Obituaries

INDEPENDENCE - Martha Broker, 70 of Independence, MO, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. Martha was born to Chester and Louise (Ficklin) Grantham in Kansas City, MO. August 7, 1951. She graduated from Ft Osage High School in 1969. She met the love of her life, Theodore Broker, while attending Central Missouri State College and the two married on March 2, 1970. They were married for 9 years and had 3 children before his passing in 1979. Martha was involved in many organizations throughout her lifetime including, Job’s Daughters, being selected as Ombudsman for Tidewater Assembly Navy Wives, Order of the Eastern Star, achieving title of Worthy Matron in 1981 and receiving her 50-year pin in 2020. She was also a part of Missouri Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, past president of Parents without Partners, and a Red Hatter. Martha was a member of Blue Springs United Methodist Church and later, Christ United Methodist Church Independence, MO, where she enjoyed fellowship with her Sunday School class, volunteering for food drops, the annual garage sale and other social activities. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, thrifting, playing cards and games and loving on her cat Dahlia. The last months of Martha’s life she suffered from dementia, but still managed to have an impact on many lives as was evidence by the numerous staff at Ignite Medical Resorts who stopped to share stories, offer condolences, and say their goodbyes. Martha is survived by her children Theodore (Lori) Broker II; Kristie (Chad) Elbert; John (Casie) Broker; grandchildren Jordan (Aaron) Acker, Theodore Broker III; Taylor, Brayden, and Brock Elbert; Ethan and Eli Broker; great granddaughter Annalee Acker and her beloved companion (cat) Dahlia. She is preceded in death by her husband, Theodore Broker, parents Chester and Louise Grantham, and brother Robert DeWayne Grantham. The family will receive friends Friday evening, February 18, 2022 from 6-8 pm at Speaks Suburban Chapel. Funeral service and burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Laurie, MO at a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions to Buckner Chapter #280 Order of Eastern Star, 611 S Sibley St, Buckner, MO 64016 or Traditions Hospice 220 NW R.D. Mize Road Suite 101, Blue Springs, Missouri 64014. Donations may also be left in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel. com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)

Samuel Alva Milholland, 79, passed away on February 8, 2022 in Port Charlotte, FL. He was born on November 29, 1942, in Kansas City, MO. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Anna Mae (Haynie) Milholland. He is survived by the love of his life of 38 years, Gayle Lohmeyer of Overland Park, KS and his three children, Joanna Milholland of Pittsburgh, PA, John (Kelli) Milholland of Cameron, MO, and Jill (Kevin) Carter of Independence, MO, 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

LEE’S SUMMIT - Barbara (Gerhardt) Miller, age 90, of Lee’s Summit, MO, died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at the Wilshire Lakewood nursing home. Barbara was born October 18th, 1931, to Andrew and Ovidia Gerhardt in Oak Park, Illinois.

INDEPENDENCE, MO - Betty Jean Shrout, 95 of Independence, MO passed away on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. The family will greet friends from 9:00 a.m., until service time Tuesday at the chapel. Burial will follow in Salem Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to the Salvation Army or to the First Christian Church of Independence, MO. She was born to Glendon and Lillian Shields on September 20, 1926. She lived in Carrollton and Sweet Springs MO before moving to Independence in 1942. There she graduated from William Chrisman High School. She met DeWitt C. Shrout at First Christian Church where they were married on February 25, 1945. Betty was a faithful and active member of the First Christian Church for more than 75 years where she held several leadership positions in the Christian Women’s Fellowship including chairperson. She sang in the Chancel Choir for more than 50 years. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and grandchild Michael Anthony. She is survived by her son Clint Shrout (Jun) and daughter Peggy Shrout Roe; grandchildren Brad Shrout, Amy Shrout, Jeff Shrout (Laurie), Chris Anthony (Jenn) and Melissa Russell (Ryan); and great grandchildren Bella, Tyler, Ellie, Connor and Liam. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)

Kayla M. (Duncan) Kloss, 31, of Holden, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, February 6th, surrounded by family, after a 3 ½ year battle with stage 4 cancer.

BLUE SPRINGS - Jackie Lee Messina Mackie, 85, of Blue Springs, MO passed on Saturday, February 6th. He was preceded in death by parents; Juanita & William, and father, Sam; his loving wife, Juliet; daughter Janna; brother Bill; and sister Sharon. He is survived by his children, Julie (Keith), John (Emily), Jeanna (Dan); and five beloved grandchildren, Johnny, Sydney, Hayden, Dallas & Jack. Visitation from 6-8pm, Thursday, Feb. 10th and Funeral at 10am Friday, Pointe of Hope Church in Blue Springs, MO. He will be laid to rest at Mound Grove Cemetery, Independence, MO beside his wife & daughter.

INDEPENDENCE - Patricia Ann “Patti” McMurray, a woman of faith, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 4, 2022. She was 71. Patti was born to Charlie and Beulah Wallander on October 22, 1950 in Kansas City, Missouri.

INDEPENDENCE - On February 4, 2022 while at home with her husband and daughters Sandra reached out and accepted the hand of God. She is free again.