Raymond Lewis Rutland, age 65, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Monday morning, March 13, 2023, at his home. He was born June 21, 1957, in Cushing, Oklahoma, the son of Bernie Robert and Janice (Kennon) Rutland. He was united in marriage to Shannon G. Briscoe on September 9, 1978, at the Flora First Christian Church and together they have shared 44 wedding anniversaries. Ray was a longtime family farmer and worked several truck driving jobs over the years including delivering feed and for McDaniel Transit. Ray spent many hours working on equipment as well as tinkering on projects like restoring pedal tractors with Shad, and he often made light of whether you could find him "working out in the shop or hiding out in the shop." He was a member of Flora First Christian Church and served as a Director on the Clay County Soil and Water board for 35 years. Ray appreciated time with his family, taking scenic drives and Ranger rides, and feeding the fish with Autumn when she visited. H
Kansans draw from their personal experience to share horror stories of what happened to children in the state's foster care system with a committee of the Kansas Legislature.
Rebecca Elaine Briscoe-Yager, age 39, of Ralls County, MO passed away at 2:25 pm Sunday, January 24, 2021, at her home with her loving family at her side.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Saturday, January 30, 2021, at the Salt River Christian Church in rural New London. Burial will follow the service in the Salt River Cemetery. Dr. Barry Cook, Rev. Richard Epperson, and Pastor Kathy Hayden will officiate.
The funeral service will be live streamed via the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel Facebook page starting a few minutes before 10:00 am Saturday.
Visitation celebrating Rebeccaâs life will be held 5:00 to 7:00 pm Friday, January 29, 2021, at the Salt River Christian Church.