Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home

Lee Rimbey, 88, of Fort Scott, died Tuesday June 18, 2013 at Mercy Hospital.  He was born January 19, 1925 in Urbana, Missouri the son of Levi and Virgie Elizabeth (Baines) Rimbey.  He married Maxine Alford on September 18, 1946 in Bolivar, Missouri.

Lee served in the United States Army during WWII and received multiple awards including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.  He was a Watchmaker and Jeweler, and owned and operated Rimbey’s Jewelry until his retirement in 1990. Lee was a member of the Kansas Jewelers Association and the American Horology Association. He was very active in local civic and business organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Retail, and Lions International.  Lee was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Lee is survived by his wife, Maxine of the home, a son Gary Rimbey and wife Diane of Frontenac, Kansas; two daughters, Evelyn Rimbey of Denver, Colorado and Peggy Stark of Fort Scott, four grandchildren, Courtney Red Feather, Britney Malpiede, Nolan Stark and Karley Stark and one great grandson, Rocco Red Feather. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, two sisters, and a daughter, Nancy Rimbey McCreedy.

Rev. Dr. Kenton Van will conduct funeral services for Lee 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Military Honors conducted at the cemetery by the Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Detail. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral home 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Tommy Lou Cherry, 79, of Fort Scott, died at the Medicalodge Nursing Home Sunday afternoon June 16, 2013.  She was born May 23, 1934 in Wheaton, Missouri the daughter of Walter Lee and Hazel Helen (Cooper) Bray.  She married Jack Leroy Cherry May 28, 1954 in Monett, Missouri, he preceded her in death on April 29, 1992.  She married Richard Smith on November 17, 2011 in Carson City, Nevada, and he survives of the Home. 

In addition to her husband, Richard, she is survived by two step daughters, Amy  and Melinda; two brothers-in-law, Charles Cherry of Monett, Missouri, and Jerald Cherry of Kansas City, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Judy Perch of Neosho, Missouri and Barbara Hall of Jefferson City, Missouri, and several nieces and nephews including Michael Harrison of Topeka, Kansas and Robert Harrison of Casper, Wyoming.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Jack, and her sister, Johnny Sue Harrison.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 20, 2013 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with Rev. Jarod Witt officiating.  Burial will be in the Fort Scott National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. Thursday until service time at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas  66701.

Willis Henry Knopp, 84, of Fort Scott, Kansas, died Saturday, June 15, 2013 at his home. He was born June 7, 1929 in Brazilton, Kansas the son of Albert Herman and Bertha Dorothea (Selle) Knopp. He married Ethel Josephine “Jo” Huber June 24, 1949 in Hepler, Kansas. She preceded him death February 14, 2012.

In 1963 Willis was transferred to Fort Scott by Bunny Bread from Joplin, Missouri. In 1966 he bought the Flamingo Restaurant and owned it until 1975. Then in 1976 he opened J&W Sport Shop and operated it until his retirement in 1991. He was also a bus driver for USD234 for many years, and an active member at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Willis is survived by his children, Colleen Murrin and husband Art, Jim Knopp and wife Diana, Leesa Stephan and husband Dennis, and Jeff Knopp and wife Pam, all of Fort Scott; a brother, Clifford Knopp of Brazilton, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Mike & Melodee Knopp, Cole Murrin, Natalie Murrin, Amanda & Brian Lancaster, Dru & Jessica Stephan, 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, and Brock & Maci Stephan. In addition to his wife Jo, Willis was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Floyd Knopp and Wilbur Knopp, a sister, Thelma Vogts, and an infant sister, Doris Jean Knopp.

Pastor Stephen Sweyko will conduct funeral services for Willis at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2013 at the Trinity Lutheran Church with burial following at the Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church or Alzheimer’s Association and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Bertha Carolyn Wise, age 75, former resident of Uniontown and Fort Scott, Kansas died early Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Chariton Park Healthcare Center, Salisbury, Missouri.  She was born July 17, 1937, in Durango, Colorado, the daughter of William and Grace Emma (Calhoun) Semler. 

