Obituaries

Raymond Eugene Smith

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

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

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

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

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,...

Carol Leona Smith

Carol Leona Smith

Jan 13, 2025

On January 13th, Carol Leona Smith (Morrow) passed away at her home. She was born on April 08, 1950, and was a lifelong resident of Independence, Kansas. 

Carol attended Overfield and District 40 Country Schools through 8th grade. After graduating from Independence High School, she moved to Emporia, Kansas. There, she earned her cosmetology certification and went on to pass her...

Linda Diana Musgrove

Linda Diana Musgrove

Jan 9, 2025

Linda Diana Musgrove was born May 13, 1948 in Independence, KS. She was the first child of Cleona Marilla (Reynolds) and Hollis Mont Musgrove. After graduating Independence High School in 1966, she started out working at a soda fountain. For many years she worked at the Proscript pharmacy as the friendly face behind the counter. Linda lived in Independence for...

Chadley Stephen Williams

Chadley Stephen Williams

Jan 6, 2025

Chadley Stephen Williams, beloved father, son, brother, nephew and a cherished friend, passed away on January 6, 2025, at the age of 50. Born on September 10, 1974, in Hays, Kansas, Chadley brought immense joy and laughter throughout his life. With a personality as dynamic as his many talents, he was known to many as the life of the party,...

Harvey Lee Lewis Sr.

Harvey Lee Lewis Sr.

Jan 5, 2025

Harvey Lee Lewis Sr., a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, passed away on January 5, 2025, at Credo Senior Living Center. Born on October 18, 1933, in Lonedell, Missouri. Harvey led a life marked by devotion to family, a successful career, and a commitment to his community.

After earning a bachelor's degree at Missouri University of Science and Technology, Harvey...

Bessie Pearl Meadows

Bessie Pearl Meadows

Jan 2, 2025

Bessie Pearl (Duke) Meadows of rural Elk City, Ks passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025, at Montgomery Place Independence, Ks. Born on November 29, 1954, to Royal & Pearl Duke in Independence, Ks. She married the love of her life Harold “Dean” Meadows July 1, 1973. They made their home in rural Chautauqua County; from this union they brought...

Margaret Jean Botts

Margaret Jean Botts

Dec 26, 2024

Margaret Jean Botts, affectionately known as "Radar", passed away on December 26, 2024, at Labette Health in Parsons, Kansas. Born on October 1, 1939, in Independence, Kansas, Margaret lived a life filled with love, kindness, and deep family devotion.

Margaret would marry Larry Botts in 1957 and created great memories with their sons as they grew up surrounded by so much...

Martha Jane Wood

Martha Jane Wood

Dec 16, 2024

Martha Jane Wood, born on January 26, 1954, in Garnett, Kansas, peacefully departed this life on December 16, 2024, at her home with family close by.

A cherished daughter of the late James and Maxine Sutton, Martha's life was a beacon of simplicity and warmth.

Martha devoted many years of her life to her career at the Montgomery County Appraiser's Office, where...

Stanley Dean Lantz

Stanley Dean Lantz

Dec 10, 2024

Stanley Dean Lantz, 75, of Caney, died December 10, 2024, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Stan was born June 16, 1949, in Independence to Earl Marion and Dorothy Jane (Wilcox) Lantz. He grew up in Independence and attended schools there and later graduated from Labette County Highschool. He enlisted in the United States Army twice, serving between 1967 and 1988, retiring as a...

Donna J. Wulf

Donna J. Wulf

Dec 9, 2024

Donna J. Wulf, 82, Passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024, in Independence, Kansas. Private family graveside services will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence, Kansas. 

Donna was born September 21, 1942, in Coffeyville, Kansas to George Grant and Goldie Ora (Burris) Powell. She attended and graduated from Field Kinley High School in Coffeyville, Kansas. Following her education, she...

Judy Gail Egan

Judy Gail Egan

Dec 8, 2024

Judy Gail Egan, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on December 8, 2024, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Born on November 22, 1953, in Texarkana, Texas, Judy lived a life rich with love, laughter, and cherished moments that will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Judy was a high school graduate whose enthusiasm for was evident in her...

Laurence Dwight Pollett

Laurence Dwight Pollett

Dec 3, 2024

Laurence “Larry” Dwight Pollett, cherished husband, father, brother, and friend peacefully passed away on December 3, 2024, in Independence, Kansas, at the age of 77. Born on July 14, 1947, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Laurence led a life rich in service, love, and dedication to his family community. He married his first wife, Betty (Simmons) Hicks, in August of 1970 and...

Dolores Arlene Schmidt

Dolores Arlene Schmidt

Nov 30, 2024

Dolores Arlene Schmidt

February 17, 1931 - November 30, 2024

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28

Dolores Schmidt passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Georgetown, TX, where she had relocated earlier in...

Althea Pearl Nelms

Althea Pearl Nelms

Nov 29, 2024

Althea Pearl Nelms, was born March 17, 1923, in Troy, Missouri, to Lawrence and Esther (Knipmeyer) Schaper. She passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, after a life devoted to faith and service to God. She was 101 years old. 

Althea attended school in Troy, Barnsdall, OK, and Elsberry, MO as well as God's Bible School in Cincinnati, OH. A woman...

Clyde Brown Cauble

Clyde Brown Cauble

Nov 28, 2024

Clyde Cauble, age 99, passed away peacefully on November 28th at Eagle Estates. Born on November 10, 1925, in Ponca City, OK, Clyde was the youngest of seven brothers born to Jason and Mirtie Cauble. He proudly served his country as an Army mechanic and went on to living a fulfilling life, centered on family, hard work, and simple pleasures. 

Clyde...

Rod William Yakshaw

Rod William Yakshaw

Nov 26, 2024

“Walking Against the Wind”

Born in Andale, KS to Adolf and Mervine Yakshaw on August 8, 1939. 

Rod grew up and graduated high school from Andale, KS. After graduation Rod joined the U.S. Navy where he became a Hospital Corpsman. He was then stationed in Chelsea, MA working for a hospital. 

After the Navy, Rod had many different positions varying from safety engineer...