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Graveside services for Steven Ray Sinclair, 64, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Elk Creek Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Sinclair passed away at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Shady Oaks Health Care, Thayer, Missouri. 

He was born October 5, 1960, at West Plains, Missouri, to Omrie Sinclair and Alice Mardell Showalter Sinclair.  Before his retirement, he worked at International Shoe Factory, Amyx Manufacturing and Invensys.  He spent his life living and working on the family farm.  He was very interested in genealogy and spent many hours researching his family history.  He also enjoyed camping, gardening, riding ATV’s and spending time with family.  Mr. Sinclair attended Elk Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by one brother, Martin Sinclair and wife, Cindy, West Plains; one sister, Kathy Andrews and husband, Gary, West Plains; one brother-in-law, Ronnie Falwell; nieces and nephews, Rhonda Sanders, Michael Falwell, Christy Harris, Alicia Gunter, Randall Ballard, Donna Ballard, Tara McFarland, Cody Collins and Raven Collins; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. 

His parents, two sisters, Jeanne Falwell and Carol Ballard and her husband, Marvin, one niece, Marvet Ballard and three nephews, Duane Ballard, Charles Falwell and Floyd Andrews, preceded him in death.  

Memorial contributions may be made to Elk Creek Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Funeral services for Dwane Bradley Cotter, 90, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Cotter passed away at 3:38 p.m., Friday, November 15, 2024, at his home.

He was born on October 23, 1934, in Viola, Arkansas to Okus and Lucy (Burns) Cotter. He met the love of his life in 1962 when their eyes met across the road as he was standing beside his red 1955 Ford convertible, and they both said it was like electricity arced between them. Ask mom about their first kiss. He married the love of his life, Linda Lair, on May 23, 1964, and they shared 60 wonderful, happy years together.  Dwane served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. His stories about driving a bus down the road from Pikes Peak in Colorado was terrifying, but apparently impressed his Captain enough that they gave him his license to drive a bus, much to his dismay. Dwane traveled a lot in his young years and love to tell his children stories of the places he had been. He had many jobs through the years, but his job as a carpenter and a woodworker is how he was best known. He built and remodeled many houses in the area and was a mentor to many. He loved his farm and being out in nature. When it snowed and the roads were bad, he could always find a reason why he needed to go to Bakersfield, even it was just to see if he could get there and back. When he was driving, if there was a car ahead of him on the road he was not satisfied until he caught up with it and passed it. We all learned to hold on tight.

Dwane is survived by his loving wife, Linda and their three children, Kim (Thom) of Jefferson City, Missouri; Brad (Megan) of Floral, Arkansas; and Tim (Melinda) of Ash Grove Missouri. Also surviving him are eight grandchildren: Kara (Jake); Katie; Shannon (Darren); Connor; Ciara; Chase; Leandra; and Torin. He was blessed with the best siblings: LeFreda Rowland; Jecquita Durham; Verlene Miller; Eudene Legg (Bob); Ewell (Pee Wee) Cotter (Patsy), as well as numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Dwane is preceded in death by his parents, Okus and Lucy Cotter; two brothers, Quintin and Garold Cotter; and three brothers-in-law, Larry Miller, Charlie Durham, and Jim Rowland.

Visitation services will be held from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Amy Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Amy Cemetery or Paragould Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Funeral services for Carroll Wayne Johnson, 99, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 15, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Johnson passed away at 2:15 a.m., Monday, November 11, 2024, at NHC HealthCare. 

He was born April 6, 1925, at Franklin, Nebraska, to Ray E. Johnson and Iris Edith Moon Johnson.  On March 15, 1946, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Dorothy Louise Baser, who preceded him in death on December 21, 2021.  Mr. Johnson was a veteran, having served with the United States Army during WWII where he was awarded a purple heart.  He also fought for his country in the Battle of the Bulge.  He enjoyed hunting, square dancing, ice cream, farming and he loved cats.  For many years he enjoyed playing pitch at the White Church store, but his favorite times were spent working.  Mr. Johnson was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved watching sports, especially when his kids or grandchildren were playing.  He was a Christian.

