Obituaries from April 2020

Sam “Samella” Eller Starks, 105, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. entered Heaven’s gates March 31, 2020. She was born to the late Sam and Nellie Starks Oct. 12, 1914 in Holly Springs, Miss. She accepted Christ at a very young age. She is a member of the Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church in Poplar Bluff, Mo. ...

Larry Victor Lade, 76, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. passed away March 31, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Larry was born April 8, 1943 to Victor and Pauline (Hornbeck) Lade in Texas. He married Deborah Lade Feb. 24, 2003 in Corning, Ark. She preceded him in death April 24, 2019...

Leroy Dale Lovette, Sr., 84, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at his residence with his loving family at his bedside. Leroy, the fourth of 11 children of the late John Clifford and Mabel Isabel Lovette, was born April 29, 1935, in Parma, Mo. ...

Gabrielle “Gwen” Gamble, 57, of Piedmont, died Friday, March 27, 2020. A visitation will be Saturday, 2-3:30 p.m., April 4, 2020, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines, visitations are limited to a maximum of 10 people at a time in the building, plus staff. Our staff will ensure orderly flow of visitors throughout visitation hours...

Gary Lynn House Gary Lynn House, 62, of Poplar Bluff passed March 24. He married his childhood sweetheart, Jennifer, while dating in high school. Gary left this world, which he was passing through and woke up in Heaven. About six months ago, he earned he had stage 4 cancer. ...

Linda Sue Hackworth, 79, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at The Manor in Poplar Bluff. Linda, the daughter of the late Benjamin E. and Hattie A. Robinson Thornburgh, was born Aug. 12, 1940 in Greenville. She attended First Church of God in Poplar Bluff as well as the Cowboy Church at Fisk. ...

Vergie I. Emmons, 92, of Poplar Bluff passed away on April 2, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Vergie was born March 16, 1928 to the late Odis and Ethel (Herndon) Jarrett in Flatwoods, Mo. She married Jerald Emmons July 20, 1946...

Ellen “Poochie” Huff, 82, of Piedmont, died Thursday, April 2, 2020, at Clark’s Mountain Nursing Center. Visitation is Sunday, 11:30 a.m-1 p.m., April 5, 2020, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral will follow at 1 p.m. Burial: Patterson Cemetery...

Linda Faye Montgomery, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Friday, April 3, 2020 at Westwood Hills Health and Rehab. Ms. Montgomery, the daughter of the late Claude Leonard and Jerlean Opal (Knuckles) Montgomery, was born Dec. 18, 1947 in Poplar Bluff. She was of the Baptist faith. Ms. Montgomery took an early retirement from the Poplar Bluff Social Security office to be a primary caregiver for her parents. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan...

Freda Tucker, 82, of Piedmont, died Thursday, April 2, 2020, at Clark’s Mountain Nursing Center. Visitation is Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., April 7, 2020, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Private funeral to follow. Burial: Mt. Pisgah Cemetery...

Clifford Robert Browning, 89, passed away Friday, April 3, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Clifford, the youngest of son of James E. ‘Eddie’ and Katherine ‘Katie’ Bergesch Browning, was born Jan. 18, 1931, in Poplar Bluff. He was of the Baptist faith and was the owner of C R Browning Auto Salvage in Poplar Bluff. He enjoyed spending time and playing checkers with family and friends...

QULIN — Rev. Roscoe Gray of Qulin passed away Saturday, April 4, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Gray was born July 25, 1936, son of the late Ruby and Emmett Gray. For 56 years Roscoe had preached at many churches in Southeast Missouri. He attended services at Twin Oaks Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff...

Cheryl Bridgewater, 70, of Poplar Bluff died Saturday, April 4, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Bridgewater was born Oct. 3, 1949, in Poplar Bluff to the late Ralph Innes Sr. and Freda Innes. She had owned a mobile home business. She enjoyed playing cards, spending time with family and feeding humming birds...

Ruby Ann (Brommer) McFadden, 91, of Poplar Bluff, went to her eternal home on Sunday, April 5, 2020. Ruby Ann was born May 21, 1928 in Chicago, Ill. Her parents passed away when she was young and she was raised by Merl and Ruby Shewman of Peru, Ind. They, her two brothers and a sister preceded her in death...

Karen Batson Fox, age 61, died Monday, April 6, 2020, at her home in Charleston. Born Feb. 3, 1959, at Poplar Bluff, Mo., to the late James Shelby Batson and Katherine Batson, she had lived in Poplar Bluff a number of years and was a graduate of Three Rivers Community College with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Science.  She moved to Charleston 22 years ago where she was a member of the United Methodist Church in Charleston and had been employed with the Missouri Department of Transportation until she retired.. ...

