Mason Patrick Jelsma
Jun 17, 2026
Mason Patrick Jelsma, 8, of Blue Springs, passed away on June 17, 2026. He was born on July 11, 2017 in Blue Springs, Missouri to Patty Beemer and Shane Jelsma.
Though his time with us was brief, Mason brought so much joy and happiness to our family. He was known for his infectious smile, and indomitable spirit. Mason enjoyed fishing, basketball,...
Braedon Caldwell Nichols
Jun 17, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Braedon Caldwell Nichols on June 17, 2026, at the age of 20.
Born on April 16, 2006, Braedon brought joy, compassion, and energy to the lives of everyone who knew him. He graduated from Park Hill High School in 2024, where he excelled both academically and athletically. A passionate athlete,...
Stephen Raymond "Uncle Go Go" Kunkel
Jun 15, 2026
Stephen Raymond "Uncle Go Go" Kunkel, a man whose presence illuminated every room he entered with warmth, humor, and an unmistakable zest for life, passed away on June 15, 2026, in Independence, Missouri. Born on February 26, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, Stephen lived a life deeply enriched by his unwavering dedication to family, his country, and the simple joys that...
Matthew Cole Swope
Jun 14, 2026
Matthew Cole Swope, 39, of Independence, Missouri passed away on June 14, 2026, in a tragic plane crash near Butler, Missouri.
Born on September 5, 1986, he was the youngest son of Jerry and Dorcie Swope. Matthew graduated from Truman High School in 2005, received an associate’s degree in Gunsmithing from the Colorado School of Trades in 2009, and completed Centriq’s...
Michael F. Duffin
Jun 13, 2026
Michael F. Duffin, affectionately known as Mike, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, in Independence, Missouri. Born on April 18, 1938, in Clinton, Missouri, Mike lived a life marked by creativity, warmth, and a deep love of family and friends.
Mike attended Clinton High School. There he met the love of his life, Mary. They were married for 67 years....
Michael David LeFever
Jun 10, 2026
Michael David LeFever, affectionately known as Mike, passed away on June 10, 2026, in Independence, Missouri, just three days shy of his 67th birthday. Born on June 13, 1959, in Kansas City, Missouri, Mike was a man whose life was defined by creativity, a sharp intellect, and a profound generosity of spirit.
Mike attended Newark High School in Newark, California, laying...
Kathy Jo Sullivan-Trader
Jun 8, 2026
Kathy Jo Sullivan-Trader, beloved wife, mother, Mimi, and sister, passed away on June 8, 2026, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She was born on April 26, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Dennis and Jane (Davidson) Sullivan.
Kathy grew up in Independence and carried with her a lifelong love of family, music, dancing, reading, movies, good food, and a beautifully decorated home....
Susan Gail West
Jun 5, 2026
Susan Gail West, 70, of Independence, MO went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 5, 2026. Susan was born December 30, 1955 to James Holsworth and Elizabeth Highfill.
Susan graduated from William Chrisman in 1974. She began working as a teenager babysitting neighbors’ children, working at Resthaven, Independence Sanitarium & Hospital, the Neurological Clinic, Ryval,...
Marilyn Jane Timmons
Jun 5, 2026
Marilyn Timmons was born December 20, 1943 in Kansas City, MO. She was the youngest of 11 children born to James and Dora Mae Medley. On June 5, 2026, she peacefully transitioned to Heaven from the comfort of family.
Marilyn grew up in Northeast Kansas City, and graduated from Central High School in 1962. Throughout her life she would often share...
Robert Lewis "Bob" Hunter
Jun 4, 2026
Robert (Bob) Lewis Hunter. I was born in 1948. Son to Peggy and John, brother to Donna, Kathy, and Patty. I had a great childhood; boy scouts, baseball, and bikes.
I went to Van Horn High School, Class of '66. I volunteered for the draft in 1969. I flew helicopters in Vietnam; I did okay. I was killed in Vietnam and...
William Henry "Bill" Davison III
Jun 4, 2026
Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Independence, Missouri, on June 4, 2026, at the age of 83.
Bill was born on January 5, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri, and spent his entire life in the Kansas City and Independence communities he loved. He graduated from East High School in 1961 and went on to serve his country in the...
Wilsie "Leon" Hubbard
Jun 3, 2026
Born on March 21, 1941, to Bertha and Wilsie Hubbard, Wilsie Leon Hubbard lived a full and fruitful 85 years, always keeping his priorities simple - faith, family, service to others, hard work, and plenty of fun and play.
Leon lived in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, until the family moved to Kansas City in 1956. He went to Westport High School...
Jason Daniel Busick
Jun 2, 2026
Jason Daniel Busick, a man of quiet strength and unwavering love, passed away much too soon on June 2, 2026, in Blue Springs, Missouri. Born on February 19, 1986, in Kansas City, Missouri, Jason lived a life marked by simplicity, kindness, and deep devotion to those he held dear.
A graduate of Blue Springs High School, Jason embraced life with a...
Dorothy Ann Carter
May 30, 2026
Dorothy Ann Carter, born Dorothy Ann Kearns on October 29, 1938, in Slater, Missouri, passed away on May 30, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by her family. She lived a life characterized by unwavering devotion, remarkable faith, and an enduring commitment to family and community.
Dorothy's journey was marked by the simple yet profound joys of life. She met her...
Barbara Jean "Barb" Peterman
May 29, 2026
Barbara Jean (Wake) Peterman of Independence, passed away on May 29, 2026. Barbara was born on November 18, 1969, to Lowell (Ray) and Alice Wake. Barbara graduated from William Chrisman in 1988. Barbara met the love of her life, Lawrence while working together at Passantino Thriftway. They were married on January 29, 1994. Barbara and Lawrence had one son, Ryan, and she had...
Carl Lee Gross Jr.
May 29, 2026
Carl Lee Gross Jr., a devoted family man and patriarch, passed away unexpectedly on May 29, 2026, in Independence, Missouri. Born on June 7, 1948, in Long Beach, California, Carl’s life was marked by his generous spirit, quick wit, and positivity. He was the proud owner of the Water Key water works company, where his work ethic and dedication were...
Faith Christine Bayne
May 29, 2026
Faith Christine Bayne, aged 70, passed away on May 29, 2026, surrounded by her children and family. She was born July 1, 1955, in Saint Louis, Missouri to parents Don G. and Audrey L. Porter.
Faith lived a life of service devoted to her students, family, friends, and church community. Faith graduated from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri with...
Wallace Gene Ellsworth
May 29, 2026
Wallace Gene Ellsworth passed away May 29th 2026. He was born on January 13, 1936, in Quitman, Texas, to Roy and Gladys Ellsworth.
Wallace proudly served his country in the United States Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He spent 32 years with AT&T, where he held the position of Supervisor in the Engineering Department before retiring. Following his retirement from...
Louise Ada Grzincic
May 28, 2026
Louise A. Grzincic left her earthly body on May 28, 2026. We know she was welcomed to her heavenly home with joy, hugs, and a “Well done my good and faithful servant” by her heavenly Father, and Savior, which brings us comfort and happiness.
She was born in Wyandotte Michigan on March 18,1934, to Clarence Fields and Ethel Fields. In addition...
Sonia Mavis Willbanks
May 28, 2026
Sonia Mavis (Stay) Willbanks, 86, of Grandview, MO, passed away Thursday, May 28th, 2026. Family will greet guests during a visitation on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 10-11 am. Burial will take place at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, MO.
Sonia was born May 29th, 1939, in Bemidji, MN, the eldest of 7 children, to Justin Raymond Stay and Esther Eileen...
