Bates County News

Monday, April 6, 2026

Ida Kaufman, 73, of Merwin, Missouri

Ida Kaufman, 73 of Merwin, Missouri passed away April 2, 2026 at her home in Merwin.  A visitation will be held 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400).  Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Thursday, April 9, 2026, also at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in West Point Cemetery, Amsterdam, Missouri.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Bates County Toys for Tykes.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mulllinaxfuneralhome.com.

Ida Belle Kaufman was born on June 10, 1952, in Worland, to Harry and Olinea Wisdom.

On June 27, 1970, Ida married the love of her life, Roger Kaufman. Together they built a life and a home in Merwin, where their roots ran deep and their family grew strong.
She worked for Bass Busters in Amsterdam from 1975 until 1993, when the company closed its doors. She later continued her career at Peterson Manufacturing from 1994 until her retirement in 2024—a testament to her dedication, work ethic, and strength.

Ida found joy in life’s simple, beautiful moments. She loved watching her soap operas, tending to her flower beds, and spending her time searching through antique shops, junk stores, and garage sales—never passing one by. Those little adventures were some of her favorite things.
More than anything, Ida was the heart and soul of her family. She had an infectious laugh, a heart of gold, and a warmth that made everyone feel welcome. She loved deeply, gave freely, and held her family close.
Her presence filled every room, and her love will continue to live on in each of us.

 She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Roger Kaufman; her brothers, Marion, Shumway, Ricky, Charley, and Arthur Wisdom; her sisters, Lillie Hill, Nancy Schmidt, and Edith Kirby; and her great-grandchild, Rylee Woolery.

Ida is survived by her children, Angelia Wright and husband Kirk, and Roger “Ace” Kaufman, Jr. and wife Andrea. She is also survived by her sister, Susan Parker; her brothers, Homer and Harry Wisdom; her grandchildren, Devan and Marissa Hopkins, Samantha and Brenton Woolery, Tristen and Haylee Fair, Breana Burkhart, Adam Burkhart, and Madison Harris; and 17 great-grandchildren who were the light of her life. She also leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.



MInutes from the Bates County Commission meeting July 27th 2026

  Minutes from the Bates County Commission meeting July 27, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, N...