Obituaries from June 2023

Karen Jane Crismon, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away on May 29, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Karen was born on Nov. 4, 1950, to Russell and Rayo (Veach) Edwards in Blytheville, Arkansas. She married Mike Crismon on March 27, 1970...

Christopher Brian Swain, 50, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away on May 30, 2023 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Chris was born on Sept. 21, 1972 to George and Janet (Hayse) Swain in Poplar Bluff. Chris worked as a mechanic for many years until his health got bad...

Leonard Eddy Browning, 65, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at his home in Poplar Bluff. Leonard was born on March 29, 1958, to Gilbert A. and Opal Mae (Smothers) Browning in Poplar Bluff. Leonard was a self-employed mechanic at C & F Auto Salvage. He loved his family and many friends. He also adored his canine companions, especially Harley. Leonard was of the Baptist Faith...

George Allen Garrett, 80, of Elmhurst, Illinois, passed away Saturday, May 27, 2023, after a battle with heart disease with his family by his side. He was born Jan. 13, 1943, to Ervin Garrett and Edna Lohmeier Garrett in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where he joined brother Gerry, and they welcomed younger brother Randy a few years later. ...

Floyd “Gene” Dougherty, 87, of Williamsville, died Thursday, May 31, at his residence. Visitation is at noon, Saturday, June 3, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Williamsville Chapel. Funeral following at 2 p.m., also in the Williamsville Chapel. Burial is in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Williamsville...

E. L. ‘Lee’ Kearbey Jr., 68, of Poplar Bluff, died Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Martha Like, 81, of Campbell died Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at her residence.

John Milton Young passed away on June 1, 2023 in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was born Oct. 9, 1950, in Fountain Head, Tennessee. John was saved by the grace of God as a young boy, a devout Christian and member of the Union Missionary Baptist Church in Lafayette, Tennessee...

Normandy Dawson Keith, 74, longtime resident of Poplar Bluff, passed away May 30, 2023, at The Manor Nursing Home. She was born in Somerville, Massachusetts to Ransom Earl and Margaret (Cole) Rush, and grew up in Southern California. Normandy cared deeply for all she met, volunteered at many nursing homes and received the Governor’s Award for Service in Idaho. She loved the outdoors and served for many years in the U.S. Forest Service...

Laura “Penny” Strange, 70, of Williamsville, died Friday, June 2, at PBRMC. Visitation is at 5 p.m., Thursday, June 8, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Williamsville Chapel. Funeral service is at 8 p.m., also in Williamsville Chapel. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Thomas Eugene Mace, 69, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away May 31, 2023 at Black River Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Thomas was born on July 14, 1953 to Thomas and Oda (Bracy) Mace in Lilbourn, Missouri. He married Deborah Jean Mace, she survives...

Patricia Illers Vincent, 84, passed away Friday, June 2, 2023. The daughter of Edith Amos and Wesley August Frederick Illers and younger sister of the late Laverne Illers Stein, she was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Nov. 15, 1938 and was the beloved wife of the late Jack Donald Vincent, of Mayfield, Kentucky, for 58 years...

Kimberly Ann Clark Bowman, 69, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Monday, May 22, 2023, in her home. She was born Aug. 19, 1953, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Milford Eugene Clark and Lella June (Hall) Clark. Kimberly was a lifetime resident of Butler County. She enjoyed going to flea markets and thrift stores, going to the Current River, spending time with family and friends...

April 8, 1927 — Jan. 7, 2023 “A Life That Touches Others Goes On Forever” Friends and family are cordially invited to say one last goodbye to longtime Poplar Bluff resident Florine Alice Engelhardt. Visitation will be held at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral Chapel on Thursday, June 15 beginning at 6 p.m. ...

James L. Barnhill of Poplar Bluff, a retired educator and banker, died Sunday, June 4, 2023, at his home after a brief illness. He was 90. Mr. Barnhill, a native of Wyatt, Missouri, in Mississippi County, spent a 32-year career as a teacher and school administrator before retiring from education and entering the banking industry. ...

Christian Taylor Davis, 28, son of Amy Davis of Dexter, and Brad and Jamie Davis of Dexter, passed away May 28, 2023 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Taylor was of the Christian faith, and had been saved and baptized. Born on Aug. 10, 1994 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. ...

E.L. “Lee” Kearbey, Jr, 68, of Poplar Bluff died Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.Lee was born June 9, 1954, in Poplar Bluff to E. Leroy Kearbey Sr. and Nancy Mae (Files) Kearbey. On Aug. 12, 1973, he married Karen Sue Caringer...

