Obituaries

RUBY L. BRILLHART

   Ruby L. Brillhart, 89, formerly of Uniontown, Ks. died Saturday morning, October 25, 2008 at the
Country View Nursing Home in Prescott, Kansas. She was born on March 28, 1919 in Redfield,
Kansas, the daughter of John Marsh and Hattie Eveline Hixon Hamm; she grew up in the Redfield area
and attended the Marion District 40 grade school. She married Chester “Jiggs” Brillhart on January 1,
1938 in Nevada, Missouri.   He preceded her in death on May 28, 1993.
Shortly after marriage they moved to Colorado where Jiggs worked in the construction trade. They lived
in the Denver, Colorado area for many years. During this time Ruby worked for Joslin’s Department
Store as Manager of the Alterations Department. After retiring they moved to Pueblo, Colorado where
they resided for several years prior to Ruby’s moving back to Kansas in 2004.
   She is survived by a son, Raymond Brillhart and his wife Darlene of Waddell, Arizona, a daughter,
Shirlee Skinner and her husband Bill, of Granby, Colorado, two brothers; Virgil Hamm of Hays, Kansas,
and Ben Hamm and his wife Jackie of Augusta, Kansas, two sisters; Doris Mason and her husband
Bob, of Fort Scott, Kansas, and Loris Wilson of Uniontown, Kansas, 4 grandchildren, 6 great
grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. In addition to her husband Chester, she was preceded
in death by her parents, a brother Loy Hamm, and a great grandson, Joe Brillhart.
   Rev. Marty DeWitt will conduct graveside services at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at
the Uniontown Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at
the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown, Kansas under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney
Funeral Home. Pallbearers for the services will be Ray & Darlene Brillhart, Mike & Judy Wilson and Mike
and Mary Brillhart. Honorary Pallbearers will be Loris Wilson, Doris & Bob Mason, Virgil Hamm and Ben
& Jackie Hamm. The family suggests memorials to the Prescott Country View Nursing Home, 301 E.
Miller St., Prescott, Kansas   66767. Memorials may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney
Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas   66701.

ANNA MARIE   FEEMSTER
    Anna Marie Feemster, 94, of Fort Scott, died Saturday afternoon, November 1, 2008 at the Mercy Health
Center in Fort Scott, Kansas. She was born on September 24, 1914 in Fulton, Kansas the daughter of
Michael and Ida Elizabeth Wogan Schafer.
    Anna Marie was a member of the Fort Scott High School Class of 1933. She worked for forty years for
Floyd Dotson at Security State Bank. She was a long time member of the St. John’s United Methodist
Church.
    She is survived by two nieces; Joan Baugher of Golden, Missouri and Phyllis Smith of Wichita, Kansas,
four nephews; Bennie Schafer of Richmond, Kansas, David Schafer of Stotesbury, Missouri, Bobby
Schafer of Brentwood, California and Earl Clark of Parker, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her
parents, three brothers; Edmund Elmer Schafer, Charles Schafer and John Frederick Schafer, a sister,
Margaret Schafer Clark, and a niece Barbara Jean Mattingly.
    Rev. Paul Babcock will conduct Graveside services at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at
the Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorials may be
made to the St. John’s United Methodist Church and sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney
Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas   66701.

SHIRLEY   PELLEGRINO
    Shirley M. Pellegrino, 89, of Fort Scott, died Saturday morning, November 1, 2008 at the Mount Carmel
Regional Medical Center in Pittsburg, Kansas. She was born September 28, 1919 in Mulberry, Kansas
the daughter of John and Julia Delplace McQueen. She married George William Pellegrino in April of
1949 in Fort Scott, Kansas. He preceded her in death on September 27, 1995.
    Shirley was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Scott, the Olive Chapter #13 Order
of the Eastern Star, and the Fidelis Deo White Shrine of Jerusalem. She worked as a clerk for Spencer
Chemical near Crestline, Kansas, after which she worked for Extrusions and then for Leeks Clothing
Store both in Fort Scott, Kansas. She was an avid traveler and expert Bridge player.
    She is survived by a son, John Kurt Pellegrino of Traverse City, Michigan, two nieces; JoAnn Pierce of
Purcell, Missouri and Phyllis Fanton of Gardner, Kansas and a nephew, James Campbell of Wellsville,
Kansas. In addition to her husband, George, she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers;
Albert and John McQueen and a sister, Mariah McQueen.
    Rev. Paul Babcock will conduct funeral services at 2:00p.m., Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at the
Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends
from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorials
may be made to the Fort Scott Community College Fine Arts Center or to the First United Methodist
Church, and sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309,
Fort Scott, Kansas   66701.

