Esther Luree Masters, 98, a resident of Presbyterian Village, Fort Scott, Kan., died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at her home. She was born Aug. 25, 1917, in Boicourt, Kan., the daughter of Earl Lee Mitchell and Cordelia Kerns Mitchell. Esther was a 1935 graduate of Burlington High School.
She married Clayton Masters Aug. 28, 1938, in Pleasanton, Kan. He preceded her in death Nov. 4, 2010.
She had worked for Murray’s Clothing Store in Wichita and later retired from Beech Aircraft following 16 years of employment.
She was a member of the Central Community Church in Wichita, but attended Community Christian Church after moving to Fort Scott on Jan. 28, 2012. Esther and her husband were avid members of the Moose Lodge in Wichita where they helped administer Bingo and attended dances for many years.
They enjoyed traveling and were able to visit several foreign countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Italy and Greece with Clayton’s brother, Cecil. They also took many bus tours in the United States via Village Tours. She had the most fun playing cards and dominoes with family and friends. She and Clayton also enjoyed bowling each week with other retirees. It is believed she bowled her last game in October of 2007, at the age of 90.
Survivors include one son, Rick Masters and wife Sylvia, Fort Scott; three grandchildren, Zachry Masters, Shannon Spencer and Whitney Masters. Also surviving are six great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Michael Leon Masters; a granddaughter, Raina Noel Masters; a sister, Dorothy Hunt; and a brother, Earl (E.J.) Mitchell Jr.
Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4 at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 10 a.m. until service time at the Chapel.
A funeral service will also be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 at the Lakeview Cemetery, 12100 E. 13th, Wichita, Kan. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time at the Lakeview Cemetery Chapel in Wichita. Memorials are suggested to the Community Christian Church, the Central Community Church or the Presbyterian Village and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
OBITUARIES
John Clayton Bowman ~ 02-01-1944 to 08-17-2025

Linn County News Published August 20, 2025 John Clayton Bowman, age 81, Parker, Kan., passed away Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. He was born on Feb. 1, 1944, in Goodrich, Kan., the son of John Thomas “Tom” Bowman and Carrie Theodoshia Shafer Bowman. John attended... [More]
Arnold Joseph Lickteig ~ 05-16-1931 to 07-31-2025

Linn County News Published August 6, 2025 Arnold Joseph Lickteig, age 94, formerly of Greeley, Kan., passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Colonial Oaks Senior Living at Spring Hill in Spring Hill, Kan. Arnie was born on May 16, 1931, on a farm east of Greeley,... [More]
Joe W. Mann ~ 09-02-1951 to 07-26-2025

Linn County News Published July 30, 2025 Joe W. Mann, age 73 of La Cygne, Kan., passed away at his home on Saturday, July 26, 2025. There are no services scheduled at this time. Contributions are suggested to the Schneider Funeral Home and may be sent... [More]
More Obituaries
- Jean Driskell ~ 03-22-1943 to 07-18-2025
- Burton Clyde Brownback ~ 05-21-1953 to 07-13-2025
- Ruth Ann Antrim ~ 05-21-1951 to 07-07-2025
- Helen Maxine Wright ~ 05-28-1939 to 06-19-2025
- Kelly Kehl ~ 03-25-1938 to 06-28-2025
- Kandi Kay Cruse ~ 03-29-1958 to 06-27-2025
- Jessica Cae Pritchett ~ 08-30-1981 to 06-26-2025
- Jackie Junior “Jack” Hewitt ~ 07-17-1935 to 06-18-2025
NEWS
Linn County News website gets new update

Recently you may have seen our notification on our website or our Facebook page that we were undergoing some changes on our website at www.linncountynews.net. We here at the News are happy to announce those changes are nearly complete. Changes to the website include an easier... [More]
Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral

County now required to cut budget to meet the RNR rate BY $837,000 The Linn County commissioners, with Commissioner Jason Hightower absent, began the revenue neutral hearing on Monday, Aug. 25, by welcoming those in the audience and stating the purpose and objective... [More]
Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles

The Linn Valley City Council held a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present except for John Weers. City Attorney James Brun was also present. The meeting began with a presentation by city’s financial... [More]
More News
- Sheriff speaks out on employee benefits
- Jayhawk Blast set for Saturday, Sept. 6
- Pleasanton Council readies city for General Pleasonton Days
- Parker 2026 city budget could exceed revenue neutral
- La Cygne proceeds with facilities improvement
- Economic Development Director resigns
- Pleasanton moves forward with streets plan
- USD 344 adopts new cell phone policy
SPORTS
Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]
Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different. The derby was divided into three age... [More]
Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson. Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]
More Sports
- From the Bleachers – 717
- Annual demo derby kicks off this year’s Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- From the Bleachers - 719
- Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship
- Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest
- PV Cheer has strong performances at UCA Summer Camp 2025
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship
OBITUARIES POLICY
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com
