James Bernie Darnell

James Bernie Darnell, 75, of El Dorado Springs, passed away in his home Wednesday, Aug.11, 2010. He was born May 19, 1935, to Joseph Berton and Iva Fyrne “Clopton” Darnell.

Bernie had an energy and zest for life. He learned at a young age the importance and rewards of hard work. Around age 10, due to the war and lack of available men and in order to help out the family, Bernie, while setting on a crate and blocks strapped to the pedals, drove produce to Kansas City. Grandma was not happy. In spite of this, he continued working. Many years were spent at the Farmers Exchange and Frog’s Service Station.

Bernie graduated from El Dorado High School in 1953 with a football scholarship which took him to college in Dodge City, KS, to play for the Dodge City Conquistadors. Here, he was named the “Little All American” player. He continued watching and enjoying the Sunday NFL games.

On May 1, 1957, Bernie married Virginia Mae Stebbins. To this marriage, two sons were born: James Douglas and Russell Dean.

He spent most of his life as a commercial driver and independent small business man. He was a real “Jack of All Trades.” If it was broke, he could fix it. At Christmas, he had an obsession with his lights and everyone knew where he lived or if they didn’t, all they had to do was follow the glow.

Bernie was a member of the Church of God (Holiness) in El Dorado Springs.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include one brother, Paul Berton - Harrison, AR; two sisters, Elnora – Raytown, and Beverly - Blue Springs; two sons: Doug and wife, Janet - El Dorado Springs, and Rusty and wife, Barbara - Rogersville; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed by all.

Services were held on Monday, Aug. 16, in the El Dorado Springs Church of God (Holiness). Rev. Joe Trussell officiated. A men’s trio (Jim Purtle, Ron Hubbard and Joe Trussell) accompanied by Jane Griffin, provided music. Interment followed in El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Charles Ray Burns

Charles Ray Burns, 76, rural Stockton, passed away on Monday evening, Aug. 9, 2010. Charles was born to Alton and Lucy Burns of Stockton on Dec. 20, 1933.

He graduated from El Dorado Springs High School, then farmed in the Stockton area. He married Dorthy Lee Elliston in 1953 and had five children - Stevie (stillborn), Pamela Sue, Jeffrey Wayne, Michael Ray and Penny Ellen. He worked at Ford at Claycomo in Kansas City for 10 years, then returned to farm at Stockton. He married Velma Pat Morley on July 25, 1980. They resided on the farm in Blackjack.

Charles loved family, flying and being on the farm. He parked his plane across from his home on the farm and was always willing to take anyone for a ride. He was previously in the Civil Air Patrol in Kansas City where his love for planes and flying grew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Stevie, and one grandson, Mickey.

He is survived by his wife, Pat, of the home; two sons, Jeff Burns - Humansville, and Mike and Pam Burns - El Dorado Springs; two daughters, Pam and Mike Mark - Sheldon, and Penny Ellen and Phillip Pate - Liberty; one step son, David Morley – Colorado; two stepdaughters, Donna Brower and Benny - El Dorado Springs, and Carolyn Amos - Colorado; two brothers, Donald Wayne Burns and Barbara - Sheldon, and Terry Lynn Burns and Linda – Blackjack; eight grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, eight great- grandchildren and a host of other relatives.

Services will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, Aug. 14, in Bland-Hackleman Chapel on Saturday with Randy Bland officiating. Music will be provided by Dennis and Linda Goodwin. Interment will be at Hackleman Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs. Pallbearers will be - Paul Burns, Shane Pattison, John Burns, Larry Burns, D. J. Burns and Brad Burns.

The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. on Friday evening at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Thelma Mae Arnold

Thelma Mae Arnold, 87, El Dorado Springs, was born in Kansas City Jan. 5, 1923, to Frank and Fannie Mae Tabor, the oldest of four children. She passed away Monday, Aug. 9, 2010, at Cedar County Memorial Hospital in El Dorado Springs.

Growing up on different farms in different places during the great depression, Thelma completed the eighth grade in public schools and acquired a solid education in life’s real meaning and matters.

Thelma married Grover Lee Scrutchfield in 1941 and gave birth to four sons.

Thelma was married in 1964 to Kenneth Kirk Arnold in Kansas City and worked with him on their tree nursery for several years before they moved to the Lake of the Ozarks and became owners and operators of the 5-81 Country Store.

She worked at American Can and Pratt and Whitney in Kansas City during the war effort. Thelma held many jobs over the years, sometimes two and three at a time. She was a waitress, Avon lady, seamstress, gardener, Cub Scout mother and a member of the Rebecca Lodge as well as an outstanding cook and canner of fine preserves.

She enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and gathering pecans in an open grove or blackberries in a tangled patch. Most of all, she enjoyed friend and family get togethers over a good card game. Never at a loss for a quick-witted response to most any remark, all those who knew her company, will miss her dearly for years to come.

