Obituaries
Chrysanne Casteel
Jan 5, 2025
Chrysanne (Embry) Casteel, born on March 18, 1942, in Booneville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025, in Independence, Missouri. She was a cherished mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, known for her unwavering strength, feisty spirit, and a heart full of love.
The daughter of Helen Augusta Stegner of Billingsville, Missouri Chrysanne adopted a can-do spirit from early childhood which...
Tamara Lynn "Tami" Rogers
Jan 4, 2025
Tamara (Tami) Lynn Rogers of Blue Springs, Missouri passed away on January 4, 2025 due to complications during a difficult surgery. She was 62 years old. Cremation is planned with a Celebration of Tami’s life to be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel. The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m., until service...
Janice Ann Sartwell
Jan 3, 2025
Janice Ann Sartwell passed away peacefully at home on January 3, 2025. Janice was born on January 17, 1928, in Davison Township, Michigan, to the late Frank and Julia (Hart) Carpenter.
She married Wilbur Sartwell in 1959, and he preceded her in death in 2013.
Janice was a registered nurse and proudly worked several decades for the City of Independence.
She was a...
Catharine Ann Mesle
Jan 3, 2025
Catharine Ann Mesle was born in Independence, Mo. on May 2, 1946, to Frank Carl (Carl) Mesle Jr. and Alice Kathalea (Kay) Sprague Mesle who predeceased her. She was raised in Independence with her sister, Sharon Kay (Sherry) Mesle-Morain (Bill) and her brother, Charles Robert (Bob) Mesle (Barbie). Growing up in Independence, they were surrounded by loving friends and family,...
William "Cody" Akers
Jan 3, 2025
William Cody Akers, affectionately known as Cody, was born on July 12, 1996, in Independence, Missouri. With a warm smile and a pleasant demeanor, he brought joy to all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. A proud graduate of Grain Valley High School, Cody's life was characterized by his passionate zest for living. He found fulfillment in his...
Darrell Ray Simpson
Jan 3, 2025
Darrell Ray Simpson was born November 13, 1951 to Virgil, Dale (“Dick”) and Florence, Mae (McDaniel) Simpson in Leon, Iowa. He was baptized into the RLDS church on June 12, 1966.
Darrell graduated from Lamoni High School in 1970 and enrolled in Universal Tech in Omaha, Nebraska, where he studied auto mechanics. He had an automotive shop for a few years...
Damion William Atwater
Jan 2, 2025
Damion William Atwater-Cannon, born on December 21, 2001, in Independence, Missouri to Tiffanie Stevenson, passed away at the young age of 23 on January 2, 2025, in Independence, MO. Shortly after his birth, Nick Cannon, who became his dad, played a significant role in his life and lovingly raised him. Damion was celebrated for his vibrant spirit and humor, consistently...
Toby Jacob Henderson
Jan 2, 2025
Toby Jacob Henderson, a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on January 2 , 2025, at the age of 46 in Blue Springs, Missouri. Born on December 3, 1978, in Independence, Missouri, Toby was a gentle giant whose big personality and witty charm lit up every room he entered. He was truly the life of the...
Evert Wesley Howser
Jan 2, 2025
Evert Wesley Howser, beloved Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle and Cherished Friend, left this world on January 2, 2025, just days after celebrating his 49th birthday. Born on December 27, 1975 to J. Leroy and Evelyn, Evert was a vibrant soul whose wit and infectious laughter brightened the lives of everyone who crossed his path.
Love of the outdoors was reflected...
Gerald Eugene Smith
Jan 1, 2025
Gerald Eugene Smith, 82 of Blue Springs, MO passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at his residence. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the St. John Lalande Catholic Church in Blue Springs, MO with burial to follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 9:00 a.m., until service time at...
Catalina "Lina" Andres Salinas
Jan 1, 2025
Our dear Mama, Catalina A. Salinas, known to everyone as Lina/Nena, sadly passed away on January 1, 2025 at St. Lukes East Hospital at the age of 80. She was the loving wife of Ernesto O. Salinas. She was a dedicated mother of Eucelyn Parker (Larry), Eufemia Gray (Rick), Eunice Guindon (Daniel), Eulina Stuck (Ray) and Carl. Lina was a...
Patricia Colleen McFatrich
Dec 31, 2024
Patricia “Patti” Colleen McFatrich (Howell) was born on June 17, 1960, in Kansas City, Missouri, and passed away on December 31, 2024, at approximately 8:50 p.m., in the presence of her eldest daughter. In the days leading to her passing, Patti was visited by her family, who reminded her of how much she was loved and how greatly she will...
Ruth C. Faith
Dec 31, 2024
Ruth C. Faith, born on September 10, 1945, in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, in Independence, Missouri, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience. She was a cherished individual whose warmth and kindness affected the lives of many.
An alumna of Pleasant Hill High School, Ruth took pride in her education and grew to...
John William Nix
Dec 31, 2024
John William (Bill) Nix gained his wings on December 31, 2024. He passed peacefully surrounded by family at Centerpoint Medical Center, Independence, MO. Bill was born on March 24, 1949 in Springfield, MO to William and Bernice Nix. He married the love of his life, Linda Holland on January 10, 1970 and have been together for 55 years. They have...
Todd Joseph Munjak
Dec 31, 2024
Todd Joseph Munjak, 47, passed away after a battle with cancer on December 31, 2024 at Centerpoint Hospital in Independence, Missouri. He is the son of Dennis Joseph Munjak and Marlena June Munjak. He is survived by his parents, Dennis and Marlena Munjak; his brother, Bryan Munjak; and sister, Kelly Cooper. A visitation will be held Saturday, February 15th, 2025...
Shirley Jean Beeler
Dec 30, 2024
Shirley Jean Beeler, a loving mother and grandmother, passed away on December 30, 2024, in Independence, Missouri, at the age of 95. Born on February 21, 1929, in Kansas City, Missouri, Shirley was the cherished daughter of Eugene “Gene” and Ruby Darling.
Shirley proudly graduated from Northeast High School and continued her education at Kansas University, establishing a foundation for her...
Barton L. Bigge
Dec 30, 2024
Barton L. Bigge, affectionately known as Bart, was born on August 3, 1940, in Stockton, Kansas. He passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024, in Lee's Summit, Missouri, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, intelligence, and an unwavering love for his family.
Bart was a distinguished civil engineer whose brilliant mind contributed significantly to the field over the years. He spent...
Paul Viggo Sorensen
Dec 30, 2024
Paul Viggo Sorensen, cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024, in Independence, Missouri, at the age of 85.
Born on January 5, 1939, in Hørmested, Denmark, Paul was the son of Marius and Jenny Sorensen. He and his family survived the Nazi occupation during the entirety of World War II in Denmark. At the age...
Roberta Louise Murphy
Dec 30, 2024
Roberta Louise Murphy died as she had lived: peacefully, with family nearby, on the morning of Dec. 30, 2024.
Bobby was the only child of Gertrude (Newcomer) and Eldon Young, born on August 19, 1937 in Tucson, AZ. She accepted Jesus during church camp and was baptized at the Christian Church in Everest, KS. In later years, she traveled to Israel...
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.


