Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Curtis E. Gumm

Curtis E. Gumm, 89, El Dorado Springs, passed away on March 18, 2009. He was born Sept. 5, 1919.

Curtis was an Army veteran.

He was a resident of Community Springs Healthcare Facility.

Survivors include his daughter, Julie Mullies-Jennings, and her husband, Gregg – El Dorado Springs.

Graveside service and interment, with Robert Newberry officiating were held Saturday, March 21, in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery. Military Honors were provided by VFW Post 251 of El Dorado Springs.

Arrangements were under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.

Geneva Fay Montgomery Meyers

Geneva Fay Montgomery Meyers, 82, Nevada, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at Christian Health Care in Nevada. She was born Oct. 29, 1926, in Stockton, to Armel Rolla Montgomery and Amy Thelma Sledd Montgomery.

Geneva graduated from Stockton High School and worked for 37 years for the Division of Family Services (nine years in the Stockton office and 28 years in the Nevada office).

She was a member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Nevada.

Geneva married Lohman L. Meyers on March 22, 1945, in Bolivar. He preceded her in death on April 14, 1974.

Survivors include one daughter, Linda Meyers Hanratty – Raytown; two half-sisters, Ruby Dean Blackaby – Clinton, and Carol Montgomery Lucas – Clinton; one stepbrother, Roy Hunt – Bolivar; and one sister-in-law, Ruby Meyers – El Dorado Springs.

Graveside services were held Saturday, March 21, in Stockton Cemetery, with Pastor Melvin Mabra officiating.

Memorials may be given to the Cornerstone Baptist Church in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Myrtle Columbine Allen

Myrtle Columbine Allen, 85, Nevada, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2009, at her home following a lengthy illness. She was born Sept. 7, 1923, in Havana, KS, to Melvin Thomas Swopes and Goldie Myrtle Norris Swopes.

Myrtle was born in Kansas and raised in Missouri. She spent most of her adult life in Vernon County. Myrtle worked for many years for Key Work Clothes, retiring in 1986. She loved to sew and quilt. She was devoted to her family.

She married Elsie Richard Allen on Aug. 7, 1939, in Weaubleau, and he preceded her in death in 1970. She was also preceded in death by one grandchild, Lori.

Survivors include four sons – Dick Allen – Nevada, Dennis Allen – Texas, Lynn Allen – Butler, and Randy Allen – Alabama; six daughters – Vonnie Foster, Rita Klopfenstein, Joyce Dulier, Anita Rolando, Bernadine Post and Connie Allen – all of Nevada; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; five brothers – Bill Swopes – El Dorado Springs, Ves Swopes – El Dorado Springs, Leroy Swopes – Appleton City, Ed Swopes – Colorado, and Jack Swopes – Houston, MO; and two sisters, June Coleman – El Dorado Springs, and Grace Harold – Walker.

Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, in Ferry Funeral Home – Nevada, with Pastor David Rorabaugh officiating. Interment will follow in Moore Cemetery – Nevada, under the direction of Ferry Funeral Home. Friends may call until the hour of service. The family received friends from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home in Nevada.
Memorials may be given to the Arthritis Foundation in care of Ferry Funeral Home - Nevada.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Minnie A. Collins

Minnie A. Collins, 93, passed away Sunday evening, March 15, 2009, at the Lone Tree Retirement Center, Meade, KS. She was born Jan. 5, 1916, at Filley the daughter of John and Prudence Conner. As a young girl, she and her brother and sisters were orphaned and were raised by her Aunt Alma and Uncle Guy Fitzpatrick in Schell City.

On July 18, 1945, she married Harold S. Collins in Ft. Scott, KS. After her marriage, the couple owned and operated the Collins Auction Company in El Dorado Springs.

After the death of her husband, Harold, in 1984, Minnie moved to Meade County, KS, to be near her sister, Wyonona Lawson. She attended the First Baptist Church in Plains, KS. Minnie enjoyed visiting with family and friends. While at Lone Tree Retirement Center, she was known as the unofficial greeter, and had a fond love for cats.

Minnie was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Hadley; and two sisters: Eunice Snyder and Wyonona Lawson.

