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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

Monty Ray Maus ~ 06-02-1964 to 12-12-2024

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Linn County News Published December 18, 2024   Monty Ray Maus, age 60, Wheatland, Mo., formerly of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. He was born on June 2, 1964, in Independence, Mo., the son of Raymond and Lovell Vogt Maus. He was united in marriage... [More]

Mark Bradley Lee ~ 02-08-1963 to 12-13-2024

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Linn County News Published December 18, 2024   Mark Bradley Lee, 61, of La Cygne, Kansas died Friday, December 13, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Mark was born February 8, 1963 in Paola, Kan., the son of Lewis N. Lee and JoAnn Gregory. He graduated from Prairie... [More]

Joseph “Jody” Charles Haen ~ 10-08-1952 to 12-10-2024

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Linn County News Published December 18, 2024   Joseph “Jody” Charles Haen, age 72, passed away at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, on December 10, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial service will be held on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at 10 a.m. at... [More]

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PLEASANTON WEATHER

NEWS

Commissioners review 900 Road issues with engineer

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During the meeting on Monday, Dec. 16, the Linn County Commissioners in attendance spoke with Chad McCullough, a representative of Kaw Valley Engineering, on the issues with the 900 Road project that resulted when a portion of the road caved in following spring flooding. C.... [More]

Emotions flare at ‘spirited’ Parker meeting

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Disagreements arise between police force, president pro tem   Spirit was high at last Thursday’s monthly Parker council meeting--but not of the Yuletide variety. Emotional disagreements occurred between the municipality’s police department and the two elected... [More]

County Clerk reads statement on discrepancy reported by auditor

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Almost at the end of the commissioners meeting on Monday, Dec. 16, commissioners asked County Clerk David Lamb to read into record the statement provided by Mark Hagen in regard to information they were given during the executive session last week. Lamb read, “Last week,... [More]

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SPORTS

Jayhawk Linn girls’ basketball wins Linn County Tournament

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The Jayhawk Linn girls’ basketball team traveled to Prairie View on Dec. 10, 12-13 to compete in the annual Linn County Tournament. The Lady Hawks played Pleasanton, Osawatomie and Prairie View during those days and went 3-0 to capture the championship this season. Individual... [More]

Pleasanton boys’ basketball places second at Linn County Tournament

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The Pleasanton boys’ basketball team traveled to Prairie View on Dec. 10, 11-12 to compete in the Linn County Tournament. The Jays did well and went 2-1 before falling to Osawatomie in the championship on Dec. 13 to place second overall. Individual stats for Jayhawk and... [More]

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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

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