Obituaries

Funeral services for Berta Harris, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 18, 2012 in the Rose Chapel of the Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Harris died 4:50 a.m., Monday, July 16, 2012 at the Ozarks Medical Center. She was born January 12, 1923 at Rover, Missouri to Harlin and Ethel Judd VonAllmen. She was married in Howell County, Missouri to Paul Eugene Harris who preceded her in death on March 29, 1980. Before her retirement, Mrs. Harris was employed as a packer with the International Shoe Company for thirty-five years. She was a member of the Assembly of God faith.

She is survived by six children, Carol Wilson, husband, Johnny, Pottersville, Missouri, Marie Thatcher, husband, Dewayne, Iva, South Carolina, Glen Harris, wife, Cecile, West Plains, Missouri, Alma Harris, West Plains, Missouri, Steve Harris, wife, Sue, West Plains, Missouri and Vera Collins, husband, Danny, Pottersville, Missouri; twelve grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; one brother, Clyde VonAllmen, wife, Allena, West Plains, Missouri; three sisters, Dorothy Patillo, West Plains, Missouri, Jewell Hopkins, husband, Edward, West Plains, Missouri; and Merlene White, Dayton, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her parents, husband, one grandchild, two brothers and four sisters precede her in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 17th at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Dripping Springs Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Family and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Goldie Inez Eck, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, White Church, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Eck died at 9:35 a.m., Friday, July 13, 2012, at her home.

She was born October 10, 1923, at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Charles Willard Delaplain and Virgie Almeda Thompson Delaplain.  She graduated from Peace Valley High School and on November 16, 1950, she was married at Kingston, North Carolina, to Rudolph Eck.  Before her retirement, Mrs. Eck was employed at the Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois, with Sears & Roebuck.  She enjoyed crocheting and embroidery.  Mrs. Eck was a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, White Church, Missouri.

She is survived by her husband, Rudolph Eck, of the family home; two children, Deborah Shipley, Vanzant, Missouri and Sandra Huckabey, husband, Joseph, Pomona, Missouri; six grandchildren, Lisa Rodgers, husband, Jimmy, Jenny Hambelton, husband, Greg, Jaci Robinson, husband, Billy, Brianna Fox, husband, Marty, J. L. Huckabey and Catherine Huckabey; ten great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a large number of extended family.

Her parents, one brother and one sister, precede her in death.

A Rosary service will be held at 6:00 p.m. followed by a visitation until 8:00 p.m., Monday, July 16, 2012, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Cemetery or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Mae C. Harbaugh, 98, West Plains, will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 13, 2012 in the Rose Chapel of the Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Harbaugh died 7:09 a.m., Monday, July 9, 2012 in Brooke Haven HealthCare.

She was born July 19, 1913 at Fort Scott, Kansas to William James Monoe and Elizabeth Easley Monroe. She graduated from the West Plains High School and Missouri State (S.M.S.).  She became the loving wife of Lyle D. Harbaugh on July 18, 1931 at Salem, Arkansas; he preceded her in death on December 8, 2000.  Mrs. Harbaugh worked for the City of West Plains and later taught second grade in Dora, Missouri.  She was very active in the First Christian Church where she was a member of the church choir and performed solos for special occasions.

She was a dear mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law, cousin and friend.

Her parents, husband, two sons, Terrance Harbaugh and Donald Harbaugh, and sister, Emma Easley Essary, precede her in death.

The family acknowledges the dedicated and loving care given by the staff at  Brooke Haven HealthCare.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m., until service time Friday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at the Oak Lawn Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Trula Iwanda Charles, 85, Mountain View, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 13, 2012, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Charles died at 5:41 p.m., Tuesday, July 10, 2012, at her home.

She was born September 22, 1926, in the State of Arkansas, to Charlie O’Dell and Nellie Izora Kirkland O’Dell.  On December 2, 1949, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Tommie Dale Charles, who preceded her in death on February 8, 1983.  Mrs. Charles was a homemaker and was a member of Trinity Pentecostal Church.

