Obituaries from May 2020

Martha Iva Lou Sparkman, 88, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Friday, May 1, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Sparkman was born April 16, 1932, in Orange County, California. She was a member of Westwood Baptist Church and was a homemaker. Mrs. Sparkman enjoyed being with her family, sewing, singing in quartets and cooking...

Karen Lynn Hurst, 71, of Madison, Mississippi passed away Friday, May 1, in Jackson, Mississippi. She was born on October 20, 1948 in Poplar Bluff. Her late mother was Sally Lavern Hillis and her late father was William Alfred Hillis, Jr., a WWII survivor of Midway...

Betty Darlene Gillum age 58, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. She was a member of Seven Day Adventist Church and homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Lucy Gillum, brother Melford Gillum, son Allen Landers and sister Vicky Gillum. Survivors include three children; Travis Landers, Jody Blackmore, and Cody Blackmore, her brothers Elvin, Larry, Henry, and Jerry Gillum; her sisters Sherry Kinder, Jeanette Burpo, Shirley Campbell, Cathy Gillum, Tammy Morrill, and Laura Taylor ; three grandchildren Jasmine, Travis and Troy Landers of Fisk.. ...

FESTUS, Mo. — Larry G. Crites, age 62, of Festus, Missouri, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2020, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Festus. He was born Jan. 12, 1958, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of the late Emma Lou (nee Deering) and Weldon Crites...

Farrell Lynn “Haney” Shipman Sr., age 79, of Qulin, Missouri, died Monday, May 4, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Shipman was born July 14, 1940, in White Oak, Missouri, son of the late C. E and Henrietta Shipman. He was retired from Federal Mogul. He enjoyed fishing, playing pool and family gatherings...

Charles “Chuck” Warren, 61, died Saturday, May 2, at his home in Neelyville. Born on June 13, 1958, to Ruby Berlene and Miller Warren in St. Louis, Warren was a commercial truck driver and had been a resident of Butler County since 1981. On Dec. 29, 1986, he married Pamela Rose Gould in Poplar Bluff. She survives...

James G. Vernon, 88, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. passed away Sunday, April 26, 2020 at Mark Twain Caring Center. Mr. Vernon, the son of the late James O. and Opal (Simpson) Vernon, was born Jan. 31, 1932 in Poplar Bluff. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and his Men’s Bible study group. ...

Richard Mac Dock, 60, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, departed this life on May 4, 2020 at his residence. There will a graveside at 2 p.m. May 8 in the New Morley cemetery in Morley, Missouri. Fowler and sons of Neelyville in charge of arrangements.

LeeAnn DeShea Hopson, 36, of Poplar Bluff, died Friday, May 1, 2020. She was born Jan. 29, 1984, to Kevin Ellis and Mary Hopson. She graduated from PBHS in 2002 and was a longtime resident of Poplar Bluff and enjoyed Loving Jesus Ministries. Survivors include her parents, Kevin Ellis and Mary Vaughn-Humphrey, both of Poplar Bluff: four sons, Mylez Burlbaugh and Isaiai Hopson, both of Poplar Bluff; Grayson and Jonathan Higginbotham of Little Rock, Arkansas; two daughters, LeAra Hopson of Poplar Bluff and Raniyah Smith of Little Rock, Arkansas; grandmother, Lelia Hopson of Poplar Bluff; and three brothers and two sisters, with a host of aunts and uncles.. ...

Johnny Ray Romine, 66, of Poplar Bluff, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, May 3, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Romine, the son of Fred Romine and Glenda Mae Daves Groves, was born Aug. 18, 1953, in Dupo, Ill. He was employed at Continental Nail Company. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and being outdoors...

Mildred Hicks, 91, of Piedmont, died May 6, 2020. Visitation will be at 5 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2020 at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral will follow at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2020, at Des Arc Assembly of God, Des Arc. Burial: Sutton Cemetery, Vulcan. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Mary Hollis, 92, of Poplar Bluff entered her heavenly home May 6, 2020, at Cedargate Healthcare Facility. Mrs. Hollis was born July 4, 1927, in Portageville, Mo., to the late Elijah Morris Sr and Luncinda Hackney Morris. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, crafts, baking, flowers, canning and her church family...

James P. “JP” McLane, 84, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020, at his residence. JP was born Feb. 13, 1936, in Greenville, the son of late James Lyle and Verne (Page) McLane. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1954 and briefly attended Mineral Area College on a basketball scholarship...

James “Jim” Carrol Hall of LaForge, Mo., passed away at home on May 5, 2020 surrounded by his loving family and very special friend JoAnn Buck. He was 84 years old. Jim was born Dec. 12, 1935, to Matt and Ethel Flowers Hall in Center Ridge, Ark. He Married Elizabeth Ann “Sally” Gilmer Hall on June 18, 1955. Sally proceeded him in death on July 31, 2010...

