Obituaries from February 2021

Jerry Holland, 90, of Poplar Bluff died Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021. Mr. Holland was born on Jan. 17, 1931 in Steele, Missouri, biological son of the late William and Jennie (Hensley) Holland. He was lovingly raised by Walter and Mamie Key. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marines. ...

On Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, JoAnn Hutcheson, loving wife and mother passed away at the age of 69 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. JoAnn was born on Sept. 21, 1951 in Oakland, California to Harold B. Campbell, Jr. and Nina Mae (Robinson) Campbell. She married Rick Hutcheson on May 21, 1971 in Fredericktown, Missouri. They raised one daughter...

Sharon L. Pipkins, age 78, of Poplar Bluff, died Monday, February 1, 2021 at her residence. Mrs. Pipkins was born September 23, 1942 in Kewanee, Illinois, daughter of the late George and Helen (Foust) Arbuckle. In July of 1959, she married Phillip A. Sutton. He preceded her in death in September 1964. In May of 1966 she married Jesse Pipkins. He preceded her in death in November of 2006...

March 12, 1921- February 1, 2021 Dorothy Della Zitnak, a lifelong resident of Fairdealing, Missouri, on Monday February 1, 2021 at 1:47 p.m., finally gave up to God’s beckoning her to climb up the stairs to Heaven to meet her loved ones waiting at the top of the stairs for her to come be with them where there would be no more sorrow or pain...

Jay F. Barnett passed away in Houston, Texas on January 28, 2021 at the age of 87. He was born in Broseley, Missouri on March 4, 1933 to Clyde and Gertrude Barnett. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings, Velta, Betty, Joan, Verlin, Vernon, and Victor and his granddaughter, Tessa...

Betty Louise Bryant, age 80, of Dexter, Missouri, formerly of Poplar Bluff, died Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at her residence. Mrs. Bryant was born August 3, 1940 in Potosi, Missouri, daughter of the late Howard and Myrtle Evans. On November 8, 1957 she married Arvil Bryant. He preceded her in death on January 9, 2004...

Judith ’Judy’ Baldwin, 79 of Poplar Bluff passed away February 3, 2021. Judy was born February 16, 1941 to William and Marie (Boeving) Clarkson in Poplar Bluff. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Thomas ‘Tommy’ Clarkson; her sister, Carole Bedell and her daughter, Jan Elizabeth Baldwin...

Alex Hutson, Junior, 1933-2020, passed away suddenly Christmas Eve 2020 nearing the age of 88. He is greatly missed by his loving family and dear friends. Junior was a lifelong farmer and resident of Broseley, Missouri. He was one of the first in the county to own a tractor, and one of the first in the area to raise rice. ...

Buford Melton Renfroe, age 82, passed away Friday, January 22, 2021, at St. Louis University Hospital. He was born on November 13, 1938 in Kennett, Missouri, to Gladys (Hobbs) and Lloyd Renfroe. Buford was formerly married to Helen (Campbell) Allen. She survives...

Lloyd Jesse Belt, 78, of Poplar Bluff, passed away on February 3, 2021 at St. Bernards Hospital in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was born on August 4, 1942 to the late Jesse Belt and Genell (Cox) Miller in Gainesville, Missouri and married Elaine Marie (Neumann) Belt on April 25, 1964, in Clearwater, Florida...

Wythia Willean West Hefner, of Poplar Bluff, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2021 at the age of 89 years. Wythia was born on October 19, 1931 to Lester and Florence (Briggs) West, who preceded her in death. She graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1949. Wythia married the love of her life, Joe Hefner II on August 27, 1986 in Piggott, Arkansas. Together, the two created what would later become Hefner Furniture and Appliance. He preceded her in death in 1999...

Cynthia ‘Cindy’ G. Evans, 66, of Poplar Bluff, died Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021, following a lengthy illness, and is now resting in peace. Cindy was born Aug. 12, 1954, in Sikeston, Missouri to her parents “Gerry” Denton Smith and Guy E. Smith. She and her family moved to Poplar Bluff in 1958 where she remained throughout her life...

Rachel Hanks, 87, of Piedmont, died Thursday, February 4, at her residence. Visitation is at 9 a.m. Wednesday, February 10 at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral follows at 10 a.m. in the Piedmont, Chapel. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at a later date...

Wayne Tucker, 85, of Ellsinore, died Friday, February 5, at Poplar Bluff Regional. Visitation will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, February 11 with Masonic service at 6:30 p.m., at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 12, in the Piedmont Chapel. Burial is in Robertson Owl’s Roost Cemetery, Ellsinore...

Marilyn Michie Foster, daughter of the late Albert S. and Virginia I. Michie (Corrington) was born on October 19, 1936 in Caruthersville, Missouri. She departed this life in Chesterfield, Missouri on February 6, 2021. She attained the age of 84 years, 3 months and 18 days...

Clara Belle White, 71, of Piedmont, died Saturday, February 6, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. Visitation will be at noon, Saturday, February 13 at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral follows at 2 p.m. in the Piedmont Chapel. Burial is in Rings Creek Cemetery, Patterson...

