Obituaries

Ethel "Jacci" Roberta McKenzie

Ethel "Jacci" Roberta McKenzie

Oct 14, 2025

Ethel Roberta McKenzie, known to most as Jacci and affectionately called Robbie by family in her youth, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. She was 70 years old. Jacci’s passing followed a long and courageous battle with chronic illness and autoimmune disease, which she faced for many years with admirable resilience...

Norma Jean Graves

Norma Jean Graves

Oct 14, 2025

Norma Jean (Wiltfong) Graves, age 84, passed away on October 14, 2025, peacefully at Eagle Estates in Independence, Kansas. She had fought cancer for several years.

She was an only child, born at home in Severy, Kansas to Irwin Wesley Wiltfong and Mary Etta (Sherman) Wiltfong. She was then raised on a farm by Oak Valley, Kansas. She lost her mother...

John F. Layton

John F. Layton

Oct 14, 2025

John F. Layton, 82, of Independence, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Potts Chapel. The family will greet visitors from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Potts Chapel.

Memorial contributions in John’s honor may be made to Tina Schicke Memorial Scholarship (CNBT National...

Octavian "OC" Catalino Castorena III

Octavian "OC" Catalino Castorena III

Sep 4, 2025

Octavian C. Castorena, affectionately known as "OC," passed away on September 4, 2025, at Saint Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 59.

Born on December 10, 1965, in Kansas City, OC was the beloved son of the late Octavian Castorena and Mickey (Rodriguez) Castorena. He was a hardworking and devoted family man who touched the lives of many...

Roger Henry Ruehling

Roger Henry Ruehling

Aug 22, 2025

Roger Henry Ruehling, born on October 15, 1951, grew up in Independence, Kansas, and passed away on August 22, 2025, in Merriam, Kansas. Throughout his life, Roger was a dedicated Research Microbiologist, channeling his expertise into the development of vaccines for veterinary medicine. His professional journey was marked by a commitment to advancing medical science and improving animal health.

Outside of...

Lougene Lee Musgrove

Lougene Lee Musgrove

Aug 21, 2025

 Lougene Lee Musgrove, born on January 11, 1942, in Valentine, Nebraska, peacefully departed this life on August 21, 2025, in Coffeyville, Kansas. She was a devoted wife and cherished member of her family and community. Lougene's life's journey included an enriching career in retail at Zodys Thrifty Drug, where she brought her warmth and kindness to everyone she encountered.

Lougene forged...

Linda Kay Jacobs

Linda Kay Jacobs

Aug 19, 2025

Linda Kay Jacobs, born on October 15, 1952, at Trinity Lutheran Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, at her residence in Independence, Kansas. Throughout her life, Linda made significant contributions to her community and was deeply dedicated to her family.

Linda's professional journey was marked by her valuable work as a Dispatcher for the Montgomery...

Barbara Ann Stroble

Barbara Ann Stroble

Aug 9, 2025

Barbara Ann Stroble passed away peacefully at Eagle Estates in Independence, KS on August 9, 2025.

She was born on July 19, 1940, to Raymon and Marguerite Hills. After high school she married John Littau and together they had four sons: Johnny, Lee, Bobby, and Christopher. Following their divorce, she later married John Stroble on September 25, 1999, and they shared...

Cora Marie Sumner

Cora Marie Sumner

Aug 8, 2025

Cora Marie Sumner was born on December 24, 1932, to Roy and Sophie McCoskey of Severy, Kansas, and went home to rest on August 8, 2025. She was eight of nine children and the last surviving sibling. 

Cora was preceded in death by her only grandson Matthew D. Sumner of rural Independence.

She is survived by her two children Mike Sumner (Yvette)...

Edward Paul Lynch

Edward Paul Lynch

Aug 7, 2025

Edward (Ed) Paul Lynch was born December 19, 1935, in Osage County, Oklahoma. Ed joined his family in heaven on August 7, 2025, at the age of 89. 

Ed was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Ruby Lynch, his brothers Clay Lynch and Jerry Lynch, and a sister Karen Bielss. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years...

