Richard was born May 7, 1939, in Vibbard, Mo., to Huey and Mabel Bales Rogers. He grew up and lived most of his life in Excelsior Springs, first working in electrical construction then in electrical sales. Richard enjoyed helping others and spent many weekends and evenings helping friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Shelvina; his parents; one brother; and three sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Linda June Marten; daughter, Schranda Griffin; stepdaughter, Hillery Heigel; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

The family will have a celebration of life at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 at Wood Heights City Hall located at 2098 East Ridge Drive. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 816-630-3131.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Excelsior Springs Hospice.

Arlie Kenneth Roberts, age 76, of North Zulch, Texas, passed away on Oct. 21, 2015, in Madisonville, Texas.

He was born on Oct. 13, 1939, in Colquitt County, Ga. His parents were Lizzie (Davidson) and Arlie Alva Roberts. Arlie was a resident of North Zulch for the past year. He formerly lived in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

Arlie worked as a commercial real estate appraiser and served in the U.S. Air Force. Arlie enjoyed trail riding and helping his wife raise and breed horses. He also enjoyed working on his farm and driving his tractor and was an avid reader.

Mr. Roberts was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife, Donna Gasen of North Zulch, Texas; son, Timothy Roberts of North Zulch, Texas; daughters, Ginger Matthews of Moultrie, Ga., and Terry Bryant of Alvin, Texas; and stepdaughters, Jamie Roberts of Liberty, Mo., and Shannon Lysaught of Kansas City, Mo.

Madisonville Funeral Home in Madisonville, Texas, was in charge of arrangements.

Elizabeth Frances “Betty” Douglas, 85, of Tucson, Ariz., and formerly of Richmond, Mo., died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015, at her home.

Betty Douglas was lifelong student of music and served as organist or pianist of the churches she attended since the age of 12. The great love of her life, Kenny, preceded her in death in 1992. Her focus in life was her beloved family and she devoted her life to making a loving home for them.

Betty loved dogs and always counted hers as treasured members of her family.

Survivors include one daughter, Wendy Kaye Guyton and her husband, Joe, of Tucson, Ariz.; a son, Gary K. Douglas and his wife, Donna, of Olathe, Kan.; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenny; a son, Wayne Douglas; granddaughter, Amy Douglas; and son-in-law, Fred Hackler.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, at Richmond Memory Gardens in Richmond, Mo. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Monday, Nov. 2, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.

Fern Arbuckle, 86, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015.

Ms. Arbuckle was born March 27, 1929, in Rayville, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Theta (Hartman) Zirjacks; husband, Nolin Pate; brother, Iryl Zirjacks; twin sisters, Iris Webb and Kaye Ahart; son, David Pate; and granddaughter, Andrea Pate, and baby Tyler.

Fern is survived by her brother, Ival Zirjacks, of Excelsior Springs, Mo..; son, Steve Pate and wife, Sandy, of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; daughters, Martha Burnett and late husband, Gene, of Lewiston, Idaho, Charla Caruthers and husband, Max, of Spokane, Wash., Susan Hill and late husband, Ron, of Parker, Ariz., and Elaine Gardner and husband, Gary, of Hermitage, Mo.; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved her family and will be sadly missed.

A memorial visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, with a memorial service following at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Burial at Hillcrest Cemetery, Excelsior Springs, Mo., at a later date. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 816-630-3131.

Jim Wormsley passed to his Heavenly home early Monday, Nov. 2, 2015.

James David Wormsley was born Dec. 12, 1937, the second child born to James Paul and Mary Madeline (Hubbard) Wormsley. Jim attended the Polo Public Schools, graduating from high school in 1955. He married Julea Jeanne (Judy) Kupfer on Sept. 27, 1958. Three children were born to them, Janet Sue (Jim) Eide, Jaleen Ann (Mike) Neumann and Jason David.

Preceding Jim in death were his father, James Paul; daughter, Janet Sue Eide; sisters, Shirley Jane Harris and Sharon Sue Wormsley; and brother, Thomas Clayton Wormsley.

Jim is survived by his wife, Judy; his mother, Mary Madeline; daughter, Jaleen Neumann; son, Jason David Wormsley; sister, Sandra (Ken) Huey; brother, Charles (Saundra) Wormsley; sister-in-law, Judy R. Wormsley; son-in-law, Jim Eide; and nieces and nephews. Grandchildren surviving are Eric (April) Eide, Sarah (Aaron) Joseph, Stephanie Eide, Edward (Ryan) Eide, Alyson Nowell, Nicole Nowell and Chloe Wormsley and nine great grandchildren.