Thomas R.'Tom'Turner, a retired Poplar Bluff businessman who gave many years of service on community boards, died Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Turner, 80, had been in declining health for several years. He died of complications after recent surgeries...

June 17, 1936 – February 5, 2021 North Little Rock, Arkansas Survived by: Daniel J. Newman aka (Alfred Duwayne Bradley, Jr.), wife Velta; daughter, Sharleene; stepson, Tim of Bellflower, California. Debbie Newman aka (Bradley); sons, Bryan Van Hoose, Tomahawk, Kentucky and Travis Van Hoose, Chillicothe, Ohio, plus four granddaughters...

Shirley L. (Langley) Hindman, 89, of Harviell, Missouri passed away Sunday, February 7, 2021 at Clark’s Mountain Nursing Center in Piedmont, Missouri. Shirley was born on September 1, 1931 to Elbert and Edna (Cox) Langley in St. Louis, Missouri. She married Leo Hindman on October 16, 1955 in Poplar Bluff...

David William Albers, 86, passed into eternal life on Sunday, February 7, 2021 in Poplar Bluff. He was born April 18, 1934, to Charles Henry and Gladys (Moreland) Albers in Evanston, Illinois. On November 16, 1957, he married the love of his life Martha Frances Garner, who survives. Dave and Martha were blessed with a love that grew deeper and sweeter with each year and their commitment to each other was an inspiration to their four children and all those who know them...

Brittney Yvonne Grammer Murphy, daughter of Tim Murphy and Patricia Grammer Murphy of Bernie, Missouri, was born on July 11, 1986 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and departed this life on December 26, 2019 in Poplar Bluff, at the age of 33 years. Ms. Murphy was a Certified Nursing Assistant and a resident of Bernie...

Rickey Lee Pennington, Sr., 68, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Monday, Feb. 8, 2021. He was born July 8, 1952, in Naylor, Missouri, to Julia (Jaco) Pennington and the late Harold Pennington. Rickey was a veteran, having served our nation in the Army. On Jan. 28, 1971, he married his love and best friend, Sandy (Flatt) Pennington in Poplar Bluff. They had just celebrated 50 years together...

NEELYVILLE — Harvey Dewayne French, 75, of Harviell, Missouri, passed away Feb. 9, 2021, at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was born Dec. 15, 1945, at Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to the late James and Bethel Wolverton French. On Nov. 19, 1965, at Neelyville, Missouri, he was married to Linda Harlan. She survives...

Kenneth Dale Ramsey, 62, of Broseley, Mo., died Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Ramsey was born July 27, 1958, son of the late Harold Gene and Betty Jean (Owens) Ramsey. He is survived by one son, Dustin Ramsey and one daughter, Nakeesha Williams, both of Poplar Bluff; three sisters, Debby Adams of Wappapello, Teresa Roberts and Donna Malloy, both of Sikeston; and five grandsons, Kencin Ramsey, Dustin Ramsey II, Justice Williams, Nickalos Ramsey and Andrew Ramsey.. ...

Perry Dewayne Webb Sr. 42, of Poplar Bluff, departed this life on Monday, Feb. 8, 2021. Perry Dewayne Webb was born Aug. 20, 1978 to Jewel (Webb) Jones and Perry Richie in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Perry “Peppe” Webb loved spending time with his family, especially playing the game with his two sons. He also enjoyed working on cars and fixing on things. He was a jokester and a Jack of All Trades. He worked at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff as a cook until he became disabled...

Kenneth Gernstetter, age 63, passed away at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center on January 12, 2021. Kenneth was a lifelong resident of Poplar Bluff. Kenneth will be remembered for his big heart and vast knowledge of television shows and movies trivia...

Glenda Clubb, 53, of Williamsville, died Wednesday, February 10, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Visitation is at noon Monday, February 15 at Ruegg Funeral Home in the Williamsville Chapel. Funeral service following at 1 p.m. in the Williamsville Chapel. Burial is in Clubb Family Cemetery, Williamsville...

Tanya Hillis, 44, of Silva, died Friday, Feb. 12, at her residence. Weather permitting, a visitation only will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, February 16, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville Chapel. Please check our website often for any changes or updates. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Clara B. Darden, 77, of Piedmont, passed away Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, at the Oakdale Care Center in Poplar Bluff. She was born March 5, 1943, at Mountain View, Missouri, the daughter of William and Lula (Johnson) Hind. A long-time resident of Piedmont, Clara worked for many years at Brown Shoe Company and at Clark’s Mountain Nursing Center. She was a member of Faith Family Worship Center in Piedmont...

DONIPHAN — Melody Ann Leroux, 62-year-old resident of Doniphan, Missouri, departed this life Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021. She was born April 17, 1958, in Woodriver, Illinois, to the late James Wesley and Joan Louise (Bricker) Beckwith. Melody attended West Point United Pentecostal Church. ...

Cynthia Lucille Mesey, 60, of Qulin, died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, at her residence, in Qulin. Mrs. Mesey was born, July 18, 1960, in Saint Louis, Missouri, daughter of the late William and Carole McCraig. She enjoyed singing karaoke and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren...

