Obituaries

Terry Joe Hayes, 71, Pomona, Missouri, passed away at 7:00 a.m., Sunday, May 28, 2023, at his home.     

He was born May 5, 1952, at Clear Lake, Iowa, to Lloyd Walter Hayes and Margaret Elaine Keeling Hayes.  On February 8, 1982, he was married at Little Rock, Arkansas, to Laura Manson.  Mr. Hayes was the owner and operator of Hayes Bargain City for a number of years.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and farming and loved going to town every day, drinking coffee and visiting with his friends.   

He is survived by his wife, Laura Hayes, of the family home; two brothers, Billy Hayes and wife, Karen, Pomona, Missouri and Ron Hayes and wife, Linda, West Plains, Missouri; two sisters, Shirley Wood and Debbie Hayes, both of West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.    

His parents, one sister, Donna Wood, two brothers, J. R. Hayes and James Hayes, two nephews, Alex Hayes and Jason Hayes and two nieces, Teresa Wood and Carrie Wood, preceded him in death.    

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Katherine Dorine Lott, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 3, 2023, at First Baptist Church, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Lott passed away at 11:09 p.m., Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

She was born September 22, 1927, at Seminole, Oklahoma, to Roy Addison Derrick and Sarah Darcus (Byrd) Hall Derrick.  She was married at New London, Connecticut to Corliss Marcel Lott, who preceded her in death on June 24, 1978.  Before her retirement, Mrs. Lott had worked at International Shoe Factory.  She enjoyed reading, gardening and flowers.  Mrs. Lott was a member of First Baptist Church for over sixty years.  She loved her family and church very much.

She is survived by three children, Debra Jorgensen, Vicky Birdsong and husband, Jackie and Steven R. Lott, all of West Plains; six grandchildren, Seth Jorgensen, Anthony Ford, Carey Beach, Jarrett Beach, John Beach and significant other, Krista and Jesse Beach and fiancée Chelsie; fourteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Bobbye Derrick, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, one great-grandson, Aybrahm Beach, one brother, J. C. Derrick, one nephew, Ronnie Derrick and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Wallace and Jo Emma Lott and Jack and Ione Lott, preceded her in death.  

Visitation will be held from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m., Saturday, at First Baptist Church.  Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Library and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Marveen Joplin, Chesterfield, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at The First United Methodist Church, West Plains, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Mrs. Joplin passed away at 1:03 a.m., Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Sunrise of Chesterfield.  

She was born in Doniphan, Missouri, to Audie Tucker and Stella Smelser Tucker.  On December 23, 1944, she was married at Doniphan, Missouri, to Linden Joplin, who preceded her in death in 1999.  Prior to starting her family, she taught in a one room school in Doniphan.  She was a marvelous cook with pies being her specialty and she was a great seamstress.  Marveen loved her family, friends, animals (especially dogs) and was very generous.  She enjoyed preparing meals and giving to others.  She never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew her.  She also enjoyed water aerobics, playing cards and games with her friends and was a member of PEO.  Mrs. Joplin was a very active member of First United Methodist Church, West Plains, Missouri for over seventy years; she served in many ways and was a member of the Elizabeth Ann Circle.

She is survived by three children, Stella Simon and husband, Greg, Chesterfield, Missouri, Karen Clark, Cumming, Georgia and Stephen B. Joplin and wife, Kristine, Cumming, Georgia; six grandchildren, Darcy Clark, Atlanta, Georgia, Jason Simon, O’Fallon, Missouri, Kari Kinney and husband, Jason, Lafayette, Alabama, Stephanie Simon and husband, Michael Marchman, Eugene, Oregon, Alexander Joplin and Laura Joplin, both of Atlanta, Georgia; one great-grandchild, Chase Carithers, Lafayette, Alabama; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, step-father, O. R. Tinker, husband, and two brothers, William and Ronald Tucker, preceded her in death.  

Visitation will be held from 12:00 Noon until service time at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the First United Methodist Church.  Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Visitation services for Ray Clark Wells, Jr., 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 30, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Wells passed away at 1:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at his home.  

