Grace P. Hyatt, September 3, 1928 – March 14, 2019. Grace Hyatt, of Emporia, Kansas, died at Newman Hospital in Emporia,Thursday.

Grace Pauline Hyatt went to be with her Lord and her husband in Heaven. Her cowboy went to Heaven twelve years ago on Friday. Grace Pauline Carmean was born near Des Moines, New Mexico. Her parents were Dorothy May Meier Hintergardt Carmean and Charles Pearson Carmean. She was named for Grace Longwell who helped with the delivery.

Very, very poor, the family was rich with love in the Land of Enchantment. Between 1928 and 1934, the family moved several times. Grace remembered crawling up on the bed to see her baby sister, Eva, in 1932 in Springer, New Mexico. Shortly afterward, the family moved by covered wagon to Miami, New Mexico. During the Great Depression, many poor families moved by wagons since they did not own vehicles. Grace began school in Miami, New Mexico. The family was back near Des Moines during the Dust Bowl. The Ken Burns documentary placed them at the epicenter of the many dust storms. Charlie “Shorty” had severe asthma but did not move to Kansas until the middle of World War II.

They settled on the old Perkins farm at Xenia, Kansas. Ernest Edward Hyatt of Folsom, New Mexico, and Grace Pauline Carmean of Xenia, Kansas were married at the Bourbon County Courthouse on March 21, 1946. Grace and Ernest were going to be different from everyone when they got married. They took a train from Ft. Scott to Kansas City, Missouri to be married. A three-day waiting period was in effect in Missouri, so they took a bus back to Ft. Scott. The bus had a flat tire in Louisburg and lost a lot of time, much to the annoyance of the passengers and soon to be newlyweds. The courthouse closed at 5 P.M. Grace and Ernest arrived at 4:55 P.M. just in time to be married by Probate Judge George Newell Bainum.

Grace’s earlier years were spent as a homemaker and mother. The Hyatt’s lived their entire married life in Allen and Bourbon Counties except for eight months. They lived and worked on the XT Ranch in Folsom, New Mexico in 1947 where Ernest was raised. The XT Ranch was just down the road from where Grace was raised.

Grace was a Baptist.

She died on Pi Day. She didn’t know about science but sure could bake pies. She was a good cook and also enjoyed crocheting, gardening, canning, music, her coffee, animals and flowers. She had many windmills, reminders of New Mexico. She had one regret; she never did visit Hawaii to get a grass skirt. She was a member of the Bronson Order of Eastern Star #65 and later the Olive Chapter #13 of Ft. Scott for over sixty years, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Kansas Woman’s Day Club.

She was preceded in death by sisters, Eva Brecheisen, Marjorie Schultz; half-sisters, Inez Carmean, Ola May Carmean, Goldie East, Amelia Wasmer and Helen Faucett and half-brothers, Frank Carmean, Chrest Hintegardt and Adolph Hindergardt.

Survivors are Randy and Betty Pierson, Clay and Randielle Houser and Calvin Houser, all of Emporia and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends all over the world.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, March 17^th at the Cheney Witt Bronson Chapel, Eastern Star Services and funeral services will follow visitation.

Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery where Grace will be laid to rest beside her cowboy.

Memorials are suggested to the Xenia Masonic Lodge #47 AF & AM, the oldest lodge west of the Mississippi River which continues to do work in the original building in which it was chartered.

A Mr. Stevenson was the wagon master that brought the Carmean ancestors to Bourbon County from Ohio. The town was named Xenia (Z-Knee), Kansas after Xenia (Zinnia), Ohio. In the meantime, the editor of the Xenia News moved as a Free Stater to Lawrence, Kansas and on to what he founded as Emporia, Kansas. Preston Plumb had many connections to Emporia and both Xenias.

Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Bronson Chapel, 501 Pine Street, Bronson, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Robert “Bob” Howard, age 76, resident of rural Ft. Scott, KS, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, after his battle with cancer.

He was born in Ft. Scott on September 18, 1942. Bob joined the Navy in 1960. He married Judy Saker on March 7, 1964, in Ft. Scott. He was Sailor of the Year at the National Parachute Test Facility in El Centro, CA, and attended USC under a Naval program where he received a degree of Directorship for Motion Pictures. After 20 years of service he retired as a Chief Photographer from Combat Camera Westcoast.

Following his military service, he worked for 28 years as a Senior Service Tech for Noritsu America in Florida, the Caribbean, and Oklahoma. Both his military service and job with Noritsu took him to over 42 different countries. Upon retiring from Noritsu he returned to rural Ft. Scott.

Bob enjoyed playing softball, golf, cards, hunting, fishing, and any other competitive sport. He was a member of Mirza Shrine, Bourbon County Shrine Club and was a driver for Mirza’s Hospital Dads.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Judy, of the home; a daughter, Tracy Dahl, Park City, KS; a son, Brian Howard, Orlando, FL; grandchildren Chad Dahl, Wichita, KS, and Sydney Dahl, Valley Center, KS; great-grandson Landon Dahl, McPherson, KS; and sister-in-law, Monto Jo Saker, rural Ft. Scott.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Howard; mother, Mildred Logan Howard Miller; and younger brother William “Billy” Howard.

