Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home

Ethel Josephine “Jo” Knopp, 82, of Fort Scott, died early Tuesday morning, February, 14, 2012 at the Fort Scott Manor. She was born June 6, 1929 in Hepler, Kansas the daughter of David Richard and Ethel Gertrude (Hardin) Huber. She married Willis Henry Knopp June 24, 1949 in Hepler, Kansas, and he survives of the home.

Jo is survived by her children, Colleen Murrin, Jim Knopp, Leesa Stephan, and Jeff Knopp, all of Fort Scott, Kansas; two  sisters, Jean Armstrong of Fort Scott, and Dorothy Hanson of Girard, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Mike Knopp and Melodee, Cole Murrin, Natalie Murrin, Amanda Lancaster and Brian, Dru Stephan and Jessica, Zach Stephan, Dillon Knopp, Griffin Knopp, and Mason Knopp; and six great-grandchildren, Ilyanna Knopp, Madelyn Knopp, Gannon Knopp, Emily Lancaster, Tessa Lancaster, Wesley Lancaster. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Kenny Huber.

Pastor Stephen Sweyko will conduct funeral services 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 16, 2012 at the Trinity Lutheran Church with burial following at the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to either Trinity Lutheran Church Debt Retirement or Alzheimer’s Association and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 6670. Condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Monte Dale Pollock, 48, of Fort Scott died early Thursday morning February 3, 2012 at the Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.  He was born on May 21, 1963 in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Charles Merideth and Ina Lou Bruton Pollock.  He married Mary Ada on November 29, 2002 in Fort Scott, Kansas; she survives of the home. 

In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by his father, Charles of Goodrich, Kansas, a son, Michael Turley of Paola, Kansas, two sisters, Rose Bowman of Parker, Kansas and Ina Frakes of DeSoto, Kansas.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Ina Pollock.

Following Cremation, Memorial Services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday evening, February 9, 2012 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Hilton officiating.  Condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com

Richard Evan (Dick) Myers, 78 of Fort Scott, died Saturday morning, January 28, 2012 at the St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.  He was born November 17, 1933 in Emporia, Kansas the son of Francis Evan and Dorothy Myrtle (Hand) Myers.  He married Virginia Joyce Yoke December 19, 1954 in Fort Scott; she survives of the home. 

Mr. Myers was President of Liberty Savings and Loan Association retiring in 1996.  He served in the U.S. Army in the 526^th Field Artillery Missile Battalion attaining the rank of 1^st Lieutenant, and then later in the Army Reserves.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served as a Lay Leader.  He was on the Board of Ordained Ministers of Kansas.  He had also served as the Fort Scott City Treasurer. He also had been a member of the Fort Scott Kiwanis for many years as well as the Jaycees.  He was a member of the Rising Sun Lodge #8 A.F. and A.M. and the Fort Scott Scottish Rite Bodies.

In addition to his wife Virginia, he is survived by a son, Dirk R. Myers of Pittsburg, Kansas; two daughters, Lesa D. Butler and Steve of Evergreen, Colorado and Bridget A. Reber and Hobie of Overland Park, Kansas; a brother, Dr. Gary Myers and Ruth of Rochester, New York; and five grandchildren, Kayla and Jennifer Butler and Sam, Max and Ava Reber.

Rev. Kenton Van will officiate funeral services 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church. Services are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.  Cremation will follow services and burial will be at a later date in the Fort Scott National Cemetery.  The family suggests memorials to the Post 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Contributions 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, KS  66701.  Condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.    

Wilbur Kellogg, 88, of rural Fort Scott, died Sunday morning, January 22, 2012 at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.  He was born February 8, 1923 near Richards, Missouri the son of Ray Irving and Nellie Mae Debus Kellogg.  He married Pearl O’Dell February 20, 1943 in Nevada, Missouri, she preceded him in death on October 9, 1995. 

Wilbur was a Farmer all his working life and was also a Dairyman for several years.  He was a member of the Cherry Grove Baptist Church.

