Obituaries

Joyce Eileen Helsel, 89, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, at Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph. She was born Feb. 8, 1936, in Hastings, Nebraska, daughter of Gertrude and Carl Hlavaty. She graduated from high school in Hastings. She married Roger “Bud” Helsel on Oct. 1, 1954. Joyce retired from Methodist

Charles O. Nicholson III OMAHA, Neb. – We are saddened to announce the passing of Charles “Nick” Nicholson, 73. He passed away on Aug. 6, 2025, at home in Omaha, Nebraska. Nick is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mardi Nicholson; daughters, Erynn Butzke and Erica Nicholson; a son, Charles Nicholson IV; and six

Christopher Michael Myers, 35, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. He was born Nov. 10, 1989, in St. Joseph. He attended Savannah, Missouri, High School and graduated from Summit High School in Breckenridge, Colorado. Christopher married Mary Gnuschke on Sept. 9, 2023. He worked as a Welder with BNSF Railroad, Collision Repair

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Ken Wachendorfer, born on Jan. 13, 1958, in Redwood City, California, passed away peacefully on Aug. 9, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a beacon of kindness and a cherished figure in the lives of those who knew him. Ken’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and love will continue to strengthen

FAUCETT, Mo. – Gerald L. (Jerry) Reynolds, Faucett, Missouri, passed away on Aug. 19, 2025, leaving behind his wife, Dianna, and three children, Jerry Dewayne Reynolds, Amy Huffstutlar and David Reynolds. Jerry, son of L.M. (Max) and Lolita (Judah) Reynolds, was born at the family farm near Faucett May 19, 1943. He joined big sister,

Mary J. Brewer, 66, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, at her home, surrounded by family. She was born Sept. 30, 1958, in St. Joseph, daughter of Mary and Frederick Penland. Mary attended Rosendale High School. On April 28, 2006, she married John Brewer. She worked as a CNA at LaVerna Heights

Debora Ann Carter, 64, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, at the Oregon Care Center from complications from kidney failure. She was born May 11, 1961, in St. Joseph, daughter of Shirley (Bouge) and James Sharp. She was a 1979 graduate of DeKalb, Missouri, High School, and attended Missouri Western State College.

Betty L. Middaugh, 84, of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph. She was born Jan. 7, 1941, daughter of Irene and Cloyd Middaugh. She loved children, having cared for generations of children, working in the King Hill Baptist Nursery for over 50 years. She also enjoyed

Anna “Ann” Laura Brewer, 85, of St. Joseph, passed from this life to the next on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in St. Joseph. She was born Aug. 11, 1940, to Thomas and Florence (Alexander) Bishop. She married Marion Brewer on Aug. 14, 1960, and he preceded her in death in 1994. Ann enjoyed Bingo, fishing,

Richard Dean Gilgour, 71, of St. Joseph, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in St. Joseph. He was born Sept. 25, 1953, in Chillicothe, Missouri, son of Eloise and Robert Gilgour. He graduated from Central High School in 1971. He married Cheryl Black on June 3, 1972, and the rest became history. He served in

MARYSVILLE, Kan. – Diana L. (Bracken) Palmer, 71, Marysville, Kansas, Nov. 4, 1953 to Aug. 15, 2025. Born in Maryville, Missouri, to Harold H. and Mary C. (Osborn) Bracken. A 1971 graduate of Benton High School, in St. Joseph. In April 1982, she married Michael Palmer and retired as a Rural Mail carrier. Diana was

Anna Dell Wahlert, 95, St. Joseph, passed away Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. She was born Nov. 16, 1929, in St. Joseph, to John and Julia (Delaney) Banker. She was a 1947 graduate of Benton High School and attended St. Joseph Junior College. Anna Dell married Lowell E. Wahlert on Sept. 2, 1949. He preceded her

Phyllis Blue, 90, St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. She was born Sept. 6, 1934, in St. Joseph, to Dillard and Thelma (George) Branson. She grew up in St. Joseph and graduated from Lafayette High School. Farewell Services 1 p.m. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends one

Beverly Ann “Susie” (Gilley) Hirter, 84, St. Joseph, passed away Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at her home. She was a beloved wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, aunt, and sister. Beverly was born Sept. 2, 1940, on Labor Day, in St. Joseph, to Fred and Maxine (Brott) Gilley. Beverly grew up in St. Joseph. She graduated from

CAMERON, Mo. – Patricia (Pat) Webb, 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Aug. 12, 2025. She was born on Sept. 1, 1931, in Ironton, Missouri, to Emory and Helen (Missey) DePew. On May 11, 1951, Pat married the love of her life, Bill Webb. They settled in Cameron, Missouri, where they raised their