ANNABELLE   WILSON
Annabelle Wilson, 85, of Fort Scott, died Monday evening, November 10, 2008 at the Medicalodge Nursing
Home in Fort Scott. She was born November 20, 1922 in Mindenmines, Missouri, the daughter of Edward
and Melinda Belle (Hopkins) Gathman. She married Robert William Wilson October 16, 1947, and they
were happily married for over 50 years. He preceded her in death February 6, 1998.
     Annabelle got her nursing degree from Mercy School of Nursing in Fort Scott, and worked as a
registered nurse for the U234 School District in Fort Scott from 1954 until her retirement in 1982. She loved
working with children. She had numerous interests and hobbies, including fishing, bowling, knitting and
sewing, cooking, and canning. Throughout her career as a school nurse, she kept her skills current with
continuing education courses. After retiring, she served as a volunteer at Mercy Hospital in Ladies
Auxiliary. Annabelle was a member of the First United Methodist Church for over 60 years, and was a
member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority.
     She is survived by a son; Robert Edward Wilson and his wife Kay, of Mustang, OK, a grandson; Brian
Wilson and his wife Amanda, of Hennessey, OK, and a step-granddaughter; Angela Goforth and her
husband Michael, of Moore, OK, and five great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was
preceded in death by an infant daughter; Jo Ann Wilson in 1956, a brother; Leonard Edward Gathman, and
an infant brother; Raymond Gathman.
     Rev. Paul Babcock will conduct funeral services 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 13, 2008 at the
Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. Visitation will be
Wednesday evening, November 12, 2008 from 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm. The family suggests memorials to
the Fort Scott Community College for the Annabelle Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Donations may be
left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas,
66701.

BILL   ROBISON
     James William “Bill” Robison, age 85, died Thursday, November 13, at the Fort Scott Manor. He was
born July 20, 1923 in Palmyra, Mo. to Floyd E. and Reva Towles Robison. He attended local schools in
Palmyra and graduated from Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo., with a degree in Business
Administration. During World War II he served 35 months in the 20th Armored Division in the United
States and Europe. He married Marjorie Marie Happel in 1948 and she died in 1984. In 1985 he married
Elizabeth Warford and she survives at her daughter’s home in Fort Scott.
He is survived by daughter Marianne Collins and daughter Susan Selden and husband Alan, all of
Rockwall, Texas.   He had seven grandchildren: Ryan and Rachel Collins; Sammy, Gabrielle, Aaron and
Blair Selden and Kenyon Robertson. He is also survived by stepchildren Jill Warford, Fort Scott, Jane
Warford, Monrovia, Maryland and Mike and Pat Warford, Springfield, MO, three step-grandchildren and
nine step-great grandchildren.
Bill worked in grain and oil all of his life. He started his career in Palmyra, MO as the assistant manager
of the Farmer’s Elevator and Exchange Co., working with his father. He was the manager of the Albers
Milling Co. in Rogers, AR and NHN Grain in Atchison County, Missouri. He moved to Fort Scott in 1966
and was manager of the Farmer’s Co-op until 1974 when he moved to Great Bend, KS to manage the Co-
op. He moved back to Fort Scott in 1977 and after retiring from the Fort Scott Farmer’s Co-Op, Bill was
Director of Oil and Gas production for MS Energy owned by Danny Ellis.
Bill was an avid golfer and loved to travel. He was very active in Civic organizations in Fort Scott
throughout the years, serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Industries, and
Rotary. He also served as President of the Kansas LP Gas Association. In later years he volunteered
with the Red Cross Emergency Disaster Team and was sent to several locations across the United
States. He was a member of the Fort Scott Masonic Lodge and was a lifelong member of the First
Christian (Disciples of Christ) Church.
Rev. Reed Hartford will conduct services on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 2:00 p.m. at the Konantz Cheney Funeral
Home. The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m., prior to the service. Burial will be in Palmyra, Mo. on
Monday, Nov. 17. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and sent to or left in the care of
the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas   66701.

NONA WINTERSTEEN

       Nona Blanche Wintersteen, 87, of Indianapolis, Indiana, died November 2, 2008 In
Indianapolis. She was born May 16, 1921 in Guckeen, Minnesota, the daughter of
Thomas and Hazel Ginn. She was married to Elmo Richard “Moe” Wintersteen February
13, 1946 in Wichita, Kansas. He preceded her in death November 9, 1989.
       Nona is survived by three daughters and their husbands; Wanda and Charlie Hopper
of Avon, Indiana, Jeanie and James Bryant of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Wendy
Wintersteen and her husband Robert Waggoner of Ames, Iowa. Nona was blessed to
have four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
       In accordance with Nona’s wishes, she was cremated. Rev. Paul Babcock will conduct
a graveside memorial service 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2008, at the Maple
Grove Cemetery, where Nona will be interred beside her husband. Local funeral
arrangements are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall
Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701.

DARRELL   RAGER

               Darrell Rager, 76, of Fort Scott, died Wednesday morning, November 26, 2008 at his
home. He was born August 11, 1932 in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Verne Franklin and
Doris Marie (Linville) Rager. He married Helen Rosalee Coyan May 25, 1952 in Fort Scott,
Kansas. She survives of the home.
       In addition to his wife, Rosalee, Darrell is survived by three daughters; Susan Atwood of
Fort Scott, Julie Readinger and husband Loren of Fort Scott, and Lori Devall and husband
Len of Baton Rouge, Louisianna, a brother; Dean Rager of Nevada, Missouri, and a sister;
Anna Mae Wagner of Olathe, Kansas, five grandchildren; Jennifer LaRoche, David
Readinger, Eric Atwood, Joel Fisk, and Madison Devall, and five great-grandchildren; Drake
LaRoche, Montana LaRoche, Hailie Atwood, Payton Atwood, and Andrew Readinger. He was
preceded in death by his parents.
       Rev. Scott Moore will conduct funeral services 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2008
at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the Maple Grove Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene, or to the American Cancer
Society, and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O.
Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701.