Obituaries

Susanne Martin Burks, a 1948 Nevada High School graduate, died on June 15, at age 87, in Parkland, Fla. Her son, Dr. Randy Burks of Parkland, Fla.; daughter, Julie Forbes of Tucson, Ariz.; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild survive her. She was preceded in death by her mother, Madalyn Ewing Martin; and step-father, Dr. Forrest L. Martin, of Nevada; and by her husband of 56 years, William F. “Bill” Burks, also a 1948 graduate...

Fern Elizabeth Watts, 93, Nevada, passed from this life on June 23, at Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada. Fern was born Sept. 3, 1923, in Rushmore, Minn., to Daniel I. and Jeanetta Rose (Druger) VanHorsen. On Nov. 7, 1942, she married Cletus Gale Watts in Worthington, Minn., and he preceded her in death in March of 2000...

Robert Gene Lawson, 59, Sheldon, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, at his home in Sheldon. Robert was born May 30, 1958, in Clinton, to Cleo and Diana (Bybee) Lawson. Robert was raised in Clinton and attended school there. He was a member of The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Boilermakers Local No. ...

Eula “Faye” Hester, 96, Nevada, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, at Barone Alzheimer’s Care Center in Nevada. Faye was born July 22, 1920, in Nevada to Watson Henry and Lettie Mae (Hunter) Shumaker. She was united in marriage to Daniel “Pete” Hester and he preceded her in death...

Brittany Nicole Henderson, 25, Nevada, died Saturday, June 17, at her home in Nevada. Brittany was born to Donald and Marsha Burris on June 23, 1991, in El Dorado Springs. Brittany met Bradley Henderson and they were married May 12, 2015. Survivors include her husband Brad; one son, Dewey Foster, Jr.; one daughter, Gabrielle Foster; one stepdaughter, Delilah Henderson; one stepson, Nick Henderson; one sister, Kayla Burris; two nieces; one nephew; her maternal grandmother, Delera Vinson; many aunts, uncles and cousins.. ...

Robert Gene Lawson, 59, Sheldon, died Tuesday, June 20, at his home in Sheldon. Robert was born May 30, 1958, in Clinton, Mo., to Cleo and Diana (Bibee) Lawson. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Jerod Lamb officiating. Interment will follow in Moore Cemetery, Nevada. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home...

Larry Dean Heitz, age 73, resident of Bronaugh, Mo., died Saturday, June 17, at his home. He was born Sept. 12, 1943, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of John and Juanita Copeland Heitz. He graduated from Bronaugh High School with the class of 1962. He served in the U.S. ...

Betty Lou Smith, 84, Nevada, died Sunday, June 18, at her home in Nevada. Betty was born Nov. 26, 1932, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Adelbert H. and Leona (Eastman) Fields. On May 14, 1983, she was united in marriage to William F. Smith in Las Vegas, Nev., and he preceded her in death...

Edward Lee Hallam, 36, Nevada, passed from this life on Wednesday, June 14, in Nevada. Edward was born April 17, 1981, in Nevada to Martin Lee and Kathy Jo (Ogden) Hallam. Edward was raised in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School. Following high school, Edward worked as a laborer in the construction and tire business. ...

Victoria Marie Fleming, 75, Nevada, passed away on Friday, June 16, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, following a brief illness. Marie was born March 15, 1942, in Kansas City, Mo., to Dale Glen and Alma Mable (Herring) Merritt. On May 28, 1961, she married Jerry D. Fleming in Nevada and he preceded her in death on Oct. 7, 2005...

Edward Lee Hallam, 36, Nevada, died Wednesday, June 14, in Nevada. Additional family and service information will be announced by Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada at a later time.

Lester I. Thornton, 92, Nevada, passed away on Tuesday, June 13, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, following a brief illness. Lester was born October 17, 1924, in Ocie, Mo., to Ruic Harve and Smitha Jane “Jennie” (Braly) Thornton. On June 4, 1946, Lester was united in marriage to Carolyn J. Gray on the lawn of The Wayside, the Gray Family home in the Ellis Community and she survives of the home...

