Memorial services for Marvin Lee Polzin, 79, and Linda Eileen Polzin, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 4, 2021 in the Langston Street Chapel of the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. and Mrs. Polzin passed away at 10:45 p.m., Friday, November 19, 2021, at their home.
Marvin was born November 17, 1942, at Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Edward and Ethel Smith Polzin. He owned Polzin Upholstery in Great Bend, Kansas, and West Plains Used Furniture and Upholstery in West Plains, Missouri, and was well-known as a master upholsterer. After closing his upholstery shop, Mr. Polzin became a designer at Arlee Home Fashions. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, canning, and a good meal.
Linda was born January 19, 1946, at Kinsley, Kansas, to Archie Johnson and Marian Eileen Johnson Reichardt. She was a homemaker, and she enjoyed collecting Coke items and working puzzles. She also enjoyed her cats and her dog, Sadie.
On August 19, 1962, Marvin and Linda were married at Kinsley, Kansas.
They are survived by four children, Christine Nemnich and husband, Bradley, Great Bend, Kansas, Sherry Bowen and husband, Randy, Durand, Michigan, Michael Polzin, West Plains, Missouri, and Misty Dobbs and husband, Kenneth, West Plains, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, Shawn, Nicole, Derek, Megan, Leanne, Ashley, Shane, Jesse, Amber, Kelsey, Kendra, Deven, Kaylee, and Ashlynn; and twenty-seven great-grandchildren.
Marvin is also survived by one brother, James Polzin; and one sister, Jewell Lewis, and husband, Gerry.
Linda is also survived by two brothers, Gary Johnson and wife, Sally, and Harry Johnson and wife, Rose; and one sister, Bonnie West.
Marvin’s parents and three infant siblings preceded him in death. Linda’s parents 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 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Donald Everett (Don) Lancaster, 66, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 29, 2021 in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Lancaster passed away at 7:16 p.m., Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born December 19, 1954, at Thayer, Missouri, to Billy Lee (Bill) Lancaster and Shirley Ruth Anderson Lancaster of Koshkonong, Missouri. He attended Koshkonong Elementary School and then later, after the family moved to West Plains in 1965, attended West Plains Junior High School and then West Plains High School, from which he graduated in 1972. In 1974, he married Janet Lea Marshell of West Plains, and the couple welcomed their son, Donald Everett (D.) Lancaster, Jr, in 1978. After his graduation, Don began working at Meek’s Lumber Company at its West Plains yard. In the forty-five years that he worked for Meek’s, both at its West Plains and Mountain Grove facilities, he served in many roles, including manager and, for many years prior to his death, as manager of the contracting office, working with and getting to know thousands of customers, contractors, tradespeople, and vendor representatives. His work was important to him, as were the many men and women he worked alongside at the business. Don enjoyed living in the south-central Missouri Ozark region that he called home all of his life, working on his farm, hunting, fishing, and serving at church. He loved being with his family, especially during Christmas and the Fourth of July, visiting his son and family at their home in Indiana, camping at Alley Spring and Norfork Lake, and making many memories over the years with his immediate and extended family. He openly chose Jesus as his Savior at an early age and attended the Brandsville Church of God, where he had many wonderful friends.
He is survived by his mother, Shirley Ruth Lancaster; his wife, Janet Lancaster; one child, D. Lancaster and wife, Shelley, Covington, Indiana; three grandchildren, D. W. Lancaster, Faith Bodine and husband, Clayton, and Quinton Lancaster, all of Covington, Indiana; one brother, Dennis Lancaster and wife, Rita, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Charlotte Lancaster Cochran and husband, Vance, South Fork, Missouri.; his father-in-law, Roy Marshell, West Plains, Missouri.; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many cousins on both the Lancaster and Anderson side of the family.
His father, Billy Lee (Bill) Lancaster, and his mother-in-law, Ola Mae Marshell, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons or Brandsville Church of God and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Susan Marie Blair, 64, Thayer, Missouri, passed away at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, November 21, 2021, at her home.
