Jewell McKinney, 92, Columbus

Jewell Jean (Christiansen) McKinney, 92, Columbus, died January 4, 2025.Born March 13, 1932, in Columbus, Jewell was the daughter of Carl and Winona Christiansen.Jewell was born and raised in Columbus and eventually moved to Wichita to raise her family.

Nancy Hunt, 75, Baxter Springs

Nancy Jane Hunt, 75, Baxter Springs, died Friday, January 3, 2025 surrounded by family. She was known for her kindness, dedication to her family, and her unwavering support for those around her. Nancy always put a smile on everyone’s face with her ornery and affectionate personality.

Owen Phillips, 83, Oswego

Owen “Gary” Phillips, 83, Oswego, died Monday, December 30, 2024, at his home.Born January 29, 1941, at the family home in rural Columbus, Gary was the son of the late Jack and Mildred (Hulen) Phillips.

Mary Black, 97, Payette, Idaho

Mary Ileen Black, 97, Payette, Idaho, died December 23, 2024 at her home.Born September 17, 1927 in Columbus, Mary was the daughter of Elden and Ruth Mogle. Mary and her family lived in Columbus until moving to Tonganoxie in 1943, where she graduated from high school.

Constance J. (Connie) Wary

Constance J. (Connie) Wary, 88, Columbus, died December 25, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, January 6 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 115 West Walnut Street in Columbus. Rosary and visitation will be at 6 p.m.

Betty Bloyed

Betty Bloyed, 95, Jasper, Mo., died at 6:44 p.m. Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Galena Nursing Center in Galena, after a lengthy illness.Born November 10, 1929, in Tipton Ford, Mo., Betty had resided most of her life in the Joplin, Mo. area.She was a bookkeeper for H.E. Shank Food, Inc.

Doris Lee Naylor

Doris Lee Naylor, 98, Weir, died at 7:44 p.m. Tuesday December 31, 2024 at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, following a short illness.Born October 2, 1926, in McCune, Doris was the daughter of Barton Lloyd and Thelma Lucille (Robertson) Morrison.

George LaVern Wade

George LaVern Wade, 72, Chetopa, died the afternoon of Monday, December 30, 2024, at his home.Born June 22, 1952, in Akin, South Carolina, George was the son of Wilbur Bryan and Lula Belle (Brown) Wade in. As a young boy, he moved with his family to California, where he grew up and attended school.

Lula Villegas, 98, Oswego

Lula Mae Villegas, 98, Oswego, died peacefully December 27, 2024.Born September 17, 1926 in San Bernardino, Calif., Lula was the daughter of Fred and Marchie (Sprouse) Stapleton. She was one of nine children.

Jack Gougler Jr., 61, Galena

Jack Gougler Jr., 61, Galena, died Thursday, December 26, 2024 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Mo.Born September 8, 1963 in Joplin, Mo., Jack was the son of Jack Gougler Sr. and Laura (Sooter) Gougler.He lived most of his life in the Joplin, Mo. area.