June 16, 1937 ~ October 23, 2023

Harry Albert Van Skike, 86, of rural Orrick, Missouri, passed away Monday, October 23, 2023 at the Avalon View Nursing Center in Liberty, MO. Harry was born on June 16, 1937 in Lathrop, MO, to Ora Van Skike and Zelma (Gordon) Van Skike. On July 9, 1994 he was united in marriage to Alma Jean Parker. Together the made their home on a small farm northwest of Orrick. Harry had worked as a boiler operator in North Kansas City, MO, for several years before he retired from his duties there. Harry was a member of the Rock Falls Baptist Church.

Harry liked hunting and fishing and camping. Late in his life he discovered the joys of going on cruises and managed to enjoy three. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and he loved dogs.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother; his wife, Beverly; his son, Paul; and daughters, Evelyn and Kathy.

Harry is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jean Van Skike of the home; sisters, Velma and Brenda; his daughter, Chris; his five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Visitation and viewing will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 26, 2023 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Graveside services will be held Friday, October 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Southpoint Cemetery, Orrick, MO.

Kenneth Wayne McAfee, 73 of Orrick, MO, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2023 at the Northcare Hospice House in North Kansas City, MO, with his wife and daughter at his side.

Kenny, as he was best known, was born on April 26, 1950 in Excelsior Springs, MO, to Malcolm Wayne “Tommy” McAfee and Marcella Rose (Martin) McAfee. Kenny lived the majority of his life in Orrick and attended Orrick schools and graduated from Orrick High School with the class of 1968. He went on to further his education at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO, where he received a bachelors degree in physical education in 1972.

On August 11, 1972, Kenny was united in marriage to Sandra M. Dutton in a ceremony at the Orrick Christian Church. Kenny began his teaching and coaching career at Slater High School in the 1972 – 1973 school year. He then taught at the Ray-Pec School District in the 1973 -1974 and 1974-1975 school years. In 1975-1976 he began teaching and coaching at Orrick High School, where he remained until he retired in 2000.

Kenny loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed watching football and baseball. He was a big MU fan. He also loved spending time with his family and visiting his friends.

Kenny was a member of ADA Lodge #444 in Orrick and served many years as the lodge secretary.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Tommy and Tot McAfee; his brother, Jimmy “BoBo” McAfee; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Bonnie Dutton.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sandra M. McAfee of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Kenda and Steve Ransom of Concord, North Carolina; his sister, Leisa McAfee-Cook of Orrick, MO; his grandson, Dane Ransom and granddaughter, Sophia Ransom, both of Concord, North Carolina; a brother-in-law, Jimmie Dutton of Warrensburg, MO; and an uncle, Ronnie Barber and wife, Helen, of St. Joseph, MO.

Masonic services will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick at 10:00 a.m., followed by visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Funeral Services will follow visitation at 12:30 p.m., also at the funeral home, with Rev. Bill Purcell officiating. Burial will follow at South Point Cemetery near Orrick.

Memorial contributions are suggested to either The Orrick Booster Club or to Northcare Hospice House,
2800 Clay Edwards Drive, North Kansas City, MO 64116.

Thelma Faye Vance-Robertson-Willard, 96, of Orrick, MO, passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at the home of her great-granddaughter. Thelma was born near Orrick, MO, on September 4, 1927, to William Olin Vance and Thelma Alberta (Frazier) Vance. Faye, as she was best known, had lived most of her life in the Orrick community. Faye had worked various jobs in her life, mostly as a bookkeeper. Faye graduated from Orrick High School with the class of 1946. She was a member of the Orrick Baptist Church and was a member of the Jewell Chapter #492 of the Order of Eastern Star in Liberty, MO.

Faye loved playing games on her computer, riding motorcycles, reading and she especially loved time spent with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Faye also loved traveling and taking exciting adventures. She loved animals, especially her cats.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Olin and Thelma Vance; her first husband, Junior Lee Robertson; her second husband, Oscar Fred Willard; a brother, James Olin Vance; and sisters, Monta Marie Ferman, Frances Dean Sneed, and Annette Kay Walker; and grandson, Dale Ray Mathews.

She is survived by her son, Delvin (Diane) Robertson of Richmond, MO, and a daughter, Marjorie (Dale) Mathews of Orrick, MO; a brother, Ronald Vance of Richmond, MO; and sisters, Pat Covey of Orrick, Alice Tuck of Colorado, Anna Arnold of Colorado, and Roberta Chavez of Arizona; grandchildren, Dalla (Mark) McMullen of Orrick, MO, Michelle (Mark) Hellman of Richmond, MO, and Tamara (Jamie) Cook of Orrick, MO; great-grandchildren, Kailyn, Amery, Adam, Arissa, Tristin, Shaina, Kelby, Autumne, Riley, Payton, and Joshua. Faye also is survived by 13 great-great grandchildren and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested to be given in her memory to The Ray County Humane Society, Richmond, MO.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, September 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Gowing Funeral Home with Pastor Art Endsley officiating; burial will follow in South Point Cemetery near Orrick.

