Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home

01/27/2026

Happy Birthday Kelly! Hope it's a fantastic day!!!

01/27/2026

Curtis Lee Dieckmann, 68, of Sibley, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Grain Valley, 207 W. Walnut St., Grain Valley, MO 64029. A funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the church. Interment will take place at St. Paul Cemetery in Napoleon, Missouri. Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Grain Valley Vacation Bible School. Memories of Curtis and condolences for his family may be shared at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on the funeral home’s page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, Lexington, Missouri.
Curtis was born on February 7, 1957, in Lexington, Missouri, to Theodor Henry Edward and Bertha Clara (Beckmann) Dieckmann. He was raised with strong values of faith, hard work, and family—principles that guided him throughout his life. Curtis graduated from Wellington-Napoleon R-9 High School in 1975 and went on to work at the Levasy Elevator, which his family had purchased in the 1950s.
On August 1, 1980, Curtis married the love of his life, Ardith Ann Haase, at St. Paul Church in Napoleon, Missouri. Together they built a life rooted in devotion, perseverance, and deep love, sharing 45 wonderful years side by side.
After leaving the elevator, Curtis spent his career in the oil industry beginning as a truck driver with Clark-Timmons Oil Company before moving to Sinclair Oil in Kansas City, Kansas (now H.F. Sinclair Midstream). With nearly 30 years of service at Sinclair, Curtis worked as a truck driver and eventually Terminal Supervisor, earning the respect of coworkers through his steady leadership, strong work ethic, and genuine character.
Outside of work, Curtis enjoyed time on the farm. He loved farming row crops, being close to the land, and living a meaningful life. Most of all he enjoyed helping others. He was an electrician, mechanic, and a carpenter when needed. A man of faith, he attended First Baptist Church of Grain Valley. Above all else, Curtis cherished his family. Time spent with his wife, children, and especially his granddaughters brought him his greatest joy. He made it a priority to attend every dance competition, soccer game, volleyball match, and gymnastics competition. His quiet strength, kindness, and unwavering love will be remembered always.
Curtis is survived by his beloved wife, Ardith Dieckmann of Sibley, Missouri; his children, Kyle Aron (Davae) Dieckmann of Olathe, Kansas, and Kristin Ann (Nathan) Haussmann of Grain Valley, Missouri; his four treasured granddaughters, Brooklyn and Maddyn Haussmann, and Arianna and Kayley Dieckmann; his brother, Kenny (Esther) Dieckmann of Higginsville, Missouri; his sister, Leona (Larry) Oberhelman of Wellington, Missouri;; his sister-in-law, Colette Rodenberg of Lexington, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.
Curtis was preceded in death by his parents; a sister and brother-in-law, Ina (Jim) Betka; two brothers-in-law, Brian Haase and John Rodenberg; and a brother who died in infancy.

01/26/2026

Gale Lynn (Kehler) Brown, 64, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Per Gale’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. The family invites friends and loved ones to share memories and condolences at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on the Ledford Family Funeral Home page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, Odessa, Missouri.

Gale was born on May 23, 1961, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of James and Esther (Sapp) Kehler. She grew up in the Kahoka area and graduated from Clark County High School. On September 2, 1978, she married the love of her life, Robert Lewis Brown, beginning a partnership that spanned 47 years and was built on devotion, family, and quiet strength.

Gale’s greatest joy and pride in life was her family, whom she was wholeheartedly dedicated to every member. She was also a dedicated nurse for decades. She found fulfillment in this work because she had a passion like no other to help those in need. After her nursing career she volunteered at Helping Hands of Odessa. At last, when she was physically unable to help there, she would scroll on Facebook responding to every “in need” post she possibly could. You cannot describe Gale without using the words “Love” and “Giving”. She always put others first.

