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Funeral services for Earnest Ezra Pond, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at the Victory Family Worship Center under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Pond died 12:20 p.m., Friday, October 28, 2016 at his home. He was born October 18, 1931 at Corning, Arkansas to Ezra Pond and Agnes Bennett Pond. On December 10, 1949, Mr. Pond was married at Corning, Arkansas to Ruth Whelchel. Before his retirement, he had been employed at the International Shoe Company, Marathon Electric and was a long time farmer in the West Plains area. Mr. Pond was proud of the Black Angus cattle that he raised; he enjoyed deer and rabbit hunting and trout fishing. He was a member of the Victory Family Worship Center.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Pond, of the family home; three children, Rick Pond, wife, Margaret, Gilliam, Missouri, Vickey Collins, husband, Lloyd and Terry Pond, wife, Kim, all of West Plains, Missouri; six grandchildren, Richie Pond, wife, Debbie, Scott Pond, Brandi Mills, husband, George, Tyler Pond, wife, Monique, Lloyd Collins and Dustin Collins; and five great-grandchildren, Ryan, Cory, Maci, Camden and Oliva.

His parents, one brother, Allen Pond and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Will and Ethel Whelchel, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 1st, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Dorothy Tilson, 91, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2016 in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Tilson passed away early morning, Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Brooke Haven Health Care, West Plains, Missouri.

She was born July 27, 1925 near Pottersville, Missouri to Clint Pease Hudlow and Frances Hall Hudlow.   She then grew up in Howell County and attended the Crider School. On January 14, 1950, she was married at Salem, Arkansas to Irvin Jack Tilson who preceded her in death on April 15, 2000; to this union six children were born.   Before her retirement, Mrs. Tilson had been employed at the Kansas National Linen Company and the Wichita Royale Hotel.

She is survived by five children, Eugene Hudlow, wife, Beverly, Moody, Missouri, Kay Liggin, husband, Tony, Locksburg, Arkansas, Larry Tilson, wife, Joyce, Tecumseh, Missouri, Bobbie Jack Tilson, Andover, Kansas and Betty Robinson, husband, Loyd of Illinois; son-in-law, Donnie Vann, Gillham, Arkansas, and a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Her parents, husband, one daughter, Edna Marie Vann, and three sisters, Mildred Cook, Edna Sexton and Brica Fox, precede her in death.

Mrs. Tilson will lie in state from 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 31st, until service time at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Union Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Union Grove Cemetery and may left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Steven Joe Harris, 52, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Harris passed away at 12:40 a.m., Thursday, October 27, 2016 at his home.

Steve was born May 6, 1964, at Newport, Arkansas.  He was the son of Lowell Bart Harris and Jane Lois Hubbard Harris.  He was married on September 24, 2016, at West Plains, Missouri, to Lisa Nevills.  Steve was a load supervisor at Coca-Cola Bottling Company. He worked at other jobs, his first job was with Coca-Cola, then he went on to West Plains Vet Supply, Heartland Trucking, Yellow Trucking and he eventually went back to the job he really enjoyed at Coca-Cola.  He enjoyed playing golf.  Mr. Harris was a Christian.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa Harris, of the family home; one son, Dunde Harris, Houston, Texas; one sister, Cindy Cole and husband, Steve, Caulfield, Missouri; nieces, Shylah, Kaylah and Whitney Cole; great-nephew, Jase Cole; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and special friends, Don and Louise Lockman and Gary and Shelly Collins.

His parents and grandparents precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Melanoma Foundation or Fair Haven Children’s Home and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Nicole Jean Hunter Mostafa, 33, of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, formerly of Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 30, 2016 at Koshkonong High School, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Nicole departed this earthly life on October 23, 2016, at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with her husband, Saleh and her mother, Emma Hunter at her side.

