Judith Gay Rozelle, 77, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 10:17a.m., Tuesday May 13, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born November 16, 1947, in Tokyo, Japan, to Ray Floyd and Sybil Devoir Floyd. She was married to Lew Rozelle, who preceded her in death. Judith enjoyed knitting, riding bicycles, gardening and was very proud of her home. She loved her cat, Spike. Mrs. Rozelle served her country in the United States Army for twenty-one years as a nurse, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. After spending her life as a medical professional, her care for people never stopped as she was a tissue and organ donor, a cause important to her.
She is survived by her significant other, Robert Moore; three children, Jesse Weaver and wife, Michele, Anthony Rozelle and Sean Rozelle; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, one brother, Mark Floyd and one sister, Anne Floyd.
Her parents, husband and one daughter, Trista Lynn Nauman, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Linda Carol Adams, 73, West Plains, Missouri, passed away May 9, 2025, at her home.
She was born December 6, 1951, at Chicago, Illinois, to Charles Leo and Velma Christine Wellons Ehlert. On January 30, 1980, she was married at Cicero, Illinois, to John Adams. Mrs. Adams loved her career in nursing. She enjoyed gardening, riding horses, and reading and talking about the Bible. She loved her family and enjoyed raising her kids. Mrs. Adams was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by her husband, John Adams; two sons, Jason John Adams and Kevin Charles Adams, Sr.; one grandson, Kevin Charles Adams, Jr.; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents and one sister, Betty, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Angela Dorthene Bristow, 49, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 16, 2025, at Howell Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. Bristow passed away at 2:44 p.m., Monday, May 12, 2025, at her home.
She was born June 14, 1975, at Lexington, Missouri, to Arthur “Butch” Allen, Sr. and Nancy Bragg Allen. Angie loved being a mom and a GiGi. She enjoyed reading, watching reality TV and scary movies, and playing cards and dominos, especially Mexican Train. Angie had a heart of gold and would do anything she could for others.
She is survived by three children, Kayla Bergman and husband, Ian, Kirsten Allen, and Rebecca Allen; three grandchildren, Malachi Allen, Brynlee Allen, and Grayson Allen; her father, Arthur “Butch” Allen, Sr. and wife, Vickie; two brothers, Butch Allen, and Robert Allen and wife, Darla; and many nieces and nephews.
Her mother, one granddaughter, Madelynn, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Howell Valley Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Mary Louise James, 89, Alton, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 16, 2025, at Redburn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. James was called to her heavenly reward on May 9, 2025.
Mary Lou was born August 26, 1935, at Rover, Missouri, to Ray M. and Clara Mae Huddleston. She graduated from Thomasville High School with the Class of 1954. She excelled in many sports, but her favorites were softball and volleyball. She was a talented athlete and always at the top of her game. Upon graduation, Mary Lou attended Arkansas State University and received a bachelor’s degree in education. In August 1954, she was married to Carl R. Williams. To this union, two sons and one daughter were born: Larry Ray Williams, Gilly John Williams, and Vickie Louann Williams. They raised their children on a family farm near Thomasville, Missouri. Mary Lou started her teaching career in Ring, Arkansas, followed by various grade schools, including Nebo, Essex, Birch Tree, Alton, and Dixon, and she finished her career at Willow Springs. She taught kindergarten through sixth grade and retired after more than thirty years of faithful service. Mary Lou attended Shilo Baptist Church in Rover, Missouri, from childhood through adulthood and was a member for many years. She also attended Trinity Baptist Church in Willow Springs and First Free Will Baptist Church in West Plains. Mary Lou was always involved with music. She enjoyed playing, singing, and performing Country, Bluegrass, and Gospel music with her husband, Eugene James. They traveled by camper throughout the South and attended many music festivals. She and Eugene also enjoyed fishing and spent many hours in Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas, honing their skills in both music and fishing.
She is survived by her son, Larry Williams (Alicia); five grandsons, Johnathon Williams (Elin), Taylor Capocaccia, Carter Capocaccia (Raquel), Kennith Miller (Desiree), and James Miller (Renee); one granddaughter, Kimberlee Williams; three great-grandsons, Rylan Light, Desmond Williams, and Arlo Capocaccia; seven great-granddaughters, Brooklyn Miller, Carmen Miller, Kaylee Light, Mattie Schmidt, Katelyn Miller, Bailey Miller, and Juliette Williams; and one sister, Dorothy Barton.
