Obituaries
Barbara Luella Charde
Mar 23, 2025
Barbara Luella Charde, a cherished soul whose life was woven with threads of music, art, and the warmth of friendship, departed this world on March 23, 2025, in Leawood, Kansas. Born on December 14, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri, Barbara embraced the rhythm of life around her, stepping to a beat that was uniquely hers—often referred to fondly as ‘Barbara...
Deborah Lynn Gratto
Mar 22, 2025
Deborah Lynn Gratto, 75 of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Centerpoint Medical Center. Cremation is planned with private family services to be held at a later date. Deborah was born June 18, 1949 in Independence, MO to Charles Glenn and Maxine (Curtis) Riggle and has been a lifelong area resident. She graduated from Ruskin High...
Rodney Dean Craft
Mar 22, 2025
Rodney (Rod) Dean Craft was born to Robert E. Craft and Thelma F. Burtch on January 3,1952 in Flint, Michigan. He died on March 22, 2025 after brief but strong battle with cancer in Overland Park, Kansas. Rod is predeceased by his parents, stepfather, Harold Burtch, and stepbrother, Kurt Burtch. He is survived by his brothers, James (Cheryl), Neil (Laura)...
Jacqueline Hart Ennis
Mar 20, 2025
Jacqueline Hart Ennis, a cherished soul and beloved friend, died on March 20, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. Born on October 5, 1935, to James and Jessie (Finch) Ennis in Bethany, MO, Jacqueline's life was a testament to unwavering dedication and deep-rooted compassion. Her journey through life was marked by a steadfast commitment to family, community, and an abiding faith...
James "Jim" Edwin Anderson Jr.
Mar 20, 2025
James (Jim) Anderson, Jr. 82 of Independence, MO passed away at his home Thursday, March 20, 2025. Jim was born October 31, 1942, in Chillicothe, MO to James Edwin Anderson, Sr. and Margaret Allene (Caraway). Jim lived most of his life in Independence MO. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1960. Jim married his wife of nearly 62...
Mason David Cairns
Mar 19, 2025
Mason David Cairns, 19, of Independence, MO passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at his residence. Family will greet friends from 2 to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel with cremation to follow. Donations may be made in his name to Children’s Mercy Hospital. Mason was born May 16, 2005 in Kansas City, MO to...
Billy Ray Helm
Mar 19, 2025
Billy Ray "Bill" Helm passed away on March 19, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born on March 7, 1938, in Independence, Missouri to Jack and Mary (Rigg) Helm.
Bill was a man of many passions and hobbies that filled his life with joy. An avid stock car racing enthusiast, he could often be found cheering for his favorite...
Kenneth "Kenny" Marvin Uptegrove
Mar 19, 2025
Kenneth “Kenny” Marvin Uptegrove was a man who embodied hard work and a deep love for his family. Kenny’s journey began on March 2, 1938, in Grain Valley, Missouri, where he was born to his beloved parents Raymond Uptegrove and Martha Bell.
Kenny graduated from Grain Valley High School in 1956. Shortly after graduation, Kenny joined the army and was deployed...
Robert Leslie Edwards
Mar 19, 2025
Robert Leslie “Bob” Edwards passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 77. Born on December 4, 1947, in Granite City, Illinois, Bob lived a life filled with passion, dedication, and a profound sense of service.
For over 27 years, Bob worked as a production manager at Sunshine Biscuits, a Keebler company, where his...
Steven Edward Dove
Mar 19, 2025
Steven Edward Dove, affectionately known as Steve, was a beacon of love and kindness in the lives of all who had the privilege to know him. Born on September 15, 1946, in the humble town of Horton, Kansas, Steve's journey through life was one defined by dedication, compassion, and cherished relationships.
For many years, he thrived as a computer programmer, a...
Catherine Eileen Fox
Mar 18, 2025
Catherine Eileen Fox passed away peacefully on March 18th, 2025. Cathy was born on November 21, 1965 in Independence, Missouri to Nancy and Walter Fox.
She graduated from Lakeview Woods State School (a special education public school for the disabled) in the class of 1987.
Cathy was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ restored in 1830 a branch from the...
Beverly Ann Stephenson
Mar 18, 2025
Beverly Ann Stephenson, born September 20, 1940 in Wellington, Missouri. She was third of four daughters of Adolph and Edna Stalling. Her Wellington childhood inspired her all her life. In Wellington, she learned the importance of using your talents to make your community better for everyone. Beverly's talents were in music and performance. She was blessed with perfect pitch, could...
Marilyn "Sue" Heinrich
Mar 17, 2025
Marilyn Sue Heinrich
September 6, 1931 - March 17, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of M. Sue Heinrich , on March 17, 2025, she was 93.
Born on September 6th, 1931 in Oklahoma, Sue lived a full and vibrant life. She was the loving wife of Elmer Heinrich, who preceded her by 12 years (November 20,2012).
Sue was...
Ronald Gene Fricks
Mar 17, 2025
Ron Fricks October 25, 1945 – March 17, 2025
Ron Fricks, age 79, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in South Gate, California, on October 25, 1945, he was the son of Wanda and John Fricks.
A proud graduate of Union High School, Class of 1963, Ron continued his education at San Bernardino...
Roger Timothy Brown
Mar 16, 2025
Roger Timothy Brown, born on October 31, 1961, in Independence, MO, left this world on March 16, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by love. A devoted son and brother, Roger is survived by his parents, Larry and Nancy Brown, his sister Brenda Brown, and his sister and brother-in-law, Jackie and Robert Pennell. He also cherished his extended family and...
Beverly Jean Beeler
Mar 16, 2025
Beverly Jean Beeler of Independence, MO, passed away on March 16th, 2025 at the age of 72. She was born in Kansas City, MO on May 2nd, 1952 to Earl Marion Steward and Ruth Lee (Pardonner) Steward.
Beverly graduated from East High School in Kansas City in 1970. She married William Eugene Beeler Sr. on June 29th, 1971. They shared 14...
Cheryl Lee King
Mar 16, 2025
Cheryl Lee (Helmer) King passed from this life to eternal life on March 16, 2025. Cheryl was born on July 28, 1948, in Kansas City, Missouri to David R. and Jean M. Helmer.
She grew up in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, and graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in the class of 1966.
She married Alfred C. (A.C.) King, Jr., on January 24,...
Kenneth Lee Young
Mar 15, 2025
Kenneth Lee Young, age 90, of Independence, MO passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025.
“If you have a piece of peach cobbler, I will have dessert,” is a phrase that Kenneth asked in just about every restaurant that he frequented and very few, if any, ever had that on the dessert menu. Well, he finally went to a place that does...
James Lee "Jim" Buck
Mar 14, 2025
James Lee "Jim" Buck, born on March 21, 1938, in Atchison, Kansas, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025, in Independence, Missouri surrounded by family. He leaves behind a legacy shaped not just by his remarkable career, but also by the love and compassion he demonstrated throughout his life.
For thirty years, Jim served as a firefighter in Independence, embodying the...
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