Joaquina Naveira, resident of Farlington, KS, formerly of Elizabeth, NJ, died Tuesday, December 12, 2023, in Farlington. She was born August 16, 1937, in Cuba, the daughter of Eugenio and
Regina Garcia. She married Nicholas Humberto Naveira in Cuba on October 27, 1963.

He preceded her in death on June 9, 2023. They arrived with their son in the United States in 1969 and settled in New Jersey. Joaquina worked several factory jobs in her early career. She was a
wonderful cook and seamstress.

Survivors include a son, Jose Naveira, and wife Becky, Fort McKavett, TX; a daughter, Daisy Naveira, Farlington, KS; 2 granddaughters, Emily Naveira, Cincinnati, OH, and Ashley Naveira,
Arlington, VA; 4 brothers; and 1 sister in Cuba.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by 2 brothers, 1 sister, and her parents.

Chaplain Adam Parrish will conduct graveside services at 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 20  at the Farlington Cemetery. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook
at cheneywitt.com.

Velma Jean Russell, age 94, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed peacefully December 6, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Emporia, Kansas. She was born May 17, 1929, in Redfield, Kansas, the daughter of Wesley and Marjorie Reasoner. In 1938, the family moved to California, near Stockton. They returned to the Midwest nine years later. In 1946, Velma graduated from the Nevada High School in Nevada, Missouri. The following year, she returned to California by train. Her boarding did not go unnoticed by a young sailor returning from leave. He introduced himself somewhere between New Mexico and Arizona. They corresponded while he was at sea, met when they could, and were married on December 18, 1948, in Vallejo, California. Of all her accomplishments in life, her marriage ot sixty-seven years, and her six children and their families were, by far, her most significant and what she cherished the most. Velma’s faith in Christ sustained and enriched her. She gave her best in whatever she endeavored. She was a wonderful wife, mother and friend. Those who knew her were glad they did.

 

She is survived by a daughter Jane Gorton (Chris) of Emporia, Kansas and their sons, Nathan, Wyatt and Lucas (Casie); four sons, Paul Russell of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Sam Russell (Debra) of Salina, Kansas and sons, Simeon, Gabriel and Austin; Rod Russell (Rene) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and their children, Reed, Devon (Ben), and Chad (Casey) and Phil Russell (Misty) of Parsons, Kansas and their sons, Ben, Abe (Maddie) and Silas. Also, grandsons Wayne and Brian. Velma had eighteen great -grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William, son, Wesley, her parents and two brothers.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Friday, December 15th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time at the funeral home. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Susan E. Willard, 80, resident of Fort Scott, passed away late Thursday evening, December 7, 2023. She was born February 4, 1943, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of Thomas Hotard and Beulah (Vicknair) Hotard.

She married Ralph Owen “R.O.” Willard on May 27, 1966, in Metairie, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. He preceded her in death on August 15, 2011.

 

Susan graduated from Ben Franklin High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Meadows Draughon College, also in New Orleans. She worked at Dowell until her marriage to R.O. and then she became a Homemaker. They moved to Fort Scott in 1990.

 

Susan is survived by her daughter, Holly Ross, recently of Fort Scott; her son, Barry Willard and wife Marie, of Lees Summit, Missouri; and two grandchildren, Jeff Willard, and Elisabeth Ross.

In addition to her husband R. O., Susan was also preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Thomas Hotard, Jr.

 

Pastor Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery immediately following the services.

Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Roy Burton Johnson, age 89, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Saturday, December 9, 2023, at his home.

He was born February 24, 1934, in Ft. Scott, the son of Hugh W. Johnson and Mary Rebecca Neptune Johnson.  Roy graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1953.  After high school, Roy served for two years with the United States Army.  Following his military service, Roy returned to Ft. Scott and married Letha Shelton on October 27, 1956, at the First Church of God in Ft. Scott.

Roy and Letha lived in Shawnee Mission, Kansas for nine years.  They then left the city and purchased a farm six miles west of Ft. Scott where they lived the majority of their married life.  Roy ran milk routes for approximately sixteen years and also owned and operated a hardware store and lumberyard in Redfield, Kansas for nine years.  Roy later began a career in insurance where he worked as an agent for twenty-five years.

