Debbie J.  DeWeese, 69, of Independence, Missouri, passed away April 13, 2025 at her home. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Holden Baptist Temple, 605 Lexington Street, Holden, Missouri 64040.

Debbie was born January 18, 1956, in Council Bluffs, IA, the daughter of Larry and Shirley (Stogdill) Smith. A true original, Debbie brought warmth and joy everywhere she went. Whether she was curled up with a good book, cheering on her Chiefs (loudly and proudly—Go Chiefs!), or crocheting blankets to wrap her loved ones in comfort, she poured her heart into everything she did.  She never turned down a game of cards, always had a hug at the ready, and left us all smiling with her signature saying: “Bite my butt, Bill.” Debbie had a beautiful way of showing up for the people she loved—especially her kids and grandkids, who meant the world to her.  She’ll be deeply missed and forever remembered with laughter, love, and the kind of hugs only she could give.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, William “Willie”; infant daughter, Christina Marie; and brothers: Larry David Smith and Kenneth Dale Smith.

Her survivors include her three sons: Jason Allen DeWeese of Independence, MO; Stephen Joseph Smith (Karen) of Independence, MO; and Timothy Eugene DeWeese (Jennifer) of Oak Grove, MO; daughter, Kelly Jo Long (Phillip) of Holden, MO; sixteen grandchildren: Chelsey, Amanda, Terry, Michael, Zackery, Conner, Jasen, Christian, Christina, David, Jenna, Justin, Rebecca, William, Elaine, & Lillian; and  great-grandchildren: Ariel, Aurora, Andrew, Theodore, Charlotte, Ramona, and Ivy; siblings: Karen L. Ramos Ronald D. Smith (Diane) and Dani L. Smith.

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

Jeremy Lee Robinson, age 48, of Independence, Missouri passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 13, 2025. He was born March 4, 1977, in Independence, Missouri, the son of Tom and Susan Robinson.

Jeremy was a devoted father, beloved brother, and cherished friend, who left us far too soon at the age of 48. He lived every day with a heart wide open and a spirit that could never be contained. He was the kind of person you only meet once in a lifetime—hard-working, lovable, and full of a goofy charm that lit up every room he entered. His laugh was contagious, his hugs were healing, and his presence had a way of making everyone feel like they mattered. To know him was to love him, and to be loved by him was to feel safe, seen, and fiercely cared for always.

He was everyone’s favorite person—not because he tried to be, but because it came naturally to him. He had a gift for connecting with people, whether through a joke, a story, or just his unshakable ability to show up when it counted. He loved big, forgave easily, and never judged. He accepted everyone exactly as they were, always ready with a listening ear and a warm heart. As a brother, he was fiercely loyal and protective. As a father, he was tender and strong. As a friend, he was unforgettable.

Jeremy had a passion for the open road and found peace behind the rumble of his Harley. He felt most free riding under the wide sky, the wind in his face and the world rushing by. Jeremy found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life. He had a deep passion for riding four wheelers and exploring the outdoors. Evenings spent around a bonfire at “the land” with his cherished friends and family were among his most treasured moments. His dogs, Daisy, Bandit, and Luna, which he adored, were a constant source of comfort and happiness.

Jeremy’s heart overflowed with love for his nieces and nephews, particularly Lincoln, Emmy, and Elle, with whom he shared countless adventures and created lasting memories. But above all, his greatest love, without question, was his daughter, Sophia. He adored her with every fiber of his being. She was his pride, his joy, and the light of his life. Everything he did—every sacrifice, every late night, every laugh and lesson—was for her.

Though our hearts are shattered, we will carry his memory with us always—his laughter, his warmth, his unwavering love and his inappropriate jokes. Jeremy leaves behind a legacy of kindness, joy, and an unbreakable bond with all who had the privilege to love him.

He is survived by his beloved daughter Sophia, his siblings Jeff Robinson (Kate) and family, Cody (Robert), Zach (Ali), Elli (Ryland) and children, Emery, John, and Cora; John Robinson (Nicki) and family, Jason (Shelly) and Ellis, Tyler; Jana Brown (David) and family, Lincoln, Emmy, and Elle; and countless friends who considered him family.

