A memorial service for Bryan David Owenby, 54, Universal City, Texas will be held from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m., Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the West Plains Civic Center, West Plains, Missouri.
Bryan passed away April 2, 2022, at his home.
He was born November 10, 1967, to his late parents, Bonnie Richmond and Burl Owenby. Bryan was raised by his step-father, Jarvin Bickel, who loved him dearly. Bryan enjoyed family time, group motorcycle rides and volunteering every year at the San Antonio Rodeo. His motorcycle was his most prized possession. Bry was a devoted Christian man who spoke about the Lord to everyone he knew.
He is survived by three daughters, Ashley Owenby, Sara Redfield and husband, Josh and Stormy Airhart and husband, Anthony; four grandchildren, Mila Wienhoff, Kayden Airhart, Zoe Redfield and Zachary Redfield; four brothers, Burl Owenby and wife, Teresa, Dale Owenby and wife, Nancy, Floyd Owenby and wife, Bonnie and Wendell Owenby; two sisters, Becky Perdue and Tammy Logston and husband, Roger; several nieces and nephews ; Bryan was especially close to his cousin, Marty Witt; his best friend, Jason Fulson; his work team at USAA; and his friends at Willow Springs.
His three parents, one daughter, Jessica Owenby and one sister, Wanda Vanalstine, preceded him in death.
Graveside services for Minnie G. Dossett, 97, Southaven, Mississippi, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Dossett passed away April 13, 2022.
She was born July 20, 1924, in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, to the late Elza Claude Peach and Dessie Ann Lowe Peach. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and granny. Minnie spent her life beside her late husband Raymond Yarbor gardening, tending their farm and raising their four children. These last few years she has spent time spoiling her great-great-grandkids. She loved her gospel music and visiting with her family.
Minnie will be remembered by her children, Helen Sue Schuetz, Larry Yarbor, Linda Sanders and Douglas Yarbor; 14 grandchildren; many great and great-great-grandchildren.
Her parents, husband, Raymond Yarbor, second husband of five years, Paul Dossett, one son, Larry Yarbor, eight siblings and one granddaughter, Teresa Sue Schuetz, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Richard Davis Richardson, 76, Dora, Missouri, passed away at 10:01 p.m., Thursday, April 7, 2022, at Ozarks Healthcare, after a brief illness.
He was born August 23, 1945 at Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Mercer B. Richardson and Annie Mae Burk. Richard grew up in San Angelo, Texas, before moving to West Plains, Missouri, where he graduated from West Plains High School in 1964. He attended Kansas State University, worked for Pepsico, and as a long-haul truck driver, before his retirement brought him and the love of his life, wife Theresa, back home to Dora. A fiercely proud man who was always quick with a joke and a smile, Richard had a twinkle in his eye and a personality bigger than life. He loved his family deeply though the words often escaped him. Richard and Theresa traveled the world and had countless adventures, but there was never any place they’d rather be than the farm. Richard enjoyed watching old Westerns, football, spending his time working on the farm, and always rooting for his beloved Kansas State Wildcats.
He is survived by his wife, Theresa; four children, Doug (Debbie) Richardson, Tisha Richardson (David Osborn), Keith Richardson (Amy), and John (Michelle) Brock; four grandchildren, Delaney (Lance) Schmidt, Justin (Shana) Scicluna, Sara and Oliver Snelson; two great-grandsons, Christian Scicluna and Braxton Schmidt; one brother Mercer (Leslie) Richardson; two sisters, Nancy (Rogers) Byler and Sue (Don) Jones; cousin, best friend, and brother from others, James Hollingshad; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Richard is predeceased by his parents Ann White and Mercer Richardson.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held and announced at a future date. 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 Viva Lee Garner Stanley, 96, Springfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 14, 2022, at County Line Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Stanley passed away at 7:00 a.m., Friday, April 8, 2022 at her home at Montclair Senior Living, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born October 1, 1925, at Pickren Hall, Arkansas, to Otho Leslie Ivester and Cynthia Ethel Morrison Ivester. She was married to Jim Garner, who preceded her in death on August 12, 1983. Viva loved her flowers, her yard and traveling. She was in a guitarist in a country band and enjoyed playing at nursing homes. Mrs. Stanley was a member of Sunset Church of Christ, Springfield, Missouri.
