Ruth Marie Parker, 83, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away on Monday, August 31, 2020 at the NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, Mo. Ruth was born on March 31, 1937 in Kansas City, Kans., to Charles Henry Parker and Thelma (Morris) Parker. Ruth had lived in Toledo, Ohio for a number of years before moving back to the Kansas City area in 1986. She had worked for a number of years as a Parking Lot attendant in Kansas City.

Ruth was an avid lover of most sports, and especially loved the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. She especially loved her family and spending time with them and getting together for the annual family picnic.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Howard G. Parker, Charles Allen Parker, and Clifford Edward Parker; four sisters, Daisy Rose Parker, Beverly Ann VanSkike, Thelma Charlene Parker and Dorothy Louise Brownine.

She is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Charlene M. Taylor-Gray and husband, Mark A. Gray of Independence, Mo., and Ann Marie Backman of Norwood, Ohio; a sister, Alma Jean VanSkike and husband, Harry A. VanSkike of Orrick, Mo.; her four grandchildren, Joshua Aaron Taylor-Spurlock, Jarad Kenan Gray, Henry James Backman and Vickie Lynn Backman; and two great grandchildren, John Henry Backman and Anthony James Backman.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, Mo. Graveside services will follow at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, at South Point Cemetery near Orrick with Rev. Michael Mohr officiating.

Wreatha Sue Barber, 83, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2020 at the Apple Ridge Care Center in Waverly, Mo. Wreatha was born on April 10, 1937 in White Lake, Wisc., to Sidney Kindle and Sarah Margaret (Mitchell) Kindle.  She moved with her family as a child to Lexington, Mo., and lived much of her life there. She was united in marriage to Robert L. Barber, Sr. in a ceremony in Lexington, Mo., in 1953. He preceded her in death.

Wreatha was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Waverly, Mo. She got great enjoyment doing word search puzzles, playing bingo and attending family gatherings and visiting with her kinfolks. She also enjoyed going to garage sales.

Wreatha was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Barber, Sr.; her parents, Sidney and Sarah Kindle; a son, Steven A. Barber; three brothers and two sisters.

She is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, Robert L. Barber, Jr. and wife, Amy of Warsaw, Mo., Chris F. Barber and wife, Linda of Wausau, Wisc., and Audy M. Barber of Coos Bay, Ore.; daughter and son-in-law, Vicky Stahnke and husband, Danny of Athens, Wisc.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Rev. Marvin Kindle (Debbie) of White Lake, Wisc., and Jim Kindle (Joann) of Montana; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Nova Ellis (Larry) of Racine, Wisco., and Sandy Radkiet of Kenosha, Wisc. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

The family will greet friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2020 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick with funeral services following at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Lewis Cemetery, northeast of Orrick, Mo.

Condolences

I am so sorry to hear of Aunt Toddy’s passing. I can still remember the last family reunion we had with her. All the kindle kids were telling their stories and nobody told it the same way!! She will be so missed here but Heaven got another angel.
Pam (Kindle) Gast

Joyce L. Lillard was born March 23, 1943. She lived to be 77 years old. Our wonderful mother went to be with her sister and parents on Sunday, July 26, 2020.

She leaves behind two sons, Chris and Troy; three grandchildren, Justin and his wife Rachel, Kimsey and Kaycee; two great grandsons, Case and Karson; two nieces, Dee Ann, who was like a daughter, and Cheryl; one nephew, Jeff; one ex daughter-in-law, Sally; and Kerri.

Joyce worked and retired from Whitaker Cable in Excelsior Springs, Shelbyville, Ky., and Manhatten, Kans. Joyce retired as a Supervisor. She loved to play Bingo. Her and her sister would travel to other states to play. Later in her life she developed a love for Royals and Chiefs. We were so happy she got to see them both win championships! She was also a selfless person, taking time off to care for her dying sister. Always worrying about others before herself. She’s at peace now with God and she won’t be forgotten.

Private services to be held by the family. Cards can be sent to Troy and Chris Lillard, 318 Virginia Rd., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.

Pamela Ann Heflin, age 69, of Richmond, Missouri, passed away Thursday, July 23, 2020 in Liberty Hospital. Pam was born and raised in Orrick, Missouri, the daughter of Euel and Blanche (Tucker) Woods.

Pam worked for Wilcox Electric Co. of Kansas City, Missouri, for several years where she assembled electronics. From there, she worked for and retired from Lear Corporation.

Pamela is preceded in death by her parents; son, Jason Heflin; five sisters, Myra O’Dell, Marilyn Greer, Carol Keegan, Linda Nail, and Sharon Wesley; nephew, Mike Keegan; and niece, Gayle Nicoli.

