Peter Michael Bohan passed peacefully into the hands of Our Lord on January 14, 2025, at Centerpoint Medical Center, where he was surrounded by family.

He was born in Kansas City, Missouri on November 24, 1950. Peter was a graduate of Northeast High School in Kansas City, MO. He was employed by the Independence School District until retirement. Peter was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He especially loved his role as a grandfather; you could see him light up around his grandchildren. He loved going to the movies, going out to eat, and watching wrestling and football. He really loved being around his whole family. He had an easy-going personality, was nice to everyone he met, and had a great sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Mable Bohan, a brother Christopher Bohan, and sister Geralyn Maria Bohan. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Cathy Bohan of Independence, MO; daughters, Sarah Bohan and Jamie Neidholdt, son-in-law Joseph Neidholdt; 2 grandchildren, Liam and Noah Neidholdt; and sisters, Shirley Tafe and husband Harold of Waldorf, MD, Margaret Waggett of Colorado Springs, CO, and Theresa Williams of Peculiar, MO; and brothers, Shawn and wife Anita Bohan of Kansas City, MO, David and wife Karen Bohan of DeSoto, KS, Tim Bohan of Kansas City, MO, Paul Bohan of Independence, MO, and Patrick Bohan and partner Kim Garvey of Independence, MO;  as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

Although Peter is gone, he will be in our hearts forever. A Celebration of Life will be held at Mt Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64138, at a date yet to be determined.

Obituary submitted by the family.

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

Dennis William Kruse, 80, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at his home in Kingsville, Missouri.

Dennis was born April 9, 1944 in Sedalia, Missouri, to Dennis M. and Lillian M. (Self) Kruse. He loved so many things but most of all he loved his family. Dennis married his wife, Elaine (Connell) Kruse, on May 25, 1963. Together they have three children: Sherri, Cheryl, and Brandon. Dennis accomplished so much in his life besides his family. He was a heavy equipment operator with local 101 at Belger Cartage Service for over 20 years. He was a stock car driver for many years at the local dirt tracks. His cars were ’57 Chevys that were gold with the number 213. He was quite a talented racer. He won many races and championships over his racing career. In 1984 he moved his family from Buckner, MO to Oak Grove, MO to open Kruse Wrecker Service. He and Elaine built the business from the ground up to a successful business with their children working with them throughout the years. In 2006, Dennis retired at the age of 62 and he and Elaine moved to his family farm in Kingsville, MO where they still live. Dennis loved fishing and going to the casino where he was “very lucky”. He also followed Nascar and loved his Kansas City Chiefs. He also loved working around the farm on his Bobcat, taking his great grandkids on rides in his “Green Machine”.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Dennis M. Kruse and Lillian Kruse, Ethel Jane Kruse (sister), Margaret Cline (sister), Phillip Cline (nephew), and James McCandless Jr.

Dennis is survived by his wife: Elaine Kruse; children: Sherri Holmberg (Chris), Cheryl Stiegemeyer (Chip), and Brandon Kruse; sister, Mary Lowe; grandchildren: Ashley Corbin (Cody), Dylan Stiegemeyer (Abby), Logan Wittman (TJ), Hannah Parker (Michael), and Dennie Wheeler (Jack); great-grandchildren: Oliver, Willie, Ellie, Carolyn, Tate, Quinn, and one on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life open house will be held at the family farm on February 8, 2025 from 12 to 5pm at 1962 NW 200th RD, Kingsville, MO 64061.  Come celebrate Dennis and share your stories.

Obituary submitted by the family.

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

It is with great sadness that the family of Leona Gay Brown of Willow Springs, Mo., announce her passing on January 13, 2025.  Gay is survived by husband, Ronald E. Brown, her children, Shane Brown (Melissa), Jaymie Reynolds (Jeff), Kelly Wardle (Mitch), Rachael Ross (Shane), Julie Storck (Gary), Coreen Divelbiss (Brian), 18 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, brothers Johnny (Donna) and Curtis (Terry) Carter.

Gay was born on August 19, 1942 in Lee’s Summit, Mo. to George and Tony Carter along with her twin sister, Kay.  She married Ronald, the love of her life on December 31, 1959.  Gay was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  She loved baking for her family, which she was amazing at and spending time on the front porch in the swing with those she loved.  She was very creative and loved time in her flower beds.  She was a devoted Christian and had a nurturing soul with a welcoming heart.  She will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

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

Donald Ray Hibler, Jr., 72, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at his home in Bates City, MO.

