Beezie Parker

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Mary "Beezie" Elizabeth Parker, a lifelong resident of Carthage, Missouri, passed away peacefully of natural causes on September 22, 2024, in Joplin, Missouri. Born on July 12, 1960, to the union of the late Johnny and Mary (Hinsdale) Riddle. Beezie, as she was affectionately known by her loved ones, lived a life characterized by passion, love, and an unwavering commitment to her family and the community she so dearly cherished.

Beezie's journey began in the quaint town of Carthage, where she was born to a family that would soon see her become a beacon of warmth and kindness. She grew up alongside her siblings, Cordelia "Cotton" Thompson and James "Butch" Riddle, and the late William Norris, all of whom shared in the joys and adventures of their childhood.

On June 20, 1980, Beezie's life was forever changed when she married her soulmate, Terry L. Parker. Their union was a testament to enduring love, and together they created countless cherished memories until Terry's passing in 2010. Their legacy continued through their three children, Carmeletta Muckley and her husband, Josh, of Lusby, Maryland; Calvin Parker and his wife, Ruth, of Webster City, Iowa; and Michael Parker of Carthage, Missouri. Beezie's joy was multiplied with the arrival of her grandchildren, Michael Wayne Parker, Jolie Kah-Lynne Greenwood and husband, Luke who brought boundless happiness and laughter into her life.

Professionally, Beezie was a Licensed Practical Nurse, a role she approached with the same love and dedication evident in all aspects of her life. She took great pride in caring for her patients, serving many years at Fair Acres and Chastain's Nursing Facilities. Her compassion and professionalism made her a cherished figure among both colleagues and those she cared for.

Beezie's interests were as rich and varied as her personality. She was an avid reader whose imagination roamed the pages of countless books. Movies and music provided a soundtrack to her life, while her love for cooking brought friends and family together around the dinner table. Above all, Beezie cherished the moments spent with her loved ones, understanding that it was in these gatherings that life's truest joys were found.

Beezie leaves behind a legacy of love and a lifetime of memories that will continue to inspire and guide her family. She is survived by her children and their spouses, her beloved grandchildren, and her siblings, Cotton and Butch. Beezie was preceded in death by her devoted parents, her cherished husband, Terry L. Parker, and her brother, William Norris.

Memorial services are 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri. Visitation will be 4:30 p.m. prior to the service. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com.

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

Armith Harrell

(From White Funeral Home)

Armith Vay Harrell, 94, of Rocky Comfort, Missouri, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on Friday, September 27, 2024. Born to Frank and Lexie (Howell) Reynolds on February 6, 1930, in Wharton, Arkansas, Mrs. Harrell married Lennis James Harrell on August 30, 1950. She found joy in Sunday drives, crossword puzzles, fishing, riding horses, participating in rodeo activities, tending to her many flowers, and cherishing moments with her family and friends. She was a devout member of the Assembly of God Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Pam (Harrell) Utter and her husband Larry, of the home; brother-in-law Bill Hurn of Granby, Missouri; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her beloved husband Lennis, she was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, a sister, and a grandson.

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at White Funeral Home and Crematory in Cassville, with Pastor Tony Intessimone officiating. Visitation will be held one hour before the service. Interment will follow at Chitwood Cemetery in Wheaton, Missouri.

Memorials may be directed to Fair Haven Children’s Home, 3132 N Fair Haven Loop, Strafford, Missouri 65745, or entrusted to White Funeral Home and Crematory.

Arrangements are under the direction of White Funeral Home and Crematory, Cassville, Missouri.

Janet Spencer

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Janet Ann Spencer, age 66, passed away at 7:25 am, Saturday, September 28, 2024, at her home following an illness.

Janet was born October 2, 1957, in Columbus, KS. Her parents were Thomas H “Sonny” and Alice (Torchia) Ligan. She grew up in 42 Camp, near Scammon, KS.

She graduated from Columbus High School with the class of 1976. She lived in Weir, KS for 17 years, before moving to Carona where she had lived since 1996. 

She had worked as a cook at Pittsburg Health and Rehab., Pittsburg, KS for over 30 years, retiring in 2022. Janet enjoyed reading, and her flowers, but her greatest pleasure was spending time with her grandchildren and family gatherings, especially the cookouts with homemade ice cream.

Janet was married to Glenn R. Spencer on October 16, 1976, in Columbus, KS. He survives.