Jim was a member of Masonic Clay Lodge #207 and Woods Memorial Christian Church.

Services for Jim will be Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Woods Memorial Christian Church. A Masonic service will be at 11 a.m., with the funeral service immediately after. Cremation. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs, Mo., 816-630-3131.

The family suggests donations be made to Woods Memorial Christian Church in lieu of flowers.

Betty Sue Herod, 77, of Richmond, Mo., died at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015, at her home.

Betty was born Dec. 18, 1937, in Richmond to Harry and Mabel (Starling) Bellis.   She married Franklin E. Herod of Richmond on Jan. 31, 1953; he survives, of the home.

Other survivors include one son, Kenneth Herod of Missouri City, Texas; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Linda and Richard Phillips of Pittsburg, Mo., Connie and Tony Smith of Grand Pass, Mo., Nancy and Robert Kent Hisle of Lawson, Mo., and Rhonda Pinkston and Lloyd of Alva, Okla.; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Billy Phillips and Harry Kenneth Bellis; one sister, Wanda Bellis; and one grandson, Christopher Willard.

Betty worked in the dietary department at Ray County Memorial Hospital for 20 years. She had also worked in food service at Richmond High School. She was best known for her pies and desserts. She enjoyed spending time with her family and growing beautiful flowers. She was a lifelong Richmond area resident.   She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Excelsior Springs, Mo. She was a devout Christian and wonderful mother.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at the Church of the Nazarene, Excelsior Springs, Mo. Visitation will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond, Mo. Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens, Richmond, Mo.  Arrangements are through Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond, Mo.; online condolences may be left at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.

Ella R. McKown, 89, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Nov. 1, 2015.

Ella was born April 15, 1926, in Higginsville, Mo., to George and Fannie Lee Martin. On Aug. 29, 1944, Ella married John McKown, who preceded her in death in 2001. During her adult life, Ella worked  as a receptionist at several doctor’s offices and later was an integral part of Moore Monument and Bross & Spidle Monuments. She was known for her meticulous record keeping. She prided herself in attention to details and running a very organized office. Ella was a member of the Ladies VFW Auxiliary and Woods Memorial Christian Church. Ella loved playing cards with her friends, going to flea markets and painting. Her paintings were often displayed in her home, as well as the funeral home.

Ella was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings; son, Kerry Lee McKown; and a nephew, Tim.

Survivors include her grandson, Brian McKown; great-grandchildren, Jordan, Jacob, Brette and Blayke; daughter-in-law, Denise Charlson; and niece, Tracy Farley.

For many years, Ella was an important member of the Bross & Spidle Funeral Home family.  We, as well as her family and friends, will miss her.  She will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at Crown Hill Cemetery in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to the graveside service, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs, Mo., 816-630-3131.

Donna Wedgeworth, 68, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Friday, Nov. 6, 2015.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the West Tracy Church of Christ, 27404 NE 144th St., Excelsior Springs, Mo. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics.

Norma Kathryn Hamer, 83, Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Nov. 8, 2015.

Norma was born Feb. 9, 1932, to James and Iva Hightower Whelchel in Excelsior Springs, Mo. She retired from Hallmark Cards in 1997. Norma enjoyed taking care of her family and flower gardening.

She is survived by her children, Frank A. Hamer and wife, Kathy, Sheila Newland, and Denise Gorham and husband, Ray; grandchildren, Kristian Harmon and Hollie Brannen; and five great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 816-630-3131.

Coleen Porter, 55, Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Nov. 7, 2015.

Coleen worked as a CNA and CMT for several years. Then Coleen worked as a title clerk and biller for 13 years at Bob Allen Ford. She retired in 2010 due to her health.

She is survived by her husband, Dwight Porter; daughters, Shaunna Majors, Rachel Dulmage, Victoria LaCoy and Sandy Dulmage; stepsons, Kevin and Jason Porter; grandchildren, Jor-el Roserburr II, Easton LaCoy and 24 other grandchildren; brother, James Dwyer, and sisters, Sharon Greiko and Cindy Brinkman, all of New York, and brother, Bryan Dwyer of Oklahoma.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 816-630-3131.