Dora Jane (Parks) McWherter, 93, Nevada, passed away on Sunday, June 11, at her home in Nevada. Dora was born Aug. 26, 1923, in Larkenburg, Kan., to Glenn Berry and Marie Elizabeth “Clinton” Parks. On June 13, 1942, she was united in marriage to Richard William “Mac” McWherter Sr. in Nevada, and he preceded her in death on Aug. 3, 1975...

Marjorie Jean (Baker) Spencer, 91, Nevada, passed away on Monday, June 12, at her home in Nevada surrounded by her loved ones. Marjorie, one of 13 children, was born July 20, 1925, in Nevada, to James Otis and Bertha Rachel (Love) Baker. On Nov. 7, 1945, she was united in marriage to Vern Erwin Spencer in Nevada and to this union, three children were born. Vern preceded her in death on July 18, 2006...

James Ronnie Haddan, 70, of Nevada, passed away at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital in Tallahassee, Fla., on Thursday, June 8. The family will have a memorial service at a later date. Mr. Haddan was born on April 30, 1947, in Panama City Beach, Fla., to the late James Clarence Haddan and Hattie Ruth Davis Haddan. ...

Walter “Jake” James Kenney, age 57, of Walker, was suddenly taken from us on June 3. Walt was born in Minnesota on April 18, 1960, to Oliver and Anne Kenney. Walt’s pride and joy were his kids, grandkids and his motorcycle. He enjoyed scenic bike rides with his good friend Tommy and relaxing on the porch swing drinking tea, especially during thunderstorms...

Dorothy L. Winters, age 83, formerly of Nevada, passed away Thursday, June 8, at Wes-Vue Nursing Facility in West Plains, Mo., following several years of ill health. Dorothy was born Aug. 13, 1933, in Bates County, Mo., to Clarence and Edna Mitts. She married John Rex Winters on March 23, 1949, in Nevada, and he preceded her in death in 2008...

William Don Stockstill, the first child of Wilbern and Velma Marie (Eggleson) Stockstill, was born Jan. 22, 1929, on the family farm located approximately three miles southwest of Filly, Mo. He passed from this life on June 8. On Aug. 19, 1945, he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at the Missionary Baptist Church in Pacetown, Cedar County, Mo...

A celebration of life for Beverly Mae Bennett, 78, Lawrence, Kan., will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 10, at 1013 E. 1256 Rd, in Lawrence, Kan. She was born Dec. 19, 1938, to Roy Gerald and Wanda R. (Dayton) Bennett in Gooding, Ida. She spent most of her childhood in Four Lakes, Wash., and graduated from Cheney High School in Cheney, Wash...

John Hayden Morgan, aged 83 of Nevada, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, in Nevada. He was born Nov. 7, 1933, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Otho Elmer and Argie Isophine (Nelson) Morgan. He graduated from high school at New Mexico Military Institute, Roswell, N.M., in 1951. He continued his education at West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas, graduating in 1955. While in college he met Jennie Bess George, whom he married in 1953...

Betty Lee Spratt, age 94, of Nevada, died Friday, June 2, at Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada. She was born April 22, 1923, to Ray Edwin and Laura Jane Hamilton Bainter in Liberal, Mo. Betty, one of six children, grew up in Liberal where she graduated from high school. ...

Glenda C. Perkins, 79, formerly of Nevada, died on Sunday, June 4, in Liberty, Mo. Graveside services will be held at 10 p.m. on Friday, June 9, at Antioch Cemetery, Nevada. Services are under the direction of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

Terry Wayne Caldwell, 66, Nevada, passed away on Saturday, June 3, at his home. Terry was born May 1, 1951, in Nevada, MO to Elton Earl and Ellen (Short) Caldwell. On July 18, 1970, he was united in marriage to Paula Sue “Susie” (Adams) and she preceded him in death on Nov. 2, 2013...

Lucille Ruth (Bryant, Needham) Reagan joined her Savior Jesus Christ on May 27, she was 95. She was born June 22, 1921, in Sheldon, to Clarence Leroy Bryant and Mabell Ruth (Harris) Bryant. After graduation from Sheldon High School as a member of a class of 12 students, Lucille moved with her family to Eugene, Oregon, where she earned a degree in Business Education (‘45) and an MBA (‘48) from the University of Oregon...

