Arleen Louise Wilson, 89, of Iola, Kansas, passed away at her home early Friday morning, October 17, 2025, surrounded by her daughters and granddaughters. She was born in Walnut, Kansas, the daughter of Wayne and Pearl Blanche Wright Geiger. She graduated from High School in Hepler, Kansas.

She married Ira E. Wilson in Kansas City, Kansas, on September 8, 1957, he preceded her in death in June of 2014. Their first date was to the American Royal Rodeo. They lived in Kansas City, Kansas for six years before moving the family to Fort Scott, then three years later, they moved to Porterville where they lived until they retired and moved to Iola, Kansas to be closer to family. She retired from the Western Insurance Company after 30 years. Their Last vacation was to Niagara Falls.

Arleen is survived by her three daughters, Connie and Carey Lockwood of Fort Scott, Debbie and Keith Phillips of Shawnee, Kansas, and Karen and Robert McKarnin of Iola, Kansas, a brother, Frank Geiger of Erie, Kansas, six grandchildren, Cody Phillips, Kimberly and Lee Pierce, Timothy and Maria Lockwood, Stacy Lockwood, Emily, Casey and Brandon McKarnin, eight greatgrandchildren, Rayce and Conner Pierce, Tyson and Addyson Lockwood, Parker and Abigail Kaifes and Emmette and Eowyn. In addition to her husband Ira, she was preceded in death by her parents, and her two sisters, Maxine Watkins and Wanda Wilson.

Graveside services will be at 11:00am, Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Rosedale Cemetery near Porterville with Pastor Dusty Drake Officiating. Memorials may be given to the Allen County Animal Rescue Foundation. Contributions may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Doris Marie Cullor, 92, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday morning, October 15, 2025, at Aberdeen Village in Olathe, Kansas. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Arlene L. Wilson, of Iola, Kansas, passed away early Friday morning, October 17, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Darvin Theon Willard, known affectionately to friends and family as Theon, left this world to paint the heavens on October 11, 2025. Born on August 7, 1961, in the quaint town of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Theon brought laughter and love into our lives for a wonderful 64 years before passing away of natural causes in Warrensburg, Missouri.

Theon was the life of every party, when he walked in you knew you were rocking with the best, and even in his passing, he’d want us to celebrate with joy rather than mourn with sorrow. Raised by his loving parents, Carl and Mary Helen Willard, and his stepmother, Imogene Fewell, who preceded him in death, Theon learned the value of family from an early age. His own family, including his children, Darvin Willard Jr. and Tarrell Vann, along with their spouses Amy and Erin, and his grandchildren Jade, Silas, Hannah, Malachi, Lennox, and Levik, were the apples of his eye and the punchlines to his jokes.Theon’s siblings, Shelba Williams and Gloria Mitchell, along with their husbands Frank and Charles, and his brother Craig Young. His stepbrothers, Charles “Sonny” Fewell and Mike “Frog” Fewell, and Aunt Maryetta Willard, shared in the laughter and love that Theon spread. His life was also touched by those who left before him, including his sister Peggy, brother Vincent, grandparents Mildred and Clyde, stepsister Carol, uncles Bobby and Melvin, aunts Edith and Momma Minnie, nephew Andre, and cousins Woodrow, Regina, Wayne, and Vicki.

Theon was known for his quick wit and even quicker basketball moves. His love for the game was only matched by his passion for music, cooking, and, yes, African American soap operas. The biggest lesson he gave, you had to pay attention through all the talk about food, was to be present and thoughtful about your life and your family. If you have a dollar, hide it! Pay your bills, if you don’t have anything left, at least you can go home! He loved to sit outside with his friends and family, for hours. He loved taking his great nieces and great nephews outside and letting them run wild. His relationship with his Nieces and nephews was definitely important to him. As he passed peacefully at his second home. He made sure he made fun and loving memories with the people he loved. He knew life was short and lived his life like there was no tomorrow! Today, we say goodbye to a man who was not just the heart but also the funny bone of our family. Theon’s legacy is one of joy, love, and the kind of laughter that echoes in the hearts of those he touched. While the world might be a little less bright without his physical presence, the memories of his jokes, his cooking, and his love for life will continue to shine in all of us. Darvin Theon Willard, you were a masterpiece, and like all great artists, your work will live on forever in the gallery of our hearts. Rest in peace, dear Theon, and may the angels be ready for some good old-fashioned fun. This is not our final goodbye, this is our time to say, Hey Theon, save us a seat and a plate!

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 17^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The Family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel  Memorials are suggested to the Darvin Willard 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.

Virginia Viel, 74, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025. She was born on December 22, 1950, in Hope, Arkansas, to Clinton and Bertha Lee. Virginia was known for her sharp wit, loud laugh, and even bigger heart.

She spent many years working in customer service for Lincoln National, Mass Mutual, and UniCare Insurance before later retiring from Cavalry Crossing. No matter where she was, Virginia made friends easily and never hesitated to speak her mind.

Virginia lived her faith through action, always showing up for people, offering encouragement, and loving her family fiercely. She is survived by her daughters Joetta (Brian) Reisz of Boise, Idaho, and Vanessa (Kirk) Poyner of Fort Scott, Kansas; her grandchildren, Jeron and Kenady Poyner of Fort Scott; and her siblings, Marie Knight of West Monroe, Louisiana, and Calvin Lee of Camden, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clinton and Bertha Lee; her brother, William Lee; and her two best friends, Linda Poyner and Karen Stewart, who were like sisters to her.