He is survived by one son, D.D. Johnson and significant other, Carol Freeman, Pomona,  Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Linda Johnson; four grandchildren, Kristi Lansdown and husband, Doug, Stephanie Johnson, Brandon Johnson and Schanda Steele and husband Mackenzie, all of West Plains; nine great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Jaylen, Katie, Rhiannon, Graysen, Van, Kaylee, Jadon and Amariah; six great-great-grandchildren and one on the way; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents, wife, one son, Gary W. Johnson, one grandson, Ronald Johnson and one twin brother, Darroll Johnson, preceded him in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Funeral services for Wayne Harold Hunter, 82, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Hunter passed away at 2:29 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center. 

He was born September 29, 1942, to Harold and Rose Hunter.  Before his retirement, Mr. Hunter was a high school teacher.  He enjoyed gardening, poetry and being outdoors.  Mr. Hunter was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by three children, Cynthia Hunter, Kenneth Hunter and Mark Hunter; five grandchildren; one brother, Gene Hunter; one sister, Evelyn Chevalier; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents and two brothers, Allen and Bruce Hunter, preceded him in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Thursday, at the First Presbyterian Church.  Burial will be in Howell Valley Cemetery. 

Funeral services for Carol Ann (Tootie) Hartog, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   

She was born August 18, 1943 to James and Gladys (Kruger) Egan in Ellsworth, Minnesota.  Mrs. Hartog passed away Friday, November 8, 2024, in the Cardiac ICU at Cox Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.  She graduated from Luverne Minnesota High School in 1962.  She lived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and worked in clothing retail until she met and married John Hartog on March 6, 1964.  To this union two daughters were born; Linda Marie Hartog and Lisa Ann (Hartog) Aksamit.  Tootie and John lived in Adrian, Minnesota for many decades.  She was an extremely hard worker.  She worked in a Bakery along with helping her friend, Elaine, clean rooms at Elaine’s Adrian Hotel.  She also was a waitress at the local steak house.  She and John also had what we called “The popcorn wagon” which in today’s world would be a Food Truck.  The popcorn wagon sat at the Adrian Ballpark all summer and into the fall tournaments.  They also took the Popcorn wagon to county and state fairs.  Tootie’s mother also had a larger popcorn wagon in which she and Tootie made caramel corn and caramel apples from scratch.  Together they would go anywhere that needed a mobile food truck including horse shows and auctions.  In 1978 she and John bought their first restaurant in Roc Rapids, Iowa.  Carol drove the 40 miles back and forth everyday to run the restaurant until the Adrian Home Café became available.  Her talent at cooking became well known in the area.  She operated the Home Café until John, who worked at the Safeway Egg plant in Adrian, was relocated to Emporia, Kansas and then finally to West Plains, Missouri to be the maintenance manager for Safeway Charcoal plant that was built on ZZ highway in 1983.  In West Plains Tootie cleaned homes and would bartend.  She then became the manager of the Bargain Mart.  Eventually she and John had the opportunity to purchase the Bargain Mart and changed the name to the Bargain Shop.  She operated the Bargain Shop for a couple of years but her love for cooking and making people happy from her cooking was calling her.  In 1990 Helen’s Hickory House became available and she and John purchased the restaurant and changed the name to TJ’s Hickory House.  It became the place to go in West Plains known for Tootie’s amazing cooking and her giant personality.  The restaurant was a staple for over 30 years.  Even a fire in 1998 that nearly destroyed the entire building couldn’t stop the popularity of TJ’s.  John rebuilt the restaurant and Tootie brought it back better and stronger than ever.  Tootie was not only known for her amazing cooking but for her generosity and compassion.  Everybody who met Tootie grew to love and respect her.  She will be greatly missed by all, especially her family.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, John Hartog, of the family home; her oldest daughter and “ride or die”, Linda Hartog, West Plains; her youngest daughter, Lisa Aksamit and husband, Tony, Duenweg, Missouri; three grandchildren, Josh (Alexis) Aksamit, Republic, Missouri, Amanda (Jared) Loewenberg, Republic, Missouri and Carlie Aksamit (Garrett Klingler), Kansas City, Missouri; three great-grandchildren, Kinleigh Harring, West Plains, Lilly Duncan, Republic, Missouri and Quinn Loewenberg, Republic, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews and cousins who all loved her dearly in Minnesota. 

