Obituaries from May 2024

Grant Alan Miller, 49, of Poplar Bluff, passed away April 3, 2024. Grant was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ruth Ann Miller, and life partner, Renee Gordon. Grant is survived by daughter, Aubrey Miller; bonus-daughter, Alexis Gordon; sister, LeeAnn Lee; brother Jimmy Miller; and many more family and friends...

Emily Kinder Wolpers, 79, died Monday, April 29, 2024, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center after a short illness. Ms. Wolpers was born Nov. 22, 1944, in Poplar Bluff. She was a 1962 graduate of Poplar Bluff High School where she was a member of the yearbook staff, pep band, Spanish Club, a Bluff Maid of Honor, and the National Honor Society...

Hanz Eric Maahs, 49, passed away April 28, 2024 with his wife and son by his side. Hanz resided in Gilbert, Arizona with his loving wife, Heather Maahs, devoted son, Lawson Maahs and Lawson’s fiance, Taylor Wilcken. Hanz was preceded in death by his adoring parents Ivan Leroy Maahs and Ruth Ann Powers Maahs. ...

Mary Lerma McMillian of Springfield, Missouri entered the Kingdom of Heaven at 6:16 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2024 surrounded by family. Mary was born Jan. 27, 1949 to Ignacio “Felix” Lerma and Luz Gonsalez Lerma. She married Donnie Lee McMillian Sr. Nov. 11, 1972. Mary and Don owned and operated Plumber’s Supply (later Janitorial Supply) in Poplar Bluff, Missouri from 1986 until 2008. During this time, they were active members of Memorial Baptist Church...

Jimmie Franklin Barker, 69, of Newark, Arkansas passed away May 4, 2024 at Mt. Meadows Nursing Home in Batesville, Arkansas. Jimmie was born April 7, 1955 to Robert and Alma Adele (Barker) Uhl in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Alma Uhl...

David Peters, 81, of Campbell died Wednesday at Winchester Place in Bernie.

Dennis Ray Worley, 70, of Neelyville, Missouri passed away May 1, 2024, at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. He was born Sept. 24, 1953, at Neelvyille to the late Clarence Worley and Dotsie Irene “Fowler” Worley. On July 20, 1991, at Poplar Bluff, Missouri he was married to Billie Jo Stevens. She survives...

Marilyn Rose Tarpley, 71, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away May 3, 2024 at her home in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Marilyn was born Aug. 27, 1952 to Arnold Dorf and Jeanne R. Dorf in Hollywood, California. She married Richard Tarpley Dec. 24, 1994. He survives...

Norma (Hall) Huff, 80, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Mark Twain Nursing Home of Poplar Bluff. Norma was born April 15, 1944 in Clinton, Missouri, to Hadley Hall and Helen (Horn) Hall. She was a long-time resident of Poplar Bluff. ...

Graveside service for Leota Faye Dicken, 86, of Perry, will be at 1 p.m. Monday, May 13, 2024, at Cochran Cemetery in rural Poplar Bluff, Missouri. There is no visitation scheduled. Arrangements are under the direction of Bienhoff Funeral Home. Leota passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024 at her home surrounded by family...

Lois Lyvonne Gunn went home to be with her Heavenly Father May 12, 2024, attaining the earthly age of 83. Lois was born June 1, 1940 to the late Rev. Harvey Lee “Harve” Darnell and Mattie Mae Darnell in Stringtown, Missouri. She was a familiar face in the hardware department at the Poplar Bluff Walmart for many years until her retirement. On May 27, 1999, she married her true soulmate, Herschel Gunn, he survives...

Charles Lee Sturgell, 96, passed away May 11, 2024 at Cape Girardeau. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, May 20 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dexter, Missouri. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Sacred Heart Church Cemetery in Poplar Bluff under the direction of Morrison Funeral Chapel, Piedmont...

Kathryn Abigail Armes of Poplar Bluff, Missouri departed this life May 13, 2024 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center surrounded by those she loved. Born to Cecil and Daphne Puckett in St. Louis, Missouri Aug. 15, 1950 Kathy was united in marriage to Larry Gene Armes, Sr. May 18 1968, he proceeds her in death. A resident of Poplar Bluff for nearly 50 years Kathy built a full life for herself, and her family...

Mary Daly, 79 of Piedmont, Missouri, passed away Monday, May 13, 2024. Visitation is at noon, Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service following at 2 p.m., also in the Piedmont Chapel. Burial is in Meador-Flatwoods Cemetery, Piedmont...

