Funeral services for Veva Imogene Cobb Denton, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Denton passed away at 2:10 a.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024, at NHC Healthcare.
She was born July 10, 1935, at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Henry and Myrtle Jones. On June 27, 1980, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to James R. Denton, who preceded her in death on March 26, 2018. Mrs. Denton loved having company. She was an avid gardener and she loved to cook. She enjoyed square dancing with her husband, Jim. But more than anything else, she loved her friends and family, especially her grandkids and great-grandkids who were the highlight of her life. Mrs. Denton was of the Baptist faith, and she was a member of First General Baptist Church of West Plains for over fifty years.
She is survived by four children, Brenda Dunn and husband, Gary, West Plains, Missouri, Pamela Coffman and husband, Larry, West Plains, Missouri, Sandra Johnson and husband, Tim, Pottersville, Missouri, and Danny Cobb and wife, Sharon, Peace Valley, Missouri; six grandchildren, Justin Hicks, Lacey Coffman-Galvan, Zachary Cobb, Lance Coffman, Henry Cobb, and Patrick Cobb; six great-grandchildren, Lane Hicks, Cameron Judah, Mia Galvan, Lukas Coffman, Cooper Coffman, and Mattie Tulgetske; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, first husband, Danzel Cobb, second husband, James Denton, one brother, Leamon Jones, two sisters, Oliadeen Tabor and Ruedeen Pliler, and an infant brother preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Bennett Chapel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to 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.
Graveside services for Stephanie Montgomery, 46, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Union Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Stephanie Montgomery was an adored daughter, wife, and sister. She was born June 7th, 1978 in Springfield, Missouri. Stephanie lived most of her life in Lexington, South Carolina, but moved to West Plains 6 years ago where she achieved her lifelong dream of returning to where her parents were raised. It’s hard to describe someone that was bigger than life. Stephanie had an infectious smile, a happy go lucky outlook, and ability to make anything into a joke. To know Stephanie was to love Stephanie. She lit up a room with her sparky personality. Stephanie had a love for many things but especially music, history, and art. Stephanie was one of the sweetest people you would ever meet. No matter the problem, big or small, she would always be there for you.
Stephanie was proceeded in death by her Mother Phyllis Montgomery, Father William Montgomery, Maternal Grandparents Cecil and Virginia Riley, Paternal Grandparents Gerald and Flora Lee Montgomery, and Uncles Richard Eakin and Tom Prevett.
She is survived in death by her husband Jason Brad Reese, Sister Jessica Goss, Niece Anna Goss, Nephew Stone Goss, Aunt Jean Ann Looney and husband Jaime Looney, Uncle Mark Riley and wife Yvonne Riley, Aunt Barbara Eakin, Aunt Pat Wake and husband Johnny Wake. Stephanie also had many cousins that she loves dearly.
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 the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Bobby Gene Spencer, 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 7, 2024, at Dora High School, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Spencer passed away at 5:53 p.m., Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at his home.
He was born December 4, 1951, at Gainesville, Missouri, to Lewis Spencer and Donna Spoon Spencer. Mr. Spencer received his Master’s of Education Degree from Missouri State University. On June 3, 1972, he married the love of his life, Rosa Leah Story Spencer. They were married for thirty-six years. From this union they had three children and seven grandchildren: Freddy Spencer and wife, Jessica, their two children, Emma and Paxton of Harrisburg, Missouri, Darla Spencer and two children, Morgan and Madison, of Cherokee Village, Arkansas and Susan Spencer Howard and husband, Ronnie and their children, Spencer, Cooper and James of Dora, Missouri. He was a preacher at Pomona Church of Christ for ten years and taught Sunday school his entire life. Bobby was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to white bass and walleye fish. He loved fishing in his lakes at his farm; he also enjoyed bow hunting, turkey, deer, elk and squirrel hunting. Bobby enjoyed playing golf with his loved ones, floating the river and snorkeling. Mr. Spencer was a blueberry farmer and loved to grow and pick berries. His true love was coaching basketball; he loved yelling at his kids to arch the ball. When he was coaching you could frequently hear him say things like “Not harder, higher” or “nothing but net” or his catch phrase “Arch the Ball”. Mr. Spencer was a school teacher for forty-two years and had taught at Richland, Koshkonong, Lutie, Viola, Mountain View, Bakersfield and Dora. He was awarded Teacher of the year. On June 13, 2009 he married the other love of his life, Chuquita Spencer. They enjoyed fifteen years of marriage together. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.