She is survived by two children, Don Charles, wife, Susan and Ronnie Charles, all of Mountain View, Missouri; four grandchildren, Kenny Charles, wife, Linnea, State of Pennsylvania, Tammi Charles, Mountain View, Missouri, Jeremy Charles, Mountain View, Missouri and Benjamin Charles, West Plains, Missouri; two great-grandchildren, Kimberly Charles and Ashley Charles; two sisters, Vivian Yemm, husband, Bill and Jean Brotherton, all of Peoria, Illinois; one sister-in-law, Emmie O’Dell, State of Florida and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, one daughter, Anne, two sisters, Lorraine Weaver and Virginia Boak and one brother, Lefty O’Dell, precede her in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 12, 2012, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or American Lymphoma Society, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Peggy Jean Shemwell, 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 12, 2012, at First Baptist Church, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Shemwell died at 12:35 a.m., Monday, July 9, 2012, at Brooke Haven Health Care, West Plains, Missouri.

She was born March 26, 1938, at Naylor, Missouri, to Charles and Ruth Dodd Rodgers.  On January 23, 1959, she was married at Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Ron Shemwell.  Before her retirement, Mrs. Shemwell was an insurance agent.  She enjoyed baking and was well known for her decorated sugar cookies and apple and cherry pies.  Also, she enjoyed sports and waterskiing and was a loving wife, mother and MeMa to her grandchildren.  Mrs. Shemwell was a member of First Baptist Church for forty-six years.

She is survived by her husband, Ron Shemwell, of the family home; two children, Cindy Lee, husband, Monte, Bentonville, Arkansas and Steven Shemwell, wife, Katherine, Festus, Missouri; four grandchildren, Ryan Lee, wife, Lindsay, Orangeburg, South Carolina, Katie Lee, Anna Lee, both of Bentonville, Arkansas and Naomi Shemwell, Festus, Missouri; one great-grandchild, Maddox Lee; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents and one sister, Carolyn, precede her in death.

The family will receive their friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Elizabeth Ellen “Betty” Robinson, 68, Willow Springs, Missouri, died at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, July 5, 2012, at Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains, Missouri.

She was born July 27, 1943, at Salisbury, Missouri, to David Moses Vallee and Leta Stocker Vallee. She had been employed as a Social worker with the State of Missouri.  Mrs. Robinson was a Christian.

She is survived by two children, Lewis Robinson, Willow Springs, Missouri and Linda Robinson, Joplin, Missouri and two grandchildren, Kyle Robinson and Megan Robinson.

Her parents precede her in death.

Funeral services for James D “Jim”  Girdley, 66, Pomona, Missouri, formerly of Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 9, 2012, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Girdley died at his home at 8:05 a.m., Wednesday, July 4, 2012, after a short illness, surrounded by his family.

He was born April 2, 1946, at West Plains, Missouri, to Ernest and Maxine (Jones) Girdley.  On September 16, 1972, he was married at Pomona, Missouri, to Frankie Forrester.  Mr. Girdley was a veteran having served in the United States Army.  For many years, Jim owned and operated J&J Auto Supply in Willow Springs, Missouri.  He was employed by the United States Postal Service as a rural carrier in Pomona, Missouri for over thirty years.  He was a member of the Willow Springs School Board for many years, having served as Vice President and President.  Also, he had been a member of the Willow Springs Rotary Club since 1973 and operated the Rotary league baseball program for many, many years.  He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  Jim was a member of the First Christian Church, Willow Springs, Missouri.

Jim was a loving husband, father and grandfather (PaPa) and will be greatly missed by all family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Frankie Girdley, of the family home; two children, Felicia Girdley, friend, Roxy Penrose, Springfield, Missouri and Jarrod Girdley, wife, Melissa, West Plains, Missouri; three grandchildren, Jeron, Parker and Tristan Girdley; aunts Barbara Tyler and Jean Jones, Springfield, Missouri, and Sadie Jones, Batesville, Arkansas; uncle, Jack Jones, Willow Springs, Missouri; and many cousins, including special cousins, David and Dane Hicks, Craig and Larry Jones, Becky Jarvis, Ginger Tackitt and Carol Ann Spears.

His parents, four uncles and one aunt, Harold “Kak” Jones, Lester “Spec” Jones and wife, Pearl Jones, Garold Jones and Frank David Hicks, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, July 8, 2012 at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  It was Jim’s wishes in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Scholarship Fund for his grandchildren, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A Memorial service for Jack Monroe Collins, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 8, 2012, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Collins died at 11:43 a.m., Tuesday, July 3, 2012, at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born November 23, 1930, at West Plains, Missouri, to Renfrow and Lola Collins.  Mr. Collins was a truck driver.

