Our beloved mother, Nina Stafford, went to be with the Lord on October 2, 2020. She was born October 15, 1942 at Cheyenne, Wyoming to Ferd Ennis Toone and Willie Merle Johnson Toone. She was a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ and lived out her faith to all who knew her. She retired from teaching, but never stopped teaching. She started the West Plains Red Hat Chapter over 20 years ago, she was a member of the Library Club, volunteered both at OMC and Brooke Haven Healthcare. She loved to read, journal, shop, cook, travel, shoes and enjoyed conversations with her friends. She is dearly loved and will be missed beyond what words can express.
She is predeceased by her loving husband, Connie Stafford and her grandson, Tommy McLaughlin.
She is survived by her devoted daughters, Stacy Stafford (Jeff Barley) Stephanee (Joe) Valencia; two grandchildren, Ryan McLaughlin and Stacy Stafford-Pena; and three great-grandchildren.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to her nurse David Osborn. He went above and beyond in providing both excellent care and friendship to her.
Regretfully we are unable to have a service due to the recent outbreak of COVID. In lieu of flowers, we would respectfully request donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, Humane Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. All of these organizations were very dear to her heart and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775
Momma you’re on your eternal trip now, as we know your love of travel. May you find sweet rest in the arms of Jesus and soar on eagle’s wings, until we meet again.
Graveside services for Argie Lou Heinrich, 86, Mountain Home, Arkansas, formerly of Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Amy Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Heinrich passed away at 9:11 a.m., Sunday, September 27, 2020, at Conway Regional Medical Center, Conway, Arkansas.
She was born September 14, 1934, at Gamaliel, Arkansas, to Argol Rudolph Meeks and Cuba Pansy Davidson Meeks. On November 28, 1959, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Melvin E. Heinrich, who preceded her in death on May 8, 2015. She attended grade school at Gamaliel, Arkansas and graduated from Bakersfield High School. Argie had worked for thirteen years at International Shoe Factory and ten years at St. Regis Paper Bag Company in Kansas City, Missouri; she was also a homemaker and enjoyed helping on the family’s farm. She loved her grandchildren and was a strong Christian woman.
She is survived by her son, Chris Runion and fiancé, Spring Newton, Branson, Missouri; four grandchildren, Scott Runion and fiancé Angelina Romine, Brittany Helms, Katrina Brinkley and husband, Caleb and Mikeala Runion; five great-grandchildren, Berkley and Brayson Helms and Eli, Justin and Belle Runion; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, and two brothers, Harold and Tommy Meeks, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Heinrich will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Paragould Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Dr. C. Franklin Smith, 86, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:40 a.m., Sunday, September 20, 2020, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.
Claude Franklin Smith was born on March 19, 1934 in Fremont, Missouri, the fifth son of Leonard and Leetia (Hall) Smith. He grew up on the family farm where there was no running water or electricity until his high school years. He graduated as Valedictorian from Fremont High School in 1952 in a graduating class of 10 people. He attended the University of Missouri from 1952-1956, graduating with a B.A. in Chemistry and attended the University of Missouri Medical School from 1956-1960 where he graduated with a Doctorate of Medicine. He married Peggy Maupin Smith in 1954 after proposing to her during her senior year of high school. Frank and Peggy were introduced by Peggy’s mother, Della and Frank’s sister-in-law, Jean. To this union 6 children were born. Frank entered the service and served in the Army Medical Corps from 1960-1964 after which he moved his family to Willow Springs, Missouri to begin practicing medicine as a G.P. with Dr. Miller. When Dr. Miller retired, Dr. Smith assumed the practice. During his 47-year career, he delivered over 3,500 babies, worked as a general surgeon and served the wide rural area around Willow Springs. Dr. Smith would often be on-call 24-hours daily, seeing patients after