Obituaries from February 2020

PIEDMONT — Thomas Ruble, 90, of Vulcan, died Fri. Jan. 31, 2020. Visitation was Monday, Feb. 3, 2020, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Free Spirit Baptist Church, Vulcan, Mo. Funeral is Tuesday, Feb, 4, 2020, at 2 p.m. also at Free Spirit Baptist Church. Burial in Sutton Cemetery near Vulcan with full military honors...

FISK — Beverly Ann Holden, age 73, of Fisk, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, at Puxico Nursing and Rehab. Mrs. Holden was born Aug. 27, 1946 in Poplar Bluff, daughter of the late Willie and Edna Prince. Beverly was retired from the Butler County Division of Family Services. She had been a floral designer, enjoyed playing the piano, crocheting, arts and crafts and volunteered for many community services and events. She was a member of Fellowship General Baptist Church at Poplar Bluff...

WAPPAPELLO —Randy L. Carnell, Sr., age 58, of Wappapello, passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, at the St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis. He is survived by his companion, Mary Ledford, of Wappapello, five sons, five brothers and 13 grandchildren. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date...

Eva Mae Brown, 89, of Poplar Bluff, died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020 at her residence. Eva was born July 1, 1930 at Torch, Mo., daughter of the late Haddie and Clarice Smith. She graduated from Naylor High School. She later taught school in Naylor and Kindergarten at the First Baptist Church, where she and her family were members...

In memory of a loving wife and mother, Elizabeth Sales, 78, was born April 4, 1941. After battling a long illness, she passed away Feb. 2, 2020, at home surrounded by her family. She was of the Baptist faith. On Dec. 25, 1962, she married the love of her life, Jerry Sales of Poplar Bluff. She spent her life as a supportive and devoted wife and a loving and caring mother...

Nora Matilda (Covey) Hill, was born in Leachville, Ark. Nov. 21, 1920 to Rome Ben and Mary Matilda (Stephens) Covey. She passed away Feb. 2, 2020 at Westwood Hills Nursing Facility. She married Eugene Brandon Hill Sept. 17, 1938 in Cardwell, Ark. She loved quilting, playing bingo and visiting with family and friends...

Arnold Monroe Montgomery was born to Oscar Monroe Montgomery and Minnie Eldeman in Crossett, Ark. April 11, 1918. At the age of five he moved with his parents to the Green Forest community east of Poplar Bluff where he attended Black Creek, a one-room school, through the eighth grade. He then went to high school in Poplar Bluff where, yes, he walked five miles one way each day. Growing up as a farm boy, upon graduation, Arnold moved to the big city of St. Louis to seek his fortune...

William Lee Ollar, 98, longtime Ripley County resident, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020 at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Visitation will be from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, with a Masonic funeral service at 7:30 p.m. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. All will be at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Doniphan. Burial with full Military Honors will be at Hufstedler Cemetery on C Highway...

Lanny Dean Sanders, 54, of Harviell, Mo., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020 at his home. Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020 at the Fowler & Sons Funeral Home in Neelyville. A graveside service will immediately follow at the Cochran Cemetery...

Randolph Kinney, 60, of Qulin, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Randy, the son of the late Robert and Marie (Bailey) Kinney, was born Feb. 28, 1959 in Rolla. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church of Campbell. Randy attended ADAPT for many years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and the many friends he had made. Randy also enjoyed anything to do with Elvis Presley...

George Howard, 87, of Piedmont, died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020. Visitation is 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont. Funeral following at 2 p.m., Sunday. Feb. 9, 2020, also at Piedmont Chapel. Burial: Ruble Cemetery, Piedmont...

Jimmy Lee Champion, 44, of Williamsville departed this life unexpectedly in the early morning hours Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Jimmy was born Oct. 14,1975, in Poplar Bluff to Jim R. and Mary Champion. Jimmy was a 1994 graduate of Poplar Bluff high school. He went on to lead a successful career as a lead HVAC technician...

CAMPBELL ~ Patsy Raye Barfoot, 81 of Campbell, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020 at her daughter’s residence in Jonesboro, Ark. Patsy, daughter of Walton Ray and Georgia Sevella Smith Evans, was born on Sunday, March 27, 1938 in Harrisburg, Ark. She was a 1972 Graduate of Arkansas State University with an Elementary Education Teaching Certificate. She was a retired Migrant School Teacher and also taught at Campbell Elementary. She was a member of the Campbell Methodist Church...

Charlene Pendegrass, 75, of Mesquite, Texas went to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020 at Ingram Funeral Home in Quinlan, Texas, with Bro. Ken Faling officiating...