In 2009, Roy and Letha sold their farm and moved into Ft. Scott.  Roy was still actively doing insurance work until his retirement in 2016.  Throughout his life, Roy has been an active member of the First Church of God where he served as Elder for many years.  He was awarded with a Life Elder Certificate in 2016.  Roy was also a member of the Redfield Ruritan Club for over fifty years where he served in a variety of capacities including club President, District Governor and Foundation Chairman.  He was also a member of the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-seven years, Letha of the home; a daughter, Kelly Asbury of Exeter, Missouri; a granddaughter, Kyra Tollen (Dustin) of Battlefield, Missouri and a great-grandson, Biron Roy Tollen.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Olan, Bernard and James Johnson and two sisters, Ruth Lowry and Lois Fritter.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 P.M. Thursday, December 14^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. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Ruritan National Foundation or the First Church of God 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.

Velma Jean Russell, age 94, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed peacefully December 6, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Emporia, Kansas. She was born May 17, 1929, in Redfield, Kansas, the daughter of Wesley and Marjorie Reasoner.

In 1938, the family moved to California, near Stockton. They returned to the Midwest nine years later. In 1946, Velma graduated from the Nevada High School in Nevada, Missouri. The following year, she returned to California by train. Her boarding did not go unnoticed by a young sailor returning from leave. He introduced himself somewhere between New Mexico and Arizona. They corresponded while he was at sea, met when they could, and were married on December 18, 1948, in Vallejo, California.

Of all her accomplishments in life, her marriage ot sixty-seven years, and her six children and their families were, by far, her most significant and what she cherished the most. Velma’s faith in Christ sustained and enriched her. She gave her best in whatever she endeavored. She was a wonderful wife, mother and friend. Those who knew her were glad they did.

She is survived by a daughter Jane Gorton (Chris) of Emporia, Kansas and their sons, Nathan, Wyatt and Lucas (Casie); four sons, Paul Russell of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Sam Russell (Debra) of Salina, Kansas and sons, Simeon, Gabriel and Austin; Rod Russell (Rene) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and their children, Reed, Devon (Ben), and Chad (Casey) and Phil Russell (Misty) of Parsons, Kansas and their sons, Ben, Abe (Maddie) and Silas. Also, grandsons Wayne and Brian. Velma had eighteen great -grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William, son, Wesley, her parents and two brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Friday, December 15th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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

The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time at the funeral home. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

 

I feel pretty brave when I have both of my kids by my side. Sometimes they convince me to do things I wouldn’t ordinarily do. For example, last year we vacationed in Grand Bahama and we spent one day at a local fishing/swimming hole. The waves were strong, the water was beautiful, clear and deep, and the dark rocks surrounding the hole were very jagged and tall. I was content to just sit and watch them spearfish, but Mariam convinced me to jump in. So I did. When I decided to climb out, I couldn’t. My daughter stood on the high rocks and tried to pull me out, but I have a weak shoulder which prevented a successful retrieval. So I yelled above the loud waves to my son to come and help. So with Aaron pushing on my bottom and Mariam pulling on my good arm, I came flying out of the hole like a dolphin. I was grateful that my kids were there and stood in the gap for me because I could not get out of my sticky situation by myself.

 

To “stand in the gap” means we’re working for the Kingdom of God. Believers are to  plant the seeds so the Holy Spirit can work in hearts. God has always used His willing followers to stand in the gap between good and evil. One of our responsibilities is to pray for God’s forgiveness and mercy to become a reality for those who are lost and can’t find their way. Pastors stand in the gap for their cities, parents pray down a firewall for their children, etc. Prayer is not a last resort, but a first response.

 

In today’s computer world, a firewall is comparable to standing in the gap. A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. A firewall typically establishes a barrier between a trusted network and a nontrusted network, such as the Internet. I believe one of the best firewall examples was Abraham.

 

Abraham’s nephew, Lot, and his family lived in Sodom. When the Lord came and visited with Abraham, He said, “’I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.’” Abraham asked the Lord if He would sweep away   the righteous with the wicked. And he ventured further and asked if He would destroy Sodom if 50 righteous people lived in the city. So the Lord said that He would spare the entire city for the sake of the righteous. Abraham was so deeply concerned for Lot that he pleaded with the Lord five more times, “Finally, Abraham said, ’Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?’ And the Lord replied, ’Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten’” (Genesis 18:20,32 NLT.)

 

Sadly, not even ten righteous people were living in Sodom. But because Abraham had stood in the gap as a firewall, angels safely escorted Lot and his family out of the wicked city before it was completely destroyed. Abraham’s firewall protected Lot and his family when the Lord rained down fire and burning sulfur from the sky to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Like Abraham, we can be a friend of God (ref. James 2:23) with bold confidence to stand in the gap and be a relentless firewall for our loved ones.  