hours in his clinic as needed and making house calls. He even once made a house call 90 miles away in Springfield, Missouri! A local West Plains nursing home, Brook Haven, named a wing in his honor and in Willow Springs a ball field bears his name. He also served as Medical Director at Willow Care Nursing Home. He had many community connections: Willow Springs Rotary Club, Willow Springs Masonic Lodge, 32nd Degree Mason, Long-Time School Board President at Willow Springs, Team Doctor for the Willow Springs Football Team, Shriner with Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque. Through his career in medicine and his community involvement, he was able to share in family moments in a unique way: he handed his daughter Becky her nursing cap, he delivered two of his children and many of his grandchildren. Following the death of his first wife, Frank married long-time friend Dorothy Treaster Smith on April 30, 2005. They had 15 years of marriage together and Frank often told of the joy she brought to his later years, having never exchanged a harsh word during their time together. He was a compassionate and caring individual with a kind-heart and a patient soul. Frank was a quiet man of faith leading by example first to his younger brother and then of course to his children. He even preached at a couple of churches as a part of the M.U. Wesley Foundation while in college. Frank loved to play hymns on the piano and sing, as well as playing many other instruments including: dulcimer, accordion, harmonica and banjo. He enjoyed playing golf and watching sports. He was a craftsman enjoying woodworking, string art and stained glass art as well. He enjoyed traveling, taking his family on many exciting vacations beginning with his own children, a station wagon and a pop-up trailer. He also went to Hawaii, Spain, Germany, Cancun, Thailand, Ireland and on an Alaskan cruise. He was even a pilot and flew a small airplane. He also had a motorboat and enjoyed time on the water with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; five children, Angela Smith, Becky Dilks and husband, Bob, Nancy Lovan and husband, Martin, Lee Smith and wife, Mary, and Lance Smith and wife, Sandy; eleven grandchildren, Nathan Smith, Oliver Dilks, Rachael Dilks, Richard Smith, Emily Pipes, Austin Lovan, Thomas Smith, Lauren DiSalvo, Jared Lovan, Lacey Hoorman and Landen Smith; and five great-grandchildren, Mason, Ryan, Lillian, Rosalee and Remington; and one brother, Owen Smith and wife, Carol.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife of forty-nine years, Peggy Smith, his daughter, Hollis Smith and four brothers.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Dr. Smith will lie in state from 10:00 a.m., until 12:00 Noon, Saturday, October 3, 2020 at the Langston Chapel of Robertson Drago Funeral Home; all are welcome to attend in celebration of Dr. C. Franklin Smith’s life. A private family graveside service will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Pastor David Lovan will officiate the ceremony. Memorial contributions can be sent to one of his favorite charities, Navajo School Foundation,15695 S CR 210 Altus, OK 73521 and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Helen Maxine York, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 4, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. York passed away at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, October 1, 2020, at NHC Healthcare, with her husband, Fred, at her side.
Helen Maxine Flottman was born June 10, 1928 in Blackwell, Oklahoma. She graduated from Arkansas City Kansas High School in 1945. She worked at Kanotex refinery as a switchboard operator and stenographer until she married Fred York on March 5, 1947. After living in Kansas, California, Louisiana and South America, they moved to Missouri in 1970. Helen was of Northern Baptist Faith.
She is survived by her husband, Fred York; three children, Linda York Greer and husband, Dorance, Rock Hill, South Carolina, Gary York and wife, Regina, West Plains, Missouri and Amy Iven and husband, Dean, St. Charles, Missouri; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
Helen’s parents, Jack and Estelle Flottman, preceded her in death in 1967.
Graveside services for Sam Wilborn, 96, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 5, 2020 at Mackey Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Wilborn passed away at 7:48 p.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at West Vue Nursing Center.
