Funeral services for Ruby Lee Warren, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 27, 2021 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Warren passed away at 8:42 p.m., Friday, April 23, 2021, at her daughter’s home in Chestnutridge, Missouri.
She was born November 5, 1940, at Dora, Missouri, to Odie Lee Croney and Eva Alberta Welch Croney. Before her retirement, Ruby had been a restaurant owner and operator. She loved to cook, quilt, garden, sew and tend to her flowers; she loved her girls. Mrs. Warren was a member of Faith Chapel Freewill Baptist Church.
She is survived by four children, Cathy Roberts and husband, Richard, West Plains, Missouri, Brenda Guilliams, Chestnutridge, Missouri, Sharon Burton and husband, Alvin, Ava, Missouri and Leisha Patrick and husband, Rod, Highlandville, Missouri; twelve grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, six sisters, Eunice Flowers, Thelma Croney, Joan Croney, Hazel Gordon, Helen Drumright and Dorothy Stowers and three brothers, Buck, Bill and James Croney, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Sweeton Pond Cemetery.
Funeral services for Ellen Irene Cherry, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cherry passed away at 11:14 p.m., Monday, April 26, 2021, at Pleasant Valley Manor. She departed this life to be with Jesus and join her husband, Dennis in Heaven.
She was born August 16, 1934, at Koshkonong, Missouri, to Floyd and Hazel Helmer Bench. Irene grew up in Lanton, Missouri along with her siblings, Jean Bench Hogan, Bob Bench, Floyd Bench and Clara Zell Bench Cherry. She received her education at Myatt Township School and West Plains High School. On November 7, 1950, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Dennis Duane Cherry, who preceded her in death on March 14, 2013. As the wife of a Naval Master Chief, Irene lived in California, Virginia, South Carolina, Rhode Island, the Philippine Islands, Florida, Illinois, Cuba and Tennessee. She thoroughly enjoyed every place they were stationed and always felt that if she and Dennis and her daughters were together, anyplace was home. Irene worked outside the home once her daughters were in school at a variety of jobs. One of her favorites was the tourism office at the Naval base in the Philippine Islands. She enjoyed getting to know the Filipino people and arranging trips that allowed the servicemen and families to see the beauty there. Irene loved the Lord and her husband, Dennis. She served in churches alongside Dennis in every place he was stationed in any capacity where she was needed, but especially as a Sunday School teacher and mentor to younger women. It was at First Baptist Church, West Plains, where she touched so many lives – mentoring younger women and babysitting for them when children were sick and along with Dennis organizing and running the first Marriage Retreat. As leaders of a large couples’ class, they met the needs of many people and were instrumental in leading many people to faith in Christ. She was a blessing to many people and an example of true Christianity.
She is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Cynthia and Jack Doss, West Plains, Missouri and Pamela and Albert Kinney, Severna Park, Maryland; her grandchildren, Rebecca Doss and partner, Teresa Hornsby, Ormond, Florida, Caleb Kinney and wife, Amber, Frederick, Maryland, Sarah Doss, West Plains, Grace Kinney Lerch and husband, Caleb, Calgary, Canada, Creghton Kinney, Emma Kinney and Mia Kinney of Severna Park, Maryland; her great-grandchildren, John and Evie Niesen, Celia Doss and Jacob Mackey all of West Plains, Hazel Mae Kinney, Frederick, Maryland; two brothers, Bob Bench and Floyd Bench and wife, Vadna; one sister, Clara Zell Cherry; one sister-in-law, Susie Whitsell; along with many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one sister, Jean Hogan, one nephew, Steven Bench and three brothers-in-law, Vance Hogan, James Cherry and Phil Whitsell, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, at First Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or First Baptist Church West Plains Benevolence Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
There can never be enough expressions of gratitude for the compassionate care Irene received at Pleasant Valley Manor during her time as a resident there. Her family is extremely grateful for the way all the employees treated her with respect and love. At the end of her life, Three Rivers Hospice provided comfort and support for her during her last days.
Graveside services for William (Bill) Sherrill Campbell, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 26, 2021, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Campbell passed away on April 22, 2021, at 5:11 a.m., at the home of his daughter and son-in-law.
