Obituaries

A celebration of life service for Virginia Averill Ruch, 101, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 16, 2023, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery officiated by Pastor Rick Rutledge. 

Mrs. Ruch passed away at 7:45 p.m., Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Whispering Pine Place, West Vue Green House Homes.  

She was born December 21, 1921, at Buffalo, New York, to Felix Eugene Averill and Susanah Lois Strauss Averill.  Virginia grew up and attended school in upstate New York until the family moved to Maryland.  She graduated from George Washington University, Washington D.C. with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.  She also attended on a scholarship the Corcoran School of Art, Washington, D.C.  As WWII was then in progress, Virginia studied occupational therapy and began working in Army hospitals until the war was over.  On September 13, 1947, she was married at Excelsior Springs, Missouri, to the love of her life, Avery Gordon Ruch, who preceded her in death on January 9, 2007.  The couple lived in Albany, Missouri for a few years, spent time in Kansas and New Mexico before settling down in the then thriving mountain town of Del Norte, Colorado.  It was there that Avery established his watch and jewelry store and Virginia spent ten years as a stay at home mom.  She was later employed by the County to work in child welfare supervising foster homes and helping families with adoptions.  The family moved after twenty years; Virginia loved that country and was heard to say that part of her was still there.  In 1973 the family moved back to West Plains, Missouri.  Avery continued his work and Virginia worked in occupational therapy at West Vue Nursing Center, the only such facility in town at that time.  She later continued at what is now known as Brooke Haven.  Mrs. Ruch retired at the age of 76 to enjoy her many interests and hobbies.  She read extensively, painted and entered many art shows; she loved taking long walks in the parks and around town, exploring the beauty and history of the Ozarks.  Mrs. Ruch was a long time member of the First Christian Church of West Plains.

She is survived by one daughter, Marianne Mock, Springfield, Missouri; one step-daughter, Barbara Starr, King City, Missouri; six grandchildren, Jonathon Mock, Benjamon Mock, Elizabeth Mock-Cass and husband, Dustin, Ariel Ruch, Nathan Ruch, Sylvia Jenner and husband, Jesse; four great-grandchildren, Josephine Jenner, Taylor Ruch, Joshua and Allison Mock; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, her husband of 59 years, three sons, Gary Allen Ruch, Daniel Avery Ruch and David Wayne Ruch, one grandson, Levi Mock, one brother, Felix Eugene Averill and wife, Dorothea, one sister, Lois Elizabeth Ellis and husband, Emmerson, preceded her in death.    

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

Graveside services for Lillian Kay Pritchett, 78, St. Louis, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 12, 2023, at Mackey Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Kay passed away at 7:40 p.m., Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at West Vue Nursing Center.  

She was born February 18, 1945, at Pomona, Missouri, to Howard C. McMullen and Ruby G. Kildow McMullen.  Kay attended schools in West Plains and graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1963.   Shortly after graduating, she moved to St. Louis to work for the State of Missouri Division of Family Services.  She lived in St. Louis for 60 years.  Kay loved to travel and was able to take several bus trips.  She had been at West Vue Nursing Center for only five days before she passed away.

She is survived by one daughter, Melanie, St. Louis, Missouri; one brother, Bob Kildow, Largo, Florida; one sister, Lois Drumright and husband, Gorden, West Plains; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many friends in St. Louis. 

Her parents, one son, Jacob Pritchett, the father of her children, Jesse Pritchett, and two brothers, John Kildow and Jim McMullen, preceded her in death.  

Ms. Pritchett will lie in state from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Kay loved animals and was “mom” to many over the years.  In lieu of flowers her family requests Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Regional Animal Shelter and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

A Memorial Service for Thomas Neil Harris, 69, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 10, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Harris passed away at 2:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

