A memorial service for Verna Lynn Kowal, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 28, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Kowal passed away at 12:18 a.m., Thursday, June 6, 2024, at her home.
She was born October 20, 1942, at Chicago, Illinois, to Matthew and LaVerne Kienzle Meyer. On January 20, 1961, she was married in Cook County, Illinois, to Michael Paul Kowal, who preceded her in death on July 2, 2022. Mrs. Kowal was a home maker and had worked at Ozarks Medical Center as a nurse’s aid. She loved crafting, sewing, quilting, gardening and the church choir.
She is survived by three children, Kerry Lynn Hunter, State of Illinois, Christopher Kowal and wife, Amy, Martinez, Georgia and Richard Kowal and wife, Jennifer, Thayer, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; two brothers, James Meyer, State of Florida and Robert Meyer and wife, Wendy (Breeze), West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two sons, Michael Kowal, Jr. and David Kowal and one brother, Steven Meyer, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Ben Wayne Rhoads, Sr., 70, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Rhoads passed away at 8:08 a.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at his home.
He was born April 3, 1954, at Salem, Arkansas, to Garland Rhoads and Helen Harbeston Rhoads. On July 23, 1978, he was married at West Plains, to Peggy Allen. Mr. Rhoads was a policeman for fourteen years and was a helicopter mechanic. Ben loved his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews very much. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially with his son and granddaughters. He loved his favorite team, the Raiders. Mr. Rhoads was a member of Washington Avenue Church of Christ for four years.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Rhoads, of the family home; two sons, Ben Rhoads, Jr., and wife, Tarin and Brandon Rhoads, all of West Plains; two granddaughters, Hailey and Allison Rhoads; one brother, Richard Rhoads, West Plains; two sisters, Edna Rhoads and Alma (Jody) Rhoads, both of West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one step-son, Michael (Dougy) Barton, one brother, Thurlow (Buddy) Rhoads and one sister, Margaret Rhoads, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Brittany Lane Teitsort, of West Plains, Missouri, entered eternal rest on June 20, 2024 at the age of 36.
She was born on November 9, 1987 to Shawn Kipper “Kip” Teitsort and Jeanna Holloway in West Plains, Missouri. She genuinely loved music, caring for young children, and being the silliest person to brighten a dark room. Brittany had a heart of gold and loved those close to her fiercely. She was a talented artist, possessed the most beautiful singing voice, and excelled in any sport she played. She was always willing to help those in need, and brought true joy and happiness to so many throughout her life.
She is survived by her grandmothers Beverly Teitsort, Jerrie Holloway, and Mary Bratcher, her parents, Shawn Kipper “Kip” Teitsort and Jeanna Holloway, her siblings, Tiffany Robinson, Kristian “Tyler” Teitsort, Shawn Teitsort Jr., Gwendolyn Howell, Hunter Teitsort, Emma Teitsort, and Ethan Teitsort, her three nieces, four nephews, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her grandfathers Richard Teitsort and Valmon Holloway.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Linda Jean Cline, 69, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Elk Creek Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cline passed away at 10:40 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born January 23, 1955, at Cassville, Missouri, to Billy Joe Gunnels and Norma Jean Edie Gunnels. On October 4, 1975, she was married at Cassville, Missouri, to Stephen Cline. Linda grew up in Cassville and attended school there, graduating in 1973. After graduation, she worked at Milgram’s Grocery Store for two years. She was a homemaker and stay at home mother until her son Scott started 1st grade, at which time she began working as a cook at Junction Hill School. She worked there for over thirty years. Linda retired in 2015 to take care of her grandson, Sutton. She gave her life to the Lord in 1965 when she was baptized. Mrs. Cline attended Smith Chapel Church for over forty years.
She is survived by her husband, Stephen Cline, of the family home; one son, Scott Cline and wife, Tasha, West Plains; two grandchildren, Sutton and Silas Cline; one brother, Joe Gunnels and wife, Sue, Cassville, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Donna Jackson, Springfield, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents and grandparents preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Betty Sue Meidell, 88, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born September 2, 1935, at Elijah, Missouri, to George Washington Long and Delphi Alberta Hensley Long. On December 27, 1965, she was married at Wichita, Kansas to Gary Anthony Meidell, who preceded her in death on October 30, 2012. Before moving back to Missouri, Betty was the owner and operator of Pickerel Creek Camp in Ontario, Canada.
