Lorna L. Carlton, age 103, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died early Friday, September 06, 2019, at Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott. Services for Lorna Carlton will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
Category Archives: Obituary
Obituary of Virginia Lea Fern Brown
Virginia Lea Fern Brown, age 89, a resident of Ft. Scott, passed away Monday, September 2, 2019, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.
She was born May 24, 1930, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of William Aaron Swank and Mabel Clare Allison Swank
. Virginia graduated from the Ft. Scott High School. She married Bernard D. Brown on July 15, 1951, at Ft. Scott.
Virginia worked for the Western Insurance Company which later became American States Insurance company for twenty years.
She enjoyed studying and preserving her family’s history and could often be found behind the camera at many family gatherings.
She served as Librarian for the Old Fort Genealogical Society for several years.
She was a past member of the First Church of the Nazarene. She and Bernard were the first couple married in the new church on Third Street in 1951.
Survivors include her children, Alona Wise, Cindy Clements, and Jeff Brown, all of Ft. Scott; eighteen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Her husband, Bernard, preceded her in death on August 30, 1984. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Craig and Randy Brown; two sons-in-law, Darryl Wise and Darrell Clements; three brothers, Lawrence, Robert and Wayne Swank and two sisters, Lillian Swank and Wilma Witherspoon.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, September 9th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the West Liberty Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 P.M. Sunday afternoon at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Old Fort Genealogical Society 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 Leland Zimmerman
Leland Merle Zimmerman, age 80, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died early Sunday, September 1, 2019, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.
There was cremation. Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct memorial services at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, September 5th, at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Wednesday evening at the Grace Baptist Family Life Center.
Memorials are suggested to either the Fort Scott Fire Department Fund or Grace Baptist Tabernacle 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 Edmond Bartlett
Edmond Bartlett, 89, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away on August 31, 2019 after a battle with cancer.
Ed was born on January 14, 1930 to Sheldon and Lucille Bartlett in Pleasanton, Kansas. After graduating from Pleasanton High School in 1948, he served in the Army. He then majored in Journalism at the University of Kansas and graduated in 1954.
After graduation, he worked for Look Magazine in Des Moines, Iowa, where he met and married Ruby Kalentine. They then moved to Minnetonka, Minnesota, where Ed worked 18 years in marketing for Fingerhut Corporation. Ed and Ruby had four children, Steven, Suzanne, Sally, and Thomas.
Ed and his family moved to Jackson, Wyoming in 1977, and lived at the base of Jackson Hole Ski Resort. He loved the outdoors and spent time skiing, hiking, hunting, and fishing. Ed continued working as a freelance marketer for major corporations around the country.
After retiring several times, Ed returned to the area where he grew up and led a very active life in Fort Scott, Kansas. He loved hiking in the countryside of Kansas with his dog Skipper, and he traveled all over the world.
Ed is predeceased by his parents and wife Ruby and is survived by children Steve, Suzanne (Larson), Sally (Phalen), and Tom; by eight grandchildren, Callie Bartlett, Michelle Rosengren, Cole Meyer, Shane Phalen, Ryan Phalen, Henry Bartlett, Lily Bartlett, and Eva Bartlett; and three great grandchildren Danielle Rosengren, Evelyn Rosengren, and Vera Rosengren.
There was cremation.
There will be a memorial visitation, Wednesday, September 4, 2019, from 3:00 – 5:00 PM at the Carriage House, 301 S. Main.
Memorial are suggested to Integrity Hospice and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS. 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Joan Bailey
Treasured memories are cherished by the family of Joan Evelyn Bailey. Joan, 70, went home to her Lord and Savior on August 29, 2019.
During her time on Earth, Joan’s kind heart, generous nature, and touch of orneriness made the world a brighter place for all those around her.
An avid collector of angels, Joan’s love of the Lord made her an angel here on Earth to many. A powerful prayer warrior, Mrs. Bailey moved many mountains with her worshipful words. In this world, Joan embraced the phrase, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness,” serving as a housekeeping supervisor for Mercy Hospital for over 20 years.
Joan was born on August 11, 1949, to Homer and Bessie (Cady) West, the sixth of eight children. In her younger years, siblings recall Joan’s ability to simultaneously behave as a complete angel and a total character.
Joan met the love of her life, Lewis Kenneth Bailey, in 1965 in Olathe, Kansas. The soulmates wed on July 25, 1969. To this blessed union, two adored children, Timothy Allen and Kimberly Ann, were born. Next to the Lord, Joan loved her family most of all, finding them a tremendous source of support and strength. For Joan, family was not limited to relatives, and she truly never met a stranger. A familiar face to many, Joan and Lewis have called Fort Scott Kansas, home since the early seventies.
