R.L. Leintz Funeral Home

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Christine K. “Chris” Allin, of Leavenworth, Kan., passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on Sunday, March...
03/21/2026

Christine K. “Chris” Allin, of Leavenworth, Kan., passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Christine was born February 10, 1948, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Sally Kobbe and Retired Army Colonel Eric Kobbe, and was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Retired Army Colonel George R. Allin III.

Chris and George first met as teenagers while attending boarding school in France in the ninth grade. They later returned to the United States, but France remained close to Chris’s heart. She returned to Paris to attend the American College in Paris before completing her studies at George Washington University. George attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the two were married the day he graduated, beginning a lifetime of partnership and shared adventure.

As a proud Army wife, Chris supported George throughout his military career and the many moves and assignments that came with it, creating a warm and loving home for her family wherever they were stationed. She was a devoted and loving mother whose quiet strength and care shaped the lives of her daughters.

Chris devoted much of her life to serving others. She worked as a facilitator at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, where she helped educate and guide military commanders and their spouses as they prepared for the responsibilities of command. It was important work, and she was known for the care and dedication she brought to those she supported.

She was active in her church and community, serving faithfully in the altar guild and volunteering her time to help others. Chris also enjoyed researching family ancestry and took great care in preserving family history for future generations.

Chris is survived by her brother, Retired Army Colonel Michael Kobbe and his family; her daughters, Adrienne Allin and Jessica Campbell; and her son-in-law, Jamie Campbell.

Chris will be laid to rest beside her husband at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery in a private family graveside service.

Alice L. Schneider, 87, of Leavenworth, earned her heavenly wings under a beautiful sunset on Thursday, March 19, 2026. ...
03/20/2026

Alice L. Schneider, 87, of Leavenworth, earned her heavenly wings under a beautiful sunset on Thursday, March 19, 2026. She was born October 4, 1938, in Tonganoxie, Kan., the daughter of Theodore and Anna (Finneran) Dodd. On April 4, 1959, Alice married Richard Schneider at St. Joseph Church in Leavenworth, Kan.

Alice grew up in Leavenworth County, attending Bell grade schools and Lansing High School. She had a distinguished Civil Service Career working in various government agencies and retiring from the US Attorney’s Office. Alice’s greatest achievement was raising her four teenage children on her own in the 70’s and 80’s after the sudden and unexpected death of Richard. Big Hair, Loud Music and Fast Cars…Lord have mercy on her! Alice was an eager volunteer, whether it was helping family members, 4-H projects or at church functions.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Anna Dodd; her husband, Richard Schneider; four sisters, Dorothy Bemis, Florence Haling, Helen Marie Dodd and Jeanette Zielinski; and five brothers, Theodore, Charles, Lloyd, Raymond and Donald Dodd.

Alice is survived by her children, Angela and Willard Wiley, Rick and Lori Schneider, Larry and Kelly Schneider and Joan Schneider; grandchildren, Greg (Tara) Wiley, Marissa (Brigham) Robbins, Taylor (Jessica) Wiley, Calvin (Abby) Schneider, Siler Schneider, Jerico Grant, Kendra Schneider, Cody (Kelli) Mohan and Cole Mohan; great grandchildren, Lydia Wiley, Bennett Wiley, Greyson Wiley, McCall Robbins, Callahan Robbins, Charlotte Mohan and Brooks Mohan; sisters, Margaret Long and Delores Urban; and longtime partner, Charlie McGinn.

Special thanks to her daughter, Joan Schneider and St. Lukes Hospice for her final months of compassionate care.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026, at St. Joseph Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Church or St. Luke’s Hospice.

Joseph Lee Dickey, 36, of Leavenworth, died Thursday, March 12, 2026. He was born Nov. 13, 1989, in Kansas City, Kan., t...
03/18/2026

Joseph Lee Dickey, 36, of Leavenworth, died Thursday, March 12, 2026. He was born Nov. 13, 1989, in Kansas City, Kan., the son of Joyce Faye Cox and Richard Lee Dickey.