She is survived by one daughter, Brenda Gibson, West Plains; one daughter-in-law, Jalynn Moushon, West Plains; one grandson, Danny Hopkins; and four great-grandchildren.
Her parents, husband, one son, Mike Meidell, one daughter, Mary Sue Shaffer and one sister, Velma Lee Martin, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A celebration of life service for Ida Lee Gwaltney, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, June 24, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ida passed away at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at her home.
She was born March 4, 1953, at Farmington, Missouri, to Monte Ray Ariola and Evelyn Martha MacDonald Ariola. Ida has been a nurse in this area for more than 40 years. She spent most of her career at West Vue Nursing Center caring for elderly and ill, comforting families, and sharing her love with the community. She has held the hand of the suffering, comforted the dying, and shared her love of people with unwavering commitment. Above all, Ida loved to help people who genuinely needed a hand up. Her home was always filled with a stray person or two, her table always held another plate for whoever showed up, and she always had enough to share. Her family includes a lifetime of stragglers and broken hearted people who aren’t always related by birth but bound to her by their dedication to her friendship.
She is survived by her son, Jerome Stadler and daughter Lily Wilde, as well as grandchildren, London Stadler, Kayla Stadler, and John Stadler and a great granddaughter, Emma Morel.
She is preceded in death by William Stadler, husband; William Stadler, son; sisters Rebecca Osborne, Georgia Ann Gilliam, and Elizabeth Ariola and brothers Charles Ariola, Floyd Ariola, and Raymond Ariola.
Memorial contributions may be made to West Vue Nursing Center Activities Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Charles Wayne Bunch, 80, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bunch passed away at 2:25 p.m., Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at his home.
He was born May 15, 1944, at West Plains, Missouri, to Anton James Bunch and Lillie Maye Brixey Bunch. Charles enjoyed hunting, fishing and going to thrift stores. He loved his family and the Cardinals.
He is survived by one sister-in-law, Martha Bunch, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, five brothers, Ralph, David, Glenn and Hervel, one infant brother, Paul Bunch and four sisters, Hazel Collins, Norma Burgess, Gayle Roper and Loretta Oaks, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775. Online condolences may be left at www.robertsondrago.com
A Celebration of Life Service for Ronald David Walls, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 21, 2024, at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Walls passed away peacefully at 11:25 a.m., Monday, June 17, 2024, at his home.
Ron was born May 29, 1943 in Meadville, Pennsylvania, to Joseph H. Walls, Jr. and Berneta Bogardus Walls. He lived a long and happy life, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and service. Over the years, Ron called Pennsylvania, Florida and Missouri home, touching many lives in each place he lived. He dedicated his career to protecting and aiding others as a firefighter and EMT. He was also a high end carpentry and cabinet contractor, building and operating a successful business. His craftsmanship can still be seen in countless homes, showcasing his incredible work ethic and skill. Ron was married to his wife, Lesa, for nearly 25 wonderful years. Together, they shared a passion for travel, exploring the country with friends in their RVs, and especially cherishing their adventures in Colorado. Their marriage was a shining example of love and commitment, filled with countless joyful memories. A devoted Christian, Ron found great fulfillment in serving as a mentor to many throughout his life. His faith was a guiding light and he shared his wisdom and kindness generously. Known for his great sense of humor, Ron had the ability to bring a smile to anyone’s face. He was also an inquisitive person, engaging in conversations and learning about the lives of those he met. Ron will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of service, love and laughter will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
He is survived by his wife, Lesa; his children, Colleen Day of Eustis, Florida, Lee Anna Smith and Max of Sarasota, Florida and Robert Webb and Danielle of West Plains, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Cameron Lilly and Kristen of Umatilla, Florida, Casey Day of The Villages, Florida, Catherine Gaytan and Leo of Mount Dora, Florida, Savannah Day of Eustis, Florida, Malyn Steffey and Tobin of Yuma, Arizona, Memphis Webb of Mountain View, Missouri and Preslee Webb of West Plains, Missouri; one great-grandchild, Calvin Steffey of Yuma, Arizona; one sister, Lois Hunter and Jerry of St. Mary’s Pennsylvania; four nephews; and many special friends.