He was born August 24, 1924, at Alvord, Texas, to William Ervin and Savanna Nora Gosset Wilborn. He was educated in the local schools graduating from Alvord High School in 1942. Mr. Wilborn was a veteran, serving with the United States Army during WWII in the Pacific Theatre, 77th Infantry and the 11th Airborne Division. He was also with the occupation forces in Japan. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1951 and was employed with Massey-Ferguson, Inc. in Dallas, Texas. He was employed in sales and as District Manager. On May 4, 1962, he was married at Dallas, Texas, to Miss Helen Stoke from West Plains, Missouri. Due to his business transfers, the couple lived in several locations in Texas. He retired in Austin, where he devoted time in volunteer work and was very active in the Senior Bowling League and spent time traveling both at home and abroad. He moved to West Plains with his wife in 2001 and made their home at Pleasant Valley Village. Mr. Wilborn was involved in volunteer work and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Helen Wilborn; two nephews, R. D. (Bob) Wilborn and William Craig Wilborn; and one niece, Barbara Schmitt.
His parents and two brothers, William Truett Wilborn and Edgar Dewitt Wilborn, preceded him in death.
Funeral services for Velma Jean Thompson, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Thompson passed away at 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born March 17, 1928, at Sycamore, Missouri, to George William Russell and Lois R. Luna Russell. On August 7, 1948, she was married at West Plains, to Charles James Thompson, who preceded her in death on January 9, 2006. Jean enjoyed gardening and flowers. Mrs. Thompson was a member of Curry Street Church of Christ.
She is survived by two daughters, Margaret Looney and Janet Thompson; one grandson, Nathan Looney and wife, Laura; one great-grandchild, Bennett C.J. Looney; and one niece, Peggy Wild.
Her parents, husband and two sisters, Genelle Warden and Jewel Luna, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Regional Animal Shelter and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
James Allen Johnson was born September 1, 1967, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Delora Skinner Johnson and Joseph Johnson.
He passed away unexpectedly on September 25, 2020.
James’ profession was in brick masonry up until a back surgery. Construction and automotive work were also two of his passions. Anything he could take apart, he could put back together.
He loved his own projects at home and working with his son. He was always the first to help his family and friends. His big welcoming smile will be remembered and missed every day. What he loved the most were his kids, fiancée, friends and animals.
He is survived by his children, Cody Johnson, Valerie Johnson and Chris Neal; his fiancée Tammie Henson; brothers, Joe Johnson, George Johnson, Louie Perkins, Bob Perkins and Bill Perkins; sisters: Dorthy Jean, Ruth Ann Perkins; along with many other aunts, uncles and cousins he also loved dearly.
A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2, at Galloway Park in West Plains, Missouri.
Arrangements under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Christine Marie Tharp, 67, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 1, 2020, at Mt. Prairie Hollow Wildlife Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
At 67 years old, Christine Marie Tharp has completed her work on earth as she went home to be with the Lord at 11:29 a.m., Sunday, September 27, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born July 5, 1953, at Davenport, Iowa, to Charles William Neal and Florence Louise Livingston Neal. On March 1st, 1979, she married her first love, Roger Adolphson. They remained married until his passing on April 30th, 2006. Later Christine remarried to Buck Tharp, on May 22nd, 2010. Chris was an avid church goer, and most recently attended Shiloh Baptist Church in Rover, MO. Christine loved to sing and attend church functions. She absolutely loved to travel, one of her favorite places being Hawaii. Everyone who knew Christine, knew that she had a soft spot for wildlife and would often do anything she could to nurture an injured animal back to health. More than anything though, she loved her family deeply, especially her many grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Buck Tharp; eleven children, Jason Adolphson and wife, Katherine, Felicia Adolphson, Eric Adolphson, Jennifer Eytcheson and husband, William, Tamara Bogan and husband, Jeremy, Kyle Adolphson and wife, Anne, Lucas Adolphson and wife, Chelsea, Sean Adolphson and wife, Erica, Quintin Adolphson, Meghan Johnson and husband Mike, Justin Adolphson and many grandchildren.
