Rebecca Jean Cunningham, 55, Columbia, Missouri, passed away at 2:29 a.m., Thursday, March 21, 2024, at University Hospital, Columbia, Missouri.
She was born January 13, 1969, at Putnam, Connecticut, to Steven Duffy and Cheryl Bertrand Reynolds. Rebecca had a beautiful singing voice and a kind heart. She always tried her best to look out for others. She will be dearly missed by all of her family and friends.
She is survived by her significant other, Tim, Missouri; one son, Steven, Utah; her mother, Cheryl, Missouri; one brother, Wayne, Missouri; three sisters, Donna and Lorie, both of North Carolina and Christa, Massachusetts; nieces and nephews, Staci, Stephanie and Jordan, North Carolina, William, Massachusetts, Brendon and Amber, Connecticut, Timothy, Rhode Island, Kimberly Massachusetts, Jacob, Madelyn and James, Missouri; great-nieces and nephew, Hailee, North Carolina, Madeline, Connecticut and Miles, Missouri; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Her grandparents, father and several aunts and uncles, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Cheryl Lynne Hirsch, 62, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 29, 2024, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hirsch passed away Thursday, March 14, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born June 20, 1961, in the State of Missouri, to Max Helms and Betty Jo McNish Helms. Cheryl was a veteran, having served with the United States Air Force. She had many hobbies and loved to crochet and sew. Cheryl would take in anyone and they would be treated just like one of her own children.
She is survived by three children, Chris, Angel and Brandon Hirsch, all of West Plains.
Her parents and two sons 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, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Linda Lou (Huddleston) Lent, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Elk Creek Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Linda passed away at 4:20 a.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center’s Sleepy Oak Place in West Plains. She was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt. West Plains was her home for 49 years.
She was born August 13, 1942, at Akron, Ohio, to Jesse “Buster” and Eunice (Harris) Huddleston, formerly of Thomasville and Rover, respectively. Her father had come to Akron for work in the late 1920s, eventually spending more than 30 years with the B.F. Goodrich tire company. He also ran a small farm in nearby Manchester, where Linda and her brother grew up. Parents and children were active members of the Brown Street Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Linda graduated in 1960 from Manchester High School, where she played trumpet and was head majorette, and the next year from secretarial school. She then served as secretary to the director of the Akron YMCA. A 13-year marriage ended in divorce. In 1975 Linda and her two children moved to West Plains, where her parents had retired two years before. She held several jobs, notably at the housing authority, West Vue, and West Plains Savings and Loan. In later years, she cared for the elderly in their homes. She loved her cats (and grandcats), crafts and yard sales.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by son Tom Lent (Martha) of Hudson, Ohio, and formerly Washington, D.C.; daughter Tami Lent of St. Louis; grandson Henry Lent of Columbus, Ohio; brother Jim Huddleston (Nancy) of Kerrville, Texas; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Linda will be buried near her parents and grandparents. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Gerald Vernon (Gerry) Melvin, 43, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 29, 2024, at St. Joseph Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Melvin passed away at 5:32 a.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born November 26, 1980, at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to John Melvin and Deena Deibert Melvin. Gerry enjoyed fishing and hunting; he loved his family, friends and his dogs. He was a family man who loved working on trucks with his son.
He is survived by one son, John Melvin; his significant other, Rhonda Campbell and her son, Noah, of the family home; his mother, Deena Melvin; one brother, Christopher and wife, Amy; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
His father and one niece, Ashley, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph 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 Joseph Truett Colbert Jr., 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Mountain View, Missouri.