Shirley Joann Montgomery, 79, of Piedmont, Mo., passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2020, at Clarks Mountain Nursing Center in Piedmont. Visitation will be 12:30-2 pm, Friday, April 10, 2020, at Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont. A private funeral will follow...

Betty Lillian Teal, 90, of Piedmont, died Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at Phelps County Hospital in Rolla, Mo. Visitation will be held from 11-12 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2020, at Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont. A private funeral service will follow. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Bronda Rose Ashworth, age 76 of Dexter, Mo., died Wednesday, April 08, 2020 at her home, in Dexter. Mrs. Ashworth was born Dec. 12, 1943, in Portageville, Mo., daughter of the late Edgar and Edna Lacy. She was a homemaker and had worked at Whispering Oaks Boarding Home for several years...

Selma Lorain Morgan, 92, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away peacefully, April 7, 2020 at her residence. She was  born Oct. 8, 1927 at Poplar Bluff, Missouri to the late Granville Hanks and Elsie “Romine” Hanks. On Nov. 12, 1948, at Piggott, Arkansas, she was married to Tom Morgan. He preceded Her in death on Sept. 4, 2009...

Ronnie Eugene Wiley, 73, of Fairdealing, Missouri, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 6:40 .pm. at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Although his family grieves his passing, Jesus chose to take Ronnie Home to be with Him where there would be no more pain and suffering...

Paul Harlan Jarrell, Jr., passed away peacefully on March 31, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Roberta Jarrell.  Paul — called Papa by his grandchildren — was born on August 11, 1940. in Poe, Mo., to Mr. Paul “Cotton” Jarrell, Sr., and Mrs. Daisy Jarrell. He had three younger siblings: Jesse Jarrell, Ruth Warren, and the late Larry Jarrell...

Walter Hollowell, Jr., 87, of Poplar Bluff, went to his Heavenly Home on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Walter was born Dec. 25, 1932 in Broseley, Mo., to the late Walter Howell, Sr. and Era (Johnson) Howell.  He had one brother, Arth “Bud” Hollowell, who preceded him in death and one sister, Marge Garner who survives...

Clarebel Hogg Gray, 95, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2020, at Oakdale Care Center. Mrs. Gray, the daughter of the late James B. and Mae (Hart) Hogg, was born Jan. 15, 1925, in Poplar Bluff. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, where was a Sunday School teacher and a member of the church choir.   Mrs. ...

Linda Robinson, 76, of Poplar Bluff passed away on April 01, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Linda was born on April 5, 1943 to Frederick and Dorothy(Plunkett) Ray in St. Louis, Missouri.  She married Michael R. Robinson on June 9, 1960, in Desloge, Mo...

Walter Hollowell, Jr., 87, of Poplar Bluff, went to his Heavenly Home on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Walter was born December 25, 1932 in Broseley, Mo., to the late Walter Hollowell, Sr. and Era (Johnson) Hollowell.  He had one brother, Arth “Bud” Hollowell, who preceded him in death and one sister, Marge Garner who survives...

Ronald F. ‘Dago’ Scott, 91, of Poplar Bluff entered the Gates of Heaven on Good Friday, April 10, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Scott, the son of the late Charles and Rubye Kearbey Scott, was born July 1, 1928, in Poplar Bluff. ...

Doris “Diane” Powell, 76, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Friday, April 10, 2020.

Mark Kelly Starnes, renowned musician, composer, and son of H.B. and Lorene Starnes was born in Poplar Bluff on February 20, 1960 and concluded his career of earthly service to the Lord Jesus Christ on April 9, 2020. Mark attended Poplar Bluff School system. He played in the PBHS Marching Band and graduated in 1978. Later in the early 80ʼs he majored in music at Three Rivers Community College...

Ronnie D. Sells, son of the late Wesley Sells and Norma Welchel, was born on August 25, 1945 in Corning, Arkansas and joined his heavenly Father on Good Friday April 10, 2020. He died at Barnes-Jewish hospital in St. Louis, MO at the age of 74.

Sharon Elaine Dorris, 71, of St. Peters, MO, formerly of Clubb, MO, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2020, at her residence. Visitation is from noon - 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 16, 2020, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville Chapel. A private funeral will follow. Burial: Graham Cemetery, Clubb. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Curtis Raymond Divine, 63, of Poplar Bluff passed away Saturday, April 11, at the Saint Claire Hospital in Fenton. He was born in Michigan to Charles Divine and Sandra Murphy. He married Debbie Crossen and worked as a heavy equipment mechanic. During his free time, he enjoyed scuba diving...

Michael “Mike” Wayne Burgess, 52, of Naylor, departed this life on April 13, 2020 at his residence. He was born February 1, 1968 in Kennett to Jerry Don Burgess and Linda McMurtry. He is survived by one daughter; Ashley Burgess of Corning, Arkansas as well as his mother Linda, two sisters; Sherry Lane and Gina Burgess both of Naylor; one brother Jeff Burgess and fiance’ Robin Fisher of Harviell, as well as several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews...