Additional survivors include one daughter, Michele L. Piper, Joplin, MO; one son, Jason Spencer (Charity) Scammon, 3 brothers, Richard Ligon (Connie), Topeka, KS, Don Ligon (Bobbie), Ozark, MO, and Gary Ligon (Patty), Columbus; and 5 grandchildren, Kolten Shadden, Dylan Piper, Madyson Spencer, Lizah Spencer and Natalie Spigelmyer-Loyd.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Thomas Ligon Jr.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am, Thursday, October 3, 2024 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Columbus, KS. Duane Elmore will officiate. Burial in Lone Elm Cemetery, Columbus, will be at a later date.




The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at the funeral home.

DeeDee Bridgett

(From Parker Mortuary)

Dedrian Clarissa “DeeDee” Bridgett, age 43, Joplin, was born February 18, 1981 in Joplin. She passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 after an accident that claimed her life.

She is the daughter of D.C. Bridgett, Jr and Patti (Miksell) Head. Survivors include her father, D.C. and wife Maria Bridgett, mother, Patti Head and stepfather Joseph Head of Joplin.

She had a daughter, Lyric Eden Bridgett, 19, of Alba, MO, a son, Connor Delane Pursley, 18 of Joplin.

Five sisters, Hilaree England of Joplin, Kristyl Owen of Rogers, AR, Nina Bridgett of Medford, OR, Vanessa Leinwebber of Joplin, Ashlie Bridgett of El Dorado Springs, M; two brothers, D.C. Bridgett, III of Washburn, MO, and Jacob Sahlfeld of Topeka, KS.

She was preceded in death by her Paternal Grandparents, D.C. and Geneva Bridgett of Joplin, Maternal Grandparents, Ray and Peggy Miksell of Joplin.

DeeDee was a free spirit, she loved traveling, seeing new places, trying new things. She had many jobs over the years including working with her father at D.C. Book Co. in El Dorado Springs, MO. She was born and raised in Joplin and was currently enrolled at Crowder College.

She experienced many things through her journey of life, good and bad, but she seemed to make the best of most situations.

She was a loving mother and loved spending time with her children, a daughter, Lyric Eden Bridgett, 19, of Alba, MO, and a son, Connor Delane Pursley 18, of Joplin. She was also very excited to be expecting her first grandchild in three weeks.

She was happy with her life that ended way too soon. She was deeply loved and will be extremely missed by many.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the VFW Post #534 in Joplin followed by a continuation of the celebration at the Miksell’s in Purcell, MO from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Locations will be posted on face book.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

Janie Patrick

(From Parker Mortuary)

Erma Jane Patrick, affectionately known as Janie, passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 97 in Joplin, Missouri. She was born on July 13, 1927, in Cardin, Oklahoma, to the late Clarence Whetstone and Erma Jane (Purscelley) Whetstone.

Janie was a proud graduate of Joplin High School, class of 1946, where she spiritedly cheered her team on as a cheerleader. After graduation, she began her career as a telephone operator at Christman’s Department Store, a role that marked the beginning of a lifetime of dedicated service to others.

Janie's professional journey led her to become a Credit Union Manager, where she served most of her working life with a blend of warmth, wisdom, and unwavering commitment. Her work ethic and compassionate nature made her a beloved figure among her colleagues and those she helped. Beyond her professional endeavors, and her most fulfilling role, Janie was a full-time mother, pouring her love and energy into raising her children.

Janie was a devoted member of Forest Park Baptist Church, where she shared her faith as a Sunday School Teacher and lifted spirits as a choir member. Her voice, both in song and in teaching, touched many lives and inspired a love for the gospel she held dear.

Her commitment to service extended into volunteer work, where she contributed her time and talents to St. John’s Hospital as one of the Pink Ladies and to the Blind Center of Joplin. Janie's hands were rarely still, as she crafted hundreds of hand-made chocolates, which she donated with a generous heart.

She is survived by her loving children, Steven Patrick (Suzanne) of Torrance, California, and Judy Glisson (Kevin) of Seneca, Missouri. Janie's legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Bradley Maxwell of Joplin, MO, Michael Patrick of York, England, Jennifer Cheek (Brit) of Charleston, SC, Erin Alper (Ben) of Marieta, GA, Curtis Maxwell (Lacey) of Joplin, MO, Caitlin Maxwell of Seneca MO, and Sarah Moore (David) of Coffeyville, KS., and 16 great-grandchildren.

Along with her parents, Janie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Patrick, her son, John Patrick, and her siblings, John, Mildred, Kenneth, Mary Margaret, Roy, and Russell. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and community service that will be remembered by all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri. Burial to follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery. The family invites friends for a time of visitation on Friday at 9:00 a.m.




Arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, MO.

