Berniece Buell, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed
away July 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
She was born on December 8, 1929, in Lake City,
Missouri, the daughter of William and Ruth Pitts. Despite
a challenging early life, Berniece faced adversity with
strength and grace. She married the love of her life, John
Buell, on July 22, 1967, in Independence, Missouri, where
they were living at the time. Berniece and John later
relocated to Ft. Scott. Together, they shared a life full of
love, adventure and dedication to family and community.
Berniece was a talented and creative woman. She found
joy in crafts, especially ceramics, macrame, tole painting,
and stained glass. She was a gifted seamstress and she
made costumes for her grandchildren, toys for the
Shriners and formal wear for herself. Quilting was one of
her passions, and each family member proudly owns one
of her handmade quilts. Berniece was a proud member of
the Daughters of the Nile and served as their queen in
1987. She and John organized many fundraisers for the
Mirza Shrine and traveled on several Shriners cruises.
Her commitment to service and community left a lasting
impact on all who knew her. An adventurous spirit,
Berniece and John traveled the United States extensively
in their motorhome. They spent their winters in Texas for
over twenty years. Even after John’s passing, Berniece
continued to travel as much as possible. Berniece adored
her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her presence
brought laughter, warmth, and a sense of joy to every
gathering. Some of her bold and fun adventures in her
later years included parasailing, riding a donkey through
the Grand Canyon, riding a camel, white water rafting, water skiing, motorcycling, and even doing donuts in
snow-covered parking lots with her grandkids.

Berniece is survived by her daughters, Paula Hochstedler
and her husband Mike of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and
Karen Mix and her husband Mike, of Ft. Scott, seven
grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. She is also
survived by her beloved dog Buttons, who literally stayed
be her side at all time, and a longtime family friend, Patty
Buell.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her
son, Rick Petrechko; granddaughters, Missy and Tina; and
stepson Steve Buell. Let us remember and celebrate
Berniece’s remarkable life – a legacy of love, laughter,
creativity and fearless adventure.

Thank you to the staff of Presbyterian Village for their
loving care and support they provided to Mom and all of
the family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday,
July 16 th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will take place
at the Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas. The
family will receive friends from 10:00 A. M. until service
time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested
to the Mirza General 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.

Palmer Don May, age 78, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada, MO. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

Charles Howard Cress, age 89, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas commonly known as Charlie to his friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Born on July 5, 1936, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to the late Col. Howard C. Cress and Arnstina Cissna Cress, Charlie’s life was
marked by dedication to his family, his country, and his community. Charlie’s early years were spent in the heartland of America, where he developed a strong sense of patriotism and service. After completing high school, he followed this calling by enlisting in the United States Army in 1957. During his time in the service, he was
stationed primarily in Germany, where he met the love of his life, Gertie Konrad. Charlie and Gertie were united in marriage on October 22, 1960, in San Antonio, Texas, and cherished fifteen years together until Gertie’s untimely passing on September 15, 1975. Following his military service, Charlie began a long career with the United States Postal Service, where he worked diligently for twenty-seven years. Charlie attended both the First Christian Church and the First Presbyterian Church, where he found solace and fellowship. An avid history enthusiast, Charlie absolutely loved re-enacting wild west gunfights. He took great joy in participating
with the Plainsmen and the Border Creek Raiders re-enactment groups, sharing his passion for the Old West with others. His performances were not just a hobby but a way of connecting with people and keeping history alive. In addition to his love for re-enactment, Charlie was involved in his community. He volunteered his time with the Ft. Scott Pride Program and contributed to the betterment of the lives of many through his work at the Tri-Valley Developmental Center. His generosity and willingness to help others were hallmarks of his character. Charlie is survived by his son, Allan Cress of Ft. Scott, Kansas; his daughter, Ingrid Bohm of Germany; and his nephew, Jim, and niece, Patty. He was preceded
in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Lou Welch; and his half son, Karl Heinz.

Pastor Sarah Gengler will conduct a memorial service at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 15th at the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society 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.

