Howard House

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

With heavy hearts and fond memories, we announce the passing of a loving, compassionate, and dedicated man, Howard F. House, Jr., who left us on April 22, 2024 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin. 

Born on September 19, 1953, in Montebello, CA, Howard moved to Joplin around the 7th grade, where he built a life filled with joy, service, and devotion. 

He was a beacon of light in his community, leaving a lasting impact through his deeds and his words, always ready with a smile and a kind word for everyone he met. Howard was an exceptionally outgoing man, conscientious and dedicated, a man who never encountered a stranger.

Howard was an accomplished contractor who spent over 50 years in his field. His love for his work was evident in the meticulous quality he brought to every project. He was a lifetime member of Lions Club International and served as the Secretary/Treasurer on the Board of BluCurrent Credit Union, dedicating his time and effort to ensuring its continued growth. A devout Christian and an active member of his church, Howard was the Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City. His faith was a guiding light in his life, and he encouraged others to follow Christ with the same fervor and dedication.

What mattered most to Howard was his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, JoAnn, for nearly 46 years. He was a loving father to Valerie (David) Mathews, Brendan (Bekah) House, and Patrece (Bryan) Simpson, a doting grandfather to Sophia E. House, Ellie U. House, Nathanael L. Mathews, Lillian W. Mathews, and Jameson F. Mathews. He also leaves behind his nice Eric DeMoss, nephew Ryan (Regina) P. DeMoss, and his sister, Sherri (Chip) Weeg. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Howard House Sr. and Phyllis (Newby) Jones, along with a multitude of loving relatives.

His love for his family was mirrored in his hobbies, as he enjoyed traveling with his wife to various places, especially their annual trips to the Florida coast, and taking each one of his grandkids on a special Florida trip all to themselves. His love for fishing, woodworking, and tinkering with a little bit of everything spoke volumes about his zest for life.

A service to celebrate Howard's life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 am at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City. "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home..." (John 14:1-2). Howard House lived these words, and his life was a testament to his faith.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Howard, a loving, compassionate, dedicated man whose legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Billie Lewis

(From Chaddick Funeral Home)

Billie Sue Lewis, 88, passed away after a lengthy battle with congestive heart failure on April 20, 2024, at Cabrini Hospital. She was born September 16, 1935 to Pete and Clara (Stout) Crumpton.

Graveside service will be Tuesday, April 23 at 10am at Rosepine Cemetery. Rev. Bill Smith will officiate.

Billie married Guy T. Lewis on July 20, 1953. 

She was a member of Diamond Baptist Church. She was a homemaker and her hobbies included reading, crocheting, knitting, sewing and doing word searches. She enjoyed crocheting gifts for her family and sweaters for her dog and constant companion, Toodles.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Teresa Freund (Joe) Neosho, MO; grandson, Tony Arnold (Becky) Rosepine, LA; granddaughters, Trixie Tice (Chris) Neosho, MO and Latosha Renfro (John) Neosho, MO; great-grandchildren, Brittany Perry (Brandon), Kailey Cholka (Dylan), Chase Andrews, Alex Dubois (Atlas), Katie Nash (Zain), Jason Tice (Hannah) and Kimber Tice; great-great-grandchildren, Lexi Perry, Dani Cholka and Clara Cholka. Her brother Rick Crumpton; sister, Becky Powers; and sister-in-law, Sherri Crumpton.

She is preceded in death by her husband Guy T. Lewis; infant daughter, Sharon Sue Lewis; son, Guy Tracy Lewis; brother, Gary Crumpton; father, Pete Crumpton; and mother, Clara Crumpton.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association.

Condolences can be made at chaddickfuneralhome.com

Earlene Rawlings

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Earlene Kay Rawlings, aged 77, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Born in Lamar, Mo to Earl and Allene (Wampler) Robertson, she spent her formative years in the Lamar area and graduated from Lamar High School in 1964. 

Throughout her life, she remained an active and devoted member of the First Christian Church. 