He is survived by his wife, Chuquita Spencer, of the family home; three children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren with one on the way, Freddy Spencer and wife, Jessica, Harrisburg, Missouri, their children, Emma and Paxton, Darla Spencer, Cherokee Village, Arkansas, and her children, Morgan and Madison, Susan Spencer Howard and husband, Ronnie, Dora, Missouri, and their children, Spencer, Cooper and James; two brothers, Joe Spencer and Boyd Spencer, both of Elijah, Missouri; one sister, Vickie Parker and husband, Marvin, Caulfield, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Jan Dennis and husband, Randall, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, first wife, Rosa Leah Story Spencer, one brother, Dwayne Spencer and one sister-in-law, Joy Spencer, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Ball Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Rosa Leah and Bobbie G. Spencer Scholarship Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Darren Michael Martin, 31, Gamaliel, Arkansas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 8, 2024, at Elijah Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Martin passed away Thursday, June 27, 2024.
He was born January 12, 1993, at Springdale, Arkansas, to Steven Martin and Debbie Roberts Martin. Darren was a great writer and was in the process of writing a book series. He enjoyed playing online video games with his friends and loved to sing. He was a loving, kind hearted and generous person; he always had a smile for everyone. Darren was a wonderful son, brother and uncle.
He is survived by his parents, Steven and Debbie Martin, Gamaliel, Arkansas; one brother, Steven Heenan, Caulfield, Missouri; one sister, Brittney Wolf and husband, Kevin, Argilete, Kentucky; one niece, Allie Wolf ; one nephew, Andrew Wolf; and his beloved dog, Shelby.
His grandparents, Cledice and Helen Martin and Burl and Janet Roberts, preceded him 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 Elijah Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Elijah Church of Christ and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Ruby Sue Holstine Garner, 76, Franklin, Tennessee and formerly of Gepp, Arkansas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Garner passed away Monday, July 1, 2024 in Franklin, Tennessee.
She was born October 23, 1947, at Viola, Arkansas, to Lue Raymond Holstine and Mary Jane Hopkins Holstine. Ruby graduated from Viola High School in 1965. She attended Arkansas State University where she earned a Bachelor’s in Education in 1969 and later earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Grand Canyon University. On May 25, 1973, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Doyle Fields Garner, who preceded her in death on November 13, 2015. Mrs. Garner was a high school English teacher, instructing thousands of students in her 41 years of teaching at West Plains High School. She was a member of the Prairie Grove Church of Christ for many years. She enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, antiques and restoring furniture. She loved cooking for her family and spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her sisters, Mary Jo Holstine Baker and Bonnie Fay Holstine Spencer; four children, Gary Wayne Garner (Kristi), LeAnn Garner Tice (Greg), James Ray Garner (Lacey) and Michael Alan Garner; five grandchildren, Kaitlin Tice, Jarett Tice, Noah Fields Garner, Ella Grace Garner and Emma Rose Garner; one niece, Treva Baker Cotter (Gary) and one nephew, Adam Kyle Spencer.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Doyle, and one niece, Julie Ann Baker.
Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in County Line Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Paragould Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Robert Alfred Parris, Jr., 94, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Howell Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Parris passed away at 7:39 a.m., Monday, July 1, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born December 31, 1929, at Brilliant, Alabama, to Robert A. Parris, Sr. and Gladys Lawrence Parris. On May 31, 1947, he was married at Piggott, Arkansas, to Hazel Lorene Crow, who preceded him in death on June 1, 2020. Mr. Parris was a resident of West Plains for fifty-one years. He loved his family, especially his wife, Lorene of seventy-three years. He enjoyed fishing, camping and a good game of rummikub. Mr. Parris loved sitting outside and looking over his fields; he also enjoyed watching NFL Football, NASCAR and westerns and was an avid Zizzer fan. Robert valued his neighbors. Mr. Parris attended First Baptist Church and Central Calvary as long as he was able.
He is survived by five children, Stephen Parris and wife, Cheryl, Sunnyvale, California, David Parris and wife, Mandy, Olathe, Kansas, Michael Parris and wife, Denise, Marshall, Missouri, Mark Parris, Claremore, Oklahoma and Karen Bird and husband, Tom, Pottersville, Missouri; nine grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; two sisters; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, one grandson and three brothers, preceded him in death.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Ozarks Healthcare staff and Three Rivers Hospice care team for their loving support.
