Obituaries from March 2022

DONIPHAN, Mo. — Elvin Bryan Murray, son of Ed Murray and Minnie Marie (Kempf) Murray, was born Oct. 16, 1931, near Doniphan, Missouri. He departed this life Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022 in Grandin, Missouri. On Dec. 25, 1965 he was married to Veda Mae McDowell at the Doniphan United Methodist Church. ...

DONIPHAN, Mo. — Patricia Kay Griffin, 80-year-old resident of Doniphan, Missouri, departed this life Friday, Feb. 25, 2022 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She was born Jan. 21, 1942 to the Hardy and Maybell Ruth Whitely Martin. Pat taught in the Doniphan R-I School system. ...

FISK Mo. — Alvin Wade Hobbs, 54, of Bloomfield, Missouri, died Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022 at M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas. Mr. Hobbs was born June 13, 1967 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to the late Alvin Oscar and Ethel Louise (Sanders) Hobbs. He is survived by three children: Valerie Hobbs of Poplar Bluff, Dillon Hobbs of Saint Louis, and Taylor Jones of Poplar Bluff; three grandchildren; and six siblings: Coletta Lusk of Broseley, Bruce Hobbs of Dudley, Anna Livesay of Bloomfield, Monica Greuel, Lydia Daniels, and Kimberly Rowland, all of Dexter. ...

James Hobbs Phyllis Hobbs 2 photos flag FISK, Mo. — James “Gene” Hobbs, 78, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, was born Sept. 12, 1943 in Puxico, Missouri to the late William and Audra Hobbs. He died Monday, January 17, 2022 at Piedmont Newnan Hospital, in Newnan, Georgia. Phyllis “Marie” Hobbs, 72, of Poplar Bluff, was born Oct. 19, 1949 in Ash Hill, Missouri to the late Malcolm and Evelyn Jones. She died Friday, Feb. 25, 2022 at Piedmont Newnan Hospital, in Newnan...

James Hobbs Phyllis Hobbs 2 photos flag FISK, Mo. — James “Gene” Hobbs, 78, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, was born Sept. 12, 1943 in Puxico, Missouri to the late William and Audra Hobbs. He died Monday, January 17, 2022 at Piedmont Newnan Hospital, in Newnan, Georgia. Phyllis “Marie” Hobbs, 72, of Poplar Bluff, was born Oct. 19, 1949 in Ash Hill, Missouri to the late Malcolm and Evelyn Jones. She died Friday, Feb. 25, 2022 at Piedmont Newnan Hospital, in Newnan...

FISK, Mo. — Linda Gail Crafford, 74, of Fisk, Missouri, died Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at St. Francis Medical Center, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Mrs. Crafford was born Dec. 7, 1947 in Brilliant, Alabama, to the late Grady and Velma Humphres. On June 4, 1966, she married Huey M. Crafford. He preceded her in death Aug. 19, 1998...

Donald Eugene Ivie, Sr., 85, of Zalma, Missouri, passed away Feb. 28, 2022 at his home surrounded by family. He was born Oct. 19, 1936 in Cairo, Illinois, the son of Paul H. Ivie Sr. and Alice Marie Mattox Ivie Courtney. Donald was a veteran of the USAF from July 7, 1954 to July 7, 1958...

Eric L. Berry, 58, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at his home. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2022, at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral Chapel with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. Cotrell Willow Ridge F&CS is honored to serve the family of Eric L. Berry...

John Paul Carter of Ellsinore, Missouri passed away March 2, 2022 at his home in the arms of his wife and five daughters. John was born Sept. 11, 1936 to Cozy and Samantha Carter. He had attained the age of 85 years, five months and 21 days. On Nov. ...

John Everett Ritzman of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, age 48, passed away Jan. 29, 2022. He was born July 30, 1973, in Aurora, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Tony Ritzman. He is survived by his son, Zion Everett Ritzman of Newnan, Georgia, and Zion’s mother, Suzanne Poole; his parents, Constance Cartwright of San Antonio, Texas and James Ritzman of Lake City, Florida; a brother, Brad (Brenda) Ritzman of San Antonio;and many aunts, uncles and cousins...

Paul Smith, 85, of Clarkton passed away Friday, March 4, at his residence. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. Monday, March 7, at Landess Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m, with Rev. Jack Cole officiating. Burial will be at Kennett Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kennett. Landess Funeral Home of Malden is in charge of the arrangements...

Otto Floyd Starkey, 59, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at Hannibal Regional Hospital, Hannibal, Missouri. He was born Dec. 25, 1963, in Dunklin County, Missouri, to parents Clayburn Starkey and Wanda (Johnson) Starkey. Otto was a Wayne County resident for many years. ...

