Lowell Alvin “Boss Hoss” Tarver, Jr.

PARSONS—Lowell Alvin “Boss Hoss” Tarver, Jr., 78, of Parsons, Kan., died Saturday, May 12, 2012, at Elmhaven West nursing home in Parsons.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, at Watson Memorial Church of God in Christ in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.

Memorials are suggested to Watson Memorial Church of God in Christ and may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.

Robert J. “Bob” Fredrickson

PARSONS—Robert J. “Bob” Fredrickson, 63, of Parsons, Kan., died Monday, May 14, 2012, at Labette Health in Parsons.

The funeral liturgy will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kan., where friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Leavenworth. Porter Funeral Home & Crematory, Kansas City, Kan., is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the activity fund at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center.

Online condolences can be left at www.porterfuneralhome.com.

Glenn Francis Hayden, Jr.

COFFEYVILLE—Glenn Francis Hayden, Jr., 65, of Coffeyville, Kan., passed away Wednesday May 9, 2012, at his home.

The time of the Memorial Service Celebrating Glenn’s life has been changed to 2 p.m., Monday, May 14, at the Lake Creek Cemetery, west of Bartlett, with Rev. Daniel Knight officiating.

The family suggests memorials to the Coffeyville City Recreation, or the Boys and Girls Club; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.

Ladonna Rae Scott

TULSA—Ladonna Rae Scott, 78, of Tulsa, Okla., a former Parsons, Kan., area resident, died at 8:50 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, 2012, in the St. John’s Medical Center emergency room in Tulsa.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Gerald Stalford.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, at Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Hazel G. Foster

PARSONS—Hazel G. Foster, 86, of Parsons, Kan., died Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at the Presbyterian Manor in Parsons.

Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m., Monday, at Fort Scott National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Friday, at Carson-Wall Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to First Assembly of God Church or to Hospice Care of Kansas and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Dorothy I. Jungles

PARSONS—Dorothy I. Jungles, 93, of Parsons, Kan., formerly of rural Dennis, Kan., died Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at Elmhaven West nursing home in Parsons.

The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. The rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m., Friday, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons, where the family will receive friends immediately following the rosary.

Memorials are suggested to St. Vincent DePaul Society or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.

Patricia Ann Hatch

PARSONS—Patricia Ann Hatch, 52, of Parsons, Kan., died Monday, May 7, 2012, at her home.

Following cremation, the service will be at 1 p.m., Friday, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to help defray funeral expenses and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.

Mary Jane Houston

CHETOPA—Mary Jane Houston, 74, of Chetopa, Kan., died at 6:36 p.m., Monday, May 7, 2012, at Labette Health in Parsons.

Following cremation, graveside memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, May 14, at Lake Creek Cemetery near Bartlett.

Memorials are suggested to the Mary Jane Houston Scholarship Fund. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.

Mary Jane was born June 14, 1937, in Kansas City, Mo., to Henry Glenn and Ruth (Durbin) Topping. As an infant, she moved with her family to Hallowell, Kan., where she attended grade school.  She was a 1955 graduate of Columbus High School and a 1958 graduate of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Okla.

For a time, she worked in Little Rock, Ark., and later at Charles F. Curry in Oswego until October of 1959.  Through the years, she also worked at White’s Tax Service and sold insurance as an independent agent.  In December of 1983, she began her own business, Houston and Associates Tax Service and Bookkeeping.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Chetopa and a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star where she also served as a district aide for a number of years.  She was also a member of the Chetopa Chamber of Commerce and a past member and active supporter of 4-H.

On July 3, 1958, she and Clyde Houston were married in Oswego.  He preceded her in death Nov. 12, 1983.

Survivors include one son, Richard L. Houston, Bartlett, Kan.; and three grandchildren, William, Kaylee and Tyler Houston.

Kimberlea Joann “Kim” (Thomas) Dantic Davis

COLUMBUS—Kimberlea Joann “Kim” (Thomas) Dantic Davis, 48, of rural Columbus, Kan., died at 12:41 a.m., Monday, May 7, 2012, at Medicalodges Columbus.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, May 11, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa. Burial will be in Lake Creek Cemetery near Bartlett. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Susan G. Komen Foundation. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.

Kim was born June 25, 1963, in Oswego, Kan., to Bill and Sharon (Wilson) Thomas. She grew up and attended school in Chetopa.

