Robert “Bob” Daniel, born July 24, 1938, passed away at the age of 86 on September 9, 2024.
Anyone who knew Bob knew that he loved people. He loved talking to anyone about anything, but his favorite topics included his family, fishing, and generally joking around. He moved to the West Plains area in 1963 where shortly after he started his own business, Bob’s Equipment Repair, which he ran until he retired. After retirement, he volunteered by driving the parking shuttle at Ozark Medical Center where he could continue to bring happiness to others with kindness and conversation.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Georgia Daniel; his father, Carl Daniel; and his wife of 57 years, Dianna Daniel.
He is survived by his brother, Donald Daniel (Ruth), niece, Deb Carlson, and nephew, Wendell Daniel; his three children, Terry Wilson (Joe), Kimberly Wilson and Michael Daniel (Connie); his seven grandchildren, J Lane Wilson, Brittany McCarthy, Sarah Nanni, Dacia Wade, Derek Daniel, Tyler Wilson and Forrest Wilson; and his eleven great grandchildren. Chances are that if you ever ran into Bob, you were kept up to date on all of them.
A private service for family will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please make a conscious act of kindness towards others in his memory.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Donald Joice, 91, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Elijah Church of Christ, under t he direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Joice passed away at 8:35 p.m., Sunday, September 8, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born July 5, 1933, near Leota, Missouri, to the late Willard and Etta Hardcastle Joice. On June 24, 1955, he was married to the love of his life Emilie Spoon, at Benton Harbor, Michigan. This union added a very large extended family for Donald which he loved as his own. Donald and Emilie were blessed with 4 children. Donald worked at Southwest Truck Body for over 20 years and the International Shoe factory for several years. After retiring he built log homes including their current family home. Donald was a self-taught electrician, plumber, mechanic, carpenter and overall handy man. It would be hard to find a family in Howell or Ozark County that he hasn’t positively impacted. Donald and Emilie were known for their family garden and were always willing to share with the community. Their family tradition was digging potatoes on his birthday with mom preparing the morning breakfast. It was a day we all looked forward to. Donald had a big heart and considered most of the friends and classmates of his kids his family. He loved watching his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids playing their sports. They would travel throughout southern Missouri and northern Arkansas to watch the area teams play. Donald served on the Elijah Cemetery board for over 39 years and as president over the Bakersfield School Board for a term. Donald was a member of the Elijah Church of Christ for over 64 years, a shining example of a Christian man, leaving his family a legacy to live by.
Donald is survived by his wife, Emilie, of the family home; four children, Donald (Boag) Joice Jr. and wife, Rhonda, of Squires, Missouri, Mary Sexton and husband, Billy, Bruce Joice and wife, Linda, all of Caulfield, Missouri and Tina Mann and husband, Gary, of West Plains, Missouri; thirteen grandchildren, Melissa Dalton and husband, Aaron, Jessica Joice and fiancé, Clint, Bruce Joice Jr., Trista Hall and husband, Byron, Cary Joice and wife, Kyra, Emilie Brotherton and husband, Jeremy, Donald (Drew) Joice III and wife, Hannah, Thomas Simpson and wife, Jessica, Payton LaFevers, Aimee Morrison and husband, Chris, Angela Walker and husband, Fred, Billy Sexton and wife, Keeley and Nathan Mann and fiancé, Brittiny; twenty-one great-grandchildren; one brother, Earl Joice and wife, Romana; one sister, Stella Collins; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, his father and mother-in law, Tommy and Snowie Tackitt Spoon, two brothers, Ernest and Charles, and three sisters, Helen, Dorothy and Mabel.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Elijah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Elijah Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for John Alvin Rutledge, 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 9, 2024, at New Liberty Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Rutledge passed away Thursday, September 5, 2024, at NHC HealthCare.
