Obituaries from January 2023

Brian Evans, 46, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Brian was born on April 30, 1976, to James and Diana (Moen) Evans in Poplar Bluff. He married the love of his life, Stacey (Pyle) Evans on Oct. 11, 2008, in Poplar Bluff...

Donald Ray Groves, 89, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away on Dec. 30, 2022, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Donald was born on Nov. 28, 1933, to the late William Forest and Pearl Elnora (Smith) Groves in Sumter, South Carolina. He married Lee Switzer Redwine on July 23, 1981, she survives...

Dawn Renee Griffith was taken into the arms of our Lord on Dec. 31, 2022. Born Dec. 5, 1961, Dawn enjoyed playing the piano, writing poetry, and caring for animals. A 20-year resident of Poplar Bluff, she had recently suffered from multiple strokes. But now, it is promised, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” (Rev 21:4)...

A mighty oak has fallen on Potter Branch in Reynolds County. Patricia Jane “Patsy” Potter, widow of Sanford, greeted the Lord on the first of January, 2023 to ring in eternity. Her death had been expected since the day prior, and she had made it known to loved ones that she expected them to follow her to Gloryland. ...

Charles David Jones, 88, of Doniphan, Missouri, departed this life Jan. 1, 2023, surrounded by family at his home. He was born on June 22, 1934, in Riverton, Missouri to Dona and Beecher Jones. Out of high school, Charles joined the National Guard. He retired after 32 years at the rank of captain. ...

Dr. Tearl Joe (TJ) Tillery of Conway, Arkansas, passed away peacefully in his home on Dec. 30, 2022 at the age of 77. TJ was born on March 6, 1945 in San Angelo, Texas to Tearl and Anne Jo Tillery. After graduating from dental school, TJ entered the army and served as a dentist. After serving in the army, TJ continued his education to eventually become an orthodontist. He spent the majority of his years practicing orthodontics in Poplar Bluff, Missouri until his retirement...

Karen Moore, 65, of Piedmont, passed away Saturday, Dec. 31, at her residence. Visitation is at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service is at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Burial is in Hampton Cemetery in Reynolds County...

Sandra Kay Treece, 68, of Poplar Bluff passed away on Jan. 3, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Sandra was born on Oct. 9, 1954, to Paul and Lillie (Spencer) Treece in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Sandra enjoyed family time, crocheting, playing Bingo, Gin and Rummy, and cooking. She was known for her amazing Apple Pie and Italian Chicken. She was a CNA for many nursing homes, Lucy Lee Hospital and PB Regional Medical Center...

Esther “Gerri” Brannon, 88, of Satellite Beach, Florida, formerly of Williamsville, died Saturday, Dec. 31, at her residence. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan.7, at First Assembly of God Church, Williamsville, Missouri. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., also at First Assembly of God Church and burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery...

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected death of our beloved Andres Arturo Mendez of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Andy, as many knew him, was born June 21, 1965 in Alice, Texas to Feliciano Mendez, Jr. and Patsy (Almaraz) Mendez. Aside from loving his family, Andy’s greatest devotion was proudly serving his country. ...

Rev. Peter M. Soens, 83, of Farmington passed away Jan. 4, 2023 at Camelot Skilled Nursing in Farmington. He was born Dec. 22, 1939 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Pete was a member of the Missouri East Conference – United Methodist Church and Mineral Area Woodcarvers...

Darlene Weaver, 60, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away on Jan. 3, 2023 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Darlene was born on Jan. 10, 1962 to Richard and Lizzie Weaver in Poplar Bluff. Darlene loved to sit out on the porch and listen to music, cook/BBQ, and especially loved being with her family and friends...

Jimmy Ray Baucom, 82, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away on Jan. 5, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Jimmy was born on July 7, 1940, to George and Virgie Paralee (Tuttle) Baucom in Poplar Bluff. Jimmy enjoyed many things in life, such as fishing, gardening, playing Bingo, hunting, arrowhead and treasure hunting, as well as he was good at mechanic work...

Mary Ann Clark, 74, of Doniphan, Missouri, passed away on Jan. 05, 2023 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Mary was born on March 31, 1948 to Edward Fisk and Viola Rose (Lucian) Fisk in Belote, Wisconsin. Mary enjoyed her cats and video games and when she wasn’t at home with them you would see her with her family at the local bingo halls. ...

