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Joy Faith Brown of Severy, Kansas, passed away June 23, 2025 at her home in Severy at the age of 66.  She was born on December 10, 1958 in Iola, Kansas, the daughter of William Eugene and Florence Irene (Heath) Brown.

Joy spent her formative years being raised in Humboldt, Kansas where she attended local schools.  She later lived in California where her son, Petey, was born.  After the profound loss of her son, Joy felt the need to be closer to family and subsequently made the move to Severy, seeking the comfort and support of her loved ones.

Joy embraced a simple life, finding contentment in the quiet rhythms of her days.  Her greatest joys often revolved around the loving companionship she shared with her mother, creating cherished memories in their shared moments.  She also found immense comfort and happiness in the unwavering affection of her beloved dogs and cats who were truly part of her family.

Joy is survived by two siblings, Gene Brown of Severy, Kansas and Joseph Brown of Eureka, Kansas.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Petey; her partner, Anthony "Tony" Bahr; and a brother, Virgil Leon Brown. 

Cremation has taken place.  Private family inurnment will be held at a later date at South Lawn Cemetery in Severy, Kansas.  Condolences may be left for the family online at www.koupfunerals.com.  Koup Family Funeral Home in Eureka, Kansas is overseeing arrangements.

(taken from the Koup Family Funeral Home website)

Harold Murl Johnson, age 84, of Grenola, Kansas, passed away June 24, 2025 at the Kansas Veterans Home in Winfield, Kansas.  He was born March 9, 1941 in Inola, Oklahoma.

Harold joined the United States Marine Corps in 1959.  He proudly served his country until receiving an honorable discharge in 1965. 

Private interment will take place at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in Winfield, Kansas at a later date under the direction of Miles Funeral Service of Winfield, Kansas.

(taken from the Miles Funeral Service website)

With heavy hearts and unwavering faith in the promise of eternal life, we announce the passing of Norma Jean (Hedges) Boss.  She was a devoted wife, loving mother, hard-working woman of grace, and faithful servant of the Lord. Norma Jean was born on October 8, 1941 in rural Severy, Kansas to parents, Clayton and Ruth (Morris) Hedges.  She was raised with strong values and a commitment to family and hard work that would carry her throughout her life.

Norma graduated from Severy High School in 1959 and later married the love of her life, James Lee "Jim" Boss.  Together they built a life rooted in devotion to each other, to their children, and to the land they worked.  Norma and Jim raised two children, James Lee Boss Jr. and Debra Lynn Boss and spent many years side-by-side on the family dairy farm.  In addition to her work on the farm, Norma was employed at Martin Marietta Rock Quarry where she was known for her friendliness and dedication.

After the passing of her beloved husband, Jim Boss in 2005, Norma moved to El Dorado, Kansas.  There she became a cherished member of the First Southern Baptist Church.  Her church family brought her great joy and spiritual companionship, and she loved them dearly.  Her faith continued to be a central part of her life and a source of peace and strength.

Norma's love for dancing reflected her fun-loving spirit.  She had a lifelong passion for perfectly polished nails and glitzy jewelry.  She wore her style well and carried herself with grace and sparkle.  She was known to have a sweet demeanor with a touch of sass.  She shared a special bond with her loyal companion, Odie, her beloved dog, who brought her comfort, laughter, and unconditional love.

Norma is survived by her son, Jim (Vickie) Boss; her daughter, Debi Boss; her grandchildren, Mandy (Justin) Lumbley, Tyler (Heather) Boss, and Kayla (Andy) Blaes.  Norma had 7 great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Liam, Charlotte, Tanner, Adeline, Landon, and Stella who lovingly called her "Grams".  She was also loved by many other family members and close friends.

May she rest in peace, and may her soul find joy in the arms of the Lord she so faithfully served. 
Well done, good and faithful servant........enter into the joy of your Lord" Matthew 25:23

A funeral service to honor Norma's life will be held at the First Southern Baptist Church, 200 Oil Road, El Dorado, Kansas on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. with burial to follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Eureka, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Southern Baptist Church in El Dorado, and they may be left with or mailed to the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.countrysidefh.com.  Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, 420 S. 20th Street, Fredonia, Kansas 66736.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

We celebrate the life of William Joe "Bill" Pickett, also known as Pops, Gramps, Grandpa, and Papa Pickett. Bill passed away peacefully at his home in rural Longton, Kansas on June 15, 2025.  Born to William and Elise Pickett in Ponca City, Oklahoma on November 27, 1936, Bill moved to rural Longton in 1953 with his family due to flooding at their previous residence.  His father decided it was best to settle on higher ground where he would no longer need to milk the cows in knee-deep water or relocate furniture to the attic for safety.

