Obituaries

Local Obituaries

John Wesley Cutshall

John Wesley Cutshall

Sep 26, 2025

John Cutshall was born on February 15, 1938 to James and Virginia Cutshall in Independence, MO.

He attended William Chrisman Junior High School and went on to work for Lipton Tea. Before spending 25 years of employment with Consolidated Freightways as a maintenance technician.

John has two sons, Marty (Maria) Cutshall of Panama and Scott (Lesli) Cutshall of Independence, MO. John also...

Jerry Ward Laughlin

Jerry Ward Laughlin

Sep 25, 2025

Jerry Ward Laughlin, a resident of Independence, Missouri, passed away on September 25, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on November 4, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Marion Jessie Laughlin and Julia Marie (Edwards) Laughlin, Jerry lived a life marked by dedication, accomplishment, and a passion for learning and creativity.

Jerry proudly earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering,...

John Edwin Rahija

John Edwin Rahija

Sep 25, 2025

John Edwin Rahija, born on September 10, 1972, in Kansas City, Kansas, departed this life on September 25, 2025, in Independence, Missouri while surrounded by his family. John lived a fulfilling life. He was known for his jovial personality, lighting up any room he entered, and for his strong-willed nature. John loved his family fiercely and cherished the time spent...

Gary Duane Ultican

Gary Duane Ultican

Sep 24, 2025

Gary Duane Ultican, 85 of Blue Springs, MO passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Blue Springs Wellness and Rehab Center. A memorial service to be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 9, 2025 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel. The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m., until service time Thursday at the chapel.

Gary was born March 4, 1940 in...

Brandon Lee Mareda

Brandon Lee Mareda

Sep 24, 2025

Brandon Lee Mareda, a beloved son, brother, and father, departed this world much too soon on September 24, 2025, at the age of 40. With his passing in Independence, Missouri, he leaves behind a profound legacy etched in the hearts of many.

Born on January 29, 1985, Brandon brought joy and laughter into the lives of those who were fortunate enough...

Carol Ann Garrett

Carol Ann Garrett

Sep 23, 2025

Carol Ann Garrett, 78 of Independence, MO passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at her residence. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 29, 2025 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel with burial to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m., until service time Monday at the chapel. Donations may be made in...

Dolores Merle Wulff Pace Bockes

Dolores Merle Wulff Pace Bockes

Sep 23, 2025

Dolores was born on August 31, 1933, and passed away on September 23, 2025. Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Dolores (Schumacher) Wilson, her brother, Howard, her sister, Frances Lee, her husbands, John James Wulff, Joven John Pace, and Henry Stuart Bockes, her son, James Andrew, and her granddaughters, Michelle and Amy Wulff.

Dolores graduated from Southeast...

Beth Snowden

Beth Snowden

Sep 22, 2025

Clara "Beth" Snowden passed away on September 22, 2025, in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Born on June 27, 1931, in Billings, Missouri, Beth lived a life filled with purpose, dedication, and a commitment to uplifting others through education and service.

Beth pursued her education with great determination, graduating from Rich Hill High School before earning her Master’s degree in counseling from Central...

Twila Lou Bartruff

Twila Lou Bartruff

Sep 22, 2025

Twila Lou Frazier(Luedeman, Bartruff), of Independence, Missouri, was born August 19, 1927 in Eustis, Nebraska to Merle and Joy Frazier. She peacefully departed this life on September 22, 2025 at the age of 98, to be reunited with her Creator. Her smile and gentle laugh will never be forgotten. Twila enjoyed being a bank teller a majority of her working...

Marilea Ann Kollack

Marilea Ann Kollack

Sep 21, 2025

Marilea Ann Kollack also known as: Maredee, Marney and MAK quietly passed on Sunday morning 9/21/25. She is preceded in death by her Father Frank Williams, Mother Blanche (McKinney) Williams, her brother Kenneth Williams and her Beloved Husband Roy Kollack.

Marilea and Roy loved the beach and spent many years of their retirement home in Fort Myers Florida. She had an...

Gary Lee Klein

Gary Lee Klein

Sep 20, 2025

Gary Lee Klein, born on October 30, 1951, in Sedalia, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, in Lee's Summit, Missouri. He was 73 years old.

A proud graduate of Truman High School, Gary dedicated many years of his life to working as a laborer at a lumberyard. His diligence and strong work ethic were evident to all who knew...

Brian Matthew Stahl

Brian Matthew Stahl

Sep 19, 2025

Brian Matthew "Matt" Stahl was born in Independence, MO, on August 7th, 1986, to Charles and Jerri (Huggins) Stahl. And later became a brother to Kevin Stahl.

Matt graduated from Ft Osage High School in 2005, where he enjoyed playing the trombone in band. He was a talented musician who also played the guitar and participated in several competitions. He was...

Jeffrey Michael Klenklen

Jeffrey Michael Klenklen

Sep 19, 2025

Jeffrey Michael Klenklen passed on to the next world from complications of stage four pancreatic cancer on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Johnston R Bowman Center in Chicago, Il, at the age of 62. He was born on July 3rd, 1963, at St. Joseph Hospital in Boonville, Missouri to Herb and Joyce Klenklen. Jeff moved to Independence, Missouri in 1968....

Alexander Paul Babcock

Alexander Paul Babcock

Sep 18, 2025

Alexander Paul Babcock was born on January 27, 2000 in Stavropol, Russia and passed away on September 18, 2025. He was 25yrs old.

Alex was adopted in March 2001 by Aimee and Mike Babcock. He was precocious and he always felt "like a little old man trapped in a toddler's body". Alex was sensitive and hardworking, he always wanted to help...

Gary Wayne Roach

Gary Wayne Roach

Sep 18, 2025

Gary Wayne Roach, born on August 21, 1948, in Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on September 18, 2025, in Independence, Missouri, after a long-fought battle with Parkinson's disease. He was a devoted father and husband, known for his kind heart, generosity, and unwavering love for those around him.

Gary's early education laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors. He graduated...

Hazel L. Carter

Hazel L. Carter

Sep 18, 2025

Hazel Hagood (Haighwood), Shea, Carter, of Grain Valley, Mo. Passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the age of 101. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

She was one of eight children born in Town Creek, Alabama to Elbert H Hagood and Jane Robinson Kelley. The Hagood/Haighwood family arrived in America from England in 1650....

Brian Keith Watkins

Brian Keith Watkins

Sep 17, 2025

Brian Keith Watkins of Independence, Missouri, died September 17, 2025. He was born to Barbara Elaine and Billy R. Watkins on December 28, 1967. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, George and Cleo Holtcamp, and survived by his mother, Barbara Elaine Watkins of Higginsville, Missouri, his uncle Lloyd Holtcamp of Eugene, Oregon, and brother James Scott Watkins...

Sharon L. Ambrosi

Sharon L. Ambrosi

Sep 17, 2025

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce that Sharon Ambrosi, age 79, of Noblesville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on September 17th after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by the love of her family and friends.Sharon was a beacon of kindness, strength, and grace. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, she lived a life...

James M. "Jim" Hohenberg

James M. "Jim" Hohenberg

Sep 16, 2025

James M. "Jim" Hohenberg, age 90 years, of Lone Jack, MO, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in his home surrounded by his beloved pets. Born on November 18, 1934, in Kansas City, MO to Max and Minerva (Baker) Hohenberg, Jim served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1955 to 1958. He then served his community as...

Patricia Ann "Pat" Clark

Patricia Ann "Pat" Clark

Sep 16, 2025

Pat Clark—a loving wife, mother and grandmother—was welcomed into the comforting arms of Jesus on September 16, 2025, after 82 blessed years with family. She was born in Jasonville, Indiana, on July 4, 1943, to Rev. and Mrs. William Bedwell. After graduating from Midland High School in 1961, Pat moved to Springfield, Missouri, to study at Central Bible College.

While pursuing...

Speaks Chapels Obituaries

Browse our collection of obituaries in Missouri and surrounding areas. Updated regularly, our obituary listings help you stay connected, celebrate memories, and honor the lives and legacies of your loved ones.

Sign Up for Obituary Notifications

Stay informed with gentle updates—delivered only when needed, never more.

GriefSteps logo in black text with an orange wave underline
A Year of Grief Support

Sign up for one year of weekly grief messages designed to provide strength and comfort during this challenging time.