Survivors include a son, Mark Wise and wife Candida, of Wichita, Kansas; a daughter, Linda Brown and husband Lynn Moore, Jr., of Dallas, Texas; and four grandchildren, Tristan and Commora Wise, and Jordan and Jason Brown.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 am Monday, June 17, 2013 at the Evergreen Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. Online condolences may be sent expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Leonard W. Cullison, 85, formerly of Fort Scott, died Saturday, June 8, 2013 at the House at Midland Care in Topeka, Kansas. He was born in Decatur County, Kansas on November 5, 1927 the son of James F. and Elva Jane Hanslip.  He was raised by Alice Cullison.  Leonard was a veteran of the Navy serving in WWII and he was a graduate of Ft. Hays State with a degree in Business Administration. 

Mr. Cullison was an Assistant Administrator for Sisters of Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott prior to moving to Topeka. He retired on July 1, 1993, as a Business Administrator for the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Leonard was an avid reader who especially loved History and Westerns. He enjoyed golfing, was a Master Gardner and a diehard KU fan. He also loved being PaPa to his grandchildren. He married Laurine Leiker in Hays, Kansas on April 5, 1951. She preceded him in death on June 5th of this year.

He is survived by a daughter, Vicki Cullison of Topeka, Kansas, two sons, Mark Cullison of Fort Scott, and Curtis (Annette) Cullison of Hendersonville, Tennessee, two grandchildren, Macy Rose Cullison and Colby Cullison, and a brother, Wayne Hanslip of Denver, Colorado.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. and Mrs. Cullison will be celebrated at 4:00 pm. Tuesday at Mater Dei Assumption Catholic Church in Topeka. Following Mass, they will lie in state after 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 pm. Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street in Fort Scott, where Graveside services for Mr. and Mrs. Cullison will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Fort Scott National Cemetery with Father Robert Wachter officiating. Military honors will be provided for Mr. Cullison by US Navy and the Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to the House at Midland Care and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com or to www.konantz-cheney.com.

Mary Laurine Cullison, 86, formerly of Fort Scott, died early Wednesday morning June 5, 2013 at the House at Midland Care in Topeka, Kansas. 

She was born February 27, 1927 in Hays, Kansas the daughter of Aquilinus and Rose (Frank) Leiker. She married Leonard W. Cullison on April 5, 1951 in Hays, Kansas. He passed away Saturday, June 8, 2013.

Laurine was a Payroll Clerk at Payless Shoes, and she was a member of Mater Dei Assumption Catholic Church.  Laurine also worked many years at Let’s Help. Laurine enjoyed cooking, caring for her family, and was a devoted wife and “Mother” to many who knew her.  She was especially proud of being a loving Grammy.  Laurine was a “character” who had a way with words.

Survivors include a daughter, Vicki Cullison of Topeka, Kansas; two sons, Mark Cullison of Fort Scott, Kansas and Curtis (Annette) Cullison of Hendersonville, Tennessee; two brothers, Francis “Bud” (Jean) Leiker of DeSoto, Kansas and Harold (Patty) Leiker of Olathe, Kansas.  Two grandchildren, Macy Rose Cullison and Colby Cullison, also survive.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. and Mrs. Cullison will be celebrated at 4:00 pm. Tuesday at Mater Dei Assumption Catholic Church in Topeka. Following Mass, they will lie in state after 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 pm. Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street in Fort Scott, where Graveside services for Mr. and Mrs. Cullison will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Fort Scott National Cemetery with Father Robert Wachter officiating. Military honors will be provided for Mr. Cullison by US Navy and the Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to the House at Midland Care and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com or to www.konantz-cheney.com.

Billye Ruth Wilson, 70, of Fort Scott, died Sunday evening, May 26, 2013 at the Fort Scott Mercy Hospital.  She was born July 24, 1942 in Springfield, Missouri.  She was the daughter of Raymond Edward and Ruth Mae Hart Renfro. 

