Obituaries from December 2023

Jay Doyle Brown, Jr., breathed his last breath in the early morning of Nov. 23, 2023. An authentic, gregarious, and sweet man leaves behind three siblings: Nicholas Brown of Jackson, Missouri (Mary), Shawn Brown of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Kimberly Carter of Nashville, Tennessee (Cole); seven nieces and nephews and eight great-nieces, and great-nephews...

John Claude Hayes, 85, of Campbell died Friday at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Margaret Darlene Allen, 86, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, at Cedargate Health Care. Margaret was born May 27, 1937, to Emile and Myrtle (Richardson) Lefevre in Lehigh, Oklahoma. She married Ivan “Mickey” Leon Allen Oct. 17, 1955, in Wichita, Kansas...

Aaron Douglass Dodds, 50, of Webb City, Missouri, died Friday, Dec. 1, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri.

Thomas J. Lawson, 91, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Monday, Dec.4, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Tom was born on June 7, 1932, to Earnest and Beulah (Berry) Lawson in Coon Island, Missouri. He married Jeane Sue Pridy Nov. 26, 1954, in Poplar Bluff...

Joseph Allen Marrs Jr., 9 years old, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Joey was born Nov. 18, 2014, to Joseph Marrs Sr. and Renee Johnson in Chicago, Illinois. Joey attended third grade at Oak Grove Elementary. ...

Janice Gale Cradduck, 69, of Campbell died Tuesday, Dec. 5, at her residence.

Steven Douglas Moffitt, 54, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Steven was born on May 21, 1969, to Marion Don and Judith (Siebert) Moffitt in Jacksonville, Arkansas. He married Paula Smith May 5, 1990, in Poplar Bluff...

Venita Monehan, 85, passed away Dec. 3, 2023, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She leaves behind family and friends grieving over their loss but rejoicing that she is now with her Heavenly Father for all eternity. Venita was born in Broseley, Missouri, May 10, 1938, to Carl and Maudie Mohr. She was one of six children and grew up and attended school in Broseley. She married the love of her life, William Leon Monehan, in Hernando, Mississippi in 1956...

John Wayne Gross, 77, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away at his residence Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. Mr. Gross was born July 25, 1946 in Sedalia, Kentucky, son of the late James and Verba Gross. John served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. ...

Thomas J. Lawson, 91, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Tom was born on June 7, 1932, to Earnest and Beulah (Berry) Lawson in Coon Island, Missouri. He married Jeane Sue Pridy on Nov. 26, 1953, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri...

Maudie Lorene Davis passed away peacefully in her sleep, Nov. 29, 2023. She was 94 years old. She was born Oct. 4, 1927, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, the youngest of five, three sisters and one brother. She was a seamstress and homemaker for her husband and two daughters. ...

Larry Oxley, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Dec. 1, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Larry was born Aug. 7, 1951, to Norman and Dessie (Sweeney) Oxley in Campbell, Missouri. He married Glenda Ellen Oxley Feb. 10,1990. She survives...

Jack Edward McDowell, 71, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. He was born Feb. 11, 1952, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Jack Carl McDowell and Helen (Hampton) McDowell. Jack was a lifetime resident of Poplar Bluff. He was a member of Palace of Praise Church. He enjoyed fishing, woodcrafts, working in his yard and landscaping. He loved to spend time with his family...

Venita Monehan, 85, passed away Dec. 3, 2023, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She leaves behind family and friends grieving over their loss but rejoicing that she is now with her Heavenly Father for all eternity. Venita was born in Broseley, Missouri, May 10, 1938, to Carl and Maudie Mohr. She was one of six children and grew up and attended school in Broseley. She married the love of her life, William Leon Monehan, in Hernando, Mississippi in 1956...

Orville Bridges, 84, of Patterson, Missouri, died Wednesday, Dec. 6, on his farm in Patterson. Visitation is at 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Piedmont. Funeral is at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 11, also at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Burial following in Patterson Cemetery, Patterson...

Florence “Boots” Haag, 89, of Fredericktown, Missouri, formerly of Broseley, Missouri, died Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 at Stockhoff Memorial Nursing Home, in Fredericktown. Mrs. Haag was born June 29, 1934 in Bernie, Missouri, daughter of the late William and Lula Rena Clark...