Bill graduated from Longton High School in 1955 and briefly attended college before deciding to pursue a career in farming and ranching.  He met LaDonna Sue Williams at the Helms Club in Havana, Kansas and instantly knew she was the one for him.  Despite facing her eleven siblings, their connection flourished through shared activities such as dancing, horseback riding, and buffalo rodeos.

Bill and LaDonna were united in marriage at the Longton Baptist Church on December 27, 1963.  Their life on the farm gained new dimensions with the arrival of their three children, JoElla Sue, Gregory Allen, and Melissa Ann.  Bill dedicated many years to farming, milking cows, raising pigs, horseback riding, camping, and fishing with his family.  He also established a crop insurance business and was an active church member.  In their later years, Bill and LaDonna enjoyed traveling, but spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought Bill the most joy.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Jody (Kevin) Proctor, granddaughter Montana (Cameron) Lipich; son Greg (Amanda) Pickett, grandson Colter (Maddi) Pickett; great-granddaughter Cassidy and great-grandson, Joseph Pickett, grandsons Clancy and Emmett Pickett; daughter Missy (Gary) Beougher, granddaughter Heather (Brace) Osburn, great-granddaughters, Amelia and Wren Osburn, and granddaughter Bridget (Kolby) Hugo.  He is also remembered fondly by his friends, church family, and self-adopted grandchildren who lovingly called him Grandpa.
Bill was welcomed at the gates of heaven by his Lord and Savior, his parents William and Elise Pickett; his brother, Richard Pickett, and is now walking hand in hand with his beloved wife, LaDonna Pickett.

The family invites friends and loved ones to join in a celebration of Bill's life at the Longton Baptist Church on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.  Bill will lie in state at the church one hour before services begin with graveside services to follow at the Longton Cemetery.  Bill's children request any memorial contributions can be made to the Longton Youth Group which was near and dear to Bill's heart.  Donations can be left with or mailed to the funeral home. 

As we reflect on his incredible journey of this thing called life, we find comfort in knowing that Bill's spirit will continue to inspire those who carry on his legacy. May his memory be a testament to a life devoted to love, faith, and family.

Services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Claudine Catherine Meng, formerly of Severy, Kansas, passed into eternal life on May 16, 2025 at Greenwood County Hospital in Eureka, Kansas at the age of 96.  She was born on June 11, 1928 in Sharon, Kansas, the daughter of Joseph Anthony and Josephine Catherine (Eck) Hrencher.

Claudine was raised in Sharon and graduated from Sharon High School.  On April 14, 1948, she was united in marriage to James August Meng in Sharon where they made their home.  However, they moved frequently in their early years. To this union, five children were born.  The family eventually settled in Garden Plain, Kansas where they lived for nearly twenty years.  Claudine ran a daycare there for many years, and her daycare was a second home for many children.  She touched the lives of countless families in Garden Plain.  Claudine and Jim retired to Severy, Kansas in 1987 where life moved at a slower pace, and the community felt like one big family. 

Claudine was a very devout Catholic and a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eureka and the Sacred Heart Altar Society.

Claudine is survived by four children, Vic Meng of Severy, Kansas, Delbert Meng of Severy, Kansas, Glenn (Laurie) Meng of Goddard, Kansas, and Delores (Finley) Nevin of Latham, Kansas; daughter-in-law, Christy Meng of Wichita, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Grant, Renee, Justin, Lindsay, Kendra, Krista, Brock, Jason, and Abbey; nineteen great-grandchildren; and her first great-great-grandchild on the way.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim, on November 25, 2017; one son, Vernon Meng; one grandson, Neil Nevin; and her seven siblings, Francis Joseph Hrencher, Ruthelma Caroline Hallam, Irene Mary "Sister Philomena" Hrencher, Ida Ann Thieme, Paul Hrencher, Clarence Francis Hrencher, and Josephine Catherine Inslee.

Funeral Mass was held on May 24, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eureka, Kansas with Father Thomas Hoisington officiating.  Interment followed at Greenwood Cemetery in Eureka, Kansas.  The family requests that memorials be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Altar Society.  Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 595, Eureka, Kansas 67045 which is overseeing arrangements.  Condolences may be left for the family online at www.koupfunerals.com.