Carl Allen Vancil, 69, of Qulin, Mo., died Monday, Feb. 10, 2020 at his residence. Mr. Vancil was born Nov. 15, 1950 in Poplar Bluff, Mo., son of the late Homer and Clara Vancil. He was a 1968 graduate of Qulin High school and played basketball all four years. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was a member of the Qulin American Legion Post 494...

Richard Edward Halbur, 82, was called home on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, at his home. Richard was born Feb. 2, 1937, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., to the late Edward F. Halbur and Irene C. Halbur (Smolorek). He was a loving father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend to many. He loved his family, playing golf, and was an avid football fan, especially the Green Bay Packers...

Mildred Sinks, 91, died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. She was born Oct. 27, 1928, in Lafe, Ark. Her parents Marion and Agatha Sinks preceded her in death. She retired as a line worker at General Motors. She was a member of Second Baptist Church of Poplar Bluff...

Clarence F. Smith, 90, of Neelyville died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Smith was born Oct. 5, 1929, Butler County, Mo. He was a lifelong resident of the Coon Island and Neelyville area. He was a member of the Coon Island General Baptist Church...

Christopher John Batrano, 51, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Friday, Feb. 7, 2020 at Southeast Hospital after a long battle with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Christopher was born March 6, 1968 in Camden, New Jersey to John and Georgiana Batrano. Chris was a graduate of Poplar Bluff High School, attended TRC and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia Mizzou with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He worked for EPM in Fulton, Mo., as a systems programmer. He retired in 2004...

John Andrew “Andy” Lunsford, 87, of Poplar Bluff, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2020 in Clark’s Mountain Nursing Center in Piedmont, Mo. Andy was born on May 21, 1932 in Corning, Ark., the son of Clifton Stone and Ruby (Leonard) Lunsford. In December of 1949 he married Charlene Burke...

Douglas Ray Boxx, 64 of Poplar Bluff passed away on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Douglas was born Sept. 25, 1955 in Piedmont, Mo., the son of Edward and Zada (Trindle) Boxx. On Feb. 1, 1986 he married Jana Jorde in Coon Rapids, Minn. Together they shared more than 34 years of marriage...

Joe Stanley Green, 74, of O’Fallon, Mo., departed this life Monday, Feb. 10, 2020 in Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. He was born March 20, 1945 in Ponder, Mo., to the late John and Cloyce (Staten) Green. Stanley worked for Operators Union Local 513 and retired after 35 years of service. ...

On Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, Marguerite Adamson of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away at the age of 93. She had suffered a long illness of Alzheimer’s. Marguerite, known to all as Margie, was born on July 28 1926 in Tuckerman, Ark., to Samuel and Helen (Reid) Tinsley. She was a schoolteacher in her early years then became a full time mother and homemaker. She married Aubrey Herbert Adamson in 1946 and they raised one son and two daughters...

Faye Delores Miller, 85, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. Faye was born on May 8, 1934 in Lutesville, Mo., the daughter of Herbert and Ethel (Elledge) Crites. On Aug. 22, 1952, she married Robert Ferrell Miller in Essex, Mo. Together they shared more than 60 years of marriage before his passing Aug. 20, 2013...

Helen Louise Becker, 73, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, at Riverways Manors in Van Buren, Mo. A longtime resident of Missouri, Mrs. Becker passed away following a lengthy illness. She is survived by her husband, Larry Becker; her children, Kristy Jackson and husband, Brian, Misty Becker and Wendell Morgan, Scott Becker and wife, Nancy, David White and Larry White; three sisters, Janet McAllister, Velma Tuschhoff and Joyce Kokesh. ...

Albert Leo Dalton, 89, passed from this life surrounded by family at St. Louis University Hospital Feb. 13, 2020. Ab, as he loved to be called, was born Jan. 12, 1931 in Hendrickson, Mo. He was the son of Lee and Mabel Dalton. On March 24, 1962, he married Elsie Durrow. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Juanita Terry, brothers Bobby Dalton and Eugene Dalton, and daughter Sherry Dalton...

Donna Ahrent Donna Kathleen Ahrent, 86, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. She married Dale Richard Ahrent on Dec. 30, 1961. He survives. Survivors include a daughter Kathleen McRill of Fayetteville, Ark.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins...

Jurial Orbin (J.O.) Barnett, 85 of Poplar Bluff, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. J.O. was born on Sept. 4, 1934 in Arlberg, Ark., the son of Alfred James and Vernia Belle (Mcmurtry) Barnett. On June 28, 1959 he married Bonnie Corrine Ivy at Lone Hill Baptist Church in Butler County, Mo. Together the have shared over 60 years of marriage...

