Iris Jo McNeal, 72, of Excelsior Springs, MO, passed away January 29, 2022 at North Kansas City Hospital.

Mrs. McNeal was born September 24, 1949 in Excelsior Springs, MO. Iris was a bus driver for Excelsior Springs School District for 20 years. She loved to fish, go to garage sales and sew. She loved and was loved by her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Mildred Bisbee.

Survivors include her husband, Herbert of the home; daughter, Dustie (Paul) Rash, Lawson, MO; son, Russell (Wendi) McNeal, Excelsior Springs, MO; grandchildren, Jessica McNeal, Ryan (Crystal) McNeal, Taylor McNeal, Wade McNeal, Anthony Rash, and Gabriel Rash; great grandchildren, Myla Workman, Dalton McNeal, Strykar McNeal, and Havok McNeal; sisters, Ronnie (Roger) Deuschle, Warrensburg, MO, and Tawnya (David) Lindaman, Rayville, MO; brother, RW (Carolyn) Bisbee, Excelsior Springs, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Lawson Baptist Church.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home Lawson Chapel.

Clyde Alfred Beam Jr., 85, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, went home on January 29, 2022.

He was born on November 19, 1936, to Clyde Alfred Beam Sr. and Eunice (McAfee) Beam. He married Marsha Tackett in December 1982. He worked for Whitaker Cable for 29 years.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years; sister, Una Buck, of Hamilton, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 7, 2022, from 10 to 11:00 a.m. at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. and burial at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Sharon Ivey, 79 years old, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away peacefully at Liberty Hospital on January 29, 2022.

Sharon Ruth (Sandstrom) Ivey was born December 24, 1942 to Eddie and Eva Ruth (Williams) Sandstrom of Orrick, Mo. Sharon was married to AJ Ivey on May 12, 1962.

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, father and mother.

Sharon leaves a son, Brett (Kathy) Ivey; two grandchildren, Jordan (Chris) Mixon of Jackson, Ms., and Austin Ivey of Excelsior Springs, Mo. She also leaves three great grandchildren, Hudson, Adah and Liam Mixon of Jackson, Ms.; as well as a sister, Mary (Jackie) Blyth; a niece and nephew, along with many extended family members in Orrick, Lawson and Rayville, Mo. She also leaves a brother-in-law, Jim (Judy) Ivey and extended family members in and near Gentry, Arkansas.

Sharon grew up in Orrick working with her father and family in their local skating rink and garage in Orrick, Mo. She was a fire-baton twirler with her high school band and also played basketball as well. She attended college at Warrensburg, Mo. She met the love of her life, AJ, while he was working in Orrick, Mo. from out of state. Sharon worked at Westfall GMC in Kansas City, Mo., as the credit manager and after working there for 48 years, she retired in 2010. She grew up attending the Orrick Christian Church in Orrick, Mo., and moved her membership to Pisgah Baptist Church in Excelsior Springs, Mo., after her husband passed away. Sharon spent many years, along with her husband, serving at the Elks Lodge in Excelsior Springs. Sharon loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren. She was an amazing mom, the very BEST mother-in-law, and a loving sister and friend to all who knew her. She was a hard worker, meticulous in her organization, and had a sweet servant’s heart. She will be greatly missed, but we have peace knowing we will see her again one day in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in her memory to Pisgah Baptist Church.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.

Devoted mother and grandmother

June passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 27, 2022. She was 89 years old. June was a proud mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. June’s greatest love was her family, which included all of her dogs.

June was a godly woman who introduced all her family and numerous others to Christ’s saving grace. She was a proud member of Christ Community Church for a majority her life, where she enjoyed leading Sunday school classes.

June enjoyed gardening, participating in the Red Hat Society, and baking pies (as well as eating them). She was frequently found doing cross word puzzles or watching Jeopardy. June always had a passion for learning and passed that on to her children and grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Pearl Haskins, and her son, Donald Raby II.

Survived by her children, Vicki (Randy) Schillinger, Karla (Wayne) Smith, Marilyn (Ted) Stein, and Terry Raby; grandchildren, Heather (Ben) Sadler, David Lewandowski, James Holman, Ashley (Evan) Nichols, Stephanie (Justin) Fisher, Steven and Scott Criddelbaugh; siblings, Phillip Haskins and MaryLou Anderson; along with eight great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Friday, February 4, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, with a burial to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to KC Pet Project.

Patricia “Pat” Swope, age 77, of Lawson, Missouri, passed away on January 24, 2022.

Pat was preceded in death by her wonderfully loving husband, James Swope, where he promised to wait for her.

Pat is survived by her three children, Steve (Donna) Swope, Amy (Dan) Huffman, and Andra (Norman Jr.) Kuhl; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Pat spent countless hours in her garden. Surrounded by flowers and weeds, Pat dug and sifted the dirt often befriending that season’s garden snake. Pat always said she felt closer to her God in that garden than any church pew.

Pat had an incredible knack for telling it like it was – her unfiltered honesty may not have been what you wanted to hear, but it was what needed to be said. Pat was stubborn, kind, creative, and caring. But, most of all she was loved.

