Donnis Sue Young, 70, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 3:43 p.m., Friday, December 20, 2024, at her home.
She was born April 13, 1954, at St. Louis, Missouri, to Ivan Petrey and Mary Counts Petrey. Donnis graduated from West Plains High School in 1972. She enjoyed reading, watching scary movies and loved spending time with her granddaughter. She loved her dog, Max.
She is survived by two children, Josh Young and Michelle Young-Schuler and husband, Mike; one granddaughter, Hannah Young; one brother, Steve Petrey; and many other family and friends.
Her parents preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Nancy Lillian Harlin, 77, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:30 a.m., Friday, December 20, 2024, at NHC HealthCare.
She was born January 20, 1947, at Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to Alfred Cormier and Florence LaBlanc Cormier. Nancy moved to Los Angeles in the late 60’s as a member of the band, The Rain People. She was married to Robert Lewis in 1971 in Los Angeles; from their union they had one daughter, Mariah. In 1981, she married Mike Harlin at Dawt Mill. Nancy graduated from Southwest Missouri State University (now known as Missouri State University), Springfield with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education in 1988. She enjoyed playing guitar and singing. Her passion was doing art work of any variety, but she especially loved working with color pencils; she taught art in public schools for seventeen years in Missouri and Arizona. In 2000, she had a piece of her artwork chosen by the Canadian Wildlife Conservation in the Provence of Manitoba. Nancy was president of the Color Pencil Society in Arizona and served on the Museum and Cultural Advisory Board in Mesa, Arizona. She also served as a judge for the Arizona Federal Junior Duck Stamp Competition. She did a piece of artwork for the Arizona Game and Fish department for their Black footed Ferret Project. Nancy retired from teaching in May, 2011, in Seligman, Arizona. After retiring, she moved back to West Plains, Missouri to be closer to her family. Mrs. Harlin was of the Catholic faith.
She is survived by one daughter, Mariah Young and husband, Bradley; one grandson, Logan Young and fiancé Madison; one great-grandchild, Harley Young; one sister, Carol Cormier; one nephew, Eric Cormier; and one sister-in-law, Pam Cormier.
Her parents and two brothers, Steven and Kevin Cormier preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. There is no service planned at this time. If, at a later time, there is a celebration of life planned, an announcement will be made via social media by the family.
Sue Lynn VenDouris, 86, Pomona, Missouri, passed away at 6:17 a.m., Friday, December 20, 2024, at her home.
She was born September 15, 1938, at Forrest, Illinois, to Paul Earl McLoughlin and Muriel Bernadine Randolph. On June 12, 1989, she was married at Yosemite National Park, California, to William Lee VenDouris, who preceded her in death on May 12, 2015. Sue worked as a Field Service Analyst for Solar Turbines, Inc., a Division of Caterpillar for thirty years, retiring August 31, 2004.
She is survived by one son, Eric Runyon and wife, Stephanie; two granddaughters, Samantha and Chelsea Runyon; one brother, Neil McLoughlin and wife, Joan; one sister, Jill Myderl and husband, Frank; and one sister-in-law, Carol McLoughlin.
Her parents, husband, and one brother, David McLoughlin, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ruth Evelyn Russell, 90, Dora, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at her home.
She was born July 1, 1934, in Ozark County, Missouri, to William Henry Howard and Effie Jane Evans Howard. On April 3, 1954, she was married at Moody, Missouri, to Dwain Russell, who preceded her in death on October 14, 2015. Ruth enjoyed gardening and taking care of her chickens. She loved her family. Mrs. Russell was a stay at home mom; later in life she focused on herself and her career in pharmaceuticals. She was of the Christian faith.
She is survived by three children, Larry Russell and domestic partner, Patty, Gary Russell and wife, Bonnie and Sharon Russell; four grandchildren, Brady Russell and fiancé Kasay Kimmel, Ted Russell and wife, Jodie, Floyd Russell and Brian Russell and wife, Andrea; several great-grandchildren; two sisters, Leona Cash and Dorcus Tear; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one son, Terry Russell, one brother and seven sisters, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Noma Ida Gabel, 102, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 23, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Gabel passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at West Vue Green House Homes.
