On May 12, 2026, Brenda Eileen (Keck) Summers, age 69 of Lee’s Summit, MO, lost her fight with cancer and finished her earthly chapter of life. As she turned the page into eternity, her final appointment was with her Great Physician, Jesus Christ, and we rejoice knowing that cancer treatments are done, complete healing has come, and heaven just got a little more joyful and beautiful because Brenda is there.

Brenda was the youngest of two daughters born to Leroy and Rosezella Keck (Waugh) on March 30, 1957 and lived her entire life in the Kansas City area. She grew up in the small-town suburb of Lone Jack, MO where she proudly cherished her pet raccoons. Despite having no running water until third grade and periods of time with no television in the house as a teenager, she still managed to excel in school where she graduated valedictorian of Lone Jack High School’s class of 1975. It was also during high school that she met the first and only love of her life, Raytown South swim team captain, Ronny Summers.

After high school, Brenda attended Central Missouri State University (now UCM), where she obtained an Associate of Science degree in secretarial studies. Shortly before her graduation, Brenda joined Ronny in marriage on February 26,1977. That same year, they also recorded a gospel music album in Irving, Texas and were periodically invited to sing at various churches or events. After a brief time of renting, Brenda and Ronny built a house and settled in Lee’s Summit, MO where they began to build a family with their two kids, Adam and Heather. Throughout her career, Brenda held secretarial positions at various companies including Hallmark Cards and the Kids Country before and after care program with Lee’s Summit School District.

For Brenda, her faith in Jesus was not simply a part of her life; it was the central theme for everything she did and her sole desire was to love others like Jesus and point them to Him. Brenda gave her life to Jesus when she was only 10 years old at a Lake of the Ozarks summer church camp. Throughout adulthood, Brenda was always actively involved in her church, including Abundant Life church where Brenda and Ronny have attended and served in many volunteer ministry roles since 2012. Brenda never hesitated to go the extra mile to give a ride, make a meal, babysit kids, clean a house, or spend an exorbitant amount of money just to make a memory that would last a lifetime.

Certainly, we will miss the familiar sight of Brenda reading her Bible at the kitchen table each morning or watching “The Chosen.” Yet, we are also grateful that after living a life of quiet sacrificial service, motherhood, and nearly 50 years of faithful marriage, Brenda has shown us all what it means to serve and love like Jesus.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents Leroy and Rosie Keck, and her grandson Nolan Summers. She is survived by her husband Ronny Summers; sister Kathy Bowers (Billy); son Adam Summers (Amy), daughter Heather Atkinson (Chris); and grandchildren Taygan Summers, Delaney Summers, Eli Atkinson (Sena), Ean Atkinson, Brinley Atkinson, Avery Atkinson, and Addisyn Atkinson.

Visitation Wednesday, May 20 from 9:30-11am at Abundant Life Admin Building 414 SW Persels Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO. Funeral service to follow at 11am. Burial service at Floral Hills East cemetery in Lee’s Summit, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Abundant Life “In honor of Brenda Summers.”

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441

Terry Brice Rinehart (Brice), 67 of Grain Valley, MO passed away on May 11th, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospice House, peacefully surrounded by family. 

Brice was born on November 2nd, 1958, in Kansas City, MO. The son on Myron B. Rinehart and Dorcas J. Vinsonhaler.

Brice grew up in Raytown, MO. He attended Raytown South High School. He married his wife Pam in 1989. Brice was self-employed. 

Brice was the definition of “Mr. Fix-It.” No matter the problem, there was very little he couldn’t repair, build, or figure out. Whether it involved tools, tinkering, or simply finding a way to make things work, Brice had a gift for fixing anything. 

Known for his quick wit and fluent command of inappropriate humor, Brice had a way of making you laugh. He was truly one of a kind. The kind of man whose personality could fill a room, whose jokes would be remembered long after the laughter ended, and whose presence could never be replaced.

Brice was preceded in death by his parents, Myron B. Rinehart, Dorcas J. Vinsonhaler, brother Mike Rinehart, sister-in-law Trish Rinehart, and his paternal grandparents. 

He is survived by his wife Pamela Rinehart, daughters Hannah Rinehart and Ashley Rinehart, Grandson Koda Miller, brothers Mark Rinehart (Cindy) and Ross Rinehart, and several nieces and nephews. 