Her parents, Jim and Gert Egan, her precious grandson, Creighton Harring, two brothers, James Egan and Jerome Egan, one sister, Marilyn Goembel and her in-laws, Klaus and Sena (Heckor) Hartog, preceded her in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, in Langston Street Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Ralph Burnett Scholarship, Elks Lodge or National Diabetes Foundation and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Funeral services for Euva Louise Dodson, 88, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Dodson passed away at 4:43 p.m., Friday, November 8, 2024, at Brooke Haven Healthcare. 

She was born January 12, 1936, in Ozark County, Missouri, to Elva Blair and Cousby Shanks Blair.  On March 14, 1953, she was married at Gainesville, Missouri, to Ward Benton Dodson, who preceded her in death on March 8, 1994.  Before her retirement, Euva worked in the meat department at Price Chopper (now known as 10 Box).  She enjoyed working in her yard, baking cookies, going to Roy’s Store on Friday nights and after church on Sundays.  Mrs. Dodson loved her family, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  She was a member of Dawt Church of Christ for over thirty years.

She is survived by two daughters, Pam Trail, Dora, Missouri and Teresa Owens and husband, Bruce, Tecumseh,  Missouri; three grandchildren, Scott Trail and wife, Sherri, Dora, Missouri, Melissa Tilley, Mountain Home, Arkansas and Shelley Johnson and husband, Brad, Tecumseh; two step-grandchildren, Chris Owens and wife, Amy, Seymour, Missouri and Casey Owens and fiancé Erica, Springfield, Missouri; seven great-grandchildren, Kayla Trail, Cody Tilley (Kayla Tilley), Kyle Tilley, Andrea Trail (Nick Wellington), Kaitlyn Decker (Elijah), Justin Trail and Jordan Johnson; nine great-great-grandchildren, Zandrea Trail, Khloe, Kiley, Colter and Lilyan Tilley, Amelia and Avery Decker and Kinzley and Kennedy Wellington; one brother, Bernis Blair, Pontiac, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, one son-in-law, Glendell Trail, one sister, Alene Mayberry, one sister-in-law, Nina Blair and special friend, Wanda Martin, preceded her in death.  

Mrs. Dodson will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in James Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to James Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

A Celebration of Life Service for Marcia Lyn Johnson, 73, Dora, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Johnson went to her eternal reward with her Lord and Saviour Jesus at 7:08 a.m., Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at her home. 

She was born May 30, 1951, at Monticello, Illinois, to Marlon and Doris White.  She was the oldest of four children.  Marcia graduated with the class of 1969 from Deland-Weldon High School in Illinois.  Her love of flying with her dad, who was a co-owner of a small plane, led to her pursuit of becoming a stewardess for TWA, flying international from New York City.  Her marriage to neighboring high school boyfriend, Douglas Johnson, on September 3, 1972, eventually grounded her to becoming a homemaker and mother of five children whom she dearly loved. 

She is survived by her husband, Douglas Johnson; five children, Tamra (Darren) Barnes, Teah (Zach) Richey, Christi (Scott) Sikora, Jeremy (Jamie) Johnson and Benjamin (Leslie) Johnson; she was rewarded with ten grandchildren to love on; and her siblings, Karen Widman, Lori (Jim) Earnhart and Mike (Audra) White.

Her love of children led her to being a children’s Sunday School and V.B.S. teacher for over 45 years.  Upon her husband’s retirement, a move from Farmer City, Illinois to Dora, Missouri gave her new adventures and friends, which she excelled in.  The love of God was her joy and strength.

Funeral services for George Wayne Halford, 94, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 10, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Halford passed away at 10:02 a.m., Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center. 

