A private celebration of life service for Sue Ellen VanHorn, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at a later date.
Mrs. VanHorn passed away Monday, September 22, 2025, at her home.
She was born March 15, 1946, at Columbia, Missouri, to Robert Louis Jones and Elizabeth Suzanne Beck Jones. On March 1, 1986, she was married at Centralia, Missouri, to Mike VanHorn. Sue worked at Hubbell Power Systems for 39 years. After retiring, she worked as a licensed insurance agent in the State of Missouri. She was a good example of what a wife, mother and grandmother truly should be. Sue was an avid reader and an excellent cook. She enjoyed collecting recipes, cross stitching, collecting antique furniture, glassware and dishes. She enjoyed traveling and camping with her husband, Mike. Sue had a heart for helping others and loved doting on her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Mike VanHorn, of the family home; one son, Aaron Sydow and wife, Sara, West Plains, Missouri; two granddaughters, Grace Green and husband, Hayden, Memphis, Tennessee and Sophia Sydow, West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents and one brother, Larry Jones, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025, to honor Wanda Chritton, formerly of West Plains, Missouri. The service will begin at noon at the West Plains Opera House, with food and beverages to be served following the service. In accordance with her wishes, Wanda was cremated. The family will gather for a brief graveside service at Mt. Zion Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on the morning of the memorial celebration. Friends are warmly welcome to attend. Guests are encouraged to wear Wanda’s favorite color—pink.
Wanda Lee Weatherford was born October 31, 1933 in the West Plains area. She was the only daughter of Pearl and Nova Weatherford, and was raised with three brothers on a farm near Siloam Springs, Missouri. She passed away on September 6, 2025, at her home in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her children and their spouses by her side. She was 91 years old.
Wanda graduated from West Plains High School in 1951, and moved to St. Louis to work as a secretary. Two years later, she married Bill Chritton, Jr., also of West Plains. They first met at a softball game between their one-room schoolhouses. Bill was pitching, and Wanda hit the winning home run. (He never got over it).
Bill had been drafted into the U.S. Army two years before they got married. Over the next 28 years, they moved 24 times, living in Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, as well as three years in Italy. They settled for the final decade of his career in Springfield, Virginia, where Bill worked at the Pentagon and in the Office of Congressional Liaison. While Bill was serving his country, Wanda was holding down the fort at home—no easy task with four children who were only six years apart in age.
After Bill’s retirement in 1980, the couple returned to West Plains, where they operated a strawberry farm for several years. In the late 1980’s, Wanda took her first ride in a hot-air balloon. She had so much fun, Bill bought the balloon. Bill already was a licensed pilot. Wanda studied and trained, and earned her pilot’s license at the age of 55. Over the next few years, they took hundreds of area residents on balloon rides.
In 1985, Bill and Wanda, along with a handful other area residents, bought a helicopter and started an air ambulance service, based West Plains. Bill was their original chief pilot and director of operations, and later became company president. When Air Evac Lifeteam was sold in 2004, it had 41 bases in fourteen states.
When Bill retired from Air Evac, Wanda decided it was time to get out of the house. In July 2004, at the age of 70, Wanda offered to help her daughter run a wine store and cafe she had just purchased. Wanda soon took over the full-time management of Grapevine Wine Store and Cafe. She loved talking with customers and helping them pick out bottles of wine. She acquired a great deal of knowledge about wine and developed a refined palate. (Bill complained because she no longer would drink his homemade wine.) She finally took off her boss-hat at the age of 86 to be a caregiver to Bill, and to play an occasional game of golf.
She remained by Bill’s side until he passed in July 2021, after 67 years of marriage. In April 2025, Wanda surprised her family by moving, at 91, to Las Vegas, Nevada, where her eldest son Mike lived. Her youngest daughter, Toni, lived with her as caregiver. In July, Wanda suffered a fall that left her with a fractured neck and spine. Though she initially seemed to be recovering, she developed an infection that led to pneumonia.
