Obituaries | October, 2008

Elma Josephine (Josie) Airing | d. October 27, 2008

Josephine Aring, 94, of Kansas City North, passed away Monday, October 27, 2008 at her home. Funeral services will be conducted 2:00p.m. Friday, October 31, 2008 at the Meyers Funeral Chapel Northland, Parkville, MO with Pastor David Overman officiating. Burial will follow at East Slope Cemetery, Riverside, MO. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00p.m. Thursday, October 30, 2008 at the funeral home. Condolences and memories of Josie may be shared with the family online at www.meyersfuneralchapel.com.

Josie was born February 14, 1914 near Parkville, MO to Ernest and Elizabeth Schoonover. She graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1932. Josie worked for F.W. Woolworth and Park Hill Food Service. She was a member of the Park Hill Baptist Church.

Josie married Bill Aring on August 19, 1942 in Hyannis, MA. They spent 60 wonderful years together. Mr. Aring preceded her in death in 2003. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Wilber Schoonover; 2 sisters, Ernestine Scrivens and Ruby Richards.

Survivors include two sons, Melvin Aring of Dolan Springs, AZ and Gary Aring of the home; two grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Josie will be missed by her family and friends but she will always and forever be loved.

Walter Ferdinand Besser, III | d. October 26, 2008

Walt Besser, 46, resident of North Kansas City, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2008 at his residence. He was born May 5, 1962 in Kansas City, MO to Walter F. and Rosella Lucas Besser, Jr. They preceded him in death. He attended schools in North Kansas City and graduated from the North Kansas City High School.

Walt was employed by International House of Pancakes. Prior to that he worked for Liberty Tax Service and was the ‘Statue of Liberty’ for the Snake Saturday Parade in NKC, MO and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a former member of the Platte City Baptist Church. He enjoyed making model figures, fishing and camping. Walt had a great outlook on life and enjoyed everyday he was blessed with.

Walt was the youngest of the four children of Walter & Rosella Besser, Jr. He is survived by his girlfriend, Carolyn Stanton, two brothers, Ronald Lee Besser, Sr. and wife Delores of Kennewick, WA and Clifford E. Besser and wife Cindy of Kansas City North; one sister, Elizabeth (Beth) Rose Besser of Gladstone, MO. Other survivors include Walt’s two nephews Chad Flickinger and Ron Besser, Jr.

A celebration of Walt’s life will be held 10:00a.m. Saturday, November, 1, 2008 at the Meyers Funeral Chapel Northland. In honor of Walt’s wishes, his remains will be cremated. Burial of the cremated remains will take place 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 3, 2008 at Rochester Cemetery in Topeka, KS. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to either the Brain Injury Association of Greater Kansas City, (BIAKS) 6405 Metcalf, Suite #302 Overland Park, KS 66202 or The World Impact Inc., 2001 S. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90007, To learn more about these organizations please visit their websites at www.biaks.org and www.worldimpact.org. As you know, BIA was instrumental in improving the quality of Walt’s life and World Impact is the employer of Ron & Jenn Besser, Jr. Please make checks payable to BIAKS or World Impact and designate #3126 on the memo line.

Walt accepted whatever life dealt him with a childlike wonder and enthusiasm. He was always finding ways to give and help others. With this love of life that Walt possessed, he had in February of 2008 registered to be an organ donor and the day before Walt died, he had directed his sister to send a monthly contribution to Ron & Jenn Besser’s ministry as the serve Christ at Deer Creek Camp/World Impact, Inc. in Bailey, Colorado.

Eileen Garrett | d. October 25, 2008

Eileen Garrett, 93, longtime Kansas City North resident, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2008 at home with her family at her bedside.  She was born May 31, 1915 in Kansas City, MO to Kelly A. and M. Ione Davis Cochell.  She graduated from the Stafford High School in 1934.

She and Paul E. Garrett were united in marriage on January 18, 1942 in Northview, MO.  He preceded her in death on June 19, 2006.  She previously worked for the W.E. Isle Co. for many years and prior to that was employed by Kline’s Department Store. Following retirement she worked as a caregiver for Sara Care Sitting Services and many other families.  She was very active with the Winding River Girl Scout Council and the R-5 School District PTA.  She was a homemaker, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and dedicated caregiver.  Eileen was a founding member of the Northmoor United Methodist Church where she was very active for many years.

