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Obituaries | April, 2009Matthew Richard Wohlers | d. April 29, 2009 Matthew Richard Wohlers, 35, of Independence, Missouri passed away on April 29, 2009 at his home. Visitation will be held at Timothy Lutheran Church from 4-5 pm on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. Funeral services will be held at 5:00 pm at the church. The family suggests memorial contributions to Ozanam (421 E 137th Street Kansas City, MO 64145 www.ozanam.org) Matthew was born on June 1, 1973 in Hannibal, Missouri. He was the son of Richard and Carolyn Fellhauer Wohlers. Matthew was a graduate of Mexico High in Mexico, Missouri. Matthew’s passion was creating meaningful lyrics to be used in songs. He cherished the time he spent with his children and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Martin Fellhauer and Leonard Wohlers; and a grandmother, Gladys Wohlers. Matthew is survived by his: Robert Earl Sullivan | d. April 28, 2009 Robert Earl Sullivan, 79, passed away on April 28, 2009. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 2:00 pm at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. Memorial contributions to the Salvation Army. Arr: Meyers Funeral Chapel 816-229-3276 Melvin D. Downing | d. April 28, 2009 Melvin D. Downing, 92, of Blue Springs, Missouri, formerly a resident of North KC, Pomme De Terre, and Table Rock Lake, passed away on April 28, 2009 at the Villages of Jackson Creek. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at Meyers Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 1, 2009 at the funeral home with Rev. Karen Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Missouri Veterans Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs Building Fund. Mel was born on April 16, 1917 in Green City, Missouri to Henry Downing and Ophelia (Gill). He served his country in the United States Army during WWII. On August 9, 1941, he was united in matrimony to Mary Evelyn Truethart, and together they enjoyed 67 years of marriage. Mel retired from Whitaker Cable as a Purchasing Manager in 1980. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs, Optimist Club of North KC, Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and a sponsor for Junior Achievement. Mel enjoyed gardening, golfing, bowling, working on his lawn and spending time on Table Rock Lake where his family loved to visit. Mel was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Delwin Downing. He is survived by his: Charlotte Jean Jayne | d. April 23, 2009 Charlotte Jean Jayne (Settle), 60, beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2009 at her longtime home in Blue Springs, Mo. Charlotte was born on June 2, 1948 in Warsaw, Mo., the daughter of Charles and Lucille Settle. She lived in Blue Springs for over 50 years, graduating from Blue Springs High School in 1966. She is survived by her three children; Karen Jayne of Blue Springs, Sharon Carpenter (husband Evan) of Illinois, and Sarah Brown (husband Gary) of Blue Springs; eight grandchildren; Nick, Briteny, Gary, Jake, Caitlyn, Hannah, Kyra, and Mallory; her mother, Lucille Settle; and two sisters; Donna Rice of Blue Springs and Becky Smith of Independence. She was preceded in death by her father and sister, Kay Fausett. With selfless devotion to her children and grandchildren, Charlotte’s loving and caring nature touched everyone in her family. Her warm and big-hearted gestures were the norm. A talented cook, she took joy in spoiling others, and holiday sugar cookies were a family staple. She possessed a fun-loving and easy-going temperament, exercising a non-judgmental approach throughout her life. The eldest sister, she was a loyal and trustworthy friend. Charlotte was an avid gardener and reader, and also frequently sewed items for newborn children in the family. She gave far more than she ever received. The family will receive friends from 10-11 am on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at Meyers Funeral Chapel. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am. Bertha-Marie Franke | d. April 22, 2009 Bertha-Marie Franke, 90, Blue Springs, MO passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2009. She was born January 12, 1919 in Boonville, MO the only child of Henry Theodore and Frieda Winkler Brewe. She was a homemaker and devout Christian. Bertha-Marie was a former member of the Blue Spring’s United Church of Christ and the Zion United Church of Christ in Arrow Rock, MO. She was united in marriage with Henry Charles Franke. Mr. Franke preceded her in death on August 31, 1983. A visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. Monday, April 27, at the Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Private interment will be held at the Arrow Rock Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Grace Hospice and may be left in care of the funeral home. Condolences and memories of Bertha-Marie may be left online at www.meyersfuneralchapel.com. (Arrangements: Meyers Funeral Chapel 1600 W. Main St. Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 229-3276) Fern Lorea McGarry Hatch | d. April 20, 2009 Fern Lorea McGarry Hatch, 93, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2009. Funeral services will be held at 7:00 P.M., on Thursday, April 23, 2009, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1416 SW 19th Street, Blue Springs, MO 64015). The family will receive friends beginning at 5:30 P.M. Fern was born on November 6, 1915, in Wendell, Idaho, to Fern Ellen Hickman and Sheridan Phillip McGarry. She was united in marriage on June 23, 1937, to Burton Dilworth Hatch in Salt Lake City, Utah. Fern attended Forestdale Elementary, Irving Junior High School and South High School, where she graduated at the age of 16. Fern was a 1941 graduate of the University of Utah. She was the first in her family to graduate from college. During her school years, Fern was active in cheerleading, dance, swimming and music. She was a life guard at the Liberty Park swimming pool and earned numerous physical education awards. Fern enjoyed teaching children, researching genealogy, attending church, and most of all, spending time with her family. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as President of the Relief Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Fern had a soft heart, reaching out to those in need and to those who desired to learn. Others always came first. A listening ear, encouragement, expressions of gratitude and tireless effort blessed all who knew her. She taught by example. Her life and her values will live on in her children and grandchildren. Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Burton Dilworth Hatch, her parents, five brothers, Durell Hickman McGarry, James Chauncy McGarry, Ernest Cullen McGarry, Wendell Hickman McGarry, and Dexter Hickman McGarry, and one sister, Vera Lillian (McGarry) Stout Fern is survived by children, Edwin Burton Hatch, Wendell Calvin Hatch, Seila Fern (Hatch) Lehnardt, William Dilworth Hatch, Linda Maureen (Hatch) Glazier, Lohrea Fay (Hatch) Petti, and Stephen McGarry Hatch; thirty-seven grandchildren and sixty-seven great grandchildren. Kendra Lorraine Duley | d. April 19, 2009 Kendra Lorraine Duley, infant daughter of Patrick Duley and Kristina Beck passed away on April 19, 2009. Visitation 1:30-2 pm, Thursday, April 30, 2009 with funeral services at 2:00 pm at Meyers Funeral Chapel (1600 W Main Blue Springs, MO 816-229.3276). Memorial contributions care of Meyers Funeral Chapel. Andrew Franklin “Frank” Wrisinger | d. April 19, 2009
Frank was born on September 23, 1936 in Lexington, MO to Alice Nelson and Andrew Francis “Teddy” Wrisinger. Frank grew up in Lexington, MO where he was known to his friends as “Frankie D.” and graduated from Lexington High School in 1954. Upon completing high school, Frank and several of his buddies joined the U.S. Navy. His buddies encouraged Frank to eat several bananas so he could gain enough weight to be accepted into the Military. Frank served his country proudly and with honor as an Air Traffic Controller in the U.S. Navy from 1954-1958. After his Military service, Frank attended the University of Missouri and completed his degree at Wentworth Military Academy where he was Valedictorian of his class. He had a distinguished and enjoyable career with the Federal Aviation Administration where he worked as an Air Traffic Controller and Supervisor for 34 years; the majority of those years were spent at the Kansas City Center in Olathe, Kansas. Frank cherished many long lasting friendships throughout his career with the Federal Aviation Administration. Frank’s most cherished treasures were raising his four sons in Lexington. He coached many baseball and football teams as well as serving as Cub Master for Cub Scout Pack 349. Frank also enjoyed spending time following his beloved Missouri Tigers and no doubt was thrilled that the Kansas City Royals were in 1st Place in their