Obituaries

Gerald Eugene Smith

Gerald Eugene Smith

Jan 1, 2025

Gerald Eugene Smith, 82 of Blue Springs, MO passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at his residence. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the St. John Lalande Catholic Church in Blue Springs, MO with burial to follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.  The family will greet friends from 9:00 a.m., until service time at...

Catalina "Lina" Andres Salinas

Catalina "Lina" Andres Salinas

Jan 1, 2025

Our dear Mama, Catalina A. Salinas, known to everyone as Lina/Nena, sadly passed away on January 1, 2025 at St. Lukes East Hospital at the age of 80. She was the loving wife of Ernesto O. Salinas. She was a dedicated mother of Eucelyn Parker (Larry), Eufemia Gray (Rick), Eunice Guindon (Daniel), Eulina Stuck (Ray) and Carl. Lina was a...

Patricia Colleen McFatrich

Patricia Colleen McFatrich

Dec 31, 2024

Patricia “Patti” Colleen McFatrich (Howell) was born on June 17, 1960, in Kansas City, Missouri, and passed away on December 31, 2024, at approximately 8:50 p.m., in the presence of her eldest daughter. In the days leading to her passing, Patti was visited by her family, who reminded her of how much she was loved and how greatly she will...

Ruth C. Faith

Ruth C. Faith

Dec 31, 2024

Ruth C. Faith, born on September 10, 1945, in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, in Independence, Missouri, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience. She was a cherished individual whose warmth and kindness affected the lives of many.

 An alumna of Pleasant Hill High School, Ruth took pride in her education and grew to...

John William Nix

John William Nix

Dec 31, 2024

John William (Bill) Nix gained his wings on December 31, 2024. He passed peacefully surrounded by family at Centerpoint Medical Center, Independence, MO. Bill was born on March 24, 1949 in Springfield, MO to William and Bernice Nix. He married the love of his life, Linda Holland on January 10, 1970 and have been together for 55 years. They have...

Todd Joseph Munjak

Todd Joseph Munjak

Dec 31, 2024

Todd Joseph Munjak, 47, passed away after a battle with cancer on December 31, 2024 at Centerpoint Hospital in Independence, Missouri. He is the son of Dennis Joseph Munjak and Marlena June Munjak. He is survived by his parents, Dennis and Marlena Munjak; his brother, Bryan Munjak; and sister, Kelly Cooper. A visitation will be held Saturday, February 15th, 2025...

Shirley Jean Beeler

Shirley Jean Beeler

Dec 30, 2024

Shirley Jean Beeler, a loving mother and grandmother, passed away on December 30, 2024, in Independence, Missouri, at the age of 95. Born on February 21, 1929, in Kansas City, Missouri, Shirley was the cherished daughter of Eugene “Gene” and Ruby Darling.

Shirley proudly graduated from Northeast High School and continued her education at Kansas University, establishing a foundation for her...

Barton L. Bigge

Barton L. Bigge

Dec 30, 2024

Barton L. Bigge, affectionately known as Bart, was born on August 3, 1940, in Stockton, Kansas. He passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024, in Lee's Summit, Missouri, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, intelligence, and an unwavering love for his family.

 Bart was a distinguished civil engineer whose brilliant mind contributed significantly to the field over the years. He spent...

Paul Viggo Sorensen

Paul Viggo Sorensen

Dec 30, 2024

Paul Viggo Sorensen, cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024, in Independence, Missouri, at the age of 85.

Born on January 5, 1939, in Hørmested, Denmark, Paul was the son of Marius and Jenny Sorensen. He and his family survived the Nazi occupation during the entirety of World War II in Denmark. At the age...

Roberta Louise Murphy

Roberta Louise Murphy

Dec 30, 2024

Roberta Louise Murphy died as she had lived: peacefully, with family nearby, on the morning of Dec. 30, 2024. 

Bobby was the only child of Gertrude (Newcomer) and Eldon Young, born on August 19, 1937 in Tucson, AZ. She accepted Jesus during church camp and was baptized at the Christian Church in Everest, KS. In later years, she traveled to Israel...

Patricia Ann Morris

Patricia Ann Morris

Dec 29, 2024

Patricia Ann Morris was born August 8th, 1937, to Leo and Agnes Ryan. She was the youngest of 4 children (Mickey, Evelyn, Leonard). Her mother, Agnes (Canary), an Irish immigrant, and Leo, raised Patricia (Pat) and her siblings in a traditional Irish/Catholic setting. Patricia grew up in eastern Kansas City, attending St. Stephen's and Glennon High School.Patricia had an active childhood...

Jennifer Lynn Baltzer

Jennifer Lynn Baltzer

Dec 28, 2024

Jennifer Lynn Baltzer, 52 of Oak Grove, MO passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Centerpoint Medical Center. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday on January 11, 2025 at the South Crysler Restoration Branch, 16101 E Salisbury Rd, Independence, MO 64050. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations in her name...

Luella Jane Rew

Luella Jane Rew

Dec 28, 2024

Luella Jane (Copenhaver) Rew. Age 83. 11.29.41 to 12.28.24

Luella was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 29, 1941, to Lonzo and Dorothy Copenhaver. She graduated from Northeast High School in 1959 and began a 30-year career in banking which would last until her retirement in 2001.

Luella married Raymond L. Rew, also of Kansas City and a ’59 graduate of...

Vickie Lynn Long

Vickie Lynn Long

Dec 25, 2024

obituary to come..

Dorothy Joan Higgins

Dorothy Joan Higgins

Dec 25, 2024

Dorothy Joan Higgins, born on March 1, 1942, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2024, in Independence, Missouri. She was a cherished sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother whose warm spirit and generous heart touched the lives of many.

 A proud graduate of Van Horn High School, Dorothy carried with her the values of hard work and dedication...

Ethan Christopher Ratliff

Ethan Christopher Ratliff

Dec 25, 2024

Ethan Christopher Ratliff, a beloved son, grandson, brother, and friend, passed away too soon on December 25, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. Born on September 8, 2003, in Independence, Missouri, Ethan had a vibrant spirit and a fun-loving personality that touched the hearts of all who knew him.

 

From an early age, Ethan was known for his kindness and infectious laughter....

Kathleen Lynn Duckworth

Kathleen Lynn Duckworth

Dec 25, 2024

Kathleen (Kathy) Youmans Duckworth (née Boone) passed away peacefully on Christmas Day 2024, at home in Lee's Summit, Missouri. 

Kathy was born April 21, 1955, in San Pedro, California to Phyllis Glover and Gordon Youmans, both now deceased. Kathy was the third of four Youmans children: Debbie (deceased), Kenneth (deceased) and Robin, and later gained a fourth sibling when Phyllis married...

Franki Jo Klotz

Franki Jo Klotz

Dec 24, 2024

Franki Jo Klotz, 55 of Buckner, Mo passed away Tuesday December 24, 2024 at her residence. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at the Carson Speaks Chapel with burial to follow in Lobb Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m., until service time Wednesday at the chapel. Franki was born January 14,...

Michael John Stefancik Jr.

Michael John Stefancik Jr.

Dec 23, 2024

Michael John Stefancik Jr., affectionately known as Mike, was born on August 17, 1952, in Independence, Missouri. He departed this life on December 23, 2024, in his home at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and love. 

A devoted life-time member of St. Mary's Church, Mike's education began there, where he attended grade school and high...