CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY OBITUARIES
FOR
SURNAMES (Su) through (Sz)

MRS. ORDA C. SUAGEE - Submitted by Charlotte Lamb Bennett

NOWATA — Orda C. Suagee, 77, of Owasso, Okla., died early Sunday (Jan. 8, 1984) in St. Francis Hospital, Tulsa.

Mrs. Suagee was born March 4, 1906, in Talala, Okla., to John William and Nancy Mae (Blair) Paxton.

On March 24, 1932, she married Glenn E. Suagee in Vinita, Okla. They had lived in a number of states before retiring from Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. in 1973 and moving to Owasso.

Survivors include her husband, a daughter, Bobby Ann Tarro of Sacramento, Calif Two sisters, Zola of Pryor, Okla., and Zelma Whitaker of Owensboro, Ky.; three grandchildren; and seven geatgrandchildren.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Benjamin Funeral Chapel with burial in the Memorial Park Cemetery.

MRS. CORA E. SULLIVAN - Submitted by Cheryl King

Cora E. Sullivan, daughter of Peter and Marcilla Hess, was born at Harter Hill, W. Va., March 29, 1891. She departed this life July 13, at Parsons, Kansas at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Paul Harlow, following failing health for the past three years and a critical illness of three months. Her age was 69 years, 3 months and 13 days. She attended Fairmont Normal school at Fairmont, W. Va. Upon completion of her work in this school, she taught in the public schools of that state until moving to Cedar Vale in 1912.

On Jan. 21, 1914, she was united in marriage to Neal L. Sullivan at Cedar Vale. To this union were born four daughters and a son, all of whom survive. Mr. Sullivan preceded her in death on Jan. 23, 1924. While in Cedar Vale, she was associated with the Cedar Vale Coop store for many years until 1941. After this time, she began to make her home near her children and to have employment in the cities in which she lived. She was a member of the Church of Christ at Cedar Vale. Left to mourn her passing are one son, Neal L. Sullivan of Battle Mountain, Nev.; four daughters, Mrs. Virginia Wallace of Arkansas City, Mrs. Marjorie Davis, Mrs. Hilda Lowe, both of Wichita, Mrs. Paul Harlow of Parsons; three brothers, Thomas M. Hess of Sedan, William M. Hess of Denver and John H. Hess of Loveland, Colo. Thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive, as well as many other friends and relatives, who mourn her passing.

MR. DOYLE M. SULLIVAN

SEDAN - Doyle M. Sullivan, 81, of rural Sedan, Kan., died Friday, March 17, 2006, at Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville, Okla.

He was born on June 19,1924 in Caney, Kan. to W. E. Sullivan and Mary Hazel (McClure) Sullivan. He was raised in Chautauqua County and spent his whole life in Chautauqua County.

He was a farmer for many years and enjoyed working for numerous people.

He was a member of the Peru United Methodist Church. He enjoyed picking up cans, his garden, the Peru Senior Citizens Center and he loved his church.

He is survived by one brother, Bob, and his wife, Barbara Sullivan, Coldspring, Texas, one sister-in-law, Marietta Sullivan, Augusta, Kan., and 11 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister.

Services will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2006, at 2 p.m. at the Peru United Methodist Church, with Rev. Deloris Click officiating. Burial will follow at the Peru Cemetery.

The family has suggested memorials to the Peru United Methodist Church. Donations can be left with the funeral home.

David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Sedan is in charge of the arrangements.

MISS NELLIE B. SULLIVAN
MISS ELSIE MAUDE SULLIVAN - Submitted by Cheryl King

CEDAR VALE CEM Nellie Belle, daughter of L. H. Sullivan was born April 4th. 1883, departed this life October 10th. 1904. Aged 21 years, 6 months and 6 days.

Elsie Maude (better known as Dollie) was born August 12, 1885. Departed this life October 10, 1904. Aged 19 years, 1 month and 18 days.

These two sisters met death in the Mo. Pac. Railroad wreck near Warrensburg, Mo. Thus their pure and young lives came to a sudden and untimely end without warning, but prepared, as they were both faithful members of the Church of Christ at Cedar Vale. They were well and favorably known and the entire community gave evidence of their funeral service as well as by the many floral tokens of their esteem.

