Obituaries from August 2023

Valarie Denise Simon, 68, of Biloxi, Mississippi, passed away Sunday, July 30, 2023, peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones. Valarie was born Oct. 26, 1954 to John and Suezella Fisher in Roseburg, Oregon. Valarie attended high school at Sandpoint High in Sandpoint, Idaho...

Michael “Mike” Anthony Berry, 67, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Monday, July 31, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Berry was born Oct. 28, 1955, in Poplar Bluff, son of the late Miller and Therma Berry. Mike retired from Ozark Border Electric in Poplar Bluff Jan. 29, 2021, after a 37-year career as a lineman. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and spending time with his family...

Lewis Edward Miller, 74, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Monday, July 31, 2023, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his wife, children, and other loved ones. Mr. Miller was born in Fisk, Missouri, June 21, 1949, to the late Lewis Paul and Genell (Cox) Miller...

Betty Jo Head, 93, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, at Stonebridge Care Center in Marble Hill, Missouri.

Bobbie ‘Bob’ Blankenship Crane, 85, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, was called to his heavenly home Saturday, July 29, 2023, at his residence. Bob was born June 14, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan to Ora Blankenship and Alma Marie (Odell) Crane. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960. After serving in the military, he married the love of his life, Barbara Allen June 16, 1962, in Poplar Bluff...

Billy Joseph Saylors, 57, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Monday, July 31, 2023, in his home with his beloved wife. He was born Jan. 7, 1966, Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Rosalee Saylors. Billy was a lifetime resident of Poplar Bluff. He enjoyed working on cars, fishing, and hunting. Billy volunteered for the Puxico and Essex Fire departments. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren...

Tanya Kay Wilson, 53, of Cape Girardeau, passed away July 29, 2023, at her residence. She was born on Jan. 26, 1970, Kirk McElrath and Kay Vester in Kirkwood, Missouri. Tanya is survived by her loving spouse, Danny Wilson; father, Kirk McElrath; mother, Kay (Gary) Vester; two step-sisters, Angella Zoellner, Amy (Tyke) Thomison; step-brother, Robert (Gina) and their children, Braden and Rylee Vester; mother-in-law, Mildred Wilson; two aunts, Glenda Riggins, Beverly (Ben) and their children, Michael and Derek Roach. ...

William Lawrence “Bill” Burge of Puxico, Missouri, son of the late Arlie Angus and Elsie (Harris) Burge was born Dec. 9, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, and went to be with the Lord July 31, 2023, at his home at the age of 81 years 7 months, and 21 days...

Bro. Hubert Leroux Payne, 92, of Doniphan, Missouri, passed to his eternal home on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, at the John J. Pershing Veterans Administration Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He was born Feb. 1, 1931, in Naylor, Missouri, and was the son of W.C. and Ella Payne...

George Middleton, 91, of Vulcan, Missouri, died Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at his home. Visitation is at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 9, at Vulcan Assembly of God in Vulcan. Funeral service is at 1 p.m., also at Vulcan Assembly of God. Burial is in Sutton Cemetery, Vulcan...

Richard Wade Musser, 50, of Ellsinore, Missouri passed away July 31, 2023 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Richard was born on June 29, 1973 to Robert Edward Jr. Musser and Sherry Lynn Burnett in Prince George’s, Maryland. Richard enjoyed hunting, shooting, riding 4 wheelers and cooking...

Bonnie Sue Petty, 73, of Neelyville, Missouri, passed away Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023, at her home. Mrs. Petty was born May 7, 1950, in Coon Island, Missouri. She had worked as a homemaker and enjoyed cooking, flowers, gardening, canning, singing, walking, and riding her bike. ...

Sheila R. Berry, 63, of Decatur, Alabama, passed Tuesday June 13, 2023 at Huntsville Hospital. Ms. Berry was born Aug. 6, 1959 at the family farm in Fisk, Missouri. She enjoyed being with family and friends. She loved to tend to her yard, planting beautiful flowers and bushes, doing word find books and reading inspirational quotes...

Thomas Dalton Bowden, 90, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away Aug. 4, 2023. Cremation rites have been accorded by Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home, Lincoln. There will be no services at this time. Thomas was born April 23, 1933, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, the son of Hershel A. Bowden and Dorothy M. Clark Bowden. After his mother passed, he was raised by his father and Adeline Bowden...

