Obituaries
Paula Louise Toro
Jul 31, 2025
Paula Louise Toro, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on July 31, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 74. Born on October 3, 1950, in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California, Paula lived a life steeped in compassion and love balanced by a feisty and strong personality. She thrived in her career as...
Joan Reneau
Jul 31, 2025
It is with great sadness we mourn the passing of our mother, Joan Reneau, July 30, 1930–July 31, 2025. She had just turned 95.
Joan was born in Dunlap, Iowa to Dacy and Dallas Poe. She grew up in Washington state and Council Bluffs, Iowa during the Great Depression and WWII, both of which forever marked her—she remained frugal for herself...
Diane Yvonne Speer
Jul 31, 2025
Diane Yvonne Speer, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on July 31, 2025, in Leawood, Kansas, at the age of 79. Born on September 27, 1945, in Mission, Kansas to William Otto "Bud" Mitchum and Maxine M. (Seute) Mitchum, Diane's life was marked by love, passion, and an unwavering commitment to her family.
Diane enjoyed a fulfilling career,...
Anita Pearl Martin
Jul 29, 2025
Anita Pearl Martin, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away on July 29, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family in Kansas City, Missouri. Born on August 23, 1934, in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, Anita encapsulated the essence of nurturing and brilliance throughout her remarkable life.
Anita's impressive educational journey commenced with her graduation from Lee's Summit...
Mary Anne Shackelford
Jul 27, 2025
Mary Anne Shackelford passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the age of 89. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose life was marked by devotion to her family, faith, and home.Mary Anne was born on May 12, 1936, to George and Jessie Williams in New London, Missouri. Raised on...
Benedean "Benny" Peters
Jul 27, 2025
Benedean Peters, affectionately known as Benny, passed away on July 27, 2025, in Independence, Missouri at the age of 98. Born on July 25, 1927, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Glenn and Essie (Proffitt) McElroy, she lived a life marked by love, resilience, and a deep commitment to her family.
Benny entered the workforce as a food service worker at Benton Elementary...
William Raymond Rast, II
Jul 27, 2025
William Raymond Rast, II, affectionately known as Bill, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, in Independence, Missouri, surrounded by the love of his family. Bill was born on August 24, 1960, in Kansas City, Missouri, and he dedicated his life to serving others and uplifting those around him.
With an impressive career that spanned three decades, Bill worked for the...
John Raymond Larson
Jul 25, 2025
John Raymond Larson passed away on July 25, 2025, peacefully with his family by his side. John was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 30, 1948, to Raymond and Francis Larson.
John was a Processing Manager for 45 years with American Micro Company before retiring in 2013.
When John wasn’t grooving to his blues vinyl records or rock cd’s, he was...
Michael Vincent Bauman
Jul 25, 2025
Michael Vincent Bauman, 74, of Sugar Creek, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, with his beloved family at his side.
Born on March 28, 1951, Michael lived a life marked by deep faith, quiet strength, and a boundless curiosity. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, known for his generous spirit and a quick wit that...
Ruth "Virginia" Jones
Jul 22, 2025
Ruth Virginia Jones “Virginia” born March 10, 1924 to William and Ruth (Helming) Abernathey peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family at the age of 101, after a life well lived and well loved.
A 1941 graduate of Souris High School in Souris, North Dakota she was a star basketball player among her graduating class of 8 girls. Virginia was...
Peggy Griffin
Jul 21, 2025
Laura “Peggy” Griffin passed away peacefully at her home with family by her side July 21, 2025. Peggy was born on August 19, 1933 in Clinton, Missouri. She and her two brothers were raised by their mother, Lorene and step-father Luther Millard.
She married Johnson Lee Griffin on Oct 24, 1949. They were married 61 years and to this union were...
Marie Losapio
Jul 21, 2025
Marie Losapio, 91, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025. Born on August 23, 1933, in Kansas City, Mo., to Salvatore and Angelina (Sparacino) Losapio, Marie was a proud graduate of Manual High School in 1951. She went on to build a meaningful career as a meticulous and organized secretary, known for her dedication and work ethic.
Marie was a devoted...
Rev. Stephen Lee Ferguson
Jul 20, 2025
Stephen Lee Ferguson, 77 of Independence, MO passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025 at his residence. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel with burial to follow in Oak Ridge Memory Gardens. The family will greet friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time Saturday at the chapel. The family suggest donation...
John William Royle
Jul 20, 2025
John William Royle passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 20, 2025, at the age of 89.
John was born on October 27, 1935, in Kansas City, Missouri, to John and Evelyn Royle. John married Wanda “the love of his life” on October 29th, 1980. He cherished their 44 years together and the loving and caring person she is. John...
Larry Frank Martin
Jul 18, 2025
Larry Frank Martin, born on March 9, 1952, in Wichita, Kansas, transcended the earthly realm on July 18, 2025, leaving behind a legacy intricately woven with passion, family, and the roar of engines. A distinguished mechanic and the proud owner of Martin’s Auto Salvage, Larry dedicated his life to the rejuvenation of automobiles, channeling his expertise into restoring vintage cars...
Ruth Evelyn Miller
Jul 17, 2025
Ruth Evelyn Miller, 82, of Independence, MO passed away peacefully with family by her side on Thursday, July 17, 2025. She was a devoted wife and mother, and adored her animals. She loved the color lilac and bragging about her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was born to Earl & Dorothy DeGraffenreid on November 6, in 1942, and was...
Jeffrey Allan Evans
Jul 17, 2025
Jeff Evans, 64, of Blue Springs, MO passed away on July 17th 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a 15 month long battle with cancer. Despite his failing health, Jeff never lost his sense of humor and traveled his difficult journey with strength and grace.
At William Chrisman High School in Independence, MO Jeff was an outstanding...
Pearl M. Freeze
Jul 17, 2025
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made by check in Pearl's honor to Thomas Hart Benton Elementary School (429 S Leslie Ave, Independence, MO, 64050). In the check’s memo, indicate the funds are for “Pearl Freeze’s Memorial.”
Pearl Marie Freeze passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on July 17, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. She leaves behind a remarkable...
Helen Patricia O'Neal
Jul 15, 2025
It is with deep sadness, we announce the passing of a remarkable woman. Helen Patricia O’Neal, 97, passed peacefully on July 15, 2025. A devoted partner, a loving mother, a proud grandparent, and a cherished friend, she gave endlessly to those she loved. Her home was filled with laughter, handmade gifts, shared meals, and quiet moments that became treasured memories....
James Vincent "Mutt" McQueen
Jul 15, 2025
James Vincent "Mutt" McQueen, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on July 15, 2025, at his residence in Independence, Missouri, following a battle with cancer. He was born on January 25, 1947, in Evanston, WY, to Wesley McQueen Sr. and Leona (Derks) McQueen.
Jim was a graduate of Jefferson High School in Conception Junction, Missouri. In his youth, he...
Subscribe
Subscribe to get alerts on new obituaries
HeartLight offers a variety of support groups, education, resources, and special programming related to grief and loss.