Though no services will be held at this time, Brice’s memory will live on in the countless things he fixed, the stories shared, the laughter he sparked, and the love he gave in his own way.

Submitted by Family

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441

Jerry Dale Danforth, 53, of Bates City, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs, MO.  Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Jerry was born July 22, 1972, in Brookfield, Missouri, the son of Charlotte Kaye (Schaefer) Danforth. Raised in Independence, Jerry met and married the love of his life, Chrissy, in December of 1992. Married for almost 34 years, together they raised two sons, and Jerry taught them to be loving, compassionate, and hardworking. He devoted himself to providing for his family and never missed a single event his boys were involved in.

In 2017, Jerry and Chrissy welcomed their first and only grandchild, Jaxon Scott. Jerry and Jaxon shared a special bond—he was the best Paw Paw a little boy could ever ask for, and Jaxon quickly became the light of his life.

Jerry loved the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and passing that passion on to his sons and grandson brought him tremendous joy. He had a one‑of‑a‑kind sense of humor and a quick wit that could make anyone laugh. Family and friends were always a priority, but after a serious accident in 2022, Jerry became even more intentional about spending time with the people he loved and making memories.

In the fall of 2024, Jerry and Chrissy moved to their dream home in Bates City, settling on more than 14 acres. The move was healing for Jerry—bringing him peace, purpose, and a renewed sense of gratitude.

Jerry was loyal, generous, compassionate, and determined. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need, and he always took care of his people. “Making Memories” was his mantra.  He would want everyone to remember how important it is to spend time with those you love, take care of those around you, take lots of pictures, smile, laugh, and above all, MAKE MEMORIES.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Larry Danforth; maternal grandparents, Pearl and Lawrence Schaefer; and paternal grandmother, Annie Danforth.

His survivors include his wife Chrissy Danforth, sons Justin and Larry Danforth, grandson Jaxon Danforth, mother, Charlotte Danforth, brother Jeff Danforth (Hillery), mother-in-law Kathy Minks, brother-in-law Robert Minks (Melissa), sister-in-law Shelly Butler (Brett), Grandpa Bob, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

Anita Delores (Candillo) Wilson, 71, of Bates City, Missouri, passed away on May 9, 2026, at Centerpoint Hospital, peacefully with family present. A Visitation will be held at 11:00 am on May 15^th, at Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until the service time of 12:00 pm. A burial will follow, in Oak Grove Cemetery, Oak Grove, Missouri.

Anita was born on October 12, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Jose and Donna Candillo. She was a beautiful person who cherished her family, friends, nature and furry creatures of all types. Anita enjoyed a long career with Hallmark Cards until retirement. Anita and her husband, Jim, raised three children and enjoyed camping, boating and travels with an emphasis on family. She would after retirement provide care for her mother and two brothers. Anita enjoyed her gardens, flowers, and providing a habitat for everything from butterflies to deer.

Anita was preceded by her loving and committed husband, Jim; parents, Jose and Donna Candillo; and brother, Mark Candillo.

She leaves behind three children, Stephen Leith of Pleasant Hill, Matt Leith and Angela Wilson of Blue Springs; two cherished grandchildren, Jamison and Quincy Leith of Pleasant Hill; and brother, Anthony Candillo. Mom “Mimi” will be missed but not forgotten. Her strong faith in Jesus Christ ensures our reunion.

Submitted by Family

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441

It is with profound shock and deep sadness that the family of Dakota Lee Jones, 31, of Kansas City, Missouri, announces his sudden passing on May 7, 2026, while on vacation with his wife, daughter, mother-in-law, and two close friends in Panama City Beach, Florida. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Grace United Methodist Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 7:00 p.m.

Dakota was a loving husband, father, son, and dedicated friend to every person he ever crossed paths with. Dakota is consistently described as the most optimistic, lighthearted, and genuine man to those lives he touched. He never knew a stranger and welcomed everyone with open arms. Dakota was very committed in every aspect of his life, including his family and his career. He dreamed big, was always making plans for his and his family’s future and always put others before himself.

Dakota was born in Detroit, Michigan to Tamara Jones on January 26, 1995. Dakota moved to Kansas City in 1999 and titled himself as a KC native. He never missed an opportunity to celebrate his Kansas City Chiefs and to plan the next game that he would be in attendance whether that was at home or away. Dakota graduated from Blue Springs South High School in May 2014. He worked various jobs starting in high school such as Steak n Shake, Pizza Hut, and UPS. He started his final career path with ConGlobal in 2020 where he worked at various railroad yards in the KC area. Dakota was always a team player at work whether that meant he was doing groundwork, driving a hostler, or operating the crane to unload and reload the train cargo. No matter how hard of a day he had, he always came home to his wife (Skylar), daughter (Brinnley), dogs (Flynn, Daisy, Bolt), and cats (Felix & Tigger) to whom he gave his full attention and dedication to.

Dakota is survived by his wife, Skylar Biggs-Jones, their daughter, Brinnley Betty-Jane Jones ‘Brinn Brinn’, his mother, Tamara Jones (Terry Zeller), in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandma, Carol Jones, Pa, Duane Jones Sr., uncle, Duane Jones Jr., Nam, Jay Beasse, and Uncle Chump, James Malkowski.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Dakota’s GoFundMe to help support Brinnley’s future and provide her with the life her dad dreamed for her.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

Connie Jean Herrman, 88, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at her home in Oak Grove, Missouri.  Services will be held at Faith Community Church in Oak Grove on Thursday, May 7^th with visitation from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. followed by the funeral at 5:30 p.m.  Contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Connie was born January 24, 1938, in Alton, Illinois, the daughter of John and Letha Ruth (Herring) Ellis. She worked for Social Security before helping to start S&H Construction from which she retired from. Connie was multi-talented, did carpentry, upholstering, macramé, and Victorian lamp shades. She had the ability to wrap packages that made them a gift within a gift. She had a gift of exterior and interior design, that allowed her to see and create the vision with flair. Connie loved her family and did her best for them. We were truly blessed to have had her as our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother for as long as we did. She will be greatly missed.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Lloyd Ellis and John Ellis; daughter, Cynthia Moore; grandson, Leland Williams; and son-in-law, James Williams.

Her survivors include four children: Debbie Snow (Greg), Marla Williams, James Moore (Angela), and Michelle Williams (Anthony); twelve grandchildren: Jody Berend (Joshua Traversie), Crystal Berry, John Phelps, Jeremy Phelps (Erica), Dennis Williams, Alexander Williams, Haley Williams, Jamie Moore, Legend Moore, Dylan Williams (Kaily Larson), Cynthia Williams, and Jayden Moore; eleven great-grandchildren: Michael Berry (Shelby Blaskey), Ashlie Berry, Hailey Kneedler (Brandon), Selena Guffey, Kylie Phelps, Lily Phelps, Leland Phelps, Madalyn Phelps, Charlotte Phelps, Michael O’Brien, and Leland Williams; and ten great-great-grandchildren: Cayden Blaskey, Isabelle Berry, Michael Berry, Charles Berry, Emma Kneedler, Briella Kneedler, Rowan Fort, Elouise Fort, Elton Fort, and Stetson Fort.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

Connie J. “Dallas” Chapman, nee Miller, was born on March 19, 1954 in Kansas City, MO. She was a 1972 graduate of Lee’s Summit High. She peacefully joined her parents Thomas and Vivian Miller in Heaven on May 4, 2026. She is survived by: husband Mark, brothers Tom (Marti) and John (Debbie) Miller, son Sean (Katy) Houston, grandchildren Leah and Tommy Houston, and many nieces and nephews.

Dallas was a life member of Freedom of Road Riders and served as Treasurer/Office Manager for many years before retiring. Dallas and Mark had ridden many miles together, from Kansas City to Sturgis, to Dallas, to New Orleans, to Quantico, Virginia to Duluth, Minnesota, and back, and thousands of miles in Missouri.

Dallas rode many of those miles on her own motorcycle. She will be missed.

A celebration of life will be held later in the Summer.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, MO

Gyla Kay Ussery, 69, of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away on May 4, 2026, in the comfort of her family’s home, surrounded by those who loved her, following a battle with metastatic cancer. The family plans to hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Community LINC at www.communitylinc.org.

Gyla was born on October 31, 1956, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Kenneth C. and Hattie Louise Ussery. She worked hard throughout her life to provide for her two daughters, Lindsay and Casey, creating a foundation of love.

