Beverly Jean Brind age 78, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, August 15, 2021, at her home. She was born May 2, 1943, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of John Eugene Hurd and Flossie Eva Hall Hurd.

In earlier years, Beverly had worked at Mid-Western Distribution, Extrusions and Peerless.

She married Ed Brind on June 14, 1980. Following their marriage, they made their home for a short time in Ohio and later in Springfield, Missouri. While in Springfield, Beverly was employed as a secretary for a lumber yard.

Following Ed’s death on August, 17, 1997, Beverly returned to Ft. Scott where she was employed for a few years at Sekan Printing. She enjoyed fishing and dancing and in her younger years, water skiing. She loved working in her yard and tending her flowers, taking the occasional trip to the casino and spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, Sherri Johnson, of Ft. Scott, Steve Johnson, of Salina, Kansas, Twila Russell, of Joplin, Missouri and Kelly Black also of Ft. Scott; a step-son, Eric Brind, of Springfield, Missouri and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren

. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Joseph Johnson, three brothers, Harold “Dutch” Hurd, Johnny Hurd and Willis “Doc” Hurd and a sister, Marilyn Fowler.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, August 19th at the Centerville Cemetery near Devon, Kansas.

Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery on Thursday at 10:15 A.M.

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.

Lavina Mae Giddens, age 91, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Friday, August 13, 2021, at Girard Medical Center, Girard, KS. She was born December 17, 1929, in Hume, MO, the daughter of Joseph and Mabel Castlebury Standeford. She graduated from Ft. Scott High School. Lavina married Clinton Giddens March 7, 1950, in Eureka Springs, AR.

After many years as a housewife and mother Lavina started her second career as a file clerk with Western Insurance in Ft. Scott. She retired 19 years later as an underwriter. She enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, quilting, and gardening as well as the daily crossword puzzle. 

Survivors include her children, April Giddens of Prairie Village KS, Randy Giddens and wife Teresa of Ft. Scott, KS and Peggy Farmer and husband Mark of Littleton, CO: five grandchildren, Michelle Call of Hutchinson, KS, Mandy Giddens of Pittsburg, KS, Laramie Giddens of Ft. Scott, KS, Morgan Farmer of Ogden, UT, and Natalie Farmer of Littleton CO; 6 great-grandchildren, Kenton Piatt Pittsburg, KS, Devin Madison, Pittsburg, KS, Eian, Jennica and Chase Call all of Nickerson, KS, and Langdon Giddens of Ft. Scott, KS; one great-great grandchild Garyk Piatt of Springfield, MO.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clinton Giddens, eldest son, Michael Giddens, father, Joseph Standeford, and mother, Mabel Ricketts.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, August 20^th, in the U. S. National Cemetery, Ft. Scott, KS. Lavina died of COVID-19.

To guard others from losing a loved one this way, and as a show of respect for Lavina, the family is asking that everyone attending her service wear a mask. 

Memorials are suggested to Meals on Wheels and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

On Sunday, August 8^th, 2021, Brian Conroy, loving son, husband, and father of our children passed away at the age of 50.

Brian was born on February 9, 1971, in Ft. Scott, KS, to Michael and Connie (Magee) Conroy. Shortly after graduation he would join the United States Army and achieve numerous awards for his marksmanship and tank maneuvering skills. He later used those skills while employed with Nevada Medical Clinic for a period of 15 years. Brian was liked and loved by many all over the United States. On September 30^th, 2006, he married Janie Ontiveros. Together they loved and raised two sons, Austin and Jake, and a daughter Bailey.

Brian was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the outdoors, and he was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit.

Brian was preceded in death by his father, Michael Conroy, paternal grandparents, and maternal grandparents. He is survived by his wife, three children, his mother, and two brothers.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Thursday evening, August 12^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Cremation will follow.

Burial in the U. S. National Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Conroy 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.

Michael Ray Moore, age 56, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, August 2, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS. He was born in Port St Joe, Florida on November 6, 1964.

At 17 he enlisted in the USAF and served four years as an SP guarding B52 bombers on the flight line. He then served 20 years as a deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, achieving the rank of Lieutenant and head of the narcotics unit. Upon retiring, Mike became a private investigator working felony criminal cases in the Tallahassee, Florida area.

After moving to Kansas with his family, he worked for the State of Kansas.
Mike enjoyed the simple things in life like fishing and boating with his family, board games, and movie nights. His priorities in life were God and his family.

Mike is survived by his wife and soulmate, Aimee Moore, and six children: Kayla Moore (Crawfordville, Florida), and Sierra Lemcke, Hailey Lemcke, Riley Lemcke, Brayden Moore and Bryce Moore of Fort Scott, Kansas. He has four grandchildren: Ashton, Bella, Payton, and Xander (Crawfordville, Florida), and 6 nieces and nephews in Kansas.

Following private family services, committal will take place at 12:30 PM Wednesday, August 11th, in the Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS.

Military honors will be provided by the USAF Honor Guard.

Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Margaret Patricia Stevens, age 85, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Thursday, August 5, 2021, at her home.  There was cremation.  Private family services will take place at a later date.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

Tammy Leighann Owen, 55, formerly of Fort Scott, and most recently of Grandview, Missouri, passed away Saturday, July 31, 2021, in Alton, Missouri. She was born January 29, 1966, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Garry Ray and Linda Kay (Turner) Warren.

Tammy is survived by her mother, Linda Kay McCann, of Fort Scott; her sons, Shane Michael Willey of Huntsville, Alabama, and Christopher Jordan Willey, of Kansas City, Missouri; her significant other Phil O’Reilly, of Grandview, Missouri, and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Garry Warren.