Mr. Colbert passed away March 14, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born on September 9, 1951, to Joseph Truett Colbert and Vernieca May (Easley) Colbert in Willow Springs. He attended Normandy High School in St. Louis and graduated from Willow Springs High School in 1969. He attended Southwest Baptist University from 1969-1970. Standing up for what he believed in, he lived his life with a rebellious spirit. He was married on November 27, 1970, to Myra Suzanne “Suzi” Walpole at Immanuel Baptist Church in Pomona, MO. They settled in the Kansas City North area and raised two beautiful daughters, Heather and Betsy. He worked for Southwestern Bell, which later became AT&T, for 31 years as a frameman, installer, lineman, and special services. While employed with Southwestern Bell, Joe was actively involved in his union, CWA Local 6333, and served both as a steward and vice-president for many years. He believed firmly in the power of collective bargaining and always supported organized labor. He participated in the United Way Community Services Review Board. He attended many state, national, and international conventions. Joe and Suzi enjoyed traveling all over the United States, especially to see mountain ranges. His father taught him fishing at an early age, which became a lifelong love. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and searching for morel mushrooms. He was an avid Kansas City sports fan and loved the Chiefs and Royals, but also rooted for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a season ticket holder for the Kansas City Chiefs for a number of years and attended more than one playoff game. Joe was a skilled musician, having performed at many night clubs and festivals in the KC area. He was in a number of bands with Suzi and played harmonica, guitar, and sang lead vocals during the 1970s and early 80s in bands, including Topaz, Another Roadside Attraction, the Midnight Riders, and the Moonlighters. The apex of his musical career was performing in front of 50,000 people at the Kansas City Blues Festival with Chicago musician Abb Locke. He and Suzi moved to West Plains, MO, in 2022, where he enjoyed being close to his brothers, sister and other family. He was grateful to play with his brothers as The Colbert Brothers at the Old Time Music Festival.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Suzi Colbert, of the home; his daughter, Heather Suzanne Colbert Southwell (husband, Prentice Southwell) of Springfield, IL; grandchildren, Amberlee May Suzanne Southwell and Aimee Rhea Lorraine Southwell of Springfield, IL; his siblings, Van Edward Colbert (wife, Carolyn Kaye) of Willow Springs; Milfred Leon Colbert of Willow Springs; Vernon Ray Colbert of Willow Springs; Robert Jay Colbert of Willow Springs; Mary Ethel Kellum (husband, Robert Kellum) of West Plains; and George Colbert (wife, Elizabeth Colbert) of Willow Springs; sister-in-law, Martha Wartick (husband, Steve Wartick) of Cedar Falls, Iowa; sister-in-law Lorene Colbert of Mtn. View, MO; and a number of nieces and nephews, one great-niece, and many great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Elizabeth Mae Colbert; his grandson, Robert Joseph Bryce Southwell; his brother, John Hall Colbert III; and his sisters-in-law, Patricia Colbert, Linda Diane Walpole Price Garza, and Lisa Colbert.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christos House Shelter or Martha Vance Samaritan Outreach Center and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Directions to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church: From Highway 60, turn south on Highway U. Travel 0.1 mile on Highway U.
A Celebration of Life service for Alyce Mae Hubbard, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Cedarhurst of West Plains.
Mrs. Hubbard passed away at 8:35 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2024, at Cedarhurst.
She was born April 25, 1930, at Clark, South Dakota, to George and Anna Gottsleben Bachman. On April 20, 1951, she was married at Denver, Colorado, to Robert Harold Hubbard, who preceded her in death on October 21, 2018; they were married for sixty-seven years. Mrs. Hubbard was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. Crafts and sewing were her passion. She was an avid antique collector and had owned a flea market with her sister in South Dakota. Alyce was a two year resident of Cedarhurst in West Plains, Missouri. The family would like to give a special thanks to the Cedarhurst employees for the exceptional care they provided. Alyce was very grateful for the friendships she acquired during her time in West Plains. Mrs. Hubbard was of the Catholic faith.
She is survived by five children, Terri Wagner, Longmont, Colorado, Robert A. Hubbard, West Plains, Missouri, Kathy Shoaf and husband, Danny, LaBelle, Florida, Debbie Green, West Plains, Missouri and Doug Hubbard and wife, Kerry, Hesperia, California; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Janice Ann Richards, Watertown, South Dakota.
Her parents, her husband, and one son, Larry Hubbard, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Barbara Kay Huff, 80, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:25 a.m., Sunday, March 17, 2024, at her home.
She was born December 26, 1943, at West Plains, to James Lindell Nunn and Ruby Aileen Lasswell Nunn. Before her retirement, Barbara was a courier for FedEx. She was a hard worker and loved fishing, gardening and playing bingo.