Memorial contributions may be made to Howell Valley Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775. Online condolences may be left at www.robertsondrago.com
Harlie Marlin Blair, 78, of West Plains, Missouri, beloved father and grandfather, passed away at the Missouri Veterans Home, Warrensburg Missouri on June 29, 2024 at 12:06am.
Harlie was born in Tecumseh, Missouri on May 10, 1946, to Homer Charles and Ina Marie Evins Blair. On June 29, 1968, he was married to Veta Cockrum who preceded him in death on March 18, 2022. Mr. Blair was a veteran and enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his grandson. He enjoyed reading his Bible and was a faithful servant of God. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
He is survived by his daughter, Heather McGrath, husband, Kevin, Warrensburg, Missouri; grandson, Gunner; two brothers, Melvin Blair, wife, Leda, Elk Creek, Missouri and Gary Blair, Valley Center, California; four sisters, Fern Hall, Republic, Missouri, Floy Lyon, husband, Larry, Sunfield, Michigan, Pearl Weaver, East Prairie, Missouri, and Minnie Burkett, husband Gordon, Vicksburg, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Blair is preceded in death by his wife, Veta, his parents, two brothers, Roy Blair, and Charles Blair and two sisters, Mona Hensley, and Earnie Green.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at Free Union Cemetery.
Funeral services for Wilma Alieen (Roxie) Miller, 95, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 5, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Miller passed away at 10:45 a.m., Saturday, June 29, 2024, at her home.
She was born December 30, 1928, at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Kenneth Kesner and Virginia Langston Kesner. Roxie attended school at Bakersfield. On April 7, 1947, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Paul Truman Miller, who preceded her in death on August 4, 2021. They were blessed with four children. She enjoyed living on the farm, gardening, cooking, sewing and reading poetry. Roxie prepared delicious meals for the hay haulers and everyone that came to their home; one of her favorite things to do was to prepare family dinners. She managed the farm and family while her husband worked away from home to provide for the family. Later in life she worked at Baxter Lab for many years, retiring in 1984. Her husband, Truman, was a minister and pastor at many different churches; Mrs. Miller was faithful to his calling. Roxie always had a loving shoulder to cry on.
She is survived by three children, Karen Summers and husband, Gene, Bakersfield, Missouri, Beverly Bonham and husband, Tommy, Caulfield, Missouri and Paula Crites and husband, Bill, Bakersfield, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Bridges and husband, Brian, Darrell Summers and wife, Trudy, Hayden Bonham and wife, Patricia, Travis Crites and wife, Tami, Valerie Lockett and husband, Thomas, Paul Summers and wife, Malisha, Natashia Crites and Dalton Crites and wife, Brandy; seventeen great-grandchildren, Lauren Newhard and husband, Justin, Cooper Bridges, Wyatt Summers and wife, Cassie, Cole Summers, Emily Alexander and husband, Konnor, Shelby Summers, Riley Summers, Ethan Crites, Zane Crites, Paige Crites, Cora Beth Epley and husband, Cody, Makadah Lockett, Levi Hollingshad, Allie Hollingshad, Layton Crites, Logan Crites and Kamrie Crites; one great-great-granddaughter, Lakelynn Epley; one brother, Owen Kesner and wife, Barbara, West Plains; one sister-in-law, Mabel Mooney, Ruby, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one son, Truman Dwight Miller, two brothers, Dale and Wayman Kesner, one sister, Bonnie Reynolds, and several half-brothers and half-sisters, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Udall Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Udall Cemetery or Hawkins Ridge Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Donald James Smith, 89, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 10:24 p.m., Thursday, June 27, 2024, in West Plains. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Margaret Myrtle Thompson, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, peacefully passed into eternity at her home on Sunday, June 23, 2024, one month and two days shy of her 92nd birthday.
One must begin again each day, each moment, though the moments seem heavy, ill-defined, after a loss such as this. Our beloved mother and grandmother has gone to join her beloved. Even though her passing was expected, and we are happy for her joyful reunion in heaven, we are still staggered by the abrupt divide between here and the beyond, between what was and what is. By the strength she imparted to us and the grace of God, we will go on.