On Dec. 29, 2007, Joe married Amber R. (Cooper) Dickey. He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Hailee R. Dickey (Donavan Z. Montgomery); sons, Joshua M. Dickey (Madalynn Hendrickson), Jayden A. Dickey (Sophia O’Neal), Ayden M. Dickey, Jerrit M. Gould and Malik M. Mccarter; his granddaughter, Wrenlee R, Montgomery; two sisters, Trichelle Dickey and Richelle Dickey; brothers, Richard L. Dickey, Paul Marcus and Lee Orr; stepmother, Juanita Dickey; stepfather, Earl Slatter; extended family and friends, Kara Jones, Anthony Robertson, Jose Castaneda, Amanda and Robert Schroyer, Sheli and Randy Vossmer, Ashley Cooper, Breona Knight, Jessica Willson, Jennifer Grendal, Tara Pimintal, Knude Grendal, Devon Knight, Steve Gomez, Eli Widdice, KJ Hill, Isaiah and Mira Cooper, Aaron and Brandon Vossmer, Joyce and Tim Cooper, Todd Coffey and many more friends, nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Robert Marcus.

Joe owned and operated Most Wanted Towing in Leavenworth. When he wasn’t working Joe enjoyed going to Derby’s and spending time with his family, especially his kids.

Visitation will be from 11 to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A celebration of life will begin at 12 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home. The family asks that attendees wear Joe’s favorite color Blue, in honor of him.

Richard "Ricky" "Rick" James Everett Jr., 55, of Leavenworth Kansas, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026.   He wa...
03/17/2026

Richard "Ricky" "Rick" James Everett Jr., 55, of Leavenworth Kansas, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026. He was born on August 7, 1970 to Richard James and Gayle E. (Hadock) Everett Sr. in Leavenworth Kansas.

Rick served in the U.S. Navy from 1989 to 1992 and since then has been a man of all trades. From Carpentry, to framing, to many different side jobs with old friends. He loved fishing, Nascar, football, Star Wars and crafting.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Richard is survived by his wife, Jackie (Blakely) Everett of Lansing Kansas, two daughters, Callista Everett of Lansing Kansas and Kelsey Everett (Anthony) of Leavenworth Kansas. His sisters, Teresa (Shawn) Hancock of Leavenworth Kansas and Missy (Brandon) Douglas of Tonganoxie Kansas. Step-mother, Phyllis Everett. Step-sisters, Desiree (Brian) Bailey, Alicia (Traci) Rose, Teresa (Johnny) Simonis. One grandson on the way, Elijah James Everett-Reza.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Dr. Rodler Frederick “Rick” Morris, Sr., passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of March 4, 2026, at the age ...
03/17/2026

Dr. Rodler Frederick “Rick” Morris, Sr., passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of March 4, 2026, at the age of 78.

Rick was born in 1947 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Frederick Todd “Todd” Morris and Sannie Forest. He grew up there surrounded by a large extended family. He attended Delbarton School in Morristown, New Jersey, a Benedictine preparatory school where he excelled both academically and athletically. Rick often credited his experience at Delbarton as formative in shaping the man he would become.

After graduating high school, Rick attended the Virginia Military Institute, where he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army in 1969 during the height of the Vietnam War. During that time, he lost several close friends and classmates in the conflict, an experience that profoundly shaped his worldview and inspired a lifelong commitment to supporting American soldiers through his later professional work.

Rick went on to earn both a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in Modern European History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completing a highly selective doctoral program.

In 1975, Rick married Lynne McCurdy (Wettig), and together they had two sons. In 2002, he married Deborah Nelson (Morris), who remained his loving partner for the rest of his life.

Rick enjoyed a long and distinguished career that included serving as an Associate Professor at Hillsdale College in Michigan during the 1980s. He later worked at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, as Command Historian at the Combined Arms Center and as Program Manager and Deputy Director for the Center for Army Lessons Learned. Over time, he became widely respected as an expert in the field of knowledge management. His dedication to continuous learning led him to earn numerous professional certifications, including a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a Master Certificate in Business Analysis from Villanova University, in addition to many others.