Annette Graves, 84, formerly of Orrick, MO, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023 at her home, surrounded by her daughter and grandson.

Annette was born on May 20, 1939, in Aberdeen, Mississippi, to Walter Taylor and Myrtle (Little) Taylor. On August 29, 1958 in Benton Harbor, MI, she was married to Shelby Graves and to this marriage one daughter was born. Annette moved to Orrick in 1968 and made Orrick her home for over 50 years. She was a member of The Orrick Christian Church.

Annette was well known in the Orrick Community as a Child Care Provider. Annette loved country music and her favorite sports teams were The Kansas City Chiefs, The Kansas City Royals, and The Michigan Wolverines. Annette loved gardening and tending to her flowers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Myrtle Taylor, a brother, William Taylor, sisters, Lucille Sayre, Marite Welch, Margarite Vincent and Nancy Reese.

Annette is survived by her daughter, Janet Millsap, and her grandson, Michael Millsap of Kansas City, MO, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested in honor of Annette to be given to Harbor Hospice, 4911 South Arrowhead Drive, #101, Independence, Missouri 64055.

Visitation and viewing will be held Tuesday, September 19, 2023 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home, with Pastor Art Endsley officiating. Burial will follow at Southpoint Cemetery near Orrick.

Theresa Diane Stagner, 79, of rural Orrick, MO, went to be with her Lord on Monday, August 7, 2023 at Liberty Hospital. Theresa, best known as Diane, was born on January 10, 1944 in Montgomery, Indiana, to Cecil Gerkin and Della Halleena Merry. Diane was raised and spent most of her childhood in Shoals, Indiana. She moved to Missouri in June of 1973.

On August 17, 1973, she was united in marriage to Alva T. Stagner of Orrick. Following their marriage, Diane and Al made their home in Orrick.

Diane had many interest, among them were wood carving, painting, making porcelain dolls, quilting, gardening and traveling. She also had a love for dogs and horses and devoted lots of her time toward their care.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Edith and John Stagner; step-father, John Clutts; her second husband, James Saucier; and a son, David Stagner. She was also preceded by a special friend, Allen Hines, and numerous pets.

Diane is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Alva T. Stagner of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Lea and Eddie Cruise of Daytona Beach, FL; two sons, Scott Eric Saucier of Liberty, MO, and Brent Shaw-Saucier, of Gladstone, MO; daughter, Lisa Renee Miller of Lexington, MO; and a daughter-in-law, Viola Stagner of Orrick. She is also survived by her long time and close friend, Nikki Chincio Detzel of Orrick. She is survived by her grandchildren, Zane Taylor Cruise and Gabi, Stephani and Jay Sitherwood, Georgie and Miranda Delisio, Olivia Renee Miller and Travis Foster, Lindsy Stagner, and Megan Daniell Taylor and James; great grandchildren, Jaeger Sitherwood, Frankee Sitherwood, George Delisio, Gianna Delisio, Greyson Taylor and Zoey Taylor; special friends, Aspen Hines and Hunter Clark; and her two dogs, Bella and Shadow.

The family will greet friends on Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m., also at the funeral home, with Pastor Art Endsley officiating. Cremation will follow the services. Memorials are suggested in her memory to be given to Ray County Animal Shelter, Richmond, MO.

Tamara “Tammy” D. Toler, age 74, passed away on June 8 2023, at Shangri-La Rehab & Living Center in Blue Springs, Missouri, and with additional support provided by Three River’s Hospice. After a life-long battle with mental illness and long fight with debilitating heath conditions, COPD and CHF, she peacefully lost her fight.

Tammy was born on August 27, 1948 to Willard F. Bosler and Bessie M. Vratislovsky Bosler in Gilroy, California. Her parents relocated to Kansas City, Kansas, Wyandotte County, at young age. She considered KCKS her home and felt strongly connected to her roots there, where she started her own family. She attended elementary school in KCKS, graduating at Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas, graduating in 1966. She went on to study Nursing, for which she had an incredible passion for her patients and had a huge ability to connect to her healthcare career. She enjoyed reading books and socializing with her friends and grandchildren over the last couple of years.

In 1982, she met Wayne Toler, and they married December 1, 1984. They relocated to the area of Liberty, Missouri in 1989, were they lived their lives together.

Tammy is survived by two children, Willard “Allen” Yoakum of Liberty, Missouri, and Melody “Mel” Blyth  and husband, Jeff Blyth of Orrick, Missouri. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Samantha McClellan of Phoenix, Arizona, Summer McClellan of Linn Valley, Kansas, Marcus McClellan and spouse Sierra, and Brandon Osborne of Richmond, Missouri; and two great grandchildren, Genesis and Serenity McClellan.