He was born December 20, 1951 at St. Louis, Missouri, to Ray Clark Wells, Sr. and Esther L. Hellyer Wells.   On April 21, 2001, he was married at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to Sharon Johnston.  Mr. Wells was a veteran, having served with the United States Air Force.  He worked for Bell Atlantic, St. Louis, Missouri as a computer technician for a number of years and before his retirement he worked for the Howell County Sheriff’s Department.  Ray loved being outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He loved his wife, Sharon and his family.  Mr. Wells was Worshipful Master of Masonic Lodge 637, Mountain View, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Wells, of the family home; six children, Jason Wells and wife, Angela, Willow Springs,  Missouri, Amber Conway and husband, Wayne, Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Nicole Wells, West Plains, Joby Hoopes and wife, Kimberly, West Plains, Heather Ogden and husband, Colby, Joplin, Missouri and Stephanie McCullar and husband, Krispian, State of Colorado; twenty-one grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Ivan Wells and wife, Vicki, Strafford, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents, one daughter, Cathy Rae Duke, one granddaughter, Rosalie Whiteman, one nephew, Christopher Wells and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Joe and Yvonne Johnston, preceded him in death.  

A private burial will be held at a later date at Mackey Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Rhonda Marie Hallman, 59, Pomona, Missouri, passed away at 8:50 p.m., Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at her home.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Donald Clyde Mealy, Jr., 67, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:05 a.m., Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at his home.  

He was born March 10, 1956, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to Donald Clyde Mealy, Sr. and Anne Hutson Mealy.  On June 9, 1979, he was married at Lawton, Oklahoma, to Susan Harmon.  Don was the owner and manager of Twin Bridges Bar & Grill, which he enjoyed.  He was a hard worker and loved serving people.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Mealy, of the family home; and one son, Alex Mealy, Springfield, Missouri. 

His parents and one sister, Judy Osborne preceded him in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Funeral services for Judie Ann White, 63, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 19, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. White passed away at 10:13 a.m., Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at her home.  

She was born February 7, 1960, at Wyandotte, Michigan, to Ike Compau and Mary Weininger.  On June 17, 1983, she was married at Tarpon Springs, Florida, to Ronald White.  Mrs. White had worked as a cardiac tech at Bayonet Point Regional Hospital.  She enjoyed reading, writing, singing, baking and cake decorating.  Judie was a proud supporter of all animal organizations.  Mrs. White had been of the Pentecostal faith for thirty-eight years.

She is survived by her husband, Ron White; two children, Katherine Adolphson and husband, Jason and Tim White and significant other, Amanda Morton, all of West Plains; six grandchildren, Amber Rose and husband, Jose’ Zuniga, Charles Smoot, Garrett Smoot, Sarahbeth Adolphson, Dawson White and Atlee White; her step-father, Max Allgood; three brothers, Steve Kennan, Darren Keenan and Bryan Keenan; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents preceded her in death.  

Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 19, 2023 at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Pottersville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Eunice Mae Foster, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 13, 2023, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Foster passed away at 8:15 p.m., Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

She was born May 2, 1928, at Vidette, Arkansas, to Charlie Wray and Delia Johnson Wray.  Before her retirement, Mrs. Foster worked at The International Shoe Factory.  She enjoyed cooking, sewing, embroidery work and working in her yard.  She loved to help people.  Mrs. Foster was a member of Good News Baptist Chapel.

She is survived by one daughter, Patricia Chapin and husband, Roy; two grandchildren, Catherine Walters and husband, Darin and Elizabeth Bowen and husband, Raymond; three great-grandchildren, Aiden Walters, Wyatt Bowen and Reagan Bowen; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, two husbands, W. Ray Cannon and A. L. Foster, three brothers, Dwaine, Charles and Robert Wray and one sister, Lois Harber, preceded her in death.  

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for James Junior Rigger (Rieger), 96, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 13, 2023, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr.  Rigger passed away at 2:16 a.m., Saturday, May 6, 2023, at his home.  

He was born July 24, 1926, at Dora, Missouri, to James Rieger and Florence Orwick Rieger.  On July 27, 1947, he was married at West Plains, to Phyllis Lorene Dobbs, who preceded him in death on August 24, 2013.  Mr. Rigger was a veteran, having served with the United States Army during WWII and received many medals and accomplishments, including the Victory Medal European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Purple Heart Medal, Soldiers Medal and Army Occupation Medal of Germany; he fought in the Ordains-Rhineland Central Europe Campaign.  Before his retirement, Mr. Rigger was a lineman at Howell-Oregon Electric Coop.  He loved spending time with family and enjoyed being in nature.  One of his biggest joys in life was helping people.  James was a member of the VFW, Lion’s Club, Order of the Eastern Star and was a Mason.

