Obituaries

Fern Rushford, 89, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, September 28, 2019, at NHC Healthcare.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Walter Neal Collins, 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 29, 2019 at the Ball Church of Christ under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Collins died 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 26, 2019 at his home.  He was born July 6, 1928 at Pottersville, Missouri to Walter Collins and Flossie Paul Collins.  On March 14, 1953, he was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas to Juanita Wanda Hambelton who preceded him in death on July 21, 2015.   Mr. Collins was a veteran having served with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He had been employed at Southwest Truck Body, now known as DRS, West Plains Bridge and Grading and had been a farmer for many years.  Mr. Collins enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and yard work.  He was a member of the Church of Christ and attended the Gospel Hill Church of Christ.

He is survived by two sons, Gary Collins, wife, Connie and Bradley Collins, wife, Mary; daughter-in-law, Renee Collins; eight grandchildren, Brandy Howell, Tracy Lovan, husband, Kelly, Matthew Collins, Matt Collins, Jessica Leroy, husband, Dylan, Nolan Collins, special friend, Shayla, Dakota Collins, special friend, Krimson, and Casey Collins; sixteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Ina Bird; five sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Hambelton, Helen Collins, Alice Collins, Bonnie June Wallace and Joan Nash; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, one son, Timothy Collins, one great-grandson, Brayden Collins; four brothers, Earl Collins, Hollis Collins, James “Shorty” Collins and Donald Collins; and two sisters, Maxine Johnson and Darlene Osborn, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m., Saturday, September 28th, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Ball Cemetery and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Visitation for Nolan “Grant” Phillips, 77, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m., Saturday, September 28, 2019 in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Phillips died 3:10 p.m., Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at West Vue Nursing Center.  He was born May 29, 1942 at Thayer, Missouri to Elbert Pershing Phillips and Golda Cozetta Dawson Philips. Mr. Phillips graduated from Thayer High School with the Class of 1960 and on May 20, 2000, was married at Salem, Arkansas to Rose Edler.  He was a veteran having served with the United States Air Force.  Mr. Phillips had been a maintenance worker in the oil fields and was the owner and operator of the Hill Top Store at Lanton, Missouri.  He enjoyed fishing, squirrel hunting, woodworking and was a jack of all trades.  Mr. Phillips was a Christian.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Phillips, of the family home; two step-children, Greg Gross, wife, Tammy, West Plains, Missouri and Michael Gross, wife, Shonda, Salem, Arkansas; six grandchildren, Nathan Gross, wife, Sara, Caity Woodworth, husband, Derek, Shandon Gross, Jacey Swingle, Nikki Gross and Austyn Gross; two great-grandchildren, Scharlotte Woodworth and Sophia Woodworth; two nephews, Michael Fasig and Ronny Deatherage; one niece, Trina Brown; cousins, Glen and Judy Lowe, Kansas City, Missouri; and extended family and friends.

His parents, one brother, Olan “Gary” Phillips and one sister, Rhonda Lunn, preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Howard Melvin Hughes, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 30, 2019 in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Hughes went home to be with his Lord and Savior at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at Mercy  Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.  He was born February 20, 1940 at LaBlanco, Texas the son of Everett Coleman Hughes and Sarah Mogford Hughes.  On August 13, 1959, he was married at Big Lake, Texas to the love of his life, Wilma Lee Bertran.  They were married fifty-one years.  Howard loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they called him Bobo.  He loved gardening and the outdoors. He was a loving father and one of the hardest working men you would ever meet.  He was the rock and fortress to his family and will be greatly missed.  He loved studying the Bible and talking about the Lord.  Mr. Hughes worked in the oil fields in his younger years and was an over the road truck driver until his retirement.

