Michael “Mike” Joseph Kauzlarich of Blue Springs MO passed away June 8th, 2025 at the KC Hospice House surrounded by his family. Born, April 24, 1949.

He is preceded in death by his son Joseph Nicholas Kauzlarich, his parents Victor and Josephine Kauzlarich, and brothers Christopher Kauzlarich and Victor Kauzlarich.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Connie Kauzlarich, daughters Kristina (Terry) Teel of Grain Valley MO, Dana (Tom) Kuehl of Storden MN. Sister Kathryn(Jim) Lawson of Kansas City MO, Sister-in-Law Fran Kauzlarich of Blue Springs MO

Grandkids Madison, Landon, Ian Kuehl and Reagan Teel.   Niece Jami Kauzlarich , Nephew Ryan (Lyndsey) Kauzlarich

Mike was a proud US Navy Vietnam Veteran, retired as a union carpenter, and an active member of the VFW Post 6603 Vaughn Hudnall. He loved his 1926 T-bucket hotrod “MUNSTR” and spending time with his family, grandkids and friends.

Services will be held June 26th, 2025 at 1pm Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville MO with full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers please donate in his name to the KC Hospice House 12000 Wornall Rd KCMO 64145 or VFW Post 6603 111 SW Woods Chapel Road Blue Springs MO 64015

Obituary submitted by family

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

James E. Borland, Sr. (Jim Borland) of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away on June 7, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City near the Plaza. Services will be held on Saturday, June 14^th, at Grace United Methodist Church located at 1501 S. Harding Street in Oak Grove. Visitation is from 10:00am – 12:00 noon, followed by a celebration of his life at 12:00 noon, and then burial in Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Grace United Methodist Church in Oak Grove.

Born on October 12, 1940, in Oak Grove, Missouri, Jim was the oldest son of Bill & Ruth Borland and brother to Dennis Borland. They lived in a house on 12^th Street. His hobbies included fishing, camping, golfing, and trap shooting.

Jim graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1958 and then received his teaching degree from CMSU in Warrensburg. He taught various Math classes and Physics for 35 years total, the majority of which were at OGHS. He also coached different sports for many of his teaching years and worked several years at Corn’s Thriftway in Oak Grove. The Lord blessed him with over 20 years of retirement.

Jim married Linda Mansell on May 28, 1966, in the United Methodist Church where they are both members. They had two children: Valori Ruth and James Eldon Jr.  Jim loved people and visiting with them. His screened-in porch was his castle where he liked to hold court with anyone who stopped by to visit. He loved joking with everyone and often creating nicknames for them.

Jim was preceded in death by his father Bill, mother Ruth, and brother Dennis. His survivors include his wife Linda, daughter Valori and her husband Daryl Mondor, son James, and a long list of extended family.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Stephen Paul Hampton, 67, of Raytown, MO, passed away on the morning of June 6th, 2025, at University Health Lakewood Medical Center.

Stephen was born on January 3rd, 1958, in Columbia, MO, to Tom R. Hampton and Marilyn Jean (Divine) Hampton. Steve graduated from Burke High School in Omaha, NE, in 1976. 

With a strong mechanical background, Steve was acclaimed for a hard work ethic. He spent years working within the environmental industry, as well as concrete construction in the Warsaw, Missouri area.

Steve was renowned for an infectious warmth and comforting presence. He loved to socialize and tell stories with family and friends. His affinity for cooking was well-known by all who shared his meals. Steve also held a strong love for music, gardening, and never passed an opportunity to grab a pole and go fishing.

Steve is survived in death by his parents Marilyn and Tom; Two sisters: Liz Sain and husband Chris of Lee’s Summit, Mo; Sue Eklund and husband Mark of Raytown, Mo; Four sons: Alex Hampton and his wife Savannah of Nevada, Mo; Drew Hampton and his wife Candace of Nevada, Mo; Scott Hampton of Nevada, Mo; and Todd Hampton of Columbia, Mo; two grandsons: Jamison and Parker Hampton; two granddaughters: Nora and Kennedy Hampton; the mother of his children, Renee; along with several nieces and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his beloved nephew Jacob Sain.

Steve will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery in Oak Grove, MO, on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 at 11 am. Private graveside services will be performed followed by a luncheon after graveside services. 

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Velma Jean Mainard, lovingly known as “Jeanie,” passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2025. She was from Oak Grove, Missouri, and spent her life surrounded by the people and things she loved most.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ermile Bradfield; her husband, Kenneth Mainard; her sisters, Betty Rector and Janice Stoez; and her great-grandsons, Taylor Johnson and Nathan Mainard.

Jeanie is survived by her daughter, Pam Johnson (Larry), and her son, Chuck Mainard (Peggy). She was a proud and loving grandma to Chris Johnson (Kendra), Becki Johnson, Mandy Kemple (Donnie), Brian Mainard, Steven Mainard, and Kevin Mainard (Kristina). She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren: Alex Johnson (Jenna), Mackenzie Stark, Riley Stark, Sydney Johnson (Christian), Kole Kemple, Kayla Kemple, Abi Mainard, Logan Mainard, brother Richard Bradfield (Paula), and several nieces and nephews.

Jeanie loved the simple joys in life—garage saling, crafting, baking, and the occasional trip to the casino. She had a real talent for making big dinners and sweet treats, and no one ever left her home hungry. She was generous, funny, and full of heart.

More than anything, Jeanie loved her family and her friends. She was the heart of every gathering and created memories that will be treasured forever.

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

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Obituary submitted by the family.

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

Judith Fincher, 85, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025. Born on March 24, 1940, in Webster City, Iowa, Judith lived a rich and vibrant life filled with music, travel, and a deep love for family.

She worked for many years as a travel agent at Winship Travel, a career that perfectly matched her adventurous spirit. Judith explored the world with enthusiasm, traveling to the United Kingdom, China, Iceland, and many other destinations—each journey a new chapter in a life well-lived.

Judith also had a lifelong love of horses and proudly showed her beloved horse, Sugar Creek Supreme, in English Saddle competitions. She was an expressive singer who performed each year with a public production of the Messiah Choir, a tradition that brought her great joy and connection.

She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Robert Dean Mays and Timothy Len Fincher, and by her parents, Madge and Lester McCoskey.

Judith is survived by her daughters: Terri Podolanko, Leslie Mays, and SaDonna Devaney, and her brother, Steven McCoskey.

The burial of Ashes will take place at 5:00 PM on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Salem Cemetery, immediately followed by the celebration of life at 6:00 PM next door at Royer New Salem Funeral Home, 1823 N Blue Mills Road, Independence, Missouri, 64058.

Judith’s life was a beautiful harmony of discovery, artistry, and devotion. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Obituary submitted by the family.

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

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