Obituaries

Local Obituaries

Nancy Lee Hoffman

Nancy Lee Hoffman

Oct 6, 2026

Nancy Hoffman, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, in the comforting care of John Knox Memory Care. She was born on April 2, 1941, in San Diego, California, to Jason “Ernie” Elrod and Bernice M. Ross. Later, Jason, “Ernie” married Dorothy Brotherton bringing lasting presence to the family.

Nancy was a woman of...

Carolyn Ann Giaramita

Carolyn Ann Giaramita

Oct 5, 2026

Check back soon for Carolyn's obituary.

Emma "Faye" Thomason

Emma "Faye" Thomason

Oct 5, 2026

Emma “Faye” Thomason, 94, formerly of Sugar Creek, Missouri, and currently of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5, 2026, at her home, surrounded by love.

Faye was born on November 17, 1931, in Mayflower, Arkansas, to Ernest and Lula Mae Proctor. As a young girl, Faye left school to help her family work in the cotton fields....

Dwight Jasper Barnhard

Dwight Jasper Barnhard

Oct 4, 2026

Dwight Jasper Barnhard, age 80, of Independence, MO, passed on to his eternal heavenly home on Sunday, October 4, 2026. He leaves his wife of 61 years, Carolyn Barnhard; daughter-in-law, Sonia Barnhard; Grandchildren, Mia and Noah Barnhard; Brothers, Bill and David Barnhard; and many nieces and nephews.

Dwight was born in Independence and graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1963....

Thulora Gallow Broocke

Thulora Gallow Broocke

Oct 4, 2026

Thulora Broocke was never just an aunt. She was never just a secretary. She was never just a gardener, an artist, a cook or a reader. Thulora Gallow Broocke was a force of nature - graceful and elegant, fiercely capable, endlessly curious, and determined to do whatever she set her mind to.

For nearly 30 years, Thulora served as secretary to...

Lila May Vestal

Lila May Vestal

Oct 3, 2026

Lila Vestal passed away peacefully at her home on October 3, 2026, surrounded by her precious family. 

Lila was born on August 10, 1951, in Bethany, Missouri. To everyone's surprise, she entered the world as a twin, born alongside her beloved brother, Lyle. From the very beginning, Lyle was a part of her life, and their special bond remained with her...

Nancy Lee Ogle

Nancy Lee Ogle

Oct 3, 2026

Nancy Lee Ogle, of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 3, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. Nancy was born on April 28, 1934, in Tina, Missouri, to Lee Roy and Florence Benefiel. She was the oldest of five children.

Nancy was a homemaker—though some would say, “domestic engineer” and she was wonderful at...

Judy Ann Rash

Judy Ann Rash

Sep 30, 2026

Judy Ann Rash passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at the age of 84. Judy was born to William and Lottie (Blackwell) Thornton on June 7, 1942 in Marshall, Mo.

After graduating from William Chrisman High School Judy started a family and spent most of her life as a devoted mother, wife and homemaker. She loved her family fiercely...

Zada Ruth Grindstaff-Maupin

Zada Ruth Grindstaff-Maupin

Sep 30, 2026

Zada Ruth Grindstaff-Maupin, born August 17, 1936, passed away on September 30, 2026, in Odessa, Missouri, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, faith, and love.

Born into humble beginnings near Pomme de Terre, Zada was the middle child of nine and the first-born girl. She attended Avery Grade School, a one-room schoolhouse, before continuing her education at Wheatland High School....

Leola Mae Smith

Leola Mae Smith

Sep 29, 2026

Leola Mae (Chappell) Smith was born on December 23, 1931 to Shirl and Martha Chappell near Bolivar, MO. 

At age 4, the family moved to Ventura, California. Leola attended her first years of school in California, then the family returned to Missouri where she attended her remaining school years in the town of Halfway. She attended 2 terms at Southwest Baptist...