Wanda is survived by two of her four children, Mike Chritton (Sonia) of Las Vegas, and Toni Johnson (Dennis) of West Plains, along with her brothers Dale, Jerry and Raymond Weatherford. She also leaves behind six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents; her son, Dan Chritton; and her daughter, Vicki Chritton-Myers.
Her family will always remember her as an intelligent, witty, feisty, unselfish and dedicated mother who always put the needs of her family before her own needs. She was a physically and mentally strong woman who met challenges head-on and was never afraid to tackle a difficult task or learn something new. She taught her children that they could accomplish just about anything they set their mind to doing. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
A celebration of life service for Ronnie Watkins, 78, Dora, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Family Life Church, Dora, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ronnie peacefully passed away in his home on Saturday, September 20, 2025 after a courageous 5 month battle with complications following heart surgery. The son of Bernie and Geneva (Lane) Watkins, Ronnie was born in Oakdale, California on November 9, 1946. His family returned to Dora when he was six years old and he graduated from Dora High School with the class of 1964. He worked at Hallmark in Kansas City, and was a supervisor at Foremost Dairy in Kansas City until he joined the Kansas National Guard in 1966. He served 6 years in the National Guard, with 2 ½ years being on active duty, during this time he was stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado.
On September 3, 1966, Ronnie married the love of his life, Wanda Lovan, and they enjoyed 59 years of marriage. While stationed in Colorado, Ronnie and Wanda fell in love with the Colorado mountains. They developed a love for travelling, especially out west, and they enjoyed taking many, many trips together over the years. Ronnie felt that he knew the roads and towns of Colorado better than Missouri. Coming back from a vacation, he always said “it was good to travel, but it’s good to come home too!”
Ronnie was a true embodiment of a “salt of the earth man”. His commitment to his cattle farm was unwavering. He was well-known in the cattle industry and made many friends over the years through farming. He ran background steers for 46 years and replacement heifers for 3 years. He owned and operated Watkins Fertilizer for several years as well doing custom hay baling. He was also a cattle buyer for several Kansas feed lots. Ronnie was always busy, whether checking fence, working cattle, baling hay, or taking a drive to check on pastures. Ronnie and Wanda could be found every morning at Roy’s Store drinking coffee before doing the daily chores.
Ronnie had a lifelong love of softball. He began playing fastpitch at the age of 23, and was a well-respected pitcher in southern Missouri and Arkansas. All summer long, he played league four nights a week, in two different towns, and he loved every single inning. He later transitioned to slow-pitch softball, where he was known as a homerun hitter and a “tough out”, even while playing with much younger guys. He played his last game at the age of 57. Ronnie instilled the love of the game into both his children and his son-in-law, Brian. Some of his best memories were of his kids playing ball, then later, his granddaughters, Kelsi and Keeli. He once said that he could have bought another farm for what he had spent following the girls all over the country to softball tourneys. He never once regretted a penny of it and he’d do it all over again. He enjoyed assistant coaching Tara’s high school fastpitch team and was proud of Lance’s softball accomplishments over the years.
Ronnie was a humble and respectful competitor in all he did. He worked hard, played hard, and enjoyed his life. His biggest victory was accepting Christ on September 17, 2025. He was baptized on September 18, 2025 by his friend of 68 years, Don Hamby.
Ronnie’s legacy lives on through his family that he loved so much. Ronnie and Wanda built a beautiful life together over their 59 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife, Wanda, his two children: Lance Watkins and wife, Jessi, and Tara Land, and husband, Brian, all of Dora, grandchildren: Autumn Miller (Nathan), Brian Collins, Jordan Arnett, Drake Arnett, Blaine Watkins, Sydney Watkins, Kelsi Earls (Braitton), Keeli Holden (Barent), and one great-granddaughter, Emma May Miller, siblings: Randy Watkins, Connie Williams (Jack), Becky Smith (Phillip), brothers-in-law: Stan Lovan (Judy), Brant Lovan, and Terry Luna, sisters-in-laws: Brenda Kinney (Bob), Evelyn Thornton (Jay), Carmen McCarty, and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernie and Geneva Watkins, in-laws Claude and Vera May Lovan, and one sister, Amy Luna.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Charles Herbert Montgomery, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025, at 4:30 AM, at the age of 79, near West Plains, Missouri. His life will be celebrated during graveside services on Thursday, September 25, at 2 PM at the Thayer Memorial Cemetery in Thayer, MO, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Born on August 12, 1946, near West Plains, Charles was the son of Herbert and Eva Montgomery. His early education began in a one-room schoolhouse near Peace Valley, MO, before he continued his studies at Junction Hill School and ultimately graduated from West Plains High School in 1964. During his high school years, he excelled in the Vo-tech Carpentry class, earning numerous awards for his dedication and skill. He furthered his education at SMSU-WP for two additional years, laying a strong foundation for his future endeavors.
