On October 6, 2026, Debbie Lewis passed away peacefully in her sleep at Sedan City Hospital.

Born on February 9, 1951, in Sedan, Kansas, Debbie was the first baby girl born at Sedan City Hospital—a fitting beginning to a life that was anything but ordinary.

A graduate of Sedan High School in 1969, Debbie was a true free spirit and a hippie at heart. She lived life on her own terms, with a sense of adventure and curiosity that carried her far beyond the familiar.  In her younger years, she hitchhiked across the United States, collecting stories, experiences, and memories along the way. She embraced the freedom of the open road and never seemed afraid to see where the next adventure might take her.

Debbie’s adventurous spirit carried her to many places, from her home state of Kansas to the Northern West Coast, and even to a dude ranch along the way. She never shied away from a new experience or an opportunity to see where life might take her.

One place that held a special place in her heart was Quincy, California, where she managed a Mobil 1 convenience store. She loved her time there and the life she built for herself, eventually retiring in 2021 after a fulfilling career.

Debbie was a woman of many talents and endless interests. She could often be found working in her yard, building or creating something for her home, or simply enjoying the outdoors with her beloved pets, Diva and Cisco. Debbie also had a lifelong love of animals. Throughout the years, she welcomed numerous pets into her life, each holding a special place in her heart. She loved hiking, cooking, watching Perry Mason and the news, and—perhaps most of all—having a good political debate with anyone willing to engage.

Debbie had a natural gift for talking to people and genuinely enjoyed meeting and visiting with just about anyone. She could strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and, before long, have them laughing like old friends. Her years working in restaurants—including owning her own—gave her plenty of opportunities to do what she loved: serve people, hear their stories, and share a few of her own. And Debbie always had a story, an opinion, or a little “BS” ready to go. She could talk to the public for hours—and, as her family would happily admit, sometimes had more to say to a stranger than she did to them!

Those who knew her will remember her for her laughter, strong opinions, adventurous heart, and unmistakable ability to make life more interesting.

Debbie is survived by her sister Jan Uhls, brother Mike Littlepage and wife, Kim; sister, Michelle Williams, and husband, Gerald; and numerous nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her parents Ish and Opal Littlepage, and sister Carolyn Coulter.

In keeping with Debbie’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. Cremation has taken place under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.  

The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to the Chautauqua County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 232, Sedan, KS 67361.  These can also be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337.  

Please join us in celebrating the life of Debbie Lewis by sharing your memories, photos, and stories on her memorial page at www.dwbfh.com Her life was full of adventures, laughter, and kindness, and we invite you to help us keep her spirit alive by sharing your experiences with Debbie. Your stories and photos will serve as a testament to her adventurous spirit, her wit, and her unwavering reliability.

Robert W. “Bob” Gillham went home to Jesus on September 26, 2026, with Michelle and Dianne by his side.

Born April 4, 1943, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Bob was the eldest of Clarence O. and Lola (Robison) Gillham’s three children. He grew up in Caney, graduated from Caney High, and earned a degree in Lithography from Oklahoma State Tech in Okmulgee.

His degree led him to open Advanced Printing in Tulsa. Until his final days, he enjoyed discussing every aspect of the printing business.

His greatest joy in Tulsa was welcoming daughter Michelle Dawn with his wife, Patricia. Michelle’s name always brought a smile to his face.

When his health declined, Bob returned to his childhood home in the late 1970s. Despite painful losses and ongoing health struggles, he remained positive, kind, and generous. He served as a First Christian Church deacon, coached peewee baseball, bowled, read library books, played golf, and helped golfers obtain needed equipment.

In the early 2000s, as our Daddys health failed, Bob provided the strength and help Mom needed to care for him at home.

In 1989, Mom and Daddy took Bob to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, where surgeons removed a golf-ball-sized brain tumor that had caused his lifelong epilepsy. Another neurosurgery patient was President Ronald Reagan, recovering from a fall from his horse. Bob, Mom, and Dad saw the President and Secret Service pass Bob’s room during a required walk.

After their mother died in 2022, Bob and Dianne needed to move to Texas to be near their children. On February 15, 2023, Bob moved to Harvest of Aledo, minutes from Dianne, who visited almost daily. Though he lived in Texas, his heart remained in Caney, and he longed to return.

At Harvest, Bob befriended many staff members and residents’ families. They remember his humor, courtesy, gentleness, and compassion. He loved discussing printing, the Chicago Cubs, hockey, and music—especially old hymns, though his radio was usually tuned to Air1.

Days before Bob’s passing, Dianne asked whether she should tell everyone he was “as handsome as ever.” With a sly smile, Bob replied, “That would be an honest statement!” Everyone laughed.

Bob’s memory will bless his daughter, Michelle (Lou), and Anne and Will of Wylie, Texas; brother Steve (Debbie) of St. Charles, Missouri, their son Steven Michael (Amanda), and daughters Amelia of St. Peters, Missouri, and Madison of Springfield, Missouri; sister Dianne Schabel (Tom, deceased) of Aledo, Texas; her sons Tom (Angie) of Sunnyvale, Texas, and Tim (Carmen) of Aledo, Texas; Tom and Angie’s daughters, Kristen (Karsten) and Henry Griel of Grand Saline, Texas, and Alyssa of Dallas, Texas; and Tim and Carmen’s children, Audrey (Michael) Birdwell of Waco, Texas, Kaley of College Station, Texas, Luke of Dallas, and Maggie of Aledo, Texas. Cousins from Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona will also gather to honor him.

Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel of Coffeyville, Kansas, is honored to be directing services. The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 5–7 p.m. at Potts Chapel, 107 N St., Caney. The funeral will be held there at 11 a.m. on October 14, followed by burial in Sunnyside Cemetery near Bob’s parents, grandparents, and uncle. Share condolences or memories at his obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com.