Debra Jo Sumner

Debra Jo Sumner

Aug 2, 2025

Debra Jo Sumner, age 68, passed away on August 2, 2025, surrounded by family. She was born on March 7, 1957, in Garden City, Kansas, and spent her formative years in Elk City, Kansas, where she received her formal education.

Debra married Steven Benson, and later Gary Taylor—both preceding her in death. She eventually married one of her lifelong friends, Donnie...

Todd Alan Trimmell

Todd Alan Trimmell

Jul 25, 2025

Todd Alan Trimmell, cherished father and grandpa, was born on February 5, 1968, in Independence, Kansas. He departed this life on July 25, 2025, at his home in Cherryvale, Kansas, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication to his family and passions.

Todd was deeply rooted in nature, taking great joy in gardening, exploring the outdoors, shooting guns, and engaging...

Brenda Maureen Williams

Brenda Maureen Williams

Jul 16, 2025

It is with our deepest heartbreak and our most profound sadness that we announce the passing of Brenda Maureen Williams on July 16th, 2025. Brenda was born on November 26th, 1960, to Robert J and Evelyn M Ward in Neodesha Kansas.

Brenda grew up in Neodesha graduating from Neodesha High School in 1978. Brenda remained in the Neodesha area working a...

Helen S. Sebastian

Helen S. Sebastian

Jul 10, 2025

Helen S. Sebastian (Wilson), 90, Independence, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Medicalodges in Independence, Kansas. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Sunnyside Cemetery in Caney, Kansas.

Helen was born on January 31, 1935, to Walter E. and Dora M. (Anderson) Williams in Chautauqua, Kansas. Helen attended Sedan and Caney...

Ellen Eda Boyd

Ellen Eda Boyd

Jul 6, 2025

Ellen Eda Boyd, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, in Independence, Kansas, at the age of 88. Born on January 5, 1937, in Salina, Kansas, Ellen was a source of unwavering love and kindness, cherished by all who had the privilege to know her.

A proud high school graduate, Ellen dedicated her life to...

William Waite Juby

William Waite Juby

Jun 24, 2025

William (Bill) Waite Juby, age 90, passed away and entered the presence of his Lord on June 24, 2025 while at his longtime residence in Independence, Kansas. Bill was born on December 12, 1934 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Robert (Dub) Gail Juby and Ethel Grace Juby. He grew up in Dewey, Oklahoma with his brother where he accepted Christ at...

Russell Wayne Young

Russell Wayne Young

Jun 16, 2025

Russell Wayne Young, fondly known as Rusty, was born on November 7, 1962, in Garnett, Kansas. He left this world on June 16, 2025, in Independence, Kansas, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, love, and laughter.

Throughout his life, Rusty was known for his remarkable skills as a handyman, dedicating many years to not only his profession but also to selfless...

Joe Sanchez Solis

Joe Sanchez Solis

Jun 13, 2025

Joe Sanchez Solis, 74, of Independence, Kansas, passed away June 13, 2025, at Montgomery Place Nursing Home, after a lengthy illness.

Joe was born to John V. and Petra Solis on April 11, 1951, in Billings, Montana. When Joe was a toddler, the family moved to La Junta, Colorado where he attended school. As an adult, he moved to Independence in...

Kylia Heape

Kylia Heape

Jun 8, 2025

Kylia (Welch) Heape passed away June 8, 2025. Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Potts Chapel.

Kylia was born on September 24, 1954, in Independence, Kansas.

She was proceeded in death by her father Kyle Welch, mother Maxine, sister Kay Davis, and Mary Dye.

She leaves behind...

Shelda Avonell Myers

Shelda Avonell Myers

Jun 6, 2025

Shelda Avonell Myers, 89, of Independence, Kansas, passed away Friday, June 6, 2025, in Independence.

She was born on July 11, 1935, in Iowa City, Iowa to Edwin W. and Clara E. (Morgan) Thomas. She graduated from Altoona High School in 1953.

She was united in marriage to Jackie L. Myers on July 12, 1953, in Neodesha, Kansas. He proceeded her in...