KANSAS CITY - Wanda Geraldine“Jerry” Elliott, age 98, passed away on January 22, 2022 at Overland Park Regional Medical. She was born in rural Deepwater, Missouri on July 20, 1924 to Robert John and Iva May (Dodson) Kalberloh. Jerry spent her youth growing up on a farm north of Lowry City, Missouri. While there, she attended Valley Center Grade School, Lowry City High School and was a member of German Valley Church.
On Friday, January 7, 2022, Terri Snethen, a loving wife and mother of two children, went home to her Lord at the age of 53 due to complications from COVID pneumonia. She leaves behind her husband of 32 years, Jeff Snethen, and her son, Colter Snethen and his wife, Claire, and her daughter, Austin (Snethen) Perryman and her husband, Clarence. Terri was born on August 30, 1968 in Kansas City,
INDEPENDENCE - On January 24th, 2022, Diane Brockman passed peacefully from this life while closely surrounded by her family. Diane Ellen (Stark) Brockman was born on January 23rd, 1948, in Sparta, WI to Herbert & Ellen (Schafer) Stark. She married Isaac B Brockman Jr on November 12th, 1966. Bick and Diane had two daughters, Michelle (Jeff) Oldham, and Aimee Brockman. Diane worked for the City of Independence, both in the City Managers office and Tourism until her retirement. She was very involved in her church, the Church of Christ, Temple Lot, attending regularly and enjoyed being involved in all areas of her service for the Lord. Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Ellen Stark, a granddaughter Kelsey Luv Oldham, and her nephew Todd Stark. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Isaac Brockman, her daughter Aimee Brockman, Michelle Oldham, son in law Jeff Oldham, grandchildren Trenton (Avery) Oldham, and Braden Oldham. Her brothers Dennis (Sheila) Stark, and Dwight (Maureen) Stark, sister-in-law Cheryl (Dave) Taylor. Diane was also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other friends and family. The family is appreciative of your love and support through this time, thank you for your thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you donate to the Church of Christ, Temple Lot, or to St. Luke’s Hospice House. A visitation and service will take place, Saturday January 29, 2022 at Church of Christ - Temple Lot, 200 S. River Blvd., Independence, MO 64050; family will greet guest between 10-11 am, service to follow at 11 am.
INDEPENDENCE - Ruth Baker Frisbey, 91 of Independence, MO passed away January 22, 2022 on her 91st birthday. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years John Frisbey in 2018. She is survived by her 4 children Doug, Carol, Ronda and Diane. A visitation with her family will be 3:00-5:00 p.m. Thursday, January 27, 2022 at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home; Independence, MO.
INDEPENDENCE - 9/8/1937 - 1/20/2022 Emmett H Ruks of Independence, passed away peacefully on January 20th. He was born in Cicero, Illinois.
GRAIN VALLEY - Brenda Kay Weir Skeens “Mimi” departed this life on Friday January 14, 2022. She was born September 26, 1941 in Kansas City, MO to Jack Hudson Weir and Maxine Thornburg Weir. Brenda attended Kensington Elementary School, and East High School in Kansas City. Brenda and Joseph J. Skeens were married August 8, 1956. They were blessed with two children, daughter Joni and son John Joseph. Brenda was a lifelong Christian and member of First Christian Church Blue Springs, where she was a deacon and a Stephens Minister. Her own personal ministry was the love, kindness, and goodwill she brought to any event with family and friends, and the various jobs at which she worked throughout the years. She loved traveling and was always ready for a new adventure. Brenda loved reading and developed an impressively extensive vocabulary over the years. She also loved to crochet, and most of her creations were given as gifts. Brenda also loved sewing, painting, cooking, and lovingly caring for her very “best friend” greatgrand daughter, Josie Kay. To her family, she will always be remembered as the sweetest and most charming lady you would ever want to meet. Brenda is survived by husband Joseph J. Skeens. Also, daughter Joni Hardin-Robinson (Phillip), granddaughters Courtney Hardin (Amy), Drew Robinson, Jhona Skeens (Andrews) and great granddaughter Josie Kay Rainey, sisters Glenda Rae Ramsey, Renda Gay King (Steve), Kenda Jae McMurray, Mary Lou Weir, brother Jack T Weir, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by son-in-law CW3 Benny J. Hardin, father Jack Weir, mother Maxine Buhr, and her much beloved son, John Joseph Skeens. Services will be held at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 East 39th St S, Independence, MO 64055, Thursday, January 27, 2022. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Funeral services for Brenda and John will begin at 2.