He is survived by his significant other, Peggy Upton, of the family home; three children, Bruce Collins, wife, Brenda West Plains, Missouri, Janice Groves and Harold, West Plains, Missouri and Timothy Collins, Bakersfield, Missouri; five step-children, Johnny Upton, wife, Debbie, West Plains, Missouri, Derald Upton, wife, Cindy, West Plains, Missouri, Lacey Mock, husband, Dustin, Alton, Missouri, Tammy Jackson, husband, Cecil, Alton, Missouri and Becky Thornton, husband Bruce, Dora, Missouri; five grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren; fourteen step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Bonnie Spyers-Druan, Boulder, Colorado, special friend, Eugene Johnson; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

His parents, one brother, Jim Collins, one grandson, Chris Collins, one stepson, Jimmy Gatewood and son-in-law, Mike Groves, precede him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to charity of choice, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Willis Coy Mushrush, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 9, 2012, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Mushrush died at 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 3, 2012, at West Vue Nursing Center.

He was born October 5, 1927, at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to William Ernest Mushrush and Eva Jones Mushrush.  On April 14, 1949, he was married at Hocomo, Missouri, to Ruby Joyce.  He was a veteran having served with the United States Army.  Mr. Mushrush was of the Baptist Faith and was a member of First Baptist Church for many years.

Mr. Mushrush was a lifelong educator and local area businessman.  He held a BS in Education in 1955 from Southwest Missouri State, Springfield, Missouri and MS for Teachers in 1964 from University of Missouri, Rolla, Missouri and Education Specialist in 1975 from University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas.  He had taught at Labette County High School, Altamont, Kansas, West Plains High School, Willow Springs Schools, and Southwest Missouri State University, West Plains.  He had been a director for Central Ozark Economic Opportunity Corporation, owner of J. W. Mushrush and Company and was a past member of Missouri State Teachers Association, Missouri Council of Administrators of Special Education, Missouri Council of Mathematics Teachers, West Plains Community Teachers Association, West Plains Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Community Action Directors Association andCurriculum Directors Association.  Mr. Mushrush was instrumental in starting the Headstart Program in West Plains which was a pilot program for Headstart nationwide.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby Mushrush, of the family home; two sons, Willis Mushrush, Jr., wife, Lisa, and Jack Eugene Mushrush; five grandchildren, Zackary, Jacob, Chandler and Nicholas Mushrush and Courtney Jacobson, husband, Brian; one great-grandson, Theodore; two brothers, Roy Mushrush, wife, Midge, Bakersfield, California and Willard Mushrush, Riverside, California; three sisters, Geraldine Goetting, Fresno, California, Cleeon Hawkins and Lola Wade, husband, Gene, Tehachapi, California; two brothers-in-law, Bob Joyce, wife, Pat and Bill Joyce, wife, Mary Ann; all of West Plains, Missouri; “Special” grandchildren, Nathan, Heather and Erin Callahan; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

His parents, one brother, Chester, one sister, Jean, mother-in-law and father-in-law, and four brothers-in-law, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m., until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, July 8, 2012, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Amy Union Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Amy Cemetery or charity of choice, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Doris Stout, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 6, 2012, at the First United Methodist Church, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

An angel, Doris Stout, departed her earthly life on July 3, 2012.  Doris was born September 22, 1923 in Dora, Missouri.  She was educated in the rural one room school of Bethany and graduated from Dora High School.  She continued her education by attaining her Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri State University (at the time, State Teachers College) in 1957 and her Master’s Degree in Education from Drury University in 1962.  Doris started her teaching career in Douglas County, in the one room school at Buckhart followed by three years at Jewell School (“Pole Pen”, as she and Curtis liked to call it after they met there).

She and Curtis, the first and only love of her life, married on February 5, 1949.  Moving to Dora they started their life together while she was teaching first grade at Dora School while Curtis farmed.  During their years together, Doris and Curtis loved to dance, cook, sew, watch Cardinal baseball, and spoil children together- they were inseparable.

The second love of Doris’ life was the students that she taught throughout her thirty-five year teaching career.  After moving to West Plains in 1962, she continued her career by teaching first grade at Foster School and later Reese School.   Doris always insisted that it was not the children who benefited from her, but she who benefited from them.  While Doris and Curtis did not have children of their own, they in fact had thousands- some of whom were first graders, some were neighbors, and some were relatives.  Doris would say she never met a child that she didn’t like; only a few children with bad behavior which she attributed to the lack of love in their life which she quickly undertook to correct.    Not only was she committed to her students, but also education related activities and organizations, including:  Delta Kappa Gamma, Missouri State Teacher’s Association, West Plains Community Teacher’s Association.  For her commitment to education at her retirement in 1978 she received numerous awards from state and local organizations.