She is survived by three children, Bob Garner and wife, Karen, West Plains, Missouri, Patty Warren and husband, Gordon, Warrensburg, Missouri and Connie Garner, St. Petersburg, Florida; seven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; twelve great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husbands, Jim Garner and Jim Stanley, one sister, Fannie Garner and one brother, Davis Ivester, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to County Line Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Linda Sue Nale, 63, Springfield, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 9, 2022, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Nale passed away peacefully early on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, after a two year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
She was born March 3, 1959, at West Plains, Missouri, to Everett and Patricia Summers. She attended K-8 at Howell Valley School and then high school at West Plains High School, graduating in 1977. Linda also attended Missouri State University, West Plains, Bethel College, McKenzie, Tennessee and Missouri State University, Springfield, where she graduated in 1981 with a degree in Elementary Education and then later with her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Linda was saved in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Elk Creek, near West Plains. During her early high school years, she met Benny Ray Nale, also of West Plains. The two found an immediate connection and together they attended high school dances and dated up until their marriage on December 12, 1981. Linda loved singing (what a beautiful voice), playing the piano, cross-stitching, her faith in God and Jesus and of course, her cherished family. Mrs. Nale taught elementary school for six years at Crane, Missouri, eight years at Sequiota Elementary School and sixteen years at Sherwood Elementary School, both in Springfield, Missouri, before retiring in 2015 after thirty years of service. Linda loved children and teaching her students ranging over the years from K – 6 with an emphasis on 4th grade. During her years at Sherwood Elementary, other teachers there who had elementary aged children did all they could to make certain their children were placed in Mrs. Nale’s class, as her reputation was strong as a loving, compassionate, caring teacher who held her student’s best interests at heart, all the while maintaining an orderly classroom without raising her voice. After retirement, Linda even tried her hand at a couple of semesters of teaching college students at Missouri State University. While our hearts are broken completely, we do know that Linda knows no more pain with her new heavenly body promised to her by God and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She will always be remembered, missed and loved.
She is survived by her husband, Benny Nale; their four children, Trenton Nale, Austin Nale, Hanna Nale and Hailey Nale, all of Springfield, Missouri area; her parents, Everett and Patricia Summers; one brother, Everett Loyd Summers; one aunt, Betty O’Dell; cousins, Kathy Parker, David O’Dell and wife, Lily, and their daughter, Cassandra; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald (Bud) and Marie Nale, all of West Plains.
Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery, West Plains, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Harry Duane Tarter, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 9, 2022, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Tarter passed away Friday, April 1, 2022, at his home.
He was born April 9, 1950, at West Plains, Missouri, to Ernest Lawrence Tarter and Ruth Helen Roberson Tarter. Harry graduated from West Plains High School in 1968; he was a member of the Zizzer football team and also was a member of FFA where he served as Vice President of the West Plains Chapter in 1967 – 1968. On November 10, 1984, he was married at Smith Chapel in West Plains, Missouri to Betty Harmon. His love for agriculture and farming began when he was in 6th grade; he and his Dad became partners in their livestock and established T and T Farms. Mr. Tarter worked for Colonial Bread Co. for eighteen years when retired; he then drove a school bus for Junction Hill so he was able to spend more time with his children and to focus on the family farm. Harry loved to tell jokes and never met a stranger; he also loved fishing and hunting. Mr. Tarter was a member of the United Freewill Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of thirty-seven years, Betty Tarter, of the family home; one daughter, Misti Redus and husband, Kenneth, Doniphan, Missouri; two grandchildren, Kenzie and Cole Redus; one sister, Norma Jean Langston, Hot Springs, Arkansas; brother-in-law, David Harmon and wife, Tammy, Bourbon, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews .
His parents, one daughter, Mynde Nicole Tarter, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ethel and Jess Harmon, two brothers-in-law, Dale Harmon and Carl Langston, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mynde Tarter Memorial Scholarship or Tarter-Thompson Endowed Scholarship and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service for Marc Ryan McKenzie, 44, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 8, 2022, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. McKenzie passed away at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at Cori Manor, Fenton, Missouri.
He was born March 12, 1978, at Houston, Texas, to Sidney Marvin McKenzie, III and Sherry Alexander McKenzie. On June 6, 2010, he was married at West Plains, to Cindy Avgerinos. Mr. McKenzie was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. He worked as a pipeliner. Marc played football while attending Sam Houston College; he loved all things football and enjoyed the Texas teams. He was a jokester through and through.
He is survived by his wife, Cindy (Sunshine) McKenzie, of the family home; five children, Peyton Payne McKenzie, Houston, Texas, Maci Rey Lynn McKenzie, Sadie Nicole Roberts and husband, McGwire, TyLane John-Mitts Thomas and Tyler Jase Thomas, all of West Plains; two sisters, Holly Romee Crites and husband, Robert, College Station, Texas and Ashley McKenzie, West Plains; his mother, Sherry McKenzie, West Plains; his grandparents, Sidney Marvin McKenzie and wife, Sally, Conroe, Texas and Marilyn Anderson; one nephew, Jacob Romee; one niece, Shelby Schilling and husband, Derek; one great-nephew, Jack; and one uncle, Mike McKenzie and wife, Laura, Buffalo, New York.
His father, Sidney Marvin McKenzie, III, grandparents, Charles and Norma Alexander, two uncles, Marc McKenzie and Raymond, two aunts, Anna and Betty and one nephew, Xander Pilkington, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Connie Sue Bales, 59, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 8, 2022 in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bales passed away at 12:53 p.m., Monday, April 4, 2022, at her home.
She was born May 2, 1962, at Rockford Illinois, to Claude and Mabel Joann Hall Strain. On June 28, 1980, she was married at Leota, Missouri, to Ronald Bales, who preceded her in death on November 8, 2019. Mrs. Bales attended Church of Christ in Bakersfield. She had worked at Baxter Lab in Mountain Home, Arkansas for eighteen years. Connie was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and friend; she loved her grandbabies very much and will be missed.
She is survived by two children, Kristy Lovorn and husband, Shane, Salem Arkansas and Alicia Vandiver and husband Eric, Bakersfield, Missouri; five grandchildren, Savana Lovorn, Gracie Lovorn, Emmett Lovorn, Kaylie Vandiver and Kandon Vandiver; one sister, Kathy Harper and husband, James, Caulfield, Missouri; and several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
Her parents, husband, and one sister, Sharon Baney, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Free Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Breast Cancer Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Shelley Lynn Krecker, 50, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 6, 2022, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Krecker passed away at 12:57 a.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022, at her home.
She was born January 11, 1972, at West Plains, to Ronald Evins and Sandra Hunt Evins. On July 10, 2010, she was married at Lanton, Missouri, to Gregory Krecker. Mrs. Krecker was the Assistant Postmaster at Sturkie, Arkansas. Shelley loved her animals and enjoyed crafting. She was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by her husband, Gregory Krecker; six children, Ryan Reid, Stanley Reid, Daniel Krecker, James Krecker, Michael Boland and Kyle Krecker; her parents, Ronald and Sandra Evins; one brother, Matthew Evins and wife, Denice; her paternal grandmother, Hazel Evins; mother-in-law, Lucille McAlvey; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim Browder and wife, Kaye and Sandra Jordan and husband, Jim; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Her paternal grandfather, Troy Evins, maternal grandparents, Noel and Agnes Callahan Hunt and father-in-law, Robert McAlvey, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Amy 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.