His parents, one grandson, Miles Smith, one sister, Joyce Walls and one brother, Tim Walls, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 12:00 until 1:00 p.m., Friday, prior to the service. Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon Bible Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A Memorial Funeral Mass for James Bohm, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
James William Bohm (Jim) was born on January 6, 1948, at Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit, Kansas. Jim was the youngest son of Lawrence and Madrene Bohm. Jim grew up in Beloit, attended St John’s Catholic School, and graduated in 1966. His favorite memories of Beloit were summers spent outdoors, working in the large family garden, bike riding, swimming and an early morning milk route for the local dairy. Jim attended college at Kansas State University where he earned a degree in architecture. College summers were spent working alongside his dad on the Mitchell County Road crew. After graduation, Jim was hired by the US Army Reserve as an architect where he remained for his entire career. His work took him to many Army bases throughout the United States and world. He always returned with unique memorabilia and amazing stories from his travels. He retired in2003. Upon retirement, Jim moved to West Plains, Missouri where he resided until his death. His love of horticulture began in childhood and flourished throughout his lifetime. His amazing garden was his prize possession overflowing with beautiful flowers, tropical plants and yard art. He loved to be outdoors and would walk for miles each day. He would never turn down a trip to Mammoth Spring for a good catfish lunch with family and friends. Jim’s true delight was his nieces, Melissa and Michelle, and his grandnieces Sarah and Sammy. He made many trips to visit them and was so proud of all their accomplishments. He loved hearing about their latest adventures via letters, phone calls, email, and in the last month of his life, text messages. “Uncle Jimmy” is deeply missed by all his nieces.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Madrene and Lawrence Bohm, grandparents, and many uncles and aunts.
Jim is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Delores Bohm (Redmond, WA), niece, Melissa Bohm and Tina Orsello (Jacksonville FL), niece Michelle and Jeff Kujath (Redmond, WA), grandnieces Sarah and Sammy Kujath (Redmond, WA), as well as many cousins in Missouri, Arkansas and Kansas.
Jim passed peacefully from this life on December 30, 2023.
Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Juanita Loraine “Waukee” Kirkland Poe, 102, Springfield, Missouri, formerly of Udall, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Udall Price Mitchell Cemetery, Udall, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Juanita Loraine “Waukee” Kirkland Poe flew on to Heaven June 15th after a life well lived.
She was born August 25, 1921 to parents James Bonnie Kirkland and Etta Rowene Ellison Kirkland, on a hot summer’s day weighing in at 13lbs. She was given the name ‘Waukee’ which was considered a Native American term for ‘strong’. She was raised in Ozark County on the Missouri/Arkansas border where she came to know a way life of surviving off the land without modern conveniences of vehicles or electricity. She enjoyed exploring the great outdoors with her siblings Christine, Bill, and Jim, and wading in the cold water flowing from the North Fork of the White River. At the age of 15 she went to live in Kansas City as a nanny for 3 years, where she experienced electricity, street cars, and indoor plumbing for the first time. Upon her return to Ozark County the adjustment back to a way of life without such conveniences as difficult. She earned her chauffeurs license and began driving a ‘dam truck’ hauling men to worksites around the Norfork Dam under construction. She married Willie Lee Poe January 3rd, 1944, and they began a good life together working a family ranch and livestock business. They had their first daughter Kathryn April 1st, 1945, and another daughter Rosaleah in December of 1947 who died at birth. Waukee was active in community events and clubs while maintaining all the responsibilities of living in the Ozarks on a cattle farm, raising her daughter and caring for other family members. Waukee got her son-in-law when Kathryn married Dennis Slane in December 1974. When her Grandson Brent was born in April of 1982, she was thrilled to begin sharing all the farm life with him. Her husband Willie suddenly passed away on April 4th 1986 while working with his cattle. Waukee continued raising livestock and managing the family farm. Local cattlemen were amazed at her skill of leading a herd of 50 cattle anywhere she wanted by simply carrying a 5-gallon bucket of dairy feed with her and they would follow. No horses, 4 wheelers, dogs or hooping and hollerin’ was as effective in herding cattle as Waukee was able to do with simple kindness. Quilting and crocheting was a favorite hobby she enjoyed, making pieces for her family to display and keep warm with. She enjoyed cooking up a hearty traditional farm breakfast to sustain everyone that shared a place at her table over the years. She continued handling the strenuous chores of farm life well into her late 80’s. She enjoyed spending time with her family and reading the local newspapers while keeping her hands and mind busy with crocheting and crafts. After her daughter Kathryn passed away from COVID-19 just days after Waukee’s 100th birthday, Waukee moved to Springfield Villa skilled nursing facility where she was loved and cared for by so many that came to know her for her kind and strong spirit. She enjoyed eating almost anything, but the one thing she enjoyed the most was an ice-cold Coke.