Otto Floyd Starkey, 59, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at Hannibal Regional Hospital, Hannibal, Missouri. He was born Dec. 25, 1963, in Dunklin County, Missouri, to parents Clayburn Starkey and Wanda (Johnson) Starkey. Otto was a Wayne County resident for many years. He had worked as an industrial cleaner with his father’s company, mostly specializing in restaurant hood cleaning. He also worked a lot with Jesse Birmingham and worked at Trinity Lumber Company at Clubb...

FISK, Mo. — Gerlin G. Ethridge, 78, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Friday, March 4, 2022 at Oakdale Care Center, in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Ethridge was born May 2, 1943, daughter of the late Nowlin and Julia Beck. She was of the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith...

Paul Smith, 85, of Clarkton died Friday, March 4, at his residence.

Robert ‘Bob” Sanner, 87, of Vilonia, Arkansas, formerly of Poplar Bluff died Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Arkansas.

NEELYVILLE, Mo. — Edna Jo Richards, 91, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Monday, March 7, 2022, at her home. Mrs. Richards was born Dec. 5, 1930, in Poplar Bluff. She was a member of the Lone Hill Missionary Baptist Church where she had served as secretary and kept attendance records. Edna enjoyed cooking, her church and reading her Bible...

NEELYVILLE, Mo. — Donald Albert Hover, 84, of Harviell, Missouri, passed away at his residence March 10, 2022. He was born, May 21, 1937, at Butler County, Missouri to the late John and Purma “Morrow” Hover. On Jan. 6, 1957, he was married to Evelyn Geraldine Murrell at Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She survives...

Mary Martha Robinson, 88, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at The Manor in Poplar Bluff. Mary was born on July 31, 1933, to John and Eva (Shoemake) Brown in Neelyville, Missouri. She married JT Robinson July 4, 1962, in Poplar Bluff...

James “Jim” Edward Rousan Sr., 77, passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at his home in Ellsinore, Missouri surrounded by his children and family. Jim was born Dec. 4, 1944, to Walter Malcom Rousan and Ola Viola Sutton in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri. On Nov. 30, 1963, James was united in marriage to Linda Sue Mitchem in St. Louis, Missouri...

DEXTER, Mo. — Genevieve Elsie Miller, daughter of the late Martin Tripp and Marie Reeder Tripp, was born Aug. 25, 1929, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and departed this life March 4, 2022, at Southeast Health of Stoddard County in Dexter, Missouri at the age of 92 years...

Jason Charles Preslar, 50, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. Jason was born Sept. 4, 1970, to Charles Rudolph and Darlys Moore Preslar in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Jason is survived by his mother, Darlys Preslar of Fenton; three children, Addyson, Kylie, and Braxtyn, of Poplar Bluff; and St. Louis relatives: sister, Jana Rice, and husband, Kelly; grandmother, Helen Stogsdill; aunt, Carolyn Eskew Farrell and husband, Ron; and cousin, Lori McGinley and husband, Fred...

Robert (Bob, Bobby) William Sanner, of Vilonia, Arkansas, passed away the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 4, 2022. He was 87. He was born in Doniphan, Missouri to Ray L. and Nettie Sanner on April 14, 1934. A short service will be held March 21, 2022, at the Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Family visitation is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the service from 11 a.m. to noon followed by an inurnment at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery...

Carolyn “Renee” Taylor, 53, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away March 10, 2022, at her home in Poplar Bluff. Renee was born Oct. 25, 1968 to Calvin Rutherford and Shirley Reeves. She married Tommy Taylor in which they shared over 25 years of marriage, in which they shared three beautiful children...

Eric Steven Bader, 38, of Ruston, Louisiana, formerly of Glennonville, died Sunday, March 13, 2022, in Ruston.

Brian Keith Johnson Sr., 56, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away March 11, 2022, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Brian was born Jan. 7, 1966, to Leroy and Shirley (Bailey) Johnson in Nyck, New York. He was engaged to Sharon Parks...

MALDEN, Mo. — Kristi Hargrave of Malden passed away Friday, March 11, 2022 at Evelyn’s House in St. Louis, Missouri. Kristi was born Thursday, Aug. 4, 1955 to W. D. Hester and Marcia Lou Grimes Hester, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Kristi was a retired teacher’s aide at Malden Elementary school and was a retired co-owner of Malden Furniture...

Peggy Jean Gravil, 66, of Fisk, Missouri passed away March 16, 2022 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Peggy was born Sept. 13, 1955 in Poplar Bluff. She was united in marriage to Charlie Gravil July 20, 1971. He preceded her in death in 2002...

Kyle Smith, son of Connie Coleman Smith of Dexter, Missouri, and the late John G. Smith, was born Sept. 18, 1969, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and departed this life March 12, 2022, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 52 years. Kyle was the Sports Editor for the Dexter Statesman in Dexter and a resident of Dexter...