A self-sufficient woman, Thelma enjoyed cooking and canning, sewing, crochet, embroidery, quilting, jewelry making, and ceramics, as well as playing cards, bingo, fishing, gathering berries and pecans. Thelma was kind hearted and generous, never turning away from family, friends and even strangers in need. She was tough and resilient, having survived cancer and other surgeries and illnesses over the years.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Fannie Tabor; first husband, Grover Scrutchfield; a son, Paul Allen Scrutchfield; her second husband, Kenneth Arnold; a stepdaughter Nancy Ruff; two brothers, Kenneth Tabor and Marvin Tabor; and one sister, Wilma Fae Williams.

She is survived by three sons - David, Edward and Thomas Scrutchfield; one grandson, Kirt; one step daughter, Mary Elaine Mizell; her step-grandchildren, Carol, Cathy, Christie, Leslie, Paul, Sarah and Heather; one sister-in-law, Barbara, and numerous step-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Linda, Teresa, Melvin, Billy, Daryl, Pamila, Sandy, Ronnie, Bridget and Dale.

Graveside services will begin at 10 a.m. Friday morning, Aug. 13, at Garden City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6-7 p.m. at the Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs.

Suzanne Love Adams

Suzanne Love Adams, 80, Mission, KS, passed away Friday, Aug, 6, 2010, at Kansas City Hospice House. Suzanne was born Nov. 2, 1929, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, the daughter of the late Walter Standlee Love M.D. and the late Mary Claybrook Love.

As a member of a prominent pioneer Vernon County family, she happily grew up in Nevada, where her father and grandfather were longtime practicing physicians.

Suzanne was a 1947 graduate of the Nevada High School, attended Lindenwood College and graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia where she was a member of Delta Gamma social sorority. On June 14, 1952, in Nevada she married Robert E. Adams who was the long time Executive Director of Research Hospital and Medical Center as well as Military Aide to President and Mrs. Harry S. Truman. Mr. Adams preceded her in death on Aug. 28, 2004.

Suzanne’s number one priority was her love for her children, sister, niece and nephews. She also placed great value on very close friendships with members of her sewing club, bridge clubs and the neighborhoods where she lived. The support she received from those friends whenever there was a need was always deeply appreciated. During her active life, Suzanne was an avid bridge player and, for many years, was a member of the Musettes (now the Women’s Division of The Kansas City Museum) assisting with theatrical presentations at grade schools throughout Kansas City. Suzanne was also a past member of The Research Hospital Auxiliary.

As a child, she enjoyed attending summer sessions at Camp Lake Hubert. As an adult, she enjoyed many summers with her family and wonderful neighbors at their former home on Star Island in Cass Lake, MN.

Suzanne was a 58 year member of Country Club United Methodist Church and The Indian Hills Country Club.

In addition to her husband and parents, Suzanne was preceded in death by her sister, Rosemary Love Wachtel.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann Adams - Coppell, TX; her son, Robert Standlee Adams - Mission, KS; niece, Mary Love Guthrie, and husband, Lee - Nevada; nephews, Joseph Walter Wachtel, and wife Suzanne of Kansas City, MO, and Richard Edward Wachtel, and wife, Sally - Olathe, KS; four great-nephews, three great-nieces, their families and her beloved dog, Izabella. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staffs at Kansas City Hospice House, Bickford, at Mission Springs, the Health Care section of Brighton Gardens and the devoted friends who supported her during the challenges she encountered late in life. Mom’s keen intellect, selflessness and unconditional love will forever remain in our hearts. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.muehle bachchapel.com.

Memorial service began at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 11, at Country Club United Methodist Church, 400 West 57th Street. Private burial will precede the service in Mount Moriah Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145; Animal Haven, 9800 West 67th Street, Shawnee, KS 66203; or the charity of your choice.

Lisa Marie Noland

Lisa Marie Noland, 36, of Gardner, KS, went to be with the Lord Friday, Aug. 6, 2010, at her home in Gardner. She was born Jan. 25, 1974, to Robert Dean Burress II and Beverly Jeane Register Burress in Parsons, KS.

Lisa grew up in El Dorado Springs and Nevada where she went to elementary school. She attended Shawnee Mission North High School and Johnson County Community College in Kansas. Her work experiences included the businesses of Venture Jewelry Department, Burbiglia Liquor Store, Hursh Law Office, Heartland and Johnson Telemetry where she most recently worked as a bookkeeper. She was a member of the Cornerstone Christian Church in Kansas City.

On November 20, 1999, she married Michael “Mike” Noland in Shawnee, KS.

Lisa had a great personality, was spirited and bright and made any worst moment better. She is described as being the life of the party and always having a practical joke. She loved sports, played basketball and was a cheerleader in high school and was an avid football fan of the Chicago Bears. She also enjoyed scrapbooking.

Lisa was very devoted to her children and involved in their activities of dance, T-ball, soccer and whatever else they may have participated. She held a special place in the hearts of all who knew her.

