Obituaries
Nina Joan Calvert
Dec 13, 2025
Nina Joan (Phipps) Calvert
Joan Calvert passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, surrounded by her family at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, MO. She was 93 years old.
Joan was born on October 10, 1932, to William and Nina Phipps in rural Barton County, MO. She was the eldest of five children. Joan graduated salutatorian from Lamar High School in...
Mae Carol Stathas
Dec 10, 2025
Mae Carol Stathas, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, in Shawnee, Kansas, surrounded by love. Born on July 22, 1937, in St. Joseph, Missouri, Mae grew up to embody a spirit of kindness and warmth that she shared with everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Throughout her life, Mae demonstrated an...
Edward L. Mueller, Jr.
Dec 9, 2025
Edward L. "Ed" Mueller, Jr., age 70 years, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Services for Ed will be private.
Georgia Mae Milam
Dec 9, 2025
Georgia Mae Milam, 91, of Independence, MO passed away peacefully at home on December 9th, 2025. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Kenneth M. Milam, and son Brian K. Milam. She is survived by her son Richard Milam, his wife Sherri, siblings, Dot Chadwick, Jean Hinken, and Bill Lawson, her long-time companion John Hupman, and her treasured...
Jessie May Borland
Dec 8, 2025
Jessie May Borland passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025 at home. Jessie was born May 26,1939 to Arthur and Dorothea Stewart.
She attended Central High School in Kansas City Missouri and graduated in 1957.
She married Jimmie Lane Borland Sr on August 30, 1958, and to this union were born 2 children Jimmie Jr in 1966 and Jan in 1967.
Jessie was...
Carol Ann Zelk
Dec 7, 2025
Carol Ann (Miller) Zelk, 2/5/35 - Independence, MO, 12/7/25 - Independence, MO. Worked as an executive assistant for the Council of Twelve at the Community of Christ Church for 17 years in Independence, MO. Served as an officer in the Young Matrons, Independence Hospital Auxiliary, Community Service League, American Red Cross Eastern Jackson County Board, Board of Directors of her...
Judy Kay Franks
Dec 6, 2025
Judy Kay (Carlton) Franks, 81, of Buckner, MO passed away on December 6, 2025, at the Blue Springs Wellness Center. A visitation will be held from 10-11am on Friday, December 12th at the First Baptist Church of Buckner. Her funeral service will begin at 11am with burial to follow at Buckner Hill Cemetery.
Judy was born on September 16, 1944, in...
Richard Lee Bennett
Dec 6, 2025
Richard Lee Bennett passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on December 6, 2025. He was born in Trenton MO on Aug 22, 1937, to Russell Bennett and Florence Campbell Bennett. Although the family moved to Kansas City when Richard was young, he always considered Trenton his home.
Richard graduated from Blue Springs High School in 1954 and immediately enlisted...
Kathie Anne Jordan
Dec 5, 2025
Kathie was born to Alice (1919–1966) and Charles (1917–1985) on March 13, 1946, in New York City. She grew up in the city with her sister Joanne and her close friend Linda (1946–2025). She spent summers in Connecticut working as a camp counselor. Kathie attended the High School of Art and Design, but before graduating, her father was reassigned in...
Donna Rae Skouse
Dec 4, 2025
Our beloved wife, mom, and grandma passed away peacefully at home on December 4, 2025, surrounded by her family. Donna was a naturally loving and gracious woman who devoted her life to caring for others. From her family to her patients, her friends to her church community—and even perfect strangers—if someone needed nurturing, Donna was there.
Donna was born on June...
Bryon LeRoy Coatney
Dec 4, 2025
Bryon LeRoy Coatney, 60, of Buckner, Missouri, passed away on December 4th 2025. He was born on May 6, 1965, and lived a life full of passion, generosity, and unshakeable joy.
Bryon was a talented musician whose first love was always music. He grew up in a family of musicians and went on to become a proud member of the well-known...
Onetiario Netti Coats
Dec 3, 2025
Onetiario “Netti” Falemai Ah-Loe Coats passed away on December 3, 2025. She was born on July 20, 1954, in American Samoa to Falemai and Maggie (Te’o) Ah-Loe.
Netti graduated from Mission High School in 1972. She married Ben Fomai in September 1978, and together they welcomed one son, Ben Faga Fomai, Jr.
During her years in San Francisco and American Samoa, Netti...
Leah Ruth Gibson
Dec 3, 2025
Leah Ruth came as a surprise to her family and was loved immediately. Her mom grew her for nine months, and they were filled with kisses from her daddy, squishes from her big sister and rubs from her whole family. Leah Ruth, born sleeping on December 3rd, 2025, will be loved eternally.
Leah Ruth, mommy, daddy and Rachel want you to...
Jane Ricketts
Dec 3, 2025
Maya Jane (Williams) Ricketts passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, in Kansas City, surrounded by love.
Born Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1942, to Don E. and Fern (Polston) Williams, Jane grew up in Northern Missouri before moving to Kansas City in 1960 to begin nursing school. She quickly formed lifelong friendships with classmates who shared her mischievous streak and sense...
Charles Richard Hill
Dec 2, 2025
Charles Richard Hill, 80 of Blue Springs, MO passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel with burial to follow in Forest Hill Calvary Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m., until service time Wednesday at the chapel. Charles was...
Sandra Lynn Holsworth
Dec 1, 2025
Sandra Lynn Holsworth, 71 of Independence, MO passed away Monday, December 1, 2025 at her residence. Cremation is planned with private burial in Brooking Cemetery. Sandra was born December 2, 1953 in Kansas City, MO to Lloyd and Marguerite (Allen) Potter and has been a lifelong area resident graduating from Raytown High School. She had worked in food service for...
John Wesley Hill
Dec 1, 2025
John Wesley Hill, a dedicated family man, esteemed veteran, and loyal craftsman, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 1, 2025.
Born on September 5, 1949, in Independence, John was the son of the late Billie Lee and Virginia (Kelly) Hill. He attended William Chrisman High School and continued his education at Northwest Missouri State University.
Mr. Hill honorably served his country in...
James Michael Modrak
Nov 30, 2025
James Michael “Jim” Modrak, passed away on November 30, 2025 while surrounded by family, in Independence, Missouri. Jim was 75 years old. He was born on August 28, 1950, in Alpena, Michigan, to Alex and Frances (Kozlowski) Modrak. Jim was known for his easy-going personality and unwavering kindness to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jim graduated from Alpena...
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