All Obituaries

Sarah Jane South, age 30, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2020. She was born August 13, 1989 in Fayetteville, AR to Ricky South and Linda Sue Batiah Nachmias.  Sarah was proud of her small-town roots in Longton and her big city life in Denver. She graduated high school an Elk Valley Lion in 2008, then college as a Pitt State Gorilla with a degree in construction management in 2013. She was a Project Engineer at RK Steel.  She was a vibrant, beautiful, strong,...

Meade, Clara Jane    September 2, 1942 - January 23, 2020 Clara Jane Meade was born September 2, 1942 to Helen Louise Merritt and Floyd Raymond Rentfro in Independence, Kansas.  She passed away peacefully on January 23, 2020 at the age of 77 with her daughters by her side.  She is survived by her brother, Larry Rentfro, her daughters, Deborah Meade and Kimberly (Jason) DeBerard, and grandson, Hunter DeBerard.  There will be private services held in Denver,...

Ronald Alan Etter entered into his eternal home Jan 20, 2020. Ronnie was born May 25, 1949, Nowata, Oklahoma.  Ronnie is the son of Betty (Price) and Randall Etter. Ronnie grew up in Caney, Kansas, attending Lincoln Elementary school and Caney Middle School and graduating Caney High School in 1967. Ronnie was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lucille McCammon, on March 13, 1970 in Miami, Oklahoma.  Lucille preceded Ronnie in death Feb 2014. Ron and Lucille lived their...

Blakely Nicole Elkins was born sleeping on January 11, 2020 at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. She is survived by her parents, Jocelyn Howland and Kale Elkins, grandparents: Jennifer Howland, Joe Aston, Toby Howland, George and Jill Elkins and many more loving family members. Our lives were touched by Blakely Nicole for the short time we held her. Please keep us in your thoughts as we prepare for her service and coming to terms with our lives without her. A memorial service will be...

Catalina A. Ervin (Cathy), 75, of Independence, Kansas, passed away on January 9, 2020 at her home. Cathy was born April 30, 1944 in Independence to Socorro and Inez Ortiz.  She attended St. Andrews Catholic School and Independence High School. Cathy married Theodore Solis in February 1968. They had two daughters, Raquel and Adrianna. They later divorced.  Cathy worked at City Publishing Company for many years before moving to Wichita to work for Learjet Aircraft company. She...

Keith Lyn Acuff, 73 of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, peacefully passed on January 6, 2020 surrounded by his family and friends. Keith was born on July 10, 1946 to Max L. and Neva O. (Wilson) Acuff in San Bernardino, CA. On November 12, 1965 he married Phyllis Helwick. He worked as a tremendous carpenter and Minister with the Bible Holiness Church. Keith is preceded in death by his parents and toddler son, Andy Acuff. He is survived by his wife Phyllis of the home, daughter, Daphne (Rick) Chase...

Betty Jean Wiley, 90, passed away on Sunday January 5, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, January 9th at 10:00am at the Church of the Brethren. Visitation will be held 1:00pm-7:00pm, with family greeting friends 5:00pm-7:00pm on Wednesday, January 8th at Potts Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Church of the Brethren and can be left at the funeral home.   Betty was born Dec. 4, 1929 to Bud Godsey and Alma...

Connie Joanne Smith, 66, of Parsons, Kansas passed away peacefully at Labette Health Hospital in Parsons, Kansas on December 27th, 2019. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 10:00am at Potts Chapel of Independence. Inurnment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence.   Connie was born on February 26th, 1953 in Independence, Kansas to Henry and Elizabeth Allen (Bennett). She attended Wann, Oklahoma High School. Connie was a...

Leon Ray Stark, of Independence, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2019 at the Medicalodges. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, December 27, 2019 at 11:00am at Potts Chapel. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be Thursday, 5:00-7:00pm. Leon ray Stark was born on May 4, 1943 in Battle Creek, Michigan. He was the son of Oscar and Helen (Vincent) Stark. He was one of five children. He grew up in Richmond, Indiana and joined the...

Russell Leon Baldwin, 70, of Independence went to rest in the arms of his Lord on Wednesday, December 12, 2019 at Via Christi in Wichita, KS. He was born December 16, 1948 in Neodesha, KS to Donald R and Neoma “Pat” Hash Baldwin. He attended Neodesha schools and graduated in 1967. He attended ICC and then went on to join the U.S. Army, serving his country in the Vietnam war for which he received a bronze star and a purple heart. Upon returning stateside, Russell was employed by...