After graduating from Fort Scott High in 1960, she worked for the Western Insurance Company and later Lincoln National totaling twenty years.  She later worked for Midwestern Distribution and then in the Fort Scott High School Cafeteria.  She was a member of the St. John’s United Methodist Church.  She was the president of “Golden Oldies”, the Calvary Crossing activity group.  In her early years she was very athletic, she loved Bowling and playing Softball Catcher.  In later years she lived through her children’s sports, her sister and brother’s families’ sports and then her grandchildren’s sports.

She married Robert Lyle Wilson on July 12, 1960 in Fort Scott, they had two children, Deena and Darin.  She is survived by her daughter, Deena Hohn and husband, Chad of Gardner, Kansas, her son, Darin Wilson and wife, Darcy of Olathe, Kansas, her brother, Danny Renfro and wife, Pat, her sister, Debbie West and husband, Bob and 6 grandchildren, Autumn Martin, Savanna Wilson, Gavin Wilson, Gunner, Grady and Carter Hohn.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 30, 2013 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with Rev. Donna Clark-Fuller officiating.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.  Private burial in the Evergreen Cemetery will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be made to either the St. John’s United Methodist Church or the Cavalry Crossing Activity Fund and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas   66701.

Donna Jean Ingold passed away May 17, 2013 at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, Kansas.  She was born February 18, 1936 near Pawnee Station, Crawford County, Kansas.  She was the daughter of Roscoe and Viola (Park) Ingold who predeceased her.  She attended Johnson, Girard, Maple Grove, and Hepler grade schools.  She graduated from Hepler High School in 1954.  Donna immediately started working at the Western Insurance Company in Fort Scott, Kansas as a “look up” girl retrieving insurance policies from the files.  She progressed to a key punch data entry operator and then a data entry verification operator.  She rose to be a supervisor and eventually the Key Disk Department Director with over 60 data entry employees working for her.  Upon the sale of the Western, Donna became a Personal Lines Underwriter for the Oklahoma Territory with the American States Insurance Company.  She retired in 1994 from American States after a 40 year career.  She was a life-long member of the Farlington Methodist Church and later the Fort Scott First United Methodist Church.  She was active in the community with the Business and Professional Women, Women of the Western, Good Ol’ Days events, Rotary Club, Hepler High School Alumni Association, Sunday School Class activities, and the Presbyterian Village committees.  She started and ran a Parkinson’s Support Group for several years helping both the local patients and their caregivers with insights into the progressive disease.  After retirement, Donna taught herself to paint and created over 100 acrylic paintings for family and friends.  She won first place with her acrylic “The Wave” which was regionally published in the 2002 Presbyterian Village “Art is Ageless” calendar.  Donna realistically battled Parkinson’s and rheumatoid arthritis over a 17 year period with grace, determination, and a positive attitude without regard to her ever declining abilities.  She gladly shared her remarkable collection of stories and kept a genealogical memory map of family/friend relationships gathered over the years.

Donna is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Barbara Ingold of Colorado Springs.  She was a great fan of her nephew, John Ingold of Denver Colorado, and niece and husband, Meredith Hong and Dr. Joseph Hong of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.

Rev. Kenton Van will conduct funeral services 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church with interment following at the Farlington Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.  A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Fort Scott First United Methodist Church or the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Hill  D. Dement Jr., 84 of Fort Scott passed away May 11^th in Fort Scott with a full heart, a head full of great memories, and a soul filled with many passions. 

