Linn County News
Published Aug. 31, 2022
Judith Medcalf 76, of La Cygne, Kan. passed away August 24, 2022 at Villa St. Francis in Olathe, Kansas. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022 in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel, Missouri.
Judith Ann Farris (Judy) was born March 3, 1946 to George and Lucy Farris La Cygne, Kan. Many babies born in the 1940’s were born at home rather than in a hospital. Judy’s birth was unusual in that she was born in the local shoe shop. Yes, Judy was unique from the very start.
Judy was the second of what would become five children in her family. She excelled at having fun and was nicknamed “Smiley Face” because she was in fact always smiling. Judy was a good student in school and participated in band, playing both drums and trumpet. The Saturday night dances held above the corner grocery store was where Judy showed her dancing skills.
Judy possessed a keen mind and a sharp wit. She loved to play cards and was phenomenal at any word game. She continued to subscribe to the Kansas City newspaper long after many others had abandoned it for the internet; simply because she preferred their crossword puzzles. Judy and Bill enjoyed many hours of scrabble and each employed a scrabble dictionary to settle disputes about what was and was not a “legitimate” word.
Judy waitressed most of her adult life and later worked at Veterinary Laboratories - the two things she really enjoyed doing as her profession. She experienced both tragedies and triumphs in her 76 years. She would say that her greatest source of pride, were her three children and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that followed.
Throughout Judy’s illness, Bill has remained a steadfast companion, caregiver and loving partner. Judy’s last request was that our family help Bill get through what was to come and to tell her grandchildren she loved them. Thanks to the private and serene space provided by Villa St Francis, Judy’s immediate family was able to be at her side throughout the final hours.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Janice and Georgia Lou, brother Ronald, and grandson Ayden Joseph Bryson. She is survived by her husband Bill Medcalf; children, Jackie Green (Jeff), Judy Bryson, and Joe Medcalf (Charity); grandchildren, Alicia Niebaum, (Kirby), Brenden Green (Laura), Alison Lemke (Bryan), Ashleigh Miller (Nate), Andrew Bryson (Abigail), Jett Charlsey, Georgia and Kimber Medcalf, and 17 great-grandchildren. Judy is also survived by her sister Barbara Hays; brother Robert Farris (Lee), along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all. Rest in peace beautiful soul, your work here is done and your reward in heaven awaits.
Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400). Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com
OBITUARIES
Bonnie Faye Bishop ~ 03-25-1949 to 04-22-2025

Linn County News Published April 30, 2025 Bonnie Faye Bishop, age 76, Olathe, Kan., passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025. She was born on March 25, 1949, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of William and Imogene Krueger Carter. After graduating from high... [More]
Lois A. Murray ~ 11-03-1931 to 04-20-2025

Linn County News Published April 30, 2025 Lois A. Murray, age 93, formerly of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Overland Park, Kan. Lois was born the daughter of Arlie and Winifred Stanhope Poindexter on Nov. 3, 1931, near Drexel, Mo.... [More]
Dr. Howard F. Wilson ~ 02-05-1938 to 04-20-2025

Linn County News Published April 23, 2025 Dr. Howard F. Wilson, age 87, of Garnett, Kan., passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at St. Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kan. Howard Frank Wilson was born on Feb. 5, 1938, in Garden City, Mo. He was the... [More]
More Obituaries
- Anna Louise Stites ~ 09-27-1946 to 04-13-2025
- Sandra Kay “Sandy” Crooks ~ 01-08-1949 to 04-13-2025
- Richard Lee Keaton ~ 01-29-1935 to 04-05-2025
- Linda Ann Pruitt ~ 05-08-1953 to 04-07-2025
- Ira “Sonny” Ray Caruthers, Jr. ~ 05-23-1955 to 04-02-2025
- Michelle Lynn Young ~ 05-20-1967 to 04-04-2025
- Phyllis Sybil Colbert ~ 11-23-1935 to 03-28-2025
- Joseph Francis “Mr. Joe” Cunningham ~ 03-17-1967 to 03-31-2025
NEWS
SPECIAL: Legislative Update

April 18, 2025 Kansas Land and Military Installation Protection Act, SB 9, prohibits foreign adversaries from purchasing property within 100 miles of a military installation and any foreign adversary ownership of non-residential real property purchased prior to July 1, 2025,... [More]
16 criminal cases from Tanglewood Lake incident dismissed

Late Wednesday afternoon, April 16, orders were filed dismissing all 16 current cases on file in Linn County District Court concerning the Tanglewood Lake gate incident, 14 of which were filed against separate individuals that stemmed from the incident in May 2023. According... [More]
Tanglewood seeks clarification, aid from county

During the April 21 meeting, Linn County Commissioner Jason Hightower reported to his fellow board members that he had met with the Tanglewood Lake board president and a resident the previous week and noted that they wanted a resolution or motion that clarified if the roads are... [More]
More News
- Commission workshop hears of justification for SEKMHC CEO $600,000 salary
- La Cygne police get automatic plate readers
- Notice
- Public comment results in allegations of unethical behavior
- Parker reinstates local policing
- Two charged following vehicular incident in Parker
- Pleasanton approves zoning request
- La Cygne leaders talk future street improvements
SPORTS
Jayhawk track wins the Pleasanton Invitational

The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to Pleasanton on April 15 for the Pleasanton Invitational. The Hawks did very well as both the boys’ and girls’ teams won the meet. The girls won with a score of 188 points while the boys won with a score of 127 points. There were... [More]
Pleasanton track places in top three at home invitational

The Pleasanton track team hosted their home invitational on April 15. The Jays did well as both the boys’ and girls’ teams placed in the top three out of nine teams. The boys were second with 92 points while the girls were third with 107.5 points. “It was... [More]
More Sports
- Jayhawk baseball earns first victories of the season
- Pleasanton boys’ and girls’ track teams win Oswego Invitational
- Prairie View softball falls in league contest to Iola
- Prairie View softball drops close games against Santa Fe Trail
- Pleasanton baseball falls to Southeast Cherokee and Marmaton Valley
- Jayhawk softball splits against Central Heights
- Prairie View softball starts season 3-1
- Pleasanton baseball opens season 2-2 against Oswego and Crest
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