She enjoyed gardening, planting flowers, knitting, crocheting, and cooking, and had a strong interest in real estate, often finding joy in walking through homes and envisioning their potential. This passion led her to remodeling and eventually to the Lake Lotawana community, where she found connection with both the homes and the people.

Gyla’s life, like many, included both meaningful moments and personal challenges. Those who knew and loved her hold space for all that she was—a woman who lived fully and loved her family.

Gyla was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth C. Ussery.

She is survived by her daughters, Lindsay Maasen and husband Gary of Oak Grove, Casey Haase and husband Jonathan of Blue Springs, Christy Steinmuller and husband Derek of Prairie Grove, AR, and Carrie Guier and husband Greg of Sweet Springs, who were raised together as sisters; her mother, Hattie Ussery; her sister, Tina Franklin and husband Wade of Oak Grove; Debbie Deke and husband Tom of Concordia, parents of Christy and Carrie; the girls’ father, Chris Kappelman and wife Paula; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

Faith E. Ashby, 59, of Richmond, Missouri passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Faith was born on July 28, 1966, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Donald W. and Agnes Rae (Owens) Holloway. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Dena Bates; brother-in-law, Leon Bates; nephew, David Holloway, Jr.

Faith was survived by her husband, Robert Wright; daughter, MaLinda Slette; son, Tanner (TJ) Slette; son, Jimmy (Kellee) Ashby, Jr.; daughter, Alisha Wright; son, Connor Wright; brothers, Donald Holloway, Jr, Daniel (Elizabeth) Holloway; David (Melissa) Holloway, Sr; grandchildren; Aidan, Evan, Brooklyn, Brody, Paisley, Teaghan, Kynlee, Kelsey, Brentley, Lainey, Wyatt and Preslie and several great nieces and nephews.

She lived a life full of energy, devotion, and laughter. A proud Marine and dedicated nurse, she devoted herself to serving others with courage, compassion, and a strong sense of duty. Her faith, determination, and warm heart touched countless lives, both in her professional career and in her personal circles.

Family was everything to Faith. Whether gathered around the table for holidays, cheering each other on, or simply sharing everyday joys, she made everyone feel loved and valued. She had a gift for bringing people together and making every moment count.

Faith found joy in life’s adventures — especially going on cruises and spending time boating at the lake, where she felt most at peace. She was also an active member of her dart league, cherishing the camaraderie and friendships she found there. In quieter moments, she loved to unwind with a good western romance novel, her favorite escape into stories of strength and love.

Her life was one of service, laughter, and love. Her kind spirit and generous heart will live on in the memories of all who knew her.

Faith will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and everyone privileged to share in her journey.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Oak Grove MO 816-690-4441

David L. Gregory (known lovingly to his grandchildren as Pop) of Independence, MO, passed away on April 30, 2026 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 14, 1943 in Independence, MO.

He was a life-long resident of Independence. He worked at Montgomery Ward for 19 years before obtaining a job at Hemco Corporation, where he worked for 30 years before enjoying a well-deserved retirement. He was also a member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendents. He was united in marriage to his best friend and the love of his life on April 26th, 1963.

In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling far and wide with his wife. Some of his favorite memories include going on a European tour (among many other places). He was an avid golfer and bowler, competing on many bowling leagues over the years. In addition, he often spent time boating and fishing at the family lakehouse. But family was always his priority, and he never passed up a chance to spend time with them. All of his loved ones can proudly attest to his unwavering love, devotion, playfulness, and wit.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hollis and Pauline (Pullins) Gregory, his sisters, Mary Crowder and Nadine Pace, and his grandsons, Michael Butler and Jeff Gregory. 

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Beth (Yates) Gregory; his daughters, Christine Cloe (Barry) and Paula McGowan (Donnie); his grandchildren, Stephanie Butler, Jessica McGowan (Julia), and Garrett McGowan (Molly); his great-grandsons, Gavin Gregory, Josiah Nesbitt, and Landen Butler; and his sister, Janice Timberlake.

Although a man of few words, anyone close to David knew him to be a pillar of strength, a loving husband, and a devoted, hands-on father who cherished his family and would do anything for them. A man who was deeply loved, and loved deeply in return. We were blessed to have been a part of his life, and we are truly better for having known him.

The family would like to thank all those who have shown their love and support. At David’s request, no service will be held.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600