Daniel Bay Pilcher, 81, Milo, passed away on Monday, May 29, at Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada. Danny was born Nov. 20, 1935, in Milo, to Clarence Monroe and Clara Viola (Glover) Pilcher. On Sept. 9, 1954, he was united in marriage to Shirley Jean Shipp and she preceded him in death in 2004. He later married Peggy Mullen on May 14, 2005, and she also preceded him in death in 2014...

James Allen Glass, 49, Nevada, passed away on Monday, May 22, in Nevada. Jim was born Sept. 24, 1967, in Landstul, Germany, to Rex Leon and Karen Meta (Morsch) Glass. Jim grew up in Nevada where he was a lifelong resident. He attended Nevada High School...

Georgia E. Russell, 78, Joplin, passed away on Tuesday, May 23, at Communities of Wildwood Ranch in Joplin. Georgia was born on July 15, 1938, in Nevada, to Joe Henry and Lucy Anna (Smith) May. On Dec. 31, 1968, she was united in marriage to Donald B. Russell and they celebrated 45 years of marriage before his passing on Feb 19, 2013...

Ray Maynard Barnes, 91, Nevada, passed away peacefully on May 22, at Morningside Assisted Living in Nevada. He was born in Ottawa, Kan., to Leslie and Amelia Barnes on Feb. 2, 1926. He married Melba Adams on Oct. 28, 1972, in Nevada. Ray enlisted in the Army at 18 years of age and served for approximately five years, including a stint in Germany during World War II. ...

Glen Harvey Foster, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away on May 20. He was born on Oct. 31, 1938, in Montrose, Colo., and graduated from Russell High School in Russell, Kan. In 1960, he met Mary Darlene Moore at a dance in Nevada, and they were married in 1961. They were blessed with four sons...

Roy A. Slates, 63, Nevada, passed away on Saturday, May 20, at Barton County Memorial Hospital in Lamar. Roy was born March 19, 1954, in Carthage, to Glen “Gilbert” and Wilma G. (Dickerson) Slates. Roy was raised in the Sheldon area and graduated from Sheldon High School with the Class of 1972. ...

Lois Darlene Houston, age 86, a resident of rural Richards, passed away Saturday, May 20, at the St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Mo. She was born Dec. 14, 1930, in Enid, Okla., the daughter of William Burton “Burt” Cooper and Ruth Rudd Cooper. ...

Melvin Higgins, age 88, a resident of Richards, died Friday, May 19, at the Moore-Few Care Center, Nevada. He was born March 2, 1929, in Richards, the son of Charley and Jennie Tucker Higgins. He graduated from Richards High School with the class of 1948. ...

Ethan Jordan Barnes, 19, Nevada, passed away on Monday, May 15, at his home in Nevada. Ethan was born Oct. 22, 1997, in Nevada, to Thomas Cody Barnes and Stacey Marie Bonine Wolf. Ethan grew up in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School in 2016. ...

Dr. Charles C. Nash (a.k.a. “Chuck”, “Dr. Chuckie”, “Buzz” and “Dad”), teacher, writer, avid bibliophile and lover of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, had a wonderful, funny sense of humor and an often quirky way of seeing the world. He loved teaching his students at Cottey College, practical jokes, reading The New Yorker magazine cover to cover, afternoons spent voraciously reading Cheever and Updike, egg foo yung, deviled eggs, Necco wafers, binge watching episodes of Law and Order, singing in the Methodist Church and Nevada Community choirs, blasting classical music and Hootie and the Blowfish at full volume in his study and renovating fixer-upper houses in his adopted town of Nevada.. ...

Khara Rachelle (Allison) Julian, age 34, of El Dorado Springs, went to be with her Lord on Saturday evening, May 13. Khara was born on April 19, 1983, in Nevada, to Greg and Cheri Allison. She was obedient to God’s word, putting Him on in baptism on April 16, 1995...

Ethan Jordan Barnes, 19, Nevada, died Monday, May 15, at his home in Nevada. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor David Rorabaugh officiating. You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com...

Rebecca “Susan Rodick” Fanning, 47, Nevada, passed away on Friday, May 12, at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Mo. Susan was born Sept. 12, 1969, in Kansas City, Mo., to Edward and Barbara Lyn (Hardenbrook) Russum. She was united in marriage to James Wesley Fanning on October 18, 2014, and he survives of the home...