He was born June 4, 1950, at Woodland, California, to Herbert and Allene Freeman Rutledge. On October 13, 1983, he was married at Wichita Falls, Texas, to Tammy Barks. Mr. Rutledge was a veteran, having proudly served with the United States Army during the Vietnam era. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed gardening and keeping his yard beautiful. John loved his children and grandchildren. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Tammy Rutledge, of the family home; six children, John Henry Rutledge and wife, Lorraine, Sara Rutledge, all of West Plains, Jonni Perry, Yukon, Oklahoma, Davina Sullivan and husband, Donald, Willisville, Arkansas, Renaie Avery, Ninnekah, Oklahoma and Amanda Thomas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; thirteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters, Diane Brekke, Bowling Green, Missouri, Sissy Vannucci and husband, Ron, Middlegrove, Missouri and Sue Thoresen, Pleasant Hill, California; his mother-in-law, Lillian Barks, West Plains; one brother-in-law, Rick Barks and wife, Linda, West Plains; two sisters-in-law, Judy Stowers, Mountain Grove, Missouri and Sandy Stewart, West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Samuel Rutledge, one granddaughter, Lillian Rutledge, one brother, Kenneth Rutledge, one sister, Cathy Scarbrough, father-in-law, Kenneth Barks and special aunt and uncle, Joe and Icy Tabler, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service for Vicki Lee Chritton-Myers, 66, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 9, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Myers passed away at 3:17 a.m., Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
Vicki was born on May 30, 1958, in Vicenza, Italy, where her parents, Bill and Wanda Chritton, were stationed while he served in the United States Army. Two years later, the Chritton family returned to the States and lived in several locations during her childhood, including West Plains, Missouri, Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, Ft. Benning, Georgia, and Ft. Walters, Texas. They moved to Springfield, Virginia in 1970, where Vicki graduated from West Springfield High School in 1976.
From a young age, it became apparent that Vicki was a talented artist. In high school she excelled in art classes, where she developed great skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and many other art forms.
Upon graduating, she worked for various companies in the Washington, D.C. area as a graphic artist when her parents, Bill and Wanda, moved back to their hometown of West Plains, Missouri, Vicki soon followed, and became the staff artist for the West Plains Daily Quill.
One night at a local honky-tonk, a tall, dark, handsome man (Vicki said he was the best-looking guy in the place) asked Vicki to dance. She turned him down, telling him she didn’t “slow dance” with strangers. She married that stranger Ron Myers on March 19th 1983 at the Chritton Farm.
The city girl packed her bags and moved to Thayer, Missouri, where she quickly adapted to rural life. She loved living in the country and had no desire to ever live in a big city again. She enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding horses. When Ron brought home a big buck during deer season one year, Vicki bought an instructional video tape and taught herself how to do taxidermy. She turned her taxidermy hobby into a thriving business, eventually opening Myers Ark Taxidermy. She entered taxidermy competitions all over the country, and won numerous state and national awards.
Vicki and Ron eventually moved to Willow Springs, Missouri and had two sons, Nick and William. They later relocated to Olden, Missouri, where Vicki raised horses, llamas, exotic birds and all sorts of critters.
Her family meant the world to her. She especially enjoyed game nights at the Chritton house, where the women would take on the men in Catch Phrase and other games (the women usually kicked their rear-ends in Catch Phrase).
In addition to being a talented artist, Vicki was intelligent, funny and quick-witted. She had a beautiful smile and warm heart. She was down-to-earth, friendly and kind to everyone she met. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
Vicki was preceded in death by her father, Bill Chritton, Jr., her brother, Dan Chritton, and her grandparents Nova and Pearl Weatherford and Bill and Margaret Chritton, Sr.
She is survived by her mother, Wanda (Weatherford) Chritton, West Plains; husband, Ron Myers, West Plains; sons Nicholas Myers, West Plains and William Myers, Springfield, Missouri; grandchildren Jonathan, Tyler, Zoey, Serenity and Raelynn Myers, West Plains; brother Mike Chritton and his wife Sonia, Las Vegas, Nevada; sister Toni (Chritton) Johnson and her husband, Dennis, West Plains.
Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Olden, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service for Thomas John Hedeen, 64, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 13, 2024, at Gracie’s Place, 530 Fletcher Terrace, West Plains, Missouri.
Mr. Hedeen passed away at 7:13 a.m., Saturday, August 31, 2024, at his home.