He is survived by two sons, Ronny Kellogg and his wife, Barb of rural Fort Scott and Roger Kellogg and his wife, Sherry of Springfield, Missouri, a sister, Betty Noe of Farlington, Kansas, five grandchildren, Justin, Dustin, Melissa, Travis and Troy Kellogg, and seven great grandchildren, Cooper and Keeley Kellogg, Ethan Kroutil, Cameron Crigler, Cassidy and Chase Hegeman and Chloe Kellogg.  In addition to his wife, Pearl he was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Bobby Kellogg and a sister Helen James.

Funeral services for Mr. Kellogg will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with Pastor Dale Cummins officiating. Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens of Bourbon County Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening January 24, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.  The family suggests Memorial Contributions to the Cherry Grove Baptist Church.  Donations 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.  Condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.    

Harry Leland Sellers, 84, of Fort Scott, passed away early Wednesday morning January18, 2012 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri. He was born July 3, 1927 in Centerville, Kansas the son of Paul Laverne and Alberta (Downey) Sellers. He married Betty Faye Flora June 12, 1948 in Fort Scott, Kansas. She preceded him in death July 8, 1986. He married Priscilla Isaac May 16, 1992 in Fort Scott, Kansas and she survives of the home.

Harry graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1945 and served in the US Army during WWII from September of 1945 until November of 1946. He worked for the Western Insurance Companies for 40 years until his retirement in 1987. He was a Step-on Guide for several years for bus tours of Fort Scott and Fort Scott National Historic Site, and was a weekend disc jockey for KMDO as “Happy Harry.” He was also well-known for his pantomime of Phil Harris.

In addition to his wife Priscilla, Harry is survived by his daughters, Linda Sellers Roesler and David of Pearl City, HI, and Janice Elaine Malan and Steven of Pittsburg, KS; a step-son, Jeffrey M. Todd and Jacquie of Shawnee, KS, step-daughter, Liesl A. Todd also of Shawnee, KS; a brother, Garland Sellers and Norma of Fort Scott, KS, sister-in-law Miriam Tennant and Forest Jr. of West Covina, CA; brother-in-law Galen Isaac and Shirley, brother-in-law Eldon Isaac and Joan, both of Fort Scott, KS, nine grandchildren, Jennifer Malan, Denise Malan, Beau Malan, Reid Shigemura, Meredith Todd, Jake Todd, Joe Todd, Julia Todd, and Marley Miller, and four great-grandchildren, Blake Packard, Aiyana Losh, Sasha Shigemura,  and Elliot Shigemura. Harry was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Betty, a brother, Ronald Sellers, and a grandson, Sammy Todd.

Rev. Phil Wilson will conduct funeral services 1:30 p.m. at the First Church of God, Fort Scott Friday, January 20, 2012 with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Military Honors conducted at the cemetery by the Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to the Timmons Chapel Scholarship Fund and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Dorothy Christine Fry, 55, of Fort Scott passed away Wednesday morning, January 18, 2012 at Mercy Health Center, Fort Scott, Kansas. She was born August 26, 1955 in Albuquerque, New Mexico the daughter of Elgie and Wilma Christine (Gardner) Sprague.

Dorothy graduated from Girard High School in 1973. She married Bill Fry Sr. July 31, 1983 in Walnut, Kansas. He survives of the home. Dorothy worked as a CAN for several years.

In addition to her husband Bill, Dorothy is survived by her children; Amanda Black of Fort Scott, KS, and Bill Fry Jr, also of Fort Scott, KS; a sister, Dee Redmon of Fort Scott, KS; three brothers, Elgie Sprague (Sonny), Edward Sprague of Chanute, KS, Donny Sprague and Byron Sprague, both of Alamogordo, NM; two grandsons, Drew Black of Fort Scott, KS, and Dustin Fry of Fort Scott, KS, and a granddaughter, Keyairah Lane of Fredonia, KS. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Sharon Webb, and Karen Totman, a niece, Kim Webb, and a great niece, Hannah Webb.

Following cremation, the family will hold private memorial services at a later date. Services are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Bill Marion Hall, 91, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2011 in Woodland, California.  He was born January 18, 1920 in Fort Scott, Kansas the son of Omar Jay and Amelia Grace (Seaman) Hall.