The third love of Doris’ life was caring for others.  She exemplified this with her membership at the First United Methodist Church in West Plains which she and Curtis joined in 1964.  Doris taught Sunday school at every available opportunity, served in The Guild- United Methodist Women, The Esther Circle, and The Hannah Circle.  Since Doris loved to cook she had Curtis delivering food to many in the church and community.  She further extended her belief in God by doing good works in the community through membership in The Order of Eastern Star, Hope Shrine, Headstart and White Oak Camp.

Doris was preceded in death by: her beloved husband, Curtis Stout; her parents, Norton W. Pease and Christena Moritz Pease; and infant brother, Dallas Norton Pease.  Doris is survived by her sisters: Joyce Bell of West Plains and Louise Southards, and husband, James, of Sycamore,  and a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces all of whom she adored.

Visitation will be at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home on Thursday, July 5, 2012 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Interment will be at Blanche Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to The First United Methodist Church, Blanche Cemetery or charity of choice, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for James Edward Vaughan, 45, Rice, Minnesota, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 6, 2012, at Free Union Cemetery, Leota, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Vaughan died at 12:57 p.m., Sunday, July 1, 2012, at St. Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud, Minnesota.

He was born June 18, 1967, at Wasco, California, to Barbara Wilson Vaughan Stane and the late Robert Harold Vaughan.  He was a hospital janitor and a hide tanner.  Mr. Vaughan was of the Church of Christ faith.

He is survived by his mother, Barbara Stane, Bakersfield, California; three brothers, Dennis Bielejeske, Rice, Minnesota, Jody Cotter, Mountain Home, Arkansas and Scott Vaughan, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

His father and one brother, Robert Harold Vaughan, II, precede him in death.

Mr. Vaughan will lie in state from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., Thursday, July 5, 2012, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Free Union Cemetery, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Day died at 3:49 a.m., Friday, June 29, 2012, at Cox South Medical Center, Springfield, Missouri.

He was born December 3, 1931, in Webster County, Missouri, to Ernest Sell Day and Mamie Julia Payne Day.  On January 13, 1951, he was married at Niangua, Missouri, to Betty Jemes.  Mr. Day was a contract sales manager for West Plains Glass Company for many years. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Mr. Day was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Berean Baptist Church where he enjoyed his church family. Also, he served as moderator for the Howell Baptist Association from 2008 to 2010.

He is survived by his wife Betty, of the family home; two children, Donnie Day, wife, Marletta, Woodstock, Georgia and Sherry Day, West Plains, Missouri; three grandchildren, Joseph Daniel Day, wife Kelly, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Corey Michael Day, Woodstock, Georgia, and Carrie Marie Ray, husband, Josh, Dallas, Georgia;  two great-grandchildren, Aiden Daniel Day and Addison Darland Day; three brothers, Jack Day, wife Karen, Stockton, Missouri, Jim Day, wife, Betty Sue, Niangua, Missouri, and Tom Day, wife Lois, Fair Grove, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, one infant son, Wayne Lee Day, and one brother, Bill Day, precede him in death.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, July 1, 2012, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Graveside services will be at 3:00 p.m. Monday afternoon in the Good Springs Cemetery, Niangua, Missouri.  Memorial contributions may be made to Berean Baptist Church Children’s Ministry or The Gideon’s, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Eloise Epley, 89, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 30, 2012, at Family Life Church, Dora, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Epley died at 3:40 p.m., Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at West Vue Nursing Center.

She was born January 22, 1923, at Dora, Missouri, to Elzey Franklin Collins and Alpha Clara Hall Collins.  She attended grade school at Collins School and graduated from the Bakersfield High School.  On February 27, 1943, she was married at St. Louis, Missouri, to Raymond Lee Epley, who preceded her in death on June 3, 1994.  Mrs. Epley was a homemaker, farmer and assistant post matron at Dora, Missouri.  She enjoyed fishing, farming and raising cattle.  Mrs. Epley was a member of Family Life Church.

She is survived by two children, John Epley, wife, Donna, Dora, Missouri and Kirby Epley, Denver, Colorado; two grandchildren, Debbie Cooper, Norfork, Arkansas and Jamie Epley, wife, Georgia, Protem, Missouri; four great-grandchildren, Jason Cooper, Kyle Cooper, Nick Epley and Alex Epley; one great-great-grandchild, Haley Cooper; three sisters-in-law, Ruby Ballinger, Westboro, Missouri, Leona Collins, Tucson, Arizona and Ann Easter, husband, Tom, Sullivan, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband and one brother, Eugene Collins, precede her in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 29, 2012, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Sweeton Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Sweeton Cemetery or Parsons Cemetery, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Jackie Lee McCrackin, 79, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. McCrackin died at 9:25 a.m., Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at his home.

