Obituaries

Local Obituaries

Sandra Lee Barnett

Sandra Lee Barnett

Apr 13, 2026

Sandra Lee Barnett (Blair), 68, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Monday April 13, 2026.Sandra was born on Tuesday August 27, 1957.

She lived a life marked by strength, faith, and deep love for her family. She worked as a truck driver, an EMT, and in many other roles—each one reflecting her independence, resilience, and determination.

She is survived by her children,...

Carolyn Jane Bowles

Carolyn Jane Bowles

Apr 12, 2026

Carolyn Walker Bowles of Lee’s Summit, MO, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 12th, 2026. Carolyn was born on February 8th, 1941, in Kearney, Missouri to Clay Franklin and Mildred (Sabins) Walker.

After skipping a grade in elementary school, she graduated from Northeast High School in Kansas City, MO in 1957. She then briefly worked for the Moon Insurance Agency on...

Kenneth J. Veerhusen

Kenneth J. Veerhusen

Apr 12, 2026

Kenneth J. Veerhusen passed away on April 12, 2026, in Independence, Missouri at the age of 78. Born on September 3, 1947, in Lake City, Iowa, Ken lived a life marked by a deep love for learning and his family.

Ken’s journey began in Iowa where he was raised and later graduated from Fort Dodge High School. After high school, Ken...

Barbara Jean Dinkel

Barbara Jean Dinkel

Apr 12, 2026

Barbara Jean Dinkel, born in Grandview, Missouri to Robert and Velma Irene (Kreeger) Parker, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on April 12, 2026, in Independence, Missouri.

Barbara led a fulfilling life marked by dedication to her children and career, and a deep love for her family and friends. She worked at a law firm in Blue Springs before continuing...

Billy Joe Cowen

Billy Joe Cowen

Apr 12, 2026

Billy Joe Cowen, affectionately known to all as Bill, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, in Belton, Missouri. Born on December 14, 1929, in Elkland, Missouri, Bill lived a life marked by warmth, humor, and an unwavering devotion to family and community.

A proud graduate of Elkland High School, Bill answered the call of duty and served honorably in the...

Dorothy Lily Halastik

Dorothy Lily Halastik

Apr 9, 2026

On March 3, 1927, Dorothy Lily Frost Halastik, a woman who would go on to fill nearly a century with warmth, wit, and quiet strength was born. On April 9, 2026, at the remarkable age of 99, the world said goodbye to a beloved wife, daughter, sister, mother, nana, aunt and friend, but her spirit remains stitched into the lives...

Donald Ray Picard

Donald Ray Picard

Apr 9, 2026

Don passed away on April 9, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, an adored grandfather, and a loyal friend. To know Don was to know kindness, humor, and a man who showed up fully for the people he loved.Don was born on the Fourth of July on a military base...

Scott Russell Barelmann

Scott Russell Barelmann

Apr 8, 2026

Scott Russell Barelmann, 70, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026, in Independence, Missouri, after battling kidney cancer.

Scott was born on January 26, 1956, in O’Neill, Nebraska, to Russell Barelmann and Valedine Koehler. He grew up alongside his younger brothers, Mark (“Marty”) and Brian (“Buck”), and later welcomed a half-sister, Pam, into the family. Some of...

Christopher Lee Carrington

Christopher Lee Carrington

Apr 7, 2026

Christopher Lee Carrington, known affectionately by many as "Big C," passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, at 2:10 AM at North Care Hospice House in Kansas City. He was 50 years old.

Born on Independence Day, 1975, in Dover, Ohio, Chris carried a vibrant and protective spirit throughout his life. A natural athlete in his youth, he excelled in football...

Ricardo Montoya

Ricardo Montoya

Apr 7, 2026

Ricardo Montoya, a man of quiet strength and profound wisdom, passed away on April 7, 2026, in Independence, Missouri. Born on May 28, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri, Ricardo lived a life marked by dedication, resilience, and an enduring love for his family and the simple pleasures of life.

Ricardo’s early years were shaped by his brave service in the United...

Carole Cecilia Gran

Carole Cecilia Gran

Apr 7, 2026

Carole Cecelia Gran passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Carole lived a long and storied life highlighted by professional accomplishments, world travel, and family connections. Carole was born on December 27, 1937 in Detroit to Thomas and Cecelia Curley. Carole was the oldest of six girls, and a natural leader. She always placed her family first, raising and...

Debra Diane Robb

Debra Diane Robb

Apr 7, 2026

Debra "Debbie" Diane (Myers) Robb, 71, passed away on April 7, 2026 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. She was born August 12, 1954 in Kansas City, Mo. to William H. Myers and Helen V. (Rush) Myers. Debbie lived most of her life in the Kansas City, Mo. area, along with a brief time living near Pomme de Terre lake. 

After...

Helen "LaVon" Brown

Helen "LaVon" Brown

Apr 5, 2026

Helen "LaVon" Brown, a beloved mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026, in Independence, Missouri. LaVon was 85 years old. Born on May 21, 1940, in Lebanon, Missouri, LaVon was raised on a farm, a life marked by dedication, and hard work.

LaVon graduated from Stoutland High School, then furthered her education at Draughon’s Business...

Lowell Dean Nicholls

Lowell Dean Nicholls

Apr 4, 2026

Lowell Dean Nicholls, known affectionately to many as Dean, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, in Blue Springs, Missouri. Born on March 24, 1934, in McFall, Missouri, Dean graced this world with his presence for 92 remarkable years.

Dean earned a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, an academic achievement that laid the foundation for a...

Olive Mae Talley

Olive Mae Talley

Apr 4, 2026

Cremation is will take place with no services scheduled at this time.

David Michael Lindsey

David Michael Lindsey

Apr 3, 2026

David Michael Lindsey, also known as "Dave," passed away on April 3, 2026, in Independence, Missouri, at the age of 70. He passed peacefully with family at his bedside, after a battle with cancer. Born on August 5, 1955, in Independence, Missouri, David often reflected on the significance of sharing his birthday with the Blessed Mother, a connection that held...

Robert Leo Yocum

Robert Leo Yocum

Apr 3, 2026

Robert Leo Yocum, lovingly known to many as Bob, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, in Independence, Missouri, surrounded by love. Born on September 13, 1943, in Missouri, Bob lived a life marked by dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to family.

Bob’s journey was one of both service and hard work. He served proudly in the Navy, a chapter...

Mary Margaret Ford

Mary Margaret Ford

Mar 31, 2026

Mary Margaret Ford, née Cowherd, passed away on March 31, 2026 at the age of 94. Born March 15, 1932, in Sedalia, Missouri, Mary lived a long, full life marked by strong opinions, deep loyalty, and a spirit that never quite learned how to sit quietly in the corner.

Mary was a dedicated educator for more than 30 years, spending most...

Jennifer Lynn "Jen" Duerr

Jennifer Lynn "Jen" Duerr

Mar 30, 2026

Jennifer Lynn Duerr, affectionately known to family and friends as Jen, passed away on March 30, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri. Born on May 29, 1976, in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Jen’s life was a tapestry of warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

A proud graduate of McClane High School, Jen’s passion for numbers and detail led her to...

Sandra Louise Atherton

Sandra Louise Atherton

Mar 29, 2026

Sandra Louise Atherton, born on April 20, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in Sedalia, Missouri, passed away on March 29, 2026, in Blue Springs, Missouri at the age of 84. She was a beloved mother, daughter, grandmother, sister and friend.

Sandra dedicated the early years of her life to raising her eight children. As her children grew older, Sandra...

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