She is survived by three children, James Huff and wife, Julia, Julie Cook and husband, Kenny and Diana Huff and significant other, Dennis; three grandchildren, Jimmy Huff, Jake Burke and Emily Roche; one nephew, Brian Jennings and one double cousin, Susi Bollman.
Her parents and one sister, Marjorie Jennings, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christos House and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Visitation services for Brian Scott Moran, 55, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Moran passed away at 9:50 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024, at his home.
He was born October 23, 1968, at Champaign, Illinois, to George Moran and Shirley Edwards Study. On July 20, 2007, he was married at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to Kathy Cummins. Mr. Moran was a team leader at Caterpillar. Brian loved fishing and he loved his family fiercely, especially his mother and wife.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Moran, of the family home; two children, Josh Chambers and wife, Cassie and Kyla Warren and husband, Curtis, all of West Plains; three grandchildren, Jaydin, Addisyn and Avery Jo, his mother, Shirley Study and husband, Jim, Winchester, Indiana, his father, George Moran, Tuscola, Illinois; one brother, Paul Moran and wife, Brenda, Atwood, Illinois; and special sister, Tammi Coonts, Houston, Missouri.
His sister, Thairenasa Douglas, preceded him in death.
A private burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Freddy Dewayne Johnston, 72, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Johnston departed this life on Friday, March 15, 2024, at his home.
He was born March 1, 1952, at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Fred and Vera (DeLarm) Johnston. He married Chrystina Maine on August 21, 1969, at West Plains, Missouri. Freddy was a farmer who raised Angus cattle, goats, and sheep. He ran a construction crew for many years. He was also a long-time staff member at Bakersfield School, serving as a custodian, bus driver, ground maintenance, and bus mechanic. Freddy also enjoyed Sunday dinners and time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Chrystina, of the family home; four sons, Larry Johnston and wife, Ricky, Bakersfield, Missouri, their children, Jeremie (Stephanie), Mandi (Michael), and Bailee (Wil), and seven grandchildren; Doug Johnston and wife, Darla, Moody, Missouri, their children, Dedra (Tyler) and Dolan, and one-and-a-half grandchildren; Darren Johnston and wife, Jennifer, Bakersfield, Missouri, and their children, Westin and Savannah; and Michael Johnston and wife, Samantha, Bakersfield, Missouri, and their children, Kenny, Evan, and Keygan; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one brother, Guy Johnston, and two sisters, Vivian Crotts and Bonnie Cunningham, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Pleasant Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Earl Lee Bassham, 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bassham passed away Thursday morning, March 14, 2024, at St. Louis, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born January 24, 1950, in a log cabin at Moko, Arkansas, to Clinton Bassham and Helen Oldfield Bassham. On May 26, 1979, he was married at Cave City, Arkansas, to Donna Crumley Bassham; for the past forty-five years, they have lived in West Plains. Mr. Bassham worked for Production Credit Association (PCA) for many years and as a fieldman for the Dairy Farmers of America. He enjoyed working with dairy farmers and their families. Mr. Bassham owned and operated an agricultural spraying business for many years and also raised beef cattle. He was a tractor enthusiast and loved attending tractor shows with his buddies. Earl never met a stranger. Mr. Bassham was of the Christian faith, which he leaned on during his last days for strength and peace.
He is survived by his loving wife, Donna, of the family home; two daughters, Melissa Bassham, West Plains and Diana Ford and husband, Jason, Jonesboro, Arkansas; and three grandsons, Jacob Bassham, West Plains, Thomas Ford and William Ford, Jonesboro, Arkansas.
His parents, a close uncle, Kermit (Unk) Oldfield and several aunts and uncles, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in State Line Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Maria Ann Ousley Peters, 76, of West Plains, Missouri, departed this life on January 22, 2024. Born on April 26th, 1947, in Waynesville, Missouri, she was the beloved daughter of William H. Ousley and Veda M. (Berry) Ousley. Maria’s journey through life was marked by compassion, creativity, and unwavering dedication.
In 1965, Maria graduated from high school, embarking on a career as a dental therapy assistant at Fort Leonard, Missouri. Her commitment to service spanned over 30 years, leaving a lasting impact on those she cared for and worked alongside.