Graveside services for Robert Lee Judd, 52, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Evergreen Cemetery, 10298 County Road 8530 south of West Plains.
Mr. Judd passed away Thursday, March 31, 2022, at his home.
He was born January 15, 1970, to Francis and Wanda Judd, the youngest of six children. Robert was a kind and loving man. He always had a smile and never met a stranger. Robert loved his music and tinkering with lawn mowers. His greatest joy in life was his children, Shala Dawn and James Lee. Prior to becoming disabled, he worked at Newton’s Group Home caring for others.
He is survived by his children, Shala Dawn Judd and James Lee Judd, of the family home; his mother, Wanda Judd; five siblings, Margaret Collins, Frank Judd, Marilyn Lair (Michael), James Judd (Kelly) and Kathy Young (Dennis); the mother of his children, Melissa Daily; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
His father, maternal and paternal grandparents, preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to help defray burial costs and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A Celebration of Life, with Military Honors, for Richard Benedict Dold, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022, at First United Methodist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Richie was born July 22, 1936, to Alois and Veronica (Froni) Mondlock Dold, in the small town of St. Martin, Minnesota. His faith became sight on March 22, 2022, when he at last saw the face of his redeemer. He passed away at home after a year-long battle with cancer.
High school years were spent at St. John’s Prep Boarding School in Collegeville, Minnesota, where Dick, aka “Buck”, was a four-year letterman on the championship football team. He was always proud of being a Johnnie. Joining the Air Force in 1956 as an Airman Basic, he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant before earning his college degree in History and becoming a new 2nd Lieutenant in 1970. He spent his career in California, Guam, Arizona, Iceland, New Mexico, France, Alaska, and Colorado. Following his retirement from the Air Force as Captain in 1980, he became a civilian employee of the Air Force Reserve Center, retiring a second time in 1998. The day after his retirement, he moved to West Plains, Missouri. Season ticket holders for the United States Air Force Academy football team for twenty years and Sponsor Parents for over a dozen cadets were two of his favorite pursuits. After graduation, some cadets still considered the Dolds another set of parents. A life-long bowler, Dick always wanted to bowl a 300 game, and he came within a hair’s breadth of accomplishing his goal. Dick was a true bibliophile and delighted in loaning books to his friends. He enjoyed his new home in the Ozarks and served as Chairman of the West Plains Pride Committee for three years. He was responsible for the “Welcome to West Plains” sign at Highway 63 and Preacher Roe Boulevard. Dick loved his church and held several positions, including President of the Methodist Men. His Sunday School class was special and he considered each member a personal friend. The church membership and our family friends have been great support throughout his illness. Special thanks to Ozarks Healthcare Hospice for their loving care.
Dick and Jan (Howard) Dold were married December 12, 1970, in Alamogordo, New Mexico. They raised two children, Bridget Dold Miller of Aurora, Colorado, and Eric (Robyn) Dold of Battle Ground, Washington. He adored his three granddaughters, Megan (Mike) Dold-Nowack, Alexis Miller, and Camryn Miller. He would spend hours playing cards with “the girls”.
Dick was preceded in death by his mother, Veronica, father, Alois, and brothers, Bert and Clem Dold.
In lieu of flowers, the family (including their precious Foxy, a ten-year-old rescue) asks that you make a donation to a shelter of your choice or to the First United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Fred LaFever Jr., 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 1, 2022, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. LaFever passed away at 10:40 p.m., Friday, March 25, 2022, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
He was born March 24, 1931 at West Plains, Missouri, to Fred LaFever Sr. and Frances Evelyn Martin LaFever. On June 19, 1954, he was married at Van Buren, Missouri, to Melba Elizabeth Louise Rainwater, who preceded him in death August 21, 2000. Mr. LaFever assisted with job placement at Ozark Action. He was a longtime member of the Lion’s Club. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason. Mr. LaFever enjoyed fishing and hunting for arrowheads, and he loved the numerous dogs that he had throughout the years. He also loved his grandchildren very much and made many trips to Ohio to spend time with them. Mr. LaFever was a member of the First United Methodist Church for fifty years.