Earlene dedicated 46 years of service to the City of Lamar, leaving an indelible mark on the community. In her retirement, she continued to give back, volunteering at the Church, Good Samaritan, and local Police and Fire Departments when needed. Her commitment to service extended beyond her professional life, always ready to lend a helping hand. 

Earlene married George Rawlings, and their union lasted for thirty-two years until his passing in 2014. Known for her intelligence, sweet nature, and unwavering convictions, Earlene stood up for what she believed in. Her love for family and dogs, especially her beloved Kaddee, was boundless. 

Whether engaging in on-on-one conversations, participating in large family gatherings, or simply chatting on the phone, Earlene made everyone feel welcome. Her circle of friends extended beyond blood ties by gathering people around her creating a family of choice. As Thursday approaches, the absence of her presence at the family dinners will be deeply felt. 

She is survived by her sons Loyd (Andrea) Rawlings of Ozark, MO, Rick (Kathy) Rawlings of Colleyville, TX, and Jeff (Angel) Rawlings of Columbia, IL. She is also survived by her grandchildren Cody Rawlings of Fayetteville, AR, Carmen (Dallas) Hollister of Aurora, MO, Zach Rawlings of Covington, KY, Drew Rawlings of Columbia, IL, Adam (Meagan) Rawlings of Bedford, TX, Parker Rawlings of Keller, TX, Landon (Brandi) Rawlings of Hollister, MO, and Cole Rawlings of Ozark, MO, and great grandson Jaxon Hollister. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and sisters Deleta Caylor, Joann Lehman, and Joyce Cook. 

The family would prefer memorial contributions in lieu of flowers and suggests the First Christian Church, Good Samaritan, or Oak Grove Cemetery in care of the funeral home. A visitation will be held from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM on Friday April 26, 2024, and a funeral will be held on Saturday April 27, 2024, at First Christian Church of Lamar

Connie Randall

(From Knell Mortuary)

Connie LeAnn Randall, 70, Joplin, Missouri, passed away April 21, 2024, at her home. She was born on November 22, 1953, in Carthage, Missouri, the daughter of the late Elbert A. “Pete” Randall and Marjorie Lee “Margie” (Dodson) Randall. Connie's life was a testament to the power of education and the joy of sharing knowledge.

Connie was a proud graduate of Jasper High School's class of 1971 in Jasper, Missouri. Her passion for learning propelled her to further her education at Missouri Southern State University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in English education. She continued to pursue her academic interests at Pittsburg State University, culminating in a master's degree that would lay the foundation for her remarkable career in teaching.

Connie worked for the Carl Junction School District at the Junior High School. Her dedication to her students was unwavering, and she left an indelible mark on the community through her commitment to education and personal excellence. 

Outside the classroom, Connie's interests were as diverse and vibrant as her personality. She found solace and joy in the quietude of her garden, where she cultivated not only plants but also a sense of peace and beauty. Her hands were rarely still, as she channeled her creativity into exquisite crafts that reflected her artistic spirit. 

An avid reader, Connie's thirst for knowledge and love of literature were constant companions throughout her life. She also possessed a talent for writing, often penning pieces that resonated with the heart and stirred the soul. Her zest for life extended to her physical well-being, as she enthusiastically participated in Zumba classes at the Joplin YMCA, where her energy and laughter were contagious.

Survivors include her children, Cassidi Pereira (Jorge), Todd Greene (Claudia), and Kyle Babbitt (Nancy); her grandchildren, Hailey Pereira, Nicholas Pereira, Mariana Greene, and Sergio Greene; her brother, David Randall; her close friends, Julie Talbot and Jane Duncan; and many extended family and friends.

Per Connie’s wishes, there was cremation. Private family services will be held at Dudman Cemetery, Carthage, Missouri. Being an avid animal lover, Connie’s wish was for memorial gifts to be made to Joplin Humane Society in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Martha Drennan

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

With a heart full of generosity and a flighty yet professional spirit, Martha Ann Drennan, a lifelong resident of Joplin, Missouri, lived a life that was nothing short of extraordinary. 

