Martin Milgrim

(From Parker Mortuary)

Martin Milgrim passed away on May 29, 2026 at Mercy Hospital in Aurora, MO. Born November 6, 1936 to Benjamin and Pauline Milgrim, he was a lifelong Joplin resident.

Following Martin's service in the Army, he worked at Ben Milgrim Pawn Inc. until his retirement. He collected coins, loved to discuss local history, and was a proud member of United Hebrew Congregation.

He is survived by his daughter, Sondra; brothers, Eric Milgrim and Robert Milgrim; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Julia.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Maxine; and brother, Paul.

A service is planned at noon on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at United Hebrew Congregation in Joplin, Rabbi Beryl Padorr officiating. Burial to follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City. In lieu of flowers or cards, please make a donation to the Joplin Humane Society in Martin's name. The family kindly asks for no visitors at the home at this time.

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

Edna Dowling

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Edna Faye Dowling, 86, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on May 26, 2026, at 1:32 p.m., following a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Ozark Funeral Home of Anderson, Missouri. A graveside service will be held at Owsley Union Cemetery, located at 13391 State Highway 76, Rocky Comfort, Missouri 64861. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in honor of Edna’s life and enduring legacy.

A memorial service will also be held at the Wilson’s Creek congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, located at 3886 S. Farm Road 135, Springfield, MO 65807.

Edna was born on January 8, 1940, in Lutie, Missouri, to Joseph Dured Lee and Mary Jane Lee. She was raised with strong values of faith, hard work, and perseverance—principles that guided her throughout her life. She spent her childhood and early adult years in Nevada, Texas, and Colorado, later settling in Springfield, Missouri, where she lived for the majority of her life.

Edna was preceded in death by her father, Joseph D. Lee; her mother, Mary J. Lee; her husband of many years, Tony J. Dowling; her son, Tony B. Dowling; and her beloved brother, Robert “Bob” Lee.

She is survived by her brother, Joseph Lee; her son, Steve Dowling; her daughter, Pamela Stacye; her grandchildren, Brennan Dowling, Nicholas Dowling, Elliot Dowling, Brooke Purvis, Jaedon Stacye, and MacKenzie Stacye; and her great‑grandchildren, Soleil Dowling and Turner Dowling. Edna was a loving and nurturing mother and grandmother, and her family holds countless cherished memories of her warmth and devotion.

Edna was deeply committed to her faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her beliefs were the foundation of her life, providing strength, comfort, and purpose through every season. She remained steadfast in her devotion from childhood until her passing.

A woman of determination, curiosity, and entrepreneurial spirit, Edna was a lifelong student of spiritual, scientific, and health‑related topics. She continually sought greater understanding and generously shared her knowledge with others. Her inquisitive nature and love of learning stayed with her throughout her life.

Never afraid of hard work or new challenges, Edna pursued a variety of business ventures. Alongside her husband, she operated a refuse service, a home construction business, and a gutter‑cover manufacturing company—an enterprise she later owned and managed independently, until her death.

Those who knew Edna will remember her strength, independence, determination, and unwavering perseverance. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, and love that will continue to inspire her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Edna looked forward to the fulfillment of God’s promise of a resurrection and the opportunity to live again in His righteous new world. Her hope is beautifully expressed in the Bible:

“The righteous themselves will possess the earth
and they will live forever on it.”
— Psalm 37:29

Toni Elbert

(From Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home)

Toni Lea Elbert, 79, of Monett, Missouri was called to her Heavenly home on Friday May 29, 2026 while at Oak Pointe in Monett, Missouri. She was born on December 12, 1946 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska; the daughter of the late Arthur Michael and JoAnn (Dummitt)(Michael) Gibson. She was united in marriage on February 19, 1966 in Pierce City, Missouri to Frank Elbert; he survives.

She was retired from law firms and the banking industry and a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Monett, Missouri. 

Toni is survived by her husband Frank of the home; one son: Michael Elbert of San Antonio, Texas; two daughters: Patricia (Brian) Wiseman of Monett, Missouri and Michelle (Robert) Nack of St. Louis, Missouri; stepfather: Dick Gibson of Monett, Missouri; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Arthur and JoAnn; one son: Jeffrey Elbert; and two brothers: Steven Michael and R. P. Michael. 

Private family services are being held for Toni.

Memorial donations in Toni’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri.

Elin Finley

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Elin Marie Finley (Daniels), age 80, of Neosho, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026.

She was born on June 14, 1945, in Neosho, to the late Harvey Duke Daniels and Marie Aline Daniels (Gilmore).

After graduating from Neosho High School, Elin was a homemaker before entering the manufacturing field. She worked at Big Smith and Sunbeam, where she met her future husband, Philip Finley. They shared 40 years together before her passing. Elin and Phil later became an over-the-road trucking team and traveled much of the country together for many years before retiring in Neosho.