Welcoming him into Heaven are his loving parents, Tom and Susan Robinson, his grandmother “Granny”, Virginia Hopkins, and his cousin, Mike Caviness.

Ride free, Jeremy. You were one of a kind, and we’ll miss you more than words can ever say.

Service will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM, at The Hilltop Event Center at Lake Paradise Resort, 985 NW 1901st Rd, Lone Jack, MO 64070, followed immediately with a Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his daughter, Sophia.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Carolyn “Sue” Green, 86, formerly of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away on April 10, 2025 at Ignite Medical Resort, Blue Springs, Missouri.  A private graveside service will be held for the family on April 18, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Royer’s New Salem Cemetery, Independence, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in Sue’s honor to the National Kidney Foundation, 9218 Metcalf Ave. # 424, Overland Park, KS 66212.

Sue was born February 17, 1939 in Picher, Oklahoma to Haskell and Pearl (Parks) Powell.  A beloved family member, devoted friend, and faithful servant of her community, Sue dedicated over 30 years of her life to food services and management within the Independence, Missouri School District. Her work touched countless lives, with her years at Truman High School standing as the pinnacle of a long and meaningful career. She took great pride in serving students and staff alike, always with kindness and care. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a devoted member of Colbern Road Restoration Branch.

Outside of work, Sue’s heart was fullest when surrounded by family and friends. She loved to travel, spending winters in Texas and finding peace and joy in the beauty of God’s creation. Whether outdoors or on the road, she embraced life with a quiet strength and a gracious spirit.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John W. Green (2013); sisters: Nadine Porter, Betty Jean Powell, Linda Whitehead.

She is survived by her children: Jim (Melissa) Green of Lone Jack, MO; Joyce (David) Barnhard of Oak Grove, MO; Randy Green of Holden, MO; Janice (Danny) Pearson of Kingsville, MO; grandchildren: Tara, Amy, Kirk, Jennifer, Eric, Matt, Tammy, Brett, Karlie; 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

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

Charles Holman Miles was born on October 20, 1954, in Beaver, Oklahoma, to Robert and Doralee Miles. He was the third of five children. He fell asleep in death on April 9, 2025.

Charles is survived by his wife of 45 years, Deborah Miles, of the home -two stepsons, Kevin Strain, Independence, MO and Scott Strain and wife Nichole, Kansas City, MO – two grandsons, Cole Strain and wife Josie, St. Joseph, MO, Hunter Strain and wife Hannah, Holden, MO-three granddaughters, Lauren Amann and husband Jeff, Buckner, Mo –   Bailey Clark and husband Dalton, Independence, Mo, and Kennedy Harris and husband Ethan, Raymore, MO –  three great-grandsons – Phillip, Hayes, Asher and a fourth great-grandson on the way that will be named after him, Wesley Miles Amann. He is also survived by three bonus grandchildren, Courtney, Preston, Payton and four bonus great-grandchildren, Mason, Hunter, Jax, and Bennett.

Charles also leaves behind, two sisters, Victoria Albert and Kimberly Miles, and one brother, Michael Miles, all of Oklahoma.  He is preceded in death by his parents and one

brother, Robert.

Charles grew up on a large ranch in Beaver, Oklahoma and had cherished memories of riding horses and doing roundups of cattle and branding as part of life on the ranch.  He was a true cowboy at heart.

He received a Masters of Education from University of Missouri in 1978 and began his teaching career in Belton, Missouri in September of the same year. He primarily taught high school math, algebra and geometry for 27 years. He took a teaching position at Fort Osage High School, Independence, MO in 2002 and retired from teaching at the age of 50, although continuing to substitute teach for many more years.

Charles dedicated his life to Jehovah God and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses January 9, 1982.  He spent the rest of his life, trying hard to be a footstep follower of Christ, sharing God’s word with others and pursuing Kingdom interests.  He and Deb worked hard as a team, spending many hours in the full-time ministry, disaster relief work, working with the Regional Building Committee (RBC) and later the Local Design and Construction (LDC).  Charles was serving as a Maintenance Trainer for LDC, until September of 2023, when declining health because of ALS forced him to stop.