She was processed in death her husband, Wayne Toler; and mother and father, Willard and
Bessie Bosler.

Family and friends are invited to attend viewing/visiting on Saturday June 17, 2023 at Gowing Funeral Home, 202 Adams St., Orrick, Missouri 64077 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and can send all flowers, cards or anything for the family to this location as well.

Raniesa Lea (Ryan) Sherrill was born August 25, 1968 in Richmond, MO, to Jack Ryan and Lana (Greer) Ryan. She passed away June 13, 2023 at the age of 54 at North Kansas City, MO Hospital after a short, but valiant battle with cancer.

A lifelong resident of Orrick, she worked at BMA and Transamerica as an insurance claims representative in Kansas City after graduating from Orrick High School in 1986 before Fibromyalgia forced her into permanent disability in 2005.

Her passion was her family and her church. She was a baptized follower of Christ. She loved to sing and was on the Praise Team at the First Baptist Church of Orrick and led Youth Bible Study and was always ready to be the music leader for Bible School year after year after year. Raniesa did not know a stranger and would talk to anyone and everyone within earshot. She was the queen of useless trivia information. She loved camping with her family and coaching soccer with her husband and watching her kids and grandkids compete in any sport they participated in and walking and chasing the moon.

Raniesa leaves behind her husband of 15 years, Paul Sherrill; three beautiful children, Kasara (Michael) Arnold, Kincayde Sherrill and Keit Sherrill; and three grandchildren, Lyric Arnold, Kenden Arnold and Layden Arnold; her mother, Lana Ryan; sister, Shawn (Scott) Wright; three nieces, Rachel (Josh) Brown, Cerin (Cody) Oliphant and McKenna Wright; along with multiple great nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her father, Jack Ryan, and grandparents, Nordy and Mary Greer.

Visitation will be Friday, June 23, 2023 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, MO, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Funeral will be Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Orrick Baptist Church at 11 a.m., with a reception following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Orrick Baptist Church benevolence fund.

Leonard “Bud” T. O’Brien Jr., 82, of Richmond, MO, formerly of Orrick, MO, went to be with the Lord on May 2, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Bud was born in Kansas City, KS, on May 20, 1940, the son of Leonard T. O’Brien Sr. and Evelyn G. O’Brien. Bud graduated from Boonville High School in 1959. He married the love of his life, Vicki Railey, on February 16, 1970. Bud was a Mason of the Masonic Lodge in Missouri City, MO, for more than 30 years. He worked river construction for several years. Then, Bud and Vicki opened a restaurant in Orrick, MO, called the Bearcat Den for 7 years before moving to Richmond, MO, where they opened Vic’s Video Village for 15 years. Bud was a devoted husband, father, and proud grandfather of five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bud was dedicated to his family and always put them first. He always enjoyed family visits. Bud was fun, loving, and kind to many. He always enjoyed his love for cats and even any stray cat that came to his porch. He always made sure they were fed. He leaves a legacy of many memories and will deeply be missed by his family and friends.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Daniel R. O’Brien; and infant son, Michael Thomas O’Brien.

He is survived by his wife, Vic, of their home; one brother, Frank O’Brien (Dorothy), of Syracuse, MO; and three daughters, Brenda Imhoff (Rodney) of Boonville, MO, Donnette Simpson (Chris) of Zephyrhills, FL, and Jacque O’bbink (Tom) of Camden, MO. He will be sadly missed by his five grandchildren, Ashley Rampley (Kamden) of Jackson, MO, Gabrielle Mentz (Devin) of Statesboro, GA, Danielle Payne (Dalton) of Kingsland, GA, Tyler Imhoff (Meagan) of Boonville, MO, and Thomas O’bbink of Camden, MO; as well as two great-grandchildren, Karver Imhoff and Kielann Sapp both of Boonville, MO.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2023, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Community Center in Orrick, MO. There will be a private family burial following the Celebration of Life.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Jennifer Raquel Blyth was born September 2, 1971 in Lexington, Mo., to her loving parents, Mike and Sherry (Wyse) Blyth.

Jennifer passed on April 23, 2023, at North Kansas City Hospital, at the age of 51 years.

Formerly of Orrick, she attended Orrick High School, graduating with the Class of 1989. She loved her classmates at Orrick High School, truly and enthusiastically. She was President of the Class of 1989, Student Council President and Salutatorian of her class.

A shining light of love, she has passed from the shadows of this Earth into the starry heavens; received by the open arms of the Lord, and her family and friends gone before her.