He was born October 9, 1959, at Duluth, Minnesota, to Richard Hedeen and Mary Therese Egan Hedeen. On December 26, 2006, he was married at Las Vegas, Nevada, to Linda Estes. Mr. Hedeen was a veteran, having served six years with the United States Air Force. He worked as a truck driver for several companies, was a CDL driving instructor and dispatcher. He loved bowling and bowled two 300 games in his lifetime; he was a lifetime member of the United States Bowling Congress. He enjoyed kayaking, traveling, riding four wheelers and playing cards. He loved being around people and enjoyed being a prankster. Thomas lived large and made everything he did an adventure. He loved his friends, family and his dog, Lulu. Thomas was a man of integrity and never allowed himself to get down; he always accepted what life threw at him and made the best of every situation. Mr. Hedeen was of the Catholic faith.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Hedeen, of the family home; three step-children, Joe Barnard and wife, Kista, Theodosia, Missouri, Tom Barnard and wife, Leann, West Plains and Michael Barnard and significant other, Lana Snodgrass, West Plains; one bonus daughter, Mikki McMichael; six step-grandchildren; two sisters, Patty Johnson and husband, Dave, Duluth, Minnesota and Anne Donahue and husband, Michael, Superior, Wisconsin; one sister-in-law, Trish Hedeen, Rochester, New York; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents and one brother, Michael Hedeen, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Rodger Keith (Griz) Young, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 6, 2024, at Elk Creek Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Young passed away Sunday, September 1, 2024.
He was born May 20, 1956, at Joliet, Illinois, to A. E. Young and Mildred McDaniel Young. On July 16, 1977, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Annie Teuchgraber. He was a loving husband, father and son and he loved animals. Griz was always eager to drop what he was doing to help someone else; he was much loved by his family, friends and neighbors and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Annie Young, of the family home; one son, Arthur Young, Kenosha, Wisconsin; his parents, A. E. and Mildred Young, West Plains; four brothers, Gene Young and wife, Millie, Iuka, Mississippi, Dale Young, West Plains, Raymond Young and wife, Connie, Davenport, Iowa and Larry Young, West Plains; two sisters, Cheryl Chapman, Pomona, Missouri and Paula King and husband, Gary, Willow Springs, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
His grandparents preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 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.
Funeral services for John Paul Doss, 66, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 1, 2024, at New Hope Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Doss passed away at 6:47 a.m., Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Springfield, Missouri.
He was born May 6, 1958, at West Plains, Missouri, to Raymond Lee and Bonnie Smith Doss. On October 17, 1987, he was married to Marjorie Lou Drago, who preceded him in death on October 17, 2009. On March 15, 2015, he was married at New Hope Baptist Church, Peace Valley, Missouri, to Jeannie Brown. Mr. Doss received his Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science and his Master’s Degree in Education. He was very involved in FFA and achieved the American FFA Degree, which led to his lifelong passion of mentoring and learning from others in the agricultural community, and was especially proud of his work mentoring the youth. Mr. Doss loved to farm, and he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his nieces. Mr. Doss was a member of New Hope Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and a Sunday school teacher. He was also a member of the Gideon’s.
He is survived by his wife, Jeannie, West Plains, Missouri; one daughter, Jennie Doss, Springfield, Missouri; one step-daughter, Ashley Goodpaster, Springfield, Missouri; one brother, Dennis Doss and wife, Sharlyn, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Connie Caudill, Springfield, Missouri; one nephew, William Caudill; and three nieces, Grace Doss, Macie Doss, and Dixie Rae Doss.
His parents and his first wife, Marjorie Doss, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at New Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon’s or New Hope Cemetery Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Sharon Evonne Judd, 69, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Judd passed away at 12:25 a.m., Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Barnes Jewish Hospital, Saint Louis, Missouri.
She was born December 10, 1954, at Saint Louis, Missouri, to William Francis and Glenda Mae Dunkin Hampton. On January 23, 1976, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Danny Judd. Mrs. Judd was a devoted wife, assisting her husband at Dan Judd’s Auto Sales for twenty-five years. She enjoyed being a homemaker and taking care of her children and grandchildren. She was a member of Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle for fifty years, where she enjoyed playing the piano, singing, working as the choir director, and writing Christmas plays. Mrs. Judd also served as a teacher at the church’s Christian school for several years.
