Archives for April 2021

Williams, Katheryn Sue “Kathy” (Sharitz), age 65, of Blue Springs, MO passed away on April 28th, 2021 after a six year battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by family in the comfort of home when she went to be with Jesus.

Kathy was born on October 24, 1955 in Raytown, MO. She graduated from Raytown High School in 1973. She married David Williams Sr. on May 14, 1976 at Southview Baptist Church in Raytown, MO. They were married for 45 years. Kathy was an active member in the PTA as well as her church, First Bible Baptist in Blue Springs, MO. Kathy’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. [Read more…]

Bonieta Crawford, 94, a resident of Greenwood, MO passed away peacefully Wednesday, April, 28, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Cremation has been planned and private family services will be held.

Memories of Bonieta and words of comfort for her family may be shared at www.meyersfuneralchapel.com.

Delores “Dee” Stockwell Doll passed away April 26, 2021 at her home in Grain Valley, Missouri.  It was no surprise to her family and friends that her strong will, dignity and peaceful grace would serve to inspire everyone during the illness that took her from us.

Delores was born to Homer and Sue (Massey) Stockwell July 21, 1952.  She became the middle child between two older and two younger children.  As a child, and later an adult, Delores was a member of the Independence Boulevard Christian Church (IBCC) in Kansas City.  More recently, Delores attended First Baptist Grain Valley. She always thought of IBCC and Disciples of Christ as her true church home. [Read more…]

Sandra “Jean” Herndon, 81, a resident of Grain Valley, MO passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side at her home Sunday, April 25, 2021.  She was born May 26, 1939 to Hugo and Marie (Monroe) Kemmer in Linn, MO.

Jean is a 1957 graduate of Linn High School.  She was united in marriage to John “Jack” Herndon on April 12, 1958.  Jean worked as a secretary for the State Department of Revenue for several years.  She enjoyed keeping score for her daughter’s softball games, attending her grandchildren’s activities, watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, fishing, and going to their lake home.  Jean also had season tickets for the Star Light Theater and loved going to events there. [Read more…]

Vivian Maxine Ruckman, 92, died on April 25, 2021 at Harlingen Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas due to complications of a stroke.  She was born July 6, 1928 in Manitoba, Canada to Emil and Hazel Knobel. Vivian was the second of five children. She graduated from Robbinsdale High School in Minneapolis, Minn in 1946 and worked at a bank until her marriage to Donald O. Anderson in 1948. They had two children, Mark and Linda, and a grandson, Craig, and were married for 28 years.

After her marriage ended, Vivian was employed by Sears in Kansas City, where she met and fell in love with Johnny A. Ruckman. They were married in 1980 and enjoyed 40 happy years together. They loved to travel, touring the US starting with a 1978 Chevy van towing a camper trailer and upgrading to a motor home that took them and their schnauzer Holly across America and Alaska. They enjoyed living the “snowbird” life in retirement and wintered in S. Texas every year.

Vivian loved to sew and crochet afghans, as well as making intricate needlepoint and embroidery pictures.  She loved her flower rockery, reading and Sudoku puzzles “to sharpen her brain.”  She loved her family and took pride at being a good homemaker and wife, mother and grandma.  Vivian always kept an immaculate house filled with the smells of fresh baked cookies, pies and cakes at all times. Baking was her passion. Even as she struggled with dementia in later years, her last pie, made from scratch, was a perfect blueberry with the flakiest crust.

As her dementia progressed, Vivian maintained a positive attitude, sporting a patient smile and sweet personality.  She was always happy and contented, as long as John’s hand was within reach. She recognized family members up to her passing.

Surviving are her husband, Johnny A. Ruckman; son and daughter, Mark S. and Linda L. Anderson, grandson Craig D. Anderson; stepdaughter, Johnna Velasquez and husband Abraham; step grandsons, Alec and Evan Velasquez and sister Anna Schuler of Minnesota.  Preceding her in death are her parents, Emil and Hazel Knobel; brothers, Earl and Lawrence Knobel; sister, Eileen Maas; and nephews, Thom and David Chase.

We will miss your sparkling blue eyes and knowing smile.  Rest In Peace Dear Heart.

The family will receive friends and family from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main St, Blue Springs, MO 64015.  Memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel.  The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Memories of Vivian and words of comfort for her family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.