He served with the bodies of elders in the Oak Grove and Warrensburg congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He spent countless hours working with the attendant department at various assemblies and conventions in the Kansas City area through many years and at the international convention in St. Louis in 2019.

Nothing made Charles feel happier than being busy in Jehovah’s service and helping others.  He was loyal to Jehovah and his organization, his family and his friends.

Charles always loved horses, enjoyed golfing, playing basketball and racquetball.  He loved hiking in the mountains and sitting with Deb by a mountain stream relaxing.  He was a loving husband, grandfather and great-grandfather and made many precious memories with his family and friends through the years.

Charles had firm faith in the Bible’s promise of the resurrection and a wonderful future here on earth. This precious hope sustained him through his life and through his battle with ALS.   He kept his integrity and remained faithful to the end. He was very loved and

will be terribly missed!

Revelation 21:4:  ”And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

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

Mary Ann Kjellerson, 77, of Blue Springs, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, Missouri. Funeral service to follow at the funeral home. Interment in Blue Springs Cemetery, Blue Springs, Missouri. Contributions can be made to the ASPCA at: aspca.org

Mary was born October 4, 1947 in Laddonia, Missouri to Thomas Howard Christopher and Josephine (LeMasters) Christopher. She enjoyed the outdoors and working in her yard. Mary was a member of the Blue Springs Christian Church. Her life revolved around her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never missed a sporting event or competition and she was their biggest fan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald Kjellerson in 2020; daughter, Kelly Kjellerson in 1997; and brother, Phillip Christopher.

Mary is survived by daughters: Kristina Walk (Frank) of Odessa, Missouri and Kari Kjellerson of Grandview, Missouri; stepson, David Kjellerson (Anita) of Denver, Colorado; stepdaughter, Susan Kjellerson of Stockton, Missouri; 9 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

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

Sharon Ann (Morrison) Stewart, 70, of Grain Valley, Missouri passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Visitation will be 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, Missouri.

Sharon was born August 13, 1954, in Odessa, Missouri, to Franklin Eugene Morrison and Cecil Irene (Pallette) Morrison. She was from Odessa, Missouri, and moved to Grain Valley in the late 1970’s. For over 30 years she dedicated herself and was involved in the community. Sharon served the community as an Alderman and Interim-Mayor. Additionally, she served on the Planning and Zoning Commission prior to her service as an elected official. Beyond her political endeavors, she served the community of Grain Valley through many philanthropic activities. As a member of the Grain Valley Fair Board, she helped organize the fireworks tents as a major fundraising activity to support many community events. Some of these events included, Grain Valley Fair, casino nights, mud runs, demolition derby and haunted hay rides. She was also Mrs. Claus for the Grain Valley Santa Bus since its inception. Sharon was at one time a business owner and member of the Chamber of Commerce. She loved to spend time with her family often at her backyard firepit. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Sharon will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Neal Eugene Stewart.

Sharon is survived by daughters: Kirstin Whitton (Steven) and Cami Knight; son, Josh Rousseau; six grandchildren: Taylor Whitton (Josh), Tyler Whitton (Ashton), Trey Whitton, Tristin Whitton, Jensen Rousseau and Weston Rousseau; two great-grandchildren: Parker Whitton and Owen Whitton; sister, Debbie Green; brother, Cam Morrison; niece, Michelle Titus (Jason); and two nephews: Jordan Morrison and Sean Morrison.

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

Naomi Lee Royer, 89, of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025.  Her visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11^th at Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, followed by Graveside services at 11:15 a.m. in Oak Grove Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.

Naomi was born October 6, 1935, in Foster, Missouri, the cherished daughter of George C. and Mabel (Boyles) Roberts.  On November 21, 1953, Naomi married the love of her life, Lloyd Royer. Together, they built a warm and nurturing home filled with laughter and joy. Naomi devoted many years of her life to serving as a secretary for the Oak Grove Schools, where her kindness and support touched the lives of countless students and staff.