She is survived by her husband, Danny Judd, West Plains, Missouri; three children, Danna Reed and husband, Evan, Shepherdsville, Kentucky, Devin Judd and wife, Bridget, West Plains, Missouri, and Dustin Judd and wife, Kendra, West Plains, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Judd Reed, Jax Reed, Ellington Reed, Emersyn Reed, Preston Judd, Hudson Judd, and Montgomery Judd; two sisters, Katherine Brauch, Ballwin, Missouri, and Pamela Hiles and husband, Dale, Burlington, Kentucky; mother-in-law, Mable Judd, West Plains, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Jennifer Hampton, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Brenda Howell and husband, Fred, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one brother, Michael Hampton, and her father-in-law, Melvin Judd, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle Building Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for David Neal Davis, 61, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
David passed away at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
He was born June 11, 1963, at West Plains, Missouri, to James L. Davis and Bonnie L. Bridges Davis, the youngest of four siblings. David worked in the grocery store industry for years consisting of Ramey’s, Price-Chopper and Wal-Mart. He became a manager at Price Chopper before he was forced to retire due to health issues. David was well liked and loved by everyone who had the chance to know him. He made fast friends everywhere he went. David’s easy going, friendly personality won hearts all around him. David was a huge sports fan; he especially loved golf. He was a fan of Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals; he watched any game of any team. He played softball and spent many hours at the softball fields; when he wasn’t playing for his own team he volunteered or filled in for other teams. He enjoyed reading old western novels, the outdoors, hunting and fishing. When he no longer hunted, he would look to spot wildlife, including deer and turkey. As a kid he often stayed with his grandmother, Jennie Bridges, and she would read from the bible and play gospel music for them to sing. He attended church with his sister. David was a giver and a helper. He loved helping out at “the farm” even though he grumbled at times. He also loved animals. He spent most of his time with his oldest sister, Debbie Holland.
He is survived by his older siblings, Debra Holland, Jim Ed Davis and Gina Simpson.
He was met at Heaven’s gate by a host of loved ones, including his parents, two brothers-in-law, Dave Holland and Dennis Simpson.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 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 any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service for Valerie Jane Nelson, 82, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 27, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Nelson passed away at 7:40 a.m., Thursday, August 22, 2024, at her home.
She was born August 19, 1942, at Macuchi, Ecuador, to Frank Geltz and Paulina Anna D’Amour Geltz. On January 27, 1968, she was married at Denver, Colorado, to Larry Lee Nelson, who preceded her in death on October 4, 2018. Before her retirement, Mrs. Nelson was a microbiologist and medical lab technician. Valerie loved gardening, sewing, cooking, watching Gunsmoke and traveling, especially to the Ocean. She enjoyed raising rabbits and chickens. She and her husband lived on an orchard in Ironton, Missouri for 18 years before moving to West Plains in 1988. Anyone who knew her loved her. Mrs. Nelson loved her friends and family, especially her grandchildren. She gave her life to the Lord.
She is survived by two children, Laura Hurt and husband, Bob, and Christina Howell and husband, Robert, all of West Plains; eight grandchildren, Allison Ruengert, Chris Ruengert and wife, Leslee, Luke Freeman, Harlie Howell, Makala Howell, Bobbie Jo Howell, Audrey Howell and Emily Howell; and nine great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Adam, Sophia, Madison, Daylen, Bailey, Serenity, Nevaeh and Colton.
Her parents, husband, and one brother, Daryl Andre Russell, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Howell County Special Olympics, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Samaritan’s Purse or Tunnels to Towers and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Glenna Maye Strain Hall, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 24, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hall passed away at 5:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born December 6, 1930, at Gamaliel, Arkansas, to Roy Thomas Strain and Pearl Evelyn Gillette Strain. On June 9, 1950, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Clyde Hall; they celebrated 60 years of marriage before his passing on September 29, 2010. Together, they shared many happy times on their family farm. Glenna enjoyed gardening, canning and hand quilting. She graduated from Bakersfield High School with the Class of 1950. Glenna was a long-time member of the Free Union Church of Christ and more recently attended Curry Street Church of Christ. She was a faithful Christian who enjoyed working in the church and spent much of her later years listening to hymns and sermons.
She is survived by her son, Larry Hall and wife, Jan, West Plains; one grandson, Chad Hall, St. Charles, Missouri; one granddaughter, Mandy Pitts and husband, Chad, West Plains; two great-grandchildren, Kelsey Pitts and Luke Pitts, both of West Plains; one sister, Reba Wade, West Palm Beach, Florida; one brother, Charles Strain and wife, Betty, Moody, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, six sisters, Barbara, Betty, Bonnie, Wanda, Linda and Marsha, and three brothers, Claude, Loyd and Jerry preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Free Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Free Union Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Jeremy Hayden Henderson, 52, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 2:40 a.m., Monday, August 19, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born November 27, 1971, at Wichita Falls, Texas, to Troyce Henderson and Dona Carrol. Jeremy enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing and camping. He loved his grandkids and family. Mr. Henderson enjoyed his time working as a bartender in Florida and in the Motorcycle Club.