Her parents, first husband, Roger Adolphson, two sons, Christopher and Gabriel and one sister, Carol Neal, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main Street, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Robert Gideon Morrison II, 60, Edmond, Oklahoma, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 3, 2020, at Howell Valley Cemetery.
Mr. Morrison passed away Monday, July 6, 2020. He was a cherished son, adored father and grandfather, faithful brother and friend.
He was born February 7, 1960 at MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL, to Robert Gideon Morrison and Shirley Underhill Morrison. Bob earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma University in 1981. He worked at Tinker AFB as an Aeronautical Engineer for over 35 years, acting as project leader on a variety of high profile programs, including Air Force One. Bob loved a good adventure, sharing travel, camping, fishing, shooting sports and skiing with his family and friends. Community service was important to Bob. He served as a Red Cross volunteer, a Little League coach, a scout leader and was a life-long supporter of Boy’s Ranch.
He is survived by his mother, Shirley Morrison, Edmond, Oklahoma; son, Zachary Morrison and wife, Emily; grandson, Louis, Houston, Texas; step-son Jeremy Elam, Midwest City, Oklahoma; and two sisters, Lori Harris and husband, Sid, Prairies Grove, Arkansas and Tina Krysiak and husband, Rick Krysiak, Dayton, Ohio.
Graveside services for Mearl Harris, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Harris passed away at 2:57 p.m., Thursday, September 24, 2020, at West Vue Nursing Center.
He was born September 3, 1931, at Elijah, Missouri, to John Harris and Ola Roberts Harris. On December 27, 1951, he was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Louise Blankenship. Mr. Harris was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy. He worked at International Shoe Factory for seventeen years and Herrman Lumber Company for over twenty years. Mearl enjoyed gardening, camping, traveling and long drives. Mr. Harris was a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ where he had served as Elder for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Louise Harris; one son, Ronnie Harris and wife, Doris; four grandchildren, Tracy Johnson and husband, Mike, Melissa Givens and husband, Carl, John Randall Harris and wife, Emily and Alicia Pulley and husband, David; six great-grandchildren, Brett Johnson, Logan Johnson and wife, Kaitlyn, Cody Givens and wife, Kelsey, Kylie Givens, Finley Pulley, McKayla Pulley and one on the way, Aspen Harris; nine great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Randall Harris, one great-granddaughter, Chelsea Johnson, two brothers, Earl and Everett Harris and two sisters, Hazel Henry and Rachel Hensley, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Betty Jo Huddleston, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 27, 2020 at Elk Creek Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
At 86 years old, Betty’s work here on earth is now complete and God called her home on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri. While they will miss her greatly, Betty’s family and friends will hold dear to countless memories of her.
She was born November 29, 1933, to Floyd Lester Gannon and Delma Lorine McLellan Gannon. Betty grew up in West Plains and was a member of the 1951 graduating class at West Plains High School. On July 25, 1953, just shy of her 20th birthday, Betty married the love of her life, Lester Huddleston. She and Lester enjoyed 45 years of marriage until his passing in 1998. Throughout her life, Betty found ways to help others. She was thoughtful and generous, known to share whatever she had with others. She was an excellent cook, an accomplished seamstress and very creative with crafting and handiwork. Many friends and family members have pillows, cards, pictures and other items that were both designed and handmade by Betty. In her late years, Betty developed a writing ‘ministry.’ She wrote to widows, shut-ins and others often. Betty wrote as many as 40 cards and letters per month. Her friends would say Betty’s letters would always lift them and brighten their day. One lady told Betty that just when she was about to give up, she would get a letter from Betty, cheering her on. Betty accepted Jesus as her Savior at an early age and in her later years as she was able, she attended Victoria Mission Church where she was a member. Six months ago, she became a resident of Pleasant Valley Manor in West Plains. Betty mentioned daily how she loved everyone there. It seems God meant for her to be there, to encourage and help brighten the lives of other residents and staff. In fact, she often commented, even then, “God’s got a plan” and indeed, he did have.
