James William Boehler (Jim), 70, of Independence, Missouri, passed away April 20, 2026 peacefully at home surrounded by family. Memorial service visitation will be held at 1:00 pm, memorial services at 2:00 pm followed by luncheon, on Saturday, May 16th at South Crysler Restoration Branch, 16101 Salisbury Road, Independence, Missouri 64050.

Jim was born October, 5, 1955, to William Francis (Bill) and Emily Lucille (Lupy) Boehler in Denver, Colorado. He had two sisters, Lee Ann and Jeanie.

He and his family attended Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, Colorado, where he was an altar boy and sang in the children’s choir. He attended San Molo catholic church camp in Estes Park, Colorado each summer. He distinctly remembers jumping into the mountain stream fed lake first thing each morning.

He started his education in a Catholic elementary school and then switched to public school where he attended Wyman Elementary School, Moore Junior High School, and East High School in Denver.

At the age of 17, Jim began working at the Rio Grande Railroad as a yard clerk. He later became a crew dispatcher and then a crew dispatcher manager for the Union Pacific Railroad. When the Union Pacific Railroad moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 1997, Jim decided not to relocate his family. He then worked several other jobs including warehouse supervisor, until he retired at the age 63.

In 1976, Jim met the love of his life, Pamela Ann Baker, in Alliance, Nebraska. They were married in 1978 and moved to Denver, Colorado to be close to Jim’s family. They were blessed by the birth of Nicole Rainbow in 1979 and twins Joshua James and Kindell Ann in 1980.

In 1985, Jim joined the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of which Pam was a member. In 2018, Jim fulfilled Pam’s lifelong dream of gathering in Independence, Missouri. He faithfully supported his family’s commitment to the restoration branches.

At a young age, Jim loved Judo and excelled at it. He also hunted and fished with his father, family, and friends, which became a cherished part of his life. He happily passed along this heritage to his children, children’s friends, nephews, and grandchildren.

Jim was a faithful devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved spending time with his family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Lucille Boehler, his sisters Lee Ann Eno and Jean Kohlenberger, his daughter Kindell Boehler, his nephew Jeremy Eno.

His survivors include his daughter Nicole Overman, son Joshua Boehler, his nephew Chad Enno, and his grandchildren Justin Overman, Kailey Overman, and Ramon Hernandez.  

Submitted by Family

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

Long time local resident, Mrs. Elaine Smith, passed into the next life recently, after a months-long battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by a loving husband of more than 40 years and two siblings. She left behind one sibling, and a fine family legacy of four children, their spouses, five grandchildren, their spouses, and three great-grandchildren. She was a faithful member of and pillar in the Odessa congregation of the C of C church. She will be sorely missed. We love you, mom. 

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

Brenda G. White, 61, of Higginsville, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, surrounded by family and friends.

Born October 11, 1964, Brenda was the daughter of Donald Sr. and Peggy (Widenhammer) White.  She enjoyed fishing and being at the lake.  Brenda loved sports and was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan.  She also loved watching her grandchildren show cattle.

Brenda’s survivors include four children, Amber Thomas (Bo), Angelica Lamb (Amanda), Craig Homfeld, and Kayla Homfeld; twelve grandchildren; and her brother, Butch White.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Don White Jr., and sister Debra Reider.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

Traci Lynn Baldwin, 62, of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away at her home on April 15, 2026 surrounded by family. 

Born in Independence, Missouri in 1964, Traci was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest joy in life was her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Ashlee Larson and Aubree Morgason; her beloved grandchildren, Bennett Baldwin, Brynlee Larson, and Chance Morgason; her parents, Truman and Martha Smith; her brother, Brad Smith; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her deeply.

Traci loved crafting in her free time and cherished every opportunity to watch her grandchildren in their sports and activities. She was proud of her family and found happiness in supporting the people she loved most.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Sunday, April 19th, with more details to come.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

Donald “Pa” Case

Donald Case, affectionately known by many as “Pa,” peacefully passed away on April 14, 2026. He was born on August 28, 1935, in Boonville, Missouri, to James and Helen Case. He was raised in Boonville and graduated from Boonville High School in 1953.