He had lived in Yolo County the past two years, He held a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Santa Clara and was a pilot with the US Air force for 20 years before spending 37 years with Lockheed as an engineer.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Marsha Bevacqua and husband Dominic of new Port News, VA, Brenda DeGarmo of Snellville, GA, and Dee Dee Barrios and husband Bob of Santa Cruz, CA; sons, Bill Hall and wife Suzanne of Woodland, CA, and Donald Hall and wife Margaret of Milpitas; 12 grandchildren; and brothers, Richard Hall and Everett Hall. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Dorothy Mae (Moyer) Hall; sisters, Luella Martin and Louise Saker; brothers, John Hall and Donald Hall, and his parents.

Rev. Reed Hartford will conduct graveside services 12:30 p.m. Monday January 9, 2012 at the US National Cemetery in Fort Scott with full military honors presented at the cemetery by the United States Air Force Memorial Detail. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon January 8, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Lois Laverne Osterberg Smith passed from this world on Saturday, December 31, 2011 after an extended illness.  Lois was a resident of the Medical Lodge of Fort Scott, where she received compationate care for the past five years and was loved by many of the staff and residents alike.

Lois Osterberg came to this world happily (we all know she did) on May 19, 1926.  Her parents were Carold John Osterberg and Josephine Dreon Osterberg.  Lois had three siblings who have all survived her including: two sisters, Janet Finegan and Francis Andre, and a brother Jack Osterberg.  Lois worked when she was young for General Mills in Minneapolis, MN where she met her future husband, Cecil Smith (deceased January 24 , 1998). They were married on September 7, 1949 in Mason City, IA and together raised five boys. Cecil and Lois first lived for an extended time in Matteson, IL and later in Fort Scott, KS where all of their boys eventually graduated from Fort Scott High School and went on to successful careers in a number of fields.

Her sons all survive her, including Scott and his wife Marti of Fort Scott, Chris and his wife Patty of Baltimore, MD, Ben and his wife Becky of Chanute, Brian and his wife Leafyia of Garden City, and Darren and his wife Kris of Lafayette, CO. Combined, these boys have sixteen children and thirteen grandchildren. Lois enjoyed her children and family most in life, but her many other interests included card games like bridge, spades, word games like scrabble, and cooking a good meal for her family. Lois was known by most of her good friends and family for her keen wit, her warm smile, and her love of life. She will be missed most for her ability to make you laugh about life, her unwavering loyalty to family and friends, and her absolute and unrelenting positive approach to living life to its fullest.

A brief service and remembrance is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with the Rev. Kenton Van Officiating. The family has expressed that friends not send flowers or gifts, as Lois suggested a donation to the American Diabetes Association. Donations 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.  Condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.



Cheryl Elaine Sanders Metcalf passed away on December 30^th, 2011, in Fort Scott. Cheryl was born August 30^th, 1948 in Lawrence, Kansas. She was the only daughter of Ralph Wayne and Darlene Talbot Sanders. Cheryl graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1966, and after attending Fort Scott Community College, received her B.S. in social Work from Pittsburg State University in 1970. Cheryl worked as a social Worker for 33 years at SRS.

Cheryl married Delbert Metcalf on March 2, 1970, and together they raised three sons; Michael, Jacob, and Joshua in Fort Scott. Cheryl is survived by her husband Delbert (Dub) of the Home, her mother, Darlene Kriete and Stepfather Ervin Kriete of Washington, MO. and her sons, Michael of Leavenworth, Kansas, Jacob of Florence, South Carolina, and Joshua and his wife Sara of Ardmore, Oklahoma.

Cheryl enjoyed her family most of all. She was an expert seamstress and quilter. She enjoyed gardening and cooking. She will be remembered and missed by her family and friends.

Graveside services for Cheryl Metcalf will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.  Family and friends will meet at the cemetery.  The family suggests memorial contributions to the Beacon, Inc., donations 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, KS, 66701.

Carolyn Kay Segebartt, 65 of rural Hepler, Kansas, died at her home, Monday, December 26, 2011.  She was born July 3, 1946 in Kansas City, Missouri the daughter of George Winton and Georgia Louise (James) Young. She married John Edward Segebartt April 9, 1995, and he survives of the home.