When Gale wasn’t doing for others, she enjoyed living a simple life. She loved being outside and spending time with family, especially her grand and great grandchildren. She loved being known as “The Baby Whisperer”. Holding each and every one of those babies filled her heart. She also enjoyed teaching them how to cook when they grew older. Many would say she is an expert in the kitchen. To her this was another chance to make memories with them. She cherished every memory made with them.

Gale leaves behind her beloved husband of 47 years, Robert Brown of Odessa; her children, Ryan (Mandy) Brown of Mayview and Richelle (Mike) Mueller of Odessa; her grandchildren, Trace (Makenzi) Brown, Colby (Madison) Brown, Carson Brown, and June Mueller; and her great-grandchildren, Gauge, Knoxx, Wren, and Isla Brown. She is also survived by four brothers, Wade (Annie) Kehler of Hamilton, Illinois, Craig Kehler of Keokuk, Iowa, Rick (Brenda) Kehler of Bates City, Missouri, and Jimmy (Wanda) Kehler of Ramona, California; a sister, Tami Kehler of Kansas City, MO; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.

01/26/2026

01/25/2026

Saying what you don’t mean is the theme - enjoy Opposite Day!

01/23/2026

Most funeral homes are staffed by people who care and want to go the extra mile for you and your family. But how do you know if a funeral home doesn't have your best interests at heart? This article shares 7 warning signs to look out for, so you can ensure that you and your family receive the best funeral care and service available in your area!

When you need help planning a funeral, you want to work with the best. To make sure you do, review these warning signs to look out for!

01/22/2026

Happy Birthday Steven! Hope you have a great day!

01/19/2026

Martin Luther King Jr. was a powerful voice for social justice and equality in our nation. Today, as we remember his life and legacy, let's celebrate the progress we've made but also commit to continuing his work toward a more united, more equitable United States of America. Thank you, Dr. King - you made a positive difference and the ripples of your impact are still going today.

01/16/2026

Cody Keel Hansken was born on July 19, 1956, in Fresno, California, to Howard and Joan (Phipps) Hansken. He passed away on January 14, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, devotion to family, and a life well lived.

Cody was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He shared 50 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Karen, whom he married in Clovis, California. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and commitment. Most recently, they made their home in Odessa, Missouri, and were formerly residents of Sacramento, California.

Known for his infectious sense of humor, Cody brought joy to those around him with his quick wit and playful spirit. He loved pulling pranks and never missed an opportunity to make others laugh. Alongside his humor, Cody was a devout Christian whose faith guided his life and relationships. He was a member of New Life Church of Oak Grove, Missouri.

In his final year, Cody received exceptional and compassionate care from Phoenix Hospice. He enjoyed joking with his caregivers and valued the relationships he built with them. His family is deeply grateful for the kindness, dignity, and comfort provided to him and to those who loved him during that time.

Cody was preceded in death by his father, two brothers, and a sister. He is survived by his loving mother, Joan Hansken of Clovis, California; his wife, Karen; his sons, Jeremey Hansken (Angel) of Odessa, Missouri, and Ryan Hansken of South Lake Tahoe, California; his half-brothers, Tim and Doug Hansken; and his cherished grandchildren: Amber (Ben) Siron, Hunter Hansken, Holly Hansken, Clayton Jenkins, Hunter Jenkins and Easton Jenkins. He is also survived by Shawna (Howard) MacDonald, whom he loved as a daughter, and Mikey and Nicholas, whom he loved as grandchildren. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and honorary family who always held a special place in his heart.

Cody will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his steady presence, his love of food, his humor, and the many memories he shared with those who loved him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A private ceremony will be held by the family at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to The Parkinson’s Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 South Second Street, Odessa, MO 64076, 816-633-5524. Memories and condolences may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com.

01/16/2026

Music touches our hearts in ways that words just can’t. If country music holds a special place in your heart, take a few moments to listen to this list of the top 12 country songs for a celebration of life service, and let us know if you have any favorites you would add to the list!

If you are planning a celebration of life service for a country music fan, take a look at this list of 10 country songs to consider.