After a short service held at the Church of Christ conducted by the writer and Rev. Spencer their remains were laid away in the Cedar Vale cemetery followed by a large concourse of sorrowing friends. The parents of the deceased have the sympathy of the entire community. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord", Rev. 14:18. May gods blessing ever attend the bereaved ones ia my prayer.

MRS. LEOLA F. SULLIVAN - Submitted by Charlotte Lamb Bennett

Death Claims Leola Sullivan
Mrs. Leola Frances Sullivan died June 27, 1986 at her home in Ponca City, OK., at age 79. She was the daughter of Marion and Belle (Lamb) Kelso, born June 20, 1907 at Havana, KS. She received her education in the Caney schools and moved to Webb City in 1932.

She married Ralph F. Sullivan on Dec. 12. 1932 at Newkirk, OK., and they made their home in Shidler where Mr. Sullivan worked for Phillips Oil Co. The couple moved to Ponca City in 1955 and Mr. Sullivan preceded her in death on July 19, 1982. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, and three sisters.

Surviving are four sons Donald L. Sullivan, of Los Angeles, Gerald E. Sullivan of Ponca City, OK, Densell L. Sullivan of Oklahoma City, OK, and two daughters; S. M. Sullivan of Aurora, IL, and Mrs. Lew Barbee of Odessa, TX. She has five grandchildren, and three great grand children. Two brothers, Dean Kelso of Long Beach, CA., and Floyd Kelso of Los Angels.

Funeral services were held Tuesday in the Asbury United Methodist Church in Ponca City, with Rev. Joe Sherrill pastor officiating.

Graveside services was held at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Havana Cemetery with Rev. Wayne Ferguson, church of the Nazarene Caney, officiating.

(NOTE)Corrections; Leola only had one son, the other children were all step-children. Leora and Zora were sisters. After the death of Zora, Leola married Ralph and she is the only mother these children knew. Leola raised all these children as her own. What a great lady.

MR. LEWIS H. SULLIVAN - Submitted by Cheryl King

Had been Resident of This Community Since 1874.
Funeral services for Lewis H. Sullivan, who died early Friday morning, were held from the Church of Christ at 2:30 p.m. Sunday with Bro. Neal Dulaney of Salina in charge of the service. He was assisted by Bro. B. E. Bawcom, minister of the church at Cedar Vale, who read the scripture lesson and offered prayer. Music was furnished by a quartet composed of Lucille Hestand, Undene Littrell, Maurice Smith, and O. B. Stark, who sang "Lead Kindly Light," "Where We'll Never Grow Old," "Going down the Valley," "The Last Mile of the Way," and "Some Time We'll Understand." Pall bearers were A. H. Leedy, W.B. Canine, R. A. Hill, Frank McCall, J. W. Dudgeon, and J. L. Henderson. Interment in the Cedar Vale cemetery under the direction of the Steele Funeral Home.

Among those from a distance attending the service were; Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Sullivan, Mangum, Okla.; Mrs. Robert E. Howard and three children, Granite, Okla.; Miss Doris Sullivan, Stillwater, Okla.; J. O. Sullivan, Mrs. Ida Gassett and daughter, Nadine, Foraker, Okla.; Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Hess, Donald and Barbara, Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Hess, Mr. and Mrs. Fay Webb, Sedan; Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Howell, Topeka; Dr. and Mrs. George Pease and son George Jr., Miss Marian Cunningham and Lloyd Cunningham of Kansas City, Mo.; John Glover, Coolidge; Mr. and Mrs. Cleo Wallace and Kay Louise, Wichita; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Harlow and children, Parsons; Mrs. Thede Roark, Independence; Mrs. Frank Moore, Bartlesville, Okla.; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Scott, Tulsa; Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Scott and son Doyle, Kaw City, Okla.; Mr. and Mrs. George Blake, Winfield; Mrs. LaVeda Patrick, Howard; Miss Loverne Webb and Mr. Rollin Webb and son, Arkansas City.