INDEPENDENCE - John Joseph Skeens (J.J.) departed this world to be with his Heavenly Father January 12, 2022. John was born January 5th, 1966, in Kansas City, MO. To Joseph James and Brenda Kay (Weir) Skeens. From a young age John showed an affinity to vehicles and sports. John made a career in the automotive industry. John was known by family and friends to always have a quick wit and joke for everyone. John was an avid sports fan, teaching and coaching his daughter and niece all things softball. John is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John W. and Iva L. (Clark) Skeens. John is survived by his parents, Joseph James and Brenda Kay Skeens, his daughter, Jhona Skeens (Andrew Rainey), granddaughter, Josie Kay Rainey, sister Joni Hardin-Robinson (Philip), niece Courtney Hardin (Amy), and his dog Rudy. Services will be held Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Speaks Funeral Home in Independence, MO. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. the service will be at 2 p.m. with a graveside burial at Blue Springs Cemetery.
INDEPENDENCE, MO - Hazel Meree Lawrence, 82, Independence, MO passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2022. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am, Thursday, Jan 27, 2022 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 10113 E. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO. Graveside services will follow at 2:00pm, at Iantha Cemetery, Iantha, MO. Visitation will be 6-8pm, Wednesday at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St. Independence, MO. The family requests the wearing of masks for those attending.
INDEPENDENCE - Ellen Catherine Chapman, 90, of Independence, MO passed away on Tuesday, January 18 in Independence, MO. Visitation at 11:00 a.m., funeral service at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022 at Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, MO. Burial to follow at Mount Washington in Independence, MO.
INDEPENDENCE - Joe Comboy was born May 18, 1939 to Edwin and Maude Comboy. One of two children, he was the pesky little brother to his older sister Helen. He was quick to the workforce, landing his first job at 16 as a soda jerk at the local Dairy Queen—who knew Dairy Queen was that old?! He graduated St. Mary’s High School in 1957 and attended the General Motors Institute where he pursued and received his certificate degree in electrical engineering. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1961 where he was stationed in the Azores until receiving an honorable discharge in 1965. After the Air Force, he worked at a number of organizations including IBM and AT&T before retiring from King Radio in his early 60’s. But Joe wasn’t defined by work—from a work perspective, he’d tell you he was focused from the very beginning on the day he would retire! Joe was defined by his family. He had and is survived by his wife Gay (Wiggin) of 40 years and three children— daughter Shawn and sons Shane and Shad. How do we remember Joe? Joe was first and foremost a man of integrity—dedicated to instilling that into both his children and those impressionable family members that looked up to him. ‘Dad taught me what might have been my first life lesson—that your word was important. Don’t make a promise unless you know you can keep it.’ Joe was also smart. If you knew him, you’ve spent an evening—or probably many evenings—in deep discussion or friendly debate. He’d be surprisingly versed or intellectually curious about almost any topic. That quick intelligence came with a quick wit and sometimes a sharp tongue. Joe’s dry sense of humor was coupled with a devilish and often boyish spirit. He’d take you off guard by delivering a subtle but deliberate verbal jab or poke you in the ear as he walked past you in the hall. He could be cranky and quirky, but always a big heart. We’ll all miss him terribly, but all the better human beings for knowing him. Love always Joe—husband, father, uncle, friend! Inurnment is scheduled for Monday, June 13th at 11:00 am, being held at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri, with full Military Honors.