Mark Thomas, 69, Topeka

Mark Alan Thomas, 69, of Topeka, died April 7, 2023 in Topeka. Born April 15, 1953 in Pittsburg, Mark was the son of Marshel James Wilkins and Billie Constance “Connie” Wallace. He was later joined by a brother, Matthew James.

Virgil Jurgensmeyer, Oracle, Ariz.

Virgil Herman Jurgensmeyer, 93, of Oracle, Ariz., former longtime Miami, Okla., died Saturday, May 6, 2023 in Alpena, Mich. Born May 16, 1929 in Saint Elizabeth, Mo., Virgil was the son of Joseph Conrad and Clara (Fennewald) Jurgensmeyer.

Alice Maxine Mussa

Alice Maxine Paxson Mussa, 89, most recently of Oakview Estates, in Frontenac, died May 5, 2023 after a lengthy life filled with love. She possessed a strong spirit and didn’t let arthritis, cardiac problems or cancer get her down.

Wanda Mercer

Wanda Kay Mercer, 78, of rural Columbus, died at 9:58 p.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital. Born May 4, 1944, in Columbus, Wanda was the daughter of Fred and Mabel (Walker) Thornburg They preceded her in death.

Mary Rose White, 89 Nevada Mo.

Mary Rose (Ledford) White, 89, of Nevada, Missouri, formerly of Olathe, died at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 1, 2023 at the Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, Missouri. Born October 1, 1933, at home in rural Mc-Cune, Mary was the daughter of Lauren E. and Gertrude L. (Lovell) Ledford.

Colleen Hearon, 87, Joplin, Mo.

Colleen Hearon, 87 of Joplin, Mo., died Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Joplin Gardens, in Joplin, Mo. Born March 11, 1936 in Baxter Springs, Colleen was the daughter of Orval and Frances Marie (Fithian) Hodge. They preceded her in death.

Dianna Hazley, Chesapeake, Virg.

Dianna Ruth Hazley of Chesapeake, Virginia, died Sunday, April 2, 2023 in Chesapeake, Virginia with her family by her side.

Billie Russell, Tipton Ford, Mo.

Billie Ruth Russell (Schnick), 81, of Tipton Ford, Mo. died May 2, 2023, with loved ones by her side at St. Luke’s Nursing Center in Carthage Mo. after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. The second of three children, Billie was born March 24, 1942, in Riverton.

Dr. Michael Shepard, Baxter Springs

Dr. Michael Lee Shepard, 77, of Baxter Springs, died 27 April 2023. Born November 3, 1945 in Independence, Mike was the son of Wine Park and Beulah (Foley) Shepard. They preceded him in death. He grew up in New Mexico and Kansas. He was a graduate of Ottawa High School with the class of 1964.

Judith LaPanne, 79, Joplin, Mo.

Judith Ann LaPanne, 79, of Joplin, Mo., died Thursday, April 27, 2023. Born February 21, 1944 in Galena, Judith was the daughter of Everett Jimerson and Imogene (Duncan) Jimerson. She grew up in Galena and attended Galena Schools.