Obituaries

By NewsPress Now James “Jim” Paul Pitts, 89, passed away Nov. 6, 2024, at a rehabilitation care center in Indiana following complications from an accident. Jim was born Sept. 23, 1935, in Rushville, Missouri. He was a 1953 graduate of Benton High School. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Ora and Ruth (Berkshire)

By NewsPress Now Wanda “Kay” (Stanley) Leidy, 80, St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. She was born Jan. 27, 1944, to Lawrence and Stella (Hixson) Stanley, in Horton, Kansas. She attended Savannah, Missouri, High School. Kay also worked in retail most of her life, specifically as a gemologist for the local Kay Jewelers.

By NewsPress Now Late Notices Elaine C. Guenther Elaine C. Guenther, 91, St. Joseph, died Nov. 5, 2024. Services 1 p.m. Nov. 15, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Fr. Rene Guesnier O.S.B CONCEPTION, Mo. – Fr. Rene Guesnier, O.S.B., 91,

By NewsPress Now Theodore “Ted” George Lemon, 85, of St. Joseph, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, at his home. He was born Jan. 9, 1939, in Lenora, Kansas, to Arminda “Peggy” and Robert “Linn” Lemon. He graduated from Norton Community High School in Norton, Kansas. Ted worked as an Allstate Insurance Agent, and was

By NewsPress Now Marguerite A. (Ruhnke) Swartz, 97, St. Joseph, passed away Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at Mosaic Life Care. She was born in Wathena, Kansas, on March 5, 1927, to Dora and Paul Ruhnke Sr., who preceded her in death. Marguerite graduated from Atchison High School, in Atchison, Kansas. She worked at Chase Candy

By NewsPress Now BEL AIR, Md. – Gary D. Ballard, age 86, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Nov. 2, 2024, at the Senator Bob Hooper House in Forest Hill, Maryland. Born in St. Joseph, he was the cherished son of the late Ed and Doris Ballard and the devoted husband of Bonnie

By NewsPress Now KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Patricia “Pat” Lynn (Woyski) Jennings, 74, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Oct. 29, 2024, at her home. She is survived by her husband, Clay Jennings, of 42 years. Pat was born, Feb. 27, 1950, in St. Joseph, to the late George Woyski and Lorene (Wheeler Woyski)

By NewsPress Now Late Notices Victor R. Ury Victor R. Ury, 81, St. Joseph, passed away Nov. 5, 2024. Arrangements pending Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.

By NewsPress Now Late Notices Christopher Crossfield Christopher “Bear” Crossfield, 51, St. Joseph, passed away Oct. 31, 2024. Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1 p.m. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Visitation 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.

By NewsPress Now Ralph William Fleck, Jr., 76, St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. He was born Oct. 25, 1948, in Savannah, Missouri, to Ralph William Fleck, Sr. and LaDonna (Haddenham) Fleck. Ralph served his country in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. He married Joan Charlene Keck.

By NewsPress Now Marilyn Kay Koch 73, of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in a St. Joseph hospital. She was born Nov. 17, 1950, in Seneca, Kansas, daughter of the late Eileen and Charles Duryea, Jr. Marilyn married Eldon Koch on Jan. 9, 1971, in Seneca and he survives of the home.

By NewsPress Now Jimmie Morris Collins, 82, of St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in a Kansas City, Missouri, hospital. He was born Jan. 6, 1942, in Maryillle, Missouri, son of the late Virginia and Herschel Collins. He served in the United States Army. Jimmie as an Auto Mechanic working for John Collins

By NewsPress Now HELENA, Mo. – Patricia Lee Ueligger, 80, of Helena, Missouri passed away Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at a Wathena, Kansas health care facility. She was born Dec. 21, 1943, in St. Joseph, daughter of Maxine (Bowman) and Fred Dodd. She graduated from Lafayette High School, class of 1962. Patricia married Lloyd Uelliger

By NewsPress Now MaKenzie Dawn O’Neal, 20, St. Joseph, passed away Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. She was born Nov. 10, 2003, to Kevin E. O’Neal and Beth A. Landes, in St. Joseph. MaKenzie enjoyed spending time with her family. She enjoyed being around her baby cousins and hanging out with her sister who was also

By NewsPress Now McLean, Va. – William Merrigan, of Conception Junction, Missouri, long-time legal counsel to CIA Proprietaries and DOD, passed away at 90 in Northern Virginia. William “Bill” Merrigan, a dedicated U.S. government lawyer who served both the Department of Defense and the CIA proprietary Air America over the course of half a century

By NewsPress Now Late Notices Michael W. Carrico Michael Wayne Carrico 78, of St. Joseph, died Nov. 3, 2024. Arrangements are pending at Rupp Funeral Home. Steven Goacher Steven Goacher, 62, St. Joseph, died Nov. 1, 2024. Arrangements pending, Simplify Cremations & Funerals. Marilyn K. Koch Marilyn Kay Koch, 73, of St. Joseph, died Nov.

