Martha Myers

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Martha Ann Myers, age 81, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at her home.

Martha was born to the late David L. and Rosie C. Emerson in Columbus, on May 21, 1943. She married the love of her life, Melvin Myers, on December 28, 1962 at Marlboro Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. 

Throughout her life, Martha worked for many medical facilities and doctor’s offices as a Medical Transcriptionist, until her retirement in 2009. Upon retirement, She and Melvin moved back to Columbus. Martha was not only a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, but also touched the lives of around 200 foster sons over the years. She took great joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and fur-babies. Martha had a lot of fun playing games on her phone, watching her favorite shows, and enjoyed crocheting blankets for family.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Steve Myers, and Todd Myers; and two sisters, Ruth Wright, and Lois Emerson.

Surviving Martha are her husband, Melvin of the home; daughter, Melinda Garcia (husband, Alex) of Webb City, Missouri; three sons, Ron Myers of Anderson, Indiana, Manny Myers of Carthage, Missouri, and Johnathan Myers of Joplin, Missouri; one brother, David Emerson (wife, Misty) of Vassar, Kansas; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and her dog, her companion, Penny.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home of Columbus. A brief Celebration of Life was held on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Derfelt Funeral Home in Columbus; and the family received friends immediately after.

Connie Pedersen

(From Powell Funeral Home)

Connie Pedersen, 80, of Mount Pleasant, died surrounded by family on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with dementia. She passed at Park Place Elder Living where she received exemplary care for the last three years.

Connie was born July 9, 1944, in Neosho, MO, the daughter of Leonard and Mae (Christensen) Rold. She graduated from high school in Avoca, IA. Connie went on to earn her RN from Jennie Edmundson School of Nursing, and her BSN from Graceland College. 

On June 7, 1964, Connie was united in marriage to Glen Pedersen in Avoca, IA. Together, they built a life filled with love, dedication, and service to the communities they called home. Throughout their married life, they lived and worked in Omaha, NE; Waterloo, IA; and Tishomingo, OK.

Connie was a compassionate and dedicated nurse, eventually earning the role of hospital CEO. Connie served patients and her community for 39 years before retiring in 2003. Connie and Glen moved to Mount Pleasant, where they made their home. The couple enjoyed their retirement years, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Connie was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant, PEO Chapter NZ, T.T.T, and Women’s Club. She had a passion for serving her family and community, spending time with friends, crafting, boating, genealogy, and reading. Connie was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter; she treasured every moment spent with them.

Above all, Connie had a deep and abiding love for Jesus Christ. Her faith enabled her to know for certain that she would be in Heaven with Jesus upon her death.

Connie is survived by her two children, Renee (and Steve) Davis of Mount Pleasant, IA, Jeff Pedersen of Altoona, IA; five grandchildren and their spouses Alexandra Davis, Isaac (and Anne Marie) Davis, Jared (and Janet) Carrette, Grant Pedersen, and Beau Pedersen; one great-granddaughter Rowan Carrette; sibling, Jerry (Donna) Rold; and numerous other beloved extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 58 years, Glen, in 2023.

A private family celebration of life will be held in the future. Memorial contributions may be directed to Park Place Elder Living. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Connie and her family. https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Z_FtCqxXnwHOZgg7iZfEUEZawn?domain=powellfuneralhomes.com

Creed Block

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Creed Henry Block was born sleeping on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

“I will extol thee, my God, O King; And I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless thee; And I will praise thy name for ever and ever.” ~ Psalm 145: 1-2 KJV

Creed is survived by his loving parents, Bryan and Cassidy Block; his brother, Corbyn Block; his three sisters, Aubry Cawyer (Ethan), Austynn Block, and Ava Block; and lots of extended family.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Jasper Schools Cemetery, southeast of Carthage, Missouri.

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri.

Marcia Cobble

(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Marcia R. Cobble, 91, formerly of Seneca, MO passed into eternal rest March 16, 2025 at Wildwood after an illness.

Marcia Rae Plummer was born September 16, 1933 in Seneca, MO the daughter of Raymond and Katherine (Aldrich) Plummer. Marcia was a graduate of Seneca High School. 