Through the years she was employed at various companies including Glen Berry Manufacturing in Oswego from 1983-1990; Ace Electric in Columbus from 1991-1999; Doane Pet Care in Galena from 1999-2002; and Bagcraft in Baxter Springs from 2002 until she was forced to retire in 2004 due to illness.

She had attended the Community Bible Church in Chetopa and the Assembly of God in Columbus, and had served as vice-president of the ladies group at the Community Bible Church. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, knitting and crocheting.

Kim and DeWayne Dantic were married June 29, 1980. They later divorced. She and Tom Davis were married Nov. 23, 2001. He survives of the home.

Additional survivors include two sons, Daniel Dantic,  Faulkner, Kan.; and Zach Davis, of the home; one daughter, Tara Dantic, Quapaw, Okla.; one stepson, Judson Davis, Hallowell, Kan.; three stepdaughters, Tonya Davis, Hallowell; Kacey Estrada, Columbus; and Megan Davis, Hallowell; 11 grandchildren; parents, Bill and Sharon Thomas, Welch, Okla.; one brother, Victor Thomas, Norfolk, Va.; and two sisters, Ranita Thomas, Welch, Okla.; and Bonna Bayliss, Joplin, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Clayton D. James

LABETTE CITY—Clayton D. James, 2 year old son of George James, Jr., and Michelle James, of Labette City, Kan., died Saturday, May 5, 2012.

Services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, at Derfelt Funeral Home, Oswego, Kan. Burial will be in Labette City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home.

Letha Pearl Willson

PARSONS—Letha Pearl Willson, 90, of Parsons, Kan., died Friday May 4, 2012, at Parsons Good Samaritan Society.

The service will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, at Good Samaritan Society. Burial will be in East Bethany Cemetery. Friends may call at Carson-Wall Funeral Home at their convenience.

Memorials are suggested to the Parsons Good Samaritan Society’s activity fund and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Nadine L. Hamsher

PARSONS—Nadine L. Hamsher, 92, a longtime Parsons, Kan., resident, died Thursday, May 3, 2012, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Okla., where she entered on Wednesday, April 25.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Monday, at Carson-Wall Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Friends may also call from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to either the Parsons Senior Center or Church of the Brethren and may be left at or sent to the funeral home at Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences can be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Marjorie F. Rogers

PARSONS—Marjorie F. Rogers, 84, a resident of the Parsons Presbyterian Manor, Parsons, Kan., died there Friday, May 4, 2012. She had been in failing health the past several years.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Monday, at Carson-Wall Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Parsons Presbyterian Manor Good Samaritan Fund and may be left at the funeral home or mailed to P. O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Jessie C. Kepford

CHETOPA—Jessie C. Kepford, 90, lifelong resident of Chetopa,  Kan., died at 12:05 a.m., Thursday, May 3, 2012, at Webb City Health and Rehabilitation Center in Webb City, Mo.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 8, at the First Baptist Church in Chetopa. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time at the church on Tuesday.

Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church in Chetopa.  These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.

Jessie was born Nov. 14, 1921, in Chetopa, Kan., to George W. and Bertha Alice (Turnbough) Kepford. As a young boy, he grew up and attended school in Chetopa. During World War II he served in the United States Army.

Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Chetopa where he worked for a time at the power plant. He then began his career as a postal clerk until retiring in 1972. After retirement, he worked at Huntsman, Inc., in Chetopa and later as a custodian for Chetopa Schools.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Chetopa and had served as Chetopa City Councilman and also on the Chetopa Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and tinkering in his shop.  Through the years, he especially enjoyed spending time with his family and being involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s activities.

On Nov. 21, 1948, he and Alma Louise Riley were married  in Oswego, Kan. She survives of the home.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Dennis Kepford and wife Nancy, Chetopa; two daughters, Debbie Diehl and husband Donnie, Rich Hill, Mo.; and Brenda G. Myers , Carl Junction, Mo.; five grandchildren, Kimberly Garvin and husband Eric; Kenyon Diehl and wife Michelle; Kelsey Chewning and husband Travis; Megan Garcia and husband Angel; and Alysha Coon and husband Mike; six great-grandchildren, Tristin and Page Garvin; Caleb, Jocelyn and Demitry Diehl; Sophie Chewning; and one great-great-grandson, Riley Gibson Coon, on the way; two step-great-grandchildren, Dalynn and Deanna Coon

He was preceded in death by six brothers and four sisters.

Norma Jean Fleming

SALINA—Norma Jean Fleming, 78, formerly of Salina, Kan., and Altamont, Kan., passed away Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the Guest Home Estates in Caney, Kan., where she had resided the past two years.