Don honorably served his country as a United States Army Sargeant veteran, spending much of his service stationed in Augsburg, Germany. Following his return home, he began his working life with Hall & Riley Construction, later owning a small business for a time. He ultimately retired after 30 years of dedicated service with Crosby Vending.

Don was a hard worker with a remarkable ability to fix just about anything (except a broken heart), he was widely respected for his work ethic and dependability. Above all, he was a devoted family man and a gentle, generous soul. Wherever he went, he always carried candy in his pocket for anyone he crossed paths with, whether it was neighborhood children getting off the school bus or the medical staff who helped care for him he always wanted to brighten their day.  His thoughtfulness and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Don was a great father and grandfather, known for never missing a ball game or activity involving his children or grandchildren.  You could always find him on the sideline at any sporting event keeping score on his own notepad.

In July 1960, Don married the love of his life, Carolyn. Their 66 years of marriage was a testament to enduring love, commitment, and partnership. Together, they raised two children: Rusty and Pam. 

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Frances.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Carolyn, of the home; his son Rusty and wife Marsha; his daughter Pam Kahle and husband Rick; five grandchildren—Dustin, Derek and wife Morgan, Karissa and husband Grant, Taylor, Zach and fiancée Clara; along with three great‑grandchildren: Camden, Kinley, and Easton. He is also survived by his sister Donna Peck, his sister‑in‑law Wanda Hunt, and many dear friends.

In accordance with Don’s wishes, he will be cremated, with a private placing to be held at a later date.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Renae Lynn McKinney, age 58, of Belton, MO, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2026 with her husband, Shawn by her side.  Renae was born on September 9, 1967 in Antigo, WI to Harold and Carole Knowles of Birnamwood, WI.

Renae was known to all as a vibrant, loving person with a never-failing sense of humor.  She dearly loved her family and she loved the Lord. Through the years of her illness, she never complained, and attended every appointment sporting one of her favorite animal print outfits.

Renae is survived by her loving husband, Shawn McKinney; daughters Jehra DePina and Jazanee DePina; stepsons Brandon McKinney and Kadin McKinney; her mother Carole Knowles; brothers Kelly (Kathleen) Knowles and Kip (Kathryn) Knowles; her mother-in-law Cynthia McKinney, and a large extended family and many friends who will greatly miss her sparkling blue eyes and her beautiful smile.

Renae was preceded in death by her father, Harold Knowles and her brother, Craig Knowles.

Memorial services will be held at a later date at the Belton Assembly of God Church in Belton, MO, and in Birnamwood, WI, where she will be laid to rest.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Twyla died peacefully on April 10, 2026, at Villages of Jackson Creek, Independence, Missouri, where she resided in Assisted Living, sharing a room with her sister Joan Miles. She grew up in Buckner, Missouri, and graduated from Fort Osage High School. Twyla later graduated from Central Missouri State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in education. She taught school for 2 years in Archie, Missouri and 3 years in Braymer, Missouri, and then pursued her first love of nursing, working her way through nursing school, and progressed from a nurse’s aide to nursing supervisor at Medical Center of Independence, medically retiring after 20 years. Twyla was the recipient of the first MCI Scholarship for her nursing school. She also wrote and directed a film entitled “My Trip to the Hospital,” a movie to help alleviate children’s fears of hospitalization.

Twyla loved her family deeply and left special memories of fun, caring times with each. She especially enjoyed her six nephews and extended-family nephews and nieces, creating cherished times with each one. She will be missed but knowing where she now resides – in Glory with her Savior Jesus Christ – she wouldn’t come back here, even if she could after the joys she’s experiencing right now in His presence! We will see her again, where there will be no sickness, death, or separation ever again.

Twyla was born to Woodrow and Dorthy Jackson, both deceased, and is survived by a brother, Bill Jackson (Terri Jackson) of Blue Springs, Missouri, a sister, Joan Miles (Tom Miles, deceased) of Independence, Missouri, and several nephews and nieces.

Twyla requested no service other than a simple family and friends graveside gathering at Buckner Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25th.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

Lenora Gean Elliott, 84 of Grandview, MO, formerly of Oak Grove, MO.; passed away at 10:00am on April 10^th, 2026, surrounded by family.