He is survived by one son, Mark LaFever, Ashland, Ohio; three grandchildren, Destiny LaFever, Ashland, Ohio, Dawson LaFever, Columbus, Ohio, and Dylan LeFever, Ashland, Ohio; one sister, Rosemary Birmingham, Springfield, Missouri; and four nieces and nephews.
His parents, Fred and Frances, and his wife of forty-six years, Melba, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Janet Kay LaFevers, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. LaFevers passed away at 10:10 p.m., Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born February 1, 1942, at West Plains, Missouri, to Benjamin Chandler Hollingshad and Jewell Golden McClintock Hollingshad. On April 11, 1970, she was married at West Plains, to William Henry (Bill) LaFevers, who preceded her in death on September 30, 2006. Mrs. LaFevers enjoyed cooking and spending time with her grandkids; she was a social butterfly and loved her dogs.
She is survived by four children, Dana Frost, West Plains, Douglas LaFevers and wife, Shelia, West Plains, Daniel LaFevers and wife, Karen, Mountain View, Missouri and Debra Finley, West Plains; eleven grandchildren, Michael Frost, Ashley Matejek, Abigail, Hunter, Quentin, Holden and Logan LaFevers, Zack and Allison Finley and Sydnee and William Ryder LaFevers; and eleven great-grandchildren, Izzy, Mason and Easton Matejek, Blake Frost, Quinlee and Quincey LaFevers, Jerin Bland, Watson Pleshka, Sutton, Jaxson and Benton Decker; and several nieces and nephews .
Her parents, husband, two sons, Deric Alexander LaFevers and William David LaFevers, one son-in-law, David Finley and one brother, Carroll Lee Hollingshad, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the New Liberty Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to New Liberty 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 Shirley Marie Wood, 50, West Plains, Missouri, will be held Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. The family will welcome friends for visitation from 1:00 – 2:00 pm prior to services at the church.
Shirley passed away Thursday, March 24, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born October 28, 1971 in West Plains, Missouri, the daughter of Justus Mark and Dorothy Ann Ball. Shirley loved the adventure of growing up on the farm with a big family. She attended Koshkonong School and was valedictorian of her graduating class. While in school, she earned the opportunity to run cross country in Europe. From an early age, she was very skilled and enjoyed spending time sewing. She was able to continue this hobby even while undergoing cancer treatments and donated her work to the Ronald McDonald House and the cystic fibrosis benefit auction. She always raised a big garden and canned the produce. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years and homeschooled her children. She then worked as a secretary at West Plains Middle School and West Plains High School, where she enjoyed building relationships with the students. She then moved jobs to Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative, where she worked for 8 years. She loved her job there, and the people she worked with became family. Her faith in Jesus was very important to her and helped carry her through tough times during her life. She attended First Baptist Church in West Plains for many years and treasured the friendships she made there. She also loved spending time with her kids, grandkids, parents, siblings and their families. She was thankful to be able to live close to many of her family members. Her family was very special to her.
Shirley is survived by one son, Jeremy Wood and wife, Melanie, Strafford, Missouri; one daughter, Danielle Eidson and husband, Josh, Camdenton, Missouri; two grandchildren, Adalyn and Kaden; her father, Justus Ball, Koshkonong; seven brothers, Mark Ball and wife, Ann, Batesville, Arkansas, Mike Ball and wife, Exey, Hereford, Texas, David Ball and wife, Terri, West Plains, Jim Ball and wife, Rhonda, West Plains, Kenny Ball and wife, Diana, Koshkonong, Bobby Ball and wife, Janet, Koshkonong, and Charley Ball and wife, Angie, West Plains; one sister, Lorie Jenkins and husband, Ryan, Thayer, Missouri; one uncle, Virgil Bruner (Marge Booten), Louisburg, Missouri; one aunt, Florence Heck, Perry, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
She is preceded in death by her daughter Frankie, mother Dorothy, infant sister Patricia, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
Burial will follow services at Wayside Cemetery in Koshkonong, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hope 4 CF and Ronald McDonald House and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A Celebration of Life for Jerry Lee Moss, 73, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, April 3, 2022, at the Fairview School Gymnasium.