Betty Jean Wood passed away Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri at the age of 93. She was born March 8, 1930, in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Clyde and Edna King. Betty was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company where she worked as a switchboard operator while attending college. ...

Ramona June Sutton, born Ramona June Rhodes, was born Jan. 13, 1937 in Grissom, Missouri which was once a part of Bollinger County.  Ramona died peacefully in her home while holding her daughter’s hand on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.  Ramona was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Mae Rhodes; the love of her life, her husband, Robert L. Sutton; her brother, Frank Rhodes; her brother-in-law, Larry White; her niece, Gina White; and her dearly loved grandson, Sean Stafford...

John Charles Poole, Sr., 77, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 at his residence. Mr. Poole was born Sept. 19, 1946 in Tyler, Missouri, son of the late Orval and Katie Poole. He is survived by three children: John Charles (Shannon) Poole, Jr. of Fisk, Kellie (Todd) Stephens of Harviell, and Katie Poole of Fisk; five grandchildren: Casen and Cade Stephens, Brayden Poole, Lawson and Emerson Poole; one brother: Gary Poole of Fisk, and one sister: Judy Barnes of Holcomb...

Marilyn Mae (Gibbs) Proctor, 79, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Sunday, Dec.10, 2023 at Oakdale Care Center surrounded by her family. Marilyn was born Aug. 18, 1944 in Spencer, Indiana, daughter of the late Glenn and Grace Gibbs. She was a graduate of Neelyville High School in 1962. Marilyn was a Ward Clerk at Doctors Hospital in Poplar Bluff. She retired in 2007 after 40 years of service. She enjoyed bingo, reading, watching western movies and being with her family...

Agustin Ruiz Ruiz, 41, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away Dec. 6, 2023 at his home in Columbia. Agustin was born Aug. 5, 1982 to Agustin and Ma. Del Carmen (Salazar) Ruiz in St. Luis Potosi, Mexico. He married Amanda Rena (Sinks), she survives. Agustin was a loving and caring man. He enjoyed watching and playing sports; such as football, pool, baseball and soccer...

Tony Wayne Davis, 56, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Dec. 10, 2023 at his residence. He was born Feb. 25, 1967, to Clyde Wayne Davis and Gale Lorine “Robertson” Davis. On Feb.13, 2010, he was married to Sherry Ullrich at Poplar Bluff. She survives...

Jackie Ann (May) Morris, 68, of Corning, Arkansas, passed away Dec. 12, 2023 at her residence. She was born June 18, 1955 at DeKalb, Texas to Frank and Naomi “Oliver” May. She was a member of the Grace Missionary Baptist Church, and she had worked as a certified healthcare worker for 33 years. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting, visiting with family and friends and caring for her dog, Peanut...

In Loving Memory of Pearline Cagle Sept. 19, 1921 - Nov. 20, 2023 Pearline Cagle, a woman of unwavering faith and boundless love, took her first steps onto the streets of her heavenly home on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, at 102 years and 62 days old. She was preceded in death by her husband, BG Cagle, her sons Leman and Clarence Cagle, great-grandson Jayce Malone, and many other family and friends...

Larry Oxley, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Dec. 1, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Larry was born Aug. 7, 1951, to Norman and Dessie (Sweeney) Oxley in Campbell, Missouri. He married Glenda Ellen Oxley Feb. 10,1990. She survives...

Polly Jo (Brian) Hurst, 81, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Memorial gathering will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at Thousand Hills Cowboy Church in Fisk, Missouri. Memorial service will follow beginning at 1 p.m. with Brother Kevin Murray...

Linda Kay Cuker, 82, of Saint Peters, Missouri, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at her home. Linda was born April 10, 1941, to Jesse and Thelma Priest of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Her first marriage was to Tom Thacker also of Poplar Bluff. They had two sons, Tom Thacker II and Jonathan Thacker. Linda would later be re-married to William Cuker...

Annabel Horton, 62, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Horton was born July 18, 1961 in Kansas City, Missouri, daughter of the late Aubrey and Joyce Montgomery. She enjoyed being outdoors and loved her family, friends, and animals...

Mary W. Hodge, 97, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Dec. 16, 2023 at Westwood Hills Healthcare in Poplar Bluff. Mary was born on May 18, 1926 to Charles and Eva (Bradford) Garrison in Arkansas. She married Theodore Leroy Hodge, he preceded her in death...

