Obituaries

Jerry Wayne Strawn, 75, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 1:20 a.m., Sunday, September 6, 2020, at his home.

He was born April 24, 1945, at Trenton, Michigan, to Allen Strawn and Lura Belle Neeley Strawn.  On July 31, 1989, he was married at West Plains, to Joy Wade.  Mr. Strawn was a veteran, having served with the United States Army in Vietnam.  Before his retirement he was a truck driver and enjoyed fishing, hunting and woodworking.

He is survived by his wife, Joy Strawn, of the family home; four children, Jerry Willis Clyde Strawn and wife, Michelle, Jordan Strawn and wife, Ashley, Jeremiah Norsworthy and wife, Karey and Jonathan Bach, all of West Plains; and six grandchildren.

His parents preceded him in death.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Monty Kim Camden, 65, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:10 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 2020, at his home.

He was born November 2, 1954, at West Plains, Missouri, to Denver Noah Camden and Loeta Ilene Decker Camden.  Monty loved to ride his bike and anything that went fast.  He especially loved his grandson, Jase and his daughter, Hanna.  He enjoyed hunting and taking Jase fishing.

He is survived by his daughter, Hanna Martin and husband, Mikey; two grandchildren and one on the way, Jase and Justus; two sisters, Pamela Snelson and Sally Bush; his aunts and uncle, Joe Decker and wife, Connie and Juanita Decker; several nieces and nephews; and his best friends, David Fox, Tommy Gale and all of  his brothers at Kinsmen M.C.

His parents, three uncles, J. D. Decker, Gary Lee Decker and Ronnie Decker and his best friend, Hippo Warren, preceded him in death.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Langston Street Chapel of 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.

Patrick John (PJ) Lally, 68, Bakersfield, Missouri, passed away at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, September 20, 2020 at his home, with his wife and son by his side.

He was born June 29, 1952, at Chicago, Illinois, to Patrick John Lally, Sr. and Bridget Agnes Lally.  On September 2, 1980, he was married at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Karla Jo Smith.  PJ was a hardworking man; he has been painting and doing drywall since he was a young man.  He lived in Bakersfield, Missouri with his wife, Karla.  PJ enjoyed playing softball at Odd Fellows Park with his friends.  He also loved watching his family and son play sports.  He was a true fan of Kansas City Chiefs and Cardinals.  PJ spent a great deal of his life outdoors; he had a passion for fishing and the water, both he shared with his son, Levi.  He will be remembered as being a caring husband, father, uncle and papa.  PJ was a strong man who always provided for his family.  He was a friend to many and was always there to help anyone in need.

He is survived by his wife, Karla Jo Smith; his son, Levi Trent Wilson Lally and girlfriend, Yancey Pry; two grandchildren, Victoria Belt and husband, Corey and Jessie Burris; two great-grandchildren, Millie and Bruce Belt; seven siblings, Tom Lally, Mary Ellen White, Kathy Whitmere and husband, Charles, Terry Lally and wife, Kathy, Marty Lally, Micheal Lally and wife, Brigette and Brian Lally; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, two brothers, Kevin and Jimmy Lally and brother-in-law, Kevin White, preceded him in death.

Mr. Lally will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, 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 Bessie Louise Busbey, 82, Peace Valley, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 25, 2020 at Bennett Chapel Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Busbey passed away at 12:12 p.m., Monday, September 21, 2020, at West Vue Nursing Center.

She was born May 7, 1938, at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Herbert Eugene White Reid and Olive Bonnie Brixey Reid.  On September 6, 1956, she was married at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Willie Busbey, who preceded her in death on July 24, 2003.  She loved to cook for anyone and everyone that entered her home.  Her job was to worry for everyone.  She loved her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.

She is survived by three children, Barbara Smotherman and husband, Chuck, Birch Tree, Missouri, Brenda Moncrief and husband, Monroe, West Plains and Carl Denis Busbey and special friend, Irene, Peace Valley, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Suwaba Johnson and husband, Chris, Cricket Wallander, Reina McCullough and husband, Ronnie, Retha Rickman and husband, William, Bobbi Ann Busbey, Kelsey Nelson and husband, Leon, Doug Wallander, Bryan Tharp and Chasidy Davis and husband, Jared; seventeen great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; five brothers, Tom Reid and wife, Mary, Peace Valley, Ted Reid and wife, Barbara, Peace Valley, Jim Reid and wife, Sharon, Peace Valley, Don Reid and wife, Lisa, Caulfield, Missouri and Kim Reid and wife Christy, Peace Valley; many nieces and nephews; and good friends, Gary Wallace, Stephanie Campbell, Leslie Altermat and Jessica Spence.

