Colby James Davis, 28, Independence School District Paraprofessional

Colby James Davis, 28, passed away at home from an unknown cause on May 26th, 2026. Colby was born on August 30th, 1997, to Julie Daugherty Starnes and James Davis. Colby graduated from Van Horn High School in 2016 and then went on to MCC – Blue River where he received his associate’s degree with honors. Colby received the Honorable Academic Achievement award with a GPA of 3.9 or higher. He was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He then went on to the College of the Ozarks and received a bachelor’s degree in history. College of the Ozarks was very special to Colby. He was surrounded by a great group of young adults and professors. When Colby first started attending the College of the Ozarks, he worked on campus in landscaping. He hated it at first but grew to love it and stayed on the landscaping crew until graduation. Colby was employed by the Independence School District (Luff Elementary) where he was a Paraprofessional. Colby had worked there for three years and just signed his letter of intent to return to Luff for the 2026-2027 school year. He absolutely loved the kids and staff at Luff. Colby is survived by his mom Julie Daugherty Starnes (Chris); dad James Davis; half-brothers Jaden and Henry Davis; his stepbrothers Aaron and Alex Starnes and stepsister Alyssa Starnes; his grandfather James Daugherty; grandmother Pat Leigh; aunt Jackie Watkins; uncle Don and aunt Gena Davis; cousins Austin (Morgan) Watkins, Morgan Watkins, Tristan Davis and second cousins Gabriella Watkins, Zander Watkins and Anthony Watkins. Colby also leaves behind his beloved dogs Dallas, Jack, Tensley, Ollie and Mollie. A Celebration of Colby’s life will take place from 5-7pm, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, Missouri 64133. Colby touched everyone he came into contact with. He was compassionate and loved his life. He loved the Lord. He will be greatly missed on this Earth however, God had bigger plans for him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the College of the Ozarks in memory of Colby Davis. To donate online, click the following link http://www.cofo.edu/Donate. Please put “In memory of Colby Davis” in the comment box. To donate by check/cash, please make check payable to College of the Ozarks, with “In memory of Colby Davis” on the memo line and mail to College of the Ozarks, Attn: Development Office, P. O. Box 17, Point Lookout, MO 65726.

Mary Anne Harper, 63, Dedicated Lenexa Elementary School Teacher

Mary Anne Harper, 63, of Lenexa, KS, passed away on February 27th, 2025 at Olathe Hospice House. Mary Anne enjoyed nature, going for walks, bird watching, and her pets. She dedicated her career to teaching elementary school, specifically first grade. Her teaching career touched the lives of many children and families. She was preceded in death by her father, David Isernhagen. Mary Anne is survived by her parents: Mary Lou & Ron Klein and Jill Isernhagen; sisters: Suzanne Johnson and Lisa McCluer; her three daughters and their husbands: Miranda & Ryan Stamer, Jenny & Chris Constant, and Kelsey & Danny Sheeran. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Everett Stamer, Norah Stamer, Mabrey Stamer, and Olivia Sheeran. Memorial contributions are suggested to Olathe Hospice House, whose care was so meaningful to her and her family in her last couple of weeks. Donations by phone: 913-791-4216 Donations by mail (write in check memo section “Hospice House”): Olathe Health Charitable Foundation 20375 W 151st St., Suite 363 Olathe, KS 66061

Patricia Ann Copeland, 84, Longtime Overland Park Bowling League Director

Patricia Ann Copeland, 84, passed away peacefully at St. Lukes Hospice House in Kansas City Missouri on Saturday May 30, 2026. Pat was born January 24, 1942 in Albuquerque New Mexico to Bill and Melba Murphy. As a young child she moved frequently due to her father working for the government in various Civil Aeronautics Administration positions. She also lived in Fort Worth Texas, Lima Peru South America, Washington DC, and returned to the Kansas City area around the age of 13. In 1957 she married Rex Gifford, they lived in the Johnson County KS area and had 2 children, Ron and Rhonda. She married Eric Swanson in 1971, they lived in Raymore, MO and adopted a newborn girl, Angela. She married Jerry Copeland in 1987, they lived in Lees Summit, MO where they raised Angela and 3 granddaughters, Melba, Olivia and Patsy. She was married to Jerry for 36 years until his death December 3, 2023. She worked at King Louie West in Overland Park, KS where she ran many bowling leagues and was a junior bowling coach. She also worked for the Kansas City Star as a newspaper carrier for many years. Pat had an infectious laugh and eyes that lit up when she smiled. She was a loving friend to many and had several “adopted” kids and grandkids. She is survived by her children, Ron (JoAnn) Gifford of Thornton, Colorado; Rhonda (Jack) Soutter of Liberty, MO; Angela (Darren) Snyder of Harrisonville, MO; 7 grandchildren, Tony (Jazmin) Gifford: Brian (Marilee) Gifford; Joey (Katie) Soutter; Kevin (Taylor) Soutter; Melba (Matt Belgrave) Swanson; Patsy Swanson; Olivia Swanson; 6 great-grandsons, Kai Belgrave, Anthony Gifford, Emiliano Gifford, Theo Soutter, Ben Soutter and Daniel Soutter. A visitation will take place Monday June 8, 2026, 11am to 1pm at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO. Private burial will take place at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO where she will be placed with her late husband Gerald (Jerry) Copeland.

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