Obituaries

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.

A private graveside service for Cindy Jo Brown, 67, Mountain Grove, Missouri, will be held May 4, 2025. 

Cindy passed away at 10:01 a.m., Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Texas County Memorial Hospital.

She was born June 4, 1957, at West Plains, Missouri, to Cleo Beach and Jane Schuyler Beach.  Cindy had worked at Wal-Mart, Jeffers Vet Supply and Missouri Highway & Transportation Commission.  She enjoyed the outdoors, music, dancing and spending time with her family.

She is survived by one daughter, Amanda Shelley and husband, John, Caulfield, Missouri; one grandchild, Lane Hawkins; one brother, Jesse Beach and wife, Janet, Peace Valley, Missouri; two sisters, Linda Johnson and Carol Freeman and significant other. D.D. Johnson, both of West Plains; and special nieces and nephews, Becky Robinson, Cheyenne Freeman, Corey Freeman, Amy Wake, Carey Beach, Jarrett Beach, Jesse Beach and John Beach. 

Her parents preceded her in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

A memorial service for Michael Leslie Parker, 76, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses of West Plains. 

Mr. Parker passed away Friday, April 11, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.

He was born March 20, 1949, at Des Moines, Iowa, to Carl Parker and Doris Heaton Parker.  On June 29, 1968, he was married at Des Moines, Iowa, to Andrea Maddison.  Before his retirement, Mr. Parker was a safety coordinator for 3M Company in Knoxville, Iowa for thirty-five years.  He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 23, 1965; he was faithful in his ministry and truly loved people.  He and his wife of 56 years successfully raised three children, Jason, Vanessa and Jared.  Mr. Parker enjoyed spending time with his wife, whether they were traveling, working in ministry or playing with the grandkids.  He was one of seven siblings and was more like a father to them than a brother.

He is survived by his wife, Andrea Parker; three children, Jason Parker and fiancé Beverly, Vanessa DeBoard and husband, Heath and Jared Parker and wife, Amanda; six grandchildren, Arianna Parker, Devin DeBoard and wife, Kaylei, Anna DeBoard, Owen DeBoard, Harrison Parker and Addison Parker; three brothers, Mitch Parker and wife, Dorothy, Mark Parker and wife, Vicki and Carl Parker and wife, Danette; three sisters, Ann Matney and husband, Frank, Sandra Edwards and Penny Dobbins and husband, Denny; one brother-in-law, Steven Maddison and wife, Jane; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Andrew and Dora Maddison and one nephew, Dameon Parker, preceded him in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Harold Dee Vaughan, 84, West Plains, 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 celebration of life service will be held in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home and will be announced at a later date.

A visitation service for Thomas Nathan Tucker, West Plains, Missouri, will be held Thursday, April 17, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Amyx Place, located at 1018 West 1st Street in West Plains.

Thomas was born on February 15, 1950, in Aransas Pass, Texas, to the late Thomas Tucker and Julia Hampton Tucker. In 1979, he was united in marriage to Diana Stockton in West Plains. She preceded him in death in January 2017.

He lived a humble and simple life, working various odd jobs throughout the years.

He is survived by three children: Calton Moritz, Darrin Tucker, and Lana Snodgras; three grandchildren: McKenzie, Isabelle, and Emily; one great-grandchild, Amelia; and siblings: Alvin Tucker, Julie Burns, and Anthony Tucker.

He was preceded in death by four siblings: Loraine Sellers, Helen Williams, Wallace “James” Tucker, and Gene Tucker.

Memorial contributions may be made to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main Street, West Plains, MO 65775 or https://giveahand.com/fundraiser/tommy-tucker

A celebration of life service for James David Decker, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Mr. Decker passed away at 11:27 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, at his home.

He was born March 11, 1930, at Winona, Missouri, to Homer Decker and Geraldine Baltz Decker.  On January 11, 1963, he was married at West Plains, to Wanda Jean Thomas, who preceded him in death on July 11, 2021.  He raised his two sisters and loved his family very much.  Mr. Decker was a school teacher for many years; he began teaching in a one room school house before finishing college.  He could teach anything to anyone; one of his favorite sayings was “You never lose your ability to learn.”  Mr. Decker was very involved with his family and students and made an impact on many; he loved teaching.