Joan Swinford, 92, of Des Arc, died Monday, June 5, at Mercy Jefferson in Festus. Visitation is at 11 a.m. Friday, June 9, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service following at 1 p.m., also in Piedmont Chapel. Burial is in Annapolis Cemetery...

Sarah Elizabeth Hervey, 90, of Neelyville, passed away June 3, 2023 at her residence. She was born, Nov. 4, 1932 in Harviell to the late Joseph Harden and Flora Fields Harden. She was a member of the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Harviell and was a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, baby sitting and her church...

Thelma Lois Nance, 68, of Naylor, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the St. Clair hospital in Fenton. Mrs. Nance was born on Dec. 3, 1954, in Landstuhl, Germany. She had worked as a butcher and enjoyed reading, sewing, crafts and spending time with family swapping stories. She was a member of the Naylor Pentecostal Church...

Mary Ella Hopper, 73, of Greenville, passed away Monday, June 5. Visitation is at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 10, at Kime General Baptist Church, Greenville. Funeral service following at 2 p.m., also at Kime General Baptist Church. Burial is in Center Ridge Cemetery, Greenville. Online condolences:www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Elvin Pauls, 86, of Piedmont died Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Visitation is at 5 p.m., Sunday, June 11, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service is at 1 p.m., Monday, June 12, also in Piedmont Chapel. Burial is in Masonic Cemetery, Piedmont. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Ruby Doris Porch, age 79, of Doniphan died Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at her residence in Doniphan. Mrs. Porch was born March 28, 1944, in Poplar Bluff, daughter of the late John Summerlott and Liddie Wilkerson. Ruby devoted her entire life to caring for others. She was always eager to lend a helping hand and would never turn anyone away...

Jeanetta Ann Robinson was born Nov. 27, 1948, in Poplar Bluff to the late parents of George Gipson (GW) and Lorene Gray (Norman) Jeanetta went to school in Poplar Bluff and attended church at Central Baptist. She started working at Veterans Hospital in 1973 and she retired 50 years later. She enjoyed her time there and the people she worked with and thought of as her extended family...

Shirley Rae Rouse Childers was the only child of Kenneth Leon Rouse and Nancy Erma Benson Rouse. She was born on Sept. 28, 1930, in her grandparents’ home on North Oak Street in Campbell, Missouri. She resided in Campbell for all but the first seven of her 92 years...

Amanda Kathleen Getts, 31, of Charleston, West Virginia, formerly Cape Girardeau, Missouri, died Sunday, June 4, in Charleston, West Virginia.

Mark Rossley House, 58, of Van Buren, formerly of Poplar Bluff, died Thursday, June 8, in Van Buren.

Donald Glen Vinson, 82, of Poplar Bluff was born April 13, 1941, and passed June 5, 2023. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Daisy and Dallas Vinson; his first wife, Rose Vinson; and a daughter, Debra Vinson; and a stepson, Gary McCormick. He leaves his second wife of 48 years, Jane Grafton McCormick Vinson. ...

Alvin “Sonny” Eugene Spencer, 82, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Friday, June 09, 2023, at Oakdale Care Center. Sonny was born Sept. 16, 1940, to Leonard and Francis (Motter) Spencer in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He married Opal Mae Browning on Nov. 17, 1986, in Wickliffe, Kentucky...

James L. (Jimmy) Vernon, 74, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away on Friday, June 9, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff after a short battle with liver cancer. Jimmy was born May 14, 1949, to James G. and Delores (Turner) Vernon in Poplar Bluff...

Walter Ronald Cravens (“Ron”) (”Brother”) (“Neighbor”), 80, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in his home June 10, 2023. He was born in Fisk, Missouri to Vivian Juanita Brothers Cravens and Joseph Walter Cravens Nov. 11, 1942...

Scotty Allen Selvidge of McKinney, Texas passed away Saturday, June 10, 2023, in McKinney at the age of 63. He was born to Carl and Gloria (Ramsey) Selvidge Dec. 2, 1959, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. As a young man Scott worked for veterinarians, farmers and was a lifeguard. ...

Scott Timothy Carroll, 46, of Broseley, Missouri, died Sunday, June 11, 2023 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Carroll was born Oct. 29, 1976 in Blytheville, Arkansas, to Murphy Carroll and the late Teresa Brown Ward. He was an avid fisherman and hunter...

Gary N. Nesbit, 75, died Monday, June 12, 2023 at his home in Poplar Bluff.