Joan is survived by her loving husband of fifty years, Lewis Bailey; her son Tim (Shayla) Bailey; her daughter Kim (Jess) Fletcher; and five beautiful granddaughters: Allexis, Allie, Rayna, Kandace, and Brinley. Joan’s surviving siblings include Harold (Jolene) West, Hazel Spielman, Lessie Williams, and Cheryl West. Joan was also loved by many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Hester Forester, Carl West, and Roland West.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Bethel Community Church 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 Johnnie L. Harrison
Johnnie Lyle Harrison, age 60, a resident of Arcadia, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, August 21st, 2019, after succumbing to cancer at the Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Johnnie was born June 18, 1959, to George and Bernice (Endicott) Harrison in Fort Scott, Kansas. Johnnie worked for the City of Arcadia for several years. Johnnie’s life began like so many of the men of his time. He dropped out of school at an early age to work so that he could help provide for himself as well as is parents. He was a hard worker and especially loved working on his own home, whether that be tearing down walls or building new ones.
Johnnie was liked and loved by many and truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, country cruising, fishing, mushroom hunting, playing cards, watching westerns, and adding to his smurf collection.
Johnnie is survived by his seven children: John, Danielle, Jessica, James, Christina, Joseph, and Jason; his grandchildren: Hunter, Lilly, Kylee, Keaton, Kody, Elizabeth, Samantha, Jordan, Kage, Katie, Blake, Jacob, and Ryan; his sisters: Ruth and Debra; his brothers: Roger, Jerry, and Christopher; and his cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Christopher Harrison; a brother, Raymond Harrison; and a sister, Nancy (Harrison) Horn.
There was cremation.
Private burial will take place at a later date at the Hepler Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the Johnnie Harrison Memorial fund which may be left in the care of 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.
Or, if you would like to donate to the family, please visit the Funeral Expenses for Johnnie Fundraiser at https://www.facebook.com/donate/1387626031400563/?fundraiser_source=external_url.
Obituary of Rhonda E. Pottorff
Rhonda Elaine Heathman Pottorff, age 63, a resident of Nevada, MO., died Thursday, August 22, 2019, at the Landmark Hospital in Joplin, MO.
She was born July 5, 1956, in Fort Scott, KS. the daughter of Bert A. Heathman and Ida P. Hogan Heathman. She graduated from Lansing High School with the class of 1974.
She worked as a claim’s adjuster for Lincoln National Insurance Company and later for Peerless products as a window framer. She enjoyed finger painting, ceramics, playing games on her tablet, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren. In her younger years Rhonda loved to fish and play pinball.
She is survived by her four children, Angie Witt, Sheboygan, WI., Nick Cagle, Nevada, MO., Tyler Cagle, Girard, KS., and Britany Bailey, Nevada, MO.; ten grandchildren; a brother, Allen Heathman, Nevada, MO.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Greg Heathman; and a sister, Ruby Heathman.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, August 31, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Deerfield Cemetery.
Family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorial are suggested to the Rhonda Heathman Memorial 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.
Obituaryof Robert R. Stout
Robert Ray Stout, age 79, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Friday, August 23, 2019, at Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS.
He was born July 17, 1940, in Ash Grove, MO, the son of Elmer Ray and Charlene Geneva Rasnic Stout.
He graduated from Fort Scott high school with the class of 1958. He married Karen Sue Phillips on July 14, 1965.
Bob served in the Navy for 20 years before retiring. He then worked for Ray Shepherd Motors for over 30 years. He also worked security for Value Merchandisers for 20 years.
He was a dedicated, hard-working employee. In his spare time, Bob enjoyed reading western novels on the front porch, riding motorcycles and watching pro wrestling. He loved spending time with his family, especially his son and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife Karen of the home; a son, Steve Stout, Frontenac, KS; five grandchildren, Alexia Lang, Victoria Fortenberry, Kendra Stout, Joran Stout, and Garrison Stout; nigreat-grandchildrenren, Hunter, Aiden, Madison, Felicity, Zachary, Cheyenne, Kaitleigh, Addy, Nora, and one more on the way; and two nephews, Oliver and Thomas Stout.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Howard and Jack Stout; and his parents.
There was cremation.
Graveside services will be held at 12:30 PM Tuesday, September 3rd, at the U. S. National Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F.W.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM Tuesday until leaving for the cemetery at Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Bob Stout Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Donald L. Fritter
Donald Lloyd Fritter, age 84, a resident of Springfield, Missouri, passed away Friday, August 23, 2019, at the James River Nursing and Rehab Center in Springfield.