Survived by her children Michelle Williams (Bob), Mike, Timothy Blake (Bev), and Lori Hill (Bryan), her grandchildren Cindi, Crystle, Cristi, Beth, Stacey, Darcie, Austin and Kyle, and great grandchildren Caley, Coby, Sienna, Preston, Jaylynn, Owen, Nicolas, Hudson, Kolten, Annabelle, Olivia, Leonardo, Ada, Daisy, and Fabio. As well as all the spouses of her grandkids who loved her as their own and her precious pup, “her baby boy” Brutus who never left her side.

Preceded in death by her husband Donald of 59 years, her parents Eugene (Gene) and Lisbeth, her brothers Donald, Wayne, Logan, Alan, and Jon. Survived by her siblings, Phil Grote, Della Tosspon, and Sue Tolliver.

Lenora was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 27^th, 1941 spending her youth in Oak Grove with her parents and siblings. When she was about 9 years old the family home caught fire and the siblings were split amongst family for a short time until they moved to a country farm in the outskirts of Oak Grove. While in that house, they were nearly blown away from a tornado! She loved to go stay the night with her best friend Karen and her family in Holden but never seemed to bring her own clothes; when she was asked what clothes she was gonna wear, she’d tell Karen, “I’m just gonna wear your clothes.”

Later the family moved in downtown Oak Grove where they stayed until she graduated high school in 1959. She met Donald Elliott in 1958 at Teen Town, a dance hall where all the teens of the day hung out. He came up there with his friend who happened to be her old boyfriend, but after she caught his eye, Don made his move. After taking her home on Sundays for the big family fried chicken dinners, Lenora knew he was her match. They married on her birthday in 1959, had twins Michelle and Mike in 1960 and later moved to Grandview in 1961 when Michelle and Mike were nearly 1 year old. They later had Blake and Lori and she remained in the same house until this day. In Grandview, she met two of her soul sisters Georgia and Gaye whom she drank Folgers coffee with many mornings for decades, laughed with ‘til she cried and those three got into mischief any time they could. She worked for several years at A&P Grocers and later Sam’s Club.

When the older six granddaughters were little she and PawPaw took them all on an epic roadtrip to Wyoming and the Dakotas to see Mount Rushmore. On the way the girls had brought some of their favorite cassette tapes when “I Wanna be a Cowboys Sweetheart” from Suzy Bogguss became the theme song of the trip. The girls all sang the song at the top of their lungs over and over and over as Grandma sang along or laughed and filmed them all the while driving Grandpa crazy! It was one of her favorite memories of the kids and she’d still laugh every time she heard that song.  Later on a different road trip down to Gulf Shores, they ran into this lady at two different gas stations and Lenora got to talking with her. The next thing you knew, she had hopped in the car with this woman who was heading mostly the same way just so she could smoke in the car! The boys lost their minds that they let her go into a strangers car by herself, but that was Lenora!

Lenora was one of those people who never met a stranger. She’d take in any of her kids friends as her own and still has several who call her mom to this day that aren’t kin by blood but they were to her. She did the same with her grandkids and even great grands. She still kept in touch with friends like Karen who she’d been friends with since 5^th grade, 74 years in total, as well as her kids teachers, old co-workers and grandkids old friends from high school and college that she just loved. She was that way with everyone. She’d give the shirt off her back to someone who needed it. She’d invite over anyone who needed family or a good home cooked meal. She was quite the cook and passed it on as much as she could. She loved George Jones and George Strait, loved concerts of any kind, and to travel to see as much as she could all across the country from the Rocky Mountains, to the Great Lakes region, to the Grand Canyon, to the shores of California and the coasts of Massachusetts, South Carolina and Florida. She loved the sunsets at the beach and any beautiful scenery or adventure she could find. She was one of a kind.

The family will hold a private graveside ceremony followed by a short service on

Friday April 17^th at 3:30pm at the First Baptist Church of Oak Grove; 400 SE 14^th St.