He was born April 14, 1930, at Udall, Missouri, to Isaac Newton Halford and Alta Kirkland Halford.  On September 19, 1951, he was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Udean Crawford, who preceded him in death on November 15, 2015.  Mr. Halford was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.  He was given national security clearance duty doing undercover work in the military.  Mr. Halford grew up in Udall and Bakersfield, Missouri; he moved to West Plains when his daughter entered 8^th grade.  He had worked at Halford’s Garage and Brad Guffey Chevrolet before he started a career at West Plains High School Vo-Tech as the auto mechanic instructor; he attended college and earned Master ASE certification and continued working at the school until his retirement in 1996.  He served on the Bakersfield School Board in the 1960’s was a member of the Lion’s Club.  In June, 1963, he became a member of the New Testament Church.  Mr. Halford was a member of the Church of Christ and attended Curry Street Church of Christ.

He is survived by one daughter, Amber Halford Milner and husband, David,  Henderson, Tennessee; two grandchildren, Matt Milner and wife, Cora, Dallas, Texas, Megan Soto and husband, Adam, Dallas, Texas; five great-grandchildren, Adalyn Grace Soto, Cade Larson Soto, Jacob Daniels, Oliver Daniels and Addy Mae Daniels; one sister, Shirley Grissom and husband, Bob, Merced, California; one brother, Lee Halford, Merced, California; one sister-in-law, Verlene Halford, West Plains, Missouri; one nephew, Regan Slater and wife, Linda, Paso Robles, California; and one niece, Deona Slater, Paso Robles, California. 

His parents, wife, one son, Danny Michael Halford, one brother, Onard Halford and one sister, Wanda Slater, preceded him in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Bakersfield Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Funeral services for Claris Eldon Russell, 85, Ozark, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Ball Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Russell passed away Monday, November 4, 2024, at his home. 

He was born April 23, 1939, at Dora, Missouri, at Dora, Missouri, to Clifford Russell and Dorothy Howard Russell.  On December 31, 1963, he was married at Sherman Oaks, California, to Judy Shelley.  Mr. Russell was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.  Before his retirement, Eldon worked for the United States Postal Service.  He enjoyed his farm and his cattle.  He loved to travel, see new places, going across country with Judy listening to Bluegrass.  Eldon was a kind, gentle man that everyone loved.  He loved his two granddaughters and three great-grandchildren.  Mr. Russell was a member of Ball Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Russell, of the family home; one daughter, Brenda Frealy and husband, Glenn, Ozark, Missouri; two granddaughters, Jennifer Waltz and husband, Sam and Amanda  Hutton and husband, Zach; three great-grandchildren, PennyLane, Paitlyn and Wyatt; and one niece, Sheila Smith. 

His parents and one sister, Betty Smith preceded him in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m., Saturday, at Ball Church of Christ.  Burial will be in Ball Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Ball Cemetery or Fair Have Children’s Home  may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Graveside services for Huey Paul Seilhan, 95, Rolla, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Bailey Chapel Cemetery, Alton, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home with military honors.    

Mr. Seilhan passed away peacefully on November 2, 2024. He was born in Iota, Louisiana on May 16, 1929. He was united in marriage to Bonnie Sisco on October 15, 1960, in Reno, Nevada, and they celebrated 60 wonderful years together. Bonnie preceded him in death on December 3, 2020. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Walter Seilhan and Ozemia Leger Seilhan, and several siblings. He is survived by one sister, Gloria Doskocil of Texas, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Huey served his country and was a proud United States Navy veteran. He served in World War II, receiving a WW II Victory Medal. He was a member of the Central Calvary Baptist Church. Huey was a former police officer in the State of California for many years, worked for a petroleum company, and worked in making rocket fuel. He was given an award for solving the issue with rocket fuel freezing in flight. Huey and Bonnie owned a resort on Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri for many years before retiring to Summersville, Missouri, farming cattle, and later moved to West Plains. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman. He loved making jokes and cutting up with those that he knew and met. Those that knew him loved his funniness, jokes, and his contagious smile. He will be deeply missed.

A visitation will be held prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Bailey Chapel Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Michael Joseph Barreda, 72, Willow Springs, Missouri, passed away October 31, 2024.