Lamont Savalas Green, 46, died Saturday, April 11, 2020 in Poplar Bluff, Mo. He was born January 5, 1974 in Poplar Bluff, Mo to the late Billy R. Green Sr. and Ney Ruth Clemons (Green). Lamont was a graduate of Poplar Bluff Senior High School and attended St. Charles Community College in St. Charles, Mo. He was an employee of Crawford Security in Poplar Bluff at the time of his death. His childhood was spent attending Plesant Hill Missionary Baptist Church...

DONIPHAN — Dema Jean Pundsack, 86-year-old resident of Poplar Bluff, Mo., departed this life Friday, April 3, 2020. Mrs. Pundsack was born Oct. 28, 1933, in Ottawa, Wisconsin, to the late Bert Harrison and Olive (Owens) Downing. In addition to her parents, Dema was also preceded in death by her husband, Herbert H. ...

Alvin Ray Fox was born on March 11, 1937 and left this world to be with his Lord on April 13, 2020 at 83. Alvin had been a truck driver for many years (which most people had heard stories about) and worked at Golden Cat in Aquilla for many years, a job he was very proud of. ...

Ronald Joe Shrum of Puxico, son of late Joesph and Minnie Matthews Shrum, was born in Puxico, on Oct. 17, 1947, and passed away at his home near Puxico, on Friday, April 10, 2020, at the age of 72 years, 5 months and 24 days. Ron was a deacon at the Duck Creek Missionary Baptist Church for 40+ years where his family attented. ...

PIEDMONT — Christopher DeBoard, 33, of Annapolis, Missouri, died Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Visitation is from noon – 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2020, at Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont. A private funeral will follow. Burial at Mt. View Cemetery, Des Arc. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

VAN BUREN — Thomas Edward Foerster unexpectedly passed away in his sleep Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Tom was born April 27, 1940, to the late Carl and Seaca (Pettit) Foerster. Tom grew up in Fremont, Missouri, before moving to St. Louis, later to Poplar Bluff, and then to Wappapello, Missouri. He was married to Carolyn Spencer (who survives)...

DEXTER — Douglas Sutter, formerly of Puxico, passed away at his home in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, April 10, 2020, at the age of 60 years and 11 months. He was born in Poplar Bluff on April 18, 1959, to Alton and Carrie Sutter of Puxico. Doug grew up in Puxico and graduated from the Puxico High School in 1977. ...

CHARLES CLIFFORD LANGLEY Charles “Chuck" Clifford Langley, 60, of Wiliamsville, Missouri, departed this life on April 16, 2020, at his residence. He was born July 5, 1959 at Corning, Arkansas, to the late Lee Langley and Ethel Gimblin. He is survived by one son, Gary Langley and wife Melinda of Williamsville; four sisters, Janet Langley of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Melba Voigt and Vivian Allen both of Queen Creek, Arizona, and Bessie Eastwood of Poplar Bluff.  Also surviving are two grandchildren, Synnica, Shyla, and many nieces and nephews.. ...

Ruby Irene Goodrum, 90, of Poplar Bluff, gently entered Paradise Saturday, April 18, 2020 in Poplar Bluff. A private graveside service and burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 24, at Poplar Bluff City Cemetery. The service will be live streamed for family and friends unable to attend. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com .

Dale Eugene (Gene) Truelove Sr., 90, of Neelyville, departed this life on April 19, 2020 in the Westwood Hills Healthcare of Poplar Bluff. He was born Aug. 17, 1929 at Etowah, Arkansas to the late Chester Harvey Truelove and Ruth Marie (Goss) Truelove. He had been a resident of Butler County for 56 years...

Linda Kay Lutes, 58, of Poplar Bluff passed away on April 17, 2020 at her home in Poplar Bluff. Linda was born on November 15, 1961 to the late James and Eleanor (Bucarelli) Lutes in Kennett, Missouri. She was a homemaker who loved her family and friends...

Robert “Robbie” E. Fulton, 44, of Piedmont, died Saturday, April 18, 2020. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, April 23, 2020, at Patterson Cemetery. ...

Arvey Dees, 88, of Poplar Bluff, died Monday, April 20, 2020. Visitation is at 1 p.m., Sunday, April 26, 2020, at Dees Chapel Cemetery, Williamsville, Missouri. Graveside service and burial will follow. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Brooklynn Nichole Lemonds, an earthly angel of 6 months, passed into the loving arms of Jesus Sunday, April 19, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Brooklynn, the beautiful daughter of Austin James Lemonds, was born September 30, 2019 in Poplar Bluff...