She was born September 11, 1957, at Beloit, Wisconsin, to Clifford Carl Vigdal and Beverly Ann Pearsall Vigdal. Susan was a head cook most of her life. She loved to spend time with her family and friends.
She is survived by three children, Rick Blair, Jr., Buck Blair, and James Blair; two grandchildren, James Blair II and Braxton Jacobson; three brothers, Joe Vigdal and wife, Sue, Jake Vigdal and wife, Sassy, and Buck Vigdal; two sisters, Sandy Vigdal and Sharon Collins, one sister-in-law, Debbie Vigdal; a special cousin, Diane Ishee; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Her parents, husband, Rick Blair, Sr., two brothers, John Vigdal and Jim Vigdal, and one sister, Sonia Wetenkamp, preceded her in death.
Funeral services for Hester Hasseltine (Shrable) Pendergrass, 99, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Central Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Pendergrass passed away at 12:54 p.m., Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.
She was born July 9, 1922 at Vidette, Arkansas, to Ralph Emerson Shrable and Lillie Leeann Worsham Shrable. On January 29, 1938, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Roy Lester Pendergrass, and to this union eight children were born. They made their home in the Bakersfield, Missouri, community. Roy was a farmer, barber, and schoolteacher. Hasseltine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker to her husband, children, and grandchildren. Hasseltine still resided on the family farm until her departure, spending many wonderful hours with her immediate family of seventy-five plus members. She was a member of the Central Church of Christ in West Plains, Missouri. As the matriarch of a huge family, her greatest legacy to her present and future generations will be the Christian examples of her daily walk with her Lord. She studied her Bible and followed God’s commandments, and was ready for her long-awaited reward. Hasseltine loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart. She had the ability to make each individual feel very loved and spoiled them as much as she dared do. Spending countless hours in the country on the farm with Grandma and Grandpa, the grandchildren will be able to reminisce about requesting their favorite grandmother signature foods consisting of cocoa (chocolate) gravy and chocolate rolls. As they shared grandma and cousin time, they will remember afternoon popcorn breaks, swimming in the creek, playing games, feeding the birds and endless kittens, and adventures on the farm. Perhaps most of all, they witnessed Grandma’s undying love for their grandpa, and her love for Jesus and her family. Hasseltine also leaves behind her treasured caregiver, Shawn Kimbrough. She loved Shawn with all her heart, and Shawn remained faithful to Hasseltine to the end. The Pendergrass family enveloped Shawn as one of their own. Today we lost a core staple that we have known our entire lives, leaving us with a massive heartbreak. However, she leaves us with her faith, wisdom, and precious memories to last a lifetime.
Hasseltine is survived by six children, daughter Helen Harber and husband, Russell, Battlefield, Missouri, daughter June Campbell and husband, Joe, Raymore, Missouri, son R.A. Pendergrass and wife, Connie, Bakersfield, Missouri, son Larry Pendergrass and wife, Carol, Caulfield, Missouri, daughter Joy Holloway and husband, Dan, West Plains, Missouri, and daughter Cathy Baird and husband, Jackie, Rogersville, Missouri; twelve grandchildren and spouses; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; three siblings, Lessie (Shrable) Clay, Joyce (Shrable) Hodges and husband, Leon, and Jodie (Shrable) Sutherland and husband, Ronnie, all of Viola, Arkansas; two sisters-in-law, Wanda (Pendergrass) Shurtleff and husband, Ross, Marysville, Washington, and Faye Shrable, Lawrence, Kansas; and son-in-law, Darrell Ricky Davidson.
Her parents, husband, Roy Lester Pendergrass, son Roye Kenneth Pendergrass, daughter, Peggy Sue Pendergrass Davidson, eight siblings, Lorene, Rudolph, Lucille, Lehman, Curtis, Audine, Betty, and infant brother, Judgee, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Horton and Fannie Pendergrass, and special niece, Bonita Reynolds, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Pendergrass will lie in state from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Bakersfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, because of Hasseltine’s love for children and family, memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home or Paragould Children’s Home, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775. Memorial contributions also may be made to Bakersfield Cemetery.
