Obituaries
Jennifer Lynn Baltzer
Dec 28, 2024
Jennifer Lynn Baltzer, 52 of Oak Grove, MO passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Centerpoint Medical Center. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday on January 11, 2025 at the South Crysler Restoration Branch, 16101 E Salisbury Rd, Independence, MO 64050. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations in her name...
Luella Jane Rew
Dec 28, 2024
Luella Jane (Copenhaver) Rew. Age 83. 11.29.41 to 12.28.24
Luella was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 29, 1941, to Lonzo and Dorothy Copenhaver. She graduated from Northeast High School in 1959 and began a 30-year career in banking which would last until her retirement in 2001.
Luella married Raymond L. Rew, also of Kansas City and a ’59 graduate of...
Dorothy Joan Higgins
Dec 25, 2024
Dorothy Joan Higgins, born on March 1, 1942, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2024, in Independence, Missouri. She was a cherished sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother whose warm spirit and generous heart touched the lives of many.
A proud graduate of Van Horn High School, Dorothy carried with her the values of hard work and dedication...
Ethan Christopher Ratliff
Dec 25, 2024
Ethan Christopher Ratliff, a beloved son, grandson, brother, and friend, passed away too soon on December 25, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. Born on September 8, 2003, in Independence, Missouri, Ethan had a vibrant spirit and a fun-loving personality that touched the hearts of all who knew him.
From an early age, Ethan was known for his kindness and infectious laughter....
Kathleen Lynn Duckworth
Dec 25, 2024
Kathleen (Kathy) Youmans Duckworth (née Boone) passed away peacefully on Christmas Day 2024, at home in Lee's Summit, Missouri.
Kathy was born April 21, 1955, in San Pedro, California to Phyllis Glover and Gordon Youmans, both now deceased. Kathy was the third of four Youmans children: Debbie (deceased), Kenneth (deceased) and Robin, and later gained a fourth sibling when Phyllis married...
Franki Jo Klotz
Dec 24, 2024
Franki Jo Klotz, 55 of Buckner, Mo passed away Tuesday December 24, 2024 at her residence. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at the Carson Speaks Chapel with burial to follow in Lobb Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m., until service time Wednesday at the chapel. Franki was born January 14,...
Michael John Stefancik Jr.
Dec 23, 2024
Michael John Stefancik Jr., affectionately known as Mike, was born on August 17, 1952, in Independence, Missouri. He departed this life on December 23, 2024, in his home at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and love.
A devoted life-time member of St. Mary's Church, Mike's education began there, where he attended grade school and high...
Mark Wesley Alumbaugh
Dec 23, 2024
Mark Wesley Alumbaugh, 74 of Sibley, MO passed away Monday, December 23, 2024 at his residence. Cremation is planned and a private family service will be held at a later date. Mark was born July 5, 1950 in Kansas City, Mo to Clarence and Elva L. (Murray) Alumbaugh and has been a lifelong area resident. He had worked as a...
William "Bill" Lee Burchett
Dec 22, 2024
William Lee Burchett, born on July 29, 1961, in Kansas City, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2024, at his home in Lee's Summit, Missouri. He was 63 years old.
Bill dedicated much of his life working various positions in various jobs, but had a particular passion for landscaping. His work was characterized by a deep appreciation for the beauty...
Jacob Lewis Nestell
Dec 19, 2024
Jacob "Jake" Lewis Nestell, born on March 24, 1990, passed away on December 19, 2024, at the age of 34. Jake was the beloved son of Shannon Marshall (Kyle Avondet) and Brent Nestell and the cherished grandson of Jeanie Nestell, Cliff Nestell, and Karen Boyle - Richey. He is preceded in death by his grandfather Charles Marshall and his aunt...
Peggy Jo Kelley
Dec 19, 2024
Peggy Jo Kelley was born October 24, 1926 in Cowgirl, Mo to Hazel & Johnt Henkins. She graduated high school in Kingston, Mo. on a Sunday and began her banking career the next day. She started working at the old City National Bank, and for 42 years worked there during several bank name changes, until her retirement.
In 1946 she married...
Ward Earl Francis
Dec 19, 2024
Ward Earl Francis, 76, of Independence, Mo., passed away on Dec. 19, surrounded by family and encircled in love.
Ward was born January, 19, 1948 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Melvin Earl Francis and Genevieve M. Hougas Francis.
Ward graduated from Wheeling W.V. High School in 1966, then went to Graceland College and Central Missouri State University earning a bachelor’s...
John Paul Willis
Dec 18, 2024
John Paul Willis, affectionately known as Paul, departed this world unexpectedly on December 18, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. Born on November 27, 1958, in Athens, Greece, his journey was marked by an unwavering commitment to excellence and a passion for experiences that invigorated his spirit.
Paul’s early academic pursuits led him to graduate from Truman High School, class of 1977,...
Linda Elaine Brosam
Dec 17, 2024
Linda Elaine Brosam, a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, in Blue Springs, Missouri, leaving behind a legacy of love and creativity that will never be forgotten. Born on April 16, 1944, in Independence, Missouri, she embraced life with an infectious enthusiasm that touched the hearts of everyone around her. A proud graduate...
Joseph Michael Dumsky
Dec 16, 2024
Joseph M. Dumsky, born on August 3, 1959, in Sugar Creek, Missouri, passed away on December 16, 2024, in his hometown.
Joseph graduated from Van Horn High School and went on to build a successful career as an electrician, dedicating over 40 years to his craft. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 124 (IBEW), where...
Maria Chavez de Vassalle
Dec 15, 2024
Maria Chavez de Vassalle, 86, of Independence, MO, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Norterre Care Center in Liberty, Missouri. She was born October of 1938 in Tamazula, Jalisco, Mexico, where she grew up on the family ranch as the only surviving girl with her 10 brothers, mother and father.
On a visit to see one of her brothers in...
Myrna Loy Minter
Dec 15, 2024
Myrna Loy Minter, 84, Independence, MO, died December 15, 2024, at the Fountains of Greenbriar in Independence, MO. A visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Speaks Suburban Chapel, located at 19020 East 39th Street South, Independence, MO 64055. A Funeral Service will take place at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December...
David Mearl Oliver
Dec 14, 2024
David Mearl Oliver, fondly known as Dave, was born on August 6, 1939, in Houston, Texas. With a life filled with dedication, love, and a spirit that often pivoted between kindness and a touch of ornery mischief, Dave left this world on December 14, 2024, in Bates City, Missouri.
Dave's journey through life took him on many adventures, including a cherished...
Beverly H. Gardner
Dec 13, 2024
Beverly H. (Highberger) Gardner, age 94, a resident of Lee's Summit, Missouri, passed away on December 13, 2024 at her residence.
Beverly was born the daughter of Michael C. and Leona E. Highberger on November 8, 1930, in Lake City, Iowa. She was a 1948 graduate of Paseo High School, Kansas City, Missouri. After graduation, she worked for Prudential Insurance Company...
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