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Royer Funeral Home, 101 S. E. 15th Street, Oak Grove, MO (2026)

02/25/2026

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Paul David Ditzer, who left this world a far better place than when he entered it. Paul went to be with his Savior on Feb. 22, 2026 from his home in Oak Grove, MO. In his 75 years, he was able to touch many lives with his wisdom, humor, and sacrificial spirit of giving his time, efforts, and money for others.

Paul was born on December 21, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Reverend Earl David Ditzer and Marie Nell Garrett.

Paul served his country for eight years in the Marine Corps and received awards for his sharpshooting. While serving, he met his beloved wife, Pamela Ann Kline, and settled in Kansas City, MO. Paul enjoyed working with technology and computers and was a Systems Programmer until his retirement. He also enjoyed farming and the outdoors, and at various times raised goats, sheep, and his lifelong passion, Clydesdale horses.

In retirement, Paul volunteered extensively on behalf of First Baptist Church of Oak Grove to mow lawns, build ramps for disabled veterans, and serve the church in numerous other ways by starting a volunteer group for retired men. He strongly believed in charitable giving and gave sacrificially to worthy causes. Paul earned the nickname “Peachy” because of his sense of humor, good spirits, and selflessness.

Paul is survived by his loving family: wife, Pamela Ditzer; his children, Heather Ditzer, Randy Ditzer, and Nicole Ditzer; and his grandchildren, Alex Dylan Harrison, Adrianne Danielle Harrison, and Jayden Carter Ditzer, all of whom will miss his very much. He is survived by his three sisters, Julie Oglesby, Cindy Hunt, and Merry Lee Brewer, all of Kentucky.

Funeral services will be held on Friday evening, February 27th at First Baptist Church of Oak Grove, MO. Visitation will be 5:30-7:00 pm followed by the funeral service at 7 pm.

Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

02/24/2026

Danny (D.R.) Ray Decker, 79, of Buckner, Missouri, passed away Monday, February 23, 2026.

Danny was born December 22, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Leo and Pauline Decker. He carried with him a lifelong love of the outdoors and found great joy spending time at the lake. Danny was a gifted woodworker who could often be found in his shop creating with his hands. He took pride in keeping his yard meticulously mowed—and often extended that care to his neighbors’ yards as well. An avid reader, he also cherished quiet moments with a good book. Above all, Danny loved being surrounded by his family, who meant the world to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Kelly Decker.
Danny is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Decker; his son, Mike (Judy) Decker; his stepson, Travis (Samantha) Busch; his grandchildren, Derek (Lexi) Decker, Kassidy (Paul) Garrison, Johnathan (Allison) Farris, and Mikayla Bogacz; and nine great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his legacy of love and kindness.

Danny will be remembered for his steady presence, generous spirit, and the simple joys he found in everyday life.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441

02/24/2026

Ignacio Salinas Martinez, lovingly known as “Joe,” passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, at the age of 83.

Joe was born on January 2, 1943, in Topeka. He later made his home in Oak Grove, where he built a life centered around faith, family, and quiet strength.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley Martinez; his children, Tina Martinez (Travis), Patrick Martinez (Carrie), and Michael Martinez (Denelle); and countless grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will forever cherish his love, wisdom, and steady presence.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved son, Anthony Martinez; his parents, Petra and Vidal Martinez; and several brothers and sisters.

Joe’s life was defined by his dedication to his family. He was a loving husband, proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose legacy lives on in the generations he helped shape. He will be remembered for his strength, his enduring love for his family, and the many memories shared around him.

Visitation will be held at Royer Funeral Home, 101 SE 15th St, Oak Grove, MO 64075, on Thursday at 10:00 a.m., with services to follow.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

02/23/2026

Frances (Fran) Mae Turpin, 77, of Odessa, Missouri passed away at her son Jerry and daughter in law Sara's house in Shawnee, Kansas after a long battle with pancreatic cancer on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Fran was born October 24, 1948 to Harry and Norma Fields in Garnett, Kansas. Fran married her husband Michael Anthony Turpin on November 5, 1966.

She retired from Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Missouri, where she worked as an editing specialist in the design department.

Her parents Harry and Norma, brothers Bill and Randy Fields, along with her husband Michael preceded her in death.

Fran is survived by her sons and daughter in laws, Jerry and Sara Turpin of Shawnee Kansas, Andy and Sandra Turpin of Blue Springs, Missouri, her sister Sherry Benjamin of Garnett, Kansas, her brother and sister-in-law Larry and Lylette Fields of Lavista, Nebraska and five grandchildren, Hunter, Carsyn, Sawyer, Madison and Cailey.