Margaret was born in Laird, Colorado, on July 25, 1932, to Thomas E. and Ivy V. (Brown) Morrell. She was the seventh of seven children born into a devout, hardworking family. Her oldest sister was married and gone from home when Margaret was born; her oldest brother followed soon after. She remembered living in a small house—really two tiny homes joined together—at the base of a hill in Laird. She remembered that when it rained, her mother opened the uphill back door to sweep the runoff through the house and out the front door. Margaret was privileged to visit her first home place with some of her siblings many years after she left it.
She moved with her family to St. Francis, Kansas, at a young age and completed most of her schooling there. Her oldest sister and her oldest brother remained with their families in Colorado. Margaret liked to remember and tell stories of her life in St. Francis, where her family first lived on a farm outside of town. After a time, they moved into town where her father had a blacksmith shop and a gas station. Her mother worked alongside her father and gardened and kept chickens for eggs and meat. The family depended on selling eggs to augment their income. Life was not easy for the Morrells in those years. Margaret remembered a time when her mother did not have a penny to buy a 1-cent stamp.
When Margaret was sixteen, she moved with her parents and one brother to West Plains, Missouri. Margaret and her parents left St. Francis pulling a small travel trailer after selling off their property and belongings. They had no set itinerary but stopped here and there while looking for a new place to live. West Plains was not a planned destination, but it was the place her father found things to his liking, with farmland to buy, and they stayed. Her youngest brother joined them when he left the Navy. Two brothers and one sister remained in St. Francis and Kansas City with their own young families. We can imagine (and she did acknowledge) how difficult the move from St. Francis to Missouri was for 16-year-old Margaret. Little did she know what lay in store. It was in West Plains that Margaret finished high school and met the love of her life, Laurel R. Thompson. The couple graduated with the West Plains High School Class of 1950 and married on March 17, 1951. They lived in West Plains all their married lives except for the months they spent in Kansas City while Laurel completed technical school.
In late 1951, the Thompsons returned to West Plains where Laurel began work at KWPM and Margaret made a home out of a small four-room house. Over the next four years, Laurel and Margaret had three children. Two more children followed four and eight years after that. Margaret loved her family and took pride in being there for them. She fondly called the times when her children were small and the years in which she raised them the happiest times of her life. It surely was a challenge for her to have five children under twelve at home, yet she said she would not change a thing and she would do it all again. She loved her babies, and she was a loving Grandma to her babies’ babies. When her children grew out of babyhood, Margaret worked as a bookkeeper at radio station KWPM for 25 years. She had kept books for Smith Auto Parts on Washington Avenue as a young adult, before she married.
Throughout her long marriage, Margaret was truly the wind beneath her husband’s wings. Without her devoted love, support, and family-management skills, it is doubtful that he could have lived the life he did, and accomplished the things he did. She was his foundation, his very heart, and he was hers.
Margaret had a loving, tender heart and innate generosity not only toward her family but for her community as well. Margaret loved sewing, needlework, baking (oh, my, her raisin bread and dinner rolls!) and cooking. She liked reading and held onto treasured books she’d had since young. She gardened much of her life–a freshly sliced sun-warm tomato and a sweet blooming rose coaxed up from a cutting were equal treasures. Like her mother before her, Margaret almost always had a cat. She loved her cats, and she loved feeding and watching birds. Hummingbirds were a special joy to her. She was an avid letter writer to distant family and friends and to her kids at summer camp. She kept a journal or diary for many, many years. She loved weekends at the lake, traveling with her husband and family in an RV, and wearing a big sun hat to fish for trout on the north fork of the White River. She loved her church, and she loved her church family. She lived without regrets.
Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Laurel R. Thompson; her parents, Thomas E. and Ivy V. Morrell; her parents-in-law, Earl H. and Faye Thompson; one daughter, Sherrill A. Thompson; one son, Steven K. Thompson; one grandson, Jeffrey Scott Thompson; two sisters; and four brothers.
She is survived by three children—Jim Thompson and wife, Sarah, West Plains; Vickie Petkovic, West Plains; Russell Thompson and wife, An, Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee—eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law Leon Thompson, West Plains; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Margaret will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Services will be Sunday, June 30, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of West Plains and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main Street, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service for Verna Lynn Kowal, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 28, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Kowal passed away at 12:18 a.m., Thursday, June 6, 2024, at her home.
She was born October 20, 1942, at Chicago, Illinois, to Matthew and LaVerne Kienzle Meyer. On January 20, 1961, she was married in Cook County, Illinois, to Michael Paul Kowal, who preceded her in death on July 2, 2022. Mrs. Kowal was a home maker and had worked at Ozarks Medical Center as a nurse’s aid. She loved crafting, sewing, quilting, gardening and the church choir.