In addition to her husband, John, Carolyn is survived by her children; Sheri Johnson-Steptoe and Larry of Columbus, OH, Matt Johnson and Nicole of Lebanon, MO, Robert Johnson and Lisa of Fulton, MO, and LaToyia Forester and Ryan of Fort Scott; a brother, Robert Young and Mary of Springfield, MO; and four grandchildren, Garrett and Grace Johnson, Sophia and Wyatt Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Carolyn graduated from Missouri State University and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi. She served as the president of KNEA Fort Scott, school year 2008-2009, and she was the leader of the weekly Teacher’s After School Prayer Circle at the First United Methodist Church. She was a member of Bourbon County Master Gardeners & Garden Club, CA chapter of PEO, Delta and Kappa Gamma Teachers Association. Carolyn was a member of the Hiattville United Methodist Church. She taught both second and third grade at Winfield Scott Elementary School for a number of years and was loved by her students and co-workers.

Rev. Kenton Van will conduct funeral services for Carolyn 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 30, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The family requests memorial contributions be made to Friends of USD234 and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home,15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Coetta Louise Young, 84, of Fort Scott passed away Monday, December 19, 2011at the Mercy Health Center. She was born December 27, 1926 in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Edward and Faye Belle (Hopper) Elkins. She married Merle Albert Young, Sr. June 2, 1945 in Fort Scott, Kansas. He preceded her in death June 19, 1998.

She graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1943, and also graduated from Fort Scott Community College. She then went on to work at the Western Insurance in Data Entry.

Coetta is survived by her children; Jonathan Young of Minneapolis, MN, Marsha Woodhouse of Chicago, IL, Merle Young Jr. of Topeka, KS, , and Philip Young of Fort Scott, KS; a sister, Irma Lou Adams; eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, and three sisters.

Graveside services for Coetta will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 22, 2011at the Evergreen Cemetery. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Doris Ruth Sprecher, 96, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday afternoon, November 23, 2011 in Wichita, Kansas. She was born March 11, 1915 in Junction City, Kansas, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Gertrude Pearce Werner.  She married Eldred Sprecher August 31, 1940 in Hillsboro, Kansas, he preceded her in death on July, 17, 1994.

Doris graduated from Junction City High School, Park College in Parkville, Missouri, and attended Pittsburg State and Emporia State Teachers Colleges.  She and her husband, Eldred moved to Fort Scott in 1956 when he became the School Principal for Winfield Scott Grade School and she taught Kindergarten and First Grade at Eugene Ware Grade School until she retired 1979.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church while here in Fort Scott.  She was a member of the Kansas Retired Teachers Association, the National Retired Teachers Association, she had server as the Treasurer for The Beacon, Inc., she was a volunteer with CASA and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  She moved to Wichita, Kansas, August 29, 1998 to be near her daughter Ruth.  She was presently a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church in Wichita, Ks.

She is survived by a daughter, Ruth Conner of Wichita, Ks., a son, Roger Sprecher of Lawrence, KS, a sister, Grace Noland of Orlando, Fl, a brother Frank D. Werner of Teton Village, WY, four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  In addition to husband Eldred, she was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Joseph Werner, and two sisters, Mary Geist and Helen Neyer. 

Rev. Amanda Baker will conduct Memorial Services at 10:00a.m. Monday, November 28, 2011 at the Calvary United Methodist Church, 2525 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, Ks.  Friends May call from 2:00 p.m. until 3:15 p.m. Monday, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.  Rev. Ken Van will conduct graveside services at 3:30 p.m., at the Evergreen Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to either the Presbyterian Manor of Wichita or the Calvary United Methodist Church of Wichita.  Contributions 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.  Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Roslyn Rappaport Litwin, formerly of Fort Scott, died November 20, 2011, at the age of 89 in St. Louis, Missouri.  She was born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 7, 1922, and married her beloved husband, Fred, on May 28, 1944.  She was the dear mother of Anne Litwin (Mike Willard), Debbie (Jim) Exum, Jane (Ed) Lyss, the late Rick Litwin and the grandmother of Sam, Jack, Alex Lyss and Rebecca (Shmuel) Lieberman.

