Obituaries

Local Obituaries

Elizabeth Guadalupe "Betty" Orozco

Elizabeth Guadalupe "Betty" Orozco

Jan 10, 2026

Elizabeth Guadalupe "Betty" Orozco, age 43 years, of Raytown, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026.  Betty was born on December 26, 1983, in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to Angel Manuel De Luna Villanueva and Patricia Hernandez Gonzalez.  After moving to Missouri, she married Alberto Luis "Albert" Orozco and shared two beautiful sons together: Alberto Stefano...

Shirley Ann Bertsch

Shirley Ann Bertsch

Jan 10, 2026

Shirley Ann Bertsch, born on August 20, 1943, in Parkston, South Dakota, grew up on her family’s farm. She attended a country school in Garfield Township before graduating from Parkston High School in 1961. After high school, she pursued an associate degree in business at Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 

Shirley’s career began at Northwest National Bank, where...

Jeffery Reeves Vaughan

Jeffery Reeves Vaughan

Jan 9, 2026

Jeffery Reeves Vaughan passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, in his hometown of Independence, Missouri. Born on October 31, 1960, Jeff graced this world with his presence for 65 remarkable years.

A graduate of William Chrisman High School, Jeff furthered his education by taking courses at Northwest in Maryville. He dedicated his career to working as a pipefitter for Local...

Marion Francis Martin

Marion Francis Martin

Jan 9, 2026

Marion Francis Martin, 94 of Independence, MO passed away Friday morning, January 9, 2026 at the Villages of Jackson Creek. Cremation is planned with private graveside inurnment to be held at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO with full military honors.

Marion was born September 8, 1931 in Denver Colorado to William C. and Doris (Galbaugh) Martin and spent...

Christopher Daniel Laitner

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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