He was born September 8, 1952, at Brownsville, Texas.  He was a devoted husband to Katie Barreda, and a loving father to Michael, Holly, Michelle, Annie, and William.  Mike grew up near Los Angeles where he developed a love for surfing.  Every morning at 6:00 a.m. he would sneak out in his dad’s truck to go surf his favorite spot, Huntington Beach.  But, every day at 8:00 a.m., he would have his dad’s truck parked in the exact same spot he found it.  In his young adult life, Mike faced the challenges of alcohol addiction, a struggle that deeply impacted him.  Through the support of Alcoholics Anonymous, he found a path to sobriety and rediscovered his connection to God, which became a guiding force in his life.  Mike was hard-working and dedicated, spending thirty-five years as an accountant for his business.  Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and his passions.  Though he often shied away from the spotlight, his long years of fatherly love and support deserve to be celebrated.  He was a man of integrity, kindness, and generosity, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.  A passionate sports fan, Mike enjoyed watching his favorite Los Angeles and Missouri teams, often spending weekends at games or cheering from home with the volume cranked up to ear-bleeding levels.  His love for football created cherished memories with his children, a legacy that will forever remain in their hearts.  Mike never met a speed limit that he couldn’t or wouldn’t break, often to the frustration of his wife and kids. 

He is survived by his wife, Katie; children, John, Michael, Holly, Annie, and William; grandchildren, Andrew, Jeffery, Alyssa, Diana, Victoria, Salim, Mya, Hayden, Devin, and Emma; several great-grandchildren; siblings, Nancy and Pam; as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle, sisters, Julie and Margie, and brothers, Joe and Tony.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Patricia (Pat) A. Herminghouse, 84, Pittsford Town, New York, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 8, 2024, at Barnett Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Patricia (Pat) A. Herminghouse, daughter of the late James and Helen Burke, was born in Chicago Illinois on March 13th, 1940. She entered into eternal rest on October 29th, 2024 at the age of eighty-four years.  Pat grew up in the suburbs of Chicago IL, and went on to attend Knox College in Galesburg, IL, where she graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics as well as modern languages. During her time at Knox, she also spent time abroad studying mathematics and German at the University of Freiberg. Following her graduation from Knox College, she traveled to the University of Graz, Austria as a Fulbright Scholar to continue her German studies between 1962 and 1963. In 1963, she returned to the United States to attend Washington University in St. Louis where she went on to earn a Master of Arts and subsequently a PhD in German Studies in 1968.  After earning her Doctorate, she embarked on a long and distinguished teaching career starting as an Instructor at Fontbonne College, then as an Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri – St. Louis, an Associate Professor at Washington University, and finally a full Professor at the University of Rochester where she was the Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages, Literature, and Linguistics, ultimately retiring with the title of Karl F. and Bertha A. Fuchs Professor Emerita of German Studies.  Outside of her teaching work, she was an accomplished academic author and editor of numerous scholarly works focused on German literature, identity, German immigrants in America, and feminist writers. She had a central role in founding Women in German, promoting feminist scholarship of German literature and culture internationally, and served as a President of the German Studies Association. She received the Susan B. Anthony Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her personal and professional accomplishments, commitment to equity, and standing as a role model for other women.   Pat met her husband Don in Seville, Spain on New Year’s Eve in 1960 while she was studying abroad and he was serving in the US Navy. They wed in 1964, spending nearly fifty-nine loving years of marriage together. Pat and Don both loved to travel the world, visiting over forty countries and all seven continents, as well as exploring widely throughout the United States. With all of her experiences of the variety that the world had to offer, Pat enjoyed a wide variety of international cuisines and became an accomplished cook herself. She and Don also used their travels together to explore their shared interest in researching and documenting their families’ genealogy.  Pat was a passionate devotee of the arts, volunteering as a docent at Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery and attending every symphony, opera, theater performance, and lecture that she could manage to find time for. She was a voracious reader and constantly engaged with a wide variety of news, cultural, and other publications.

Pat is survived by her son, Justin Herminghouse, of Garrison, NY, her daughter, Shauna Herminghouse of Wellington, NZ, her sisters Kathleen Edwards, of Springfield, IL, and Mary Sue Burke of Downers Grove, IL, and her brother James Burke of Bellevue, IA.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Donald Herminghouse.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Pat’s memory to Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607 or WXXI Public Broadcasting Council, https://www.wxxi.org/support/; two organizations whose contributions in the community Pat cared deeply about.

James Donald Hicks, 79, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 12:49 a.m., Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare. 

He was born March 2, 1945, at Salina, Kansas, to Homer Hicks, Sr. and Imogene Barton Hicks.  In 1965 he was married at West Plains, to Linda Tibbit, who preceded him in death on January 20, 1986.  He worked as a welding instructor.  Mr. Hicks was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.  He enjoyed leather making, building race cars and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandson.

He is survived by three children, Jacinda Hyatt and husband, Martin, Brian Hicks and wife, Michelle and Rebekah Jones and husband, James; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents and wife preceded him in death.  

Arrangements under the direction ofRobertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Funeral services for Rebecca Ann (Bruner) Barnett, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Barnett passed away October 24, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center.  She was born September 16, 1956 at Christa Hogan Hospital in West Plains, Missouri, to Gerald and Darlene Bruner. She passed away October 24, 2024 at Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains.

While she spent most of her life in West Plains, Becky did live a few other places that she felt were home also: Winona, Missouri, Noel Missouri, Friona Texas, and Pineville, Missouri.  In 2001 she, along with her two sons, moved back to West Plains. On June 18, 2005 she was married to Randall Dale Barnett. They lived in Mountain View, Missouri until the passing of her parents. Then they moved into her family home in West Plains. During her working life she was an EMT for Howell County. Later on, as a stay at home mom she got her certification to be a preschool teacher for Pleasant Grove Christian Academy in Jane, Missouri. Mrs. Barnett was very active in church as well as coaching for Special Olympics for many years. She always went out of her way to help and care for others no matter what need they had. She was very outspoken about her beliefs and felt no shame in telling others about her Savior, Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her husband Randy Barnett of West Plains; Two cousins, who were the siblings she never had, Mark Napier and wife, Marijo, of Grove, Oklahoma and Shelley Napier of Springfield, Missouri; two sons from previous marriages, Michael (Ledbetter) Williams of Birch Tree, Missouri and Justin (Williams) Barnett and wife, Maddlyn of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas; the children that she gained through those marriages, Sunshine Ledbetter of Twin Bridges, Missouri, Mike Williams and wife, Tina of Neosho, Missouri, Pamela Still and husband Roy, of Anderson Missouri; one cousin whom she took into her family as her own, Robyn Hodde of West Plains, Missouri; her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy: From Justin (Zari, Harlin, and Caleb), Sunshine (Sasha, Cheyenne, and Skyler), Mike (Shiela, Nicholas, Lakota, and Aubrey), Pam (Travis, Nathan, Alaina, and Ashlyn), and Robyn (Emma); three bonus grandchildren from her marriage to Randy; eleven great-grandchildren; and many more family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Darlene Bruner, Aunt and Uncle, Maxine and Clyde Napier,  parents-in-law, Luther and Mary Barnett, sister-in-law, Beverly Jones and one special grandson, Jackson Hodde.

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to North American Missions Board or the Gideon Bible Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Jaime Taber Ball, 43, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Ball passed away at 8:45 a.m., Friday, October 25, 2024, at her home. 

She was born March 11, 1981, at Birmingham, Alabama.  Jaime was born to do two things in life; teaching was a passion she held from the age of five when she lined up her stuffed animals in front of her “teacher’s desk” and educated them to the rules of her classroom.  Teaching was her passion, but her family was her life.  No mother on earth loved her children and husband more than Jaime.  She married the love of her life, Brandon, and never took for granted how blessed their relationship was.  She absolutely lived for her three boys, Dalton, Peyton and Weston.  She continued to brag on them so much they had to finally forbid her to put anymore posts about them on Facebook.  Then when her boys were 20, 17 and 14, while in the middle of finishing her master’s degree along came Annaston, a true little blessing.  She said just the week before she passed away, “I am happier than I have ever been in my life, and the most blessed person on the planet.”  Jaime’s deep faith in God guided every decision she made and she was a living example of everything good.  Her life was so full and all of us left behind will try to live up to half of the example of unconditional love and dedication to family she portrayed every single day.

She is survived by her husband, Brandon; three sons, Dalton, Peyton and Weston; daughter, Annaston; and her mother, Joyce Taber. 

Her father, Doug Taber, preceded her in death.  

As much as she loved us all, our love for her is boundless and will remain so forever.

Burial will be in Barnett Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Jaime Ball Memorial Scholarship fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775 or any West Plains Bank & Trust Company location.  Honoring Jaime’s legacy through education, this scholarship will support students who embody Jaime’s values, empowering them to pursue their dreams through education. 

Funeral services for Della Mae Foster, 100, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Bakersfield Full Gospel Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Foster passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at her home. 

She was born June 15, 1924, at Vidette, Arkansas, to Charley Bales and Pearl Branch Bales.  Della attended school at Pickren Hall.  On December 24, 1940, she was married at Vidette, Arkansas, to Lloyd Vernon Foster, who preceded her in death on August 31, 2009.  Della Mae was a hardworking lady with many talents, and she fiercely loved her family.  She worked alongside her husband farming and providing for the family.  In 1963 she and Vernon along with their son and son-in-law opened Foster & Webb Feed Store in Bakersfield, Missouri, where she worked until 1978.  In 1990, Vernon had a debilitating stroke, and she faithfully cared for him until he passed away in 2009.  She was a gardener, homemaker, seamstress, baker, and fantastic cook.  She kept her family spoiled by making the best chocolate gravy, chocolate rolls, fried potatoes, and pies.  She was always happy when her family was gathered in her home.  She diligently kept in touch with her family who lived far away.  Della was a devoted Christian who walked to church with her children when they were little and made sure they knew Jesus Christ.   Mrs. Foster was a faithful member of Bakersfield Full Gospel Church.

She is survived by two children, Pansy Webb and husband, Jerry, Bakersfield, Missouri and Ken Foster and wife Jo Ann, Caulfield, Missouri; five grandchildren, Charlotte Walker and husband, Mark, Bakersfield, Missouri, Kenneth Don Foster and wife, Becky, Caulfield, Missouri, Lisa Lester and husband, David, Bakersfield, Missouri, Doug Foster, Bakersfield, Missouri and Ron Foster and wife, Shasta, Bakersfield, Missouri; thirteen great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; two half-brothers, Dewayne Bales and wife, Debbie and Jerry Pat Bales, both of Bakersfield, Missouri;  several nieces and nephews; and special caregivers, Rose Murphy and Shawn Kimbrough. 

Her parents, husband, two sisters, Lillian Evans and Clara Collins, two brothers, Roscoe Bales and Joe Bill Bales, one half-sister, Betty Bales and one granddaughter-in-law, Sandra Foster, preceded her in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at Bakersfield Full Gospel Church.  Mrs. Foster will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Fore Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Fore Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.   

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Hospice Compassus for their loving care and support.

Alice Esther Thompson, 73, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:42 a.m., Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Marjorie Ann Allen, 86, Caulfield, Missouri, passed away at 4:45 a.m., Friday, October 18, 2024, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri. 

She was born April 18, 1938, at Virden, Illinois, to Holland Russell Hines and Violet Vadis Throne Hines.  On August 14, 1956, she was married to Kenneth Vondell Allen, who preceded her in death on August 30, 2008.  Marjorie enjoyed camping, gardening, cooking, baking, shopping, reading, traveling, vacationing and going to the movies.  She was a mother to four children, a grandmother to ten grandchildren and twenty-five great-grandchildren.  She loved her family and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Marjorie was the oldest of eight children; she took care of her siblings after the passing of their parents.  She was a mother to all.

