Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary of Frederick “Canaan” Smith

Frederick “Canaan” Lee Smith was born at Shawnee Mission Hospital on May 13, 1983.  He died unexpectedly at the age of 38, on May 24, 2021, in Denver, Colorado.

Canaan was a current resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and was working as a Millwright Mechanic on gas/steam turbines for power plants with Mohawk Services (MD&A).

Canaan graduated from Pleasanton High School and attended Johnson County Community College.  He later moved to Wichita, Kansas where he managed several Jiffy Lube locations.  He then returned to Ft. Scott where he joined his life-long friend, Steven, working for Mohawk Service.  They traveled throughout our nation working on power plant turbines.  While in Denver, he obtained his A Mechanic goal.

Canaan was a devoted son, loyal brother and friend.  He enjoyed traveling, loved his 1967 Firebird and doted on his beloved dog, Baby.  He loved to cook, watch funny movies, and spend time with friends and family.  When he was not traveling, you could find him grilling a great steak with shrimp at home.  Canaan had a big heart, never met a stranger, always willing to help others and was loved by all those who knew him.  He will be deeply missed.

Canaan is survived by his mother, Laura, step-father, Skip Brown, his father, Fred Smith and Sue Carey, his sister, Tanya Glessner and brother-in-law, Randy Glessner, his brother, Jesse Smith and sister-in-law, Misty Smith, grandmother, Marjorie Turner, uncles and aunts, James Grubb, Aideen Grubb, Joel Grubb, Angela Grubb, a multitude of extended family and cousins, his life long friends, Steven Thomas and Christopher Brooks.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, June 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

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.

Obituary of Norman J. Spencer

Norman James “Shorty” Spencer, age 92, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, May 21, 2021, in Arizona.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the West Liberty Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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.

Obituary of Bonnie (Beasley) Troll

Bonnie Gean Troll (nee Beasley) died peacefully at home on June 2, 2021. She was 85 years old. Waiting for her in heaven was her beloved husband, Red. They are finally reunited after 65 years of marriage.

Bonnie was born on January 16, 1936 in Dyersburg, Tennesee. She was the second of her four siblings, born to Belva and Doyle Beasley. She was a graduate of Cardwell High School and worked for many years as a nurse. She married her soulmate, Eugene (Red) Troll on September 15, 1956. They were the very proud parents of Karolyn McEntee (Jerry) and Gerald Troll.

Bonnie and Red raised their children in San Diego, California. She was a hard-working nurse, a dedicated mother, and a cherished friend to countless people. After their children were grown, they retired to Nevada, Missouri, where they lived on their farm, gardening, growing, and loving each other and their families.

Bonnie was well known in her community as an avid and gifted quilter. She was a gardener with the greenest of thumbs, and could make anything grow. In addition to quilting and canning, she was an extremely dedicated and active member of the Church of Christ.

Bonnie was so many things to so many people. She was a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a friend, and a confidante. She dedicated her life to helping people in any way she could. She loved deeply, and was so very loved by everyone lucky enough to meet her. She had a way of making friends everywhere she went, a trait proudly carried on by her family and network of friends.

She is remembered by her sisters, Patsy and Renee, and her brother Bill. She joined her mother, father, and husband in heaven.

Her legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in her children, grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her family extends far beyond that, and we all are honored to have had her in our lives.

Deepest appreciation to Compassus for their care and attention during this challenging time.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, June 4th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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

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

Obituary of Jan Tate

Jan Ellen Tate

Jan Ellen Tate, age 66, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 29, 2021, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. She was born April 2, 1955, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Lewis Allen Dare and Virginia Bolinger Dare. Jan was raised on the family farm where she learned to love the land and country living. She also grew up attending the Mt. Orum Baptist Church south of Redfield, Kansas where she learned the love of God and her Savior, Jesus Christ.

She graduated from Uniontown High School and later went on to graduate from Pittsburg State University with a degree in business management. She married Kelly Tate on July 20, 1973, at the Mt. Orum Church.

