Obituaries

Harry T. LaMastres

INDEPENDENCE - Harry Thomas LaMastres, 87, of Independence, MO, passed away on Tuesday, January 18th. A visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Tuesday, January 25th with a service on Wednesday, January 26th at 10am, both at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Interment with full military honors will follow at Oak Ridge Memory Gardens in Independence.

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Marlene S. Moore

BLUE SPRINGS, MO - Marlene S. Moore, of Blue Springs, MO, passed away on Tuesday, January 18,2022 at the age of 87. Arietta Marlene Sturm was born to Merle and Opal (Logan) Sturm in Teton County, Wyoming on September 1,1934. She grew up in Fairbury, Nebraska.

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Ellen Chapman

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.

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Joseph Edwin Comboy

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.

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Dorothy Jo Felix

BLUE SPRINGS - Dorothy Jo Felix of Blue Springs, Missouri passed away Sunday January 16, 2022, at Ignite Medical Resort in Blue Springs at the age of 84. She was born May 13, 1937, in Polk, Missouri to Milton and Wilma (Payne) Inglis. Dorothy was the wife of the late Gene Felix. They were united in marriage on September 23, 1967, and were married for 50 years.

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Ruth Mary O’Hara

BUCKNER, MO - Ruth Mary O’Hara entered eternal life on January 13, 2022. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, January 22, 2022 at the Speaks Buckner Chapel, 300 Adams St. Buckner, MO 64016. Private inurnment will be held in Buckner Hill Cemetery. Although she was just shy of 98 years old, those who knew and loved her will tell you 97 years and 11 months was still, not enough time. Ruth Mary O’Hara was born on January 30, 1924 in Buckner, Missouri. She proudly attended the University of Missouri where she met her husband of 66 years, Donald O’Hara and her love of football increased tenfold. Ruth Mary raised her three children in Buckner, Missouri and her seven grandchildren will remain eternally grateful she chose to stay in that home. In addition to the memories forever etched in our minds, “Camp O’Hara” provided an opportunity for so many to go fishing, pick fresh blackberries, participate in bottle rocket wars, climb trees, drive tractors and ride horses. Speaking of horses, if you are reading this wondering, “Should horses be allowed inside my home?” The answer, according to Ruth Mary, was, “yes!” It was not uncommon for Ruth Mary to be folding laundry in the basement with her beloved, Annie, standing by her side. Ruth Mary was a lover of animals and treated them with respect and dignity, even when her grandchildren launched water balloons in their direction. Perhaps the only thing that brought more joy to Ruth Mary than her animals was her family. Ruth Mary was a constant in the lives of each one her family members. If her children, grandchildren or greatgrandchildren were participating in a track meet, football game, choir concert, or debate, that’s where you’d find her. If a family member moved out of town, Ruth Mary made a point to read their local newspaper. Ruth Mary O’Hara was a longtime member of Buckner Christian Church where she played the organ and sang in the choir. Later she was a member of Pleasant View Christian and First Church in Buckner. Ruth Mary is survived by her children, Cathy Semkin and Terry O’Hara; grandchildren, Todd Semkin, Amy Zimmerman, Jonathan O’Hara, Alisha O’Hara, Meghan Higgins, and Ryan O’Hara; and greatgrandchildren whose photos she proudly displayed and shared throughout her many years. Ruth Mary is now reunited with her loving husband Donald and her family is confident the fact-checking has begun. She is also rejoicing with her son, Dennis O’Hara; grandson, Patrick O’Hara and so many other friends and family who are celebrating her return. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Buckner Chapel (816) 650-5555)

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Carol Kay Patton

INDEPENDENCE - Carol Kay Patton, 80, of Independence, Missouri, passed away Saturday, January 15, 2022. Carol was born on February 11, 1941, in Orrick, Missouri, daughter of John and Dorothy (Woods) Coats. She was one of 4 children. Carol attended Van Horn High School and worked in the Health Room at Fort Osage High School and also in Assembly at Guys Potato Chips before retiring. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she found great joy in fellowship and friends she made there. Carol was a very social and loved visiting with family and friends. She enjoyed camping and if there was a gospel music festival around, you were sure to find her there, one of her favorites being the Fox Brothers. Carol was a very special lady and she will be deeply missed. Carol is survived by her brothers, J. Fred (Regina) Coats, Robert D. (Teri) Coats, Kelly Joe (Coleen) Coats; grandchildren; dear nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and many friends. She is preceded by her husband, Herbert Coffman; son, Jerry Patton; parents, John and Dorothy Coats. A private Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends at a later date, Spring 2022.

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