On June 1, 1968, Charles married the love of his life, JoBeth Thomas, in Thayer, MO. His commitment to service was evident as he proudly served two terms in the Army National Guard, completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood.
Charles’s carpentry skills were put to good use as he worked alongside his father, Herbert, building many prominent homes in the West Plains area. He specialized in kitchen and bath countertops, showcasing his craftsmanship and attention to detail. Later, he transitioned from construction to help Shanna expand the retail business that JoBeth had started, dedicating his time and energy to its success. In his later years, he found joy building rentals for himself and farming alongside his son, Garel. Empowering those around him was a staple of Charles’s professional career.
A man of deep faith, Charles was a devoted member of several local churches at different stages of his life, including Victoria Mission, Endurance, and His Place. His faith was reflected in his generous spirit, as he often contributed his time and resources to support various church building projects and mission ministries.
Charles was a devoted family man, whose love for his wife, children, and grandchildren was boundless. He took great pride in empowering and supporting his family, and his grandchildren brought him immense joy in his later years.
He is survived by his loving wife, JoBeth Montgomery; his children, Son Garel Montgomery and wife Leslie, daughter Shanna Head and husband Jay and his cherished grandchildren, Dalton Head, Lauren Head, Jed Montgomery, Evin Montgomery, and Jon Montgomery. He is also survived by his in-laws, Bob Anderson, Michael and Bonnie Thomas; nieces and nephews, Rodney and Brooke Anderson, Seth and Janette Atkinson, Bill and Autumn Thomas, Christina Thomas; and close friends, Bill Pierce, Gary Simpson, Bob Wright, and Bob Riley.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Eva Montgomery; his in-laws, William and Marjorie Thomas; and his sister, Martha Anderson.
Mr. Montgomery will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rover Fire Department and/or Thomasville Fire Department, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Charles Herbert Montgomery will be remembered for his unmatched work ethic, unwavering faith and his dedication to family. His legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of those he touched.
A celebration of life service for Paisley Grace Quinn, one year old daughter of Larmey Head and Richard Quinn, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Paisley went to be with the Angels at 4:28 p.m., Friday, September 12, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born at 3:17 a.m., Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains, Missouri, to Richard Quinn Jr. and Larmey Head. Paisley resided with her parents and was a healthy and happy little girl with a passion for the unknown and the sweetest soul.
She is survived by her parents, Richard Quinn and Larmey Head, of the family home; grandparents, Keith and Shawna Head, West Plains; great-grandmother, Ann Paschal, Pomona, Missouri; uncles and aunts, Desmond, Rebecca, Russell, Layton, Zayden, Teagan and Lainey; and bonus uncle and aunt, T.J. and Jordan.
Her great-grandparents, Gary Rosenbum and Gary and Carolyn Head and grandparents, Richard and Mildred Quinn, preceded her in death.
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.
Funeral services for Janet Louise Russell, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 22, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Russell passed away at 10:36 a.m., Monday, September 15, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.
She was born August 7, 1945, at Cleveland, Ohio, to Jack Nesbit and Viola Margaret Merritts Nesbit. On February 24, 1974, she was married at West Plains, to Jackie Dean (Jack) Russell, who preceded her in death on August 25, 2015. Janet loved using yarn, making crafts, doing puzzles and playing Bingo. She was very social and loved visiting people; she also enjoyed the Curry Street Church of Christ services at Pleasant Valley Manor.