Hill grew up in a small town in Bunceton, Missouri enjoying fishing and all things outdoors. He graduated high school in 1946, and soon after joined the Air Force in pursuit of the GI Bill, as Hill had always placed a heavy emphasis on education.  Stationed in Alaska Hill put his mechanical science skills to work as a heavy equipment mechanic.  During his service he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal and a National Defense Service Medal.  As luck would have it Hill was assigned to a new unit just before his old unit shipped out to Korea and suffered heavy casualties.  After his time in the service Hill expeditiously went about obtaining his undergraduate degree in Industrial Arts with a Minor in Science from Pittsburg State University.  Shortly thereafter, as the space race was on, Hill realized he’d be teaching Science much more than Industrial Arts.  Hill was a passionate Science and Math teacher and continued his perpetual quest for knowledge, eventually receiving his Master of Science degree in Natural Science, and then his Specialist in Education, with assistance from the National Science Foundation Grants. 

Hill was passionate about teaching and pushing students to be their best.  During his 30 plus years as an educator, he touched many lives and was proud to say he was a teacher. Hill eventually became a school principle, but always managed to teach a class or two in Math or Science at the same time.  Hill, along with his first wife Sue and their three young daughters DeAnna, Laura, and Brenda moved throughout Kansas during his advancing career to such places as Ness City, Council Grove, Hamilton and Oxford Kansas. One of Hill’s other passions was the Masons. Serving the community through the close brotherhood brought him great joy. He was a past Grand Master of the Rising Sun Lodge #8.

After retiring from public education in the 1990’s Hill began to focus on something he’d always wanted to do – writing.  And always one with dogged determination Hill published his first book titled “The Ice Age is Coming” in 2005.  Hill went on to publish seven books through his writing career and at the time of his death had one more finished and ready to publish! His books varied in topics from scientific thrillers to reflections on his rural Missouri youth such as “Fishin’ in the Good Old Days.” Hill was also an avid inventor.  To some, it may have seemed he was always tinkering with something, but was ahead of his time with many ideas.  Hill held one patent on a game called “Toe-Go”.  He has notebook after notebook of ideas you see on the shelf now, but dated many years earlier. The photo seen here is from the jacket cover of “The Ice Age is Coming.”

Old age may have taken Hill’s body after a strong fight, but his mind remained sharp as a tack.  Engaging in manuscript rewriting and science project discussions with his grandkids through his final days. Hill was truly one of a kind, and will be sorely missed by his friends and family. He is survived by daughter Deanna McCollum, her husband Darren, and granddaughter Madyson of Fort Scott, daughter Laura Cooper of Pittsburg and grandchildren Garrett Anglin of Quincy Illinois and Megan Grant of Pittsburg and great-grandson Mason Grant, daughter Brenda Lander, her husband Chad, and grandchildren Grant, Caroline, and Victoria of Leawood.  In addition, Hill’s sister Mary Koch and her husband Bob of Salina and brother Jim of North Carolina.  He is preceded in death by father Hill D. DeMent and mother Goldie DeMent, brothers John L. and William DeMent and sister Layla Aase.

Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 16, 2013 with the Rising Sun Lodge #8 A.F.&A.M. offering Masonic Burial Rites and the Olson Frary Burkhart Post 1165 V.F.W. offering Military Honors at the US National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas.  Memorials may be made to the Rising Sun Lodge #8 and 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.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Parlor at the First United Methodist Church.  Condolences may be sent to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Daniel Sherman Ward, 86, resident of Fort Scott, died Thursday morning, May 9, 2013 at Mercy Hospital. He was born March 25, 1927 in Uniontown, Kansas the son of Herbert and Tressie (Swink) Ward. He graduated from Uniontown High School. He married Bobbe Ellen Clark on July 24, 1948 in Redfield, Kansas.

Dan was a member of the Merchant Marines and later the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his honorable discharge, Dan worked for Bruce Marble and Granite, and then the Western Insurance Company where he worked for 28 years until his retirement.

Dan enjoyed bowling, square dancing, and attending all of his children’s and grandchildren’s school and sporting events. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where he served in many capacities.

Survivors include his wife Bobbe of the home; two sons, Clark ward and wife Marla, Neosho, Missouri, Mark Ward and wife Lisa, Fort Scott; one daughter, Rebecca Allen of Fort Scott; eight grandchildren, Daniel Ward and Abby Stepps, Alex and Austin Ward, Jacki, Joce, Christopher Allen and Lauren Ammons; two great-grandchildren, Eden and Tayte; and a brother Harold Ward and his wife Phyllis. He was preceded in death by his sister, Birdean Davis, and his parents.