division at the home of his death. Frank is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 49 years, Janice of Blue Springs, four loving sons and their spouses, Wayne Wrisinger and his wife, LouAnn, of Independence; Marvin Wrisinger and his wife, Meg, of Lexington; Anthony “Tony” Franklin Wrisinger and his wife, Tracy, of Blue Springs; and Bill Wrisinger and his wife, Pam, of Blue Springs; and his nephew, Shawn Meyer of Lexington, who was always like a “fifth son” to his Uncle “Shank”. Frank also leaves behind eleven adored grandchildren, Brad, Jennifer, Tabitha, Nathan, Alex, Logan, Carli, Andrew Franklin II, Jack, Olivia, and Eleanor; seven great-grandchildren, Katie, Aubree, Kirsten, Emily, Joshua, Zakery, and Breanna; and two sisters, Patty Soendker and her husband, Bill, of Blue Springs and Janie Meyer Jordan of Flippin, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by a brother, Danny. Frank also leaves behind many other dear friends and family members. Frank Wrisinger was proud of his Lexington roots and to be a Missourian. During his outstanding FAA career, Frank had many opportunities for prominent positions that would have required relocation, but raising his kids in Lexington, Missouri was priceless to him. Frank’s favorite colors were the red and blue of the Lexington Minutemen and the black and gold of Ole Mizzou. Frank never missed an athletic event his sons and nephews were competing in. His sons and nephews always loved taking rides with him and listening to the Kansas City Royals on the radio. Visitation will be held at Meyers Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 from 5-8 pm. Funeral services will be held at Lexington Presbyterian Church, 914 Franklin Avenue, Lexington, MO on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 1:00 pm. The family will also receive friends one hour prior to funeral services at the church. Burial will follow at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the University of Missouri Tiger Scholarship Fund. Lucile Simpson Dodson | d. April 11, 2009 Lucile Simpson Dodson, formerly of Blue Springs, MO, devoted her life to caring for others. From her husband, Ernest, of 75 years to her grandchildren, she made her home a place of love. She died April 11, 2009 at Pleasant Valley Manor Care Center, Liberty, Mo. Lucile was born October 13, 1913, at Sibley, Mo., to Minnie Catherine Bault and David Harney Simpson. At the age of four, she began to follow her older brother to school in Sibley. To her parents’ surprise, she was promoted to the second grade at the end of the year. Lucile graduated from Grain Valley High School and married Ernest James Dodson on January 4, 1930. They resided in Jackson County, moving to Blue Springs in 1949. They moved north of Kearney in 1998 to be closer to their daughters. Their 75th Wedding Anniversary was celebrated in 2005. Lucile was legendary for her home cooking and immaculate home. She loved gardening and preserving the fruits of her labors for big family dinners. Lucile was a long time member and Sunday school teacher at Grain Valley and Blue Springs Baptist churches, and for the past 10 years a member of Northern Hills Baptist Church. She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution and the Gideons Auxiliary. Lucile is survived by her two daughters, Virginia Winters of Blue Springs and Linda (husband Richard) Dombkowski of Holt, Mo.; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren: Lisa (husband Bob Armstrong) Winters and children Ellyn and Evan of Bothell, Wash.; Janice (husband John) Faaborg and children Claire and Miles of Columbia, Mo.; Stephen Davis (wife Rebekah) and children Jacob and Emma of Blue Springs; and Julie (husband Brian) Wilson and children Jonathan and Abigaile of Kansas City; and one brother John Wilbur Simpson of Independence. Her husband, Ernest, and two brothers, Charlie and Delbert Simpson died earlier. Visitation will be held from 1-2 pm on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at Meyers Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, Thursday, at the chapel. Burial will follow at Blue Springs Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Northern Hills Baptist Church (17211 NE 180th Street Holt, Mo 64048). Donald “Stoney” Howard | d. April 10, 2009 Donald “Stoney” Howard, 82, of Carrollton, Missouri passed away on April 10, 2009 at Carroll County Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be held from 6-7:30 pm on Monday, April 13, 2009 at the First Baptist Church in Carrollton, MO. