Obituaries
Christopher Daniel Laitner
Jan 9, 2026
Christopher “Dan” Daniel Laitner, peacefully departed this world on January 9, 2026, at the age of 78, surrounded by love. Dan was born on March 13, 1947, to William “Bill” and Louise (Heins) Laitner in Carrollton, Missouri.
A proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Dan enlisted in early 1967 serving in Japan and Korea working with the F4 Phantom II....
Marilyn Hollis Coe
Jan 9, 2026
Marilyn Hollis Coe (Moore), a beloved matriarch and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, in Independence, Missouri, surrounded by love. Born on February 16, 1934, in Ludlow, Missouri, Marilyn epitomized the essence of family devotion and selfless service throughout her life.
Marilyn had many adventures in life. She embraced each day with a spirit of warmth and a...
Carol Lee Smith
Jan 8, 2026
Carol Lee (Duncan) Smith, born October 19, 1938, passed away January 8, 2026. She was 87 years of age.
Carol graduated from Fort Osage High School in 1956. On September 7, 1958, she married Edwin O. Smith. Carol is a member of the Buckner Restoration Branch.
She was preceded in death by her parents, E.C. and Vera (Chiles) Duncan, and her granddaughters,...
Wilma Esther Kleuver
Jan 8, 2026
Wilma Esther (Hamilton) Kleuver
April 7, 1932 - January 8, 2026
Garland, KS - Kansas City, MO
93 years old
Wilma was born in Garland, KS. She attended primary classes in a one room schoolhouse. After graduation, she lived in Fort Scott, KS; Santa Monica, CA; Garland TX; Independence MO; Kansas City, MO.
Career and Achievements
She worked for Sears, Roebuck & Co and enjoyed an...
Marilyn Ruth Umsted
Jan 8, 2026
Marilyn Ruth Umsted passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026 at Cedarhurst Senior Living of Blue Springs.
Marilyn was born to parents Nels and Ruth Schill on January 12, 1933 in Callender, IA. She graduated in 1950 from Harcourt High School in Iowa where she was top of her class and a standout basketball player.
She married Roger Umsted in 1951. They...
Ricardo Vasquez Sr.
Jan 7, 2026
Ricardo Vasquez Sr., age 73 years, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at home in Pleasant Valley, Missouri.
Ricardo will be known for his love of music. He created a band called "Mixed Emotions," and was the lead singer.
Ricardo is survived by his former wife, Mary Vasquez; son, Ricard Vasquez Jr.; grandson, Troy Vasquez; brother, Phillip Vasquez; sister, Salvida Livers...
Narnie Kathryn Deason
Jan 6, 2026
In Loving Memory of
Narnie Kathryn Paxton Deason
August 9, 1940 – January 6, 2026
Narnie Kathryn Paxton Deason, age 85, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 6, 2026. She was born on August 9, 1940, to Edward and Dorothy Paxton.
Narnie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her loving husband, Mel Deason; her sister...
Ronnie Gene Dike
Jan 6, 2026
Ronnie Gene Dike passed away on January 6, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on November 12, 1939, in Independence, Missouri, Ronnie lived a life characterized by hard work, dedication, and a deep love for his family.
From a young age, Ronnie demonstrated an incredible work ethic, starting as early as six years old, when he joined his father on...
Cheryl Diane Klinge-Higgins
Jan 6, 2026
Cheryl Diane Klinge-Higgins, a beloved figure in her community and an adoring family member, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in Independence, Missouri. Born on March 17, 1951, Cheryl was a graduate of Van Horn High School, class of 1969, and began a career that spanned several roles in the medical field. She initially worked as a medication aide...
Stephen "Steve" D. Clark
Jan 5, 2026
Stephen Clark, beloved husband & father, formerly of Independence MO, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Stephen was born on April 18, 1947, in Kansas City, MO. He grew up in the Northeast area of Kansas City and graduated from Northeast High School in 1965. He met the love of his life, Wilma, thanks...
Michelle Rae Warner
Jan 5, 2026
Michelle Rae Warner, 70, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on January 5, 2026. Her loving husband and daughter were with her at the time of her passing.
Michelle was born on August 12, 1955, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was adopted by Rex Knothe and Betty Knothe and grew up alongside her brother, Jim Knothe, in the sweet town of Ogallala, Nebraska....
Danette Dawn Oglebay
Jan 4, 2026
Danette Dawn Oglebay, affectionately known as DD, graced this world with her vibrant spirit on January 19, 1961, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She embarked on her eternal journey on January 4, 2026, in Blue Springs, Missouri, surrounded by the love of her family, who will forever cherish her memory.
Danette dedicated her career to the retail industry, where her warm smile resonated...
Louis Paul Brammer II
Jan 3, 2026
Louis Paul Brammer II passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026 surrounded by family. He was born on February 3, 1935 in Kansas City, Missouri to Louis and Anna (Lear) Brammer, and was widely known by his initials “LP” or middle name Paul, because to him “Louis is my dad”. It was later in life he fully embraced being known...
Kelli Anne Fisher
2026
Kelli Anne Fisher, born on March 28, 1962, in Independence, Missouri, passed away on January 3, 2026. Kelli was a vibrant soul who brought so much warmth and joy to everyone she knew.
A graduate of Fort Osage High School, Kelli pursued further education and earned a degree in criminal justice from Central Missouri State University, now known as the University...
Anastasia Rose Martinez
Jan 1, 2026
Anastasia Rose (Villegas) Martinez, a beloved homemaker and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully at her home in Independence, Missouri on January 1, 2026. She was 91 years old. Born on April 27, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri, she lived a life rich in kindness, love, and faith.
Anastasia was known for her caring demeanor and strong Catholic faith,...
Patricia Lynn Stark
Jan 1, 2026
Patricia Lynn Stark, affectionately known as Patty, was born on February 17, 1961, in North Kansas City, Missouri. She passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, in Kansas City, Kansas, surrounded by the love of her family. She graced this world with her presence for 64 remarkable years.
Patty dedicated an impressive 35 years of her life to Hallmark Cards, where...
Marion "Marty" Danzo, Jr.
Jan 1, 2026
Marion “Marty” Danzo, Jr., 82, of Independence, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Born on July 22, 1943, in Kansas City, Marty was the son of Marion and Angeline Danzo. He was raised in the Northend of Kansas City where he attended Glennon High School and then enlisted for 3 years in the US Army.
Those who...
Jacobi Diane Matney
Dec 31, 2025
Jacobi Diane Matney, lovingly known as Cobi, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, in Independence, Missouri, at the age of 71. Born on June 9, 1954, in North Kansas City, Missouri, Cobi brought joy and warmth to all who knew her, embodying a spirited personality that was as feisty as it was loving.
Cobi dedicated her life to her family...
David Joseph Best
Dec 30, 2025
David Joseph Best, born on August 12, 1973, in Independence, Missouri, left this world far too soon on December 30, 2025, in Overland Park, Kansas. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, son, brother, and uncle as well as a skilled craftsman.
David graduated from Fort Osage High School and went on to forge an independent life...
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