Obituaries

Mary Jane Fields

Mary Jane Fields

Dec 29, 2023

Mary Jane Fields, 72, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 29, 2023 at her home in Independence, Missouri.

Mary Jane was born on July 24, 1951 in Coffeyville, KS, to Joe Q. and Betty A. (Miller) Fields. She had a passion for education, grammar, and foreign language. She taught English and French for St Mary’s High School and...

Darryl Alan Risinger

Darryl Alan Risinger

Dec 28, 2023

Darryl Alan Risinger  

07/31/1965 - 12/28/2023  

Darryl was a life-long resident of Independence, MO. He was a 1983 graduate of Truman High School and later attended DeVry University. He also studied classical guitar and won many awards, which sparked his life-long love of music. Darryl was kind-hearted and loved his family.  

Darryl leaves behind two sons, James...

Naomi J. DeBoer

Naomi J. DeBoer

Dec 28, 2023

 

Naomi Joyce DeBoer, 95, of Independence, Missouri died peacefully on December 28, 2023 after living a full life.  Naomi was born in Wichita, Kansas in 1928 to Jack and Violet Riner. Naomi graduated from Wichita High School, met and married Russell DeBoer, then worked various jobs before landing her career as a switchboard operator at Southwestern Bell (later AT&T)....

Lee Ward

Lee Ward

Dec 26, 2023

 

Lee Ward, 77, of Independence, Missouri passed away Tuesday,December 26, 2023. Memorial  hours are from 12:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Speaks Suburban Chapel,18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Saint Mark Catholic Church attention Special Projects.

Lee was born July 9, 1946, in Clinton, MO. He was a licensed Missouri Funeral Director and Embalmer for over 50 years.Instead of retirement he returned to the ministry working for Saint Mark Catholic Church in pastoral care...

Vernon Austin Allen, Jr.

Vernon Austin Allen, Jr.

Dec 24, 2023

Vernon Austin Allen, Jr.

January 28, 1949 - December 24, 2023

 

Vernon Allen, of Independence, Missouri, was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Vernon and Fern Allen.  He graduated from Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs.  Upon entering college at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, he met Dorothy Winegar, who would become the love of his life. They were married and...

John "Larry" Davis

John "Larry" Davis

Dec 24, 2023

 

John “Larry” Davis

John “Larry” Davis, of Independence, Missouri, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023. He was 79 years of age.

Larry was born on January 4, 1944, in Meadowbrook, Illinois, the son of Morris Franklin and Mildred “Millie” (Baldwin) Davis. He was one of eight children.

Larry was a hard worker, who enjoyed watching action movies and old...

Karen Joyce Dannels

Karen Joyce Dannels

Dec 22, 2023

 

Karen Joyce Dannels passed away peacefully on Friday, December 22, 2023 in Independence, Missouri. She was 91. Karen was born to Garland and Frances (Puckett) Talley on December 31, 1931 in Fredonia, Kansas.

Karen was the oldest of 10 children in the Talley family. She was an excellent student, the senior class vice president, senior sweetheart queen and played...

Mary Ellen Phalen

Mary Ellen Phalen

Dec 21, 2023

Mary Ellen Phalen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on December 21, 2023, in Omaha, Nebraska. Born on November 28, 1932, in Vernon County, Missouri to Homer B. Smith and Roberta M. (Ruby) Smith, Mary led a life filled with love and compassion.



Mary's journey through life was marked by selflessness and dedication to caring for others. After completing her education at...

Clifford K. Nale

Clifford K. Nale

Dec 21, 2023

 

 

Clifford K. Nale, 86, passed peacefully in his sleep on December 21st. Close friends knew dad as “Mr. Wonderful.” When he would meet someone for the first time, he would extend his rugged hand with a warm smile and share, “An easy way to remember my name is to think of “Clifford the Big Red Dog.” 

Rose Nale...

Jim Pointer

Jim Pointer

Dec 21, 2023

James “Jim” Frasher Pointer, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by those who loved him.

He was born February 17, 1966 in Richmond, MO, as the first child of Linda and James R. Pointer. He grew up not far away in Independence and Kearney and graduated from Kearney High...