He was born October 29, 1934, in Eve, Missouri, the son of Lewis William Fritter and Stella Lucille Gardner Fritter.
He married Jan Faulconer Hillier on November 7, 1975.
In addition to farming, Don had also worked several years for the railroad. He enjoyed gardening and traveling. He was a member of the South Street Christian Church.
Survivors include his wife, Jan, of the home in Springfield; a son, Rodney Lee Fritter, of Harrison, Arkansas and a step-daughter, Michelle Mott, of Jeffersonville, Indiana and two grandchildren, Brandon Lee Fritter and Cheldon Mott. Also surviving are two brothers, Harold Fritter, of Richards, Missouri and Kenneth Fritter of Springfield, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Rev. Janet Given will conduct funeral services at 12:30 P.M. Wednesday, August 28th at the Cheney Witt Chapel
. Burial with military honors will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Obituary of Larry Joe Beck
Larry Joe Beck, age 65, a resident of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2019, at his home.
He was born April 11, 1954, in Ft. Scott, Kansas. He graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College.
He went on to receive his BS Degree in Nursing from Pittsburg State University. Larry Joe married Mary E.Evans on September 19, 1975, at Devon, Kansas. He worked as a nurse at Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott.
He later served with the United States Air Force during Operation Desert Storm where he served as a clinical nurse. Following his military service, he worked as a surgical nurse for Doctor’s Hospital in Springfield, Missouri and Cox Hospital in Monet, Missouri.
Larry Joe enjoyed reading, welding and playing golf. He also was a licensed pilot. He was a past member of the Devon United Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Mary, of the home in Mt. Vernon; his daughter, Samantha Beck-Paciorek (Andrew), of Baxter Springs, Kansas and his son, Jordan Beck (Angela) of Willard, Missouri and six grandchildren, Gaige, Danielle, Jaden, Maycie, Jackson and Adalyn. Also surviving is his mother, Yvonne Beck; a sister, Susie Arvidson (Chris) of Ft. Scott and three half-brothers, Charles Jajdelski, of San Diego, California, Ron Jajdelski, of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Bob Jajdelski of Arizona.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Beck; a granddaughter, Charlotte and a half-brother, Mike Jajdelski.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, August 26th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 A.M.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society 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.
Death Notice for Johnnie Harrison
Johnnie L. Harrison, age 60, resident of Arcadia, KS, died Wednesday, August 21, 2019, at Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, KS. There was cremation. Services will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
Obituary of Estella E. Meech
Estella Elizabeth Meech, age 84, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2019, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott.
She was born June 7, 1935, in Hepler, Kansas, the daughter of Oscar Jacob Gier and Lizzie Belle Goff Gier. She graduated from the Hepler High School where she excelled in basketball. While still in High School, Estella would take the Katy Railroad train on Friday evening from Hepler to Fort Scott to work at the Frisco Café. She stayed at Elizabeth Bowman’s boarding house on Wall Street. She would take the Katy train back to Hepler on Monday morning and had to miss her first class.
Estella married the love of her life, Dennis Walter Meech on June 6, 1953, by Judge Sam Mason in Ft. Scott. They had two sons, Dennis J. Meech and James W. Meech. Estella helped her husband, Dennis, on their dairy farm milking cows, gardening and raising their sons.
Estella also worked for Key Industries. In October of 1972, she started working for Ward-Kraft. She retired in 2003 as Credit Manager. Estella loved to write poems and stories. She also loved hosting family reunions and was famous in the family for her homemade noodles. She also loved to travel for business and taking her children and grandchildren on cruises and vacations. Estella was a caregiver to many family members and never hesitated helping anyone in need. She touched many lives with her generous heart.
Survivors include her son, Dennis J. Meech and partner, Barb Kirk, of Ft. Scott, grandchildren, Chris and CJae Meech of Ft. Scott, Cody and Taysha Meech of Canyon, Texas, and daughter-in-law, Diane Meech; also her son, James W. Meech and wife, Marita, of Ft. Scott and grandchildren, JW Meech of Canyon, Texas and Elizabeth Meech of Borger, Texas. Also surviving are a sister, Lela Ann Gier, of Ft. Scott, sisters-in-law, Juell “Julie” Ross of Topeka, Kansas, Joyce Meech, of Ft. Scott, Geneva Gier of Girard, Kansas, and Itha Jean Turitine, of Topeka, Kansas, and many nieces and nephews
. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Charley and Merle Gier and a sister, Opal Gier.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Friday, August 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association 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.