Rev. Kenton Van will conduct funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, May 13, 2013 at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Meals on Wheels or the First United Methodist Church 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 sent to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Margaret McLaughlin, 83, of Fort Scott, passed away Early Wednesday morning, April 24, 2013 at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott.  She was born August 15, 1929 in Deerfield, Missouri the daughter of George Stewart and Edna Sara (White) McLaughlin.

Margaret was a member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and the St. Anne’s Altar Society. She retired from The Western Insurance Company after thirty-nine years.

Margaret is survived by a sister-in-law, Loretta McLaughlin of Topeka, Kansas and numerous friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Catherine McLaughlin, and Elizabeth Roberts; three brothers, George McLaughlin, Francis McLaughlin, and Bill McLaughlin, and a nephew, Patrick McLaughlin.

Father Robert Wachter will celebrate the Funeral Mass 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 29, 2013 at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church with burial following in the Pleasanton Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed Sunday evening April 28, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church or St. Anne’s Altar Society and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Leona Irene Littleton, 83 of Fort Scott, died Saturday afternoon, April 13, 2013 at Fort Scott Mercy Hospital. She was born December 13, 1929 in Bates County, Missouri the daughter of John Marvin Lee and Mary Susan (Norval) Compton. She married John Woodrow Littleton January 10, 1948 and he preceded her in death February 24, 2000.

Irene worked for Employers Mutual Insurance as a Commercial Underwriter for 41 years in Wichita, Kansas. She was a member of the St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Wichita.

She is survived by a stepson, Kenneth Littleton of Fort Scott, some nieces and nephews and a host of good neighbors and friends, including Ron and Shirley Palmer and family, and caregivers Bonnie Taylor, Moreen Smith, Betty Gillham, and Wanda Feezell. In addition to her husband, Irene was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Benjamin Lee Compton, and Roy Elmer Compton; and three sisters, Jessie Marie Mann, Hazel Pauline Roberts, and Mary Edna Miller.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following in the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the John and Irene Littleton Scholarship Fund at the Fort Scott Community College and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Linda Elaine Belshe, 52, of Fort Scott, passed away Sunday morning, April 7, 2013 at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born June 9, 1960 in Ottawa, Kansas, the daughter of R. B. and Hazel (Pellett) Shoemaker.

Elaine graduated from Paola, High School in 1978. She married Bill (William) Belshe February 4, 1978 in Paola, Kansas. She was employed in various capacities throughout life, but the employment she took most joy and pride in was to have been an agent with Stewart Realty of Fort Scott. She was also a member of the National Association of Realtors.

Elaine loved camping, travel, eagle chasing, finding caves, locating unusual flea market treasures, and music. She played guitar, some piano and was the family lead alto at all Shoemaker gatherings. However, her greatest joys in life came from family. Elaine was a member of Cherry Grove Baptist Church.

Elaine is survived by her loving husband Bill, and daughter Jessica, of the home. Also surviving are a son Tyler and his wife Laura of Belton, MO and their three children Mason, Talon, and Heidi; and son Kyle and his wife Katie of Belton, MO. She is also survived by her father, Rev. R.B. Shoemaker, six sisters, Ruth of Watonga, OK, Marilyn of Fort Scott, KS, Sandra of Branson, MO, Barbara of Merriam, KS, Carol of Copperas Cove, TX, and Brenda of Pomona, KS, and her brother Paul of Wichita, KS.  Elaine was preceded in death by her mother, Hazel Shoemaker.

She also had six brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law, and twenty-eight first and second generation nieces and nephews. A host of cousins, church family and friends too numerous to mention will also celebrate having had her as a part of their lives.

