Obituaries
Ronald James Steward
May 19, 2026
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ronald James Steward. Ron was born on August 8, 1948, in Hannibal, Missouri to the late Josephine and Francis Steward. He passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Delmar Gardens Nursing Home in Overland Park, Kansas.
Ron graduated from Hannibal Senior High School with the class...
Phillip Jay "PJ" Funk
May 18, 2026
Phillip Jay (PJ) Funk was born on May 1, 1961, in Mitchell, South Dakota. He passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, surrounded by friends and family. PJ was part of Picture and Frame Industries for over 45 years. He held many positions within the company, from sweeping floors and making frames, to serving as Sales Manager and most recently,...
Martha Ann Hamm
May 17, 2026
Martha Ann Hamm passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Martha was born on April 20, 1940, to Harold and Marguerite Lundquist. She lived in and served the Independence community her entire life. Martha had a true heart of service and gave generously to those around her by providing affordable child care and housing with...
Ruth A. Morrison
May 15, 2026
Ruth A. Morrison passed away on May 15, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri. Born on April 17, 1934, in Wroughton, England, Ruth’s early years unfolded amidst the challenges of World War II. Growing up during such a demanding time shaped her resilient spirit and humble nature.
Ruth later moved to the United States, where she adapted to a new life and...
Joseph Lee Walker
May 14, 2026
Joseph Lee Walker (Joe) passed away on May 14, 2026, in his hometown of Independence, Missouri. Born on September 6, 1995, Joe’s life was marked by kindness, compassion, loyalty, resilience, and the deep connections he shared with others.
Raised and educated in Independence, Joe graduated from Truman High School. He was someone who deeply loved his family and friends and had...
Delmer Jay Campbell
May 14, 2026
Delmer “Del” Jay Campbell, 88, of Blue Springs, MO, passed away peacefully at home on May 14, 2026 after being recently diagnosed with metastatic cancer. Del was born September 20, 1937, in Butler, MO to Erland and Betty Campbell.
He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1955. Hs wife was also in that graduating class. He went on to Kansas...
Burdina Rosalie Bobbitt
May 13, 2026
Burdina Rosalie (Root) Bobbitt
A Life Well Lived
Please join us in celebrating a unique person who had a powerful impact on many lives as we remember her at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at:
Outreach Restoration Branch
723 S. Crysler Ave.
Independence, MO 64052
Born: January 22, 1929 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri
Died: May 13, 2026 in Independence, Missouri
Burdina had a...
Dorothy Brown Salyer
May 12, 2026
Dorothy B Salyer, age 105, passed away on May 12, 2026, at White Oaks Assisted Living in Independence, MO. Dorothy was born on April 1, 1921, in Marshall, MO. She was the daughter of Lloyd and Roberta Brown.
She graduated from Missouri Valley College with a teaching degree. During WW2, she worked at several places including Jeep. She then taught school...
Lemana Tusi "Stone" Atagi
May 10, 2026
Lemana Tusi Atagi, 59, of Spring Hill, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Olathe Medical Center.
“Stone,” as he was known to so many, was born on April 2, 1967, in Laie, HI to Tusi and Suisami (Fa’alogoifo) Atagi. He spent the first years of his life surrounded by family, culture, and the spirit of the islands before relocating with...
Loretta Jean Johnson
May 9, 2026
Loretta Jean Johnson, age 87 years, was born on March 14, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Henry G. Stolte and Margery L. Stolte-Courtois. She attended and graduated from Central High School in 1957.
Loretta married Carl W. Johnson on March 23, 1957, and had four children. Loretta was an assistant to a manager with social security until retiring in 2005....
Dorothy Faye Humphries Pine
May 7, 2026
Dorothy F. Humphries Pine of Independence, MO passed away at Cedarhurst Retirement Home on May 7, 2026, at age 90.
Services will be visitation on May 19th from 5-7 pm at Speaks Chapel on 39th Street Independence, MO. Graveside services on May 20th at 2 pm at Holden Cemetery Holden MO. In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions to the...
Bonnie Lynn Thatcher
May 5, 2026
Bonnie Lynn Thatcher peacefully passed away on May 5, 2026, in Independence, Missouri. Born on June 29, 1953, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Glenn and Luella Wills, Bonnie graced this world with her presence for 72 remarkable years.
Bonnie was proceeded in death by her husband Lonnie Thatcher.
Bonnie is survived by her sister, Dixie, her two daughters, Jeanne and Shirley, her...
Robert R. "Bob" Pinter
May 3, 2026
Robert R. “Bob” Pinter, 91 of Sugar Creek, MO passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 611 N. Liberty St., Independence, MO 64050 with burial with full military honors at Mound Grove Cemetery. There will be a rosary recited...
Cheryl Josephine Griner
May 1, 2026
Cheryl Josephine Piepergerdes Griner departed her earthly life on May 1, 2026. She was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, June 10, 1941, the eldest daughter of Kenneth and Vernell Piepergerdes. She received a bachelor’s degree from Central Missouri State University and graduated from the University at Kansas City with a Master’s degree in education. Cheryl became a teacher for the...
Clarence Lynn Blackburn
May 1, 2026
Clarence Lynn Blackburn, affectionately known as Clay, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, in Blue Springs, Missouri, surrounded by love. Born on December 17, 1948, in Independence, Missouri, Clarence lived a life marked by dedication, warmth, and an unwavering commitment to his family.
Clarence’s journey began in the heart of Independence, where he graduated from Southwest High School before advancing...
Carol Jean Anderson
Apr 30, 2026
Carol Jean Anderson, née Howell, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, in Blue Springs, Missouri. Born on April 14, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, Carol’s life was marked by a radiant spirit that touched everyone who knew her.
For more than 45 years, Carol dedicated herself to her career in the finance department at Hallmark, where her meticulous work ethic...
Beverly Loveen "Bev" (Tryon) Riley
Apr 30, 2026
Bev Riley, 88, of Independence, MO, peacefully passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 9-11am and Memorial service to follow at 11am at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave. Independence, MO. Graveside to take place after service in New Salem Cemetery. Bev...
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