Obituaries from February 2023

Kenny Willis, 83, of Corning passed away Jan. 31, 2023 at Corning Therapy and Living Center. Mr. Willis was born March 13, 1939 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He owned Willis Glass Company in Corning for 42 years and was a farmer. He loved farming and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. ...

Rescheduled services for Mr. Glen Gillespie will be Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Visitation will be at noon with the funeral following at 1 p.m. all in the Fowler and Sons Funeral Home at Neelyville, Missouri.

Charles Cleon Fugate, 60, of Doniphan, Missouri, passed away Jan. 31, 2023 in the Current River Nursing Center at Doniphan. He was born, May 19, 1962, at Hazard County, Kentucky to Cleon Fugate and Amy Holland Banks. He is survived by three children, Cameron Taylor and wife, Sheri, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Kassandra Taylor Revelle and husband, Joey, of Doniphan, and J.C. ...

Charles Cleon Fugate, 60, of Doniphan, Missouri, passed away Jan. 31, 2023 in the Current River Nursing Center at Doniphan. He was born, May 19, 1962, at Hazard County, Kentucky to Cleon Fugate and Amy Holland Banks. He is survived by three children, Cameron Taylor and wife, Sheri, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Kassandra Taylor Revelle and husband, Joey, of Doniphan, and J.C. ...

Gilda E. Hill, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, at her residence. Mrs. Hill was born June 22, 1950, in Puxico, Missouri, daughter of the late Floyd Elledge and Rosemary Langston. She is survived by three children: Eddie (Denita) DePriest of Story, Arkansas, Herb (Lori) Kelsey of Puxico, and Tammy (Michael) Rommel of Poplar Bluff,; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren...

Betty J. Riddle, daughter of the late Herman Taylor and Flossie Rodgers Taylor, was born on July 31, 1933, in Copeland, Arkansas, and departed this life on Jan. 31, 2023, at her residence in Holcomb, Missouri, at the age of 89 years. Mrs. Riddle was a former employee of Emerson Electric. She was a member of the First Assembly of God in Campbell, Missouri...

Myram “Darlene” Branch-Riley, 81, of Tulare, California passed away Dec. 26, 2022. Darlene was born in California to Benjamin and Mildred “Millie” Branch while traveling from Missouri to work in agriculture crop picking. She grew up in rural Poplar Bluff, Missouri regaled family and friends constantly with wonderful stories of her childhood, her love for Poplar Bluff, the simple joy of growing up on a farm and attending elementary school in a one room schoolhouse...

James “Jim” Lee Cochran of Petal, Mississippi, formerly of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away on Feb. 1, 2023 at the age of 88. He was born on Nov. 19, 1934 in Ferguson, Missouri to Jasper and Maude Cochran. He was a 1952 graduate of Poplar Bluff High School and served in the U.S. ...

Corene J. Noles Gunn Becker, 85, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, moved to her heavenly home on Monday morning, Jan. 30, 2023. Corene was born on Feb. 4, 1937, to the late Claude Noles and Cora Noles Wolverton in Etowah, Arkansas. She married her late husband, Kenneth Becker, in 1982...

Cletis Harris Powell was born Jan. 4, 1931 to Joseph Franklin and Effie Mae (Brown) Powell in Diehlstadt, Missouri. Cletis was the youngest of 13 children weighing 13 lbs, 15 ozs. He departed this life at his son’s home in Oxly, Missouri at the age of 92 years, 28 days at 11:41 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023 with family by his side. He was bound for glory when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 10 years old...

Lonnie Ray Von Thurman, 85, of Potosi, Missouri, passed away Feb. 2, 2023, at his residence. He was born Oct. 5, 1937, to the late Harlon Roy Thurman and Zelma Beauton “Maddox” Thurman. On Oct. 14, 1955, he was married to Dorothy Coble. She survives...

WEST PLAINS — Funeral services for Ronald Ray Shemwell, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Shemwell passed away at 1:40 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, at Circle of Life Hospice, Bentonville, Arkansas...