Hope Denise Williams

Hope Denise Williams

Dec 20, 2023

Hope Denise Williams, daughter of Jearldene Robinson, was born April 13, 1969, in Austin, Texas.  She attended school in Austin, TX and graduated before moving to Missouri. 

Hope was a devoted Christian, who loved going to church.  She could be found listening to her radio and singing along.  Hope always had a smile on her face that was contagious and...

Mary L. Andes

Mary L. Andes

Dec 20, 2023

 

Mary L. Andes, a remarkable individual whose kindness and leadership touched the lives of many, passed away on December 20, 2023, in Grain Valley, Missouri. Mary's journey began on October 14, 1935, in Blue Springs, Missouri, where she was born to loving parents. Throughout her life, Mary embraced various occupations and roles, leaving an indelible mark wherever she went.

...

Jordan Caleb Bauer

Jordan Caleb Bauer

Dec 20, 2023

 

Jordan Caleb Bauer, a cherished soul who brought happiness and laughter to the lives of all those around him, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Jordan was born to Crystal Bauer on June 9, 1986, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Graduating from Ozanam High School marked a significant milestone in Jordan's educational journey. He possessed an insatiable curiosity...

Esther Darlene Anderson

Esther Darlene Anderson

Dec 20, 2023

Esther Darlene Anderson, beloved wife, mother, and devoted member her community, passed away on December 20, 2023. She was born on April 20, 1942, in Hannibal, Missouri to parents Clarence and Dora Mae (Lowe) Passmore.

Esther graduated from Hannibal High School and went on to become an Operator for Southwestern Bell. After working for approximately five years, she chose to...

Norma Grace Ramsey

Norma Grace Ramsey

Dec 20, 2023

 

Norma Grace Ramsey

 

Norma Grace Ramsey, 94, of Independence, Missouri, passed away, Wednesday December 20, 2023.

 

Norma was born on January 15, 1929, in Hiwasse, Arkansas, the daughter of Harvey P. and Stella (Daniels) Duncan. Norma married Doy C. Ramsey on June 13, 1946, and from their union 2 children were born.

 

Norma was a faithful...

Barbara Elaine Harper

Barbara Elaine Harper

Dec 19, 2023

 

Barbara Elaine Harper passed away on December 19, 2023 while surrounded by her family, in Independence, Missouri. She was 77 years old. Barbara was born on September 22, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri to Kenneth and Della (Hollis) Verdict.

Barbara attended Van Horn high school and proudly earned the National Jr. Achievement award. She continued her education in accounting....

Kirk Morehead

Kirk Morehead

Dec 19, 2023

 

Nelson “Kirk” Morehead, age 65, of Grain Valley, MO, passed away peacefully at home on December 19, 2023, following a courageous three-year battle against appendix cancer.

Born on September 10, 1958, in Hannibal, MO, and raised on a farm in New London, Kirk was the son of Billy and Imogene (Harlow) Morehead. A natural leader from a young age,...

Mary “Kathie” Kathryn LeRose

Mary “Kathie” Kathryn LeRose

Dec 18, 2023

Mary (Kathie) Kathryn LeRose passed away at 70 on Monday, December 18, 2023 in Independence, MO. She was born on October 7, 1953 in Independence, MO to her parents Gerald and Doris Wilson. Kathie retired from United Airlines as a proud member of the AFA (Association of Flight Attendants) after working as a flight attendant for over 30 years.

Kathie’s...

Dorothy J. Rudy

Dorothy J. Rudy

Dec 18, 2023

Dorothy J. Rudy, lovingly known as Jody, peacefully passed away on December 18, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion. She was born in Higginsville, Missouri on May 4, 1944, to the late Orlando C. and Alta E. Fairchild.After graduating from Fort Osage High School, Dorothy dedicated herself to her family. She found great joy in being a...

John Carl Enna

John Carl Enna

Dec 17, 2023

 

John Carl Enna, a dedicated accountant, and a loving family man, passed away peacefully at his residence on December 17, 2023. He was born on March 23, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri. John will be remembered for his passion for numbers, his love for sports, and his unwavering commitment to his family.

John's career was marked by his...