He is survived by one daughter, Sarah Decker, West Plains, Missouri; two granddaughters, Megan Smith and Monica Arter; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Sue Decker Gammon, Springfield, Missouri; nieces and nephews, Greg Gammon and wife, Renee and Libby Dunn, all of Springfield, Missouri. 

His parents, wife, one daughter, Ann Collins and one sister, Dixie Decker, preceded him in death.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lincoln School Project, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri. 

Mary Villnow went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 6, 2025 surrounded by family. 

Mary was born December 10, 1941 to Earl and Marjorie Werner in Omaha, Nebraska.  She was married to the late Roger Villnow for over 61 years.  They had three daughters; Pam Edgerton, Kathy Carlisle and Janice Johnson (Jeff). Eight grandchildren; Chris Edgerton (Jen), Rick Edgerton, Kelsey Smith (Ken), Rob Carlisle, Karie Carlisle, David Carlisle, Krista Niles (EZ) and Kevin Johnson.  Mary had six very special great-grandchildren; Mason Schaal, Amelia Carlisle, James Niles, Jess Niles, Madi Edgerton and Rylee Edgerton.  Mary was always so proud of her family and it showed in her eyes and her smile when she talked about any of them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Roger, daughter Kathy, brother Richard Werner, and numerous Villnow family members. 

Mary worked and raised a family in Omaha, Nebraska where she was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church.  In 2007 she retired and moved to Pontiac, Missouri to help Roger complete their retirement lake home.  She was an active member of the ladies club, bible studies and Price Place Church.  She also took on the role of babysitter first for Regan and then Hudson who promoted her to “Mimi”.  Mimi was a role she totally embraced and spent her remaining years relishing.  She will be missed by all who knew her.

Mary will be remembered with a celebration of life luncheon at 12:30 p.m. on  April 19, 2025 at the Pontiac/Price Place VFD Station 1 at 12:30 p.m.  

The family would like to thank the neighbors for helping to keep Mary in her home until she moved into NHC.  Many thanks to Dr. Swift and the entire staff at NHC for their heartfelt care.  Thank you to the residents for being her NHC family.  She loved you all very much and you blessed her life immensely. 

Memorials may be made in Mary’s honor to the Pontiac/Price Place VFD, Pontiac Ladies Club or Price Place Church, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri. 

A Celebration of Life service for Ann Frances Collins, 58, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Ms. Collins passed away at 11:47 p.m., Monday, April 7, 2025, at Saint Louis, Missouri.  

She was born February 22, 1967, at West Plains, Missouri, to James David and Wanda Jean Thomas Decker.  She was a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.  Ms. Collins loved her family, especially her grandkids, and was very kind and compassionate to those she loved.

She is survived by two daughters, Megan Smith and husband, Chris, Springfield, Missouri, and Monica Arter and husband, Ron, West Plains, Missouri; two grandchildren, Christopher and Khloe Smith; her father, James Decker; one sister, Sarah Decker; and her granddogs.

Her mother preceded her in death.  

Memorial contributions may be made to American College of Gastroenterology and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Robert George Bennett, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 14, 2025, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Bennett passed away at 9:03 a.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at his home.  

He was born July 23, 1943, at Pottersville, Missouri, to Leslie Lewis and Opal F. Surritte Bennett.  On February 9, 1962, he was married at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to Beverly Leeper.  Mr. Bennett enjoyed building.  He built two houses and also rebuilt cars.  He also enjoyed fishing, the outdoors, and his animals.  More than anything, he loved his wife and family.  Mr. Bennett was a member of Bethel Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly; one son, Tracy Bennett and fiancé, Irene Ferris; and one granddaughter, Patricia Bennett.

His parents, four brothers, Harold, Harley, David, and Herman Bennett, and one sister, Wanda Edmonston, preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to a hospice of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

A celebration of life service for Judith Ann Brasier, 82, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Pomona Christian Church. 

Mrs. Brasier left this world April 7, 2025 at West Vue Sleepy Oak Greenhouse in West Plains.

