http://www.royerfuneralhome.com/

Royer Funeral Home, 101 S. E. 15th Street, Oak Grove, MO (2025)

12/11/2025

Matthew David Ewald, 38, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. A Visitation will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Blue Springs, followed by a Celebration of Life at 4:00 p.m. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a custodial account set up for his daughter, Makenzie. https://venmo.com/u/Jocelyn-Ewald

Matthew was born on April 28, 1987, in Sedalia, Missouri, to Larry and Debra (Popp) Ewald. He married Jocelyn (Clubine) Ewald on June 18, 2011, in Liberty, Missouri—a partnership marked by deep love, laughter, and shared adventures.

A 2005 graduate of Oak Grove High School, Matthew went on to earn a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Central Missouri in 2009. He built a well-respected career with QuikTrip, where he was known as a dedicated and beloved manager, earning “Best of the Best” honors at two different stores in the Kansas City region.

Matthew lived life with a joyful spirit. He loved both watching and playing sports, especially golf, and he rarely missed a chance to cheer on K.U. or the Kansas City Chiefs. He felt most at home outdoors—on his boat, on vacation, or anywhere the sun was shining. Above all else, his daughter, Makenzie, was his greatest pride and joy, the light of his life.

Friends and family knew Matthew for his fun-loving personality. He never took life too seriously and had a gift for making people laugh. His kindness, warmth, and easygoing nature drew people to him effortlessly. Matthew was a Christian with a strong and steady faith, one that guided him and comforted those who knew him. In his passing, he continued his legacy of generosity as an organ donor, offering hope and life to others.

Matthew is survived by his wife, Jocelyn Ewald, and daughter, Makenzie Ewald, both of Blue Springs, Missouri; his brother, Aaron (Sarah) Ewald of Shawnee, Kansas; his parents, Larry and Debbie Ewald of Oak Grove, Missouri; his father and mother-in-law, Randy and Phyllis Clubine of Liberty, Missouri; his brother and sister-in-law, Jeffery and Jennifer Blevins of Smithville, Missouri; and his beloved dog, Cinnamon. He is also cherished by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, co-workers, and so many others whose lives he touched.

Matthew lived fully, loved deeply, and brought joy wherever he went. His memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him.

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

12/10/2025

Bishop Joseph A. Burkart II, age 85, passed peacefully on December 3, 2025 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Born on September 26, 1940 in Johnson City, Tennessee, Joe was the beloved son of Robert H. Burkart and Helen Hanes Burkart, both of whom preceded him in death.
Joe grew up in Wheaton, Maryland where he graduated from Wheaton High School in 1958 before moving to Stillwater, Oklahoma to attend Oklahoma State University. In 1962, he completed his degree in agricultural economics and proudly served in the Air Force ROTC, earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant. After graduating, Joe served his country as an Air Force pilot during the Vietnam War, where he attained the rank of Captain. Following his military service, he earned his MBA from Wake Forest University. In 1961, Joe married the love of his life, Annette Dollins Burkart. Throughout their military years, they were blessed with two children, Lisa and David, who remained the greatest joys of Joe's life. After his military service ended, Joe flew for American Airlines. He then worked at Wachovia Bank in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he served as Vice President of the Trust Department. During that time, Joe felt a powerful calling to ministry and accepted a full-time appointment with the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This calling brought his family to Missouri, where he faithfully served as Bishop of Saint Louis Stake. Both before and after his appointment, Bishop Burkart dedicated over 50 years to pastoral ministry, touching countless lives with his compassion, warmth, and unwavering faith. Joe also served for many years on the board of Center Place Restoration School in Independence, Missouri—a reflection of his lifelong dedication to service, education, and spiritual guidance.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Annette, along with their two children: Lisa Burkart-Fox and her husband, Ed Fox; and David Burkart MD and his wife, Tiffany Burkart. Joe’s legacy continues through his four cherished grandchildren: Marc Eastin MD and his wife, Marcella; Hannah Fox-LeTourneau and her husband, Captain Nick LeTourneau; Joseph A. Burkart, Esq.; and Samuel D. Burkart. He is also survived by his sisters, Michelle Burkart and Robin Burkart-Peeples, and her husband, Joe Peeples. Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Hanes Burkart. He leaves behind several nieces and nephews who adored him.
Joe lived a life defined by service, humility, and steadfast love. His gentle spirit, wise counsel, and unwavering devotion to his faith and family will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A memorial service honoring Joe’s life will be held at Grain Valley Restoration Branch, 32811 East Truman Road, Grain Valley, Missouri 64029, on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Center Place Restoration School, 819 W. Waldo Avenue, Independence, Missouri 64050, or to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Obituary submitted by family
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441

12/09/2025

Jacqueline (Correll) Rymer beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend passed away on December 6th, 2025. She was 86-years-old.