She was born August 20, 1983, at West Plains, Missouri, to C. W. Hunter and Emma Tellez Hunter.  On July 30, 2011, she was married at Springfield, Missouri, to Saleh Mostafa.  Nicole graduated from Koshkonong High School, earned two Bachelor’s Degrees at University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, two Master’s Degrees from Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri and was finishing her Doctorate at Kansas State University where she was a teacher and assistant professor.  Nicole enjoyed writing on her blog “the same rainbow’s end” where she brought people together from all around the world.  She loved educating the minds of the young and old.  Nicole was always smiling.  She had a warm and loving heart and was always thoughtful. Caring for others was important to her.  Nicole has touched many people all around the world during her lifetime and she will be loved and missed forever.

She is survived by her husband, Saleh; two daughters, Lavender and Juliet; her parents, C. W. and Emma Hunter; one brother, Carl Hunter and wife, Brittany and their two children, Cole and Jaycee; her other parents, Mohammed Mostafa and Salwa Sabri; one sister, Walaa; one brother, Suleiman; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Her grandparents, Carl and Phyllis Hunter and Phillip and Adeline Tellez and one uncle, Jerry Hunter, precede her in death.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., Sunday, at Koshkonong High School.  Burial will be in the family’s cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Nicole Hunter Mostafa Memorial Scholarship Fund and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Evelyn Katherine Burgess, 92, Harrison, Arkansas, formerly of Pomona, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at Mt. Zion Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Burgess passed away at 1:03 a.m., Friday, 21, October, 2016 at her daughter, Karen Shipley’s home.

She was born January 27, 1924, at Pomona, Missouri, to Elmer and Olive Wood.  She was united in marriage August 4, 1941 at Salem, Arkansas, to Lester O. Burgess, who preceded her in death on April 13, 2006.  She was a homemaker, and enjoyed raising large gardens, canning the fruits and vegetables for the family.  Mrs. Burgess loved to hand quilt, she could make the tiniest stitches and was a loving, caring person.  Her children, family and friends will miss her.  Evelyn accepted Christ and was baptized as a young girl and was a very active member in the church for many years at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church near Olden, Missouri.

She is survived by her six children, Betty Boyer, Apple Valley, California, Royce Burgess, Kathy Foster and Marvin Burgess and wife, Marla, all of Willow Springs, Missouri, Karen Shipley, Harrison, Arkansas and Keith Burgess and wife, Ernie, West Plains, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; four brothers, Kenneth Wood and wife, Ruth, West Plains, Neil Wood and wife, Edith, Willow Springs, Missouri, Junior Wood, Washington, Illinois and Raymond Wood and wife, Mildred, Pomona, Missouri; one sister, June Fitzpatrick, Wenatchee, Washington; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, one son, Ronnie Dwayne Burgess, one granddaughter, Emily Nakata and one sister Virginia Rittmiller, precede her in death.

Mrs. Burgess will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Church and Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Etta Ruth Johnston, 76, Springfield, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 24, 2016 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Johnston passed away at 5:37 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at her home.

She was born January 9, 1940, at West Plains, Missouri, to John David Sylvester Willard and Lilith Day Tilman Willard.  She graduated from West Plains High School.  On July 4, 1982, she was married at West Plains, to Cecil Johnston, who preceded her in death on September 10, 1999.  Mrs. Johnston worked at Bank of America, formerly known as Boatmen’s Bank and Centerre Bank, for many years.  She also was a personal accountant, owned a service station with her husband, played organ and piano at Southern Hills Baptist Church and sold Avon, which she enjoyed very much.  Mrs. Johnston’s greatest joy was taking care of everyone.  She collected clocks, Elvis memorabilia and recipe books; she was known for being a magnificent cook.  Mrs. Johnston was a member of Church of God.