Loved and cherished as Grandma Bet, Grammy, Grandma, Betty’s life was enriched over the past 12 years with the blessing of seven great-grandchildren: Emma, Elijah and Ellie Trantham; Hudson and Cason Patillo and Jackson and Elim Huddleston. Betty always had a drawer filled with candy for her seven greats. The candy drawer is just one of the many delightful memories these young ones will carry forward. The parents of these seven greats (Betty’s beloved grandchildren) are Ashley Patillo and husband, Trapper, West Plains, Amy Trantham and husband, Andy, Alton, Missouri and Nathan Huddleston and wife, Steph, Koshkonong, Missouri. Loved and cherished as mom, sister and friend, Betty is also survived by her son, Lyndell Huddleston and wife, Nancy, West Plains and daughter, Rita Jackson and husband, Phil, Springfield, Missouri; a beloved brother, Jack Gannon and wife, Rosalyn, New Market, Maryland; and sister-in-law, Shirley Gannon, West Plains.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, Frank Gannon and Don Gannon and an infant sister, Dorothy
“Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11, KJV
The family would like to thank the staff and employees of Pleasant Valley Manor for their excellent care of mom for the last 6 months, and also the medical staff at Cox Medical Center South.
Mrs. Huddleston will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon Bible Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A Memorial Service for Darrell W. Wilson, Sr., 49, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, September 15, 2020, at Hammond’s Mill.
Mr. Wilson passed away at 8:09 p.m., Sunday, September 13, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born October 11, 1970, to Boyd James Wilson and Lillie May Lone Wilson. Darrell was a wonderful father, an amazing mechanic and beloved friend to all.
He is survived by his life partner, April Hackney, of the family home; five children, Diana Griffith and husband, Kevin, Amy Swanson and husband, Chris, James Wilson and fiancé, Nina Young, Darrell Wilson, Jr. and Jasper Wilson, all of West Plains; two step-children, Jessica Hackney and Kristin Rose; eleven grandchildren, Lacy, Leanna, Boyd, Kelsey, Chloe, Ben, Annabelle, Anastasia, Renezaliegh, Braxton and J ace; his former wife, Tammy Wilson, Mountain Home, Arkansas; one brother, Daniel Wilson, Lakeland, Florida; one sister, Barbara Rouse and husband, Earl, Lakeland, Florida; his special friend who was like a brother, Matt Wimberley and wife, Crystal, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
Jerry Wayne Strawn, 75, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 1:20 a.m., Sunday, September 6, 2020, at his home.
He was born April 24, 1945, at Trenton, Michigan, to Allen Strawn and Lura Belle Neeley Strawn. On July 31, 1989, he was married at West Plains, to Joy Wade. Mr. Strawn was a veteran, having served with the United States Army in Vietnam. Before his retirement he was a truck driver and enjoyed fishing, hunting and woodworking.
He is survived by his wife, Joy Strawn, of the family home; four children, Jerry Willis Clyde Strawn and wife, Michelle, Jordan Strawn and wife, Ashley, Jeremiah Norsworthy and wife, Karey and Jonathan Bach, all of West Plains; and six grandchildren.
His parents preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Monty Kim Camden, 65, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:10 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 2020, at his home.
He was born November 2, 1954, at West Plains, Missouri, to Denver Noah Camden and Loeta Ilene Decker Camden. Monty loved to ride his bike and anything that went fast. He especially loved his grandson, Jase and his daughter, Hanna. He enjoyed hunting and taking Jase fishing.
He is survived by his daughter, Hanna Martin and husband, Mikey; two grandchildren and one on the way, Jase and Justus; two sisters, Pamela Snelson and Sally Bush; his aunts and uncle, Joe Decker and wife, Connie and Juanita Decker; several nieces and nephews; and his best friends, David Fox, Tommy Gale and all of his brothers at Kinsmen M.C.
