Obituaries
Verna Jean Lowery
Sep 28, 2025
Verna Jean Lowery, fondly known as Jean, was born on January 17, 1940, in Clinton, Missouri. She peacefully departed this world on September 28, 2025, in Independence, Missouri, leaving behind an enduring legacy of love and compassion.
Jean graduated from William Chrisman High School and went on to dedicate an impressive 34 years of her career as a funding specialist at...
John Daniel Zevecke
Sep 28, 2025
John Daniel Zevecke, a beloved resident of Sugar Creek, Missouri, passed away on September 28, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on August 21, 1936, in Sugar Creek, Missouri to George and Mary (Balko) Zevecke, John was one of twelve children. He dedicated over 40 years of his life to maintaining the city he cherished so deeply.
Throughout his lifetime,...
Melanie G. Caywood
Sep 27, 2025
Melanie G. Caywood, age 74, passed away on September 27th at her home in Fort Worth, TX, previously she was a longtime resident of Blue Springs, MO.
She was born on November 16th 1950 to William & Doloros McCray in Lubbock, Texas. She moved several times with her family as a child and graduated from Neosho MO in 1969. She married...
Robin Eugenia Branam
Sep 27, 2025
Robin Eugenia Branam, a beloved member of her family and community, passed away on September 27, 2025, in Independence, Missouri, after a brave battle with cancer. Born on March 18, 1960, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Robert Eugene Branam and Jane Alice (Shirey) Branam, Robin was the epitome of a loving spirit, who brought joy to everyone around her.
Robin graduated...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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....
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