Juline Rena (Julie) Edwards, 65, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 7:01 a.m., Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at her home.
She was born June 11, 1955, at Redondo Beach, California, to Henry Podoll and Bernice Elnore Lillian Mickelson Podoll Spotts. On June 7, 1974, she was married at West Plains, to Ronnie Edwards. Mrs. Edwards was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
She is survived by her husband, Ronnie Edwards; two children, Mike Edwards and Mark Edwards and wife, Britne; two grandchildren, Alexis and Landon; one brother, Harvey Podoll and wife, Sandy, Redondo Beach, California; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, step-father, Glen Campbell Spotts and one sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Bill White, preceded her in death.
Born March 5, 1945, left this life on September 14, 2020 to be in Heaven with all family members who passed before her.
Andrea was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; she lived her life with and for her family and friends.
She and her husband were married in September, 1966 and had a great life together (55 years) and really enjoy their two children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren through their life together.
We lost our beloved Andrea, but Heaven gained a sweet-kind-loving spirit. Till we meet again, your loving family and friends.
Arranagements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, cards may be mailed to the family c/o Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Hadley Van Hathcock, 77, Kansas City, Missouri, formerly of Gainesville, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 18, 2020 at Gospel Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Hathcock passed away September 12, 2020, at his home.
He was born December 5, 1942, to Martin L. Hathcock and Leongoree (Morrison) Hathcock. On September 24, 1961, he was married to Mary Roberts. They would have celebrated 59 years this month. Hadley worked for the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department for 30 years. After retirement he worked as a Private Detective and a school bus driver. He enjoyed fishing and gardening. Hadley was a proud Christian for 48 years.
Hadley is survived by his wife, Mary; one daughter, Cynthia Hathcock of the family home; one son, Darin Hathcock and wife, Brandi, of Overland Park, Kansas; and three grandchildren, Nixon Van Hathcock, Marston Van Hathcock and Vandyl Floyd Hathcock.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two children, Michael Van Hathcock and Brant Alan Hathcock.
A memorial service for Eleanor Pace, 90, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 19, 2020, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, West Plains, Missouri.
Mrs. Pace passed away peacefully at home on March 28, 2020.
Eleanor was born on April 3, 1929 in Claryville, Missouri to Frances and Elvis Brewer, the youngest of 5 children. She was raised on a farm in Perry County, Missouri where she worked all the chores with her family and attended Mass every Sunday. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1947 and began working at the International Shoe Corporation in Perryville, Missouri. In 1954 she moved to St. Louis, Missouri to work at Vickers Electric Company where she met her husband, William E. Pace. They married on April 7, 1956. Eleanor continued to work while raising her family and retired from Boat Levelers Company after 25 years of service. Eleanor loved to cook for her family and watch the St. Louis Cardinals while enjoying a Bud Light. She was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed playing Rummikub with her friends and she cherished her visits with her sister, Marie. We will miss her dearly.
She is survived by her three children; Scott (Peggy) Pace, Edwardsville, Illinois; Susan (Richard) Bowles, West Plains, Missouri; Barbara (Colin) Kerwin, Dallas, Texas; eight grandchildren, Emily (Jimmy) Connell, Molly (Drew) Kluemke, Danny (Jenni) Meyer, Tommy (Kylie) Meyer, Joey Meyer (Stephanie Joiner,fiancée), Erin Kerwin and Luke Kerwin; five great-grandchildren Eleanor Connell, Seamus Connell, William Meyer, Ava Meyer and Elliot Meyer; one brother, Ivan (Yvonne) Brewer; one sister Marie Modde; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 55 years, William E., her brother, Elliot Brewer, her sister, Lavina Moranville and her granddaughter, Ann Kathryn Kerwin.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Geneva L. Stevenson, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 13, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Stevenson passed away at 12:52 p.m., Thursday, September 10, 2020, at her home.