Graveside services for George Daniel (Danny) Jenkins, 76, Peace Valley, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Redburn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Jenkins passed away at 5:30 p.m., Friday, November 19, 2021, at his home.
He was born October 29, 1945, at Grapevine, Texas, to George Franklin Jenkins and Lucille Andrews Jenkins. On December 22, 1965, he was married at Watsonville, California, to Shirley Joyce Spurgeon. Mr. Jenkins was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy. He enjoyed working on and restoring cars, hunting, and family time. He was of the Pentecostal faith.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of the family home; three children, Denis McCrackin, and husband, John, Peace Valley, Missouri, Daniel Jenkins and wife, Melissa, Ash Flat, Arkansas, and Shayla Jenkins, Springfield, Missouri; three sisters, Viola Cooley and husband, Monroe, Patricia Payne, and Barbara Clark and husband, Freddy; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
His parents, one son, George Franklin Jenkins, one grandson, George Wesley Jenkins, five brothers, John Wesley Story, Everett Story, Charles Ray Story, Sam Story, and Johnny Jenkins, and one sister, Wanda Gail Sanford, preceded him in death.
Mr. Jenkins will lie in state from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Redburn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Katherine Louise Bray, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Barnett Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bray passed away peacefully in her sleep at 2:00 a.m., Sunday, November 21, 2021, at her home.
She was born November 8, 1932, at West Plains, Missouri, to Buford and Dora Johnson Skaggs. On June 9, 1951, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Lloyd Wayne, Bray, who preceded her in death on December 16, 1998. Mrs. Bray was an LPN and worked in the OB department at the hospital in West Plains before taking early retirement to stay home and care for her grandchildren. She loved her job as an OB nurse and would often share fond memories of time spent with her co-workers and the babies she helped deliver. She also very much loved her family and cherished the time they spent together working in the hay fields, checking cows and enjoying family meals during holidays or just because. She was a member of the Trailblazers at New Hope Baptist Church, Peace Valley, Missouri and attended services at Smith Chapel, West Plains.
She is survived by three children, Linda Rhoades and husband, Frank, Willmar, Minnesota, Kathy Beaty and Lloyd Gene (Bud) Bray and wife, Catherine, all of West Plains; seven grandchildren, Jim Rhoades and Katherine (Justine) Bolstad, both of Willmar, Minnesota, Elaine Lippincott and husband, Todd, Sealy, Texas, Lea Ann Cozort and Kevin Bray and wife, Ashley, all of West Plains, Keith Bray, Kansas City, Missouri and Justin Bray and wife, Kayci, Springfield, Missouri; seven great-grandchildren, Jessie Rhoads, Gaborick Bolstad, Maddox Bolstad, Emilie Lippincott, Ava Lippincott, Karter Fredrick and Mason Bray; three siblings, Kenneth Skaggs, John Skaggs and wife, Gaye and Karen Henry, all of West Plains; brother-in-law, Tom Wiles, Springfield, Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her parents, husband, an infant brother, Jesse Joe Skaggs, two sisters, Vida Hall and Evelyn Gayle Wiles and one great-granddaughter, Ellie Thompson, 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.
Graveside services for Dortha Lea Staggs, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 10, 2021 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Staggs passed away at 12:00 a.m., Friday, November 19, 2021, at her home.
She was born August 9, 1929, at West Plains, Missouri, to Edward W. Pirnack and Roxie Bean. Dortha graduated from West Plains High School, and she attended a business college in Springfield, Missouri. On August 13, 1955, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Earl (Wayne) Staggs, who preceded her in death September 17, 2017. Mrs. Staggs enjoyed the floor covering business, and she and Wayne owned Staggs Floor Covering for forty years. She also enjoyed crafts, interior decorating, and flowers, as well as fishing and the outdoors. Mrs. Staggs was a member of the West Plains Elks Lodge #2418 Auxiliary. She attended First Christian Church.