Lonnie Kirby, 76, passed away May 14, 2024 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Lonnie was born Nov. 20, 1947 to Olen and Evelyn (Harris) Kirby in Poplar Bluff He married Glenda (Vineyard), she survives. Lonnie served his country in the Marines, where he did two tours of duty in Vietnam while participating in over 20 campaigns. ...

Debbie “Walker” Pendergrass, 66, of Naylor, Missouri passed away May 15, 2024 at Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She was born Aug. 14, 1957, at Naylor, Missouri, to Earl J. Walker and Vanna “Huson” Walker. She was married to Bo Pendergrass at Corning, Arkansas, He survives...

Pasty Ann Foust, 78, of Fulton, Missouri, died Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Fulton Manor Care Center in Fulton.

Juanita Ann O’Dell, 89, of Erin, Tennessee, died May 15, 2024 in Erin.

Clifford Clinton Bowen, 76, of Qulin, Missouri, died Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, in Poplar Bluff.

Ted May, 76, of Qulin, Missouri, died Saturday, May 18, 2024 at his residence, at Qulin. Mr. May was born, Aug. 27, 1947 in Blytheville, Arkansas, son of the late Leslie and Ethel May. He was a member of the Church of Christ at Qulin. He enjoyed spending time on the river, riding his Harley, spending time with his family and gardening...

Marvin Ray Bulger, the son of Eddie Herman and Gertie (Davis) Bulger, was born May 7, 1935, in Qulin, Missouri. He attended Qulin High School, graduating in 1953. He served his country in the Army National Guard. Marvin was employed by Small Arms Factory, St. ...

Roy Brown, 87, of Vulcan died Thursday, May 16. Visitation is at 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 21, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral following at 2 p.m., also in the Piedmont chapel. Burial will be in Murphy Cemetery near Piedmont. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Beverly Stevenson, 73, of Vulcan, died May 15. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, May 22, at Vulcan Assembly of God Church. Funeral is at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 23, also at Vulcan Assembly of God Church. Burial following in Sutton Cemetery, Vulcan...

Catherine Lea Mathis, daughter of Dorothy and Lee Bloomfield of Essex, Missouri was born Dec. 27, 1954, in Sikeston, Missouri. She went to her Heavenly home May 19, 2024, at the age of 69 in Wappapello, Missouri. Cathy is survived by her loving and devoted husband, David Mathis of 50 years; her children, Ambre and late husband Mark Curran, and Lauren and husband Bruce Starks, all of Benton, Missouri; siblings, Debbie and husband Terry Bowling of Farmington, Missouri, Beth and husband Mike Smith of Houston, Texas, Lee and Deanna Bloomfield of Gulfport, Mississippi; grandchildren, Zach and wife Amanda Curran of Columbus, Ohio, Madalyn and husband Alan Lockhart of Joplin, Missouri, Jacob Curran of Phoenix, Arizona, Maurice Davis (Shelby Eichhorn) of Jacksonville, Florida, Colton Starks and Camden Starks of Benton, Missouri and several loving lifelong friends and extended family members.. ...

Jimmy Duty, son of the late Charles Duty and Minnie Humphery Duty, was born Oct. 16, 1939, in Wichita Falls, Texas, and departed this life May 11, 2024, in Pasadena, Texas at the age of 84. Graveside services were held at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield on May 20, 2024...

James C. Glass, 58, passed away May 14, 2024, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. James was born Aug. 12, 1965, to Charles P. and Leota (Glass) High in St. Louis, Missouri. James Loved his fur baby, Princess, and just spending time with his friends. He also loved to watch the KC Chiefs and wrestling on TV. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church...

Paul Matthew Stephens of Naylor passed away May 18, 2024, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. A memorial visitation will be May 25, 2024, starting at 9 a.m. with service starting at 10 a.m. all in the Naylor Pentecostal Church in Naylor, Missouri...

Benjamin Wade Phyfer (Ben, Benny P, Phyfe), 54, died May 14, 2024 in Madeira Beach, Florida. Ben was born in Mexico Missouri, but he loved to leave off the Missouri part and tell you he was born in “Mexico.” Ben grew up in Poplar Bluff Missouri, on the bank of the beautiful Black River, but the Current River was his true love. He played baseball, football, and tennis growing up and had many friends who were his teammates in those sports...

Louie M. Wright, 73, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Monday, May 20, 2024 at his residence in Poplar Bluff.

