Obituaries
Dorothy Lee Hessenflow
Sep 22, 2024
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Dorothy Lee Hessenflow, a cherished soul who embodied love and devotion, on September 22, 2024, in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Born on May 12, 1934, in the quaint town of Ava, Missouri, Dorothy's journey through life was marked by her unwavering commitment to nurturing those around her.
As a dedicated caregiver,...
Donna Dean Sanders
Sep 21, 2024
Donna Dean Sanders, 87 of Lawrence, KS passed away Saturday, September 21, 2024 at her residence. A private graveside service will be held at Oak Ridge Memory Gardens. Donna was born September 8, 1937 in Kansas City, KS to Alfred and Hattie Gertrude (Gossage) Weiss and has been a long time area resident. She was married to Kay L. Sanders...
Gail Frances Spence
Sep 20, 2024
Gail F. (Motzkus) Spence, 80, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on September 20, 2024. Gail was born on November 18, 1943, in Maryville, Missouri. Her parents were Fredrick and Margie (Goss) Motzkus and Gail was the first of 6 daughters. They were privileged to be reared on the family farm near Stanberry, Missouri.
Gail’s parents preceded her in death as...
Anita Louise Allen
Sep 20, 2024
Anita Louise Allen, 98 of Lee’s Summit passed on to her Heavenly home on September 20, 2024. Visitation will be 1 p.m., September 28, 2024 with services following at Speaks Suburban Chapel, Independence, MO. Graveside services to follow at Floral Hills East Memorial Gardens.
Anita was born August 15, 1926 in Greer, MO to Everett and Chloe Hall. After graduation from...

William Allen Gregson
Sep 19, 2024
William Allen Gregson, 96 of Independence, MO passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024. He is to be buried at Mound Grove Cemetery. William bas born July 1, 1928 in Newark, DE to Gifford L. and Frances (Beaumont) Gregson. He moved to Independence MO in 1963 with his wife and 2 children. He worked for the RLDS church until he retired...
Kathryn Elizabeth Stuart
Sep 18, 2024
Kathryn Elizabeth “Kathy” Stuart passed away on September 18, 2024 in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. Kathy was born on November 22, 1957, in Seattle, Washington to Melvin and Shirley (Herring) Miller.
While she dedicated much of her life to caring for her home and family, Kathy also took on the tasks of cleaning homes for additional income, always balancing her responsibilities...
Cecilia "Suzie" Marie Rabideau
Sep 17, 2024
Cecilia Marie Rabideau, affectionately known as "Suzie," was born on January 11, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri. She peacefully passed away on September 17, 2024, in North Kansas City, Missouri, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service that touched the lives of many.
Suzie met her husband, Bob, on a blind date while he was serving in the United States...
Barbara Ann Doll
Sep 17, 2024
Barbara Ann (Furness) Doll went to be with her Lord on September 17, 2024. She was born in Everett, MA on February 14, 1940 to William Bradbury Furness and Edith Maxine (Jones) Furness. She is survived by her husband, Delton L. Doll, three daughters, Julie Ann Sprowls, Joyce Ann Thomas, and Jennifer Ann Doll, and two sisters in Massachusetts, Nancy...
Gretchen Arlene Booz
Sep 16, 2024
Gretchen Booz (90), passed away on September 16, 2024 at Benton House in Blue Springs, Missouri. She shared 56 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Don Booz.
Born in Boone, Iowa, Gretchen was the daughter of David and Katherine Berg. She graduated from Graceland University in 1955, and later served for 12 years as a member of Graceland’s Board of...
Susan Belinda Smith
Sep 16, 2024
Susan Belinda Smith, 76 of Belton, MO passed away Monday, September 16, 2024 at Menorah Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 23, 2024 at the Carson-Speaks Chapel with burial to follow in Mt. Washington Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m., Monday until service time Monday at the chapel. Donations may be...