She is survived by three children, Kerry Lynn Hunter, State of Illinois, Christopher Kowal and wife, Amy, Martinez, Georgia and Richard Kowal and wife, Jennifer, Thayer, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; two brothers, James Meyer, State of Florida and Robert Meyer and wife, Wendy (Breeze), West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two sons, Michael Kowal, Jr. and David Kowal and one brother, Steven Meyer, preceded her 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.
Funeral services for Ben Wayne Rhoads, Sr., 70, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Rhoads passed away at 8:08 a.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at his home.
He was born April 3, 1954, at Salem, Arkansas, to Garland Rhoads and Helen Harbeston Rhoads. On July 23, 1978, he was married at West Plains, to Peggy Allen. Mr. Rhoads was a policeman for fourteen years and was a helicopter mechanic. Ben loved his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews very much. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially with his son and granddaughters. He loved his favorite team, the Raiders. Mr. Rhoads was a member of Washington Avenue Church of Christ for four years.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Rhoads, of the family home; two sons, Ben Rhoads, Jr., and wife, Tarin and Brandon Rhoads, all of West Plains; two granddaughters, Hailey and Allison Rhoads; one brother, Richard Rhoads, West Plains; two sisters, Edna Rhoads and Alma (Jody) Rhoads, both of West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one step-son, Michael (Dougy) Barton, one brother, Thurlow (Buddy) Rhoads and one sister, Margaret Rhoads, 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. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Brittany Lane Teitsort, of West Plains, Missouri, entered eternal rest on June 20, 2024 at the age of 36.
She was born on November 9, 1987 to Shawn Kipper “Kip” Teitsort and Jeanna Holloway in West Plains, Missouri. She genuinely loved music, caring for young children, and being the silliest person to brighten a dark room. Brittany had a heart of gold and loved those close to her fiercely. She was a talented artist, possessed the most beautiful singing voice, and excelled in any sport she played. She was always willing to help those in need, and brought true joy and happiness to so many throughout her life.
She is survived by her grandmothers Beverly Teitsort, Jerrie Holloway, and Mary Bratcher, her parents, Shawn Kipper “Kip” Teitsort and Jeanna Holloway, her siblings, Tiffany Robinson, Kristian “Tyler” Teitsort, Shawn Teitsort Jr., Gwendolyn Howell, Hunter Teitsort, Emma Teitsort, and Ethan Teitsort, her three nieces, four nephews, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her grandfathers Richard Teitsort and Valmon Holloway.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Linda Jean Cline, 69, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Elk Creek Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cline passed away at 10:40 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born January 23, 1955, at Cassville, Missouri, to Billy Joe Gunnels and Norma Jean Edie Gunnels. On October 4, 1975, she was married at Cassville, Missouri, to Stephen Cline. Linda grew up in Cassville and attended school there, graduating in 1973. After graduation, she worked at Milgram’s Grocery Store for two years. She was a homemaker and stay at home mother until her son Scott started 1st grade, at which time she began working as a cook at Junction Hill School. She worked there for over thirty years. Linda retired in 2015 to take care of her grandson, Sutton. She gave her life to the Lord in 1965 when she was baptized. Mrs. Cline attended Smith Chapel Church for over forty years.
She is survived by her husband, Stephen Cline, of the family home; one son, Scott Cline and wife, Tasha, West Plains; two grandchildren, Sutton and Silas Cline; one brother, Joe Gunnels and wife, Sue, Cassville, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Donna Jackson, Springfield, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents and grandparents preceded her 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.
Betty Sue Meidell, 88, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born September 2, 1935, at Elijah, Missouri, to George Washington Long and Delphi Alberta Hensley Long. On December 27, 1965, she was married at Wichita, Kansas to Gary Anthony Meidell, who preceded her in death on October 30, 2012. Before moving back to Missouri, Betty was the owner and operator of Pickerel Creek Camp in Ontario, Canada.
She is survived by one daughter, Brenda Gibson, West Plains; one daughter-in-law, Jalynn Moushon, West Plains; one grandson, Danny Hopkins; and four great-grandchildren.
Her parents, husband, one son, Mike Meidell, one daughter, Mary Sue Shaffer and one sister, Velma Lee Martin, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A celebration of life service for Ida Lee Gwaltney, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, June 24, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ida passed away at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at her home.
