For more information, see the Dec. 10 issue of the Labette Avenue. To locate previously posted death notices, enter the decedent’s last name in the archive search box on Labette Avenue’s home page. Labette Avenue publishes death notices free of charge. Paid obituaries ($20) are printed in their entirety in the Labette Avenue and online at taylornews.org.
Karl L. Cooper
PITTSBURG—Karl L. Cooper, 60, of Pittsburg, Kan., passed away at 3:48 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, at the Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center, Pittsburg.
Services are set for 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Brenner Mortuary, with Pastor David Johnson conducting the service. Following the service he will be taken for cremation. The family will recite the Rosary at 10 a.m., Thursday, prior to the service at the funeral home, and receive friends until service time.
The family suggests memorials to the Potter’s House. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 East 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762.Online condolences may be left at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg.
Karl Cooper was born Feb. 24, 1948, at Ottawa, Kan., the son of Leland E. and Pauline (Heffel) Cooper. He graduated from Oswego High School. Mr. Cooper also graduated from the University of Montana with an associate’s degree and he took courses in A/C repair from Pittsburg State University.
Mr. Cooper served in the United States Army where he was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War. He worked as a laborer in manufacturing at Pittsburg.
He attended Potter’s House and Soul’s Harbor.
Those surviving are one brother, Dr. Kent Cooper of Pittsburg; and two sisters, Donna Bogner and Diane Lieberknecht, both of Pittsburg; and lots of nieces and nephews.
Preceding in death were his parents and one sister, Dayle Cooper.
Mae Greer
ALTAMONT—Mae Greer, 101, formerly of rural Altamont, Kan., died at 2:55 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at Providence Place Nursing and Rehab Facility in Kansas City, Kansas.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Altamont United Methodist Church. Burial was in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Altamont United Methodist Church. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325,Altamont, KS 67330.
Mae was born Oct. 31, 1907, in Hurdland, Mo., to Scott and Belva (Shirkey) Golden. She moved to the Zion Hill neighborhood in her teen years and graduated with the Class of 1926 from the Community High School, now Labette County High School.
On Feb. 20, 1935, she married Vernon Paul Greer. They lived their entire married lives on a dairy and cattle farm that had remained in the Greer family ownership for over 140 years, located three miles west of Altamont. Mr. Greer preceded her in death Dec. 5, 1983.
Mae was a faithful member of the Altamont United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church Women. In earlier years, she was also active in the Labette County Home Demonstration Unit. She was an American primitive craftsperson. Her talents of sewing and cooking were passed to her daughters, as was her avid love of gardening.
Those surviving are three daughters, Carole Greer, San Marcos, Texas; Betty Forwalder and husband, James, Bonner Springs, Kan.; and Linda Snider and husband Rick, Lexington, NC; three grandchildren, Beth Forwalder, Kay Fasching and Julian Jensen; four great-grandchildren, Alex Fasching, Montana Fasching, Callie Fabac and Katie Fabac; and one sister, Mary Cook, Fort Scott, Kan.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one brother, Lawrence Golden.
Joseph “J. E.” Reynolds
EDNA—Joseph “J. E.” Reynolds, 68, of Edna, Kan., died at 5:10 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Okla.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the First Christian Church in Coffeyville. Burial will be in the North Edna Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church in Coffeyville or the Elm Christian Church in Edna. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS 67330.
J. E. was born Oct. 7, 1940, in Columbia, NC, to William Thomas and Vedia Mae (Swain) Reynolds.
He grew up and attended schools in Columbia, NC, and, in later years, earned a Bachelors degree from Ozark Bible College. In 1966, he moved to Brandywine, WV. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard and Reserves.
Through the years, he and his wife served in the ministry as pastors at Roanoke Isle Church of Christ, Gum Neck Church of Christ and Robersonville Church of Christ, all in North Carolina; the Christian Church in Brandywine, WV; the Christian Church in Lawshe, Ohio; the Christian Church in Seneca, Mo.; the Westside Christian Church in Coffeyville; the Elm Christian Church in Edna; and the First Christian Church in Coffeyville.
He was an avid carpenter and woodcraftsman. He also did leather craft for several years and enjoyed photography.
He was a member of the Edna Masonic Lodge where he had served as Past Grand Master.
On June 27, 1959, he and Peggy J. Barnes were married in Columbia, NC. She survives of the home.
Additional survivors include two sons, Keith Reynolds and wife Tammy, Labette City; Tim Reynolds and wife Mary, Parsons; one daughter, Debbie Ramirez, Parsons; nine grandchildren, Alex Reynolds, Renee Tesh, Kristen Ramirez, Joe Reynolds, Timothy Reynolds, Jessica Reynolds, Jordan Rausch, Jaiden Rausch and Jalyn Rausch; one great-granddaughter, Kelsey Hernandez; and two brothers, Thomas Reynolds and wife, Mary Edith, Greensboro, NC; and Walter Reynolds, Farmville, NC.