Kristopher Hayes, 49 years, of Kearney, Missouri, passed away on January 24, 2022. Kris was born February 26, 1972, to Bob and Zonya Hayes.

Kris and Sundi met in October of 1992 in the parking lot of Denim and Diamonds through a mutual friend with whom Sundi attended high school, and Kris attended college. Kris and Sundi’s first date was at Metro North Mall’s movie theatre where they saw the original Scream and then Kris treated her to a high-quality dinner at Pizza Hut. Their life together moved quickly after that. They were engaged Christmas Eve of 1993 and married June 25, 1994. The family grew from 2 to 3 in March of ‘98 and 3 to 5 in November of ‘01. Kris had unrelenting love for his three sons, Dakota, Kolby and Kian, and much to Sundi’s chagrin, Kris refused to allow her to have any daughters.

At the age of thirteen Kris began his passion for construction during his first job framing houses with his father. After high school graduation he landed in trim carpentry. Through his career in construction, Kris was able to not only create houses for many people, but to turn four houses into homes for his family. Kris joined Signature Solid Surface, a sister company to Miller’s Custom Cabinets, in 2011 as a General Manager and oversaw day-to-day operations ever since. In his 11 years there, he continued to grow and apply his business mindset and raised the company as if it were his own child.

Apart from his career, he enjoyed hobbies such as coaching, fishing, fly tying, cooking, and running. As soon as his children could kick a ball, Kris took to the sideline as a coach for them and continued to do so into their teenage years. Coach Kris was able to mentor the teammates of his sons and aided them in their journey to become young men. His love of fly fishing began during his early teens and continued for decades.  This passion even progressed into designing and tying his own flies. He spent many weekends out of the year competing in the Mid-Lake Bass Club fishing tournaments with his brother, Dana, in which they were awarded Anglers of the Year in 2016 and 2020. They won 1^st place in the Classic in 2014 and 2016, 3^rd in 2020, and most recently, 2nd in 2021.

Kris knew his way around the grill and smoker. He was always excited to fire them up, drink a couple of beers and spend time with family. He handed the reins of the grill to his sons eventually, which allowed him to dedicate more time to drinking beer. In the last couple of years, Kris became passionate about running, and dedicated many miles to his treadmill after work. His appreciation for the runner’s high drove him to complete a 10k just a year ago.

You honestly can’t talk about Kris without mentioning whiskey, beer and country music…even that strange country rap he liked to listen to. He was steadfast in his beliefs, and sometimes his interpretation of “Don’t Tread on Me” might have meant “Don’t Touch my Beard”. He was also loving, compassionate, hardworking, stubborn, confident, strong-willed, determined, caring, forthright and convicted in his faith.

The Annunciation community has always been a large part of Kris’s life. From his confirmation in high school, receiving the sacrament of marriage, to his children’s baptism and confirmation. Kris has come full circle today.

Kris is survived by his wife, Sundi; children, Dakota, Kolby and Kian; parents, Bob and Zonya; brother, Dana (Saralyn); mother-in-law, Sandi Walrod; father-in-law, James S. Matthews; brothers-in-law, Wes Edwin (Diana), James A. Matthews (Rie), and Jacob Matthews; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers and plants, please make a memorial donation to the Church of the Annunciation for the Hayes boys’ scholarship fund at P.O. Box 599, Kearney, MO 64060.

Arrangements in care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.

Susan Bohn Sochocki, 73, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away January 24, 2022, at North Kansas City Hospital.

Susan was born March 18, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey to Arthur James Bohn and Olive Noble Tarras. Susan loved spending time with her family and friends. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

She will be lovingly remembered by her three sons, Robert Jr., Jeffrey, and Michael Sochocki; seven grandchildren, Corbin, Josie, Robert III, Ivy, Smith, Mason, and Beckham; great grandson, Callum; three sisters, Jacqueline Jagemann, Margaret Juba, and Deborah Dapko; and her best friend forever, Rhonda Fowler.

Susan’s wishes were to be cremated and scattered with her late husband, Robert Sochocki Sr. Her family will honor her wishes privately later this year.

Arrangements in care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney, Missouri.

Alice Belle Brazda, 96, entered Heaven’s gates on January 23, 2022 at Ray County Hospital.

Alice was born on June 21, 1925 to Vergial and Graydon Cummins in La Plata, Missouri.  Alice trusted in Jesus as her Savior when she was 9 years old and He kept her in His care all of her life. She was a member of Rayville Christian Union Church.  During her life she worked at Linda Lane Garmet Co., Lake City and managed motels.  Alice was born with a creative gift – she loved to sew, crochet, make crafts and cards.  She enjoyed giving her creations to show her love to family and friends.  When Alice began to lose her vision, she greatly enjoyed Dr. David Jeremiah.  And she was a great fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Alice is survived by her children, Raymond/Sherry Allen, Dennis Davidson and Jan Davidson; grandchildren, Lorie, Leigh, James, Jeff, Shelley, Brandon, Stephanie, Alison and Jenny. She was blessed with 16 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren.

Alice was preceded in death by parents; brothers, Clifford and Raymond Cummins; husbands, Willard James Allen, Bill Davidson and Trev Brazda.

