Celia Kunce

(From Parker Mortuary)

Celia Arnetta Kunce, age 93 passed away peacefully at home with her daughters by her side.

Celia was born February 5, 1930 to the late Howard and Arnetta Cartright. She graduated Joplin High School 1947, attended Joplin Junior College. 

Celia was married to the love of her life, Bob Kunce, on May 30 1948. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Celia was baptized into Christ on June 23, 2019.

 

She is survived by her son Michael Kunce of Palm Coast Florida, Daughters, Kay-Ann Kunce-Chirby and husband Yves Berthelot of Clayton, GA., Kimberly Greer and husband Samuel of West Des Moines IA., Daughters-in-Law Janie Kunce and Barbara Kunce; ten grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and seventeen nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Celia was proceeded in death by husband, Bob, daughter Janet Lee, sons Patrick and Gregory and siblings Ellis Cartright, Marilyn Irelan Clark and Elaine Allen.

Celia was an avid reader, gardener, bridge player and decorator.

She was adored by her family. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. Celia touched the lives of many and will be remembered for her loving demeanor, beautiful smile and compassionate heart and of course her “shuffle off to buffalo” tap dancing skills.

 

A celebration of Celia’s life and graveside committal of ashes will take place at 2:00pm, Friday June 9, 2023 in Osborn Cemetery, Minister Denny Kruse presiding. Honorary Pallbearers are David Allen, Samuel Greer and Yves Berthelot.

In lieu of flowers, it was Celia’s wish that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be made at parkermortuary.com

Bill Houpt

(From Midland Cremation Society)

William E. (Bill) Houpt, age 85 of Joplin MO passed away peacefully Friday June 2, 2023 at home. Born March 25, 1938 to Violet (Noble) and Emanuel Houpt, in Splitlog, MO.

Bill attended McDonald County schools and Joplin Junior College. He was an Army veteran. Bill was a past member of the Moose Lodge and bowled in several leagues throughout his life. 

Bill loved fishing and hunting (especially Morel mushrooms). He was a master gardener, his favorite pastime. Bill owned and operated Bill‘s Service Center for over 50 years.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy (Peavler) Houpt, daughters Corinna Houpt (Bill Smith), JoNan Shaw (Ron). His grandchildren Chandel De la Rosa, Deanna and Jimmy Shaw. His great grandchildren Daniel, Gabriel, and Samuel De la Rosa. His sister Beverly Caywood, and brother Donzil Houpt. His extended family Stacey Keys, Allyson Keys, Jeff and Shelly Peavler, Kendy, Hallie and Hayden Peavler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Treva (Townsend) Houpt, grandson Trevor Smith, brothers Leo, Wilbur, and Don Houpt, and sister Betty Hively.

A big thank you to Hospice Compassus for the care he received.

Services to be held at a later date.

Linda Kemper

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Linda Kay Kemper of Commerce, OK passed from this life Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO. She was 73.

Linda was born August 24, 1949 in Miami, OK to Everett Ray and Wilma Bell (Landers) Bell. She had lived in Commerce and Miami all her life. She was a 1967 graduate of Miami High School and later graduated from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami.

She worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for Charles A. Neal Company, Miami COOP, for 30 years, and Heaven and Earth Hospice all in Miami, OK. She had attended New Life Church of the Nazarene in Miami for many years. She was a member of Precious Moments in Joplin, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Linda is survived by her husband, Robert "Bob" Kemper of the home, 1 brother, Kenneth Bell and Glenna Gamboa of Miami, OK, 1 nephew, David Bell and his wife Ruth Marie of Ada, OK, 1 niece, Lisa Bell and Mic Lasiter of Miami, OK and 2 great-nephews, Nathan Lasiter and Korbin Lasiter of Miami, OK.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 9, 2023 at Paul Thomas Funeral Home in Miami, OK with Rev. Geoff Buffalo officiating. Interment will follow in G.A.R. Cemetery in Miami with Brandon Millarr, Steve Brookshire, Kyle Sommer and Mike Davis serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Nathan Lasiter and Korbin Lasiter. 