Lewis Harvey Sullivan, the eldest child of James Strauther and Mary Jane Sullivan, was born May 6, 1856, near St. Joseph, Missouri, and quietly departed from this life October 25, 1940, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. F. M. Cunningham, near Cedar Vale, where he has resided the past eleven years. At the age of six months, his parents moved to Decater (SIC), Illinois, remaining there until Uncle Lou, as he was well known, was 11. Then at the close of the Civil War the Sullivans left the state of Illinois for Texas. Beceuse of the hardships and dificulties in traveling in those days they settled in Dade county, Missouri. Seven years later, when Uncle Lou was at the age of 18, the family again started for Texas. Taking a northern route, they were destined to pass through Kansas. It was while camping on the Caney river north of Cedar Vale, they decided to remain in this community. And since that time, 1874, Uncle Lou has lived within three miles of Cedar Vale. He has unselfishly devoted his time and energy to help build and improve the little community which first caught his eye and which he was to make his home for the rest of his life.

In April 28, 1878, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Bowen. In 1884 they moved to their home north of Cedar Vale, which was later known as the Caney Valley Hereford farm. As the owner he became well known over the midwest as a leading cattle and horse producer and his greatest pride was his show cattle and horses. To this union with Mary Bowen was born two sons, Harvey and Neal, and six daughters, Iva, Nellie, Dollie, Susie, Alice and Lillian. He was preceded to the great beyond by his wife Mary, who passed away April 23, 1926, by Iva and Alice who died in infancy, by Nellie and Dollie, killed in the Warrensburg, Mo., train wreck, October 10, 1904, and his son, Neal, January 24, 1924. He is survived by his son, Harvey of Mangum, Okla., his daughter, Mrs. Susie Cunningham of Cedar Vale and Mrs. Lillian Hess of Sedan, 19 grandchildren, one brother, James O. Sullivan of Foraker, Okla., one sister, Mrs. Belle Hamilton of Pasadena, Calif., besides a host of other relatives and friends.

Uncle Lou became a member of the Church of Christ at the age of 16 and has ever since assisted in Christ's cause by living a Christian life and urging his fellowmen to do likewise. He was a generous contributor to the church and was hospitable in his home. Of the many experiences Unle Lou had in this community, none was more pleasurable to him than the enjoyment he has brought to hundreds of persons with his horse swing. In that day no 4th of July celebration or picnic was complete without Uncle Lou and his swing.

Mere words are inadequate to express the life of Uncle Lou - a life filled with courage and determination, yet with kindness and love for those about him. A Life filled with activity and deeds, leaving landmarks that will survive generation after generation. Yet in this active life Uncle Lou led, he found time to read the Bible through many times. Thus perhaps we find that Uncle Lou did get more out of life, living more richly and fully while he was on earth and preparing for the day of eternity by adopting the long used measuring stick - The Golden Rule - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

MRS. MARY E. SULLIVAN - Submitted by Cheryl King

Mary E. Bowen, daughter of David and May Bowen, was born May 21, 1854 at Peoria, Ill., departed this life April 23, 1926 at the age of 71 years, 11 months and 2 days. She, with her parents, moved to Missouri when she was 14. When sixteen her mother died, leaving her to care for and mother her younger brothers and sisters. In September, 1877, she came with her father to Kansas, locating 3 miles east of Cedar Vale.

On April 28, 1878, she was married to Lewis H. Sullivan. To this union was born eight children, two sons and six daughters. The sons are Harvey of Mangum, Okla., and Neil deceased. The girls are Nellie, Iva, Elsie and Alice, deceased, and Mrs. Susan M. Cunningham, Cedar Vale and Mrs. Lillian M. Hess. She obeyed the gospel at the age of twelve and rounded out almost three score years of faithful service for the Master. She made every preparation necessary to meet her fatality in peace.

In the spring of 1884 brother and sister Sullivan moved to their homestead north of Cedar Vale and resided there until 1920 when they bought a home and moved to Cedar Vale. She has four loving brothers, Geo. Bowen, Wilburton, Kansas, J. D. Bowen, Cedar Vale, John Bowen, Grainola, Okla. and Joseph Bowen, Guthrie, Okla. She had one sister, Mrs. Susan Glover, who died last week. Since last October these two sisters have been together and spent their last days together. This was a great comfort to these aged souls. She has three half sisters and three half brothers. Anna Shipley, Elkhart, Kansas, Lillie King and Cora King of Missouri and Peter Bowen and Henry Bowen of Pittsburg, Mo., and Fred of Long Beach, Calif.

MISS NELLIE B. SULLIVAN
MISS ELSIE MAUDE SULLIVAN - Submitted by Cheryl King

CEDAR VALE CEM Nellie Belle, daughter of L. H. Sullivan was born April 4th. 1883, departed this life October 10th. 1904. Aged 21 years, 6 months and 6 days.

Elsie Maude (better known as Dollie) was born August 12, 1885. Departed this life October 10, 1904. Aged 19 years, 1 month and 18 days.

These two sisters met death in the Mo. Pac. Railroad wreck near Warrensburg, Mo. Thus their pure and young lives came to a sudden and untimely end without warning, but prepared, as they were both faithful members of the Church of Christ at Cedar Vale. They were well and favorably known and the entire community gave evidence of their funeral service as well as by the many floral tokens of their esteem.

After a short service held at the Church of Christ conducted by the writer and Rev. Spencer their remains were laid away in the Cedar Vale cemetery followed by a large concourse of sorrowing friends. The parents of the deceased have the sympathy of the entire community. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord", Rev. 14:18. May gods blessing ever attend the bereaved ones ia my prayer.

MR. JOSEPH T. SUMMERHAYS

Joseph Terry Summerhays died at home surrounded by family on Dec. 26, 2011, after a courageous battle with melanoma.

Terry was born March 13, 1940, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Joseph Rowland Summerhays and Phoebe Core Sherrig. He lived all his life in the Salt Lake area, growing up in the Avenues and living and serving for over 30 years in the Douglas neighborhood.

When Terry was nine, he met Anna Keddington, and by the time he was 15 they were going steady. On June 24, 1960, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple. They devoted their lives to family, taking joy in their eight children and their 30 grandchildren.

Terry was a devout Latter-day Saint, serving as counselor in two stake presidencies in the Salt Lake Central Stake and as bishop of the Douglas Ward. After he was released, Terry and Anna just kept on serving, first as Salt Lake inner city missionaries; at the time of his cancer diagnosis, Terry was in the presidency of the 15th Branch and led a choir at the Utah State Prison.

The gospel of love permeated his life. He was an authentic disciple of Christ, naturally gravitating to the poor, widows, handicapped, addicts, prisoners-anyone who was struggling. He was generous to a fault, literally giving away his considerable wealth to those around him.

Terry's interests were unusually diverse, ranging from sports to Frank Sinatra, and he was a prodigious movie buff. He went undefeated as quarterback for East High, excelled at softball and basketball, and had an infectious lifelong passion for golf.

He was a professional singer, the first voice heard at Utah Opera's very first production, Turandot. Favorite roles were Gianni Schicci and the Big Bad Wolf in Little Red Riding Hood, which he performed hundreds of times. For nearly ten years he sang for and soloed with the Tabernacle Choir, and he founded Intimate Opera Company. With Anna at the piano, Terry was always singing. His booming baritone voice, shaking the walls of homes, churches, and concert halls, will be sorely missed.

Terry graduated with a B.A. in sociology from the University of Utah and spent his early career at "the plant" of J. W. Summerhays and Sons, the family wool business, and later at Desa-Rose, another family company. His dream was to have a business of his own, and in 1986 he bought Metra Publishing, bringing literacy to thousands of children throughout the world.

As an educator for Metra and BYU and as a singer, he traveled to all fifty states and many countries, from Guam to Morroco to South Korea to New Zealand. He and Anna had a special love for Paris, and another highlight was seeing Michaelangelo's Pieta in Rome. Terry loved most to travel with family to the cabin his father built and, in recent years, to his small house in Sedan, where he and Anna had many dear friends.

No one can capture in words Terry's big heart and larger-than-life quality. You had to be there. Here is Terry, eating ice cream and belly laughing; there he is, driving his family 700 miles just to see a musical that got good reviews; now he's on a plane, flying across three states overnight to attend a routine morning church meeting; he's in a car now, driving to California at the drop of a hat because his daughter was having a bad day there. Now he's rushing home from a great movie, recruiting everyone at the house to go back and see it. See, there he is, finding excuses to chauffer a kid or grandkid to school in the morning, but mainly just finding excuses to fly to New York one more tune. And here he is on Pebble Beach with his boys, full of cancer and hardly able to stand, defiantly swinging at the golf ball anyway. But mostly, there he is, year after year, on his big chair in the big room, just chatting and laughing with his family gathered in close around him. Dear father, how mighty was your song, how happy was our life with you.

Terry is survived by Anna and their eight children: Joe (Holly), Danbury, Conn.; Tom (Karen), Pleasant Grove, Utah; Mary (Neil) Glad, Salt Lake, Utah; Katie (Randy) Zimmerman, Salt Lake, Utah; Christy, Salt Lake, Utah; Jim (Mary), Provo, Utah; Liz (Rex) Hale, Lake Point, Utah. He is also survived by 26 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and by brothers Jeff, Steve, and Dan and sister Susie Hailes. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Janet.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Dec. 30 at the Salt Lake Central Stake Center, 951 East 100 South. Interment was at Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Terry will he remembered in Sedan by the many friends that he made over the years visiting the area. Their second residence was in Sedan. He and his wife, Anna, came to visit two or three times a year.

Terry shared his love of opera with Tom McCann. He was director of the Intimate Opera of Utah and brought them to Sedan to perform in the Hollow, at the Three Barns and in the elementary school. Terry came to Sedan because his father and the late Rachel Conner Armstrong had studied singing under the same teacher in Salt Lake City and were good friends.

MRS. EVELYN R. SUMNER

Evelyn Sumner went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 14, 2007 at the Wilson County Hospital in Neodesha. She was 86 years old.

Evelyn Ruth Custer was born in Lost Springs, Kans. on July 17, 1920. She was united in Marriage to Russell Sumner on May 16, 1946 in Independence Kan. She was employed as a silk finisher in the dry cleaning business until her retirement in 1969. Mr. and Mrs. Sumner moved from Sedan to Coffeyville in 1952 then to Independence in 1971 and finally to Neodesha in 1991, where she resided until her death.

Mrs. Sumner was a member of Sincere Praise Ministries of Neodesha, a life member of the V.F.W. Auxilary and John Wayne’s biggest fan.

She was preceeded in death by her husband, her parents, a sister Julia, a brother Edward, a number of half brothers and sisters as well as several foster brothers and sisters.

She is survived by one son Bob Sumner of Independence, one daughter Pam Eury of Neodesha, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren and a multitude of friends and family.

Visitation was on Sunday Feb. 18 at Potts Chapel in Independence from 5-7 p.m, A celebration of her life was held at the Neodesha Cemetary at 2:30 p.m. on Monday Feb. 19 with Rev. Dave Cheshier officiating. Memorials may be made to the Wilson County Hospital Foundation in her name.

MR. FRANK L. SUMNER

Frank L. Sumner, age 82, of Bernice, Oklahoma, passed away Friday morning, August 24, 2001, at the Rosewood Terrace Nursing Home in Vinita, OK. He was born December 1, 1918 in Wann, Oklahoma to Charles and Pearl (Percell) Sumner.

He was born and raised in Wann, OK. He attended the Antioch School in rural Wann. He married Cloie Fuller on December 23, 1944 in Dartlesville, OK. She survives at the home. He worked as a Limestone Truck Driver for different farmers. He was a farmer until 1952 in Sedan, KS. He also worked in the oil fields until 1968, when he moved to Dewey, OK to start his own well pulling business. He retired in 1981 moving to Bernice, OK to enjoy fishing and telling stories.

Survivors include his wife, Cloie Sumner, Bernice, OK, two daughters, Myrna Aleman and husband, Dusty, Bernice, OK and Linda Schroer and husband, Brian, Dresden, KS, one sister, Millie Spire and husband, Sparky, Chautauqua, KS, one brother, Russell Sumner and wife, Evelyn, Neodesha, KS, three granddaughters, Kimberly Holt and husband, Doug, Dawne Stevenson and husband, Kevin, and Stephania Swinney, two step grandchildren, Jason and Lori Aleman, six great grandchildren, Andrcw, Denton and Chelsea Holt, Ryan and Tyler Stevenson, Silver Bota and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 27, 2001, at the Bernice Baptist Church in Bernice, OK. Rev. Butch Miller of the Bernice Baptist Church officiated.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 28, 2001, at the Graves Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Butch Miller ofliciating. Burial followed at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Chautauqua, KS.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Bernice Baptist Church or Leukemia Foundation in lieu of flowers in carc of Graves Funeral Home in Caney, KS, who was in charge of the arrangements.

MR. JAMES H. SUMTER

James Howard Sumter, resident of Pawhuska, Okla., passed away Wednesday May 11, 2011 after an extended illness. He was 90.

James was born March 30, 1921 to Charles Sumter and Naomi (Avery) Sumter from Pawhuska. James helped build the Osage Hills State Park in 1937 with Roosevelt's CCC camps. He then worked at the Chapman Barnard ranch which is now part of the Tall Grass Prairie Reserve in the early 1940s before World War II. He enlisted and was decorated for bravery with a bronze star when he took part in a mission to help save his brother's life in the Philippines.

He married June Parker in 1950. They had 60 years together.

James worked for 25 years for Clark C. Bledsoe as ranch manager on his ranch in between Hominy and Fairfax. In the early 1960's he was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He enjoyed studying the Bible with his children and sharing his faith with others. James had values that reflected a high sense of personal integrity.

He is survived by his wife, June of the home, one son, Steve and wife Shannon Sumter of Tulsa, Okla., one daughter, Janice and husband Joe Boies of Ponca City, Okla., three grandchildren, Mendi Sumter of Oklahoma City, Okla., Stephanie Sumter of St. Louis, Mo., and Matthew James Boies of Ponca City, Okla., one brother. Dee Sumter of Fayetteville, Ark., and one sister, Jeanie Christie of Wichita Falls, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters.

A memorial service was held Monday, May 16, 2011 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Pawhuska, Okla.

Burial has already taken place at Greenwood Cemetery in Sedan. David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Sedan is in charge of arrangements.

MR. DONALD R. SWANEY

HAVANA- Donald Ray Swaney, age 80, of Havana, Kan. died Monday, Oct. 9, 2006 at the St. Francis Via Christi Hospital in Wichita, Kan.

Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 13, 2006 at the Parcells Family funeral Home in Caney with the Reverend Gary Cole officiating. Burial will follow in the Havana Cemetery.

Visitation hours will be held from 9 am. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006 with the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Parcells Family Funeral Home in Caney.

The family has suggested memorials to the Niotaze Fire Department and contributions may be left at the Parcells Family Funeral Home.

Donald was born July 2, 1926 on the farm Northwest of Havana to Roy and Cecil G. (Atkinson) Swaney. He grew up in the Havana area and attended Hilisdale and Havana schools. Donald served overseas in the United States Army during World War II and was honorably discharged.

On Feb. 14, 1953 Donald married Marie Pond in Bentonvile, Ark. and made their home in the Havana area where they had a ranching operation. Donald retired from the Santa Fe Railroad in 1986 after working for over 33 years. After retirement he continued his ranching and enjoyed life hunting, fishing and playing cards. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #132 in Elk City, Kan.

Survivors include his wife Marie of the home; one son Greg C. Swaney and wife Michelle of Bartlesville, Okla; one daughter Donna Rae Swaney-Voss and husband K.C. of Oakland, Neb., one sister Syntha Rose Ballinger of Monroe, Wash.; one grandson Justin Swaney of Bartlesville, Okla.

He was preceded in death by one brother Roy J. Swaney and one grandson Nathaniel James Swaney.

Friends may leave online condolences at www.parcellsfamily. com

MR. ROBERT SWANSON

Robert Swanson, age 80, of Sedan, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at Pleasant Valley Manor in Sedan.

He was born Aug. 18, 1928 in Jasper County, Mo., to Clarence and Vernice L. Swanson. He grew up and attended school there until the eighth grade. He lived in Wyoming for fifteen years where he worked as a rancher on several different ranches. He moved to Peru and later to Chautauqua before moving to Sedan. He has lived in the Chautauqua County area for the last fifteen years.

He is survived by his guardian Matthew Dumm of Jasper, Missouri.

Cremation has taken place and the family has requested no service at this time. To view the entire obituary online or to leave a message for the family, visit www.dwbfli.com. David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Sedan is in charge of arrangements.

MRS. BETTY D. SWEANEY - Submitted by AFOFG

Services Held for Betty Sweaney
Betty Daisy Sweaney, 73, of South Haven, formerly of Cedar Vale, died Wednesday, May 30, at the St. Francis Hospital in Wichita.

She was born June 20, 1905 in Arkansas to Henry Linton.

She married Clayton Shuster and later married Andrew Sweaney.

She had owned and operated a nursing home in Cedar Vale from 1950 to 1960.

Survivors include one son, Robert Shuster of Auburn, Wash.; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Services were held Saturday, June 2, at 10:30 a.m. at the Miles Funeral Home Chapel in Cedar Vale with Rev. Jess Goss officiating. Burial was in the Cedar Vale cemetery.

MR. LORAN A. SWEANEY

Loran Arlin Sweaney, 72, of Cedar Vale, died March 28, 2008, at the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita.

He was born Sept. 6, 1935, in Cedar Vale. His parents were Arlin and Lora Elizabeth (Morgan) Sweaney. He was raised and educated in the Cedar Vale area and was a graduate of Cedar Vale High School. He worked for several ranchers around Chautauqua County and the Leon area, before going to work at the Co-op Exchange in Cedar Vale. In 1964, he started a custom harvesting crew that harvested grain from southern Oklahoma through Canada, retiring in 2001. He was a member of the Baptist Church.

He married Mary Jane McCall on Feb. 14, 1954, at the First Baptist Church in Cedar Vale.

He is survived by Mary Jane, his wife of 54 years, of the home; sons, Tom of Cedar Vale, Dale of Sedan; daughter, Connie Wood of Hutchinson; ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and numerous close friends from Oklahoma to Canada. He was preceded in death by parents and two brothers, Lloyd and Riley Sweaney.

Services were held Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at Wheeler Funeral Home in Cedar Vale with internment following at the Cedar Vale Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Sedan Area EMS. Wheeler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

MRS. MARY J. SWEANEY

Mary Jane Sweaney age 76, of Cedar Vale, passed away Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, at the Dexter Care Center in Dexter.

She was born June 10, 1935, in Wauneta, to Shellie Herschel and Hazel May (Wood) McCall. She grew up and attended school graduating from Cedar Vale High School.

On Feb. 14, 1954, she married Loran A. Sweaney in Cedar Vale. They made their home in Cedar Vale where she worked several jobs while working thirty five years with her husband custom combining from Oklahoma to Canada. They made a lot of friends over the years with the custom harvesting business. She was preceded in death by her husband on March 28, 2008.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Cedar Vale and also the Rebekah Lodge. She enjoyed painting, crocheting, gardening, cooking, and especially loved her grandkids and great-grandkids.

She is survived by one daughter, Connie and husband Randy Wood of Hutchinson; two sons, Tom Sweaney of Cedar Vale and Dale and wife Rosie Sweaney of Sedan; two sisters, Carol Ann Bennett of Overland Park and Linda and husband Lonnie Mendenhall of Wichita; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Loran A. Sweaney, her parents, and one brother James McCall.

Church Services were held Monday, Aug. 15, 2011 at the First Baptist Church of Cedar Vale with Pastors Mark Davis and Kevin Fogerty officiating. Burial followd at the Cedar Vale Cemetery.

The family has suggested memorials be sent to the Cedar Vale EMS and those remembrances may be left in care of the David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 209 N. Douglas, Sedan, Kansas 67361.

To view the obituary or to leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com. David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Sedan is in charge of arrangements.

MR. RILEY N. SWEANEY - Submitted by Atcha Nolan

Riley N. Sweaney, 77, of Checotah, died March 3, 1997 in Muskogee, OK. Funeral services were held March 7th at the Checotah Church of Christ officiated by Everett Dunn. Interment followed in Greenlawn Cemetery under the direction of the Smith Funeral Home of Checotah.

Riley Newton Sweaney was born September 28, 1919 near Cedar Vale, KS to Arlen Sweaney and Lora "Morgan" Sweaney. Mr. Sweaney helped his parents work on their farm. He Graduated from Cedar Vale High School in 1938.

He was united in marriage to Dorothy Wilcox Strange on June 2, 1961. Mr. Sweaney worked for the Paola water works in Paola, KS until he retired in 1981. They sold their home in Paola and moved to their farm near Checotah. He was a member of the Checotah Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of the home, one step-son, Ronald Strange of Checotah, one brother, Loran Sweaney of Cedar Vale, three step-granddaughters, Valoria, Crystal and Tessa Strange, all of Checotah and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Sweaney was preceded in death by his parents, Arlen and Lora "Morgan" Sweaney and a brother, Lloyd Sweaney. The family requests memorials be made to the Heart Association.

MR. JAMES C. SWEENEY

James Calvin Sweeney was born June 6, 1917 in Elgin, the son of James Everett Sweeney and Mable Loftin Sweeney. Mr. Sweeney passed this life on Jan. 10, 2009 in Sallisaw, Okla., after having attained the age of 91 years, 7 months and 4 days.

Survivors include two sons James Darrell Sweeney and Joe Thomas Sweeney of Sallisaw, Okla.; six grandchildren Tommy Sweeney, Terry Sweeney, Matthew Sweeney, Christy Eichler, Jennifer Hensel, and Jami Risher; 14 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and several other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death ay his parents, one brother Pieman Sweeney, one sister Hlazel Gordon, and his wife Esther A'meta Sweeney.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 2 a.m. at Chautauqua Cemetery in Hewins with Mr. Tad Rhodes officiating.

MRS. BELLEVERTTA F. SWINNEY - Submitted by John Henderson

  Bellevertta Franklin Elam was born near Sioux City, Iowa, March 4, 1855. Along with her parents, 7 sisters and 4 brothers the family immigrated to Cherokee County, Kansas in a covered wagon in 1866. The hardships of both pioneer life and the "Civil War" were endured by the family during their first years on a Kansas farm.

March 4, 1877 she was united in marriage to Isaac L. Downs, to this union six children were born, three boys and three girls.  Two boys died in early childhood.  She was left a widow April 27, 1888 on a pioneer farm , but with hard work and great sacrifice she kept the family together until February 8, 1899 at which time she was united in marriage with John W. Swinney and moved to Chautauqua County, Kansas.  To this union one daughter was born.  Again on May 7, 1941 she was left a widow by the death of Mr. Swinney.

     Her next ten years were spent in the homes of her daughters, most of that time with Mrs. Lyman West in Elgin, Kansas.

March 4, 1948 she celebrated her 93rd. birthday with most of her children and on March 25th she passed on to her just reward.

A kind sacrificing mother, step mother and neighbor she has at last gained that long deserved rest, safe in the Arms of Jesus.  Although she was never officially united with any church she professed her faith early in life and kept that faith through a long hard life.  God has at long last claimed his own.

She leaves to mourn her passing, one brother Charles Elam and one sister, Mrs. Agusta Segars both of Joplin, Mo., One sister Mrs. Alpha Frazier of Long Beach, California.  One son Harry M. Downs, Pamona, California; four daughters Mrs. Laura Mason, Altamont, Kansas, Mrs. Minnie West, Elgin, Kansas, Mrs. Lena Copple, Sedan, Mrs. Ara Burton, Sedan.  Five step grand children, 17 grand children, 26 great grand children and 4 great great grand children and a host of friends and neighbors.

++++++++++++++++++++

MRS. BELLE SWINNEY - Submitted by John Henderson

BELLE SWINNEY, 93, DIES AT NURSING HOME IN PERU
Mrs Belle Swinney, 93, passed away this morning at the Hill Nursing Home in Peru. Mrs. Swinney born March 4, 1855 in Sioux City, Iowa, for many years she has been a citizen of  Chautauqua County.

She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Laura Mason, Altamont, Mrs. Minnie West of Elgin, Mrs. Ara Burton and Mrs. John Copple of Sedan, one son Harry M. Downs of Pamona, California and brother C. M. Elam of Joplin, Mo.  and two sisters, Mrs. Augusta Segars of Joplin, Mo and Mrs. Alpha Frazier of Long Beach California.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 2:30 P. M. at the Christian Church with the Rev. Joe Samuels officiating.  Interment will be in Greenwood cemetery with Baird Funeral Home in charge.

MR. JOHN SWINNEY - Submitted by John Henderson

John Sweeny born Jan 8, 1851 died at the home of his son Ike Sweeny at Elgin late Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Sweeny had been a resident of this community more than 70 years. He was born in Cherokee County Kansas and homesteaded here before his marriage. Funeral services will be held at two o'clock Sunday afternoon at the Baptist church in Elgin. (correct spelling of his surname is Swinney.)

Note: John Wesley Swinney is buried next to his first wife, Castilla "Tilla" McCaffrey. They were married May 19, 1872 in Howard County (Chautauqua County now) Kansas.

Second marriage was February 8, 1899 to Bellevertta Bell Franklin Downs at Cloumbus, Cheorkee County, Kansas. She was buried Greenwood Cemetery, Sedan, Kansas.

Submitted by John Max Henderson great grand son of Bellevertta Bell.