Gerald Eldon Fouts
MOUND VALLEY—Gerald Eldon Fouts, 85, of Mound Valley, Kan., died at 7:15 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at Elmhaven East Nursing Home in Parsons. He had been in failing health the past five years.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 12, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Altamont. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m., on Friday, until service time, at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Mound Valley Cemetery. Friends may call at their convenience after 1 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Oswego Presbyterian Church or the American Heart Association. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS 67330.
Gerald was born April 20, 1923, in rural Mound Valley, to Elmer H. and Mildred (Ealy) Fouts. He was a lifelong resident of Labette County and graduated from Mound ValleyHigh School in 1941.
He was employed at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant during World War II. He drove the Altamont Grade School bus for 34 years and also farmed.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Oswego where he also served as an elder. He enjoyed his family, farming and raising cattle.
On May 23, 1942, he and Lola Mae Hope were married in Labette City. She survives of the home.
Additional survivors include two daughters, Brenda McKinney and husband John, Anaheim, Calif.; and Joy Trotnic and husband Ronald, Wichita; two sons, Gerald R. “Dick” Fouts and wife Kay, Miamisburg, Ohio; and Dean Fouts and wife Deborah, Mound Valley; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Erma Duckworth and husband Dale, Bartlesville, Okla.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, June Smith, in 1977; and an infant granddaughter.
Ralph Darr
WELCH—Ralph Darr, 82, of Welch, Okla., died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008.
Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, both at Thomas Funeral Home, Welch.
Opal Dean Garrett
PARSONS, Kan.—Opal Dean Garrett, 90, passed away Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008.
Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Mount Hope Cemetery, Independence. Arrangements are under the direction of Carson-Wall Funeral Home, Parsons.
C. C. “Chet” Mathis
PARSONS—C. C. “Chet” Mathis, 92, a longtime resident of Parsons, Kan., Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Mary Etta and Dwaine Watson, in Parsons, where he had lived for the past four years. He had been in failing health.
Funeral services will at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call after 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to either Wesley United Methodist Church or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. These may be left at or sent to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.
For more information, see the Sept. 17 issue of the Labette Avenue. To locate previously posted death notices, enter the decedent’s last name in the archive search box on Labette Avenue’s home page. Labette Avenue publishes death notices free of charge. Paid obituaries ($20) are printed in their entirety in the Labette Avenue and online at taylornews.org.
Maxine Mansfield
McCUNE—Maxine Mansfield, 87, of rural McCune, Kan., died at 11:13 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, at Labette Health in Parsons.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 12, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will be in McCune Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the McCune United Methodist Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.
Maxine was born Sept. 25, 1920, to Harv and Roberta Ann (Hoover) Claxton in Sherman City, Kan. As a young girl, she grew up and attended school there. She was a graduate of West Mineral High School and continued her education by attending Parsons Jr. College.
On March 2, 1940, she married Bernard E. Mansfield in Sherman City. Following marriage, they made their home on a farm south of McCune where they were engaged in farming and raising dairy cattle. He preceded her in death in July 1983. She continued to live on the family farm until December 2007. At that time, due to ill health, she moved to the Parsons Good Samaritan Society where she had resided since.
She was a member of the McCune United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women’s group there, McCune Lady Lions, Quilting Club, McGown’s Swim Class and the McCune Coop. She especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s activities, family gatherings, and visiting with friends and neighbors.
Those surviving are one son, James Mansfield and wife Elsa, Rancho Cordova, Calif.; two daughters, Sally McKinzie and husband Ron, Altamont, Kan.; and Patty Dick and husband Melvin, Independence; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Joe Mansfield and Max Mansfield; five brothers, Hiram Carson, Rollie Carson, Johnnie Claxton, Jim Claxton and Joe Claxton; and five sisters, Alta Hawley, Hazel Lovelady, Nellie Czapansky, Lela Shaw and Elma Bennett.
Rita M. Meeks
ALTAMONT—Rita M. Meeks, 77, of rural Altamont, Kan., passed away at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, at her home. She had been in ill health for the past few weeks.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Mound Valley Christian Church. Burial will follow at the Mound Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Friday at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Altamont.
Memorials are suggested to the USD 506 Foundation, Inc., or the Mound Valley Christian Church. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home,P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS 67330.
Rita was born May 30, 1931, in Earlham, Iowa, to Pernal E. and Mildred L. (Cottle) Sandusky. As a young girl, she grew up in Cummings, Iowa, area until moving with her family to rural Mound Valley in 1947. She was a 1948 graduate of Labette County Community High School in Altamont.