 The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Paul Thomas Funeral Home in Miami. Services have been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com.

Larry Woodmansee

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Mr. Larry Dean Woodmansee, 80, of Carthage, Missouri, departed this life on Saturday afternoon, June 3, 2023, at St. Luke’s Nursing Center in Carthage after months of failing health.

Larry entered this life on April 3, 1943, in Webb City, Missouri, son of the late Delbert and Hazel (Harpole) Woodmansee. He was raised in Purcell and was a 1961, graduate of Alba High School. He furthered his education by attending Joplin Junior College. 

On November 21, 1970, he was united in marriage to Cecile Ann Freet and together they shared fifty years before her passing on March 25, 2021. Larry was a machinist throughout his life, retiring from American Tool and Engineering in 2010. He enjoyed antiquing and spending time in his shop working on various projects. He attended worship services at Carl Junction Christian Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Cecile Ann Woodmansee; and two siblings, Danny Woodmansee and Connie Wyrick.

Larry is survived by his son, Mike Woodmansee of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida; a grandson, Jacob Erwin; two brothers, Stanley Woodmansee and wife, Patty, and David Woodmansee and wife, Debbie, all of Oronogo, Missouri; a brother-in-law, Charlie Wyrick also of Oronogo; a sister-in-law, Sharron Woodmansee of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 8, 2023 in the Chapel of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home with Pastor Boyce Mouton officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Mike Woodmansee, Jacob Erwin, Jason Woodmansee, Scott Woodmansee, Chad Woodmansee, Nathan Woodmansee and Andy Ward. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Memorials are being directed to Mount Hope Cemetery Care Fund c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri.

Ramona Carnahan

(From Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home)

Ramona S. (Munding) Fehr Carnahan, 88, of Kansas City, Missouri and formerly of Altamont and Parsons, passed away at 1:11 p.m., Monday, May 22, 2023, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ramona Sue Munding was born on August 5, 1934, to Norbert Martin and Gertrude Marie (Seiler) Munding in Parsons. She grew up and attended school in Parsons, graduating in 1952, a member of the first St. Patrick Catholic High School graduating class.

Following high school, Ramona earned an Associate’s degree from Parsons Junior College and then attended Benedictine Heights College in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1956, she graduated with honors from St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing in Tulsa.

From 1956 to 1959, Ramona was a Surgical Clinical Instructor at St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing. Ramona returned to Parsons and began a long career as a Registered Nurse, which included working at Mercy Hospital, Labette County Medical

Center, and the Parsons Clinic. From 1995 to 2005, Ramona continued using her nursing skills while working in special education at Altamont Grade School.

While living in Parsons, Ramona was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, the Altar Society and Daughters of Isabella. When she moved to Kansas City, she became a member of Cure of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood, Kansas.

In earlier years, she taught Confraternity of Catholic Doctrine (CCD) at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. There she was a Girl Scout leader for six years. The greatest joy in Ramona’s life was creating a welcoming and loving home for her family. She enjoyed sewing and quilting, gardening and canning, and attending her grandchildren’s school activities and sporting events. During her high school years, Ramona learned to play the violin, and continued her love of music throughout her life. Ramona will be remembered for her smile, her positive outlook, and her comfortable nature. She touched many lives and had an enduring impact on all.

On June 6, 1959, Ramona and Richard A. Fehr were united in marriage at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons. He preceded her in death on June 29, 1961. Ramona and William Lee Carnahan, Jr. were united in marriage on January 1, 1978 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Parsons. He preceded her in death on February 14, 2013.