Her parents, husband, one son, Calvin Busbey, two brothers, John and Robert (Butch) Reid, one sister, Wilma Jewell, and infant brother and sister, David and Nora, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Busbey will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  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.

Marie Owens, 88, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 7:00 a.m., Monday, September 21, 2020, at her home.

She was born January 24, 1932, at West Plains, Missouri, to Wilber Shook and Beulah Brixey Shook.  On April 9, 1949, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Joseph Otto Owens, who preceded her in death on September 5, 2007.  Mrs. Owens loved biking and painting and.  She was a hard working woman and was a chainsaw champion.

She is survived by three children, Sandra Charlene Haven, Rick Owens and his significant other, Linda and Kim Marie Smith and husband, Jonathan, all of West Plains; three grandchildren, Jennifer Poor and husband, Jason, Harley Joe Owens and Erin Marie Smith; two great-grandchildren, Cooper and Madalyn Poor; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband and one brother, Jr. Shook, preceded her in death.

A private burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  The family will announce a Celebration of Life Service at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Senior Citizens Center and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main St., West Plains, MO  65775.

Stanley Raymond Jeffery, 71, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 11:29 p.m., Friday, September 18, 2020, at his home.

He was born November 13, 1948, at Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Robert Jeffery and Ruby Whitcomb Jeffery.  On September 4, 1970, he was married at West Plains, to Jan Emerick.  Stan loved the Lord and his family.  He enjoyed raising rabbits and pigeons.

He is survived by his wife, Jan Jeffery, of the family home; three children, Jay Jeffery and wife, Linda, Amy Murphy and husband, Ray and Holly Hawkins and husband, Dustin, all of West Plains; seven grandchildren, Camdon, Lakelen, Hayden, Eli, Tucker, Maylee and Reed; one sister, Kay Jeffery, Davis, California; one brother-in-law, Norman Emerick and wife, Marilyn, Galesburg, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews.

No memorial service will be held; Stan will be cremated per his instructions.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Ozarks Medical Center Cancer Treatment Center in honor of Stan’s daughter, Holly, who is a cancer survivor and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Ruth Ann Klingler, 65, The Colony, Texas, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Klingler passed away at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at Carrollton Regional Medical Center, Carrollton, Texas.

She was born April 29, 1955, at Tacoma, Washington, to Ian Lynn Sympson and Doris Hutchens Sympson.  Ruth graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1973.  On August 21, 1976, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Gary Klingler.  Family was very important to Ruth.  She enjoyed family history, researching Ozark County history and playing the piano.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Klingler, of the family home; two children, David Klingler and wife, Esther, Midland, Virginia and Adam Klingler and wife, Julie, Lewisville, Texas; one granddaughter, Lisa Klingler; her mother, Doris Sympson, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Barbara Freeman and husband, Ron, Dora, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Lanetta Rowley and husband, Steve, Guthrie, Oklahoma and Judy Murray, West Plains; three nephews, Justin Freeman and wife, Alison, Brett Freeman and wife, Jessica and Andrew Rowley; one niece, Janet Williams and husband, Matthew; and one aunt, Carol Scaggs and husband, Ronnie, State of Illinois.

Her father, Ian Sympson and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Herman and Irene Klingler, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Klingler will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 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

A private memorial service will be held at a later date for Kenneth Earl Wood, Sr., 87, West Plains, Missouri. 

Mr. Wood passed away at 3:35 a.m., Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born December 15, 1932, at Pomona, Missouri, to Elmer John Wood and Olive Shadwell Wood.  On November 23, 1956, he was married to Margie Eudy, who preceded him in death on September 13, 1969.  On December 20, 1975, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Ruth Belcher.  They shared forty-five wonderful years together.  Mr. Wood was a plant foreman at Ozark Asphalt Co. for thirty-eight years.  He enjoyed woodworking and working on his farm. 

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Wood, of the family home; five children, Carolyn Driscoll and husband, Terry, Anniston, Alabama, Patricia Milburn, Youngsville, North Carolina, Sheryl Emery, West Plains,  Kenneth Wood, Jr. and wife, Glenda, Pottersville, Missouri and Scott Wood and wife, Bobbie Jo, West Plains; four step-children, Robbie Collins and wife, Marlena, Richard Collins and wife, Sue Lynn, Charlotte Adkisson and husband, Randy and Susan Hisel and husband, Joe, all of West Plains; eight grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two brothers, Neil Wood and wife, Edith and Junior Wood; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, first wife, Margie Eudy Wood, four sisters, Nellie (infant), Evelyn Burgess, Virginia Rittmiller and June Fitzpatrick, one brother, Raymond Wood and two sons-in-law, Garry Emery and Dan Milburn, preceded him in death.

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.

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 6^th 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.