She is survived by three children, Rick Kerley and wife, Melody, Moody, Missouri, Robert Kerley, Jr. and wife, Michele, Winona, Minnesota and David Kerley and wife, Jamie, Branson, Missouri; son-in-law, Al Hensley; seventeen grandchildren, Kimberly Kerley, Kayleigh Nanney and husband, Zack, Adam Kerley and wife, Tammy, Rebecca Feyen and fiancée Tom Linville, William Kerley, Nathan True, Clayton Spencer, Amanda Spencer, Andrew Phillips, Rebekah Jones, Harley Kerley, David Tyler Kerley, Amber Kerley, Harmony Stewart, Gavin Magnuson, Zane Barbrow and Mackenzie Barbrow ; sixteen great-grandchildren and one on the way; two brothers, Herbert Willard and wife, Pat, St. Louis, Missouri and Ralph Willard, Dallas, Texas; three sisters, Mary Downing, Fountain Inn, South Carolina, Lola Bixler and husband, Pastor Bob Bixler, Victorville, California and Ethel Willard, Anderson, Indiana; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, including a special niece, Zanetta Willis.

Her parents, husbands, Robert Kerley, Sr. and Cecil Johnston, one daughter, Lily Ruth Hensley and two brothers, James Eldean Willard and Elbert Lee Willard, precede her in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Association of West Plains and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A memorial service for Mary Lou Lind, 62, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 29, 2016, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Thayer, Missouri.

Mrs. Lind passed away at 1:13 a.m., Monday, October 17, 2016 at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born October 26, 1953, at Monterrey, California.  She graduated from Kennedy High School, Chicago, Illinois with the Class of 1971.  On April 24, 1988, she was married at Des Moines, Iowa, to Robert Lind.  Mrs. Lind enjoyed her pets and farm animals.  She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Lind; her mother, Lillian Mary Foster Hamilton; two children, Samantha York and husband, Brian, Springfield, Missouri and Judith Whitcher and husband Scott, State of Arkansas; one sister, DeAnna Bembenek and husband, Gary, Des Moines, Iowa; her half-brother and half-sister, Cora Wiegel and Robert Fierce, both of State of Oregon; four grandchildren, Mark Hoggatt, Jeremy Hoggatt, Brittanie Schwartz and Brandon York; and two great-grandchildren.

Her father, Arthur Elliott Hamilton and one brother, Robert Hamilton, precede her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for John Riley Harris, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 22, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Harris passed away at 9:32 p.m., Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

He was born June 15, 1927, at Rover, Missouri, to John L. Harris and Bessie Agnes Huddleston Harris.  He was married June 29, 1951 at Salem, Arkansas, to Darlis Jones.  Mr. Harris was a Veteran, having served with the United States Air Force.  Mr. Harris worked at the International Shoe Factory until his retirement in 1989.  He loved fishing and hunting and was very good at working on anything mechanical.  Mr. Harris attended First Freewill Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Darlis Harris, of the family home; one son, John H. Harris and wife, Kathryn, Queen City, Missouri; four grandchildren, John H. Harris and wife, Debbie, Matthew Harris and wife, Ashlie, Darla White and husband, Jason and R. D. Allen and wife, Ashley, eight great-grandchildren, Jessica, Jennifer, Rachel, Kaitlyn, Arianna, Benjamin, Josiah and Rebekah; one sister, Norma Cooper, Hocomo, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Kay Decker, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, twin daughters, Vona Freeman and Vonda Wilbanks and one grandson, Brian Ledwa, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A Celebration of the Life of Michael Lee Weaver, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2016 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Weaver was promoted to sweetest angel status October 16, 2016.

He was born January 23, 1948, at Richmond, California, to the late Littleton Moore “L.M.” Weaver and Helen Juanita Vangundy Weaver.  Michael enjoyed life to its fullest. He loved to be surrounded by his family and friends, especially for Sunday dinners at his home in West Plains. Michael had a unique ability to establish long lasting, personal relationships with all those he met along the way.   Michael enlisted in the United States Air Force on September 5, 1968 at Oakland, California and was assigned to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He completed a tour of duty arriving in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam December 28, 1969. He obtained the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged on September 5, 1972. From the first time Michael dove into the waters in the San Francisco Bay with his father he enjoyed scuba diving and surfing. In later years, he took pleasure in playing golf with his buddies and family. Michael enjoyed coaching and playing softball, and was particularly fond of his winning women’s softball team.   His greatest joy, however, was in his roles as husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He found much happiness spending time with his daughters and his grandson, Benjamin.  To many of his friends he was known as “Buff,” but his heart’s delight was being Daddy and PaPaw.  You could find him cheering on his daughters at piano recitals, volleyball games, and band half time shows. He took pride in their scholastic and extracurricular activities and he participated in helping them start their first business venture of washing and detailing cars.  Michael worked at Southwest Truck Body (now known as DRS) for 32 years. He began as a grinder/riveter and promoted to several jobs of high responsibility and leadership. He fostered and nurtured many close relationships during his career.