In 2015, Rick co-founded Morris, Nelson and Associates, LLC and served as its president. Through this work, he devoted himself to combating human trafficking and supporting efforts such as ReHope and The Justice and Dignity Center of Kansas City, helping impact many lives.

Despite his professional accomplishments, Rick’s greatest joy was his family. He was a lifelong and enthusiastic reader and instilled a love of books in his children and grandchildren. In his later years, he especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities, including dance lessons, sports practices, birthday parties, and family gatherings.

Rick also enjoyed traveling in recent years, visiting destinations including Key West, Florida, Arkansas, New Jersey, and many others, often blending business and leisure.

Rick was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Deborah Morris; his children Todd Morris, Rodler “Rod” Morris Jr., Cristopher Hawkins (KaCee), Kira Haynes (Terry), and Brion Hawkins; his grandchildren Adrienne, Avery, Landon, Reed, Jaden, Kahlibur, Kingsley, Nova, Luna, Farley, Oliver, Layla, Carter, Aniya, and Jada; his brother Kevin Morris (Colleen); and many cousins, nieces, and nephews throughout the United States.

Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home. A full obituary to follow. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Justice & Dignity Center, 3114 Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64110, or ReHope, PO Box 88, Harrisonville, MO 64701.

Dianne Ruth Lechner, 72, of Leavenworth, died Sunday, March 15, 2026, at home, surrounded by her family. She was born Au...
03/17/2026

Dianne Ruth Lechner, 72, of Leavenworth, died Sunday, March 15, 2026, at home, surrounded by her family. She was born Aug. 26, 1953, in St. Louis, Mo., the daughter of Gilbert William and LaVerne (Feldmann) VonDrasek.

On Dec. 27, 1975, Dianne married Allan Lechner, at St. George Church in St. Louis, Mo. She is survived by her loving husband; two sons, Scott Lechner of Temple, Texas, and Brian Lechner of St. Charles, Ill.; her daughter, Julie Lechner of Leavenworth; a brother, Gilbert VonDrasek of Denver, Colo.; two sisters, Janet Dominis of Bradenton, Fla., and Kathleen Knox of O’Fallon, Ill.; and three grandchildren, Zoe, Madilyn and Eva Lechner.

She worked for many years as an arts and crafts counselor at Ft. Leavenworth, helping others with framing and art needs. Dianne was a gifted artist, she specifically enjoyed working with watercolors, stained glass, pottery and picture framing. She also enjoyed swimming and reading.

Visitation beginning with the rosary will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at St. Francis de Sales Church. Memorials are suggested to Scouting America Three Fires Council.

Shirley Jean Bohannon, 86, of Leavenworth, passed away Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born Dec...
02/24/2026

Shirley Jean Bohannon, 86, of Leavenworth, passed away Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born Dec. 28, 1939, in Atchison, Kan., the daughter of Clay Henry and Ruth Barbara (Besette) Jenkins.

When Shirley was just 11 years old, she met her best friend, Howard Bohannon. They began dating when she was 16, and married three years later on Oct. 17, 1958, in Leavenworth, Kan. It was truly the love of a lifetime. Howard preceded Shirley in death in 2021. She was also preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Clarence Jenkins and Bob Jenkins.

She is survived by her son, Howard “Bud” Bohannon; her daughter, Sherri Jordt (Craig) both of Leavenworth; a sister, Nancy Jenkins; three grandchildren, Randi Lynn Jordt, Howard Ryan Bohannon (Kayla Tomrell) and Kendall James Bohannon; and her great-grandson, Howard Paxton Bohannon.

Shirley worked at Hallmark for many years. She later decided to devote her time to her grandchildren and even began working at Pleasant Ridge School District to continue to be part of their lives as they grew up. During her time working their she also became “grandma” to many other students too.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will truly be missed.

