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 service.

Carol was born September 4, 1944, to Iverson and Mildred Birdwell in Independence, where she lived her entire life until moving to Cedarhurst. She spent her career with the Independence School District as a secretary and administrative assistant.

Despite always living in Independence, Carol enjoyed traveling very much. In her retirement, she could often be found on the road with an organized bus trip with friends and other seniors. She even traveled to Africa when her son and his family were missionaries there, visiting Togo, Benin, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

Carol also enjoyed genealogy and researching family history. Her travels often took her to places connected to her family history.

She was first married to Warren Darnell, with whom she had a son. She was later married to William S. Dudley, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her son, Tony Darnell.

She is survived by grandson Logan Darnell, granddaughter Elizabeth Darnell, and daughter-in-law Marlene Darnell, all of Independence.

Memorial contributions may be made to Plaza Heights Christian Academy in Blue Springs.

Obituary submitted by the family.

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

Kaye Hopkins, 72, of Odessa, Missouri, peacefully passed away at her home on February 25, 2026. Services will be held at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home in Independence, Missouri, on Friday, March 6, 2026. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m.

Kaye was born on December 28, 1953, in Independence, Missouri, to Marlin and Merdean (Marchant) Richardson. She graduated from Van Horn High School in 1971. Later in life, while raising her family and working full time, she returned to college to study computer programming.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved quilting, searching for treasures at garage sales, and most of all, spending time with her family. Her quiet strength and dedication to those she loved will be remembered by all who knew her.

Kaye was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Ralph McCullen.

She is survived by her siblings: Phyllis McCullen of Kansas City, MO, Willis Byram (Devon) of Blue Springs, MO, Johnny “John” Richardson (Janet) of Independence, MO; children: Dawn Price (Bryan) Depoe Bay OR, Jonetta Hopkins of Independence, MO, Cyndi Robinson (Eric) of Odessa, MO; six grandkids: Maggie Price, Breonna Hopkins, Jesse Clark, Nikki Clark, Kaylee Robinson and Daniel Robinson along with many people she considered to be her children and grandkids.

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

Danny (D.R.) Ray Decker, 79, of Buckner, Missouri, passed away Monday, February 23, 2026.

Danny was born December 22, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Leo and Pauline Decker. He carried with him a lifelong love of the outdoors and found great joy spending time at the lake. Danny was a gifted woodworker who could often be found in his shop creating with his hands. He took pride in keeping his yard meticulously mowed—and often extended that care to his neighbors’ yards as well. An avid reader, he also cherished quiet moments with a good book. Above all, Danny loved being surrounded by his family, who meant the world to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Kelly Decker.

Danny is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Decker; his son, Mike (Judy) Decker; his stepson, Travis (Samantha) Busch; brother, Terry (Debbie) Decker; sister, Connie Sue (Fred) Simmons; his grandchildren, Derek (Lexi) Decker, Kassidy (Paul) Garrison, Johnathan (Allison) Farris, and Mikayla Bogacz; and nine great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his legacy of love and kindness.

Danny will be remembered for his steady presence, generous spirit, and the simple joys he found in everyday life.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Donna Kaye Waller, age 70, of Oak Grove, MO, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Feb 22nd, 2026. Her Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 PM on Friday, March 13th, 2026, at Heartland Church in Blue Springs, MO. The family will receive guests from 3:00 PM until service time, with a public visitation, fellowship, and meal immediately following the service.

Donna grew up in South Kansas City, graduating from Ruskin High School before attending Southwest Baptist University, where she met her soulmate of 49 years, Richard “Rick” Waller.

Donna was first and foremost a devoted homemaker. As a supportive wife, her creative collaboration in children’s and youth ministry, drama groups, and more, complemented Rick’s music ministry perfectly for decades. Together they raised their family in a home filled with faith and laughter as they shared travels and adventures, like camping, fishing trips, caving, and historical reenactment.

As she raised her own children, she extended her nurturing heart by babysitting many neighborhood children and directing the church children’s choir. She never hesitated to help anyone in need, even when resources were tight. Over time, Donna also attended night classes in pursuit of her dream of teaching and writing, eventually teaching Pre-K, substitute teaching, and working at the local library, where she led children’s storytime. 

As her children became adults, she embraced her role as a grandmother with renewed energy, and continued to pour herself into various church ministries, sometimes even opening her home to foster youth in need. 