She is survived by her grandson, Carter Alan Heflin, and several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Pam was loved dearly by all who knew her. She requested that there be no visitation and wanted a private graveside service. The family will honor those wishes and be with her when she is laid to rest next to her beloved son, Jason. Pam requested memorial contributions in her memory be made to the Humane Society or ASPCA.

Shirley Gene Battagler, 87, of rural Orrick, Mo., passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at Liberty Hospital. Shirley was born on the family farm near Orrick, on October 1, 1932, to Frank and Nettie (Hessenflow) Battagler. He had lived his entire life around Orrick and near where his life began. He was a lifelong farmer. He had attended Excelsior Springs High School and graduated with the class of 1950. He had served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict in the 1950’s. Shirley was united in marriage to Rosemary Mills, Rosemary preceded him in death on June 22, 2004.

Shirley loved to watch TV western shows, eat biscuits and gravy, and eat at the Mill Inn on Sundays and Wednesdays in Excelsior Springs. He also enjoyed his family and being with them. Shirley also loved and enjoyed being a farmer.

Shirley was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rosemary Battagler on June 22, 2004, and his son, Robert Donald “Bobby Don” Battagler on July 23, 2013. He was also preceded in death by  his brothers, Wilbur Battagler, Fred Battagler, Howard Battagler, C.W. Battagler, and Robert Battagler, and a sister, Mae Magdeline Hill.

He is survived by nephews, Alan Battagler and Gary Battagler of Orrick, Mo., Kurt Hill of Norwalk, Calif., and Donnie Battagler of Claycomo, Mo.; nieces, Joyce Battagler and Karen Koerner of Orrick, Mo., and Carolyn Sims of Mulvane, Kans.; and a sister-in-law, Nadine Battagler of Orrick, Mo. Also surviving are numerous great nieces and nephews.

Shirley will lie in state from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 2020 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, where friends may come by to pay respects.

Graveside services with full military honors will be held on Monday, June 29, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Union Cemetery northwest of Orrick.

Memorials are suggested to Union Cemetery Association in his memory.

David Henry Schjoll, 78, of Orrick, Mo., passed away early Wednesday morning, June 17, 2020 at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond, Mo., following a lengthy illness.

David was born on January 7, 1942 in Minneapolis, Minn., to Derwood Horace Schjoll and Elaine Juliet (Jardet) Schjoll. David had lived in numerous states before moving to the Orrick area in 1984. He had served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict and was honorably discharged on March 30, 1967. He was united in marriage on December 18, 1976 to Diana Christina Smith, who survives him. David had worked for Ford Motor Company for 30 years and retired in 1997.

Some of David’s favorite things to do were drinking beer, Barbeque grilling, fishing, hunting and anything to do in the great outdoors.

David was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Denise Schjoll; and two brothers, Mike Schjoll and Wayne Schjoll.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Diana Schjoll of the home in Orrick; his daughters, Lori Schulze and husband, Greg of Indianapolis, Ind., and Virginia Foote of Richmond, Mo.; his son, David Schjoll, Jr. of Indianapolis, Ind.; brothers, Richard Schjoll of Madras, Oreg., and Art Schjoll of Pineville, Oreg.; a sister, Sharon Newberg of Fairfield, Conn.; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Memorial visitation will be held on Thursday morning, June 25, 2020 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.,  followed by Memorial services at 10:30 a.m. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, Mo.

Inurnment with military honors will follow at South Point Cemetery near Orrick, Mo.

Arvil E. Griffin, Jr., 76, of rural Orrick, MO, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at the NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, MO. Arvil, know by most as Junior or JR, was born on August 8, 1943 in Excelsior Springs, MO, to Arvil E. Griffin, Sr. and Bessie Mae (King) Griffin. He had lived his entire life in Ray and Clay counties. He attended school and graduated from Lawson High School.

Following high school, he attended college at Central Missouri University. He also served his country in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge. Junior had worked for the J.E. Dunn Construction Company as a Superintendent for 32 years and retired in 2005.

Junior was united in marriage to Carolyn Ann Parshall on July 19, 2003, and together they lived north of Orrick on their farm. He attended the Orrick Christian Church and was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Union, Local #315.

Junior loved raising cattle, farming, fishing and gardening and anything to do with the outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his first wife, Kathie Griffin in 1989.