Stella Carolyn Wood, 76 of Russellville, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023 in Russellville, Arkansas. She was born May 17, 1947 in Peach Orchard, Missouri to James Riley Williams and Mable Pauline (Stella)Reese Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Michael James Williams I; nephew Michael Williams II...

Willis “Pickle” Skaggs, 77, of Hiram, died Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, at Cedargate Nursing Home in Poplar Bluff. Visitation is at noon, Saturday, Aug. 12, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville Chapel. Funeral service is at 2 p.m., also in the Greenville Chapel. Burial is in Grassy Friendship Cemetery, Grassy, Missouri...

James Lawrence Faries, 92, of Williamsville, Missouri passed away Aug. 8, 2023 at his home in Williamsville. James was born Jan. 13, 1931 to Joseph and Mamie Edna Porterfield Faries in Pulaski, Missouri. He married Wilma (Billie) Louise Orton Aug. 1, 1953, in Little Rock Arkansas. She proceeded him in death Aug. 6, 2016, from this marriage they were blessed with four children, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren...

Kathryn Ruth Green, a 105-year-old prayer warrior, passed from our hands to God’s home Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Dexter, Missouri. Kathryn was born May 24, 1918, to William and Melisia Jane (Holcomb) Giles in Arcola, West Virginia. She and her late husband, Rev. Harry Green, married Sept. 6, 1937, in Webster Springs, West Virginia. They were married 72 years with his passing, April 26, 2011...

Forrest Allen Chodrick, 67, of Wappapello, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Forrest was born April 6, 1956, to Ressie “Russ” and Anna (Wright) Chodrick in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He married the love of his life and best friend, Teresa Howton June 7, 2002, in Corning, Arkansas...

Willard “Willie” Ray Brown, 83, of Qulin, Missouri, formerly of Wayne County, passed away Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, at Campbell Healthcare and Senior Living. He was born Jan. 21, 1940, in Carter County to the late Owen “Richard” and Zelma Eva (Smith) Brown. Willie was a loving and devoted husband, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a high school graduate from Ellsinore...

Mark Anthony Bradley, 65, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Aug. 11, 2023 at Barnes-Jewish in St Louis, Missouri. Mark was born Aug. 16, 1957 to Stanley and Mary (Ruble) Bradley. Mark Loved to go to auctions, sit on his front porch and watch the world go by, and loved going to the coffee shop...

Dormilee Rush, 87, of St. Peters, Missouri died Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023.

Max Wayne Patterson, 78, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, peacefully passed away Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, at his residence in Poplar Bluff, surrounded by his family. Mr. Patterson was born March 2, 1945, in Fisk, Missouri, son of the late J.W. and Alma Patterson. ...

Ronald “Ronnie” Wayne Goins, 74, of Broseley, Missouri, died Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, at his residence in Broseley. Mr. Goins was born May 24, 1949, in Broseley, son of the late Raymond and Norma Lee Goins. He is survived by four children: Kayla (Ed) Storey of Broseley, Richard Barnes of Fisk, Missouri, Jason (Tracy) Goins and Summer (Nick) Mason, all if Bernie, Missouri; six grandchildren: Jonathan, Meagan, Jaden, Jazlyn, Cole, Kalli; one great-grandchild: Hunter; and two sisters: Donna McKuin of Bernie and Pat (Bob) Tubbesing of Defiance, Missouri.. ...

David Edward Savat, 75, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. David was born Jan. 8, 1948, to Bill and Lucy (Brands) Savat in Cape Girardeau. He married Paula Faye Dial July 1, 1972, in the St. Eustachius Catholic Church in Portageville, Missouri...

Delbert (D.L.) Lee Thomas Jr., 83, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, went home to be with the Lord Aug. 14, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. D.L. was born Aug. 3, 1940, to Delbert and Pearl Hester Thomas in Poplar Bluff. He married Imogene Mitchener Oct. 20, 1964, and together they raised five children. They were united in marriage by Rev. Vernon Kneir in the Grace Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff...