Sondra Sue Boucher (Barnett), 85, of St. Joseph, Missouri, peacefully at home on Aug. 16, 2025. She was born on Nov. 15, 1939, in St. Joseph, to Lloyd and Leva Barnett and graduated from Central High School in 1957. On June 19, 1957, she married the love of her life, Donald Lee Boucher, and together

Jerry Dale Brown 79, of St. Joseph, passed away Aug. 17, 2025. He was born July 23, 1946, in St. Joseph, son of Jay Dee and Rosemary (Mills) Brown. Jerry was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. Jerry joined the 1st of the 12th Calvary Airmobile serving his country

Esther N. Correll, 88, St. Joseph, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. She was born Jan. 1, 1937, to Oliver and Carrie L. (Wigger) Thornton, in Clarksdale, Missouri. She was married to James Kennard Correll on Feb. 26, 1972. Their union was a testament to their shared values until James’s

Judy Ann Fields, 80, of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Liberty, Missouri. She was born Dec. 1, 1944, in St. Joseph, daughter of, the late Virginia and Orville Kerns. Judy graduated from Gower, Missouri, High School and NW Missouri State with her Bachelor’s Degree. She went on to work at Missouri

Rebecca “Becky” Sue Kepner, 57, of St. Joseph, passed away Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in a St Joseph hospital. She was born April 9, 1968, in St. Joseph, and attended Lafayette high school. She was a homemaker. Becky is survived by her husband, Timothy Kepner, of the home; three children: Chad Grimes, Rachelle Kepner, and

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Cathy Beth Fitzsimmons, Ormond Beach, Florida, died Aug. 5, 2025. She was born Nov. 30, 1949, in St. Joseph. She was preceded in death by her son, Ridgley B. Fitzsimmons, and her father, LeRoy Hausman. Cathy is survived by her daughter, Nicole Willis (Marcus); granddaughter, Ridgley L. Willis; ; mother, Terri

FARMINGTON, Mo. – James LaBundy, 80, Farmington, Missouri, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025. He was born Dec. 15, 1944, to Harold and Kathleen (Crotan) LaBundy, in Beloit, Wisconsin. On May 9, 1970, he united his life with Laura Jane Lindsey in a marriage that was a testament to love and

LATHROP, Mo. – Andrea Kaye Taylor, 59, Lathrop, Missouri, passed away Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. She was born Oct. 20, 1965, to the late Donnis B. and Willa M. (Constant) Wilson, in Independence, Missouri. She married Norman Taylor on Sept. 26, 2015. Graduating from Lafayette High School in 1984 with a zeal for knowledge, Andrea

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Cathy Beth Fitzsimmons, Ormond Beach, Florida, died Aug. 5, 2025. She was born Nov. 30, 1949, in St. Joseph. She was preceded in death by her son, Ridgley B. Fitzsimmons, and her father, LeRoy Hausman. Cathy is survived by her daughter, Nicole Willis (Marcus); granddaughter, Ridgley L. Willis; brother, Michael Hausman

DeAnna “Dee” Kay Hatten, 85, St. Joseph, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. She was born July 14, 1940, to Don E. and Fern (Polston) Williams, in Lucerne, Missouri. She grew up in New Hampton, Missouri, then graduated from Southwest Harrison High School in Bethany, Missouri. It was there that she met her high school

Sandra M. Meeks Sandra Marlene Meeks, 72, of St Joseph, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at her home. Survivors include son, Jay Stewart (Sarah Roettgen); two brothers: Lonnie and Steve Stewart; and sister-in-law, Sherry Meeks. Full obituary and online condolences at www.ruppfuneral.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.

SAVANNAH, Mo. – Kathy K. Lance, 77, of Savannah, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Kathy was born on March 10, 1948, in St. Joseph, to the late Franklin and Erma Hubbard. She graduated from Lafayette High School and earned an Associates Degree at Missouri Western State University.

SAVANNAH, Mo. – Cleo William Parker, of Savannah, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Aug. 9, 2025, at Mosaic Hospital, at the age of 87. Born on May 20, 1938, in Cosby, Missouri. He worked for LaRon Meats for 25 years in Cosby. Cleo found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He had a deep

Melvin W. Smith, 73, of St. Joseph, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph. He was born June 16, 1952, in Cameron, Missouri, son of Margaret and Robert Smith. He worked at as a Med Aide at Bliss Manor. He was a long time band member of Footloose and

Kenneth D. Tebow, 85, of St. Joseph, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, at Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph. He was born Nov. 9, 1939, in Hayes, Kansas, son of Margaret and Clair Tebow. He graduated from Benton High School, class of 1958. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving 10