Survivors include five nephews - Carl Snyder - High Point, AR, Royce Lawson - Shawnee, KS, Jerry Lawson - Junction City, KS, James Alan Lawson - Omaha, NE, and Charles Lawson - Westminister, CO; two nieces: Mary Ann Snyder - Mountain View, AR, and Donna Hauser - Iola, KS; and several great-nieces and nephews.

Services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary Chapel in Meade, KS, with Pastor Neal Foster officiating.

There was also a visitation from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs. Graveside services followed at 3 p.m. in Clintonville Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Luretta Ruth Stockstill

Luretta “Ruth” Stockstill, 81, a resident of Siloam Springs, AR, passed away March 13, 2009, at Siloam Springs Nursing and Rehab Center.

Born Oct. 26, 1927, in El Dorado Springs, she was the daughter of Lendon Earl Cassidy and Ruby Cathline Romsburg. She was a ward nurse for a mental state school in Missouri. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in El Dorado Springs.

Survivors include one son, Kevin Stockstill, Watts, OK; one granddaughter, Angela Scalia and husband, Mike - Joplin; two grandsons, Galen Dean Stockstill and wife, Linda - Harrison, AR, and Donnie Ray Stockstill and wife, Sherry - Sherman, TX; and 11 great grandchildren.

Graveside services under the direction of Wasson Funeral Home, Inc., Siloam Springs, AR, will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 19, in the El Dorado Springs Cemetery with Ronnie Bradshaw officiating.

Anna Cleo Peters

Anna Cleo Peters, 91, El Dorado Springs, was born May 24, 1917, in El Dorado Springs to Henry and Minnie (Wielms) Zartman. She passed away March 13, 2009, in Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar.

On Dec. 24, 1943, Anna was united in marriage to Charles A. Whaley. To this union two children were born, Charles (Chuck) Z. Whaley and Charlotte Anne (Whaley) White.

Anna was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of El Dorado Springs.

Anna was preceded in death by Charles A. Whaley, and her second husband, John Gus Peters.

She is survived by her children, Charles Whaley - Merriam, KS, and Charlotte White – Portland, OR, other relatives and friends.

Services were held Monday, March 16, in Virgil City Cemetery with Frank Haynes officiating. Interment was under the direction of the Sheldon Funeral Home – El Dorado Springs.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

William Floyd Purtle

William Floyd Purtle, 78, El Dorado Springs, passed away at his home March 12, 2009. Floyd was born on July 16, 1939, in Birdsong to Arthur and Mattie (Ellerman) Purtle.

Floyd grew up in the neighboring community of Blackjack. He attended Greenwood Country School and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1948. At six-feet-six and 215 pounds, he was an accomplished and noted athlete in football, basketball and baseball, but baseball was his particular passion. He was invited to try out for the Chicago Cubs and was also offered a contract to play for the then Kansas City Athletics, but unfortunately was unable to pursue either opportunity due to his induction into the United States Army on Feb. 5, 1952, and service in the Korean War.

As a soldier, Floyd distinguished himself in combat and was awarded two Bronze Campaign Stars for courage under fire, as well as the United Nations Service Medal and Combat Infantry Badge. He finished his tour of duty stateside at Camp Crowder and was honorably discharged on April 16, 1960.

Upon his return to civilian life, Floyd helped work the family farm in Blackjack for a time before embarking on a long career as a long-haul truck driver, which he continued well into the last year of his life before officially retiring due to his health.

Floyd married Lois Kennedy, of Humansville, on Nov. 18, 1956. This union saw the birth of two sons, Robert Lloyd in 1959, and Kevin Ray in 1962. In 1969, Lois was diagnosed with colon cancer. From then until her passing in 1991, Floyd was tirelessly devoted to his wife’s care and providing for his family, working long, grueling hours that might well have discouraged a lesser man. He never really got over his wife’s passing and lovingly tended her memory until the end of his own life.

Preceding Floyd in death were his parents; his wife, Lois; his brother, Calvin; and two sisters, Lucy Burns and Mabel Goodwin.

Floyd is survived by his two sons, Robert and Kevin Purtle – El Dorado Springs; three sisters – Minnie Burns and Zephie Ellerman – El Dorado Springs, and Allene Baker–– Springfield; as well as a number of nieces; nephews and cousins.

Floyd will be greatly missed as a husband, father, brother and friend.