She was born May 8, 1925, at Sweden, Missouri, to Archie Horace Pettyjohn and Rutha Mae Plumb Pettyjohn. On October 25, 1992, she was married at Las Vegas, Nevada, to Gerald Wayne Stevenson, who preceded her in death on September 5, 1998. Geneva was the owner of Marilyn’s Boutique Shop for fifteen years. She loved music and enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Mrs. Stevenson attended Pottersville Missionary Baptist Church.
She is survived by five children, Glenda Cunningham and husband, Dallas, Marilyn Quick, Jerry Cook and wife, Marcia, Ralph Dobbins and Mary Ziegler and husband, Larry; seventeen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one brother, Bill Pettyjohn; one sister, Phyllis Hamby; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two grandsons, Eric Barlow and Caleb Brown, two brothers, Lloyd and Eugene Pettyjohn and one sister, Audrey Ralfs, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Stevenson will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 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.
Graveside services for Ruby Elvira Baxter, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 12, 2020 at Cureall Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Baxter passed away at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born March 23, 1925, at Cureall, Missouri, to Walter Jackson Chappell and Bertha Florence Houser Cook Chappell. On November 1, 1943, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Hobert Plas Baxter, who preceded her in death on August 15, 2006. Ruby had one brother, Lee Roy Cook and two sisters, Opal and Bessie Chappell. She attended Valley Star School, Caulfield and Bakersfield schools and later obtained her GED and CNA license. Mrs. Baxter had been employed at International Shoe Factory, Herb’s Market and Ozarks Medical Center. She attended Victory Family Worship Center, where she was the oldest living member at the time of her death.
She is survived by her sister, Bessie Chappell, West Plains; three nieces, Linda DeVaul, West Plains, Carolyn Warden and husband, Larry, Ferguson, Missouri and Connie Davidson and husband, Jim, West Plains; and numerous nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, brother, Lee Roy Cook and his wife, Lorene, sister, Opal Collins and her husband, Floyd, two nieces, Betty Sue Cook and Kathy Hawkins and one nephew, Gary Collins, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Baxter will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Cureall Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Ora “Marie” Skinner, 78, Gamaliel, Arkansas, will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 10, 2020, at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Marie passed away Friday morning, September 4, with family at her bedside, following her second courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born November 17, 1941, in West Plains, Missouri, to James and Ada Bale.
Marie attended Hughlett (better known as Hideout) School, grades 1 through 5. She attended Riggs School for grades 6 through 8. Both one-room schoolhouses are located and still standing near Fanchon, Missouri.
Marie was a middle child and a tomboy. She loved to fish, climb trees, help out on the family farm, and play ball. She accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age at Elk Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where her father was an elder.
After graduating from West Plains High School in 1959, Marie left her hometown. She ventured to Kansas City with her art portfolio to pursue her dream of working at Hallmark. Marie’s dream came true. She designed and painted cards for Hallmark. While in Kansas City, she met and married Ron Brundige. From that union, a daughter was born, Carrie Lynn Brundige. After Marie’s marriage ended in 1965, she moved back to her hometown to raise Carrie with the help of her family.
Upon returning to West Plains, Marie went to work for First National Bank on the square. She remained at that location (through many bank name changes) for 33 years. She eventually became Real Estate Loan Supervisor, a position she held until her retirement. Marie finished her banking career after eight years at Community First Bank. She retired in 2006.
It’s true that a parent’s first priority is to be a parent. However, Marie and Carrie are proof that it is also possible to be great friends, too! They had many wonderful adventures together: catching moths, trying to catch a tarantula for show and tell (even though Carrie didn’t want it), fighting a grass fire, decorating home/church/bank for Christmas, bank Christmas parties, and on and on. However, for Marie, something, someone was missing.
In 1981, Marie met the love of her life, Lewis Thomas “Tom” Skinner, Sr. The timing could not have been better. Carrie would be leaving home to finish college soon. Marie was a loving, doting wife. She and Tom loved being outside, camping and fishing. Their favorite spot was Red Bank Campground in Gamaliel, AR, on Norfork Lake. They built their dream home there in 2002. They shared many adventures at the lake; fishing, surviving storms, picking up rock for their home, etc. Baiting hooks with nightcrawlers was an art for Marie!
Painting, cross stitching, anything artsy was Marie’s passion. She excelled at hand piecing and sewing quilts. She made numerous quilts, which she gifted to family and friends. Marie loved well, always putting others first. She was very proud of her family, her children and her grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her loving father, James Bale; beloved mother, Ada Bale; two brothers, Charles Bale and Jimmy Bale (infant); one brother-in-law, Al Baker; and precious younger sister, Sylvia “Louise” Andrews.
Marie is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Lewis Thomas “Tom” Skinner, Sr.; a daughter and her spouse, Carrie and Rick Windes; a sister, Barbara Baker; a sister-in-law, Betty Bale; a son by marriage and his spouse, Lewis Thomas “Tommy” Jr. and Jan Skinner; a daughter by marriage and her spouse, Orvella and Randy Blackburn; five granddaughters, Kelli and Kayla Windes, Shawna Conner, Angela DeWeese, and Sherry Uchtman; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends who will miss her very much.
Mrs. Skinner will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for George Franklin Willard, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 11, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Willard passed away at 6:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his family.
He was born March 23, 1925, at West Plains, Missouri, to Frank Willard and Pearl Ford Willard. Mr. Willard was a WWII veteran, having proudly served with the United States Army in the Pacific as a TSGT with the 6th Infantry Division from 1943 to 1946. He married Dorothy Voorhis on June 11, 1949, in Salem, Arkansas. They were joined with George’s brother, Jim and Dorothy’s sister, Ethel, who were also wed that day. George worked for Howell-Oregon Electric Co-op until 1951, when he and his family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he worked in a steel mill as an electrician and machine operator until he retired in 1988, returning to West Plains in 1993. Early vacations were spent at Bidwell Point on Norfolk Lake for many years with family and friends. Later they became huge bluegrass music fans and spent many years traveling to festivals where they made many lifelong friends. Dorothy’s sister, Ethel Willard, was instrumental in founding Heart of the Ozarks Bluegrass Association. George accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized in 2003.
He is survived by two daughters, Patty Willard, West Plains, Missouri and Sherry McBride and husband, Rick, Winona, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Jeanette Willard, Gladstone, Missouri; eight grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; one brother, Jim Willard, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife of sixty-nine years, one son, Steven Willard, one brother, Herschel Willard and three sisters, Marie Wheat, Pauline Collins and Naomi Dye, preceded him in death.
Mr. Willard will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Three Rivers Hospice, West Plains, Missouri and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Myrtle Louise “Sofie” Cook, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 11, 2020 at the Gospel Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cook passed away at 1:35 p.m., Saturday, September 5, 2020 at NHC Healthcare.
She was born August 15, 1927 at Elijah, Missouri, the daughter of the late Noah Burleson and Lena Roberts Burleson. Sofie was the middle child of three children. She attended the Pottersville School and graduated from Bakersfield High School. On November 24, 1946, she was married at West Plains to Everett Cook who preceded her in death on April 3, 2014. She taught two terms of school at Cureall, but was best known for being a meticulous homemaker, an excellent cook, and a wonderful caregiver to her mother for many years. She was a faithful member of the Gospel Hill Church for many years and later attended the Curry Street Church of Christ.
Sofie is survived by a daughter, Linda Roberts of Caulfield, Missouri; two grandsons, Brandon Roberts and wife, Hillary of Rogersville, Missouri and Brian Roberts and wife, Martha of Berlin, Germany; one great-granddaughter, Clara; her best friend and sister, Gladys Hayes of Springfield, Missouri; special friends, John and June Roberts of West Plains, Missouri; and sister-in-law, Bobbye Burleson of Albuquerque, New Mexico; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, and a brother, O. L (Buck) Burleson, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Cook will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Thursday, September 10th, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and may be left or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Karl Green, 78, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:28 a.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at his home. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Creighton Spencer Hartog-Harring, 24, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 10, 2020 at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Harring passed away Thursday, September 3, 2020 at his home.