Bonnie Yvonne (Heaton) Reed, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri went to be with the Lord June 12, 2023 at her home surrounded by friends and family. Mrs. Reed was born Nov. 7, 1950 to Carl and Fennie (Oakes) Heaton in Bassett, Arkansas. She was married to Ronnie Reed Jan. 31,1969 in Butler County, Missouri. He preceded her in death...

Joan Louise Bonk, 80, of Florida, formerly of Poplar Bluff, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, June 8, 2023 Joan and her husband, David Bonk, started Hammond Organs and Pianos in Poplar Bluff in 1976. Viewing for the family will be Friday, June 16, at Fowler and Sons Funeral Home Family at 1 p.m. Viewing for the public will be at 2 p.m. and the celebration service at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Graveside service will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Poplar Bluff...

Randy Walter Groves, 66, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away June 13, 2023, at his residence in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Groves was born July 24, 1956, to James (Bill) Groves Sr. and Vera Armstrong in Poplar Bluff. Randy was a member and former pastor of the First Church of God of Poplar Bluff. ...

Bernetta “Ann” Pemberton, 93, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Sunday, June 11, 2023, at Bickford Cottage in Quincy, Illinois. Ann was born Oct. 1, 1929, in Poplar Bluff, the daughter of Roy and Hester Livenspargar Worland. She married H.I. Ruth Aug. 10, 1952 in Poplar Bluff. He preceded her in death Jan. 15, 1979. She married Murl Pemberton Dec. 28, 1981. He preceded her in death in 2001...

Mayme Wilma Jane Ward Scowden (“Wilma” to friends and family), 97, from Benton, Missouri, formerly of Lowndes, Missouri, entered her heavenly home Wednesday afternoon, June 14, surrounded by her loving family. Born on Sept. 7, 1925, Wilma was the daughter of the late Edgar J. Ward and Bertha Olive Bowers Ward...

Donald Thomas, 79, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Thursday, June 15, 2023 at his residence. Mr. Thomas was born April 19, 1944 in Poplar Bluff, son of the late Delbert and Pearl Thomas. He served in the Air Force from 1960 to 1965. On Sept. 15, 1962, he married the love of his life, Frances Lee Allen Thomas, in Kokoma, Indiana. ...

Tim Davis, 63, of Poplar Bluff, passed away June 15, 2023 at Methodist Hospice Residential Care Center, in Memphis, TN, after an extended illness. Tim is remembered by his family and friends for his warmth, humor, and wit. His son, Trey, and daughter, Lacy, who he was very proud of, brought him immense joy. Later in life, he loved spending time with and being “Pop” to his five grandchildren. Tim enjoyed reading his Bible, being outdoors, and playing and listening to country and bluegrass music...

Beverly Karen Smith, 62, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Friday, June 16, 2023, at her home. Beverly was born on January 16, 1961, to Paul and Syble (Wilmoth) Hillis in Aurora, Missouri. Beverly was a believer of the Lord, Jesus Christ. She appreciated nature and enjoyed spending time outdoors. ...

Betty Morey-Faraone, 66, of Williamsville died Saturday, June 17, at St. Clair Hospital, Fenton. Visitation is at 4 p.m., Wednesday, June 21, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Williamsville Chapel. Graveside service following at 5 p.m. at Holliday Cemetery, Williamsville...

Barbara Joyce Denson, daughter of the late Jim “Buster” Mills and Gladys North Mills, was born on July 23, 1940, in Parma, Missouri, and departed this life on June 16, 2023, at Southeast Health in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, at the age of 82 years. Mrs. ...

Patricia Weber (Copeland) Mather, 90, passed away peacefully at her home in Sikeston, Missouri June 10, 2023. Pat was born Feb. 19, 1933, in West Plains, Missouri to the late Oscar and Mildred Weber. On Dec. 24, 1952 she married Fred E. Copeland of New Madrid. They had three children. On March 2, 1980 she married Robert H Mather of Sikeston, who preceded her in death...

Edith M. Roberts, 87, formerly of Poplar Bluff, passed away June 16 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stella and William Brooks; six brothers, Wilbert, Bobby, Earl, William Jr., Ralph, Donald; and one sister, Carrie...

Clayton Terry Crafford of Fisk departed this life on June 18, 2023, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri at the age of 64. Mr. Crafford was born on June 6, 1959 at Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to the late John Crafford and Ida Queen Crafford. On June 6, 1980, he was married Lanona Mitchell, she survives. Also surviving are one son, Kevin Crafford (Cheryl) of Poplar Bluff, three grandchildren, Gabriele, Abigail and Thomas, as well a one brother, Larry Crafford (Opal) of Poplar Bluff...