He is survived by two children, Katherine Allee, Nixa, Missouri and Larry Rigger and wife, Kathleen, Springfield, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Joyce Rigger, Nixa, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Dawn Bruffett and wife, Ellie, State of New York, James Bruffett and wife, Kendra, Nixa, Missouri, Amber Hopper Gall, Springfield, Missouri, Elizabeth Wheeler and husband, Ben, Springfield, Tara Rigger and husband, Allan Gibson, Springfield, Serenity Matney and husband, Tony, Lampe, Missouri and Eli Rigger, Nixa, Missouri; nine great-grandchildren, Skyla Bruffett, Henry Matney, Nate, William and Evie Bruffett, Kesler and Surelle Gibson, Ethan Hopper and Adeline Wheeler; two brothers, Lloyd Rieger and wife, Aggie, Twin Falls, Idaho and Norman Rieger, Aniston, Alabama; three sisters-in-law, Joy Rieger, West Plains, Gloria Rieger, Stockton, California and Delores Driscoll and husband, Jim, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents, wife, one son, Bradley James Rigger, two great-grandchildren, Chloe Martinez and Jake Wheeler, two brothers, Joseph and Clinton Rieger, one sister-in-law, Peggy Rieger and one brother-in-law, Hervy Dobbs and wife, Donna, preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Hale Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hale Cemetery or Sweeton Pond Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775

Funeral services for Richard Dewight Bean, 58, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 12, 2023, at West 160 Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Bean passed away Sunday, May 7, 2023, at his home.  

He was born April 5, 1965, at Mountain View, Missouri.  Richard is the son of the late James Ralph Bean and Mary Sue Marshall Bean and son-in-law to Sally Ann and Gary Johnson.  Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, being outdoors and gardening; he was always busy.  He was a strong Father figure to many and was loved by many friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-four years, Marcella Scott Bean; three daughters, Amanda Bean (Johnathan Vick), West Plains,  Nicole Bean (Tim Williams) Louisville, Kentucky and Victoria Bean, West Plains; two sons, Aarron Bean (Chrystal) and Charles Bean, both of West Plains; eight grandchildren, Hayden Bean, Jaycee and Luka Roberts, Huxley Cates, Stella Bean, Ezekiel and Mathias Vick and Alina Bean; five sisters, Connie Smith (Jim) West Plains, Judy Bratton (Jim), Joplin,  Missouri, Katrina Patterson (Fiancée Chuck Lovejoy), Jessup, Georgia, Iris Hensley (Rod), Pottersville, Missouri and Hope Belt (Randy), Caulfield, Missouri; two brothers, Ricky Bean (Robbie), West Plains and Eddie Bean (Tammy), Yellville, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents, two sons, Dale D. Bean and Doug A. Tucker and father-in-law, Dale K. Scott, preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at West 160 Church of Christ.  Burial will be at Bly (Big Springs) Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Bly Cemetery or OMC Cancer Treatment Center and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Visitation services for Harriet Irene Daily Hedrick Kuebler, 94, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 12, 2023, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Kuebler passed away Sunday, May 7 2023 surrounded by her family at home. She was born June 22, 1928 at Robinson, Illinois to Leonard and Minnie (nee Faught) Daily.  She married Nelson Frazier Hedrick on June 1, 1951. After her late husband’s passing in 1976, she married Walter Carl Kuebler on June 13, 1992.

She is survived by six sons: Loyd (Mary) Daily, Melvin (Cherie), Leon (Pat), Joseph (Tina), Warren (Joanne), and Kevin (Denise) Hedrick, as well as Steven, Ronnie (Mary), and Jeff Kuebler; 25 grandchildren: Lori Jo (Matt), Deena Lee, Anna, Angela (Kevin), Joe Jr. (Shannon), Kelly (Dan), Michelle (Joe), Melynda (Karsten), Kevin, Timothy (Regina), Adam, Missy (Kurt), Jeanne, Amanda (Eric), Kristy (Zack), Joey, Kerrie, Bobby, Shaunda, Tiffany, Tony (Jessica), Adam (Natasha), Johnathen, Kaitlan, and David;40 great-grandchildren; 21 great-great grandchildren; one sister, Barbara Banks; and several nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Minnie Daily, brothers Leonard and Ray, sister Pete, and two husbands, Nelson Hedrick and Walter Kuebler. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Sandra Ann Madison, 63, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 11:15 p.m., Saturday, May 6, 2023, at her home.  