A memorial service will be held on May 18, at 2 p.m. at the Parsons Funeral Home in Ellsworth, Kan.The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to the Guest Home Estates in Caney; these may be left with the funeral home.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelCoffeyville.com.

Norma was born on Nov. 7, 1933, in Spearville, Kan., to Fred and Marie (Webb) Mantz. Norma grew up on a farm in Kanopolis, Kan. She went to school in Ellsworth, Kan., where she received her high school diploma. She went on to attend classes at Kansas State University.

On Aug. 23, 1952, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Edward L. Fleming, in Kanopolis. The couple lived in various places over the years for Edward’s career in the Soil Conservation Service. In 1975, they lived in Altamont until the couple settled in Salina in 1984 to enjoy retirement. Norma spent her time as a homemaker, caring for the home and the family.

Norma was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Salina where she enjoyed Sunday School, Bible Study and other church gatherings. She also volunteered at the Salina Regional Hospital. Norma enjoyed collecting bells and most of all enjoyed the time with her family and grandchildren.

Surviving to honor her memory is her loving husband, Edward, of the home; children, Connie Veteto and husband Mike, Bartlesville, Okla.; Jeanine Cooper and husband Kenneth, rural Edna, Kan.; Gary Fleming and wife Kerri, Bartlesville, Okla.; Suzann Fleming and husband Marty Heaton, Salina; sister, Beverly Brown and husband Bob, Salina; and seven wonderful grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Marie.

VINITA, Okla.—D. Gene “Red” O’Connor, 82, of Vinita, Okla., formerly of Welch, Okla., died Saturday, April 28, 2012, at St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa, Okla., after an illness.

Services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 2, at the Thomas Funeral Home, Welch, Okla. with Minister Brad Canham will officiate. Family will serve as pallbearers.

Interment will be at Williams Timberhill Cemetery, East of Welch, Okla.

Services are under the direction of Jim Thomas, Thomas Funeral Home, Welch, Okla.

PARSONS – Two individuals pled guilty today to charges of Medicaid fraud and were ordered to repay nearly $30,000, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.

Robert Hicks, age 37, of Independence, pled guilty to three counts of unlawful acts relating to the Medicaid program, six counts of making false information, three counts of theft and three counts of conspiracy to commit forgery. All the charges were felonies. As part of his plea, Hicks will serve 60 days in jail and pay restitution of $13,061.16 to the Kansas Medicaid Program.

Jessica Hodge, age 27, of Des Moines, Iowa, pled guilty to six counts of making false information, two counts of theft, and four counts of conspiracy to make a false claim to the Medicaid program. All of these charges were also felonies. Hodge’s plea agreement requires her to repay $15,932.88 to the Kansas Medicaid Program.

The pleas were accepted by Judge Robert J. Fleming in Labette County District Court. Assistant Attorney General Amanda Voth of Schmidt’s office is prosecuting the case.

The charges stemmed from an investigation into home health care billings by several employees and independent care attendants who used Southeast Kansas Independent Living Center (SKIL) as their payroll agent. Hicks and Hodge submitted claims as personal care attendants for Medicaid beneficiaries, but never provided services.

Charges against eight other individuals involved in the investigation are still pending.

COFFEYVILLE — A shooting at the Kennedy Sweeper and Sewing Center at 902 W. Eighth in Coffeyville Monday morning has left one person dead.

Commander Danny Grigg of the Coffeyville Police Department said law enforcement officers were called to the store shortly before 9 a.m., where a store manager indicated he had shot Terrence DeShawn Clark, age 23, of Coffeyville while Clark was attempting an armed robbery of the business. Clark was unresponsive when law enforcement arrived. He was later pronounced dead at the scene by the assistant county coroner.

The incident remains under investigation.

The Coffeyville Police Department officers had the intersection of Eighth and Central, which is one block east of Roosevelt Middle School and Field Kindley High School, roped off as they conducted an investigation into the shooting. More than two dozen members of the Clark family gathered in the parking lot of a car wash south of Kennedy Sweeper and Sewing Center as they awaited for official word from police regarding the shooting.

John Pat Carter

CHERRYVALE — John Pat Carter, age 77, of Cherryvale died Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Mercy Hospital in Independence.

Celebration of Life Graveside Services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 9, at the Fairview Cemetery in Cherryvale with John White officiating under the direction of the Potts Chapel in Cherryvale.

Visitation hours will be held from noon to 8  p.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2012 with the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Potts Chapel in Cherryvale.