The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life visitation 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening, August 6, 2021, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, Kansas. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

JOHN DAVID NEWCOMB

David Newcomb, 72, passed away on March 31, 2021. He was born on November 11, 1948, to John and Pauline (Greer) Newcomb. Following graduation from Fort Scott (KS) high school in 1966, David attended Fort Scott Community College and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1968. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. David moved to Kansas City in 1977, began working for Arvey Paper Company, and was transferred to their Cincinnati, Ohio location. He lived in Cincinnati until his death.

David was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include a sister, Sandra Kramer (Don) of Kansas City, MO; a nephew, Jeremy Kramer of Lee’s Summit, MO; a niece, Erin Graves of Kansas City, MO, as well as 4 great-nieces and nephews.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Fort Scott National Cemetery on August 13, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Amy Jo Wiggans, age 65, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 31, 2021. She was born on November 23, 1955, in Ft. Scott, KS, the daughter of Robert Marion Minor and Marilyn Sue (Brooker) Minor, at Mercy Hospital.

Amy devoted her life to taking care of others. She retired from Mercy Hospital as a registered nurse after almost three decades. She was loved by her patients as her true compassion always shined through. She cared and it showed.

Amy loved the Lord, her family, and animals of all kinds (especially dogs). She doted over her grandkids and her dogs. Amy was a member of The Brethren Church and she loved worshipping with that beautiful voice of hers. Amy is home with the Lord and resting in his heavenly arms. All pain is gone and she’s dancing with her Bill.

Survivors include four sons, Randy Wayne (Carrie) Earnest, Bronaugh, MO, Patrick Aaron Earnest, Ft. Scott, William Gerod (Louise) Wiggans, Ft. Scott, and Gary Lee Wiggans; and two brothers, Rob Minor, Fulton, KS, and Floyd Minor, Ft. Scott. Also surviving are Amy’s grandchildren whom she was so proud of; Taylor O’Dell, Koltin Earnest, Mattie Earnest, Garrett Earnest, Isaac Earnest, Nellie Earnest, Kendall Earnest, McCallister Wiggans, Jackson Wiggans, Chandler Lawrence, and a great granddaughter, Everleigh Tyson.

Amy was preceded in death by the love of her life, Bill, and her parents.

Rev. Floyd Minor and Rev. Randy Query will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Saturday, August 7^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Friday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorial contributions as suggested to the Amy Wiggins Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words or remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Clara May Pigg Schwartz, 100, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. She was born January 21, 1921, in Arma, Kan., the daughter of Jesse T. and Flora Ruth (Vaughan) Pigg. She married Kenneth Fritz Schwartz on December 16, 1942, in Nevada, Mo. Kenneth passed on September 5, 2014, at 103 years of age. They were married 71 and a half years.

Clara grew up in Bourbon County. She attended Gish School, Fort Scott High School (Class of 1938), Fort Scott Junior College, Washburn and Pittsburg State Universities.

Clara was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 37 years, retiring in 1978. In 1971, she became the first woman appointed to a district (District Traffic Manager Operator Services in the Parsons District). In 1972, Clara was named Woman of the Year in Business by the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce. During her years of employment, she worked at offices in Fort Scott, Chanute, Pittsburg, Topeka, and Parsons.

As a member of the Presbyterian Church in Pittsburg and Fort Scott, Clara served on the Board of Deacons and was moderator of the women’s organizations.

For many years, she was active in the Altrusa Club, Telephone Pioneers of America, Business and Professional Clubs, Pierian Beta Clubs, Pauline’s Toy Workers, Azram Temple No. 81, Daughters of the Nile, Fort Scott Daughters of the Nile Club, Olive Chapter No. 13 Order of Eastern Star, White Shrine of Jerusalem, and Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, serving each group with distinction.

After retiring, the Schwartzes made their home at Lake Fort Scott where they enjoyed swimming, boating, and fishing. Much of their time was spent traveling, including trips to Australia, Japan, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Mexico, and Canada, as well as cruising all the Caribbean Islands.

Survivors include daughter Susan Schwartz Jones and husband Jimmie of Fort Scott, son, John Schwartz and wife Kathleen of Aubrey, Texas, and grandchildren Mandy Shoemaker, Fort Scott, Kan., Danny Jones, Elkins, Ark., Elizabeth Ann Jones, Dallas, Texas, Nicholas Schwartz and wife Madelyn, Aubrey, Texas, Steven Schwartz and wife Claire, Aubrey, Texas, eleven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Schwartz, and her granddaughter, Kelly Schwartz.

Rev. Dr. Jared Witt will conduct funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Monday, August 2, 2021, at the first Presbyterian Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Daughters of the Nile Endowment Fund or in memoriam at First Presbyterian Church and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com. The family requests that everyone wear masks and observe social distancing at the funeral.

Gail Sue Bryant, age 66, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at the Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, Kansas. She was born May 16, 1955, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the daughter of Leo Stephen Edwards and Marjorie Lorane Lowry Edwards. Gail operated her own daycare business out of her home. She enjoyed sewing, quilting and working in her garden. She also liked doing various crafts.

Survivors include her children, Stephanie Laver (Shawn), of Redfield, Kansas, Michael Bryant (Dawn), of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Andrea Bryant also of Ft. Scott; eight grandchildren, Bryant, Brittany, Draven, Andy, Aubrey, Mia, Sterrett and Gavin and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Robert Compton and a sister, Lora Kopp, both of Yukon, Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter, Cheyenne.

There was cremation and no services are planned at this time.

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.