Waukee is survived by her grandson Brent Slane and son-in-law Dennis Slane, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank everyone that came and visited with Waukee the past few years, and the teams from Springfield Villa, and Preferred Hospice for making her last days comfortable and peaceful.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Kenneth Edward Sharp, 78, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 3:00 a.m., Thursday, June 13, 2024, at his home. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Laura Arianna Simpson, 86, of West Plains, Missouri went to be with her Savior on Monday June 10, 2024 at 9:16 am at home like she always wanted.
Mrs. Simpson was born March 22, 1938, in Minnesota to Herbert and Anna Zabel, the youngest of 4 children. She would often share stories of the family farm and all the adventures she would have with her sister, Carol. The family moved to California when Laura was early in her teenage years. She attended school at the old San Fernando mission for 2 years before attending the new public high school where she graduated in 1956. She enjoyed modern dance as one of her electives and spoke about it often. She worked at the local drive-in with a friend in the snack bar. There were many hilarious stories of those two making shakes and meeting local kids her age. A year before graduation she met the love of her life John Graham Simpson. They dated in her senior year and were married shortly thereafter. They have two children, Catherine Gayle Simpson and John Jeffrey Simpson. They built their lives in the Sunland Tujunga area of Los Angeles. In those days her husband John worked days as a machinist and Laura went to work nights for Security Pacific Bank. They raised their children together, each being able to spend time with them when the other worked. As the children grew up and got older, they were introduced to Cathy’s new boyfriend’s parents. Their names were Ernie and Polly Wollin and they enjoyed motorcycles. Soon, the four of them were off having adventures on two wheels and camping on the weekends. They were able to visit much of the western United States in those days. Grandma often reminisced of those days and how she said they were the best days of their lives. In 1995, after John retired, they moved to West Plains, MO. This new time in life led to 10 years of painting classes held in their kitchen. A small group of ladies & men would come together to paint and bring food to spend the day talking and painting. There are walls filled with her amazing paintings all over the house. She was quite talented, and she enjoyed it immensely. John joined the Ozarks Older Iron Club and quickly became active in the club. They both have plaques as distinguished members of the club. There are hundreds of books in the house as reading has been a lifelong passion for her. The last 9 years she has enjoyed continuing her reading, coloring in those new adult coloring books and word scrambles. She loved watching the TCM channel and catching 1930’s movies, she especially loved the silent ones.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Anna Zabel, Sister, Mame, Brother, Bud, Sister, Carol, husband ,John G. Simpson, daughter, Catherine Simpson, and son John J. Simpson.
Laura is survived by her grandson, Craig Wollin and wife, Jenna of West Plains, MO, granddaughter, Holly McCarthy of Big Bear City, CA, and great-grandson, Thomas Brookens and wife, Caitlynn of Flagstaff, AZ . She is also survived by a niece, Anita Dick of Prairie Grove, MN and her two children, Beth Dick and Mike Dick, also of Minnesota.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home
Funeral services for Sam Leman Gunter, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Pottersville Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Gunter passed away at 5:52 a.m., Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born February 10, 1948, at Pottersville, Missouri, to Charnell Gunter and Elnora Chappell Gunter. On July 1, 1967, he was married at Pomona, Missouri, to the love of his life, Cora Jane Wilbanks. Sam worked for the City of West Plains for 35 years. He was a firefighter for years and at one time was Chief.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cora; four children, Sandra Wilson and husband, Boyd, Charnel Gunter, Sam Gunter and wife, Julie and Chad Gunter and wife, Jessica; seven grandchildren, Patty, Ricky, Bailey, Gabby, Briggs, Charlie and Katie; ten great-grandchildren with one on the way; one brother, Wayman Gunter and wife, Christl; one brother-in-law, Bob Colyer; one step-sister, Ann Owen and husband, Earnie; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, two brothers, Norman and Florman and one sister, Nancy Colyer, preceded him in death.
