Mable Connors

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Mable Marie (Robertson) Connors, age 85, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away on July 20, 2026, at Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, Kansas, surrounded by the love of her family.

Mable was born on November 20, 1940, in Squires, Missouri, to Omer Vernon Robertson and Reba Marie (Hailey) Robertson. She graduated from Lamar High School with the Class of 1959 before attending Burge School of Nursing in Springfield, Missouri, where she earned her nursing diploma.

A compassionate caregiver, Mable devoted her life to serving others as a registered nurse. She began her nursing career in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before coming to Lamar to work at Barton County Hospital, serving in many different capacities including Director of Nursing. She later worked at Research Hospital in Kansas City before returning once again to Barton County Memorial Hospital, where she faithfully served until her retirement.

Mable was a devoted member of Cornerstone Baptist Church. She found joy in quilting, spending time outdoors, and admiring God's beautiful creation. Above all, Mable cherished her family and treasured every opportunity to make lasting memories with her grandchildren. She lived a life marked by kindness, genuine compassion, and an unwavering love for others. Mable had an extraordinary way of making everyone she encountered feel seen, valued, and important. She gave the precious gift of her full presence, always taking the time to listen, encourage, and simply be there for those around her.

She is survived by her two daughters, Kathy (Kevin) Marti of Lamar, Missouri, and Suzanne (Brent) Wilkins of Cheyenne, Wyoming; her son-in-law, Paul Kohne of Oak Grove, Missouri; 15 grandchildren, Nicole (Darin) Braker, Christopher (Katie) Marti, Elizabeth (Dylan) Jones, Alex Marti, Caleb (Donica) Wilkins, Katherine (Michael) Lechner, Abigail (Joel) Gerber, Ethan Wilkins, Luke Kohne, Kaitlyn (Silas) Khosravipour, Alyssa Kohne, Joseph Kohne, Leland Kohne, Hunter Kohne, and Rebecca Kohne; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, Neil (Norma Jean) Robertson; and three sisters-in-law, Linda Robertson, Joan Connors and Shirley Connors.

Mable was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Shari Kohne; her granddaughter, Sarah Kohne; her brother, Larry Robertson; and her brother and sister-in-law, Melvern and Harriet Robertson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Daniel Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Lamar.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, and again from 9:30 until 10:00 a.m. Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Watered Gardens, in care of the funeral home.

Gerald Cooley

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Gerald Lyle Cooley, age 72, of Golden City, Missouri, passed away on July 21, 2026, at Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin, Missouri.

Gerald was born on January 23, 1954, in Barton County, Missouri, to William Cooley Jr. and Elsie Norene (Davis) Cooley.

He proudly served his country in the Air Force. After he was discharged from the Air Force, he owned and managed a furniture store in Sumter, South Carolina before returning to Missouri.

A lifelong farmer, Gerald raised crops and cattle and was affectionately known throughout the area as the "produce man." He enjoyed growing vegetables and beautiful mums and could often be found selling his produce and plants from the back of his pickup truck or his corner spot at the Joplin Flea Market. He took great pride in his work and the friendships he made with those who stopped by to visit and purchase his homegrown goods. He leaves behind many close friends who will miss him dearly and forever cherish the time they shared.

Gerald is survived by his son, John Paul (Kelli) Cooley of Prairie Village, Kansas; his daughter, Rachel Green of Lexington, South Carolina; and two grandchildren, Cherish "Sage" Kiros of Lexington, South Carolina, and Lucas Cooley of Prairie Village, Kansas.

An only child, he was preceded in death by his parents, William Cooley Jr. and Elsie Norene (Davis) Cooley.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Lake Cemetery in Lamar, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Compassus in Lamar and may be made in care of the funeral home.

Connie Stanford

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Connie Lynn (Kische) Stanford, 68, of Everton, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026.

Connie was born on September 22, 1957, in Lancaster, California, where she spent her childhood and developed a lifelong love of the California desert. Some of her happiest memories were riding horses through the desert landscape and later enjoying motorcycle rides, camping trips, and days spent fishing. Horses remained one of her greatest passions throughout her life.