Throughout every season of her life, she and Rick continued to participate in whatever ministries they could. Even as she struggled through her battle with Alzheimer’s, she developed her signature “Fireside storytelling” sessions at Vesper Hall Senior Center. 

Donna’s warm and generous heart was her defining gift. She truly never met a stranger, greeting every person she encountered with genuine warmth, and sincere admiration. Her quiet strength, boundless creativity, deep faith, and joyful spirit touched everyone around her, leaving a legacy of kindness that will continue to inspire.

Donna was preceded in death by her mother, Oma Dell (Barnett) Hawley, father, Donald Hawley, and husband, Richard Keith Waller.

Her survivors include two children; Amanda (Waller) Williams, wife of Benjamin Williams, and Aaron Waller, husband of Christina (Garner) Waller, four grandchildren; Katelyn (Kat) & Sheldon Waller, and Sabastian & Skyler Williams, and her brothers; Michael of Plano, TX, David of Saint Louis, MO, and Daniel of Conway, AR.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Paul David Ditzer, who left this world a far better place than when he entered it. Paul went to be with his Savior on Feb. 22, 2026 from his home in Oak Grove, MO. In his 75 years, he was able to touch many lives with his wisdom, humor, and sacrificial spirit of giving his time, efforts, and money for others.

Paul was born on December 21, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Reverend Earl David Ditzer and Marie Nell Garrett.

Paul served his country for eight years in the Marine Corps and received awards for his sharpshooting. While serving, he met his beloved wife, Pamela Ann Kline, and settled in Kansas City, MO. Paul enjoyed working with technology and computers and was a Systems Programmer until his retirement. He also enjoyed farming and the outdoors, and at various times raised goats, sheep, and his lifelong passion, Clydesdale horses.

In retirement, Paul volunteered extensively on behalf of First Baptist Church of Oak Grove to mow lawns, build ramps for disabled veterans, and serve the church in numerous other ways by starting a volunteer group for retired men. He strongly believed in charitable giving and gave sacrificially to worthy causes. Paul earned the nickname “Peachy” because of his sense of humor, good spirits, and selflessness.

Paul is survived by his loving family: wife, Pamela Ditzer; his children, Heather Ditzer, Randy Ditzer, and Nicole Ditzer; and his grandchildren, Alex Dylan Harrison, Adrianne Danielle Harrison, and Jayden Carter Ditzer, all of whom will miss his very much. He is survived by his three sisters, Julie Oglesby, Cindy Hunt, and Merry Lee Brewer, all of Kentucky.

Funeral services will be held on Friday evening, February 27th at First Baptist Church of Oak Grove, MO. Visitation will be 5:30-7:00 pm followed by the funeral service at 7 pm.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

Ignacio Salinas Martinez, lovingly known as “Joe,” passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, at the age of 83.

Joe was born on January 2, 1943, in Topeka. He later made his home in Oak Grove, where he built a life centered around faith, family, and quiet strength.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley Martinez; his children, Tina Martinez (Travis), Patrick Martinez (Carrie), and Michael Martinez (Denelle); and countless grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will forever cherish his love, wisdom, and steady presence.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved son, Anthony Martinez; his parents, Petra and Vidal Martinez; and several brothers and sisters.

Joe’s life was defined by his dedication to his family. He was a loving husband, proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose legacy lives on in the generations he helped shape. He will be remembered for his strength, his enduring love for his family, and the many memories shared around him.

Visitation will be held at Royer Funeral Home, 101 SE 15th St, Oak Grove, MO 64075, on Thursday at 10:00 a.m., with services to follow.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

Frances (Fran) Mae Turpin, 77, of Odessa, Missouri passed away at her son Jerry and daughter in law Sara’s house in Shawnee, Kansas after a long battle with pancreatic cancer on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Fran was born October 24, 1948 to Harry and Norma Fields in Garnett, Kansas. Fran married her husband Michael Anthony Turpin on November 5, 1966.

She retired from Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Missouri, where she worked as an editing specialist in the design department.

Her parents Harry and Norma, brothers Bill and Randy Fields, along with her husband Michael preceded her in death.

Fran is survived by her sons and daughter in laws, Jerry and Sara Turpin of Shawnee Kansas, Andy and Sandra Turpin of Blue Springs, Missouri, her sister Sherry Benjamin of Garnett, Kansas, her brother and sister-in-law Larry and Lylette Fields of Lavista, Nebraska and, five grandchildren, Hunter, Carsyn, Sawyer, Madison and Cailey.