By NewsPress Now Mark Anthony Lukehart 55, of St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in St. Joseph. He was born Feb. 18, 1969, in St. Joseph. Mark was preceded in death by parents, Ruby and George Lukehar; sister, Arletta Bequette. Survivors brother, Donald Lukehart Sr.; and sister, Carolyn Maddock. No services scheduled at

By NewsPress Now WATHENA, Kan. – Gerald “Jerry” Oren Pritchett, 80, passed away peacefully on Oct. 29, 2024. His family was by his side at his home in Wathena, Kansas. Jerry was born on June 14, 1944, to Dorothy (Van Vacter) and Charles Pritchett. At the tender age of 13, tragedy struck his family when

By NewsPress Now Rebecca “Becki” Lee, passed away on Nov. 4, 2024, in St. Joseph, at the age of 71. Born on Feb. 12, 1953, in Carthage, Missouri, Becki’s life was marked by her loving spirit, intelligent mind and boundless energy. Becki earned a bachelor’s degree that paved the way for a diverse and impactful

By NewsPress Now RUSHVILLE, Mo. – Todd Edward Servaes, 56, of Rushville, Missouri, passed away Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at his home in Rushville, Missouri. He was born July 20, 1968, in Atchison, Kansas, son of the late Mary and Richard Servaes. He attended DeKalb High School, and then met his wife, Sonja, in 1994

By NewsPress Now Melvin Paul Sale, age 94, went to his heavenly home Nov. 1, 2024. He was born in St. Joseph. Melvin graduated from Central High School. He was a proud Navy Veteran, receiving several merits over his enlistment. Melvin was a typesetter printer for the St. Joseph News-Press and Gazette for 40 years.

By NewsPress Now Late Notices Jimmie Collins Jimmie Morris Collins, 82, of St. Joseph, passed away Oct. 31, 2024; Visitation noon to 1 p.m. with a celebration of life starting at 1 p.m. Nov. 9, 2024. Inurnment with United States Army Military honors at Memorial Park Cemetery. www.ruppfuneral.com. Mark A. Lukehart Mark Anthony Lukehart 55,

By NewsPress Now Alice Andresen, the heart of our family, passed peacefully at Benedictine Living Community on Oct, 31, 2024. She lived 90 rewarding years. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Parish Rosary 4 p.m. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where the family

By NewsPress Now ST. PETERSBERG, Fla. ­­­- Barb was kind and thoughtful to everyone and always had a smile on her face. She was a caring, loving wife who found great joy in motherhood. Barb worked at Mead Products for 30 years, making many lasting friendships there. She enjoyed spending time at the beachsearching for

By NewsPress Now Late Notices Helen I. Fare RAVENWOOD, Mo. -Helen Irene Fare, 102, of Ravenwood, Missouri, died Oct. 30, 2024. Services 11 a.m. Nov. 6 at Laura Street Baptist Church, in Maryville, Missouri. Burial Oak Lawn Cemetery, Ravenwood. Visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com Robert P. McCart Robert “Bob”

By NewsPress Now Deborah “Debbie” Ann Cline, 70, of St. Joseph, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in a health care center in St. Joseph. She was born April 26, 1954, in St. Joseph, daughter of Joyce and Fred Howard. She graduated from Lafayette High School, class of 1973, and St. Joseph Beauty School. She

By NewsPress Now Glenn E. Taylor, 83, St. Joseph, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. He was born May 8, 1941, to Charles and Thelma (Pipes) Taylor, in Greencastle, Missouri. Glenn was a beloved husband, father, and friend who lived a life dedicated to faith, family, and integrity. He began his career at the age

By NewsPress Now EDGERTON, Mo. – Cheryl Ann (Kneale) Manville, 77, of Edgerton, Missouri, passed away Oct. 30, 2024. She was born to James F. and Vivian I. (Lance) Kneale May 20, 1947, in St. Joseph. Cheryl graduated from Lafayette High School in 1965. She later attended Gard Business University in St. Joseph and worked

By NewsPress Now KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Betty Jean Moles-Specker, 97, Kansas City, Missouri, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. She was born July 11, 1927, to Thomas and Jennie (Bockiere) Musso, in Kansas City, Missouri. Betty married O.A. “Speck” Specker on June 9, 1984. Educated at Cornell College, Betty’s intellectual

By NewsPress Now Angel Nicole Stewart and Savior James Stewart, infant twins, died shortly after birth on Oct. 25, 2024. They are the children of Amanda Stewart and Thomas Urbina. They are survived by their parents and sisters, Brianna and Amaiah; a brother, Inri; and maternal grandparents, Gail Lowder and Clifford Lowder. The family will