Estella Mae Staton

Estella Mae Vanhorn Staton, age 102, Baxter Springs, Kansas, was born October 9, 1919, and passed away February 15, 2022. Her parents were Homer Joseph Vanhorn and Florence Etta Keller, she was the great granddaughter of William Martin Wyatt Vanhorn and her fourth great grandfather was Nathaniel Wyatt born 1761, a Revolutionary War Veteran.

She grew up on a farm during the “Great Depression” and it greatly impacted her life. She was a proud graduate of Riverton High School Class of 1938. She married Earl Oliver Staton on Valentine’s Day 1942 in Columbus, Kansas. She loved horses and had many memorable experiences traveling with Earl and their antique cars.

Estella is survived by daughters, Earleene Qualls Spaulding and Sue Smith and husband, Ed; sons-in-law, David Gaines and Joe Pliler; twelve grandchildren; twenty- six great grandchildren; and twenty-eight great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Earl; daughters Mary Ann Pliler and Alice Gaines; sisters Delene Pickering Fields and Lucille Bybee; and one brother, Leonard Vanhorn.

Estella was a life member of the Baxter Springs Historical Society along with her husband, Earl. She and Earl were very involved in the original construction of the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum and the Ft. Blair Civil War Restoration Project. They spend many hours volunteering at the museum. She was an avid genealogist and did extensive research on the founder of Baxter Springs, John J. Baxter and his family.

Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 19, 2022, in the Baxter Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Baxter Springs Historical Society and may be left in the care of the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum.

Funeral services are under the direction of the Derfelt Funeral Home Baxter Chapel.

 

Mary Josephine Spurgeon

Mary Josephine Spurgeon of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away peacefully early morning on February 15, 2022. She had been in assisted living for the last few years. Mary Jo was born on July 13, 1933, at home in rural Parsons, Kansas to Nicholas and Frances Glendenning Jones, they preceded her in death.

Mary Jo worked various jobs ranging from assembly worker at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant, seamstress, convenience store manager and railroad transport driver for BNSF.

She married George “Bill” Spurgeon on June 27, 1951, they later divorced, and Bill died in 1987. She is survived by seven children; Vickie (Rod) Chaplin of Fort Scott, Terri (Jeff) Staton of Pleasanton, Kansas, Kenneth (Stacie) Spurgeon of Stockton, Missouri, Tony Spurgeon of Pleasanton, Patsy (Dale) Smith of Pleasanton, Bobbi (Scott) Williams of Columbus, Kansas, and Richard (Stacey) Spurgeon Fort Scott. A son Tiff W Spurgeon died at the age of 18 in 1984. Her children gave her 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. One great grandson preceded her in death.

Mary Jo is also survived by two sisters Lois Anderson of Girard, Kansas and Janet Post of Olathe, Kansas; two brothers Louis “Nick” Jones of Pittsburg, Kansas and Lawrence “Dale” Jones of Paola, Kansas. She was preceded in death by two sisters Wilma “Billie” Hinman and Rosadene Briner.

A private memorial service for the family will be held at a later date. Burial will be at the Oakwood Cemetery in Parsons, Kansas. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Hillside Guest Home in Mary Jo’s name and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Melvin Earl Poore

Melvin Earl Poore, born March 16, 1930, went to be with the LORD on February 16, 2022. He had many fond memories of his life growing up in rural Kansas. He loved to reminisce about riding his favorite pony (Carol) to school, running barefoot through the pastures of his home, and fishing in Turkey Creek. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Pearlie Poore, his brother Howard, and his wife Ida.

As a young man, he married Corliss West and together they had 4 children: Carmen, Christy, Deborah and Bradley Poore. They left Kansas for El Paso, Texas where he worked as a heavy equipment operator.

Years later, Melvin married Ida Burdick, who had 2 children: Rose and Julie. They were happily married for over 40 years. They lived in Amsterdam, MO where they were able to have a couple of cows, a garden and a few acres of land. After retiring from the P&M Coal Mine and choosing a life on the road instead of daily chores, they sold the place, bought an RV and started a new adventure. They boasted of traveling to each of the states within the continental U.S. Shadowing his good memories was the difficult recent memory of Ida’s passing.

He is survived by his 2 sisters Leta and Martha, 4 children, 2 step-children and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at Uniontown Cemetery in Uniontown, KS on Wednesday February 23. 2022 at 2 PM.

Todd Richard Coleman

Todd Richard Coleman, age 54, passed away on February 12, 2022.

He was born on October 21, 1967 to Richard Coleman and Faith (Miller) Coleman in Pittsburg, Kansas. Todd graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1986. He attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a double major in Finance and Economics in the Hankamer School of Business.

Immediately after graduation, Todd accepted a position with IDS Financial Services (now Ameriprise) in Dallas as a financial planner. In his initial year of employment, he was the top “rookie” in the nation in customer contracts. In 1993, Todd returned to Pittsburg to join the family business, Miller’s Professional Imaging/Mpix. He was eventually elected President; a position he held until recently. Todd was a past board member of Commerce Bank and Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.

