Dick’s death in 1975 and prior to her retirement, Esther spent eight years as House Mother for Gamma Phi Beta Sorority at the University of Kansas. She then relocated to Fort Scott, Kansas, and during that time used her artistic ability as a crafts demonstrator in the local Walmart. In 2009, Esther moved to the Kansas City area where she resided in an independent living facility. As she required more care, Esther was moved into Nottingham Health and Rehabilitation Center, Olathe, Kansas.

Preceding Esther in death were her parents, her husband Dick, her son Billy, an infant granddaughter, and her three brothers: Reverend Karl Meyer, Arthur Meyer, and Reverend Walter Meyer. She leaves behind four daughters: Patricia Tenner (Allen), Prairie Village, KS; Bonnie Werling Marker, Anaheim, CA; Kristine Wetterhus (Jay), Morton, Il; and, Melinda Werling, Kansas City, MO; two sons: Dr. Richard Werling (Cathy), Fort Scott, KS; and, Reverend Gary Werling (Pam), Gretna, NE; 14 grandchildren; and, 33 great-grandchildren.

A private family service will be held at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Olathe, Kansas. Interment will be at Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Hill City, Kansas. The family suggests memorial gifts be sent to the St. John’s College Alumni Association, Winfield, Kansas, or to Kobler Center, Hill City, Kansas.