Michael is survived by his wife Dianna of 43 years; he will not only be missed by Dianna, but his daughter, Sara Dockins and husband Michael; his daughter, Tara Weaver and her son Benjamin Michael; his mother-in-law, Reva Simpson; two sisters-in-law, Cheri Beavers and husband Richard and Debra Simpson; niece, Erica Walker, and husband Kyle and their children Gracelyn and Brett.  Michael was especially grateful for his care giver Joyce McEntire as well as many other close friends whose support over the last year was so important in his fight to give us all just one more day.

His parents, two infant sons, Rhett and Ryan and his father-in-law Floyd Simpson, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery with full military honors.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael’s memory to OMC Foundation and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at Ozarks Medical Center, especially Dr. Alexandre Makarian, Dr.Priscilla Frase, Dr. Brett Malone, and locally Dr. Nate Swift, and Kelly Mills, Physician Assistant. Special thanks to Dr. Frank Eddleman and Sarah Moore, RN, Physical Therapists, Lee Adams, Paul Murray and Jess Loges, Speech Therapists Jeff Foes, Penny Fox Jones, Christy Kowiti, RN and Latise King,RN  and many other nursing staff and friends at NHC.

Graveside services for Naomi Kathleen Wheeler, 85, West Plains, Missouri, formerly of Hutchinson, Kansas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at State Line Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Wheeler passed away at 3:08 p.m., Sunday, October 16, 2016 at her home.

She was born February 6, 1931, at Sturkie, Arkansas, to Marvin Shannon and Hallie Witt Shannon.  She attended High School at Salem, Arkansas and on September 2, 1950, was married to Thomas J. Moore.  On March 9, 1959, she was married at Hutchinson, Kansas, to John Wheeler and remained happily married for fifty-one years, until his death in 2010.  Mrs. Wheeler returned to West Plains five years ago.  She was a homemaker and enjoyed sewing, cooking and family events.  Mrs. Wheeler was of the Protestant faith.

She is survived by two sons, Larry Moore and wife, Barbara and Gary Moore and wife, Marion, all of Wichita, Kansas; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, James Shannon and wife, Ruth, West Plains; three sisters, Bertha “Tiny” Elliott, Linda Fox and husband, Riley, all of West Plains and Sandra Newnam and husband, Carroll, Peoria, Illinois; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her parents, husband, one daughter, Barbara Moore, one son, Jerry Moore, four brothers, Rand Shannon, Ray Shannon, John Shannon and Doug Shannon, Sr., and four sisters, Sybil Stanley, Pearlie Mae Smith, Laura Norman and Virginia Sue Bell, precede her in death.

Visitation will be from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Three Rivers Hospice and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Clifton Luna, 91, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at the Dora Saddle Club Arena, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Luna passed away at 10:45 a.m., Saturday, October 15, 2016 at his home.

He was born March 21, 1925, at Dora, Missouri, to Homer Luna and Dorothy Warren Luna.  On November 27, 1948, he was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Flora Mae Thornton.  Mr. Luna was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy during World War II on the USS Twining.  He was a farmer and the owner and operator of Luna Sawmill, a family operation where most all of his family had worked at some point.  Mr. Luna enjoyed his mules and cattle.  He was a member of the West Plains Wagon Club where he was a past President, member of Gee & Haw Wagon Club, member and past President of Dora Saddle Club and was a past member of Dora School Board.