Todd’s other passions were music and sports cars. The knowledge he learned in both led him to become a respected voice within each industry. Todd was a friend to everyone from all walks of life. He constantly told his family that helping someone in need was one of the most satisfying and rewarding things he experienced. And he did it often…usually without recognition.

Todd is preceded in death by his grandparents, Lena Coleman, Harold Coleman, Dorace (Dotty) Miller and William S. (Bill) Miller. He is survived by five children, Hana (Coleman) Stubblefield and her husband, Evan of Pittsburg, Hope (Coleman) Rood and her husband, K.J. of San Antonio, Texas, Miller Coleman, Mason Coleman and Reed Coleman of Frontenac, a brother, Barry Coleman and his wife, Jennifer of Pittsburg, a nephew, Ben Coleman of Pittsburg, a niece, Erin Coleman of Pittsburg, and his former spouse, Heather Albertini of Frontenac. He is also survived by his long-time friend, B.J. Tipton of Pittsburg.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 21, 2022 at the Presbyterian Church, 520 N. Pine with Rev. Mark Christian officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to Christ’s Church of Oronogo, 22145 Kafir Road, Oronogo, MO  64855 or the Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg. Friends may call at the Brenner Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday to sign the register book. Friends may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.

 

Rosemary (Simoncic) Ryan

Rosemary Ryan, 90, of Pittsburg, passed away at 2:57 p.m., Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at her home.

She was born October 6, 1931 at Chicopee, Kansas, the daughter of Frank Lonnie and Rose (Castagno) Simoncic. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School and attended college at Kansas State Teacher’s College, now Pittsburg State University. She had lived in San Diego and the Great Lakes area before returning to Pittsburg.

On April 25, 1953, she was united in marriage to James Edward Ryan at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on October 23, 2007.

Mrs. Ryan was the owner of Ryan’s Cleaners until she retired in 2013.

Membership was held in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where she served as treasurer for the St. Mary’s Alumni Association, President of St. Mary’s Altar Society and part of the beginning of the Angels Ministry at Our Lady of Lourdes.

Survivors include four sons, Lonnie Rae Ryan and his wife, Linda of Pittsburg, Dennis Patrick Ryan and his wife, Maggie of Pittsburg, James Timothy Ryan and his wife, Mary of Overland Park, KS, and Jon David Ryan and his wife, Cindy of Overland Park, KS; Fourteen grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Frank James Simoncic and her husband, James Edward Ryan

Mass of Christian burial is set for 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 21, 2022, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Pittsburg, with Fr. Jerome Spexarth as celebrant.  The service will be live streamed through Mrs. Ryan’s obituary page at brennermortuary.com.  Burial will follow in the Highland Park Cemetery. The Parish Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m., Monday, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.  Friends may call at the Brenner Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday to sign the register book. The family suggests memorials to Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Fund and/or St. Pius Newman Center.  These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS  66762.  Friends may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.

Jason William Letts

Jason William Letts, 46, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at his home with his loving family by his side.

He entered this life on September 26, 1975 in Joplin, Missouri, born to Amos and Beulah (Howard) Letts. Jason worked in construction. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, loved the outdoors and yard work, especially mowing. Jason was a loyal Kansas City Chiefs Fan.

Jason was preceded in death by his father, Amos Letts; brother, Donnie Letts; Nephew, Justin Letts; his dogs, Smokey and Chopper.

Jason is survived by his wife, Lori of the home; his mother, Beulah Letts; his children, Jason Michael Letts (Shania Rosenow), Makenna Taylor Letts, Breanna Hope Sheafer (Ben), Dawson Letts, Spencer Brattin (Lydia), Cameron Brattin, Emily Brattin and Gracie Brattin; siblings, Eric Letts, Michael Letts and Janet Powell; grandchildren, Chase James Sheafer, Jameson Eugene Sheafer and Harper Brattin; along with a host of other family and friends who will dearly miss Jason.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 in the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Hackworth officiating. Cremation will follow the service.

Harold Wayne Sherman

Mr. Harold Wayne Sherman, 84, of Noel, Missouri, departed this life on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, while at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Wayne entered this life on April 28, 1937, in Pineville, Missouri, son of the late Orville and Goldie (Armstrong) Sherman.  He was raised in Pineville and was a 1955, graduate of Pineville High School.  On his birthday in 1956, he was united in marriage to Lavilla Eberley, in Wichita, Kansas, and to this union six children were born.  They resided in Wichita until moving to Noel, Missouri, in 1964. Wayne was a farmer throughout his life raising chickens and beef cattle.  He enjoyed being outdoors where his favorite activities were hunting and fishing. Wayne was a longtime faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Lanagan, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Kevin and Wayne Sherman; two brothers, J.C. and Eugene Sherman; and a sister, Wanda Pendergraft.

