Obituaries

Obituaries for Cherryvale, Fredonia, Chanute, and Surrounding Areas

Loretta Jo Julich

Loretta Jo Julich

Jul 20, 2025

Loretta Jo (Thompson) Julich, a beloved member of the Humboldt community, passed away peacefully at home on July 20, 2025, surrounded by her cherished family. She was born on September 18, 1956, in Iola, Kansas, to Vaughn Eugene and Alynne Opel (Mefford) Thompson. Her whole life was spent in Humboldt, where she graduated from Humboldt High School in 1974.

Following high...

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,...

Michael "Mike" Lee Redburn

Michael "Mike" Lee Redburn

Jul 23, 2025

Michael “Mike” Lee Redburn, born on December 25, 1951, in Parsons, Kansas, to Ray and Neva Redburn, passed away on July 23, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was 73 years old. Mike led a life characterized by dedication, warmth, and a genuine love for his family and interests.

A proud graduate of Altamont High School, Mike embarked...

Christopher Lee Gerard

Christopher Lee Gerard

Jul 21, 2025

Christopher Lee Gerard, affectionately known to many as Zippo, passed away unexpectedly on July 21, 2025, at his residence in Achille, Oklahoma. He was born on April 7, 1967, in Wichita, Kansas, where he began his remarkable journey through life.

During his early years, Zippo devoted himself to a career in manufacturing and mechanics, showcasing a resilience and determination that would...

Janalee (Hosford) Davis

Janalee (Hosford) Davis

Jul 7, 2025

Janalee (Hosford) Davis, 97, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, at Credo Senior Living, Chanute, KS. She was born January 1, 1928, in Enid, OK, to George and Jovena (Coyle) Hosford.

On April 3, 1946, she married the love of her life, Hal Davis. They celebrated 73 years of marriage before his passing in 2019. Two daughters were born to...

Reggie Lew Holcomb

Reggie Lew Holcomb

Jul 7, 2025

Reggie Lew Holcomb, who was born on July 11, 1939, in Olean, New York, passed away on Monday July 7, 2025, in Independence, Kansas. 

Reggie's early years were grounded in education, culminating in his graduation from Port Allegany Union High School in Pennsylvania in 1957. He continued his pursuit of knowledge by attending Northern Montana College from 1963 to 1965, followed...

Edith Gay Sweeney

Edith Gay Sweeney

Jun 28, 2025

Edith Gay Sweeney, born on April 29, 1949, in Beeson, West Virginia, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas. 

On May 6, 2000, Edith Gay Akers was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Sweeney at The Bible Baptist Church in Neodesha, Kansas. Bob survives at the home.

A devoted healthcare professional, Edith spent many years...

Virgil Richard Toon

Virgil Richard Toon

Jun 23, 2025

Virgil Toon, born August 31, 1934, left this world June 23, 2025. He was a man who loved his life and lived with a positive attitude. He worked hard, but enjoyed the time with his co-workers at H.K. Porter / HBD Industries. His friends remember him as a good, decent man who was always willing to lend a helping hand...

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...

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...

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...

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...