She was born August 28, 1922, at Elijah, Missouri, to Amos Duncan and Lily Owens Duncan. On June 9, 1944, she was married at St. Louis, Missouri, to Charles Virgil Gabel, who preceded her in death on September 3, 2005. Noma and her husband, Virgil owned and operated the Ozark Café for fifty-nine years. She was well known for baking over a quarter of a million pies and baking fresh bread every day. Noma enjoyed going to yard sales every weekend; she loved talking and getting to know people. She never met a stranger and had a very outgoing and colorful personality. After she retired, she volunteered at the West Plains Senior Center and was very involved in the community. She held Women of Church of God meetings at her home every week and was a member of the Red Hat Society. Mrs. Gabel was a long time member of First Church of God.
She is survived by two children, Gary Gabel and wife, Joyce and Lisa Brewer; seven grandchildren, Jeff Gabel and wife, Jennifer, Grant Gabel, Chris Kirkland, Loni Ellis and husband, Chet, Leslie Harris and husband, Joel, Stacie Gabel and Lynsie Upton and husband, Chris; eighteen great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Earlene Freeman; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two brothers, Joe Duncan and Earl Duncan, two sisters, Pauline Kutz and Venita Roth and one son-in-law, Kelly Brewer, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Senior Center and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Bonnie Sue Reed, 63, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 23, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Reed passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at her home.
She was born July 6, 1961, at Salem, Missouri, to Darrell Berry and Janet Louise Conway Lovan. On July 23, 1979, she was married to Don Reed. Bonnie loved to play cards, quilt, crochet, hunt mushrooms, fish and garden. She also enjoyed canning and loved to gift folks her special jellies. She was a fantastic cook. Bonnie was kind and caring; she will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband, Don Reed, of the family home; one daughter, Brandy Reed, West Plains; one brother, Darrell Berry and wife, Summer, West Plains; one sister, Robin March, West Plains; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Her parents, grandparents and one daughter, Crystal Faye, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Blanche Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Blanche 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 Bob Garner, 83, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Stuart Union Church.
Bob departed this life on December 16, 2024 at his cabin. He was born August 11, 1941 to James and Viva Lee Garner. He was a 1959 graduate from West Plains, served as a Corpsman in the United States Navy. He married Karen Stephens in 1962. To this union two children were born: Brent and Heather. He spent his life in the medical field with 30 years at Burton Creek Lab and X-ray. After he completed lab and X-ray school and worked in a Corpus Christi lab and West Plains Memorial Hospital lab. His greatest love in life was his family and the cabin he built. His best hobbies were hunting and fishing for bass. Later in life he planted fields of wild flowers and trees.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Karen Garner; his son, Brent Garner (Judy); daughter, Heather Garner Jones (Mike); grandchildren, Dr Jennifer Malicke (Gregg) Michigan, Justin Garner (Heather ), Springfield , Jami Cook (Andrew) Texas, Garner Jones, Springfield and Violet Jones, Springfield; great-grandchildren, Sadie and Madie Malicke, Michigan, Charlie and Collins Cook, Texas, Harper Garner and Anthony Brandt, Springfield; sisters, Patty Warren (Gordon), Warrensburg and Connie Raine, Florida; sister-in-law, Jodie Haynes (Donnie); brother-in-law, Greg Stephens (Renee); and many nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and parent in-laws.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Stuart Union Church or Jamaica Mission and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service will be held at a later date for Paul Jayson Murta, 65, West Plains, Missouri.
Mr. Murta passed away Thursday, December 15, 2024, at his home.
He was born August 23, 1959, at Rolla, Missouri, to Paul Munro Murta and Ruth Hillebrand Murta. Mr. Murta was a mechanic and enjoyed working on anything mechanical. He was a passionate and free spirited man and was very humorous. He loved playing foosball and was a great player, even competing in several world tournaments. He was well loved by his family and friends.
He is survived by two children, Paul Joseph Murta and fiancé, Brianna, West Plains, Missouri and Kenneth Murta and wife, Alisia, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; four grandchildren, Blake, Jackson, Alexandra and Ender Murta; one brother, Timothy Murta and wife, Judy, Snohomish, Washington; two nieces, Tina Largent, State of South Carolina and Halley Kuluga, Cuba, Missouri; and two nephews, Justin Murta, State of Washington and Max Murta, Vietnam.