He was born June 11, 1996 at West Plains, Missouri to Shawn Harring and Linda Hartog. Mr. Harring graduated from the West Plains High School with the Class of 2014 and enjoyed 4-Wheeling, cooking and was an avid sports fan.
He is survived by his daughter, Kinleigh Marie Claire Harring; mother, Linda Hartog and special friend, Robert Gladden, West Plains, Missouri; father, Shawn Harring and wife, Jill, Mountain View, Missouri; sister, Braden Harring; grandparents, John and Carol “Tootie” Hartog, West Plains, Missouri, Dean Harring, Mountain View, Missouri and Denis and Sharon Dagoff, Reno, Nevada; aunts and uncles, Tony and Lisa Aksamit, Jamie and Joe Compilli, Brooke and Bob Black, Jill and Steve Harlan and Jason Harring; two nieces, Bryleigh Brawley and Brynnleigh Harrell; numerous cousins, including Josh, Amanda & Carlie Aksamit.
One brother, Bradley Harrell, preceded him in death.
Creighton will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 9th at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Family and may be left or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service for Gary Duane Graber, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 5:00 p.m., Monday, September 7, 2020 at Cornerstone Worship Center, West Plains, Missouri. A memorial service will also be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, September 12, 2020, at Arlington Christian School, Arlington Washington.
Mr. Graber passed away at 7:00 a.m., Thursday, September 3, 2020, at his home.
He was born October 5, 1933, at Richie, Montana, to William P. Graber and Lillie Schwartz Graber. In 1958 he was married to Denny Ruth, who preceded him in death in 1992. On April 23, 1993, he was married at Everett, Washington, to Ruth Anders-Campbell. Mr. Graber was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. He was a long time rancher and enjoyed working and spending time with his family and friends. Mr. Graber founded Arlington Christian School in Arlington, Washington and founded Oso Community Chapel where he served as Pastor for eight years. Mr. Graber was a member of Cornerstone Family Worship Center, West Plains, Missouri.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Graber; three children, Gary Graber and wife, Nadine, Barry Graber and wife, Lisa and Jerry Graber and wife, Cherene; two step-children, Lisa Mehrtens and Israel Campbell and wife, Rachel; seventeen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one sister, Naomi Devlin.
His parents, first wife, Denny Ruth Graber and two brothers, preceded him in death.
Burial will be in the Oso-Pioneer Cemetery, Arlington, Washington. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship, Inc., Wycliffe Bible Translators or Gideon’s International 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 Brenda Elaine Guilliams, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 5, 2020 at Rubydoo’s Vintage Events, 9240 County Road 9190, West Plains, Missouri under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Brenda passed away at 10:23 a.m., Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at her home.
She was born October 18, 1951, at Risco, Missouri, to Dewey “Duane” Hensley and Marie Sawyer Hensley. On November 14, 1970, she was married at West Plains, to James “Jim” Guilliams. Brenda was the office manager for over thirty years at Jones Eye Center, a job that she loved and was very committed to. She loved spending time with her family and the outdoors; her grandkids were her life. She hated to cook! Her beautiful smile will be missed by all.
She is survived by her husband, Jim Guilliams, of the family home; three children, Mary Ann Kenslow and husband, Scott, West Plains, Sarah Janchyshyn and husband, Michael, Greenwood, Missouri and James Adam Guilliams and wife, Allison, New Market, Alabama; seven grandchildren, Isaac, Avery, Caleb, Connor, Addison, Heidi and soon to be, James David; her mother, Marie Hensley, West Plains; one sister, Lois Frazier and husband, Rick, West Plains; and many nieces and nephews.
Her father preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains or The Shriners and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775. Because of Brenda’s big heart and concerns for others, feel free to wear a mask and social distance at your own discretion.
Ronald Wayne Carlson, 77, of West Plains died on Saturday, August 29 at the Mountain View Medical Center in Mountain View, MO. He had been in declining health for the past two years, and he passed away in his sleep from heart failure.