She was survived by two children, Lori Zimmerschied (Willie), and Terry Clark (Susan). She was also survived by six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Jacqueline was known to all her friends and family as Jackie. She was born January 2nd, 1939 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Her husband Robert, parents Orville and Waneta Correll preceded her in death.

She grew up in Kansas City, Missouri where she went to elementary and High School. She moved in 1956 to Raytown and graduated from Raytown with the class of ’57.
She went to CMSU for three years and was an Elementary Education major and joined the Sigma Kappa Sorority. She worked as a City Rep for Conoco and Amoco Oil Company. After she and her husband Bob retired, they moved to Oak Grove, MO to be close to family. Bob and Jackie loved to travel in their motor home and vacationed in many states.

Jackie will be loved and remembered by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove on December 11th, 2025. Visitation will be 1-2pm with memorial service at 2pm. Private family burial to be held following services.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

12/09/2025

John Elwood Shropshire Sr. of Independence, Missouri passed away December 3rd. 2025 at home.

John was born September 14, 1949 to Earnest Elwood and Dorothy Mae (Benedict) Shropshire of Independence, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his son John Elwood Shropshire Jr. in 2002 and the mother of his children Margie Mcmechan in 2011.

John is survived by his daughter Shelia Mae Gallant of Independence, Missouri. and Grand puppy Madi Sue.

John was an avid gun enthusiast and loved riding Harley Davidsons! He was an amazing father and a loyal friend! He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone!

He has many friends and family members that will miss his presence very much.

A Celebration of John Shropshire's life will be December, 20th 2025 at 1-4pm at the VFW in Sugar Creek. 1280 E. Kentucky Rd, Independence, MO 64050.

Obituary submitted by the family.
Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

12/09/2025

In loving Memory of Georganna Fields.

Georganna Fields passed away peacefully at Kansas City Hospice on October 25th, 2025. She entered eternal rest while surrounded by her loving family.

Georganna was born on October 7th, 1946, to the late George Lincoln Goodno and Juanita Gotch in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the oldest of five siblings. Mike Goodno (Ruth) Marsha Sharp, David Goodno(Linda), Terry Goodno,(Donna).
She was happily married to the love of her life Douglas Fields for 61 years until his death on October 28, 2023. She met Doug while attending barber school in downtown Kansas City in 1962.

Georganna was best known for her cooking, she could not only whip up delicious meals, but she was also one of the best bakers around. In 1974 she started working in the kitchen at Elm Grove Elementary in Independence, Mo. She soon became kitchen manager serving more than one million meals since coming to Elm Grove. She used the school recipes but as the years passed, made adaptations, thus making her kitchen one of the best in the whole school district.

Georganna is survived by her daughter, Michelle Hibler; son, Steve Fields (Cheryl); granddaughters, Michaela Hibler and Elizabeth Threadgill (Logan); great granddaughters, Willow Hibler, Kaisley and Koan Threadgill.
She is preceded in death by her parents, George Lincoln Goodno and Juanita Gotch.
Doug Fields; husband, Marsha Sharp; sister, David Goodno; brother, Terry Goodno; brother. Forever be remembered as a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.

A Celebration of Life will be held later.

12/09/2025

Brett D. Cobabe of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025, following a lifelong battle with complications from Type 1 Diabetes. He died peacefully at home with his wife by his side.

Brett faithfully served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Los Angeles Mission from 1989–1991. He met his wife, Cherie, at a young adult activity, and the two were married for time and all eternity in the Oakland Temple on July 18, 1992—just four months after their first date. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised five sons.

Brett and Cherie first lived in Auburn, California, later settling in Redding, California, where they raised their family. Brett worked for the Shasta County IT Department for 20 years before taking an early retirement when he began dialysis. Later, they moved to Lehi, Utah, to care for Cherie’s widowed mother. After her passing, Brett, Cherie, and their two youngest sons moved to Independence, Missouri, to be near their oldest son and his family.