(taken from the Koup Family Fuenral Home website)

Patrick Ray Criger, age 83, of Kirbyville, Missouri, passed away on June 7, 2025.  He was born on October 25, 1941 in Wichita, Kansas to Carl Russell and Betty June (McClure) Criger. He moved with his mother to California at the age of two to live with her parents, Charlie and Billie McClure.  Charlie worked as a welder in the shipyards making warships.  Patrick's father was serving in World War II and had been reported as Missing in Action and was later found to have been captured and was being held in a German prison camp.  He returned home at the end of the war.

By the time Pat started school, he moved with his mom and dad back to Kansas.  He grew up in Howard, Kansas on his family's hog and cattle farm where he learned his strong work ethic.  He had a pony named Topsy that his grandfather, Albert Criger, had bought him and a dog named Laddy that he treasured, and they were all the best of friends.  After graduating from Howard High School in 1959, he went on to receive automotive technical training at a college in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.  After college, Pat married Linda Kay Spurlock.  He became a dad to her son and was blessed with the birth of his daughter, Nikki, and his son, Russ, in the subsequent years.

Pat was talked into jalopy racing by one of his neighbors.  He had great success with a 1970 Plymouth Cuda he rebuilt and a 1969 Mustang that he built, racing on tracks in Kansas and Oklahoma.  He also used his automotive training and knowledge to join in partnership with his friend, Loren Venable, operating a body shop and car restoration garage specializing in Ford Mustangs called C-V Automotive.  After three years, Pat sold his interest in the garage and joined his father working in the oil fields of Oklahoma, drilling wells until he moved to Reeds Spring, Missouri in 1994. 

Pat met his loving wife, Sharon, in the early 1990s, and they began a life together.  They were married on June 22, 2002.  Pat and Sharon worked together operating their own craft business that showcased Patrick's woodworking and poetry writing skills. 

Pat will be remembered as a gifted artist, eloquent poet, and a good-hearted man.  They don't come any better. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend.  He was also an accomplished sporting clay shooter having won many awards and enjoyed spending time with his shooting friends at Ozarks Shooters Sports Complex. 

Pat will be deeply mourned by his wife, Sharon Criger; son, Russ (Alicia) Criger; daughter, Nikki Stowe; stepchildren, Joe Collins and Candace Phillips; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his stepmother, Frances Criger.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Carla Golden'; and one grandson, Seth. 

Cremation arrangements were in the care of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory in Branson, Missouri.

(taken from the Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory website)

Glenice Mae (Van Royen) Chastain, a beloved resident of Eureka, Kansas, gently passed away on June 3, 2025 at the Eureka Nursing Center in Eureka at the age of 79.  Her life's journey began on July 9, 1945 in Eureka, a cherished sixth child born to Enos Dever and Ollie Dell (Smith) Van Royen.

Raised amidst the serene landscapes near Severy, Kansas, she cultivated her early education in local schools.  With a spirit of dedication, she later achieved her GED and an Associate Degree from Butler County Community College in El Dorado, Kansas.

For over 25 years, Glenice dedicated her talents to USD #389, serving first as a diligent custodian and later as a nurturing paraprofessional, all while lovingly raising her three children.  Beyond her professional life, she found immense joy in the rhythmic dance of bowling and the intricate artistry of quilting.  Her needles wove not just fabric but also comfort and kindness as she generously donated countless quilts to the Angel Tree and to the cherished residents of the Eureka Nursing Center.  Yet above all, Glenice's heart truly blossomed when surrounded by her family, especially her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She nurtured a truly special bond with her children and shared an unbreakable connection with her beloved sisters.

Glenice leaves behind a legacy of love carried on by her devoted children:  Terry (Debbie) Chastain of El Dorado, Kansas, Leona Kay (John) Deane of Bozeman, Montana, and Gene Chastain of Eureka, Kansas.  Her memory will be cherished by 9 grandchildren and  20 great-grandchildren with two more precious souls soon to arrive; one great-great-grandchild; and her three dear sisters, Lily Cheever of Yates Center, Kansas, Karen Meyer of Haysville, Kansas, and Linda Simons of Fall River, Kansas; She was welcomed home by those who preceded her in passing; her parents and her three siblings, Alma Faye Boardman, Esther Eileen Meyer, and John William Van Royen.