She is survived by three children, Jeffrey Russell and wife, Jennifer, Athens, Alabama, Michael Cockrum and wife, Marilyn, West Plains, Missouri and Kellie Woody and husband, Steven, Peace Valley, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Olivia Brownlee, Bailey Brownlee, Mason Cockrum and wife, Tiffany, Myles Cockrum and wife, Mandy, Marcus Cockrum, Korey Woody and wife, Klassie, Kaitlynn Nunally and husband, Justin ad Kameron King and husband, Travis; four great-grandchildren and two on the way, Keaton, Lainey, Brooks and Kase; two nieces and one nephew.
Her parents, husband, one son, Jason and all of her siblings, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Valley Manor Activity Fund or American Heart Association, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Carole Appel, 90, West Plains, Missouri, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025, at West Vue Nursing Center. A family graveside service will be held at a later date.
She was born October 13, 1934 at Higgins, Texas to Verl D. and Leila Glisan Litchfield. Carole attended school in Higgins, Texas. As a young teen she helped her mother and sisters run the town telephone office. Carole and her family survived the Higgins tornado of 1947, which destroyed most of the town and blew away their house. On December 23, 1950, she was married at Higgins, Texas, to Harry Leroy Appel. Carole lived the life of a Navy wife as Harry served in the Navy for twenty years. They lived near Navy bases across the country. Carole was responsible for keeping the home life going as Harry was often deployed on a ship for months at a time. She was a homemaker most of her life, but worked briefly at a fabric store and a shirt factory. Two children were born to the family – Linda Kay Hobbs and Thomas Lee Appel. After Harry retired, they moved to a farm near Marshall, Arkansas where she helped raise cattle, put up hay and care for the farm. She was a wonderful cook. Carole loved raising flowers and a big garden. She enjoyed canning, sewing (making most of her and Harry’s clothes), piecing quilts and hand quilting them and creating crafts. After forty years on the farm, the couple moved to West Plains to be closer to their daughter and family. Harry passed away on December 25, 2022, just after they had celebrated 72 years of marriage.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Hobbs and husband, Danny; daughter-in-law, Laverne Appel Weems; grandchildren, Bethany Kunz, Jason Appel, Brianne Hobbs and Travis Appel; great-grandchildren, Griffin, Garrett, Maya, Conner, Owen, Reece, Evan, Jacob and Avie; siblings, Dale Litchfield and Verna Beth Morrow; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one son, Tom Appel, sisters, Norma Brooks, Nona Gray, Gaydean Bucher and Jony Thomas and brother, Don Litchfield, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Zela (Fern) Harris, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 27, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Harris passed away Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Cox South, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born February 24, 1939, at Koshkonong, Missouri, to the late Hobert Miller and Gertrude Judd Miller. On December 23, 1961, she was married at Camarillo, California, to Claude Kenneth Harris, who preceded her in death on January 5, 2014. When she was young, Fern sang at church with her sister, Peggy. She played varsity volleyball from Junior High until she graduated from Thomasville High School in 1957. Fern moved to Camarillo, California, to marry Ken, who was serving in the United States Navy. They welcomed their three children during their time in California. Once Ken completed his tour they moved back to Missouri and settled in Sedalia in 1971. After Ken’s passing, she fulfilled their retirement plans and moved back home, settling in West Plains in 2019. Fern retired from Best Western in Sedalia, Missouri. She became known for her fried chicken which was frequently requested by country music artists performing at the Missouri State Fair. Fern enjoyed spending time with her grandkids, going to sporting events and 4-H shows, working in her flower gardens, going antiquing, family gatherings and watching baseball and football.