Samuel Losh, 96 of Piedmont, Mo., passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at his residence. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday, May 11, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Interment will be in the Masonic Cemetery in Piedmont...

Elizabeth Ann Harris Shawan, 85, of Poplar Bluff, passed away at Crowley Ridge Care Center, May 7, 2020 at 2:35 p.m. Lovingly being held by her son, Jeff Shawan and beloved granddaughter, Christina Shawan, she slipped away peacefully, hearing how much she was loved by family members and friends and what a wonderful Mother she was...

Thelma Jean Colbert, 70 of Campbell, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2020 at Malden Nursing and Rehab Center in Malden, Missouri. Thelma, daughter of J. B. Haynes and Dorothy Shrum Haynes Green, was born on Monday, Jan. 30, 1950 in Senath, Missouri. She was a homemaker and was a member of the Shepherd’s Chapel Church in Gravette, Arkansas...

Oliver “O.B.” Bradley, 82, of Neelyville, Mo., passed away on May 10, 2020, at home. Mr. Bradley was a retired truck driver. He enjoyed watching westerns, playing with dogs, whittling wood, and spending time with family and friends. On Oct. 11, 1969, he married his wife Judith Wills. They recently celebrated 50 years of marriage...

Hazel Marie Hobbs, 85, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Thursday, May 7, 2020 at Westwood Health and Rehab Center. Hazel, the daughter of the late William Taylor and Oral Arvilla (Hull) Fagg, was born Dec. 20, 1935 in Greenville, Mo. She was of the Baptist faith and a river boat cook for Ingram Barge. Hazel enjoyed spending time with her family, going antique shopping and bird watching...

Kathy Marie Padron, 59, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Friday, May 8, 2020 at General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell. Kathy, the daughter of the late John R. and Thelma D. (Boyster) Wright, was born March 10, 1961 in St. Louis, Mo. She was the manager of the Main St. Dollar General Store for over 20 years. She enjoyed spending time with her family, bingo and enjoyed the challenge of finding a good use for her coupons...

Ralph August Owen, 78, of Poplar Bluff passed from this life May 10, 2020, at Oakdale Care Center in Poplar Bluff. Ralph was born on April 22, 1942, to the late Ralph and Ruth (Wilson) Owen in Bell City, Missouri. He was a retired vocational rehab counselor, and retired personal counselor. He was also a history teacher. He was a very caring man who very much enjoyed helping people with trouble in their life, turn their life around...

ORAN — Margarita Louise Heisserer, 91, of Bridgeton, Missouri, died Saturday, May 9, 2020, at Sarah Community in Bridgeton. She was born Oct. 20, 1928, to Raymond George and Alma Catherine (Dirnberger) Heisserer at Oran Missouri.  Her siblings included her older brother Ralph and three younger sisters Joan, Helen, and Margaret...

Michael (Mike) James Horner, 68 of Poplar Bluff, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2020, at his residence. Mike was born Dec. 9, 1951, in West Branch, Michigan, the son of James and Margie (Dack) Horner. He married the love of his life Gwendolyn (Gwennie) on May 27, 2000, in Las Vegas. Mike and Gwen were a true love story from the day they met sharing right at 20 years together...

Moudine Sentell, age 86, of Poplar Bluff, formerly of Qulin, died Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Sentell was born April 22, 1934, in Fagus, Mo., daughter of the late Russel and Florence Vincent. She was a member of the American Legion Post 153, Eagles in Poplar Bluff and Qulin Lions Club. She was a homemaker and worked for several years at the Butler County Health Department. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, cooking and making pies and cakes...

Allen D. Morris, 84, of Wappapello, formerly of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at his residence in Wappapello. A full obituary will be posted at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.

MALDEN — John H. Lewis, 81, of Malden died Thursday, May 14, 2020, at General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Sunday, May 17, at the Landess Funeral Chapel in Malden. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, May 18, at the chapel with Rev. Martin Goode officiating. Burial will follow at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield...

James Calvin “Buddy” Blagg, 75, of Corning, Arkansas, died Friday, May 15, 2020, at Corning Therapy and Living Center in Corning. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, May 18, with a private interment at Coon Island Cemetery in Neelyville, Mo...

PIEDMONT — Billy Eugene Holcomb Sr., 86, of Patterson passed away Thursday, May 14, 2020, at his residence. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 18, 2020, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2020, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Burial will follow in Masonic Cemetery, Piedmont...

Ruth Ann Berry-Austin, age 79, resident of Coweta, Oklahoma, formerly of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday morning, May 15, 2020, in Coweta, Oklahoma, surrounded by her family. Ruth Ann was born Dec. 5, 1940, in Qulin, Missouri, and was the daughter of Arthur Wolters and Dorothy Margret (Garner) Wolters...

