Obituaries

Obituaries for Cherryvale, Fredonia, Chanute, and Surrounding Areas

Russell Wesley Ibbetson

Russell Wesley Ibbetson

Jun 11, 2025

R. Wesley Ibbetson, 85 of Cherryvale, Kansas passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Russell Wesley Ibbetson was born on July 25, 1939, in Rose, Kansas the son of Russell Leon Ibbetson and Clara Settlemyer Ibbetson.

Russell's contributions to the field of agricultural science and his deep-rooted commitment to farming profoundly impacted both his profession and his community.

Educated at...

David Alan Wescott

David Alan Wescott

Jun 10, 2025

David Alan Wescott, passed away at his home on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on August 26, 1949, in Fredonia, Kansas, David was a lifelong resident of the area.

A proud graduate of Midway High School in 1967, David further pursued his education at Emporia State University. He served as an Army medic from 1969 to...

Betty Colleen Stanley

Betty Colleen Stanley

Jun 7, 2025

Betty Colleen Stanley, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Winfield, Kansas. Born on July 2, 1936, in Thayer, Kansas, Betty was a remarkable woman whose life was characterized by her dedication to family, and her career.

Betty was united in marriage to Kenneth Benson on July 6, 1954, in Fredonia, Kansas. Betty...

Scott Lee Goins

Scott Lee Goins

May 17, 2025

Scott Lee Goins, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Saturday May 17, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 60. 

Scott was born on September 11, 1964, in Independence, Kansas, the son of Sherman (Mack) Goins and Shirley (Byers) Goins. Scott was known for his kind and selfless nature, leaving a lasting impact on all...

Mary Nell Speaks

Mary Nell Speaks

May 17, 2025

Mary Nell (Evans) Speaks, 92 passed away on Saturday May 17, 2025, at the Morningstar Care Home in Fredonia, Kansas. She was born on August 4, 1932, in Lyons, Kansas, to David and Loubelle (Groat) Evans.

Mary Nell was a graduate of the Fredonia High School Class of 1950. On September 9, 1950, Mary Nell Evans, was united in marriage to...

Karen Jean Ratzlaff

Karen Jean Ratzlaff

May 11, 2025

Karen Jean Ratzlaff, 88, of Newton, Kansas, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Newton Presbyterian Manor. She was born on November 10, 1936, in Fredonia, Kansas, to Eddie V. and Lois I. (Hare) Spaht.

Karen graduated from Lafontaine Schools in 1954.

She was united in marriage to Marvin K. Ratzlaff on April 20, 1958, in Fredonia Kansas. He preceded her in...

Mary Virginia Sumner

Mary Virginia Sumner

May 7, 2025

Ms. Mary Virginia Sumner (née Barnes), age 98, of Topeka, Kansas, was called to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. She was born on December 30, 1926, in Independence, KS, the daughter of Fairfax Cleveland and Lela Georgia Barnes (née French).

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 32 years, Dr. Ralph Sumner; one...

Myles Victor Haspiel

Myles Victor Haspiel

May 5, 2025

Myles Victor Haspiel, born on July 23, 1946, in Maryland, to Marice and Leah (Singer) Haspiel, passed away at the age of 78, peacefully on May 5, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. 

He was a remarkable individual whose career as a talented Mechanical Engineer significantly contributed to the construction of VA Hospitals, providing essential services to countless veterans....

Philomena Marie Blaes

Philomena Marie Blaes

Apr 30, 2025

Philomena Marie Blaes, 92, of Cherryvale, Kansas passed away on Wednesday April 30, 2025, at Labette Health in Parsons, Kansas.

She was born on April 26, 1933, in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, the daughter of Joe and Hazel (Deeds) Doebel.

Philomena was united in marriage to Raymond Blaes in St. Paul, Kansas on October 24, 1955, and he preceded her in death on March...

Barbara May (Poston) Bollig

Barbara May (Poston) Bollig

Apr 27, 2025

Barbara May (Poston) Bollig passed away in Chanute, Kansas on Sunday April 27, 2025, at the age of 88.