She is survived by two sons, Ricky Lee Harris (Cindy), Cole Camp, Missouri and Kenneth Ray Harris (Leslie), Sedalia, Missouri; one daughter, Vicki Lynn Harris, West Plains, Missouri; six grandchildren, Elyssa Harris, Tyler Harris (Shelbi), Briar Smith, Zofia Smith, Kellough Smith and Buzz Harris; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Peggy Huddleston, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and seven siblings, Cecil Miller, Joe Miller, Emma Roark, Margaret Carter, Minerva McKenzie, Faye Johnston and Cora Winfrey, and three infant brothers, Carl, Ray and Harold Miller.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Hickory Grove Cemetery, Alton, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Hickory Grove Cemetery, 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 Cynthia Sue (Cindy) Franks, 66, Peace Valley, Missouri, will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, September 20, 2025, at First Baptist Church in the South Campus building.
Mrs. Franks passed away at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Springfield, Missouri.
She was born April 17, 1959, at Blytheville, Arkansas, to Kenneth Skaggs and the late Carole Kimberland Skaggs. On April 14, 1978, she was married at New Hope Baptist Church to Daniel Franks. At the age of sixteen, Cindy began volunteering at the hospital as a candy striper. She became an LPN in 1980, and an RN in 1990. She spent most of her career helping patients in critical care. Cindy worked at Ozarks Medical Center, Mercy Hospital – Springfield, and Cox Health – Springfield. She was the Director of Nursing at NHC Healthcare and BrookHaven Nursing and Rehab. She was also a travel nurse for ten years, traveling coast-to-coast and to the Virgin Islands. Cindy greatly enjoyed her grandkids. She loved her dogs and cats and would bring strays back from all over and take care of them. She was very strong-willed and wanted what was best for her patients and family. Cindy was baptized at a young age and was strong in her faith. She attended First Baptist Church in West Plains.
She is survived by her husband, Daniel Franks, of the family home; two sons, Nathaniel Franks and wife, Ashley, and Matthew Franks and wife, Kayla, all of Peace Valley; five grandchildren, Tyler, Hayden, Cooper, McKinley, and McKena; her father, Kenneth Skaggs, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Tammy Kinder and husband, Terry, Sturkie, Arkansas; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Her mother, Carole, and brother, Kenneth B. Skaggs Jr., preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Barnett Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775. Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Loretta Faye (Rita) Rogers, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Rogers gained her Heavenly reward on September 11, 2025, surrounded by her family.
She was born October 29, 1944, at Cincinnati, Ohio, to Charles Lowery and Hazel Brumley Lowery. She was married on January 16, 1965, in the middle of a blizzard to Frank Lee Rogers. Rita was a Godly woman with a feisty spirit. Frank would warn the grandkids not to make her mad or she would get her tomahawk out. Rita believed Jesus Christ was her Lord and Savior; she received her salvation at a very young age. In 1977, s he became a Minister’s wife and was the prayer warrior behind her husband’s ministry. With much hesitation, in 1995, she went on her first mission trip for Christmas in Mexico. That was the year God gave her the burden and she never missed a year after that. Rita had a close relationship with God and would pray daily for the ministry of others. She loved her country and would encourage others, sometimes rather loudly, to vote in elections.
Rita was blessed with three children, Mark Rogers (Dianna), Michael Rogers and Shannon Rogers Collins (Kevin); thirteen grandchildren, Christopher Moore, Jordan Collins (Felicia), Kaitlin Rogers (Casey), Jacob Rogers (Leah), Kellsie Rogers Mathenia (Logan), Michaela Rogers, Julianna Rogers, Kendra Collins Romine (Charlie), Jarrett Young, Jalene Canada, Lonnie Canada, Joni Canada and Tyler Phipps; sixteen great-grandchildren
She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, two sisters, Janet Palmer (Russ) and Sandy Treadway, one brother, Danny Lowery (Kathy), one sister-in-law, Wanda Lowery and a slew of nieces and nephews.
Her parents, two brothers, David and Ricky Lowery and one brother-in-law, Bill Treadway, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle. Burial will be at Union Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Champion Holiness Mission, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Graveside services for Laquitta Ann Underwood, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 15, 2025, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Underwood passed away at 5:28 a.m., Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Brooke Haven Health Care.