He was born October 9, 1928, in his childhood home in Rolla, Missouri. His mother did not have a middle name chosen. So, she chose Sherrill after the doctor who came to the house to deliver him. After graduating high school, he served in the United States Army during the Korean War. On August 3, 1950, he married Esther Haun who preceded him in death on February 14, 2016. His 38-year working career in the milk business started by delivering bottled milk door-to-door. After retiring from Hiland Dairy, at age 59, he and Esther sold their house, stored their furniture, and took off traveling for the next 10 years. They then moved back to West Plains where he lived his remaining 23 years enjoying fishing, camping and spending time with his family. Mr. Campbell attended the First United Methodist Church of West Plains.
He is survived by one daughter, Becky Dunkin and husband, David; three granddaughters, Courtney Judd and husband, Brian, Lindsey Hughes and husband, Allan and Candace Stubblefield and husband, Robert, and family; one grandson, Bill Campbell and wife, Sarah, and family; three special great-grandchildren, Hannah, Hunter, and Lily; one brother-in-law, James Dowdy; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, one son, William Jeffrey Campbell and two sisters, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of West Plains or Three Rivers Hospice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Shirley Rae Farel, 85, Udall, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Baptist Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Farel passed away at 11:45 a.m., Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at Baxter Regional Medical Center.
She was born July 13, 1935 in Sparta, Wisconsin, to Max and Dora (Meyer) Tessman. She married Norman Farel on August 29, 1953 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere, Illinois. Shirley had an incredible servant heart and work ethic and was always willing to help anyone who asked her. She kept a meticulous home, and the day before she passed jokingly said she was never going to clean another bathroom or wash another wall again! She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, baking, and gardening, and her family will miss her incredible laughter, her Red Cake, and Christmas cookies. “Happy Noodles” will be said in her memory at family gatherings forever. Shirley loved to travel, enjoying many trips to spend time with her family. Playing Canasta and Euchre and spending time with her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her so much joy. Many friends considered her an honorary grandmother. Shirley helped care for many of her grandchildren, often after a full day at work, and said she just loved being with her babies. She had many pets throughout her life, but especially loved her sweet Daisy, who she loved and cared for over fourteen years. Shirley was a list maker, and if something was important, she wrote it down and saved many notes. Her Bible had many underlined passages, including Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” She worked hard, and her last day of life she said, “I really should get up and clean this room, but I’m going to let someone else do it.” In her final hours she said she really prayed God would bring her home. She recited the Lord’s Prayer multiple times as it gave her peace and rest. Minutes before passing she pulled her daughter close and kissed her on the nose, and taking her last breath, she raised her hand toward Heaven. Total peace washed over her. Shirley retired from Belvedere Company where she worked in the upholstery department, and then in the customer service department. She was an Awana leader at Calvary Baptist Church in Belvidere, Illinois and was a Sunday School assistant. She was a member of the Belvedere Company Bowling league, and Belvidere Women’s After 5 Club. Later in life, she enjoyed weekly Bingo excursions with her friends. Pre-Covid she regularly attended Missionary Baptist Church.
Shirley is survived by her husband Norman; son Norman Jr. “Tink” and his wife, Cheryl Farel; daughters, Sharon Thomas and husband, Fred and Pamela Johnson and husband, Tom, all of Belvidere, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Xandra Farel, Sara Wollin, Matthew Wollin, Talie Johnson, Nick (Katrina) Brown, Steven K.C. (Kristine) Farel, Ashley Farel, and Christopher (Katie) Thomas; niece, Candy Farel Mendoza; eleven great-grandchildren Braden Ettner, Emma, Hunter, Regan and Max Wollin, Alayna Farel, Jasmin Farel, Janell, Teaghan, Zach and Karlene Brown; two sisters-in-law, Linda Hendrickson and husband, James and Ruby Cheek; honorary son, Jerry Richardson; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved deeply.
She is preceded in death by her parents, one son, Steven Farel and his wife Trina, three grandsons, Cory Joe Farel, Shane Farel and Luke Wollin, nine siblings, Evelyn (Harrison) Odemoe, Harold (Lotis) Tessman, Hazel (George) Busse, Lucille Tessman, Doris (Bill) Beardsley, Mary (Larry) VanSoest, Wilber “Bill”(Margaret) Tessman, Robert (Bernice) Tessman, and Lois (Richard) Phillips, and several nieces and nephews.
The family plans to have a large Celebration of Life Service in the Summer.
Graveside services for Catherine Ann (Katy) Due, 31, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Howell Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Katy passed away at 12:08 a.m., Thursday, April 22, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born May 31, 1989, at West Plains, Missouri, to Randall Dean Due and Sherry Haddock Due. Katy graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 2007. She was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by three children, Bentlee Gaven Due, Annaleah Rayne Due and Zoe Juliann Due; her mother, Sherry Due; two brothers, Randall Calvin Due and Christopher Brent Due; her grandparents, Bill and Joann Haddock and Manuel (Red) and Ruby Due; and several nieces and nephews.
