Obituaries

Mildred Louise (Tompkins) Kaye, 96, died peacefully of natural causes surrounded by her family on October 7, 2022, in Independence, Mo. Mildred was born in Wheeling, Mo. on May 17, 1926, to Frank Cornelius and Ethel Ann (Harris) Tompkins. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, John Willam “Bill” Kaye of Kansas City, Mo., and her elder brother, Harris Stanley Tompkins, and his wife, Jane, of Independence. She is survived by William “Bill” Thomas Wilhite of Independence. They shared their life together for over 20 years. She is also survived by three daughters from her marriage: Elizabeth Ann Kaye (John Tryneski), Mary Kaye Schulte (Rick), and

Lindsay Brooke Ross, 43, a resident of Chillicothe, Mi,, passed away on November 13, 2022, at Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Teresa “Terri” Bethards, 61, a resident of Chillicothe, Mo., passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe. A cremation was held and no services are planned at this time.

On November 4, 2022, Leslie Buel Smith, 79, a resident of Chillicothe, Mo., became fully healed in the arms of a loving God. Leslie was born in Chillicothe, son of Fern Hamilton-Smith and Buel Smith. He was raised by Fern Hamilton-McKee and Chester McKee on a farm southwest of Ludlow, Mo. Growing up, he enjoyed camping, fishing, and sled riding. He had a love for flying kites that lasted a lifetime. For many years Leslie worked the hay fields for family, neighbors and friends. He then worked at Hope Haven Industries. He was once Santa Claus in a Christmas parade. After moving into Livingston Manor Nursing Home, he delighted in the social activities. Leslie never met a stranger and became the unofficial Mayor of Livingston Manor. Leslie was born with some struggles, but they never diminished his enjoyment for life, or his giggle and grin. Leslie experienced much love and laughter in his life. The family would like to thank the Livingston Manor Care Center who loved and celebrated life with Leslie for many years. Leslie is survived by his brother, Robert McKee; his sister, Phyllis McKee-Nowlin and husband Al; nieces: Sheri Gilliland-Dawkins (Randy), Elaina Nowlin-

Mary Jane Weems Mary Jane Weems, 87, a resident of Chillicothe, Mary Jane Weems, 87, a resident of Chillicothe, Mo., passed away Friday, November 4, 2022, at Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe. Mo., passed away Friday, November 4, 2022, at Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe.

William Richard (Diz) Williams, 81, a resident of Cowgill, Mo., passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at Golden Age Nursing Home, Braymer, Mo. Funeral services will be held at Cowgill United Methodist Church, Cowgill on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 1 p.m. There is a scheduled visitation at Cowgill United Methodist Church, Cowgill, on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 12 p.m., one hour prior to service. Burial will be held at Cowgill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Against All Odds Animal ResQ and may be left at or mailed to

Timothy “Tim” Lane Dawkins, 64, of Chillicothe, formerly of Wheeling, passed away Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Cameron Regional Hospital. A celebration of Timothy’s life will be held at a later date. Timothy Lane, son of Bennie and Joyce (Simpson) Dawkins, was born, December 7, 1957, in Chillicothe. Timothy, worked at Lambert Glove for many years and for the last 15 years he worked at Sonoco Plastics. He attended the House of Prayer in Chillicothe. Survivors include two sisters, Candice Mills and husband Kenny of Chillicothe and Cindy Chapman and husband Kenny of Wheeling; four aunts, Shauneen Denton of Chillicothe, Wanda Sickler of Springfield, Patsy Jenkins of Hamilton, and Marsha Locke of St. Louis. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one infant brother.