Winfred Crutchfield Winfred “Wink” Crutchfield, 83, of Greenville died Thursday, Jan. 5, at his residence. Visitation is at 6 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 8, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville Chapel. Funeral service is at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 9, also in the Greenville Chapel. Burial will be in Kime Cemetery, Greenville...

Tammy S. Summers, 51, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Summers was born to Leon and Sherry Pennington May 1, 1971, in Poplar Bluff. She was a dedicated follower of the Lord. She always put her family above all, and she was a loyal wife, and a phenomenal mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister...

Steven Billy Lomax, 69, of Sikeston, Missouri, passed away Friday, Jan.6, 2023, at his home. He was born Aug. 28, 1953, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to the late Billy Braden Lomax and Troyce Ann Rollins Lomax. Steve or “Lomax” as many knew him, worked for Ralph Distributing for 28 years before retiring. ...

Christina Ann Hill, 41 of Poplar Bluff, passed away Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She was born Feb.10, 1981 at Poplar Bluff, the daughter of Kevin Hill and Beverly Watson. Christina was a lifelong resident of Poplar Bluff and was a 2000 graduate of Poplar Bluff High School...

Chester Eugene “Gene” Anthony, 79, passed away while surrounded by his family on Oct. 22, 2022. Gene was born to Chester Frank and Stella Mable Anthony on Jan.26, 1943 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He grew up with seven siblings, Louise Pinkerton (deceased 2020), Norma Fredwell, Junior Ernest Anthony (deceased 1947), Wilma Duncan, Mary Dell Carlson (deceased 1992), Frank Edward Anthony (deceased 2008), Ruth Ann Hunot (deceased 2021)...

Wanda Ellen Kane, 85, departed this life Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023. She was born April 29, 1937, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to the late William Virgil and Wilma Arline (Costephens) Keele of Williamsville, Missouri. Mrs. Kane was a classroom teacher and treasured her many years working with the students and staff at Lake Road Elementary School. ...

Floyd Bell, 85, of Broseley, Missouri walked through Heaven’s gates on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023 at his residence in Broseley, Missouri, surrounded by family. Mr. Bell was born Dec. 22, 1937, in Neelyville, Missouri, son of the late Charles G. Bell and Eva Toole. ...

Ellen Leejane Mangrum a.k.a. Peanut, 58, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away on Jan. 8, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Janie was born on March 15, 1964, to Jesse and Eva Fox in Poplar Bluff. She married Bob Mangrum, who preceded her in death...

Ray Allan Robertson, 87, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. He was born Aug. 26, 1935, in Braggadocio, to the late Alfred and Alberta (Cagle) Robertson. Ray and his wife, Phyllis Stockton, wed in Qulin. Dec.22, 1967, she preceded him in death on their anniversary in 2021...

Carel Lee Meadors, 79, of Doniphan, Missouri, passed away, Jan. 8, 2023, in the SSM Health ST. Clair Fenton, Missouri. He was born Oct. 14, 1943, at Doniphan, Missouri to the late Edward Meadors and Dorothy “Deckard” Meadors. He was married to Betty Joyce Ray at Doniphan. She survives...

The boil water advisory for Butler County Public Water Supply District #1 was lifted at noon Thursday, Jan. 12, to all customers on Highway 142, this includes all roads coming off Highway 142 on the east and west side up to a half mile. Field supervisor Shannon Baker made the notification...

Surrounded by family, Florine Alice Engelhardt, 95, of Hot Springs, Arkansas passed away peacefully in her sleep Jan. 7, 2023. She was born April 8, 1927 in St. Louis, Missouri, to Floyd J. and Lucille M. Smith. In 1948 she married Dr. Robert Christopher Engelhardt in St. ...

Charles “Gene” Eugene Brannum of Poplar Bluff went home to be with his heavenly father on Jan. 13, 2023, attaining the earthly age of 84. Gene was born Dec. 20, 1938, to the late Oscar Brannum and Eula Rainey Brannum in Taft, Missouri. Gene served the citizens of Poplar Bluff for 44 years as Street Superintendent, while also overseeing the Motor Pool Department and the City Cemetery Department. ...

Gladys Theresa Moore, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, in Poplar Bluff. She was born Oct. 16, 1950, Hanover, New Hampshire to the late William and Laura (Chartier) Warner. Gladys was a long time resident of Butler County. She was a member of First Baptist Church. Gladys enjoyed reading, crocheting and going to church...

