Donald Fields, 57, Columbus

Donald Ray Fields, 57 of Columbus, died unexpectedly October 6, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. Donald was born June 6, 1965, in Liberal. He was the fifth of eight siblings. He served in the National Guard and was a talented mechanic and electrician.

Donna Helton, 80, Joplin, Mo.

Donna Sue Helton, 80, of Joplin, Mo., died at her home Thursday, October 13, 2022. Born July 18, 1942 in Baxter Springs, Donna was the daughter of Floyd Wayne Elsten and Mary Francis (Stafford) Elsten. Donna married Donald Helton August 10, 1974 in Princeton, Illinois.

Brenda Napier, 65, Columbus

Brenda J. Napier, 65 of Columbus, died at 3:05 p.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Mo. Born in Miami, Okla., July 6, 1957 , Brenda was the daughter of Donald Richardson and Barbara Webb. She graduated from Columbus Unified High School with the class of 1975.

Henry Welch, 79, Baxter Springs

Henry Lee Welch, 79 of Baxter Springs, died Friday, October 14, 2022 at Freeman Hospital, in Joplin, Mo. Born September 30, 1943 in Dayton, Ohio, Henry was the son of James Welch and Helen Marie Ogan (Snyder).

Robert Fruit, Jr., Overland Park

Robert Paul Fruit, Jr., 85, of Overland Park, died Sunday October 9, 2022 after an extended illness. Born July 2, 1937 in Columbus, Bob was the son of Robert Paul Fruit Sr. and Florence Louise (Kelley) Fruit. They preceded him in death. Bob attended Park School in Columbus.

Mary Buckner, 77, Quapaw, Okla.

Mary N. Buckner, 77, of Quapaw, Okla., died Sunday, October 9, 2022 at the Global Higher Nursing Center in Quapaw, Okla. Born October 29, 1944 in Los Angeles, Calif., Mary, was the daughter Floyd and Edith (Parson) Charles. They preceded her in death.

Linda Buzzard Arlington, Texas

Linda Ellen Dewey Buzzard, 76, of Arlington Texas died peacefully at her house September 28, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born August 22, 1946 in Columbus, Linda was the daughter of John and Hazel Esther (Niday) Dewey.

Ben Stout, 84, Columbus

Ben Oliver Stout 84, of Columbus, lost his battle with cancer 12:54 p.m. Monday, October 10, 2022, at his home in Columbus. Born February 9, 1938, in Parsons, Ben was the son of Ernest B. Stout and Ruth Naoma Kepner.

Elizabeth Heistand, Columbus

Elizabeth W. “Betty” Heistand, 92 of Columbus died Monday October 10, 2022 at her home. Born November 16, 1929, in rural ColumbusBetty was the daughter of Thomas and Winnie Agnes (Smith) Morris. Betty and Fred Christian Heistand were united in marriage June 8, 1947 in Columbus.

Jackie McLaughlin, Columbus

Jackie Sue McLaughlin, 54, of Columbus, died suddenly October 5, 2022. She was born December 21, 1967 Jackie had a love for life that was present in everything she did. She loved cooking, telling stories and doting on her three grandchildren.