 

The Key: Gaps are everywhere. Find one and stand in it.

Velma Jean Russell, age 94, resident of Emporia, KS, formerly of Fort Scott, KS, died Wednesday, December 6, 2023, in Emporia.

Funeral services for Velma Russell will be held at 11:30 AM Friday, December 15^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel with burial following in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until service time Friday at the funeral home.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook

Dirk Randel Myers, 66, resident of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away late Sunday evening, November 26, 2023. He was born November 8, 1957, in Lawton, Oklahoma, the son of Richard “Dick” Evan Myers and Virginia Joyce (Yoke) Myers.

 

He grew up in Fort Scott and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1976. After graduation, he attended The Kansas City Art Institute where he graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in 1980.  Upon graduation he worked as a free-lance artist; some of his work included the brochure for the First Annual Homes for the Holiday Tour, the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta advertisement in the Fort Scott Tribune, and many items for the United Methodist Church of which he was a member. He moved to Pittsburg, Kansas and continued as a free-lance artist while working for the Senior Center. He was retired but continued to display and sell his artwork. Dirk loved the Lord, and his family with all his heart.

 

Dirk is survived by his mother, Virginia Myers, of Fort Scott; two sisters, Lesa D. Butler and husband Steve, of Lucas, Texas, Bridget A. Reber and husband Hobie of Lake Winnebago, Missouri; and five nieces and nephews, Kayla Blevins, Jennifer Butler, Samuel, Maxwell, Ava Reber and one great-nephew Asher Blevins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dick Myers and grandparents Francis and Dorothy Myers and George and Essie Yoke.

Following cremation, the family will hold a private graveside service in July of 2024.

Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Shirley Mae Andrews Doty, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother passed away Friday, December 1, 2023, in Fort Scott, KS. She was 84 years old.

Shirley grew up in Arma, KS. She married Orval in August 1960. The fall of 1966, Shirley started college at Fort Scott Community College. After graduation, Shirley attended Pittsburg State University. She graduated with a major in Education in 1971. Shirley taught Kindergarten in Lansing, KS for one year. She then taught Kindergarten at Sunflower Elementary, DeSoto, and then moved to teaching Second grade at DeSoto Elementary. She retired after teaching 33 years. Shirley then joined Orval and lived in Fort Scott the remainder of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Orval, her parents, Harold Andrews and Mary Endicott Jones, a sister, Betty Andrews Holland, and an infant son, Terry Wayne Colvin.

She is survived by her children; Jacque Doty, Ft Scott, Orval Doty (Teresa), Blue Mound, David Doty, DeSoto, Susan Plummer, (Dave) DeSoto, John Doty Ft Scott; her grandchildren, Brooke Crossley, Brad Crossley (Emma), Brittany Kibel, Amy Reynolds (Wally), William Doty (Andrea), Kristina Lohmyer (Eric), Amanda Plummer, Dylan Doty; her great grandchildren, Amy, Cameron, Kimber, Tristan, Kaylee, Madaline, Julia, Lucas, Adeline, Emma, Chase, Peyton, Brady; and her great great granddaughter, Luna. She also leaves behind her sister, Josie Harris Stilwell Ok and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family who will miss her very much.

There was cremation.  Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, December 16^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Interment will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Wilma Kay Graham, age 77, a resident of Redfield, Kansas, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023, at her home in Redfield.  There was cremation.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, December 9^th, at the Redfield United Methodist Church.

Memorials are suggested to the Redfield Ruritan 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.

Cathy Jean Killion, age 73, a resident of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away early Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.  She was born March 22, 1950, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of William Wayne Watkins and Edna Mae “Cricket” Kells Watkins.

Cathy graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1968.  Because Cathy’s dad owned and operated the ambulance service in Ft. Scott, she was naturally drawn to a career in health care.  She trained to be an emergency medical technician and also a certified nurse’s aide.  She was employed for a time with Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott

.  She married the love of her life, John Wayne Killion on August 15, 1970, at the St. John’s United Methodist Church in Ft. Scott.  Cathy worked for a short time at Key Industries prior to the birth of her twins.  She later worked for fifteen years at Wal-Mart.  She later returned to Mercy Hospital where she worked in outpatient scheduling.  She retired from Mercy in 2010 after twenty-two years of service.  Cathy enjoyed gardening, baking and cooking.  She also taught herself how to crochet left-handed.  Since moving to the Medicalodge, Cathy enjoyed coloring, doing crafts and playing Bingo.  She was a member of the St. John’s Global Methodist Church.