Linda Gail Pendergrass

INDEPENDENCE — Linda Gail Pendergrass, age 43, of Independence, Kansas died Monday, April 30, 2012 in Independence.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Potts Chapel in Independence. Cremation will follow under the direction of the Potts Chapel in Independence. Memorial Services will also be held at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, May 5, at Stoney B’s at 2021 W. Main, Independence.

Janice E. Prosser

INDEPENDENCE — Janice E. Prosser, age 60, of Independence died Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at the Regal Estate in Independence where she resided.

A Celebration of Life Service was held at 11 0 a.m., Monday, May 7, at Potts Chapel in Independence.  Interment will follow at the Liberty Cemetery in Liberty under the direction of the Potts Chapel in Independence.

Friends may also sign the online register book at www.pottsfuneralhome.com.

Alice L. Melugin

INDEPENDENCE — Alice L. Melugin, age 79, of Independence died Wednesday evening, May 2, 2012, at Mercy Hospital.

Funeral services were held Friday, May 4, at the Berean Christian Mission with the Rev. Ben Mosley, Jr., pastor officiating.  Interment was at Mount Hope Cemtery.

Penwell-Gabel Webb & Rodrick Chapel of Independence handled arrangements.

Shirley M. Garner

COFFEYVILLE — Shirley M. Garner, age 81, of Coffeyville died Friday, May 4, 2012 at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center in Coffeyville.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, at Penwell-Gabel Webb and Rodrick Chapel with Pastor Willie Jones of Grace Memorial United Methodist Church officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time on Wednesday at the Chapel burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelIndependence.com.

Morris’ last day on the job in City Hall will be June 1. His resignation was accepted unanimously yet reluctantly by the city commission.

Following the commission’s acceptance of Morris’ resignation, commissioners started a brief discussion about naming a possible interim city manager and the process to locate a new full-time manager. However, Mayor David George recused himself from the meeting at that point, saying that he intended to be a candidate for city manager. George than left the commission chambers and handed the gavel over to Horn, who serves as the vice mayor.

Commissioners have two meetings in May in which to select an interim city manager and seek the assistance of a trade association in conducting a search for a new city manager.

More details of this story will be printed in the May 3 edition of the Montgomery County Chronicle.

A woman was found dead early Monday morning, hours after the vehicle she was driving was swept off a county road south of Independence due to flash flooding.

Sheriff Robert Dierks said the body of the woman was found early Monday after flood waters started to receded in an area near county roads 3600 and 3900 near the former Stairs Market south of Independence.  The body was transported to Kansas City for a post-mortem examination. The name of the woman is not being released until notification of family members.

Dierks said law enforcement and other emergency crews were notified shortly after 10:15 p.m., Sunday of the woman whose car had hydroplaned on county road 3900. The vehicle went off the road and into a creek near a bridge.

The woman made contact by voice mail to a friend asking for help, Dierks said. That friend, in turn, called the sheriff’s department for further assistance. Law enforcement personnel searched the roadways near county road 3900 throughout the night and into the early morning hours but could not locate the vehicle due to the flash flooding that was occurring in Montgomery County. Only after waters began to receded early Monday did law enforcement find the vehicle; the body of the woman was about one-quarter mile away from the vehicle, he said.

Brenda K. Hull

ALTOONA—Brenda K. Hull, 71, of Altoona, Kan., died Thursday, April 19, 2012, at her daughter’s home in Tulsa, Okla.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 23, at the Church of God in Fredonia. Burial was in Altoona Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials to the Church of God and they may be sent to Timmons Funeral Home of Fredonia.

Online condolences may be left at www.timmonsfuneralhome.com.

Martha Lou Headley

CHERRYVALE—Martha Lou Headley, 93, of Cherryvale, Kan., died Friday, April 20, 2012, at the Cherryvale Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

A celebration of life service was Monday, April 23, at Potts Chapel in Cherryvale.  Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery at Cherryvale.

The family has suggested memorials to the Cherryvale Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and they may be left at the funeral home.

Norma Jean Fleming

CANEY—Norma Jean Fleming, 78, formerly of Salina, Kan., and Altamont, Kan., passed away Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the Guest Home Estates in Caney, Kan., where she had resided the past two years.

A memorial service will be held at a later date by the family in Ellsworth, Kan.

The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to the Guest Home Estates. These may be left with or mailed to the Penwell-Gabel-Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland, Coffeyville, KS 67337.