Services were held Tuesday, March 17, in the Bland-Hackleman Chapel in El Dorado Springs with his nephew, Dennis Goodwin, officiating and also providing music. Interment followed in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home – El Dorado Springs.

Pallbearers were - Robert Purtle, Kevin Purtle, Ronald Purtle, Albert Goodwin, Curtis Burns, Terry Lynn burns, John Burns and Dwain Witt.

Memorial donations may be made to the Disabled Veterans and left at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Charles Russell Proffitt


Charles Russell Proffitt, 81, rural Vernon County, was born in rural Ray County to Charles Henry and Anna Lee (Kern) Proffitt on July 15, 1927. He passed away on March 11, 2009, at Cedar County Memorial Hospital in El Dorado Springs.

Charles was a truck driver with Atlas Van Lines where he became an owner-operator. He drove over one million miles while employed with McCormack-Payton, Atlas Van Lines.

He and Mary retired in rural Vernon County where they had lived for several years. Charles loved living in the country. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, mushrooming and picking up pecans. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed the sports section of any newspaper. He and his wife, Mary, started Little League baseball in Richmond. He could sharpen a knife like nobody’s business and could carve whistles out of hickory sticks. His greatest pastime was being Papa and Grandpa to his four grandchildren, making sure that he was the one that bought each one their first pair of cowboy boots.

He was a member of the Schell City Lions Club, Lodge #448 of the Masons and longtime member of the Teamsters Local 838.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents; sister, C. Hazel (Proffitt) Lockling; and brother, Cletus A. Proffitt.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Proffitt, of the home; son, Ford M. Roesch II, and Sandra - Kansas City; daughter, Kimberly Jo Haddix, and Kevin – Kansas City; grandchildren – Shawn M. Roesch – Edwards, Sheila G. Roesch – Overland Park, KS, Bryn N. Haddix – Omaha, NE, and Hunter C. Haddix – Kansas City; brothers, Robert E. Proffitt – Clarinda, IA, and Melvin P. Proffitt, and Shirley, Independence; sisters - Millie A. Hewitt – Waterloo, IA, Lena B. Shelton – Wichita, KS, and Janet Green – Richmond; several nieces and nephews and extended family.

Services where held Monday, March 16, in the United Methodist Church in Schell City with Brother Tom Pyle officiating.

Masonic Rites were officiated by Lawrence Cripps P.D.D.G.M. Musical selections were provided by Kelly Davis and David Souza. Interment was in the Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City under the direction of the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home in Schell City.

Pallbearers were Charles H. Vincent, Matthew Vincent, Roger Dade Sr., Randall Cates, Nick Cain and Michael Bundy. Honorary pallbearers were Ford Roesch II, Kevin Haddix, Ival Pruter, Gary Davis, Terry Smith and Larry Nichols Sr.

Memorials are suggested to the Schell City Volunteer Fire Department, the Walker Rural Fire Department or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Anthony Mark (Tony) Nimmo

Anthony (Tony) Mark Nimmo, 47, Schell City, was born Nov. 4, 1961, in Kansas City, KS, to Fern and Viola Nimmo and went home to be with the Lord March 9, 2009.

Tony moved with his family in 1964 to a farm outside of Nevada where he lived all of his life until this last year when he moved his family to the Schell City area.

Tony attended school in Nevada and stayed on the farm to help his dad.

Tony met Kim in 1990 and they were married Feb. 15, 1992. Tony loved to be outside cutting wood, hunting, fishing or just taking long walks on the farm.

Tony attended First Assembly of God in El Dorado Springs and was saved and joined the church in the mid 90s.

Preceding him in death were his parents; a sister and brother; and a granddaughter, Kaily; and other family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Kim, and grandson, Caleb, of the home; stepdaughter, Crystal, and her husband, James; three
grandsons – Cadan, Elijah and JJ; four sisters and many other family and friends.

Services will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 12, in the Assembly of God Church in El Dorado Springs with Brother Dana Taylor officiating. Musical selections will be–Mountain of God and congregation hymns.

Private burial will take place at a later date in the Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City. Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Redburn, Tony Davis, Mike Alexander, Jim Perry, Rich Schweizer and Austin Taylor.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home in Schell City.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Carolyn (Carol) J. Boch

Carolyn J. Boch, 54, El Dorado Springs, departed this life on March 8, 2009, after a long courageous battle with cancer. She is now resting peacefully with her Lord and Savior. Carol was born on April 4, 1954, in Kansas City. She was the daughter of Carl and Marge Pettit.