Survivors include:

One daughter – Theresa “Terri” Fehr of Kansas City, Missouri

Two step-sons – Larry Carnahan (Missy) of Columbus, Kansas

Rick Carnahan (Nancy) of Olathe, Kansas

One stepdaughter – Linda Frazier (John) of Altamont, Kansas

One grandson – Will Fehr of Kansas City, Missouri

Step-grandchildren – Rob Carnahan (Megan) of Parsons, Kansas; Craig

Carnahan (Lori) of Altamont, Kansas; Dylan Carnahan of Olathe, Kansas; Aaron Ketcher of Joplin, Missouri; Alex Provenzano of Olathe, Kansas; Tamara Males (Craig) of Coffeyville, Kansas; Christa Frazier of Kansas City, Missouri; Kendra Frazier of Kansas City, Missouri; Megan Provenzano White of Olathe, Kansas

Step-great-grandchildren – Claire Carnahan, Chase Carnahan, Alice Carnahan, Amelia Carnahan, Kennedy Carnahan, Keeley Carnahan, Braydon Males, Daxon Males, and Aliyah Ketcher

Three sisters-in-law – JoAnn Fehr of Iola, Kansas; Betty Fehr of Chanute, Kansas, and Marietta Munding of Parsons, Kansas

Two brothers-in-law – David Fehr of Chanute, Kansas; and Bob Pierce of Kansas City, Kansas

And many dear nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and great-great nieces and great-great nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Richard Fehr; her second husband, Lee Carnahan; seven sisters: Anne Workman, Maxine Crudden, Lucille Carland, Dorothy VanLeeuwen, Bonnie Kennan, Betty Hodges, and Anita Kimble; two brothers: Bill Munding, and Joe Munding; one sister-in-law, seven brothers-in-law; and ten nieces and nephews. Two step-granddaughters, one step-grandson, and one step-great-granddaughter.

The funeral Mass will be; at 10:30 am., Friday, June 9, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons, Kansas celebrated by Father Curtis Robertson. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Parsons. The rosary will be prayed at 10:00 am. before the funeral Mass.

Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick Catholic Church or the American Diabetes Association. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Andey Hunter

(From White Funeral Home)

Andey Hunter, Sr., age 41, of Exeter, Missouri, passed away on June 3, 2023, in Cassville, Missouri. 

Mr. Hunter, son of Andey Ray and Donna (Tilford) Hunter, was born on September 1, 1982, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. 

On April 9, 2002, he was united in marriage to Misty Drezinski in Berryville, Arkansas. Andey worked in the logging business at Hunter’s Logging in Cassville. He loved fishing, hunting, mixed martial arts, and hiking with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Misty Hunter, of Exeter; two sons, Andey Hunter, Jr., of Neosho, and Kenneth Hunter, of the home; four daughters, Kaylie Jump, of Exeter, and Elizabeth, Skylar, and Sage Hunter, all of the home; two brothers, Samuel LD Hunter and his wife Leora, and Steven Hunter, all of Exeter; one sister, LaDonna Hunter, of Exeter; two grandsons, Treyton and Keanu Jump, both of Exeter; his parents, Andey Ray and Donna Hunter of Exeter; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He is joined in Heaven with Betty Kay Hilburn (beloved grandmother), Polly Ann Hunter (beloved aunt), Raydean Hunter (baby brother), Maria Jane Martinez (precious niece), and several other family members.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 12, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the White Funeral Home and Crematory in Cassville, with John Mormon officiating. Burial will follow at Seligman City Cemetery.

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

Memorials may be made to the Hunter children and entrusted to the White Funeral Home and Crematory.

Debbie Alumbaugh

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Pastor Debra Kay “Debbie” Alumbaugh (Nurse Debbie), 72, of Anderson, Missouri, departed this life on Friday evening, June 2, 2023, in the comfort of her home, after a long illness.

Debbie began her earthly journey on February 10, 1951, in Noel, Missouri, daughter of the late Richard Menton and Robbie Lorene (Broom) Easter. She was raised in Noel and was a 1969 graduate of McDonald County High School. 

On September 5, 1969, she was united in marriage to David Alumbaugh and to this union three children were born, Rachel, Whitney and Heath.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two siblings, Richard Easter and Donna Willoughby.

Debbie is survived by her husband of fifty-four years, David Alumbaugh of the home; three children, Rachel Wolff and husband, Clint, of Dayton, Ohio, Whitney Wilson and husband, Clayton, of Casper, Wyoming and Heath Alumbaugh and wife, Jennifer, of Anderson, Missouri; six grandchildren, Samantha Burbank, Seth Burbank, Peyton Alumbaugh, Sterling Wilson, Lawson Wilson and Banyon Wilson; two brothers, Jon Mark Easter of the state of California and Sean Easter of the state of Virginia; as well as a host of other family and friends.

In her pursuit of education, she attended Crowder College, the Northwest Technical Institute, and the Seminary at Hendricks College. Through her dedicated efforts, she successfully obtained her LPN in Nursing and achieved pastoral licensure with the United Methodist Church.

Debbie embarked on her professional journey as a long distance and international switchboard operator in Columbia, Missouri, supporting her husband David during his college years. Upon their return to McDonald County, she ran the miniature golf course in Noel before becoming a valued waitress at a local restaurant.

As her family continued to grow, Debbie embraced the opportunity to serve as a secretary at the MU Extension Office in Pineville, leveraging her skills and dedication to make valuable contributions to the community. Displaying her versatility, she later acquired a license as an insurance agent, specializing in home and auto insurance, and excelled in this field.

Continuing to expand her horizons, Debbie assumed leadership of the McDonald County License Bureau, demonstrating her competence and commitment to efficient operations.

Continuously seeking new challenges, Debbie ventured into the field of nursing, driven by a strong sense of calling. Her nursing journey commenced as an ICU nurse at St. Mary's Hospital, where she displayed remarkable skill and compassion in caring for critically ill patients. Eager to broaden her expertise, Debbie embarked on a new chapter at the Boozman-Hof Eye Surgery and Laser Center, where she honed her skills in specialized eye care.

Determined to make a difference in the lives of others, Debbie's nursing career led her to join the compassionate team at Medicalodge, where she provided dedicated care and support to residents. Embodying the true essence of a nurse, she consistently demonstrated empathy and kindness, leaving a lasting impact on those she cared for.

In a remarkable culmination of her nursing journey, Debbie found herself as Nurse Debbie at Anderson Elementary, touching the lives of countless children with her nurturing spirit and unwavering commitment to their well-being. With her gentle touch and comforting presence, she became a trusted source of solace and care within the school community.

Debbie's transition into nursing not only showcased her adaptability but also highlighted her unyielding passion for helping others. Her unwavering dedication and remarkable ability to bring comfort and healing to those in need will forever be remembered by the individuals whose lives she touched throughout her nursing career.

Guided by her nurturing spirit and a profound sense of divine calling, Debbie found herself drawn to the ministry, answering God's summons with unwavering dedication. She wholeheartedly embraced her role as a minister, bringing comfort, guidance, and spiritual support to congregants in the Simsbury, Washburn, and Granby United Methodist Churches.

With a compassionate heart and a steadfast commitment to her faith, Debbie embodied the principles of love, compassion, and service. She delivered inspiring sermons, offered comforting words during times of grief, and fostered a sense of community among parishioners. Her ministry became a beacon of hope and a source of strength for those seeking solace and spiritual guidance.

Debbie's unwavering faith and her deep understanding of the teachings of the United Methodist Church enabled her to touch the lives of many, leaving an indelible imprint on the congregations she served. Her ministry served as a testament to her unwavering devotion and her commitment to spreading God's love and grace to all who crossed her path.

In the hearts and souls of those she ministered to, Debbie's legacy as a compassionate and dedicated servant of God will forever endure, shining as a reminder of the profound impact she had on the spiritual lives of others.