Lisa is survived by her husband, Michael “Mike” Noland - Gardner, KS; two sons, Kyler Noland and Austin Noland - both of Gardner; one daughter, Gracelyn Noland - Gardner; her mother, Beverly Foley - Nevada; her father, Robert Dean Burress II - Lander, WY; a brother, Robert Dean Burress III, and wife, Kenna - Rock Springs, WY; two sisters, Jennifer Kissee - Terlton, OK, and Samantha Burress - Riverton, WY; and paternal grandmother, Judith Rae Russell – El Dorado Springs.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Robert Dean Russell I; maternal grandparents, Rev. Charles R. Register Jr. and Ruth May Register; her stepfather, Mark Foley; father-in-law, Orrin J. Noland; and numerous uncles and aunts including a special aunt and uncle, Sharon and Ronnie Bray of St. Cloud, FL.

Services will be Thursday, Aug. 12, at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler with Pastor Gene Stowell officiating. Visitation will be prior to services from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial will be in Virginia (MO) Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Memorial Fund.

Joy Velma (Lorea) Walsh Stockdale

Joy Velma (Lorea) Walsh Stockdale, 85, El Dorado Springs, was taken home by cancer on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010. She was born in Leduc, Alberta, Canada on Nov. 7, 1924, the fourth daughter in a row of six children to George Brock Walsh and Grace Mary Lilley.

On July 15, 1954, Lorea was united in marriage to Melvin Grant (Bond) Stockdale. To this union two sons were added - Bryun Victor and Daniel Lynn.

Lorea started her first real job in May 1942 at Aircraft Repair Ltd. She loved repairing the Anson Bombers; however, 21 months later that job ended. Later working for a month at Eaton’s Department store for Christmas rush, she was glad when that month was over. She then worked for quite some time with W.J. Gage and Co., which was a book bindery where they made school books. Her sister, Robin, finally got her out of the book bindery and into the banking industry. She spent many years working in banks.

On Oct. 24, 1948, at the age of 24, Lorea joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She entered the Mission Home on June 18, 1951, dedicating two years of her life for the Lord by serving a mission in Hawaii.

Having grown up in Canada, Lorea immigrated to the U.S.A. as her husband longed to. They crossed the border on March 4, 1967, as they set out for Salt Lake City, UT.

Lorea definitely had talents that were well used and became a gift to many. Her love for sewing, needle point, cross stitching, crocheting and knitting were a blessing to everyone and were passed down to her grandchildren who enjoyed doing them with her. While doing these projects, she would usually be watching one of her favorite musicals. She also enjoyed planting flowers outside, doing genealogy and painting.

We will remember her in our hearts and by the many things that she spent hours making for us. She lived by a quote that was on her wall, “I didn’t say it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it.”

Lorea was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, her brother and three great-grandchildren.

Survivors include Bond Stockdale - El Dorado Springs; her sons, Daniel (Dianna) Stockdale - El Dorado Springs, Bryun (Paula) Stockdale - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; 11 grandchildren - Stephanie Romero - Salt Lake City, UT, Brandon Stockdale - Salt Lake City, UT, Monti (Brandi) Stockdale - St. George, UT, Summer Sargent - Middleton, ID, Paul (Jennifer) Stockdale - Butler, Ryan (Karia) Stockdale - Middleton, ID, Joy (Michael) Hull - Seven Lakes, NC, Rosemary (Aaron) Freeman - Overton, NV, Savannah Stockdale - Meridian, ID, Timothy Stockdale - Overton, NV, and Louis Stockdale - El Dorado Springs; 15 great-grandchildren and one on the way. Due to blended families, she had many more loved ones.
Services were held Monday, Aug. 9, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lorea Stockdale’s Memorial Fund at Mid-Missouri Bank.
Arrangements were by Brumback Funeral Home, Stockton.

Larry Laverne Blystone

Larry Laverne Blystone, 68, El Dorado Springs, was born Dec. 9, 1941, near El Dorado Springs to Ernest and Neoma Blystone and passed away Aug. 1, 2010, at his home.

Larry had many skills and always found work on farms, cooking at restaurants and with an oil exploration crew in Montana. When he returned to Missouri he worked at Barrington until his health forced him to take early retirement in 2001. His health declined since retirement until he became homebound several months ago. Recently Larry showed his sister a picture of Jesus and asked her if she knew Him. She replied yes and do you know Him? His answer was yes and I am ready to meet Him. He knew the end was near and was at peace about it.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1997.

Larry is survived by his mother, Neoma Blystone; and his four siblings - Cecil Blystone, Marty Bishop, Eva Spohn - El Dorado Springs, and Mary Zartman - of Florida; his five children - Jeffrey - of Washington, Rebecca - of Texas, Sally Ann and Neoma - of Pennsylvania, and William - of Nevada, MO; several grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Graveside services with interment under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs, began at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4, in Coal Hill Cemetery with Randy Sheldon officiating.