ELLSINORE, Mo. — David Loy Saffle, son of Loy and Cinderella Saffle was born Nov. 18, 1941 in Fallis, Oklahoma and departed this life March 11, 2022 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. He had attained the age of 80 years, three months and 23 days...

Christopher Paul Haesler died Feb. 20, 2022, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Chris was born Sept. 26, 1962, to the late Guy and Alice (Carter) Haesler in Jamaica-Queens, New York. He was the youngest of six children. Soon after graduating from Hicksville High School in 1981, Chris began working with on a neighbor on their original ‘Levittown’ type home in Hicksville, New York. ...

Mary Jo Weaver (Joyce) who recently turned the age of 77 on March 8 has passed away in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on March 11, 2022. Joyce enjoyed puzzles, poetry, going to church, and visiting with loved ones. She also loved visits from animals, especially dogs. Joyce wrote poems earlier in life that were proudly published. They were tongue in cheek about her life at the time, making them humorous and relatable to those who read them...

James Franklin Robbins, 80, passed away March 11, 2022, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Jim was born Nov. 22, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Sammie Franklin Robbins and Flora Ross Robbins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Augie DeRitter...

QULIN, Mo. — Orvil Gene Reed, 68, of Qulin, Missouri, died Sunday, March 20, 2022 at his residence in Qulin. Mr. Reed was born Monday, Aug. 31, 1953 in Gideon, Missouri. He was the son of the late Delbert Eugene and Mary W. Reed. He enjoyed watching football and baseball. He also loved animals and Elvis...

William ‘Larry’ Smith, 67, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will follow at noon in the chapel with Rev. John Harwell officiating. Burial will take place at Liberty Cemetery in Butler County...

ELLSINORE, Mo. — Theodore Harold “Teddy” Koerner went to his heavenly home March 21, 2022. Teddy was born Nov. 10, 1938 to the late Theodore A. Koerner and Helen (Price) Koerner. He had lived in Ellsinore, Missouri most of his life and attended the Ellsinore First Assembly of God Church. ...

Cathy McKinley NEELYVILLE, Mo. — Cathy Marie McKinley, 60, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away, March 12, 2022 in the Southeast Hospital at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She was born Feb. 25, 1962, at St. Louis. She was married to George McKinley, He preceded her in death on April 12, 2013...

NEELYVILLE, Mo. — Lee Edward Garner, 84, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away March 17, 2022 at his residence. He was born, March 1, 1938, to the late, Bert Garner and Ruth “Dodd” Garner, at Poplar Bluff. He was married to Marglyn Hollowell. She survives...

Alice I. Burgin, 93, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Monday, March 21, 2022. She was born Aug. 28, 1928 in Poplar Bluff to the late William and Cora (Geans) VanBuren. She was of the Baptist faith. She married Denny Burgin, who preceded her in death in 2003. She cared for her home full time. Alice was known for her endearing smile. She was active in her garden, watching baseball and a good wrestling match. Family meant the most to her...

Alice I. Burgin, 93, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Monday, March 21, 2022. She was born August 28, 1928, in Poplar Bluff to the late William and Cora (Geans) VanBuren. She was of the Baptist faith. She was a loving wife and mother. She cared for her home full time. Alice was known for her endearing smile. She was active in her garden, watching baseball and a good wrestling match. Family meant the most to her...

Rev. Dr. James “Jim” William Kennedy left his earthly home and ran into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Sunday, March 20, 2022. He died in his home after living 80 years filled with love and laughter. Despite many years of illness, Jim was born April 24, 1941 in St. Clair, Missouri to James and Reida Kennedy and was the oldest of three boys...

FISK, Mo. — Norma Lee Purvis, 91, of Fisk, Missouri, died Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at Puxico Nursing and Rehab in Puxico. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022 at White-Sanders Funeral Home in Fisk. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Jim Sanders officiating. Burial will be at Shain Memorial Cemetery in Fisk...

Chelsey Rae Roberts, 36, of Dexter, Missouri, died Monday, March 21, 2022 at her residence in Dexter.

NEELYVILLE, Mo. — Patty Sue Trentelman, 77, of Poplar Bluff died March 22, 2022, at her residence. Mrs. Trentelman was born Dec. 31, 1944, in Neelyville. She graduated Neelyville High School. Patty worked for K-Mart and was a home maker for many years. ...

QULIN, Mo. — Elizabeth “Betty” Jane Craft, 88, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, formerly of Oglesville, Missouri, died Sunday, March 20, 2022 at her residence in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Craft was born March 27, 1933 in Poplar Bluff. She was the daughter of the late Lloyd Robertson and Inez Pope. Betty was a member of Oglesville Baptist Church for nearly 40 years. She enjoyed crocheting and quilting. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles...