Ronald was born into the Baptist faith on March 13, 1943 in Grand Forks, ND. Father Ernest W. Carlson (1889-1979), Mother Clara A. Johnson (1894-1990), older sister Rosemary, and Ronald lived on Union Avenue in Fergus Falls, MN. Ronald first graduated from Fergus Falls High School in May of 1961 and then with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Moorhead State College, Moorhead, MN in June of 1965. He then started teaching in South Washington County schools (MN), where he met his future wife Karen Lucia Gilthvedt. They met while working at the same school, and Ron said to Karen at their first introduction, “Your last name is complicated, you should change it to something easy like Carlson.” Ron and Karen married a short time later on 26 Jun 1966 in Roseau, MN (hometown of his bride). Ronald then volunteered to serve in the Vietnam War and in 1968 went to training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. This is where Ronald appreciated the mild winters in Missouri compared to his time in Minnesota. He then served in the Arm’s 101st Airborne, Administrative Division until his discharge in 1970 as a Specialist Five. While in the army, he earned the Army Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal. After his discharge, he returned to Moorhead State College to earn a Master of Science degree in Education. Ronald and Karen had two children – son Thad (b. 1971, Roseau, MN) and daughter Sari (b. 1973, St. Paul, MN). Ronald retired from teaching after 20 years and opened a small business called “Eagle Lake Lumber” near Ashby, MN where he supplied building materials to local carpenters. Not long after the death of his wife Karen in 2001, Ronald remembered the mild winters in southern Missouri and moved to West Plains, MO where he resided at 2304 Burke Avenue until shortly before his death. He was active with the West Plains Senior Center and the Community Garden. Ronald liked to fish and hunt ducks, pheasants, and deer younger in his life, and later in life, he liked to garden at home, read books, and brew his own beer. His favorite places to eat in West Plains were Colton’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and the Pizza Shack. Ron Carlson was a patriot and the best America has to offer. He was a respected family man, was strong in his faith, got an advanced degree in education, was a teacher, a combat veteran, and a small business owner.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brother-in-law Gary Gilthvedt.
He is survived by his sister Rosemary and her husband Dean Colness, children Sari and Thad, brother-in-law Ron Gilthvedt and his wife Dr. Elizabeth, and by several nieces and nephews.
Ron’s final wishes were to be cremated, and for his ashes to be spread in Otter Tail Lake (MN), where his family had a cabin from his younger years until he had a family of his own. His headstone marker will be placed in the Northwood Cemetery off the Moose River Road in northwest Beltrami County, MN alongside his wife’s final resting place.
Graveside services for Lena Kate Isom, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 31, 2020 at Barnett Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Isom passed away at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 27, 2020, at West Vue Green House Homes.
She was born May 24, 1940, at Hickory, North Carolina, to William Andrew Cornett and Blanche May Cornett. On September 12, 1959, she was married at Waldorf, Maryland, to William “Bill” Isom. Lena was an avid bowler. Mrs. Isom was a member of New Hope Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School Teacher; she loved teaching the Senior Ladies Class.