She was born March 18, 1932, at Lanton, Missouri, to Charles and Bertha Land. Laquitta was united in marriage January 21, 1949, to Harris Bentley Underwood, who preceded her in death on October 24, 2002. To their union six children were born. She was a wonderful mother and loved her family deeply. Laquitta’s favorite things to do were growing flowers and vegetables, clipping recipes, browsing cookbooks, going out to eat and shopping. She was an excellent cook, had an amazing green thumb and could grow the most beautiful flowers.
She is survived by her children, Brenda Kent (Don), Lebanon, Missouri, Randall Underwood, Donald Underwood, Roger Underwood (Elaine), Kelly Moncrief (Edward) all of West Plains and Melinda Brewer (Dean), Cabool, Missouri; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be forever missed dearly by all those who loved her.
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.
Graveside services for Doris Eileen Boyer, 67, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Pottersville Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Boyer passed away quietly at her home with family on September 8, 2025. Daughter of the late Joe Jr Martin and Alma Jean McReynolds Martin, was born November 19, 1957 in Smithville, Missouri. She was married April 4, 1982 at West Plains Missouri, to Don Jefferson Boyer Sr. Doris was baptized September 1, 2025. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, caring and generous person. She enjoyed baking, reading and spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by two daughters, Angela Wright, Thayer, Missouri and
Jo Anna Perry and husband Nathan, West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren, Audrey Perry, Elijah Perry, Tucker Perry, Jaycelyn Wright, Zaiden Wright; sisters, Teresa Ward, Lisa Adelsberger and husband Paul, Sandy Layman and husband Shelley; brother, Gary Martin; so many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her husband Don Boyer Sr, daughter Frankie Jean Forester, parents Joe and Alma Jean McReynolds Martin, sister Patty Jean Martin, sister and brother in-law Hopie and Ethal Sisco, brother-in-law Larry Ward, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pottersville Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Graveside services for Ron William White, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 12, 2025, at Pottersville Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. White passed away at 1:44 a.m., Monday, September 8, 2025, at his home.
He was born October 30, 1949, at Ypsilati, Michigan. Ron enjoyed history, especially researching genealogies, collecting fish tanks and had a love for animals. He had a good sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh. Ron dedicated his life to raising his family and often joked that he was the chief cook and bottle washer. Mr. White was of the Christian faith.
He is survived by two children, Katherine Adolphson and husband, Jason and Tim White and significant other, Amanda Morton; six grandchildren, Amber Rose, Charles Smoot, Garrett Smoot, Sarahbeth Adolphson, Dawson White and Atlee White; two great-grandchildren, Alpha and Magik Zuniga; one brother, Dean Dover and wife, Lisa; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, Bill and Sue White, his wife, Judie Ann White, three brothers and one sister, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pottersville Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Gregory Duane Bradshaw, 60, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, September 6, 2025, at his home.
He was born June 10, 1965, at Springfield, Missouri, to Charles Malcolm Bradshaw, Sr. and Carolyn Virginia Barnes Bradshaw. On April 15, 1989, he was married at Selmer, Tennessee, to Kimberly Lambert, who preceded him in death. Mr. Bradshaw was a disabled veteran, having served his country in the United States Army. He was a loving and caring father and was a business owner. Gregory loved learning so much, that he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security while in his 50’s.
He is survived by two children, Cameron Duane Bradshaw, West Plains, Missouri and Courtney Bradshaw, Selmer, Tennessee; two brothers, Charles Malcolm Bradshaw, Jr., and wife, Mounia, Culpepper, Virginia and Chance Bradshaw, Joplin, Missouri; his step-mother, Donna McCormick; three step-brothers, Kevin, Scott and Kenny Phegley; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, one daughter, Cassidy Dawn Bradshaw and one son, Cody James Bradshaw, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Donald (Jr) Collins, 79, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 10:45 p.m., Friday, September 5, 2025, at NHC HealthCare.
