Obituaries

Obituaries for Cherryvale, Fredonia, Chanute, and Surrounding Areas

Richard Wayne Wrestler

Richard Wayne Wrestler

Jun 23, 2025

Richard (Ricky)Wayne Wrestler, a devoted husband, loving son, cherished brother, and uncle, passed away unexpectedly on June 23, 2025, at his residence in Thayer, KS. Born on February 19, 1987, in Chanute, Kansas, to Glenn Jr. and Debra (Chisham) Wrestler. Richard lived a life marked by service, dedication, and love for his family and community.

 After graduating from Altoona Midway in...

Vernal Laverne Peugh

Vernal Laverne Peugh

Jun 21, 2025

Vernal Laverne Peugh,84, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. Born on November 5, 1938, in Cherryvale, Kansas, to Joseph and Amy (Brown) Peugh. 

Vernal was united in marriage to Mamie Ann Wilson on February 23, 1976, in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives at their home. 

Vernal served as the Superintendent at the Water Plant for the city...

Kathleen (Kathy) Ford

Kathleen (Kathy) Ford

Jun 18, 2025

Kathleen (Kathy) Marie (Defenbaugh) Ford passed away peacefully from this life to the next on June 18, 2025, in Chanute, Kansas, with her loving sons by her side. 

Kathy was a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister, cherished by those who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was born to George and Ula Defenbaugh of rural Stark/Walnut, Kansas, on December 20,...

Bruce Wayne Seybold

Bruce Wayne Seybold

Jun 22, 2025

Bruce Wayne Seybold, 68, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute, Kansas. He was born on June 17, 1957, in Chanute, Kansas, to William Alfred “Al” and Mary Jayne (Dassow) Seybold. 

A dedicated Electronics Technician for Kustom Signals, Bruce's professional life reflected his commitment and skill in his field. He graduated from...

Kenneth Dale Martin

Kenneth Dale Martin

Jun 20, 2025

 Kenneth “Kenny” Dale Martin, 71, of Platte City, MO, passed away peacefully at home in Chanute, KS, on June 20, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Born December 9, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Melvin and Georgia Mae (Blackburn) Martin, Kenny was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and loyal friend. Kenny grew up in the Kansas City...

Blaine David Crellin

Blaine David Crellin

Jun 14, 2025

Blaine David Crellin, age 81, passed away unexpectedly on June 14, 2025, in Chanute, Kansas. He was born on June 6, 1944, in Anselmo, Nebraska, to Roland and Florence (Farlee) Crellin. 

Blaine lived a life marked by dedication to both his family and his career. Blaine worked various jobs throughout his life which include, working on his mother and stepfather’s mink...

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...