Obituaries
Local Obituaries
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...
Donna Faye Axsom
Apr 30, 2026
Donna Faye Axsom passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was 91. Donna was born on December 20, 1934, in Braymer, Missouri to Milton and Alta (Hall) Clevenger. Her life was marked by unwavering dedication to her loved ones.
Donna graduated from Braymer High School before embarking on a fulfilling career as a customer service representative...
Lois Anita Crain
Apr 28, 2026
Lois Anita Crain, 74, of Independence, MO, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026. Born on September 17, 1951 to Norman and Lanell Bettis. She was a devoted spouse, parent, and friend.
Lois enjoyed fishing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
She is survived by her loving spouse, Larry Crain; children, Brian Hutson, Michael Hutson, Max Crain, and Michelle Noack;...
Gary Wayne Suse
Apr 28, 2026
Gary W. Suse, of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away April 28, 2026, in Kansas City, MO. He was born the youngest of four boys, on July 12, 1956 in Clinton, MO to Fred and Birdie Suse. Gary moved frequently throughout his childhood, attending 18 schools between kindergarten and graduation. He attended most of high school at Eureka High School, transferring...
Paul Edward Miller, Sr.
Apr 27, 2026
Paul Edward Miller, Sr., 78 of Independence, MO passed away, Monday, April 27, 2026 at Carmel Hills Living Center. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Carson-Speaks Chapel. Paul was born January 6, 1948 in Independence to Frank E. and Norma May (Olsen) Miller and has been a...
Anna Jean Walker
Apr 27, 2026
Anna Jean Walker was born on September 6th, 1954, to the late Cleotis King Anthony and Addie B Hill in Kansas City Kansas. Anna was raised by her Stepfather James W. L Hill.
Anna Walker Graduated from B W Sheppard school in 1973, from there she started her work history, at Blue Valley Industries, for more than 30 years. After Anna...
Teresa Ann Blair Michel
Apr 27, 2026
Teresa Ann Blair Michel, age 78, died on Monday, April 27, 2026. Teresa, or Terry, as many knew her, was born in Independence, Missouri, on June 21, 1947, to Jeanne Marie Tryon and George Alvin Tryon, Jr. She graduated as the salutatorian of the 1965 class of William Chrisman High School and went on to earn her degree in teaching...
Aziel Ariel Zermeno
Apr 25, 2026
In cherished memory of our beloved Azie, whose radiant smile and infectious laughter illuminated our lives. This remarkable toddler was an accelerated learner with an affinity for outdoor activities and his scooter. The mornings hold bittersweet significance, reminding us of Azie's presence that will forever be missed. At merely two years old, Azie's life was cut short, leaving an indelible...
Trudie E. Culver
Apr 25, 2026
Trudie E. Culver passed away comfortably at home with her family on April 25th, 2026. Trudie was born October 2nd, 1955 to Bill and Billye Jean Tschanz in Wichita, Kansas.
Our mom married our dad, Rod Culver on November 30th, 1974 and had three children, Kellie, Sean and Ryan. Son-in-law Charles. Daughter-in-law Jennifer. Grandchildren, Emilee, Will, Eric and Lily. Survived by...
Michael Ray Smith
Apr 25, 2026
It is with sorrow and joy we announce the passing of Michael Ray Smith. As much as he will be missed, we know he became whole and at peace as the angels guided him to The Father, and into his heavenly home on April 25, 2026.
Michael was born on November 23, 1958, in Kansas City MO to Kenneth J Smith...
Willa Dean Murphy
Apr 23, 2026
Willa Dean (Parson) Murphy of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the age of 83 years. She was born on September 26, 1942, in Millcreek, Missouri, to Otto and Ruby Parson. With the love of her life, William Lewis "Bill" Murphy, Willa provided a loving and nurturing home for their two children, Audie and Ron.
Throughout her...
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