Nancy Susan Townsend, age 76, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, went to be with Jesus Thursday, December 3, 2020, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.

She was born June 10, 1944, in Bourbon County, KS, the daughter of Charles Orlando and Mary Josephine Pitts Michael. She graduated from Uniontown high school. Nancy married Roy Townsend on March 30, 1964, in Miami, OK.

She worked several jobs over her career in Ft. Scott including Western Insurance Company, Medicalodge, Consumers, Value Merchandisers, Ft. Scott USD234 cook, as well as babysitting. Nancy enjoyed sewing, gardening, anything outdoors, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was involved with Boy Scouts and a leader for the Awana program at church. She was a member of the Bethel Community Baptist Church.

Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Survivors include her husband Roy of the home; two sons, Perry Townsend and wife Jane, Redfield, KS, and Jerry Townsend and wife Amber, Chanute, KS; a brother, Ernie Michael and wife Mary Ann, Redfield, KS; four sisters, Nola Hughes and husband Jerry, Stotesbury, MO, Margaret Parker and Merle Mayfield, Ft. Scott, Rose Lowe, Chanute, KS, and Charlotte Michael, Nevada, MO; two grandchildren, Adam Townsend and Sarah Bower and husband Justin; a great-granddaughter on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Private graveside services will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Tuesday December 8^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either Ronald McDonald House or Bethel Community Church 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.

Carol Jean (Perry) George, age 76, from Redfield, KS, passed away Monday, November 30, 2020, at Country Place Senior Living in Ft Scott, KS, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on June 4, 1944, in Ft. Scott, KS, the daughter of William Herbert and Ruby Eileen (Heckenlaible) Perry. Carol was raised in rural Bourbon county and graduated as valedictorian from Uniontown High School Class of ‘62. She married the love of her life, Raymond Eugene “Skeet” George on March 26, 1963. They built a life of love and devotion for over 57 years.

Once married, Carol started her professional career as a stenographer for Key Industries. After that, she enjoyed years of service as executive secretary for Sister Mary Trinity as well as led public relations for Mercy Hospital in Ft Scott. After graduating from Pittsburg State University with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design; she worked for many years at SEKAN Printing in Ft Scott. Carol then earned her insurance license and spent many years helping Skeet develop a successful insurance career with Banker’s Life & Casualty.

Carol combined her professional life with work as a fulltime farmer’s wife and mother. Many an evening and weekend was spent doing chores, helping work hogs or cattle, and then cooking an evening meal for Skeet and eventually, their three children Paula Ann, Daniel Ray, and Dawna Kay. As her children grew, she went to every ball game, school activity, or music recital. Carol was a very good cook and was always nominated to bring homemade rolls to family dinners. For a time, she even made and decorated wedding cakes. Carol loved to travel with Skeet, their children, and eventually grandchildren. Many vacations were spent in Myrtle Beach, Branson, as well as around the world with trips with Skeet. She cherished time with her grandchildren, going to the zoo, drawing or painting pictures, reading stories, or watching movies. Every member of the family knew of her love and joy in time spent together.

Carol served the Lord Jesus Christ and was an active member of the United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women (UMW) in Uniontown. She enjoyed serving as a Lay Minister for the church and took her children on numerous mission trips to spread the gospel. For many years community children looked forward to the “Pirate Cave” at the annual Good ‘Ol Days. She also always worked the “Chicken Booth” at the Labor Day Picnic in Uniontown to help the church. Carol supported her children and grandchildren and helped with many a 4H project cooking, sewing, art, or photography.

Carol is survived by her husband, Skeet; children and their spouses and grandchildren: Paula and Tim Ulrich and children Logan his wife Amanda, Rebecca, and Micah; Dan and Bernadette George and their children Benjamin Ray and Luke William; and Dawna and Chris Huhman and their children Alex, Madelyn, Olivia Carol, and Maxwell Skeet; siblings Pauline (Perry) Hartman, and Bill Perry; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by their infant daughter, Kimberly Carol; her mother and father; and infant brothers Rex and Phillip.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, December 5^th, at 2:00 pm in the Uniontown Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Uniontown United Methodist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 South Main St., P.O. Box 347, Ft Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Edward Everett Sprague, Sr., 70, of Erie, Kansas, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2020, at the Via Christi Medical Center in Pittsburg, Kansas.

He was born July 20, 1950, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the son of Elgie Olen and Wilma Christine (Gardner) Sprague.