He is survived by four children, Donna McClintock, Sedalia, Missouri, Carolyn Hughes, West Plains, Missouri, Nicki Collins, husband, Keith, Pomona, Missouri and Jodie Lunn, husband, Shane, Willow Springs, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Jamie Taylor, husband, Zac, Kristen Stevenson, fiancé, Colin Barr, Kalee Stevenson, Joshua Lovan, wife, Sara, Jessica Collins, Josie Lunn and Kyle Lunn; eight great-grandchildren, Kylie Taylor, Kassidy Taylor, Malachi Henry, Dakota Due, Wyatt Due, Ryder Hughes Stevenson, Abby Clinton and Jadyn Lovan; three great-great-grandchildren, Lakyn Clinton, Layah Clinton and Roy Clinton; two brothers, Warren Hughes, wife, Verna, Timberon, New Mexico and Dale Hughes, Hobbs, New Mexico; three sisters, Mary Ellen Loob, husband, Pat, Margaret Day and Charlotte Tuck, all of Dallas, Texas;  sister-in-law, Rose Hooper, Eunice, New Mexico; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Janet Hughes.

His parents, wife, Wilma Bertran Hughes, granddaughter, Crystal Henry, three brothers, Coleman Hughes, Paul Hughes and Clarence Hughes and two sisters, Evelyn Anderson and Irene Hawkins, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, September 29th, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Interment will be in the Howell Memorial park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Child Advocacy Center and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Irene Crow, 70, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 27, 2019 at the First Baptist Church under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Crow died 7:50 p.m., Monday, September 23, 2019 at Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains.  She was born December 23, 1948 in Howell County, Missouri to Bob DeGroat and Glenda McGoldrick DeGroat.   In 1976, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas to Ken Crow.  Before her retirement, Mrs. Crow had been the Activity Director of Brooke Haven HealthCare.  She loved life; and she loved her husband, Ken.  Mrs. Crow was a member of the First Baptist Church, West Plains.

She is survived by her husband, Ken Crow, Pomona, Missouri; one daughter, Kate Mullins, West Plains, Missouri; one grandchild, Benny Mullins; two sisters, Lora Parks, West Plains, Missouri and Millie Moss, husband, Alvin, Mountain Home, Arkansas; Brother-in-law: Ed Crow and wife, Joan; and many nieces and nephews.

Her grandparents, parents, one sister, Jean Ann Wagnon and her parents-in-law, Dave and Allene Crow, preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 26th, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertsondrago.com.

Celebration of Life Services for Patricia Joan Brown, 82, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, September 26, 2019 at West Vue Nursing Center, West Plains.

Patricia Joan Brown, the daughter of the late Fredrick A. Gruelke and Alida M. Pope Gruelke, was born July 2, 1937 at Waupaca, Wisconsin. She entered into eternal rest September 22, 2019 at the age of eighty-two years.

On February 7, 1956, she was married at Fairfield, Minnesota to Merle Oscar Brown who preceded her in death on May 30, 2012. Mrs. Brown attended beauty school and she was employed as the activity assistant at West Vue Nursing Center. She loved her residents at West Vue Nursing Center and loved her family. Mrs. Brown was of the Pentecostal faith.

She is survived by three children, Tara Brown and special friend, Mike Francis, Tracy Beam and Troy Brown and wife, Mary, all of West Plains, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Sabra Knepper, James Young, Mindy Howell and husband, Joe, Justin Anderson, Nathan Brown and wife, Brandee, Zach Brown and wife, Lindsay and Paul Brown; fifteen great grandchildren, Bragan, Kieran, Dylan, Morgan, Jacob, Kaitlynn, Hunter, Kylie, Lily, Makayla, Kaiden, Casey, Aubree, Sadie and Alex; one brother, Vern Gruelke, Hampton, Iowa; one sister, Denver Algoe, Pilot Mound, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, one son-in-law, J. R. Beam and four sisters, Dorothy, Sharon, Dixie and Marjorie, preceded her in death.