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

Submitted by Family
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441

02/20/2026

William “Bill” Peterman, 76, of Independence, Missouri passed away at his home February 11, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home in Independence, MO, on Saturday, February, 28, 2026 with visitation at 1:00pm until service time at 2:30pm.

Bill was born on September 2, 1949 to Allie and Hazel Peterman. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work, integrity, and standing by the people you love the most. These qualities would define the man he became.

He was preceded in death by his parents and the love of his life: Johnnie.

If Bill’s character had to be summed up in one word it would be: loyal. Bill was the definition of a loyal husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Bill showed up consistently and without hesitation. He found joy in being of service to others whether that looked like fixing mowers, remodeling cars, lending a hand on home projects, offering advice when asked—or even not asked--being able to bite his tongue was not a strong suit, but he did have a knack for showing up. Whether that looked like sitting quietly alongside someone during their hardest days, or dropping everything to be there for someone in need. He didn’t need recognition. Helping was just who he was.

Bill loved his family deeply. When Bill married Johnnie on December 31, 1977, two hearts and two families were united. Together, they built a legacy that taught their kids to love one another and that the word “step” was not important. The word “family” meant more. His children have fond memories of go-karts, stock car racing, riding motorcycles, and cruising around on pontoon boats, but most importantly: spending time together. Anyone that knew Bill was fortunate enough to say they knew a true friend.

The family has peace knowing Wild Bill and JP are reunited again!

Bill is survived by his sons: Chris (Donna) Myers, Danny (Kim) Myers, and Jay (Tammy) Myers; daughters: Kathy (Tim) Ownings, Star (Rick) Kimm; grandchildren: Nathan and Jeremy Myers, Max and Alex Myers, Bryce and Brandi Owings, Johnathan (Crystal) Kimm, Cassie (Bryer) Carpenter, Kyle (Missy) Jones, Kurt (Carrie) Jones, Leah (Joe) Nagy; great-grandchildren Elijah, Lily, Roanin, Joslyn, Nicki, Alysa, BreAnna, CheyAnn and Torryn. Not to forget his furbaby R***r.

02/18/2026

Betty Ruth Lowe, age 99, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, at The Laurel at Norterre, in Liberty, Missouri.

She was born on May 5, 1926, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Ira and Esther Thomas, at her grandmother’s home on Independence Avenue.
She spent most of her formative years in Pond Creek and Lamont, Oklahoma, before moving back to the Northeast neighborhood of Kansas City and graduating from Northeast High School.

During World War II, Betty worked at the Lake City Ammunition Plant. Later, Betty worked as a Key Punch Operator for Westinghouse in Kansas City. She enjoyed playing card games with her family, listening to country music, and was rarely far from a freshly poured cup of coffee. She had an eye for a good bargain and loved fried green tomatoes. She enjoyed gardening and researching family ancestry. Betty also had a great sense of humor.

She married Delois (Dee) B. Lowe in 1966, and they shared 42 years of marriage.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dee, her parents, her baby brother, Carlos Alvan Thomas; her younger brother, Tommy Thomas; her sons, John B. Dean III and Ira Daniel Dean; and her grandson, Thomas Vernon Dean.

Betty is survived by her daughters, Donna Lee Clauder (Max) and Janet Dean, both of Independence; 12 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at Lamont Cemetery in Lamont, Oklahoma, on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

The family welcomes prayers in her memory.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441

02/17/2026

Lorna Francine Hooper (“Cookie” Desrois), 82, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born in Wellington, Missouri.

Francine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ward David Hooper; her son, Benjamin Ward Hooper; parents Loreen Johnson and Gaston Desrois; and four brothers: Maurice, Ricky, Sonny and Kenneth.

She is survived by her daughters, Judith Yvette Simone (55) and Lorna Beth Hooper (49); her granddaughter, Wrigley Lola Clifton (19); her sisters, Denise (Jim) Sapp of Chandler, AZ and Janis Thompson of Edwardsville, KS; along with extended family and many cherished friends.

Francine retired from St. Mary’s Hospital in Blue Springs, Missouri, where she dedicated many years of service. Through determination and perseverance, she worked her way from housekeeping to administrative assistant while attending classes to earn her associate’s degree.

She was a member of the RLDS Church, where she formed lifelong friendships and raised her children surrounded by a caring church community. She devoted time to helping with 4-H and other youth activities, always finding ways to support and encourage others.

Francine was a kind and loving person who never met a stranger and loved helping others in any way she could, whether it was pitching in to help with a task or just lending a listening ear.

Her happiest years were spent with her husband and children traveling, being outdoors, and gardening. She was especially content with simply spending time in the sunshine and fresh air and could often be found riding her mower or sitting in the shade, with her treasured dog, Ollie by her side.

