Obituaries
Local Obituaries
George Michael "Chic" Hill
Aug 30, 2023
George Michael Hill, better known as “Chic”, of Independence, Missouri passed away peacefully in Independence on August 30, 2023. Chic was born in Boonville, Missouri on April 2, 1939, to Leroy and Beatrice Hill. He was the fourth of five children (Donald, Robert, Terry, and Patricia). He graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Independence, Missouri in 1957.
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Joyce Marie Spears
Aug 30, 2023
Joyce M. Spears was born March 19th, 1936, in Everton Arkansas. She passed away August 30th, 2023 in Independence, Missouri surrounded by her family and long time companion Tony Schumacher. Joyce departed this world with the love and Grace she exemplified to those she touched daily. Her love and passion was her family and public education, serving our children...
Lois Judd
Aug 30, 2023
Lois was born August 1, 1944, in Benton County, Missouri, outside of Warsaw. She grew up in Higginsville, Mo. As an adult she made Missouri her home in Independence, Milan and Blue Springs.
Lois was an involved mother as her kids grew up. She attended every school event, sports competition, and Boy Scout activity. She even coached girls’ softball...
Helen E. Vogel
Aug 30, 2023
Helen Elizabeth Vogel, born on October 26, 1938, died August 30, 2023, at the age of 84, of natural causes. Daughter of John and Hildred Vogel, she is preceded in death by her parents; brother, John Vogel, Jr. and her sister, Teresa Thurman.
Helen was the most generous person to help care for and help raise so many over...
Teresa Ann Dean
Aug 29, 2023
Teresa Ann Dean, 86, of Independence, MO passed away on August 29, 2023. She was born in Oklahoma City, OK on August 23, 1937, to Benjamin “Odom” and Nina (Gill) Lillard. Teresa went on to get her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Oklahoma. She met her husband of 60 years at a social gathering in Oklahoma...
Donald Eugene Watts
Aug 27, 2023
Donald Eugene Watts, 89 of Blue Springs, MO passed away Sunday evening, August 27, 2023 at the Parkway Care Center in Blue Springs. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel. 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. The family will greet friends from 1:00...
John Paul Close
Aug 27, 2023
John Paul Close, age 66, passed away on August 27, 2023, in his hometown of Independence, Missouri. Born on August 16, 1957, in Independence, John was the son of the late John Thomas Close I and Betty Ann (Jacks) Close.John was a dedicated and hardworking individual who retired on March 31, 2016, as the Lone Lead Cable Splicer for K.C....
Richard "Rick" Thomas Wilson
Aug 27, 2023
Richard "Rick" Thomas Wilson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on August 27, 2023, surrounded by his adored family in Independence, Missouri. He was born on November 30, 1960, in the same city he called home throughout his life. Rick's passing is mourned by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.From his early days...
Deakin Michael Robinson
Aug 26, 2023
Deakin Michael Robinson, born on June 9, 2006, in Independence, MO, passed away far too soon on August 26, 2023. He was a beloved son, brother, grandson, and friend who touched the lives of those around him with his vibrant personality and joyful spirit. He was 17 years old.
Deakin attended William Chrisman and Ft. Osage High Schools, where he...
James Leonard Green
Aug 25, 2023
James Leonard Green, 87 of Independence, MO passed away Friday, August 25, 2023, at his residence. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday evening at the Speaks Suburban Chapel with cremation to follow. Inurnment will be at Kirk Cemetery in Allendale, MO at a later date. Donations may be made in his name to the...
Donna Nadine Burgess
Aug 23, 2023
Donna Nadine Burgess, a beloved mother, devoted accountant, and esteemed member of her community, passed away on August 23, 2023, in Independence, Missouri. She was 90 years old. Donna was born on June 19, 1933, in Kansas City, Kansas to Adolph and Nadine Jaworski. She led a life filled with love, laughter, and remarkable achievements.Her caring nature and commitment...
Betty Marie Leutzinger
Aug 23, 2023
Betty Marie Leutzinger (Hutchins – Trimble – Amos)
Betty Marie Leutzinger, 97, of Independence, Missouri, passed away August 23rd, 2023. A cremation-memorial service will be held at Carson Speaks funeral Home: October 3rd, 2023 Following the memorial service, a short grave site service for interment of remains will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Independence Missouri.
Betty Marie, born...
Richard Walter Toedebusch
Aug 22, 2023
Richard Walter Toedebusch, 79 of Grain Valley, MO passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at the University of Kansas Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 3, 2023 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel with cremation to follow. The family will greet friends from 2:00 p.m., until service time Sunday at the chapel. Donations may be...
Vickey Thompson
Aug 22, 2023
Vickey Jo Thompson, 72, of Independence, MO, passed away on Tuesday August 22, 2023, at Centerpoint Hospital. Vickey was born in Moberly, MO, on April 30, 1951, to Joseph and Betty (Bolin) Spicer. Vickey lived her life in Independence and graduated from Ft Osage High School in 1969. On August 2, 1969, she married Mike Thatcher. From this marriage came two beautiful daughters Kathy and...
Garrin Eugene Massey
Aug 21, 2023
Garrin Eugene Massey, 23 of Buckner, MO passed away Monday morning from injuries in a motorcycle accident. The family will greet friends from 4-8:00 p.m., Sunday at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 28, 2023 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel with burial to follow...
Margaret Rae Crites
Aug 21, 2023
Margaret Rae Crites, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on August 21st, 2023, at the age of 75 in Independence, Missouri. She was born on May 7th, 1948, in Omaha, Nebraska to Ira and Margaret Swenson. Margaret leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege...
Jack Robert Wells
Aug 18, 2023
Jack Robert Wells, 15, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on August 18, 2023. He was born on November 16, 2007, the son of Mitchell Wells and April Huggins. Jack is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Robert Olson and his paternal grandparents Jack and Joyce Wells, and his sister Morgan Wells.He is survived by his father Mitch Wells, his...
Annetta Joyce Kelton
Aug 18, 2023
Annetta "Joyce" Kelton, 86, of Independence, MO, passed away in her home on August 18, 2023, after fighting a battle with cancer. She was born on May 18, 1937, in Green Forest, Arkansas to Walter Nicholas Rand and Gladys Stella (Stephens) Rand.
Joyce is survived by her children; Janice Bowen (Dennis) of Independence, MO, Danny Kelton (Helen) of Grain...
Kathryn Ann Stephens
Aug 17, 2023
Kathryn Ann Stephens passed away peacefully after a 12 year battle with Alzheimers, with her family by her side on August 17, 2023, in Independence, Missouri. She was born on January 17, 1940, in Des Moines, Iowa, to proud parents Joseph and Helen (Quirk) DeGan.
Growing up in Iowa, Kathryn had a warmhearted and nurturing spirit from an early...
Caroline Maxine Hedrick
Aug 17, 2023
Caroline Maxine Hedrick, 92, passed away peacefully at her home on August 17, 2023. She was born on April 28, 1931, in Sidney, Nebraska to Harvey and Alvina (Schnuelle) Bell. She was known for her small but mighty personality and left a profound impact on the lives of all who knew her. Caroline was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and...
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