She is survived by two children, Angela Meyer and husband, Bruce and Jeffery Isom and wife, Holly, all of West Plains; two grandchildren, Ashley Taylor and husband, Kory and Andrew J. Isom; two brothers, Harry Cornett and wife, Marlene, State of Virginia and James Cornett, State of Maryland; five sisters, Lois Adams and husband, Glen, State of Texas, Patricia Langley and husband, Rob, State of Virginia, Carolyn Moore and husband, Skip, Lynn Zindler and husband, Marty and Ellen Pancake and husband, Johnny, all of State of Maryland; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one sister, Mary Southard and her mother-in-law, Hallie Isom, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Isom will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideon Bible Society or New Hope Baptist Church 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 Scott Duane Weatherford, 50, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 29, 2020, at Genesis Church, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Scott Duane Weatherford left this life on August 17, 2020. Although Scott left this world much too early, he leaves behind a multitude of friends and family whom he loved dearly. Scott lived life to the fullest and his hobbies often became his passions. This started at a young age when he was a member of the Purple Dragons speed skating team at Skateland of West Plains. Scott went on to spend several years employed at Skateland as one of the DJ’s. Another hobby that began when he was very young was his love of model railroading. Both these hobbies continued to be something he enjoyed even as he got older. His experience as a DJ at Skateland quickly became a new career as he worked on-air under the radio name Scott Casey. Scott could be heard on KKDY in West Plains, 99 Hit FM in Springfield and KHOM The Train. Scott also spent a great deal of time working in his family’s business, Thayer Gas. He began dabbling in his next career during his downtime at Thayer Gas, fabricating custom rail cars for 1/8 scale train enthusiasts. Scott’s Trains came to be a way for him to turn his love of trains into a career that allowed him to touch the lives of so many people across our great nation and even other countries across the globe. His attention to detail and artistic talent quickly made Scott a sought-after builder of scale train models. If one were to travel to any major train club in the United States, and yes there are many, chances are good that you will find at least one example of Scott’s craftsmanship, if not many. This career allowed him to travel the country to train events, where Scott gained many friends who became family. When Scott met the love of his life, his wife, Cindy, in 2015, she would join him on his travels and share his love for the hobby and all the people who make it such a wonderful community. There are so many places that hold special memories for Scott. Frog Rapids Camp in Sioux Lookout, Ontario was an annual summer vacation spot where Scott was able to spend time fishing with his family and friends. Scott’s train hobby also made Train Mountain in Klamath Falls, Oregon another cherished place to visit. Many people will tell you that Scott and Cindy shared more adventures in the short time they were together than many people have in a lifetime. Even though all those things were an important part of Scott’s life, the most important to him was his family.
He was born on December 17, 1969, in West Plains, Missouri to Jerry and Linda Weatherford. Linda left this world two years ago but was waiting in heaven to meet Scott. Jerry Weatherford, Scott’s constant source of unconditional love and good advice, lives in West Plains with his wife, Deborah. Scott is also survived by his wife Cindy, whom he met at their church home, Genesis of West Plains. Scott left behind three wonderful children; Holly Elijah and husband, Rich, of Springfield, Missouri, his only son, Chey Collins, of Springfield, Missouri, and Kasey Weatherford of Cabool, Missouri. Scott’s greatest source of joy was his two grandchildren, Liam and Lilly, who knew him as “PawPaw”. Scott also gained his step-children, Brooke Clarke, Allie Tooley, Katie Tooley and Austin Tooley when he married Cindy. Scott leaves behind his two beloved sisters, Sherri Chapman and husband, Gary, of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas and Shelley Wichern and husband, Jon, of West Plains, Missouri. He had four beautiful nieces, Jordan, Katherine, Samantha and Melissa and two handsome nephews, Josh and Hunter from his sisters. Through marriage, Scott gained a father-in-law and mother in law, Ken and Judy Hanshaw of West Plains, Missouri, a sister, brothers, brother-in-law, and sisters-in-law, along with many other additional blessings in the family.
Scott was a member of the West Plains Model Railroad Club and frequently spoke of his concern about the future of model railroading as a hobby. It was very important to him that the hobby was promoted to young people who might become as passionate for the hobby as he was. For this reason, memorial donations on Scott’s behalf may be made to the club so that the love of model railroading may continue to be shared with the West Plains area. Donations may be left at or mailed to Robertson Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main, West Plains, MO 65775 or mailed to West Plains Model Railroad Club, 1404 Southern Hills Center #229, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Ruby Iliene Newberry, 97, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 23, 2020 at McElmurry Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, with Reverend David Ball officiating.