Her parents, husband, two brothers and three sisters preceded her in death, as well as a granddaughter, Deena Pearson in 2005.  Survivors include four daughters, Marjorie Argeropoulos of Kansas City, KS; Beverly Rooks of Sibley, MO; Deloris Sue Garrett of Liberty, MO and Mary Lou Garrett of Liberty, MO.  She also leaves 5 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00a.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at the Northmoor United Methodist Church.  Cremation will follow the service.  The family will receive friends for one hour prior to services at the church.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Northmoor United Methodist Church. 

Dale Westlund | d. October 24, 2008

Dale Westlund, 80, longtime Lake Waukomis, MO resident, passed away Friday, October 24, 2008 at the Garden Valley Manor in Kansas City North. He was born November 30, 1927 in Odin, MN to Maynard and Mabel Syverson Westlund. He attended St. James High School in St. James, MN. He was a veteran of the United States Navy where he served during World War II.

He married Alice Nordgaarden on February 11, 1956 in Winger, MN. She survives of the home. He worked as a photographer in Minnesota for many years. In 1958 Dale and Alice made Kansas City their home. He worked as an Automobile Salesman for various dealerships in the Kansas City area. He was a longtime member of the Platte Woods United Methodist Church and a member of the VFW Post # 7356 of Parkville. He enjoyed bowling in his earlier years and was an avid golfer.

His parents, two brothers, Orland and Marlyn Westlund, and one sister, Ardis Snyder preceded him in death. In addition to his wife Alice, he is survived by one son, Terry Westlund and wife Debbie of Overland Park, KS; one daughter, Cheryl Gee and husband Joe of Irvine, CA; 2 sisters, Eunice Mutch of Jensen Beach, FL, Myrna Quiring, Mt. Lake, MN and four grandchildren, Jamie and Tara Westlund of Overland Park, KS, and Julieanne and Jaclyn Gee of Irvine, CA.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00a.m. Thursday, October 30, 2008 at the Platte Woods United Methodist Church with Dr. Steve Breon officiating. A committal service will follow at 1:30p.m. at Leavenworth National Cemetery with military honors under the auspices of the United States Navy Honor Guard. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to services at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Platte Woods United Methodist Church.

Kent Karl Williams | d. October 24, 2008

Kent Karl Williams, 73, Mustang, OK, formerly of Kansas City North, passed away Friday, October 24, 2008 in Oklahoma City, OK.  He was born April 4, 1935 in rural Harrison County, MO to Leslie and Fern Cole Williams.  He attended North Kansas City High School and graduated from Park Hill High School.  He attended William Jewell College in Liberty, MO and Park College in Parkville, MO.  He was a veteran of the United States Army.

He and Vicki Sheller were united in marriage on January 9, 1998 in Oakwood, GA.  She survives of the home.  He was a Christian. 

Kent retired from Baxter International in Atlanta, GA where he served as a customer service manager.

His parents and first wife, Patricia Williams preceded him in death.  In addition to his wife Vicki, he is survived by his son, Mark Williams of Phoenix, AZ; a brother, Buzz Williams of Smithville, MO; a sister, Vivian Daigle of Kenner, LA and two grandchildren, Karl and Kendra Williams of Phoenix, AZ.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00a.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at the Meyers Funeral Chapel Northland in Parkville, MO.  Interment will follow at the East Slope Cemetery in Riverside, MO with military honors under the auspices of the Missouri Funeral Honors Program.  There is no scheduled visitation.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating blood to your local blood bank. 

Robert P. Fisher | d. October 19, 2008

R. P. “Bob” Fisher, 71 of Platte Woods, MO passed away Sunday, October 19, 2008 at the St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO. He was born April 7, 1937 in Clarksdale, MO to Bernard L. and Glatha I. Obermier Fisher. In his later childhood years, he was raised by his mother, Glatha and stepfather, Ira Grimes. He attended schools in Clarksdale, MO and graduated from the Faucett High School, Faucett, MO. He graduated from the United States Trade School in Kansas City, MO and attended Drury College in Springfield, MO.

Bob started out as a mechanic for International Truck and Engine Corporation in St. Joseph, MO. Forty eight years later he retired from Navistar as a National Account Manager for the Fleet Service Division. He was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, National Highway Safety Transportation Board, Past President of the Mo-Kan International Harvesters and Past President of the Faucett High School Reunion Panning Committee. He was a member of the St. Therese Catholic Church.