Rev. Paul Shoemaker will conduct funeral services at 10:00a.m., Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends from 9:00a.m. until service time Wednesday morning at the Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Clarksburg Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Elaine Belshe Memorial Scholarship Fund and may be left with or sent to 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.

Chester M. Kershner, 87 of Moran, Kansas died Sunday evening, March 24, 2013 at the Moran Manor Nursing Home.  He was born October 3, 1925 in Blue Mound, Kansas to his parents George Franklin and Ada Roney Kershner. He was raised by his foster parents Bert Clinton and Isabell Hartman Krull. He married Lois Irene Ross on February 28, 1947 in Mound City, Kansas. She preceded him in death on October 8, 2011.

Chester served in the Asiatic-Pacific theater during WWII with the US Navy in the Lion Four group. He was a member of the Moran United Methodist Church and the American Legion. He worked for McAdams Construction for over 40 years. He also worked as an insurance agent and a City Clerk for the City of Moran. Throughout his life he enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, watching both his kids and grandchildren grow and participate in sports and socializing at Chancy’s.

Survivors include two sons, Kenneth Kershner and his wife, Connie of Chanute, KS, and Dennis Kershner and his wife, Jan of Iola, KS; a sister, Darlene Cyre of Overland Park, KS; 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren and 6 step-great grandchildren. In addition to his wife Lois, he was preceded in death by his parents and foster parents; five brothers, Iiron, David and Claude Kershner, Hubert Shaw, Rollon Wright; two sisters Anabelle Linhardt and Rosita Petree; and a grandson, Christopher Kershner.

Rev. Bill LaPorte will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 28, 2013 at the United Methodist Church of Moran under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Fort Scott National Cemetery with 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 Allen County Animal Rescue Foundation or the Moran United Methodist Church 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.

Robert James Dempsey, 82, formerly of Fort Scott, Kansas, died March 1, 2013 in Tucson, Arizona.  He was born August 26, 1930 in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Frank Robert and Margaret Evelyn (Monday) Dempsey.

Bob was a MAI Real Estate Appraiser and finished his career working for HUD in Phoenix, Arizona and Fort Worth, Texas. 

Bob is survived by his loving sons James & John Dempsey, his cherished granddaughter Jocelyn Abbott and her husband Kevin; great grandchildren Kaelyn & Carson Abbott; his beloved sister Carol Shaffer; and his niece Shelly Shaffer and nephew Scott Shaffer.  

VFW Chaplain James R. Stradley will conduct graveside services at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening March 19, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Billie Juanita Huff Carter, 82, formerly of Fort Scott, died Thursday evening, March 14, 2013, at the Carthage Health and Rehab Center in Carthage, Missouri.   She was born August 6, 1930 in Augusta, Kansas the daughter of William Calvin and Mary Elizabeth (Bailey) Oakes.  She married Harry Frank Huff December 24, 1952 in Bentonville, Arkansas, he preceded her in death on January 10, 1971. 

She is survived by two sons, Robert Huff of Joplin, Missouri, and Harry Frank Huff Jr. of Carthage, Missouri three sisters, Nancy Smith of Kansas City, Kansas, Carol Downing of Kansas City, Kansas, and Elizabeth Howell of Paola, Kansas, a brother, William C. Oakes, Jr. of Buckner, Missouri, 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, David M. Huff and William D. Huff, a daughter Juanita J. Huff, two sisters, Sarah Parkinson and Doris Brown, and four brothers, Donald E. Oakes, Thomas Oakes, Samuel Oakes and George Oakes.

Graveside services for Billie Carter will be 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at the Fort Scott National Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Dorothy Adelaide Keeth, 86, died February 24, 2013 in Orlando, Florida. She was born March 23, 1926 in Fort Lewis, Washington the daughter of George John and Marguerite Josephine (Bell) Fossen. She married Robert E. Keeth May 1, 1948 at the McCord Air Force Base in Washington.