While in school she was a cheerleader, Seneca High School twirler squad where she was an "expert Twirler" and a member of the Glee Club. Marcia formerly worked at Rocketdyne in Neosho and American Tripoli INC in Seneca. She loved to sew, fish and go dancing with her husband. Marcia's family was her life which began May 27, 1951 when she said the words "I do" to Huber Eugene "Gene" Cobble. This union set forth her devoted path that would last her lifetime. Marcia was a member of Seneca First Baptist Church.

Marcia was preceded in death by the love of her life Huber Eugene (Gene) Cobble May 19, 2017.

Survivors include one daughter, Rena Arrington and husband Melvin, Vinita, OK; one son Gregory Cobble and wife Tina, Loma Linda, MO; grandchildren, Clay Cobble and wife Sonya and Lauren Eskridge.

Marcia requested a private burial service which was held March 20, 2025 at the Swars Prairie Baptist Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.

Gary Barnhart

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Gary Clyde Barnhart, age 75, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2025. He was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on March 31, 1949, to Robert Clyde and Frances Ilene (Barth) Barnhart and raised across the Ohio River in Chester, West Virginia.

He attended and graduated from Oak Glenn High School in New Cumberland, West Virginia. Gary was united in marriage to Terry Beth Tucker on May 5, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri, a union that lasted for over 50 years. 

Terry Beth survives him, along with their two children: Jeremy (Katrina) Barnhart of San Antonio, Texas, and Melanie Dianne (Thomas) Lillard of Platte City, Missouri. Gary was a devoted father and grandfather, leaving behind seven beloved grandchildren: Logan Ricketts, Kayleigh Sosa, Vera Barnhart, Brayden Barnhart, Matthew Lillard, Carson Lillard, and Sophia Lillard.

He was a hardworking man, known for his dedication to his career. Gary proudly served in the United States Air Force. He worked at Midwest Grain in Atchison, Kansas, before becoming a dealer at Harrah's Casino in Kansas City, Missouri, where he worked for over 15 years. In 2022, he and his wife relocated to Neosho, Missouri, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Gary was a proud supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs and a West Virginia Mountaineers football fan. He had many passions, including playing harmonica, woodworking, reading, and enjoying the beauty of nature. He was a man of faith, holding to the Protestant beliefs that guided his life.

Gary is also survived by his brother, Harvey Barnhart, and his sister, Kathy Smith. He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Ryan Barnhart, his brother, Steven Barnhart, and his parents.

A private family service will be held to celebrate Gary’s life. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Frankie Gotti

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Frankie Pauline Gotti, aged 84, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 15, 2025, at home in Joplin, MO.

Born in Rogers, AR, Frankie moved to Salina, KS in 1960. She lived most of her life near Tescott, KS where she farmed, raised chickens and bucket calves, and kept large vegetable gardens and flower beds. She was active in the community and a member of the Minneapolis, KS chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. She also tended bar in Salina and drove a milk truck for many years. 

In her retirement, she enjoyed making beautiful quilts, painting, playing cards, and taking trips with friends. She took a lot of pictures of family, pets, and flowers and made many photo albums full of happy memories. Frankie loved living in the country, western movies, and country music.

Frankie is survived by her daughter, Paula (Rocky) Hunter, three sisters, Martha Matlock, Mary Sennet, and Cindy Wilkerson, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and her little dog, Osker.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Delta Wilkerson, brother Eddie Wilkerson, husband Carl Gotti, and daughter Donna Lockhart Anschutz.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, MO. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2025, at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Salina, KS.

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Joe Kriebs

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Joseph “Joe” Kriebs of Carthage, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Joe was born in Galena, Illinois to Arnold Kriebs and Eleanor Schoenfeld. He was one of fifteen children: five boys and ten girls. Joe has been a resident of Carthage since 1998, when he moved from southern Wisconsin. 

He was a turkey farmer and a cattleman. Joe lived life with grit and purpose. He loved fishing with his family in Alaska, raising livestock, and never turned down a good card game. Flying gave him a sense of freedom, but his greatest pride was teaching his children and grandchildren his way of life — tough and built on hard work.

Joe is survived by his children: Joe Kriebs, Arnold Kriebs, and Todd Kriebs, all of Belleville, Wisconsin, Eleanor, and Thomas; nephew, Jeff Pfile of Alaska; and his dear friend, Aminta Rosemery Cifuentes.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Eleanor Kriebs.

As per Joe’s wishes, he is to be cremated, and a private family service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.