Graveside services for Arvile Doyne York, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 26, 2019 at Fairview Cemetery near Wheeling, Arkansas under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. York died 4:41 p.m., Sunday, September 22, 2019 at Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains.  He was born December 13, 1932 at Salem, Arkansas to Kergle Arvest York and Lois Ardell Montgomery York.  Mr. York went to school at Salem, Arkansas and on February 1, 1956, was married to Bessie Lavada Case.  He enjoyed playing dominoes with his family and friends;  Mr. York never met a stranger.  He was a member of the Church of Christ.

He is survived by five children, Steve York and significant other, Sue, Gary York and wife, Becky, Keevin York and significant other, Becky, David York and Brenda York;  six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ronald York and K.A. York; two sisters, Veda Morrison and Irene Sanderson; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, two brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 25th, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Charity of Choice and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Amanda “Naomi” Dye, 97, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2019 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Dye passed away at 5:40 p.m., Monday, September 16, 2019 at Brooke Haven Health Care.

She was born February 24, 1922, at South Fork, Missouri, to Frank Manworn Willard and Pearl T. Ford Willard.  Naomi received her education and graduated at Pitts Grove.  On September 14, 1940, she was married to Cecil Roberson, who preceded her in death on April 4, 1945, while serving his county in Germany during WWII.  On August 21, 1946, she was married to James Dye, who preceded her in death on October 13, 1994.  On March 18, 1996, she was married to Ambrose Greenlee, who preceded her in death on June 26, 1998.  Naomi enjoyed quilting, crocheting, gardening, flowers and deer hunting.  Mrs. Dye was a member of the Eastern Star and was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by four children, Ronald Roberson, Allen Dye and wife, Debbie and Karen Linderman and husband, Leonard all of West Plains and Sharon Talley and husband, Bill, Branson, Missouri; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, George Willard and James Willard, both of West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husbands, one brother, Herschal Willard and two sisters, Thelma “Marie” Wheat and Pauline Collins, preceded her in death.

Visitation 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 the Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life Service for Kerry Rex Corwin, 61, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, September 21, 2019 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Corwin passed away at 12:35 p.m., Friday, September 13, 2019 at his home, surrounded by people that loved him.

He was born December 18, 1957, in Kansas City, Missouri and was raised between Salem, Missouri and Poplar Bluff, Missouri.  Kerry was a graduate of the school of hard knocks.  He was a beautiful soul, always ready to lend a hand when needed, honest to a fault and never met a stranger.  Kerry was a simple, loving, compassionate man, who never ceased to amaze everyone with his overabundance of useless knowledge.  He loved nothing more than to find the things to make laughter, even it was at his expense.

He leaves behind his wife of twenty years, Theresa D. (Britton) Corwin, West Plains; his son, Travis D. Corwin and wife, Lisa; two granddaughters, Raeann and Reese, all of Lonedell, Missouri; his mother, Ilene “Jo” Bender; one brother, Rod Corwin and wife, Lori, Stanwood, Washington.  Kerry was passionate about the many brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and even grandkids that he acquired through the years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chuck Bender, both maternal and paternal grandparents, his brother Lonnie Robertson and an infant sister.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Wounded Warriors Project and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A Memorial Service for Charles “Hank” Cunningham, 67, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Westside Family Life Center.

Mr. Cunningham passed away at 7:32 a.m., Saturday, September 14, 2019, at his home.

He was born February 28, 1952, at West Plains, Missouri, to Lloyd Cunningham and Lucille Roper Cunningham.  On April 16, 1998, he was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Patricia Young.  Mr. Cunningham worked at Wake Feed and enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Cunningham, of the family home; his mother, Lucille Cunningham; five children, Jonathan Cunningham and significant other, Starr Beals, Willow Springs, Jennifer Crane, Austin, Texas, Aaron Parmer, Monica Parks and husband, Jeff and Lisa Simonds and husband, James, all of West Plains; eight grandchildren, Brady Cunningham, Chloe Cunningham, Joslyn Parmer, Kailynn Parmer, Kyler Simonds, Brittney Johnson, Meagan Johnson and Kollay Hicks; three great-grandchildren, Addilynn Howell, Maddrix Franke and Karter Franke; one brother, Leroy Cunningham; two sisters, Janice Cunningham and Veterice Earith; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

His father and one sister, Janet Robison, preceded him in death.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for John Dale Huff, 70, Rolla, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 21, 2019 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, Missouri.

