Kathryn Sue “Kathy” Fizer, 71, of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully, with her family at her bedside on May 31, 2025.  Born on November 5, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri, Kathy was a woman whose free spirit and resiliency touched those who knew her, even up to the time of her passing.  While we heavily mourn her passing, we are all at peace that she is no longer suffering. 

She was the proud mother of 5 children, which she considered to be her biggest accomplishment in life.  She enjoyed working in the healthcare industry as a CNA, including working 10 years in hospice care.  She was also a foster mother for several years, as well as, running an at-home day care in the1980’s. 

She moved around frequently throughout the latter part of her life, including stops in Maine, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, but she always found her way back home to Missouri.   

Kathy was the beloved daughter of Oscar and Olene Fizer, who preceded her in death.  She is survived by her sister Doneice (Jerry) Ray of Amarillo, TX, her 5 children, Ramon “Joey” (Kelly) Rivera of Forest, MS; Michael (Beth) Rivera of Ashland, MO; Sean (Sara) Rivera of Surprise, AZ; Jean Pyle of Independence, Mo and Adam Pyle of Independence, Mo.  She also leaves 8 grandchildren:  Michael Jr, Hayley, Ramon III, Elizabeth, Colton, Hudson, Emberlyn and Eleanor.    

There will be a celebration of life service for Kathy in the near future at a time and date to be determined. 

Kathy’s family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to our sister, Jean Pyle and to KC Hospice for the excellent care, compassion and grace shown to Kathy and all of us during her time in at-home hospice.  

Obituary submitted by the family.

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

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Carol Marie Soper announce her passing on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at the age of 65.

Carol will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 36 years, Kenneth Soper, and her children, Nathaniel and Noah Soper.  She will also be missed by her two brothers, Lee and Mark Sohlden, as well as numerous relatives and friends.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Toivo Wilfred Sohlden and Marjorie Mae Leman, sister Linda Sohlden, and son Nephi Soper.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Orville Floyd “Shorty” Jeffries, 91, of Buckner, Missouri passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Centerpoint Medical Center.  Services will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 with visitation at 11:00 a.m. at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home in Independence, Missouri and a graveside service following at noon at Six Mile Cemetery, Sibley, Missouri.

Shorty was born on December 25, 1933 in Independence, Missouri, to Pearly and Ethel (Burton) Jeffries. He married his sweetheart, Sharon Todd, of Shreveport, LA on November 28, 1957.  They shared 67 wonderful years together.  Shorty retired from Universal Construction Company for nearly 3 decades.  Shorty enjoyed playing the electric guitar, hunting, fishing, traveling and playing craps. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister and 6 brothers. 

He leaves behind his loving wife, Sharon, of the home; 1 brother, Nelson, numerous nieces, nephews and many friends who will always love and cherish him. 

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

Dianna “Renee” Teter, age 67, of Independence, Missouri, passed away surrounded by her family on May 27, 2025, at North Kansas City Hospital.

Renee is survived by her daughter, Brandy Rogers of Liberty, MO; her son, Clinton Dawson, also of Liberty, MO; her mother, Janet Prins of Jasper, MO; her stepmother, Linda Stumfoll of Independence, MO; her sisters, Pamela, Denise, Missy, and Jeanni; her brother, Eddie; and her cherished grandchildren: Jared, Kaitlyn, Kamryn, Calohe, Caeson, and Harmonie. She also leaves behind two great-grandsons, Axl and Dennis who all brought her immeasurable joy.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Stumfoll; her brother, Robert Wayne Stumfoll; her sister, Mary Steverson; and grandson, Tyler Heitman.

Renee was born on November 16, 1957. Renee was a hard worker and never stopped finding things to keep herself busy. She found peace in gardening, excitement in rock and roll music and concerts, and freedom on the back of a Harley. Renee loved antiques and spent numerous years collecting them. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, who were the center of her world. Renee knew how to have a good time and loved to party- her laughter, energy, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed.

A graveside burial of her cremains will take place on Saturday, June 21st. at 2:00 pm at Royer’s New Salem Cemetery, 1823 Blue Mills Road, Independence, MO 64058.  A celebration of her life will follow from 3:00 to 700 pm at VFW Post 3976, 12810 Kentucky Road, Independence, MO 64050.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Renee by sharing a fond memory of her.