Donald Ray Barnard, age 85, known affectionately as Don to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at his home in Pittsburg, Kansas. Born on October 12, 1939, in the small town of Arcadia, Kansas, Don’s life was a testament to his enduring spirit, and his love for his family. After graduating from Pittsburg High School, Don began what would become a distinguished thirty-three-year career as an engineering technician and maintenance supervisor with the Kansas Department of Transportation. He was also dedicated to the Masonic fraternity. A respected member of the Arcadia Masonic Lodge, which later merged with the Girard Masonic Lodge, Don served with distinction as a Past Master, providing leadership and guidance to his fellow
Masons. In 1957, Don was united in marriage to the love of his life, Barbara J. Pummill. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. As a couple, Don and Barbara ventured to the warmer climates of South Texas for about twenty years, where they cherished the sunshine and the vibrant community they found there. Don’s Christian faith was a cornerstone of his life, providing him with strength and comfort throughout his years. He lived his life as an example of kindness, generosity, and faith. A man of many talents and interests, Don had a passion for music that was as deep as it was infectious.
Whether strumming his guitar with local bands in Texas or serenading his loved ones at home, his music brought joy to all who listened. His love for the outdoors was evident in the care he took in maintaining his garden and the patience he showed during his fishing excursions, both activities that allowed him to appreciate
the beauty of nature.

Don’s legacy is carried on by his beloved wife, Barbara, of the home in Pittsburg, his four children, Scheryll Hodges (David) of Lonoke, Arkansas, Richard Barnard (Connie) and Robert Barnard all of Arcadia, Kansas and Joeseph Barnard (Jody Lea) of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Wayne Barnard of
Burlingame, Kansas and two sisters, Sharon Foster of Pittsburg, Kansas and Linda Turner of Ft. Scott. Don was preceded in death by his son, Donald Barnard, Jr. and two granddaughters, Andrea and Jennifer. He will be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted father, and a loyal friend. As we bid farewell to Donald Ray
Barnard, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey well-traveled, and a soul that has truly made a lasting impact on this world. His memory will continue to inspire those who knew him, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of his loved ones forever.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, July 14 th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place at the Sheffield Cemetery near Arcadia, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 P.M. Sunday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society 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 Paul Sellers, 65, passed away at the VA home in Warrensburg, Missouri, Tuesday, July 1, 2025. He was born August 4, 1959, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Garland Dell Sellers and Norma Jean (Quick) Sellers. He married Amy Seal July 29, 2016, in Miami, Oklahoma, and she survives of the home.

Charles graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1977. He was an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts, and he served in the United States Navy, retiring as Chief Petty Officer on December 24, 1998. He attained Master Mason June 11, 1979. Charles was a Facility Manager for St. Luke’s Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa. He was also a Teaching Pastor at New Freedom Church in Sioux City, as well as pastoring at Gospel Mission. He received two Master’s Degrees, Human Resources and Hospital Administration, from Briar Cliff University, where he was an Adjunct Professor.

In addition to his wife Amy, Charles is also survived by his mother, Norma; his children, Tawnya Elisabeth Riddell (Mike), of Grants Pass, Oregon, David Paul Sellers (Rachael), of Rathdrum, Idaho, Cassandra Lynn Covelli (PJ), of Tampa, Florida, and step children , Mia Perry, of Mission, Kansas, Kyle Perry (Katilyn), of Olathe, Kansas, Ryan Porter (Rhiannon), of Jacksonville, Texas; two brothers, Donald Sellers (Debbie), of Wellsville, Kansas, and James Sellers (Jackie), of Fort Scott, Kansas; and three grandchildren, Matthew, Rylee, and Dawson, and three step grandchildren, Keyleigh, Ava, and Wesley. He was preceded in death by his father, and his second wife, Cindy Syrcle, both respectfully in 2015.