He was born April 25, 1954, at the family home near Pottersville, Missouri, to Winifred and Loretta Grace Hopkins Harris.  On October 4, 1975, he was married at West Plains, to Erma Kinder; they were blessed with three sons.  Thomas was a graduate of the West Plains High School Class of 1972.  During high school he was a bass singer in a double mixed quartet which received a number one rating in the State competition.  He also attended Southwest Missouri State, West Plains.  Tom was baptized at the age of 18 at the Curry Street Church of Christ.  He was a talented singer and often led singing at services and revivals at several Church of Christ congregations in Arkansas.  He also preached at many services throughout the years and had a special love for the Hardy Church of Christ congregation where he preached for fourteen years.  Tom, Erma and their growing family lived in Council Bluffs, Iowa for five years where they attended the McPhearson Avenue Church of Christ.  While there, he grew in faith and maturity through lessons by Bill Stewart, Mark Foor and Barge Elmore.  Those lessons increased his love for the Gospel and when Tom and his family moved to Salem, Arkansas in 1981 he used that love and his speaking talent to teach to Gospel.  Tom loved stock car racing and spent many Saturday nights at speedways in the area watching his brother, Larry Piper, race.  Tom and members of the notorious “Spring Creek Gang” had their own version of a stock car for a while, but stories told through the years blamed a wild driver named John Bennett for ending their short career.  In reality, they were teenagers without extra money to spend on a stock car.  Tom began a long time hobby during his teens when he announced beside Murray Brown at the speedway north of town.  As an adult, he was an announcer at West Plains Speedway and Batesville Speedway and was often a guest announcer in Arkansas and Mississippi.  He helped the Gibson’s market the first Show Me 100 and continued producing special and weekly programs for many years.  His sons spent those years alongside him at the races, selling programs and learning to take photographs.  Tom spent all of his working years as a salesman; first as a tire and retread specialist and later as a newspaper and radio advertising salesman.  Tom and Erma established the first legal subscription newspaper in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, called The Easy Living News, which won many state wide honors from the Arkansas Press Association.  Later he began Harris Printing Designs.  Shortly before retiring due to his health, he began The Buzz Shopper which Yancey and Lena Yates own and operate today.   Tom served his communities as a Vice-President and President of the Horseshoe Bend Chamber of Commerce, was on the Advisory Board of Ozarka College, secretary of the West Plains Lions Club and a volunteer for the Missouri Conservation in West Plains.  During his years as a newspaper publisher he was a member of the Arkansas Press Association and the National Newspaper Association.  He was a coach for many Little League ball teams and helped promote the Coca Cola Classic tournament for several years.  In July of 2012, Tom’s life changed drastically when he began dialysis for end stage renal failure.  Because of the efforts and knowledge of Dr. Daniel Valachi, as well as the nurses at the Mountain Home Dialysis Center, Tom was able to beat a rare and almost always fatal disease of kidney patients called Calciphylaxis.  For almost six months Tom was in hospitals, rehab centers and nursing homes where he along with his family, fought this painful disease.  He was given six months to live, but managed to turn that into eight years.  Shortly before his death he beat Calciphylaxis once again.  The nurses, doctors and staff at DCI in West Plains referred to Tom as their “miracle man” as he continued to overcome the odds as an end stage renal patient.  Tom lived with his disease for over 13 years.  During that time, according to Erma and his DCI nurses, he never complained and met each day with a positive spirit.

He is survived by his wife, Erma; three sons, Bryan Harris and wife, Ginger, West Plains; Ted Harris and wife, Kristina, Cherokee Village, Arkansas, and Joel Harris and wife, Leslie, Nixa, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Alex Harris and Brittnay Nicodin, Jade Krislen Lee, Nathan Harris and Katie Elliott, Alexa Turner and husband, Brenden, Dalaney Woolridge and husband, Rustin, Aniston, Henley and Crosby Harris; two great-grandchildren, Brantley Luke Turner and  Prairie Jo Woolridge; one brother, Mike Harris; one sister, Wendy Dunkin; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joyce Piper, David Lynn Murphy, Doyle Surritte, David Kinder and Nancy Menningen; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents and their spouses, Winifred and Judy Harris and Loretta and Oral Ball, one brother, Larry Piper, two sisters-in-law, Myrna Surritte and Brenda Murphy and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Pat Kinder, preceded him in death.  