She loved entertaining family and friends at her creekside property in Powell, Missouri along Mike’s Creek. She was beloved by nearly everyone who knew her. She had an infectious laugh and was known for her generous and caring nature. She had a big heart for those in need and helped whenever she could. She was a great encourager who inspired positivity and gratitude in others. She loved her children and grandchildren fiercely and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Philip Finley; her children, Gregory King of Joplin, Brian King and wife Tami of Joplin, Melissa Trento (King) of Monett, Brandon King and wife Cassandra of Goodman, and Daniel King of California; four grandchildren, Rachel King, Christian King, Colin S. King and wife Morgan, and Isabelle King; one great-grandchild, Hudson King; and her siblings, Donald W. Daniels (wife Jean Daniels, deceased) and Alice J. Williams (Daniels) and husband Merlin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey D. and Marie A. Daniels; her brother William “Bill” R. Daniels and wife Audrey; her brother Kenneth O. Daniels and wife Glenda; and her sister Nancy A. Embrey and husband Lee.

Services will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 1:00pm at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Neosho, Missouri.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Clark Funeral Homes.

Virginia Harmon

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Virginia Avon Harmon, age 99, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, departed this life on Friday morning, May 29, 2026, at House of Three in Rogers, Arkansas.

Virginia was born on April 2, 1927, in Belva, Oklahoma, the fifth of ten children born to the late Thomas and Beulah (Brown) Inman. She was raised on the family farm near Waynoka, Oklahoma, and was a graduate of Cheyenne Valley High School.

On May 25, 1945, Virginia was united in marriage to Stanley LaGrand Harmon, and together they shared more than 52 years of marriage until his passing on December 3, 1997. To this union, five children were born, and Virginia devoted herself to her family as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a homemaker throughout her life and took great pride in creating a warm and caring home for those she loved.

Virginia and Stanley started their home as farmers in Oklahoma, later moving to Wichita and in Washington state before returning to Oklahoma in 1972. In 1982, they moved to McDonald County, Missouri. In 2014, Virginia moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas, to be closer to her daughter Lorita.

She was an active member of the Bella Vista Church of the Nazarene and found strength and fellowship in her church family. Virginia also enjoyed traveling with Stanley in their RV, and she especially loved quilting and crocheting.

Virginia is survived by her five children, Leon Harmon and wife, Diana, of Braselton, Georgia, Lorita Highfill and husband, Terry, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, R.J. Harmon and wife, Pam, of Perkins, Oklahoma, Tom Harmon and wife, Rebecca, of Miller, Missouri, and Ken Harmon and wife, Dondi, of West Linn, Oregon; fourteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Darlene Lyon of Woodward, Oklahoma; as well as a host of other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Beulah Inman; her husband, Stanley Harmon; a granddaughter, Joletta Edwards; and eight siblings.

Graveside services are 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Tracy Cemetery in Anderson, Missouri, with her son, Ken Harmon officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday morning from 10:00 am until 10:45 am in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers memorials are being directed to Bella Vista Church of the Nazarene c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.   

Shirley Williamson

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Shirley Ann Newburn-Williamson, born on March 1, 1935, in Wichita, Kansas, and passing away on May 30, 2026, in Granby, Missouri, lived a life marked by faith, devotion, and a steady commitment to the people she loved. She was a woman who understood that a meaningful life is not measured only by years, but by the love shared, the lessons taught, and the strength poured into family, church, and community. Her journey on this earth reflected grace, perseverance, and a spirit that encouraged others to keep going, keep believing, and keep trusting God through every season.

On May 15, 1953, she married Dale Newburn, and together they built a home rooted in love and purpose. To this union, three sons were born, and Shirley embraced her role as a mother with unwavering dedication. She poured herself into her family with patience, wisdom, and a deep well of care. Her husband, Dale Newburn, preceded her in death on July 20, 2003, but the love they shared remained a lasting part of her story and the foundation of the family they created together. Shirley carried forward with strength, honoring the life they built and continuing to be a source of encouragement for those around her.

She is lovingly remembered by her sons, David Newburn and his wife, Deborah, of Neosho, Missouri, Mark Newburn and his wife, Shelley, of Noel, Missouri, and James Newburn of Knoxville, Tennessee. Her legacy also lives on through her grandchildren, Monica, Jason, Greg, Joshua, Dustin, Caleb, and Sarah, as well as her numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Each of them carries a part of her heart, her influence, and her example. Shirley’s family was not simply important to her. It was central to who she was, and she made it her mission to love them well, support them faithfully, and remind them through her actions what steadfast devotion looks like.

Shirley lived with a joyful appreciation for life and a genuine love for travel. She enjoyed seeing new places and experiencing the world around her, always carrying with her the calm confidence of someone who knew how to find beauty in the journey. Yet no matter where life took her, her heart remained anchored in her faith. She loved going to church and found great purpose in serving others through the ministry of the First Baptist Church in Noel, Missouri. Her faith was not something she kept to herself. It was something she lived out openly and faithfully, becoming a light to those who knew her.