Linda Sue (Jordan) Armes was born the daughter of Elmer (William) and Eunice (Rogers) Jordan on Aug. 21, 1945, in Excelsior Springs, Mo. She passed away Oct. 30, 2015, in Excelsior Springs, Mo., at the Excelsior Springs Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Sue was united in marriage to Carroll (Joe) Armes on Sept. 1, 1961, in Lawson, Mo. Sue spent her life working in the maintenance department at Whitaker Cable and Liberty Vocational Center.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Betty Miller and Delores Berry; and two brothers, TJ Jordan and Billy John Jordan.

She is survived by her loving husband, Joe Armes, of the home; four children, Stephen Armes of Grandview, Mo., Stephanie Armes of Lawrence, Kan., Shelley Godfrey of Independence, Mo., and Sheri Kay Menees of Walnut Shade, Mo., along with a cherished foster daughter, AnnaDell (Easley) Scott of Excelsior Springs, Mo. Linda adored the company of her 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at Lawson Assembly of God Church, with a short prayer service. Burial in Old New Garden Cemetery the following day. Fond memories and words of comfort may be shared at www.CashattFamilyFunerals.com. Arrangements are through Cashatt Family Funeral Home, 816-587-8200.

Melanie Beth Peppers, 55, Liberty, Mo., passed away Nov. 11, 2015.

She was born Nov. 17, 1959, in Humansville, Mo., to Theo and Rachel Payne. Melanie was an assistant manager for Famous Footwear and had been a volunteer for Liberty Hospital Hospice.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David Lee Peppers; father, Theo Payne; brother, Roger Payne; and nephew, Jeremy Sharp.

Survivors include her sons, Kyle and Ryan; mother, Rachel Payne; sisters, Becki (Bob) Morlan and Crystal Cranor; brothers, Bob and Kevin Payne; nephew, Eric Sharp; and her beloved four legged son Eddie.

Arrangements are through Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home, Liberty, Mo., 816-781-2000.

Memorial contributions may be made to NorthCare Hospice.

Mary Frances (Loar) Baldock, 89, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 14, 2015, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Ark.

She had been a resident of Concordia Nursing Home in Bella Vista, Ark., and Jamestown Nursing Home in Rogers, Ark. Prior to this, she had lived in Excelsior Springs, Mo., for 50 years and St. Joseph, Mo.

She was born Jan. 26, 1926, in Dearborn, Mo., to William G. Loar and Lilian (Freeman) Loar. She was a graduate of Benton High School in St. Joseph, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Paul Francis, Earl and George; and one sister, Juanita Loar Wells. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, James (Fred) Baldock, in 2011.

Mary worked as a secretary for many years and enjoyed gardening, sewing, crafts and playing her piano and organ. She had fond memories of her years growing up on the farm, and shared these stories with her family.

She is survived by her three children, Fred and Susan Baldock of Quincy, Mass., Judy and Mikal Lemoine of Bella Vista, Ark., and Debora Baldock-Pike Petrovic of Pineville, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Jason and Alyson Baldock of Dorchester, Mass., Jeff and Lucia Baldock of Quincy, Mass., Matthew Baldock of Londonderry, N.H, Jennifer Baldock of Quincy, Mass., Mark and Christine Lemoine of Woodstock, Ga., Ryan Lemoine of Rogers, Ark., Jaret Pike of North Kansas City, Mo., and Janelle Keeney of Camdenton, Mo.; and six great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, followed by the funeral service at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo., with Dr. Harrison Pike officiating. Burial will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Excelsior Springs. Pallbearers will be J.B. McGinness, Jaret Pike, Mark and Ryan Lemoine, and Jay and Kevin Wells.

Memorial contributions can be made to Village Baptist Church in Bella Vista, Ark., or to Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Ark.

Staff Sgt. William “Bill” S. Bennett, U.S. Army & Missouri National Guard, passed away Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, at home with family.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Phillis Moore; father, Lloyd Bennett; sister, Diane Bennett; and infant niece, Summer Bennett.

Bill is survived by his wife, Marilyn Bennett, of the home; son, Aaron Stephenson (Rachel); daughter, Tina Whitmore (Shawn); daughters, Roberta and Alice Gartner; brother, Gary Bennett (Kay); niece, Laura Chaugnon (Nick); and nine grandchildren.

Cremation and burial at a later date. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo., 816-630-3131.