A long time resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, since the 1940’s, Roz, along with her husband Fred, was co-owner of the Litwin’s Family Clothing store.  Roz was also an active community member, and a devoted wife and mother.  Her home was always open to her children’s friends.  Roz embodied the gift of friendship to her close friends in Fort Scott, Kansas City and Boca Raton, Florida.  She will be missed by surviving members of the extended Litwin, Lyss and Porte Robb families to whom she was a much beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Life in a Jar Foundation/Irene Sendler Project, 4 South Main, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701 or to Team Activities for Special Kids (TASK), 11139 South Towne Square, St. Louis, MO., 63123 and 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, KS 66701. Condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Elizabeth Nadine Robison, age 85, resident of Fort Scott, passed away on November 18 at home.  Beth was born on July 6, 1926 in Metz, Missouri to Ollie D. Robinson and Nora Irene Harris Robinson.  She attended country schools and after high school graduation moved to Fort Scott to enter Mercy School of Nursing through the Cadet Nurse Program, which was sponsored by the U.S. Government because of the shortage of nurses during WWII.  As a cadet nurse she was honored with the American Campaign Medal and the WWII Victory Medal.  She is included in the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Washington, D.C.  She graduated in 1947 and began her career working at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott.  She worked at Mercy until her retirement in the 1980’s.

She married Robert Warford in 1947 and they later divorced.  He died in 2006.  In 1985 she married Bill Robison and he preceded her in death on November of 2008.

She is survived by three children:  Son Mike Warford and his wife Pat of Springfield, MO; daughter Jane Warford of Monrovia, MD; and daughter Jill Warford of Fort Scott.  Three granddaughters include Mary Swearingen and husband Kurt of Independence, KS; Leslie George of Shawnee Mission, KS and Noelle Warford-Grow and husband Steve of Ozark, MO. Her nine great-grandchildren include Cole, Kara and Ella Swearingen; Darrin, Tommy and Vincent George; and Kate and Jack Warford-Grow.   Stepdaughters are Marianne Collins and Susan Selden and husband Alan, both of Heath, Texas, and four step-grandchildren.   She is also survived by her sister-in-law Dorothy Robinson of Richards, MO, and five nieces.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bruce Robinson and her sister Mildred Williamson.

She was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Fort Scott.  She was also a member of the Eastern Star, the sorority Beta Sigma Phi and the Royal Neighbor Lodge.   She was a Red Cross volunteer and as a survivor of breast cancer, she volunteered many years for Reach to Recovery.

Beth had a zest for life and was a loving, supportive mother to her children, a compassionate nurse, and had friends of all ages.  She enjoyed shopping, bike riding, traveling and spending time with her family and many friends.  She was strong in her faith and lived her life accordingly.  

Funeral services for Beth Robison will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at the First Christian Church with William James Schafer and Rev. Reed Hartford officiating.  Burial will be in the Fort Scott National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, on Monday, Nov. 21 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The family suggests memorials to the Beth Robison Nursing Scholarship at Fort Scott Community College.  Donations 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.  Condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.



Kenneth Harold “Kenny” Koester 56, of Fort Scott, died Monday evening, November 14, 2011 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.  He was born February 2, 1955 in Fort Scott, Kansas the son of Harold Dean and Ruth Ella (Hoover) Koester. 

Kenny worked for Tri-Valley Developmental Services as a Behavior Support Specialist and attended Trinity Lutheran Church. He also was a mortician for several years having worked for both funeral homes in Fort Scott at different times.

Survivors include his parents, Harold and Ruth of Fort Scott; two sons, Chase Koester of Altamont, Kansas, and Bryce Koester of Oswego, Kansas; two sisters, Kara Koester of Germantown, Tennessee, and Kristyn Wohler of Shawnee, Kansas, and a niece Roslyn Wohler.

Pastor Steven Sweyko will conduct funeral services 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 19, 2011 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, with burial following at the Evergreen Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Tri-Valley Developmental Services and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309 Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Dorothy Moyer Hall born June 4, 1923 in Fort Scott, Kansas; daughter of Edith Pearl and Ernest Moyer died October 16, 2011 in Woodland, California. 

