Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home

11/18/2025

Jacqualine G. “Jackie” Couch, 83, died November 15, 2025, at her brother’s home in rural Strong City. She was born August 31, 1942, in Strong City, to Robert and Georgia I. (Gutsch) Ingram. She was later adopted by step-father, David Hayes. She attended Chase County High School before moving to Emporia and graduating from Emporia High School. Jackie went on to study computers and education at San Diego State University and graduated in 1981. She was a former computer science professor at Grossmont Community College from 1983-1997.

Jackie was an extremely smart woman and voracious reader. She also enjoyed gardening, painting, and knitting.

Jackie married John Couch and he died in 2000.

She is survived by: brother, George Hayes and wife Gina of rural Strong City; numerous nieces and nephews; and beloved cats, Bogart and Frodo.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

The family wants to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of the staff at Angels Care Hospice.

Cremation will take place and a private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to USD 284 for arts and crafts supplies for the elementary school, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

11/17/2025

10/28/2025

Bruce Maybell, husband, father and grandfather died Saturday, October 4.
Born to Jean Maxine and Vern Maybell on April 25, 1939, Bruce lived a quiet and purposeful life. After his mother’s unexpected death, he lived with his beloved grandparents in Talmage Kansas and later returned to Cottonwood Falls to live with his Uncle Whitt and Aunt Betty Laughridge in Cottonwood Falls. After completing high school, he served in the US Army. Upon his return to Kansas, he pursued his passions for ranching, rodeos, and trap shooting. His love and care for livestock led him to living and working on a cattle ranch, bull hauling and feed yard security. After retiring from a successful and revered career in livestock security in Liberal, Kansas, he returned to his birthplace and found peace in Cedar Point with the love of his life, Leslie.
Preceded in death by his mother, Jean Maxine Maybell, father Vern Maybell, and sister, Karen Farrell.
Survived by his loving wife, Rita (Leslie) Maybell; daughter, Shawn Simon of Overton, NE; daughter, Marsha Graesser (Lori) of Bellevue, NE; stepson, Troy LeMay of Winfield, KS; stepson, Brian LeMay of Leon, KS; grandson, Marion Maybell of Lincoln, NE, grandson, Anthony Mann of Jacksonville, NC and granddaughter, Olivia Graesser of Bellevue, NE.
Private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Good Samaritan Fund, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home, PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

09/29/2025

Carol Jean Fillmore, 77, died September 26, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center. She was born February 6, 1948, in rural Morris County, to Bill and Charlene (Strom) Garr. Carol graduated from Strong City High School in 1966.

Carol was a dedicated and loving daycare provider for over 40 years. She also enjoyed reading, going to Bible study with her church friends and spending time with her family.

On July 16, 1967, she married Robert “Bob” Fillmore. They shared 44 years of marriage before he died on November 23, 2011.

Carol is survived by: children, Roy Fillmore of Strong City, Marilee Brittain and husband LeeRoy of Matfield Green, Lisa Fillmore and significant other Rick Livingston of El Dorado; grandchildren, Abigail Andreas and husband Justin, Seth Brittain, Ian Kissel, Owen Kissel, Evan Kissel; brother, Dallas Garr and wife Joyce of Emporia; and sister, Betsy Heathman and husband Terry of Gardner.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Lloyd Garr, Edward Garr and Patsy Readman.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Flint Hills Community Church, Cottonwood Falls, with Pastor Dave Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in Bazaar Cemetery. Friends may call from 1-6 Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home, family will not be present. Memorial donations may be made to Flint Hills Community Church, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

09/02/2025

Syble Jane Watson Bridge was born June 8, 1928 and died August 29, 2025 at Newman Hospital in Emporia, Kansas.

Syble grew up on a farm outside of Medicine Lodge, Kansas during the depression. She graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor degree in home economics. Syblemarried Thomas E. Bridge and they had four children: Rebecca Carle, Michael Bridge, Lynn Ann Bridge, and Tammy Jo Hayes; eight grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren.

Syble was a devoted wife and community member. She supported her husband,Tom, by working as a secretary and map librarian as he got his PHD. She contributed to the community through serving on the Mental Health Board in Emporia, Kansas and working as a bus driver for Chase County public schools. For years she was a superintendent of photography at the Chase County Fair. For many years she taught bible school and was a cosponsor for the Methodist Youth Fellowship for 25 years in Saffordville United Methodist Church.

Syble loved flowers and gardening. She always had home canned dill, lime, and bread and butter pickles for family and friends.

Most of all she was a beloved mother and grandmother always available and supportive of her children through joys, growing pains and difficulties. Syble had grit and maintained her sense of humor and appreciation of people throughout her life.

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Saffordville United Methodist Church, 1 ½ miles north of highway 50 on YY Rd. Memorial donations may be made to Saffordville United Methodist Church, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

08/18/2025

William “Bill” Lloyd Fisher Jr., age 72, of Strong City KS, died August 14, 2025, at Chase County Care & Rehab, Cottonwood Falls. He was born September 28, 1952, in Newton KS, to William L. Fisher Sr. and Leida May (Rich) Fisher. He is the youngest of 4 children.
He attended Strong City Highschool and played football. Summers often found him traveling to his sister’s home east of Elbing, working in the fields for the Hinz family, a practice that instilled in him a strong work ethic that carried throughout his life. His younger years were filled with joyful adventures alongside his siblings, fishing, swimming, playing basketball, and roller skating. He was a devoted son, brother, and uncle, remembered for his generous heart and his unforgettable, infectious laugh that brought joy to everyone around him. Bill was cherished by his siblings, and the deep bond they all shared remained strong throughout their lives.
He began his working years at IBP, where he earned more than a few scars, including the loss of part of a finger. He later found his long-term career with Sheers Construction (now APAC), where he worked as a roller operator. No matter the demands of his job, Bill always made time to be near his mother, providing care, support and love whenever she needed him.
Bill is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Kathryn Fisher, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and some great-great nieces & nephews all who will cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Sr. and Leida May Fisher; his brother Wayne Fisher; and his sister and brother-in-law Idell and Wayne Hinz. Bill was also preceded in death by two beloved young nephews, Eddie Hinz and Joshua Fisher.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Pleasant Center Cemetery, located nine miles East of Elbing, Kansas. No visitation is planned
Memorial donations may be made to The Kansas Humane Society, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.