Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary of Richard Olson

Richard Olson

Richard Olson, 83, of Lenexa, Kansas went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 25th, 2020. He was born in Erie, Kansas on August 14th, 1936. He was the son of Virgil Olson and Myrtle (McGuffey) Van Buskirk. He went to school in Erie where he played football and graduated in 1954.

He was drafted with his brother, Leon, out of college. He served in the Army in the 38th regimen in the 2nd infantry division out of Ft. Lewis in Washington State. He served as a sergeant for two years. After returning home, he continued his education at Chanute Community College and received his degree as a land surveyor. He worked for the state of Kansas to help build the I-70 Highway.

Richard was loved by his wife Mona (Matson) Olson and children Richie Olson, Tammy Olson, Pam Olson, Tony Olson, and Robert Olson and his wife Rachel Olson. He leaves behind two brothers, one sister, eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by two brothers, Everett and Leon, and one sister, Norma.

If you would like to send condolences, cards, or flowers please send them to:
15944 S. Clairborne St. Olathe, KS 66062.

If you would like to donate in his name, please do so to either:

Korean War Veterans Association Memorial – Contributions (KWVA)
PO Box 407
Charleston, IL 61920
www.KWVA.org/in_memoriam/in_memoriam.asp

OR: Veterans of foreign wars at
406 W. 34th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64111
www.vfw.org

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

Obituary of Norma Jean Wiley

Norma Jean Wiley, 87, of Fort Scott, passed away Monday evening, April 27, 2020 at the St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born April 18, 1933 in Fort Scott, Kansas the daughter of Steve L. and Louise Eunice (Shelton) Mudd. At an early age, her mother married Burton Allen and he and her mom raised her.

She married Lloyd Wiley on May 17, 1953 in Fort Scott, Kansas, he survives of the home.

She graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1951. She spent most of her life being a Bookkeeper for various businesses and entities including the Bourbon County Clerk, Ray Shepherd Motors and the sale barn.

She is survived by her husband, Lloyd of the home, a son, Pete Wiley of Fort Scott, a sister, Pat Price of Fort Scott, a daughter-in-law, Cindy Wiley of St. Francis, Kansas, three grandchildren, Dustin Wiley and his wife, Randi, Darin Wiley and his girlfriend, Taylor Armstrong and Cheyenne Von Krosigk, and her husband, Randall and one great-grandson, Weston Lyn Wiley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Lyn Eugene Wiley, her daughter-in-law, E. Jeanie Wiley.

Services will be private with burial at the Memory Gardens of Bourbon County Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorials to “Care to Share”, donations 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. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary of Timberlynn Quinlan

 Timberlynn “Kedrin” Quinlan, 67, of Fort Scott, KS passed away at 7:19 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family, following a long battle with MS. She was full of love, she was stubborn, she was fierce, and she was the Queen of sarcastic humor. She was a wife, mom, and Grammy who filled our souls with her love and spirit.

She was born February 26, 1953 in Kansas City, MO to Robert and Doris Julian. She grew up in Independence, MO. and attended high school at Fort Osage, MO.

She was united in marriage to Dr. Gregory H. Quinlan on February 16, 1976.

She was a graduate from Kansas City School of Nursing and worked in Pediatrics at Lakeside Hospital and University of Health Sciences in Kansas City, MO. She was the Administrator at her husbands’ ophthalmology practice in Dodge City and then at Quinlan Eye Center in Fort Scott until her health declined. She was a member of ASCRS and ASOA and an active member of Mary Queen of Angels Church in Fort Scott, KS.

She is survived by her husband of the home, her son and daughter -in- law Sean and Jessica Quinlan, Ft. Scott, daughter and son-in-law Kellie and Mitch Patterson of Eudora, along with two grandchildren Cail and Kierra Patterson of Eudora, KS.

Graveside services will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery, near Topeka, KS on Thursday, April 30, 2020.

Memorials are suggested to the National MS Society 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.

