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Mary Ellen Gray Cheek, 87, of Morrilton, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, October 6, 2021. She was born in Linn County in 1934. She is the daughter of John Wolfinger and Jessie Ellen Cross Wolfinger.  She graduated from Linnville Schools in Pleasanton, Kan. and graduated from college at Kansas State University. She married Norman Gray and they relocated to Georgia while Norman served in the military. After Norman completed his military service and his veterinarian, they chose Morrilton, Ark. to call home and open the veterinarian clinic. She was an active member of the community and devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Morrilton.

While being a mother and grandmother was her number one joy, she was a spirited lady with an entrepreneurial spirit. She managed her family farm and homestead throughout her life and also opened "The Fabric and Drapery Shop" in downtown Morrilton. Her grandchildren have fond memories of playing hide and seek between the drapery displays as their grandmother worked behind the counter. Mary Ellen was also known for her delicious cooking. She prided herself on being able to nurture her family and friends through her pies and cakes. There was no limit to the love and support that she gave her children and grandchildren, as they were her greatest blessing in her life.

Mary Ellen is preceded by her parents John & Jessie Wolfinger; her first husband Norman Gray; son Franklin John Gray, and daughter in law Cindy Gray. She is survived by grandchildren; Franklin John Gray, Jr. and wife Mandy Gray of Little Rock, Ark.; Joseph Robert Gray and wife Stephanie Gray of Fayetteville, Ark.; daughter Jessie Ellen Gray of Pensacola, Fla. Also survived by grandchildren Georgia Katherine Gray of Little Rock, Ark. and Joseph Robert Gray Jr. of Fayetteville, Ark.

Mary Ellen is also preceded by her second husband, William “Bill” Cheek of Morrilton; survived by children William “Bill” Cleo Cheek, III of Maumelle, Ark., George Richard Cheek of Fort Worth, Texas, James Earl Cheek and wife Michelle of Morrilton, Ark. and Laura Cheek Larson and husband David of Maumelle, Ark.

A small, private gathering will be held in honor of Mary Ellen for immediate family members only. Friends wishing to honor her are invited to make a donation in her name to the First United Methodist Church of Morrilton, Ark. Arrangements are made by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton, Ark. Online Guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net

 

OBITUARIES

John Clayton Bowman ~ 02-01-1944 to 08-17-2025

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Linn County News Published August 20, 2025   John Clayton Bowman, age 81, Parker, Kan., passed away Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. He was born on Feb. 1, 1944, in Goodrich, Kan., the son of John Thomas “Tom” Bowman and Carrie Theodoshia Shafer Bowman. John attended... [More]

Arnold Joseph Lickteig ~ 05-16-1931 to 07-31-2025

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Linn County News Published August 6, 2025   Arnold Joseph Lickteig, age 94, formerly of Greeley, Kan., passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Colonial Oaks Senior Living at Spring Hill in Spring Hill, Kan. Arnie was born on May 16, 1931, on a farm east of Greeley,... [More]

Joe W. Mann ~ 09-02-1951 to 07-26-2025

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Linn County News Published July 30, 2025   Joe W. Mann, age 73 of La Cygne, Kan., passed away at his home on Saturday, July 26, 2025. There are no services scheduled at this time. Contributions are suggested to the Schneider Funeral Home and may be sent... [More]

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NEWS

Linn County News website gets new update

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Recently you may have seen our notification on our website or our Facebook page that we were undergoing some changes on our website at www.linncountynews.net. We here at the News are happy to announce those changes are nearly complete. Changes to the website include an easier... [More]

Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral

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County now required to cut budget to meet the RNR rate BY $837,000   The Linn County commissioners, with Commissioner Jason Hightower absent, began the revenue neutral hearing on Monday, Aug. 25, by welcoming those in the audience and stating the purpose and objective... [More]

Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles

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The Linn Valley City Council held a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present except for John Weers. City Attorney James Brun was also present. The meeting began with a presentation by city’s financial... [More]

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SPORTS

Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

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It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]

Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

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The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9.  Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different.  The derby was divided into three age... [More]

Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

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The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson.  Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]

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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

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