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Franklin W. Rieske, 94, formerly of Independence, MO, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at his home in St. Louis, MO. Franklin was born May 19, 1927 in Dayton, OH to Franklin and Glendora (Watson) Rieske. He became an Engineer, an Educator in Independence Public Schools for 30 years, a dedicated leader and scout master to Troup #422, an ordained minister in the Community of Christ Church, an accomplished musician playing wind and string instruments. His true love was playing hymns on the Pipe Organ at a variety of churches where he was on staff. For decades Franklin sang in the Messiah Chorus for their annual holiday performances. Franklin served in World War II (Far East) during Operation Beleaguer. He is preceded in death by his wife, Janet and survived by three sisters, three sons, Mark, Paul and James along with six grandchildren. A private service will be held March 18th at Speaks Funeral Home in Independence followed by burial at Mound Grove Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)

Marilyn F. Steward, 77, Kansas City, March 12, 2022.

William (Bill) D. Malensek, 79, passed away in his home on March 9th, 2022. He stepped on from this life into the presence of his Lord and to rejoin his wife Sue after fighting a remarkable battle against cancer. Bill was born the son of William and Dorothy (Williams) Malensek on May 22, 1942, in Leadville, CO. William relocated the family including sisters Nancy and Patricia and brother Darrell to Sumner, MO shortly after Bill was born. They eventually settled in the Kansas City area. Bill went to electrical school where he excelled in his craft. He later joined the IBEW Local #124 on November 11, 1964. He worked as a highly skilled electrician to support his family for 35 years until he retired in May 2000. Bill met his wife Mariellen Sue (Crawford) Malensek on a date arranged by close friends. The two were married on September 12, 1965, at Church of Jesus Christ Seventh Day in Kansas City. They were married for 55 years with beautiful memories shared among family and friends. Bill was an incredibly talented person. He could solve very complex challenges by applying simple logic and common sense. He had a gift and desire to construct things and he frequently applied these talents in service to others. Bill also loved to hunt, fish, and camp, instilling this passion of the outdoors with his family. Bill was very devoted to his wife Sue. “Bill and Sue” was the expression to refer to them truly as one. They had many common interests and some that were unique. They shared the desire to create and were a great balance for one another. Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife Sue. Bill is survived by his sisters Nancy and Patricia and brother Darrell, his son Robert Malensek and wife Brooke, and his daughter Mary Ann (Malensek) Young and husband Randall. Bill has four grandchildren Taylor and Hunter, sons of Bob and Brooke and Andrew and Miranda, son and daughter to Mary and Randall. Visitation is planned for Saturday, March 19th at 9:00am followed by a memorial service at 10:00 am at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E 39th St S., Independence, MO. 64055. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel. com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)

Susan Jean (Reiff) Woods, 77, of Lake Lotawana, Missouri, died at her home Wednesday, March 9 after a long illness. She was born November 13, 1944 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She married Kirby Woods, Jr. in Independence, MO in 1961. He survives of the home. She is also survived by their children, Karen (Bruce) Garber, Independence; Rusty (Stacie) Woods, Blue Springs; grandchildren Lacy Shanks (Todd), Johnna Balk (Dillon), Caysen Woods, Morgan Conner; greatgrandchildren Kirby Jean, Elliott Blair and Christopher Joseph (CJ); brothers Terry (Carol Ann) Reiff, Montana; John (Earlynn) Reiff, Lenexa; Ron (Melissa) Reiff, Dallas; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Vernon Reiff, her brother Michael Dean Reiff, and her sister Judy Jack. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.