Linn County News
Published January 31, 2024
Jenny Lea Smith, aged 52, passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, 2024. She was born on Oct. 24, 1971, in Merriam, Kan., to Earl and Janet Smith.
She was a 1990 graduate of Paola High School. She worked as an account payable representative with Fairbanks Scales. Jenny was very outgoing and loved to stay busy whether it would be spending time with her friends, her sons, or taking on a part-time job or two. Jenny always had the ability to make anyone smile and was a truly kind and genuine person. Jenny always wanted to help people as much as she could no matter the circumstances. Jenny loved spending time with her son watching Pat MacAfee and loved sending pictures of her grandbaby, Malia, to her friends and family. Being Malia’s “Maggie” was a highlight these past 18 months. Jenny loved flowers and watching her sons play Soccer at University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, Kan.
Jenny was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Earl Smith; her grandparents, Joe and Lenora Smith; and Glen and Juanita Feighner.
She is survived by her mother, Janet Smith; her sons, Clayton Lee and Nicholas Lee (Kelsey) and granddaughter, Malia Lee; sisters, Kristi Bare (Mike) and Heidi Martin (Philip); brother, Toby Smith (Melanie); and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and lots of friends.
The family wishes to thank Fairbanks and Olathe Hospice House for all the love, care and support provided to Jenny and her family.
Jenny’s visitation will begin at 11 a.m., followed by her Celebration of Life service at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at the McGilley & Hoge Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kan. 66204. Inurnment will follow in Louisburg Cemetery, Louisburg, Kan.
In lieu of flowers, Jenny requested donations to University of Saint Mary - Men’s Soccer, in her name at https://www.supportusm.com/ways-to-give/
OBITUARIES
Lance Robert Minchew ~ 07-26-1971 to 04-24-2026
Linn County News Published June 10, 2026 Lance Robert Minchew, 54, died peacefully in his home April 24, 2026, in Callisburg Texas, after a four-year battle with cancer. An inurnment service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Wesley Chapel... [More]
Jackie Ray “Jack” Harris ~ 12-04-1950 to 05-21-2026
Linn County News Published June 3, 2026 Jackie Ray “Jack” Harris, 75, passed away on May 21, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of service, dedication, and memories that will be cherished by all who knew and loved him. Jack dedicated much of his life... [More]
Clara Mae “Butch” Heflin ~ 04-18-1946 to 05-28-2026
Linn County News Published June 3, 2026 Clara Mae “Butch” Heflin passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026, having just celebrated her 80th birthday. She was born in Pinckneyville, Ill., on April 18, 1946. The second eldest daughter of 12... [More]
More Obituaries
- Gwendolyn Joanne Bradley ~ 02-08-1936 to 05-15-2026
- George W. Ernst III ~ 08-06-1942 to 05-25-2026
- Ruth Ellen Stainbrook ~ 02-12-1933 to 05-16-2026
- Gary Wayne Simpson ~ 01-17-1952 to 05-13-2026
- John Thomas (Tommy) Trotter ~ 01-26-1945 to 01-20-2026
- William Alvin Good ~ 01-26-1933 to 05-11-2026
- Richard Ray Snyder ~ 09-17-1951 to 05-01-2026
- Lance Robert Minchew ~ 07-26-1971 to 04-24-2026
NEWS
Commissioners hear from local residents on ditches, spraying
During the June 8 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners heard from county resident Mac Carlisle who spoke to them regarding ditches and road erosion in the Mantey area. Carlisle explained he was a native of the area. He said he spent 35 years working for the Corps of Engineers... [More]
Linn Valley begins exploration of Data Center
Running on a platform of economic development, long-term planning and strategic thinking, Linn Valley Mayor Lister Potter broached the subject of a “Technology and Advanced Industrial (TAI) Overlay District, or Data Center,” to the council Monday night. Potter,... [More]
La Cygne holds public hearing for condemnation
The La Cygne City Council opened their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, June 3, and then moved into a public hearing in regards to condemnation of 825 N. 7th St., Unit A. With no one there to speak, Mayor Debra Wilson closed the public comment portion of the hearing.... [More]
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SPORTS
Three Rivers All League baseball announced
The Three Rivers League named their All League baseball teams recently and both Pleasanton and Jayhawk had players on the teams. Jayhawk and Pleasanton had one player each on the first team and one player each as honorable mention. Easton White of Jayhawk and Mario Davis of... [More]
Three Rivers League announces All League softball team
The Three Rivers League recently announced their All League softball team and three players from Jayhawk Linn made the team. Janessa Scott made the first team while Jude Wade and Jayden Holt made honorable mention. The rest of the TRL All League softball team is as follows.... [More]
2026 TRL All League Golf
The Jayhawk golf team’s season has concluded and this year three of their golfers made the Three Rivers League All League Golf team. Max Lawson was Jayhawk’s first team selection while Aedin McGregor and Brady Felt made the second team. Here’s a complete... [More]
More Sports
- Patrick leads Pleasanton track with multiple medals
- Schwarz, Stevens, and Browning represent Prairie View at State track
- Jayhawk track competes at 3A State
- Prairie View track qualifies three athletes for State
- Jayhawk track qualifies eight for State
- Pleasanton track qualifies six for State
- Jayhawk Linn track are boys’ and girls’ league champions
- Prairie View track competes in Pioneer League meet
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com
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