She is survived by two children, Kevin Paul Allen and Darla Ann Towell and husband, Gary Wayne; bonus sons, Ricky Dean McKee and wife, Debbie and Scott Crafton; bonus daughter, Bonnie Helfer and husband, Mark; ten grandchildren, Bradley Allen and wife, Mary, Corey Allen, Karen von Wolfseck and husband, Karl, Chelsie Allen, Kelley McGowan and husband, Shaun, Holly Spencer and husband, Tommy, Mandi Collins and husband, Taylor, Alexandra Cope, Meghan and Michael; twenty-five great-grandchildren; three brothers, Buck Hines and wife, Rosie, Delbert Hines and wife, Brenda and Ronnie Hines and wife, Terry; two sisters, Evelyn Graham and husband, Frank and Delores Collins and husband, George; one sister-in-law, Julie Hines; and many nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, two sons, Randall Allen and Brian Allen and two brothers, Bill Hines and Keith Hines, preceded her in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Funeral services for Floyd Lawann Earls, 58, Mountain View, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 25, 2024, at Faith Tabernacle, Rover, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Earls passed away at 4:24 a.m., Friday, October 18, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.  

He was born August 27, 1966, at West Plains, Missouri, to Gerald Dewayne and Shirley Mae VonAllmen Earls.  On September 19, 1987, he was married at Willow Springs, Missouri, to Laurie Goodwin.  Floyd was a loving husband, father, papa, and friend to all who knew him.  He spent hours dedicated to pleasing his family with his goofy antics.  He loved to laugh and was the life of the party at all family gatherings, church fellowships, or likely anyplace you could run into him.  Floyd worked many years for Howell County Road and Bridge as a road grader operator and had a lot of special memories with his work family, and they all meant a lot to him.  He later operated his own dozing business and was in his element while watching the landscape transform around him while dozing or grading.  When he wasn’t at work, he loved lounging in his recliner, spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, or grilling.  His grandkids were his pride and joy, and he dedicated much time to spoiling them, cuddling them in his chair, and taking selfies and videos of them.  Hilltop Holiness Church has a hole in their hearts with the absence of their beloved Sunday school teacher, deacon, song leader, sound man, and encourager.  However, our loss is Heaven’s gain and Heaven is sounding sweeter every day.  One day we will meet again.  Floyd’s desire in this life was to make sure we all had the blessed hope of salvation and that you lived a life ready for Heaven.  We are eternally thankful for the special memories each of us hold of him.

He is survived by his wife, Laurie, of the family home; three children, Ashley Pruett, Willow Springs, Missouri, Katrina Benefield and husband, Andrew, Willow Springs, Missouri, and Ethan Earls and wife, Kassidy, Peace Valley, Missouri; three grandchildren, Chloe Dawn, Axton Ryder, and Bonnie Mae; two grandchildren on the way, Barrett Lawann and Ridge Jameson; two brothers, Randy Earls and wife, Karen, Fouke, Arkansas, and Leland Earls and wife, Angie, Pomona, Missouri; one sister, Sheryl Webb and husband, Donnie, Willow Springs, Missouri; father-in-law, Hershell Lowe, Willow Springs, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, one brother, Leowen (Onie) Earls, one nephew, Dalton Earls, one great-niece, Brooklyn Lexlee, and mother-in-law, Jannes (Gigi) Lowe, preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Elk Creek Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Elk Creek Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Funeral services for Leonard Stirber, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 21, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Stirber passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center. 

He was born January 9, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, to George Stirber and Barbara Miller Stirber.  Mr. Stirber served his country in the United States Coast Guard for 7 years.   Leonard enjoyed gardening, canning, bird watching and woodworking.  He loved his animals.  Mr. Stirber was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

He is survived by four children, Jeanette (Kevin), Karen (John), Tim and Corinne; five grandchildren; Jerry Jr., Brandy, Tim, Diana and Matt; four great-grandchildren, David Jr., Brianna, Hunter and Emma; one brother, Ray; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents, wife, Elizabeth (Betty), one son, Leonard Michael Stirber, one brother, George (Bud) and two sisters, Margaret and Barbara (Cookie), preceded him in death.  

Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to SBCA and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.