She was born on April 7, 1937, in Iola, Kansas the daughter of Edward and Inez (Archer) Wiggins.

Barbara dedicated her professional life to caring for others as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Fredonia Regional Hospital, where her kind and compassionate nature touched...

Robert D. Boyd ll

Robert D. Boyd ll

Apr 25, 2025

Robert Dean Boyd II, born on January 15, 1954, to Robert and Maxine (Brown) Boyd, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his family. He was 71 years old. Robert, a beloved son, brother, father, and friend, will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A proud 1972 graduate of Humboldt High...

Harry Allen Cunningham

Harry Allen Cunningham

Apr 21, 2025

Harry Allen Cunningham, born on July 16, 1939, in Independence, Kansas, passed away in Cherryvale, Kansas, on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 85. A loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Harry leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and dedication to his community.

A proud graduate of Cherryvale High School, Class of 1957, Harry dedicated his life to both...

James F. Fine Jr.

James F. Fine Jr.

Apr 16, 2025

James F. Fine Jr., a member of the Cherryvale community, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Cherryvale, Kansas, at the age of 65.

He was born on March 2, 1960, in Garden City, Kansas, the son of James Floyd Fine Sr. and Janice Earlene Norton

Throughout his life, James made significant contributions to his community and industry. He had a...

John Olen Williams

John Olen Williams

Apr 13, 2025

John Olen Williams, 83, of Chanute, passed away peacefully at his home on April 13, 2025. Born on January 8, 1942, in Harper, Missouri. John lived a fulfilling life marked by both hard work and deep connections with his children.

In 1970, John and his family moved to Chanute, Kansas, where he became a prominent figure in the community. Upon arriving...

Duane Edward Moyer

Duane Edward Moyer

Apr 12, 2025

Duane Edward Moyer, 89, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, at his home with his wife and two sons by his side.

Duane was born July 30, 1935, in Rural Yates Center, KS, the son of Albert Henry and Frances Alberta (Storer) Moyer, the youngest of seven children. He spent his childhood in rural Yates Center and would later relocate...

William Joe Timmons

William Joe Timmons

Apr 3, 2025

William Joe "Bill" Timmons, a beloved man known for his kind heart, gentle soul, and sense of humor, passed away on Thursday April 3, 2025, at the age of 80, at Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri. He was born on January 6, 1945, in Fredonia, Kansas.

Bill was a graduate of Fredonia High School, Class of 1963, followed by...

Francis T. Berthot

Francis T. Berthot

Mar 31, 2025

Francis Thomas Berthot, 90, of Neodesha, Kansas, formerly of Chanute, Kansas, was born on April 8, 1934, to Harry and Agnes (Gaughan) Berthot. He peacefully left this world on March 31, 2025, in Wilson County Medical Center, his spirit continuing to soar among the angels. Francis was a proud graduate of Chanute High School, class of 1952, laying the groundwork...

Helen Viola Donohue

Helen Viola Donohue

Mar 29, 2025

Helen Viola Donohue passed away on Saturday, March 29th, just a few days short of celebrating her 99th birthday.

Born April 3, 1926, northwest of Buxton in Wilson County Kansas she was the middle child of Arthur F. and Rica M. (Williamson) Pryor. Helen was born during a 10-inch snowstorm and arrived before her father could bring the doctor with his...

Nadine Compton

Nadine Compton

Mar 22, 2025

Lois Nadine Compton, age 91, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Morningstar Care Home of Fredonia. 

She was born on November 3, 1933, in Neodesha, Kansas, Nadine was a devoted mother, loving grandmother, great grandmother and a steadfast member of her community.

Nadine was a graduate of Fredonia High School, with the class of 1951. On September 14, 1952,...

Jerry Lee St. Clair

Jerry Lee St. Clair

Mar 21, 2025

Jerry Lee St. Clair, born on November 24, 1958, in Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri. 

Jerry spent much of his life working in construction and was known as a "Jerry of all trades." Most recently, he was with B&L Trenching in Cherryvale, where he was appreciated for his skills and dedication. He graduated...