There was cremation.

The family will host a Celebration of Life from 4:00 until 6:00 PM Saturday, March 16^th, at the Carriage House, 301 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS.

Memorials are suggested to either Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Mirza’s Hospital Dads Transportation Fund, or Care to Share, 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.

Ronnie Renee Byrd Allen, age 36, a resident of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed Monday, March 11, 2019, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

She was born September 24, 1982, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Alonzo Byrd and Lenna McNamar Byrd. Ronnie attended Fort Scott Schools. She enjoyed singing and drawing and was known for her outgoing and charismatic personality.

Survivors include her three children, Brantley Prock, of Pittsburg, and Darious Prock and Zaria Byrd, both of Ft. Scott. Also surviving are two sisters, Sarah Allee and Jessica McComb and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alonzo Byrd and Lenna Bruce.

There was cremation. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.

Alice Jean Armstrong, 80, of Ft. Scott, died on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at the Medicalodge in Frontenac, KS.

Jean was born on August 22, 1938 at Hepler, KS to David and Ethel (Hardin) Huber. She graduated from Hepler High School in 1956 and attended Ozark Bible College in Joplin, MO.

She married Thomas Armstrong on April 26, 1958 in Hepler, KS. He preceded her in death on March 11, 1994.

She and Tom were charter members and helped to start Community Christian Church in 1972. She served many roles within the church, including youth leader, secretary, and pianist. She was a very gifted Bible teacher and mentored many over the years. She also loved to garden and tend to her flowers. Her favorite pastime, however, was to spend time with her family.

Survivors are sons Mike Armstrong and his wife Gina of Springdale, AR and David Armstrong and his wife Velva of Washington, MO; six grandchildren (Erin, Anna, Stacy, Heather, Abigail, Joel); seven great-grandchildren with one more on the way (Zoey, Bella, Peyton, Asher, Juniper, RJ, Owen); a sister-in-law, Bea Huber of Girard, KS; a brother-in-law, Ken Armstrong and his wife Sharon of Bartlesville, OK; many nieces and nephews and countless friends.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, brother Kenneth Huber, sister Dorothy Hanson and her husband Pete, sister Josephine Knopp and her husband Willis.

Rev. Mike Armstrong and Rev. David Armstrong will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM Monday, March 11^th, at the Community Christian Church.

Private family burial will take place in the Evergreen Cemetery later in the afternoon.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 PM Sunday at the Community Christian Church.

Memorials are suggested to either Wycliffe Bible Translators or Community Christian Church 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.

Ruth P. Sharp, age 89, of Fort Scott, KS, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at home at Guest Home Estates in Fort Scott.

She was born June 7, 1929, in Lamar, MO, the daughter of Troy and Nellie Taylor Fanning.

Ruth grew up on a farm in Lamar and worked in the fields with her brothers.

She married Bob Taylor on March 20, 1950. Bob preceded her in death on November 30, 1965. She married Robert K. (Jack) Sharp on September 3, 1966, who preceded her in death on February 27, 2008.

Ruth is survived by two children, Doris Taylor Hite (Jim) of Wichita, KS, and Kenneth R. Sharp (Dawnie, deceased) of Fort Scott; nine grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 19 great-great grandchildren, and two brothers, Raymond (Ruth) Fanning of Grandview, MO, and Carl (Linda) Fanning of Independence, MO.

Besides her husbands, she was preceded in death by two sisters, five brothers, and her parents.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Monday, March 11^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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

Loretta McLaughlin, 98, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away Monday morning, March 4, 2019 at the Pioneer Ridge Nursing Facility in Lawrence, Kansas.

She was born June 19, 1920, in Horton, Kansas, the daughter of Henry Joseph and Leona Theressa (Hillebrand) Gampper, Sr.

She married William Patrick McLaughlin June 12, 1950, in Horton, Kansas. He preceded her in death January 21, 1986.

Loretta was a homemaker, but at different times in her life she was also a riveter during WWII for the Boeing Corporation, and later an Avon Lady. She was a much-loved parishioner of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Fort Scott.

Loretta is survived by her son, Shawn William McLaughlin, of Wichita Falls, Texas; one brother, Fred Gampper of Frisco, Texas; a granddaughter, Stephanie Ziegler and husband Gary, of Lawrence, Kansas; three great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband William, Loretta was also preceded in death by a son, Patrick Eugene McLaughlin; a brother, Henry Joseph Gampper, Jr.; and a sister, Gertrude Louise Pillsbury.

Following cremation, Father Yancey Burgess will celebrate the Funeral Mass at10:00 a.m. Friday, March 29, 2019, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The Rosary will be at 9:00 a.m. prior to services at the church, and burial will follow at the Fort Scott National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic School and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Mary Elizabeth Lundberg, age 101, resident of Bronson, KS, died Monday, February 25, 2019, at Arrowood Lane, Humboldt, KS.