She is survived by two children, Paul Jolliff and wife, Lana, Metropolis, Illinois, and Bob Jolliff and wife, Darlene, West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and one sister, Billie Venneman and husband, Bill, West Plains, Missouri.
Her parents and her husband preceded her in death.
Graveside services for Howard Mitchell Benton, 85, Peace Valley, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 20, 2021 at New Hope Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Benton passed away at 2:06 p.m., Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at Ozarks Healthcare.
Mitchell was born April 13, 1936 at Rogersville, Tennessee, to Ad Benton and Lori Love Benton. He relocated to Rockford, Illinois, as a teen where he lived until he retired at the age of sixty-two. Mitchell later moved to Peace Valley, Missouri, to farm, which he loved to do. He enjoyed working outdoors, cattle farming, and gardening. He loved his chickens that woke him up at 5:00 a.m. daily. He loved the rolling hills and beautiful landscape of his land. Mitchell passed time by watching old westerns on TV.
He is survived by his daughter, Margaret Garst, who was his sole caretaker until his death; three grandchildren, Timothy Benton (Roico), Thomas Reedy, and Kayla McBain; four great-grandchildren, Jordyn Benton, Reeki Benton, Angelo Benton, and Timothy Benton, Jr.; one brother, James R. Benton; two sisters, Annie Hensley and Rosie Ward; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife. Victoria Benton, great-granddaughter, Kathleen Reedy, brother, Ernest Benton, and sister, Ruby Benton preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be next to his loving wife at New Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Paulette Daniels, 72, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 7:31 p.m., Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at Ozarks Healthcare.
She was born July 6, 1949, at Benton, Illinois, to Dencil Paul Smothers and Margaret Bergin Smothers. She was married to Robert Allen Daniels, who preceded her in death in January, 2018. Mrs. Daniels worked in economic development. She enjoyed quilting and gardening. She was a Christian.
She is survived by three children, Kelly Daniels, Dyer, Indiana, Kenneth Robert Daniels, East Chicago, Indiana, and Kevin Robert Daniels, Thailand; five grandchildren, Kayah Daniels, Jéan Paul Contreras, Cody Daniels, Jasmine Daniels, and Alyssa Daniels; one great-grandchild, Alexander Saul Contreras; two brothers, Bruce Smothers and Michael Smothers; and two sisters, Barbara Yarnell and Lelie Levin.
Her parents, husband, and one brother, Brian Smothers, preceded her in death.
Elsie Virginia Shores Lindquist, 81, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:10 a.m., Monday, November 15, 2021, at Pleasant Valley Manor.
Mrs. Lindquist was born December 9, 1939, at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, to Frank Shores and Nettie Newell Shores. She was the youngest of seven children. On December 7, 1954, she was married at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania to Thomas Paul Lindquist, who preceded her in death September 26, 2007. Mrs. Lindquist resided in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, for many years and considered it home. She moved to West Plains four years ago to be near family as her health began to decline.
She is survived by three children, Jeanne Winter, West Plains, Missouri, Cindy Veith and husband, Michael, Frederic, Wisconsin, and Tom Lindquist, Jr., Neptune, New Jersey; five grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Her parents, husband, and siblings preceded her in death.
Michael Lee Williamson, 63, Pomona, Missouri, passed away at 11:06 a.m., Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at his home.
Mr. Williamson was born October 24, 1958, at Ardmore, Oklahoma, the son of James Williamson and Janette Grey. He was a wonderful, caring man, husband, and grandfather.
He is survived by his life partner, Katherine Johnson; two children, Jeffery and Sierra; four step-children, Ernest, Mary, Eva, and Kevin; eleven grandchildren; and two sisters, Sherry Williamson Carr and Antonette Strickland.