Following cremation, Pastor Christopher Eshelman will officiate graveside services at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2025, at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to services on Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, and leave for the cemetery at 10:45 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Veteran’s Community Project either online at https://www.veteranscommunityproject.org/kansascity or may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Joycelyn Elaine Malone, age 92, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away July 3, 2025, at Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott. She was born June 22, 1933, to William (Bill) and Nina Norris in Nevada, MO. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1951, then attended the Mercy School of Nursing. She married Keith Farley Malone on November 2, 1952.

Joycelyn babysat for several families while her three children were young, then worked at the Newman-Young Clinic for several years. Later, she worked full time keeping books for their family business –
Malone Plumbing.

Joycelyn was an active member of the Church of Christ for her entire life and attended the Church of Christ on Margrave Street. She was devoted to her Lord and to the brethren of her congregation.

Joycelyn is survived by her husband Keith; her three children, Brent Malone (Connie), Brandon Malone (Kathy), and Gaynor Crane (Stephen); 9 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. She was an active influence in the lives of her family members and contributed much to their character, success, and well-being throughout her entire life.

Joycelyn was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law Carl and Billye Malone, sister-in-law Karen Heppler (Malone), step-granddaughter Leesa Meree Haehn (Hite), brother Claude Norris and sister-in-law Phyllis Norris, and brother Bill Norris and sister-in-law Lois Norris.

Joycelyn enjoyed raising flowers and working in her yard. She was an avid supporter of family events opening her home to large groups of relatives from both sides of the family every year. She spent a great deal of her time supporting her children’s and grandchildren’s school and sporting activities. She was a cheerful, devoted, and practical example of love to us all.

Joycelyn chose cremation and has requested no funeral service but visitation and interment at a future date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Jacqueline A. Webster, affectionately known as Jackie, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on September 17, 1939, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Jonathan Reagan and Mary Rea Reagan, Jackie’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family and her faith.

Jackie was a proud graduate of Ft. Scott High School, where she formed the foundation of lifelong friendships and the strong values she carried throughout her life. On June 29, 1957, Jackie united in marriage to Robert Webster, and together they embarked on a
journey that would be filled with love, laughter, and the joyous task of raising a family. Jackie’s professional life was as varied as it was fulfilling—she worked at Western Insurance Company and IGA in her early years, but her heart was always with the people she served at St. Mary’s School as a secretary and lunch lady, and at the Ward/Kraft Day Care. Her time at the Ralph Richards Museum further showcased her love and commitment to preserving local history.

Jackie’s Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and providing comfort in times of need. She lived her faith through her actions, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a kind word. A woman of many interests, Jackie’s zeal for life was contagious. She volunteered with the Ft. Scott Community College Drama Department. Her passion for travel took her on numerous adventures, including memorable trips to New York City, where she enjoyed the lights and performances on Broadway. Closer to home, she frequented the dinner theater in Kansas City and enjoyed the local melodramas in Ft. Scott. Jackie was also an avid bowler and square dancer.

Jackie’s legacy is lovingly cherished by her devoted children: Barbara Cassidy and her husband, Kent of Ft. Scott, Kansas; Mary; Ginger; Gregory of Pittsburg, Kansas; Nancy Peterman Webster of Nevada, Missouri; Liz Ulrich and her husband, Brek, of Iola, Kansas; and Matthew Webster and his wife, Chrissa, of Towanda, Kansas. She was a proud grandmother to sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride. Also surviving her are her brother, Tom Reagan of Kansas City, Missouri, and her sister, Patty Spielbusch of St. Paul, Kansas. Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, on November 24, 2023. She was also preceded by her parents, a sister, Margaret Butler and a brother, Mike Reagan.

Jackie’s journey through life was a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 A.M. Tuesday, July 8th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 5:00 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The rosary will be recited at 6:30 P.M. Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary’s Building 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.

Jacqueline A. Webster, age 85, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.  Services for Jacqueline Webster will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

SERVICE NOTICE

George Scott Koppa, known affectionately to friends and family as Scott, entered into eternal rest on June 20, 2025, at the age of 50. There was cremation. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM Saturday, July 5 th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Care to Share
which 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 submitted online at cheneywitt.com.