In earlier years, Jan worked at Montgomery Ward and the Western Insurance Company. She also worked as a pre-need funeral counselor for Cheney Witt Chapel and as a bookkeeper for Ray Shepherd Motors.

Jan later began a career with American Family Insurance. She worked for a time with the Ed Graham agency in Ft. Scott and later moved to her own agency in Nevada, Missouri where she remained active with the business until the time of her death.

Jan will be remembered for her outgoing and cheerful personality. She enjoyed singing, playing cards, and attending her grandchildren’s activities.

She was a member of the Community Christian Church.

Survivors include her husband, Kelly, of the home; two daughters, Janelle Tate of Uniontown, Kansas and Jennifer Hymer (Charlie), of Ft. Scott and three grandchildren, Bryden, Bryleigh, and Kyndal. Also surviving are a brother, David Dare (Martha), of Uniontown, Kansas, a sister, Kathy Endicott (Garry) of Trafford, Alabama, and a sister-in-law, Mary Brownback (Loyd), of Mound City, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Max Dare.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, June 3rd at the Community Christian Church.

Burial will follow in the Uniontown Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Community Christian Church and may be left in the 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.

Obituary of Betty Messer

Betty Jo Messer, 86, of Fulton, Kansas, passed away Wednesday evening, May 26, 2021, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. She was a current resident of A Country Place Senior Living in Fort Scott. She was born September 10, 1934, in Linn County, Kansas, the daughter of Chester W. and Mary Elizabeth (Hines) Shafer. She married Merlin Boyd Messer on September 14, 1952, in Fulton, Kansas. He preceded her in death March 8, 2014.

Betty graduated from Fulton High School in the class of 1952. She played on the basketball team and was a cheerleader.  She loved music, playing in the school band and developing her singing voice.  She was offered a college vocal music scholarship but was unable to accept it.  She relaxed from being a farmer’s wife and mother of 5 children by playing the piano and singing every afternoon. She introduced her children to musicals and continued that love by attending her grandchildren’s concerts and programs.    

She was an accomplished seamstress making clothing for the family.  She sewed at night to stay awake to make sure that Merlin would wake up to drive the fuel truck to the next destination.  

She tried to go to every basketball, baseball, softball, soccer and volleyball game and track and cross country meets that the grandchildren were in.

She was a member of the Fulton United Methodist Church.  She was active in the Prescott United Methodist and First United Methodist Church while living in Prescott and Fort Scott the past 10 years.  She was a 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star and served as Rainbow Mom in Fort Scott.  She loved to sing in the church choir and as a soloist.  She was a member of the Fort Scott Sweet Adelines.

Betty is survived by her children, Millie Karleskint and husband Larry of Fort Scott, Margie Brown and husband Rod of Fulton, Martin Messer and wife Kathy of Franklin, KS, Matt Messer and wife Susan, of Fort Scott, and Scott Messer and wife Brenda, of Peculiar, MO; a sister, Vera McCormick and husband Rex, of Louisburg; two sisters-in-law, Marie Sears, and Shirley Shafer; seventeen grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. In addition to her husband Merlin, she was also preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Jane Cummins, Alice Harkness, and Ina Kite, and four brothers, Allen Shafer, Keith Shafer, Clarence Shafer, and Chester Shafer.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 31, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott with burial following at the Barnesville Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to services on Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fulton United Methodist Church, or the Ellis Foundation Scholarship Fund 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.

Obituary of Laura Steele

Laura Marie Steele, 91, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. She was born February 21, 1930, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Frank Allen “Bert” Wallen and Inga Marie (Ekstedt) Wallen. She had eight older brothers and was the last of her family, with the exception of two nieces, Teresa Wallen of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Mary Kay Easton of Lexington, Kentucky.

Following her graduation from Fort Scott Community College, Laura worked at several companies over the years as a secretary and bookkeeper including Fort Scott Hydraulic Cement Co., Bruce Marble and Granite Works, the F.B.I. in Kansas City, Missouri, The Western Insurance, and Citizens Bank (now Landmark).