Jenn-wren, Baby duck, Jenn-quel, all favorite pet names, was a loving daughter, niece, cousin and a wonderful, loyal, compassionate friend and nurse.

She worked a short time for Randy Reed Motors in Kansas City, then attended William Jewell College, Liberty, where she made more lifelong friends, graduating in 1996 with a BSN. She spent the last four months of her nursing clinicals at Harlaxton College in London, England, where she traveled Europe extensively. She began her nursing career at a clinic in Richmond for Dr. John Scowley. She worked in Nursing at Research Hospital KC, Mo., KU Med Center, Neurology KC, Kans., and Thunderbird Neurology Center  in Phoenis, Ariz. She worked at North Kansas City Hospital for +14 years in Pre-op, Post-op, Recovery and Pain Management Clinic.

Her latest nursing career was at St. Luke’s Medical Center, on the Plaza in Kansas City. She was a Care Coordinator — where she devotedly fought for all patients, as a patient advocate. Her last nursing was in a “COVID” unit in 2020, working tirelessly through the Pandemic.

Jennifer touched and cared for countless patients in her care, truly an angel on Earth. Part of our hearts go with her in her heavenly journey, but we know we will meet again, God speed.

Jennifer loved her family and friends, her dogs Railroad, Harley (after Harlaxton, England), and Waylon (yes, Waylon Jennings Blyth), and our Lord.

She loved all flowers, especially Hydrangeas and working outside in the yard. She loved jewelry, her “Bling”, and crafting, and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jennifer leaves a grieving family, her loving parents, Mike and Sherry (Wyse) Blyth, Warsaw; uncle and aunt, David and DaVona Blyth, Liberty; aunt and uncle, Lana and Tom Alexander, Excelsior Springs; aunt and uncle, Jill and Steve Best, Hannibal; aunt, Barbara Wyse, Baltimore, MD; cousins, Kerri and Jamie Powell, Liam and Blyth Powell, Liberty, Erin and Adrian Keller, Columbia, Andrea Collette, Columbia, Justin and Jennifer Wyse, Harrisonville, and Ryan Wyse and Courtney Glass of Pleasant Hill; a sister and brother-in-love, Alicia and Troy Sims, Lexington; and her greats, uncle and aunt, Bob and Sharon Wyse, uncle, Bill Blyth, uncle, Dwight McMullen, aunt, Shirley Taylor, and aunt and uncle, Vicki and Jim Barger; along with many Branham, Blyth and Wyse cousins.

She was precede in death by an uncle, Gary Roy Wyse; and her grandparents, Everett and Virginia Wyse and Robert and Rosma Blyth.

Memorial contributions to Southpoint Cemetery Association, Orrick, or a charity of your choice.

Wear your Chiefs attire to her Celebration of Life at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Gowing Funeral Home, Orrick. Inurnment will be at a later graveside service.

Condolences

The family is in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sherry McKown Lutjen

Peace and comfort to your family. Thank you, Jennifer, for being a great nurse and serving our community. We will miss you.
Jewell Nursing Alum

May 5, 1956 ~ April 11, 2023

Sheila Marie Hisle, 66, of Orrick, MO, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family.  Sheila was born on May 5, 1956 to Noble William Bellis and Marilyn Marie (Broadhurst) Bellis in Lexington, MO. Sheila had lived the biggest part of her life in the Orrick area. She attended school in Orrick and was a graduate of Orrick High School with the class of 1974.

On September 20, 1974, Sheila was united in marriage to Dennis Hisle in a ceremony at the Orrick Baptist Church.  Sheila had worked for over 30 plus years as a circuit court clerk for Ray County, Missouri. She was a member of the Orrick Baptist Church. Sheila loved her time spent with her family, especially the time spent with her grandchildren. One of her favorite past times was going to the Boats in Kansas City with her friends and having a great time.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Marilyn Bellis; and her brother, Stanley Bellis.

Sheila is survived by her husband of 48 years, Dennis Hisle of the home; her two daughters and sons-in-law, Mandy Floyd and husband Heath of Orrick, MO, and Erin Mulch and husband Nathan of Liberty, MO;  and her loving grandchildren, Tatum Floyd, Parker Floyd, Brody Mulch and Corbin Mulch. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Brenda Roberson and husband Kenny, brother-in-law, Jeff Hisle and wife Brenda, sister-in-law, Linda Mautino and husband Paul, and brother-in-law, Bobby Hisle.

Memorials are suggested in her memory to Shirkey Hospice, 701 Wollard Blvd., Richmond, Missouri 64085.

A public visitation will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the Wakenda Cemetery north of Hardin, MO, with Mr. Kenny Roberson officiating.

Pallbearers will be Heath Floyd, Tatum Floyd, Parker Floyd, Nathan Mulch, Brody Mulch and Corbin Mulch. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Hisle and Jeremy Hisle.