Ralph Thomas “Tom” Bloesser, 82, Walker, passed away on Sunday, May 14, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada. Tom was born Nov. 29, 1934, in Rushville, Ill., the son of Ralph and Irene (Johnson) Bloesser. On April 4, 1954, he was united in marriage to Leta Lucille (Dicks) Bloesser at Berea Christian Church in rural Vernon County and she survives of the home...

Gerald Ray Snead, 77 Nevada, passed away Saturday, May 13, at Mitchell House in Spruce Pine, N.C., after a long term illness. He was born April 9, 1940, in Milo to William Clyde and Josephine (Clark) Snead. He graduated from Nevada High School in May 1958. ...

Ralph Thomas “Tom” Bloesser, 82, Walker, died Sunday, May 14, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 18, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park. The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday at Ferry Funeral Home...

Gerald Ray Snead, 77 Nevada, died Saturday, May 13, at Mitchell House in Spruce Pine, N.C. He was born April 9, 1940, in Milo to William Clyde and Josephine (Clark) Snead. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 22, at Moore Cemetery in Nevada with Pastor David Rorabaugh officiating. Friends may call now and until the hour of service at Ferry Funeral Home...

Rebecca “Susan Rodick” Fanning, 47, Nevada, died Friday, May 12, at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Mo. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 19, at the First Christian Church in Nevada with the Rev. Bill Platt officiating. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. in Fort Scott National Cemetery in Fort Scott...

Frank B. Slates, 93, Nevada, passed away on Monday, May 15, at his home in Nevada. Frank was born Jan. 28, 1924, in a community south of Lamar, to Carl and Mabel (Kunkler) Slates. He was united in marriage to Floris Current on April 23, 1946, in Fort Scott, and she survives of the home...

Lowell William Yazel, 80, of Nevada, passed away Friday, May 12, in Olathe, Kan. Lowell was born April 27, 1937, in Freeman, Mo., the son of George and Naomi (Wiggington) Yazel. He grew up in Freeman and moved to Nevada in his junior year of high school where he graduated with the Class 1955. ...

Isabel Bond, 77, Nevada, passed away on Thursday, May 11, at Kansas University Medical Center, in Kansas City, Kan. Isabel was born May 6, 1940, in Seneca, Mo., to William and Cora (Clark) Clemons. She was united in marriage to Willard Bond on Nov. 22, 1959, in Nevada, and together they raised six sons. Willard preceded her in death on March 7, 2017...

John Allen Taylor, born May 9, 1943, passed away in the early morning hours of his 74th birthday on Tuesday, May 9, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada. John was married to Sherrial (Sherry) Neas Taylor, and she survives of the home. He is also survived by his children; one son, Terry Taylor, Houston, Texas, one daughter, Kim Gryzwacz and Joe, Tallahassee, Fla., and their children, Josiah, Noah, Ethan and Monika; siblings, Dr. ...

Linda Sue Bledsoe, 54, Nevada, died Monday, May 8, at Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada. Linda was born Dec. 12, 1962, in Ottawa, Kan. No services are scheduled at this time.

Leon Hester, age 64, Hume, passed away on Monday, May 8, at his home. He was born on Jan. 26, 1953, at Fort Scott, the son of Herbert and Ellen Cummins Hester. He graduated from Pleasanton High School and Fort Scott Community College. Leon was an entrepreneur. He owned several different businesses during his career. The most recent were, Hill Street Recycling, Hester Roll Offs and Sisters and Friends Cafe...

Norma June Sayre, was born March 2, 1928, to Quay and Dessie Phipps in El Dorado Springs, went to our Father in Heaven on May 4. Norma formerly resided in Stockton and later moved to Oak Grove, Mo. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marvin L. ...

Donna Sue Spencer, 69, Nevada, passed away on Saturday, May 6, at her home in Nevada following a lengthy illness. Donna was born July 31, 1947, in Fort Scott, to Argle LaVerne and Neva Thedias (Watson) McReynolds. She was united in marriage to Vern E. Spencer on Feb. 5, 1965, in Lamar, and he survives of the home...