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

Submitted by Family

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

Lorna Francine Hooper (“Cookie” Desrois), 82, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born in Wellington, Missouri.

Francine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ward David Hooper; her son, Benjamin Ward Hooper; parents Loreen Johnson and Gaston Desrois; and four brothers: Maurice, Ricky, Sonny and Kenneth.

She is survived by her daughters, Judith Yvette Simone (55) and Lorna Beth Hooper (49); her granddaughter, Wrigley Lola Clifton (19); her sisters, Denise (Jim) Sapp of Chandler, AZ and Janis Thompson of Edwardsville, KS; along with extended family and many cherished friends.

Francine retired from St. Mary’s Hospital in Blue Springs, Missouri, where she dedicated many years of service. Through determination and perseverance, she worked her way from housekeeping to administrative assistant while attending classes to earn her associate’s degree.

She was a member of the RLDS Church, where she formed lifelong friendships and raised her children surrounded by a caring church community. She devoted time to helping with 4-H and other youth activities, always finding ways to support and encourage others.

Francine was a kind and loving person who never met a stranger and loved helping others in any way she could, whether it was pitching in to help with a task or just lending a listening ear.

Her happiest years were spent with her husband and children traveling, being outdoors, and gardening. She was especially content with simply spending time in the sunshine and fresh air and could often be found riding her mower or sitting in the shade, with her treasured dog, Ollie by her side.

Francine will be interred with her husband at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville. Services will be held on Sunday, March 15^th at Community of Church Church in Oak Grove, MO, with visitation at 2:00pm followed by a celebration of life at 3pm.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

Sandra Etta Rowe was born in Coos Bay, Oregan to George and Wilberta Rowe on July 21^st, 1941. Sandra’s family moved to California, and she grew up along the central coast. Sandra was a member of Atascadero High School Class of 1959, where she was involved in the Chorus & Pep Club.

Sandra moved to Ogallala, Nebraska in 1973 where she raised her three girls and worked for TRW until moving to Blue Springs, Missouri in 1990. Sandra worked for White Industries and Corporate Center until she retired. Sandra’s greatest joy in life was her family; she was a wonderful grandmother & great grandmother. She never missed an opportunity to spend time with her family. She loved puzzles, reading and games. Her happy place was on the floor playing with her grandkids.

Sandra had recently moved to California. She passed away on February 13^th, 2026. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents George & Wilberta Rowe, her sisters, Judy, Linda & Margo and son in law, Dennis Zampa. Sandra is survived by her brother Eddie (Leanne) Rowe, daughters Pamela Zampa (Michael), Laura (Michael) Epping, Sheryl (Eric) Walter, ten grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

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

Velma Faye Young, 90, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, peacefully passed away February 12, 2026. Services will be held at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home in Independence, Missouri on Saturday, February 21, 2026 with visitation at 11:00 a.m. and funeral at 12:00 p.m., followed by burial in New Salem Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Breakthrough T1D, 215 W Pershing Rd, Ste 300, Kansas City, MO 64108 to help fund childhood type 1 diabetes research in Kansas City.

She was born on May 23, 1935 in Humnoke, Arkansas to Charlie and Nellie (Gordon) Hansell. From a very young age, she developed the incredible work ethic that would define her life. She understood the value of hard work, dedication, and caring for others; qualities she carried with grace throughout her 90 years.

Velma found joy in life’s simple and beautiful things. She loved working with her hands, whether she was creating ceramics, crocheting, quilting, or tending to her garden.

Above all else, Velma loved her family. They were the center of her world and the recipients of her steady devotion, gentle encouragement, and unwavering support. Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life. She was actively involved in her church, drawing strength from her faith and living it daily through kindness, generosity, and compassion.

She was preceded in death by her husband, W.A. Young, February 26, 2014. 

Velma is survived by a daughter, Tina Arney of Lee’s Summit, MO; 3 stepdaughters:  Linda Fletcher (Bradley) of Texas, Sheryl Anne Jenderzy (Randy) of Texas, Carol Brady of Texas, grandchildren: Connor Arney (wife Sylvia) of Lee’s Summit, MO, Jeffrey Reed of Lake Lotawana, MO, Blake Arney of Washington State.  Great grandchildren include 2 grandsons: Cannon Arney of Lee’s Summit, MO and Charlie Arney of Sheffield, IA and 3 great-granddaughters: Layla Reed of Lake Lotawana, Rachel and Elizabeth Jenderzy of Texas.  

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