Erma Louise Frye, age 92, of Caney, Kansas passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at The Journey Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. 

Erma was born on May 11, 1934, in Washington County, Oklahoma to Carl and Beatrice (Trowbridge) Grimes.  She grew up in rural Chautauqua County, Kansas, graduating from Peru High School. 

On May 2, 1952, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, George Edwin Frye in Coffeyville, Kansas.  They made their home in the Cascade Community and became the proud parents of four sons, Bob, Steve, Dan and Mark.  Just shy of celebrating 58 years of marriage, George preceded her in death on February 18, 2010.  Before retiring to be a homemaker, Erma worked at various places in town, Halligans, Gregory’s, Bus Station, Antique Mall and her favorite Fun Spot, the local hangout for the kids in town at that time.

Erma was a member of the Assembly of God Hope Church in Caney and long-time member of the Cascade Community.  Erma loved to sing.  She filled her days with taking pride in her yard and catching up with her neighbors.  Her house was the one everyone gravitated to for fellowship.  You could catch her most days outside tending to her flowers or raking up leaves.  Most of all Erma loved her family and the time she spent surrounded by them. 

Surviving to cherish her memory are her sons, Bob Frye and wife, Robin of Council Grove, Kansas, Steve Frye and wife, Karon of Niotaze, Kansas, Dan Frye and wife, Kim of Moundridge, Kansas, Mark Frye and wife, Melissa of Pawhuska, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Jeremy, Sara, Eric, Courtney, Brock, Caleb, Darienne, Brett, Evan, Braun; seventeen great grandchildren; brother, Donald “Don” Grimes and wife, Pat of rural Niotaze, Kansas; sister, Marilyn Miller of Wichita, Kansas; numerous extended family members and many friends.  Erma was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Grimes, Beatrice Grimes-Smith, Marion Smith and a sister, Carla Grimes. 

Graveside Services will take place on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Fairview Cemetery in Niotaze, Kansas.  Pastor Doyle Brummett of Hope Church will officiate. 

The family suggests in lieu of flowers; memorial contributions can be made to The Journey Home; these may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337. 

To share memories, pictures or express condolences to the family online, visit Erma’s memorial page at www.dwbfh.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Coffeyville. 

Mary Ann Garrison, of Coffeyville, Kansas passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Medicalodge of Coffeyville.

Mary Ann was born on October 23, 1931, in Cherokee, Kansas to Fred and Mary (Setina) Glades.  She grew up in Thayer, Kansas, where she graduated from high school.  

On January 10, 1954, she married the love of her life, Eugene D. “Gene” Garrison in Thayer, Kansas, where the couple made their home until moving to Coffeyville in 1957.  The couple were the proud parents of two daughters, Cathy and Patti.  Mary Ann filled her days tending to the home and caring for her family.  She showed her love through acts of service, cooking, cleaning, organizing, helping and being there for Gene and their girls. Mary Ann loved every moment she spent surrounded by her family.  

Surviving to cherish her memory are her daughters, Cathy Manley and husband, Ben, Patti Dauer and husband, Jim; granddaughter, Shanna Ehmke and husband, Richard; great grandchildren, Dakota Ehmke and wife, Taujai, Haylie Cox and husband, Zane; great-great grandchild, Raynee Lou Ehmke; sister, Pat Lindesmith; brother, Frederick Glades along with numerous extended family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Mary Glades; loving husband, Gene Garrison; sister, Helen Haviland; brothers-in-law, Ray Haviland and Larry Lindesmith and her sister-in-law, Bonnie Glades.  

Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Chaplain Mark Polson will officiate.  

The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice; these may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337.  To share memories or leave a condolence for the family online, visit Mary Ann’s memorial page at www.dwbfh.com

Fay Blackbourn age 88 passed away on September 27, 2026, at Medicalodges on Midland in Coffeyville, Kansas.

Fay was born on March 16, 1938, to Welcome Highley “W.H” and Lillie Mae (Elwood) Etter in Copan, Oklahoma. Fay grew up in Dearing, Kansas where she attended grade school and graduated from Field Kindley Memorial High School in Coffeyville. She then continued her education at Coffeyville Community Junior College, and she also completed her cosmetology licensing.

After completing her education Fay moved to California to pursue bigger dreams, which is where she met and married Marion Floyd Blackbourn. Fay and her children moved back to the Coffeyville area where she raised her three children, Christine, Marion W., and Pamela.

Fay was a diligent worker and was employed in various places over the years, including as a hairdresser in Coffeyville, Prestige Cabinets, Funk Manufacturing, Windsor Nursing Home. In retirement she was a full-time grandma caring for grandchildren. Fay attended Emmanuel Southern Baptist Church until her health no longer allowed her to go.

Fay was known for her spicy personality, always full of life, she enjoyed square dancing, bowling, and playing cards at the senior center. She grew up in a time when being frugal was a necessity, and she lived her life that way. Fay loved her family, and in the later years of life her grandchildren and great grandchildren were a delight to her days. In the quiet time of life her dogs here were special to her.

Fay is survived by her children Christine Fay Cunningham, Marion Wayne Blackbourn, and wife Debbie, eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents W.H. and Lillie Etter, daughter Pamela Blackbourn, son-in-law Kenny Cunningham, grandson Michael Blackbourn, great grandson Carter Blackbourn, three brothers Junior Etter, Jay Etter and Lonnie Etter.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 9-10:30am at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., in Coffeyville. Services will then move to the Veteran’s Patio across the street in Fairview Cemetery beginning at 11am. Fay will be laid to rest next to her daughter Pamela in Fairview Cemetery. To leave a message of condolence or share a memory visit her obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com