Mary Catherine Thornton, 84, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Feb. 2, 2023 at The Manor after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Mary was born Sept. 15, 1938 to William and Maggie (Sprogs) Robertson in Earl, Arkansas. She married Hershel Thornton the love of her life and soulmate on June 1, 1955 in Mississippi. He preceded her in death...

Austin Jennings, 20, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Jan. 27, 2023 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Austin was born on July 29, 2002 to Jason Jennings and Tammy Hall in Poplar Bluff. Austin loved to listen to music and sing...

Dr. Mark L. Pope, 70, of University City, Missouri, passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at his home. He was born April 23, 1952, to Isom LaVern Pope and Ethyle Ray Pope. He is survived by his loving husband, Mario Carlos; his brothers, Michael Pope (Gwen) and James Pope; five nieces, nephew, and 14 great nieces and nephews...

Dorothy “Dottie” Lorraine Davis, daughter of the late Everett “Edd” Davis and Freda June (Dougherty) Davis, was born April 17, 1963 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and departed this life on Feb. 7, 2023 in Saint Louis, Missouri. She had attained the age of 59 years, nine months and 20-days...

Junell Knight, 70, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, at her residence surrounded by loved ones. Mrs. Knight was born Aug. 17, 1952, in Poplar Bluff, daughter of the late Byrtle and Emma Bennett. On April 2, 1976, she married Dennis Knight. She worked for Kneibert Clinic in Poplar Bluff until her family moved to Texas in 1981, where they lived for 20 years before returning to Poplar Bluff...

April German Sipes, 46, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born Jan. 7, 1977, Poplar Bluff, to Richard German and Teresa Holt. April was a long time resident of Butler County. She was a member of New Oak Hill General Baptist Church. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and singing...

Leon Williams, 96, of Silva, Missouri, died Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, in Piedmont, Missouri. Visitation will be at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, at Evangel Baptist Church, Missionary Acres, Silva, Missouri. Funeral services is at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 17, at Evangel Baptist Church, Missionary Acres. Burial is at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, 17357 Stars and Stripes Way, Bloomfield, Missouri...

Michael Johnson, 30, of Campbell died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Homer “Leon” Walker, son of the late Joseph Lee Walker and Mildred Pauline (Shepherd) Walker was born on March 5, 1944 in Ellsinore, Missouri and departed this life Feb. 9, 2023 in Jackson, Missouri. He had attained the age of 78 years, eleven months and four days...

Larry Jay Wright, 79, of Jackson, Missouri, formerly of Piedmont, Missouri, died Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, at his residence. Visitation is at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, at Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Funeral service is at 3 p.m., Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Burial will follow at Mt. View Cemetery in Des Arc, Missouri. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Karen J. Miller, 80, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 at Poplar Bluff Regional Center.

Oliver Lee McMeans, Sr., 81, of Qulin, Missouri, died Saturday, Feb.11, 2023 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Mr. McMeans was born Aug. 22, 1941 in Caruthersville, Missouri, son of the late Oliver and Freda McMeans. He was a 50-year member of the Four Mile Masonic Lodge # 212. He was a farmer and worked for several years at Rowe furniture. He enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren...

Nadine Holland, 90, of Poplar Bluff died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023. Mrs. Holland was born on June 24, 1932, in Braggadocio, Missouri, the daughter of the late Irvin and Maggie Teeter. She grew up working on the family farm with her eight brothers and sisters. She loved to share stories about how she helped raise her brothers and sisters and how much she loved going to school and playing softball and basketball...

Wendell Buran Rommel, 45, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away at his residence Feb. 8, 2023. He was born Aug. 12, 1977, at Dalton, Georgia. He is survived by two sons: John Christian Rommel of Dalton, Georgia and Zayne Kolton Lee Rommel of Poplar Bluff; his father and stepmother: Wendell Rommel and Frankie; his partner, Bobbie Starr of Poplar Bluff; stepfather: James Greer and grandma Donna Wheeler of Ellijay, Georgia; two sisters: Amanda Rommel of Calhoun, Georgia, and Jennifer Cranford of Warner Robbins, Georgia as well as two brothers; Walter Rommel of Broseley, Missouri and Ashley Rommel of Poplar Bluff. ...