After graduating high school at Raytown High in 1972, Carol was united in marriage to Mark Boch on June 24, 1972. To this union two children were born: Heather (Boch) Surbrugg and Matthew Boch.

Carol has one sister, Mary Alice Teague – Cheyenne, WY. Carol enjoyed and loved her children and family very much. She was an avid homemaker, daycare provider and gardener. She also loved shopping for others, cooking and sending encouraging cards to everyone. She will be greatly missed.

Carol was a member of the El Dorado Springs Church of God (Holiness) and a charter member of the 54 Cruisers Car Club. She was also a past member of the Twilight Gardeners Club.

Those loved ones Carol leaves behind include: her husband, Mark, of the home; her mother, Marge Pettit – Kansas City; her mother-in-law, Helen Boch – El Dorado Springs; her sister, Mary Alice Teague, and husband, Jack - Cheyenne, WY; daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Kenneth Surbrugg – Joplin; son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Johnna Boch – El Dorado Springs; and her beloved grandchildren – Abigail and Ian Surbrugg – Joplin and Gabrielle Boch – El Dorado Springs. She also leaves behind many extended family members and a wealth of close friends.

Services began at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, in the El Dorado Springs Church of God (Holiness) with Rev. Joe Trussell officiating. Music was provided by Faith Trussell and Tim Wilson. Interment followed in the Taberville Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were - Rance Ridinger, Doug Fox, John McGinnis, Jeremy McGinnis, Don Phipps and Larry Bland. Honorary pallbearers were – Tom Schmeltz, Mike Surbrugg, Jim Ogle, Larry Weinbrenner, Van Baker, Virgil Fox, Jack Teague and Al Fenske.

Memorial contributions may be made to a college scholarship fund for Carol’s grandchildren and left at the funeral home.

Mark Anthony Cobb Jr.

Mark Anthony Cobb Jr., age two months and four days, of El Dorado Springs, passed away suddenly on March 8, 2009, in Cedar County Memorial Hospital. Mark was born on Jan. 4, 2009, to Mark Anthony Cobb Sr. and Tiffany R. Hanson.

Survivors include his parents, Mark and Tiffany; grandparents: Billy and Regina Maxwell, Moldey Cobb, Hearold Cobb Jr.; step-grandpa, Dale Falhart; great-grandparents: Mary Maxwell, Buster Shereaman, and Harold Cobb, Sr. Other family members include – Jennefer Peace, Robey, Randy, Lacey, Mandiy and Justen Shtrose, Amber Nicole Peace, Jaime Peace, Matt Peace, J.L. Hutcherson, Travis Hutcherson, Trehasa Suttles and James, Phyllis Fuller and Dewayne, Justin and Jaime Swager, Connie Stevens, Shawn Cosenza, Michael Cosenza, Brent Cosenza, Jasmine Cosenza, Stephanie Gordon, Christopher Flener, Tiffany, Lita, Mazi, Joshua, Kattie, Matthew, Justin, Haley, Brandon, Erica, Brooke, Marlissa, Andrew III, Morgan, Ryan, Baily, and Christopher Jr.

Services will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 12, in the Bland-Hackleman Chapel with a visitation starting at 1p.m. Interment will follow in the Clintonville Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to help with funeral expenses and left at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Emmett A. Casey


Emmett A. Casey, 90, Berryton, KS, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2009, at his home. He was born Aug. 22, 1918, in El Dorado Springs, the son of Scott and Essie Wharton Casey.

Mr. Casey was a life-long farmer of the area. He married Eola M. Stull on Jan 12, 1958, in Lawrence. She survives of the home. 

Mr. Casey was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings - Olin Casey - Kansas City, Wharton Casey - El Dorado Springs, Ella (Casey) Walter - Oskaloosa, KS, and Cecil Casey - Huntington Beach, CA.

Survivors include his spouse, Eola M. (Stull) Casey, of the home; one sister, Novallene (Casey) Bernhardt - Tecumseh; 18 nieces and nephews; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Services began at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, in the Stull United Methodist Church, Stull, KS. Burial followed in the Stull Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Douglas County VNA and Hospice Care in care of the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044.