Survivors include her husband Bob, of the home; two sons, Michael Keeth of Pensacola, Florida, and Daniel Keeth of Tucson, Arizona; two brothers, George Fossen of Sturgis South Dakota, and Richard Fossen of Scottsdale, Arizona; and three granddaughters, Brittney Keeth, Kimberly Keeth, and Savannah Lohse. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Bunnie Lowe.

Family and friends will gather for a service of remembrance Tuesday March 12, 2013. Burial will be at the National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Helena Evelyn Ramsey, 92, of Fort Scott, died Monday morning, February 25, 2013 at the Guest Home Estates in Fort Scott. She was born August 2, 1920 in Bourbon, Missouri, the daughter of Forrest Dwight and Marcella Julia (Schulze) Greenfield.

The family moved to Bourbon County, Kansas in 1922. Helena attended Garland Elementary School, Fort Scott High School, and Fort Scott Community College, and then taught elementary school in Bourbon County for three years.

She married James Lynne Ramsey April 26, 1942 in Garland, Kansas. After his service in WWII, Lynne’s career with the Federal Aviation Administration took the family traveling throughout the Midwest for several years, followed by six years in the Kansas City area and fifteen in Washington D.C. The Ramsey’s returned to Bourbon County in 1975 to be near their aging parents.

Helena was a founding member of the Kansas Wildflower Society and was an open class superintendent of the Home Economics Dept. of the Bourbon Count Fair for twelve years.

Helena is survived by her four children, Mary E. Ramsey of Fort Scott, John S. Ramsey of Topeka, Kansas, Martha L. Bruneton of Le Chalard, France, and James A. Ramsey of Garland, Kansas; a sister, Barbara Racine of Norfolk, Virginia; five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lynne March 7, 2008; three sisters, Grace Rourk, Julia Finch, and Doris Pierce; and two brothers, Frank Greenfield, and Robert Greenfield.

Following cremation, Rev. Kenton Van will conduct memorial services for Helena at 10:30 a.m. Thursday March 7, 2013 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.  Interment will take place later at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Greenfield Ramsey Scholarship at the Fort Scott Community College 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. Online condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Ruth I. Stewart, 95, of Fort Scott died Sunday morning, February 24, 2013 at the Presbyterian Village.  She was born May 15, 1917 in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of John Thomas and Hope (Pointer) Cawlfield.  She married Lloyd Warren Stewart on November 27, 1938 in Fort Scott, he preceded her in death on July 29, 1995.

Ruth was a member of the First United Methodist Church.  She was an Art Teacher at the Fort Scott Junior High for seven years.  She was a charter member of both the Old Fort Genealogical Society and the Historical Preservation Society, a member of the Bourbon County Arts Council, a member of Pierian Beta Club, Kappa Delta Pi and Kappa Pi Honor Fraternity at P.S.U. 

She is survived by two sons, Thom Stewart and wife Sharon of Gladstone, Missouri and Steve Stewart and wife Laurie of Lenexa, Kansas, two grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Rev. Dr. Kenton Van will conduct funeral services for Ruth at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, February 28, 2013 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Fort Scott National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday February 27, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.  The family suggests memorial contributions to the Fort Scott Community College Art Department, 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.  Condolences may be emailed to the family at expressions@konantz-cheney.com.

Duain LaFarge, 47 of Fort Scott, died Friday, February 22, 2013, in Fort Scott.  He was born June 23, 1965 in Fort Scott, Kansas the son of Fay Howard and Edith Louise (Main) LaFarge. He married Linda Marie Ferguson February, 10, 1996.

Survivors include his mother, Edith, his wife Linda; his children, Dani Rae LaFarge, Heather Marie LaFarge, both of the home, Nichole Bryant and husband Jon of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Cameron LaFarge of Owasso, Oklahoma, and two sisters, Karen Headley and husband Mark of Reeds Spring, Missouri, and Arita McAlister and husband Randy of Fort Scott, Kansas.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with burial following at the West Liberty Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Friday, March 1, 2013 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association 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.