Sue Smith, 84, Riverton

Sue Nell Smith, 84, Riverton, died at 6:10 p.m. Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Quaker Hill Skilled Nursing Facility in rural Baxter Springs.Born June 25, 1941 in Cardin, Okla., Sue was the daughter of Clinton and Chloe (Campbell) LaTurner.

Donald Denny, 69, Columbus

Donald Joe Denny, 69, Columbus, died October 5, 2025.He was born April 19, 1956. Arrangements are pending, under the direction of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Mo.

Eugene Vaughn, 84, Pittsburg

Eugene “Dale” Vaughn, 84, Pittsburg, died Monday, September 29, 2025 at his home.Born September 26, 1941 in Cedar County, Missouri, Dale was the son of Carly and Ora (Hutchinson) Vaughn. He graduated from Wheatland High School.He worked for the Kansas City Railroad as an engineer and brakeman.

Jay George, 79, Galena

Jay W. George, 79, Galena, beloved father, veteran, friend, and follower of Christ, died peacefully in Galena.Born February 4, 1946, in Timbo, Arkansas, Jay was raised in Carpinteria, California. His early years were shaped by hard work and a love for community.

Deborah Cochran, 71, Miami, Okla.

Deborah “Debbie” Jean Cochran, 71, Miami, Oklahoma, died Sunday, September 28, 2025 at her son’s home in Fairland, Oklahoma.Born May 31, 1954 in Miami, Oklahoma, Debbie was the daughter of Donald Gene and Reba June (Browning) Bump. She had lived in Miami, Oklahoma, all her life.

Terry Mayhood, 76, Frontenac

Terry Lee Mayhood, 76, Frontenac, died Sunday, September 28, 2025 at his home.Born December 13, 1948, in Columbus, Terry was the son of the late Eva Pauline and Lloyd Mayhood. He served the country as a Drill Sergeant in the United States Army during Vietnam.

James Van Kam, 79, S. Greenfield,Mo.

James William “Bill” Van Kam, 79, South Greenfield, Mo., died Monday, September 22, 2025, in his home.Born in Weir December 6, 1945, Bill was the son of Frank and Grace Van Kam. He was the eighth of nine children.Bill was renowned for his quick wit and deep love for his family.

Cheryl Tavis, 73, Miami, Okla.

Cheryl June Tavis, 73, Miami, Okla., died Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at her home.Born June 1, 1952 in Picher, Okla., Cheryl was the daughter of Leslie Floyd and Delores June (Sharbutt) Carroll. She had lived in the Picher, Okla. and Miami, Okla.

Jerry Graham, 84, Oswego

Jerry Leon Graham, 84, Oswego, died September 21, 2025.Born March 23, 1941, Jerry was the son of Nolan (Jake) Henton Graham and Mozelle Ruth (Snoddy) Graham. In 1962, Jerry married Marilyn Oliver. They had two children together.

Gloria Hebenstriet, 88, Pittsburg

Gloria Jean Hebenstriet, 88, Pittsburg, died peacefully Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Via Christi Village.Born September 23, 1936, in Chicopee, Gloria was the daughter of Theodore “John” Ricci and Nettie Mingori. A lifelong area resident, Gloria graduated from Cherokee High School.