Oak Grove, MO 64075. Celebration of Life to follow immediately with food provided. Please wear any KC Royals, KC Chiefs or Mizzou clothing as she would have loved to see that. Flowers or plants may be sent to: Royer Funeral Home 101 Southeast 15^th St. Pl.

Oak Grove, MO 64075. In leu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of her husband Don and best friend Gaye.

 Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

James Delbert Wilson, 77, of Bates City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on April 10, 2026. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM on April 24, 2026, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Oak Grove, Missouri.

Jim was born on November 7, 1948, in Independence, Missouri, to Delbert and Louise Wilson. He was raised in Independence and graduated from Van Horn High School in 1967. Later that same year, in November, he proudly joined the Naval Air Reserves. On November 25, 1978, Jim married Anita Candillo, the love of his life. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and the quiet joys of country living. Jim dedicated many years of service to Hallmark Cards, Inc., where he worked in various roles, primarily in manufacturing. Through dedication and skill, he advanced into building engineering, ultimately serving as a building engineer specialist until his retirement in 2004. He had a deep appreciation for aviation, hunting, and gunsmithing, and found great contentment in life in the country. Those who knew Jim will remember his steady presence, his craftsmanship, and his love for the simple, meaningful things in life.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Louise Wilson.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Anita Wilson of Bates City, Missouri; his daughter, Angela Wilson; his sons, Stephen and Matt Leith; and his cherished grandchildren, Jamison and Quincy Leith.

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

Augustus Lowell Knisely, 92 years old, of Independence, MO passed away at home on April 10, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was known as “Gus” by co-workers but as “Lowell” by his family and friends. Services will be held at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home in Independence, Missouri, on Thursday, April 16, 2026 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and funeral at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial in New Salem Cemetery, Independence, Missouri.

Lowell was born on February 13, 1934, in Henry County to Oliver Augustus and Dorothy May (Croley) Knisely. He grew up in Clinton, MO with his younger brother Gary and where the two of them caused a lot of mischief, as boys tend to do. He met the love of his life Nancy Darlene (Pogue) while hanging out with some of Gary’s friends.

Lowell was drafted into the Army in 1956 and served 2 years with the majority of it spent in Okinawa, Japan. Just before being shipped off to Okinawa Lowell married Nancy on December 26, 1956.  During their 69 ½ year marriage they had 3 children, 9 grandchildren, 8 great- grandchildren and countless adventures.

Lowell worked for the United States Postal Service for 25 years (1967 to 1992) as a letter carrier. Lowell took great pride in his job, getting to know the people on his route. He was one of the few people who actually enjoyed receiving fruit cake as a Christmas gift from his patrons.

Lowell was so much more than a letter carrier, husband, son, brother and father. He was a lover of Mickey Mouse, of all sports (especially baseball), drawing, woodworking, and painting his little wooden baseball men. He was meticulous in keeping sports statistics for both professional teams and every team that anyone of his kids, grandkids or great-grandkids played.

He was a thorough journalist for all vacations and road trips. Documenting the exact departure and arrival times, money spent, restaurants eaten at, hotel stays and all activities. As much as this would drive Nancy, and all other travelers in the group, crazy; it is now something that will be cherished forever by many generations. He was also a baseball coach for several decades in the Independence leagues, impacting numerous children.

Lowell is preceded in death by his father: Oliver Knisely, mother: Dorothy Knisely, and brother: Gary Knisely.

He is lovingly remembered by his children: Darla (Dave) Eames, Kelvin Knisely and Marcus (Natalie) Knisely, all of Independence MO. grandchildren: Dr. Danielle Eames of Las Vegas, NV; Paula Eames of Independence, MO; Kirsten (Brad) Anderson of Vancouver, WA; Derek Knisely of Independence, MO; Holly Estrada of Blue Springs, MO; Heather (Tyler) Austin of Lee’s Summit, MO; Hannah Boger of Independence, MO; Brianna Knisely of Jax Beach, FL; and Blake Knisely of Independence, MO. great-grandchildren: Avery and Emery Anderson, Liam Knisely, Oliver and Elliot Estrada, Adalynn & Amelia Austin, Cayden Boger.

Obituary submitted by the family.

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