He was born December 16, 1932, at Pottersville, Missouri, to Lee and Emiline Yocham McCrackin.  On December 16, 1950, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Opal Cherry.  He was a heavy equipment operator, a farmer and was a member of the Local 101 Kansas City.  Mr. McCrackin attended the  Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

He is survived by his wife, Opal McCrackin, of the family home; two children, Danny McCrackin, Bella Vista, Arkansas and Cheryl McCrackin, Springfield, Missouri; three grandchildren, Molly McCrackin, Melissa McCrackin and Robert “Bobby Jack” Cook; four great-grandchildren; three brothers, Jim McCrackin, wife, Pat, Kenny McCrackin and Terry McCrackin, wife, Debbie, all of Kansas City, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Stelle Goodson, Agnos, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, one daughter, Sandra and two brothers, Leman and Norman, precede him in death.

A memorial gathering for Joseph Edward Truman, 77, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 6:30 p.m., Friday, June 29, 2012, at Joe’s home located at 4901 County Road 8800, West Plains, Missouri.

Mr. Truman died at 4:00 a.m., Sunday, June 24, 2012, at his home.

He was born May 2, 1935, at West Plains, Missouri, to Francis and Lillian Whitaker Truman.  He received his education at the Orchard Grove School and on July 28, 1955, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Sharilyn Harper, who preceded him in death June 30, 2009.  Before his retirement, he had been an edge trimmer at International Shoe Factory for thirty-four years.  Mr. Truman enjoyed the outdoors with family and friends; he loved fishing and hunting and enjoyed his garden and cooking.  He had many loved ones and friends, he had never met a stranger.  Mr. Truman was of the Church of Christ faith.

He is survived by four children, Eddie Truman and wife, Sharon, West Plains, Missouri, James Truman and wife, Robbin, West Plains, Missouri, Rebecca Simpson and husband, Vernon, South Fork, Missouri and Anita Walker and friend, Henry Young, West Plains, Missouri; sixteen grandchildren, Dustin Walker and family, Jennifer Truman Jarvis and family, Renee Roper and Brayden, Shanna Montgomery, Jared Simpson, Melissa Truman, Hanna Truman, Tina Jones and family, Shauna Coble and family, Amy Beach and family, Daniel Truman, Trista, Amanda, Missy, Billy and Jenna; many great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife, one son, Danny, three sisters, Thelma, Alice and Georgie, one brother, Roy Franklin, several half-brothers and half-sisters and his dog, Sam, precede him in death.

The family will receive their friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 28, 2012, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to American Red Cross, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Helen Hensley, 89, Salem, Arkansas, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, died at 12:25 p.m., Friday, June 22, 2012, at South Fork Nursing, Salem, Arkansas.   Funeral services for Helen Hensley will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 25, 2012, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

She was born November 20, 1922, at Elijah, Missouri, to Hosea and Mary Jane Taylor Hensley.  Before her retirement, Miss Hensley was an elementary school teacher for thirty-nine years, having taught in the West Plains and Howell County rural schools.  She was a member of the Church of God.

She is survived by her niece, Anna Barker, husband, Roy, Salem, Arkansas; two great-nieces, Carol Kissinger, husband, Greg, Glencoe, Arkansas and Jana Tyler, husband, Randy, Sturkie, Arkansas; three great-great-nieces; three great-great-nephews; thirteen great-great-great-nieces and great-great-great-nephews; and several cousins.

Her parents and one sister, Alfa Morris, precede her in death.

Burial will be in the Baptist Hill Cemetery.   Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Hill Cemetery, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  The family will receive their friends from 12:00 noon until service time Monday, June 25, 2012, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Bessie Lovins, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 25, 2012, at Mt. Zion Cemetery, near Olden, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Lovins died at 12:10 p.m., Thursday, June 21, 2012, at Cox Medical Center, South, Springfield, Missouri.