He is survived by his wife of nearly sixty-eight years, Flora Luna, of the family home; five children, Bob Luna and wife, Pam, Terry Luna and wife, Amy, Mike Luna, Sharon Fox and husband, Kelvin, all of Dora, Missouri and Kelly Luna and wife, Cherie, Zanoni, Missouri; seventeen grandchildren; thirty-five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Norman Luna, and wife, Jean, Tecumseh, Missouri and Burnie Luna and wife, Wanda, Elizabethtown, Kentucky; two sisters, Elouise Morton, Vanzant, Missouri and Rozelle Partida, Bentonville, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, one son, Charles Luna and two sisters, Nadine Luna and Maxine Collins, precede him in death.

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

Graveside services for Jackson “Jack” Cook, 78, Mountain Home, Arkansas, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 16, 2016 at Gospel Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Cook passed away at 2:50 a.m., Friday, October 14, 2016 at Hospice House, Mountain Home, Arkansas.

He was born December 13, 1937, at Paddy, Missouri in Ozark County, to Robert Lee Cook and Nancy Jane Hopkins Cook.  On April 7, 1956, he was married at Senatobia, Mississippi, to Barbara Lenora Fox, who preceded him in death on March 12, 2008.  Mr. Cook was a self-employed body shop operator.  He enjoyed traveling and jug fishing.  Mr. Cook was a member of the Church of Christ.

He is survived by two daughters, Lila Nix and husband, Tim, Mountain Home, Arkansas and Lesa Riegle, West Plains, Missouri; two grandchildren, Brandi Nix and Kristine Laxton; three great-grandchildren, Cristian Nix, Gavin Young and Landon Young; and special friend, Linda Griffin, Mountain Home, Arkansas.

His parents, wife, and six brothers, Fred, Everett, Charles, Elmer, Melvin and Robert Cook precede him in death.

Mr. Cook will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Ozarks and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Amy Camille Spence, 39, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 22, 2016, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Amy passed away at 5:25 a.m., Wednesday, January 14, 2015, at her home after a courageous battle against Melanoma Cancer.

She was born October 20, 1975, at Memphis, Tennessee, to Carlene Hill and Larry Spence. She graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1994 and graduated from Missouri State University-West Plains in 2004 with a degree in Accounting. Amy was a strong advocate in the fight against Melanoma. In her spare time Amy enjoyed spending time with her boys, Chase and Gavin and also her beloved animals, Bubba, Ruby, Spot and Miss Kitty. She enjoyed floating the river, camping, attending concerts and spending time with family and friends. Amy was a Christian and gave her heart to God.

She is survived by two sons, Chase and Gavin York, West Plains; mother, Carlene Hill, West Plains; father, Larry Spence, Memphis, Tennessee; one brother, Rodney Hill, wife, Pam and their kids, Ballwin, Missouri; special cousin, Kevin Lyles, Jonesboro, Arkansas; aunt and uncle, Joyce Rushin, husband, Adell, Jonesboro, Arkansas; and best friend, Casey Trent, husband, Sean, West Plains. Amy will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

Her step-father, Richard Hill, maternal grandparents and paternal grandfather, precede her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Melanoma Research Foundation in memory of Amy, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Elizabeth Marie “Betty” Franks, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 14, 2016 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Franks passed away at 9:00 a.m., Sunday, October 9, 2016 at her home.

She was born January 21, 1931, at Kingfisher, Oklahoma, to Roy H. Skinner and Edna Marie McIntosh Skinner.  She was married June 4, 1954 in the State of California to Delman “Del” Franks.  On October 27, 1991, she was married at Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, to J. Thelbert Franks, who preceded her in death on September 21, 2016.  Betty worked in the Food Industry her entire adult life.  She assisted with blood drives at the Veteran’s clinic, was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary and of Downsizers.  Mrs. Franks was a member of the First Church of God.

