Sharon “Sharry” Ann (Martin) Rains, 72, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully at her home, Thursday morning, November 7, 2019.  She was born on July 29, 1947, in Cherokee, Oklahoma to Loren Ralph and Anna Hayes Martin. Sharry moved to a farm outside of Fort Scott in 1960 and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1965.  She was married to Ronald Lee Rains on April 16, 1967, in Chanute, Kansas by Ron’s father, Pastor Edgar Rains. Together they had two children, Cecilia Jill Rains Evans and Shannon Lee Rains.

Sharry worked as a Bookkeeper at Western Insurance, Midwestern Distribution, Hammer Insurance, Ruddick’s Inc., and My1Stop.  She retired from bookkeeping in 2012 but then held a part-time job at Gene’s IGA until 2015. Sharry was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010 and bravely fought four bouts of it.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott and was a faithful servant to our Lord and a fervent prayer warrior.

Sharry was extremely proud of her kids and grandkids and loved to attend as many of their events as she could.  She was their biggest cheerleader, believed in and prayed for them always, and loved them with all her heart. Sharry had the sweetest spirit and was the most generous person to all she knew.  She was deeply loved by her husband, children, and grandkids and will be greatly missed by them all. Survivors include her husband, Ron, of the home; a daughter, Jill Evans and husband Chris, Louisburg, KS; a son, Shannon Rains, Fort Scott; four grandchildren, Bethany Phillips, Jordan Phillips, Kylie Rains, and Robert Rains; a brother, Loren L. Martin and wife Patty, Girard, KS; a sister, Maryn K. Wiggins, Pittsburg, KS; and several nieces and nephews.  Sharry was preceded in death by her parents, Loren Martin and Anna Wade; her father-in-law, Edgar Rains, and mother-in-law, Eva Rains; and by her stepmother, Maxine Martin.

Funeral services were 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at the First United Methodist Church with burial following in the Fort Scott National Cemetery.  The family received friends Monday, November 11, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home in Fort Scott. The family suggests memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church of Fort Scott.  Contributions may be 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.

Liz Meyer’s smile said it all. She was not one to let the little inconveniences and the occasional setbacks of life alter her “can do; let’s do it” attitude. She truly achieved the fullness of life in her 78 years and died doing what she loved most… helping others. She was attending a Kansas P.E.O. meeting near Topeka, KS on November 8, 2019, to select grant recipients when the Lord called her home.

When she became the current President of the Kansas State Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, she chose as her theme “Build, Grow, Live”, represented by the shell of the Nautilus, as her theme for the year.

Liz spent most, but not all, of her career in nursing education at the community college level.

After graduating from St. Louis University with her B.S.N. degree, she applied for and was awarded a federal grant which enabled her to continue her post-graduate education at Catholic University, earning her M.S.N. degree. While attending CU, she met her husband, Bill, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June of this year.

Liz was unique in her ability to balance work and family. Even though she was teaching full time, she never missed a school event or one of the many activities in which her daughters were engaged.

She was “Horse Show Mom” when Kay was into horses and voted “Parent of the Year” for attending and supporting the Lehigh University crew team when Beth was rowing.

She was an advocate for women’s education and a driving force in Sarah’s pursuit of a Master’s degree in Education and a career in teaching early childhood and elementary education.

Liz loved vacationing at the beaches of the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the lakes of the Adirondack Mountains in New York.

Liz never learned to swim but she loved the water! She and Bill met on a sailboat in Annapolis, MD and, for years, they enjoyed sailing the Chesapeake Bay with their young daughters, Kay, Beth, and Sarah. In addition to sailing on the Chesapeake, Liz became a great cook! She loved to entertain and thought nothing of creating a culinary masterpiece for a house full of friends!

Liz’s professional accomplishments were many. In addition to teaching, she served on a national committee of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology developing standards for Obstetrical Nursing. She was Director of Neonatal Intensive Care, Pediatric Care and Burn Trauma at the largest hospital in Des Moines, IA.

Liz also served for eight years as Nurse Manager for the Visiting Nurse Association of Washington, DC. In 2000, Bill and Liz retired to Fort Scott, KS where they had lived in the 1980’s, during which time Liz had served on the nursing faculty of Fort Scott Community College.

Soon after returning, Liz was offered the opportunity to serve as Director of the College’s Nursing Program. She accepted the position on condition that she could pursue accreditation of the nursing program by the National League of Nursing. With the full support of the College, the program achieved full accreditation under her leadership. Liz retired from her position, but not from life, in 2007.

She became more and more involved in the P.E.O. Sisterhood and served as President of Chapter FU before being selected to serve on the Kansas State Chapter Board in 2016, advancing to President in June of this year.

Within the Fort Scott Community, Liz served on the Board and as President of the Historic Preservation Society of Bourbon County; Chair of the Homes for the Holidays Tour; member of the Bourbon County Arts Council; and, at the time of her death, was serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College.