She was born March 4, 1953, at Farmington, Missouri, to Monte Ray Ariola and Evelyn Martha MacDonald Ariola. Ida has been a nurse in this area for more than 40 years. She spent most of her career at West Vue Nursing Center caring for elderly and ill, comforting families, and sharing her love with the community. She has held the hand of the suffering, comforted the dying, and shared her love of people with unwavering commitment. Above all, Ida loved to help people who genuinely needed a hand up. Her home was always filled with a stray person or two, her table always held another plate for whoever showed up, and she always had enough to share. Her family includes a lifetime of stragglers and broken hearted people who aren’t always related by birth but bound to her by their dedication to her friendship.
She is survived by her son, Jerome Stadler and daughter Lily Wilde, as well as grandchildren, London Stadler, Kayla Stadler, and John Stadler and a great granddaughter, Emma Morel.
She is preceded in death by William Stadler, husband; William Stadler, son; sisters Rebecca Osborne, Georgia Ann Gilliam, and Elizabeth Ariola and brothers Charles Ariola, Floyd Ariola, and Raymond Ariola.
Memorial contributions may be made to West Vue Nursing Center Activities Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Charles Wayne Bunch, 80, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bunch passed away at 2:25 p.m., Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at his home.
He was born May 15, 1944, at West Plains, Missouri, to Anton James Bunch and Lillie Maye Brixey Bunch. Charles enjoyed hunting, fishing and going to thrift stores. He loved his family and the Cardinals.
He is survived by one sister-in-law, Martha Bunch, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, five brothers, Ralph, David, Glenn and Hervel, one infant brother, Paul Bunch and four sisters, Hazel Collins, Norma Burgess, Gayle Roper and Loretta Oaks, 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. Online condolences may be left at www.robertsondrago.com
A Celebration of Life Service for Ronald David Walls, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 21, 2024, at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Walls passed away peacefully at 11:25 a.m., Monday, June 17, 2024, at his home.
Ron was born May 29, 1943 in Meadville, Pennsylvania, to Joseph H. Walls, Jr. and Berneta Bogardus Walls. He lived a long and happy life, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and service. Over the years, Ron called Pennsylvania, Florida and Missouri home, touching many lives in each place he lived. He dedicated his career to protecting and aiding others as a firefighter and EMT. He was also a high end carpentry and cabinet contractor, building and operating a successful business. His craftsmanship can still be seen in countless homes, showcasing his incredible work ethic and skill. Ron was married to his wife, Lesa, for nearly 25 wonderful years. Together, they shared a passion for travel, exploring the country with friends in their RVs, and especially cherishing their adventures in Colorado. Their marriage was a shining example of love and commitment, filled with countless joyful memories. A devoted Christian, Ron found great fulfillment in serving as a mentor to many throughout his life. His faith was a guiding light and he shared his wisdom and kindness generously. Known for his great sense of humor, Ron had the ability to bring a smile to anyone’s face. He was also an inquisitive person, engaging in conversations and learning about the lives of those he met. Ron will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of service, love and laughter will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
He is survived by his wife, Lesa; his children, Colleen Day of Eustis, Florida, Lee Anna Smith and Max of Sarasota, Florida and Robert Webb and Danielle of West Plains, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Cameron Lilly and Kristen of Umatilla, Florida, Casey Day of The Villages, Florida, Catherine Gaytan and Leo of Mount Dora, Florida, Savannah Day of Eustis, Florida, Malyn Steffey and Tobin of Yuma, Arizona, Memphis Webb of Mountain View, Missouri and Preslee Webb of West Plains, Missouri; one great-grandchild, Calvin Steffey of Yuma, Arizona; one sister, Lois Hunter and Jerry of St. Mary’s Pennsylvania; four nephews; and many special friends.