He is survived by his significant other, Shawna Nevel, West Plains; three children, Chris Henderson, West Plains, Jeremy Henderson, Springfield, Missouri and Bryan Henderson, West Plains; five grandchildren; two sisters, Angie Carnley and Jazmine Henderson, both of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
His mother preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Lorraine Mary Sewick ( Drummer ), affectionately known as Lori, passed away at home in Bakersfield, Missouri on July 20, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on March 15, 1934, in Wesley, Iowa, Lori grew up attending Wesley High School. After graduation she married the love of her life, Max E Sewick from Irvington, Iowa. They were married 70 years on November 23, 2023. Years later they moved to Illinois where she embarked on a fulfilling career as a waitress at The Wagon Wheel Lodge in Rockton, Illinois, where she was beloved by both colleagues and patrons. A devout member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Rockford, Illinois, and later St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church in Mountain Home, Arkansas, Lori was deeply committed to her faith and community. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, influencing her loving and nurturing demeanor. Lori was a talented craftswoman, known especially for her hand-painted Christmas ornament s, a tradition cherished by her family and friends. Each year, she meticulously crafted 40 to 50 ornaments, tailoring each piece to reflect the personality of its recipient. Her natural artistic talent was evident in every brushstroke, leaving a legacy of cherished holiday memories. Lori’s life was marked by her role as the matriarch of her family, often being the “glue” that held everyone together. She was renowned for her warm hospitality, particularly during family gatherings and festive occasions, filling these moments with laughter and love.
Lori is survived by her husband, Max E. Sewick; her children, Constance M. (Larry) Goodall, Michael A. Sewick, Victoria L. (Jeff) Seaburg, Christine A. (Tim) Pifkowski, Janet J. (Scott) Opels, and Laurie Jo (Greg) Zawislak; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Drummer; brothers, Harold and George Drummer; and great-grandchild, Lucas Allen Goodall.
A Memorial Mass will be held in her honor on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10:00 am at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 249 Dyer St., Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Home Health, Hospice at 812 N. Kentucky St., West Plains, Missouri 65775, or the American Cancer Society, in memory of Lori.
Lori’s legacy of love, faith, and creativity will continue to inspire all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Linda Louise Kutter, 78, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 18, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Kutter passed away Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Cox South Medical Center, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born January 1, 1946, at West Plains, Missouri, to James Peter (Sonny) Ingalsbe and Eleanor Louise Gundy Ingalsbe. On May 22, 1965, she was married at West Plains, to Ken Kutter. Linda enjoyed raising and showing horses, growing flowers, watching her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids in sporting events and other activities. She loved taking jeep rides through the country with her husband. Linda was very family oriented and loved each member of her family dearly. She was a lifetime member of Missouri Fox Trotters and Pioneer Saddle Club. Mrs. Kutter was a member of Genesis Church.
She is survived by her husband, Ken Kutter; four children, Mike Kutter and wife, Stacy, Mark Kutter and wife, Lisa, Marsha Lawson and husband, James and Michelle Henderson and husband, Dave; eight grandchildren, Justin Kutter and wife, Sydney, Michaela Kutter, Morgan Smith and husband, Josh, Amy Kutter, Austin Lawson and wife, Jinju, Amber Reynolds and husband, Eli, Taylor Henderson and wife, Amelia and Tafton Henderson and wife, Lindsey; ten great-grandchildren, Kade and Knox Kutter, Lyla, Falynn, Alaska and Cedar Smith and Connor, Marci, Tucker and Rory Henderson; two brothers, Ray Ingalsbe and Kelvin Ingalsbe and wife, Cindy; one sister-in-law, Christy Ingalsbe; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one brother, Carl Ingalsbe and one sister, Dianna Ingalsbe, preceded her in death.
Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Missouri State University Equine Program and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Sheila Marie Cockrum, 63, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 19, 2024, at Gospel Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cockrum passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Cox South Medical Center, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born September 8, 1960, at Kansas City, Missouri, to Joe Johnson and Elizabeth McAmis Collins. On May 15, 1980, she was married at Pottersville, Missouri, to David Lee Cockrum, who preceded her in death on December 9, 2011. She had worked at Baxter Lab and was a postal carrier. Sheila shared a special bond with her twin sister, Shella. She enjoyed playing with her grandson, Little David.
She is survived by one son, David Adam Cockrum and wife, Raquel; four grandchildren, Bella, Hanna, Mattea and Little David Cockrum; three brothers, Larry Darrell Johnson, Daniel Johnson and Donne Johnson; two sisters, Shella Johnson and Sheryl Mercer; one brother-in-law, Mike Kraemer; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Her parents, husband, one sister, Diane Kraemer, one brother-in-law, Richard Mercer and one sister-in-law, Susan Johnson, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Frances Elizabeth Bray, 77, Lampe, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Galloway Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bray passed away at 6:17 p.m., Friday, August 9, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born December 22, 1946, at Redland, Oklahoma, to Robert and Armelda Johnson Bridgers. On November 29, 1986, she was married at Fort Smith, Arkansas, to James Webster Bray, Sr., who preceded her in death on July 18, 2023. Fran enjoyed garage sales. She loved her family, her country and her friend, Terre. Mrs. Bray was a member of the AmVets Women’s Auxiliary.
She is survived by one step-daughter; two sisters, Joanna Bray and husband, Jerry, Lavaca, Arkansas and Nancy Shaw and husband, Steve, Newalla, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one brother, David Robert Bridgers and one sister, Sarah Sue Calhoun, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 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 Samuel Thomas Click, 94, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Mackey Cemetery, Pomona, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Click passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at West Vue Whispering Pine Place, West Plains, Missouri.
He was born September 24, 1929, at Pomona, Missouri, to Albert and Sarah Click. On July 1, 1955, he was married at West Plains to JoAnn Miller. They were married for sixty-eight years. He was the owner of West Plains Fabric Center and JoAnn’s Bridal and Formal for more than forty years. Mr. Click was a member of First Assembly of God Church for many years.
He is survived by his son, Mark Click and wife, Cathy, Collierville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Erin Greenfield (Bob), Eric Click, Nathan Bryant (Heather), and Joshua Bryant; fifteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
His wife, JoAnn Click, parents, daughter, Jeanne Renee Summers, brothers, Chester, Sidney, Clarence, and Herschel, and sisters, Esma Brown and Pauline Ogle, precede him in death.
Burial will be at Mackey Cemetery, Pomona, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mackey Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Eleanor Rayline Aikens, 82, West Plains, Missouri, passed peacefully from this earth into the loving arms of Jesus in the early morning hours of August 9, 2024. Surrounded by her family, she stepped into the glorious eternal home she so eagerly awaited her entire life and received a complete healing from her long battle with dementia.
She was born October 12, 1941, to Frank and Ida Mae (Miller) Faircloth in Martinsburg, West Virginia; she was one of thirteen siblings and several half-siblings. Eleanor was the wife of Charles L. Aikens for sixty-three years during which she was his devoted help-mate and homemaker. In April of 2004, they moved to West Plains, Missouri and she set to making it their new home. She enjoyed dancing, singing old time gospel and using her feisty personality to keep those she loved in line. She was known to many but those who knew her as honey, mom, nanny and memaw will miss her most and look forward to the day when we will be together again.
She is survived by her husband, Charles (Skip) Aikens, West Plains; three children, Kimberly Martin and husband, Brad, Rover, Missouri, Crystal Denunzio, Northern Virginia and Charles (Chuck) Aikens, Jr., Rover, Missouri; five grandchildren, Kendra Artz and husband, Tommy, West Plains, Jay Martin and wife, Marcela, West Plains, Charles (Trip) Aikens, III and wife, Felicia, Brandsville, Missouri, Tasha Lewton and husband, Joel, Northern Virginia and Joey Aikens, Morehead City, North Carolina; five great-grandchildren, Remington and Bryson Artz, Alex Lewton, Maia Martin and Annika Aikens; one brother, Junior Faircloth and wife, Alice, Martinsburg, West Virginia; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Her parents, eleven siblings, three angel babies and a daughter-in-law, preceded her in death.