She is survived by two step-sons, Doyle Franks and wife, Kathy and Daniel Franks and wife, Cindy, all of West Plains; four grandchildren, Shawna Cogar and husband, Steven, Chyrise McCall and husband, Rex, Ryan Lyda and wife, Jody and Brooke Franks; four step-grandchildren, Tara Riley and husband, Will, Randa Hugg and husband, Josh, Nathaniel Franks and wife, Ashley and Matthew Franks and wife, Kayla; eight great-grandchildren; eleven step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Roberta Dress and husband, Harry and Mary Lou Peake and husband, Michael, all of Manistique, Michigan; one brother-in-law, Randall Franks and wife, Elaine, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, Thelbert Franks and two children, Deborah Marie “Debbie” Lyda and Del Alan “D.A.” Franks, precede her in death.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 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 the First Church of God Audio Visual Fund and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Monna Ann Farmer, 100, Springfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 10, 2016 at Smith Chapel Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Farmer went to her heavenly home at 11:35 p.m., Thursday, October 6, 2016 at The Maples, Springfield, Missouri.

She was born September 17, 1916, at Gainesville, Missouri, to William Fred Freeman and Liddie Durham Freeman.  Monna Ann Farmer lived a long and full life.  Her 100 years and 19 days on this earth touched hundreds of people, brought many to Christ and made life joyful for all who knew her. She was married to Coleman T. Watson for thirty-two years until his death on May 21, 1971. Monna was married to Ess C. Farmer on July 28, 1992 until his death on December 3, 1994. Monna was a devoted and faithful wife.  She was a Christian woman baptized at the age of 13 in 1929. She was a member of the Lord’s body at Kansas Expressway Church of Christ in Springfield, Missouri.  She gave loving and excellent care for 22 years in the nursing profession at Myers Clinic in Rolla, Missouri.  Monna received her education in Ozark County Missouri and held an honorary diploma from Gainesville High School.  She was the matriarch of the family and led each one through good times and tough times.

Monna was a wonderful mother to Darlene L. Smith of Springfield, Missouri (husband Lyman Smith-deceased) and step-son Keith Farmer of Branson, Missouri; She was an exceptional grandmother to Debi and Art Robinson (deceased), Teresa and Eric Clark, Kenneth Paul Smith (deceased), Kevin and Tammy Smith, Angela and Mike Moody and Shane Farmer. She mentored and loved her great-grandchildren: Robin and Will Kennedy, Darrin and Emma Robinson, Terra Davis, Shanna Castillo, Lana O’Hara, Nathan Hardesty, Marcus Clark, Coleman and Jenna Smith, Kaleb Moody (deceased), Morgan Moody and Angelica Cisneros. She loved her great- great-grandchildren with all her heart: Mariah, Miranda and Mikayla Kennedy, Lily and Niya Robinson, Isaiah Robinson, Jaden Green, Alijah Davis, Lexi Castillo, Madeline O’Hara, Daniella Cisneros and Sylas Mantle.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers Merl and Verl Freeman and sisters Lola Newton, Flo Sanders, Farol Routh, Doris Thornton and Dorothy Stephens.

Mrs. Farmer will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Smith Chapel Cemetery or Fair Haven Children’s Home and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Charles Theodore “Chuck” Pirkle, 83, Brandsville, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 7, 2016 at Brandsville Pentecostal Mission, Brandsville, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, and officiated by Brother Kelsey Villines.

Mr. Pirkle left this world peacefully and comfortably, surrounded by his family Tuesday morning, October 4, 2016 at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born March 2, 1933, in Sparta, Illinois, to Theodore and Geraldine Pirkle.  Mr. Pirkle was a veteran, having served with the United States Marines during the Korean Conflict.  After the war, he moved his brothers and sisters to Phoenix, Arizona, where he was a civilian firefighter and trainer at the Litchfield Naval Air Facility.  On May 10, 1957, he married Betty Joy Younger in Phoenix, Arizona.  They moved to Missouri in 1966, where they owned and operated a dairy farm until they moved to Brandsville, where he served as Mayor for 18 years.  One of his major accomplishments during those years was to bring public water service and a water tower to his community.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Betty Pirkle; two daughters, Susan Nemec and Denna Boardsen and husband, Dr. Dan Boardsen; four grandchildren, Katharine Manuel and husband, Michael, Scott Nemec and wife Liana, Stephanie Jackson, and husband, Luke and Jennifer Poole and husband, Jordan; and five great-grandchildren, Rose Nemec, Joy Horton, Lucien Horton, Vincent Jackson and Louis Jackson.

