Obituaries
David Alan Brackin
May 11, 2025
David Alan Brackin, 74, a dedicated and accomplished project manager who retired from Jacobs Engineering, passed away on May 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and lasting memories.
David was known for his inquisitive mind, creative spirit, and remarkable talent. Those who knew him will always remember his quick wit and gentle soul, qualities that made him...
Linda Diane Johnson
Apr 30, 2025
Linda Diane Johnson, beloved wife, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 63, after battling cancer for eight years. Born on November 19, 1961, in Harvey, Illinois, Linda was a beacon of warmth and love in the lives of all who knew her.
Linda was dedicated to knowledge, earning a Master's...
Alexander John Mendoza
Apr 26, 2025
Alex "Hondo" Mendoza, age 80, of Independence, Kansas, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 26, 2025, after a courageous 12-year battle with cancer.
Born December 27, 1944, in Independence, KS, to Arcadio and Phylis Mendoza, Alex lived a life of quiet strength, generosity, and service. He dedicated 30 years of his life to the U.S. Postal Service in Chanute,...
Tammie Jo Steele
Apr 18, 2025
Tammie Pattison Padilla Steele, passed away on April 18, 2025, at her home at the age of 63 in Independence, KS. She was born on November 23, 1961, in Vinita, OK.
She dedicated her life to her children and helping others. She enjoyed spending time with her family while drinking Pepsi and chewing on ice. She loved fishing and setting out...
June Shannon
Apr 16, 2025
June Shannon departed this world on April 16, 2025, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. She was born on September 7, 1932, June was a dedicated homemaker known for her homemade treats during the holiday seasons.
Throughout her life, June found joy through conversation with her loved ones every Sunday afternoon and cultivating her love of flowers and gardening. Her proudest moments...
Mona Dee Gilfillan
Apr 15, 2025
It is with heavy hearts we announce that Mona D. Gilfillan passed on April 15, 2025 at the age of 66. Mona was born November 4, 1958 in Independence, Kansas to the late William (Bill) and Wanda Ringle. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Stephen Bradley Ringle, and nephew, Joshua Lee Royse.
Left to cherish her memories are...
Carolyn Sue Verge
Apr 11, 2025
Carolyn Sue (James) Verge, 85, passed peacefully at Eagle Estates in Independence, Kansas on Friday, April 11. She was born on February 16, 1940, at Mercy Hospital to Carl Edward and Lucille (Morrison) James. She grew up on an oil lease west of Wayside, Kansas. She graduated from Wayside High School in 1958 as the valedictorian of her class. She...
Charles M Terwilliger
Apr 5, 2025
Major Charles M Terwilliger
June 1, 1920 - April 5, 2025
Charles Terwilliger, 104, of Independence, Kansas, passed away April 5, 2025. Born near Booneville, AR, he was a proud Army veteran who served in the infantry in WWII, and later as a commissioned officer in the Quartermaster Corps in the Korean War. He retired early to spend more time with his...
Mary Jolene Aiken
Mar 30, 2025
Mary Jolene Aiken entered her heavenly home on Sunday, March 30th, 2025. She was a devoted believer in her Lord and Savior.
Mary "Jolene," as most people knew her, was born on June 17, 1936, to Joe Jasper and Leta Mae (Hopkins) McGuire. She graduated from Wayside High School in Wayside, Kansas, in 1954.
She married James Henry Aiken on August 28,...
Anita Louise Woodard
Mar 27, 2025
Anita Louise Woodard was born in Marceline, MO, to Anita Madelline MaGraw Watkins and Clarence Charles Watkins on May 19, 1940, and died at age of 85 on March 27, 2025, in St. Louis, MO, of kidney failure.
Louise married John Franklin Schnoor I and taught In Emporia where she had acquired her first teaching degree in English. While teaching in...
Allen G. Dalton
Mar 22, 2025
Allen G. Dalton, 72, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas. Born in Independence, Kansas, to Clay and Caroline Dalton, Allen grew up with his siblings, Judy, Robert, and Arlene. His family was active in St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, and Allen often played guitar in church choir over...
Brian Lee Whitehurst
Mar 19, 2025
Brian Whitehurst passed away peacefully at his home on March 19, 2025.
Brian was born in Independence, Kansas, at Mercy Hospital to Richard and Dixie Whitehurst on June 21, 1956. Throughout his childhood, his family lived in various cities and states.
As a young man, he joined the Army, went through basic training, and was offered an opportunity to go to West...
James "Jim" Graydon Keath
Mar 17, 2025
James (Jim) Graydon Keath, age 56, of Afton, Oklahoma formerly of Erie, Kansas passed away Monday, March 17, 2025 at his home in Afton, Oklahoma.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 24, 2025 at the Thayer Christian Church, 8495 Dorn Rd., Thayer, Kansas with the Pastor Gene Hewitt officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m....
Sam Louis Bruhn
Mar 7, 2025
Sam Louis Bruhn, passed away on March 7, 2025, at the age of 58. Born on August 31, 1966, in Parsons, KS, Sam grew up with a spirit that embraced life’s joys and challenges. He graduated from Independence High School, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey that would be defined by his dedication as an electrician and his vibrant...
Lucille Elizabeth Hoover
Mar 2, 2025
Lucille “Lucy” Elizabeth (Barker) Hoover was born July 4, 1920, in Independence, KS, to Charles W. Barker and Emily (Gilkey) Barker. Lucy peacefully passed away March 2, 2025, at Montgomery Place at 104 years old.
She married E. LeRoy Hoover on April 22, 1940, in Yuma, AZ. They briefly lived in CA and then made their home in Independence. They were...
Raymond Eugene Smith
Feb 21, 2025
Raymond Eugene Smith, a gentle soul and devoted family man, was born on August 13, 1952, in Independence, Kansas. He passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, leaving behind a legacy marked by his kindness and dedication to his loved ones.
Raymond was a jack of all trades, showcasing a versatile skill set throughout his career while working...
Karen Mae Manderscheid
Feb 20, 2025
Karen Manderscheid, age 77, a devoted wife, loving mother, talented artist, and longtime hairstylist, passed away February 20, 2025, at Montgomery Place in Independence, KS. She leaves behind a legacy of creativity, warmth, and dedication that touched the lives of so many. Born to Finley and Betty Waterman of Altoona, KS, Karen was baptized in the Altoona Christian Church. Karen...
Arlene E. Bruington
Feb 15, 2025
Mrs. Arlene E. Bruington, age 95, passed away peacefully Saturday morning February 15, 2025, at her residence in Oklahoma City, OK. She was born August 9, 1929, daughter to Henry and Anna (Harms) Jabben.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Harold Bruington and son Jeff Bruington. Four brothers, Ray Jabben, Robert Jabben, twin brother Arnold Jabben,...
Bobby Albert Clarence Boorigie
Feb 1, 2025
Mr. Bobby Albert Clarence Boorigie, “Bob”, 87, of Sycamore, Kansas, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 22, 1937, in Independence, Kansas, Bob dedicated his life in service to the US Army and his community.
Bob, served in various military roles throughout his 30 plus years of service to the US Army. He...
Jeffrey "Jeff" Scott Matukewicz
Jan 27, 2025
Jeffrey “Jeff” Scott Matukewicz, 48 years old, of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away unexpectedly on January 27th, 2025.
Jeff had a passion for woodworking. He owned a business making high quality custom wood furniture. He loved his work. He worked tirelessly to grow his business and provide beautiful products to his customers. He died doing what he loved.
Jeff was born in Independence,...
Subscribe
Subscribe to get alerts on new obituaries
