Obituaries
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...
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...
Jewel Mae Smith
Jul 14, 2025
Jewel Mae Smith, 70, of El Dorado Springs, MO, passed away on July 14, 2025, at University Hospital in Columbia, MO. Jewel was born on November 18, 1954, to Lloyd and Annabell Smith.
Jewel graduated from Fort Osage High School in 1973 and was united in marriage to Roger K. Smith. From this union, a daughter and son were born: Andrea...
Judith Gayle Varalli
Jul 13, 2025
Judith Gayle Barwise was born in Independence, Missouri on March 29th, 1947 to her parents Kennett Barwise and Evelyn Barwise in Independence, Missouri. She had two brothers - Bradford who currently lives in Tennessee and Jon died in 2002.
Judith attended East High School in Kansas City Missouri and graduated in 1965. She then attended Graceland College in Iowa and graduated...
Mary Katherine Wheaton
Jul 12, 2025
Mary Katherine Wheaton was born on December 13, 1944, in Kansas City, Missouri. She passed away on July 12, 2025, in Lee's Summit, Missouri, surrounded by the memories of a life richly lived and the hearts she touched. Her spirit was undeniably vibrant; she was so full of love and life that those fortunate enough to know her were enveloped...
Alberta C. Dinsmore
Jul 12, 2025
Alberta C. Dinsmore passed away on July 12 at the age of 85. She was born on November 8, 1939, the first of twin girls, to Robert and Velma (Hawkins) Cowsert. After the divorce of her parents, Robert married Helen Berrier who became “Mom” to Alberta.
Alberta attended several elementary schools, Junior High School in Urich, MO then 2 years at...
David Wesley Bailey
Jul 9, 2025
David Wesley Bailey, 78 of Independence, MO passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Centerpoint Medical Center. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held starting with visitation at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel (18020 39th St., Independence, Mo). Art Endsley, Pastor will begin the memorial service at 11:30. The family...
Anna Mae Young
Jul 9, 2025
Anna (Ann) Mae Young a long-time resident of Independence, MO passed away July 9, 2025. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 14, 2025 at the Messiah Lutheran Church with burial to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time Monday at the church. Ann requested donations to Messiah Lutheran Church...
Chadd Conyers
Jul 7, 2025
Chadd Conyers
July 27, 1938-July 7, 2025
Matthew 22:35-39: One of them, an expert in the law, tested Jesus with this question, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second...
James Richard Pastena, Sr.
Jul 7, 2025
James Richard Pastena, Sr., affectionately known as Jim, passed away on July 7, 2025, in Lee's Summit, Missouri, at the age of 83.
Born on August 5, 1941, in East Orange, New Jersey. A hard worker and devoted provider, Jim spent an impressive 42 years with Honeywell before his well-deserved retirement. His steadfast commitment to excellence defined his professional life, earning...
Bobby Dean Upton
Jul 6, 2025
Bobby Dean Upton, 93, passed away at Centerpoint Hospital in Independence, Missouri, on Sunday, July 6, 2025. His mind stayed sharp to the very end, and he worked hard to keep his body strong, continuing his exercises and trips to the gym while caring for Mom until she passed in 2022. In the last few years, his body gradually slowed...
Lois Iona Lewis
Jul 6, 2025
Lois Iona Lewis 101, a resident of Plattsburg, MO since 2005, passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025 at Oak Ridge of Plattsburg where she has been a resident since 2021. Services will be 11:00 am Friday, July 11, 2025 at the Carson-Speaks Chapel with burial to follow in Mt. Washington Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m., until...
Phyllis Marie Hanes
Jul 5, 2025
Phyllis Marie (Duncan) Hanes passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025. Phyllis was born on March 4, 1936 to James Patrick Duncan, Sr. and Christine Marie (Pecenka) Duncan. Phyllis was the youngest of 5 siblings. She attended Kansas City Public Schools and graduated from Central High School where she played field hockey and was a member of the Olympian Society....
Alice "Elaine" High
Jul 5, 2025
Alice "Elaine" High, passed away on July 5, 2025, at the age of 89 in Blue Springs, Missouri. Born on January 9, 1936, in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, Elaine was a devoted homemaker whose life was filled with love for her family, and whose hobbies included gardening, avid reading, and passionately cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.
Elaine's pride and joy...
James Robert Signer
Jul 4, 2025
James Robert Signer passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025. Jim was born on September 13, 1933 in Ironton, Missouri to John and Virginia (Sens) Signer.
He graduated from Ironton High School in the class of 1951 continuing on to graduate from University of Missouri with a BS in Statistics in 1955.
He married his college sweetheart Margot and to this union...
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