Junior is survived by his wife, Carolyn Griffin of the home; daughters, Laura Killingsworth (Chad) of Overland Park, KS, and Amy Martin of Lathrop, MO.; his step children, Ronnie Clow (Jenelle) of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Cindee Tarchick (Tim) of Canton, GA, Craig Clow of Portland, OR, Kevin Atwood of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Kenda Stout (Chuck) of St. Joseph, MO; brother, Bill Griffin (Linda) of Missouri City, MO; and sisters, Shirley Strange (Don) of Liberty, MO, Judy Moore (Sonny) of Gravois Mills, MO, and Betsy Moore of Excelsior Springs, MO. He is also survived by 19 precious grandchildren.

Memorials are suggested to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 98018, Washington.

There will be a visitation and viewing from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 2020 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Cremation will follow with a memorial service at a later date to be announced in the future. Please be aware that we will be doing social distancing and other measures of protection during the visitation in compliance with the State’s protocol due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

James M. Thomson, 83, passed away April 30, 2020 at his home in rural Orrick after a battle with cancer.

James was born on January 1, 1937 to Arlis and Faye (Riddle) Thomason in Prosperity, Ark. James lived in Arkansas before moving to Missouri. He spent his adult life living around Liberty, Missouri City, and finally spending roughly the last 38 years in rural Orrick.

James was married to Joyce (Mcginnis) Thomason who passed away in 1964, he had two children from this union. In June 1967 he married Norberta (Blank) Thomason who passed away in 2016, he gained a daughter and had a son from this marriage.

James did many jobs in his lifetime. Jobs at the potato sheds and feed company in South Liberty, construction, waste management, plus odd and end jobs, finally retiring from BFI.

James was a member of The Odd Fellows Lodge in Missouri City, Mo. He enjoyed going to auctions, collecting odd things, helping people, finding good restaurants, driving on trips, and most of all telling wonderful stories.

James was preceded in death by his two wives, his parents, one brother, and two daughters, Christy Johnson and Cindy Thomason.

He is survived by two sons, Robert Thomason of Excelsior Springs, Mo., and James E. Thomason of Orrick, Mo.; one sister, Sue Taylor of Springdale, Ark.; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. James also had many that considered him a dad, grandpa and great-grandpa.

A memorial service will be scheduled in the future.

December 15, 1931 ~ April 28, 2020

Mr. Richard Frye, 87, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at the Excelsior Spring Nursing and Rehab Center.

Richard was born on December 15, 1932 to Joseph Green Frye and Neva May Blacketer (Burnett), he was raised by his mother and step dad Jewell T. Burnett in Orrick, Mo. He was united in marriage on October 22, 1950 to Dora Joann (Todd) Frye. Richard had been a custodian at the Lewis Middle School in Excelsior Springs before he retired in 1999. He attended church at the Flack Memorial Christian Union Church in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, five brothers and one sister.

Survivors include his children, Gary and Lori Frye, of Augusta, Kans., Karen Etheridge and Garry Whitworth, of Galt, Mo., Patty and Gary Easley, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., Mark and Gina Frye of Kearney, Mo., Lee Ann and Mark Eldredge, and Cheryle and Lance Workman, of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; his sisters, Shirley Ross of Orrick, Mo., and Virginia Funk of Kansas City, Mo.  Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Graveside services for the immediate family were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2020 at the South Point Cemetery and facilitated by Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick.

Steven Gale Cobb, 66, of Parkville, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at North Kansas City Hospital.

Steven was born in Kansas City, Mo., on January 10, 1954, to Bobby Cobb and Letha (Ellis) Cobb. Steven began his education attending school in Kansas City and later moving with his family to Vibbard in Ray County, he attended the Excelsior Springs Schools. Steven lived his entire life in the Kansas City Metro area.

He was united in marriage to Victoria Denise Allred on September 1, 1978. He had been employed for several years with Motion Industries in Riverside, Mo.

Steven loved motorcycles and was an avid rider. He enjoyed taking rides on his motorcycle. Steven also was an outdoorsman and he enjoyed deer hunting, especially hunting with a bow, which he was very skilled at. He also loved spending time with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Cobb; a son, Michael Lee Hartwick, Jr.; and an infant brother, Wendell Cobb.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 42 years, Victoria D. Cobb of Orrick, Mo.; his son, Robert Hartwick and his wife, Melissa, of Orrick, Mo.; his mother, Letha Cobb of Liberty, Mo.; two brothers, Keith Cobb of Excelsior Springs, Mo., and Kendall Cobb of Liberty, Mo.;
and a sister, Becky Meirath of Excelsior Springs. Steven is also survived by his five grandchildren, Haley Hartwick, Tanner Hartwick, Dakota Hartwick, Madisyn Hartwick and Jackson Hartwick. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Steven wished to be cremated with memorial services to be announced at a later date.