His parents, three uncles, J. D. Decker, Gary Lee Decker and Ronnie Decker and his best friend, Hippo Warren, preceded him in death.
Family and friends may pay their respects from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Patrick John (PJ) Lally, 68, Bakersfield, Missouri, passed away at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, September 20, 2020 at his home, with his wife and son by his side.
He was born June 29, 1952, at Chicago, Illinois, to Patrick John Lally, Sr. and Bridget Agnes Lally. On September 2, 1980, he was married at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Karla Jo Smith. PJ was a hardworking man; he has been painting and doing drywall since he was a young man. He lived in Bakersfield, Missouri with his wife, Karla. PJ enjoyed playing softball at Odd Fellows Park with his friends. He also loved watching his family and son play sports. He was a true fan of Kansas City Chiefs and Cardinals. PJ spent a great deal of his life outdoors; he had a passion for fishing and the water, both he shared with his son, Levi. He will be remembered as being a caring husband, father, uncle and papa. PJ was a strong man who always provided for his family. He was a friend to many and was always there to help anyone in need.
He is survived by his wife, Karla Jo Smith; his son, Levi Trent Wilson Lally and girlfriend, Yancey Pry; two grandchildren, Victoria Belt and husband, Corey and Jessie Burris; two great-grandchildren, Millie and Bruce Belt; seven siblings, Tom Lally, Mary Ellen White, Kathy Whitmere and husband, Charles, Terry Lally and wife, Kathy, Marty Lally, Micheal Lally and wife, Brigette and Brian Lally; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, two brothers, Kevin and Jimmy Lally and brother-in-law, Kevin White, preceded him in death.
Mr. Lally will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Bessie Louise Busbey, 82, Peace Valley, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 25, 2020 at Bennett Chapel Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Busbey passed away at 12:12 p.m., Monday, September 21, 2020, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born May 7, 1938, at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Herbert Eugene White Reid and Olive Bonnie Brixey Reid. On September 6, 1956, she was married at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Willie Busbey, who preceded her in death on July 24, 2003. She loved to cook for anyone and everyone that entered her home. Her job was to worry for everyone. She loved her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.
She is survived by three children, Barbara Smotherman and husband, Chuck, Birch Tree, Missouri, Brenda Moncrief and husband, Monroe, West Plains and Carl Denis Busbey and special friend, Irene, Peace Valley, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Suwaba Johnson and husband, Chris, Cricket Wallander, Reina McCullough and husband, Ronnie, Retha Rickman and husband, William, Bobbi Ann Busbey, Kelsey Nelson and husband, Leon, Doug Wallander, Bryan Tharp and Chasidy Davis and husband, Jared; seventeen great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; five brothers, Tom Reid and wife, Mary, Peace Valley, Ted Reid and wife, Barbara, Peace Valley, Jim Reid and wife, Sharon, Peace Valley, Don Reid and wife, Lisa, Caulfield, Missouri and Kim Reid and wife Christy, Peace Valley; many nieces and nephews; and good friends, Gary Wallace, Stephanie Campbell, Leslie Altermat and Jessica Spence.
Her parents, husband, one son, Calvin Busbey, two brothers, John and Robert (Butch) Reid, one sister, Wilma Jewell, and infant brother and sister, David and Nora, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Busbey will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Marie Owens, 88, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 7:00 a.m., Monday, September 21, 2020, at her home.
She was born January 24, 1932, at West Plains, Missouri, to Wilber Shook and Beulah Brixey Shook. On April 9, 1949, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Joseph Otto Owens, who preceded her in death on September 5, 2007. Mrs. Owens loved biking and painting and. She was a hard working woman and was a chainsaw champion.
She is survived by three children, Sandra Charlene Haven, Rick Owens and his significant other, Linda and Kim Marie Smith and husband, Jonathan, all of West Plains; three grandchildren, Jennifer Poor and husband, Jason, Harley Joe Owens and Erin Marie Smith; two great-grandchildren, Cooper and Madalyn Poor; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband and one brother, Jr. Shook, preceded her in death.