Her daddy, two children, Angel May Due-Lashley and Braylen Dean Due-Lashley and one niece, Addison Due, preceded her in death.
Katy will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, 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.
A memorial service for Bobby Charles Barton, 57, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Bosserman Community Center, Peace Valley, Missouri.
Mr. Barton passed away at 11:15 p.m., Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born October 29, 1963, at West Plains, Missouri, to Billy Charles Barton and bertha Wilbanks. Bobby loved his grandbabies and enjoyed horses, his roosters, horseback riding, playing horse shoes, camping and hunting.
He is survived by his fiancé of sixteen years, Patricia Predigar; his mother, Bertha Barton Thomas; his children, Thomas and Amanda Decker, Washington, D.C., Jackie and Josh Long, Rolla, Missouri, Mitch and Ashley Barton, Moody, Missouri, Tonya and Matt Fare, Moody, Missouri, Bobby Barton and Tracy Grogan, Peace Valley, Missouri, Billy and Ashley Barton, Peace Valley, Missouri, Renee Barton and Justin Soard, Willow Springs, Missouri, Brayden Barton, West Plains, Missouri, Dwayne Predigar, Willow Springs, Missouri, William Predigar, Willow Springs, Missouri and Lacey Conner, Willow Springs, Missouri; seventeen grandchildren; two sisters, Brenda and Rusty Busbey, Peace Valley, Missouri and Barbara and Dallas Selby, Willow Springs, Missouri; ten nieces and nephews, six great-nieces and great-nephews; and special uncle, Orvil Wilbanks.
His father and grandparents, Ralph and Anna Barton and Clyde and Ethyl Wilbanks, preceded him in death.
Private graveside services for Tristan Chase Wimberley, 21, West Plains, Missouri will be held at Mount Olive Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Tristan was born July 4, 1999, at West Plains, Missouri, to Christy Smith Watkins and Matt Wimberley. He was a welder and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved his family more than anything and always wanted to make them happy. Tristan loved to tell jokes and have a good time. He was a very smart man.
He is survived by his mother, Christy Watkins; his father and step-mother, Matt Wimberley and Crystal Howard; one son, Chase Logan; two brothers, Colden Watkins and Justin Watkins; one sister, Taylor Watkins; and three nieces.
His step-father, Randall Watkins and grandpa, Roger Mendenhall, preceded him in death.
Funeral services for Lue Ella Hunter, 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 23, 2021 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hunter passed away at 1:48 p.m., Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born March 25, 1930, at Cureall, Missouri, to Claude Belcher and Susan Almira Walker Belcher. On March 15, 1946, she was married at West Plains, to William Thomas Henry, who preceded her in death on March 21, 1985. On December 12, 1997, she was married at West Plains, to Kenneth Norman Hunter, who preceded her in death on October 4, 2011. Before her retirement, Mrs. Hunter worked at the International Shoe Factory. Lue never met a stranger; she wanted to help anyone in need and she did. Everyone loved her. She was everyone’s Aunt Lue! She enjoyed flowers of all kinds and dancing. Lue loved her family and her dog, Benji.
She is survived by two sisters, Mary (Anna Bell) Gibson, Harrison, Arkansas and Ruth Wood, West Plains; and several special nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husbands, one sister, Laverne Palmer and one brother, Ray Belcher, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Gospel Hill 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.
Graveside services for Eileen Turner, 88, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at Bean Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Turner passed away at 8:28 a.m., Thursday, April 15, 2021, at her home.
She was born August 14, 1932, at Udall, Missouri, to Marvin Wells and Lena May Kohler Wells. Eileen graduated from Bakersfield High School with the Class of 1951. On March 18, 1957, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Jack Turner, who preceded her in death on July 9, 2009. She loved spoiling grandkids, sewing, quilting, dancing and watching her kids play ball. Mrs. Turner was a member of Bakersfield Church of Christ.
She is survived by five children, Pamela Cotter, Bakersfield, Missouri, Roger Turner, Mexico, Missouri, Eric Turner, Dena Yeager and Renita Turner, all of Bakersfield; seven grandchildren, Waylon Cotter, Shenna Jackson and husband, Brian, Ashley Ray, Audrey Bonham, Haley Yeager, Logan Yeager and Quaid Turner; and eleven great-grandchildren and one on the way, Shawn, Christian and Ariel Cotter, Avery, Brielle, Mercy and Gabriel Jackson, Tayler and Paisley Ray and Rimi and Blakely Richie.