His parents, one brother, Terry Williamson, and one sister, Toni Williamson, preceded him in death.
Funeral services for Susan Awayan Blair, 52, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 18, 2021 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Blair passed away at 6:56 a.m., Monday, November 15, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born December 5, 1968, at Midsayap, Philippines, to Jesus Awayan and Nenita Avelino. On December 27, 1999, she was married at Hong Kong to Paul Blair, who preceded her in death on January 21, 2017. Mrs. Blair worked at Arlee’s Home Fashions. She enjoyed riding motorcycles, gardening and shopping; she loved her family, her girls and her dogs.
She is survived by her significant other, Donnie Bookout, West Plains, Missouri; three daughters, Kyla Blair, West Plains, Missouri, Ashlee Jackson, Thayer, Missouri and Savannah Jackson, Thayer, Missouri; her mother, Nenita Avelino; four brothers, Allan Awayan and wife, Cecilia, Anthony Awayan, Arnold Awayan and wife, May Grace, all of the Philippines and Ariel Awayan and wife, Rose, State of California; three sisters, FeDagala and husband, Roel, Grace Boiser and husband, Gabino, all of the Philippines and Gemma Canal and husband, Ruel, State of California; and many nieces and nephews
Her father and husband preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Ruby (Maxine) Foster Napier, 91, Ozark, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 19, 2021 in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Napier passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus at 10:55 p.m., Friday, November 12, 2021, at her home.
She was born August 29, 1930, at Viola, Arkansas, to Roy and Evelyn Foster. In 1957, Maxine married Clyde Lawrence (Jot) Napier. They have lived in West Plains, Springfield, Noel, Republic, and now Ozark, Missouri. She was actively involved in church in many capacities throughout her life, and she was known for serving others.
She leaves her husband, Clyde (Jot) Napier, of the family home; one son, Mark Napier and wife, Marijo, Grove, Oklahoma; one daughter, Shelley Napier, Ozark, Missouri; one grandson, Bryan Napier and wife, Amy; two granddaughters, Sara Foster and husband, Matt, and Emily Baker and husband, Dustin; one bonus granddaughter, Toyna Scott; seven great-grandchildren; four bonus great-grandchildren; one niece, Becky Bruner Barnett and husband, Randy; and two great-nephews, Michael Barnett and Justin Barnett and wife, Maddlyn.
Her parents, George Roy and Evelyn Rebecca Brown Foster, and sister, Darlene Rose Lee Foster Bruner, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Friday, in the Rose Chapel. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Eagles’ Wings Ministries of the Ozarks and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Visitation services for Pauline Opal Hensley, 96, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 18, 2021at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. A Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Frazier Cemetery, Gower, Missouri.
Mrs. Hensley passed away at 9:25 a.m., Saturday, November 13, 2021, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born June 25, 1925, at Londale, Missouri, to Sigle L. Watkins and Ernie F. North Watkins. Pauline was born and raised in Ozark County, Missouri. She graduated from Bakersfield High School with the Class of 1944. Polly then moved to Kansas City. When WWII broke out, she became a true “Rosie the Riveter” working at Pratt, Whitney and North American Aviation. After the war, she met and married William Church; together they raised daughters, Shirley and Patti in a fun and loving home in Kansas City, Kansas. Polly was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and was very active in PTA, serving in local and state officer positions while her girls attended Bryant Grade School. Upon retiring from Macy’s Department Store, she stayed on the family farm in Gower, Missouri that she shared with her husband, Claud Hensley. She had huge gardens every year and loved quilting and helping with the horses and cattle; she also enjoyed camping, traveling and loved life. Polly moved back to southern Missouri in 2006 where she lived in West Plains until her passing. Some of her last words were “I love my family.” Mrs. Hensley was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, Pomona, Missouri.