An avid cultivator of beauty, Maria possessed an unparalleled green thumb. Her love for nurturing flowers, houseplants, and tending to her garden filled countless summers with vibrant colors and fragrant blooms. Admirers often marveled at her meticulously tended flower beds, a testament to her passion and skill. Beyond gardening, Maria’s artistic talents shone brightly through her paintings, sewing projects, and crafts, enriching the world with her creative spirit.
In 1966, Maria exchanged vows with Roger Peters, beginning a journey of love and family. Together, they were blessed with two children whom Maria cherished deeply. Her son, Shane Garrison Peters, inherited her artistic flair, while her daughter, Dawn Venae Peters Hicks, shared her love for gardening and flowers. Maria was not only a loving mother but also a guiding light, instilling in her children the values of acceptance and open-mindedness.
Maria’s role as a grandmother brought immense joy to her life. She adored her four grandchildren, Garrit Hicks, Evan Hicks, Elias Peters, and Ayla Peters, relishing in every moment spent with them and eagerly following their adventures.
Maria is survived by her son, Shane Peters and wife Lori of Black Mountain, North Carolina; daughter, Dawn Hicks and husband Dale of West Plains; her cherished grandchildren; a brother; nieces; nephews; and many beloved cousins.
Her memory will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. Maria’s legacy of warmth, kindness, and creativity will continue to inspire generations to come. Mother, “May the sun always shine on you which it already does”.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service for Barbara Marilyn Hurd, 88, Kountze, Texas, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hurd passed away Friday, March 8, 2024, at her home.
She was born May 14, 1935, at Worcester, Massachusetts, to Wilfred and Esther Pickett Anson. On February 6, 1959, she was married at Jacksonville, Florida, to George Hurd, who preceded her in death on October 6, 1981. Barbara resided in West Plains since 1975. She worked for Dr. Coats for over twenty-five years and was a volunteer at Ozarks Medical Center for ten years. She was a military wife and loved to travel; she had visited all of the United States except for Alaska and Hawaii and even traveled to Portugal, Africa, Spain and Cuba. She was an exceptional seamstress and handmade many wedding dresses and crocheted many beautiful afghans.
She is survived by two daughters, Helen Langston, Kountze, Texas and Janice Adkisson and husband, Dennis, West Plains; six grandchildren, Brandi Sexton and husband, Daryl Hawkins, Kountze, Texas, Michael Hurd and wife, Jessica, Noble, Louisiana, Jessica Hurd Smith and husband, Dakota, Noble, Louisiana, Mandi Adkisson, West Plains, Jodi Adkisson, Battlecreek, Michigan and Shelby Hurd, Greenfield, Missouri; eight great-grandchildren, Jaxson Hawkins, Ian Hurd, Aiden Hurd, Olivia Hurd, Elizabeth Smith, Aubrey Smith, Koda Smith and Mallorie Shaw; one sister, Alice Anson, Jacksonville, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two sons, David A. Hurd and James Hurd, one grandson, Roy Glen Sexton, one great-granddaughter, Ivy Claire Hawkins and one brother, Robert Anson, preceded her in death.
A private burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.
Funeral services for Judy Kate Fine, 58, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Judy passed away at 11:08 p.m., Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born October 23, 1965, to Paul Dean Fine and Charlotte Marie Everts Fine. Judy worked as a CNA for over thirty years. She enjoyed bingo, fishing, gardening, canning and cooking. Judy was known for her famous pies. She loved spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren and her dog, Sissy. She was a caregiver her whole life and enjoyed taking care of others. Judy was a lifelong member of New Liberty Baptist Church.
She is survived by three children, Kate Nicole Robinson and husband, Charles, Pottersville, Missouri, Cassie Darlana Weaver and husband, Andrew, West Plains and Ashley Deanne Strawn and husband, Jordan, West Plains; eleven grandchildren, Derrick, Dominick, Justyn, Devin, Jaycob, Baylor, Shaelyn, Adalyn, Braelyn, Lane and Hunter; her father, Paul Dean Fine; one brother, Paul Enos Fine, West Plains; one sister, Donna Marie Fine, State of Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.
Her mother, grandparents and dog, sissy, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. 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.
