Linn County News
Published January 11, 2023
Esther Louise Kerns Rockwell was born in Kansas City in 1931, to Bessie and Jess Kerns and spent most of her youth living in Kansas. She passed away at the age of 92 Jan. 7.
Her family mostly resided in LaCygne, some summers were spent in Wichita as her dad Jess Kerns worked there on occasion. After graduating from high school in 1949 she dated and then married Gene Rockwell in 1950, also from LaCygne. Together they enjoyed traveling as Gene was in the Air Force, stationed in various places around the world, from Taiwan back to the states in Texas, Washington state, Missouri, and Germany. One year Gene went to Vietnam, and left Esther alone with her two sons in Kansas City so they would have family nearby. Esther learned at a young age how to work, starting at the old broom factory in LaCygne at 14 years of age. She held various jobs throughout her life. She was not afraid to work.
Esther and Gene had three sons, their first being Michael, who died days after birth; their second son Larry, and their third son, Richard. Esther enjoyed family life, gardening, cooking and baking. She could make quilts, afghans , doilies, dresses and other crafts . Esther had many talents, probably the most prized talent, she was kind and considerate, she was sweet and encouraging, and she was compassionate. Esther enjoyed camping and traveling with Gene after they became empty nesters. They drove to Montana and all states in-between, Arizona and Louisiana and Arkansas and Missouri, they loved spending time together. Gene loved her dearly.
Esther was loved by many friends and her family. She made a difference in many lives, by her acts of kindness and sweet words of compassion. Esther had ten grandchildren, Trina Marie, Amber Sue, Heather Jo, Katherine, Wesley, Dustin, Stephanie Jackson, Melinda Mcwhorter, Ashley Ann Hamm, Zachary Daniel. Esther has nine great-grandchildren. Esther left her mark on this world through her talents. She brought joy, kindness, and love. She spoke ill of no one. She was amazingly sweet and kind. She lived life. She knew how to listen when spoken to. She would always surprise people with gifts or baked goods. Esther loved her family, from in-laws to her nieces and nephews, to her own children. Esther loved her neighbors, treated them as well and sometimes better than her own children! And for good reason. They watched out for her and would help her in any way. This made her children happy that they would help when her children were far away and could not be there for her. Our lives are better for knowing Esther Rockwell. She taught as the Lord commanded; treat others as we would want to be treated. Esther was a very special person that we will all surely miss. God rest her soul. Esther is survived by her son Rick, his wife Diane of Gravette Arkansas, sister in law Ethel Young of Emporia, a host of nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and neighbors
Graveside funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, at the Oak Lawn Cemetery in LaCygne, Kansas. Friends and relatives may gather at 12 noon at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, LaCygne Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Oak Lawn Cemetery, c/o Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box 304, LaCygne, Kan. 66040
OBITUARIES
Dale W. Cobbs ~ 05-05-1945 to 07-18-2024
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Linn County News Published July 24 2024 Dale W. Cobbs, age 79, of Bush City, Kan., passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at St. Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kan. Dale Wayne Cobbs was born on May 5, 1945, he was the second son born to Everett Wayne... [More]
James E. Wright ~ 01-07-1933 to 07-21-2024
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Linn County News Published July 24, 2024 James E. Wright, age 91, Mound City, Kan., passed away Sunday, July 21, 2024. Visitation will be held 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, July 29, 2024, at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Mound City Chapel. Memorial contributions... [More]
Roland L. Weir 07-09-1946 to 07-07-2024
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Linn County News Published July 17, 2024 Roland L. Weir, age 77, formerly of La Cygne, Kan., passed away in Yates Center, Kan., on July 7, 2024. He was born the son of Beulah Bledsoe on July 9, 1946, in La Cygne, Kan. Growing up and living in La Cygne all his life,... [More]
More Obituaries
- Edward Floyd “Ed” Maloney 10-14-1928 to 07-04-2024
- Betty Alice Smith Fyock 11-02-1931 to 07-04-2024
- Clarence William “Bill” Craven 06-26-1945 to 07-03-2024
- Rolleen Diann Stites 08-12-1950 to 07-04-2024
- Sa’Faree Nicole Woodberry ~ 02-14-2024 to 06-26-2024
- Billy Sherwin Hardesty ~ 04-07-1941 to 06-27-2024
- Darlene M. (Oetting) Fischer ~ 02-02-1931 to 06-27-2024
- Neal Edward Mathews ~ 10-14-1938 to 06-29-2024
NEWS
Commissioners discuss adding new position
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During the course of the July 22 meeting the commissioners and Public Works Administrator Shaun West discussed the possibility of adding a position of County Administrator. The discussion began with West noting that the Road and Bridge budget would be dependent on whether or... [More]
Work progresses on USD 362 daycare
Facility will carry the name of ‘Little Buffs’ Daycare Work to renovate Unified School District 362’s former bus barn into a preschool child daycare facility continues to progress toward a goal of being ready when classes begin next month. Financial... [More]
Political forum scheduled for Thursday
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The 2024 Primary Election is scheduled Tuesday, Aug. 6, and with that the Linn County News Political Primary Forum is scheduled for Thursday, July 25 at 6 p.m. The forum will feature local candidates, state and national candidates or their representatives. It will be held at... [More]
More News
- USD 346 accepts donations, bids Farm-to-Plate initiative
- Survey for guardrail improvements to begin at Mound City
- Commissioners set evening meeting on last week of the month
- USD 362 to notify revenue exceedance
- Parker to submit exceedance resolution
- Tempers flare during commissioners meeting
- Pleasanton approves land sale resolution
- Legalese complicates La Cygne items
SPORTS
Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team makes finals at Nationals
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The Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team traveled to Mason, Mich. from July 12-14 to compete in the USA High School Clay Target League (USAHSCTL) National Championship. The team performed well both as an individual and a team. The action started on July 12 as Pleasanton/Jayhawk... [More]
Blue Mound girls’ coach pitch team places second at TRL tournament
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The Blue Mound girls’ coach pitch team and Pleasanton 2 girls’ coach pitch team competed in the Three Rivers League girls’ coach pitch tournament at Bronson on July 5-6. Pleasanton 1 did not participate in the tournament. Pleasanton 2 was the four seed in... [More]
More Sports
- Pleasanton T-Ball hosts Three Rivers League boys’ T-Ball tournament
- Local ball players make Sports In Kansas All State teams
- Prairie View students receive spring kudos
- 2024 All Linn County Softball team
- 2024 All Linn County Baseball team
- Pleasanton/Jayhawk Linn trapshooting team competes at State Tournament
- Prairie View trapshooting JV team places second at State
- Mound City hosts youth fishing derby
OBITUARIES POLICY
• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com
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