John passed away at 2:18 p.m., Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at his home.

He was born March 20, 1949, at West Plains, Missouri, to Vernor Wellington Huff and Carrie “Mabel” Wood Huff.  John graduated from Ritenour High School (near St. Louis) with the Class of 1967 and earned a Bachelor’s degree from University of Missouri at Rolla.  On March 22, 1980, he was married at Perry, Georgia, to Constance Gayle “Connie” Baker, who preceded him in death on July 18, 2009.  On May 9, 2015, he was married at Rolla, Missouri, to Billie Kay Davis.  He enjoyed gardening, woodworking and especially enjoyed blacksmithing. John was a member of BAM Association.

He is survived by his wife, Billie Huff, Rolla, Missouri; two children, Scott Huff and wife, Jennifer, Bentonville, Arkansas and Melissa Pearson and husband, Harold, Girard, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Matthew, Michael, John, Christina, Ellen, Dawson and Reagan; one great-grandchild, Mela; two brothers, Curtis Huff and wife, Marcella, West Plains, Missouri and Richard Huff and wife, Kaye, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Sue Crumbley and husband, Ace, Owensboro, Kentucky; one sister-in-law, Peggy Rieger, Olathe, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Connie; one brother, Jim Huff, Sr.; and three sisters, Jennie Lou Knott, Dorothy Walters and Patricia Meinung. 

Visitation will be held from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Elk Creek Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Bounds Horse Haven Rescue, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Mark Stanley Reno, 68, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 14, 2019 at Rover Faith Tabernacle, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Reno passed away at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at his home.

He was born March 21, 1951, at Marston, Missouri, to Markie Reno and Lucille Butler Reno.  On November 24, 1972 he was married to Jane Miller.  Mr. Reno earned his American Welding Certificate and before his retirement, worked at DRS.  He enjoyed carpentry work and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Reno, of the family home; two children, Mark Anthony and wife, Laura, Brighton, Missouri and Alesa Trantham and husband, Jeff, Rover, Missouri; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

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

Graveside services for Preston Eugene Marshall, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Big Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Marshall passed away at 3:30 a.m., Monday, September 9, 2019 at his home.

He was born February 13, 1932, at West Plains, Missouri, to James William “Bill” Marshall and Minnie Idella Callahan Marshall.  On October 1, 1958, he was married at Tulare, California, to Beulah Pauline Field.  Preston graduated from Bakersfield High School with the Class of 1951.  Mr. Marshall was a veteran, having served with the United States Air Force.  He enjoyed gardening, hunting and working on his farm.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline Marshall, of the family home; three children, Rebecca El Ramly and husband, Hani, St. Charles, Missouri, Bill Marshall, West Plains, and Matthew Marshall and wife, Lisa, St. Charles, Missouri; twelve grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one sister, Betty Sparks, West Plains.

His parents, one son, Bryant Marshall, two brothers, Paul and William Jr., and four sisters, Marie, Mary Sue, Orene and Edna, preceded him in death.

Mr. Marshall will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Kathryn Allean Anderson, 90, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday September 13, 2019, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Anderson passed away at 12:34 p.m., Friday, September 6, 2019, at her home.

She was born April 1, 1929, at Brandsville, Missouri, to Charley Rubin Wilson and Alta Mae Willard Wilson.  On July 28, 1947, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Dwindell Dwight Anderson, who preceded her in death on October 7, 1998.  She enjoyed sewing, quilting and gardening.  Kathryn was an animal lover and was devoted to her family.  Mrs. Anderson was a Christian.