Mrs. Newberry passed away at 2:06 p.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born June 25, 1923, at Sedalia, Missouri, to Henry Richardson and Della Mitchell Richardson. Mrs. Newberry was married to Benjamin Morrison in 1945 and had two children, Rick Morrison and Cheryl Counts. On December 2, 1968, she was married at Sedalia, Missouri, to Ed Newberry, who preceded her in death on January 19, 1984; together they adopted a son, James Newberry. Before her retirement she had worked as a nursing aid in schools and hospitals, was a cook for West Plains Head Start and operated a Daycare in her home for many years. Ruby loved children, playing games, cards, music, dancing and was an avid joke teller. She lived her life smiling. She is now dancing with the angels and probably telling them a joke or two.
She is survived by two children, Rick Morrison and wife, Linda, Parker, Texas and James Newberry and wife, Marla, Colorado Springs, Colorado; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Glenda Franke, Kansas City, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one daughter, Cheryl Counts and one brother, Donald Richardson, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Newberry will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Meals on Wheels or the West Plains Senior Center, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Jewell Grace Brixey, 101, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 21, 2020 at Union Grove Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Brixey passed away at 6:20 a.m., Monday, August 17, 2020, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born October 4, 1918, in Howell County, Missouri, to Shelt Collins and Anvilene Robinson Collins. On July 3, 1934, she was married in Howell County, Missouri, to Buster Brixey, who preceded her in death on May 15, 1980. Mrs. Brixey had worked at Ozarks Medical Center, Dr. Wiles’ office and as a CNA at West Vue Nursing Center. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She will be truly missed by family, friends and her community.
She is survived by two children, Junior Brixey and wife, Betty and Patsy King and husband, Alan; seven grandchildren, Debbie Adams and husband, Dennis, Vonnie Thompson and husband, Clay, Christy Hillhouse and husband, Roger, Angie Hamby and husband, Joe, Mike King and wife, Nancy, Carla King and Eric King and wife, Amy; fourteen great-grandchildren; and thirteen great-great-grandchildren.
Her parents, husband, one granddaughter, Vickey Dunnihoo, five brothers and three sisters, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Brixey will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Union Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Union Grove Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Sebastian Anthony Russell, 20, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 22, 2020 at Jolliff Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Russell passed away at 8:26 a.m., Thursday, August 13, 2020, near Scott City, Missouri.
He was born February 8, 2000, at West Plains, Missouri, to Christopher Columbus Russell and Corrine Lynn Seelye Russell. Sebastian was a farmer and loved the outdoors, riding four wheelers, hunting, fishing and driving dirt roads.
He is survived by his father, Christopher Russell, Koshkonong, Missouri; two brothers, Chris Russell, Jr., Koshkonong, Missouri and Kyle Russell and wife, Amanda, Big Springs, Texas; four sisters, Tammy Russell, Koshkonong, Missouri, Wendy Forrester, Thayer, Missouri, Christina Collins, Lanton, Missouri and Chasitidy Mibbs, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.
His mother preceded him 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.
Graveside services for Darlis Irene Harris, 86, Queen City, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Harris passed away at 2:57 p.m., Saturday, August 15, 2020, at Kirksville Manor, Kirksville, Missouri.
She was born June 18, 1934, at Metz, Missouri, to James Hubert Jones and Lydia Mae Roush Jones. On June 29, 1951, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to John Riley Harris, who preceded her in death on October 18, 2016. Mrs. Harris worked at International Shoe Factory before her retirement. She enjoyed crafting and sewing and was an exceptional cook. Mrs. Harris was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church, West Plains.
She is survived by one son, John H. Harris and wife, Kathryn; four grandchildren, John H. Harris and wife, Debbie, Matthew Harris and wife, Ashlie, Darla White and husband, Jason and R. D. Allen; nine great-grandchildren, Jessica, Jennifer, Rachel, Kaitlyn, Arianna, Benjamin, Josiah, Rebekah and Joseph; one sister, Kay Decker, West Plains; and one sister-in-law, Norma Cooper, Hocomo, Missouri.
Her parents, husband, twin daughters, Vona Freeman and Vonda Wilbanks and one grandson, Brian Ledwa, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Harris will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Ten Mile Baptist Church Cemetery Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.