She is survived by three children, Larry Watkins, Shirley Akers and Patricia Burge; special daughter-in-law, Rita (Hensley) Pugh; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husbands, one sister, Eula Forbes, two brothers, Ray Lewis and Dale Watkins, son-in-law, Cay Burge and special sister-in-law, Kathy Watkins, preceded her in death.
The family wishes to thank West Vue Nursing Center and the staff for the exceptional loving care shown to Miss Pauline. Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Auxiliary, Alton, Missouri and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Laundie Aikens, 48, Koshkonong, Missouri, passed away at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at her home. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Doris Luraney Patillo, 98, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Fowler Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Patillo passed away at 2:26 p.m., Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at Ozarks Healthcare.
She was born September 19, 1923, at Sycamore, Ozark County, Missouri, to Samuel Huston Hunt and Esta Purvania Bushong Hunt. On December 24, 1940, she was married at Willow Springs, Missouri, to Eugene Hayden Patillo, who preceded her in death July 8, 2011. Doris was brought to Caulfield, Missouri, by her parents in 1924, when the area was known as Brady, Missouri. Her father, Samuel Hunt, and his brother, Rob Hunt, started Hunt Brothers Store. A post office was established in 1929. Samuel was commissioned Postmaster, and the area became known as Caulfield, named after the governor, Henry Stewart Caulfield. Doris’s father remained in the grocery store and post office for twenty-one years. In 1944 and 1945, while Doris’s husband was serving in the United States Army during World War II, she worked in her brother, Terry Bradford Hunt’s general grocery in Galena, Missouri. She returned to Caulfield where she and her husband bought the store, and it became Patillo Grocery. In 1954, Eugene was appointed Postmaster. On August 15, 1953, Doris took an oath of office, and for the next twenty-seven years she actively finished her career in the Patillo Grocery, service station, and post office. She also helped on the family beef cattle farm.
She is survived by one son, Billy Gene Patillo and wife, Patsy Ruth Bell Patillo, West Plains, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Randee Carol Smith Patillo, Willard, Missouri; three grandchildren, Richard Gene Patillo and wife, Amy Rachel Hensley Patillo, Verona, Missouri, Chris Allan Patillo and wife, Joanna Rachel Bogle Patillo, West Plains, Missouri, and Douglas Wayne Patillo and wife, Christina Kay Grabber Patillo, Willard, Missouri; one granddaughter-in-law, Jennifer Yvette Reid Patillo, Willard, Missouri; ten great-grandchildren, Boston Gene and Adeline Marlee Patillo, Verona, Missouri, Kaley Jo and Hattie Jean Patillo, West Plains, Missouri, Jackson Hunter Patillo and wife, Bailey Meagan Kram Patillo, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Brody Scott Patillo, Santa Barbara, California, Savanna McCall Patillo, Chadley Olivia Patillo, Ariana Nicole Patillo, and Megan Grace Patillo, all of Willard, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews who were very near and dear.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Eugene (born at Dawt, Missouri, August 29, 1920, died July 8, 2011), two brothers, Teddy Bradford Hunt (born October 22, 1900, died April 22, 1962), and Lewis Benton Hunt (born January 1, 1914, died February 16, 1959), one son, Jackie Don (born October 12, 1948, died April 25, 2014), and one grandson, David Bryan Patillo (born August 24, 1968, died August 8, 2021).
Memorial contributions may be made to Fowler Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Dale Driskell, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 15, 2021 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Driskell passed away at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at his home in his sleep, as he wished.