QULIN — Wilma Geniece Hefner, formerly of Qulin, Missouri, passed away Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Westwood Hills Health Care Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, at the age of 98. Born on Dec. 21, 1923, in Malden, Missouri, to the late Frank and Florena Skidmore Huffman, Geniece moved with her family to Qulin when she was six. She grew up in the Osborn community and faithfully attended Osborn General Baptist Church for nearly 90 years...

FISK, Mo. — Wanda “Loudena” Trout, 83, of Doniphan, Missouri, died Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Trout was born May 4, 1938 in Broseley, Missouri, to the late Freeman and Effie (Presson) Allen. On April 17, 1957 she married James “Tommy” Trout. He preceded her in death on Dec. 2, 2020...

DEXTER, Mo.— James Franklin Wilthong of Puxico, Missouri passed away March 26, 2022 at the age of 88. James married Glenda Elaine Weaver Jan. 1, 1955 in Paragould, Arkansas. James enjoyed a full and wonderful life. He was faithfully dedicated to his Lord Jesus Christ. ...

DONIPHAN, Mo. — Ronald Eugene Woods, 77, of Doniphan, Missouri, was called home to be with the Lord Sunday, March 27, 2022 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He was born May 25, 1944.in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Marvin and Mary (Teders) Woods...

Dustin Glenn Putman, 33, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away on March 28, 2022, at his home in Poplar Bluff. Dustin was born on Aug. 4, 1988, to Sandy Putman in Poplar Bluff. He was raised by Terry Smith, whom he considered as father. Dustin enjoyed fishing and the outdoors in general...

WILLIAMSVILLE, Mo. — Mildred Eads, 92, of Williamsville, died Monday, March 28, 2022. Visitation is at 11 a.m,. Friday, April 1, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Williamsville Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., also in the Williamsville Chapel. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Williamsville...

PIEDMONT, Mo. — Spirel “Ed” Thompson, 92, of Piedmont, Missouri, died Saturday, March 26, at his residence. Visitation is at 5 p.m., Saturday, April 2, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 3, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Burial will be in Carson Hill Cemetery, Mill Spring with full military honors...

Patricia Lee, 77, of Poplar Bluff died March 28, 2022, at her home.

Doris Ann Thornton Mortimer passed away at Ascension St Francis-Bartlett, Tennessee March 28, 2022. She battled Alzheimer’s disease for the last seven years of her life with the help and love of her devoted husband. Doris Ann was born in Ash Hill Township in Butler County, Missouri, Oct. 3, 1935. Doris Ann was a longtime resident of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She was the third of six children born to Louis M. and Lois K. Thornton...

Hazel V. Kinder, 97, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away on March 26, 2022, at her home in Poplar Bluff. Hazel was born on Feb. 16, 1925, to John Washington and Maggie Lee (Finch) McPherson in Holland, Arkansas. She married William (Vernon) Kinder in England, Arkansas...

Hazel V. Kinder, 97, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away on March 26, 2022, at her home in Poplar Bluff. Hazel was born on Feb. 16, 1925, to John Washington and Maggie Lee (Finch) McPherson in Holland, Arkansas. She married William (Vernon) Kinder in England, Arkansas...

Connie Johnston, daughter of the late Medford and Ruby Bennett, was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on Dec. 3, 1942, and left this earth while residing at The Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri at the age of 79. Connie had lived in the Poplar Bluff and Puxico area all of her life. ...

NEELYVILLE, Mo. — Theresa Ann “Croy” Fleming, 57, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri sadly departed this life on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Theresa was born on July 7, 1964 at St. Louis, Missouri. She was a member of Church on the Rock, Sikeston, Missouri and worked as a tow boat cook with ADM. She so loved to attend church and spend time with her daughters and grandchildren. She also enjoyed reading and researching the Bible and gardening and planting her rose bush...

WILLIAMSVILLE, Mo. — Mildred Eads, 92, of Williamsville died Monday, March 28. Visitation is at 11 a.m., Friday, April 1, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Williamsville Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., also in the Williamsville Chapel. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Williamsville...

Christine Michelle Jones, 47, passed away Friday, March 25, 2022, at her residence. Christine was a life-long resident of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She was born Jan. 28, 1975 to Jack Albert Gidney of Park Hills, Missouri, and Rose (Bilskey) Fuller of Poplar Bluff...

DONIPHAN, Mo. — Beverly Ann Drane, 76, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, departed this life Monday, March 28, 2022. She was born Nov. 23, 1945 in Doniphan, Missouri, to A.H. “Doc” and Molly Francis (Ponder) Roberts. Beverly worked for and retired from the accounting firm Kraft, Miles, and Tatum. ...