WILLIAMSVILLE — Chester Justin Bunyard, 41, of Williamsville passed away May 10, 2020. He was born Oct. 28, 1978, in Cape Girardeau to parents, William “Dale” and Theresa (Haddock) Bunyard. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Samuel and Fern Haddock of Lowndes, and grandfathers, John William “Bill” Bunyard and Raymon Cothern Sr...

FREDERICKTOWN — Judith Ann Kegley was born Dec. 6, 1942, at Poplar Bluff, Missouri, the daughter of Loyd Anderson and Rubye (Poole) Anderson Taylor, and passed away on May 13, 2020, at Evelyn’s House in St. Louis, Missouri, at age 77 years. Judy was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather, Lowell Taylor...

Dorothy Helen Ray, 95, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2020, at The Manor in Poplar Bluff. Dorothy was born on Oct. 13, 1924, to Pete and Ora Coulson in Corning, Arkansas. She married G.B. “Bill” Ray in Essex, Missouri, in 1940...

SPRINGFIELD — Myra Lee Rutledge Clark, 86, passed away May 15, 2020. She was born June 30, 1933 to Lyman and Creasy Rutledge in Williamsville, Mo. Myra married the love of her life, her “Buddy,” Paul Clark, Jan. 10, 1951. They had three children together, whom they dedicated their life and love: Karen Davis (James), Richmond, VA; Gloria Roling, Springfield, Mo.; Richard Clark (Diane), St. ...

GREENVILLE — Shirley Mae Dalton, 84, of Greenville, MO, died Saturday, May 16, 2020. She was born to the late William Buford Minton and Frances Ruth (Rambo) Minton. She was a lifelong resident of Wayne county. Shirley attended the Cowboy Church in Fisk, MO. Her hobbies were shopping, checking out the flea markets, camping and sewing...

Georgia L. Webb, 90, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Wednesday, May 20, 2020. She was born to the late George C. Smith and Anna L. (Shadle) Smith. She lived in Michigan for 50 years prior to moving to Poplar Bluff. Georgia was an avid reader, enjoyed her sewing and flowers...

Shirley Louise Hamilton, 84 of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at her residence with her family at her side. Shirley, the daughter of the late Clarence Elmer and Frona Jewell (Snow) Harris, was born April 10, 1936, in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. She was of the Baptist Faith and a homemaker. Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family, reading and going to flea markets...

Richard Roles Sr., 58, of Poplar Bluff passed away Thursday, May 21, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Richard was born Aug. 24, 1961 in Aurora, Colorado, to the late William Robert Roles and Evelyn (Cross) Roles. He loved his family dearly. Besides spending time with each of them he enjoyed fishing, camping, bowling and baseball. He was not able to be active in these activities recently but he enjoyed them when his health allowed...

Robert “Bob” David Kinsey passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on May 20, 2020, surrounded by his loved ones at the Missouri Veteran Home. Bob was born in Gideon on Jan. 23, 1934. He was the son of the late Charles Richard and Fairy La Rose Kinsey...

Mary Jo Drum, 84, of Poplar Bluff, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Mary Jo, daughter of Andrew T. and Agnes A. Brady Barrett, was born on Monday, January 27, 1936 in Campbell. Mary Jo showed academic achievement throughout her life that lead to her being the valedictorian of her class in 1954. ...

Ronald E. Clark, Sr., 78, of Piedmont, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2020 at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Visitation will be held at noon Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at the Morrison Funeral Chapel in Piedmont. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home chapel with Rev. Brent Reed officiating. Interment will be in the Masonic Cemetery. Memorials have been requested to the Heart Fund or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be left at www.morrisonfuneral.com...

Larry W. Hover, 56, of Harviell, Mo., died Saturday, May 23, 2020, at his home in Harviell. A lifelong resident of Butler County and the area, Mr. Hover was born Aug. 14, 1963 in Poplar Bluff. He was a farmer and a truck driver. His hobbies were playing cards, fishing, being on the river, watching Westerns and MASH on television. He enjoyed driving country roads and teaching his grandsons to drive country roads and to shoot...

Louise Teague, 98, of Fisk, Mo., died Sunday, May 24, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mrs. Teague was born Nov. 11, 1921 in Savannah, Tenn. She was a member of Rombauer General Baptist Church where she attended until her health prevented her from attending. She was a homemaker and was a cook with the Twin Rivers School District at the Fisk campus...

Kelly Ray Davidson, son of Franklin Davidson and Jane Hunter was born Sept. 12, 1961 in Poplar Bluff, and departed this life on May 22, 2020 in Poplar Bluff. He attained the age of 58 years, eight months and ten days. Kelly had resided in Harviell for the past two years and was formerly of Poplar Bluff. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, cooking, looking for arrowheads and spending time with family and friends...

