The decorated gingerbread house cutouts went up Tuesday afternoon along the trails at George Owens Nature Park, in preparation for Wednesday's 18th Annual Winter Solstice Torch-Lit Hike. Individuals bought the 4-foot tall wooden cutouts as a fundraiser for Truman Heritage chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
First-year William Chrisman girls basketball coach Eric Schroer was smiling as he high-fived or shook the hand of every member of his team. “That was a great minute of play out there,” Schroer said to a new varsity player who joined in on the action.
Animals Best Friends has many wonderful cats that are looking for their forever homes. Robby and Riley are litter mates who are five months old.
The Van Horn High School class of 1971 celebrated its golden anniversary reunion Oct. 8-9 with an informal gathering at Moose Lodge 2414, a tour of Van Horn, and a formal reunion event at the Independence Uptown Market.
Items for the Community Calendar may be emailed to nmelton@examiner.net or mailed to: The Examiner, 300 N. Osage St., Independence, MO 64050, attention Nancy Melton. Also, check the calendar online at examiner.net.
INDEPENDENCE, MO - William R. Smith, 93, of Independence, MO passed away Saturday, December 4, 2021. He was born on the farm in Lafayette County, Higginsville, MO to parents Homer V. and Rosa Belle Phillips Smith, joining older brothers Irvin H. and Homer W.“Junior”. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters-in-law. Bill graduated from Higginsville high school in 1946. William R. and Leslie Jean Herd were united in marriage in 1948. Their family became complete with the birth of their daughter Pamela Sue and son David Wayne. Leslie preceded Bill in death in 1973. Mr. Smith worked for Sears, Roebuck and Co. for 36 years retiring in 1983. He then worked for UMB Bank for 21 years retiring in 2005. Bill married Ruby Marie Bowlin in 1975. A Methodist throughout his life, Bill was a faithful member of Independence First United Methodist Church for almost 60 years serving in any capacity that he was needed. Bill loved music, playing golf, enjoyed Chiefs and Royals games, and was always concerned for his family. He was proud of Pam’s music and artistic talents, and was always supportive of Dave’s participation in sports and scouting. Bill’s love for Ruby’s family was unquestionable, and he was always appreciative of his friends, neighbors and co-workers. Bill is survived by his wife of almost 47 years, Ruby Marie Bowlin Smith. Daughter and son-in-law Pam and Bill Corum, Kearny, MO. Son and daughter-in-law Dave and Jeannie Smith, Punta Gorda, FL. Brother and sister-in-law Leon and Carolyn Bowlin. Each of the following meant the world to him, and he truly loved the time that he could share with them: Granddaughter Allison (Andy) Sims, Grandson John William J. Corum, Granddaughter Meredith Quinn. Step-grandson Chris Berry, Step-granddaughter Elizabeth Shaun Mendez, and step-grandson David (Athena) Berry. Great granddaughters Audrey and Andrea Sims. Nephew and niece-in-law Cody and Kelly Bowlin, great-nieces Harper and Vale Bowlin, four step great granddaughters, four step great grandsons, and three step great, great granddaughters. Funeral services will be on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 10am with visitation 9-10am at Speaks Suburban Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to American Stroke Foundation, “Next Step” 6405 Metcalf Ave., Suite 214, Overland Park, KS 66202 or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)
SUGAR CREEK - Ruby Jean Tapko, 88, Sugar Creek, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 26, 2021 with family by her side. Visitation will be Friday, December 10th at 10 a.m. at St. Cyril’s Church, Sugar Creek, MO, with a Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Burial to follow at Mt. Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Cyril’s Altar Rosary Society or Kansas City Hospice House. Ruby was born on April 15, 1933 in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Leonard and Alma Erickson, raised in the Fairmount area. She married Raymond Tapko on February 14th, 1953. Ruby was a kind and loving mother, active in the lives of her children and grandchildren. As a long-time member of St. Cyril’s Catholic Church, Ruby was involved in the Altar Rosary Society, sang in the choir and helped organize annual events. She was an avid Kansas City Royals and Chiefs fan. Friends and family will remember lively conversations, her sense of humor and caring generosity. Ruby was happiest surrounded by family and will be dearly missed. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Donnie, daughter, Donna Jean and her husband, Ray Tapko. Ruby is survived by her daughters, Janet and husband Mark McCaffrey of Lee’s Summit, MO, Nancy Tapko and husband Mike Hagler of Chicago, IL; sons Steven Tapko and wife Deborah of Sugar Creek, MO, Mark Tapko and wife Julie of Kansas City, MO, John Tapko and wife Michelle of Overland Park, KS; twelve grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI - Amy Margaret (Brennaman) McCloud passed away December 5, 2021, at the age of 95. She was born on December 3, 1926.
INDEPENDENCE - Richard Wollschlager, 62, of Independence, MO, died December 3, 2021. Richard was born on July 6, 1959, in St.
A Jackson County Sheriff deputy fatally shot an armed man Monday evening after the man allegedly rammed a sheriff vehicle and raised a gun toward deputies. The shooting happened in the 28900 block of Southeast Moreland School Road, just east of the city limits of southern Blue Springs.