Laura married Russell Steele, a grain farmer of Uniontown, Kansas, in 1973, having met when she worked for The Western. She was a farm wife and homemaker until his death in 1992.

Laura was a member of the First Christian Church in Fort Scott. She played the piano for F.C.C., as well as for other churches in the area.

In addition to her husband, Russell, Laura was also preceded in death by her parents, and her eight brothers, Frank, Albert, Charlie, Harry, Raymond, Robert, Richard, and James Wallen.

Rev. Reed Hartford will conduct graveside services at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary of Marvin Nahon Jr.

Marvin Dean Nahon, Jr., 65, of Fulton, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 22, 2021, at his home. He was born February 22, 1956, in Pittsburg, Kansas, the son of Marvin Dean Nahon Sr. and Gloria Jean (Cabodie) Nahon. He married Teresa Ames on June 20, 1994, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and she survives of the home.

Marvin was a Registered Nurse at Nevada Regional Hospital and had recently retired after fourteen years.

In addition to his wife Teresa, Marvin is also survived by his mother, Gloria Nahon, of Frontenac, Kansas; his daughter, Kristi Nahon, of Arma, Kansas; two sisters, Linda Filby and husband Kenny of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Pam Trahan and husband Ken of DeSoto, Kansas, and one grandchild, Dyllan Nahon.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Nahon, Sr.

Following cremation, family and friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday afternoon, May 29, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will take place at a later date at the West Liberty Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to SE Kansas Humane Society 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.

Obituary of Ronald W. Bolin Sr.

Ronald Wilmot Bolin, Sr., age 67, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Thursday, May 20, 2021, at his home.

He was born on September 9, 1953, in Ft. Scott, the son of Wilmot “Sandy” Bolin and Mildred Barrett Bolin. He graduated from Ft. Scott high school.

Ron worked his entire life as a mechanic and salvage yard owner. His passion was racing. Ron raced stock cars from the early 70’s until 2018. He made many friends through his years racing.

He loved anything mechanical as well as animals.

He was a hard-working man who would help anyone in need.

Survivors include his mother, Mildred Bolin, Ft. Scott; four sons, Brian Bolin, Ron Bolin, Jr. and wife Brooke, Brandon Hall, and Blake Bolin, all of Ft. Scott; two daughters, Megan Bolin and Kristen hall and husband Derek, all of Ft. Scott; two sisters, Connie Broyles, and Patty Frye and husband Jimmy; seven grandchildren, Caden, Dylann, Raegan, KaMiya, Anthony, Trae, and Tyce; significant other, Vanessa Hershey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two daughters, Patricia Marie Bolin, and Michella Lynn Bolin; two brothers, Bobby McClenahan, and Ralph Van Winkle; and his father.

Rob Music will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Thursday, May 27th, at the Ft. Scott Nazarene Church.

Burial will follow in the Prescott Cemetery.

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

Memorials are suggested to the Ron Bolin 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 of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Martha Ann Callow

Martha Ann Callow, age 93, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

She was born April 11, 1928, the daughter of William Everett Beetner and Alberta Martha Shoemaker Beetner.

Martha Ann graduated from the Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1945 and went on to graduate from the Fort Scott Junior College in 1946.

Prior to her marriage, she taught at a rural grade school and later worked at Montgomery Ward.

She married Lloyd Callow on October 3, 1948.  They settled on their farm in the Hiattville area and remained there their entire married life.  She was a long-time member of the Hiattville United Methodist Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher for over twenty-five years.  She was also active with the Hiattville 4-H Club and served as a project leader for many years as well.

 

Survivors include two daughters, Ann Ludlum (Joe), of Uniontown, Kansas and Linda Biles (Rick), of Wichita, Kansas; four grandchildren, Kelli Ludlum of Lawrence, Kansas, Beth Ludlum (Mark Fleury) of Washington, DC, William Biles (Morgan) of Manhattan, Kansas and Elizabeth Wingo (Andy) of Wichita, Kansas and two great-grandchildren, Linden and Jude Fleury.  Martha Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd, on July 28, 2012.