Her parents, two children, Gilly John Williams and Vickie Louann Tipton, one brother, Dale Huddleston, two sisters, LaWanda Smoot and Joyce VonAllmen, and three spouses, Carl R. Williams, Oscar L. Jones, and H. Eugene James, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Friday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Redburn Cemetery Tornado Relief and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Megan Carol Shannon, 36, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Cornerstone Family Worship, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Megan entered into eternal rest at 10:31 a.m., Monday, May 5, 2025 at Hospice House of the Ozarks, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
She was born February 14, 1989, at Indianola, Mississippi, to Steve Shelton and Brenda Byars Shelton. On November 6, 2010, she was married at West Plains, to Phillip Shannon; they were married for fourteen and a half years and shared two wonderful sons, Matthias and Malakai. Megan loved her sons unconditionally and felt like they were her absolute greatest achievement. She regularly attended Cornerstone Family Worship. Her light shone brightly and she had a way of bringing joy to any room she entered. Those that had the opportunity to know Megan, will remember her bubbly personality and smile. She was a people pleaser and was always doing for others and never wanting anything in return. Her spirit, love and compassion will forever effect and guide the lives of many.
She is survived by her husband, Phillip Shannon, of the family home; two sons, Matthias and Malakai, of the family home; her parents, Steve and Brenda Shelton, West Plains; her brother, Stephen Shelton and wife, Mandy Franks and their children, Katelyn and Ashton, Tupelo, Mississippi, her grandmothers, Sarah Shelton, Tupelo, Mississippi and Vivian Bankston, Jackson, Mississippi; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and countless friends.
Her grandfathers, Curtis F. Shelton and Leroy Byars, preceded her in death.
A private burial will be at the family’s cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of the Ozarks, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Funeral services for Duard Harrison Ehrhart, 93, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Fowler Chapel Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Ehrhart passed away at 9:10 p.m., Sunday, May 4, 2025, at his home.
He was born November 24, 1931, to William Grant Ehrhart and Lillie Ellen Harrison Ehrhart. Mr. Ehrhart was a veteran, having served with the United States Marines. On July 25, 1963, he was married at Caulfield, Missouri, to Patricia Keller. Mr. Ehrhart was a hard worker and loved to farm.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ehrhart, of the family home; five children, Michael Ehrhart and wife, Tracie, Caulfield, Missouri, Lisa Shipp and husband, Johnny, Thayer, Missouri, David Ehrhart, William Ehrhart and wife, Teresa and Samuel Ehrhart, all of Caulfield; eleven grandchildren, Sean, Nathan, Erin, Susie, Seth, Johnny, Lillie, Hannah, Brylee, Cameron and Meghan; one brother, Jimmy Ehrhart, West Plains; three sisters, Wanda Roop, Raytown, Missouri, Colleen Harbison, Caulfield and Carolyn Dreese, Oak Grove, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one infant daughter, Mary Lou Ehrhart and one brother, Dorian Ehrhart, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Fowler Chapel Church. Burial will be at Fowler Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
A memorial service for Bobby Patton Thys, 53, Mansfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 12, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Bobby passed away suddenly and painlessly in his home on May 3, 2025.
He was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 29, 1971. He grew up in Phoenix but moved with his family to the Ozarks in the early 1990s, where he met the love of his life, Rachel Thys, his wife of 28 years. Bobby enjoyed spending time with Rachel and their dogs, Iceis and Hershey. He was lucky to have some very close friends for over 25 years, including Jarod Tackitt (Springfield), James Dunnihoo (West Plains), and Ray Johnson (Thayer). He had another good friend in his employer, Clint Tackitt & family (Springfield). Bobby cared for his other numerous friends and his family very much, in his quiet way.
Bobby is preceded in death by his loving father, John Reynolds; brother Joseph Daniel Reynolds; sister-in-law, Tiny Dunnihoo; brothers-in-law, Speedy Gammon and Michael Eldried; and nephews Dustin Gammon and Thomas Gammon.