She was born August 9, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan, to Howard and Beulah (Kelly) Caton.  Judy grew up in Hutton Valley where she attended school in the one room Hutton Valley School.  Upon graduating 8^th grade, she attended Willow Springs High School, graduating Valedictorian in 1960.  She then moved to Springfield to attend Missouri State Teachers College until changing direction to attend and graduate from Blue Bonnett Beauty College in 1961.  On December 31, 1961, Judy married the love of her life, Johnnie Brasier in a double ring ceremony with good friends, Bob and Charlene Gastineau.  From this union were born, Joey Alan, Johnnie Rick and Jeffrey Howard.  One of Judy’s greatest passions in life was celebrating her Lord through music.  As a lifelong member of Pomona Christian Church, she loved singing with the choir and in many Cantatas.  Her love of Gospel music eventually led to her becoming a member of the Steepletones quartet, which included her mother, Beulah Caton and other church members, Jackie Hinds and Mary Poppitz.  The group performed for several years at various churches, religious and area events, nursing homes and eventually recorded an album.  Beyond music, Judy remained active in her church participating in many of the women’s groups, where her love of baking was often enjoyed by others as much as she enjoyed sharing.  In her spare time, Judy enjoyed being with all of her family, taking care of her grandchildren and becoming their favorite Granny/Grandma.  She also enjoyed spending time with her many friends and was an avid bowler for many years.  In later years, traveling with Johnnie and friends brought her much joy.  Judy will be remembered as funny, loving, caring and giving.  And we know she’s once again hitting the “high notes” for her Lord in musical celebration.

She is survived by three children, Joey Brasier (Brenda), Willow Springs, Missouri, Rick Brasier (Tracy), Pomona, Missouri and Jeff Brasier (Dawn), Pomona, Missouri; six grandchildren, Jason Brasier (Amber), Jefferson City, Missouri, Michael Brasier, Willow Springs, Ann Smith, Neosho, Missouri, Allen Brasier (Mary Kate), West Plains, Miranda Lynch (Wilbur), Winona, Missouri and Jeffrey Brasier, Pomona, Missouri; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Steve Caton (Barb), Pomona, Missouri; one sister, Terry Nicholson, Willow Springs, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, and one sister, Sue Smith, preceded her in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Anthony Blake Summers, 45, West Plains, Missouri, passed away on April 6, 2025, at West Plains.

He was born January 18, 1980 at Aurora, Missouri, to Timothy Summers and Vicki Summers-Pickens.  Andy was a very vibrant, free spirited, hardworking man.  He loved spending time with his sons, daughter and grandchildren whenever he could.  Andy loved to camp, BBQ, hunt, fish and fix vehicles in his spare time.  He worked at the Lazy W Sawmill in Moody for four years and enjoyed his time there.  When Andy entered a room he would light it up with his smile and make you laugh until you couldn’t laugh anymore. 

He is survived by one sister, Stephanie Sanders, Neelyville, Missouri and her son Magnus Sanders, West Plains; his sons, Zackery Summers, Willow Springs, Missouri, Austin Summers and wife, Kamryn and their children, Patience, Aiden, Payzlie, Willow and Nova of Hartville, Missouri and Aaron Hann-Dixon, Willow Springs, Missouri; daughter, Lindzy Summers and two children, Willow Springs, son, Stevan Summers, State of Pennsylvania; brothers, Bruce Summers and wife, Senitra, Springfield, Missouri, Tii Summers and wife, Kailee, Springfield, Missouri; brother and best friend, Micheal Sumitt and sister, Jackie Summitt; and many nieces and nephews. 

His grandparents, Irene and Paul Clarke, mother, Vicki Summers-Picken, fathers, Timothy Summers and John Pickens, brother, Stephen Summers, aunt, Jeannie Swan, cousin, Layne Swan and brother-in-law, Bert Braxton, preceded him in death.  

A Celebration of Life Service will be held May 17, 2025 from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m., at Galloway Park, West Plains.  Balloons will be released.  All are invited to come share your memories of a wonderful friend, father, brother and grandfather.  He will be greatly missed and was loved dearly.  Until we meet again!