She taught Sunday School and Bible studies, sharing scripture, encouragement, and truth with a heart that desired to strengthen others. Shirley was also deeply involved with the Awanas group, where she invested in young lives with energy, consistency, and love. Her presence in the church was more than participation. It was leadership through service, teaching through example, and ministry through kindness. She understood that every child, every lesson, and every prayer mattered. She gave of herself in ways that shaped hearts and built faith, leaving an impact that will continue to echo through the lives she touched.

Today, her family and friends honor not only the length of Shirley’s life, but the richness of it. They remember her laughter, her devotion, her teaching, her travels, and her steadfast faith. They remember a woman who gave generously of herself and who left behind more than memories. She left behind a model of how to live with purpose and how to finish strong. Shirley Ann Newburn-Williamson’s life was a testimony to faith in action, love in motion, and strength that endured. Though she is no longer with us in body, the influence of her life remains, and her legacy will continue to bless generations to come.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

Noel Cemetery Wednesday, June 3, 2026

10:00 AM
Email Details
Hwy H
Noel, MO 64854

Bob Corben

(From Weng Funeral Chapel)

With deep love and great sadness, we announce the passing of Robert “Bob” Lee Corben Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandpa, and friend. Bob passed away at the age of 83 on May 28, 2026, at Cox Hospital in Lamar, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family, following a long and courageous battle with dementia.

Bob was born July 23, 1942, in Lamar, Missouri, to Robert Lee Corben Sr. and Evelyn Eola Wright Corben. He spent most of his career as a CNC machinist, but his heart was always on the farm, where he found his greatest joy and fulfillment.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandchildren Ethan and Emily Corben; and great grandchildren Alexandra Corben, Joanna Sciascia, and Sterling Corben.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Sue Corben of Jasper; his daughter Kristie Corben Sanders and son in law Ronnie of Carthage; his son Brent Corben of Carl Junction; and his daughter Melissa Fonger of Jasper. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Heath and Nicholas Sanders; Brooke, Seth, Olivia, Miriah, Elijah, and Anna Corben; and Austin, Katie, and Brett Fonger. His sister, Wilma Eberhard of Jasper, Missouri, also survives him.

Nothing brought Bob more joy than his grandchildren did. He took immense pride in each of their accomplishments and adventures. He will be remembered as an honest, hardworking man whose unwavering love for his family and steadfast faith in Christ shaped every part of his life. His sense of humor, gentle spirit, and caring heart touched all who knew him.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Webb City Church of the Nazarene in Webb City, Missouri.

Jeraldine Hyder

(From Ferry Funeral Home)

Jeraldine Grace Hyder, 84, Nevada, MO, passed from this life on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at her home in Nevada. Jeraldine was born January 10, 1942, in Jasper, MO, to Charles Pyle and Ehtel May (Felty) Pyle.

Jeraldine lived a life of hard work, sacrifice, and devotion to others. For 84 years, she met life’s challenges with determination, generosity, and a caring spirit that touched everyone around her. From childhood, Jeraldine learned the value of hard work and caring for others. 

As a young girl, she helped clean wells with her brother, small enough to be lowered into them by bucket. At just nine years old, she left home to live with another family, helping care for an elderly couple, including a woman with two broken arms, while sending money home to support her mother. The lessons she learned during those years, hard work, resilience, and putting others before herself, would shape the rest of her life. Jeraldine married Athel Hyder at the age of fourteen and welcomed her first child at fifteen. Over the years, she became the mother of six children, including one infant who lived only a short time. She expressed her love through home-cooked meals, open doors, helping hands, and lots of coffee.

Throughout her life, Jeraldine worked wherever work could be found. She hauled hay, gathered eggs on a chicken farm, worked in local factories, sewed garments, and took on countless responsibilities to help support her family. Later, she found her calling caring for others. She worked for many years at the Nevada State Hospital serving individuals with developmental disabilities and continued that work after its closure in residential and group home settings. Whether she was caring for family members, coworkers, or those entrusted to her care, she approached every role with patience, compassion, and dedication.

Jeraldine was the steady presence in an often-chaotic world. Her home was rarely quiet and never closed to those who needed a meal, a place to sit, or sleep. Family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers found a place at her table.

Nothing brought Jeraldine more pride than her family. She loved talking about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to tell others about them. She is survived by a family that grew from her love and dedication, including 15 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.

Jeraldine’s legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the people she cared for, and the example she set through a lifetime of perseverance, kindness, and service to others. She will be remembered for her hard work, and for the way family, friends, and neighbors gathered at her home for coffee throughout her life, the strength that carried her through every hardship, the selflessness that defined her relationships, and the unwavering patience she poured into her family and community.

Jeraldine is survived by three children, Gean Hyder (Cathy), Judy Luther (Donny), Linda Dulaney (Ralph); 15 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; brother, Leo Pyle, Ottawa, KS; as well as numerous other family …and she loved every one of them.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Athel Hyder, a baby boy, a son, Leon Hyder, a daughter, Karen Mosher, and a sister, Pat Hutchcraft,.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Terry Mosher officiating. Interment will follow in Wagoner Cemetery in Stockton, MO. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home.