He was born November 23, 1945, at Siloam Springs, Missouri, to Sid Effner Collins and Vivian May Collins. On March 31, 1970, he was married at West Plains, to Helena Bauer; they celebrated 55 years of marriage. Mr. Collins enjoyed watching westerns, camping, deer hunting, and loved stock car races. In the early 1970’s he built a stock car number 35. He worked at Cloud Oak Flooring, owned a sawmill at AP and 14 Highway, Marathon Electric (also known as Regal Beloit) and retired after thirty plus years. After his retirement, he enjoyed raising dogs.
He is survived by his wife, Helena Collins; two children, Sheila Thompson and husband, Terry, West Plains, Missouri and Jeremy Collins, Strafford, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Justin Collins, Jennifer Collins, Morgan Welch, Jessica Akpotozor, Matthew McCauley, Ashley Dunn and Jaycob Collins; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Donald Collins, one great-grandchild, Jocelyn Marie Vaughn, three brothers, Ricky, Sammy and Wendell, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Ronda Lee Powell, 66, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Powell passed away Thursday, September 4, 2025, at her home.
She was born May 18, 1959, at Wagoner, Oklahoma, to Lem Lowther and Margaret Day Lowther. On June 12, 1982, she was married at Wellington, Kansas, to Eddie Powell. Ronda worked as a nurse and was a caretaker at heart. She truly loved people and taking care of others. Ronda enjoyed being by the water, whether the lake, ocean or family picnics by the pond. She also enjoyed baking, shopping, painting her nails and her pets. Mrs. Powell was a member of Crider Church of Christ for many years.
She is survived by her husband, Eddie Powell, of the family home; one daughter, Alea Brooke King and husband, Allen and Carrie Halford (who was like a daughter) and husband, Matt, all of Missouri; five grandchildren; Lecrisha Dawn Powell, Makaliah Sylvia Goforth and husband, Chad, Alyssa Taylor King, Zachary Lee King and Makenzy Hope Kitterman and husband, Jed; seven great-grandchildren and one on the way; one sister, Brenda Armer and husband, Marvin, State of Oklahoma; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one son, Brock Dewayne Powell and her in-laws, Elzie and Evelyn Powell, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Langston Street Chapel. Burial will be in Ledbetter Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ledbetter Cemetery, American Diabetes Association or Crider Church of Christ, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Graveside services for Laura Lee Johnson, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Inman Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Johnson passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born June 10, 1949, at West Plains, Missouri, to Roy Neal Coats and Anita Kathryn Carothers Coats. Laura graduated from West Plains High School in 1967 and on June 10, 1968, she was married at West Plains, to Troy Lee Johnson. Mrs. Johnson worked for her in-laws at Johnson General Store in Twin Bridges, Missouri, until it sold in 1972. She and Troy bought a farm and raised cattle and feeder pigs while she worked in her family’s business, Coats Insurance and Tax Agency. She later became a Certified Nursing Assistant and cared for many family and friends in their homes and in the nursing home. She was employed with Riverways Support Services of Ozarks Medical Center for twenty-five years. She then returned to Coats Tax Service and worked until her retirement in 2016. Laura and Troy built a log cabin in Twin Bridges called Rivermist that they rented to many hunters and campers until they sold it in 2020. They also built a shop behind their home for her hobby, a miniature pioneer village called Johnsonville. She won trophies, ribbons, cash and other prizes at several miniature shows. Mrs. Johnson was a member of the Heart and Stroke Club and American Legion. She was of the Baptist faith with her membership at Willow Springs 2nd Freewill Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband, Troy Johnson; two sons, Jeremy Johnson and wife, Kelly, Nixa, Missouri and Michael Johnson and wife, Heather, Pomona, Missouri; five grandchildren, Max, Sam, Isabella and Jade Johnson and Madison McCrea; three brothers, Steve Coats, West Plains, Charles Coats and wife, Dianne, West Plains and John Coats and wife, Gina, Springfield, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Ann Loring; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one grandson, Luke McCrea and one brother-in-law, Doug Loring, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Langston Street Chapel.
Graveside services for Mary Jo Taylor, 87, West Plains, will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery on U.S. 63 north of West Plains, Missouri, with Matt Dusenberry officiating under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains.