FISK, Mo. - Johnny Flowers, 68, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 at his residence. Mr. Flowers was born Dec. 23, 1952 in Hayti, Missouri, son of the late Jack and Violet Flowers. He had worked at Arundale Plastics, Moark Mold and Technical Plastics...

Aaron Bush II, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Feb. 9, 2021 at his home in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Aaron was born on June 17, 1948 to Aaron and Eula Mae ( Langford) Bush in St. Louis, Missouri. He married Angela (McKeller) on Dec. 29, 1995, in Parma, Missouri...

PIEDMONT, Mo. - Eugene O. Biesemeyer, 58, of Piedmont, Missouri, passed away, Sunday, Feb. 14, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Visitation is at 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 19, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service is at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Burial will follow, at a later date, in Masonic Cemetery, Piedmont...

COLUMBIA, Ill. — Virginia C. Jelinek, 81 years of Columbia, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. She was born on Oct. 14, 1939, in Qulin, Missouri. She married Donald R. Jelinek, Sr. in Dupo, Illinois, on April 4, 1959...

Thomas William “T.W.” Hunter, 79, of Doniphan, Missouri, passed away in Doniphan Jan. 17, 2021. Born July 10, 1948 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. T.W. (Tom) Hunter lived and worked in that area for most of his life. Tom was a talented carpenter who specialized in roofing. ...

Lorita Katherine (Bauer) Lee, 86, of Poplar Bluff, beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away at her home on Monday, February 8, 2021. Her spirit returned unto God who gave it. She leaves her husband, C. William ‘Bill’ Lee of Poplar Bluff; three sons, Steve (JoAnn) Lee, St. ...

Robert ’Jack’ Hall, 81, of Doniphan, Missouri, died February 18, 2021 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Jack was born June 28, 1939 in Doniphan to Ralph Dale Hall and Mary Frances (Hall) Hall. Jack was a Boy Scout reaching the rank of Life. Jack accepted Christ as his Savior March 1, 1949, as a young boy, while attending First Baptist Church at Doniphan. ...

Jo Ann (Scott) Roberts, born September 7, 1934, passed February 19, 2021. Service is private. Remembrances in lieu of flowers can be made to: Friends of the Poplar Bluff Library, Inc. 318 Main St. Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

Virginia Mary (Jiles) Noon passed away on February 16, 2021 at her current home in Wichita, Kansas. She was 96 years old. Virginia was preceded in death in 1998 by her husband of 57 years, Thomas Ray Noon and is survived by their four sons, Thomas/Laura, Randall/Leslie, Patrick and James/Victoria; nine grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Marcia (Jiles) Lieurance Wilson in Springhill, Tennessee...

Mildred Irene Hyslop, 88, the daughter of the late Joe Ellis and Geneva Davenport Ellis Jarrell, was born May 28, 1932, in Dexter, Missouri and died peacefully at her rural Bloomfield home on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, following a brief battle with cancer...

Let Us Pause To Honor the Memory of Rev. Chester Landon Kneir. Rev. Chester Landon Kneir, age 84, of Madison, Indiana formerly of Missouri entered this life on June 22, 1936 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where he was...

Regina Renee Jenkins, age 58, of Malden, Missouri, died Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at her residence. Mrs. Jenkins was born July 29, 1962 in Columbia, Missouri. On March 10, 1984 she married Ernest Jenkins. He survives. Also surviving is her mother, Mary Ruth Jarrett of Bernie; one brother, Danny Jarrett, Bernie, Missouri; two sisters, Beverly Phillips of Bernie and Susan Varvel of Henderson, Tennessee; two sons, Robert Jarrett of Bernie and Bradley Jenkins of Dudley, Missouri; one daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Jenkins of Malden; seven grandchildren, Chelsey, Nicholas, Drake, Jayda, Avery, Bentley and D.W.. ...

Wilbur A. Hutchens, 82, of Marshall, Illinois, died Feb. 15, 2021, in his home following an extended illness. Services were Feb. 22 at Five Points Christian Church where he served as an elder. Burial with military rites was in Auburn Cemetery. He served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and was a master sergeant when he retired...

Elsie Marie Kirkman, 78, of Poplar Bluff passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Arkansas Continued Care Hospital in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Elsie was born May 2, 1942 to Thomas and Etta (Wilson) Neal in Poplar Bluff. She and Ralph Kirkman were married January 20, 1968 in Poplar Bluff. He preceded her in death on November 9, 2020...

Cecil Herbert Gunter was born July 2, 1930 in Carter County Missouri to Herbert Greene Gunter and Jessie Muriel Joplin Gunter. Went to meet his Heavenly Father on February 25, 2021. On July 23, 1949 was united in marriage to Margaret Howe, who survives of the home. ...

Arlene (Middleton) Verheecke, 79, of O’Fallon, Missouri, passed away Sunday, February 21, 2021, at her residence. Visitation will be held at noon, Saturday, February 27 at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Piedmont Chapel. Burial will be in Mt. View Cemetery, Des Arc...