Ernest Jasper Phelan, 81, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Dec. 15, 2023, at his home in Poplar Bluff. Ernest was born April 16, 1942, to Pleasant and Lucille (Cummins) Phelan in Amarillo, Texas. He married Donna (Parish) Phelan Feb. 16, 2003. Ernest was in the Navy (1962-1967) during the Vietnam War. ...

Robin L. Looney, 67, of Williamsville, Missouri, passed away Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, at his residence. Visitation will be from noon until 2 p.m.,Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, , at Ruegg Funeral Home, Williamsville. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., also at Williamsville chapel. Burial will follow at Holliday Cemetery, Williamsville...

On Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, Ralph Eugene Barks, 94, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri passed away peacefully with his beloved wife of 68 years, Ella “Mae” Barks (Nee Oost) at his side. Born Oct.14, 1929 in Shook, Missouri to the late Elmer and Myrtle Barks (Nee Underwood), he left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. ...

Thomas (Tommy) Jerry Manley Jr., 60, of Aurora, Missouri, passed away Saturday morning, Dec. 16, 2023, in his home. He was born July 15, 1963, in Kennett, Missouri, the son of Jerry and Patricia (Wright) Manley. Tommy was a 1981 graduate of Malden High School in Malden, Missouri and received his associate degree in business from Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. ...

Sept. 17, 1941 - Dec. 10, 2023 Nadine Haynes Roberts passed into her eternal life Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023 after several years of battling dementia. In September, she turned 82 years old, having lived a long and wonderful life. Nadine, a native of Southeast Missouri, was married to Benny Dee Roberts for 51 years until his passing in 2009. ...

Betty Joyce Pruitt, 83, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Dec. 19, 2023, at her home in Poplar Bluff. Betty was born Dec.10, 1940, to John and Iva (Walker) Kanell in Poplar Bluff. Her marriage to Thomas Pruitt produced two children, Lewis Pruitt and Elizabeth (Pruitt) Turcotte...

Hubert Cecil “Bud” Tidwell, 73, of Doniphan, Missouri, died Monday, Dec.18, 2023 at his residence. Mr. Tidwell was born Dec. 28, 1949, to Claude and Carrie Tidwell (née Bausworth) in Tyronza, Arkansas. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. ...

Hubert Cecil “Bud” Tidwell, 73, of Doniphan, Missouri, died Monday, Dec.18, 2023 at his residence. Mr. Tidwell was born Dec. 28, 1949, to Claude and Carrie Tidwell (née Bausworth) in Tyronza, Arkansas. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. ...

Wanda Lee Gaebler, 87, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Dec. 24, 2023. Wanda was born Jan.14, 1936, to Vernon and Aleen (Everett) Gambill in Ash Hill, Missouri. She married Dale Gaebler April 20, 1963, at Zion Lutheran Church in Poplar Bluff. Wanda was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. ...

Christine Thurman, 97, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023 at Cypress Point Skilled Nursing, in Dexter, Missouri. Mrs. Thurman was born Aug. 17, 1926 in Hoxie, Arkansas, daughter of the late Clarence and Mae Montgomery (née Flippo). On May 21, 1947, she married Vernon Thurman. He preceded her in death on July 15, 2009...

James “Ricky” Brigance, 76, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023 at The Manor in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Brigance was born July 5, 1947, in Dexter, Missouri, son of the late Felton and Marie Brigance (née Pruett). On July 18, 1981, he married Patty Blakenship Brigance. With her came three boys; Rick was the only dad these boys ever had. He had a lifelong career as a truck driver...

Anthony “Tony” Rosener, 93, of Piedmont, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 19, at his residence. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 29, at Patterson Cemetery, Patterson. Burial will immediately follow. Online condolences:www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Nadine M. (Birdsong) Johnson graduated to heaven peacefully in her sleep Dec. 25 at the age of 87 at Mark Twain Caring Center in Poplar Bluff. Nadine was born Feb. 2, 1936 to Merlin Roy and Ruby Jean (Lewis) Birdsong at their home in Williamsville, Missouri. On Oct.3, 1954, Nadine married Orlin Douglas Johnson at the Second Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, he survives...

Mark Lee Martin, 48, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023 in Williamsville, Missouri.