Don was born on September 9, 1952, in Independence, MO to Don and Joann Hibler.  He grew up in Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, and Oak Grove MO, graduating from Oak Grove High School in 1970.  After high school, he attended Central Missouri State University where he met the love of his life, Paula.  They married on October 18, 1975, and built a home and family in the Oak Grove area for the next 50 years.  He retired as a Senior Engineer from Fike Corporation in 2015 after 40 years of service with numerous patents to his name.  He was a loving father to three children and “Papaw” to nine grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his parents.

Don is survived by his wife, Paula (Merriman) Hibler of Bates City, his daughter Erin Hibler (Josh) of Bates City, son Trae Hibler (Liz) of Leawood, KS, and son Tyler Hibler (Megan) of Overland Park, KS; nine grandchildren:  Chloie (Zack), Hagan, Avery, Madison, James, William, Quinn, Henry, and Emma; two step grandchildren: Tyler (Cordelia), and Kynlee; two step great-grandchildren:  Ames and Jett; and sisters Pamela Robinson (Roger) of Bates City, Becky McPherson (Otis) of Bates City, and Tammy Jo Vroom of Oak Grove. 

Visitation will be Thursday, January 16^th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., funeral services will be Friday, January 17^th at 10:30 a.m., all at First Baptist Church of Oak Grove, 400 SE 14th St, Oak Grove, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Obituary submitted by the family.

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

Teresa Ruth Benvenuto, 95, of Independence Missouri passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 17, 2025 at Susquehanna Assembly of God Church, Independence, Missouri; burial following at Park Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. 

She was born on May 19, 1929 in Kansas City, Missouri to Salvatore and Lillian (Lombardo) DeLuca. As a member of Susquehanna Assembly of God Church, Teresa took great pleasure in attending services and serving others.  She deeply loved her children and grandchildren.  Teresa will be greatly missed by all who knew her. 

Teresa was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joseph 1993; brother, Anthony DeLuca; and son-in-law, Rob Markins

She is survived by her daughters: Francie (Fred) Bundy of Kansas City, MO, Dolly Markins of Independence, MO, Gloria (Virgil) Pena of Independence, MO, Teresa (Tim) Mahurin of Independence, MO; 12 grandchildren: Michelle, Karen, David, Jamie, Christina, Kim, Michael, Timothy, Andrew, Rachel, Kelly, Brett; 30 great-grandchildren; sister, Catherine Lipari of Lee’s Summit, MO; many nieces, nephews and extended family members. 

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

Mary Susan Brown. 61, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

Susan was born March 19, 1963 in Cameron, Missouri. The daughter of James Oliver Brown and Mary Jean (Moore) Dibble. She loved spending time with her grandkids, family and friends. Susan was very nurturing and loved by everyone. She enjoyed antiquing and finding hidden treasures. Susan was extremely proud of her children. She will be greatly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers: Gary and Elton Jones.

Susan is survived by her daughter, Nycole Schlichting; son, Adam Rorrer; daughter, Ashley Rorrer; grandchildren: Xavior Lamb, Aiden Rorrer and Chasen Rorrer; brother, J.O “Jim” Brown and wife (Renae); sister, Sharon Ewan and partner, Steve Soloman; and longtime companion, Steve Ralston.

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

In Loving Memory of Jamie Charlene Harper (Noland)

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Jamie Charlene Harper (Noland), who left us on January 6, 2025, 10:56pm, at the age of 78, after battling Alzheimer’s. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter, wife and friend, Jamie’s love of Christ, kindness, and strength will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Jamie was born on April 6, 1946, in Independence, Missouri. She pursued her passion for music at the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory and later shared her expertise as a music teacher in the Raytown School District before dedicating herself fully to raising her children. Alongside nurturing her family, Jamie imparted her musical talents by teaching piano lessons and serving as the church pianist at Rockwood Baptist Church for 17 years. Following her tenure at the Lake City Army Ammunition plant, she entered retirement, during which she cherished traveling with her beloved husband, Gary, and their group known affectionately as the “Camper Dancers.”

Jamie had an undeniable love for dancing; whenever a lively tune played, she would spontaneously break into a dance at her senior living home, bringing smiles to everyone around her. Her warm heart and nurturing spirit left an indelible mark, teaching us the values of compassion, perseverance, and the importance of family. Jamie’s love knew no bounds, and her wisdom touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her daughters, Paige E. Showman (Steve) and Mindi S. Harper; her grandchildren, Cheyanne Weis (Jake), Brady Suits, Lane Spillman, Addison Spillman, and Gretta Chuning; and her great-grandson, Henry Weis. She is also survived by many other loving family members and friends. Jamie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gary Paul Harper, and her parents George J. Noland and Marion A. Noland (Ragan).

