Obituaries
Mark Eric Smothers
Oct 9, 2026
Mark Eric Smothers was born on August 4, 1960. He already had a 3 year old sister April Lynn. We lived in a small rented house on the outskirts of the city, but had a large yard and a wooded hillside to play in. From the very beginning, he liked mechanical things- and would "work" on his tricycle.
He always wanted...
Mitsuko "Mitzi" Knight
Oct 6, 2026
Mitsuko Knight
March 11, 1930 - October 6, 2026
To understand the depth of Mitzi’s spirit, we have to look back to where her story began. She was born on March 11, 1930, in Hokkaido, Japan to Mitsugi and Yone Kanno —the third of eight children. Growing up in a place known for its harsh, snowy winters but also its breathtaking, resilient...
Betty Marie Tillery
Sep 16, 2026
In Loving MemoryBetty Marie Goins Tillery was born July 6, 1932 in Everton, Arkansas to Orson Daniel Goins and Stella Marie Dale Goins. Betty passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026. Betty was the third child of four. She graduated from Fairland Oklahoma High School.Shortly after graduating, she met a young carpenter who was in town building a new house....
Naoma Suzanne Nelsen
Sep 11, 2026
Naoma Suzanne Nelsen was born on May 26, 1965, in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, to Royal and Wyona Nelsen. On September 11, 2026, surrounded by God's love and grace, Naoma peacefully entered her heavenly home.
From an early age, Naoma's faith was the foundation of her life. She attended Pape Christian Church, where she was active in the youth group and...
Bruce Mellenbruch
Sep 11, 2026
Bruce Mellenbruch age 58 of Rich Hill, MO passed away Sept. 11, 2026 at the Bates Memorial Hospital in Butler, MO. Bruce is survived by his wife Chanda Mellenbruch of the home, his mother Norma Lea Mellenbruch, Rich Hill, children Colton & Kassity Mellenbruch, Kendra & Josh Smith, Brittany & Dakota Williams, Brenna Tourtillott, and 8 grandchildren. One brother Mike...
Janice Bolser
Sep 11, 2026
Janice Rosalie (Wheatley) Bolser passed away September 11, 2026, at Medicalodges, Butler, MO. She was born January 19, 1934 to Fred Oliver and Nell Ayer Wheatley of rural Rich Hill, Missouri. Janice “Janny”, the youngest of 9 children grew up on the family farm east of town and attended country school before attending high school in Rich Hill. Ronald Bolser...
Wilma Gier
Aug 24, 2026
Wilma Maxine Gier, 92, of Adrian, MO, formerly of Rich Hill, MO, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2026 in Harrisonville, MO. A visitation will be held at Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill, MO on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 5:00 p.m.. A private family graveside service will be held...
Bobby Wayne West Sr.
Aug 3, 2026
Bobby Wayne West Sr., age 58, passed away unexpectedly at his home on August 3, 2026.
Born on October 4, 1967, Bobby was a man known for his big smile, boisterous laugh, and exceptionally friendly demeanor. He possessed an amazing sense of humor and was quite the prankster, making him a favorite uncle among many. A talented mechanic by trade, Bobby...
Brandon Daniel Luther
Aug 3, 2026
Brandon Daniel Luther, 27, of Nevada, Missouri, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, following a lengthy illness.
Brandon was born on June 9, 1999, to Bobby Luther and Maryann (Dilly) Luther. He attended the Sheldon R-VIII School District and graduated with the Class of 2017. Following graduation, he attended Missouri...
Kathy Lynn Coffman
Aug 3, 2026
Kathryn Lynn (Christopher) Coffman, age 71 of Nevada, MO, passed away Monday. August 3rd, after a short illness. Kathy was born to William “Bill” and Colleen (Rankin) Christopher on March 13. 1955. She spent an idyllic childhood in Rich Hill MO, surrounded by family and a plethora of friends. She accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an...
Debra Lynn Miller
Jul 31, 2026
Debra "Debbie" Lynn Miller, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of Friday, July 31, at the age of 69.
Debbie was born on March 20, 1957, in Rich Hill, Missouri, to Delbert "Deb" and Mary "Joan" Swarnes.
She married Dennis Coonce in March 1975, and together they welcomed two children, Slade Coonce...
Ross Chitsus Yamashita
Jul 15, 2026
Ross Chitsuo Yamashita lived 60 full years and the last third completely in love with his wife, Tanya. He was a very intentional, steady, practical, and hardworking man. Always up for a new adventure, Ross raced through the mountains, surfed in the ocean, moved across the country, and even founded his own construction company. Ross rarely went anywhere without a...
Larry Jilek
Jul 9, 2026
Larry Jilek was born September 15, 1939 to Albert & Henrietta Martin Jilek in Crystal Lake, Iowa. He was one of five children. He attended school and graduated from Adrian High School. He worked in construction for most of his life. He later was a truck driver before retirement. He married Eva Jackson in 1974. She preceded him in death...
Ella Mae Rich
Jul 2, 2026
-Ella Mae Rich, a lifelong resident of Rich Hill, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026 at the age of 98. She devoted her life to her family, her community, and serving others with kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. On January 27, 1951, Ella Mae married the love of her life, Marvin Rich. Together they built a loving home...
Vicky Jane Cumpton
Jun 22, 2026
Vicky Jane Cumpton, the daughter of Eugene and LuAnn Newcomb, was born on January 15, 1957; and after receiving her heavenly body, leapt into the arms of her Savior on June 22, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. Little Sister to Genia, and big sister to Ron and Francy.
On May 6 1977 she married Allen Cumpton and from this union she...
Albert "AF" Finch Yarick
Jun 12, 2026
Albert Finch “AF” Yarick, age 84 of Rich Hill, MO, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026 at Saint Luke’s East in Lee’s Summit, MO. He was born May 23, 1942, in Fort Scott, KS. The second of three children to Frank and Thelma Yarick.
He grew up on the family farm west of Rich Hill. Attending grade school in Sprauge,...
Terri Ann Ellis
Jun 8, 2026
Terri Ann (McCormick) Ellis left us early in the morning on Monday, June 8, 2026, at age 74,
Terri was born to Martin Russell McCormick and Lois Alene (Westerhold) McCormick in Wichita Falls, TX on May 22, 1952. Her father was serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, and Terri was born on the base hospital. Her arrival was...
Violet Turman
Jun 7, 2026
In Loving Memory of Violet Dunnahay Turman March 18, 1938 – June 7, 2026
Our family lovingly remembers our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Violet Dunnahay Turman, who departed this life on June 7, 2026, at the age of 88.
Violet leaves behind a lifetime of love, strength, and devotion to her family. Her caring heart touched many lives. Her love was...
Gail M Jones
May 19, 2026
Gail Marie Jones has cracked off.
It was important to her that we said it just like that, because that's who she was: a total hoot!
Gail, or Gail Re to her family, was born in Rich Hill, Missouri, on April 18, 1953 to Carley Franklin and Alta Mae (Swope) Jones. She graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1971 and spent...
Rita Lee Rayburn
May 1, 2026
Rita Lee Rayburn of Peculiar, Missouri, was born on January 27, 1943. Daughter of the late Forrest Briscoe of Foster, Missouri and Ethelyn (Potter) Briscoe of Sprague, Missouri. Rita was the youngest of four girls, and she cherished her three older sisters, Velma, Mary Kathryn, and Betty Jean. Rita departed this life peacefully on May 1st, 2026.
Rita leaves behind sons...
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