Wayne is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Lavilla Sherman of the home; a daughter, Kimberly Manley and husband, Travis, of Noel; three sons, Mark Sherman and wife, Terri, of Noel, Michael Sherman of Anderson and Bryon Sherman and wife, Sharon, also of Noel; two daughter-in-laws, Crystal Sherman of Anderson and Viola Sherman of Noel; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren; a brother, Clyde Sherman of Anderson; a sister, Judy Beaver of Joplin; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 21, 2022 in the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Homes with Bro. Earl Willoughby officiating. Burial will follow in Brush Creek Cemetery.  Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Jeremy Sherman, Kevin Sherman, Bryon Sherman, II, Robert Sherman, Kyle Sherman, Keifer Sherman and Caleb Manley.  The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon from 2-4:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Memorials are being directed to Lanagan First Baptist Church c/o the funeral home.  On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website, www.ozarkfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

Cynthia Jane Campbell

Cynthia Jane Campbell, age 64, passed away on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at her home.

Cynthia was born April 17, 1957 in Joplin, MO to the union of the late John and Jane (Watson) Campbell. After graduating from Webb City High School in 1975, she attended Missouri Southern State University and completed all her prerequisites in 1979 before transferring to the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law, where she obtained her law degree in 1982. After college she returned back to Joplin and opened her own practice, “Cynthia J. Campbell Attorney at Law”. She served the people of Webb City and Joplin for over 35 years before her passing. She enjoyed going to her “Home Away from Home”, Jensen’s Resort and Marina, Captiva Island, FL. She was a lifetime supporter of Webb City High School Football. Above all else, Cynthia was a loving daughter, sister, and aunt.

Cynthia is survived by her brother, Robert Campbell; and niece and nephew, Clara Campbell-Ford and her husband, Joseph Ford and Daniel Campbell.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations may be made out to Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children’s Research.

Patsie Wilfong

Carthage, MO – Patsie Wilfong, 79, a retired Insurance agent, passed away Wednesday February 16, 2022. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, MO.

Frieda Belle Ramm

Frieda Belle Ramm, 90, Carthage, Missouri, passed away Monday, February 14, 2022, at her home. Frieda was born June 15, 1931, in Keota, Oklahoma, the daughter of the late Charles Andrew Mooneyham and Dovie Etta (Tabor) Mooneyham. She was a 1949 graduate from Muleshoe High School, Muleshoe, Texas. Frieda married Fred Edward Ramm on November 5, 1949, in Clovis, New Mexico; he preceded her in death on January 9, 2017.

She was an active and faithful member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Carthage, including her Bible Study group. In the past she was in the choir, LWML Women’s Group, Altar Guild, Sunday School teacher, and a Vacation Bible School teacher. She had been a Girl Scout and 4-h leader. Frieda was always on the go and enjoyed her bridge club, McCune Brooks Hospital Auxiliary membership, and bowling. Frieda served as a county Republican Committee person both in Texas and Jasper County, Missouri. She was cherished by her family for her love, assistance, generosity, advice and passing down her Christian values.

Survivors include two daughters, Laura Gaye Dally (David), Carthage, Missouri, and Rebecca Ann Graff (Joe), Ballwin, Missouri; one son, Ronald Allen Ramm (Teresa), Carl Junction, Missouri; a sister, Betty Fudge; eight grandchildren, Chris Ramm (Dolly), Heather Kassing (Chris), Casey Ramm (Marsha), Camy Devins (Terry), Nate Dally (Maree), Caleb Ramm (Erica), Andrew Graff, David Graff; four step-grandchildren, Jeremy Haun (Lori), Eric Haun (Salissa), William Haun (Jamie), Dana Kohl (Broc); great-grandchildren, Carly Pickard (Dally), Caitlin Devins, Cori Ramm, Jordan Ramm, Chandler Ramm, Elly Ramm, Isaac Ramm, Oliver Ramm, Maddie Ramm, Christian Ramm, Sarah Yates (Steve), Abigail Kassing, Stephen Kassing (Karen), Andrew Kassing, Aben Kassing, Anna Kassing, Julia Kassing, Jack Dally, Hudson Dally, Ethan Haun, Owen Haun, Cora Haun, Brody Kohl, Jacob Kohl, and two great-great-granddaughters, Amie Ramm, and Paisley Pickard; and many extended family and friends.

She was also preceded in death by a brother, Jim Mooneyham; six sisters, Flora Griffey, Georgia Yates, Mae Kelly, Mary Lou Ramm, Lois Bidwell, and Louise Moor; and a great-great-granddaughter, Zariah Yates.

Funeral services will be held 11 am, Saturday, February 19, 2022, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Carthage. Burial will follow the service at Good Shepherd Cemetery, Carthage. Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Cemetery Fund in care of the Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.