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
Lonnie Dale Sprague ~ 11-15-1954 to 12-27-2025
Linn County News Published December 31, 2025 Lonnie Dale Sprague, age 71, of Kincaid, Kan., passed away on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. Lonnie was born on Nov. 15, 1954, in Iola, Kan., the first of three children born to Dale and Fern (Huggins) Sprague. He grew up... [More]
Airen Joseph Andula ~ 09-18-2012 to 12-22-2025
Linn County News Published December 31, 2025 Airen Joseph, "Airbear" Andula, age 13, of Pleasanton, Kan., died Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. He was born on Sept. 18, 2012, in Kansas City, Kan., the son of Charles Andula and Anita Swan Gunn. He was a 7th grade student... [More]
Mark Ashley Maris ~ 02-22-1963 to 12-27-2025
Linn County News Published December 31, 2025 Mark Ashley Maris, age 62, La Cygne, Kan., passed away Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. He was born on Feb. 22, 1963, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Ashley and Catherine Maxine Mendenhall Maris. He graduated from Prairie... [More]
More Obituaries
- Wilma Louise Reeves ~ 07-03-1936 to 12-18-2025
- Russell Glen “Rusty” Moore ~ 06-19-1956 to 12-02-2025
- Carl A. Otto ~ 02-12-1926 to 12-06-2025
- Rose Anna Templin ~ 01-18-1959 to 11-22-2025
- Randal Lloyd “Randy” Bresee ~ 12-22-1962 to 11-26-2025
- Roberta May Staton ~ 04-23-1925 to 11-27-2025
- Leland Ray Underwood ~ 07-16-1946 to 11-02-2025
- Donald E. Johnson ~ 08-22-1940 to 11-11-2025
NEWS
Missouri case filed following death of Holiday Lakes’ teen
Kansas charges filed by KCKPD A case was filed in Bates County, Mo., Circuit Court, following the arrest of Damon Leonard, 47, of Holiday Lakes in rural Pleasanton, in connection with the death of 13-year-old Airen Andula, also of Holiday Lakes. Leonard was charged... [More]
Commissioners hear from SEKMHC board member on services, salaries
The Linn County Commissioners met on Monday, Dec. 29, for their regular weekly meeting in which they made a few additions to the agenda, including a report from District Court and a discussion on mental health issues with Tisha Coleman. Coleman began by introducing herself... [More]
NOTICE: Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of Blue Mound, Linn County
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Blue Mound public water supply system located in Linn County. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice: ... [More]
More News
- Commissioners review numbers for park and marina
- Skipper resigns from Pleasanton Council
- SPECIAL: Missing persons case takes tragic turn
- SPECIAL: Missing Juvenile – Public Assistance Requested
- Wagon Wheel Restaurant lost in Tuesday night blaze
- Christmas food distributions this weekend
- Commissioners given update on mental health outreach at jail
- Motocross track CUP discussed at county P&Z
SPORTS
Blu-Jay boys sweep and girls split against Altoona Midway and Uniontown
The Pleasanton boys’ and girls’ basketball teams played Three River League opponents this past week as they traveled to Altoona Midway on Dec. 16 and then to Uniontown on Dec. 19. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the Linn County News or... [More]
Prairie View girls’ basketball falls to Santa Fe Trail and Iola
The Prairie View girls’ basketball teams had two Pioneer League opponents this week in Santa Fe Trail and Iola. The Lady Buffs traveled to Santa Fe Trail on Dec. 16 and hosted Iola on Dec. 18. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the Linn County News... [More]
Jayhawk girls’ basketball dominates Southeast Cherokee and Erie
The Jayhawk girls’ basketball team continued their winning ways this past week as they faced TRL foes Southeast Cherokee and Erie. The girls hosted Cherokee on Dec. 16 before traveling to Erie on Dec. 19. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View girls’ basketball places second at Linn County Tournament
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball place second at Linn County Tournament with a solid performance
- Jayhawk girls’ basketball wins the Linn County Tournament
- Prairie View boys’ wrestling competes in the Fort Scott dual tournament
- Jayhawk Linn girls’ wrestling kicks off season with a solid performance at Caney Valley
- Pleasanton basketball opens season with wins over Marmaton Valley
- Prairie View football has 10 players make the All Pioneer League team
- Dawson signs with Pitt State
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com
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