Linn County News
Published Nov. 15, 2023
Joyce Elaine Hewitt, the cherished daughter of Harold and Donnalee Terry (both deceased), beloved wife of Billy Joe (deceased), and sister to Eldon (deceased) and Glenda, Keith and Dorothy, and Alan and Jane Terry, was born on March 26, 1941. She peacefully passed away on Nov. 1, 2023. Joyce is survived by her two loving children, Cheri and Scotty Bunch and Chris Hewitt, and she was blessed with five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life in honor of Joyce was held on Nov. 11, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at La Cygne Christian Church.
The family kindly requests donations to support her disabled son, Chris, through the following link: https://gofund.me/2ed2986d.
Joyce was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to caring for those around her and tirelessly advocating for anyone less fortunate. She was devoted to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and her church family. Her unwavering commitment to finding the brighter side of life and her exceptional talent for connecting with people meant she never met a stranger. Her infectious spirit brought joy and music wherever she went, and she was a shining beacon of positivity.
Joyce’s heart beat passionately for her home state, and she ardently supported all its teams, with a special love for the Chiefs. (Go Chiefs!)
In addition to her nurturing nature, Joyce was an active member of the community. She led the Christian Women’s Club and the Historical Society in Chanute, Kan., for many years, leaving an indelible mark on the organizations she served.
Her passion for learning was insatiable; she even read the dictionary for fun! Joyce was a true Kansas girl, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Joyce’s legacy of kindness, positivity, and dedicated service to her community will continue to inspire those who knew her. In celebrating her life, we also honor the profound impact she had on the world around her.
OBITUARIES
Lila R. McCarty ~ 05-21-1938 to 03-08-2025

Linn County News Published March 12, 2025 Lila R. McCarty, age 86, of Parker, Kan., passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Richmond, Kan. A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com. ... [More]
Norma Jean Harvey ~ 09-26-1935 to 02-21-2025

Linn County News Published March 5, 2025 Norma Jean Harvey, age 89, of Mound City, Kan., passed away Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. She was born on Sept. 26, 1935, in Kansas City, Kan., the daughter of William and Alta Pemberton Keener. She graduated from Turner High School.... [More]
Elizabeth Joyce Keaton ~ 02-14-1936 to 03-01-2025

Linn County News Published March 5, 2025 Elizabeth Joyce Keaton, age 89, Parker, Kan., passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025. Joyce was born on Feb. 14, 1936, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of Owen and Mildred Smith Gilchrist. She was united in marriage to Richard... [More]
More Obituaries
- Keith Couch ~ 06-22-1927 to 03-01-2025
- Michael Anthony Taylor ~ 11-21-1957 to 01-21-2025
- Barbara Jean Harbison ~ 10-16-1939 to 02-20-2025
- Jerold Chester Davis ~ 05-13-1937 to 02-19-2025
- Emma Darlene Peek ~ 05-11-1935 to 02-08-2025
- Raymond “Ray” Eugene Holsman ~ 10-08-1944 to 02-18-2025
- Lisa Courtois ~ 07-15-1966 to 02-16-2025
- Patricia Galcatcher ~ 10-29-1958 to 02-13-2025
NEWS
Commissioners discuss new option for Devlin Road

During the meeting of the Linn County Commissioners on March 10, Renee Slinkard of rural Parker, asked once again that the county look into the possibility of paving a three and half mile section of Devlin Road. Slinkard told the commissioners, as she had previously, that the... [More]
Board votes to extend Meik contract

Ray Scholarship discussed at USD 344 board meeting Meeting Monday night, again with a packed board room, the Board of USD 344 voted to extend Elementary Principal Nathan Meik’s contract through the 2026/2027 school year in a 4-3 vote; board members Cindy Inman,... [More]
Resident questions legal opinion on approved minor plat

On March 10, Jan Longnecker spoke to the Linn County Commissioners regarding a legal opinion given at the previous meeting on March 3 on the minor plat that was approved by a former Planning and Zoning Administrator for a property near Parker. Longnecker began by stating he wasn’t... [More]
More News
- Pleasanton Council moves forward with street grant process
- La Cygne leaders approve water plant maintenance
- Blue Mound hears updates on possible water tower project
- Linn Valley eyes potential economic development opportunity
- Pleasanton council discusses compactor contract
- Plane crashes in Linn County duck marsh, pilot calls 9-1-1
- Parker dissolves police department--for now
- STARS votes to separate from FSCC for upcoming school year
SPORTS
Pleasanton boys’ basketball earns Sub-State runner-up

The Pleasanton boys’ basketball team had quite the run to their Sub-State tournament bracket this year. The Jays were in the 2A Yates Center Sub-Sate Bracket 1 as a five seed. They won their first game against the 12 seed Eureka on Feb. 27 to advance to the semifinal... [More]
Prairie View girls’ basketball ends season against Neodesha

The Prairie View girls’ basketball team traveled to Neodesha on March 4 to compete in the 3A girls’ basketball Columbus Sub-State Bracket #2 semifinal. The girls reached this game by defeating Iola in the first round on Feb. 27 at Prairie View, 39-35. In this... [More]
More Sports
- McCarty leads Lady Hawks with a fourth-place finish at State
- Blu-Jays win sub-state shootout
- Jayhawk boys’ wrestling sends five to State
- Prairie View boys’ wrestling sends three to State
- Blu-Jays defeat two Missouri foes
- Jayhawk girls’ wrestling places third at East Regional as seven qualify for State
- Prairie View girls’ wrestling qualify six for State
- Pleasanton basketball faces TRL foes Southeast Cherokee and Northeast Arma
OBITUARIES POLICY
• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
• Must be received by 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning in order to appear in that week's edition.
• Obituaries submitted by funeral homes will be billed to the funeral home.
• Full obituaries submitted by individuals are required to be paid in advance.
• Cost: $40 for 300 words or less. Each additional word over 300, 10¢. Photograph $5.
Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