She is survived by one daughter, Jeanette Jensen and husband, William E., West Plains; two grandchildren, Jennifer Gardner and husband, Ron, Wasola, Missouri and Kathryn Cockrum and husband, Matthew, West Plains; one brother, Virgil Wilson and wife, Faith, West Plains; one sister-in-law, Shirley Wilson, Buffalo, Missouri; three nephews, Ruben, David and Charles; and one niece, Shelly.

Her parents, husband and two brothers, James and Fred Wilson, 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 at Oak Lawn Cemetery.

Funeral services for Paul Louis Eldringhoff, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Eldringhoff passed away at 9:20 a.m., Friday, September 6, 2019 at NHC Healthcare.

He was born August 10, 1936, at White Church, Missouri, to Conrad Henry Eldringhoff and Easter Pauline Baser Eldringhoff.  Mr. Eldringhoff attended school at White Church.  Before his retirement, he worked at Trask Lumber Company and the Feed Mill.  He enjoyed coon hunting and square dancing and was known for his strength.

He is survived by two brothers, Al Eldringhoff, White Church, Missouri and Maurice Eldringhoff and wife, Darlene, Summersville, Missouri; one sister, Rosalie Chase, Eureka, Missouri; two  sisters-in-law, Nellie Eldringhoff, Lebanon, Missouri and Dorothy Eldringhoff,  Bowman, North Dakota; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, two brothers, Don Eldringhoff and his twin, Stephen Eldringhoff and three sisters, Novella Verplancke, Electa Eldringhoff and Katherine Melvin, preceded him in death.

Mr. Eldringhoff will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Rava Ruedeen Pliler, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 11, 2019 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Pliler passed away at 4:02 p.m., Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Shady Oaks Healthcare Center, Thayer, Missouri.

She was born December 6, 1932, at Brockwell, Arkansas, to Henry Harrison Jones and Myrtle Ray Henry Jones.  She attended schools at Riggs and Barnett.  On March 21, 1953, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to John Thornton “J.T.” Pliler, who preceded her in death on December 26, 2013.  She loved flowers, sewing, crocheting and puzzles.  Rava was a caregiver to her husband for over thirty years.  Mrs. Pliler was of the Baptist faith and attended New Hope Baptist Church as a young girl and later attended Second Baptist Church.

She is survived by one daughter, Evonne Andrews, West Plains; one grandson, Scotty Andrews; one sister, Imogene Denton, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, son-in-law, Kenny Andrews, one brother, Leamon Jones, one infant brother and one sister, Olideen Tabor, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Pliler will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Edward John Letterman, Jr., 75, Willow Springs, Missouri, passed away at 6:30 a.m., Thursday, September 5, 2019, at NHC Healthcare.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mary Elizabeth Price, 66, Caulfield, Missouri, passed away at 7:00 a.m., Thursday, September 5, 2019, at her home.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Rockwell Mincher, 63, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 5:33 a.m., Wednesday, September 4, 2019, at Ozarks Medical Center.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Grace Marie Collins, 82, West Plains, Missouri, were held Sunday, September 1, 2019 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Collins passed away at 8:05 a.m., Friday, August 30, 2019 at her home.

She was born October 11, 1936, at Boulder, Colorado, to Harry Peart and Birdie Street Peart.  Grace graduated from Willow Springs High School with the Class of 1955.  On May 21, 1944, she was married in Howell County, Missouri, to Cecil Eugene “Gene” Collins, who preceded her in death on March 4, 2003.  Mrs. Collins was a dairy farmer, working alongside her husband for many years.  She enjoyed reading her Bible, word puzzles and quilting.  Her family was her life.  Mrs. Collins attended First Baptist Church, West Plains, Missouri.

She is survived by two children, Dennis Collins, Pomona, Missouri and Dianna Jones and husband, Darrell, West Plains; three grandchildren, Lane Collins, Jeff Ward and wife, Teresa and Nicki Littrell; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Deloris Brotherton and Rita Roper; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, one daughter, Carla Ann Collins Hall, two brothers, Bobby and Harry Peart and one sister, Dorothy Turner, preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.