Monday, December 23, 2024

Alice Spillers


(From Clark Funeral Home)

Our sweet mother, Alice Ann Bryan Spillers, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on the morning of December 20, 2024, surrounded by family and friends.

Alice was born in Franklin, Virginia, July 25,1938 to her parents, Mattie Frances Carter Bryan and Bennie Robert Bryan, who had moved to Virginia for a short time while looking for work. Two months after her birth, the family returned to Crossett, Arkansas, where Alice had the perfect childhood, surrounded by loving parents, a doting sister, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and so many cousins.








She graduated from Crossett High School in 1956, where she played the xylophone in the marching band. Alice was selected as prom queen just before graduation and she considered it a special honor.

Alice received an academic scholarship to Northwestern State College in Natchitoches, Louisiana, graduating in 1960 with a BS degree in Nursing. While at Northwestern, Alice was a member of the NSC Demonettes and had a great time marching in parades and performing at football and basketball games.

During her nursing career, she worked as an emergency room nurse, as operating room scrub and circulating nurse, as well as a staff nurse in the surgical, and gyn obstetrics clinics. She ended her career at Louisiana State University Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, as the Assistant Supervisor
of the outpatient clinics where she was in charge of staffing needs and Joint Commission certification.

Alice retired in 2000, moved to Missouri shortly after and spent the next 24 years hanging out with her family. She enjoyed traveling with her sister, her children, and her grandchildren. She especially loved visiting her sister in Tucson, going to the beach and relaxing out at the lake. She was Mimi to the grandchildren and made almost every event that the grandchildren were in - soccer games, cheerleading events, tennis matches, track and cross country meets, endless music concerts, baseball games, basketball games, football games, and dance recitals. She loved Elvis and and the Arkansas Razorbacks!








After retiring, she became active in Bible Study Fellowship and the Christian Women’s Club. After moving to Missouri, she joined Forest Park Church and became involved in Awana where she loved helping the children with their memory verses. Her faith in Jesus Christ was very important to her and she loved to study the Bible. 

One of her favorite Bible verses was Romans 8:28 “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” This verse sustained her as she dealt with some difficult physical challenges in her later years.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Frances and Robert Bryan, her sister and brother-in-law, Bobbie Faye Bryan Jameson and William S. Jameson.

She is survived by her daughters, Sharon Spillers Sherrod and husband Charles, Frances Spillers Cloyd and husband Jay, grandchildren: Madeline Sherrod Ray and husband William, Charles Sherrod IV and fiancé Chiara Bellomo, Katherine Cloyd, Paul Sherrod and wife Ashton, and Allison Cloyd; and her much loved great-grandchildren Landyn and Catharine. Alice was especially excited about her first great-grandson to be born this spring. Alice is also survived by her former husband, William P. Spillers, and by her dear friend, Zettie Eltrich.

Visitation will be on Friday, December 27, at 1pm, followed by a memorial service officiated by Pastor John Swadley at 2pm at Forest Park Church in Joplin, Missouri, under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, Missouri.

Burial will be at Unity Cemetery in Crossett, Arkansas, on January 4, 2025, under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home, Hamburg, Arkansas.

Honoring her memory and serving as pallbearers are : Charles Sherrod III, Jay Cloyd, Charles Sherrod IV, Paul Sherrod, William Ray, and Phillip Bryan.








In lieu of flowers, we would ask that you consider a donation to Bible Study Fellowship, which is a ministry that our mother was actively involved in for many years.

We would like to thank the staff at Oak Pointe Assisted Living for their love for our mother. Each of you showed friendship, kindness, and compassion.

We are so thankful for our mother’s life, for her love for all of us, and for her love for Jesus Christ. We are so thankful for our risen Savior who has conquered sin and death. To God be the glory!

Sara Lindley


(From Clark Funeral Home)

Sara Ellen Lindley, aged 86, of Diamond, Missouri, passed away on December 21, 2024. Born on September 21, 1938, in Meeker, Oklahoma, Sara was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many.

Sara and her high school sweetheart, Lewis, were united in marriage on September 28, 1956 and were married for 66 years; he preceded her in death on November 1, 2022.






 

Sara worked as a secretary for Diamond High School and later worked for Fagan Electric until her retirement.

Sara is survived by her son, Hank of Joplin, Missouri, and her daughter, Teresa Sherrill and husband Chuck. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Levi Sherrill and Libby Hunt, as well as her great-grandchildren, Lexy Bridges, Madison Sherrill, Maddox Sherrill, Lili Spurgeon, and Carter Hunt.