Gerda Geraldine Stillwell

OSWEGO—Gerda Geraldine Stillwell, 85, of Oswego, Kan., died Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at Chetopa Manor Nursing Home in Chetopa, Kan., following a lengthy illness.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, April 23, at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha, Neb., under the direction of Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the Nebraska Humane Society. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

An invitation is extended to join the family after services for a light lunch and refreshments at the home of Vicki Neu, 6902 Pinkney Street, in Omaha.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.

Anthony “Tony” A. Oplotnik, Jr.

BAXTER SPRINGS—Anthony “Tony” A. Oplotnik, Jr., 69, of Baxter Springs, Kan., died suddenly at his home, Thursday, April 19, 2012.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 21, at Derfelt Funeral Home of Columbus. Pastor C.C. Craig will officiate. Burial will follow in the Edgmand Cemetery.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhome.com.

Alice Ann Hornung

OSWEGO—Alice Ann Hornung, 71, of Oswego, Kan., passed away  Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at her home. She had been in declining health, however death was not expected at this time.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 20, from 4:30 to 6:30, followed immediately by a memorial service at the Derfelt Funeral Home in Oswego. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left for the Beta Sigma Phi Oswego scholarship fund in care of the Derfelt Funeral Home in Oswego.

Alice was born in Diamond, Mo., on April 2, 1941.

She married the love of her live, Ted, in Parsons, Kan., on Jan. 28, 1967. Together, they raised three children. She was an Army wife until Ted’s retirement in 1981. She held down the fort at home during her husband’s combat tours and additional deployments.

Alice worked at the Oswego Labette Bank (formerly named American State Bank) from 1981 until her retirement in 2009. She began as an administrative assistant and worked her way up to a vice-president position. Along the way, she obtained an associates degree in business from Labette Community College.

Her bank customers were like family to her. Many of the bank’s customers asked specifically for Alice at the bank. She would often joke to her family that elderly people and dogs loved her. Her family believes that was one of many indicators that she was a good soul.

Over the years, Alice was active in the Oswego community. She served as a school board member, city treasurer, Chamber of Commerce member, library board member, Labette County Correctional Camp board member, and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, VFW ladies auxiliary and the Oswego Rotary.  She helped with the organization of many Oswegofests and she and her husband played the roles of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus for a number of years at the Oswego Christmas parades.

Alice Ann is survived by her devoted husband, Ted, of Oswego; her parents, Eva and Wyman Westervelt, Hallowell, Kan.; son, Kevin Hornung and wife Debbie, Topeka, Kan.; daughter, Stephanie Snyder and husband Steve, Kalona, Iowa; daughter , Shelley King and husband Don, Lawrence, Kan. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Emily, Morgan and Caitlan Hornung; Jeremy, Joseph and Joshua Snyder; Jonathan and Michael King; and one great-grandchild, Carter Michael Hansen.

She is also survived by her brothers, Roger Ballentine and wife Kay, Rowlett, Texas; and Chris Westervelt and wife Debbie, Oronogo, Mo.; as well as a large extended family and many dear friends.

Isaiah Neel

CHETOPA—Isaiah Neel, infant son of William “Bill” Neel and Wendy (George) Russell of Chetopa, Kan., died Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at the Via Christi St. Joseph Campus in Wichita, Kan.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 20, at Sherman Cemetery under the direction of Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.

Nicolasa Sanchez

PARSONS—Nicolasa Sanchez, 82, of Parsons died Sunday, April 15, 2012, at her residence.
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m., Friday, at Carson-Wall Funeral Home. Inurnment will at a later date in El Salvador.

Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Janice Eichhorn Read James

CANBY, Ore.—Janice Eichhorn Read James, 87, of Canby, Ore.,  passed away in her home, Thursday evening, April 12, 2012.

Services were held at Claybar Funeral Home in Beaumont, Texas. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Greensburg, Kan.

Janice was born July 29, 1924, to Fred F. Eichhorn and Mildred (Steward) Eichhorn at the Eichhorn Farm, Labette County, Ka

Mrs. James graduated from LCCHS (Labette County Community High School) and attended one year of junior college in Parsons, Kan. She worked for a time during WWII at North American Bomber Plant in Kansas City.
She married Arden E. Read on Nov. 28, 1943. He was a mortician/funeral director who died April 10, 1954, in York, Neb. To that union was born a girl and four boys who survive.

