Obituaries
Lana "Joan" Egleston
Dec 28, 2025
Lana “Joan” Egleston passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri at the age of 61. Born to James and Hilda (Cooper) Vance on September 14, 1964, in Wyandotte County, Kansas, she spent her life spreading joy and creativity wherever she went.
After graduating from Fort Osage High School Joan dedicated many years of her professional life as...
Iris Carolina Ulloa Colato
Dec 27, 2025
Iris Ulloa fue una madre dedicada para sus tres hijos, una hija amorosa, una hermana querida, una amiga maravillosa para todos, una trabajadora incansable y una mujer con un corazón verdaderamente grande. Vivió una vida llena de amor y compasión, siempre poniendo cuidado y bondad en todo lo que hacía.
En los últimos años de su vida, Iris vivió algunos de...
Evelyn Lou Burke
Dec 26, 2025
Evelyn Lou (Brigham) Burke, 94, passed early on December 26, 2025, at the Brookdale Claire Bridge Memory Care in Overland Park, KS, with her daughters at her side. Evelyn was born in Lansing, MI, ultimately moving with her parents and four siblings to Madison, WI, where she graduated from East High School, and subsequently earned an AA degree from Graceland...
Penny Ann Maxwell
Dec 26, 2025
Penny Ann Maxwell, 76, of Chanute KS passed away on December 26th 2025 in Joplin MO.
Visitation will be at Speaks Suburban Chapel in Independence, MO at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM with internment at Mound Grove Cemetery immediately following.
There will be a Celebration of Life at Westview Baptist Church in...
Jerry Walter Wayne Thompson Jr.
Dec 26, 2025
Jerry Walter Wayne Thompson Jr., passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2025, in his hometown of Independence, Missouri. He was 41 years old. Jerry was born on November 12, 1984, to Jerry and Dana (Turner) Thompson Sr.
Jerry graduated from Blue Springs High School in 2002, and shone brightly as a standout football player. He carried his passion for sports into...
Robert Clair "Bob" Williams
Dec 26, 2025
Robert Clair Williams, affectionately known as "Bob" and nicknamed "Tiger Bob" at the racetracks, passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2025, in Independence, Missouri, where he was born on July 4, 1941, to Ervin Edward Williams and Mildred Josephine (Beery) Williams. He lived a life marked by dedication, hard work, and love for his family.
Bob graduated in June 1960 from...
Waunita Belle Moore
Dec 25, 2025
Waunita Belle (Riley) Moore passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025. Waunita was born in Halltown, MO, on November 25, 1934, to Leonard Elmer and Elsie Lucille (Jenkins) Riley, who preceded her in death.
Waunita graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1952. She attended Southwest Missouri State Teachers College (now Missouri State University) in Springfield, MO, and graduated from UMKC...
Barbara Joyce Turner
Dec 24, 2025
Barbara Joyce Turner (Bobbie), born on October 12, 1935, in Kansas City, Missouri, was a beloved figure whose vibrant spirit touched the lives of many. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 24, 2025, in Independence, Missouri, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
Those fortunate enough to know her recognized that she was truly a...
Mary Jane Hayes
Dec 23, 2025
M. Jane Hayes, 82 of Blue Springs, MO passed away Tuesday December 23, 2025 at her residence. Cremation is planned with a memorial Mass held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 16, 2025 at St. Mark Catholic Church with inurnment to follow at 2:00 p.m., at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. Donations may be made in her name to...
William "Bill" Joseph Downey, II
Dec 22, 2025
William “Bill” Joseph Downey, II, age 89, passed away on December 22, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri.
Bill was born in Kansas City, Missouri on July 7, 1936, he was the son to William Joseph Downey, Sr. and Genevieve Downey (Brown). The family moved to Independence, Mo. and Bill graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1954. He spent more than...
Doris Elaine Cunningham
Dec 21, 2025
Doris E. Cunningham (née Steckman), born February 15, 1934, in Blue Springs, Nebraska, passed peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the age of 91.
Beloved wife of the late Gene Cunningham; dear stepmother of Patty (Mike) Stohlman and the late Joe Cunningham and Linda Cunningham; adopted mother to Linda Kay Bauer. Cherished daughter of the...
Clarence Milbert Stoll Jr.
Dec 20, 2025
Clarence Milbert Stoll Jr., a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on December 20, 2025, in Blue Springs, Missouri. Born on April 9, 1925, in Mayview, Missouri, to Clarence and Ethel (Carl) Stoll, Clarence lived a life rich in experiences and dedication to family, service, and faith.
Clarence grew up in Willow Springs, Texas County, where he attended school in...
Cynthia June Thomas
Dec 20, 2025
Cynthia June Thomas, lovingly known as Cindy, passed away on December 20, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Cindy was born on May 16, 1960, in Independence, Missouri, to Delbert Bennett and June (West) Bennett. She graduated from Truman High School with the Class of 1978.
Following graduation, Cindy began a dedicated career with the United States Postal Service, where she worked for...
Norma Ann Dexter
Dec 18, 2025
Norma A. Dexter, 90 of Blue Springs, Missouri passed away December 18 surrounded by her family at Benton House of Blue Springs. Norma was Born June 12, 1935, at a farm in Raytown to Norman Cranmer and Marie Davidson Cranmer.
Norma lost her father at the age of 9 and lived with her mother on her grandfather's Walnut Grove Dairy Farm....
Florence Esta Evans
Dec 18, 2025
Florence E. Evans, age 98, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025. She was born on November 22, 1927, in Buffalo, Missouri.
Florence attended Southwest Missouri State University for one year before teaching in a one-room schoolhouse for a year. On February 8, 1941, she married Robert "Bob" R. Evans in Arkansas. Together they built a life rooted in faith,...
Gary Gail Cooper
Dec 17, 2025
Gary Gail Cooper, a man deeply woven into the tapestry of life, departed from this world on December 17, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. Born on April 11, 1942, in Independence, Missouri, Gary's journey through life was marked by hard work, steadfast dedication, and a spirit that resonated with warmth, laughter, and a profound love for his family.
A diligent worker,...
Woodrow (Woody) Howell
Dec 16, 2025
Woodrow T. Howell
August 6, 1952 – December 16, 2025
Son of Jack Lightner Howell and Anna Louise (Payne) Howell, Woody was born in Independence Missouri. He is survived by his wife Marsha Howell and son Paul E Howell (June Ann) and granddaughter Anna Sue Alice Howell, his true love of life.
He is also survived by his sisters, Marilyn D. Danko and...
Norma Dean Hanthorn
Dec 15, 2025
Norma Dean Hanthorn, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away on December 15, 2025, in Independence, Missouri, surrounded by love. Born on September 7, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, Norma touched the lives of many during her time on this earth.
A woman of nurturing spirit, Norma was known for her sweet demeanor and her love of cooking, always ensuring...
Brian Francis Middleton
Dec 13, 2025
Brian Francis Middleton of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025. He was 65 years old. Brian was born on January 7, 1960 in Kansas City, Missouri, the second child of Helen and Bob Middleton. He had five siblings: Robin, Scott, Kirk, Heather, and Robin Renee.
After graduating from Blue Springs High School in 1978, he joined the...
Nina Joan Calvert
Dec 13, 2025
Nina Joan (Phipps) Calvert
Joan Calvert passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, surrounded by her family at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, MO. She was 93 years old.
Joan was born on October 10, 1932, to William and Nina Phipps in rural Barton County, MO. She was the eldest of five children. Joan graduated salutatorian from Lamar High School in...
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