John Wilson Welsh

John Wilson Welsh

Sep 29, 2026

John Wilson Welsh, age 82, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2026. He was born one of six children on October 27, 1943, in Galesburg, Illinois, to Wm. Robert Welsh and Lula Mae Welsh.

John is survived by two brothers: Robert Welsh and his companion Pat Stevens and David Welsh and his companion MaryAnn Satterfield, all of Naples,...

Rose Irene Alexander

Rose Irene Alexander

Sep 28, 2026

Rose Irene Alexander, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, passed away on September 28, 2026, in Independence, Missouri. She was born on July 2, 1935, in Kansas City, Missouri, and spent her childhood and school years in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Throughout her life, Rose worked several jobs, including positions with the Independence School District and Modern Plastic Molding. But...

Marion Ruth Koczur

Marion Ruth Koczur

Sep 27, 2026

Marion Koczur lived in Independence, Missouri and was 83 years old. She passed away peacefully at her home.

Marion was born on May 4, 1943 in Saskatchewan, Canada. She was adopted by Norman and Nora Burgomaster. She joined an older brother and eventually had a younger sister and two younger brothers. Marion’s father, a minister, moved the family to the United...

Roger "Rod" Alan Babcock

Roger "Rod" Alan Babcock

Sep 27, 2026

Roger “Rod” Alan Babcock Jr., 55, of Grandview, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, September 27. Born in Independence, Missouri, Rod spent his childhood in Dallas, Texas, before returning to the Kansas City area, where he built his life, career, friendships, and family.

A visitation will be held Saturday, October 3, from 12:30–2:00 p.m. at Speaks Suburban Chapel,...

Nedra Faye Lamb

Nedra Faye Lamb

Sep 27, 2026

Nedra Faye Lamb, 93, passed away September 27, 2026 at her home in Buckner, Missouri, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on January 21, 1933, in Bearcreek, Missouri to Carley Shears and Ora Ruth (Hutchison) Vaughan. Faye graduated in 1951 from Wheatland High School.

Faye married Clifford Lamb on May 8, 1954. They moved to Kansas City, Missouri, in March...

Patricia Louise Woodward

Patricia Louise Woodward

Sep 25, 2026

Patricia Louise Woodward passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born to Thomas (Tim) and Thora (Brooks) Brady on February 27, 1932 in Parsons, Kansas She will be remembered for her gentle heart, selfless spirit, sharp wit, and an ornery sense of humor that could bring a smile to those around her.She loved reading...

Jed William Malcolm

Jed William Malcolm

Sep 21, 2026

Jed William Malcolm, 43, of Grain Valley, Missouri, passed away on September 21, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him most.Jed was born on May 23, 1983, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Robert William Malcolm and Cari Agnes Malcolm. He was a 2001 graduate of Oak Grove High School.On June 27, 2009, Jed married the love of his life, Amanda,...

Tara Diane English

Tara Diane English

Sep 20, 2026

Tara Diane English passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2026 in Grain Valley, Missouri.

Tara is survived by her beloved husband, Orville English; children, Jared English (Keri), Justin English (Angela) and Ashley Sanders (Matt); and grandchildren, Matti, Nick, Colton, Ainsley, Oliver, Barrett, and Logan.

A private inurnment will be held by the family at a later date. 

Paul D. Moore

Paul D. Moore

Sep 20, 2026

Paul Dean Moore, 73, of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2026. He was born on March 19, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Paul was a hardworking and dependable man who spent many years as a steelworker for WireCo before transitioning into a surveillance position at Ameristar Casino. Throughout his life, however, his greatest pride was never his work—it...

Kenneth Ray "Ken" Reed

Kenneth Ray "Ken" Reed

Sep 19, 2026

Kenneth was born on May 22, 1934 in Bates City, Missouri, the son of Willard and Kathryn Reed.  

He graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri.

He married Virginia Reed on July 17, 1953 and to this union were born two children, Becky and Michael.  

Ken was a machinist by trade for Lake City Army Ammunition Plant before retiring...

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