A private graveside service will be held at the family cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shiloh Baptist Church, Rover, Missouri and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Alice Malinda Coats, 61, Peace Valley, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Pottersville Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Coats passed away at 4:30 a.m., Monday, August 5, 2024, at her home.
She was born December 7, 1962, at West Plains, Missouri, to David Woodrow Surritte and Magdalene Collins Surritte. On June 14, 2014, she was married at Judsonia, Arkansas, to William Coats. Alice was a very strong woman and was a survivor of stage 4 throat cancer. She was a beloved mother, wife and grandmother. Alice enjoyed playing yahtzee, June’s Journey, cooking, quilting, hunting, fishing and raising horses. She loved her friends and family, especially her grandchildren; her family was her life. Mrs. Coats was a member of the AmVets and was president of her gaming group, Relaxing Beaches. She was a firm believer in Jesus Christ and was washed in the blood.
She is survived by her husband, William Coats; two children, Caleb Fish (Cheyenne Busbey) and Lori Coats; six grandchildren, Randalynn, Raelyn, Leona and Charlie Fish and Cameron and Tanner Sanders; one brother, Doyle Surritte and wife, Linda; one sister, Rosa Mae Anderson; one brother-in-law, Ray Shunk; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one daughter, Amanda Lynch, one sister, Barbara Shunk and two brothers, Donald and Glen Surritte preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Phyllis Sue Fox (Nana), 72, of West Plains, Missouri passed away on Monday, July 29th, 2024. She was born on June 17th, 1952 in Yuma, Arizona. Nana’s roots and Native heritage were grounded in Arizona, where many of her loved ones reside. At only 21 years old, she embarked on an unknown adventure and found herself in the small town of West Plains, Missouri. Nana was always known to be a wandering spirit, searching for something far greater than herself. She married Oscar Howell Jr. on December 13th, 1975 and they had one daughter, Olivia Johnson, on January 21st, 1976. Nana was mostly a stay at home mom and worked many hospitality jobs throughout her life. However, her most special and honorable role was being a Nana. In caring for and raising her grandchildren, it can be said that Nana found what was far greater than herself. She knew how to beautifully hold space for her grandchildren and always had just the right words of both comfort and wisdom. Her heart-warming embrace was one that always quieted the worries and consoled deep anguish. Nana’s presence felt like a guiding light, in the midst of generations who were wandering spirits themselves. That was her legacy – making sure her tribe did not have to walk this earth unaccompanied nor suffer in isolation. Nana was the testament of strength and resiliency, which was evident in her ability to burden her loved one’s sorrows and afflictions. Her heart and soul were embedded with the whispers of those closest to her, which she held close to her until her very last moment.
Phyllis is survived by her brother Calvin (Gobacki) Hayes Sr. who resides in Phoenix, Arizona; her nieces Laura Soto Miranda (Arturo), Lydia Soto, and Lisa Soto Esquerra who resides in Somerton, Arizona, who knew her as “Miggie.” Her legacy also lives on in her child, Olivia & Michael Johnson; her grandchildren: Elissa & Tristan Bodiford, Damian & Devin Smith, Alexzander Smith, Laura & Andre Dominque, & Claire Johnson; and her great grandchildren: Mia, Gabriel, Micah, & Eden Smith. Phyllis’s daughter and grandchildren exemplify the strength and compassion she had for others, while honorably continuing her legacy throughout their own lives.
She is preceded in death by her parents: Lillian Hayes and Pete Hayes, and her siblings: Cyril Mills Sr., Rudy Hayes, Victor Hayes Sr., Everette Hayes, Raphael Hayes Sr., Paul Hayes, Mildred Hayes, Deborah Hayes, and Janice Hayes.
Nana’s presence will forever be irreplaceable for many and for those closest to her, will feel there is a piece of themselves which left with her. However, parts of Nana are rooted into their existence and sketched into their memories. Nana’s family described her as: vibrant, a free-spirit, warm-hearted, gracious, nurturing, trusting, selfless and above all else, loved her family fiercely.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, August 17th, at 2:00 pm at United Free Will Baptist Church in West Plains, MO. Memorial contributions can be made to the “Go Red for Women” organization in support of Women’s Heart Disease. Flowers and other memorial contributions may be sent to United Free Will Baptist Church, 607 Lanton Road West Plains, MO 65775.