Raymond W. Smith, 91, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri died Aug. 11, 2023 at his home surrounded by family. He was born Oct. 4, 1931, to Charles Leo and Bertha Delaney Smith at Neelyville, Missouri. Mr. Smith was a graduate of Neelyville high School where he excelled at playing basketball. In 1950, he married Lucille Johnson and together they raised five children. In 1965, they began Smith Mobile Homes which is still a thriving business today...

Joseph D. Miller, 84, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, Aug.16, 2023, at his home. Mr. Miller was born April 15, 1939, in Butler County, Missouri. He had worked as a custodian for the Butler County Courthouse and enjoyed computer games, hunting, fishing, and going to the Casino...

Vina Marie (Wallace) Carter of Ellsinore, Missouri, passed away Aug. 17, 2023 at home with her family by her side. Marie was born Jan. 22, 1939 to Perry and Vina Wallace. She had attained the age of 84 years, six months and 25 days. On Nov. 8, 1958, Marie was united in marriage to the love of her life John Paul Carter. ...

Laurie Ann Casinger Fowler, 61, of Qulin, Missouri, died Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, at Westwood Hills Healthcare Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Mrs. Fowler was born April 19, 1962, in Poplar Bluff, to Mary Ellen Casinger and the late Hank Casinger. Laurie enjoyed being outdoors and hunting Indian rocks...

Everett Lynn Montgomery, 87, of Marshall, Missouri (previously of Poplar Bluff), passed away Tuesday, Aug.15, 2023. Everett was born Jan. 16, 1936, to Everett and Ruth (Barbour) Montgomery in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He married Lois N. Sheehy July 25, 1954, also in Poplar Bluff...

Austin Scrogin, 26, was a devoted son, brother, and fiancé. He enjoyed fishing, hunting for anything, golfing with buddies, and flying. Austin lived life to the fullest. From his many trapshooting accomplishments to traveling the world with his family, he really did have a beautiful and adventurous life. Austin will be missed by the many friends and family that he was always spending time with in one way or another...

Linda Byrd, 73, of Dexter, formerly of the Greenville, died Wednesday, Aug. 16, at Crowley Ridge Nursing Home, Dexter. Visitation is at 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 20, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville Chapel. Funeral is at 1 p.m., Monday, Aug. 21, also in the Greenville Chapel. Burial will follow in Wesley-Dixon Cemetery near Hiram...

Rev. David C. Skinner of Malden, Missouri, died Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was 80 years old. Born in Royal Oak, Michigan, to Curtis and Louise Skinner Dec. 12, 1942. He married the love of his life, Barbara Janice Rasnick Sept. 21, 1962...

Barbara Ann Ayers, 84, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Barbara was born Oct. 23, 1938, to George and Ruby (Welch) Schalk in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Barbara was a devout Christian. She was an active, long-time member of Rombauer General Baptist Church. ...

Helen Geraldine Williams, 91, of Eminence, Missouri, formerly of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Friday, Aug. 18, 2023.

RoseMary Groves, 89, passed away peacefully Aug. 17, 2023 at her home in New Milford, Connecticut. She was born Aug. 26, 1933 to Charles and Freeda (Corder) Haynes in Bernie, Missouri. RoseMary was a loving mother and grandmother. With her former husband, she developed a love of travel, when as an Army wife she traveled the world with her family due to numerous military postings. ...

Helen Geraldine (Gerry) Williams, 91, of Eminence, Missouri, died Aug. 18, 2023, at the Rock Point Nursing Center in Birch Tree, Missouri. Gerry was born in Blodgett, Missouri, Sept. 23, 1931. She married Andrew (Andy) Williams Oct. 6, 1951. Together they owned and operated United Business Machines of Poplar Bluff for 42 years...

Glenna Mae Keown, 92, of Clarksdale, Mississippi, passed away Friday, Aug. 18, 2023 at home. Ms. Keown was born in Success, Arkansas, July 13, 1931. She was retired, having had worked at the Clay County Courier, the glass company, she did ceramics and doll making out of her home and owned her own bait and T-shirt shop in Corning. ...

Alice Marie Eddleman, 81, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on the early morning of Aug. 21, 2023. Alice is preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert Eddleman. Alice leaves behind her three children: Patricia (David) Martin, Debra Shoemaker, and David (Jackie) Eddleman, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild...