Connie began a career in the aerospace industry first with Hughes Aircraft and later with Northrop, where she proudly served on the flight test team supporting the B-2 Spirit bomber program. She often spoke of those years with great pride and considered them among the most rewarding of her career.

In 1994, Connie and her family moved to Everton, Missouri, where she dedicated herself to the Everton R-III School District for many years. She established the school's first computer lab before serving as a secretary and eventually retiring as the district's bookkeeper. She valued the relationships she built there and took great pride in serving her community.

A faithful member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Connie lived a life marked by creativity, determination, and generosity. She was an exceptionally talented craftswoman whose interests seemed limitless. Whether she was gardening, canning, raising goats, sheep, and rabbits to spin wool for knitting and crocheting, quilting, creating stained glass, weaving pine needle baskets, making lampshades, or capturing photographs that she developed herself in her own darkroom, Connie approached every project with remarkable skill and passion. If there was a craft to learn, she was eager to master it.

Above all, Connie will be remembered for her feisty spirit, quick wit, generous heart, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She had a wonderful sense of humor, was always willing to lend a helping hand, and had a gift for making others feel welcome. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a loyal friend whose kindness and strength touched countless lives. Her love for animals, especially horses, was evident to everyone who knew her.

Connie is survived by her loving husband, Neal Stanford; her son, Cody Stanford and daughter-in-law, Cayla Stanford; her cherished grandson, Leif Stanford; and her brother, David Kische.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Kische, Shirley (Kische) Brown, and Richard Brown, as well as her beloved grandson, Slade Stanford.

A celebration of Connie's life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com. Cremation services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Polk County Humane Society, honoring Connie's lifelong love and compassion for animals.

Though Connie's hands have been laid to rest, the beauty she created, the lives she touched, and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

Gorden Burgardt

(From Keithley Funeral Chapel)

Gorden Joe Burgardt, age 72, of Carl Junction, Missouri, a former Hays, Kansas resident, died on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at his home.

Gorden was born on July 15, 1954, in Hays, Kansas, to Norman and Alfreda “Freda” (Herrman) Burgardt. He married Pamela (Flax) Schmeidler on April 26, 1996, at St. Mary’s Parish in Ellis, Kansas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, 703 Monroe Street, Ellis, Kansas, with Celebrant, Father Dana Clark.

A Rosary will be at 9:30 A.M. Saturday, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, and the family will receive friends from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. Saturday. Inurnment will be in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Ellis, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the family made payable to Pamela Burgardt in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left at the guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Nina Johnston

(From Parker Mortuary)

Nina Louise Johnston, age 68, passed away on July 21, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri. She was born on October 13, 1957, in Etobicoke Ontario, Canada to the late Andrew and Jessie (Shaw) Orlowski.

She was a woman whose presence could brighten a room and whose kindness came naturally to her. Nina lived with a generous spirit and a welcoming heart, and she had a remarkable ability to make others feel comfortable in her company. She never knew a stranger, and she carried herself with a friendliness that made lasting impressions on everyone she met. Her conversations were often filled with encouragement, honesty, and thoughtful advice, and many came to appreciate her for the steady wisdom she shared so freely.

Nina was an avid artist, and her creativity was one of the many gifts that enriched her life. Through her artistic interests, she expressed beauty, imagination, and a deep appreciation for the world around her. She was a member of the Local Color Art Gallery in Joplin.

She also enjoyed shopping and cooking, two pastimes that brought her both pleasure and purpose. In the kitchen, she found another way to show love and hospitality, and her cooking was often a reflection of her thoughtful nature.

Nina had a compassionate heart, and her concern for animals was evident in her support of the Joplin Humane Society.

Those who knew Nina will remember her for her lively personality, her generous spirit, and the sincerity with which she approached life. She had a way of offering guidance without judgment and friendship without hesitation.

Nina is survived by her loving husband, Jim Johnston; children, Jimmy Johnston and Stephanie Johnston; grandchildren, Alea Davis, Ella Johnston, and Brinn Schnelle; 3 brothers and 4 sisters in Canada; her beloved cats and dog; and close friends, Margie and Dick Moss, Teri and Mike Riggs, and Jesse and Dot McCormick.