Charles “Chuck” Bennett, 65, of Piedmont, died Monday, May 20. Visitation is at 11 a.m,. Tuesday, May 28, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. A memorial service following at 1 p.m., also in the Piedmont Chapel. Online condolences:www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Carroll Lee “Buddy” Randolph, Sr., of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Gideon, Poplar Bluff and Dexter, died Monday, May 20, 2024, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Buddy was born Oct. 31, 1941, at the family farm in rural Gideon to the late Homer Lee and Nina Lucille Walker Randolph. He and Karen Sue Link were married Dec. 27, 1963, at the First Baptist Church in Malden...

Benedict R. Knoppe, 80, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Mercy South in St. Louis. Ben was born June 22, 1943, to Joseph and Martha (Bucher) Knoppe in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Ben enjoyed spending time with family and friends. In his younger years, Ben loved to run marathons and travel. He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in St. Louis. Ben was also a member of the United States Army and served in Vietnam...

Robert Allen Turley, Sr., 85, passed away May 19, 2024 after a long illness. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Shirley; four children, Robert, Randal, Crystal, and Dana; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a large, extended family. His brother, Fred W. Turley, preceded him in death in 1998. Robert was a member of the Lutheran Church...

Carolyn “Carol” Hamilton, 87, of Annapolis, Missouri, died Wednesday, May 22, in Park Hills, Missouri. Visitation is at 5 p.m., Thursday, May 30, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral is at 10 a.m., Friday, May 31, at Nazarene Church of Annapolis. Burial will be in Meadows Cemetery, Annapolis, Missouri...

Charles N. “Nick” Nicolini, 70, of Poplar Bluff died Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Saint Louis, after a long illness. Mr. Nicolini was born Jan. 6, 1954, at Doctors Hospital in Poplar Bluff, to the late Quinto and Alda Nicolini. He attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1972. He lived in Poplar Bluff for 61 years, but spent the last nine years of his life in Saint Charles, Missouri, after his retirement because of illness...

Nicki Prewitt, 76, of Edwardsville, Illinois, died Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Anderson Hospital, in Maryville, Illinois. Ms. Prewitt was born March 29, 1948, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, daughter of the late Lawrence “Cotton” and Freota “Freddie” Prewitt. She enjoyed and excelled at sports in her younger years. She graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1966. She had worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and as a counselor for the disabled...

Samuel Franklin “Frank” Chaffin, Jr., 74, lifelong resident of Fisk, Missouri, died Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at his residence.

Orville Duane Allen, 98, died Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at St. Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Mr. Allen was born March 18, 1926, at Fairdealing, Missouri, to parents Dewey Ruben Allen and his wife, Sylvia Lavada (Hutchison) Allen. He married Alice Geraldine Eggers Aug. 1, 1949, who was his wife of 70 years and preceded him in death. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod in Poplar Bluff...

Neal Edwards, 67, passed away May 23, 2024 at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. He was born March 14, 1957 in Sikeston, Missouri to the late James Neal and May Hillis Edwards. Survivors include two daughters, Ashley Edwards Keck (Eddie) and Malorie Edwards of Anna, Illinois; one son, James Sullivan Edwards of Anna, Illinois; two sisters, Sabra (Mark) Hall and Mary Kay Edwards of Poplar Bluff, and two grandchildren Emily Edwards and James Sullivan Edwards of Anna, Illinois...

Johnnie Sence, 79, of Creve Coeur, Missouri passed away peacefully at Barnes Hospital (comfort care) in St Louis, Missouri, at 7:45 a.m. Saturday May 25, 2024, after a long and well-fought battle with cancer. Johnnie was born on April 16, 1945 in Neelyville, Missouri the son of John Adam Sence and Louiese Davis Sence...

Doyle Crowder, 80, of Campbell died Thursday, May 30, 2024, at his residence.

Orville Duane Allen, 98, died Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at St. Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Mr. Allen was born March 18, 1926, at Fairdealing, Missouri, to parents Dewey Ruben Allen and his wife, Sylvia Lavada (Hutchison) Allen. He married Alice Geraldine Eggers Aug. 1, 1949, who was his wife of 70 years and preceded him in death. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod in Poplar Bluff...

John C. Ginn, 72, of Puxico, Missouri, died Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the Missouri State Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Mr. Ginn was born Jan. 1, 1952 in Wynne, Arkansas, son of the late Clayton Reese and Ann M. Ginn. In his younger years, he loved to play baseball. ...

David Gene Voegtlin, Jr., 53, of Neelyville, Missouri died Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Poplar Bluff, Mo.