Daniel ‘Dan’ K. Alexander Daniel ‘Dan’ K. Alexander, 64, a longtime employee of Gamblin Lumber Company in Poplar Bluff, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel, with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. The Rev. Scott Wilkerson will officiate...

MALDEN — Sandra Jo Cox, 63, daughter of Earlene Berry Bailey and the late Billy Glaser Bailey, was born on July 27, 1956, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She departed this life on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Sandra Jo Cox was a calculus teacher at SMU in Dallas, Texas, and was head of the math department and also the department chair at Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas...

Mrs. Alma Kirk Hawkins, 99, departed this life Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020. Born May 4, 1920, the daughter of the late James and Birdie Kirk, she was the last survivor of their nine children. Alma was born in the Biggers-Reyno, Ark., area, but spent most of her life in Poplar Bluff, Mo. She was a devout Christian of the Baptist faith. During the earlier years of her life she sang in a gospel quartet, as well as many church specials...

Edna Mae Coble, 84, of Poplar Bluff, formerly of Qulin, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2020 at Cedar Gate Healthcare in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Coble was born Jan. 1, 1936 in Braggadocio, Mo., daughter of the late John and Kinnie Mae Brown. She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh...

Darla Belle Starling, 70, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020 at her home in Poplar Bluff. Darla was born on Aug. 25, 1949 to the late Ancel and Ruth (Hendrix) Hendrickson in Poplar Bluff. She married Raymond Starling on July 15, 1972...

Helen Virginia Birdsong, 87, of Williamsville, Mo. passed away Monday, Feb. 17, 2020 at home, surrounded by her loving family. Helen was born April 26, 1932 in Poplar Bluff, the daughter of Robert O. and Bessie (Mallady) Mauldin. On June 18, 1950, she married Fred Birdsong in Poplar Bluff at the Gospel Chapel. Together they shared more than 69 years of marriage...

Mary Katherine Rimer, 96, of Poplar Bluff, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2020. She was born Feb. 13, 1924 in Hickman, Ky. to the late Joseph Owen Stafford and Mary Magaline (Birdwell) Strafford. Mary was a long time resident of Butler County. She enjoyed being at home for her family, playing bingo with friends, puzzles and taking long walks...

Mary Jane Mattingly, 84, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020 at her residence. Mrs. Mattingly, the daughter of the late Raymond W. and Helen Elsie (Collins) Frazier, was born July 5, 1935 in Poplar Bluff. She was of the Church of Christ faith. Mrs. Mattingly worked as a waitress for the Newberry Luncheonette. She enjoyed spending time with her family, sewing, crafts, making quilts and cooking...

Ronnie Richmond, 71, of Poplar Bluff, died Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020 at his residence. Mr. Richmond was born May 26, 1948 in Poplar Bluff, son of the late Fred and Margaret Richmond. Mr. Richmond was a retired truck driver, and enjoyed four wheeling, music, and hanging out with his friends and family. He also loved tinkering in his shop, building things...

Jimmie Chester Brooks, 81, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Feb. 18, 2020, at his residence. He was born Dec. 19, 1938, in Doniphan, Mo. to the late Chester Brooks and Essie Drowns Brooks. He is survived by his children, Raymond Patrick Brooks and Tiffany of Jackson, Mo., and Patty Massey and John of Cottonwood Falls, Kans.; one sister; Shirley Wallace of Harrisburg, Ark., as well as four brothers; Dickie Brooks and Ira A. ...

Dean Eugene Potts, 89, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. passed away Feb. 20, 2020 at his home in Poplar Bluff. Dean was born June 16, 1930 to the late Vincent and Olga (Miller) Potts in Mt. Morris, Mich. He married Connie Highfill March 2, 1963. Dean served in the United States Army from 1953-1955 in Knoxville, Ky. ...

Charlotte Ann Bruce, 69, of Qulin, Mo., died Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020 at Barnes Jewish Hospital, in Saint Louis, Mo. Mrs. Bruce was born Feb. 23, 1950 in Glennonville, daughter of the late Leo and Delphine Petry. She was a member of the Qulin Baptist Church and a volunteer at the Qulin Nutrition Center. She retired from the Qulin branch of Southern Bank after 28 years in the banking industry...

Lucile Arnita Greeson, 98, of Neelyville died Monday, Feb. 17, 2020. Mrs. Greeson was born Jan. 5, 1922 in Neelyville, daughter of the late Arthur and Goldie Belle Weir Biggs. She was a former longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Neelyville and was a homemaker...