Through the years, she worked at Lee Manufacturing Company in Cherryvale, Brodericks, in Parsons, and was a bus driver for Unified School District 506 in Altamont for 33 years.
On Sept. 16, 1950, she married Eugene Meeks in Dearing, Kan., in the home of the Reverend Joe Brown. They would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on the 16th of this month. Mr. Meeks survives of the home.
She enjoyed cooking, canning and taking care of her animals, especially the chickens and the pigs. She was a member of the Mound Valley Christian Church.
Additional survivors include two sons, Michael L. Meeks, rural Altamont; and Roger A. Meeks, rural Altamont; one daughter, Carol D. Meiwes and husband Charles , rural Edna; six grandchildren, Teri Kinyon, Steve Meiwes, LeaAnn Myers, Mandy Lantz, Roger Meeks, II and Travis Meeks; nine great-grandchildren; four brothers, Burl Sandusky, Lovelock, Nev.; Vernon Sandusky, Edna; Johnny Sandusky, Altamont; and Ron Sandusky, Coffeyville.
She was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.
Kenton D. Rife
OSWEGO—Kenton D. Rife, 88, of Oswego, Kan., died Saturday, Sept.13, 2008, at Elm Haven West in Parsons, Kan.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the First Methodist Church in Oswego with Pastor Bob Conway and Rev. Paul Wiand officiating. Friends may call at Murdock Funeral Home, Oswego, after 2 p.m. Tuesday, with visitation from 7 to 8 p.m. Burial will be at Oswego Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the First Methodist Church of Oswego or Harry Hynes Hospice and may be left in care of the funeral home.
Kenton was born Dec. 9, 1919, to Harvey Henry Rife and Ada Mae (Boore) Rife in Rice County, Kan., where he grew up and graduated from Lyons High School. In 1940, he moved with his parents to Labette County and farmed with them for several years.
On Feb. 1, 1942, he and Ruth M. Goodrich of Lyons, Kan., were married at Murdoch, Kan. They lived on their farm south of Oswego until he entered a nursing home in December 2003.
Kenton’s life’s work was farming but his interests included may activities. He was a life long member of the First Methodist Church, serving on boards and teaching Sunday school. He was active in his community, serving as a school board member of both Stice and Sunnyview schools. He served as a board member of Farm Bureau, Agriculture Extension, ASCS, and 14 years on the Labette County Fair board. He also served as president of the State Association of County Fairs and was inducted into the Kansas Master Farmer Association in 1980.
In addition to farming, he had jobs at Oswego Co-Op, measured wheat ground for ASCS, was a guard at Kansas Army Ammunition Plant and worked at razing the old Labette County courthouse and jail. He enjoyed a life full of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He liked hunting, fishing, bowling and square dancing.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth, of the home; two sons, David A. and wife Jo Ann, Grove, Okla,; Ronald K. and wife Linda. Oswego; two daughters, Susan Bates and husband Lee, Oswego; and Karla Cook, Oswego; daughter-in-law, Terri Rife, Carl Junction, Mo.; 12 grandchildren, Randy A., Lawndale, Calif.; Ronda Knapp, Grove, Okla.; Nicki Tomlinson and husband Jim, Oswego; Tina Johnson and husband Kevin, McCune; Nolan D., Oswego; Jeffrey R., Oswego; John D. and wife Jaci, Oswego; Chris L. Bates, Parsons; Drew A. Bates, Altamont; Brady M. Bates, Pittsburg; Joni Cook and Kimberly Cook, both of Oswego; 14 great grandchildren; and a sister, Lowella Day of Colorado.
Preceding him in death were a son, Stanley D. Rife of Carl Junction; two brothers, Stewart Rife of Lyons; Lt. Arthur D. Rife, USAF of Lyons, killed in a training flight in 1943; three sisters, Bernadine Rolfs, Lorraine, Kan.; Arlene Martin, Oswego; and Janice Brubaker, Lyons.
Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Garrett
PALESTINE, Texas—Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Garrett, 91, of Palestine, Texas, formerly of Chetopa, Kan., died at 6:13 a.m., Monday, Sept. 15, 2008, at Cartmell Nursing Home in Palestine, Texas. She had been in failing health.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, at the Chetopa United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa.
Memorials are suggested to Chetopa United Methodist Church. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.
Betty was born March 12, 1917, in Chetopa, Kan., to George L. and Mary Ann (Rhoten) Emert. As a young girl, she grew up and attended schools in Chetopa.
She and Earl C. Garrett were married Aug. 31, 1933, in Oswego, Kan. He preceded her in death Jan. 14, 1997.