The family will receive their friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Evelyn Elizabeth Hull, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 12, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Hull passed away at 9:39 p.m., Monday, June 5, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

She was born June 30, 1935 at Chicago, Illinois, to Julius and Lottie Lipinski Penzak.  On April 2, 1996, she was married at Seattle, Washington, to Ralph Hull.  Before her retirement, Mrs. Hull was a teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic School, which she loved and had owned Serendipity book store.  She was best in the country.  Evelyn enjoyed arts, crafts and traveling.  She loved her family very much.  Mrs. Hull was a member of Pomona Christian Church.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph Hull, of the family home; three children, Greg Kraft and wife, Deborah, Dallas, Texas, Chris Kraft and wife, Debbie, West Plains and Mike Kraft, West Plains; Ralph’s children, Karen Peterson and husband, Scott and Katherine Totaro; six grandchildren, Justin Kraft and wife, Haley, Jared Kraft, Marc Totaro and wife, Destiny, Chloe Emmans, Cody Hull and J.D. Walker; six great-grandchildren, Stetson, Aspen, Adabelle and Magnolia Kraft and Lylia and Rosalie Totaro; and special friend, Marla Tokarz Gutknecht. 

Her parents, late husband Joseph Kraft, Jr. and one son, Paul Joseph Kraft III, preceded her in death.  

Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park 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 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

A celebration of life service for Carl Eugene (Gene) Owens, Sr., 91, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 9, 2023 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Owens passed away at 11:17 a.m., Monday, June 5, 2023, at his home.  

He was born April 18, 1932, at Williamsville, Missouri, to Luther Owens and Bertha Groves Owens.  On October 30, 2008, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Joan Schmidt.  Mr. Owens was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.  He enjoyed being outdoors, gardening and dancing.  He loved to make homemade salsa, the hotter the better!

He is survived by his wife, Joan Owens; seven children, Donna Cherry and husband, Keith, Carl Owens, Jr. and wife, Elaine, Eugenia Bauer and husband, Joe, Marcell Wray and husband, Kevin, Linda Owens, Marcus Owens, and Melissa Bradshaw; one step-daughter, Margaret Swafford; twenty-two grandchildren; thirty-six great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruby Melton Wideman and Frances Duncan; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Owens; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents, former wife, Donna Fox Owens, one daughter, Michelle Owens, granddaughter, Cara Owens, step-grandson, Gary House, great-grandson, Nathen Stone, six brothers, Thurman, Glenn, Calvin, Jim, Bobby, and Doyle, and two sisters, Ruth and Eva, preceded him in death.

Memorial services for Jacque Jacobs, 84, of West Plains, Missouri, will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm, at Pomona Christian Church.

Mrs. Jacobs passed away at 5:02 pm, June 3, 2023 at NHC West Plains, surrounded by her family.  

She was born May 5, 1939 in Spencer, Iowa to Henry Jr. and Helen Sharff. On November 29, 1957, she married James Louis Jacobs, Jr. They spent 57 loving years together. Jacque was a lifelong homemaker. She was an avid reader and enjoyed canning produce picked from the family garden.  Most of all, Jacque enjoyed spending time with those who called her Mom, Meme and Gigi. Family gatherings would often consist of more than 30 people and 4 generations sitting around the dinner table with her. Jacque will be remembered for having strong Christian beliefs and strength, providing advice and a level head through the most trying of times.  She raised her children to be strong and caring, her grandchildren to be independent and brave, and her great-grandchildren to be compassionate and loving. Jacque believed being a homemaker also meant that you learned to become a jack-of-all-trades. She always believed in whatever wild dream you came up with and supported you through it.

She is survived by her five children, three sisters, three brothers, nine grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Proceeding her in her death is her loving husband James Jacobs, her parents, son-in-law Robert Olsen and great-grandsons Jordan Kinder and Issac Rupp.

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

A Celebration of Life for Lola Lee Duncan, 83, College Station, Texas, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, June 10, 2023, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Duncan passed away May 18, 2023, in Texas.  Arrangements there were under the direction of Callaway-Jones Funeral Home.

She was born October 8, 1939, at Weston, Oregon, to the late Burt Wren and Della Robertson Wren.  She married the love of her life, Maurice L. Duncan, in December 1957, and they cherished fifty-three years together until his death in March 2011.  Mrs. Duncan was the co-owner of Duncan’s Deli and Lunch Box.  She was a homemaker, enjoyed singing, writing songs, playing piano, cooking, reading, and word puzzles.

She is survived by three children, Rane Cunningham and husband, Steve, Lisa Barrett, and Duane Duncan; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Nona McKinney, Spokane, Washington, and Marie Vincent, Salem, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, one son, Carl Duncan, three sisters, and six brothers preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made in Lola’s name to Hospice Brazos Valley and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.  

Graveside services for Richard Arllen Smith, Sr., 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Smith entered into eternal life on May 30, 2023.

He was born on July 28, 1931, to the parents of Sylvester and Lilly Cooper Smith in Cove, Ohio. He was married to Evelyn Kendrick on June 28, 1952.  Richard was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in the Korean War. He was of the Christian faith and loved his family immensely. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, going out to eat, being outside, and discussing God and the Bible. In his younger years, he enjoyed wood-working, gardening, and farming, and later enjoyed passing on his knowledge and memories to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his good friend, Marge Gunter; his daughter, Brenda Hammon, and his son, Rev. Richard A. Smith, Jr. and wife, Debra; seven grandchildren, Chris Smith and wife, Becky, Melissa Cooper and husband, Don, Amy Ferrel and fiancé, Robert Nitrauer, Trisha Moss and partner, Jason Nezat, Richard Hammon and wife, Shawna, Anna Bell and husband, Andrew, and Janetta Clawson and husband, Casey; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, his parents, thirteen brothers and sisters, and his son-in-law, Phillip Hammon.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Veteran Suicide Awareness or Mission 22 and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for James Dale Fowler, 93, Blue Mound, Texas, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 2, 2023, at Shaver Campground Cemetery, Oxford, Arkansas, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Fowler passed away at 9:00 p.m., Thursday, May 25, 2023, at his home.

He was born December 26, 1929, at West Plains, Missouri, to Reverend Claude Fowler and Vivian Marie Downen Fowler.  On September 24, 1949, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to LaVerne Bernice Franks, who preceded him in death December 9, 2014.  Mr. Fowler enjoyed life.  He was a truck driver and a jack of all trades.  He enjoyed tinkering and spending time outdoors.  Mr. Fowler loved his family.  He was an excellent father and a father-figure to many.

He is survived by two children, LaWanna VanderPluym, Blue Mound, Texas, and Jeffrey Alan Fowler and wife, Sally, Decatur, Texas; four grandchildren, Breanne VanderPluym, Megan VanderPluym, Heather Marie Fowler Russell, and Mandy Fowler Roberts; nine great-grandchildren, Jacob Russell, Andrew Russell, Madeline Brummet, Eleanore Brummet, Harrison Brummet, Paisley Brummet, Cadence Roberts, Colton Roberts, and Clayton Roberts; one sister, Carol Fowler, Ozark, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife, and three sisters preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Shaver Campground Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Faye June Jones, 87, Vancouver, Washington, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs.  Jones passed away April 26, 2023.   

She was born February 25, 1935, to Virginia and Marcus Shephard.  Faye grew up in California and lived in southern Oregon as a teenager. She came to Missouri with her father at the age of 15 where she met Loyd Jones.  Faye and Loyd were married July 28, 1951, in Long Beach, California.  They raised their family in Kalamazoo, Michigan and retired to West Plains, Missouri in 1999.  Loyd preceded her in death on December 27, 2019.  Faye lived in Washington for the last three years where she made many friends and enjoyed Bean Bag Baseball, Friday social time, decorating her apartment and visiting with fellow residents at her independent living home.  

She is survived by two children, 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  Daughter, Linda Finch, Granddaughter Nikkie Larsen (Jeff) Jacob and Katie Larsen, Grandson Adam Flowers, Christian and Brittany Flowers.  Granddaughter Ashley FInch (Mitchell).  Son, Larry Jones (Sally), Grandson Mac Jones (Kelly), Stephan Jones; two brothers Bill and Jim Shephard; one sister Barbara Sears; cousin, Erma Sells; and her dear friend, Lorine King. 

Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Senior Center and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775

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