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Joplin, MO. with celebration of life at 12:00 p.m. at The Main Event at 611 S, Main Street in Joplin, MO.

Cremation arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO.

Janell Routledge

(From Parker Mortuary)

Janell Routledge, 67, of Carl Junction, Missouri, passed away on July 20th, 2026 in her home. She was the mother of Brett Routledge and Melissa Dillon.

She was born in Osage, Iowa, the daughter of Galen and Norma Jacobs. She was a graduate from Memorial High School, class of 1977.

Janell was a member of Connect Christian Church in Carl Junction, Missouri. She enjoyed sewing/quilting, spending time with her grandson, Ryker, and her many friends and family. She loved going for boat rides and playing tabletop games. Most of all she loved Jesus. She will be remembered, by her willingness to help, and always showing up to support her people. She fiercely loved everyone around her.

Janell is survived by her children, Brett Routledge and Melissa Dillon (Jeffrey Dillon), her grandson Ryker Routledge; siblings, Rene Killion (Larry Killion), Linda Epperson, David Jacobs (Holly Jacobs), Mark Jacobs (April Jacobs); sister-in-law, Kathy Jacobs; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Galen and Norma Jacobs; sibling, Charles Jacobs; nephew Jerome Jensen.

The visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30th, 2026 at 4:00pm at Connect Christian Church (103 Hodge Dr, Carl Junction, MO 64834) with a service immediately following at 5:00pm.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 8th, 2026 at 11:00am at the Osage Cemetery (618 N 2nd St, Osage, IA 50461) (Enter near Gate 7)

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association at (https://www.heart.org).

Judy Lee

(From Parker Mortuary)

Judith “Judy” Lee, 86, of Carl Junction, Missouri, passed away on July 21, 2026, after complications from a recent fall. She was born on May 10, 1940, in Commerce, Oklahoma, to Oliver and Mae (Hanna) Baker.

Judy grew up in Commerce and graduated from Commerce High School in 1958. She continued her education at Northeast Oklahoma State College and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University. Her commitment to learning and service shaped the life she would go on to build, and she carried those values with grace throughout her years.

Judy devoted 15 years of her career to serving as a social worker for the state of Kansas. In that role, she touched many lives with compassion, patience, and a sincere desire to help others. After her years in public service, she embraced her role as a homemaker and wife, where she continued to pour her love and care into her family and home.

In August of 1962, Judy married the love of her life, Larry Preston Lee. They had originally been crowned queen and king of first grade of Central School in Commerce, Oklahoma. Together they shared more than 60 wonderful years of marriage. Larry preceded her in death in July of 2023. Their marriage was a true partnership built on devotion, faith, and mutual support. Together, they were proud supporters of LUC Boys Ranch in Lampe, Missouri, and they found joy in giving back to causes that reflected their shared values.

Judy was a faithful Christian and an active member of Forest Park Baptist Church in Joplin. Her church family was an important part of her life, and she loved serving others through the church in quiet and meaningful ways. Her faith guided her steps and was reflected in the way she cared for those around her. She lived with humility and a servant’s heart, always ready to encourage, help, and uplift others.

She is survived by her son, David Lee and his wife, Michelle, of Pepin, Wisconsin, and her daughter, Terry Kuehn and her husband, Darrin, of Olathe, Kansas. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Jake Lee and Brianna, Morgan Lee and Beckie, Alex Kuehn, and Haley Kuehn-Auten and Joel, as well as her great-grandchildren, Elliot and Isla. Judy cherished her family deeply, and her love for them was steady, warm, and unconditional.

Funeral services are planned for Monday, July 27, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at Parker Mortuary with Dr. John Swadley officiating. Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. at G.A.R. Cemetery in Miami, Oklahoma. Family will receive friends on Sunday, July 26 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the mortuary.




In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to either LUC Boys Ranch or Watered Gardens in Joplin, both in care of the mortuary.




A Facebook Live of the service will be available at www.facebook.com/parkermortuary




Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.