 

Obituary of Jessie (Endicott) Wiggins

Jessie (Endicott) Wiggins, age 94, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2020, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott.

She was born November 19, 1925, at Garland, Kansas the daughter of William Oscar Endicott and Josie May (Birdsell) Endicott.  She grew up around the Cherry Grove Church area and was a member.  Jessie attended Gish school graduating with the class of 1942.

Jessie worked for Key Industries for over 46 years and retired on December 28, 1990.

Jessie married Junior Terrel in 1946 and later divorced.

She then married the love of her life, Charles Russell Wiggans.  They were married on December 28, 1954.  Charles preceded her in death on April 6, 1998.

She enjoyed going on trips after retiring to some of the places her mother enjoyed visiting.

She also bowled in National tournaments in both St. Louis and Las Vegas.  She was the President of the Fort Scott Women’s Bowling Association.

She and Charles enjoyed camping with the Noble Mobile Unit, and Mirza Nobelles.  Jessie held offices with #13 Eastern Star, Olive Chapter, Daughters of the Nile, Pittsburg Chapter, Daughter of the Nile, Fort Scott Chapter, and she was a life member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

 

Survivors include a daughter, Rosella Jeanette Rock, of Fort Scott whom Jessie formally adopted on April 26, 2012.  She thanks God for Rosella who was Charles’ daughter from a previous marriage.

Survivors include five grandchildren; Charles Rock of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Gene Parker, Travis Parker and wife Dawn, Shelle Goans and husband Shawn, and Christopher Parker all of Fort Scott;  thirteen great-grandchildren, twelve great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Besides Charles, she was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, two brothers and one great-grandson, and one great-great-granddaughter.

 

Private burial will take place on Thursday at the Large Cemetery.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at a later date.  Memorials are suggested to the Shrine Transportation 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.

Obituary of Renea Gress

Renea Lynn Gress, 37, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at her home.

She was born June 17, 1982 in Kansas City, Kansas the daughter of Wesley Allan and Colene Janette (Summers) Gress.

Renea is Survived by her Father, Wes Gress, two sisters, Andrea Weak of Pocahontas, Illinois and Stephanie King of Pittsburg, Kansas, two nephews, Levi and Kyran Weak, and her boyfriend Neal Fishback. She was preceded in death by her Mother, Colene Janette Gress who passed away on January 15, 2020.

The family suggests memorials to the Diabetes 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. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com

Funeral arrangements for Renea Gress are incomplete and will be announced later by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home

Obituary of Lance Haley

Lance Tyler Haley, Jr.

Lance Tyler Haley, Jr. age 11, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2020.

He was born January 12, 2009, in Ft. Scott, the son of Lance T. Haley and Kayla Woodall Haley. He was born the oldest twin to brother, Mason at six months gestation. They were little miracle babies, not expected to survive, but against all odds, both boys pulled through.

Lance’s journey was a little more difficult than his brother’s, but his will to survive kept him here with us for eleven wonderful years. Lance loved to be outside. He loved being around people. He loved noises, dinosaurs and water.

He had the most precious smile and the best laugh that would light up the world around him. He was a very determined little boy. If he wanted to do something, he would do it. Little Lance had a spirit filled with innocence, joy and laughter. He touched many hearts and was a blessing to many. He will be forever missed.

Survivors include his parents, Lance and Kayla Haley; his brothers, Mason and Blaise Haley and his sister, Natalie Haley and his grandparents, John and Kimberly Woodall and Bill and Pamala Haley and his great-grandparents, Sylvia Woodall and Vernon and Linda Nordyke as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Larry Coleman, David Woodall, Maynard Coyle, Karrie Caruthers, Mary Nordyke, Beatrice Salters and Janice Younce.

Private burial will take place in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Lance Haley 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.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Lance Tyler Haley, Jr., please visit our Tribute Store. Or, if you would like to donate to the family, please visit Lance Tyler Haley, Jr. Tribute Fund.