A private burial will be at a later date.

Debra Ann Davoren, 73, of Leavenworth, passed away peacefully, Saturday, February 21, 2026, at her home with her family....
02/23/2026

Debra Ann Davoren, 73, of Leavenworth, passed away peacefully, Saturday, February 21, 2026, at her home with her family. Debbie was born October 25, 1952, to Ronald Thompson and Violet Hastings in Beloit, Kansas.

She attended elementary and high school in Lawrence, Kansas, graduating in 1970. Debbie and her husband, John E. Davoren, met and married in Lawrence, beginning a life of over 49 years together.

Debbie enjoyed traveling and while enjoying trips to England, Ireland and Italy, she most enjoyed her time on the beach in the Hawaiian islands. She loved being a mother and grandmother, her pets, reading and watching the Kansas City Chiefs.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Debbie is survived by her husband, John Davoren; her children, Jennifer Davoren and Kyle Davoren; grandchild, Declan Davoren; and her best, friend Cathy Chiles.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, March 2, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Holy Angels Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital.

Anthony “Tony” John Zell, of Lansing, KS, passed away in his home on February 16, 2026 at the age of 73.  Tony was born ...
02/22/2026

Anthony “Tony” John Zell, of Lansing, KS, passed away in his home on February 16, 2026 at the age of 73. Tony was born Anthony John Zeludziewicz in Chicago, Illinois on July 15, 1952, and later changed his last name to Zell in 1964. Tony grew up in the Chicagoland area and graduated from Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL in 1970. Tony served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps. He could be summed up in three words: Family, Corps, and Country. Tony loved to help others and was always available to lend a hand at a moment’s notice. He was respected by all who knew him as he was honest, compassionate, and direct.

Tony had a memorable and lengthy career in the United States Marine Corps. His military career started in 1972 after graduating from the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL with his Associates of Arts in Political Science. The summer following this graduation, he enlisted into the USMCR and attended Basic Training as a Private. After completing his initial basic training in Parris Island, South Carolina, Tony enrolled in Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL to complete his bachelor’s degree in political science. While at Southern Illinois University, Tony completed Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA. Upon graduation with his 4-year degree in 1974, Tony was commissioned into the USMCR as a 2nd Lieutenant and in 1976 he advanced to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. In the summer of 1978, Tony was discharged from the USMCR and commissioned into the USMC where he continued his notable military career as a Naval Aviator after finishing initial flight training school in Pensacola, FL in 1976 where he earned his aviator wings. He completed his flight training on the CH-46 helicopter later that same year where he attained the callsign “Stretch” in Jacksonville, NC. He continued his military education at the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA in 1988 and moved on to complete his master’s degree in strategic studies and international relations in 1993 from the Naval War College in Newport, RI.

Tony continued to advance through the ranks of Captain (1981), Major (1985), and Lieutenant Colonel (1991). Tony served as Joint Education Political Planner at the Pentagon in 1987 to 1988. Tony then relocated to Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, where he served in various roles at TransComm. In 1993, as a Lieutenant Colonel, Tony was selected to be Commanding Officer of HMM-264, “Black Knights” squadron at Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jacksonville, NC, and maintained this appointment until 1995. After being promoted to Colonel in 1996, Tony relocated to Ft. Leavenworth, KS to serve as Deputy Director and then Director of the Marine Corps Detachment. Tony completed his military career in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as the Division Air Officer and finally as the Director of Safety and Standards, before finally retiring in 1999 after 27 years of distinguished service.

Tony supported humanitarian operations in 1994 on the USS Wasp. He was deployed to the Caribbean for over five months engaged in “Operation Support Democracy” and “Operation Uphold Democracy.” Tony led multiple operational missions into Haiti during this time to extract civilians to safety and provide humanitarian support.
During his career, he exemplified the United States Marine Corps values of Unit, Corps, God, and Country. Tony was awarded the USMC Aviator Badge, Legion of Merit Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with one star, Meritorious Service Medal with one star, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Ribbon with three stars, Joint Meritorious Unit Citation Ribbon with two oak leaf clusters, Expert Rifleman Badge and Expert Pistol Badge. Tony logged several thousand hours of flight time during his service.