She moved back to Kansas to live with her parents and built a home in Altamont, Kan. She worked for a time at Berry Garment Co., in Oswego, Kan., then as City Clerk of Altamont for 17 years.  In 1972, she moved to Greensburg, Kan., to be City Clerk. She resigned when she married Robert L. James in 1974.

In 1983, she returned to work at the Kiowa County Courthouse in the Registrar of Deeds office and later transferred to the County Clerks office. She retired in 1995.

Bob and Janice James moved to Beaumont, Texas, in 2001 and he died on Sept. 12. 2004. After his death, she moved to Wauconda, Ill., then to Newburgh, Ind., and finally to Canby, Ore. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Greensburg, Kan., and was a certified city clerk of Kansas.

For many years, she had a small business “Janice’s Paper Pieces” and she quilled wedding invitations. She also helped her husband in their “Hi-Vue, Inc.” satellite business in Pratt, Kan.

Those surviving are Terry and Becky Bradfield (daughter) of Molalla, Ore.; and sons, Dr. Arden E. Read, Beaumont, Texas; Mr. and Mrs. Michael Read, Lebanon, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Read, Bristol, Va.; and Dr. and Mrs. Ronn Read, Wauconda, Ill.; and stepsons, Drs. Jeff and Penny James, Newburgh, Ind.; Mr. and Mrs. John James, Enid, Okla.; and Dr. and Mrs. Jim James, Eaton, Colo.; 23 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Kathleen Freeman, Bartlesville, Okla.

Janice was a strong, Christian woman and an amazing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Kathryn M. “Kay” Alford

CHETOPA—Kathryn M. “Kay” Alford, 84, of Chetopa, Kan., died Saturday, April 14, 2012, at Chetopa Manor Nursing Home.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 18, at the Wichita Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

Memorials are suggested to The Rotary Foundation to help in the fight of polio. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.

Kenneth E. Armstrong

CHETOPA—Kenneth E. Armstrong, 73, of Chetopa, Kan., died Friday, April 13, 2012. at the Chetopa Manor.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 18, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. till 11 a.m., Wednesday, prior to the service.

Memorials contributions are suggested to the St. Paul United Methodist Church. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.

Esther Rea

COFFEYVILLE—Esther Rea, 83, of Coffeyville, Kan., passed away Thursday, April 5, 2012, at home.

Services will be at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 11, at the Church of Christ with Minister Steven Wick officiating. Burial will follow at Harmony Grove Cemetery south of Dennis, Kan.

Friends may call on Tuesday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Church of Christ at West 11th and Siggins Streets in Coffeyville.

The family suggests memorials to the Church of Christ, American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. Contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 N. Cline Rd., Coffeyville, KS 67337.

To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com.

David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.Esther was born Sept. 3, 1928, at rural Edna, Kan., to Darrell and Myrtle (Schenck) Beason.Esther grew up in the rural Edna and Dennis area where she attended school, graduating from Dennis High School in May 1946.

On March 25, 1948, she married Loren Rea at Oswego, Kan. Following their marriage, they made their home in Parsons. In 1962, they moved to Coffeyville, where she worked at Royal Master Dry Cleaners and Sunflower Dry Cleaners. She also did alterations and enjoyed babysitting.

Esther enjoyed record keeping, sewing for people, scrapbooking, attending family reunions, planting and making family albums. She was a member of the Church of Christ.

She is survived by one daughter, Marilyn Horner and husband Jim, Coffeyville; three sons, David Rea and wife Lisa, Rose Hill, Kan.; Ivan Rea and wife Kerri, Joplin, Mo.; and Daniel Rea, Coffeyville; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Alice Leora Lee

PARSONS—Alice Leora Lee, 71, of rural Parsons, Kan., died Thursday, April 5, 2012, in the Emergency Room at Labette Health in Parsons.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 11,  at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will be in Ft. Scott National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.

Donald Rex ‘Pop’ Denney

CHETOPA—Donald Rex “Pop” Denney, 68, of rural Chetopa, Kan., died Thursday, April 5, 2012, at his home. He had been in failing health.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery at Parsons.  The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home in Parsons.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the Southern Care Hospice. These may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.

Carolyn Kay Browne

PARSONS—Carolyn Kay Browne, 68, of Parsons, Kan., died Friday, April 6, 2012, at her home. She had been in failing health.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, April 13, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 6 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and these may be left at or mailed to the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, 405 Main St., Parsons, KS 67357.

Online condolences may be left at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home website at www.forbeshoffman.com.

Vincent Trotnic

PARSONS—Vincent Trotnic, 91, of Parsons, Kan., died Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at his home.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m., Sunday, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.