His parents, three brothers and three sisters, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Ricky James Jewell, 52, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, October 7, 2016 at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Ricky passed away at 2:32 a.m., Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at Regional One Health, Memphis, Tennessee.

He was born October 27, 1963, at West Plains, Missouri, to James Ralph Jewell and Wilma Jean Reid Jewell.  Rick loved riding motorcycles, trading cars, his mom’s brown beans and spending time with his family and friends.  He was a proud Papa who cherished his grandkids and worked hard to take care of his family.  His loving spirit and grin will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

He is survived by his mother, Wilma Jewell; fiancé Angie Ingalsbe and their family unit, Chad Jewell and wife, Ashley, Dustin Jewell, Montana Bridges, Laiken Dotson, Britney Bean and husband, James, Whitney Ingalsbe and Autumn Tullos; eight grandchildren, Tyler, Jake, Emma, Hannah, Halle, Cheyenne, RJ and Rocky; two sisters, Rhonda Singletary and husband, Dan and Jody Henson and husband, Jim; one niece, Brandi Anderson and husband, Trey and their daughter, Laken; three nephews, Coty Henson and wife, Missy and their children, Mason, Makenna and Camden, Dalton Henson and Carlena and Evan Singletary; the mother of his two sons, Stacy Guilliams Jewell; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and many friends.

His father and one daughter-in-law, Stephanie, precede him in death.

Visitation will be 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 the family and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Jerry L. Long, 73, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 7, 2016 at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Long passed away at 12:00 a.m., Monday, October 3, 2016 at his home.

He was born August 31, 1943, at Spring Creek Township in Howell County, Missouri, to Homer N. Long and Alma Myrtle Wallace Long.  Jerry worked as a bookkeeper for many years up until his retirement; he then began working for his sister and brother-in-law at Dennis’ Specialty Cuts where he enjoyed helping his family as well as the customers.  He was active in the First Baptist Church as an usher as well as working with the food pantry.  Jerry was a Christian and enjoyed telling others about God.  He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.

He is survived by three children, Lisa Long, Rockford, Illinois, Roger Hayes and wife, Jo, Rolla, Missouri and Josh Long and wife, Jackie, West Plains; his grandchildren, Dylan Hayes and wife, Hayley, Springfield, Missouri, Dalton and Deven Hayes, Rolla, Missouri; great-granddaughter, Kinsley Hayes, Springfield, Missouri; two sisters, Sue Roberts and husband, Dennis and Renee Cawvey, all of West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents and one brother, John R. Long, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Long will be laid to rest in the Fowler Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or First Baptist Church Food Pantry and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Judie Ann Yates, 70, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 6, 2016 at Clear Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Yates passed away at 12:20 p.m., Sunday, October 2, 2016 at her home.

She was born April 13, 1946, at Hoxie, Arkansas, to Charles Montgomery and Pauline Russell Montgomery.  She was married at Plant City, Florida, to William “Howard” Yates.  Judie had worked as a nurse assistant at Beverly Healthcare.  She loved to color and enjoyed going to yard sales and flea markets.  Mrs. Yates was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by her husband, Howard Yates, of the family home; two children, Barbara Bland and Howard E. Yates and wife, Judy; daughter-in-law, Harriet Berger; six grandchildren, James Drewery and wife, Sandy, Crystal Floyd, Heather Karr and husband, Nathaniel, Walter Drewery and Hilary Montgomery and Jesse Johnston; eleven great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles Montgomery, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Mary McAbee and husband, Gerald, Coldwater, Mississippi; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, one infant daughter, Donna Jean, one granddaughter, Jennifer Drewery, two brothers, Gene and Ricky Montgomery and one sister, precede her in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.