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Stanley Dean Schafer, 64, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 3:00 a.m., Monday, April 7, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Martha Lynne Blades, daughter of the late Eugene Blades and Ann Smith Blades, was born April 30, 1958 and entered into eternal rest April 2, 2025, at the age of 66 years.

Martha retired from the Howell County Assessor’s Office after 20 years.  She enjoyed making jewelry and gardening.

Martha is survived by her children, Rebekha Villaplando, Justen Villalpando and Chase Martin; four grandchildren, Samuel Gray, Mia Gray, Liam Gray and Rider Villalpando; three sisters, Janet Nixon and husband, Nick, Cathy Hogan and Lori Blades; sister-in-law, Cheri Holmes and husband, Chuck; mother-in-law, Sue Martin; one uncle, Gary Blades and family; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Her parents and her spouse, Robert Lee Martin, preceded her in death.  

Martha’s dedication to her family will be honored for generations to come.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Norma Jean Hathcock, 92, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home in West Plains, Missouri, on April 5, 2025. She was born on December 25, 1932, in Hulbert, Oklahoma.

Those who knew Norma will remember her for her appreciation of life, her dedication to her family, her generous and kind heart, and her wicked sense-of-humor.

After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree from Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Norma and Roy (her husband of 53 years) made their home in West Plains, Missouri, dedicating their lives to teaching school and raising their two children, Bryce and Marisa. Norma enjoyed a 35-year teaching career with the West Plains school district.

Loved ones who previously passed, namely her parents, sisters, husband and both of her children, surely enjoyed a sweet reunion. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and community.

A visitation will be held at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home on Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., to honor and remember Norma. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband and daughter at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Hulbert, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, Norma requested memorials be made to the PTSC Scholarship Fund In Memory Of Gilliam, Hathcock, Holloway, McGoldrick c/o Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Springfield, Missouri, P.O. Box 8960, Springfield, MO 65801 or click on this link to contribute to the Fund https://cfozarks.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4429&sorg_id=1018  Memorial contributions may also be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri. 

Funeral services for Ernestine Faye Doss, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Faith Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Ernestine Faye Doss went to her heavenly home on Friday, April 4, 2025.