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 10:00 am at the church. Burial with full military honors will follow at Carroll Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Kimberly Lynn Miller Scholarship. Stoney was born on December 13, 1926 in Carrollton, MO to Charles and Tempy (Scott) Howard. He graduated from Carrollton High School in 1945 and went on to serve his country during WWII in the U.S. Army in the Medical Field. On December 13, 1953, he was united in marriage to Betty C. Hanavan, and together they enjoyed 55 years of marriage and were blessed with three beautiful girls. Stoney was a member of the VFW #1773 and had served as Post Commander from 1988-1989 and was a lifetime member; he was also a member of Wakanda #52 and served 50 years as a Master Mason. Stoney was a lifetime supporter of the Carroll County Museum and was a member of the American Legion Post #580 in Waverly, MO. Stoney loved to be busy and would be glad to offer his help to anyone he met. He loved to spend time with his family and especially his grandchildren. He was a very tender-hearted man who will be missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles, Jr., Paul, Robert, Chester, David, and Daniel Howard; and granddaughter, Kimberly Miller. Stoney is survived by his wife, Betty of the home; children, Peggy Miller & husband, Ed of Carrollton, MO, Joyce Mistler & husband, Steve of Troy, MO, Connie Anderson & husband, Richard of Belton, MO; siblings, Frances Collins of Clinton, MO, Marguerite Adair & husband, Gene of Independence, MO, Kenny Howard & wife, Bonnie of Wheatland, MO, Larry Howard of Holt, MO; beloved grandchildren, Eric(Nicole) Miller, Kelly Mistler, Korrie Mistler, Lauren Mistler, Jamie Anderson, Morgan Anderson, Carter Anderson; and two great-grandchildren, Emily and Calley Miller. Teresa Jo Carrera-Smith | d. April 7, 2009 Teresa Jo Carrera-Smith, 57, of Grain Valley, Missouri passed away on April 7, 2009. Private family services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Terry Carlyle Whitten | d. April 6, 2009 Terry Carlyle Whitten, 76, of Blue Springs, Missouri passed away on April 6, 2009 at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Friday, April 10, 2009 at Meyers Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Blue Springs Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Michael McGaw Foundation, care of Timothy Lutheran Church. Terry was born on September 29, 1932 in Peoria, IL to Dewayne and Elizabeth (Hunt) Whitten. He attended the University of Illinois, where obtained his Bachelor’s degree. Terry served his country during the Korean War from 1951-1953. On January 29, 1965, he was united in marriage to Kathryn McAffee, and together they enjoyed 32 years of marriage until her death in 1997. Terry was employed by the Los Angeles County Engineering as an Engineering Inspector for over 25 years, retiring in 1988. He was a member of the Blue Springs Elks Lodge #2509. Terry loved to play golf and sing the bass part in big band and jazz music. Terry was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathryn; and grandson, Michael McGaw. He leaves behind his: Gregory Lee Pratt | d. April 5, 2009 Gregory Lee Pratt, 65, of Blue Springs, Missouri passed away on April 5, 2009 at St. Mary’s Medical Center. The family will receive friends from 6-7 pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at Meyers Funeral Chapel. Memorial services will be held at 7:00 pm in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation ( P.O. Box 96280 Washington, DC 20077). Greg was born on May 20, 1943 in Independence, Missouri to James and Kathryn (Howard) Pratt. He was a graduate of William Chrisman High School, class of 1961. On February 7, 1981, he was united in marriage to Kathy (Gray). Greg worked for over 40 years in the auto parts industry, and most recently at O’Reilly Auto Parts on South 7 Hwy in Blue Springs as a Dealer Specialist. Greg had a passion for working on automobiles, especially classic cars. He will be truly missed. He was preceded in death by his father, James and brother, Bob Pratt. Greg leaves behind his: |
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Andrew Franklin “Frank” Wrisinger, 72, of Blue Springs, MO, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle passed away on April 19, 209. Frank died unexpectedly at home, but had been valiantly dealing with Parkinson’s disease for several years.