Alice Marie Witt, 77, Excelsior Springs, Mo. (formerly of Liberty, Mo.), passed away on Nov. 17, 2015.

Alice was born on Jan. 11, 1938, in Campbell, Neb., to Bernard and Mary Susan (Portz) Miller.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gary Witt; son, Kenneth Witt; and two brothers, Philip and Larry Miller.

Alice was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Cameron, Mo.

Survivors include two daughters, Marcia (Mark) Sullivan, Ijamsville, Md., and Pamela Witt, Liberty, Mo.; two sisters, Rita Koehler, Omaha, Neb., and Bernadine “Bea” Anderson, Surfside Beach, S.C.; and nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 23, at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Cameron, Mo. Visitation will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at Poland-Thompson Funeral Home, Cameron, Mo. Burial in Graceland Memorial Cemetery, Cameron, Mo.

Memorial contributions may be made to Noah’s Ark Preschool, Cameron, Mo.

Donnie Lee Shelton, 69, of Gladstone, Mo. (formerly of Excelsior Springs, Mo.), passed away in the early morning hours of Nov. 19, 2015, surrounded by his children.

Donnie was born in Kansas City, Mo., to Edwin and Juanita Shelton on March 21, 1946.

He graduated from Excelsior Springs High School in 1964. While in school, Donnie was president of his senior class, as well as a standout athlete.

After graduation Donnie attended William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., on a full baseball scholarship. After a year, he transferred to CMSU in Warrensburg, MO. also on a full baseball scholarship.

Donnie started the family business, Sheltons’ Floor & Wall Covering, Inc., with his father Edwin, mother Juanita, and brother David in 1969.

The business located in Excelsior Springs, Mo., now run by his oldest son Brad, is still going strong after 46 years.

Donnie drag raced and raced stock cars from 1970-1986. He had multiple victories including national events.

One of his favorite pastimes was attending the races every Friday night in the summertime at Lakeside Speedway, with his three children.

Their Friday nights will never be the same.

Anyone who knew Donnie, knew that he was a force of nature. The void his passing has left will not and cannot ever be filled.

Donnie leaves behind many friends, family and loved ones. He loved you all, as you loved him, deeply and with great passion.

On Donnie’s behalf, his children would like to say thank you, for everyone’s love and support, during his brave and well fought battle with cancer.

No act of kindness, no matter how big or small, went unnoticed or unappreciated.

Donnie was preceded in death by his mother, Juanita; younger brother, David; and his father, Edwin.

He is survived by son, Brad Shelton and wife, Dena, of North Kansas City, Mo.; son, Jason Shelton and fiancée, Shanika Hood, of Dallas, Texas; and daughter, Caina Shelton, of Excelsior Springs, Mo.

Services will be held Dec. 1 at Bross and Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a memorial service. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks you to consider donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Kristy Lynn Mitchell of Excelsior Springs, Mo., died from her wounds after being shot on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015, in Jackson, Miss., while on a business trip with her employer, Job Corps.

She is survived by her husband, Douglas Mitchell, and their two children, SSG Matthew Mitchell and Mellissa Mitchell. Kristy was Grammy to four grandchildren, Tyler (10), Conan (6), Chloe (6) and Isabella (18 months). Kristy also leaves behind her mother, Sheena Franklin; her sisters, Lelia Pierce and Melody Burkhead; and brother Jonathan Franklin.

Kristy was loved and cherished by all who knew her.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, at Pisgah Baptist Church, with burial following at Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the church. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.

Mr. Claude E. Wyman Sr. passed away on Nov. 22, 2015.

He was born on Dec. 2, 1915. He passed just 10 days shy of his 100^th birthday. He was a direct descendent of Christian Wyman, one of the founders of Excelsior Springs. He was very proud of that. He lived in Excelsior Springs for all of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mabel; his wife of 63 years, Ida; and two sons, Charles and Gene.

He is survived by his son, Claude; daughter-in-law, Linda; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs, Mo. He will be missed.

Ruthann Eggert, 89, Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Nov. 25, 2015.

Private family services will be held. Cremation. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 816-630-3131.

Dwight David Clevenger, 54, Liberty, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, No. 30, at Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney, Mo. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at First United Methodist Church, Excelsior Springs, Mo., with burial following at Old Union Cemetery, Lawson, Mo. Arrangements are through Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney, Mo., 816-628-4411.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family or the American Heart Association.