 

Survivors include her husband, John, of the home; three children, Mike Killion (Diane) of Springfield, Missouri, Bob Killion (Mindy) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Lori Westhoff (Ron) of Assaria, Kansas; ten grandchildren, Seth Killion, Andy Killion (Abby), Trevor Killion, Hannah Killion, Coleman Westhoff (Maggie), Carter Westhoff, Cooper Westhoff, Caitlyn Killion (Frank), Chelsea Killion and Hunter Killion; four great-grandchildren, Ember, Kaisley, John and Dominic.  Also surviving are her brother, David Watkins, Sr. (Teresa) and a brother-in-law, Tom Killion all of Ft. Scott as well as several nieces and nephews and her beloved dog, Cricket.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Cricket Watkins, her step-mother, Violet Watkins and in-laws, James and Mary Killion.

 

Rev. James Brackett will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 5^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. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or 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.

Karen Joy (Geyer) Kellenberger, age 69, died peacefully at home November 21, 2023, surrounded by family and hymns of heaven, after a six-year battle with multiple myeloma.

Karen was born September 13, 1954, in Peoria, IL, the daughter of Walter and Hazel (Wiegand) Geyer.

Karen married the love of her life, Ricky Kellenberger, on December 30, 1972. Shortly after, they gave their hearts to Jesus and joined the Apostolic Christian Church in Sabetha, KS, and have served the Lord together the past 51 years.

Over the next 9 years of Veterinary Medical School, and then Medical School, she accompanied her husband to Manhattan, KS, Normal, Ill, McHenry Ill, Oak Forest, Ill, Carson City, MI, Grand Rapids, MI, and Emmetsburg, IA.

Karen worked constantly at different jobs in different cities until the birth of her first child.  Rick has always acknowledged that he would not have gotten through the many years of schooling without Karen’s financial and emotional support.

She stood by Rick through 9 years of education, and 43 years of medical practice, enabling him to care for his patients.

Everywhere they lived, they were active in their church.  In 1985 they settled for 19 years in the West Bend, IA area where Rick worked as a rural family doctor.  Karen raised their 5 children while managing the Dairy Queen Rick and Karen built in Emmetsburg, IA.   Everyone that knew Karen recognized her as a dedicated hard worker with a friendly smile.

Karen and Rick returned to Kansas in 2000, initially living in Stillwell, KS.  In 2001, they moved to Fort Scott to establish a private general practice near their daughter.  They purchased a small farm and Karen thrived in her new role as a farm wife and loved to watch the sunset over their ponds.

Karen brought a passion for music, especially in bringing glory to God. She taught herself guitar and loved to play for family singing events over the years. She also obtained her private pilot’s license to add a safety factor while flying with Rick. She and Rick enjoyed many Canadian and Minnesota fishing trips, some of which included flying.

Karen had a strong sense of humor and soft heart for any person or animal that was hurting. She ended up with many feral cats, as she fed each stray cat. She was a great listener and affirmer, and made each person feel special when listening. She loved to sing at church events and sang at every opportunity.

In addition to her Savior, her dearest joy was her family.   She diligently attended all events involving her grandchildren.  She read books, played games, and invested in knowing every grandchild, including her most recent granddaughter, Juliana.

She will be missed not only by her husband Rick, but by her children/spouses Robin (Justin) Moser of Redondo Beach, CA, Kent (Kelsey) of Lenexa, Kansas, Kristi (Trent) Banwart of Fort Scott, Amber (Ryan) Lewis of Fort Scott, and Ryan (Adrienne) of Fort Scott, as well as her brothers Roger (Melanie) Geyer, Dale (Barb) Geyer, and Walter (Bonnie) Geyer. Her 18 grandchildren (Cody, Garrett, and Natalie Moser; Ellieana and Juliana Kellenberger; Benjamin, Josiah, Noelle, Chloe, Anika, and Ezra Banwart; Micah, Owen, Hannah, and Cooper Lewis; and Calvin, Ainsley, and Claire Kellenberger) will miss her dearly.

Yet they celebrate her faith as Christians themselves.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

 

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Saturday, December 2^nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 3^rd at the Apostolic Christian Church in Ft. Scott, Kansas and a graveside service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, December 4^th at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Christian Heights School or to the Apostolic Christian Harvest Call 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.