Liz was born in Omaha, NE. Her mother, Barbara, died in childbirth when Liz was six years old. Her father, Henry Osthoff, is also deceased. She is survived by her husband, William Meyer, and daughters Kay Meyer (husband Hank and daughters Carolina and Katie) of San Marcos, CA; Elizabeth Paulson (husband Michael, daughter Veronica, sons Henry and Leo) of Longmeadow, MA; and Sarah Ettore (husband John-David and sons Joe and Nate) of Perrysburg, OH. She is also survived by sisters Mary Eberenz, Theresa Osthoff, brother Joseph Osthoff, and beloved nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are provided by Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home of Fort Scott with a public celebration of Liz’s life scheduled at Fort Scott Presbyterian Church, 306 South Crawford Street, on Saturday, November 16, at 11:00 A.M.

The family will join for a private farewell service at Lake George, New York, next Summer.

In lieu of flowers, Liz would be thankful for contributions made to P.E.O.’s own Cottey College, Nevada, MO.

Debra Lavaughn Reinecker, age 62, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, November 3, 2019, at her home.

She was born April 3, 1957, in Anaheim, California, the daughter of Dale and Donna Smith.

Debbie married Joseph P. Reinecker on December 2, 1995, at the Community Christian Church in Ft. Scott.

She had worked as a CNA for area nursing homes for twenty years. She had also worked for Wal-Mart.

Survivors include her husband, Joe, of the home; two sisters, Diana Richards, of Ft. Scott and Dolly DeWees, of Girard, Kansas as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, November 22^nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Paws & Claws and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P. O. Box 374, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.

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

Eugene Edward Grimes, age 87, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, November 11, 2019, at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin, MO.

He was born on January 28, 1932, in rural Ft. Scott, the son of Jesse Bowman Grimes and Grace Blanch Morgan Grimes.

He served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 and contributed to the construction of the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

Gene graduated from FSCC with an associate degree in printing.

He married Norma Elder on May 26, 1957, in Redfield, KS.

Gene worked for Norvell, Buell Cabinet Company, and Ward-Kraft Inc. until his retirement in 1998. He then continued to work part-time until 2001 for a total of 26 years.

He was a member of Grace Baptist Tabernacle since 1958, serving as a deacon for 35 years and as an assistant treasurer for 24 years.

He was a past member of V.F.W. Post #1165, and the Old Forters Camping Club.

Survivors include his wife Norma of the home; a daughter, Marlene Willis and husband Mike, Pittsburg, KS; two grandchildren, Mackenzie and Duncan Willis; and several nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by five brothers, Melvin, Don, Glen, Claude, and Kenneth Grimes; three sisters, Louise Baker, Thelma Reel, and Opal McKay; and his parents.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 14^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F.W.

Memorials are suggested to either the American Cancer Society or the American Parkinson Disease Association and may be left in care of the Cthe heney 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.

Kenneth Ray “Kenny” Holt, age 67, Uniontown, Kansas passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on October 11, 1952, in Pensacola, Florida the son of Kent and Marilyn Hartman Holt.

Kenny graduated from Uniontown High School in the Class of 1970.  He then graduated from Fort Scott Community College and then earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Pittsburg State University.

On January 8, 1972, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Nancy Blake.  He entered the family business, Union State Bank, in 1972.  He served as President and CEO from 1990 until his retirement in 2019.  He was chairman of the board until his passing.

Kenny was an avid runner, golfer and enjoyed hunting.

He loved coaching basketball and was the assistant boys coach at UHS for a couple of seasons before becoming the head coach of the UHS girls team in 2000.  He filled the role of head coach until 2013.  His passion for coaching brought him back for one more stint as an assistant coach in 2018.

Kenny was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church of Uniontown.  He served the church as a deacon and trustee numerous times.

He was an active member of the Uniontown community serving on many committees and organizations.

Kenny is survived by his wife, Nancy, of the home, two sons, Bryan and wife Tara of Fort Scott; Chad and wife Amy of Redfield; six grandchildren, Gabe, Xavier, Drew, Aiden, Claire and Eli; parents, Kent and Marilyn of Uniontown; brother Randall and wife Debra of Fort Scott; sisters, Debbie Likely and husband Tom, of Parker, Kansas, and Susan Eldridge and husband Ron of Uniontown; extended family and friends.

Kenny’s best role was that of Grandpa.  He devotedly attended the activities of his grandchildren, even when he was weakened from cancer treatments.  His grandkids loved spending time at Grandma and Grandpa’s.

Kenny Holt truly lived by and encouraged all his life touched to live by the motto, “Carpe Diem”.  Seize the Day.

Funeral service will be held at 10 am Monday, November 11, 2019, at the First Missionary Baptist Church, Uniontown, Kansas.