Brett was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Family and the Lord were the center of his life. He served as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, and fulfilled many leadership and teaching positions within his church. Known for his wry sense of humor, Brett loved spending time with friends and family and brought warmth and laughter wherever he went.

Though Brett had been ill in recent months due to diabetic complications, his sudden passing in his wife’s arms last Thursday morning came as a heartbreaking shock.

Brett is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cherie; their five sons, Zachary (Hannah), Benjamin, Aaron, David, and Dean; his father, Ron Cobabe; his mother, Marsha Cobabe; and his three brothers, Bruce (Lori), Brad (Connie), and Brandon (Nina). He also leaves behind his greatest pride and joy—his grandsons, Lukas (6) and Mason (2)—as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Brett touched countless lives with his sweet spirit, resilience, and compassion. He will be deeply missed.

Funeral services will be held on December 13, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 705 West Walnut St, Independence, MO 64050.
Visitation: 9:00-10:00AM; Funeral: 10:00-11:00AM.
Following the services, Brett will be cremated.

Due to Brett’s sudden passing, his wife is facing immediate financial hardship. A GoFundMe has been set up to help with expenses. If you would like to donate, please
consider contributing at https://gofund.me/66b1ae5c3 or through Venmo at .

Obituary submitted by the family.
Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

12/08/2025

Harvey Henry Gehring, 92, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. A visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, Missouri. A celebration of life will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri.

Harvey was born on October 15, 1933, in Everettsville, West Virginia, to Robert and Vera (Wilson) Gehring. In his younger years, he loved playing baseball and remained a devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals throughout his life. Harvey worked for UPS for more than 20 years, where he was affectionately known as “Papa Smurf.” He was cherished for his unique and ornery sense of humor, which brought laughter to many.

A proud Army veteran, Harvey served as a Private First-Class Technician for three years. He and his wife, Madeleine, were married in California, and his military service helped shape the deep patriotism they shared throughout their lives.

Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, Vera (Wilson) Gehring and Robert Gehring; his wife, Madeleine; his daughter, Victoria Woods; his son, Steven Gehring; his brothers, Richard Gehring, Jack Gehring; and his sister, Katherine (Gehring) Dewey.

He is survived by his son, Mike (Beth) Gehring; his daughter, Debra (Dean) Green; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Harvey will be remembered for his humor, his dedication to family and country, and the joy he brought to those who knew him.

Contributions may be made to Midwest Brachial Plexus Network / MBPN.

12/05/2025

Wilbur Dean Osbourne, 97, of Grain Valley, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. A visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. A graveside burial will take place the same day at 3:00 p.m. in Greenwood Cemetery, Clay Center, Kansas.

Wilbur was born on July 28, 1928, in Bala, Kansas, to William and Josephine (Martin) Osbourne. As the next to oldest of four sons, Wilbur grew up with a deep appreciation for family, community, and hard work. He served in the Merchant Marines on the Simeon G. Reed vessel near the end of World War II.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents; his late wife, Betty; his grandsons; Thomas Rutherford, CJ Rutherford, and his great grandson Michael Reynolds; his two brothers, Chuck and Bill.

He enjoyed square dancing and was an active member of the Missouri State Square Dancers Association. Wilbur worked as a printer for the Kansas City Star before beginning a long career as a truck driver with Smithville Farmland Industries. He also gave his time generously, delivering Meals on Wheels in his community when he lived in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. At this time, he enjoyed attending monthly senior luncheons at Grain Valley community center, an occasional margarita and strawberry milkshake treats. A loyal sports fan, he cheered faithfully for the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs.

He is survived by his three children: daughter Bonita Rutherford (Cliff) of Grain Valley, Missouri; sons Robert Osbourne (Janie) of Jacksonville, Florida; and Paul Osbourne of Kansas City, Missouri; and brother Donald Osbourne of Valdosta, Georgia. He also leaves behind five grandchildren—Donna, Denise, Robbie, Michelle, Gary—and twelve great-grandchildren: Amanda, Phillip, Robbie, Zachery, Garrett, Austin, Sydney, Brantley, Anessa, Sean, Torrin, and Taylor—and sixteen great-great grandchildren: Addilynn, Layla, River, Jason, Ellianna, Lochlynn, Charlee, Jayden, Mason, McKenzie, Brooklyn, Grayson, Jordan, Katelyn, Gage, and Omari.