Maxwell Leo McCready, 75, Couch, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born August 17, 1948, at Crisfield, Maryland, to Orace Maxwell and Regina McCready. On September 30, 1985, he was married at North Canaan, Connecticut, to Judy Firkin. Mr. McCready was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy during the Vietnam crisis. Before his retirement he was a surveyor for the United States government. He loved animals; especially his dogs and he enjoyed donating to various animal rescue organizations. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh. Mr. McCready was of the Methodist faith.
He is survived by his wife, Judy McCready, of the family home; one daughter, Leah Jerez and significant other, John Vansaat, Crisfield, Maryland; two grandsons, Joshua and Michael; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and two sisters preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Rebecca Laverne Beasley, 73, Apopka, Florida, and formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. Beasley passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at her home.
She was born May 7, 1950, at Howell County, Missouri, to Roy Thomas and Sylvia Belle Burden Eagleman. Ms. Beasley was a certified silversmith, specializing in turquoise and silver. She also had an interest in the coin business and was part owner of multiple coin businesses throughout the years. She was an officer in the Wichita Falls Coin Club and the Clovis, New Mexico, Coin Club. Ms. Beasley was of the Baptist faith and was very active in her church. She enjoyed traveling, and she loved spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by one son, Jack Pemberton and wife, Ally, Columbia, Missouri; one brother, David Eagleman and wife, Sharon, Garber, Oklahoma; one sister, Ida Mae Cawvey and husband, Leon, Moody, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, two brothers, Donald Eagleman and Arthur Eagleman, and one sister, Vivian Busenbarrick, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Amy Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Craig Alan (Keebler) Bentzel, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 15, 2024, at His Place House of Worship, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bentzel passed away at 12:26 a.m., Thursday, March 7, 2024, at his home.
He was born August 9, 1948, at York, Pennsylvania, to Fred Dill and Olive Rebecca Girdley Bentzel. Mr. Bentzel was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy. During the Vietnam War, he proudly served with the Seabees. Mr. Bentzel was a member of the Combat Vets and lifetime member of B.A.C.A. He was the owner of Dixie Cream Donuts, and he was the manager of Frederick’s Pizza. He was also the Chico Man (floor inspector) at Marathon Electric. Affectionately known as Keebler, Mr. Bentzel was a selfless man and was always willing to help others. He enjoyed playing Santa for children, especially children with special needs. He loved riding his bike with his buddies. Mr. Bentzel was a member of His Place House of Worship where he served on the security team and as an usher. He loved his friends and family, especially his grandchildren, and he was a papa to many.
He is survived by four children, Brandi Alterman and husband, Kelly, West Plains, Missouri, Candi Ford and husband, Rodney, West Plains, Missouri, Steven Harlan and wife, Jill, Jackson, Missouri, and Stacey Harlan, Pomona, Missouri; eleven grandchildren, Presley Alterman, Jon Alterman, Kelly Alterman, Rebecca McKemie and husband, Brent, Abigail Ford and fiancé, Ryan, Laikin Harlan, Dawson Harlan, Takoda Harlan, Tinsley Harlan, Bailey Harlan, and Breanna Harlan; two great-grandchildren, Ansleigh and Owen; one brother, Marvin Massey; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many friends, including special friend, Susan Cockrum.
His parents, stepfather, Gerald Massey, sister, Carrol Spears, brother-in-law, Rodney Spears, and many close friends preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at His Place House of Worship. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Combat Vets, His Place Youth, or Rock Garden Christian Camp (for Special Needs) and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
William Darrell Newberry of Moody, Missouri, died in his home on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the age of 70 years and eighteen days. He was born on February 16, 1954, in Denver, Colorado, to Sherman and Lillian Rice Newberry. He was a 1972 graduate of West Plains High School and worked on oil rigs and off-shore drilling rigs and as a truck driver for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by a brother, Alfred (Diana) Newberry of Harrison, Arkansas, a sister, Kathleen (Larry) Stephens of Strafford, Missouri, four nieces, Dr. Elizabeth Stephens of Los Altos, California, Rachel (Taylor) Smith of Joplin, Missouri, Dr. Hannah Newberry of Bentonville, Arkansas and Mary Newberry of Bentonville, Arkansas, and one nephew, Tim (Strausie) Stephens of Springfield, Missouri, five great nieces, Tara Pande of Berkeley, California, Kira Pande of Los Altos, California, Rosie and Ruby Smith of Joplin, Missouri and Ila Rose Stephens of Springfield, Missouri, two aunts, Wilma Newberry Wolverton of Grain Valley, Missouri and Lenora Rice Campbell of Mountain Home, Arkansas and many cousins.