She is survived by her husband Bill Hall, and her children:  Bill and Suzanne Hall, Marsha and Dominick Bevacqua, Brenda DeGarmo, Donald and Peggy Hall, Dee Dee and Robert Barrios; her twelve grandchildren: Monica and Craig Shorts, Elana and Ted Maloney, Cynthia Drake, Lynette and John Widdis, David and Elaine Evans, Justina and Mark Hilldebrandt, Celina Barrios, Erik Barrios, Diana DeGarmo, Ashley Hall, Bryce Hall and Scott Hall.  She is also survived by eighteen great- grandchildren: Nicholas, Spencer, Thomas, Timothy, Isabella and Jacob Shorts; Martin, Jane, Grace and Peter Maloney; Dylan and Mia Widdis; Edy and Claire Evans; Saesha, Miranda, Halea and Brenden Hilldebrandt.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law Betty Moyer and her brothers-in-law Richard and Everett Hall. Dorothy was preceded in death by her brothers David, John and Donald Moyer, her sisters Virginia Young and Helen Hall, and many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy and her husband, Bill, were married for seventy years.  She traveled all over the world with her Air Force husband and finally settled in Cupertino, California.  Dorothy loved to entertain and cook for family and friends.  She loved playing the organ and singing with her family.  Her warmth and caring brought many friends to her door.  But her greatest joys were her children, grandchildren and husband, Bill.

Burial with graveside services will be in the U.S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kan. on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.  Family and friends will gather at Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., Ft. Scott at 10:00 a.m. to proceed to the cemetery at 10:45 a.m.  The Reverend Reed Hartford of Fort Scott 1st Christian Church will officiate.

Lois Irene Kershner, 82, of Moran, Kansas died Saturday morning, October 8, 2011 at the Moran Manor Nursing Home.  She was born February 20, 1929 in Kincaid, Kansas the daughter of William Elmer and Zaida Marie Worden Ross.  She married Chester M. Kershner, February 28, 1947 in Mound City, Kansas. 

She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Moran, enjoyed Gardening, Volunteering, and spending time with and/or telling friends about her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Chester of the home, two sons, Kenneth Kershner and his wife, Connie of Chanute, KS, and Dennis Kershner and his wife, Jan of Iola, KS, three sisters, Helen Smith of Moran, KS, Marjorie Logsdon of Winfield, KS, and Verl Ross of Grand Prairie, TX, three brothers, Lawrence Ross of Marlow, TX, Paul Ross of Indianapolis, IN, and Gale Ross of Allen, TX, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Marie Ross, and Doris McCollum, three brothers, George, James, and Russell Ross, and a grandson, Christopher Kershner.

Rev. David Shrum will conduct funeral services for Lois Kershner at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at the United Methodist Church of Moran under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, Fort Scott, KS.  Burial will be in the Fort Scott National Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to either the Allen County Animal Rescue Foundation, or the United Methodist Church of Moran, donations 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, KS  66701.  Online condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Winfred “Win” Jent, 94, of Fort Scott, died Tuesday afternoon, September 13, 2011 at the Medicalodge Nursing Home.  He was born June 17, 1917 in Hume, Missouri the son of Edward Raymond and Donnie Leona (Bloomfield) Jent. He married Florence Marie Plain August 16, 1940 in Fort Scott, Kansas. She preceded him in death March 4, 1999.

Win served in the US Navy during WWII as a Radar Man, 2^nd Class from 1944 to 1945. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fort Scott, and the Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Survivors include two sons, Larry R. Jent and his wife Loreta, of Bloomington, IL, and David L. Jent of Fort Scott, KS; two daughters, Donna B. Spencer and her husband Lawrence of Pleasanton, KS, and Ruth Ann Konantz and her husband Tom of Huntsville, AL; a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Plain of Altamont, KS; a brother-in-law, Jack Plain of Fort Scott, KS; six grandchildren, Shane Jent, Kecia Johnson, Angela Holt, Kevin Spencer, Benjamin Konantz, Joshua Konantz; and one great-grandson, Daniel Spencer Holt. In addition to his first wife, Marie, Win was preceded in death by his parents, his second wife, Fern White Jent in December of 2004, a brother, Raymond Jent, and a great-grandson, Braxtyn Jent.