A celebration of Alice’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at Rayville Christian Union Church, burial in Crown Hill Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the church.

Arrangements in care of Bross and Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.

Donald “Don” Lee Ball, 73, of Blue Springs, MO, passed away peacefully at his home on January 21, 2022.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Morris Ball, of Blue Springs, MO; his son, James A. Ball (Stella), of Burbank, CA; his step-children, Andrew M. Ackley (Christine) of Lone Jack, MO, and Patricia Ackley Smith (Jason) of Independence, MO; and his grandchildren, Samuel M. Ackley (Abigail), of Pleasant Hill, MO, Claire M. Ackley of Lone Jack, MO, and Jessica M. Smith of Independence, MO.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey Hardin Ball and Inez Beck Ball.

Don was born on November 4, 1948, in Evanston, IL, and at age five, his family moved to the Los Angeles suburb of Sunland, CA, where he attended Verdugo Hills High School, and first fell in love with his wife, Becky. In 1970, he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelors of science degree in mechanical engineering from U.C.L.A. He then pursued a 35-year career as a fire protection engineer until his retirement in 2006.

In 1977, he married Sandra Burnett, and in 1982, they welcomed a son, James Aubrey Ball, who was the most important person in Don’s life. In 2002, Don reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Becky, and moved to Missouri to marry her four years later.

In addition to being a devoted husband, father and grandfather, Don had a multitude of interests and hobbies. Most notable were pursuing his childhood dreams of building and operating a model railroad and restoring antique cars. He was also an avid researcher, published historian, voracious reader and frequent traveler.

He loved spending time with friends and family, sharing his optimism and joy with all around him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at the Woods Chapel Community of Christ Church, 500 NE Woods Chapel Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.

Marcus Lloyd Spiker was born in Garden City, Kansas, on May 6, 1954 to Nellie Agnes and Lloyd A. Spiker. He passed away at North Kansas City Hospital on January 20, 2022. Marcus was 67.

Marcus spent his childhood in Dodge City, Kansas, and relocated to Wichita where he graduated from Wichita North High School Class of 72. After graduation, Marcus relocated to Kansas City to further his education, and ultimately enlisted into the United States Navy where he served in the Submarine Service. Upon honorable discharge, Marcus continued supporting the Navy in various Civilian projects until his retirement in 2016. His career took him all over the U.S. where he made lifelong friends whom he treasured.  He and his wife of 29 years, Marsha, retired in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, in 2018.

Marcus had a fervor for astronomy, a love for golf and cycling, and a passion for travel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Randolph; and two nephews.

Marcus will be dearly missed by his wife, Marsha; sons, Andrew (Desirae) and Austin (AutumnAspen); step daughters, Deana (Don) Groves and Brooke Wittekiend; six grandchildren; and a multitude of lifelong friends he has met along the way.

As Marcus wished, a Spring graveside service and burial are planned for Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City, Kansas.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.

Korey Manley, 53, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, passed away January 19, 2022.

Korey Manley was born to Sonja and Sherman Manley on January 11, 1969. Korey married Donna Manley in 1995. She had a daughter already but that did not stop Korey from stepping up to become a father. Korey and Donna had two kids, Brittany Elder and Trever Manley. His kids were everything. Korey left behind two beautiful grandbabies, Bradley Dean Manley and Lincoln Eugene Manley. These kids meant the world to him and changed his life for the best three years ago.

Korey is now with his brother, Kent Manley; sister, Kathy Peebles; and his beautiful mother-in-law, Inez Morse in heaven.

He is survived by his parents, Sonja and Sherman; brother, Kurt Manley; sister-in-law, Lynette Manley; children, Brittany and Trever Manley; daughter-in-law, Kamren Manley; the love of his life, Donna Manley; grandchildren, Bradley Dean Manley and Lincoln Eugene Manley; as well as so many friends, cousins, aunts, uncles, and other family members.

Korey touched a lot of people’s hearts and was a father to so many.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2022, with a service to follow at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. There will be a celebration of life gathering at the Elks Lodge in Excelsior Springs following the graveside service.

Joann Buckallew, 61, of Saint Joseph, Mo., slipped silently into the Lord’s arms on the evening of January 19, 2022 at home with her husband.

Joann was survived by her husband of 40 years, Khyl of the home; sons, Charles of Saint Joseph, and Jake and wife, Elyzabeth of Kansas City, Mo.; her brother, Delmar Woolsey of Staunton, Ill.; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her fur babies.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Delmar and Loretta Woolsey, and her sister, Janis, all of Prairietown, Ill.

Joann was born July 22, 1960 in Edwardsville, Ill. After graduating from Edwardsville High School in 1979 she found her way to Excelsior Springs where she fell in love with Khyl and was wed December 4, 1981. Joann was a devoted wife and wonderful mother that believed in family above all else.

Joann had worked in nursing and security most of her life. She was part of the Excelsior Springs Baseball leagues and an avid fan of the ESHS Tigers. She loved cooking and baking for her growing boys.

There will be a Celebration of Life held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at The Montgomery Venue, 425 S. Thompson Ave., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.