Martha Sturgell, 89, of Poplar Bluff passed away April 20, 2020 at Clark’s Mountain Nursing Center in Piedmont, Mo. She was born March 24, 1931 in Springfield, Mo., to the late Lee and Pauline McLean. Martha enjoyed reading, swimming, boating and being with her family.  She was a nurse, a homemaker and had managed a gift shop.  She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church...

Robert Lee Stadler, 64, of Doniphan, Missouri, departed this life on April 21, 2020 at his residence. He was born June 9, 1956 at Fairdealing, Missouri to the late Alfred Eugene Stadler and Estella (Jones) Stadler. He is survived by his children, Adam Stadler and wife Starla of Grandin, Missouri, Julie Freeman and husband James of Pocahontas, Arkansas, and Clifford Stadler and wife Miranda of Doniphan; Three sisters, Charlotte Hudson of Huntsville, Arkansas, Kathy Stadler and Joyce French, both of Doniphan; as well as three brothers, John Stadler of Dalton, Georgia, Rick Stadler of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Gary Larabee of Holton, Michigan.. ...

James L. Martin, 73, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark. Mr. Martin, son of the late Elmer and Ruby Francis Martin, was born May 24, 1946, in Brickey, Ark.  He was a member of Liberty Missionary Baptist Church and was a farmer.  Mr. Martin enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, gardening and working on the tractor.  His greatest love was spending time with his family...

John Eric Bishop, 36, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., entered into rest Sunday, April 19, 2020. John has left behind his mother, Minette Hafford; stepfather, Kelly Cochran; children, Jemma (7), Jackson (3), and Jayce (1); siblings, Curtis Fouts (David Turnbow), Larry Rushing, Stephanie Tinker (Justin), and Brittany Hafford (Zach Smith); stepsisters, Kellie Goodrich (Bruce) and Andrea Reeves (James); Granny Randi; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews...

Robert “Bobby” Hanger, 62 of Pevely, Missouri, passed away Monday, April 20, 2020. A visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 24, 2020, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Ella Pearl Morse, 72 of Poplar Bluff passed away April 21,2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Ella was a loving wife, mother, sister, great-grandmother and friend to many. The family will be having a private graveside service at Old Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler County Saturday, April 25...

Sophia, beloved daughter of Brandle and Holly Bryant, was born into this world on April 16, 2020. She was the most beautiful little girl and left her footprints on every piece of our hearts. Sophia earned her angel wings in the arms of her loving mother on April 17, 2020...

Neoma Elizabeth (Smothers) Bishop, 89, of Poplar Bluff, went home to be with the Lord Jesus Wednesday, April 22, 2020, surrounded by her family. Neoma, the daughter of the late Leonard A. and Mary Ellen (Walker) Smothers, was born July 16, 1930, in Poplar Bluff. She was a member of South Poplar Bluff General Baptist Church and was a homemaker...

Richard Lee “Dickie” Morse, age 69, of Poplar Bluff, died Sunday, April 26, 2020, at his residence. There will be a private family visitation and funeral service Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at White-Sanders Funeral Home in Fisk. The funeral service will be live streamed at 3 p.m. on White Sanders Funeral Home’s Facebook page. Burial will be in Missouri State Veteran’s Cemetery at Bloomfield, Mo. Online condolences: www.whitesandersfuneralhome.com .

William (Skip) Hinrichs, 74, of Ridgedale, Mo., died Saturday, April 25, 2020. An outdoor funeral service with military honors is being hosted by the First Church of God in Poplar Bluff, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 1. Online condolences: www.cotrellfuneralservice.com .

Rev. James A. Littles, Sr., age 78, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at his home near Piedmont. Online condolences: www.morrisonfuneral.com .

Hollis Lewis, 80, of Piedmont, died Thursday, April 23, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Visitation is at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at Ruegg Funeral Home Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Monday, May 4, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Burial will be in Mt. View Cemetery, Des Arc...

Donna F. Carpenter-Resnik, 69, of Poplar Bluff, MO passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, April 27, 2020, in Dexter, MO. Donna was born on June 25, 1950, in Bonne Terre, Missouri to Richard and Claradine (Hays) Hill. She is survived by four sisters, Diane Gray, Judy Green, Janet Denison and Jeanie Currington and one brother, Joe Hill. One sister-in law, Beth Summers, and one brother-in law, Dan Resnik...

Guy Bryan “Butch” Shackelford (age 75) passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on April 30, 2020, following a hard-fought battle with esophageal cancer. Born on Aug. 1, 1944, in Memphis, Tenn., Butch moved to Poplar Bluff at a young age and attended Kinyon Elementary. He graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1962 as a two-time letterman in track and field. He attended Arkansas State University for two years before joining the United States Air Force in October 1964. Butch spent three years stationed in Montana and one year serving NATO overseas in Turkey during the Vietnam War. He was a sergeant in the Air Police at the time of his honorable discharge in October 1968.. ...