A lover of shopping, the St. Louis Cardinals, and schnauzer puppies, Sara brought joy and enthusiasm into every aspect of her life. She was also an original member of the Diamond Improvement Group, contributing to her community with dedication and passion.

Funeral services will be held in her honor at the Diamond First Baptist Church on January 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM. A visitation will take place at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories on January 2, 2025, at 5:30 PM.






 

The family invites those who knew and loved Sara to join them in celebrating her life and honoring her memory during these services.

Sara was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Lindley, and her parents Henry Winther & Rosie Mae Winther.

Judy Rhymer


(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Judith Lynn Rhymer, 72, of Sarcoxie, Missouri, passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, surrounded by her loving family.

Judy was born on August 12, 1952, in Cassville, Missouri to union of the late Kenneth Lee and Selah (Hadley) Farmer and was a 1970 graduate of Sarcoxie High School. She was united in marriage to Brian Rhymer on March 24, 1989, sharing thirty-five wonderful years of memories.








Judy was a fifty-year member of Eminence Chapter 93 Order of the Eastern Star of Missouri. She served as District Deputy in 2008. In 2018, she was the Grand Representative of British Columbia/Yukon and in 2023 she was appointed as Grand Martha of the Grand Chapter of Missouri.

Judy was a compassionate soul who had a heart of gold and loved her family and friends. She retired in 2019 from Leggett and Platt Wire Mill of Carthage, Missouri. After retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband, baking cookies, working in her shop on floral arrangements and spending time with her family. She will be loved and missed deeply from all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Selah Farmer; in- laws, Raymond and Mary Rhymer; older sister, Mary Lee Reynolds; brother- in- law, Harpo Clapper; and sister- in- law Christina Rhymer.

Judy is survived by her husband, Brian Rhymer, of the home; daughters, Kendra Talley and husband, Jeff, of Kansas City Missouri and Jamie Holman and husband, Nathan, of Palestine Texas; grandchildren, Isaac Mason and wife, Miranda, Brooklyn Oliver and husband, Nate, Matthew Holman, Taegan Talley and Jamison Bittick; great-grandson, Paxton Oliver; sisters, Kay Rauscher and husband, Norman, of Carthage, Missouri, Sally Clapper of Carthage, Missouri, Betty Moss and husband, George, of Baxter Springs Kansas, and lifelong best friend Mary Lee (Skeet) Cryer of Carthage, Missouri. Also surviving are brother- in- laws, Bill Rhymer and wife, Kathy, of Joplin Missouri, Mike Rhymer of Sarcoxie Missouri, Mark Rhymer and wife, Martha, of Sarcoxie Missouri, Chris Rhymer of Sarcoxie Missouri, Joel Rhymer and wife, Dee, of Claremore, Oklahoma and Jerry Rhymer, of Pryor, Oklahoma; sister- in- law Melissa Pennington and husband, Gerald Pennington, of Sarcoxie, Missouri; many nieces and nephews, she loved as they were her own.








Order of Easter Star service will be held Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home starting at 5:00 p.m. followed by visitation until 7:00 pm. Memorial service will be held Monday, December 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home with Marc Kutz officiating, followed by a private family burial at Dudman Springs Cemetery. In-lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, in care of the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home, Sarcoxie, Missouri.

Louise Foster


(From Schowengerdt Funeral Home)

Funeral services for Louise Foster of Butler, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2024 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services Friday 12:30 - 2 p.m. at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions to First Christian Church of Butler. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Louise Foster, age 87 of Butler, Missouri died Friday, December 20, 2024 at her home. She was born March 8, 1937 to Harry Wilford and Velma Good Cherry in Butler, Missouri.








Louise is survived by five children, David Foster and wife Susan of Joplin, Missouri, Denise Adams-Barnes and husband Bobby of Butler, Missouri, Dana Maugans and husband Shawn of Springfield, Missouri, Daryl Foster and wife of Dianne of Appleton City, Missouri and Dustin Foster and wife Misty of Butler, Missouri; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Julia Perkey and husband Bill of Rich Hill, Missouri. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob Foster on December 20, 2022; and a sister, Kathy McCoy.

David Stanley


(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

David L. Stanley, age 59, of Seneca, MO, passed away on December 21st, 2024 after a brief illness surrounded by loved ones.

David was born on December 18th, 1965 in Baxter Springs, KS to his parents Boyce and Sharon Stanley.

David worked as a driver for DMT Services in Siloam Springs, AR and will be missed dearly by all who worked with him and knew him.








He married his loving wife, Shelia, on November 27th, 2007 in Miami, OK.

