Danny Lew Knapp, 73, of Blue Springs, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. A visitation will be held Monday, April 29, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Lee’s Summit Bible Church ~ 1200 NE Colbern Rd. Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64086. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial in Lone Jack Cemetery, Lone Jack, MO.

Danny spent most of his childhood years in Redding, Iowa, but later moved to Mount Ayr where he graduated High School in 1969. He spent 2 years at the University of Iowa in Iowa City before transferring to Calvary Bible College in Kansas City, Missouri, met his future wife Lois Pulcher, and received his bachelor’s degree in Missions and Christian Education in 1974. He and Lois were married on July 20, 1974. Danny was ordained on October 3,1976 and one week later his daughter Jeanne was born. 

Doors opened for Danny to work in the Printing Ink business. Danny and the family enjoyed many trips to Iowa and Illinois to visit grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. In 1980 his son Robert was born and one year later the family moved to Blue Springs. In 1990 Danny went back to school at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri while working full time and graduated in 1992 with a degree in Systems and Data Processing. 

Danny became a deacon at Woods Chapel Baptist Church (now Crossway Bible Church). He enjoyed being an Awana leader for many years, a Sunday School teacher, and played trombone and sang in the choir on special occasions. He also helped with running the sound system and mowing the church lawn. 

He enjoyed playing softball with the church and water skiing with family. He also collected records and made CD recordings of them for our personal collection. He also made DVD’s of both Knapp and Jones family history and Jean and Bob Pulcher’s 50 years of fishing in Minnesota. He enjoyed helping in the nursery and singing duets at Lee’s Summit Bible Church.   

Later in life he had many surgeries and health challenges. But he still kept his faith and hope in the Lord. “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing diligently in prayer” Romans 12:12

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Danny is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lois Knapp; daughter, Jeanne Knapp; son, Robert (Jessica) Knapp; granddaughter, Harper Jean Knapp; brother, David (Crystal) Knapp; sister, Rebecca (Mike) Miller; brother, Timothy (Pamela) Knapp; brother, Stephen (Jamie) Knapp; sisters: Janet Lyon, Deb (Steve) Gilliland, Linda (Neil) Kaufman; many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Obituary submitted by family.

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

Robert “Bob” Warren LeVasseur, 80, of Grain Valley, MO, passed away on April 20, 2024. He was born on May 8, 1943, in Rockford, IL.

Bob, a Navy Communications Officer from 1966 to 1969, served his country with honor. He later pursued a career as an Underwriter and retired from Reliable Life Insurance Company in St. Louis, MO.  He married the love of his life, Sharon Elizabeth Brooke on September 25, 1982, in Rockford, IL.  Bob was known for his wit, sincerity, kindness, and dependability. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending time in Branson, MO.  Over the years, gardening and cross-stitching became his passions.  He also enjoyed puzzles, solving Sudoku, and spending time with his loved ones. He was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church, ELCA, in Blue Springs, MO.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon E. Brooke LeVasseur, niece Debra LeVasseur Meyers of Montana, nephew Brad LeVasseur of Missouri, sister-in-law Sandra LeVasseur of Illinois, and numerous other in-laws, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Warren Deb LeVasseur, mother Mildred Marie Lindquist LeVasseur, and brother Jon (Jack) LeVasseur, all from Rockford, IL.

A family graveside interment will be held Sunday, April 28^th at 3 PM at Valley Memorial Gardens in Grain Valley, MO.  Celebration of Life Services will be held Wednesday, May 8^th at 10 AM at All Saints Lutheran Church ELCA in Blue Springs, MO.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory can be made to the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, or the All Saints Lutheran Church ELCA Memorial Fund.

Obituary submitted by family.

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

Angela “Angie” Teresa Pettit, 51, of Lone Jack, Missouri, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024. A Rosary will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 25th at St. Jude Catholic Church in Oak Grove, MO, with the Catholic Mass following; burial in Oak Grove Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Angie’s Life from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. that evening, also at St. Jude.

Angie was born June 21, 1972, in Dallas, Texas, the daughter of James Joseph and Dorthy Fae (Vaden) Hennig. She was a proud Northwest Alumni. Later, she earned her Master’s Degree in education. Angie was a champion of kids and had a passion for teaching those with special needs. She enjoyed watching her boys play football and never missed a game.