Tony enjoyed many hobbies that included golfing, fishing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He spent many hours every week working on his golf game and was actively involved in local men’s golf leagues in Kansas and enjoyed golfing in Michigan every summer. Tony had an affinity for fishing and enjoyed this activity with family and friends in Pentwater, Michigan. He hosted a fishing tournament every fall in Pentwater and those that attended have memories for a lifetime. He spent time traveling across the US to visit family and enjoyed vacationing with his wife Judy. Tony found joy in cooking and feeding people. He cooked on Sundays and participated in serving the congregation at the Korean Methodist Church of Leavenworth.

Tony is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Judy; his children Anthony (Tamsin) Zell, Jr., Andrew (Shelley) Zell, step-sons Robert (Nancy) Polston, Aaron (Megan) Polston; the lights of his life – his grandchildren – Liam, Joshua, Jade, Emma, and Jett; his mother Carol Zell; sisters Judy Zell, Sue Straka, Shannyn Zell-Willett and brother John Zell, Jr. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father John Stephen Zell, birth mother Anna Mae Zell, first wife Cathleen Ann Zell, sisters Joyce Lynn Eckert and Tracy Lyn Zell.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, at the funeral home. Burial with Marine Honors will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or the Korean Methodist Church, 1526 10th Ave., Leavenworth, KS, 66048.

SFC Kenneth A. Norris (Ret.), 86, of Leavenworth, went to be with his beloved wife, Virginia “Ginny” Menendez Norris, Fr...
02/22/2026

SFC Kenneth A. Norris (Ret.), 86, of Leavenworth, went to be with his beloved wife, Virginia “Ginny” Menendez Norris, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. He was born March 7, 1939, to Kenneth A. Norris and Helen K. Koverman in Dayton, Ohio.

Kenneth “Ken” left high school early to enlist in the U.S. Army at age 17. He served for 23 years as a medical specialist and licensed nurse. After completion of a Bachelor of Science and retirement from the Army, Ken began a 33-year civil service career. This career included work as a training developer at the Academy of Health Sciences at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, for 10 years while simultaneously completing dual master’s degrees: a Master of Education and a Master of Science. He served for a year as a training analyst for the Army Space Institute at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and rounded out his civil service career, spending 25 years as the registrar of CGSC.

Ken’s military assignments included tours in Italy, Germany, and Vietnam. Stateside assignments included Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Madigan General Hospital in Washington; Fort Hayes in Columbus, Ohio; Letterman General Hospital in San Francisco; and Fort Ord, California.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and his sisters, Carol Norris Wyrick of Sarasota, Florida, and Peggy Norris Liebcap of Dayton, Ohio. He is survived by his children, Alicia Norris Smith Messer, Carla Rigdon Michna, and Matthew Norris Rigdon, as well as stepchildren Michael, Mark, Victoria, and John Rigdon. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Madison and Connor Smith, and many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2025, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. Ken will be interred with his wife at Leavenworth National Cemetery with full military honors, in a private family ceremony. Memorial donations are suggested to Leavenworth County Humane Society.

Queeny Poulose was born on April 3, 1938, in Quilon, Kerala State, India and passed away on February 19, 2026. From an e...
02/22/2026

Queeny Poulose was born on April 3, 1938, in Quilon, Kerala State, India and passed away on February 19, 2026. From an early age, she distinguished herself through her intellect, faith, and determination—qualities that would define her life and service to others.

She pursued higher education at Maharajah’s College and later attended Trivandrum Medical College, where she trained in Medicine and discovered her calling to Psychiatry. It was during her medical studies that she met her future husband, K. Paul Poulose. Their partnership, rooted in faith, mutual respect, and love, would span 64 years of marriage.