He was born October 16, 1946, at Dora, Missouri, to Virl and Lola May Driskell. On March 24, 1969, he was married at Emerson, Iowa, to Nancy Haines and to their union two children, were born, Trent in 1973 and Cheri in 1974. Dale was raised in and around the Dora and West Plains, Missouri areas. He served with the United States Army from 1973 until 1975. Mr. Driskell held several jobs through the years, such as farming, truck driving, gas station attendant and lastly retired after twenty years of service at Eaton Transmission, Shenandoah, Iowa in 2000. In 2004 he moved back to West Plains with his family. Dale enjoyed fishing, hunting and riding his Harley, trike and 4-wheeler until his health started failing him.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Nancy, of the family home; two children, Trent Driskell, West Plains, Missouri and Cheri Huffmaster and husband, Danny, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; two granddaughters, Melanie and Annie; two brothers, David Driskell, Olden, Missouri and Larry Driskell, Tecumseh, Nebraska; five sisters, Arlean Szynskie, Tabor, Iowa, Irene Garrett, West Plains, Missouri, Eulah Marie Johnson, State of Illinois; Lucy Bjorgaard, West Plains, Missouri and Linda Bloomquist, Maryville, Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
His parents, two infant brothers, one brother, Junior Driskell and two sisters, Joyce Ahrens and Thelma Lanam, preceded him in death.
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.
Graveside services for James Earl Wilson, 80, Buffalo, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 15, 2021 at Cureall Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Wilson passed away at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.
He was the son of Dorothy and James T. Wilson, Jr. and was born on January 11, 1941, at Hocomo, Missouri. He graduated from Osage High School, Kansas City in 1959. Mr. Wilson was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. He loved hunting, fishing and anything outdoors and enjoyed spending time with family and cookouts. He was also a poet and was a member of the Christian County Moose Lodge 2396. Mr. Wilson attended Six Mile Baptist Church, Sibley, Missouri.
He is survived by one son, Kevin Wilson and wife, Joyce, Buffalo, Missouri; two grandchildren, Nicole Schroeder and husband, Ehren, Fair Grove, Missouri and Austin Price, Buffalo, Missouri; and two great-grandchildren, Evelyn Grace (Evie) Schroeder and Drake Easton Schroeder.
His Dad, James and Mother, Dorothy, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Minnie Faye Bray, 90, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 11:35 a.m., Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at West Vue Nursing Center. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Alta Fay Smith Newberry, 94, Overland Park, Kansas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 13, 2021 in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Newberry entered into eternal rest November 6, 2021, with her two daughters beside her. Alta was born at Dora, Missouri, May 13, 1927, to Henry and Cora Owen Smith. She had ten brothers and sisters, all deceased. She has one sister-in-law, Wilma Wolverton, of Grain Valley, Missouri.
Alta lived a happy life. In her teen years she met a handsome young man at church and there was an immediate attraction between them. His name was Ben. Soon after that, he was drafted to the Army for World War II and shipped to Germany. During his time there, they wrote to each other. She waited for him and, upon his return, he immediately went to see her. They knew they wanted to spend their lives together, so on November 2, 1946, she and Benjamin Newberry eloped. True love. She and Ben had a very loving and lasting marriage of sixty-five years. Their faith in God, as members of the Church of Christ, was priority in their life together. In the early years, she and Ben lived in Kansas City, Missouri, and Alta filled her days taking care of her girls. She enjoyed sewing for her girls and helping others with food, child care, or transportation. She enjoyed helping others who were in need. They bought a small house in Kansas City to raise their girls. Life was good. Eventually, her girls married and had children. She loved being a grandmother with five grandkids. Alta was very creative and loved doing crafts, ceramics, making quilts, and sewing. In 1991, when Ben retired, they moved back home to the Ozarks, living in West Plains, Missouri. They enjoyed their life there, surrounded by family and friends. When Ben passed away ten years ago, Alta moved to Overland Park, Kansas, living close to her daughter, Janet. Anyone that knew her, loved her. She was very special and known by all as kind, caring. and loving. She will be missed by all who loved her.
She and Ben had two daughters, Phyllis Hoover (husband, Don), Dearborn Heights, Michigan, and Janet Treanor (husband, Bob), Olathe, Kansas; five grandchildren, Darren Watson (Stacey), Amie Farkas (Matt), Timothy Watson (deceased), Melissa Settle (Dave), and Chris Reed (Christi); ten great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, in the Rose Chapel, Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