He married Kathy Lynn Petty April 4, 1976, in Cherryville, Kansas, and she preceded him in death April 3, 2011.

Edward served in the US Army from April of 1968 until August of 1970. He worked for many years as a welder and auto mechanic.

Edward is survived by his five children; Gina Lewis of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Bob Burk and his wife Alicia of Pittsburg, Kansas, Edward Sprague, Jr. of Independence, Kansas, Tammy Rahe and husband Corey of Erie, Kansas, Tiffany Sprague of Chanute, Kansas; a sister, Dee Etta Redmon, of Pittsburg, Kansas; three brothers, Elgie Olen Sprague Jr. “Sonny”, of Fort Scott, Donald B. Sprague, of Tularosa, New Mexico, and Byron Sprague, also of Tularosa, New Mexico; fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

In addition to his wife Kathy, Edward was also preceded in death by a son, James Petty, a brother, Tom Sprague, four sisters, Karen Totman, Sharon Webb, Dorothy Fry, and Darlene Archer, and two grandchildren.

Following cremation, private (family only) graveside services will be held 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.

Talitha Ann (Brown) Madison, age 47, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Wednesday, November 25th, 2020. She was born April 10, 1973, in Fort Scott, KS, the daughter of Mike and Vicki (Trites) Brown. She graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1991. She attended Fort Scott Community College and obtained an associate degree then furthered her education at Pittsburg State University. In 1995, Tally married Charles “Hunter” Reeves. They were married 20 years and had 4 children together. In 2015 her life suddenly changed with the loss of Hunter. In normal Tally fashion she persevered and took on the role as both parents. In 2018, she remarried to Thomas William Madison. Together, they found a forever kind of love.

Tally lit up a room with her contagious smile and a few “colorful” words. She was the kind of friend that made life beautiful for others. Her love for dogs was evident as she wanted to bring every dog home just so they could feel loved. Her family was her first priority, but her friends always felt the same amount of love.

Survivors include her husband, Tom of the home; two daughters, Hannah Reeves and fiancé Caleb Brandt, Herman, MO, Emmah Dikeman and husband Miles, Fort Scott, KS; two sons, Hunter Reeves and Hollis Reeves; one brother, Kyle Brown and wife Jamie, Fort Scott; two nieces, Graycyn and Kinsley Brown; mother in law, Marge Madison, Ft. Scott; father in law, Dr. Stewart Reeves, Denver, CO; and sister in law, Catherine and Joe Kilanoski, Denver CO. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Hunter; mother in law, Harriett Reeves; grandmother, Mary Jane Brown; sister in law, Angie Handke; and father in law, Bill Madison.

Pastor Danny Brown will conduct graveside services at 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 9th, in the Centerville Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy memorial contributions are suggested for the Reeves Children 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.

Alvin Matthews Ruddick, age 87, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, November 23, 2020, at the Cox Barton County Memorial Hospital Emergency Room in Lamar, MO.

He was born January 13, 1933, in Kansas City, MO, the son of Alvin Earl and Mary Olivia Matthews Ruddick. He graduated from FSHS with the class of 1950. Al graduated from Drury College in 1954. He was President of the Beta Iota Chapter of Kappa Alpha Order at Drury.

He married Betty Pauli on July 16, 1955, in Kansas City, MO

. In 1953, Al purchased a cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks. The lake became an integral part of Ruddick family life. Al enjoyed fishing and skiing. He hunted elk in Colorado for 25 years. He bred and sold 92 English Pointers.

Al took over the Ruddick’s family furniture business, Ruddick’s Inc. in 1954 when his father retired. He sold the business in 2000. He was past President of Kiwanis Club (1954), past President of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, a member of the NRA, and served on the U234 School Board for 8 years. He served the Kansas State Commerce Division and the Kansas State Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Mercy Hospital Endowment Board. He was a member of the Masons, the Shriners, and the Scottish Rite. Al was a member of the First United Methodist Church and participated in numerous committees and the church choir most of his adult life.

Survivors include his wife Betty, Ft. Scott; four daughters, Lori Ruddick, Nevada, MO, Lisa Rucker and husband Ron, St. Louis, MO, Linda Burger, St. Louis, MO, Leslie Ogden and husband Chris, Lee’s Summit, MO; seven grandchildren Jeremy Ruddick, Abby Simmons, Haley Trainor, Aaron Rucker, Samatha Burger, Nick Ogden, and Hannah Ogden; and two great-grandsons, Cooper Ruddick, and Jackson Simmons.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Due to COVID-19, private family services will be held with burial following in U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church 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.