He is survived by wife, Rachel Thys (Mansfield); mother, Jo Anna Reynolds (Winnemucca, Nevada); mother-in-law, Deloris Johnson (Alton); biological father, Larry Pierson (Columbia Tennessee); uncle, Charlie Thys (Tacoma, Washington); sisters, Jamie Sage and husband, Benny (Winnemucca, Nevada), Jessica Caldwell and husband, Lindan (Springfield), and Jennifer Reynolds-Lewis and husband, Doug (Winnemucca, Nevada); siblings in-law, Ronnie Gammon and lifelong companion, Idona Falwell (Alton), Roberta Gammon, Jimmy and Becky Gammon (Alton), Christopher and Sarah Brown (Salem), and Lyndall Dunnihoo (Pomona); sisters-in-law, Cricket Green (Alton), Michelle Groves (West Plains), and Susy Rodman (Pomona); special nieces, Tasha Turner (Falcon) and Jessica Dunnihoo (Branson); many other nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews.
Bobby will be missed for his sarcasm and wicked sense of humor – he loved to pull pranks. He was a little vain about his hair, but rightfully so. Bobby loved so many things in life. He would happily spend his time inside playing videos games, watching T.V., or listening to metal. He especially liked NASCAR and football: his favorite team was the Kansas City Chiefs. He taught his younger sisters how to headbang to Pantera and win in Mortal Kombat. But he was just as happy outside, going to a BBQ, lighting a bonfire, or fishing – as long as he was with friends and family. Bobby was so loved and will be so missed.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
A graveside service for Michael Scott Laxton, 55, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Gospel Hill Cemetery.
Mr. Laxton passed away at 8:34 a.m., Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at West Vue Nursing Center after a hard and brave battle against cancer, with his wife, Renae by his side.
He was born December 16, 1969, at West Plains, Missouri, to Robert Nicholas Laxton and Sylvia Jean Smith. On May 13, 2023, he was married at West Plains, to Desiree Renae Collins. Mr. Laxton was in the West Plains High School Class of 1988. He worked as a master welder. He enjoyed traveling, going to the river, camping, building model cars and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Renae Laxton; six children, Nicole Bennett, Megan Cale, Jennifer Coursey and husband, Justin, Brandi Bell, and husband, Micco, Brennen Wood and wife, Teri, all of West Plains and Tasha Davis and husband, Brad, Springfield, Missouri; sixteen grandchildren; his mother and step-father, Sylvia and Wendell Dobbs, West Plains; one brother, Robert Wade Laxton, and wife, Darinda, West Plains; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
His father, step-father, Kimon Tetrick, one sister, Sharon Tetrick and one sister-in-law, Tamara Grisham, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Louise Lavon Cline, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cline passed away Friday, May 2, 2025, at West Plains, Missouri.
She was born December 26, 1929, at Greer, Missouri, to Carl Bates and Pearl Bell Bates. On June 9, 1949, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Harry (Gene) Cline, who preceded her in death on November 26, 2013. Louise enjoyed gardening, stock car racing, reading her Bible and going to church. She loved her family and she loved Christ.
She is survived by two children, Donna Jackson, Springfield, Missouri and Steve Cline, West Plains, Missouri; three grandchildren, Scott Cline and wife, Tasha, Michelle Hammond and husband, J.D. and Staci Quintana and husband, Richard; four great-grandchildren, Jessica Hammond, Morgan Hodges, Sutton Cline and Silas Cline; two brothers, Don Shehorn and wife, Marylea and Ron Shehorn; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one great-grandson, Jacob Hammond, one sister, Bonnie Ross, one daughter-in-law, Linda Cline and one son-in-law, Russ Jackson, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Elk Creek 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 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Funeral services for Roy Lee Provow, 86, Knobel, Arkansas, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 4, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Provow passed away at 4:32 p.m., Monday, April 28, 2025, at his home.
He was born November 13, 1938, at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Numie Provow and Martha Roberts Provow. On October 20, 2018, he was married at Corning, Arkansas, to Mona Conway. Mr. Provow was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. He was a plumber, carpenter, mechanic and electrician; he had also driven a cement truck for Stewart-Morrison Redi-Mix. He could fix anything and enjoyed fishing and metal detecting; he had made his own detector. Mr. Provow loved his family and loved talking about the Bible.