 

Obituary of Hubert Adams

Hubert Lee Adams, 82 of Westland, Michigan, formerly of Arma, Kansas and Rossville, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Livonia, Michigan.

He was born December 19, 1937 on the Nord Family Farm in Bronaugh, Missouri the son of Clarence Kermit and Viola Lea (Mahan) Adams. He was the oldest of eight children.

He married Elizabeth Darlene Mentola June 20, 1964, she preceded him in death on October 25, 2017.

Hurb graduated from Nevada High School in 1955 and then received his Bachelor’s degree from Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, Missouri in 1959 and then, his Master’s degree from Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan. He served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as an Officer in 1961 and 1962 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was a Chemical Engineer for various chemical companies in his civilian career.

Hurb, being a man of faith, deeply believed in Heaven and lived his life accordingly.

Also, he was a Citizen of the Potawatomi Nation and was proud of his heritage.

He was a member of the American Legion of Lamar, Missouri.

He is survived by a son, Mark Adams and wife, Kathy of Westland, Michigan, a daughter, Michelle Miclea and husband, Christopher of Fairhaven, Michigan, 3 brothers, Paul Leroy Adams of Kansas City, Missouri, Joe Adams and wife, Ardy of Maryville, Tennessee, and Don Adams and wife, Terri of Nevada, Missouri, 4 sisters, Lois Dianne Richardson and husband, Don of Lebanon, Missouri, Barbara Jean Pierce and husband, Glenn of Tucson, Arizona, Viola Mae Wilson and husband, Aaron of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Sharon Schaeffer and husband, Jim of Glen Carbon, Illinois, and 5 grandchildren, Kayla, Christopher, Cristina, Joshua and Brandon.

In addition to his wife, Darlene, he was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters-in-law, Marge Shields Adams and Donna Galbraith Adams.

He will be interred with his wife, Elizabeth Darlene at the U.S. National Cemetery #1 in Fort Scott, Kansas in a private ceremony under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to the New Hope United Methodist Church Food Bank of Allen Park, Michigan, donations may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 309, 15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary of Angela (Madison) Handke

Angela Kristin (Madison) Handke, 49, of Leavenworth, Kansas, passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 16, 2020, as the result of an automobile accident near Lansing in Leavenworth County. Angela was born August 30, 1970, the daughter of William “Bill” Madison and Margie (Peterson) Madison in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Angela’s family lived in Adrian, Missouri, during her early childhood, prior to moving to Columbus, Kansas, before moving to Fort Scott in 1980. She then attended Fort Scott schools and was in the FSHS graduating class of 1988. In high school, Angela was active in various sports and clubs. She earned her Associate of Science degree at Fort Scott Community College in 1990. She married Robert James Handke of Atchison on June 10, 2000. She met Robert on a blind date in Wichita, which was setup through their mutual friend Denise.

While living in Atchison, Angela worked for Blish Mize, Independent Living Center of Atchison, and K&L Greenhouse, she loved working at the greenhouse. Angela went back to college in 2004 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management from the University of Kansas in 2006. After graduation she worked for Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center in Kansas City as their Medical Records Manager until they moved to Lawrence in 2009.

Angela worked as a Practice Consultant for the Kansas Foundation for Medical Care, while Robert was attending the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. Robert and Angela purchased a home in rural Leavenworth in 2016 and began their present careers with the U.S. Army at Fort Leavenworth, he as a Staff Pharmacist and her as a Voucher Examiner. Angela loved to travel and explore and lived in India for several months prior to marriage. Her favorite place was Hawaii where she and Robert took several long vacations during their years together. She was a fantastic cook and could grow anything, just ask Robert’s classmates and co-workers. She was known to have a contagious smile, funny personality, huge heart, and kind soul. She will be missed so much!