Queeny was deeply devoted to her husband and to raising their three sons. Together, she and Paul built a strong and loving family. In the early 1970s, they made the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States, seeking new opportunities while remaining firmly grounded in their values. They settled in Leavenworth, Kansas, where they raised their family, established lasting roots, and nurtured many friendships.

Queeny devoted her professional life as a psychiatrist at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Veterans Affairs Medical Center. There, she served with compassion, humility, and unwavering dedication, providing care to America’s veterans and honoring their sacrifices.

Above all, Queeny was known for her resilience, piety, and devotion to her family. She was a nurturing and loving presence—a steady source of strength, guidance, and quiet sacrifice. Her faith anchored her life, and her love shaped her home and all who knew her.

She is survived by her beloved husband Paul Poulose; her sons, Anil (Sheila), Abraham (Mari), and Benjamin (Michelle); and by a family who will forever cherish her memory and example. She leaves 13 grandchildren (Ellen, Mark, Pascal, Alex, Solomon, Kate, Gabrielle, Esther, Maria, Veronica, Phillip (deceased), Sebastian, and Isabelle). In addition, she is survived by six great-grandchildren.

Queeny Poulose’s life was one of service, faith, and love. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched—as a physician, a wife, a devoted mother, and a woman of deep compassion and grace.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Sacred Heart Church. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, at the church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Catholic Relief Services or Habit for Humanity.

Wisniewski Mantia Grice, affectionately known as “Nessy,” passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hosp...
02/19/2026

Wisniewski Mantia Grice, affectionately known as “Nessy,” passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospice House at the age of 65. Born on April 23, 1960, to the union of Curtis Ivory and Sammie (Cooper) Grice, Nessy was the third oldest child and the oldest daughter — a position she carried with strength, leadership, and love throughout her life. She made her home in Leavenworth, Kansas, where her vibrant personality and generous heart left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Nessy was preceded in death by her father, Curtis Ivory; her brothers, Arnold and Curtis; her grandparents, Rubie Lee Hudson and Sammie Cooper; her beloved son, Russell; and her nephews, Jeramy and Arnold Jr.

A woman of many talents, Nessy worked as a cosmetologist and certified nursing assistant. Whether beautifying someone’s outer appearance or caring for them in times of need, she used her hands and her heart to serve others. Her greatest pride and joy, however, were her children and her granddaughter. They were her greatest gifts, and she loved them fiercely and unconditionally.

Nessy lived life boldly and unapologetically. She was sassy yet sweet, strong-minded yet soft-hearted. Her laughter filled rooms, her honesty kept everyone grounded, and her love made people feel protected and valued. She enjoyed life to the fullest — embracing each moment with confidence, humor, and grace.

Nessy confessed a life before Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop L. C. Johnson at Christ Temple Church in St. Louis. She was a devoted member who loved the Lord and faithfully served through song. Nessy found great joy in singing with the choir on Sundays, lifting her voice in praise and worship as an expression of her deep faith and love for God.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory: Her loving mother, Sammie L. Willis of Leavenworth, Kansas. Her devoted children, Nakia Raishaun Simpson of Baltimore, Maryland, and Ramaun King Johnson of Lansing, Kansas. Her beloved granddaughter, Nhior Mantia Denise Simpson, who was a shining light in her life. Her sisters, Dr. Danna R. France (Ronald) of St. Louis, Missouri, and Nina B. Farrar (David) of Leavenworth KS. Her brothers, Micheal Cutts of St. Louis, Missouri, Eric Grice and Ron Grice of Leavenworth KS. Her cherished nieces, Ka ‘Neisha, Courtney, Kesha, and Erica, who held a very special place in her heart. Her special Aunt Rose of St. Louis, Missouri, along with other loving aunts. She also leaves a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. Nessy is especially remembered by her lifelong and devoted friend, Robin Russell of St. Louis, Missouri, who has been her friend since childhood.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mt. Muncie Cemetery.

Address

4701 10th Avenue
Leavenworth, KS
66048

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