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

Colleen Reynolds, 57, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16, surrounded by her beloved family.

Born on August 10, 1967, in Merced, California, she was the cherished daughter of

Sarah Henderson and David Robertson. Colleen’s life was defined by love—love for

her family, her friends, and the countless memories she created with those she held

dear. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, she filled the lives of

those around her with warmth, kindness, and an unwavering spirit.

She is survived by her loving husband, Gary Reynolds; her son, Daniel Bowden, and his

wife, Erika; her daughters, Shelbilyn Bowden (Zane Spencer) and Kayley Reynolds (Tim McCandless).

She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Leah,

Ethan, Shaylee, Bryanna, Wyatt, Novah, Raelynn, Lexi, Madison, and Mallory. Colleen is also survived

by her sisters, Lisa Lane, Nanette Weaver, and Shirley Riley, and her brother, Kenneth

Ambrose, along with many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sarah Henderson and David Robertson,

as well as both her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Colleen’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched. She loved life, found joy

in the company of her family, and embraced each moment with a radiant and generous

spirit. Her presence will be deeply missed but forever remembered with love.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to

honor her memory and share the stories of the beautiful life she lived.

May her soul find peace, surrounded by the love she so freely gave.

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

Howard Ray Mason, age 92, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025. Born on November 30, 1932, Howard lived a long and full life.

He was married to the love of his life, Mary Mason, with whom he shared 68 wonderful years until her passing. Together they raised three children: Linda and Marcie, who preceded him in death, and Paul, who survives him, along with Paul’s wife, Jenny.

In retirement, Howard and Mary found great joy in fishing and camping—spending countless peaceful days outdoors together. Though Howard only attended a few days of school, he was a gifted self-taught learner who could repair almost anything. His mechanical skills and problem-solving spirit were admired by all who knew him.

Howard was especially proud of his son Paul’s accomplishments as a motorcycle road-racer and machinist. Inspired by Paul’s passion, Howard learned to ride motorcycles in his mid-50s and faithfully attended many of Paul’s races throughout the years.

He will be remembered for his wisdom, humility, and loving heart. Howard’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched with his kindness and quiet strength.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Howard’s honor to The Davis Center.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM Thursday May 22, Royer Funeral Home Oak Grove, MO.

Funeral Service at 11:00 AM Royer Funeral Home Oak Grove followed by Graveside service Oak Grove cemetery. 

Luncheon immediately following at the Davis Center Oak Grove MO.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Gerald Otis Younts, 85, of Oak Grove, Missouri passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, Missouri.

Gerald was born March 4, 1940 to Ira and Geraldine Younts. He worked over 40 years at Corn Products until National Starch purchased the business. Gerald found solace being outside and working in the yard. He and Karen were married for 55 years. She was the best woman who walked the earth.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Roger.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Karen Younts of the home; son, Chris Curnutt (Tina) of Leeton, MO; son, Christopher Younts of Gladstone, MO; daughter, Kimberly Younts of Clinton, MO; son, Joseph Younts (Carol) of Blairstown, MO; sister; Carolyn Moon (Kenny) of Holt, MO; 9 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren.

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

Timothy Ray Johnson, 62, of Pleasant Valley, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at North Kansas City Hospital.  Graveside memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23^rd in Oak Grove Cemetery, Oak Grove, MO.  In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Special Olympics Missouri, 305 Special Olympics Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65101, or call (573) 635-1660.

Tim was born November 29, 1962, in Raytown, Missouri.  He attended Lakeview Woods State School and worked at the Jackson County workshop for a number of years.  He was a lover of people and loved by all.

Tim was preceded in death by his father, Charles Allen Johnson Sr. and his mother, Leslie Nell Leighter.  His survivors include his brother & sister-in-law, Charles and Kara Johnson; two nieces, Kari Ann Dausey of Mine Mile Falls, WA, and Krystal Dawn Johnson of Kansas City, MO; nephew, Aaron A. Johnson of Platte City, MO; and many other extended family members.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Theresa Norris, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 13^th, 2025, at the age of 72 at her home in Atherton Missouri.

Theresa was known for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She dedicated her life to caring for others and brought warmth and comfort to all who knew her.