01/16/2026

Margie “Mafalda” (Braxdale) Cannon, 78, of Blue Springs, Missouri, formerly of Odessa, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family.

A Celebration of Mafalda’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO 64076 (816-633-5524). Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands or Friends of the Friendless, organizations that reflect Mafalda’s caring heart. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our page.

Mafalda was born on September 9, 1947, in Odessa, Missouri, to Cecil and Margie (Nordsieck) Braxdale. She was a proud graduate of Odessa High School and carried her hometown close to her heart throughout her life. Mafalda was united in marriage to Larry Dean Barker in Odessa, and together they welcomed two daughters. Though their marriage later ended, Mafalda and Larry remained friends.

For more than fifty years, Mafalda dedicated herself to her work in the clerical field, most notably with Dunbrooke Manufacturing, where she was known for her reliability, kindness, and strong work ethic. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she found comfort and community through church and Sunday school.

Above all else, Mafalda cherished her family and friendships. She delighted in time spent with her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she treasured simple pleasures—getting together for lunch with friends, sharing conversations, reading a good book, and traveling whenever she could. Mafalda had a gentle spirit, a warm smile, and a way of making people feel welcome and valued.

Mafalda is lovingly survived by her daughters, Caley (Aaron) Hodson and Casie (Richard) Garrison, both of Wellington, MO; her grandchildren, Taylor (Brandon) Alumbaugh of Odessa, MO, Drake Garrison, Miles Hodson, Mason Hodson, and Mia Hodson, all of Wellington, MO; her great-grandchildren, Whitley, Maverick, and Easton Alumbaugh; her sister, Lori Haney of Bates City, MO; her brother, Gilbert Braxdale of Blue Springs, MO; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Mafalda was preceded in death by her sister, Cindy Wright, and her brother, Dick Braxdale.

01/15/2026

Fredia D. (Simmons) Middleton, 81, of Lexington, Missouri, formerly of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, at Riverbend Health and Rehabilitation in Lexington.

Fredia’s family will host a Celebration of Life from 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. on March 7, 2026, at the VFW #3976, 12810 E. Kentucky Road, Sugar Creek, Missouri 64054. Burial will take place at St. Paul Methodist Church Cemetery in Stover, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family, in care of Dollie Simpson, for a charity to be chosen at a later time. Memories of Fredia and condolences to her family may be shared at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on the Ledford Family Funeral Homes page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, Odessa, Missouri.

Fredia was born on March 7, 1944, in rural Stover, Missouri, to Estel and Dollie Rosie (Gerlt) Simmons. She graduated from Stover High School in 1961 and later earned her LPN degree from Penn Valley Community College. Nursing was more than a career for Fredia—it was a calling. She spent many years caring for others before retiring from John Knox Village, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and dedication.

On December 14, 1965, Fredia married Ted Middleton in Independence, Missouri. Although their marriage later ended, their friendship endured. Fredia was Christian by faith and lived her life with quiet strength, kindness, and love for those around her.

Fredia found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved shopping, cooking meals for those she cared about, tending to her garden, and being surrounded by family and friends. Above all else, her greatest happiness came from time spent with her family who were the light of her life.

She is survived by her children, Michael Middleton of Independence, Missouri; Lisa Cotton (Paula Kilgore) of Independence, Missouri; and Dollie Simpson (George) of Grain Valley, Missouri; her great-grandsons, Isaiah Johnson and Azryel Walker of Grain Valley, Missouri; her brother, Vincel “Buck” Simmons of Hughesville, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Fredia was preceded in death by her parents; her dear friend and former husband, Ted Middleton; her beloved granddaughter, Candis Cotton; her sisters, Cleo Adams, Mary Cable, Rosie Davidson, Viola Simmons, and Betty Simmons; and her brothers, Elroy Simmons, William “Bill” Simmons, Calvin Simmons, and Estel Simmons.

Fredia will be remembered for her caring heart, her love of family, and the quiet grace with which she lived her life.