A celebration of life to honor her will be held at First Baptist Church in Oak Grove, Missouri, on January 25, 2025, at 10:00am. All who knew Jamie are invited to join us in celebrating the beautiful life she lived.

Though she has left this world, the love and warmth Jamie gave to her family will forever remain a guiding light in our lives. Rest in peace, dear mother. You will always be in our hearts.

Obituary submitted by the family.

David “Hoot” Charles Gipson, 62, of Oak Grove, Missouri passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at St. Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit Missouri. A memorial visitation will be held at Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 9, 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to H8 Cancer Foundation, 3210 S Redwood Ave., Independence, MO 64057 or at www.H8Cancer.org.

David was born on July 7, 1962, in Windsor, Missouri, to Clyde Raymond and Deloris Ann (Shaw) Gipson. David graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1980. He drove a dump truck for Rock & R Farms for many years. He also worked for the City of Oak Grove Street Department. “Hoot” as most of his friends knew him enjoyed riding motorcycles, going to his place at the lake, cooking, and barbequing, but most of all he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids. He was a member of the Oak Grove Youth Rodeo Club.

Hoot was preceded in death by his parents.

Hoot is survived by; his wife, Roberta “Bobbi” K. Squires-Gipson of the home, three children; son David Borron (Shelly) of Blue Springs, MO, son Robert Squires (Amber) of Lone Jack, MO, and daughter Alysia Squires of Oak Grove, MO, six grandchildren, Katie, Adam, Madison, Riley, Macey, and Aiden, four great grandchildren, Parker, Adilynn, Elliott, and Greyson. Hoot is also survived by three brothers; Steve Gipson (Susan) of Raymore, MO, Rick Gipson of Independence, MO, and Kevin Gipson (Jennifer) of Clinton, MO, and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Oak Grove, MO 64075 816-690-4441

Mary Belle Meeker, 89, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away on January 1, 2025, at Lee’s Summit Medical Center in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri, at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Oak Grove, MO. 

Mary Belle was born on April 26, 1935, to Ruel Preston and Mable (Thomas) Sears in Blairstown, Missouri. She graduated from Oak Grove High School, Oak Grove, Missouri, and Central Business College of Kansas City. She studied eight years in Menninger Bible Classes of Topeka, Kansas, and was a double graduate in 1974 and 1978. Mary Belle worked 15 years for International Lectures, Inc., of Independence as Secretary/Treasurer, as well as Secretary of Cauger Films for several years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Blue Springs, Missouri. Mary Belle enjoyed making greeting cards, line-dancing, breakfast club, traveling, Vesper Hall dances, and the Big Creek Country Show. She enjoyed life. 

Mary Belle was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Donald Ray Meeker. After retirement in 1984, they lived in Sarasota, Florida, during the winter months for 20 years. 

Mary Belle is survived by one son, Walter Preston Meeker and his wife Candy of Peel, AR; three grandchildren, Jessica, Jennifer, and Jeffrey; and one great-grandson, Jackson Lee. 

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Oak Grove, MO 64075 816-690-4441 

Mildred Myrtle Mansell, 78, formerly of Oak Grove, Missouri passed away on January 1, 2025.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri.  The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to American Lung Association, 8400 W 110^th ST, #130, Overland Park, KS 66210.

Mildred was born November 10,1946 in Kansas City, Missouri to Edward and Mildred (Spencer) Bitzer. As Homemaker, Mildred was the absolute best at caring for her family.  She worked very hard to give her children everything she could. As her children grew up, she continued to make each one feel special with a yearly birthday phone call. Mildred cherished caring for her grandchildren as well.  She was a very loving mother and grandmother.  Mildred had a big heart and will be greatly missed. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings: Eddie, Ron, Don, Claudine and Tom.

Mildred is survived by her sons: Allen (Roger Gorley) Mansell of Kansas City, MO, Joe (Angela) Mansell of San Tan Valley, AZ, Lee (Heather) Mansell of Odessa, MO; daughter, Patricia (Michael Tipton) Mansell of Independence, MO; sister, Barbara (Ralph) Oxley of TN; 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

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