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
Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith ~ 11-19-1935 to 06-07-2025

Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith passed away Saturday June 7, 2025, at the Stoneybrook Retirement Community in Manhattan. She was born on Nov. 19, 1935, in Topeka, Kan., to Neil and Gladys (Goldsmith)... [More]
Ron Arbogast ~ 08-31-1946 to 06-05-2025

Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Ron Arbogast, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, coach, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 78. Born Aug. 31, 1946, in Fort Scott, Kan.,... [More]
Richard “Dick” Smith ~ 04-18-1942 to 06-22-2025

Linn County News Published June 25, 2025 Richard "Dick" Smith, age 83, formerly of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away in Olathe, Kan., on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Graveside Service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Pleasanton Cemetery. Contributions... [More]
More Obituaries
- Charles Edwin Sutterby ~ 06-20-1951 to 06-19-2025
- Windfred Allen DeMott ~ 09-15-1940 to 06-07-2025
- Maxine Breuel ~ 11-20-1926 to 06-07-2025
- Richard Paul Henderson ~ 07-26-1950 to 06-01-2025
- Rees Lyle Shattuck 08-31-1931 to 05-26-2025
- Dixie Bradley Wilkerson 10-15-1939 to 05-30-2025
- Gary Ray Johnson 03-10-1935 to 05-28-2025
- Gary Ray Johnson ~ 03-10-1935 to 05-28-2025
NEWS
NOTICE:

Due to a scheduling conflict, the commissioners will not be meeting today, June 25th, for a second budget workshop. The meeting has been rescheduled for July 2nd.
Tanglewood Lakes files suit against Board of County Commissioners

Requests declaratory judgement that roads are private The Tanglewood Lakes Owners Association, Inc. (TLOA), filed a lawsuit in Linn County District Court on June 6, 2025, against the Linn County Board of County Commissioners requesting a declaratory judgement from... [More]
Case filed alleging exploitation of minors, breach of privacy

On June 20, following an extensive investigation by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Linn County Attorney’s Office filed a case in district court charging Erik Hellner, a Sugar Valley Lakes resident, with six separate felonies. The case originally stems from... [More]
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- NOTICE
- Commissioners discuss estimate on overlay project
- Pleasanton council meeting heated over fire personnel interviews
- La Cygne gas customers may see rate decrease
SPORTS
Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship

The Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team traveled to Wichita to compete in the Kansas Trapshooting State tournament. The tournament features more than 110 high schools and over 1,500 student athletes. Pleasanton/Jayhawk compete in the 2A competition which happened on June... [More]
Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad

Prairie View’s head boys’ wrestling Coach Joey Ewalt does more for the sport than just coaching the Buffalos, he has made an impact on the sport as a wrestler, coach and official. Ewalt began his wrestling career at the very young age of four. His father, Mike Ewalt,... [More]
More Sports
- Pleasanton and Jayhawk baseball on the 2025 All TRL team
- Jayhawk Linn softball has three All TRL unanimous selections
- Trenton Broyles leads Hawks at State track
- Prairie View track earns six medals at State
- Pleasanton’s Gratton wins two golds, sets meet record
- Jayhawk track breaks another school record and qualifies multiple athletes for State
- School records and State qualifiers are made for the Jays at Eureka
- Prairie View track qualifies multiple athletes for State
OBITUARIES POLICY
• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