Naomi was a woman of many talents. She found joy in sewing, quilting, and embroidering, creating beautiful pieces that will be treasured by her family for generations to come. Her culinary skills were unmatched, and she was known for her phenomenal cooking that brought family and friends together around the table. However, it was her extraordinary cake decorating that truly set her apart. Naomi’s cakes were not just desserts; they were works of art that celebrated life’s special moments, each one crafted with love and attention to detail.

Naomi was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lloyd; sons, David and Mark; brother, George Roberts; and sisters, Arlene Roberts Harrison and Sandra Elledge.

Her survivors include her son, Jeffrey Royer and wife Beverly; daughter, Theresa Nelson and husband Paul; and three grandchildren, Courtney Waterworth and husband Logan, Emily Prosser and husband Cormac, and Nicole Royer.

Naomi’s legacy of creativity, love, and kindness will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Sydney McCashew passed on April 2, 2025 at the age of 94.  Syd is survived by a brother, three children, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Syd was married to his wife Doraine, who passed on January 20, 2021 (age 87). Caring for his family and making sure they were provided for was his number one priority.

Syd was a self-made success in life as the eldest son of four children and began his journey by aiding his mother who was widowed when he was only 12 years of age.  After moving to Port Arthur Ontario, he gained employment at the Prince Arthur Hotel and then became employed as a policeman for the city of Port Arthur. He married in 1953 and served as a constable for 7 years before deciding to move himself and family to Minnesota in the USA in 1959.  Syd was able to get a job as a security officer at the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank while he built a business in furniture repair.  At the age of 40, Syd became a naturalized US citizen and gained employment with Dayton Hudson Corporation due to his expertise with furniture repair and retired at the age of 65 with a 25-year pension.  After raising their kids and retiring, Syd & Doraine decided to move to Phoenix, AZ, where they spent 25 years in retirement.  After his wife’s passing, Syd moved from Arizona to Missouri to spend his last few years with family.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Mary Catherine Havener, 73, of Independence, Missouri passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Visitation will be 4:00 to 6:00 pm Monday, April 7, 2025 at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, Missouri. Burial in Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 2:00 pm.  Contributions can be made to Great Plains or Shep’s Senior Dog Sanctuary.

Mary was born August 6, 1951in Springfield, Illinois to Leonard Irvin Sanders and Vertie Mae (Vollintine) Sanders. She retired from the state of Illinois after 30 dedicated years. She had a love for animals which led her to volunteer at Great Plains for over 10 years. Mary volunteered at Shep’s Senior Dog Sanctuary for over 5 years. She fostered over 100 dogs. Mary loved the holidays and time with family. She would always start her Christmas shopping the day after Christmas. Mary’s family was very important to her. She will be greatly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harrison Havener; brother-in-law, Bennie Holder; and nieces, Shelly Gross and Catherine Payne

Mary is survived by her daughter, Michele (Raymond) Parsons; grandson, Chance (Halley) Parsons; granddaughter, Allicia (Jesse McBee) Ventresca; grandson, Brady Parsons; one great-grandson, Gavin Parsons; one great-granddaughter, Summer who is due in April.; sister, Wanda Sanders; brother, Alvin (Ethel) Sanders; sister, Virgina Holder; and several nieces and nephews.

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

Carol Marlene Mitchell, 77, of Independence, Missouri went home to be with her Lord, just as she had longed to do, on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, Missouri; burial following in Salem Cemetery in Independence, Missouri.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

She was born on December 20, 1947 in Clinton, Missouri to Cecil and Muriel (Ingram) Banning. She found joy in life’s simplest pleasures—spending time with friends and loved ones, listening to good music, watching classic films, and sharing a meal over a fresh cup of coffee. Never one to want much, Carol’s heart was full with faith, love, and the warmth of companionship.  She was a breath of fresh air to the world.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; father and mother-in-law, Victor and Frances Mitchell; brother, Mike; and sister, Anita.

She is survived by her husband, Dale; daughters: Christina (Christopher) Carpenter, and Reana (Gregory) Brown; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

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