He is survived by his wife, Mona Provow, of the family home; six children, Eyvette Combs, West Plains, Dean Provow and wife, Ann, West Plains, Phyllis Ainley, Knobel, Arkansas, Roy Yandell and wife, Tina, Knobel, Arkansas, Betty Ray and husband, James, Knobel, Arkansas and Teddy Conway, Moberly, Missouri; twelve grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one great-grandchild, Kayden Price, two sisters, Allie Davidson and Celia Hart and four brothers, Frank, Erbie, Eugene and Charlie Provow, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Ina Lee (Crowell) Cooke passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at West Plains, Missouri.
She was born July 17, 1929, in Bovina, Texas, to Ola Mae (Mitchell) and Oran H. Crowell. Because she suffered from asthma, life was hard for Ina on the family farm during the years of the Dust Bowl. The family moved to Canyon, Texas, where Ina graduated from high school in 1947. She attended Texas Tech University where she met James Louis Cooke. They were married on November 10, 1950, in Canyon. Ina was a homemaker, a talented seamstress and devoted mother to her daughters, Linda and Diane. Ina and James lived in Beaumont, Texas, where James taught Electrical Engineering at Lamar University. They were active members of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church for many years before joining First United Methodist Church, Beaumont, Texas. Her family remembers her quick smile, sparkling blue eyes and kind heart.
Ina was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her siblings, Charles Crowell, Vergie C. Statt, Ola Faye C. Hendrickson, Ruth Ann C. Ringo and Billie Crowell.
She is survived by her daughters, Diane Cooke, West Plains, Missouri and Linda Cooke Jansen, Broomfield, Colorado; grandchildren, Katy Emerson, Moberly, Missouri, Joseph Emerson (Bridget), Sullivan, Missouri, Patrick Jansen, Broomfield, Colorado and Laura Jansen, Broomfield, Colorado; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at a later date at Hillcrest Cemetery, McLean, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the James Cooke Memorial Scholarship, EE, at the Lamar University Foundation, Beaumont, Texas, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri. The family wishes to thank the staff of West Vue Greenhouse and Hospice Compassus for their care and support.
Graveside services for Shawn Allen Thompson, 42, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Barnett Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Thompson passed away Monday, April 28, 2025, at his home.
He was born February 25, 1983, at West Plains, Missouri, to James and Deborah Lawson Thompson. On September 24, 2016, he was married at West Plains, to Meredith Harris. Shawn enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, riding dirt bikes and four wheelers; he especially enjoyed driving his tow truck and fighting fires. He worked hard and played hard. He took pride in everything he owned. Shawn believed if it wasn’t worth keepin’, it wasn’t worth havin’. Mr. Thompson served his community as a firefighter for the Peace Valley/White Church Fire Department for several years.
He is survived by his wife, Meredith Thompson, of the family home; four children, Shawn Thompson, Jr., Elk Creek, Missouri, Seth Thompson, Peace Valley, Missouri, Lindzy Summers, Willow Springs, Missouri and Marissa Tharp, State of North Dakota; his parents, James and Deborah Thompson, Peace Valley, Missouri; two brothers, Eddie Thompson and fiancé, Tina, and Johnathan Pliler, all of Peace Valley, Missouri; one sister, Amanda Johnson and husband, Chris, West Plains; and many nieces and nephews.
His grandparents, Ted and Ruth Ingleton and Lawrence Thompson, one brother, James Thompson, Jr. and father-in-law, Jack Harris, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Peace Valley/White Church Fire Department or Barnett Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Visitation services for Harold Dee Vaughan, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Vaughan passed away Monday, April 14, 2025.
He was born November 9, 1940, in Moody, Missouri, to Clarence “Doc” Vaughan and Opal Lair Vaughan. On April 6, 1963, he was married at Moody, Missouri, to Joan Strickland. Mr. Vaughan was a welder and fabricator for many years, being one of the best and enjoyed his career; he worked for the City of West Plains as a lineman and retired as a welder at DRS (formerly Southwest Truck Body). He loved his family, visiting with people and telling stories. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Mr. Vaughan was a member of the West 160 Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Joan Vaughan, of the family home; two children, Sherri Foster and husband, Kenny, Spokane, Missouri and Rodney Vaughan, Province Town, Massachusetts; one granddaughter, Stephanie Waltrip and husband, James, Springfield, Missouri; two great-grandchildren, Charley and Jack Waltrip; his twin brother, Howard Vaughan and wife, Doan, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Marilyn Matsomoto, State of Michigan; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mike and Grace Strickland, preceded him in death.