Mr. Moss passed away at 4:02 a.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at his home.
He was born October 28, 1948 at Elijah, Missouri, to Curtis Lee Franklin Moss and Inis Sue Gunter Moss. On December 31, 2000, he was married at West Plains, Missouri to Janice Croney. Mr. Moss enjoyed fishing and family get-togethers.
He is survived by his wife, Janice (Croney) Gunter-Moss, of the family home; children, Neal Moss, Justin Moss and wife, Jill, Sarah Branstetter and husband, Terry, David Gunter, Tammy Schulz and husband, Ricky, Regina Skinner and husband, Lee, Levi Gunter, and Lacey Brotherton and husband, Casey; fifteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Kenny Moss and wife, Ginger; one sister, Karen Rickard and husband, Cliff (Skip); one uncle, Lee Moss; thirty-two nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins.
His parents, grandparents, sister, Judy Burris, brother, Donnie Moss, and son-in-law, Troy Pistole, preceded him in death.
Graveside services for Edna Mae Epley, 84, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 25, 2022, at Ledbetter Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Epley passed away at 8:30 p.m., Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Ozarks HealthCare.
She was born August 12, 1937 at Springdale, Washington, to Joseph John Schmeller and Bertha Elizabeth Hubert Schmeller. On June 24, 1957, she was married at Kansas City, Kansas, to Bobbie Lee Epley, who preceded her in death February 24, 2006. Mrs. Epley was a farmer, and she also worked at Baxter Lab. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and crocheting. Mrs. Epley was a member of the Church of Christ.
She is survived by two sons, Stan Epley and special friend, Lisa Shields, Pottersville, Missouri, and Dean Epley and wife, Terry, Crider, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Logan Clarke, Raymond Epley, Caleb Clarke, Daniel Epley, Cody Epley, Dalton Epley, Elton Gann, and Charles Gann; five great-grandchildren, Weston, Oakley, Lilly, Riley, and Payton; and one sister, Esther Brown.
Her parents, husband, one son, Lee Epley, four brothers, and two sisters, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Ledbetter Cemetery.
Ruby June (Hill) Rand was born on February 20, 1931 and slipped into the waiting arms of Jesus on March 20, 2022 as the hymn Amazing Grace was ending in the chapel services at West Vue Nursing Center, West Plains, Missouri.
She was born to Elam Jonathon Hill and Annis Matilda (Bush) Hill. Ruby was the baby in her family with 9 older siblings, 5 sisters and 4 brothers. She graduated from Teachers College High School in Cedar Falls on May 20, 1948.
Ruby married George Vernon Rand on January 20, 1951 and raised 7 children. Sheryl (Joseph) Beenken, Jerald (Sandra) Rand, Sandra (Nicholas) Truog, Cindy (Thomas) Wells, Mickey Rand, Merlene Freet, and Lynn (Kevin) Heckmann who blessed her life with multiple grandchildren, step grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved every one unconditionally and prayed for us all the time, and we all knew it. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband George, her son Mickey and his daughter Laura, a step granddaughter Cassie, and all siblings except a brother.