Charlotte (Carpenter) Seifert

PARSONS—Charlotte Seifert, 87, of Parsons, Kan., died Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at her home. Her death was unexpected.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, at First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at Carson-Wall Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorials to either First Presbyterian Church or the Parsons Area Community Foundation. These may be left at or sent to the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Charlotte and her twin sister were born Nov. 25, 1924, in Oswego to Carroll and Cleo (Campbell) Carpenter. She graduated from Oswego High School in 1942. Her father, and later her brother, Robert Carpenter, operated the Oswego Democrat newspaper for many years. Her father also served as Oswego postmaster and, after his death, her mother briefly served in the same capacity. Years later, her brother also served as postmaster.

Charlotte attended Pittsburg State University three years and later graduated from Kansas State University in Manhattan. She and her twin sister, Christine, then taught at the Winfield High School for several years.

On June 16, 1951, she married Earl V. Seifert at the First Presbyterian Church in Oswego. After their marriage, they made their home in Parsons. Earl preceded her in death on Jan. 14, 2007.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Parsons and of Chapter BS, P.E.O. In 2011 she was honored as a 50-year “Golden Girl” member of P.E.O. In the 1980s, she renewed her teaching certificate by attending Pittsburg State University and substituted in Parsons schools several years.

Survivors include two sons, Don Seifert and wife Janet, Olathe; and Keith Seifert and wife Mary, Louisville, Colo.; a daughter, Cindy Kuhn and husband Dan, Bridgeton, Mo.; six grandchildren, Matthew Seifert and wife Penny, Jason Seifert, Jack Seifert, Sarah Jane Seifert, Ethan Kuhn and Elissa Kuhn; and two brothers-in-law, Virgil Sunquist, Bella Vista, Ark.; and Donald Seifert, Leawood.

She was preceded in death by her twin sister, Christine Sunquist; and her brother, Robert Carpenter.

Mesa Leigh Rupert

CHETOPA—Mesa Leigh Rupert, 35, of Chetopa, Kan., died at 2:55 a.m., Saturday, March 31, 2012, at the Chetopa Manor, following a courageous six year battle with cancer.

The Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 4, at a location to be announced, under the direction of the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa. Burial of the cremains will take place later at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hope Lodge of Kansas City, Mo. These may be left at or mailed to the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, 605 Locust, Chetopa, Kansas 67336.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.

Mesa was born on April 15, 1976, in Coffeyville, Kan., to James “Jim” and Paulette (Polk) Ekhoff. She grew up in Edna and later moved with her family to Chetopa when she was in the seventh grade. She graduated from Labette County High School in 1994. She had attended Coffeyville Community College and Labette Community College.

She later worked at the Buckboard Restaurant and Ace. She enjoyed chasing storms.

During Mesa’s six year battle with cancer, her children were her passion for life. She also had a goal of helping others who were suffering with cancer. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Chetopa and also participated in the Relay For Life.

She and Dustin L. “Dusty” Rupert were married on March 17, 2002, in Miami, Okla. He survives of the home.

Additional survivors include one son, Hunter Wayne Rupert, of the home; one daughter, Kaiman Leigh Rupert, of the home; mother, Paulette Wolfe, Chetopa; father and stepmother, Jim and Judy Ekhoff, Coffeyville, Kan.; two brothers, Cale Gabriel Ekhoff, Hawaii; Micah Dale Ekhoff, Chetopa; one stepsister, Keely Patrick, Carrolton, Texas; paternal grandmother, Doris Ekhoff, Oswego, Kan.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Carl Ekhoff, and maternal grandparents, Dale and Maxine Polk.

Bessie Alice Smith

FREDONIA—Bessie Alice Smith, 85, of Fredonia, Kan. died Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 2 p.m., at the First Christian Church in Fredonia with Pastor Milo Steffen officiating. Burial will follow at the Fredonia City Cemetery. Friends may sign the register book on Tuesday, April 3, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorials have been suggested to either the First Christian Church of Fredonia or the Fredonia Flag Fund and may be left with the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.

Services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS  66736.

Bessie was born on May 15, 1926, in Chetopa, Kan., the daughter of Robert Glen and Quintillis (White) Carter–Richmire. Bessie graduated from Chetopa High School. She then attended Coffeyville Community College and then went on to Pittsburg State, where she got her teaching degree.

On Aug. 4, 1946, Bessie married George W. Smith in Chetopa.  Bessie and George were married for 63 years until his death on May 7, 2010.