William Eugene “Gene” Duree, 66, of Broseley, Missouri, died at his residence in Broseley Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023.

Lester Enderle, son of the late Fred Enderle and Eleanora Enderle, was born on April 2, 1931 in Kelso, Missouri and departed his life on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023 at the Westwood Hills Nursing Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri at the age of 92 years. Mr. ...

Lorene Marie Withrow, 90, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, at Mark Twain Nursing Home. She was born Aug. 14, 1933, Poplar Bluff, to Johnny Mayes and Edna (Wright) Mayes. Lorene was a longtime resident of Poplar Bluff. Lorene was a member of the Third Baptist Church of Poplar Bluff, she enjoyed watching movies, cooking, loved her church, loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren...

Ann B. Pennington, 89, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, at Cedargate Healthcare. Ann was born Dec. 23, 1933, to Clyde and Burdie (Woodruff) Foust in Poplar Bluff. She married Charles Ray Pennington Aug. 20, 1955, also in Poplar Bluff...

Terry Lee Stroud, 77, of Springfield, Missouri, died Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023 at Neighborhood at Quail Creek in Springfield. Mr. Stroud was born March 25, 1946 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, son of the late Otis and Mary Virginia Stroud (née Lewis). He is survived by several extended family members and friends...

Donna Nixon passed away peacefully Aug. 21, 2023, at the St. Bernards Hospital in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She was born Jan. 23, 1962 to Robert and Fay (Woodall) Philpot in Campbell, Missouri. She was married to Timothy “Tim” Nixon Aug. 12, 1983, having celebrated their 40 years of happiness...

Norma Summers, 80, of Perryville. Missouri, died Wednesday, Aug. 23, at The Estates of Perryville. Visitation is at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, in the Williamsville Assembly of God Church. Funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. also in the church. Burial is in Duncan Cemetery...

Michael James Zgaynor, 51, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, Aug, 22, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Michael was born Sept. 22, 1971, to William and Marie Burns (Vezzetti) Zgaynor in Canon City, Colorado. Michael Zgaynor was a lifelong member of the Roman Catholic Church. ...

Toinette Denise “Toni” Wilson, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 23. Visitation is at 1 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 27, at Ruegg Funeral Home Piedmont Chapel. Funeral will follow at 3 p.m., also in the Piedmont Chapel. Burial is in Patterson Cemetery. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Cynthia Macaluso, 57, of Malden passed away Aug. 24, 2023, at her residence. Visitaion is 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 28, at Landess Funeral Home in Malden.

Freda Middleton, 82, of Williamsville died Aug. 25, 2023. Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Williamsville Assembly of God Church. Memorial service following at 1 p.m., also at the Assembly of God Church. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Jessie Metz, 62, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, at his residence. Mr. Metz was born Sept. 23, 1960, in Poplar Bluff, son of the late Charles and Helen Metz (née Plyer). He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He enjoyed his time spent on the river and at deer camp...

Robert “Bob” Gene Cates, Sr., 68, of Booneville, Missouri, passed away Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. He was born June 6, 1955, Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Thomas Cates and Jimmie (Chapell) Cates. Bob was a longtime resident of Poplar Bluff. He enjoyed riding his Harley. He was of the Mormon Faith...

Evelyn Louise Cole, 86, of Poplar Bluff, died Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, at Cedargate Healthcare in Poplar Bluff.

Megan Oxley, 36, of Campbell died Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, in Senath.

Dennis James Lloyd, 63, of Williamsville, Missouri, formerly of Iowa, died Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023.

Earl Davenport, 91, of St. Louis died Aug. 28, 2023, in St. Louis. Visitation is at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 5, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville Chapel. Funeral service following at 1 p.m., also in the Greenville Chapel. Burial is in Camp Eight Cemetery, Greenville, with full military honors...

Scott H. Denton of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023 at the age of 66. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, wit, and a zest for life that touched the hearts of all who knew him. Scott was born June 19, 1957, to Samuel “Jack” and Natalie Denton in Dyersburg, Tennessee...

Geneva Steinkuhl, 90, of Evansville, Indiana, died Aug. 20, 2023, in Evansville.