She loved listening to Christian music, reading her Bible, gardening, baking, and watching the birds. Her baked bread was the best! In one of her Bibles she recorded the date of her salvation as January 11, 1987. She loved the Lord and was a great example of how to work hard, love and serve others unconditionally, and not let life get you down. She taught everyone so much about life and kept everyone in line as much as possible, even up to the end. What an awesome legacy!! Since 2018 she lived at West Vue Nursing Center. We were blessed as a family to know the caregivers loved our mom as their own and took great care of her. They were all like family to us when we visited. Their love and care for our mom and for us in those last three days are deeply appreciated. We watched them lose a loved one as well and that is something we could not have ever imagined. Ruby was a fitting name as it is a very precious gem – and so was she! We were blessed with the best mom ever. She will be greatly missed and just like a gem, she will continue to be cherished by all that had the honor of crossing her path till we meet again.
Cremation is taking place and her cremains will be buried with George in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Waterloo, Iowa at a later date. No formal funeral services will be held. Family will gather to celebrate and honor her with all their fond memories at a date to be determined.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Andrew Hughes Parsons, 84, Pomona, Missouri, passed away at 10:50 a.m., Saturday, March 19, 2022, at his home.
He was born April 13, 1937, at Washington, Pennsylvania, to Andrew Parsons and Edna Linton Parsons. On July 3, 1990, he was married at Yucaipa, California, to Margaret Wiginton. Mr. Parsons was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. Before his retirement, he drove a city bus in Riverside, California. He loved his family and enjoyed fishing and being outdoors. He also loved to play cards and win. Mr. Parsons was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Parsons, of the family home; five children, Daniel Parsons and wife, Amy, Phoenix, Arizona, Katie Lemme and husband, John, Glendale, Arizona, Cindy Lawrence and husband, Phil, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Michael Darrow and wife, Heidi, Springfield, Missouri and Andy Darrow, Pomona, Missouri; ten grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
His parents preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Lorene Dotson, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2022, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Dotson passed away at 1:38 p.m., Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Ozarks Healthcare.
Lorene was born June 12, 1934 at Pomona, Missouri, to Clyde and Eunice Mae Shook Farmer. She attended Willow Springs High School, graduating with the Class of 1952. On February 11, 1956, she was married at West Plains, Missouri to Robert Gene (Bob) Dotson, who preceded her in death May 14, 2001. Mrs. Dotson was a bookkeeper. She enjoyed reading, going on rides, sitting on her deck in her swing, and just enjoying nature. Lorene was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church in West Plains.
She is survived by three sons, Dennis Dotson and wife, Connie, Edmond, Oklahoma, Douglas Dotson and wife, Jo Beth, West Plains, Missouri and Paul Dotson and wife, Michelle, Ozark, Missouri; twelve grandchildren, Callie, Tad, Kyle, Derek, Sarah, Lyndsey, Laiken, Ben, Megan, Abigail, Garrett, and Ryan; four great-grandchildren, Catherine, William, Beringer and Ketch, and one on the way; and special friend, Donna Hall.
Her parents, husband, one son, Russell Dotson and one brother, Marvin Farmer, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon’s and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Veta Lee Blair, 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2022, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Blair passed away at 5:42 p.m., Friday, March 18, 2022, at her home, after a long battle with breast cancer.
Veta was born August 14, 1949 at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Thomas (Tommy) and Marjorie Vaughan Cockrum. On June 29, 1968, she was married at West Plains, Missouri to Harlie Blair. Veta especially loved her family and spending time with her sister, Deanne. She was a kind soul who lived a Christian life and knew the love of Jesus. Mrs. Blair was a member of West 160 Church of Christ.
She is survived by her husband, Harlie Blair, of the family home; one daughter, Heather (Blair) McGrath and husband, Kevin, Warrensburg, Missouri; one grandson, Gunner; one sister, Deanne Cockrum, West Plains, Missouri; four brothers, Dennis Cockrum and wife, Kathy, Bakersfield, Loran Cockrum and wife, Barbara, Geary Cockrum and wife, Vernetta, and Mark Cockrum and wife, Fawn, all of West Plains, Missouri; and several uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews.
Her parents and one sister, Mary Sue Cockrum, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Blair will lie in state from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will be prior to the service, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday. Burial will be at Free Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to West 160 Mission Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.