Melvin “Mel” Dickerson, 81, of St. Louis, formerly of Piedmont, died Friday, Jan. 13, in St. Louis. Visitation is at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service is at noon, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Burial is in New Liberty Cemetery, Piedmont. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Betty Jo Helvey, 98, passed away Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 in St. Peters, Missouri. Born Feb. 26, 1924 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. See final arrangements at www.fowlersullivanfuneralhome.com.

Sherry Lynn Smith, 65, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023 at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. She was born April 15, 1957 at St. Louis, the daughter of William Murdock and Norma (Ward) Murdock. A long time resident of Poplar Bluff, Sherry was a member of the Highland Drive Church of Christ and had worked for Walmart...

Sherry Lynn Smith, 65, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023 at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. She was born April 15, 1957 at St. Louis, the daughter of William Murdock and Norma (Ward) Murdock. A long time resident of Poplar Bluff, Sherry was a member of the Highland Drive Church of Christ and had worked for Walmart...

Kent Howard, 64, of Piedmont, Missouri, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, in Poplar Bluff. Visitation is at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan 19, Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral mass is at noon, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Piedmont. Burial is in Forest Chapel in Piedmont. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Kathern “Kathy” Samples, 71, of Holcomb, Missouri died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, at her residence.

Jerome Lamonte Webb, 47, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Jerome “Rome” Webb, born on Jan. 25, 1975 to the late James Henry and Margaret (Webb) Wallace. Jerome is the father of four children: Jerome Webb, Jr., Sierra Towns, Jalicia Mallet, and Areyana Webb...

Lucille Weidenbenner, 85, of Glennonville, Missouri, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, at the General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell.

Peggy Sue Faughn, 74, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Jan. 17, 2023 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Peggy was born on Sept. 11, 1948 to William and Rosetta Revees in Steelville, Missouri. She married Albert L Faughn on Sept. 17, 1965...

Shirley Ann Shearrer, 87, of Piedmont, Missouri, passed away Friday, Jan. 20, 2023 at the Clark’s Mountain Nursing Center in Piedmont. She was born Jan. 24, 1935 in Cherry Grove, Patterson, Missouri, the daughter of Fenton White and Mabel (Garren) White...

Bonnie Lee Pyles, 70, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Friday, Jan 20., 2023, in Poplar Bluff. She was born July 6, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri to the late William and Edna (Kirkhart) Sherman. Bonnie was a long time resident of Butler County. She was of the Christian faith. Bonnie enjoyed playing bingo, thrift store shopping, collecting owls and butterflies. She was a member of the Eagles...

Shirley Ann Shearrer, 87, of Piedmont, Missouri, passed away Friday, Jan. 20, 2023 at the Clark’s Mountain Nursing Center in Piedmont. She was born Feb. 24, 1935 in Cherry Grove, Patterson, Missouri, the daughter of Fenton White and Mabel (Garren) White...

Wanda L. Jackson, 94, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed away peacefully in her sleep Jan. 20, 2023. Born Wanda Lou Wilkerson on April 11, 1928, outside of Fisk, Missouri, Wanda spent most of her life in Poplar Bluff, Missouri before moving to Harrison, Arkansas in 2005. After graduation from Fisk High School in 1947, she went to work at a shoe factory as a bookkeeper. In 1948 she married Harold Jackson...

Lawrence Paul Chatman, 76, of Plato, Missouri, died at his residence Jan. 13, 2023.

Glenda Gayle King Wilcox, 67, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away on Jan. 17, 2023 at The Manor in Poplar Bluff. Glenda was born on Aug. 8, 1955 to Richard and Jo Ella Parnell in Philadelphia. Glenda liked to play cards, read, color pictures on her phone, and she really loved her old westerns...

Kenny Ray Bounds, 61, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away on Jan. 23, 2023 at Mark Twain Care Center in Poplar Bluff. Kenny was born on June 5, 1961 to Floyd and Nettie Francis (Batson) Hill Kenny used to enjoy fishing and hunting. Kenny is survived by sister, Carol Bounds; son, Brandon Ray Bounds; and one grandson...

Ruth Estelle Ferguson, 98, of Naylor, Missouri departed this life and journeyed to her heavenly home on Jan. 23, 2023 while living at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Weldon Cox, Jr. Ruth or “Ruby” as she was often called was born on Feb. 8, 1924 at Naylor, Missouri to the late Fred Herbert and Martha Bruner. She was one of 12 siblings...