Virginia loved casino trips and competitive games of marbles with friends. She was passionately loyal to her family and happiest when surrounded by the people she loved. Whether it was a quick visit, a family gathering, or just sitting and talking, she made every moment count. Her greatest joy in life was being “Mimi” to her grandchildren, Jeron and Kenady, a role she treasured and poured her whole heart into.

Virginia’s life was full of personality, perseverance, and love. She made an impact on everyone who knew her, and the stories about her will be told for years to come.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by a memorial service from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Medicalodges of Fort Scott Activities Fund, a place where the residents and staff held a special place in her heart.

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

Esther Ruth Arnold, 72, of Fort Scott, passed away Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Fort Scott Freeman Hospital. She was born in Kirksville, Missouri on August 26, 1953, the daughter of Maynard Land and Ethel Elizabeth Grogan Osborn. She married Victor Arnold on June 21, 1986, in Kirksville, Missouri, he survives of the home.

She was an L.P.N. in Kirksville, Mo. She attended K.C.C.B.S. and taught there, as well. She graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University. In 1986 she moved to Fort Scott and taught at the Fort Scott Christian Heights School and substituted for U234. She is a member of the Parkway Church of God.

In addition to her husband, Victor, she is survived by a son, Alex Arnold of Fort Scott, a daughter Kaitlyn and Kyle Warren of Redfield, Kansas, a sister, Deborah Johnson of Lambertville, Michigan, 12 brothers & sisters-in-law, and a host of nieces and nephews, including Heidi Mykolajczyk and Katrina Christian. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services for Esther Arnold will be 10:30am, Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Parkway Church of God, with Pastor Nathan Bryant officiating. The Family will receive friends at 10:00 am Saturday at the Church prior to the funeral. Private burial will follow.

Memorials may be made to the Fort Scott Christian Heights School and 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.

Michael Morris “Mick” Bradbury, a cherished husband, father, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the age of 82. Born in the family home north of Uniontown, Kansas, near the Dry Ridge area on December 1, 1942, Mick’s roots ran deep into the country soil. His early years were marked by the simplicity and richness of rural life, and he carried those values with him throughout his life.

Mick was a proud graduate of Uniontown High School, where he was a member of the football team. His love for sports was a thread that ran throughout his life, as he later enjoyed playing slow pitch softball and basketball on the Hammond Community Team.

For thirty-two years, Mick dedicated his career to Hammond Seed and Elevator, where his diligent work ethic and integrity were well known. Simultaneously, he managed his own farm and cattle operation, a testament to his tireless work ethic and love for the land. Even after his retirement, Mick’s days were filled with the responsibilities of tending to his farm, ensuring that everything was run with precision—a “tight ship,” as many would say. His pride in his work was evident in the meticulous care he took of his yard, trees, and garage.

A man of faith, Mick was a devoted member of the Rinehart Christian Church, where his Christian beliefs shaped his actions and interactions with others. He was known for his willingness to lend a hand to his neighbors, embodying the spirit of community and service.

Mick’s interests were as varied as they were passionate. In his earlier years, he enjoyed the thrill of bird hunting and the companionship of his horse, Buck. Fishing and golfing provided him with a sense of peace and a chance to connect with nature. His love for sports persisted as he became an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, rarely missing a game.

His joy for life extended to his cherished “toys,” his tractors, and farm equipment, which he operated with the same joy a child has with their favorite playthings. These tools of his trade were also his hobbies, and he spent many happy hours on them.

Mick’s legacy is carried on by his loving wife, Wilma; his devoted daughters, Debbie Nafzger (Jerry) and Buffie Eskridge (Elvis); his six grandchildren, Jace Wright, Mackenzie Salgado (Rick), Shelby Shaw (Kenny), Madison Wright (Mark), Bryce Wright (Shelby aka “Red”),and Katalaya Eskridge and his ten great-grandchildren, Mahayla, Laiken, Logan, Harlow, Hollyn, Ellison, Eli, Everly, Emrie, and Escher. Also surviving are his three brothers, Bill Bradbury (Carole), Tom Bradbury (Myrna) and Max Bradbury (Betty) and his sister, Margaret Epp (Glendon) as well as the countless lives he touched with his generosity, humor, and indomitable spirit. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his memory will continue to inspire and guide us.

In his life, Mick Bradbury was a man who loved deeply, worked hard, and gave generously. His story is one of a life well-lived, marked by the values of family, faith, and community. As we say farewell to this remarkable man, we celebrate the enduring impact he has made on all of us. Mick’s journey on this earth may have come to an end, but his spirit lives on.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 23^rd at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Uniontown Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service. 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.

Sharon Kay Button, age 70, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at her home. She was born on March 22, 1955, in Tulsa, OK, the daughter of Lloyd and Barbara Ivey.

Sharon graduated from Fort Scott High School. She worked for two different Insurance Companies as well as USD234. She loved spending time with family, especially the grandchildren and their activities. Sharon attended Community Christian Church and lived out her Christian faith.

Survivors include her children Kelley Tucker and husband Darren, Kimberly Graham-Coon and husband Robert, Kristy Sickles and husband Jeremiah, Scotty Button and wife Samantha, and Kaylee Button; grandchildren Garrison, Nathan, Jenna, Ashlyn, Addisyn, Brock, Dana, Delci, Delaney, Keith, Brooklyn, Allie, Lily, Cooper, and Lillian; and a brother, John Ivey and wife Teresa. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Lloyd, Jr. and Randy Ivey, and grandchildren Karissa, Benjamin, and other heavenly grandbabies.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Friday, September 19^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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 submitted online at cheneywitt.com.