His parents, one brother, Gene Kuluga and one niece, Tammy Kuluga, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service for Charles William Amerlan, 84, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., Saturday, December 21, 2024, in the main room at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Amerlan passed away at 12:17 a.m., Sunday, December 15, 2024, at his home.
He was born October 29, 1940, at Chicago, Illinois, to John Oscar Amerlan and Lillian Thomas Amerlan. On November 4, 1961, he was married at North Lake, Illinois, to his high school sweetheart, Valerie Dullum. He worked as a printer in Chicago; he moved his family to Missouri in 1979 and became a dairy farmer and retired from Baxter Lab. He enjoyed watching football, especially the Kansas City Chiefs, woodworking and hunting. He loved playing sports and had spent time playing minor league baseball in Chicago. Chuck loved being outdoors enjoying nature and animals or working in his yard. He was a quiet man who was well respected; he truly loved his family and always put their needs above his own. Mr. Amerlan was a member of Hawkins Ridge Church, Bakersfield, Missouri.
He is survived by his wife, Valerie Amerlan, of the family home; three children, Kim Amerlan Burnett, Bakersfield, Missouri, Kari Belt, Bakersfield, Missouri and Kris Hubbard and husband, Dr. Gregory Hubbard, Oak Grove, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Jonathan Belt and wife, Brittany, Andrea Russell and husband, Brian, Joshua Belt and wife, Aly, Dillon Lillo, Keegan Bowen and wife, Molly, Valerie Amerlan and husband, Broc, Kelli Bowen, Hunter Hubbard and Mariah Grayham and husband, Jacob; ten great-grandchildren, Brady, Kyden, Saydie, Logan, Amerlyn, Levi, Tucker, Liam, Wade and Titus; five sisters-in-law, Jean Amerlan, Carol Amerlan, Pam Dullum and wife, Mary, Kathryn Dullum and Mary Lou Dullum; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, John and Carrie Walker.
His parents, four brothers, Ray, John, Bob and Clyde, two sisters, Lois and Joan, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry and Francis Dullum and one brother-in-law, John Dullum, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hawkins Ridge Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Peggy Sue Jarvis DeShazo, 84, Moody, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Baptist Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. DeShazo passed away at 3:18 p.m., Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at her home.
She was born July 17, 1940, at Pomona, Missouri, to Fred Beverly Williams and Minnie Eletha Dawson Williams. Peggy enjoyed racing stock cars, riding motorcycles, going to the lake and river, working in her yard and she was passionate about going to car shows and showing off her sports cars. She loved spending time with her grandkids. In the 1960’s she worked with her husband, Jerry Jarvis, as an owner of the Jarvis Station in Caulfield, Missouri. After she began working at Baxter Lab, where she earned the nickname Jet Jarvis from her co-workers that carpooled with her. She later worked at Butternut Bread for several years; it was during this time that she married Joe DeShazo. After working at Butternut Bread, Peggy and her daughter, Sonya, bought the Kountry Korner Store. She was an industry leader; owning and operating the store for thirty-four years. Peggy loved her community and was well respected for helping in any way that she could. She was an amazing mother, grandmother and friend. Ms. DeShazo was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by her daughter, Sonya Hubbard and husband, Doug; nine grandchildren, Kyle Jarvis and wife, Olivia, Kaiyla Bruffett and husband, Derrick, Kasey Friend and husband, Davin, Nikki Jarvis, Sean Jarvis, Jeremy Jarvis and wife, Kirsten, Stephanie Nelson and husband, Trace, Nicole Robinson and husband, Hayden and Dillon Hubbard and wife, Thu; twenty great-grandchildren; one brother, Jack Williams and wife, Lexie; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Susie Snorgrass, Betty Scott and Leina West.
Her parents, three sons, Ricky Lynn Jarvis, Rex Kevin Jarvis and Rodney Alan Jarvis, two brothers, Harold Ned Williams and Leon Williams, one sister, Betty Gilbert and the father of her children, Jerry Jarvis, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Hill 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 Bruce Alan Dawson, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 28, 2024, in the Walnut Room at the West Plains Civic Center.