A heartfelt family celebration of Glenice's remarkable life will be held at a later date.  Cremation has taken place, and her earthly remains will find their peaceful rest in Grace Lawn Cemetery in Howard, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Eureka Nursing Ceneter.  Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 595, Eureka, Kansas 67045 which is overseeing arrangements.  Condolences may be left for the family online at www.koupfunerals.com.

(taken from the Koup Family Funeral Home website)

Martha Ruth Brown, age 80, passed away at her home in Longton, Kansas on May 6, 2025.  She was born January 7, 1945 to James and Georgia Conley.  She was the middle of five children, including Bennie Conley, Richard Conley, Jimmy Conley, and Carl Conley.  Having four brothers meant she grew up tough.

On March 3, 1962, she married her lifelong love, Robert L. Brown, and they had four children together:  Tina, Maria, Robert Edward (Eddie) and Diddy McBerall.  She and Bob shared 63 wonderful years together with all the love they could give; so much so they had six grandchildren and many more adopted family along the way.  Martha is much loved and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Martha is survived by her husband, Bob, and her grandchildren, Kendra, Keton, Kelsey, Cristen, and Rachel.  We know she is happy with her children and grandchidlren and is waiting for the rest of us to join.

Per Martha's wish, cremation has been requested.  A memorial service to honor her will be held at a later date.  Services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Elaina D. (White) Bell, age 65, of Severy, Kansas, passed away peacefully at her home on June 1, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.  Born on July 16, 1959 in Arkansas City, Kansas, she was the beloved daughter of Daniel and Vergie Etta (Albert) White.

On August 30, 1980, Elaina married Terry Alan Bell.  They shared 24 years together until Terry's passing on August 19, 2004.  From their union, three daughters were born, Shannon and twins, Rachel and Rebekah.  After returning from Arizona in 1989, they settled in Howard, Kansas where they raised their family.

Elaina was a dedicated and hardworking individual, holding various jobs over the years including roles as a home health caregiver, G&W Foods in Fredonia, Kansas, and the Fall River Grocery Store.  She took great pride in her work and was known for her strong work ethic.

Elaina was deeply proud of her heritage as a tribal roll member of the Navajo Nation, specifically belonging to the Todikozhi and Nakai Dineh clans.  She cherished spending time with friends and family, admiring the natural beauty of the countryside on dirt road drives, listening to music, and watching sunsets.  Above all, Elaina was proud of her family.  She was an authentic and caring person with a beautiful soul, always able to find the good in others.

Elaina is survived by her daughters, Shannon  (Andy Crawford) Taylor of Wichita, Kansas, Rachel (Joshua) Babb of Andover, Kansas, and Rebekah (Leonard Rhomberg) Bell of Martelle, Iowa; her grandchildren, Jociana, Hayli, Travin, Braiton, Kamryn, Grayce, Maxwell, Ethan, Bella, and Everleigh; her friend, Joanna Wilson of Severy, Kansas; her siblings, Danny White of Howard, Kansas and Shawn White of Springtown, Texas; half-siblings, Justin Hunter of Fargo, North Dakota, Christina White of Claremore, Oklahoma, Lisa Hosteenez of Luppe, Arizona; and David White of Claremore; Oklahoma; great-grandchildren, Luca and Emersyn; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Elaine was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Terry.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, Kanas.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Elk County Community Foundation and sent to the funeral home.  Online condolences may be shared at www.countrysidefh.com.  Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349 has been entrusted with arrangements.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Duylan L. VanCleave, age 89, of Moline, Kansas, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025 at his home.  He was born on January 31, 1936 in Paxton, Nebraska, the son of Raymond Charles and Lila Mae (Beed) Van Cleave.

Duylan joined the United States Air Force at a young age and was immediately deployed where he got the chance to travel the world.  After four years of service, he returned home and moved to Wichita, Kansas where he worked for Wilko Paint, Inc. for the next 40 years.  On July 2, 1999, Duylan married Judith Belisle, and shortly thereafter, they moved to Moline, Kansas.

Including his loving wife, Judy, survivors include two nieces living in Nebraska.  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen; her son, Mark whom he raised from a small child; his parents; his sisters, Dixie and Shirley; and a brother, Stanford.

Cremation has been requested.  Burial of cremains was held at the Kansas Veteran's Cemetery in Winfield, Kansas on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.  Memorials have been suggested to either Harry Hynes Hospice or the Grenola Methodist Church and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.  Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)