Obituaries

Judy Ann Hartzell

Judy Ann Hartzell

Jun 22, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Judy Ann Hartzell (Miller), who left us peacefully on June 22, 2026, at the age of 82. A native of Coffeyville, Kansas, Judy was born on July 11, 1943, to Robert and Maggie Miller (Mortizkey). Her foundation was laid in the heart of Coffeyville, a community she cherished since...

Richard Allen Reynolds

Richard Allen Reynolds

Jun 22, 2026

With heavy hearts and fond memories, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Richard Allen Reynolds, who left this world on June 22, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on January 11, 1947, in Independence, Kansas, Richard was the cherished son of Joe and Gladys (Smith) Reynolds. He attended school in Independence and demonstrated his...

Lawrence E Roberts

Lawrence E Roberts

Jun 16, 2026

Lawrence Eugene "Larry" Roberts, age 86, of Independence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and the memories of a life well lived.

Born on December 13, 1939, in Independence, Kansas, Larry devoted his life to serving others, whether through his military service, his many careers, or the unwavering love he gave to his family...

Robert "Bob" Cooley

Robert "Bob" Cooley

Jun 16, 2026

Robert "Bob" Cooley, 96, of Independence, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Grace Memorial United Methodist Church, 109 S. 13th Street, Independence, Kansas.

Bob graduated from Independence schools and attended Pittsburg State University. Following his education, he...

Beverly Joan Hudson

Beverly Joan Hudson

Jun 12, 2026

Beverly Joan Hudson, born March 5th, 1930, in Chanute, KS; passed away peacefully on June 12th, 2026, at Credo Senior Living Center in Independence, KS. She was the daughter of Don T. Helm and Christine “Cricket” Shirk Helm.

The family moved to Independence and she attended Independence schools; graduating Independence High School in 1948.

Beverly married her high school sweetheart, Bill M....

Tracy Allen Srader

Tracy Allen Srader

Jun 5, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tracy Allen Srader on June 5, 2026, at the age of 59. Born on December 11, 1966, in Neodesha, Kansas, Tracy brought joy, laughter, and a spirit of adventure to all who knew him. He resided in Independence, Kansas, where he lived a life filled with love, family, and...

Cynthia Marie Allison

Cynthia Marie Allison

May 30, 2026

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Cynthia Marie Allison, 68, of Cherryvale, Kansas, who departed this life on May 30, 2026. Born on August 27, 1957, in Independence, Kansas. Cindy was a beloved mother, MiMi, wife and friend whose spirit lives on in the many lives she touched and in the things she lovingly restored, each...

James (Jim) Henry Aiken

James (Jim) Henry Aiken

May 27, 2026

On May 27, 2026 James (Jim) Henry Aiken entered into God’s kingdom. Born on June 17, 1929, to Ray Henry and Jeannette Helena (Payne) Aiken, he grew up living the farm life.

Jim married Mary Jolene (McGuire) Aiken on August 28, 1953, and they were married for 73 years before her passing on March 30, 2025. From this union were born...

Paul “Wayne” Boyle Jr.

Paul “Wayne” Boyle Jr.

May 26, 2026

Paul “Wayne” Boyle Jr., 83, of Liberty, Kansas, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas, surrounded by family.

Wayne was born on July 10, 1942, to the late Paul Wayne Boyle Sr. and Wilma Jean (Wilson) Boyle.

Wayne married Mary Jane Sanders on June 22, 1960, and together they shared two daughters, Connie and Lori. Though their marriage later...

Steve Lynn Greer

Steve Lynn Greer

May 23, 2026

Steve Lynn Greer, 66, of Independence, Kansas, passed from this earth on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas, surrounded by the love of his family.

Steve was born in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, to the late Claude and Genive (Gentry) Greer. He attended Independence High School. He went on to become a master electrician, proudly owning and operating Greer’s Electric Services...

Kodah Zayne Faller

Kodah Zayne Faller

May 18, 2026

Kodah Zayne Faller

July 22, 2007 – May 18, 2026



Kodah Zayne Faller, beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on May 18, 2026, at the age of 18.

Born on July 22, 2007, Kodah was welcomed into the family as the sixth of what would become nine children in a large and loving household.

From the beginning, it truly took a...

Patrick Roland Johnston

Patrick Roland Johnston

May 18, 2026

Patrick Roland Johnston, aged 79 years, of Independence, Kansas, was called home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 18, 2026, while at his home surrounded by family.

Patrick was born on August 30, 1946, to Reverend James (Bill) Johnston and Leota (Patterson) Johnston, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Patrick was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great...

Christopher Wesley Meador

Christopher Wesley Meador

May 16, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Christopher Wesley Meador, 54, of Elk City, Kansas, who left us peacefully on May 16, 2026, due to natural causes. Born on February 24, 1972, in Independence, Kansas, to parents Clyde Meador and Edwina Bowers. Christopher dedicated his life to the open road as a truck driver, a passion...

Timothy Lynn Ward Sr.

Timothy Lynn Ward Sr.

May 5, 2026

Timothy Lynn Ward Sr., a beloved father, grandfather, son, and friend, passed away on May 5, 2026, at the age of 56. Born on March 3, 1970, in Independence, Kansas, Timothy's adventurous spirit and love for family shaped his life in profound ways.

Growing up, Timothy and his family traveled frequently, never staying in one place for more than a month....

Rick A Knapp

Rick A Knapp

Apr 21, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Rick A. Knapp, 67, of Independence, Kansas, who left us on April 21, 2026. Rick was born on September 23, 1958, in Independence, where he also spent the majority of his life, nurturing lifelong connections within his community.

Rick was a proud graduate of Independence High School, completing his education...

Patty Jo Clay

Patty Jo Clay

Apr 19, 2026

Patty Jo Clay, a beloved educator, treasured mother, and vibrant spirit, passed away on April 19, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 78. Born on June 21, 1947, in Salina, Kansas, Patty dedicated her life to nurturing the minds and hearts of countless children throughout her remarkable career in education.

Patty was a graduate of the University of Indiana...

David Earl Eytcheson

David Earl Eytcheson

Apr 15, 2026

David Earl Eytcheson passed away on April 15, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. David found joy in life's simple, meaningful moments. A devoted family man, he was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. His home was always open. There was a place for anyone who walked through his door.

David enjoyed Saturday night races, visits to the casino, and cheering...

Marlyn Louise Long

Marlyn Louise Long

Mar 29, 2026

Marlyn Louise Long, 78, of Independence, Kansas, passed away at home on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Potts Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 10, 2026, at First Assembly of God Church in Independence, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to assist the family with expenses, and...

Betty Joanna Meyer

Betty Joanna Meyer

Mar 29, 2026

Betty J. Meyer, 93, of Independence died on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Credo Senior Living. Betty Joanna Meyer was born in Cedar Vale, KS on September 8, 1932 to James H. and Helen (Morgan) Page. She graduated from Independence High School in Independence, KS in 1950. Betty married Robert H. Meyer on November 14, 1954 in Independence. She worked...

Paula Anita Pitts

Paula Anita Pitts

Mar 26, 2026

Paula Anita Pitts (nee: Smith), 92 of St. Peters, MO died on March 26, 2026.

Paula (Anita) was born in McAlester, OK, and graduated from Independence High School in Kansas. She completed classes at Independence Community College and computer programming classes at Johnson County Community College. She continued to be a lifelong learner.

Paula Anita and Donald Pitts were married on August...