Obituary submitted by the family.

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

John Bradley Alexander, 49, of Oak Grove, MO, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 24, 2025.  He was born July 27, 1975, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Greg and Jeanne (Reinbold) Alexander, the first of three children.

John attended Oak Grove schools and was a member of the Panther graduating Class of 1993.  He participated in golf, football, and boys state.  John was a member of First Baptist Church of Oak Grove.

John found some of his happiest times were spent golfing with his dad and uncle or entertaining his three beautiful nieces, Cydney, Gracie, and Chloey.  Those who know John will remember him for his shy, quiet disposition, friendly nature, and loving spirit.

John is survived by his mother, Jeanne Alexander of the home, brothers James and Greg, as well as his beloved nieces.  He also leaves behind aunts and uncles who loved him dearly.  John was a “Doggy Daddy” and will certainly be missed by his buddies, Big Al and Rebby.

John was preceded in death by his father Greg, his uncle Brad, cousin Jason Jennings, as well as grandparents, Jack and Freda Alexander, and John and Joan Reinbold.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday June 2^nd at First Baptist Church of Oak Grove.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Oak Grove.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Rickey Dean Peters, 73, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at his home in Oak Grove, MO. A visitation will be held Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, MO from 2:00 – 4:00pm. Committal service with Military Honors will be Friday, June 6, 2025 at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO at 1:00pm.

Rickey was born March 6, 1952, in Sedalia, Missouri, the son of Norman D. and Marjorie L. (Humbird) Peters.  He was an Army Veteran and worked at Stone Container for over 30 years.  Rickey enjoyed fishing, camping, watching the Kansas City Chiefs, and watching racing.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandsons.

Rickey’s survivors include his wife, Barbara Peters of the home; two daughters: Amanda Peters and Erica Peters, both of Oak Grove; a stepson, Anthony Miller of Independence, MO; two grandsons, Aiden and Mikey Hilton; brother, Dale Peters (Ann) of Warsaw, MO; and several extended family members.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Doris Jean Rush, 94, of Grain Valley, Missouri passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025.  A celebration of life will be 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, June 22, 2025 at the Filmore Café at Unity Village. Contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: stjude.org

Doris was born January 5, 1931 in Holden, Missouri to Jacob Isaac Hancock and Estelle Hancock (Reynolds).

She had a normal childhood helping mom and dad with chores around the house and gardening, as they would grow and preserve many of their food items. Mom was a switchboard operator in the days after graduating from high school. Married at 19 and became a devoted wife and mother to 3 children. At 35 she took a job at Unity Village and eventually became secretary of the Farm, and retired with 35 years of service. She loved her work there. Doris was host to over 40 years of family thanksgiving dinners at Unity’s clubhouse. Lives were enriched to all that made friends with this special lady.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 4 siblings; husband, Bob; daughter, Deborah; and son, Kenneth.

Doris is survived by her son, Orval; grandchildren: Nichole (Barry); Brian (Trigg); great-grandchildren: Dylan, Jordan and Ella (Barry); Cleo (Trigg); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Obituary submitted by family

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441

Holly Jane (Plummer) Lewis was born to her mother and father on February 3, 1985 in Kansas City, MO. She lived her life in the Kansas City, MO and surrounding area(s). Services will be held Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home in Independence, MO with visitation at 2:00 p.m. and funeral at 4:00 p.m.

Holly was a graduate of Van Horn High School where she met the love of her life Chad Michael Lewis. After 24 years together they married on December 12, 2024 and they were to celebrate 25 years together this year. Holly and Chad were blessed with three wonderful sons, Jerl Lewis, Landen Lewis, and Jason Lewis.

Holly worked for Sams Club as a Baker and most recently she had begun working for the Independence School District and Dicks Sporting Goods. Holly enjoyed and loved spending time with her family and her friends in which she considered as family. Holly was a beautiful sweet soul, she had the biggest most beautiful smile and the sweetest heart. In her down time she enjoyed and loved her date nights with her man, hanging out with her boys, spending time with her family, her friends, and she loved her getaways at the lake house and spending time on the lake. Holly loved life and lived it to her fullest but she especially loved her boys, they were her pride and joy!!!

