Brian “Bucky” Keith Wilson, 62, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away on March 8, 2026. He was born on June 22, 1963, to Paul and Rosalie Wilson. Bucky spent most of his life in Odessa and attended Odessa schools. He worked for many years as a foreman for Asplundh, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication. Outside…
Rita Louise Ditzfeld, 70, of Sedalia, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 8th, 2026. Born on July 26th, 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri to Garnett and Mary Lou Pierce (Heinzelmann). She grew up in Independence, MO. alongside her brother Ron Pierce. Rita had a very loving and fun personality. She loved to laugh and spend time with friends and family. A…
Jack David Duren, 60, passed away on Sunday March 8, 2026, at his home in Odessa, MO. Jack was born on July 14, 1965, in Chicago, IL, the son of Willie B. and Shirley Ann (Lane) Duren. His early years were spent with his parents and siblings as the youngest of five children. The family relocated to Florence, AL in…
Raymond Lee Bartlett, 80, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at his home in Oak Grove, Missouri. Services will be held on Friday, March 20th at Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, with visitation from 4:00 – 5:30pm, followed by a celebration of Raymond’s life at 5:30pm. Ray was born on November 30, 1945, the son of Kenneth and…
In loving memory of Kevin Fouts, age 61, passed away on March 6, 2026 Kevin was born July 30, 1964 to Luella McCarty and Fred Fouts. He grew up in what he called “The Golden Era” of the ‘70s and ‘80s, being raised in the neighborhoods of Gracemor and Brooktree. His wild stories from youth and unforgettable antics with friends…
Daryl Leon Strain, 75, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, surrounded by his children. Daryl was born on July 20, 1950, in Orange, Texas, to Loyd Strain and Margaret Kohrs (Ward) He was raised in Columbia, Missouri and later made his home in Blue Springs, Missouri, where he built a life centered around family, friendship,…
Marian “Carolyn” (Leonard) Martin, 64 of Moberly, MO, passed away on March 1, 2026, at 3:03 p.m. with her husband and family by her side. Carolyn was born in Bethesda, MD on May 30, 1961. She spent most of her educational years in El Dorado Springs, MO, but graduated from Harrisonville (MO) High School in 1979. In Carolyn’s early years…
Carol Leona Dudley, 81, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on March 1, 2026, at Cedarhurst Senior Living of Blue Springs, where she had lived the last few years. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 5, at New Salem Funeral Home, Independence. Burial in New Salem Cemetery. Friends may call 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. prior to the…
Tyler Jason Sutton, 40, of Bates City, MO, died February 26, 2026, very unexpectedly. He was born August 1, 1985, in Hutchinson, KS, to Jeff and Carrie (Wickham) Sutton. Tyler graduated from Hutchinson High School in 2004, where he played soccer. Tyler has owned his own construction company, Sutton Contracting, since 2011. He picked up his love of construction from…
Shirley Lena Backhus, "Our Little Luckenbaugh", 88, passed away peacefully at her home on February 23, 2026. Shirley was born March 15, 1937 in Kansas City, MO. and she was raised on a farm outside of Liberty, MO. Her young life was filled with the influence of strong women, her family lived a simple life and they often struggled. She…