Obituaries

Deanna C. Richardson was born to Lottie Zelle and Howard Harris McCarty in Farmington, St. Francois County, Missouri.  Deanna was a fun loving, if slightly irreverent child who retained her mischievous nature throughout life and never completely settled on being one of the “adults.” After graduating from school, she began working as secretary to a Law Firm and then within the office of a Superintendent of Schools. 

Katherine (Katie) V. Avery, 94, of Richmond passed away peacefully on Sept. 9, 2022, surrounded by family and loved ones at home.  

Katie was born on Aug. 1, 1928, to Will and Jessie Peters of Springfield. 

Katie showed a passion for dance at an early age. She ultimately performed in the USO for the troops during the Korean War at the O’Reilly Military Hospital and Shrine Mosque, Springfield. There, she met her future husband, Marine Sgt. Wilbur (Bud) T. Avery. They were married in 1952.  

Shirley Jean Middleton, 87, of Richmond, passed away peacefully on Monday Sept. 26, 2022, at Oak Ridge Assisted Living in Richmond. 

Shirley was born on Aug. 6, 1935, in Richmond, the daughter of Vane and Willie (Yallaly) Thompson. She was united in marriage to Robert H. “Hoot” Middleton of Richmond on June 28, 1956; he preceded her in death on Dec. 2, 1999.  

Survivors include son, Hal James Middleton of Richmond; and daughter, Carol Kay (Tom) Williamson of Richmond. 

Betty Lou Taylor passed away on Aug. 31, 2022, at the age of 89, in Hiawassee, GA. She was born in Missouri on Dec. 15, 1932.  

Mary E. Peters - age 100 of Polo, MO passed away Saturday morning Sept. 24, 2022, at her home in Polo. Mary was born on Mar. 26, 1922, the daughter of George R. and Nellie M. (Hill) McPheeters in Cowgill, MO.  

Balma Louise (Glenn) Wollard, 90 years old, of Norborne, MO, formerly of Hardin, MO, died on Sept. 21, 2022, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond. 

Balma was born on Nov. 28, 1931, in Guthrie, OK, to William Ferman and Donnie (Simpson) Glenn. 

Betty Sue Edgar, 75, of Richmond died unexpectedly on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, at Ray County Memorial Hospital in Richmond. 

Betty was born on Oct. 22, 1946, in Richmond the daughter of Albert E. and Florence Louise (Rogers) Leach. She was united in marriage to Warren Jay “Jay Bird” Edgar of Richmond on Feb. 11, 1965, he preceded her in death on Oct. 1, 2001. 

Connie Marie Greer, 81, of Richmond, died Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, at Valley Manor and Rehabilitation Center in Excelsior Springs. 

Connie was born on Sept. 17, 1941, in Kansas City, the daughter of Woodrow Lee and Gladys Marie (Reynolds) Battagler.  She was united in marriage to William “Garry” Greer of Orrick on May 31, 1968; he survives of the home. 

Kathy Ann Slade, 67, of Richmond, died Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, at Kansas City Hospice House. 

Kathy was born on July 15, 1955, in Excelsior Springs, the daughter of Orra Smith and Lillie Mae (Rowan) Slade, Jr. 

Survivors include two sisters, Karen Slade and Kimberly Dodson, both of Richmond; two nephews, Johnathan (Tricia) Slade and Justin (Angie) Dodson, both of Richmond; three great-nephews, Grayson Dodson, Jacob Slade, and Jonah Slade; and special cousins, John Hayes and Jan Archer. 

Allen Eugene Estenbaum, 83, of Richmond, passed away on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, at his residence. 

Allen was born on Mar. 6, 1939, in Rayville, the son of David Edward and Lola (McFee) Estenbaum. He was united in marriage Lois June Haynes of Richmond on Dec. 7, 1956; she preceded in death on Mar. 15, 2019.