Francine will be interred with her husband at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 15th at the Community of Christ Church in Oak Grove, MO, with visitation at 2:00pm followed by a service at 3pm.

Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

02/16/2026

Trinidad De Jesus Casado, 78, of Grain Valley, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on February 10, 2026.

She was born on August 3, 1948, in Bonao, Dominican Republic, to Alido De Jesus and Maria Casado. From humble beginnings, she rose through determination and discipline to earn a college degree and dedicate her professional life to public service. She served as a social worker with the Puerto Rico Department of the Family, working in some of the most demanding areas of child and family welfare. She carried that work with the same seriousness and compassion that defined her life.

Trinidad was a devoted mother to Mayra Altagracia, José Vicente, Elizabeth, Manuel, Eladio (Junito), and Giselle. She also lovingly helped raise Eduardo, whom she embraced as her own. She is further survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were a constant source of pride and joy.

She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Puerto Rico.

Those who knew her understood the quiet dignity she carried. She took intense pride in her children and stood unwaveringly beside her family, whether by blood or by bond. Once she considered you family, you had her loyalty without hesitation, like wind at your back. She expressed love through action, most memorably through her cooking. Her kitchen was her sanctuary and her gift. Her hospitality was legendary, her meals revered, and feeding those she loved brought her unmistakable joy.

She also found satisfaction in directing construction and improvement projects at her homes in San Juan and Luquillo, taking pride in building something lasting for her family. She loved telling stories and possessed a sharp, sometimes wicked sense of humor that surprised and delighted those closest to her.

A private family funeral service will be held at Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, Missouri, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Cremation will follow.

Her legacy is not measured only in titles or years, but in the strength she built into her children, the meals she prepared, the stories she told, and the steadfast loyalty she gave without condition.

02/14/2026

Charles E. Martin left this world on January 28th, 2026. Charles otherwise known as Chuck was born June 9th, 1953 to Charles F and (Ethel)Jean Martin.

A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2026 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO.

This young hot-headed teenager decided to go into the Marine Corps after he left high school, September 1972. The amazing difference the Marine Corps made in Chuck, was astounding. Not only did he lose that temper but excelled in sharpshooting, artillery shooting and became quite an efficient Marine. He traveled the world with the Marines, assisting with the removal of troops from Vietnam and Laos. He additionally traveled to Beirut, Germany, and Hong Kong. Imagine our surprise the Christmas, when we all received albums from him, written completely in Chinese.
He left the service in 1978, as a Corporal, after being stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The Marine Corps had an issue with contaminated water and he is still waiting for his settlement from that issue. As many of you know he had a collection of eagles, John Wayne collectibles and decorative knives. He never passed up an opportunity to buy more, all his nieces and nephews indulged this passion with many pieces of Chief's gear, too. In these last 10 years Chuck has suffered from a form of Alzheimer's, but he never got to the point where he was unable to recognize people, places, or things. He knew the faces of nieces and nephews as well as their kids but he would need to be reminded of what the great nieces and nephews names were. He was funny that way. But he could always tell you what the Chiefs score was the week before and how well Mahomes did. His biggest battle was with diabetes type 1 which caused several hospitalizations, so it was a surprise when he passed away quickly from a heart attack.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Mother, brother Darryl and nephew Ricky.

He leaves behind his sisters: Minnie, Pam (and Mark) and Lisa. Nephews: Josh, Taylor, Jeremy, Auggie. Also left behind to cherish his memories are nieces: Stacy, Tara, and Samantha, also 13 great nieces and nephews as well as two great-grand nieces. Chuck will be loved and missed by many cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors.

Arr: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441

02/14/2026

As we share our final Legacy of Love story today, we are reminded that love does not always begin with a grand plan. Sometimes it begins with a quiet knowing.

Their story reminds us that even when grief enters, love does not disappear. It leaves something behind. Strength. Perspective. Growth. 💕❤️

Thank you for following along as we honored four remarkable Legacy of Love stories today.

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Meg was 18 when she met Chris.

She walked into Purgatory Tattoo planning to get her belly button pierced. She didn’t plan to meet her future husband. But the moment she saw Chris, she had a quiet, steady thought: I’m going to marry him.

It sounds bold. Maybe even unrealistic. But some people come into your life and something in you just knows.

Weeks went by, and she couldn’t shake the feeling. So she went back. This time for a tattoo. And maybe, just maybe, to see if the connection she felt was real.

While she sat in his chair, they talked. Nothing dramatic. Just conversation. She mentioned where she worked. A local restaurant. Soon after, every Saturday before his shift, Chris started showing up there. Same time. Same order. Meg would already have the table ready. She didn’t need to write anything down.

