Obituaries

Ethel “Mae” Smithey, 89, of Kansas City, formerly of Richmond, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023. Mae was born on Oct. 17, 1933, in Camden to Albert and Sally (Cruse) Millsap. On Nov. 1, 1953, she was united in marriage to Billy Smithey. Together, they raised three children, Joe (Karen) Smithey of Richmond, Jackie Smithey of Richmond and John Lam of Kansas City.

Janet Elaine Wheeler, 68, of Richmond passed away on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.

Bonnie Kay Leach, 77, of Hardin passed away Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond. Bonnie was born July 4, 1946, in Henrietta, the daughter of Cleatus Van and Elsie Lee (Swafford) Burnine. She was united in marriage to James A. “Jimmy” Leach of Hardin on Sept. 9, 1990. He survives of the home. Additional survivors include three daughters, Kim (Mike) Class of Liberty, Amy (Jeff) Wirsig of Richmond and Laurinda (Bennie) Almendares of St. Robert; one son, Jonathan Leach of Hardin; seven grandchildren, Ava, Lily and Linkin Wirsig, Jake and Zach Class, and R.J. and Emma Almendares; one brother, Cleatus Burnine of Richmond; one sister, Terrie (Donnie) Mais of Lake of the Ozarks; and one sister-in-law, Mary Jo Burnine of Lee’s Summit.

Dec. 28, 1954-Aug. 17, 2023 Bradley Eugene Thomas was born Dec. 28, 1954, to Carol and Lucille (Pat) Thomas in Sedalia. When Brad was 12 years old, his family relocated to Richmond, where he completed his high school years. He loved sports and was involved in all sports throughout his high school years. Brad attended and graduated from Central Missouri State University (now the University of Central Missouri) in Warrensburg. He was a member of Theta Chi, where he developed strong relationships with his fraternity brothers.

Howard Jones, 87, of Richmond passed away Aug. 24, 2023, at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City. Cremation. A memorial celebration will be held at a later date. Mr. Jones was born March 24, 1936, in North Kansas City to Ira and Bertha (Claxton) Jones. He was one of 12 children born to this union. He grew up in the industrial metal and scrap industry, as his family owned and operated Jones Iron and Metal in Kansas City. He worked as a welder there, manufacturing bins that remain in use.

The Richmond News, Aug. 25, 2023 Frieda Ann Thacker, 86, of Richmond passed away on Friday, Aug.

Theresa Diane Stagner, 79, of rural Orrick went to be with her Lord on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, at Liberty Hospital. Theresa, best known as Diane, was born on Jan. 10, 1944, in Montgomery, Ind., to Cecil Gerkin and Della Halleena Merry. Diane was raised and spent most of her childhood in Shoals, Ind. In June of 1973, she moved to Missouri. On Aug. 17, 1973, she was united in marriage to Alva T. Stagner of Orrick. Following their marriage, Diane and Al made their home in Orrick.

The Richmond News, Aug. 11, 2023 Steven Patrick Breen, 62, of Richmond passed away Thursday, Aug.

The Richmond News, Aug. 4, 2023 Nov.

The Richmond News, Aug. 4, 2023 Vickie Jo (Nichols) Taylor, 52, of Richmond, formerly of Maryville, Tenn., passed away Friday, July 28, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.