Bessie was a member of the First Christian Church in Fredonia.  She was active with the D.A.R. and the Tuesday Study Club. She enjoyed reading and doing genealogy. Most of all, Bessie enjoyed her friends and family.

Bessie is survived by a son, Ronald Smith and wife Anita, Fredonia; a daughter, Kathleen Austin and husband Mike, Carthage, Mo.; a brother, Robert Carter and wife Wilma, Chetopa; grandchildren, Scott Smith and wife Darcy, Ft. Scott, Kan.; Shawn Smith and wife Amy, Lenexa, Kan.; Michael Walters, Pittsburg, Kan.; Julie and Josh Simmons, Alba, Mo.; Amanda Campbell, Carthage, Mo.; Kristy Campbell, Joplin, Mo.; Matthew Walters and Loree of Pittsburg, Kan.; Justin and wife Cherie, Austin; and Michelle and husband Nathan Wilson, Monett, Mo.; and 16 great -grandchildren.

Bessie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George; and sister, Leona Wright.

Maxine Rose Moore

PARSONS—Maxine Rose Moore, 91, of Parsons, Kan., died at 1:36 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at Elmhaven East nursing home.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, at Carson-Wall Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Operation Bright Touch and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Eugene “Gene” Smith

PARSONS—Eugene “Gene” Smith, 71, of Parsons, Kan., died Friday, March 30, 2012, at the Good Samaritan Center in Parsons.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 2, at Springhill Cemetery under the direction of Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.

Bobby Joe Delcour

CHETOPA—Bobby Joe Delcour, 75, of Chetopa, Kan., died Saturday, March 31, 2012, in Joplin, Mo.

The service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, at the Paul Thomas Funeral Home in Miami, Okla. Burial will be in the Greenlawn Cemetery at Treece. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, at the Paul Thomas Funeral Home in Miami, Okla.

Vernon Quinzy, Sr.

PARSONS—Vernon Quinzy, Sr., 83, of Parsons, Kan., died Sunday, April 1, 2012, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer.

The service will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. These may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.

Dierks said the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department has been working for weeks on a series of burglaries and other crimes in the Montgomery County area and that this investigation has so far solved five burglaries and an incident where a house was shot up in rural Montgomery County.

Dierks stated that the investigation has also solved a burglary inside of Independence and one in Thayer, all allegedly by the same group of individuals.

Arrested were Casey Lee Ainesworth, age 18;  Blaine Anthony Hale, age 18; Billy Ray Foster Hamilton, age 19; and Shawn King, age 18, all of Independence. Two juvenile male subjects, also of Independence, were arrested relating to these crimes.

Dierks also indicated that at least four arrests are still expected.  The recommended charges for these individuals will be burglary, theft and criminal damage.

Included in the cases cleared by this investigation were several burglaries at the Jump Start South convenience store near the Independence Community College campus as well as the convenience store in Thayer and several residential burglaries.

“My officers have put in many hours and a lot of work on this investigation and I’m really proud of what they have accomplished,” said Dierks. “We have been working with Neosho County and the Independence Police Department for the cases within their jurisdiction and we are extremely pleased that this group has been shut down and will be held accountable for their crime spree.”

These burglaries have spanned from June 2011 until a few weeks ago, he said.

• Caney resident featured on cover of “Bartlesville” magazine

• Tree dedication ceremony planned at Caney’s Wark Memorial Park

• Tyro store to hold Cowboy Community Round-Up

• Red kangaroos are newest inhabitants of Caney zoo

• Caney’s new community center nears completion; street to be named in honor of benefactor

• Revenue crunch forces reduction in contribution to Caney Mayfest

• Cherryvale postmaster to assume oath of office

• Cherry Blossom Festival Talent Show to include $500 cash prize

• Cherryvale FFA Alumni Association consignment auction set for Saturday

• Cherryvale High School choir qualifies for state contest

• Cherryvale to pursue condemnation of five properties; city employees to receive 3% pay hike

• Independence corn grower wins national yield contest

• Beef Cattle and Forage Crops Field Day to be held in Mound Valley on May 3

• Coffeyville Community College OKs slight tuition hike

• Field Kindley to send Soundwave choirs, four soloists to state contest

• Mary Campbell named CRMC Volunteer of the Year

• CCC hosts national agriculture judging contest

• FKHS forensics program to host national qualifying tournament this week

• Standard and Poor gives City of Coffeyville an “A” rating

• Lots and lots and lots of spring sports information

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