Franz Edward Nelson
Sep 16, 2024
Franz Edward Nelson, a paragon of devotion and intellect, graced this world with his presence on May 5, 1943, in the quaint town of Bolckow, Missouri. He passed from this earthly realm on September 16, 2024, in Kansas City, Kansas, leaving behind a legacy etched in love, service, and boundless compassion.
As a retired Army pilot with the esteemed rank of...
Mary Janet MacLeod
Sep 15, 2024
Mary Janet MacLeod, of Lee's Summit, Missouri, passed away on September 15, 2024, at the age of 71.
Mary was born on January 29, 1953, in Algona, Iowa to Raymond and Dorothy Harig. Mary pursued her education with vigor and graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree, setting the foundation for a dynamic and successful career. Throughout her life,...
Janice Carrol Ault
Sep 15, 2024
Janice Ault
August 18, 1940 — September 15th, 2024
Janice Carrol Ault, daughter of the late Wayne and Vinita (Sluder) Hilt, was born August 18th, 1940, in Mountain Grove, Missouri, and passed away September 15th, 2024, at Wilshire at Lakewood Care Center, Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She was 84 years of age.
Janice grew up in Norwood, Missouri. She and her husband Ted were...
James Vernon Titus
Sep 15, 2024
James Vernon Titus passed away on September 15, 2024 at the age of 93.
James was born on January 1, 1931 in Kansas City, Missouri to William and Della (Ray) Titus.
James was a man of many hats—an Army veteran who proudly served his country, a dedicated employee of Ford Motor Company from which he retired with honor, and above all, a...
Stephen Craig Doctor
Sep 14, 2024
Stephen Craig Doctor, 75, of Independence, MO, passed away at his home on September 14th after a long and fulfilling life.
Craig was born on August 27, 1949 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the son of B. Maxine Doctor and Richard Notley Doctor. After Craig graduated from Raytown High School in 1967, he attended CMSU and Longview College.
Craig married Donita...
John Thurman Ahring II
Sep 13, 2024
John Thurman Ahring II, born on October 22,1944, in Kansas City, Missouri, bid farewell to this world on September 13, 2024, leaving behind a legacy woven with love, laughter, and heartfelt memories. He departed from us in Sibley, Missouri, where he lived life with a steadfast spirit, demonstrating resilience and warmth throughout his journey.
For over fifty years, John dedicated himself...
Charles Merle Wright Sr.
Sep 9, 2024
Charles Merle Wright Sr. passed away peacefully on September 9, 2024 in Henderson, Nevada with his family by his side. Charles was born to Arthur and Evelina (Carey) Wright on February 6, 1935 in DeKalb County, Missouri.
Charles graduated from East High School in Kansas City, Missouri. He married Roberta Wright on February 6, 1954 and spent the next 63 years...
Janet Kay Whitehead
Sep 9, 2024
Janet Kay Whitehead, a cherished soul born on November 3, 1949, in Independence, Missouri, passed away on September 9, 2024. A beacon of compassion and learning, she dedicated over 31 years to shaping young minds as a beloved Kindergarten teacher in the Fort Osage School District. Even after her retirement, the call of education remained strong, and she continued her...
Dolores Jean McLaughlin
Sep 8, 2024
Dolores Jean McLaughlin (Housh) came to this earth on June 21, 1937. On September 8, 2024 she returned to her heavenly home to be with her husband Lewis, daughter Belinda and many other dear loved ones.
Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 19, 2024 at the Carson-Speaks Chapel with inurnment to follow...
Judith Arlee Springer Terry
Sep 8, 2024
Judith (Judy) Arlee Springer Terry passed away on Sunday, September 8 with her loving family by her side. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 14 at 10am at Speaks Suburban Chapel on 39th Street, Independence, MO with visitation preceding the service at 9am. A private family burial will be held afterwards.
The youngest of six children, Judy was born...
Subscribe
Subscribe to get alerts on new obituaries
HeartLight offers a variety of support groups, education, resources, and special programming related to grief and loss.