She was born on April 27, 1943 at Gid, Arkansas to parents Thomas Jefferson (T.J.) and Addie Dell Bruce Adkisson. Her two brothers were given the honor of naming her. Her childhood was spent on Rose Trail among the Boston Mountains in Arkansas. Their house had no electricity or running water. Sometimes, it got so cold the water bucket froze and Addie would put the kids to bed with hot potatoes to help keep them warm. Her family grew corn and made molasses, had a few farm animals and sold cream, cut and sold cedar posts, and grew cotton to make a living. Everybody had to work. To supplement income, the family loaded in the back of a truck and rode to other places to pick cotton. Even as a small child, Ernestine helped. When she got tired, she laid on her mom’s cotton bag and napped as Addie dragged her along while continuing to pick. Later in life, the very mention of cotton made Ernestine cringe!  Ernestine attended school at Mt. Pleasant and Melbourne Schools in Arkansas. And yes, no matter the weather, she really did walk to school uphill both ways! On the early morning walks to school, she and her sister would leave the house before sun up, carrying a flashlight and their lunch pails; however, the dark wasn’t their main concern- it was the panthers who lived in the woods surrounding the path. In 1951, the family moved to West Plains, MO, for a brief time, then back to Lunenburg, AR, returning permanently to West Plains in 1955. Ernestine came from AR in the fifth grade and was smart for her age, but because of her size, the decision was made to put her in the fourth grade; otherwise, she would have graduated at age 16. Ernestine finished her school years in West Plains and graduated from high school with the Class of 1960.  Always having a mind for numbers, accuracy, and details, Ernestine spent her entire career in accounting. During her senior year of high school, she had enough credits to graduate early and, so, was allowed to do paper work at the Ag building. One day the West Plains Coca-Cola Bottling Company called the school in hopes of finding a part-time bookkeeper. Ernestine was called to the office and offered the job. Her life almost took a different path; she had an opportunity to work for the FBI. She and a friend had taken an entrance test for clerical/typing skills. Both girls did well and almost headed to Washington DC. When the other girl dropped out, Ernestine didn’t want to go alone and declined the offer. Shortly after graduation, she was recruited by Mr. Edwin Smith to work for him at Smith Auto Parts. Fate stepped in, and unbeknownst to her, her future husband worked two doors down at West Plains Auto Parts. Donald Wayne Doss started to take notice as a cute, little dark-haired girl in a red skirt walked by his window every day. For weeks he watched as she passed on the way up Washington Avenue to the bank. Finally, he got up his courage and asked her out. After rejection at first, she finally said yes and they began dating in February 1961. The couple married on November 17, 1962 at the First Freewill Baptist Church in West Plains, MO, by her brother in law, Reverend Glenn Murray. It was the first church ceremony he’d ever performed.  Having had enough of hard farm life as a child, Ernestine never wanted to live on a farm again. She was not too happy in 1964 when Donald came home and announced he’d bought a farm! But living on love and faith, the couple moved to the farm anyway- the same farm where she lived until she drew her last breath.  Two children were born to the couple: Sherrie Lynn and Russell Wayne. Ernestine soon became a stay-at-home mom and spent her time raising and training the kids. She was happy to welcome in-laws, Mark Thompson and Sarah Worthy, into her family and treated them as her own. Having become a Christian at a very young age, she lived a devoted life. She was very active in church as a Sunday School teacher, and along with Donald, they were youth leaders for many years.  She had attended the Brockwell School of Music in Violet Hill, AR, as a child and learned to read music by shaped-notes; she served as the church pianist for over 25 years.  In 1984, Howell County Treasurer Max Burk called to ask if she would be interested in working part-time as a Deputy Treasurer. She agreed to go in and talk to Max. After chatting a few minutes, he told her to hang up her coat in the closet. She guessed that meant she had the job! That was the beginning of her career with Howell County. She worked for Max for 11 years until his retirement. Truell Harrison was then elected to the office and Ernestine continued as Deputy Treasurer until his passing in 2007. At that time, she was appointed by Gov Matt Blunt to fill the position. She then ran for the office of treasurer two times and was elected to serve Howell County until her retirement at the end of 2014, ending her 30 year career with the county.  This gave Ernestine more time to enjoy her four grandkids: Sawyer, Mason, Andy and Kasey. She enjoyed watching them grow up and being a steady in their lives.  She was fortunate enough to see all four of her grandchildren choose their spouse, and she again loved them as her own. She had announced her hopes and wishes to see great grandchildren someday before she died and God honored that wish. In 2022, Charlotte (Charlie) Lynn Thompson was born. She was Grandma Ernestine’s pride and joy. We only wish she’d lived long enough to meet her great-grandson Wayne Bradley Eden and soon to be born – Camryn Layn Thompson and Baby Doss.

Ernestine is proceeded in death by her parents, her in laws Alvin and Opal Doss. Three brothers- Ernest Adkisson, infant Junior Ardell Adkisson, and Shelby Amos Adkisson. One sister- Rachel Murray and brother in law Reverend Glenn Murray.

She is survived by her husband Donald, one daughter Sherrie Thompson and husband Mark and one son Russell (Rusty) Doss and wife Sarah. Four grandchildren: Sawyer Thompson and wife Quencie, Mason Thompson and wife Morgan, Andrew (Andy) Doss and wife Kendra and Kasey Eden and husband Dwight. Two great-grandchildren: Charlotte (Charlie) Thompson, Wayne Eden, and soon to be born Camryn Thompson and Baby Doss. Two sister-in-laws: Eudene and Evonna Adkisson. She was blessed to have wonderful caregivers Holly Isom, Becky Bruton, Janice Adkisson, Shellie Langley, Debbie Tollennaar and May Schmitt. She also leaves behind many wonderful family and friends with the hopes of seeing you all again in Heaven someday; she loved you all.

Visitation will be held from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m., Sunday, at Faith Chapel Freewill Baptist Church.  Mrs. Doss will lie in state from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Saturday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Barnett Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Barnett Cemetery or Alzheimer’s Association, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri