On Friday, August 9, 2019, Cathleen Marie (Toering) Hanson, wife and mother to three, passed away at the age of 69. Cathy was born July 19, 1950 in Sheldon, Iowa to Cornelius and Marie Ann (Toranbeek) Toering.

Cathy attended Sheldon Christian School through 8th grade and graduated from Sheldon High School. She worked at Hollanders Five and Dime. On March 15, 1971 Cathy married Robert Dean Hanson. They resided in Spirit Lake and Clear Lake, Iowa, before moving to Flagstaff, Arizona and, eventually, Liberty, Missouri. Together they had three children, Donna L. (Hanson) Arnold, Crystal G. (Hanson) Holm, and Robert Wayne Hanson.

Cathy had many pastimes such as cross stitching and quilting. She had a gift for baking. As she progressed in life she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, Katlyn M. (Arnold) Lilly, Cheyanne N. Arnold, and Liberty J. Holm.

Cathy was preceded in death by her father, Cornelius, and her mother, Marie.

She is survived by her husband, Robert; their three children, Donna (Jesse), Crystal (David), and Robert; her grandchildren, Katlyn (Keith), Cheyanne, and Liberty; her great-grandson, Jameson Lilly; her brothers, Richard (Janet) and Sidney (Katie); and nieces and a nephew.

A visitation will be held at Gowing Funeral Home, 202 Adams Street, Orrick, Missouri 64077 on Friday August 16, 2019 at 10 a.m. The memorial service will follow at 11 a.m.

Michael Thomas Millsap, 29, passed away August 6, 2019, after a long battle with addiction.

He was born October 12, 1989. Michael was a creative, smart, clever and loving man. Mike loved music and Twilight Series and movies.

He adored his son, Tyler, beyond measure. He loved spending time with Tyler at the local skate park and fishing together at Rocky Hollow. Mike and Tyler together shared a love of tattoos. They also spent much of their time together scouting for blonde future Mrs. Millsap’s.

For years, Michael fought the battle of addiction, however addiction won the war. To those who do not understand addiction, for those who considered him just another statistic, to those who didn’t know him; he was a son, a brother, a grandson, a father and a friend. He was all these things, a person with an addiction. Using failed to remind him of the devastation his family would be left to face. Using first took his pain, then his smile, next his personality and finally his life.

He is survived by his mother, Mitzi Millsap; his son, Tyler Michael Millsap; his sisters, Breanna and husband, Richard Gartin, and Tyler Millsap and life partner, Robert Berutti; and one nephew, Brighton Millsap. He is also survived by his grandparents, Barb and Bill Newkirk, as well as many aunts, uncles, greats and cousins.

Michael’s family ask if you are struggling, know every breath is a fresh start; please know you can make it … it is never too late.

If you are reading this with judgement, educate yourself about this disease. Addiction is not a choice or a weakness. Chances are very good someone you know is struggling too. They, like Mike once did, need your empathy and support. Please get help at drughelpline.org.

He leaves this world a little lonelier, as he will be missed by so many.

There will be a celebration of life at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, August 10, 2019 at the Excelsior Springs Elk’s Lodge, 421 South Titus Ave., Excelsior Springs, Mo.

Nahshon Donner-Reppy, 32, of Missouri City, Mo., died August 4, 2019 at home.

Survivors include his parents, James and Cheryl Reppy of the home; brothers, James Richard Reppy, Jr. of Missouri City, Mo., Spencer Lee Batton of Parkville, Mo., and Austin Zachera Fox of Missouri City, Mo.; sisters, Amy Christine Reppy of Missouri City, Mo., and Bobbi Jo Batton of Parkville, Mo.; maternal grandmother, Donna Donner, and paternal grandmother, Frances Wales; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, August 12, 2019 at Missouri City Christian  Church. Funeral services will follow at the church at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Missouri City Cemetery.

June 18, 1954 ~ August 2, 2019

This is the story of Marilyn Butler. Marilyn was a generous, loving woman who will be greatly missed. She was the type of woman who loved to give gifts and make people happy. Known as Shug to her husband, Zorba to her children when they misbehaved, and Memaw to all her grandchildren by blood and those she adopted as her own.

Marilyn Sue’s story starts on June 18, 1954 in Jacksonville, Florida. She was the 3rd of six children born to Marilyn Roberta and Billy Dean Vannattan. Her siblings were Bobby Dean (Linda), John Ray (Shelena), Billy Gene, Mikey, and Patty. Marilyn Sue was a proud Air Force brat who moved around. She may have only been 5 foot 3 1/2 inches tall but being raised with rough and tumble brothers left her a force to be reckoned with.

Michael Butler was struck by the beauty of a Native American woman modeling jewelry in a TV commercial. Little did he know, that was the first time he set eyes on the love of his life. It was her father who talked them into going out on a date for the first time because he really liked Mike Butler and thought they would be a good match. They were united in marriage on October 1, 1977. Their marriage would survive raising four children, Marilyn’s lack of time management, and many food fights.

Marilyn was known for her cake baking and decorating skills. She didn’t know how to make a small cake. If you timed your visit just right you would be rewarded with the sweet top layer of the cake after she leveled it.

Marilyn loved all holidays. Much to her children’s horror, she bought a real casket to decorate her yard for Halloween. Her Valentine’s box decorating skills were award winning. She would start planning them months in advance with the children. Christmas was a time of gift giving and shopping of epic proportions. She loved to give gifts for no reason at all but to make people smile.

Marilyn and Michael were baptised in their faith together on September 3, 2006 by the same man that married them, her Uncle Jim Eager.

Marilyn was proud to serve as Mayor of The City of Orrick. She was a fighter who always had the citizens best interests at heart.

Marilyn and Michael raised four headstrong, stubborn children. Kimberly Dawn is their oldest. Marilyn was trying to find her a good man to marry until her final breath so if you know of someone please help fulfill that dream by setting her up. Laura Ann came next bringing Jeff into the family as the red headed step child. Michael Shawn followed bringing Robin as the kind, sweet daughter she always wanted. Last came Jordyn Kyle as the spoiled youngest child. He brings Stephanie #2 as his better half.

Marilyn’s grandchildren were loved beyond measure and spoiled beyond belief. The tallest of her grandchildren, Nathan, was born to Kimberly Dawn. Laura Ann gave her Stephanie the singer, Kierstin the artist, Mikey the sweetheart, and Joey the athlete. Michael Shawn gave her Brecken the musician and Brylen the mastermind. Jordyn gave her Axel the wonder mutt destroyer of toys, carpets, and shoes.

She also leaves behind Bear, her 4 legged spoiled pup and Boo, the bird who loves to yell.

If you couldn’t already tell, Marilyn loved to laugh. The best way to honor her is to share stories to keep her memory alive. Visitation and a Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at The First Baptist Church in Orrick. Visitation runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. with the Ceremony to follow. In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations to help cover her medical expenses.

Benny Gene Gryder, 89, of Orrick, went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 30, 2019 at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond, MO. Benny was born on August 16, 1929 to the late Herman and Ida Pauline (Cheshier) Gryder. He was a lifelong resident of Orrick, MO, where he graduated Orrick High School in 1947. In his early years, Benny was an electrician with a construction company. Benny then retired after 30 years of service from Ford Motor Company as a master electrician.

Benny was a kind man who loved God and attended and served the Orrick Christian Church for over 60 years. During that time, Benny served as a deacon and elder.
Benny was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather. He married his beloved Dolores Jean (Sisk) Gryder on June 2, 1951.

In 1949 he joined the U.S. Army and served in the 923rd Medical Ambulance Company.

Preceding him in death were his wife of 58 years, Dolores Jean (Sisk) Gryder; father, Herman Gryder; step-father, Lewis Fredrick (Fred) Gryder; mother, Pauline Gryder; brother, Air Force Lt. Col. William E. Gryder; brother, Paul Gryder; and a half brother, Harold Gryder.

Benny is survived by his son, Ronald (Ron) Gryder; daughter, Nancy Hurla; and his loving grandchildren, Brett Gryder (wife Carmen), Joe Masciovecchio, Anthony Masciovecchio, and Amber Masciovecchio; sister, Norma Lou Dugan-Clemmons; half sisters, Darlene Phillips and Deva Arlene Lanning.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m.Thursday, August 8, 2019 at The Orrick Christian Church with the Reverend Art Endsley officiating. Burial will follow in South Point Cemetery near Orrick.

Memorials in his memory may be given to the Orrick Christian Church.

Larry Keith Pennington, 80, of rural Camden, MO, died July 22, 2019 at North Care Hospice House, North Kansas City, MO.

Larry was born July 25, 1938 in Orrick, MO, the first born child of Robert S. Clarkson-Pennington and Billie (Cheshier) Pennington. He was united in marriage to Janice Coletta Bellis of rural Camden, MO, on May 17, 1956. She survives of the home.

Larry lived in the Orrick, MO, area nearly all his life and graduated with the Orrick High School class of 1956. He enlisted in the Army Reserve on December 13, 1955 for eight (8) years and received his Honorable Discharge on November 30, 1963. Larry then worked for Culligans, Percy Kent Bag Company and then began work for Western Electric, Lee’s Summit, MO. This company was later known as A.T. & T Technologies and then Lucent Technologies, and Larry retired from Lucent Technologies with 30 years of service in September of 1990. Following his retirement, Larry worked at various funeral homes in Clay and Ray Counties.

After his retirement he helped with the maintenance of the South Point Cemetery grounds. Larry had the talent and ability to “Dowse” for graves and was called upon many times to locate burial sites that had never been marked with a marker. He was also able to tell if the unmarked grave was that of a male or female. “Dowsing” is a talent few claim to have, but Larry was gifted to be able to Dowse for graves with success.

Larry enjoyed fishing and watching the Chiefs football games.

Larry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janice Pennington of the home; his daughter, Cindy (Larry) Cohoon of Carlyle, IL; sons, Alan (Sharon) Pennington of Independence and Andy Pennington and Lisa Hastings of Richmond, MO; a brother, Roger (Marsha) Pennington of Excelsior Springs, MO; aisters, Joyce Stock, Independence, MO, Karen Vandiver, Orrick, MO, Nina (Doug) Courtney, Richmond, MO and Robin (Pat) Cado of Lexington, MO; grandchildren, Heather Pennington, Chris (Krystal) Graves, Kaitlin Pennington, Jennifer (Josh) Lawmaster, Melissa (Josh) Slates, Shelby (Michael) Schlitzer, and Cody (Elizabeth) Pennington; great grandchildren, Austin, Ashlyn and Garrison Cohoon, Tristen and Chevelle Graves, Krysta and Kaleb Crawford, Alex Gaea, Isiach Lawmaster, Matthew and Spencer Schlitzer, Hailey, Kailey and Bailey Pennington.

The family suggest memorials be made to South Point Cemetery Association or The Rock Falls Baptist Church.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 25, 2019 at Rock Falls Baptist Church. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Mike Mohr officiating. Burial will be in South Point Cemetery near Orrick, MO.

Rosma Joann Blyth, 87, of Lawson, died July 22, 2019 at Liberty Hospital.

She was born July 5, 1932 in New Hampton, MO, to Thomas William and Chloe Marie (Kinder) Branham. She was raised in New Hampton, MO, and was a graduate of Orrick High School.

She married Robert Keith Blyth of Orrick on May 19, 1951 in Orrick. She retired from Virden, Lee and Mason Radiology Group in 1977. After retiring, she moved from Orrick to Cape Fair. They moved to Warsaw, MO, in 1996 and then to Lawson.

She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Sherry Blyth of Warsaw, MO, and David and DaVona Blyth of Lawson, MO; a daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Steve Best of Hannibal, MO; four granddaughters, Jennifer Blyth of Independence, Kerri and Jamie Powell of Liberty, Erin and Adrian Keller of Columbia, and Andrea Collette of Columbia; two great grandsons, Liam Riley Powell and Blyth Robert Allen Powell of Liberty; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley and Sammy Max Taylor of Orrick, Vickie and Jim Barger of Liberty, Dwight McMullen of Orrick, Beverly Branham of Orrick, and William “Bill” Blyth of Orrick; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, and a sister-in-law, William “Bill” Estle and Norma Branham, and David Lee Branham; a brother-in-law, Tony Jiovenale; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Joy and Pete Merriman, and Sharon Louise McMullen.

Services will be Friday, July 26, 2019 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick with visitation from 1 to 2 p.m. and funeral service beginning at 2 p.m.

Memorials should be directed to either South Point Cemetery Association or The Ray County Historical Society.

Condolences

So very sorry for your loss. She was such a wonderful lady.
Dick and Jackie Caton

Mike, Sherry, Jennifer, and family; we are so sorry for your loss. Rosma will truly be missed. Such a lovely lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May God Bless and Comfort you.
Love Vic, Ruth, and Frank.

Raymond Keith Werle, 84, of Orrick, Missouri, passed away July 7, 2019 at his home. He was born June 6, 1935 in Orrick, Missouri to Wilbur and Frances Werle. Raymond attended Orrick High School, graduating in 1953. He worked alongside his father in a cattle operation, Werle & Son. For many years, father and son bought, sold and cared for and transported cattle. Later, he became a truck driver for Cook Paint in Kansas City, Missouri, retiring in 1988.

Raymond was an avid trap shooter, traveling to many trap shoots through the years, often coming home with a trophy or two. He also enjoyed playing cards and spent many hours playing the card game Pitch with his family and friends. He attended Rock Falls Baptist Church near his home in rural Orrick.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Robbie Werle; his sister, Joyce Bailey; and his brother-in-law, Robert Bailey.

He is survived by his son, Scott Werle of the home; niece Julie Glisson and family of Overland Park, Kansas; niece, Janet Durbin and family of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; and many extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Rock Falls Baptist Church near Orrick, Missouri. A private family burial at Union Cemetery in Orrick will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Orrick Fire Department or the Orrick Community Center.

Randall “Randy” Jefferson Shade passed on June 22, 2019 at his home. Randy was born July 27, 1958 in Kansas City.

Randy worked as a plant manager at American Willcon (Gibraltar) for over 40 years in Orrick. Randy lived in Orrick for most of his life and was a well-known resident of Orrick. Randy enjoyed playing music with his brothers and later in life enjoyed watching his son’s musical talents as well.

He is survived by his son, Matthew Shade; brother, Scott Shade; sister-in-law, Michelle Shade; his nieces, Lauren, Ryanne ,Tierza and Shyanna; nephew, Robert David; and aunt, Barbara Davis.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Merrillyn Shade; father, Ronald Shade; and brother, Rob Shade.

Services for Randy will be announced at a later date.

William George Lewis, 58, of Orrick, Mo., passed away Tuesday morning, June 11, 2019 at his home, surrounded by his wife and loving family.

William was born on September 9, 1960 in Columbia, Mo., to George Allen Lewis and Pauline Cecilia (Grawe) Lewis.

He was first married to Dixie Lee Lewis, and to this union two sons were born, Clint and Cory Lewis.

On July 10, 1999, he was united in marriage to Pamela J. (Schreier) McGill in a ceremony performed at the Fleming Baptist Church. Prior to his marriage to Pamela, William had resided in Middletown, Mo. Following their marriage, William and Pamela made their home in Orrick. He was employed by the Norfolk & Southern Railroad Company as a foreman and had worked for the railroad for 40 years. He was a member of The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, Local 0662.

William was a fun loving guy. He loved to hunt and fish and especially loved to go fishing with his grandchildren. He enjoyed playing pitch, Nascar racing, playing horseshoes and spending time with his family.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Pauline and George Lewis.

Survivors include his wife, Pamela J. Lewis of the home in Orrick; sons, Clint Edward Lewis (Christina) and Cory Allen Lewis (Rachel), all of Henderson, Nev., Jefferey Scott McGill (Serena) of Richmond, Mo., and Brian James McGill (Julie) of Orrick, Mo.;
a brother, Mac Lewis of Wellsville, Mo.; sisters, Sandra Kay Oberhaus (Edward) of Wellsville, Mo., Beverly Jo Marien (Melvin) of Ballwin, Mo., Susanna Pearl Higgenbotham (Tom) of Montgomery City, Mo., Dorothy Marie Reichardt (Tom) of St. Louis, Mo., and Rebecca Pauline Lewis of Wellsville, Mo.; grandchildren, Colton William, Alyssa Renee, Layla Marie, Sabryna Hope, Zachariah Scott, Mackenzie Marion, Nathaniel Ray, Alexander Boyd, Zane Thomas and Terry Ray (T-Ray); and great grandchildren, Brody Thomas and Brooks George. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2019 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Memorial services will follow at 2:30 p.m., also at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow services in South Point Cemetery near Orrick.

Condolences

I am so sorry to hear this Pam praying for you and your family!
Rhonda Schreier Penrod

So sorry for your loss.
Jerry Calvert

Pam – you are in our thoughts and prayers. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Kathy Murry and Tucker Murry