Don Barr, 80, of Qulin, Mo., died Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis. Mr. Barr was born April 30, 1940, son of the late Loyd and Willie Ira Lee Barr. He was a 32nd degree Mason. Don worked for the railroad in St. Louis. He was an avid gardener, hunter and fisherman, enjoyed visiting with family and friends and telling stories...

Dorothy May Griffith Kearbey, 90, went to be with the Lord on May 22, 2020 at her home in Longview, Texas. Dorothy was born January 12, 1930 in Hope, Ark. to the late Floyd Griffith and Stella (Stillwell) Griffith. Dorothy married her husband, Thomas Kearbey, on October 29, 1949 in Pocahontas, Ark...

Louise Marvel Essary passed away on May 25, 2020. Louise was born on Sept. 19, 1937, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. She was a proud graduate of Poplar Bluff High School, the place where she made lifelong best friends and met her future husband, Clyde Essary. The two were married on Feb. 8, 1958, and went on to have five children. Although her husband died 18 years ago, she said their love was enough to last a lifetime...

Michelle Hughes, 54, died Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Neelyville. She formerly lived in Topeka, Kan. Fowler & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, No service is scheduled.

Thomas ‘Tom’ Ray Huff, 62, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed Thursday, May 14, 2020, in Poplar Bluff. Tom was born on May 25, 1957 to Orville and Margie Baker Huff, in Poplar Bluff. He married Barbara Ann Bates Oct. 14, 2010, in Piggott, Ark. He was an active member of Highland Church of Christ. ...

Byron “Wayne” Daggett, 62, of Des Arc, died Sunday, May 24, 2020, at Parkland Hospital, Farmington. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. -1 p.m, Saturday, May 30, 2020, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service following at 1 p.m. Burial in Masonic Cemetery...

Steven Earl Shock died unexpectedly May 24, 2020. Steve was born to John and Mary Shock Sept. 14, 1962 in Hayti, Mo. Educated in Poplar Bluff, he graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1980, and earned degrees from Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Wisconsin Central States School of Banking...

Ronald ‘Ron’ L. Montgomery, 68, of Doniphan, Mo. passed away Monday, May 25, 2020 at his home in Doniphan. Ron was born Jan. 20, 1952 to the late Claude and Jerlean (Knuckles) Montgomery in Poplar Bluff. He married Rhonda Simmers July 14, 1988, in Poplar Bluff...

Richard Wayne Bess CAPE GIRARDEAU — Richard Wayne Bess, 67, of Cape Girardeau, Mo., passed away May 24, 1953 at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He was born May 24, 1953 in Advance, the son of Virgil Milton and Lillie Belle Ratledge Bess. Richard had been a shop foreman for several dealerships in Cape Girardeau. Up until his retirement, he worked as a Matco Tool dealer in Advance, Poplar Bluff to Kennett. Richard believed in the Baptist faith...

Betty Lou (Scott) Jackson, 87, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. passed away May 28, 2020 at her home in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Betty was born Nov. 13, 1932 to the late Andrew and Maude (Dowd) Scott in Myrtle Beach, S. C. She spent her childhood in Qulin, Mo., where she excelled at sports and graduated. The highlight of her summers was attending the Annual Qulin Homecoming...

Dora L. Pigg, 61, of Williamsville, died Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Poplar Bluff. Visitation will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2020, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Williamsville Chapel. Memorial service will follow at 5 p.m., also at the Williamsville Chapel...

Willie Mae Martin, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. passed away May 13, 2020 at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Willie was born April 13, 1948 to Willie and Mary (Thomas) Roberts in Poplar Bluff, Mo. She married George Martin but he preceded her in death...

Mildred “Mickie” Ann Pettet Schierman, 88, of Atlanta died May 18, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mildred (Murphy) Pettet, her brothers Jack and Bill, and her husband of 55 years, Louis Schierman. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Joel Fowler; son and daughter-in-law, John and Hiroko Schierman; and grandchildren, Jacob and Molly Schierman...

Mary “Elnora” Moss, 87, of Piedmont, Mo. passed away Thursday, May 28, 2020 at Clark’s Mountain Nursing Center. Visitation will be Sunday, May 31, 2020 at Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont. The funeral will follow also at the Piedmont Chapel. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Winfred “Leon” Morris, 62, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. passed away May 27, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Winfred was born Dec. 14, 1957 to the late Winiferd and Elsie McGee in St. Louis, Mo. He married Deborah “Debbie” (Runyon) Oct. 19, 2003. She survives...

Wayne Powell, 65, of Poplar Bluff died Friday, May 29, 2020, at his resident. Mr. Powell was born Dec. 9, 1954 in Wood River, Ill. He retired after working 39 years at Kneibert Clinic. He was a member of Bay Springs Missionary Baptist Church. He served in the United States Air Force...