A memorial service for Ethel Susan (Sue) Preston, 91, Harrison, Arkansas, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 2, 2025, at Center Grove Baptist Church.
Mrs. Preston passed away at 8:45 p.m., Thursday, April 24, 2025, at The Springs of Mount Vista Healthcare, Harrison, Arkansas.
She was born July 31, 1934, at Trail, Missouri, to William Henry Bass and Mary E. Trail Bass. On December 5, 1959, she was married at Melbourne, Arkansas, to Burton (Pete) Preston, who preceded her in death on September 6, 1990. Sue loved her Church and Brother Larry Hopkins. She loved her kids and grandkids with her whole heart. Her faith never wavered with the many losses she suffered through the years. Sue was not a “center of attention” type of person; she always took care of others.
She is survived by four children, Connie Ruiz, Moody, Missouri, Jack Wallin, Macomb, Missouri, Butch Wallin, Moody, Missouri and Lynn Parrish and husband, Danny, Green Forest, Arkansas; and many many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved her very much.
Her grandparents, parents, husband, one daughter, Judy Wallin, two sons, Lloyd Wallin and Robert Preston, fiancée Dale Johnson, her sisters and one brother, Jack Bass, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or American Cancer Society, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Funeral services for Cindy Renee Brown, 64, Cabool, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 2, 2025, at Junction Hill Pentecostal Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Brown passed away Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born November 11, 1960, at Marysville, California, to Raymond and Mary (Ray) Widener. On February 28, 1997, she was married at Marysville, California, to Bryan Brown. Cindy enjoyed sewing, antique shopping, flowers and going to Silver Dollar City. She loved her Church and her family. Mrs. Brown was a devoted Pastor’s wife.
She is survived by her husband, Bryan Brown, of the family home; two children, Isaac Brown and wife, Heather, State of California and Abby Brown, Cabool, Missouri; one granddaughter, Claira Brown; three brothers, Joe Widener and wife, Bryanna, State of Oklahoma, Kenny Widener and wife, Kim, State of Oklahoma and Jeff Widener and wife, Misty, State of California; and one sister, Beth Wood and husband, Fred, State of California.
Her parents preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Willow Springs City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Willow Springs Hilltop Church, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Sandra Annette Kukura, 73, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 10:48 a.m., Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at her home.
She was born June 16, 1951, at Downey, California, to Clifford Ray Peterson and Marguerite Tozier Peterson. On August 16, 1975, she was married at Whittier, California, to John Kukura, who preceded her in death on October 18, 2013. Mrs. Kukura had worked as a respiratory therapist and loved her job. She loved spending time with her family. Sandra enjoyed traveling; she especially loved her trip to Disney. She also loved the holidays, especially Christmas and Halloween.
She is survived by three children, Amy Kukura and significant other, Dan Cody, Kerry Leonard and husband, Matthew and Jack Kukura and fiancé Tiffany Frunzi, all of West Plains; her adopted daughter, Melanie Barnes; three grandchildren, Santana Tafoya, Creighton Leonard and Raymond Leonard; two brothers, Gary Peterson, Theodosia, Missouri and Randy Peterson and wife, Darlene, State of Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one daughter, Holly Kukura and one sister, Katherine Keegan (Catfish), preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri
Funeral services for Freddie Gene “Short” Tharp, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 26, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Freddie was born at home in Windsor, Illinois on October 10, 1943 to Loren and Loar Tharp.
Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers Edward, Jim, Gerald Dean, Larry “Dick” and Terry, three sisters Betty Teddar, Joyce Snethern, and Lela Kay Tharp, five brothers-in-law Carl Redburn, Rollan Teddar, Wayne Murphy, Jerry Snethern and Clay Holden, three sisters-in-law Betty Tharp, Helen Tharp and Darlene Tharp.
He is survived by four brothers Charles, Gary, Jerry (Jan), and Keith (Marilynn), three sisters Elaine Redburn, Verna Murphy and Shirley Holden, three sisters-in-law Deloris Tharp, Rhonda Tharp and Janet Tharp.