Her parents, husband and two sons, Jarrett Turner and Randall Kane, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Turner will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, 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.
Funeral services for Delavana Gayle West, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 19, 2021 at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. West passed away Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at her home.
She was born March 11, 1935, at Macks Creek, Missouri, to Otto George Varner and Mildred Florene Booth Vaner. Gayle graduated from University High School, W. Los Angeles, California. On June 30, 1953, she married Marshall (Curly) West, at Brentwood, California. Mr. West preceded her in death on March 16, 2014. Mrs. West loved her family and was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by one daughter, Kathy Clark, and husband, Robert, Puyallup, Washington; one daughter-in-law, Carolyn West, West Plains; five grandchildren, Bryce Clark and wife, Megan, Marshall Clark and wife, Kirby Kay, Troy Clark and wife, Michelle, Daniel Clark and Tyler West; four great-grandchildren, Holly Jean Clark, Hendrick Robert Clark, Bridgett Lynne Clark, Larson Phillip Clark and twins due in August; three sisters, Georgia Altoff, Upland, California, Janice Hein, Carmichael, California and Betty Held, Simi Valley, California; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one daughter, Alice Marie West, one son, Kenneth West and two brothers, Glen and Warren Varner, preceded her in death.
Mrs. West will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
David Alan Jessee, 69, Sycamore, Missouri, passed away at 12:43 p.m., Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born September 30, 1951, at Wichita, Kansas, to Jimmie Aaron Jessee and Emily Wenonah Smith Jessee. On February 13, 1971, he was married at St. Petersburg, Florida, to Jennifer Jones. Before his retirement, David was a District Manager for Lawson Products. He enjoyed woodworking and working with kids at DYNO Youth Center, Dora, Missouri.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Jessee, of the family home; two children, Katy Jessee and husband, Reuben Uhlmann, Springfield, Missouri and Laura Averill and husband, Yale, Kansas City, Missouri; one brother, Jimmie Jessee and wife, Mariann; and two sisters, Janice Jessee and Judy Thompson, all of the State of Florida.
Funeral services for James Guy Hollingshad, 84, Renton, Washington, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 12, 2021 at Ball Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Hollingshad passed away March 31, 2021, at his home.
He was born September 30, 1936, at West Plains, Missouri, to Hershel Benson and Velvie Miranda (Bird) Hollingshad. Jimmy’s early years were spent on the family farm near Dora Missouri. He attended school at Dora and graduated with the Class of 1955. After graduation, Jimmy pursued a degree in mechanical engineering at Rolla School of Mines and Metallurgy, (now Missouri University of Science and Technology) at Rolla Missouri. Jimmy interrupted his education to take a job with Boeing Aircraft Company in Wichita, Kansas as a tool and die maker during the B52 bomber program. After the bomber program ended, Jimmy returned to Rolla to finish his education and after receiving his degree, resumed employment with Boeing for a career spanning 44 years. Jimmy did design work and testing during the Minuteman Missile program and on most of the Boeing aircraft models being manufactured today. Jimmy was a bachelor. He lived in Renton, Washington, a suburb of Seattle in a home he built himself. He was a hobby machinist and woodworker, and had a complete machine shop and woodworking shop, which he fully enjoyed. He spent many hours working on different projects, machining parts, and just spending time with friends in his shops. Jimmy’s family and friends were important to him. He went back to Missouri to visit at least once and usually twice each year. Jimmy was a faithful Christian and attended church regularly from childhood until the end of his life. He attended the Springbrook Church of Christ in Renton, Washington and the Ball Church of Christ in Dora while he visited in Missouri every year. His Church families were an important part of his life.
Jimmy is survived by two brothers, Robby Hollingshad, Dora, Missouri and Hershel Hollingshad and wife, Rhonda, West Plains, Missouri; several special nieces and nephews, Nancy Cowin and husband Dave, Coulee City, Washington, Eugene Renner, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Melissa Trotter and husband, Tom, Protem Missouri, Brenda McClary, West Plains, Missouri, Sharie Voss, Chehalis, Washington, Barb McCord, Wenatchee, Washington, Katie Huffman, Omak, Washington and Matt Huffman, Moses lake, Washington; and several great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Francis LaRoque and Sharon Huffman, two nieces, Liz Renner and Pam Hollingshad, two nephews, Mike Renner and Jake Hollingshad, and his friend, Wayne Lovan.
