Linn County News
Published January 18, 2023
Fern Elizabeth (Dunlop) Knight, age 80, passed away Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. Fern was born in Paola, Kan., on Aug. 15, 1942, to Walter William and Nellie May (Long) Dunlop.
She graduated from Parker High School in 1960. Fern married the love of her life H. Roger Knight Nov. 2, 1962. Together, Roger and Fern worked at Reed Minerals in La Cygne, Kan., where Fern retired as the plant office administrator after a long and successful career.
Fern loved taking care of the workers at Reed Minerals and often made them homemade ice-cream to enjoy. Her multi tasking skills in the office were legendary. Fern spent most of her life in Linn County. She loved gardening, crocheting, crafting, antique shopping, doing puzzles, creating the Church bulletin, anything that required or could be done on a spreadsheet, and baking. For over 50 years, Fern baked Christmas goodies with her family. This tradition is continued by her children and grandchildren. Her favorite treat to make anytime of the year and share with others was peanut clusters. Fern and Roger loved playing cards and other games with family and friends. Fern enjoyed genealogy and was very proud of her Irish heritage. She had a strong connection with her Irish cousins; traveling to Northern Ireland three times and hosting cousins when they were in the United States.
Together with Roger, Fern adored her children and grandchildren. For many summers, Fern coached Renee in softball. They loved watching their children and grandchildren participate in activities and she was usually the voice that could be heard over the crowd as she cheered them on. She also loved watching Hallmark movies, the Chiefs, and KU men’s basketball. Elvis and the old country legends were heard playing in her house and car. Fern was a lifetime member of the Parker Eastern Star Organization. She was a member of the Blue Mound Federated Church where she actively served in various capacities. Faith and serving Christ were important to Fern and Roger throughout their lives.
Fern was preceded in death by her husband Roger; her parents; and four siblings: Eugene, Dorothy, Charles, and baby Dale. Fern is survived by son Rodney Roger Knight and wife Staci; daughter Renee Lichelle Crenshaw and husband Scott; grandchildren: Stephanie and husband Luke, Taylor and husband Ignacio, Megan and husband Isaac, Matthew and wife Laura and Kaitlyn; five great-grandchildren: Jordyn, Zach, Carter, Isaiah and Stark; a brother Raymond and wife Jessie Dunlop; sister in law Carolyn Dunlop; brother in law Warren Knight; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Wednesday Jan.. 18, 2023, at Schneider Funeral Home, Mound City Chapel from 5-7 p.m. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday January 19, 2023, at Blue Mound Federated Church. Burial will follow in Centerville Cemetery, Centerville, Kan. A luncheon will be served at the Blue Mound Federated Church following internment.
The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Mound Federated Church.
OBITUARIES
Debra Dale Wolf ~ 04-03-1954 to 03-22-2023

Linn County News Published March 29, 2023 Debra Dale Wolf, age 68, Linn Valley, Kan., passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Graveside funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at the Trading Post Cemetery. Memorial contributions... [More]
Jessica Erin Cox ~ 11-15-1979 to 03-20-2023

Linn County News Published March 29, 2023 Jessica Erin Cox, beloved daughter, and granddaughter, passed away at her home in Lawrence, Kan., March 20, 2023. Jessica was born Nov. 15, 1979, at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She was a graduate of Shawnee... [More]
Larry Ray Oliver ~ 07-12-1953 to 03-22-2023

Linn County News Published March 29, 2023 Larry Ray Oliver, age 69, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Funeral service will be at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. Visitation... [More]
More Obituaries
- Buford Wayne “Bud” Lindsey ~ 11-21-1934 to 03-15-2023
- Vance Laverne Bruner ~ 07-01-1959 to 03-17-2023
- Curtis Eugene Virgin ~ 09-09-1944 to 03-14-2023
- Janice Ann Leasure Woodrum ~ 05-04-1948 to 03-05-2023
- Lewis Michael Wilson ~ 08-13-1952 to 03-05-2023
- Janet Dean Robinson Staton ~ 02-16-1939 to 03-08-2023
- Margaret Ellen McRae ~ 01-30-1932 to 03-06-2023
- C.H. Parker ~ 08-24-1942 to 03-06-2023
NEWS
Special: Governor issues declaration of disaster emergency due to threat of wildland fires

Governor Laura Kelly issued a verbal declaration of disaster emergency this morning, March 31, due to the potential for wildland fires and severe storms in the state. The declaration will allow the state to preposition assets for a quicker response to any fires... [More]
Commissioners discuss Pleasanton meal site options

During the latter part of the meeting on Monday, March 27, Linn County Commissioners discussed the walk-through on Wednesday, March 22 at the former Memaw’s Kitchen located at 6th and Main Streets in Pleasanton. Economic Development Director Jessica Hightower read notes... [More]
Linn Valley moves forward with water, sewer project

“Positive ramifications” for the city Following a 15-minute legal session called by Linn Valley Mayor Cindy Smith at their Monday meeting, the mayor announced a preliminary agreement with Rural Water District #1 for water rights in Linn Valley. Smith... [More]
More News
- USD 362 leader asks to broaden policy
- SPECIAL: National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 5th
- SPECIAL: Drug operation ends with six arrests in Miami and Linn counties
- Linn County Planning & Zoning Commission says no to windmills
- Heartland REC introduces possible Linn County solar field
- County appraiser reports on valuation increases
- One-cent sales tax coming on Pleasanton ballot
- SPECIAL: Pleasanton One-Cent Sales Tax Questions
SPORTS
Prairie View competes at State Powerlifting meet

The Prairie View Buffalos competed in the State Powerlifting meet on March 25. The meet had 285 total lifters and the Buffalos took 16 boys and nine girls to the event. Prairie View had two lifters place second in their respective weight divisions at the meet. Rhett Jackman,... [More]
Jayhawk softball and baseball open season against Southeast Cherokee

The Jayhawk baseball and softball teams opened their 2023 season at home against Southeast Cherokee on March 27. Both softball and baseball teams played a double header and the boys split while the girls swept the Lancers. Baseball won their first game 3-0 but lost the second... [More]
More Sports
- 2022-23 All County Girls’ Basketball team
- Jayhawk Wrestling Club has five place at State
- Linn County Twisters takes 13 to State, 5 place
- Lady Buffs win 1, fall in semifinals
- Pleasanton basketball falls in the first round of Sub-State
- White places sixth for Jayhawk wrestling at State
- Kline and Cox-Halliburton represent Prairie View at State
- Prairie View basketball splits against Anderson County

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