She was born December 3, 1959, at Fort Yukon, Alaska, to Jonathon Solomon and Hannah Williams Solomon.  On August 18, 2001, she was married at Fairbanks, Alaska, to Berthold Madison.  Sandra enjoyed beading, fishing with her grandsons and traveling back to Alaska.  She was a record holder for the World Eskimo Indian Olympics.  She was also an elder of the nutritional tribe and a lifetime member of St. Stephan’s Episcopal Church.

She is survived by her husband, Burthold Madison, West Plains, Missouri; two children, Vanessa Rickers and Elizabeth Phyfe; six grandchildren, Denique Nelson, Faith Baker, Chance Baker, Justin Baker, Ashton Stokes and Arianna Stokes; one great-grandchild, Ophelia; her mother, Hannah Solomon, Fort Yukon, Alaska; six brothers, Raymond Solomon, Fort Yukon, Alaska, David Solomon and wife, Doris, Copper Center, Alaska, Robert Solomon and wife, Patsy, Fort Yukon, Alaska, Jonathon Solomon, Jr., Fairbanks, Alaska, Duane Solomon and wife, Susan, Fort Yukon, Alaska and Theodore Solomon and wife, Rachel, Fort Yukon, Alaska; two sisters, Mary Beth Solomon, Fort Yukon, Alaska and Georgina Solomon and husband, Duke, Galena, Alaska; and several nieces and nephews.   

Her father preceded her in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Billy Gene Judd, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Pottersville Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.     

Mr. Judd passed away Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

He was born October 13, 1942, near Rover, Missouri, to Edward Mark (Bud) Judd and Goldie French Judd.  Billy attended school at Thomasville, Missouri and graduated from Alton High School with the Class of 1961.  Mr. Judd was a veteran, having served with the United States Army in Korea.  In 1967 he was married to Faye Moss and to their union one son, Kevin was born.  Billy enjoyed coon hunting, mowing the yard and restoring old pickup trucks.  He retired from SEI , West Plains in 2004 as a fork lift driver, which he loved to reminisce about.  He loved it when he could tell coon hunting and other stories to people who dropped by.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Faye Judd, of the family home; one son, Kevin Judd, West Plains; two grandchildren, Katie Young and husband, Jason, Malta Bend, Missouri and Kameron Judd, Nashville, Tennessee; two brothers, Larry Judd and wife, Bertie and Rick Judd and wife, Rachel, all of West Plains; and many other relatives and friends. 

His parents, one infant daughter, Kari Ann, and one brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie and Joyce Judd, 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 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Ricky Joe Haynes, 60, West Plains, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at his home.  

He was born August 1, 1962, at Cabool, Missouri, to Hurshel Haynes and Geraldine Wilkerson Haynes.  On November 20, 2005, he was married at Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, to Pamela Rothe.  Bluegrass music was Ricky’s passion; he played guitar, mandolin and banjo.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing.  Mr. Haynes loved talking and spending time with his grandkids.  He never met a stranger.

He is survived by his wife, Pam Haynes, of the family home; son, Shawn Haynes, Tammy and Shay, Paragould, Arkansas; step-children, Kara Marler and Zach, Westville, Oklahoma, Candi Sisco, Thayer, Missouri and Christopher Mathis, Paragould, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Liam, Rosalie, Decklan, Dakota, Aubrey and Scarlet; two brothers, Jerry Haynes and wife, Joy, Foley, Alabama and Bruce Haynes and wife, Kathy, Buffalo, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; and other family and friends that were like family. 

His parents, one daughter, Delena Clements, one grandson, Quinten Marler and six brothers, Kenny,  Mike, Roger, Danny, Steve and Randy Haynes, preceded him in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Terry Lane Haish, Jr., 48, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 6:00 a.m., Monday, May 1, 2023, at his home,

Mr. Haish was born December 25, 1974, at Aurora, Illinois, to Terry Lane Haish, Sr. and Colleen Lenert.  He was a truck driver for U.S. Xpress.  He enjoyed camping, fishing, and staying active.  Mr. Haish loved spending time with his family and friends, and he was always the life of the party.

He is survived by one son, Kristopher Haish and wife, Samanta, state of Illinois; three sisters, Jennifer Millen and husband, Andrew, State of Michigan, Pamela Haish, West Plains, Missouri, and Kristine Cherry, Hinkley, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

His daughter, Mariah Haish, mother, Colleen Haish, and grandmother, Mary Lenert, preceded him in death.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Illinois at a later date.  