Angie’s survivors include her husband, Brian Pettit, and two sons, Cameron and Ben Pettit, all of the home; brother, Ray Hennig of Lubbock, TX; sister, Margaret Hyatt of Dallas, TX; several nieces and nephews; and many other extended family members, co-workers, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Jesse and Wayne Hennig.

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

Kyle David Tillery, 60, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri passed away after a courageous battle with Melanoma Liver Cancer on April 19, 2024. A visitation will be 11:00 am-1:00 pm, Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, Missouri. Funeral service to follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Attire is casual with favorite sports jersey as optional.

Kyle was born July 11, 1963 in Dallas, Texas to William Thomas and Neva Lou (Steele) Tillery. He and Susan were united in marriage in Wheatland, TX at the Wheatland Methodist Church. 

There were 4 things Kyle loved:

• His friends and family – Kyle was deeply loved and will be missed by those who knew him.
• His company, AAON – of which he was incredibly proud to work for and explain HVAC units and sales to those outside of that industry.
• “The Kansas City 3” – The Chiefs, The Royals, and The Mavericks. (The KC Mavericks held an extra special place in Kyle’s heart as he played hockey since he was a child)
• Motorcycles, dirt bikes and cars that went fast! 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Neva Tillery.

Kyle is survived by his wife, Susan Tillery; 2 daughters, Savannah Tillery and Madison Tillery of Kansas City; son, Ethan Tillery of Lee’s Summit, MO; sister, Sheila and brother-in-law Sig Fragstein of Longview, TX; sister, Sandy Everett of Dallas, TX; brother-in-law, Arbye Curtis IV and his partner Lucas Lyons of Chicago, IL; many nieces and nephews; and his fur babies, 3 dogs and 1 cat: Bane, JoJo, Freya and Harley (and we can’t miss out on O’Malley, Ethan’s fur-roommate).

Obituary submitted by family.

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

Richard Thomas Buford passed away unexpectedly on April 19, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral Mass Service will be April 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Cyril Catholic Church, 11401 Chicago Street, Sugar Creek, Missouri. Rosary will be prayed before Mass at 9:30 a.m. for all who would like to attend.

Richard was born October 8, 1984 in Kansas City, Missouri to William and Janine (Boutross) Buford. Richard never sat still, he was always fixing or making something. He was a mechanic and enjoyed welding when he had the opportunity. He was a big presence in his daughter Ellie’s life and enjoyed spending time with her. Richard was a jokester and prankster. He liked making people laugh and was always the life of the party. He had a big heart and was always there to help anyone who needed it. He will be deeply missed.

He was preceded by in death by his father, William Buford.

Richard is survived by his mother, Janine Buford; daughter, Ellie Ana Buford; and brother, Bill Buford and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

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

Sharon Kay Bogert, 83, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Centerpoint Medical Center. Visitation will be held at 10:00am with memorial service at 11:00am on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at The Gathering Baptist Church, Independence.

Sharon was born December 10, 1940, in Prairie Township, Randolph County, Missouri, the daughter of Laverne K. “Burr” and Ruth (Hamilton) Blakey. She worked for over 25 years at Allis-Chalmers/AGCO. Sharon was always on the go, whether that be meeting with friends for lunch, going to grandkids’ activities, travelling around the country on bus trips, or going to estate sales. Sharon was a beloved member of The Gathering Baptist Church where she regularly attended Sunday School.

Sharon is survived by two children, Lyndel Ragsdale of Odessa and Matthew Bogert (Meghan) of Kearney; five grandchildren: Sarah Unkel (Brad), Dana Ragsdale, Grant Bogert, Abbie Bogert, and Leah Bogert; four brothers: Earl Powell (Debbie) of Moberly, Jim Powell of Madison, Kenneth Blakey of Columbia, and Larry Blakey of Moberly; and one sister: Wanda Williams of Boonville.

Obituary submitted by the family.

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

Nancy Jo Skaggs, 75, of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024 at St. Luke’s Hospice House. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19th at Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove; burial in Mecklin Cemetery, Oak Grove. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Nancy was born April 9, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Lester T. and Sally (Halphin) Hall. After retiring from Jackson County Parks & Rec, she enjoyed working at Oak Grove Nursing & Rehab. She loved reading, crocheting, watching old movies, planting flowers, and especially watching her grandkids play sports.

