Paul Ray Everett, 74, died April 23, 2024, at Stormont Vail in Topeka. He was born August 3, 1949, in Peabody to Paul J. and Ruby (Swift) Everett. Paul graduated from Chase County High School and Emporia State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business. Paul retired as a warehouse supervisor.  He was an avid fisherman, loved barbequing, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers. On May 31, 1969, Paul married Sandra Range. They later...

James Lee Bailes, 47, died April 19, 2024, at his home in Strong City. He was born December 5, 1976, in Emporia, to Quentin and Harriett (Chowning) Bailes. James rodeod all through high school. After high school he moved to the Kansas City area where he got his CDL and became an over the road driver. He hauled golf carts for over 20 years. During this time he was part of the Nascar circuit some. He also attended free concerts at events like Lollapalooza, Country Thunder, and Country...

Lucy Virginia (Campbell) Pritchett, 100 years old, formerly of Cottonwood Falls, peacefully passed away on April 7, 2024 at Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton, KS. Lucy was born August 22, 1923 to May (Dawson) and Joel Campbell in Plymouth, KS. She married Harry J. Pritchett on September 15, 1940 at the Chase County Courthouse. They lived in Chase County until his retirement. They then moved to Florence for 15 years. They later moved to Kidron Bethel where they lived the better part of...

Cleta Mae (Carpenter) Scott, 92, peacefully went to meet her Lord and Savior on March 30, 2024, at her home in Strong City. She was born June 26, 1931, in Cedar Point, to Gustave and Ida (Piper) Carpenter. Cleta graduated from Cedar Point High School in 1949. On October 24, 1949, she married Vernon L. Scott in Florence. They shared 32 years of marriage before he passed away on December 1, 1981. Most of her life she was a homemaker and caregiver. She and Vernon purchased and operated the...

Ethel Lou Swift, 81, formerly of Americus, died March 14, 2024, at Holiday Resort in Emporia. She was born January 11, 1943, in Galveston, TX, to Charlie and Early Bird (Langwell) Wilson. Ethel was the donut maker for Casey’s before retiring. In her free time, she enjoyed reading and spending time with her family. On June 19, 1982, she married Delbert Swift in Americus. They shared almost 42 years of marriage. Ethel is survived by: husband, Delbert; children, Paul Self, Charla Self...

Dennis was invited to worship and praise the Lord in His very presence from now into eternity. The invitation read: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28  Dennis entered into rest on February 24, 2024, at Presbyterian Manor, Emporia. He was born March 18, 1947, in Lafe, AR, to Clinton “C.W.” and Minerva (Lohmann) Koch.  Dennis was adopted as a child of God when he was baptized on April 13, 1947 and confirmed...

Harold E. Steadman, 88, died February 7, 2024, at Presbyterian Manor in Emporia, KS. He was born September 10, 1935, in Clements, KS to Dewey A. and Elda M. (Martin) Steadman. Harold graduated from Strong City High School. He retired from Reno - Apac Construction after driving weekly to KC for 32 years working as Heavy Equipment Mechanic and was proud to be part of Operating Engineers 101 Union.  In 1969, he started a local dirt/gravel excavation business with wife Shirley and co-owned...

Franklin “Frank” W. Buffington, 84, died February 7, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 13, 1940, in Cottonwood Falls, to Robert H. and Annie Esther (McClean) Buffington. Frank graduated from Toledo Township High School in 1957. He retired as a maintenance engineer from Dolly Madison. Frank enjoyed hunting and fishing and attending Saffordville Men’s Breakfast Club weekly. His favorite hobby was farming and being devoted to John Deere. Frank...

Dennis “Denny” Ray Collins, 72, of Strong City, passed away January 13, 2024. Dennis was born on March 26, 1951, to Vernie and Hazel (Ramsey) Collins at Stubenhofer Maternity Home in Strong City. He attended Strong City Grade School and graduated from Strong City High School in 1970. He served two years in the United States Army from June 1971 to June 1973. Dennis and Shirley Talkington were married March 6, 1975, in which they shared 48 years of marriage. To this union they had...

Garry was born January 27, 1941, at the Stubenhofer Home in Strong City, KS, and passed away unexpectedly at home on December 30, 2023. He attended Cottonwood Falls School, graduating high school in 1959. He played football and basketball, even claiming the nickname “crazy legs Mott.” He then attended College of Emporia on a football scholarship where he played in the Mineral Water Bowl, in which he bragged about winning decades after. He was drafted into the army in August of...