Freddie was a truck driver, which he was referred to as “gear jammer” for most of his life. He was known by everyone as simply “Short”. Short retired early due to health problems and began to raise goats where he met and made friends with many people who enjoyed attending the special (exotic) sales at Jim Scott’s Sale Barn in Koshkonong, Missouri. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Elk Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Elk Creek Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Funeral services for Doyle Michael Bradshaw, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 9:00 a.m., Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bradshaw passed away Monday, April 21, 2025, at NHC HealthCare.
He was born July 6, 1949, at Sikeston, Missouri, to Doil Bradshaw and Dr. Mary Ellen Godwin Bradshaw. On December 28, 1968, he was married at Garfield, Missouri, to Janet Pauli. Mr. Bradshaw was drafted into the United States Army and served his country for twenty-two years before retiring in 1992. He served in Vietnam and later was in transportation, a drill instructor for combat engineers and taught officers in demolitions. Following his career in the military, Doyle worked as a truck driver from 1995 – 2010. He especially enjoyed his time driving the Buck Truck for Bass Pro, where he enjoyed talking about deer and hunting. Mr. Bradshaw was a member of His Place House of Worship.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Bradshaw; two children, Paul Bradshaw and wife, Shelly, West Plains, Missouri and Steven Bradshaw and wife, Brooke, Independence, Missouri; four grandchildren, Paul Bradshaw, Jr., and wife, Ashley, Pearland, Texas, Ethan Bradshaw, Springfield, Missouri, Molly Bradshaw and fiancée Michael, Springfield, Missouri and Avery Bradshaw; one sister-in-law, Leanna Johnson and husband, Darrell, Thayer, Missouri; and two nephews, Bradley Guy and wife, Rhaquinda and Addison Guy and wife, Sara.
His parents, mother and father-in-law and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins, preceded him 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 Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Pregnancy Resource Center or His Place Christian Academy and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Graveside services for Alva David (Lynn) Bennett, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bennett passed away at 3:35 a.m., Sunday, April 20, 2025, at NHC HealthCare.
He was born December 11, 1929, in Douglas County, Missouri, to Alva and Lela Beckner Bennett. On September 27, 1949, he was married in Howell County, Missouri, to Ina Fay Ledbetter, who preceded him in death on August 18, 2023. He was raised on the family farm until he was twenty years old when he was drafted into the United States Army. After serving his country for two years, he worked as a used car salesman for seventy years. Mr. Bennett was the oldest member of the Elks Lodge of West Plains. He was of the Baptist faith and was baptized at a young age.
He is survived by Kevin Puckett; one nephew and two nieces.
His parents, wife, one brother, Carlos Bennett, one sister, Freda Skiles and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Eunice and Jess Hopkins, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elks Lodge of West Plains #2418, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Christine Ruth (Cricket) Rutledge, 95, Marianna, Arkansas, passed away Friday, April 18, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Proctor, Arkansas.
She was born November 21, 1929, at New Rhoads, Louisiana, to Luther Sutton Roberts and Minnie Pearl Hardin Roberts. On September 10, 1948, she was married at Marianna, Arkansas, to Edward Owen Rutledge, who preceded her in death on December 11, 2011. Cricket loved her family and enjoyed being a part of all of her grandkids and great-grandkids activities. She enjoyed life and was a long time Christian.
She is survived by five children, Ruby Huling, Memphis, Tennessee, Barbara Ginn, Marion, Arkansas, Cheryl Smith and husband, Anthony, Proctor, Arkansas, Rick Rutledge and wife, Becky, West Plains, Missouri and Bruce Rutledge and wife, Tammy, Indianapolis, Indiana; ten grandchildren, April Notto and husband, Mike, Chad Huling, Ashley Armstrong and husband, Jeremy, Justin Rutledge and wife, Amanda, Misty Rutledge, Tiffany Rutledge, Olivia Ginn, Andy Rothove and husband, Jeremiah, Terry Hammond and Trevor Lee; nineteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Ray Roberts; two sisters, Minnie Burroughs and husband, Bill and Linda Traylor and husband, Dwight; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two sons-in-law, Sylvester Huling and Hubert Ginn, two grandchildren, Hays Ginn and Amber Rutledge, four brothers, Russell, Dickie, G.C. and Danny Roberts and one sister, Bessie Mobley, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