Arrangements for a family memorial will be at a later date.
A celebration of life service for Monica Orchard, 70, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Orchard passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at her home.
She was born August 4, 1953, to Edgar Marsh and Dorothy Marsh. On December 31, 1996, she married the love of her life, Dean Orchard, who preceded her in death on March 16, 2013. Mrs. Orchard was a dietary aid at Cedar Hurst and was an honorary chef. She was a passionate cook, was an avid gardener, and loved spending time with her family. Monica was fun, bubbly, energetic, and was loved by all. She was also a very strong and independent woman. Monica truly loved her family, friends, and her pets.
She is survived by one daughter, Yvonne Reyes, Waukesha, Wisconsin; one step-daughter, Deanna Partoll; one brother, Ronald Marsh and wife, Doris, Palmyra, Wisconsin; her lifelong friend, Karen Patrick, Dousman, Wisconsin; and her nieces and nephews, Karen Pope and husband, Mike; Laura Franke and husband, Scott; and her great-niece, Emily Vander Grinten and husband, Ryan.
Her parents, husband, and one step-son, Joel Orchard, preceded her in death.
Kevin Lee Cherry, 55, West Plains, Missouri, passed away Monday, March 4, 2024, at his home.
He was born March 18, 1968, at West Plains, Missouri, to Donald Henry Cherry and Anna Lee Wallace Cherry. On June 16, 2001, he was married at West Plains, to Karie Hilburn. Kevin was proud to be known as the pizza man; he was the owner and operator of Simple Simon’s Pizza for many years. He also farmed alongside his family. Kevin enjoyed singing and playing guitar. He was a member of The Ninth Hour Quartet and had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at a Kansas City Royals baseball game. He was always kind, never complained or lost his temper; Kevin never met a stranger and truly loved helping people. He loved his family, friends and his bulldogs.
He is survived by his wife of twenty-two years, Karie Cherry, West Plains; his mother, Anna Lee Cherry, West Plains; special bulldog, June; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mike and Kathy Hilburn; brother-in-law, Matt Hilburn; sister-in-law, Beth Hunt and husband, Jason; his nephew, Weston; his niece, Rylee; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and bonus nieces and nephew, Martin, Liliana and Emilia.
His father, grandparents and special bulldog, Willie, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Betty Jane Russell, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 7, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Russell passed away at 6:38 p.m., Sunday, March 3, 2024, at her home.
She was born January 18, 1931, at West Plains, Missouri, to John W. Barr and Temple Marie Barrett Barr. On February 17, 1951, she was married at West Plains, to Donald (Rusty) Russell, who preceded her in death on December 26, 1997. Mrs. Russell was a kindergarten teacher at St. Vincent Episcopal School for fifteen years. She loved reading, traveling, sewing and crossword puzzles; she loved her coffee. She also loved her friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty enjoyed the holidays, especially Christmas. She was a member of the PEO sisterhood, the Francis West Guild and the First Christian Church.
She is survived by two children, Linda Ann Johnson and David Lee Russell and wife, Janet, all of West Plains; seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Callahan, West Plains, Bailey Russell, West Plains, Eli Russell, West Plains, Autumn Davis, West Plains, Derrick Hayes, Mountain Grove, Missouri, Vanessa Williams and husband, Thomas, West Plains and Zach Hayes, West Plains; and seven great-grandchildren, Quinsey Doolittle, Promise Russell, Lylian Williams, Pyper Williams, Liam Hayes, Prestyn Hayes and Allie Callahan..
Her parents, husband, one daughter, Donna Beth and her best friends, Marimartha Ritter, Pat Osborne, Charlene Buck and Cynthia Dunlap, preceded her in death.
The family would like to thank Hospice Compassus for the excellent care that was shown to Betty.
Mrs. Russell will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