Local arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Johnny Gilbert Wilson, 87, Pottersville, Missouri, passed away at 11:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

He was born April 23, 1936, at Cook County, Illinois, to John Wilson and Patricia Bray.  On May 1, 1970, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Carol Harris, who preceded him in death April 29, 2023.  Mr. Wilson worked at Southwest Truck Body for a number of years.  He loved to go fishing with his wife, and he went hunting a lot.  He had a large collection of fishing lures.  Mr. Wilson was a member of Pottersville Baptist Church for fifty-three years.

He is survived by three children, Randy Wilson, Highlandville, Missouri, Brian Wilson, Pottersville, Missouri, and Crystal Frazier, West Plains, Missouri; a bunch of grandchildren; a few more great-grandchildren; one brother, Don Wilson and wife, Sharon, Springfield, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife, Carol Wilson, and one son, Michael Wilson, preceded him in death.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Carol Jean Wilson, 77, Pottersville, Missouri, passed away at 8:23 a.m., Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

She was born June 26, 1945, at West Plains, Missouri, to Eugene Harris and Bertie VonAllmen.  On May 1, 1970, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Johnny Wilson.  Mrs. Wilson was a physical therapist at West Vue.  She loved going fishing with her husband and going to yard sales.  She also loved to spend time with her family.  Mrs. Wilson was a member of Pottersville Baptist Church for fifty-three years. 

She is survived by her husband, Johnny Wilson, Pottersville, Missouri; four children, Vera Collins and husband, Danny, Pottersville, Missouri, Liz Harris, Conway, Arkansas, Brian Wilson, Pottersville, Missouri, and Crystal Frazier, West Plains, Missouri; a bunch of grandchildren; a few more great-grandchildren; two brothers, Glen Harris and wife, Cecile, West Plains, Missouri, and Steve Harris and wife, Sue, West Plains, Missouri; two sisters, Marie Thatcher and husband, Wayne, South Carolina, and Alma Harris, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents preceded her in death.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home

Graveside services for Mary Ruth Kirkland, 78, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Baptist Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Kirkland went to be with the Lord at 5:05 a.m., Monday, May 1, 2023, at West Vue Nursing Center.

She was born in 1944 to Marion Taylor and Minerva Beard Taylor.  On March 7, 1970, she was married in Ozark County, Missouri, to Kenneth Kirkland, who preceded her in death on September 3, 2017.  Mrs. Kirkland worked at the West Plains Bank for 26 years, as well as helping Kenny on their farm near Caulfield.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, Clinton Taylor and Dennis Taylor, her two sisters, Velma Taylor and Louise Climer, one sister in law, Lucy Taylor and one nephew, Clinton Taylor Jr.

She is survived by eight nephews, Jimmy Taylor (wife Debbie), Vigil Goodwin (wife Azira), Joe Taylor (wife Arlene), David Climer (wife Suzanne), Glenn Climer (wife Jane), Mathew Taylor, (wife Becky), Shannon Taylor (wife Erin) and Cahen Taylor; two nieces, Sally Hunt and Courtney Bledsoe (husband Gary); and all her great-nephews and great-nieces she loved and tried to spoil.

Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Hill Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Patricia Ann Chopski Kinder, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 5, 2023, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, with a viewing after the service, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   Reverend David Ball will officiate.  

Mrs. Kinder passed away at 10:32 p.m., Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

She was born September 14, 1930 in Dewey, Oklahoma, to Nicholas Adam Chopski and Anna Mae Easley Chopski.   She was married December 18, 1948 in Sturkie, Arkansas to Paul Dean Kinder who preceded her in death on April 19, 1990.

She is survived by one son, Paul David Kinder, West Plains; two daughters, Erma Harris (Tom), West Plains and Nancy Menningen, Lake of the Ozarks; a son-in-law, David Murphy; ten grandchildren, Trista Mendenahl, Derek Menningen (Meredith), Ray Murphy (Amy), Bryan Harris (Ginger), Ted Harris (Kristina), Joel Harris (Leslie), D.J. Surritte (Jessica), Cassie Kinder, Tessa Carlson (Erik) and Evan Kinder (Lorrin); twenty-two great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; one sister, Ruby Due (Manuel “Red”) West Plains; one brother, Donald Chopski (Nellie) Springfield; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in law. Doyle Surritte and Christy Dowell remain special members of her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two daughters, Myrna Sue Surritte and Brenda Murphy, one son-in-law, Monte Menningen, four infant grandchildren, her father-in law and mother-in-law, Thomas Roscoe Kinder and Grace Kinder, and several brothers/sisters-in-law.

Memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.