Mr. Dawson passed away at 3:51 a.m., Thursday, November 21, 2024, at his home.
He was born July 26, 1943, in Cloud County, Kansas, to James Dawson and Grace McIntyre Dawson. On September 10, 1966, he was married at Cabool, Missouri, to Shirley Ward. Mr. Dawson was a veteran, having served with the United States Marines from 1961 – 1965. He then joined the Missouri Highway Patrol. After moving to Alaska, he joined the Alaska State Troopers and then worked on the Alaska Pipeline. He returned to Missouri and served as a Sheriff Deputy in Howell County and finished his career as a security guard at DRS. Mr. Dawson loved his family, the outdoors, his animals and his pets. He never met a stranger. He was an accomplished gun smith and stock maker. He enjoyed restoring antique John Deere 2-cylinder tractors, history and was an avid reader. Mr. Dawson was a member of the Marine Corps League and was a founding member of the Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association. He was a Christian.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Dawson; three children, Deanna Gamble, James Dawson and wife, Cassie and David Dawson and wife, Janene; six grandchildren, Laura, Cole, Nathan, Emily and Blake Dawson and Audrey Gamble; and two nieces, Beth and Pam Dawson.
His parents, one brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Emily Dawson, one son-in-law, Greg Gamble, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Warren and Lyda Ward and one brother-in-law, Gaylord Ward, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Betty Guffey Ford (Granny), 95, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 12, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Ford passed away at 11:36 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
She was born April 22, 1929, at Gamaliel, Arkansas, to Bev Minge and Eddie Catherine Estes Minge. On November 7, 1947, she was married to George Guffey, who preceded her in death on December 5, 1981. On September 8, 1984 she was married to Lawrence Allen Ford, who preceded her in death on March 2, 2008. Granny enjoyed gardening, taking care of her yard, cleaning her house and loved her grandkids and great-grandkids. She worked with her husband, George, on the farm for many years before working at Marathon Electric in the lead room. Granny was a member of the Bakersfield Saddle Club in the 60’s and 70’s. Mrs. Ford was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by one son, Clinton Guffey and wife, Vicky; two grandchildren, Heather Bunch and husband, Mark and Barbara Guffey; three great-grandchildren, Landon Bunch, Carter Bunch and Wyatt Young; one sister, Linda Jones; one brother-in-law, Bill Haddock; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husbands, one granddaughter, Christina Guffey, five sisters, Stella White, Cecil Talburt, Bernice Edgar, Ruth Martin and Joann Haddock and one brother, Mitchell Minge, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Hurst Cemetery. 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.
Robert Lee Martin, 67, of West Plains, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 5:51 PM, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born on July 1, 1957, in Memphis, Tennessee, Robert moved to West Plains in 1982. He was a skilled flooring contractor and finish carpenter, known for his meticulous craftsmanship and passion for woodworking. Robert took great pride in his work, always paying close attention to every detail. He was also an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, and gardening in his free time.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Marty, of the home; his mother, Sue Martin; his sister, Cherie Holmes and husband, Chuck; his sons, Chase and Justin; his daughter, Beki; and his cherished grandchildren, Ryder, Sam, Mia, and Liam, as well as his nephews, John Holmes and Bob Holmes.
He was preceded in death by his father, John “Jack” Martin.
A Celebration of Life service for Shelden Paul Bragg, 27, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 2024, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bragg passed away at 8:17 p.m., Friday, November 29, 2024, at his home.
He was born April 10, 1997, at West Plains, Missouri, to Stephen Paul LaQuet and Gretchen Davis. Mr. Bragg enjoyed skateboarding and collecting cars, and he loved making people laugh. He had a big heart and was always there when you needed him. Shelden loved his family, especially his son and his dog, Drako.