Ruth Estelle Ferguson, 98, of Naylor, Missouri departed this life and journeyed to her heavenly home on Jan. 23, 2023 while living at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Weldon Cox, Jr. Ruth or “Ruby” as she was often called was born on Feb. 8, 1924 at Naylor, Missouri to the late Fred Herbert and Martha Bruner. She was one of 12 siblings...

Ruth Estelle Ferguson, 98, of Naylor, Missouri departed this life and journeyed to her heavenly home on Jan. 23, 2023 while living at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Weldon Cox, Jr. Ruth or “Ruby” as she was often called was born on Feb. 8, 1924 at Naylor, Missouri to the late Fred Herbert and Martha Bruner. She was one of 12 siblings...

Susan Moss Roehl, 47, passed away Jan. 20, 2023, at her home in Inman, Kansas, with her family by her side. She was born May 22, 1975, in Hays, Kansas, the daughter of Victor Moss and Connie Lee Shapland Moss. She was a graduate of Greensburg High School. She had worked at Inman High School as a cook, gymnastics coach at Hutchinson YMCA, transportation coordinator for McPherson Health and Rehabilitation, and was involved in the Inman Volunteer Fire Department...

Archie Ray Tate, 67, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Monday, Jan 23, 2023, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He was born March 8, 1955, West Virginia, to the late Archie Monroe and Margie (Goins) Tate. Archie was a long time resident of Poplar Bluff. Archie enjoyed reading, music and playing the guitar. Archie served in the US Army as a Specialist Four...

March 3, 1936 - Jan. 21, 2023 Thelma Mae Brown, 86, entered her rest on Jan. 21, 2023. A lifelong believer in Jesus, an advocate for the rights and needs of the disabled, a person who loved and was loved by her family, a maker, and a traveler, Ms. Brown leaves behind a sibling, Linda Alexander of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; three sons, Jay D. ...

Jady D. Lewis, a 65, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Lewis was born June 9, 1957, in Poplar Bluff, son of the late Sam and Ruby Lewis. He is survived by his life partner of 21 years: Candy Branscum; two daughters: April Marvin and Justenia Tinsley; two step-children: Elizabeth Branscum and Jeremy Branscum; four siblings: Dexter (Phyllis) Lewis, Debie (Ross) Murray, Deloris (Bob) Adams, and Joyce Rigdon; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. ...

Bobbie L. Falvey, nee Langham, 87, passed away Jan 24, 2023. Daughter of the late Gordon and Sophie, nee Rodger, Langham, wife of the late Joseph P. Falvey, mother of Rodger (Cathy) Falvey Sr., grandmother of Rodger (Jessica) Falvey Jr. and the late Ryan (Melissa) Falvey, great-grandmother of; Tyler, Lydia, Cora, Peyton, Taylor, and Aubrey, and sister of the late Kenneth Langham, the late Margie Mason, the late Billie Clopton, and the late Donald Langham...

Glen Gillespie was born in Springtown, Missouri and passed away Jan. 26, 2023 at his home in Coldwater, Missouri. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ethel; daughter, Connie (Butch) Russell of Warrenton, Missouri; grandson, Christoper Russell of Warrenton; granddaughter, Felicia Abbey of Warrenton; sister, Joan McKnight of Doniphan; brother, Robert (Fran) Gillespie of Sullivan, Missouri;...

Helen Marie (Wright) Dever, 64, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri entered her heavenly home on Jan.26, 2023 at St. Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri after fighting a short but fierce battle with cancer. Helen was born on Oct. 25, 1958 to Herman and Imogene (Shelton) Wright in Poplar Bluff. She married Wayne Dever on June 24, 2012...

Bobbie Jean Seals, 86, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Jan. 27, 2023 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Bobbie was born Sept. 26, 1936 to William and Velma Pearl (Kimbel) Collier in Biggers, Arkansas. Bobbie had worked at the Florsheim Shoe Factory from 1973 until it’s closing. She was of the Baptist faith and love gardening and crafting and anything that was bright and sparkling...

Mary Joyce Kneir, 89, of Williamsville, Missouri, entered the eternal gates of heaven on Jan. 29, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. This was the moment Mary had waited for all of her life. Mary was born on July 21, 1933, to William and Scena (Wingo) Vinson and was the youngest of 12 children. She enjoyed reading her Bible, cooking, quilting, and spending time with her family...