Beloved father, grandfather, and brother, John Blake Pruett passed suddenly on Monday, June 19, 2023, at age 54. John was born Nov. 20, 1968, to James Lee and Lenda Sue (Hudson) Pruett in Paragould, Arkansas. John or “Johnny” as many affectionately called him, was a lively child always in search of adventure with a touch of mischief. It was such proclivities that ultimately led to his early career in the United States Coast Guard and later into robotics...

Darrell Wesley Sharp, 67, of Garwood, Missouri, died June 20, 2023 in his home.

Stanley “Stan” F. LaFond, was born in St. Anne, Illinois, to Wilbur “Bear” and Bernice (Koenig) LaFond Feb. 3, 1933. He joined his Heavenly Father Tuesday, June 20, 2023. He went to school in St. Anne, Illinois before entering the Navy. After the Navy he was a machinist in Kankakee at Bradley machine with his dad, then moved on to office work. ...

Geraldine Riggins, 94, of Belleville, Illinois, formerly of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Wednesday, June 21, 2023 in Belleville.

Ricky Lynn Hobbs, 61, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away June 23, 2023 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and son. He is survived by a his mother, Rowena (Joyce) Hobbs; son and daughter-in-law, John and Kimberly Hobbs; granddaughters, Kylie and Emily Hobbs; brothers and sisters-in-law, Randy and Teresa Hobbs, Roger and Kay (Lohman) Hobbs and Brian Hobbs...

Glenna Sue Lynxwiler, 81-year-old resident of Doniphan, Missouri, departed this life Saturday, June 24, 2023, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She was born Dec. 16, 1941, in Bardley, Missouri, to the late James Roy and Norma Geraldine (Snodgrass) Mathis...

Robert Noel Curnutt, 56, of Poplar Bluff, joined his Heavenly Father Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Robert was born Jan. 3, 1967 in Lakeport, Calif., to Bobbie R. (Pilcher) Milde of Poplar Bluff, and the late Russell L. Curnutt of Ukiah, Calif. Robert spent most of his working career as a carpenter as well as a cook in several area restaurants...

Geraldine (nee, Gunn) Riggins, 94, of Belleville, Illinois, formerly of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Benedictine Living Community – at the Shrine in Belleville. A visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the Chapel with Rev. Jim Schremp officiating. A burial will follow at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery...

Curtis Lee Rush, 77 years old, of Poplar BluffCurtis Lee Rush, 77 years old, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Saturday, June 24, 2023. Curtis was born Dec. 3, 1946. He was the fourth child out of 11 born to Cecil and Irene Rush in East St. Louis, Illinois. Curtis attended Corning High School in Corning, Arkansas. After graduating high school, he was then drafted into the army in 1966, specializing in explosives and demos while serving in the Vietnam War...

Erma Pruitt, 78, of Piedmont, died Tuesday, June 27, at her residence. Visitation is at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 1, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service following 1 p.m., also in the Piedmont Chapel. Burial is in New Liberty Cemetery, Piedmont...

Curtis Lee Rush, 77 years old, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Saturday, June 24, 2023.  Curtis was born Dec. 3, 1946 in East St. Louis, Illinois. He was the fourth of 11 children born to Cecil and Mary Irene Rush.  Curtis attended Corning High School in Corning, Arkansas. After graduating in 1965, he was drafted into the U.S. Army a year later. Curtis was a demolition and explosives specialist while serving in the Vietnam War. ...

Rosemary Ann Doyle was born July 31, 1941 to N.B. and Bessie Santhuff near the town of Ellington, Missouri in the Ozark hills that she loved. Her father was a cattle farmer, timber worker, carpenter, and a jack of all trades. Her mother was a housewife and an excellent grade-school teacher both in small country schools and the consolidated school at Ellington. Rosemary had one brother younger, Charley, and they roamed the hills near their home...

Louetta Geneva Irby, 62, of Qulin, Missouri, died Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Dale Gilbert Fish went home to be with his Lord and Savior June 27, 2023. He was born May 5, 1947 to Earl and Electa Fish near Zalma, Missouri. He lived in several locations throughout his childhood, but called Zalma home for most of his life. He surrendered to preach as a young man and was called as interim pastor of his home church, Zalma Missionary Baptist Church. ...

William Arthur Norman, 73, of Qulin, Missouri, passed away Monday, June 5, 2023 at his residence, in Qulin. Mr. Norman was born Aug. 22, 1949, Bragg City, Missouri, son of the late Lenard Norman and Ollie Norman. He was a retired mechanic that enjoyed fishing, hunting, fixing things and carving wood...

Brent Michael Welch, 15, of Van Buren died Thursday, June 29, 2023 in Van Buren.