He is survived by his mother, Gretchen Davis; his father, Stephen LaQuet; his stepfather, Carl Davis; special friend, Ashley McKee; two sons, Liam Bragg and Bentley Waldo; one brother, Jaxyn Bragg; three sisters, Nicole Ely, Sophia LaQuet, and Brooklyn LaQuet; bonus mom, Debbie Spurling-Roberson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
His grandparents, Paul and Shannon Johnson, and his best friend, Jason Spurling, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for James Dale Uhlmann, 73, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2024, at Blanche Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Uhlmann passed away Sunday, December 1, 2024, at his home.
He was born March 20, 1951, at West Plains, Missouri, to Elmer Dale and Martha Jane Cropper Uhlmann. Mr. Uhlmann enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, gardening, and working. He loved his family and spending time with his grandsons. He would never miss a family gathering. Mr. Uhlmann was of the Christian faith.
He is survived by two sons, Derrick Uhlmann, Dora, Missouri, and Devon Uhlmann and wife, Kayla, Dora, Missouri; two grandsons, Blake Uhlmann and Hudson Uhlmann, both of Dora, Missouri; his mother, Martha Uhlmann, Drury, Missouri; two brothers, Rocky Uhlmann, Dora, Missouri, and Randy Uhlmann, Drury, Missouri; one sister, Gina Hollingshad and husband, Joe, Drury, Missouri; special friend, Julie Emery Booth, Drury, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
His father, paternal grandparents, Richard and Dorothea Uhlmann, and maternal grandparents, John and Bess Cropper, 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. Memorial contributions may be made to Blanche Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
William Thomas Howell, 68, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:21 a.m., Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born April 10, 1956, at Thayer, Missouri, to Oscar and Geraldine DeBois Howell. On October 13, 2006, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Lisa Huffman. Mr. Howell loved riding his trike, hunting, and playing guitar. He also loved spending time at home. He was good at anything he put his hand to, whether it was welding, masonry, or mechanic work. Mr. Howell was a member of the AmVets for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa; one son, William Howell, Jr.; six grandchildren, Skyler Howell, Brandon Howell and wife, Gwenn, Amber Howell, Ethan Howell, Brayden James Howell, and Abigail Thompson; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dalton Howell and wife, Marilyn, and Paul Howell and wife, Kay; three sisters, Joann Flygare, Albertta Howell, and Susan Howell; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Jesse Howell, one brother, Robert Howell, and one sister, Norvella Howell, preceded him in death.
Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Ronald Dee Hardin, 77, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 4, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Hardin passed away at 9:38 p.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Mountain Grove, Missouri.
He was born June 1, 1947, at West Plains, Missouri, to Virgil Calvin Hardin and Blanche (Jolliff) Hardin. Ronald loved fishing, camping, wood working, gardening, and reading. He served in the U.S. Army before working at Invensys for 40 years.
Ronald is survived by his wife, Bonnie (Fite) Hardin; one son, David Hardin and wife, Monique; two grandchildren, Brylee and Sylas; one special sister, Paula Coy and husband, David; two special nieces, Mandy Hensley and husband, Jason, and Sheri Huckaby and husband, Mike; two sisters, Calva Jones and husband, Leroy, and Sandy Evans and husband, David; two brothers-in-law, James B. Fite and Bob Inlow; three sisters-in-law, Shirley (Fite) Surrite and husband, Jerry, Vera Fite, and Helen (Fite) Brixey; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Blanche Hardin, father-in-law and mother-in-law, George Clarence and Edrie Fern Fite, two brothers-in-law, Robert A. Fite and Cecil Brixey, and two sisters-in-law, Cherry Fite and Naomi (Fite) Inlow.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery, South Fork, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Robert Johnathan McDonald, 88, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 3, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Surrounded by loved ones, Robert went to eternal rest at his home in Dora, Missouri, on November 27, 2024,
He was born October 29, 1936, at Thomasville, Missouri, to Mack McDonald and Lora (Smith) McDonald. Robert found the love of his life, Joyce (Clinton), and they were united in marriage on February 27, 1959, at Bakersfield, Missouri. Robert and Joyce shared sixty-two wonderful, wedded years, in which they enjoyed raising their five girls, attending grandkids’ ball games, enjoying community picnics, fellowship with their friends at Athel Jackson’s Jamboree on Friday evenings, and spending time deer hunting together in hopes Joyce would “kill a big one.” The couple attended Big Springs Church. As the years passed, their family continued to grow, as did their love. Joyce preceded Robert in death on February 5, 2022. Robert was a long-time dairy and beef farmer. Although they sold the dairy cows in 2001, his love for farming continued with beef cattle. Robert also hauled can and bulk milk for several years and later worked for Douglas County Road and Bridge as a brush cutter. He was a hardworking man, often working more than one job, as he did custom haying for neighbors and friends. In his later years, Robert enjoyed riding through the countryside and checking his cattle.