Lewis Kenneth Bailey passed in peace on the morning of November 20, 2020, when he went home to be with his Lord and Savior. Lewis’s seventy-eight years on Earth were well spent, and his legacy as a compassionate, dedicated family man will be remembered by many.

Lewis was born in Garnett, Kansas, on March 10, 1942, to Fred and Isabella Elline (Mowat) Bailey.

Lewis was born with a sparkle in his eye, a grin that lit up the room, and a heart of gold.

Lewis’s love lives on through his two children, Tim (Shayla) and Kimberly, and his adored grandchildren: Allexis, Allie, Rayna, Kandace, and Brinley. Many extended family members and friends also felt the warmth and kindness of Lewis’s caring heart. Lewis joined his wife, Joan, and son-in-law Jess, upon arrival to his Heavenly Home.

That caring heart was often accompanied by an ornery twinkle in Lewis’s eye, and he loved sharing stories with family. A favorite family memory is that of Lewis recalling how ornery he was at three years old. When a kindly neighbor asked his name, Lewis is all sincerity responded, “Lewis, Come Back Here”. Apparently, he was very good at keeping his mother on her toes.

Lewis built a life around helping others. A hard worker to the core, Lewis donated much of his time and talent to making life better for others. Whether painting houses, mowing lawns, or raking leaves, Lweis did everything with full effort and an eye for detail.

His tendency to give his all also served Lewis well during his time as a soldier and 106-Gunner in the Vietnam War. Lewis was combat-wounded and received the Purple Heart commendation which was a great source of pride for him. Lewis was proud to be an American and was red, white, and blue through and through.

Lewis’s love of country was only slightly less than his love for his wife, Joan Evelyn. Handsome in uniform upon returning from war, Lewis caught Joan’s eye by purchasing popsicles for the children she was babysitting. Lewis’s family always remarks on that special beginning when enjoying a patriotic “bomb pop” from the freezer.
Lewis and Joan married on July 25, 1969, and moved to Fort Scott, Kansas, shortly after.

During this time, Lewis was able to attend Fort Scott Community College for two years. This was a treasured time in his life as he enjoyed attending art and photography classes. Several of Lewis’s projects from this time are still cherished by the family.

Lewis brought his hard-working nature to family-life as a dedicated husband and father. Whether tossing a baseball with Tim or playing Barbies with Kimberly, Lewis gave his children love, support and encouragement until his very last breath.

Lewis’s dedication also served him career-wise as he worked a variety of careers, most notably taking care and maintaining the SRS building in Fort Scott for 18 years.

In his leisure time, Lewis enjoyed fishing and passed his fondness along to his children. Lewis’s creativity and eye for detail were also apparent as he enjoyed woodworking and created many projects around the home.

While at home, Lewis loved to cheer on the Kansas City Cheifs and especially loved watching the games with his family.

Tim and Kim will miss the patient and kind man they were blessed to call “Dad” every day, but know they couldn’t ask for a more dedicated loving, hard-working guardian angel to watch over the entire family.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at 11:00 AM, at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested the Bethel Community Church and may be 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.

Beatrice June Powell, age 79, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Sunday, November 22, 2020, at the Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, KS. She was born June 9, 1941, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Cecil Edward Combs and Marjorie June VanDyke Combs. She was the oldest of 6 children. She married Thomas Edwin Powell on July 3, 1959, in Ft. Scott. Beatrice worked as a babysitter for 11 years before working for Medicalodge for 2 years. She then worked for Leaseway Transportation for 13 years as a clerk and supervisor until retirement. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved spending time with her family. She was a member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle from the age of 8.

Survivors include her husband Tom of the home; a son, Jerry Powell, Ft. Scott; 2 daughters, Sherri Clark and husband Myron, Mt. Pleasant, NC, and Melany Felt, Ft. Scott; 2 brothers, Cecil Combs and wife Phyllis, and Terry Combs, all of Ft. Scott; 2 sisters, Elaine Brown and husband Bob, Ft. Scott, and Mary Jacquinot and husband Bud, Houston, TX; 11 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Powell, Jr.; a brother, Rocky Combs; and her parents.

Private family services will be held with burial in Lath Branch Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Grace Baptist Tabernacle 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.