All Obituaries

Louise Delia Solis passed away February 4, 2021 in Independence, Kansas surrounded by family.

Dyarl Newkirk age 90 of Elk City, Kansas passed away Friday, January 22, 2021 at Montgomery Place in Independence, Kansas.  Dyarl was born May 4, 1930 in Independence, Kansas to Dyarl L. and Laura L. (Dean) Newkirk. He grew up in Elk City, Kansas and graduated from the Elk City High School in 1949. Dyarl then joined the United States Army serving during the Korean War until his honorable discharge.  On December 29, 1951 Dyarl married Phyllis Couch in Elk City, Kansas where the...

Rose Mary Rinne, 94 of Independence Kansas passed away at 12:57 AM, January 19, 2021 at Montgomery Place, LTC in Independence.  Rose Mary was born February 24, 1926 North of Dodge City Kansas to William and Gladys (Trent) Hessman.  She the eldest of 8 children was raised on a farm/ranch 20 miles North West of Dodge City.  In 1945 Rose Mary met and married Fred S. Rinne in Dodge City.  Rose Mary and Fred S. lived in Dodge City and Kinsley Kansas for the first 7 years of...

Stephen Earl Douglas, born June 12, 1940, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2021. Stephen was married to Cecelia Sue (Luelf) Douglas, who survives in the home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Neama Douglas of Chanute, Kansas, and one infant grandson. Other survivors include his daughters, Rachelle (Randy) Ford of Dawsonville, GA and Janelle (Lewis) Goins of rural Oswego, KS; and brother, Stanley Douglas of Kansas. Stephen worked for Combustion Engineering as an auditor,...

Thornton E. Shelton, Sr, 81 of Independence, Kansas passed away, Sunday, January 17, 2021 at the Medical Lodges, Independence, Kansas. A Homecoming Celebration will be held Saturday, January 23, 2021 at the Berean Christian Mission Center, 405 S. 19th Street. 10:30am-11:00 viewing, 11:00am service. Masks are required. Services not open to public, family only. Virtual Services Information: Facebook Live with the Berean Christian Mission Center beginning at 10:30am on Saturday. If you plan to...

Dr. Richard Arthur Barta, D.V.M. Independence, Ks passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2021, from a farming accident at his home.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, January 21, 2021 at the Wesley Center, 111 East Maple, at 11:00am, internment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 20th, family will be greeting friends from 5:00-7:00pm at Webb & Rodrick Chapel. Memorials are suggested to AWOL, FORPAZ and the KSU Foundation...

Audrey Ann (DeWitt) Smith was born on June 16, 1941, passed away January 12, 2021 she enjoyed crafting, quilting, camping, fishing, gardening, she was an avid frog collector and she loved hearing of her grandchildren’s success. Audrey is preceded in death by her parents Aubrey and Agatha (Smirl) DeWitt, brothers Teddy and Gene DeWitt, a sister Sue Warren, daughters Roberta and Audrey Lowry. Audrey’s memory will carry on with her daughter Jody (Kelly) Coy, sons Rodney (Erin)...

Barbara Farrell (Cranor) Dodson, age 84 passed away peacefully December 29, 2020 due to complications following Covid-19 at Country Place Senior Living in Independence, KS. She was surrounded by her family and those that had been caring for her in her Assisted Living Facility that loved her too. There will be no service at this time, cremation has taken place under the direction of Webb and Rodrick Chapel and internment will happen at a later, undetermined date. Barbara was born July 26th...

Clara “Jolene” Mersereau Metzger, 82, of Wichita, KS passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Wesley Memorial Hospital, from complications of COVID.  Jolene was born on September 17, 1938 in Neodesha, KS to Mack and Velma Mersereau.  She obtained her GED from Independence High School and went on to obtain her nurse’s aide certification. Jolene married Bob Metzger in 1955 and they had 3 children, divorcing in 1992.  While married, Jolene lived and worked...

Donald Everett Smith, born October 22, 1934, passed away Saturday, December 19, 2020, with family by his side. Don was married to Peggy Carlene (Moore) Smith for nearly 52 years before her death in March 2007. Together, Don and Peggy had four children: Richard Allen, Donald Eugene (Gina), Rebecca Ann (Charlie) Austin, and Robin Jay. Don was an avid KU basketball fan, but his biggest joy was being surrounded by family. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren: Lindy (Jeremy)...