Robert is survived by five daughters, Charlene Causey and husband, Jay, Dora, Missouri, Kay Davis, Dora, Missouri, Lora Loftis and husband, Danny, Lebanon, Ohio, Robyn Reahr and husband, Jeremiah, Gainesville, Missouri, and Ashley Richison and husband, Eric, Pahrump, Nevada; nine grandchildren, Darrin Causey and wife, Valerie, Robbie Causey and wife, Sarah, Todd Causey and wife, Brandi, Kyle Mings and fiancé, Laiken, Dakota Mings and wife, Kristi, Kayla Davis and husband, Josh, Cheyenne Mings, Skyler Davis, and Elijah Richison; twenty great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; one sister, Louise Dennis and husband, Cliff, Houston, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Sheppard and husband, Stasey, Willow Springs, Missouri, and Carol McDonald, Davenport, Iowa; special friends, Edd Friend and wife, Ina, and Judy Russell; and several nieces and nephews that will miss him dearly.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce (Clinton) McDonald, his parents, Mack and Lora McDonald, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charley and Orpha Clinton, two brothers, Raymond McDonald and wife, Freda, and Ben McDonald, five sisters, Dorothy Atha and husband, Willis, Mary Cooper and husband, Hubert, Ada Easley and husband, Jr., Ruthie Davis and husband, Otis, and Janace Mitchell and husband, Lloyd, and long-time best friends, Eldon Russell and Junior Berry.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Little Zion Cemetery, Douglas County, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Little Zion Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Cathy Ann Goodall Pope, 68, West Plains, Missouri, passed away November 24, 2024, surrounded by her family.
Cathy was born July 16, 1958, in Wyatt, Missouri. She and her family moved to Granite City, Illinois, when she was just a few weeks old. Cathy grew up and resided in Illinois until she moved to West Plains, Missouri, in 2003. Mrs. Pope was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She had many friends at church and at NHC nursing home, where she and her husband resided. Cathy loved her family wholeheartedly and unconditionally! Her children and grandchildren made her world turn and were her pride and joy. She had the best smile, spunky personality, and always enjoyed making others laugh with her silly antics and stories. Cathy worked many years in different factories in Illinois and Missouri. Eventually she took a position with Integrity Home Care until she later retired. During her free time, Cathy enjoyed her Red Hat Club, water aquatics, books, drawing, going to yard sales, eating out, and being with her family and friends. She also loved animals and nature, as well as watching the leaves change color in Autumn.
She is survived by her husband Lawrence (Larry) Pope, which she married March 12, 2012. She has two surviving siblings, Larry Goodall of Granite City, Illinois, and Mary Meerdink of Kissimmee, Florida. Cathy is survived by her three sons, three daughters, and their families: Joshua and Debbie Ernst of Mtn. View, Missouri, Elijah and Sarah Ernst of Mtn. View, Missouri, Nathan Ernst of Nixa, Missouri, Sarah and Cliff Gatewood of West Plains, Missouri, Heather Mays of West Plains, Missouri, and Laura and Darin Ellis of Willow Springs, Missouri. Cathy has thirteen grandchildren: Joshua Jr., Katlyn, Kierstin, Kendall, Kamden, Arinne, Whitney, Gracey, Jarett, Zoei, Makenzee, Emilee, and Adalyn. She also has seven great-grandchildren: James, Felicity, Noah, Maverick, Kaydance, Makayla, and Brantley. She is also survived by many extended family members and close friends.
Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest Alta Goodall and Mary Louise Lay Goodall.
Cathy will be missed tremendously by all who knew and loved her. A private Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in her honor by her family.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