Mr. Gunter will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Pottersville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Pottersville Baptist Church Food Pantry or Pottersville Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Allena VonAllmen, 101, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 17, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. VonAllmen passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center.
Mary Allena VonAllmen was born July 28, 1922, to James Albert Redburn and Emma May Clark Redburn in Rover, Missouri.
Allena was married to Clyde VonAllmen on August 11, 1940, in Rover, Missouri. She worked many years painting, cleaning, washing, and ironing for others before she took a job at the Senior Citizens teaching a Ceramics Class. She made many friends over the years. Mrs. VonAllmen was of the Christian Faith and was a member of The Olde Tyme Full Gospel Church in West Plains. Allena was very proud of her family. She was a loving Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Great-Great-Grandmother. She loved the Lord and her family very much.
She is survived by her son, Charles VonAllmen and wife, Carolyn of West Plains; two Grandchildren, Mark VonAllmen and wife, Durreall of West Plains and Cynthia Bush and husband, Dan of Buffalo, Missouri; five Great-Grandchildren; three Step Great-Grandchildren; and three Great-Great-Grandchildren (whom she adored).
Her parents, husband, one infant son, five brothers, three sisters and one infant sister preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oak Lawn 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.
Funeral services for Ollie Frances Brawley, 96, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 14, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Brawley passed away Monday, June 10, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born May 4, 1928, at Greer, Missouri, to Rosie and William Friend. Frances grew up on the Eleven Point River and attended Surprise School. The family moved to Alton, Missouri, when she was ten years old. Frances had her first job at the age of thirteen, doing laundry for people and cooking chicken for the sale barn and in her teens she worked at Forster’s Café. At the age of sixteen she went to St. Louis and worked for the summer, returning home for school in the Fall. On September 29, 1947, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Waymon Elmo Brawley, who preceded her in death on November 5, 2010. The couple moved to St. Louis and later Rockford, Illinois where she worked at Forest City Knitting Company and Nelson Knitting. She had her sons and worked at Amerock Hardware Company, made the family’s clothes and many quilts. In 1977 the family moved to West Plains and established their family farm. She worked for West Gibson Department Store and was later the manager at Taco Hut where she worked until she retired at the age of sixty-two. The couple enjoyed traveling, especially to Texas, Washington, Oklahoma and New Mexico. They had a great life together.
She is survived by two sons, Carl Brawley and wife, Teresa and Wayne Brawley and wife, Regina, all of West Plains; four grandchildren, Brandy Russell and husband, Trey Cherry, West Plains, Justin Brawley and wife, Tabitha, Cotton Town, Tennessee, Desiree Theibeault and husband, Skyler, West Plains and Amber Brawley, West Plains; six great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one brother, John Henry Friend and eight sisters, Ellen Schlouch, Mollie Johnson, Vivian Medley, Amy Mann, Mae Brown, Mamie Patterson, Nellie Hoover and Dicie Doty, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Bailey Cemetery, Alton, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Bailey Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Harold Dean Mayo, son of the late Howard Mayo and Sandra Mayo, was born August 9, 1970 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He entered into eternal rest June 8, 2024, at the age of fifty-three years.
Harold graduated from West Plains High School in 1988 where he went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering at the University of Missouri at Rolla. Shortly after graduating, Harold moved to Indianapolis for a job where he met the love of his life, Cheryl, who he married in February 1998. Within two years his daughters, Josephine and Jaclyn, were born. While living in Indianapolis, Harold acquired his MBA at Indiana Wesleyan University. Harold’s career involved employment through various aggregate companies including Martin Marietta, Vulcan, Cemex, Mincom, and Hutchinson Salt. After Indiana, Harold and his family moved to Arkansas, Texas, Kentucky, Kansas, Arkansas again, and finally made it back home to West Plains, Missouri. Harold referred to his childhood memories in Van Buren with his grandparents, cousins, and sister as paradise. Harold enjoyed reading sci-fi and philosophy novels, listening to music like Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, playing Dungeons & Dragons with his friends of forty years, and spending time with his family. Harold would say that the most important things in life were his two daughters. His love and pride for them was indescribable.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; daughters, Josephine and Jaclyn; and sister, Stephanie. His grandparents, parents, Howard Mayo and Sandra Mayo and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jo Ann and Ronald Wuensch, preceded him in death.
Please join family and friends to celebrate and honor Harold’s life at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home on Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 2:00 until 5:00 PM. There will be a brief service at 2:00 followed by a visitation. In lieu of flowers, Harold requested that memorial contributions be made to West Plains Public Library and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Shirley Irene Elmore, 96, West Plains, Missouri, passed away Monday, June 3, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Jay Mitchell Jeffery, 51, West Plains, Missouri, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024, at his home.
He was born June 15, 1972, at West Plains, to Stan and Jan Jeffery. Jay was loved by many, including his younger sisters, Amy and Holly, special friend, Linda and life-long friends, Dagan, Galen and Mike. He will forever be in the hearts of those that loved him.
He is survived by his sisters, Amy Murphy and husband, Ray and Holly Hawkins and husband, Dustin; five nephews, Camdon, Hayden, Eli, Tucker and Reed; two nieces, Lakelen and Maylee; and one uncle, Norman Emerick and wife, Marilyn.
His parents preceded him in death.
Jay lived a simple life and per his wishes, there will be no memorial service.
Lola Margaret Godsy Marcak, 84, departed from this world at her home in West Plains, Missouri, for her heavenly home Friday, May 24, 2024.
Margaret was born August 5, 1939 in Fremont, Missouri, to Ira Howard Godsy, Sr. and Opal O’dell Godsy. Margaret was a loving mother and step-mother who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed quilting, crocheting and baking pies. Margaret was a Christian and a member of the Church of the Nazarene.
She is survived by her son, Ed Coates and wife, Lisa, Mountain View, Arkansas, daughter, Cheryl Coates Harrison and husband, Tim, Waynesville, Missouri, son, Don Coates and wife, Sheena, South Fork, Missouri, son, Tommy Marcak and wife, Angela, West Plains; step-sons, Bennie Marcak and Chris Marcak, both of West Plains; brothers, David Godsy, Ira Godsy, Jr., Gordon Godsy and Bob Godsy; sister, Norma Jean Godsy Roy; along with 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends that will all miss her.
She was preceded in death by her second husband, George Marcak, Sr., infant son, Melbourn Coates, step-daughter, Aletta Marcak Hiltibran, sister Dorothy Godsy Bailey and her parents.
There are no formal arrangements made at this time as Margaret has selflessly donated her body to research. The family will have a graveside memorial at a later date. In lieu of flowers and other like memorials, the family requests that donations be made to a breast cancer or brain cancer research organization of your choice.
Graveside services for Andrew Dean Newton, 41, West Plains, Missouri, formerly of Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Hale Cemetery, Dora, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Andrew went to be with the Lord Friday, May 24, 2024.
He was born December 30, 1982, at West Plains, Missouri, to Berle (Bud) Newton and Cheryl Smith. Anyone that knew Andrew knew that he had a caring heart. He was willing to help anyone at any time. If you called for him to help, he was there. He worked for several farms in his lifetime. Milking and working in the hay fields was what he enjoyed the most. He will be dearly missed by many.
He is survived by his father, Berle (Bud) Newton, Cabool, Missouri; his mother, Cheryl Smith and husband, John, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Anya Moritz and husband, Jerry, Drury, Missouri; one nephew, A.J. Moritz, Drury, Missouri; his maternal grandmother, Wanda Burgess, West Plains, Missouri; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
His paternal grandparents, maternal grandfather, an uncle, an aunt, and a cousin preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
