Obituaries
Albert "Truman" Kolb Jr.
Jul 22, 2025
Albert, “Truman” Kolb Jr., 70, Independence, Kansas passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Montgomery Place. Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence Kansas. The family will greet visitors on Tuesday, July 29, from 6:00 -8:00 p.m., at Webb &...
Dr. Porter James Clark
Jul 17, 2025
Dr. Porter James Clark, a lifelong resident of Independence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of July 17th, 2025, at the age of 95. Porter was born on March 6th, 1930, to Dr. Porter M. Clark and Parthenia (Dillman) Clark in Galena, Kansas. He attended school in Independence, Kansas, and was a 1948 graduate from Independence High school. After...
Joshua Lyle Proud
Jul 17, 2025
It’s with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Joshua Lyle Proud, who left us unexpectedly on July 17, 2025, in Independence, Kansas. He was just 44 years young.
Born on June 16, 1981, in St. Louis, Missouri, Joshua grew up surrounded by the love and support of his father Richard Proud, mother Ginny, and stepfather Ron Baker. He spent...
Lonnie Ray Mowery
Jul 17, 2025
Lonnie Mowery, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in the early hours on July 17, 2025, at the age of 82. A devoted family man with a heart of gold, he built a life centered on love, hard work, and unwavering dedication to those he held dear.
Born with a passion for craftsmanship, he spent his career...
Kathryne Jeanette " Cass" Bruening
Jul 9, 2025
Kathryne “Cass” Jeanette Bruening, 95, of Independence, Kansas, passed peacefully with family by her side on July 9, 2025.
Cass was born on June 9, 1930, in Columbus, Kansas, to Lloyd and Ruth Holley. She was the proud older sister of Jane (Keller) and Ted Holley. After graduating high school in Columbus, she eventually settled in Independence, where she married, Robert...
Elmer Kenneth Fienen
Jul 4, 2025
Elmer Kenneth Fienen was born April 25, 1937, in Independence, Kansas to John and Marie Fienen and was the youngest of five boys. He grew up in a Lutheran family with a strong sense of loyalty and love towards family and friends alike. He attended school in Independence at Zion Lutheran School and graduated from Independence High School.
On December 22,...
Wilma Joan Newkirk
Jun 15, 2025
Wilma Joan Newkirk, 94, Elk City, Kansas passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at home. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 20, 2025, at the First Christian Church in Elk City, Kansas with burial to follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Elk City, Kansas. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 5:00 –...
Darrel J. Randels
Jun 12, 2025
Darrel James Randels, 65, of Independence, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, June 21st at at Independence First Church of the Nazarene, In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to help cover funeral expenses memorials may be left with the chapel.
Darrel was...
Betty Joan Lemon
Jun 9, 2025
Betty Joan Lemon, age 84, of Independence, Kansas, died Monday, June 9, 2025, at the Integris Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Betty was born on March 3, 1941, in Independence, Kansas to Charles Garoutte and Roena (Carr) Garoutte. She graduated from Independence High School in 1959.
She met Charles Lemon in September in 1960 and was married on November 17, 1960,...
Jacqueline Claire Oakes
May 31, 2025
Jacqueline Claire (LaPorte) Oakes
On May 31, 2025, Jacqueline Claire (LaPorte) Oakes, 91, of Independence, died peacefully with all of her family surrounding her, especially the love of her life, Bill. Jacque was born on January 19, 1934, in Wichita, Kansas, to Claire and Delta (Hughes) LaPorte. Jacque was an only child and was the most treasured daughter. Her father worked...
Larry D. Morris
May 20, 2025
Larry D. Morris, 85, Independence, Kansas passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory. There will be a Celebration of Life held on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 3:00pm at Larry’s home.
Larry was born February 22, 1940, in Arkansas City, Kansas to Alva and Dessie (Vikan) Morris....
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...
Camron Lee Anderson
May 14, 2025
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Camron Lee Anderson, a resident of Independence, Kansas. Camron passed away unexpectedly on May 14, 2025, at the age of 19. Camron was born in Independence on July 11, 2005. He graduated from Independence High School in 2024 and was currently working at Matcor. Camron is survived by his...
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
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
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
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
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
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...
Arthur (Art) Harrison Tull
Mar 23, 2025
Arthur (Art) Harrison Tull, 92, of Independence, Kansas, passed away at his home on March 23, 2025. Art was celebrated as the first baby born in Independence, Kansas on January 1, 1933. He was born to Forrest H. Tull and Bonnie Ellen (Hull) Tull. The family has been lifelong residents of Independence.
Art graduated from Independence High School and Independence Community...