She is survived by Son’s David Norris and Tino Garcia and Grandchildren Ashley Norris, Lilly Veach, Valerie Norris, Emma Norris, Landon Waters, Kaden Waters, Jordan Terry, Alecia Monday, Antonio Garcia, Jamie Long, Letha Long Austin Garcia, Justin Beatty, Taylor Garcia And Great Grandchildren Luka Terry, Riverlyn Long, Cohen Long, Santana Garcia, Benjamin Garcia and Kenzley Downs, and Brother William Downs II, who will forever cherish her memory. Theresa was a source of strength, compassion, and wisdom, and her legacy of love will live on in the lives she touched.

She was predeceased in death by her Father and Mother William Downs and Treva Downs, Daughter’s Jennifer Norris, Angie Garcia and Brandi Garcia.

A memorial service will be held on May 24^th, 2025, at 1pm at Six Mile Baptist Church with a dinner to follow the service.

Her love was a gift to all, and she will be deeply missed.

Obituary submitted by the family.

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

Brenda Renee Lamming, 57, of Lone Jack, Missouri, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025 at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO.  A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 15^th at Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, MO.

Born on January 30, 1968 in Kansas City, Missouri to Charles and Mary Watkins. She married the love of her life, Kenneth Lamming on May 28, 2000. Together they raised the light of her life, her son, Levi Lamming. Brenda was known for her warmth, creativity, and deep love for her family and friends. She had a joyful spirit that touched the lives of everyone who knew her, and a way of making people feel truly welcomed and understood.

Brenda cherished going to concerts—often side by side with her son, creating lasting memories and sharing their favorite songs together. She also expressed herself through the art of pottery, finding peace and purpose in the clay. Her home pottery studio was one of her favorite places, a space where she shaped not only beautiful works of art but also a life full of meaning and reflection.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Kenneth Lamming of the home; son, Levi Lamming of Kansas City, MO; two sisters, Karla Doss and Janice McAfee, both of Independence, MO; stepmother, Shirley Watkins of Kansas City, MO; two stepsons, Keith Lamming and Kyle Lamming; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Andy, and sister Donna.

Brenda will be remembered for her creative soul, her generous heart, and the unwavering love she gave to those around her. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the beauty she brought into the world will live on.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Klinton L. Hinson, 33, Independence, formally of Carrollton, MO passed away, May 10^th, 2025. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life to follow at 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 16^th, 2025, at Royer Funeral home in Grain Valley. :https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-cover-klint-hinsons-funeral-expenses

Klinton was born March 14^th, 1992, in Chillicothe, MO. He received his GED in 2010 and worked off and on for the Local Union 663. Klinton will be remembered for his avid love of deer hunting, fishing, watching the Chiefs and Royals, riding dirt bikes, and collecting baseball cards.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Dale & Dorthey Hinson, of Carrollton, MO, Harold & Shirley Gannon, of Bethany, MO, father, Lawrence Dale Hinson, brother, Kyle Henry Hinson.

Klinton is survived by his mother, Linda (Swift) Kelsen and husband David Kelsen; sister and brother-in-law, Kellie & Kurtis Calton; niece Kadence & Kelsey Calton; nephew Knox Calton, and daughter Kyrce Dejon-Lee Hinson.

Klinton will be greatly missed by his family and friends whom he loved dearly. 

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

Phyllis Ann Sharp 2/9/1941 – 5/9/2025

Preceded in death by: 

Husband George M Sharp, son Randall Sharp, grandson Cody Wasmer and great-great grandson Kyrie Chavez.

Survived by:

Children: Paula Wasmer and husband Phillip Wasmer, Candy Sharp and Joe Sharp

Grandchildren: Christopher Wasmer, Casey Wasmer and wife Amy, Corey Wasmer, Christina Hogan, Amanda French, Rebecca Dell and Dalton Thomas

Great Grandchildren:  Justice Jones and husband Darren, Liberty Wasmer, Serienty Wasmer, Carter Wasmer, Camden Wasmer, Cruz Wasmer, Carolina Wasmer, Carson Wasmer, Garrett Barmore, Sierra Sharp and husband Kaden Smith, Jaden Sharp, Carlos Sharp Castro and Wyatt Sharp Castro

Great-Great Grandchildren:   Aerith Jones, Teslyn Jones, Jake Jones, Maylee Wedlow, Sylas Kimmi and Arianna Foust

Obituary submitted by the family.

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