She was preceded in death by her mother, her father, her grandparents, her great grandparents, aunts, uncles, and most recently the love of her life, her husband Chad.

Holly is survived by her three sons, Jerl Lewis, Landen Lewis, Jason Lewis; her step-mother, her siblings, many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and very close friends who loved Holly so very much. As well as her husband ’s family who loved her very dearly.

Holly was a sweet, loving, beautiful, and kind soul who had a heart of gold. She is going to be so, so extremely and greatly missed by her sons, her family, extended family and friends!!

Obituary submitted by the family.

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

Dorothy “Elaine” Baty, 78, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.  She was born on January 15, 1947 in Kansas City, Missouri, and was a graduate of Raytown High School. She married John F. Baty, her sophomore year of high school, and they were married almost sixty-two years. Elaine was the most loving and caring person, taking care of her own three children, six grandchildren, and many foster newborns over the years. She worked a few tax seasons at the IRS and drove a school bus part-time at her children’s school. Her bus was always full, and the students would sit close to the front so they could talk with her. She knew that in some cases, she was the only listening ear they had. Elaine was soft spoken, patient, and never raised her voice, but she was quick with an ornery eye roll, if needed. Throughout her years as a mom to her children and a mom to many, she impacted countless lives. Those who were fortunate enough to know her loved her, and they knew they were loved.

Survived by husband John F. Baty; her three children—Tonya (John) Pate, Rhonda (Patrick) Bailey, and John Ace Baty; six grandchildren—Alyssa Holsten, Dylan Pate, Rachel Hildebrand, Ryan Bailey, Ethan Bailey, and Tyler Collins; step grandchildren—Paige Forrester and Max Toia; honorary grandchild John Patterson; and 6 great grandchildren.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441

William Jorgen Moore, better known as Willie, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on the 20th of May, 2025. 

Willie was born on April 4th, 1945, in Independence.  He spent his younger years running the streets of Atherton, in which he shared many fond memories of playing with his sister and cousins.  He was married to his dear wife, Kitty, for 59 years.   Together they spent most of their marriage at their Yocum Road home making memories with their children and grandchildren.  William was a proud Vietnam Veteran serving in the Navy as an Airedale, both on the USS Roosevelt and USS Shangri La.  He took great pride in his service to his country.  He started his career as an aircraft mechanic working on A4 jets and for TWA and finished his career working as a commercial welder for Butler Manufacture/Brock where he retired after 36 years of loyal service. 

If asked, Willie, without hesitation, would say the two most important things to him were his faith and his family.  

Willie served many roles in his church, The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, including Deacon, Priest and Elder.  He also helped with many youth programs in his church including Zion’s League, Remnant Warriors, Junior Church and many many more.  

Willie was known as a “jack of all trades.”  He used his many talents and creative mind to help and serve others, whether it was building a trailer, fixing a car, or making a fun new contraption such as a merry-go-round for his children and grandchildren.  He was a lover of all things nature and loved to sit in his back yard or be at his farm and soak in “God’s Country”.   He was a true family man; not a day went by that he didn’t put his family first.  Most importantly he was a disciple of God, who’s love radiated through Willie’s loving actions, shined through his wonderful smile, and was spread through Willie’s consistent kind and uplifting words. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Moore and Evelyn Jorgenson Moore.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Moore; sister, Margie Keeran, by his three sons-Clint (Paula) Moore of Aurora, Colorado, Darrin (Melody) Moore of Blue Springs, Missouri, Bryan (Wendy) Moore of Blue Springs, Missouri, and one daughter-Krista (Matthew) Droke of Independence, Missouri.  Grandchildren-Molly (Isaiah), Madison (Miriam), Emma, Elijah, Henry, Genevieve, Hudson and Anderson and his great grandchildren- Ruby, Lloyd, Violet, and Ellie. 

Visitation will be held from 10:00am to 11:15am on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ on Frontage Road in Independence, Missouri.  Funeral services will be held immediately after at 11:30am.   Graveside services will follow at the Higginsville Veterans Cemetery at 3:00p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Remnant Church Lunch Partner Program or to the Sequoia Parks Conservancy to honor our dad’s love of the “big trees”.

Obituary submitted by the family.

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