For a year, they circled each other in that quiet rhythm. Then one day, Meg decided she was done waiting. She asked him to dinner.

Sometimes love begins with fireworks. Sometimes it begins with a memorized order and the courage to speak first.

On the outside, Chris and Meg couldn’t have been more different. He was 16 years older. They came from different seasons of life, different experiences, different histories. But love doesn’t ask for matching timelines. It doesn’t measure worth by age or past chapters.

Love shows up in the ordinary.

In day-to-day routines.
In shared glances.
In choosing each other again and again.

Together, it was Meg and Chris against the world.

And then, one day, grief entered the story.

Grief is heavy. It changes the air in a room. It slows time. It forces you to see what you once rushed past. Grief is hard, but it doesn’t have to be ugly.

Meg carries Chris with her now in a different way.

She carries him in the determination he admired.
In the stubbornness he teased her about.
In the work ethic he respected.

These are no longer just personality traits. They are the tools helping her walk through this season. The very qualities Chris loved most are the ones she now leans on as she meets a version of herself she never expected to know.

A version shaped by grief.
But first shaped by love.

Because here is the quiet truth grief teaches us: we do not mourn what did not matter.

Together, grief and love give perspective. They remind us to be thankful. Not only for what was, but for what still is. And even, somehow, for what is yet to come.

02/14/2026

Our next Legacy of Love story reminds us that sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin with something very ordinary: a simple yes.

❤️Check back as we continue sharing more Legacy of Love stories throughout the day.

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Dottie and Thomas had never met. No long conversations beforehand. No photos exchanged. Just a simple question: Would you be willing to go on a blind- double date?
They both said yes.

Sometimes love begins not with certainty, but by taking a chance.

That night, Thomas drove her home. As she stepped out of the car, she saw something she would never forget. Her entire family was sitting on the front porch, waiting. Watching. Curious to see the young man who had brought her home. None of them knew they were watching the beginning of a 70-year love story!

Their relationship quickly changed when a letter arrived calling Thomas to active duty status in the Army.

Suddenly their story held uncertainty and a future that was unclear. Again, they had to make a decision to take a chance on each other.

Dottie traveled with his family to Georgia to see him at the duty station he was at. One evening, Thomas took her for a drive through the countryside. The moon was shining, bright against the quiet night. He pulled into a spot overlooking a small pond.

He told her he had something for her in the glove box.

She opened it and found a ring.

There, under the moonlight, in the stillness before war would take him overseas, Thomas asked Dottie to build a life with him.

He deployed to Korea. She waited.

When he returned in November of 1954, they didn’t waste time. They decided to get married.

Dottie had always imagined a summer wedding. But most of Thomas’s friends were farmers, and summer meant fields and long days of work. So they chose March instead, making sure the people they loved could stand beside them.

On March 27, 1955, they were married.

They went on to spend 70 years loving one another.

Seventy years.

When Dottie was asked the secret to a marriage that lasted that long, her answer was simple. They disagreed at times, of course they did. But they worked through it. In the end, you realize most disagreements aren’t that important.

What matters is the love you have for the other person.

That love became not only their legacy, but their foundation. A steady example of what commitment, patience, and choosing each other over and over again can build.

It all started because two people agreed to take a chance.

And maybe that’s the quiet lesson in their story.

Love often asks us to step forward without guarantees. To say yes before we know how it will turn out. To trust that something steady can grow from something small.Seventy years later, that chance still echoes through generations.

02/14/2026

Judith Elaine Wilke, 86, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

She was born on April 14, 1939, in California, Missouri, to Virgil and Lucille (Butcher) Miller. Judith carried with her a deep appreciation for her roots, taking great pride in her Grain Valley heritage and the values instilled in her from a young age.

Judith devoted her life to her family. She took great pride in being a stay-at-home mother, cherishing the years she spent raising her children and creating a loving home. Her greatest joy was being beside her beloved husband, Bill, sharing life’s moments together with steadfast love and devotion. Their bond was a guiding light throughout her life.

Her faith was central to who she was. Judith loved the Lord and lived her life with quiet strength, grace, and compassion. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and enduring love.

Judith was preceded in death by her husband, William Lee Wilke.

She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Brian (Shelly) Wilke and Jeffrey (Sheila) Wilke; her grandchildren, Sara (Michael) Schmitz, Tyler (Sarah) Wilke, Janean (Vince) Galate, Kelsey (Brian) Mitchell, and Lanae (Wilson) Gaschler; and 15 cherished great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Ron (Lori) Martin, along with several nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Judith’s life was a testament to devotion—to her husband, her children, her faith, and her family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441

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