Born on December 24, 1939, to the late Doris Olds, Martha was a beacon of love, always ready to extend her hand to those in need. Surrounded by the love of her family, Martha peacefully passed away on April 21, 2024 at Joplin Gardens, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished forever.

Martha's professional journey in the healthcare sector was an embodiment of her innate desire to take care of people. She retired from Mercy (St. John's) Hospital in Joplin, MO, around 2009, after decades of selfless service in nursing. 

Even in retirement, Martha's thirst for knowledge remained unquenched. A collector of newspapers, magazines, and anything paper, she kept herself updated with health issues and readings. Despite being flighty at times, Martha maintained a professional demeanor that charmed everyone around her. She was an active member of the Iron Gates Christian Church in Joplin and loved taking care of things at the church.

Her generosity extended beyond her professional commitments, touching the lives of her loved ones in profound ways. Martha's joy knew no bounds when she was surrounded by her grandkids and great-grandkids, nurturing them and ensuring they grew up having a relationship with Christ. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Johnny Drennan, her daughter Sherry LaFave, her sister Wilma Jaffe, and a grandson Kelly Tracy. 

She is survived by her children Terry (Marsha) Tracy, and Elizabeth Ann Rissmiller; grandchildren Heather Marie Pendergraft, Sarah Ann (Derek) Eubanks, Christopher M.A. Tracy, Jennifer Phillips (Dennis Artinger), Shannan Garde, Joshua Rissmiller, Wesley Rissmiller, and Elizabeth (Clayton) Morris; great grandchildren Brooklyn Pendergraft, Ethan Pendergraft, Tyler Smith, Eden Eubanks, Maverick Eubanks, Briar Eubanks, Zachary Phillips, Brianna (Allen) Beachy, Austin Phillips, Ashlynn Artinger, Maddison (Colton) Winder, Mason Adams, and Coy Stafford.

A visitation will be held on from 5-6pm on Thursday, April 25th at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Funeral services will be held 11am Friday, April 26th at Iron Gates Christian Church (2310 Iron Gates Rd, Joplin, MO 64804). Entombment will be at the Ozark Memorial Park Mausoleum. Those honoring Marsha's life by serving as pallbearers are: Derek Eubanks, Zachary Phillips, Colton Winder, Austin Phillips, Ethan Pendergraft and Mason Adams. Honorary pallbearers will be Christopher M.A. Tracy and Terry Tracy.

Martha's life was a testament to the power of love and generosity, a legacy that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know her. Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family extends an invitation to relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Martha, a woman whose life was a beautiful melody of love, care, and selfless service.

Emily Ashford

(From Parker Mortuary)

Emily J. Ashford, age 63, of Seneca, MO, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin, MO.

Emily was born on December 25, 1960 in Neosho, MO, to the late Tim Bishop and Emily Bishop. She was a 1978 graduate of Seneca High School. 

She was recently engaged to her best friend, Kenneth Millhollon. She enjoyed spending time and visiting with her friends at her home. She lived on a farm and loved all her animals. She had cats, dogs, peacocks, mules, and cattle. Emily was extremely selfless and would help anyone in need without any hesitation.

Emily is survived by her fiancé, Kenneth Millhollon, of the home.

Cremation arrangements are under the special care of Parker Mortuary.

Ginger Wolfe

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Ginger Lea Wolfe, a beloved mother and grandmother, lost her battle with breast cancer on April 22, 2024, in Noel, Missouri, surrounded by her loving children. She was born on September 14, 1947, in Havaco, West Virginia, to her parents Narcie and Robert Pennington.

Ginger was a devoted mother to her children: Annette Maresca (William), Dennis Wolfe (Nancy), and John Franklin Wolfe (Cammie). She adored her grandchildren: Amber (Jeremiah), Nicholas (Katelynn), Madison, Axl, Kaitlin, Hope, MacKenzie, Elliott, Erin, and Jenna, as well as her great-grandchildren: Holly and Kingston.

 

Ginger will be remembered for her love of traveling, football, and boot scootin’ (IYKYK). She is preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Wolfe. Ginger's kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for her children will forever be cherished. Her legacy of love and strength will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America in her honor.