 

Rev. Carl Ellis will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Monday, May 24th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Hiattville United Methodist Church or the FSCC School of Cosmetology 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.

Obituary of Linda K. Jones Weiner

Linda Kay Jones Weiner, 78, of Raleigh, North Carolina and formerly of Fort Scott, passed away at home on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. Linda was born on February 3,1943 and was raised in Fort Scott by her grandmother Eunice S. Hill and step-grandfather, Carl F. Hill, a partner in Hill Lumber Company with his two brothers Grover and John. They have preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death was Wesley J. Erwin, her second husband, who helped raise her son Michael, and her brother Jimmy J. Jones.

Linda Kay was a graduate of Fort Scott High School Class of 1961. She received a BSN from Avila University in Kansas City and an MSN from the University of Illinois. In addition to teaching nursing at several nursing schools in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas, Linda was an ANA Certified Clinical Specialist in Psychiatric mental health nursing and practiced as a therapist with Provident Counseling in St. Louis, Missouri.

Following her marriage to Larry A. Weiner in 1992, the couple moved from St. Louis to Raleigh, NC. Linda was active in Assistance League of the Triangle Area and served on the Consulting Circle of “A Place for Women to Gather”, an outreach program of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. Linda loved her friends in Canasta Cuties and Tea & Tattered Pages, her book club. In addition to reading, Linda liked to knit, and knitted many prayer shawls for friends over the years.

Linda Kay is survived by her husband Larry, of Raleigh, NC, son Michael C. Morrison, from her marriage to Clair L. Morrison, her four beautiful granddaughters, Megan, Madison, Michaela, McKenna Morrison, stepson Keith Weiner, half-siblings Kimberly Lessert Rossi and Craig D. Lessert. She is also survived by two cousins, Betty Ann Young and Fred J. Young, whose mother was Grace Woodward, FSHS class of 1936, niece Cathy Keesee Scott and nephew T. Carl Jones.

Linda Kay remained close friends with many of her high school classmates, enjoying FSHS reunions and taking numerous trips with high school friends throughout the years. While growing up in Fort Scott, she was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church and attended Miss Mary’s Kindergarten, before kindergartens became a part of the Fort Scott public school system.

Rev. Jim Logan will officiate graveside services at 11:00 a.m. June 2, 2021, at the Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas, where her cremains will be buried next to her childhood friend, Kyle Sweeney Keith. Services are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.,

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: FSHS Alumni Association, 424 South Main St.,

Obituary of Peggy Davis

Peggy LaVonne Davis, age 85, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, May 17, 2021, at her home. She was born February 12, 1936, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Raymond and Florence Wyckoff Mason. She married Ralph Davis on August 7, 1955.

Peggy worked for the Western Insurance Company and as the homemaker of her family. She was a member of the First Church of God where she worked in Women’s Ministry and helped serve many funeral dinners.

Survivors include her husband Ralph of the home; two sons, Rick Davis and wife Susan, Ft. Scott, and Roger Davis and wife Diana, Broken Arrow, OK; a daughter, Chris Conrad and husband Robert, Springfield, MO; eight grandchildren, Melissa Conrad Thomas and husband Bud, Jason Conrad, Josh Conrad and wife Haiden, Jennifer Davis Simhiser, Kelli Davis, Haley Bellmyer and husband Mark, Kelsey Bellmyer and husband Caleb, and Marley Davis; 6 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Samuel Mason; a sister, Bonnie Taylor; and her parents. The family wishes to thank Integrity Home Health Care and Hospice for their loving support.

Pastor Ed Sneed will conduct private family graveside services at the U. S. National Cemetery on Friday, May 21st.

The family will receive friends Friday from 11:00 until 12:00 noon at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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