His parents, one grandson, Miles Smith, one sister, Joyce Walls and one brother, Tim Walls, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 12:00 until 1:00 p.m., Friday, prior to the service. Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon Bible Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A Memorial Funeral Mass for James Bohm, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
James William Bohm (Jim) was born on January 6, 1948, at Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit, Kansas. Jim was the youngest son of Lawrence and Madrene Bohm. Jim grew up in Beloit, attended St John’s Catholic School, and graduated in 1966. His favorite memories of Beloit were summers spent outdoors, working in the large family garden, bike riding, swimming and an early morning milk route for the local dairy. Jim attended college at Kansas State University where he earned a degree in architecture. College summers were spent working alongside his dad on the Mitchell County Road crew. After graduation, Jim was hired by the US Army Reserve as an architect where he remained for his entire career. His work took him to many Army bases throughout the United States and world. He always returned with unique memorabilia and amazing stories from his travels. He retired in2003. Upon retirement, Jim moved to West Plains, Missouri where he resided until his death. His love of horticulture began in childhood and flourished throughout his lifetime. His amazing garden was his prize possession overflowing with beautiful flowers, tropical plants and yard art. He loved to be outdoors and would walk for miles each day. He would never turn down a trip to Mammoth Spring for a good catfish lunch with family and friends. Jim’s true delight was his nieces, Melissa and Michelle, and his grandnieces Sarah and Sammy. He made many trips to visit them and was so proud of all their accomplishments. He loved hearing about their latest adventures via letters, phone calls, email, and in the last month of his life, text messages. “Uncle Jimmy” is deeply missed by all his nieces.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Madrene and Lawrence Bohm, grandparents, and many uncles and aunts.
Jim is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Delores Bohm (Redmond, WA), niece, Melissa Bohm and Tina Orsello (Jacksonville FL), niece Michelle and Jeff Kujath (Redmond, WA), grandnieces Sarah and Sammy Kujath (Redmond, WA), as well as many cousins in Missouri, Arkansas and Kansas.
Jim passed peacefully from this life on December 30, 2023.
Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Juanita Loraine “Waukee” Kirkland Poe, 102, Springfield, Missouri, formerly of Udall, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Udall Price Mitchell Cemetery, Udall, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Juanita Loraine “Waukee” Kirkland Poe flew on to Heaven June 15th after a life well lived.
She was born August 25, 1921 to parents James Bonnie Kirkland and Etta Rowene Ellison Kirkland, on a hot summer’s day weighing in at 13lbs. She was given the name ‘Waukee’ which was considered a Native American term for ‘strong’. She was raised in Ozark County on the Missouri/Arkansas border where she came to know a way life of surviving off the land without modern conveniences of vehicles or electricity. She enjoyed exploring the great outdoors with her siblings Christine, Bill, and Jim, and wading in the cold water flowing from the North Fork of the White River. At the age of 15 she went to live in Kansas City as a nanny for 3 years, where she experienced electricity, street cars, and indoor plumbing for the first time. Upon her return to Ozark County the adjustment back to a way of life without such conveniences as difficult. She earned her chauffeurs license and began driving a ‘dam truck’ hauling men to worksites around the Norfork Dam under construction. She married Willie Lee Poe January 3rd, 1944, and they began a good life together working a family ranch and livestock business. They had their first daughter Kathryn April 1st, 1945, and another daughter Rosaleah in December of 1947 who died at birth. Waukee was active in community events and clubs while maintaining all the responsibilities of living in the Ozarks on a cattle farm, raising her daughter and caring for other family members. Waukee got her son-in-law when Kathryn married Dennis Slane in December 1974. When her Grandson Brent was born in April of 1982, she was thrilled to begin sharing all the farm life with him. Her husband Willie suddenly passed away on April 4th 1986 while working with his cattle. Waukee continued raising livestock and managing the family farm. Local cattlemen were amazed at her skill of leading a herd of 50 cattle anywhere she wanted by simply carrying a 5-gallon bucket of dairy feed with her and they would follow. No horses, 4 wheelers, dogs or hooping and hollerin’ was as effective in herding cattle as Waukee was able to do with simple kindness. Quilting and crocheting was a favorite hobby she enjoyed, making pieces for her family to display and keep warm with. She enjoyed cooking up a hearty traditional farm breakfast to sustain everyone that shared a place at her table over the years. She continued handling the strenuous chores of farm life well into her late 80’s. She enjoyed spending time with her family and reading the local newspapers while keeping her hands and mind busy with crocheting and crafts. After her daughter Kathryn passed away from COVID-19 just days after Waukee’s 100th birthday, Waukee moved to Springfield Villa skilled nursing facility where she was loved and cared for by so many that came to know her for her kind and strong spirit. She enjoyed eating almost anything, but the one thing she enjoyed the most was an ice-cold Coke.
Waukee is survived by her grandson Brent Slane and son-in-law Dennis Slane, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank everyone that came and visited with Waukee the past few years, and the teams from Springfield Villa, and Preferred Hospice for making her last days comfortable and peaceful.
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.