Angela is survived by her husband of twenty years come June, Robert Handke; her mother Margie Madison; brother Tom (Tally) Madison; two nieces she adored, Kendall and Lauren Madison, and their mother Lindsay; and, several pets special to her. In addition, she is survived by in-laws Robert and Frances Handke, brother-in-law’s Gary (Kathy) Handke, Wayne (Terri) Handke, Glen (Jennifer) Handke, Phillip (Robin) Handke; sister-in-law’s Peggy (Ron) Lutz, and Karen (Nelson) Birkinsha. Also surviving are aunts and uncles of the Madison family, Nora Karleskint, Norma Kramer, Warren Madison, Cathy (Pat) Thomas, Frank (Deb) Madison, Claude Madison; aunts and uncles of the Peterson Family Harry “Sonny” (Edith) Peterson, Mary Lou Schafer, Frank Peterson, Von (Susan) Peterson, Verna May “Sissy” (Jay) Mall and many cousins and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Madison, aunts Carol (Madison) Lefever, Joyce Peterson and Uncles Pat Peterson, Bill Peterson, Ben Karleskint and Bill Kramer.

Following cremation, memorial services will be announced for a later date by the Cheney Witt Chapel.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials may be made to Fort Scott Paws & Claws Animal Shelter or the Bill Madison Scholarship Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Leona Toliver

Leona Mae Toliver, age 95 formerly of Arizona, passed away Monday, April 13, 2020 at the family home in Maryville, TN. 

Leona was a dedicated member of 1st Country Church of Surprise, Arizona and along with her husband helped plant, build, and repair several churches throughout her life. She loved to cook for her family, friends, and church camps. She was retired as a cafeteria manager in the school system after many years of service.

Leona was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt who will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Toliver; daughter, Roseanna Jo Toliver; and six brothers and sisters. 

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, William A. and Mary Toliver of Cottonwood, AZ; daughters and son-in-law, Janie and Walt Souder of Maryville, Frances Toliver of Maryville, and Dorothy Toliver of Phoenix, AZ; Grandchildren, Diana Delorenzo, Angel Toliver, Ethan and Laura Souder, Jeannine and Alex Brown, and Caleb Souder; nine great-grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; sister, Lorene McKinney of Bartlesville, OK; and many nieces, nephews and other family members.

A celebration of Leona’s life will be held at a later date.

Private burial will be in U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS.

Memorial donations may be made in Leona’s name to the Annie Armstrong Missions Program c/o Forest Hill Baptist Church, 1850 Forest Hill Rd., Maryville, TN 37803. Local arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Lorna Smith

Lorna May Smith, 79, of Redfield, Kansas, passed away suddenly on Monday, April 13, 2020, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri. Lorna was born August 23, 1940, the daughter of Albert Johnston and Mona (Shoemaker) Johnston in Tulare, California.

Lorna is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Glenn Smith of the home, daughter Glenna Hendrickson (Kevin) of Osceola, Missouri and son Craig Smith (Cathy) of Leavenworth, Kansas; siblings Earl Johnston (Sharon) of Ellsworth, Kansas, and Sharon (Lonnie) Horner of El Cajon, California; 5 nieces and 5 nephews.

Upon Lorna’s graduation from Fort Scott High School in 1958, she received her Associates of Arts Degree from Fort Scott Community College in 1960 before graduating from Pittsburg State University in 1962 with a BSED in secondary education and in 1991 with MSED in school counseling. Lorna also received her library science and journalism certifications while attending PSU.

Lorna put her education degrees to use by spending over 53 years in the field of education. Lorna taught for 2 years at Fort Scott Junior High, 35 years at Uniontown High School, and 19 years as an adjunct teacher at Fort Scott Community College. During her teaching career, Lorna taught English, speech, journalism, general business, psychology, and world geography along with being the school librarian and facilitator for the Interactive Distance Learning Center. As a coach, Lorna began the very successful volleyball program at Uniontown High School in 1969. Lorna was also the cheerleader coach, pom pom coach, Pep Club sponsor, student council sponsor, school newspaper sponsor, and play director. Lorna also assisted students in preparing for various contests in band, music, choir, FFA, and numerous other activities. Lorna has received numerous awards and honors during her educational and coaching careers. Lorna was also a member of numerous educational, coaching, professional, and community organizations.

