Obituaries

Melinda Townsley

Melinda Townsley

May 20, 2025

Melinda Townsley, born Piatt, passed away on May 20, 2025, in Independence, Kansas, at the age of 60. A beloved mother, sister, and friend, Melinda touched the lives of many throughout her journey on this earth.

She is survived by her daughter, Crystal, and her son, Joshua. Also left to cherish her memory are her brothers, Paul and Eddie, as well...

Michelle Ann Wynett Jones

Michelle Ann Wynett Jones

May 14, 2025

It is with heavy heart we announce the unexpected passing of Michelle Jones May 13, 2025. At the young age of 27. Michelle Jones was born May 23, 1997, in Burlington, Kansas. Michelle is survived by her husband James “KC” Jones of Cherryvale, a son Mason Jones and stepdaughter Jemma Jones of Cherryvale, two goddaughters Kaylee Harp and Lysa Meloy...

Rex Welch

Rex Welch

May 7, 2025

Rex Jerry Welch, 89, of Elk City, passed away on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025. His funeral is scheduled for Friday, May 16th, at 11:00 a.m. at Independence First Church of the Nazarene in Independence, Kansas, with a burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Elk City, Kansas.

Rex was born on the 11th of February 1936, in Elk City, Kansas,...

Mark Allen Gray

Mark Allen Gray

Apr 28, 2025

Mark Allen Gray, 70, of Independence KS, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025. Born on July 27, 1954, in Fairbanks Alaska, Mark excelled as a musician, playing a candy red drum set, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award for Live Entertainment from Class Clown Productions and Friends. Mark also loved to ride his motorcycle, a candy red 1985 Honda Magna...

Wanda J. Gettler

Wanda J. Gettler

Apr 24, 2025

Wanda J. Gettler

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Wanda Gettler, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Independence, Kansas, community, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 24, 2025, at her home of over 44 years. She was 65 years old. She was surrounded by love—both near and far—and the enduring peace of her faith.

Born on April 29,...

Patricia A. Blex

Patricia A. Blex

Mar 31, 2025

Patricia A. Blex, 72, Independence, Kansas passed away at home on Monday, March 31, 2025. Cremation has taken place, and private services will be held at a later date. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.webbrodrickchapel.com. Arrangements by Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.

James Robert Harrison

James Robert Harrison

Mar 25, 2025

 James Robert Harrison, born on October 4, 1940, in Independence, Kansas, passed away on March 25, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, James's life was defined by his unwavering love for his family and his dedication to his work.

For 25 years, James served the Coffeyville airport, where his passion for airplanes shone through. He was not...

Chance Hunter Dean Short

Chance Hunter Dean Short

Mar 18, 2025

Chance Hunter Dean Short, a beacon of kindness and creativity, was born on June 27, 1996, in Guymon, Oklahoma. Tragically, his journey with us was cut short when he passed away unexpectedly on March 18, 2025. The news of his leaving has left a hole in the hearts of those who knew him, yet his spirit remains alive in the...

Francisco Esquivel Rodriguez

Francisco Esquivel Rodriguez

Mar 16, 2025

Francisco Esquivel Rodriguez, a beloved father, son, brother, and friend, passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 49 peacefully at his home in Independence, Kansas. Born on November 8, 1975, in Mexico City, Mexico, Francisco touched the lives of many with his warm spirit.

Francisco devoted over 25 years of his career to Cobalt Boats, where his hard...

Kent Nelson Gwartney

Kent Nelson Gwartney

Mar 8, 2025

Kent Nelson Gwartney, 87, Independence, Kansas passed away Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Medicalodges in Independence, Kansas. Cremation has taken place, and no services are planned at this time.

Kelley Roy Zellner

Kelley Roy Zellner

Feb 25, 2025

Kelley Roy Zellner, age 65, passed away on February 25,2025 at the Pawhuska, Oklahoma hospital. His wife Teresa was by his side when he passed.

 Kelley, the son of Raymond Alouis Zellner and Rita Jeane Zellner, was born on October 30,1959 in Wichita Ks. He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Jeane Zellner and his nephew Aaron Zellner....

Jean Marie Lesslie

Jean Marie Lesslie

Feb 20, 2025

Jean Marie (Newmaster) Lesslie passed away on February 20th, 2025, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center in Coffeyville, KS. Visitation will be February 23, 2025, from 2-4 PM and a Celebration of Life Services will be held February 24th, 2025 at 2 PM at the Webb & Rodrick Chapel in Independence, KS.

 Jean was born in Independence, KS on September 9th, 1934,...

Carolyn J. Barnett

Carolyn J. Barnett

Feb 5, 2025

Carolyn J. Barnett

February 5, 2025, Carolyn J. Barnett’s family and friends lost a loving, caring, smart, complex, and remarkable woman. 

Born in 1944 to William and Anna Holstein (Moore), in the rolling hills of northern Bourbon County near Mapleton, Kansas, Carolyn and her twin sister, Marilyn, were soon joined by brother Fred and then, later, by younger brother Earl. They played...

Lloyd Eugene (Gene) Allen

Lloyd Eugene (Gene) Allen

Feb 5, 2025

Lloyd Eugene (Gene) Allen passed away on February 5, 2025 at the age of 86 in Independence, Kansas. 

 Gene was born February 11, 1938 in Downey, CA to Raymond & Vesta (Myers) Allen. He was the 5th child of 6 children. He had one sister Donna Johnson, and four brothers Robert, Ed, Bill and Richard. In 1941 the family of eight...

Leisa Deone Snyder

Leisa Deone Snyder

Feb 5, 2025

Leisa Deone Snyder (Lee)

Feb 5, 2025

Leisa Deone Snyder (Lee), 53 of Altoona, KS left this life on February 5, 2025. She was born to Robert Byron Lee Sr. and Mary Wigham on August 24, 1971 in Odessa,Texas. She moved to Kansas in her teenage years, and resided in Wichita for several years before meeting her soul mate and best friend...

Usha Mahendra Patel

Usha Mahendra Patel

Jan 27, 2025

Usha Mahendra Patel, 84, Independence, Kansas passed away on January 27, 2025 at Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory. 

George Frederick Will

George Frederick Will

Jan 14, 2025

George F. Will, age 90, passed away peacefully at home on January 14, 2025, due to heart failure.

Born on June 20, 1934, in Enid, OK, George was the beloved youngest child of the late Florence and Albert Will. He was preceded in death by his four siblings.

George proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years, retiring as a Lieutenant...

Jean Fay Barnett

Jean Fay Barnett

Jan 6, 2025

Jean Fay Barnett, 89, Independence, Kansas passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Medicalodges in Independence, Kansas. Cremation has taken place, and a Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., at Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory. Memorials may be made to the Independence Historical Museum, and Art Center and may be mailed to...

Andrea L. Sitton

Andrea L. Sitton

Jan 6, 2025

Andrea Sitton, age 81, of Independence, KS, passed away January 6, 2025. She was born in Wichita, Kansas, and was adopted 3 months later by David and Lolita Argo of Independence. She attended Independence schools and graduated from Independence High School. She married Duane Sitton of Independence in 1960. Later they moved with their daughter, Debbie, to Manhattan, KS, then...

Aubrey William McCollam

Aubrey William McCollam

Jan 3, 2025

                                                                                        Aubrey William McCollam

                           ...