Rev. Ken Wood will conduct funeral services 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 19, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Fort Scott. Burial will follow at the US National Cemetery with Military Honors conducted at the cemetery by the Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Detail. The family will receive friends Sunday evening September 18, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, Tri-Valley Developmental Services, or Hospice care of Kansas and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Online condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Sara Sue Wilson McClure, 24, died Thursday afternoon September 8, 2011, as a result of a public transportation bus accident on Hwy 3, Uniontown, KS.  Sara and her fiancé, Jonathan (Jo) Joyal were residents of Fort Scott, KS.

Sara was born on May 16^th, in Fort Scott, KS. the daughter of Bryan Anthony Wilson and Paula Sue McClure.  She is the stepdaughter of Pam Wilson.  Sara attended elementary and high school in Liberal Missouri and was a 2004 graduate of Liberal High School.  During Jr. High and High School, Sara was on the year book staff, cheerleader, and drama department.  Sara starred in several plays throughout high school and also enjoyed woodworking classes.  She worked on weekends and after school as a waitress at Chicken Annie’s. 

Sara was especially close to her grandmother, Martha Petrie and step grandfather, Don Petrie.  In her earlier years in Mindenmines, Mo., she attended the Bible Believers Church in Pittsburg, KS with her grandparents.  Growing up she enjoyed summers traveling with her grandparents in the RV and camping.

Sara was one of those rare people that you could live a lifetime without meeting, who made the world a better place just by being in it.  She was a gift to everyone who had the chance to be loved by her.  She was a survivor of a heart condition that required several surgeries during her early child hood.  Each year Sara’s birthday was celebrated with a brilliant and dazzling party and she treasured each and every one.

She graduated from Crowder Community College, Neosho, MO. in 2007 with an Associate Degree in Drama and Elementary Education.  While at Crowder College she had the lead role in numerous plays and also directed entire performances.  Sara was the resident hall supervisor and also worked at the local YMCA in Neosho.  After college graduation, Sara spent two years in Canada, where she met her fiancée and love of her life, Jo Joyal.  Sara and Jo returned to the US and located in Fort Scott, in August 2010.  Sara and Jo enjoyed the past summer swimming at the Fort Scott pool and taking long walks by the Marmaton River at Gunn Park.

Sara found her dream job at Tri Valley Developmental Services.  Sara loved helping people and making a difference in the little things in someone’s life.  Sara was small in size but with a heart so big she shared with everyone. 

Survivors include her fiancé, Jonathan (Jo) Joyal, Canada, her father and step mother, Bryan and Pam Wilson, her mother, Paula McClure, her paternal grandmother, Martha Petrie, her sisters, Kimberly Coonrod, and Jennifer Allen, her brother, Christopher Townsend, step sisters, Courtney and Ashley Scholes, step brother, Brandon Scholes, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Kenton Leroy Wilson, paternal step grandfather, Don Petrie, and her maternal grandparents, Merle and Betty McClure.

Rev. Marty DeWitt will conduct funeral services at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday September 14, at Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.    Memorials are suggested to Tri Valley Developmental Services and 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, KS   66701.

Words of remembrance may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com. 

Shirley Jean Knotts Merriott, 81, of North Kansas City, Missouri and formerly of Fort Scott, died at the North Care Hospice House in the North Kansas City Hospital, North Kansas City, Missouri.  She was born December 11, 1929 in Fort Scott, Kansas the daughter of James Perry and Laveta (Strode) Knotts.

Shirley is survived by three daughters, Carol J. Swezey of Oldsmar, FL, Dona Jean Williamson of Hudson, Fl, Lisa Anne Brush of Bartlett, TN; three sons, Riley Russell “Russ” Merriott of Bossier City, LA, William Perry “Mike” Merriott of Hudson, FL, Martin D. Wells of Kansas City, KS; eighteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren and twins on the way. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Gene Merriott November 15, 1969; a daughter, Tony J. Merriott in 1948; a sister, Ginger Moore; and two grandchildren, Alex Morales and Bill Swezey.

Russ Merriott will conduct graveside services 2:30 p.m. Friday, September 2, 2011 at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. Services are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 6670. Online condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.