Lorna has been a very active member of the Cherry Grove Baptist Church for the majority of her life. She has been the church organist and pianist for over 50 years. She participated in the Cherry Jammers musical group while performing throughout the community. Lorna used her musical talents in a variety of ways. She played for many weddings and funerals, accompanied many 4-H members and college students preparing for local, state, and national music contests. Lorna also spent 12 years playing for rodeos throughout the mid-west.

During her spare time, Lorna enjoyed spending time with her family, doing crafts, and traveling. She also enjoyed spending time with Glenn while he participated in sporting events, rodeos, team roping events, Corriente shows, and church.

The family will hold a private inurnment in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

A public memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lorna’s name to Cherry Grove Baptist Church in Garland, Kansas, and may be left in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Richard Singmaster

Glen Richard “Rick” Singmaster, 74, of Arcadia, Kansas, passed away on April 13, 2020 at his home.

He was born March 19, 1946 in Fort Scott the son of Donald “Reece” and Luetta “June” Kitchen Singmaster.

Rick was a member of the Fort Scott High School graduating class of 1964. He married Phyllis Cullop in 1965 and from this union, a son was born. They later divorced. In 1985, he married Carol Jenkerson, and they lived a full and happy life together.

Rick was self-employed for most of his life, turning his passion for astronomy into a successful business, Starmaster Telescopes. In addition to astronomy, he had a great love for music, fast cars, motorcycles, and his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, of the home, son Barry Rice and wife, Lynn, 2 daughters, Nicole Conner and husband, Russell, and Sylvia Stapleton and husband, Austin, all of Fort Scott, 7 grandchildren, Stephanie Rice, Madilyn Conner, Megan Conner, Alex Rice, Macey Conner, Donnie Stapleton and Reece Stapleton, sister, Judy Barrow and husband, Ron of Leawood, Kansas, brother, Gary Singmaster of Fort Scott, several nieces, nephews and extended family as well as, many friends in the amateur astronomy community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reece and June Singmaster, his beloved brother, Donnie Singmaster, an infant brother, William Singmaster, and a sister-in-law, Margie Singmaster.

Private burial will take place at Clarksburg Cemetery, and a celebration of life will be announced and held at a later date.

The family suggests memorials to the Leukemia Foundation in memory of his brother, Donnie Singmaster.

Donations may be sent to or left in the care of, the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 309, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary of Phyllis Norris

Phyllis Norris, 88, of Fort Scott, passed away at her home Saturday morning, April 11, 2020. She was born March 11, 1932, in Liberty, Kansas, the daughter of Archibald Warren and Hazel Johanna (Johnson) Austin.

She married Claude Wayne Norris on September 24, 1950, in Cherryvale, Kansas, he preceded her in death on April 30, 2017.

Phyllis attended the Mercy School of Nursing and later worked at the Newman-Young Clinic from 1959 to 1997. She was a member of the Church of Christ.

She is survived by a daughter, Jonni Stanton, and husband, Steve, two sons, Mike Norris and wife, Kathy, and Phillip Norris and wife, Debbie all of Fort Scott, a sister-in-law, Joycelyn Malone and husband, Keith, grandchildren, Jerod Stanton, Lindsey Gulager, Linda Cabuay, Lisa Davis, Megan Vincent and Andy Norris, and 12 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Claude, she was preceded in death by her parents.

Phyllis was cremated per her wishes.

Memorial services will be held at a later date under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made in Phyllis’s name to The Beacon, Inc. contributions may be sent to, or left in the care of, the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home at P.O. Box 309, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

The family encourages friends to sign Phyllis’s memorial book at the funeral home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.