He was united in marriage with Carolyn Delaney on April 8, 1961 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Joseph, MO. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors include 3 daughters, Mary Beth Fisher, Platte Woods, MO, Carrie-Ann Fisher Jordan and husband Christopher, Zionsville, IN and Jane Marie Quinn and husband Scott, Kansas City, MO; 1 brother, Leon Fisher and wife Mary Ellen, Liberty, MO; 5 sisters, Florence Sale and husband Earl, St. Joseph, MO, Ruth Foote, Kansas City, MO, Mary Grimes and husband Ernest, St. Joseph, MO, Roberta Stanton and husband Virgil of St. Joseph, MO and LaVerne Gerlt, Vero Beach, FL; 1 Sister in Law, Mary Alice Robertson, St. Joseph, MO; 1 brother in law, Maurice Delaney and wife Diane, St. Joseph, MO, 3 grandchildren, Iris C. Jordan, Elizabeth “Lily” Quinn and Solomon L. Jordan; numerous nieces & nephews and great nieces and great nephews as well as many longtime friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, a brother in law, Richard Robertson, a brother in law Bernie Delaney and his wife Nikki.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at St. Therese Catholic Church, 7207 N.W. 9 Highway, Kansas City, MO with Father Mike Roach as Celebrant. Mr. Fisher will be cremated following the service. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at St. Therese, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. under the direction of Father Pat Tobin. Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Therese Building Fund or Harvesters and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Patricia Halstead | d. October 11, 2008

Patricia Halstead, 70, Parkville, MO, passed away Saturday, October 11, 2008 at her home. She was born April 5, 1938 in Shenandoah, IA. to Verle Oram and Florence Maxine Beck Halstead. They preceded her in death. She attended high school in Newark, OH. She was a licensed Massage Therapist.

She is survived by 1 daughter, Catherine A. Ginther of Parkville; 2 sons, Raymond W. Horning of Gainesville, VA and Matthew D. Horning of Riverside, MO; 1 sister, Joyce Rowe of Oklahoma and 5 grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 1 brother, Donald Halstead.

Cremation has been completed under the direction of the Meyers Funeral Chapel Northland in Parkville. There are no scheduled services.

Evelyn A. Cross | d. October 5, 2008

Evelyn A. Cross, 96, Kansas City North passed away Sunday, October 5, 2008 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 1, 1912 in Douglas, Neb. to Albert and Myrtle Roberts Lee. She graduated from Lincoln High School, Lincoln, Nebraska and received her BA and MA in Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She spent the majority of her working years teaching fifth grade at the Harrison Public School in Omaha. She was a former member of the First Christian Church in Omaha and currently attended Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Kansas City. She married Henry C. Cross on May 28, 1937 in Lincoln, NE. Mr. Cross preceded her in death in 1985.

Survivors include, a daughter, Kathleen M. Cross, Kansas City, MO; 1 sister, Nancy Hilburn, Omaha, NE; 2 grandchildren, Andy Gard and wife Scarlett, Kansas City, MO and Rachel Gard, Kansas City, MO; 2 nephews, Richard Hilburn and wife Beverly of Omaha, NE and their children Mark and Katie, Odell Newkirk and wife Debbie of Columbia, MO and their son Brian; 3 nieces, Susan Johnson and husband Todd of Duluth, MN and their children, Hilary and Matthew, Orinda Prell, Columbia, MO, Del Konopka and husband Rick of Ankeny, IA and their children, Matthew and Sara; and longtime family friends, the Robert and Kerry McCarty families, Clarence, MO.

The funeral service will be conducted 10:30 A.M. Friday, October 10, 2008 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church with Pastors Neil and Sacia Vik officiating. Cremation will follow the service with burial of the cremated remains in Omaha, NE. The family will receive friends from 9:30 A.M. until time of service Friday at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 5409 NW 72nd St. Kansas City, MO 64151.

Bette Jean Perkins | d. October 1, 2008

Bette Jean Perkins, 78, Gladstone, MO passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at the North Kansas City Hospital. She was born August 29, 1930 in McCook, NE to Earl and Winifred Bruce Stevens. They preceded her in death. She attended schools in McCook and graduated from the McCook High School.

She spent the majority of her working years as a bookkeeper for the former Whittaker Furniture Company in North Platte, NE. She was a Christian by faith.

She married Albert Dale Perkins on August 29, 1930 in Julesburg, CO. Mr. Perkins preceded her in death in 2003.

Survivors include 3 sons; Richard J. Weese, Kansas City North, Ronald J. Weese, Albuquerque, NM and Jerold L. Perkins, Kansas City North; 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Mrs. Perkins has been cremated under the direction of the Meyers Funeral Chapel Northland in Parkville, MO. A private family committal service will be held at the Ft. McPherson National Cemetery in Brady, NE. Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donorʼs choice and may be left in care of the funeral home.