Rick Earl Wilkerson, 65, of Stringtown, Missouri, died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, at his residence in Stringtown. Mr. Wilkerson was born March 17, 1957, in Pocahontas, Arkansas, son of the late Everett and Gerlean Wilkerson. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He was also an avid outdoorsman...

Karen Ann (Jolly) Miller of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.  She was born on July 27, 1942, in Poplar Bluff to Bradley and Helen Jolly of Fisk, Missouri.  She was a 1960 graduate of Fisk-Rombauer High School.  On May 31, 1964, she was united in marriage to Charles Edward Miller, Sr. of Fayette, Missouri.  To this union one son was born, Charles (Chuck) Edward Miller Jr. ...

Jeanne Alene Myrant Garrett was born on July 17, 1946 at Fort Riley, Kansas to Robert (Bob) and Edith Myrant. She died on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023 at her home in Poplar Bluff, Missouri surrounded by friends and family. In her early years, she lived at several different army posts and cities where her father was active duty army and later served as advisor to the National Guard Units. Poplar Bluff was always home base for Jeanne...

John Mabrey, 84, of Fagus, Missouri, passed away Feb. 13, 2023, at his home in Fagus. He was born on Aug. 2, 1938, in St. Louis, Missouri, and was the son of the late John and Lura Mabrey. John was united in marriage to Joyce Schrader on March 7, 1961...

James W. Turnbough, 76, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023 at his home near Piedmont. He was the long time owner/operator of Turnbough Building Supply in Piedmont. Survivors include his wife, Jeanette Turnbough of the home; two daughters, Yvonne Turnbough of Franklin, Tennessee, Angela Turnbough of Piedmont; three stepchildren, Brian (Holly) Wohlschlaeger of Huntsville, Alabama, Susan Steward of Prince George, Virginia, Kathryn (Jason) Cribbs, of Montreal, Missouri; one sister, Nora (Charles) Newman of Sellersburg, Indiana; and nine grandchildren.. ...

Charles “Tom” Seematter, 79, of Branson, formerly of Piedmont, Missouri, died Tuesday, Feb. 14, at Cox Medical Center in Branson. Visitation is at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service is at 1 p.m., also in the Piedmont Chapel. Burial is in Annapolis Cemetery with full military honors...

Roberta Turner, 86, Neelyville died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, at the General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell. She was born Dec. 25, 1936, in Moark, Arkansas. She was a supervisor at Fasco Fan Company. She formerly lived in Raeford, North Carolina. She married Burley W. Turner Oct. 23, 1953, in Neelyville. He survives...

Jimmy Dean Spradling, 70, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away on Feb. 16, 2023, at Mark Twain Care Center in Poplar Bluff. Jimmy was born Dec. 17, 1952, to Charles Spradling and Georgia May Fraiser Spradling in Poplar Bluff. Jimmy is survived by four children: Heather Weeks (Rickey Reagan), Sierra Spradling Elliott (Brad), Devon Spradling (Hannah), and Lauren Spradling Russell (Travis); six grandchildren: Summer Whitmer, Mackenzy Bulger, Dillon and Riley Spradling, Tatum and Connor Elliott; one great- grandchild: Owen Bates; five siblings: Helen Yates (Ron), Barbara Tibbs (Allen), Dennis Spradling, Tommy Spradling, and Larry Spradling (Carol).. ...

Steven L. Hacker, 66, of Broseley, Missouri, died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, at his residence in Broseley. Mr. Hacker was born July 27, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois to Lenard and Bernice Hacker. He had served in the United States Navy on the USS Oriskany and USS Samuel Gompers...

Juliaetta J. Dunnegan, 82, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Thursday, Feb. 16, at her residence. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, in Cool Springs Cemetery, Taskee, Missouri. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Ellen “Lorene” Conder, 89, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, peacefully went to be with her Heavenly Father, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, surrounded by her family. Lorene was born on May 18, 1933, to Clyde and Addie (Asher) Withrow in Poplar Bluff. She married Marion Thomas Conder Aug. 16, 1984, also in Poplar Bluff...