She was born August 31, 1917, in Redfield, KS, the daughter of Clarence Lee Harber and Lila May Quick Harber.

She attended Redfield School,  graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1936, then Fort Scott Junior College in 1938.

Elizabeth graduated from White’s Cosmetology in Wichita. She worked in Wichita until she bought a beauty salon in Bronson in 1940.

She married Thomas A. Lundberg on February 10, 1946. He preceded her in death in 1975. Elizabeth worked as a homemaker during the years of raising her two children. She then went to work at Moran Manor in the dietary department until retiring in 1988.

She was a member of the Bronson United Methodist Church, Eastern Star, and several clubs. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, community work and mowing the yard. Elizabeth also exercised twice a week and usually enjoyed going for coffee afterwards.

Survivors include a son, Thomas L. Lundberg and wife Janice, Wichita, KS; a daughter, Marcille Amburgey and husband Terry, Toronto, Canada; and two grandsons and a granddaughter, all of Toronto, Canada.

She was preceded in death by four siblings.

Rev. Jim Stigall will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Saturday, March 2^nd, at the Bronson United Methodist Church.

Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Bronson United Methodist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Bronson Chapel, P.O. Box 93, Bronson, KS 66716. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Patricia Ellen “Patty” Daniels, age 91, a former resident of Redfield, Kansas, and more recently of the Presbyterian Village in Ft. Scott, passed away early Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott.

She was born December 18, 1927, at the family home in Arcadia, Kansas, the daughter of Thomas Edward Potter and Edna Blanch Bradbury Potter. Patty grew up in Arcadia and graduated from the Arcadia High School. While in high school she played tennis and volleyball and also sang in the school choir. She was also a cheerleader.

Patty married Keith Daniels on April 3, 1946, at Iola, Kansas. Patty worked with Keith on their family farm. She also worked for J.C. Penney Co. for twenty-five years. In earlier years, she was a member of the Arcadia Christian Church. She later attended the Mt. Orum Baptist Church. She was also a past member of the Eastern Star and the EHU. She enjoyed going to garage sales and auctions.

Survivors include her four daughters, Linda Wilson and husband, Lafe, of Uniontown, Kansas; Peggy Hall, of Ft. Scott; Nancy Pruitt and husband, Roger, of Fulton, Kansas; and Jan Kraft and husband, David, of Gridley, Kansas; thirteen grandchildren, three step-grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter. Also surviving is a sister, Bonnie Ericson of Heber Springs, Arkansas and three sisters-in-law, Judy Flanigan, Micki Daniels, and Lila Marie Daniels.

Her husband, Keith, preceded her in death on December 1, 2007. She was also preceded in death by her son, David Daniels; her grandson, Michael Pruitt; five sisters and a brother.

Rev. Jeff Cokely will conduct funeral services at 2:00 P.M. Friday, March 1^st at the Mt. Orum Baptist Church south of Redfield.

Burial will follow in the Marion (Paint Creek) Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Orum Church or the Son Flower Ministries which is an educational ministry for the youth of Z`orange, Haiti 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.

Mary Elaine Allen, age 68, of Fort Scott, KS, passed away Monday, February 25, 2019, at Olathe Medical Center. She was born August 15, 1950, in Nevada, MO, the daughter of Alfred Leon and Betty Ruth (Anderson) Barker. She graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of ‘68 and attended Fort Scott Community College. She married Larry Lee Allen on February 2, 1969, in Fort Scott. They just celebrated their 50^th Anniversary.

Mary worked for USD 234 as a paraprofessional for over 37 years before retiring due to her health. She enjoyed working with the students and staff. Her love for her students was evident in all she did and her impact on her students was immeasurable. Mary believed that her job extended well beyond school hours, helping her students however she could. She was a member of Fort Scott Nazarene Church. She loved to bake and decorate sugar cookies, make wedding flowers and cater meals. Mary was a loving wife, mom and mema. Her kids and grandkids were so important to her and she rarely missed an event they were involved in. She was a big supporter of the Fort Scott Tigers. During the summers, she enjoyed volunteering at Cross Trails Cowboy Ministry Rodeo Bible Camp. Whether it was helping in the kitchen, talking to the kids or just watching the activities that were taking place, you would always find a smile on her face.

Survivors include her husband, Larry, Fort Scott; two sons: Jason Allen and wife Dana, Fort Scott; Jeff Allen and wife Tara, Fort Scott, and daughter, Darlinda Harris and husband Chuck, Hepler; nine grandchildren: Kolby and Karson Harris, Karlea Hyman and husband Zack, Gabrielle, Marissa, and Julia Allen, and Alaina, Parker, and Paxton Allen; two brothers: Melvin Barker and wife Marilyn, Raymond Barker and wife Marie, both of Fort Scott; and brother- in-law, Terry Allen and wife Donna of Rowlett, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon & Betty Barker; and in-laws, Edward & Leota Allen.

Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Thursday, February 28^th, at the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Cross Trails Cowboy Ministry Rodeo Bible Camp 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.