He is survived by his wife, Shelia; four children, Jeffrey Martin (Shelby), Jessica Thieman (Kenny), Justin Martin, Jacob Stanley; six siblings, Karla Avicola, Teresa Countryman, Cheryl Sullivan, Lester Stanley, Raymond Stanley, LaTisha Spradling; seven grandchildren, Taylor Thieman, Tyler Martin, Trapper Thieman, Macy Martin, Layla Martin, Alice Martin, Freya Martin.







    
Visitation
Thursday, December 26th, 2024 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Mason-Woodard Chapel
3701 E. 7th. St.
Joplin, MO 64801

Service
Friday, December 27th, 2024 10:00am
Mason-Woodard Chapel

3701 E. 7th. St.
Joplin, MO 64801

Lou Heilig


(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Melva Lou Heilig, age 79, of Monett, MO, passed on Saturday morning, December 21, 2024, at Oak Pointe Assisted Living in Monett, Missouri.

Lou was born on August 24, 1945, in Mt. Vernon, MO, the daughter of Melvin and Dorothy (Ford) Faucett. Lou grew up in Mt. Vernon, Missouri and was a 1963 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. She attended the Springfield Beauty Academy the following year. 







She married Carl Heilig of Ritchey, Missouri on June 5, 1964, in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. They raised two daughters on a dairy farm near Newtonia, Missouri, until Carl passed in 1975. She was baptized at the age of eleven at the First Christian Church in Mt. Vernon and an active member of Christ Church of Oronogo. Lou’s passion was bicycling, hiking and bowling.

Lou worked part time as a beautician when her daughters were young. She worked on the farm until 1982, at which time she began working full-time. She worked for an eye doctor for a year and then began her career as a dental assistant which she did until she retired at the age of seventy.

Lou is survived by her daughters, Angie Irwin and husband Dewayne of Mt. Vernon, Missouri and Kelly Pope and husband Billy of Sibley, Missouri; four grandchildren, Tyler Irwin (Megan), Riley Martin (Todd), Zack Irwin (Amy) and Cameron Lauber; six great-grandchildren, Brody Irwin, Liam Martin, Remington Irwin, Ellis Martin, Allayna Irwin and Ella Irwin; one brother, David Faucett.








Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Dorothy Faucett; and two brothers, Mitchell and J.W.

A private service will be held at a later date with burial in the Newtonia I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Newtonia I.O.O.F. Cemetery, for cemetery upkeep in care of the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.


Marian Merritt


(From Lakin Funeral Home)

Marian Electa Merritt, age 91, of Pierce City, MO passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Freeman Health System West in Joplin, MO. 

She was born in Pierce City, MO on Monday, July 10, 1933; daughter of Perry and Martha (Bounous) Miller. She was a 1951 graduate of Pierce City High School. She married Harold Merritt on Saturday, December 8, 1951, at First Baptist Church in Pierce City, MO. 








Marian spent many hours tending to the beautiful flowers in her yard, enjoyed having friends and family at the house, and liked eating and visiting at the Pierce City Senior Center. Marian was a member of the Pierce City First Baptist Church where she served dinners, worked with the preschoolers, and was part of the Trailblazer Bible study group, often hosting in her home. 

Marian was a bookkeeper for Wayne Bowen, owned businesses with her husband, Merritt's Cleaners in Pierce City and A & M bus service. Marian drove a kindergarten bus for several years. She enjoyed bowling with friends and was part of a league. She played the organ at church, for many funerals, and taught piano lessons. She will be remembered for her delicious homemade pies as well. Marion enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends. She loved her family and enjoyed her kids and grandkids. She will be missed by many.

Surviving are the following: one son, Barry (Jeanna) Merritt of Wentworth, MO; one daughter, Cindy (Aaron) Weibel of Pierce City, MO; five grandchildren, Summer (Shane) Enlow, Jordan (Victoria) Merritt, Traci (Jason) Teague, Whitney Weibel, and Courtney (Garrett) Maxey; twelve great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Marion was preceded in death by her parents, Perry and Martha Miller; her husband, Harold Merritt; a son, Robert Merritt; and a sister, Carol Avondet.








The family will receive friends at Pierce City First Baptist Church on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

Funeral Service will be at Pierce City First Baptist Church on Saturday, December 28, 2024, beginning at 10:00 AM with Pastor Greg Hagebusch & Rev. Aaron Weibel officiating. Burial will follow at Pierce City Cemetery in Pierce City, MO.

Memorials may be made, in Marian's memory, to the Pierce City Senior Center in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.