Juliaetta Dunnegan was born July 21, 1940 at Peachtree community near Piedmont, Missouri, to parents Roy and Dollie (Pigg) Eaton. She passed away at her home in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, surrounded with love by her family on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. She lived a Christian life and showed much love and kindness everyday of her life. ...

Clara Eleanor Elizabeth (Martin) Freeman, 92, died peacefully Feb. 14, 2023 at the home of her daughter in St. Louis, Missouri. Clara was born Feb. 11, 1931 in Houston, Texas, the daughter of Raymond and Bess (Grisham) Martin. Her mother died days after her birth. She was raised by her grandparents, Henry and Mary Etta (Lucy) Martin on a farm on the Butler and Ripley County line, near Fairdealing...

Linda Jean Pennington, 74, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, in her home. She was born Feb. 13, 1949, Poplar Bluff to the late Joseph and Eunice (Gowen) Pennington. Linda was a lifelong resident of Butler County. She was a member of Recycling Grace Church. Linda enjoyed watching old westerns on T.V. and spending time with her grandchildren...

Delbert Wayne Scott, 77, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Scott was born Dec. 4, 1945, in Poplar Bluff, son of the late Julius Welton and Maude Pearl Scott. He was a family man and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. ...

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. ...

Patrick Hamilton Pickens, 72, of Fisk, Missouri, died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, at St. Francis Medical Center, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Mr. Pickens was born Feb. 16, 1951, in Stockton, Kansas, to Hamilton “Pat” Pickens and Betty Ruth Gregory Pickens...

Mary Luke, 77, of Williamsville died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, at Cedar Gate Nursing Home, Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Visitation is at noon, Feb. 27, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Williamsville Chapel. Funeral service is at 1 p.m., also in the Williamsville Chapel. Burial is in Rucker Cemetery in Williamsville, Missouri...

Judy Kay Reynolds, 63, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2023, in Poplar Bluff. She was born Oct. 1, 1959, in Poplar Bluff to the late Eugene and Dorothy (Eldridge) Adams. Judy was a long time resident of Butler County. She was of the Christian faith. Judy enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, reading, fishing, camping and listening to Elvis...

Billy Mann, 82, of Mill Springs, died Monday, Feb. 20, Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis. Visitation is at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 24, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service is at 1 p.m., also in the Piedmont Chapel. Burial is in Mill Springs Cemetery in Mill Springs...

It is with profound sadness that the family of David Alan LeGrand announces his peaceful passing on Feb. 3, 2023 at the age of 73 years. More than anything, David loved being with his family. He was an avid gardener, music aficionado and a man of faith. He will lovingly be remembered by his wife of 42 years, Susan; children, Rodney LeGrand (Leah), Jennifer LeGrand, Lucas...

Clara Eleanor Elizabeth (Martin) Freeman, 92, died peacefully Feb. 14, 2023 at the home of her daughter in St. Louis, Missouri. Clara was born Feb. 11, 1931 in Houston, Texas, the daughter of Raymond and Bess (Grisham) Martin. Her mother died days after her birth. She was raised by her grandparents, Henry and Mary Etta (Lucy) Martin on a farm on the Butler and Ripley County line, near Fairdealing...

Juanita Louise Vester, 91, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, moved peacefully to her Heavenly Home with Jesus Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, from Oakdale Care Center. On a snowy night in Cornwall, Missouri, Juanita was born on Nov. 26, 1931, on a feather bed, to Walter and Daisy Stephens. She was a graduate of Fredericktown High School...

Concepcion “Conchita” Gravseth, 77, of Hudson, Wisconsin, passed away Feb. 19, 2023 at her home in Hudson, after a courageous battle with cancer. Conchita was born on June 22, 1945 in Sevilla, Spain to Manuel and Carmen Juado-Soto. Ernest “LeRoy” Gravseth and Conchita met in Rota, Spain and were united in marriage while LeRoy was stationed in Spain, serving in the United States Marine Corps. ...