She was born July 29, 1922, at West Plains, Missouri, to Harvey Haring and Relda Belle Johnson Haring.  On October 29, 1935, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Harvey Cylvestor Lovins, who preceded her in death on December 27, 1989.  She was a homemaker and farmer and before her retirement, she had been a cook at Richard’s School.  Mrs. Lovins was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by one daughter, Shirlene Collins, Galena, Missouri; three grandchildren, Tim Lovins, wife, Shelly, West Plains, Missouri, Loretta Collins, Galena, Missouri and Cody Collins, State of Florida; three great-grandchildren, Jessica Kenslow, Mitch Lovins, wife, Jolene and Tyler Lovins, special friend, Jessica; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Her parents, husband, one son, Tommy Lovins, one daughter, Peggy Lovins and her brothers and sisters, precede her in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 24, 2012, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Cemetery, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Betty Lou Smith, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 24, 2012, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Smith died at 10:44 a.m., Thursday, June 21, 2012, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born April 18, 1931, at Decatur, Indiana, to William Rufus Harrod and Mary Gladys Jackson Harrod.  On August 17, 1947, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Henry H. Smith, who preceded her in death on November 13, 1992.  Before her retirement, she was an administrative assistant at West Plains Housing Authority.  Mrs. Smith was a member of First United Methodist Church.

She is survived by three children, Jerell Smith, wife, Celeste, Wichita, Kansas, Kevin Smith, wife, Brenda and Teresa Cockrum, husband, Trent, all of West Plains, Missouri; six grandchildren, Jessica Smith Sandfort, husband, Jason, St. Charles, Missouri, Christopher Smith, wife, Sarah, Kansas City, Missouri, Rochelle Cockrum Smith, husband, Marshall, West Plains, Missouri, Andrea Smith Gaither, husband, Andrew, Newbern, North Carolina, Alexandra Smith, Wichita, Kansas and Taylor Cockrum, West Plains, Missouri; one great-grandson, Trevin Smith, West Plains, Missouri; one brother, James Robert Harrod, wife, Gracie,  Kodiak, Alaska; two sisters, Francis Broadwater, Springfield, Missouri and Georgie Potts, husband, L.A., Jasper, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, two sisters, Winefred and June and two brothers, Warren and Dick, precede her in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, June 23, 2012, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions may be made to The Harlin Museum or ALS Society, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Evalee Marie Nordyke, 57, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 18, 2012, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Nordyke died at 11:25 a.m., Thursday, June 14, 2012, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born April 6, 1955, at Kansas City, Kansas, to Joseph Ernest Gilbert and Lula Ellen Brixey Gilbert.  On September 14, 1974, she was married to Mike Nordyke.   She loved to sew by hand, knit, embroider and crafts; she also enjoyed cooking and making homemade jelly.  She dearly loved her grandkids and singing with her sisters.  Her door was always open.  Mrs. Nordyke was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by three children, DeAnna Deckard, husband, Nathan, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Shawn Nordyke, wife, Heather, Pottersville, Missouri and Brandon Nordyke, West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren, Marqus, Colin and Kenadie Nordyke and Dirk and Connor Deckard; three sisters, Linda Haywood, husband, Stan, Blytheville, Arkansas, Mary Lou Parker, husband, Dave, Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Betty Willis, husband, Larry, Mercer, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Her parents precede her in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, June 17, 2012 at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Jerry Michael Hanley, 58, West Plains, Missouri will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 18, 2011 at the Mt. Zion Cemetery (near Poe Hill) under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Jerry passed away on June 12, 2012. He was born on January 26, 1954 at West Plains, Missouri, the son of John and Mary (Brotherton) Hanley. He was united in marriage to Vicki Henry in West Plains, Missouri on April 17, 1981. Jerry loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed the outdoors; he also enjoyed listening to music.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki Hanley, of the family home; his children, Michelle (Hanley) Minge, Marionville, Missouri, Codi (Hanley) Hudson, Dayton, Ohio and Chelsey and Ryan VanWinkle, West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren, Laken Minge, Kendall Minge, Landon Minge, all of Marionville, Missouri, Ezra Hudson and Gabe Hudson, both of West Plains, Missouri; five sisters, Joyce Twomey, State of Texas, Shirley Cherry, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Willene Warren, husband, Dwaine, West Plains, Missouri, Lavina Clare, husband, David, Aurora, Missouri and Peggy Carpenter, husband, Lanny, Watertown, Tennessee; and a host of nieces and nephews.

His parents, John Hanley and Mary (Hanley) Kilkenny and one sister, Betty Gordon, precede him in death.

Jerry was a very kind and loving husband, father and brother and will be missed by all.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, June 17th, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Zion Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.