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
Donna Lee (Bishop) Stites ~ 02-13-1941 to 03-26-2025

Linn County News Published April 2, 2025 Donna Lee (Bishop) Stites, age 84, of Mound City, Kan., passed away peacefully in her sleep March 26, 2025, at the Olathe Medical Center, after an extended illness. Born on Feb. 13, 1941, the third child of Jacob and... [More]
Frank Scott DeRemus ~ 06-21-1967 to 03-04-2025

Linn County News Published April 2, 2025 Frank Scott DeRemus age 57 of Blue Mound, Kan., passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at his home in Blue Mound. Scott was born June 21, 1967, in Olathe, Kan., to Frank Fox and Sharon K. (Chadwick) DeRemus. On August 11, 1994,... [More]
Douglas Eugene Joseph ~ 08-06-1964 to 03-16-2025

Linn County News Published April 2, 2025 Douglas Eugene Joseph, 60, of Fort Scott, Kan., died Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Mo. Doug was born on Aug. 6, 1964, in Pittsburg, Kan., to Jean Ann Jones. He graduated from high school... [More]
More Obituaries
- Linda Sue Tyson ~ 01-24-1942 to 03-21-2025
- Brent Ross Wheeler ~ July 27, 1956 – March 22, 2025
- Alice Walker ~ 09-03-1928 to 03-20-2025
- Colton James McCammon ~ 08-26-2003 to 03-15-2025
- Kenneth Lawrence Sloan ~ 01-24-1950 to 03-11-2025
- Lois Joan Streeter ~ 11-18-1931 to 03-05-2025
- Lila R. McCarty ~ 05-21-1938 to 03-08-2025
- Norma Jean Harvey ~ 09-26-1935 to 02-21-2025
NEWS
SPECIAL: STATEHOUSE REPORTING BUDGET FOR MARCH 28, 2025

FETALPERSONHOOD – The House and Senate on Thursday passed a bill that will require child support for unborn fetuses from the date of conception as well as an income tax exemption. A conference committee report was presented for HB2062 before the... [More]
SPECIAL: U.S. 69 overlay project set to begin in Bourbon and Linn counties

Monday, March 31, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin resurfacing work on U.S. 69 in Bourbon and Linn counties. An overlay will be placed on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69, starting at the south U.S. 54 junction in Fort Scott and continuing... [More]
Commissioners learn of grant for planning phase on courthouse repairs

During the March 24 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners heard from Linn County Public Works Administrator Shaun West on a grant possibility for repair work to the courthouse. SEKRPC (SEK Regional Planning Commission) is willing to assist with the HPF (Historic Preservation... [More]
More News
- La Cygne accepts deed conveyance on split vote
- Commissioners hear from resident on subdivision meeting
- SPECIAL: K-52 resurfacing project will begin soon
- Linn Valley imposes moratorium on new water and sewer construction
- Wind and fire damage dots county
- County hears from Tanglewood residents during public comment
- Commissioners discuss new option for Devlin Road
- Board votes to extend Meik contract
SPORTS
2025 Boys’ Basketball All County team

The 2024-2025 high school boys’ basketball has concluded and it is time once again for the annual All County team. As usual choosing the team was tough as there were many good players this season and plenty more that showed steady progress through the season. As... [More]
2025 Girls’ Basketball All County team

High school girls’ basketball has concluded for the 2024-25 season and it’s time for the annual All County team. Like the boys’ team, and like most years, choosing players was tough. Plenty of girls from all three schools, Prairie View, Jayhawk Linn and Pleasanton,... [More]
More Sports
- A season in review: Jayhawk Linn wrestling
- A season in review: Prairie View wrestling
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball earns Sub-State runner-up
- Prairie View girls’ basketball ends season against Neodesha
- Case leads Prairie View girls’ wrestling with a second-place finish
- McCarty leads Lady Hawks with a fourth-place finish at State
- Blu-Jays win sub-state shootout
- Jayhawk boys’ wrestling sends five to State
OBITUARIES POLICY
• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
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• 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