As one of my daughters told me, “Heaven gained an angel today” in the passing of 96-year-old Lula Jane (Watson) Moffitt. She passed away peacefully at her home Feb. 20, 2023, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Jane was born Oct. 28, 1926 in Pollard, Arkansas, to Loy R. and Zora May (Underwood) Watson...

Mary Mollie (Wooten) Temple, 93, passed away peacefully Feb. 23, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. Mary was born to George and Beulah Wooten on June 25, 1929 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Her siblings were the late Velma Perry, Bessie Woolsey, Marie Winder, Lora Barnhill, Jesse Wooten, Hazel Mallady, Stella Wooten, Geraldine Carpenter and Alma Jean Gulledge...

Tina Lynn Thomas, 55, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Feb. 23, 2023, at her home in Poplar Bluff. Tina was born on March 30, 1967, to Lonzo Peyton and Pearllean Yancy in Watervally, Mississippi. Tina was devoted to her church. She loved spending time with family and friends, especially her children and grandchildren. Tina also enjoyed shopping, singing, and ministering at church...

Misty D. Dunkin, 40, of Naylor, Missouri, passed away Sunday, February 26, 2023, at her residence. Mrs. Dunkin was born to Debra Ashworth and Mark Joehrs in Rolla, Missouri, Dec. 23, 1982. She was a longtime member of Palace of Praise in Poplar Bluff. Misty loved people and truly had a heart for others. Misty enjoyed being an educator. One of her greatest passions was educating students in matters of academics and life...

Stacy Lynn Conk Bame was for born July 26, 1975 and passed away Feb 22, 2023 at her home in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She was of the Baptist faith. She attended New Home General Baptist Church and Poplar Bluff Senior High. She was very active in Fredericksburg at the local Kenmore Club, attending classes and helping out with classes and current programs...

Carl “Butch” Leonard Ward, 74, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Feb. 27, 2023 at his home in Poplar Bluff. Butch was born on May 7, 1948 to the late Burl and Geraldine Ward in Poplar Bluff. He married Joann (Craig) on March 1, 1968. She survives...

Mary Elaine Jenkins, 90, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Feb. 27, 2023, at Oakdale Care Center. Elaine was born on May 19, 1932, to Melvin and Donna (Hriber) Owens, in Browntown, Indiana. Elaine married Jimmie Ray Jenkins July 18, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan...

Willis Walter Rich, 80, was born on March 31, 1942. He passed away on Feb. 24, 2023 at St. Clair in Fenton, Missouri. Mr. Rich was a U.S. Army Veteran and a retired farmer. He is survived by his sons, Tommy Rich from Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Timmy Rich from Harrisburg, Arkansas and Shan Rich from Poplar Bluff; and a host of grandchildren, great-grands and great-great-grands...

Cynthia Lynn Robison, 63, of Fisk, Missouri, died Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, in Poplar Bluff. Ms. Robison was born Sept. 29, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois, daughter of the late Joe H. Robison and Katherine L. Wilson...

Helen Margaret Crites, 95, of Williamsville, Missouri, transitioned to her eternal home Feb. 24, 2023, at her residence. She was the first of six children born to James and Lois Duckett Oct. 20, 1927. Helen grew up on the family farm near Williamsville and graduated valedictorian of her high school in 1946. She married Clifford Crites in May of 1946. They were the parents of two children, Sandra and Alan...

Mary Frances Gillis, 95, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri went to be with the Lord Feb. 20, 2023, at her home in Poplar Bluff. Mary was born Aug. 24, 1927, to August and Irene Ristig in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She and Glenn Gillis married in 1946. Mary was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Zion Lutheran Quilters, Zion Lutheran Altar Guild and Kinyon Elementary PTA. She was a homemaker, very active in church and loved St. Louis Cardinals Baseball. Mary will be missed by her family and friends...

Donald Rex Hall, 85, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, went to be with his heavenly father Feb. 26, 2023, at Oakdale Care Center in Poplar Bluff. Donald was born June 29, 1937, to Carl and Anna Belle Spencer Hall in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Donald was a proud member of Temple Baptist Church, and love to sing about his lord. ...