Burial will be in the Uniontown Cemetery.  Contributions are suggested to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, St. Jude’s or the American Cancer Society.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.  Arrangements:  Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel.

Kenneth R. “Kenny” Holt, age 67, Fort Scott, Kansas passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at his home.

Funeral service will be 10 am Monday, November 11, 2019 at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown, Kansas.

Burial in the Uniontown Cemetery.

Contributions are suggested to Prostate Cancer Foundation, St. Judes or the American Cancer Society.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.  Arrangements:  Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel.

William E. Griffiths, age 70, resident of Bronaugh, MO, died Saturday, November 2, 2019, at Medicalodge Nevada, MO.

He was born September 24, 1949, in Wichita, KS, the son of Harold “H.W.” and Betty Jane Wunderly Griffiths. He graduated from Bronaugh high school with the class of 1968.

Bill operated his own trucking company. He was a member of the IH Collectors Chapter #3 and Riverside Cowboy Church. He enjoyed raising cattle.

Survivors include two daughters, Angela Griffiths, Bronaugh, MO, and Melissa McCartney, Carthage, MO; three brothers, Robert Griffiths and wife Shanna, David Griffiths, and Donald Griffiths; two sisters, Carol Claflin and friend Winfred DeMott and Joyce Agee and husband Delbert; and three grandchildren, Dakota McCartney, Eli Griffiths, and Baelie Griffiths.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Cassandra Griffiths; and his parents.

Pastor Roger Beach will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM Tuesday, November 5th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Worsley Cemetery, Bronaugh, MO.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Monday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to either Riverside Cowboy Church or Worsley Cemetery 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.

Justin James Calvert, age 45, of Madison, WI passed away on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. He was born on Sept. 21, 1974, in Girard, Kansas, the son of Douglas Calvert and Marcia (Hughes) O’Neal.

Justin graduated from Caney Valley High School in Caney, Kansas in 1993.

He served in the U. S. Marines from 1995-1999. He moved to Wisconsin in 2003 and married Dr. Mindy Haseleu on May 1, 2011. Justin worked as a finance manager at Smart Motors for the last 12 years.

Justin was a big, tall and muscular guy with an incredibly loving heart. He was very protective of his family and friends. He loved spending time with them and especially relished teasing his nieces and nephew. Justin was very generous, caring and sweet. He was very hard working, dedicated and successful in his job. He loved classic cars and started his collection with a red 1967 Chevelle. His pride and joy was a Verdoro Green 1968 Pontiac GTO, owned by his father-in-law since 1971 and restored in 2017 by his high school friend Scott Mills. Justin and his GTO won numerous awards including Best of Show at multiple shows. He enjoyed working out, watching football, going to car shows, swimming in his pool, collecting anvils and vises, and eating home cooked meals. Many who knew him may not have guessed how much he loved his cats, Bibi and Vitto. Justin was very patriotic and extremely proud of his service in the Marines. He was thrilled to reconnect with his Marine Corps brothers after 20 years.

Justin is survived by his wife, Dr. Mindy Haseleu; his mother, Marcia (Hughes) O’Neal and her husband, Dan; his father, Doug Calvert and his wife, Ilana; his brother, Matt Bowersock; niece, Madison; in-laws, Bob and Beth Haseleu and Vance and Teppy (Haseleu) McCaw; and niece, Rowan and nephew, Lane. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Mari-Kate Bowersock; and grandmother, Mary Hughes.

A funeral service was held at Gunderson East Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Following services for Justin in Madison, WI, there will be Cremation, then, Services with Burial at the Fort Scott National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m., Friday, November 1, 2019 under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, Kansas. Members of the United States Marines Funeral Detail will present Military Honors.

 

Walter Earnest Foulk, age 91, resident of Arcadia, KS, died Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.

He was the youngest of seven siblings, born on April 4, 1928, in Arcadia, the son of John and Lydia Moore Foulk.

Walter served in the Army during the Korean War.

He married Mary Alice Lynch in September 1955 and together they had four children (Connie, Lydia, Andrew and Lora).

She preceded in death on September 10, 2018.

He worked in Springfield, MO, beginning at the City Utilities, then Springfield Tablet, and finally for Litton Company.

Walter enjoyed fishing, watching football, tinkering with lawn mowers, and visiting with local friends.

He was a lifetime member of Arcadia American Legion Post #110 and a member of the Arcadia Christian Church.

Survivors include three children, Dorthy Lydia Baker, Springfield, MO, Andrew Foulk, Springfield, MO, and Lora Jean Pratt, West Alton, MO; seven grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by an infant son Connie; two brothers, John and Marion Foulk; fours sisters, Emma Suzetta, Violet Wilson, Vida Cullman, and Wanda Tullis; and his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 26^th, at the Arcadia Christian Church.

Burial will follow in the Sheffield Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Girard American Legion.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott

. Memorials are suggested to the Arcadia Christian Church 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.