A private burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. The family will announce a Celebration of Life Service at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Senior Citizens Center and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main St., West Plains, MO 65775.
Stanley Raymond Jeffery, 71, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 11:29 p.m., Friday, September 18, 2020, at his home.
He was born November 13, 1948, at Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Robert Jeffery and Ruby Whitcomb Jeffery. On September 4, 1970, he was married at West Plains, to Jan Emerick. Stan loved the Lord and his family. He enjoyed raising rabbits and pigeons.
He is survived by his wife, Jan Jeffery, of the family home; three children, Jay Jeffery and wife, Linda, Amy Murphy and husband, Ray and Holly Hawkins and husband, Dustin, all of West Plains; seven grandchildren, Camdon, Lakelen, Hayden, Eli, Tucker, Maylee and Reed; one sister, Kay Jeffery, Davis, California; one brother-in-law, Norman Emerick and wife, Marilyn, Galesburg, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews.
No memorial service will be held; Stan will be cremated per his instructions. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Ozarks Medical Center Cancer Treatment Center in honor of Stan’s daughter, Holly, who is a cancer survivor and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Ruth Ann Klingler, 65, The Colony, Texas, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Klingler passed away at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at Carrollton Regional Medical Center, Carrollton, Texas.
She was born April 29, 1955, at Tacoma, Washington, to Ian Lynn Sympson and Doris Hutchens Sympson. Ruth graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1973. On August 21, 1976, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Gary Klingler. Family was very important to Ruth. She enjoyed family history, researching Ozark County history and playing the piano.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Klingler, of the family home; two children, David Klingler and wife, Esther, Midland, Virginia and Adam Klingler and wife, Julie, Lewisville, Texas; one granddaughter, Lisa Klingler; her mother, Doris Sympson, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Barbara Freeman and husband, Ron, Dora, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Lanetta Rowley and husband, Steve, Guthrie, Oklahoma and Judy Murray, West Plains; three nephews, Justin Freeman and wife, Alison, Brett Freeman and wife, Jessica and Andrew Rowley; one niece, Janet Williams and husband, Matthew; and one aunt, Carol Scaggs and husband, Ronnie, State of Illinois.
Her father, Ian Sympson and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Herman and Irene Klingler, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Klingler will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775
A private memorial service will be held at a later date for Kenneth Earl Wood, Sr., 87, West Plains, Missouri.
Mr. Wood passed away at 3:35 a.m., Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born December 15, 1932, at Pomona, Missouri, to Elmer John Wood and Olive Shadwell Wood. On November 23, 1956, he was married to Margie Eudy, who preceded him in death on September 13, 1969. On December 20, 1975, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Ruth Belcher. They shared forty-five wonderful years together. Mr. Wood was a plant foreman at Ozark Asphalt Co. for thirty-eight years. He enjoyed woodworking and working on his farm.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Wood, of the family home; five children, Carolyn Driscoll and husband, Terry, Anniston, Alabama, Patricia Milburn, Youngsville, North Carolina, Sheryl Emery, West Plains, Kenneth Wood, Jr. and wife, Glenda, Pottersville, Missouri and Scott Wood and wife, Bobbie Jo, West Plains; four step-children, Robbie Collins and wife, Marlena, Richard Collins and wife, Sue Lynn, Charlotte Adkisson and husband, Randy and Susan Hisel and husband, Joe, all of West Plains; eight grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two brothers, Neil Wood and wife, Edith and Junior Wood; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, first wife, Margie Eudy Wood, four sisters, Nellie (infant), Evelyn Burgess, Virginia Rittmiller and June Fitzpatrick, one brother, Raymond Wood and two sons-in-law, Garry Emery and Dan Milburn, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.