Frank Knorpp

(From Parker Mortuary)

Jacob ‘Frank’ Knorpp, age 90, of Joplin, Missouri, entered heaven’s gates on Saturday, September 28, 2024 following an extended illness. Frank was born August 12, 1934 in Joplin to the late Kenneth and Joelda Marie (Doughty) Knorpp.

Frank was a 1952 graduate of Duenweg High School. After graduation, Frank enlisted into the United States Air Force during the Korean War, serving two different stints. Returning home, Frank worked as a truck driver before eventually owning Knorpp Insurance Agency.

Frank’s passion for serving the Lord was known by all who knew him. He was a founding member of Fidelity Church and later became a long-time member of the Assemblies of God. He started “Helping Hands Mission Outreach” where for 17 years, Frank made over 150 trips into Mexico to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Frank had his private pilot license and started the local chapter of ‘Pilots of Christ’ club. He had a passion for teaching God’s Word and taught many years with the Teen Challenge Program.

On November 21, 1979, Frank married Marilyn ‘Muff’ Cox Parker in Miami, Oklahoma, she is survived of the home in Joplin. Additionally a son, Jacob Knorpp (Renee) of Joplin; daughters, Linda Steele of Diamond, Pamela Finley (David) of Diamond, Barbara Hirshey (Denis) of Diamond, Angela Knorpp of Carthage and Susan Hill (Troy) of Joplin; stepdaughters, Stormi Beckham (Wes) of Joplin, Marty Caruthers (Randy) of Branson and Holly Hoyer (Chris) of Joplin; sisters, Joelda Owens of Buena Park, California and Leyla Whitson (Bill) of Diamond; mother of his children, Frances Finley of Diamond; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral arrangements are planned for Friday, October 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with Chris Hoyer officiating the service. Burial will follow at Fidelity Cemetery south of Carthage. Family will receive friends on Thursday, October 3rd from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Watered Gardens in care of the mortuary.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.

Cleora Curtis

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Cleora May Curtis, age 88, entered eternal rest on September 28, 2024, at her home in Neosho, Missouri, following an illness. She was born on February 8, 1936, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Leo Smith and Geneva (Hamilton) Smith.

On April 30, 1953, Cleora married Clarence P. Curtis in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, and they shared many wonderful years together until his passing on April 28, 1976. Cleora was a devoted homemaker and a faithful member of Birch Baptist Church. She was a talented seamstress and found joy in traveling and being deeply involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her faith was central to her life, and she read her Bible daily.

Cleora is survived by her nine loving children: Carl (Debbie) Curtis of Webb City, Missouri; Linda (Gary) Bond of Neosho, Missouri; Larry (Pam) Curtis of Neosho, Missouri; Calvin (Randi) Curtis of Montrose, Missouri; Carol Curtis of Seneca, Missouri; Loretta (Larry) Lane of Neosho, Missouri; Lloyd (Lyn) Curtis of New Braunfels, Texas; Carrie (Tim) Story of Neosho, Missouri; and Lorin (Tomoko) Curtis of Granby, Missouri. She is also survived by her sister, Marie Johnson of Neosho, Missouri, and her brother, Jack Smith of Springfield, Oregon. She is also survived by 85 grand, great-grand and great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband Clarence, Cleora was preceded in death by her parents, seven siblings, her granddaughter, Bridget Curtis, her grandson, Jacoby Curtis, and her great-granddaughter, Randen Bond.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Clark Funeral Home in Neosho, Missouri. A graveside service will take place at Neosho IOOF Cemetery on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

The family has requested that contributions may be made to the Children’s Miracle Network, 921 E. 34th St., Suite 1, Joplin, Missouri 64804.

Ruby Taleon

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Ruby Irene Taleon, 89, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2024, in Joplin, Missouri. She was born on February 23, 1935, in Fairview, Missouri, to Oran and Lorene Long. Ruby married Gene Taleon, who preceded her in death on January 6, 2002.

Ruby was a devoted homemaker, known for her love of gardening, cooking, and spending time with her large family. She was a faithful member of Living Water Fellowship in Stark City, Missouri.

She is survived by her children, Donna Goodnight, Margaret (Mark) Stevens, Robert (Shelli) Pendergraft, Sandra Wethey, Verla (Danny) Rinehart, Kenny Pendergraft, and Melody Ogden. She also leaves behind her sister, Sharon Levitt, 27 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Ruby was preceded in death by her daughters, Cindy Pendergraft and Carol Stuart.

A visitation will be held at Clark Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., with funeral services on October 3, 2024, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Newtonia IOOF Cemetery.

Sandee Cliburn

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Sandra Jean “Sandee” Cliburn, Greenfield, MO, departed this life on Saturday, September 28, 2024, in her home at the age of 75.

Private family memorial services will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri.  Cremation services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.