Merlyn Votaw, 82, Baxter Springs

Merlyn Votaw, 82, of Baxter Springs, died Thursday, September 2, 2021 at his Home. Born February 2, 1939 in Lawrence, Merlyn was the son of Milo Votaw and Angie Vitt Votaw. They preceded him in death. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Lyle, Ivan, Leslie Votaw.

Harold Brandenburg, Jr., Wichita

Harold Brandenburg, Jr., 90, of Wichita, died Tuesday, August 10, 2021. Born April 7, 1931, in Columbus, Harold was the son of Harold P. Brandenburg, Sr. and Macy Brandenburg (Nice). They preceded him in death.

Joanne Jones, 59, Columbus

Joanne Jones (Belotti), 59, of Columbus, died August 28, 2021, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, Conn. Born in New Haven, Conn. August 30, 1961, Joanne was the beloved daughter of Rosemarie LaPaglia Belotti of Shelton and Andrew Belotti. Joanne’s work ethic was second to none.

Jennifer Millner, 49, Joplin, Mo.

Jennifer Marie Millner, 49, of Joplin, Mo., died at 5:06 p.m., Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo. following an illness. Born October 22, 1971, in Spokane, Wash., Jennifer was the daughter of Richard Dean and Myrna A. (Martinez) Tackett.

Jessie Carrell, 89, Chetopa

Jessie F. Carrell, 89, of Chetopa, died at 8:15 a.m., Thursday, August 26, 2021, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. Born October 20, 1931, in rural Oswego, Jessie was the son of Albert and Cora (Stice) Carrell. They preceded him in death.

Barry Wayne McWilliams

(Editor’s Note)Barry’s cartoons have appeared in the Columbus News-Report since we began publishing this newspaper in October of 2010. Previously his cartoons had been in newspapers published by Larry Hiatt for more than 50 years. His followers will miss his sense of humor.

Robert York, 88, Galena

Robert F. York, 88 of Galena, died Monday, August 30, 2021, in his home. Born February 27, 1933, in Joplin, Mo., Bob was the son of Walter and Nellie (Eddington) York. He was a lifelong farmer and a member of the Grangers Bob proudly served in the United States Army from 1953-1955.

Ruth Miller, 91, Chetopa

Ruth Ellen Miller, 91, of Chetopa, died at 1:17 a.m., Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Labette Health in Parsons. Born January 5, 1930, in Chetopa, Ruth Ellen was the daughter of James Aubrey and Grace Lorene (Wright) Willis. She grew up, attended school and spent most of her life in Chetopa.

Julia Rowan, Carl Junction, Mo.

Julia Ann (Doyle) Rowan, 61 of Carl Junction, Mo., died at 12:10 a.m. Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at Freeman West Hospital following a hard-fought battle with COVID. Born September 8, 1959, in Joplin, Mo., Julia was the daughter of Robert Doyle and Orissa (Gayler) Doyle.

Rebecca Lopp, Springfield, Ill.

Rebecca (Becky) Minyon Lopp, 71, of Springfield, Illinois, died peacefully in her home, August 24, 2021 after a five-year battle with end-stage renal disease. Born January 29, 1950 in Newport, Rhode Island, Becky was the daughter of Chester and Carol Houston.