Mrs. Taylor died at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, August 31, 2025, at her home in West Plains in the presence of her family. She was born November 5, 1937, near Myrtle, Missouri, to David and Jewel Looney Brewer.
The family moved to Thayer, Missouri, where Mrs. Taylor attended Thayer Schools. She was a proud Bobcat and graduated with the Class of 1955.
She received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree, with a major in business and minor in mathematics, from Southwest Missouri State College, now Missouri State University, in May 1958. While at the college, she served as secretary of Kappa Mu Epsilon mathematics honor society and was a member of Pi Omega Pi business honor society. Mrs. Taylor earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1962. She worked more than 30 years in public education, serving as either a full-time teacher or substitute teacher. Schools where she taught include St. Clair School District, Oregon-Howell R-3 School District in Koshkonong, and the West Plains R-7 School District and surrounding rural schools.
She married Jimmy Joe Taylor on June 27, 1964, at Thayer, Missouri. The couple enjoyed traveling in their retirement and visited several places of interest throughout the country. They also would take spontaneous day trips exploring the Ozarks. She also enjoyed reading and embroidery.
Mrs. Taylor was a Christian with her initial membership in the First Baptist Church in Thayer, Missouri. She later attended services at the First Baptist Church and First Church of God, both in West Plains, Missouri, before health issues made attendance impossible.
Survivors include two daughters, Vickie Driskell and husband Kevin, West Plains, Missouri, and Stacie Carrico and husband, Jason, Harker Heights, Texas; granddaughters Taylor Carrico, Harker Heights, Texas, Gina Davis and husband Chris, Koshkonong, Missouri, and Amanda Collins and husband Clayton, West Plains, Missouri; three great-granddaughters, Emma and Eva Collins, and Gracie Davis; a brother, John Wayne Brewer, Thayer, Missouri; one nephew, Joshua Brewer, Thayer, Missouri; and many other cousins, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation, the Missouri State University-West Plains Fund for Excellence or charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Marilyn Nadine Reeves, 90, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 6, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Reeves passed away at 10:18 a.m., Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at her home.
She was born June 17, 1935, at Kokomo, Indiana, to Paul Maudlin and Clara Martin Maudlin. On July 14, 1957, she was married at St. Louis, Missouri, to John Melvin Reeves, who preceded her in death on March 16, 2000. Marilyn was a Nurse and worked for Dr. Fowler for many years. She loved cooking and canning. Mrs. Reeves loved her Church and loved spending time with her family. She was a member of Little Zion Primitive Baptist Church.
She is survived by two children, Katherine Austin and husband, Tim, Highlandville, Missouri and James Reeves and wife, Kalene, West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren, Jesse Austin and wife, Rebekah, Brett Austin, Sharlyn Doss and husband, Dennis, Shea Weeks and husband, Joseph and Sherra Holstine and husband, Derek; ten great-grandchildren, Luke, Bryce and Caroline Austin, Grace, Macie and Dixie Doss, Jaelyn and Emmitt Weeks and Brynlee and Dallas Holstine; and one nephew, Wayne Maudlin.
Her parents, husband, one brother, Howard Maudlin, one sister-in-law, Betty Maudlin and one niece, Natalie Gotshaw, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in New Liberty Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to New Liberty Cemetery, 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 Lawrence Bruce Womack, 65, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 5, 2025, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Womack passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025, at University Hospital, Columbia, Missouri.
He was born December 10, 1959, at Phoenix, Arizona, to Lawrence Calvin Womack and Rose Teresa Crisitelli Womack. Mr. Womack graduated from West Plains High School in 1978. He was an avid motorcycle and dirt bike rider. Mr. Womack was very interested in the weather and spent some time as a storm chaser. He was the Co-founder of Riders Helping Children with Dreams from 2015 to Present and was a member of South Central Freedom of Road Riders from 2016 to Present. He also volunteered at American Red Cross from 2012 to 2017.
He is survived by two sisters, Linda Keys and husband, Bryan, Colorado Springs, Colorado and Anna Hendershot, Mountain View, Missouri; two nieces and two nephews.
His parents preceded him in death.
Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