Submitted by family

12/04/2025

Last night, we witnessed the true heart of our community. Thank you for gathering with us to honor your loved ones and to keep their legacies glowing. It is a privilege to walk beside you. If anyone has photos from the evening, please feel free to send them our way! We’d love to see and share in those moments with you. 💛✨

If you’d like to decorate an ornament for our 2025 Royer’s Remembrance Tree Lighting Ceremony you can still pick one at our Grain Valley or Oak Grove location.

Not pictured: a special thanks to Holly for working behind the scenes on getting our event programs ready!

12/04/2025

Esther Hoover, 86, passed away November 29, 2025, at her home in Independence. She was born November 16, 1939, at Butler, Missouri, and was the tenth and last child of Ted and Eleanore Elefson.

Esther grew up on the family farm a few miles south of Butler. She graduated from Butler High School in 1956 and then began her college work at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. After two years at Graceland she taught in a one-room school near Hays, Kansas.

In 1958 she married Gary Hoover, her high school sweetheart. They lived in Butler for fifteen years while Esther taught in the Butler school system and completed her college degree at Central Missouri State University at Warrensburg. It was in Butler during this time that their three children were born.

In 1973 the family moved to Raymore Missouri for Gary's work, and Esther taught in the Raymore-Peculiar school system, and later worked for the Social Security Administration as a Claims Adjuster. After her retirement from her federal government position she again returned to teaching at Hope Day School.

Esther’s solid faith and intelligent friendship will be deeply missed by her church family at South Crysler Restoration Branch. For many years, she and Gary gave their valuable support to the work of Christ’s gospel there. In 2006 she and Gary went to Australia and served as missionaries for six months to further the work of the church.

Being the youngest in the large Elefson family, Esther was always a good and delightful aunt for many nieces and nephews and was the holder of a rich family inheritance.

Esther is survived by her husband, Gary Hoover, their son Bret (Nancy) Hoover, and their two daughters, Lisa Hoover and Dana (Harold) Edwards. She is also survived by a sister, Kathryn (Gayle) Sacry, of Whitehall, Montana, nine grandchildren, Bradley (Nicole) Hoover, Andrew (Alana) Hoover, Scott (Mikayla) Hoover, Forrest (Amy) Hagen, Hannah (Garrett) Shelton, Stephen, David and Elizabeth Gulick and eight great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at Royer Funeral Home, 1823 N. Blue Mills Road, Independence, Missouri, on December 8th, 2025. Visitation is at 1:00 followed by a service at 2:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Center Place Restoration School, 819 W. Waldo Avenue, Independence, Missouri 64050.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816)

12/03/2025

Karen Victoria Delana, of Waverly Missouri passed away at the age of 74, on November 29, 2025, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri. Karen was born on June 3, 1951, to Laura Odean (Curry) and Donald Andrew Hurt in Baldwin Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved brother, Donald Hurt.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband, Roger Delana; her daughter, Marney Hurt (Morris Karra); her cherished grandchildren, Harley Hurt and Taggart (Kelsie) Bauermeister; and her great-grandchildren, Rogan, Jaxson, Adrianna, Raelynn and Connor. She is also survived by her brother, Steve (Jackie) Hurt, her sister, Venita (Gerry) Husler, sister-in-law Karen Hurt and many nieces and nephews.

As a loving Wife, Mother and Nana, Karen dedicated her life to her family, cherishing every moment spent with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had a passion for finding treasures at garage sales, auctions, and thrift stores, always seeking out a good bargain. Karen was not only a loving family member but also a wonderful friend to many, known for her generous spirit and warm heart.

Karen dedicated many years of faithful service to Burkhart Orchard and J’s Market. Even after her retirement, Roger and Karen continued to grow and share fresh produce with the local community.

Karen will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love, and kindness will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

Memorial Donations can be sent to the Community Bank, in Waverly. A Celebration of Life for Karen will be held on February 7, 2026 from 3:00pm-5:00pm at Eagle Bluff in Waverly Missouri. A dinner will follow for family and close friends.

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

12/03/2025

🗓️ Tonight is the night!

Join us for the 2025 Royer’s Remembrance Tree Lighting Ceremony 🕯️

Royer Funeral Home

12/11/2025

12/10/2025

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

12/08/2025

12/05/2025

12/04/2025

12/04/2025

12/03/2025

12/03/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category