Monday, Feb. 17, 2020 our beloved mother Lucile Arnita Greeson was called to her heavenly home. Her faith was sufficient, her course was complete, and her job well done. Mrs. Greeson, the daughter of the late Charles Arthur and Goldie Belle Wier Biggs, was born Jan. ...

Danny L. Rideout, 77, of St. Charles, Mo., died Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 at home in the care of his wife and family. He was diagnosed with ALS in 2016. He was born in Doniphan, Mo. to Lois Blunt Rideout Dunlap and was raised with her and his stepfather, V. Gene Dunlap. Both preceded him in death...

Jimmie McKuin Boef, 81 of Poplar Bluff, Mo. passed away at 8:05 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 at the Beth Haven Nursing Home in Hannibal, MO. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Hannibal. Burial will be at Grand View Burial Park in Hannibal. Father Mike Quinn will officiate...

homas Lloyd Sample, 76, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Feb. 22, 2020 at St. John’s Mercy in St. Louis, Mo. Thomas was born Oct. 11, 1943 to the late Theodore and Ruby Sample in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Thomas was a United States Marine Veteran. He enjoyed everything outdoors from camping to riding his side by side to going to Colorado every chance he could. He had several trades in his life: construction, auto body work, auto sales and auto mechanic...

Velda Jorena Urich, 80, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Monday, Feb. 24, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Velda was born on July 25, 1939 to the Rev. O.S. and Jerlene Elledge in Poplar Bluff. She was a member of Bluff City Apostolic Worship Center. Velda worked many jobs in her life and made many lifetime friends along the way. She enjoyed arts and crafts and taught many to paint in her classes. Velda was feisty, witty and had an excellent sense of humor...

Eva J. Grady, 103, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Feb. 22, 2020 at her home in Poplar Bluff. Eva was born Jan. 26, 1917 to the late Martin and Ada (McCain) Sauthoff in Bernie, Mo. She married Bernard C. Grady March 9, 1939, in Saint Louis, Mo. He preceded her in death April 1982...

John P. Brown John P. Brown, 54, of Jackson, died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, at his home. He worked nearly 33 years for UPS. Loving survivors include his wife of 26 years, Stacey Cline Brown, and two daughters, Aubrey and Kendyll, all of Jackson; his mother, Mamie (the late Loren) Brown of Doniphan; and three siblings, Ronnie, Steve, and Gail...

Glen Estel Urich of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, after a 16-year battle with cancer. Glen was born in Poplar Bluff on May 10, 1942, to Roy and Geneva Urich. He married Mary Clanahan Urich in June of 1963, and they had one son, Kelly...

Ruth Elizabeth Harris, 91, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., entered the arms of Jesus Christ Feb. 26, 2020, at Poplar Buff Regional Hospital. Ruth was the daughter of the late David and Daisy Fann. She was born on Dec. 10, 1928. She graduated from nursing school in 1970. ...

Gary Don Williams, 75, of Broseley, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. He was born April 6, 1944 in Bucoda, Mo., son of Levi and Jewel (Wood) Williams, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by two brothers:Doyle Williams of Thompsonville, Ill. and Doyen Williams of Fredericktown, Mo...

Robert “Rob” Miller Hentz, 60, of O’Fallon, Mo., died Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, from injuries sustained in a traffic accident. Rob was born on Feb. 20, 1960, in Poplar Bluff, Mo., to the late William G. Hentz and Raona Miller Hentz Nilsson. He was the oldest of their seven children. ...

Rita Belinda White, 61, passed away Feb. 23, 2020, at Riverways Manor in Van Buren, Mo. Rita was born Oct. 20, 1958, in Wyatt, Mo., to parents Otis Eugene and Pansy Ann (Parker) Poynor. In Rita’s lifetime, she had many jobs. She loved spending time with family and friends, going to church, spending time in the sun, and enjoying life! Rita was also involved in the RU program at Westwood Baptist Church. ...

Thomas Castillo, 77, of Wappapello died Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 at his residence. Mr. Castillo was born Tuesday, June 2, 1942 in Nueveo Leon, Mexico to the late Thomas and Guadalupe Castillo. He was a member of New Home General Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. On June 30, 1961 he married Doris Adams. She survives...

Ron was born March 6, 1953 in Caruthersville, Mo. He ended his year-long battle with illness on Feb. 28, 2020 and departed to the open arms of God. Ron was the longest living single organ transplant (liver) out of Barnes-Jewish Hospital, having just celebrated 31 years on Jan. 31...