Betty was an active member of the Republican Party for a number of years, a life member of the Order of Eastern Star where she also served as Worthy Matron, and Mother Advisor of Chetopa Rainbow Girls. She was also a member of Chetopa Chamber of Commerce and Senior Home Culture Club in Chetopa. She was a lifetime member of the Chetopa United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school, was pianist, served on the board and participated in United Methodist Women.
For a number of years, she served as Clerk of Municipal Court for the City of Chetopa, and retired as city librarian from there. She also assisted her husband, as caretaker, of Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa. She and her husband enjoyed going to Grand Lake, boating, playing pitch, and in earlier years, she was an avid bowler.
Those surviving include one son, Earl C. Garrett, II, Ashburn, Va.; two daughters, Earlene Stokesberry, Coffeyville, Kan.; and Audrey Ann Tatum, Palestine, Texas; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by three sisters.
Elizabeth J. Boyer
PARSONS—Elizabeth J. Boyer, 60, of Parsons, Kan., died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, at Labette Health.
A private memorial service will be held by the family at a future date. Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons is in charge of arrangements.
Josephine L. Walker
PARSONS—Josephine L. Walker, 85, of Parsons, Kan., died Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, at Labette Health, where she entered on Sept. 3. She had been in failing health for several months and had resided at the Presbyterian Manor the past year.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Friday at East Bethany Cemetery, north of Parsons. In the event of rain, the service will be moved to Carson-Wall Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 to 8 p.m. today.
Memorials are suggested to the Parsons Educational Foundation and may be left at or sent to the funeral home, Box 942, Parsons, 67357.
James C. ‘Cliff’ Diediker
PARSONS—James C. “Cliff” Diediker, 89, of rural Parsons, Kan., died Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008, at Woodridge Estates in Parsons.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will be in Valley Cemetery north of Parsons. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Hospice Care of Kansas and may be left at or sent to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.
Ramona M. Reeves
COLUMBUS—Ramona M. Reeves, 63, of Columbus, Kan., formerly of Mountain Grove, Mo., passed away Tuesday night, Sept. 9, 2008, at the Medicalodge of Columbus, after a sudden illness.
Visitation will be 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday evening at the Simpson Funeral Home in Columbus, Kan. Graveside funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 12at the Denlow Cemetery in Denlow, Mo.
Donald Lee Chenoweth
WELCH, Okla.—Donald Lee Chenoweth, 77, of Welch, Okla., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, at Craig General Hospital in Vinita, Okla.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Welch. Burial will be in Welch City Cemetery, Welch, with military rites performed by the American Legion Post #147, Veteran’s Funeral Detail. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Thomas Funeral Home, Welch.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Welch.
Services are under the direction of Jim Thomas, Thomas Funeral Home, Welch.
Elizabeth E. ‘Betty’ O’Hara
PARSONS—Elizabeth E. “Betty” O’Hara, 77, of Parsons died Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, in the emergency room at Labette Health.
Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The Daughters of Isabella will recite the rosary at 6 p.m. Monday, and the parish rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, both at the church.
Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick’s Catholic School Endowment Fund. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.
Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons is in charge of arrangements.
Mildred Laura (Stevenson) McKelvey
PARSONS—Mildred Laura (Stevenson) McKelvey, 95, of Parsons, Kan., died Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Center in Parsons.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, at the Wesley United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends at the church following the service. Burial will be at Linwood Cemetery at Paragould, Ark., on Tuesday.
Friends may call at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Parsons on Sunday. Memorials are suggested to the Wesley United Methodist Church. They may be left at or sent to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.
Tommy J. McCollugh
COLUMBUS—Tommy J. McCullough, 73, of Columbus, Kan., died Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, at Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center in Pittsburg, Kan
Private family services will be at a later date. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, 104 W. Main St., Weir, Kan. Friends may call the funeral home after 3 p.m. on Sunday. E-mail condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com.
The family suggests expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorials to the Cherokee Little League Ball Park in Cherokee, Kan. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Bath-Naylor Funeral of Weir, Kan.
Carolyn L. Busker
COLUMBUS—Carolyn L. Busker, 55, of Columbus, Kan., co-owner of Lighthouse Cafe, passed away Thursday, Sept. 10, 2008.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Greenwood Cemetery, Granby, Mo. Arrangements are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, Mo.
Thomas J. Crispell, DVM
PARSONS—Thomas J. Crispell, DVM, 79, of Parsons, Kan., died Sunday, Sept 14, 2008, at Elmhaven East Nursing Home in Parsons. He had been in failing health.
Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept 19, at the First Presbyterian Church in Parsons. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.
Memorials are suggested to “The Rock” or Unified School District No. 503 Foundation. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.