Nancy’s survivors include two children: Steven Skaggs (Cristy) and Melissa Martin (Jason), both of Oak Grove; six grandchildren: Ali Rae Cherner (Daniel), Keelia Nance (John), Brett Skaggs (Mattie), Kyle Martin (Alyssa), Bailee Martin (Tanner), and Ryan Skaggs; four great-grandchildren: Carson, Kendyll, Leo, and Norah, plus one on the way, Wrenley; two brothers: Steve Hall (Jackie) of Blue Springs, and Vint Hall (Roxanne) of Oak Grove; sister, Denise Langevin (Todd) of Oak Grove; several nieces and nephews; and her dog, Tucker.

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

Malinda Jane Brown, 67, of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2024. A Graveside Service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the Valley Brook Cemetery South of Overbrook, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Community Services League 1408 SE Austin St, Oak Grove, MO 64075.

Malinda was born July 31, 1956, in Ottawa, Kansas, the daughter of Marshall and Jo Catherine (McDowell) Hamilton. She graduated from Appanoose High School. She attended Heritage Collage for Massage Therapy in the late 2000s. Malinda loved to garage sale and shop at thrift stores. She would always be thinking of other when shopping. She loved being around people and was one to always lend a helping hand. She believed in taking care of her friends, neighbors and her family.

Malinda was a very free spirit who marched to her own drum. She was feisty, tiny but mighty! Most of her friends and family called her “mini mom” or “mom”. Within the last year, she began regularly attending church and Bible study. She believed in salvation through Jesus Christ. Her family seeks comfort in knowing they will be reunited with her in Heaven. She had a hard life, but she endured and persevered.

Malinda adored her sons and took great pride in being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She worked at Waffle House since 1996. While working there, she gained many friendships and had gotten to know several of the customers over the years.

Survivors include her son, Christopher (Stacie) Brown; grandchildren, Darren, Gabby and Annabelle; one great-grandchild, Kamersyn and her brother, Kloyce (Shirley) Hamilton.

She was preceded in death by her parents and son Curtis Brown, older sister Margaret who passed at birth and her twin sister, Marcia who passed away at birth.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arr: Parker-Price & Davidson, Topeka, KS, and Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO

Anna Marie Cline, 63, of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. The family will receive friends from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 20th, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove. Contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation.

Annie was born in Lexington, Missouri on February 13, 1961. She was the daughter of Larry and Leona (Gist) Hoy. She grew up in Oak Grove and attended the Oak Grove R6 school district from kindergarten till graduation in 1979. After graduation she went to work at the State School in Higginsville, Missouri, helping those with special needs. She married William P. Cline in October 1989. They raised 2 sons William Jeffrey Cline and Jeremy Michael Cline making their home in Olathe, KS and Spring Hill, KS.

Annie put her creative talent to good use when she became a florist for Tobler’s Flowers. She also spent many years working at her mom’s flower shop in Oak Grove. You could always find her spending her birthday designing flowers for Valentine’s Day. In 1999, Annie took a position at Spring Hill High School as a paraprofessional. Annie loved putting on the Spring Hill High School prom and helping at various sporting events. She retired after 25 years of helping students. Although her work kept her busy, she always had an interest in the lives of her grandson and nieces and nephews and collecting Longaberger baskets.

Annie was preceded in death by husband William; stepson Jeremy; and her father Larry.

She is survived by her mother Leona; sister Janet (Ronnie) Gann; nephew Brandon (Tammy) Gann and niece Jennifer (Jesse) Bergmeier and 4 great-nephews, Lucas and Wyatt Gann and Jack and Jenson Bergmeier; stepson Jeff (Casey) Cline; and grandson Brendan Cline; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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

Carolyn Sue Maybrier, Age 74, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2024 with her loved ones by her side. Carolyn Maybrier was born November 17th, 1949 in Independence, Mo. She was preceded in death by her Husband of 40 years John Maybrier, Son Jimmy Chamberlain, Step daughter Jeroldine Raredon, Mother Treva Hathaway, Father Edgar Schulenburg, Brother Eddie Schulenburg and her Nephew Little Eddie. She is survived by two Daughters Rhonda Stumfoll and Jennifer Cunningham, two Step daughters Jenny Thoman and Janice Hardin and two Step sons Johnny Maybrier and Jeff Maybrier. She was also loved by 22 Grandchildren, 39 Great- grandchildren and 2 Great Great-grandchildren. Carolyn was a loving Wife, Mother, and Grandma/Great Grandma. She spent her time as a homemaker caring for her kids and grandbabies. Carolyn’s hobbies were baking, crossword puzzles, and travelling with her husband. She will be forever missed and cherished.

Obituary submitted by the family.

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