Mr. Hollingshad will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Parsons Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Parsons Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Jackie Ray (Jack) McFarland, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 9, 2021 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. McFarland passed away at 3:20 p.m., Sunday, April 4, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born March 31, 1938, in Howell County, Missouri, to William McFarland and Pauline McGoldrick McFarland. On February 1, 1958, he was married at St. Louis, Missouri, to Shirley Williams. Jack enjoyed playing pool, hunting, fishing, and trading and fixing up cars and trucks.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley McFarland, of the family home; three children, Danny Tanner and wife, Brenda, Newburg, Missouri, Paul McFarland, West Plains, Missouri and Sharon Underwood and husband, Donnie, West Plains, Missouri; four grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
His parents, one daughter, Brenda Tanner, one son, Billy McFarland and one brother, Jerry McFarland, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Lehman Leon (Mickey) Horsman, 88, Springfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 10, 2021 at First Christian Church, West Plains, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Horsman passed away at 2:20 a.m., Thursday, April 1, 2021, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born June 8, 1932, at West Plains, Missouri, to Jessie Lehman and Erma Dorothy Medlin Horsman. He lived in West Plains until he joined the United States Air Force in 1949. Mickey was married to Nancy Land and to their union two children were born, Stephen Michael Horsman and John Robin Horsman. Mr. Horsman was a veteran, having served with the United States Air Force, receiving a Korean Service Medal with a bronze star. In 1964 he married Jane Bernath Steimer, who brought five children into the union, William August Steimer, Phillip Harrison Steimer, Jamie Allyn Steimer, Jill Alison Steimer and Jon Lawrence Steimer; together they had one daughter, Jennifer Andrea Horsman. They lived in Long Beach, California until 1975, when they relocated to West Plains, Missouri to tend a farm. Mickey also worked for a bread company as a route salesman until 1990 when he retired. After retirement, he continued farming. In 2013, Mickey and Jane moved to Springfield, Missouri. Mickey was a Christian and attended Township Line Church.
He is survived by three sons, Stephen Michael Horsman and wife, Angelica, Pasadena, California, Phillip Harrison Steimer and wife, Bobbie, Phoenix, Arizona and Jon Lawrence Steimer and wife, Harriet, Hayden, Alabama; three daughters, Jamie Allyn Jolliff and husband, Bill, West Plains, Missouri, Jill Alison Holstine, Viola, Arkansas and Jennifer Andrea Barnett and husband, Brian, Springfield, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one sister, Jana Orton and husband, Robert, West Plains, Missouri; one niece, Christa Orton, West Plains Missouri; one nephew, Jason Orton and wife, Jennifer, Blytheville, Arkansas.
His parents, wife, two sons, John Robin Horsman and William August Steimer and one son-in-law, Carmon Holstine, preceded him in death.
Mr. Horsman will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Melva Jean Dancey, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 10, 2021 at China Union Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. Dancey passed away Tuesday evening, April 6, 2021, at her home surrounded by a host of family and friends.
She was born April 26, 1949, at West Plains, Missouri, to James Mark Hayes and Gertrude Lucille Jones. Melva loved her family and enjoyed playing cards with her friends and collecting birds, especially cardinals. She also enjoyed collecting and caring for plants and flowers.
She is survived by three children, James Dancey and wife, Jessica, Springfield, Missouri, April Weaver, Hardy, Arkansas and Tiffany Preston and husband, Heath, Calico Rock, Arkansas; fourteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Colleen Andrews and husband, Bill, West Plains, Missouri; a cousin who is like a Sister, Connie Sue Gibson; several nieces and nephews; and many special cousins that she loved dearly.
Her parents, one brother, Jim Hayes and one sister, Monna Ray Howell, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at China Union Church. Memorial contributions may be made to American Brain Foundation and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Marimartha Ritter, 90, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Ritter passed away at 3:04 p.m., Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at Cedarhurst of West Plains.
She was born January 9, 1931, at West Plains, Missouri, to Albert Paul Roper and Pauline Hope Lucas Roper. On September 8, 1951, she was married at West Plains, Missouri to James F. Ritter, who preceded her in death on October 13, 2003. Marimartha graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1948 and received her master’s degree in secondary education at Southwest Missouri State University, now known as Missouri State University. Before her retirement she was a teacher at West Plains High School. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter MC and a volunteer at Ozarks Medical Center. Mrs. Ritter was a member of First United Methodist Church where she served as song leader and in the women’s group.
She is survived by three children, Paula England and husband, Gregg, Koshkonong, Missouri, Bruce Ritter and wife, Sharon, East Setauket, New York and Ruthi Holmes and husband, Pat, Koshkonong, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Anne Noblin, Lucas England, Zoe Ritter, Sophie Ritter, John Ritter, Thera Lashley, Josh Holmes and Brenna Elliott; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Beverly Rutter and husband, Andrew, Tucson, Arizona; one sister-in-law, Patricia Card and husband, Gene, Grove, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband and one great-granddaughter, Emilia England, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Public Library or First United Methodist Pastor’s Discretionary Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Scott Wayne Girdley, 52, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Girdley passed away at 5:26 p.m., Sunday, April 4, 2021, at St. Luke’s East Hospital, Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
He was born July 17, 1968, at Fairbanks, Alaska, to Kenneth Edward Girdley and Ruth Sheets Girdley. Mr. Girdley was a member of the Missouri National Guard. On June 30, 2005, he was married at Estes Park, Colorado, to Sarah Payne, who preceded him in death on June 21, 2014. Mr. Girdley earned his Doctorate Degree and was a Corporate Controller at DaVinci Roofscapes Company. Scott loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his daughter, including traveling, going to concerts and ball games. The two were huge Royals fans.
He is survived by three children, Jordan Lane, Jonesboro, Arkansas, Taylor Morgan, Kennett, Missouri and Emma Girdley, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; two grandchildren; two brothers, Kevin Girdley, Lakeview, Arkansas and Larry Girdley and wife, Tracy, Gamaliel, Arkansas; five nieces; and five nephews.
His parents, wife, two brothers and several aunts and uncles, preceded him in death.
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.
Nicole Quinn Fithen, 32, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 11:18 p.m., Saturday, April 3, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born June 3, 1988, at Rockford, Illinois, to James William Fithen, Sr. and Tina Marie Neal-Rose. Nicole was a proud and loving mother of three children. She was a very spiritual woman, a lover of music and video games.
She is survived by her three children, Owen Fithen, Juno Folsom and Vivian Fithen; her mother, Tina Neal-Rose; her siblings, Megan Neal, James Fithen, Jr., Dustin Fithen and Mallory Jones and husband, Anthony; nine nieces and nephews, two aunts, Kimberly and Karen; one uncle, Phillip; and numerous cousins.
Her father, step-father, grandparents, one aunt, Terry and one uncle, Richard, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Barbara Irene Wadkins, 80, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Wadkins passed away at 6:03 a.m., Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
She was born October 15, 1940, at Sonora, California, to Walter Blaine Painter and Lois Blonde Painter. On September 1, 1956, she was married at Monterey, California, to Harold Wadkins. Before her retirement, Mrs. Wadkins worked at Marathon Electric. She loved her family and enjoyed taking care of her grandkids, fishing and camping.
She is survived by her husband, Harold Wadkins; one son, Ronnie Wadkins and wife, Stephanie; one daughter-in-law, Trish Wadkins; four grandchildren, Troy, Timothy and Aleia Wadkins and Maryhelen Frost; one great-grandson, Ethan Frost; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, two sons, Robert Dean Wadkins and Donnie Eugene Wadkins and four brothers, Lee, Blaine, Edward and Gene Painter, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Alice Jane Nicks, 71, Peace Valley, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Amy Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Nicks passed away at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at her home.
She was born April 14, 1949, at Brandsville, Missouri, to Truman Ellison and Crystal Taylor. In 1979 she was married to Walter Nicks, who preceded her in death in 2008. Alice enjoyed her flowers, gardening, crafts and word searches. She loved her family.
She is survived by three children, Mary Allington Ruth and husband, David, Nahunta, Georgia, Wade Poole, Peace Valley, Missouri and Truman Poole and wife, Christy; six grandchildren, Chyanne, Carla and Kalee Poole and Alicia, Rose and Melody Allington; six great-grandchildren; four brothers, William Ellison, Lebanon, Missouri, Howard Ellison, Conway, Missouri, Virgil Ellison, Conway, Missouri and Randy Ellison, Lebanon, Missouri; five sisters, Ella Faye Adams, Hartville, Missouri, Bessie Squires, Springfield, Missouri, Vida Young, Geneva Bowers and Clara Ellison, all of Marshfield, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one grandson, Coby Delano Poole and one sister, Goldie Ellison, 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.
