Betty Wood

(From Lakin Funeral Home)

Betty Lynn Wood, age 74, of Pierce City, MO passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, MO with family by her side. She was born in Victoria, TX on Friday, August 17, 1951; daughter of Robert and Marjorie (Marek) Johnson. Betty was raised by her mom and stepfather, Marjorie and Freddie Kelton. She was a 1969 graduate of Industrial High School in Vanderbilt, Texas. 

She married William "Bill" Wood on Friday, May 14, 1971, in Lolita, TX. Betty was a very devoted wife who loved her husband so much. 

She loved Texas and bluebonnets. She always enjoyed visiting Texas and looked forward to trips to the beach as well. Betty enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She took her grandchildren to Texas many times and everyone knew what happened in Texas stayed in Texas. She was also their biggest fan attending their events at school. She was an avid Pierce City fan of football and basketball and Pea Ridge fan of football and marching band. She traveled to watch them and cheer them on. 

Betty was a homemaker who always enjoyed having her family come to visit. She also liked completing crossword puzzles and could get lost in a good book. She was a member of Full Life Fellowship in Purdy, MO. Betty loved life and loved people. She will be missed by many! 

Surviving are the following, her husband, Bill; two daughters, Linley (Kodie) O'Hara of Pierce City, MO and Jamie Enke of Pea Ridge, AR; four grandchildren, Tysen (Ingrid) O'Hara, Rylie O'Hara, Loren Enke, and Kellen Enke; two brothers, Robert Lee (Kelley) Johnson of Purmela, TX and Grady (Debbie) Kelton, Jr. of Bay City, TX; one sister, Margaret Soucy of Gatesville, TX; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Betty was welcomed to heaven by her stepfather and mother, Freddie and Marjorie Kelton; and a brother-in-law, Sammy Soucy.

Betty has been cremated at her request. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.

Marvin Greer

 

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Marvin E. Greer, Jr., age 81 of Galena, KS., passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Solace House in Joplin, MO.

Marvin was born on July 22, 1944, in Joplin the son of Marvin, Sr. and Anna (Biterton) Greer. He has been a life-long area resident. Marvin proudly served his country as part of the U.S. Army. Following his service, he returned home and worked as a machine shop manager for both Cummins and EA Martin Machinery for many years before retiring in 2000. He later opened a dog kennel and raised Golden Doodle dogs. He was a loyal member of Blendville Christian Church.

He married Linda Sawyer in 1996, she survives. Additional survivors include his son; Terry Greer and his wife Suzanne of Galena, his daughter; Teresa Greer of Joplin, stepchildren; Tracy Setser, Lee Setser and his wife Lori and Kendall Rogers, his brothers; Tom Greer and his wife Gayle, Doug Greer and his wife Ruth, his sister; Donna Maples, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Linda Greer, and a step-daughter, Kelli Greer.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Blendville Christian Church. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation on Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mason-Woodard Chapel.

Kynzi DeJager

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

MaKynzi Kailynn DeJager, of Joplin, MO, departed this life on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the age of 15.

MaKynzi always brightened every room she walked into. Her smile and laughter were contagious, and she truly lived life to the fullest. She had a positive prankster personality that made everyone around her smile, whether it was gently tapping someone on the shoulder only for them to turn the wrong way while she stood nearby with a great big grin, or sneaking in a playful joke at just the right moment. She had a way of bringing joy and laughter wherever she went.

She never had a bad word to say about anyone and was always the first to lend a helping hand. Her famous “Kynzi Hugs”, kind of like a bear hug, only better made everyone around her feel loved and welcomed. She also had her own special way of greeting people, often offering a cheerful fist bump… sometimes even to a snail, because that was just who she was, fun-loving, sweet, and always ready to make someone smile. If you were lucky enough to be close to MaKynzi, chances are she had a fun nickname just for you, a little reminder of how personally and deeply she cared for those she loved.

Kynzi had a special love for preschool and younger elementary kids, who absolutely adored her. She had a gentle, caring way about her that made little ones feel safe, important, and deeply loved. Whether she was playing with them, making them laugh, or simply giving them her full attention, MaKynzi made every child feel like they were someone special. Her kindness and warmth left a lasting impression on even the smallest hearts.

MaKynzi was born and raised in church and has been baptized in faith. She attended Christs’ Community Joplin and was active in Christs’ Community Youth. She loved singing and dancing for Jesus, sharing her joy and smile with everyone she met and was the true light of Jesus every single day.

Kynzi was proud to be a member of the Diamond High School Cheer Squad and played Baritone in the band, bringing her spirit, energy, and heart to everything she did. She loved going and supporting her sisters in all of their sports activities and was often found cheering the teams on and enjoying some popcorn.

She touched countless lives with her cheerful smile, kind heart, playful spirit, and unwavering positivity. She will be deeply missed here on Earth, but we find comfort knowing she is with Jesus now, probably giving Him lots of “Kynzi Hugs”, making bunny ears behind the angels, and singing and dancing with all her heart in praise and joy.

MaKynzi leaves behind her parents Randall and Janet, two sisters Marrisa (18) and MaKarly (12) who she loved deeply. She also leaves behind her grandparents Larry and Joyce Boyd and Don and Nancy DeJager and a long list of aunts and uncles and cousins that she really enjoyed spending time and making memories with.

Memorial services will be held at a later date at Christ’s Community Church in Joplin, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ’s Community Church Youth. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

 

Marilyn Hayes

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Marilyn Sue Hayes of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, at Solace House of the Ozarks, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Marilyn was a woman of life, strength, and spirit—feisty, fiercely loyal, and loving to the end. Once Marilyn loved you, she loved you for life. Her laughter, strong will, and generous heart created countless cherished memories for family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Dan Hayes; daughters Stephanie Boney (Joe Jones) and Sandra Ells (Matt Ells); grandsons Logan York (Madison York), Drew Boney (Kayce Boney), Max Boney (Brooklyn Speer), and Carson Bowman (Raegan Boswell); and her treasured great-grandchildren Potts Boney, Jovie Boney, and Lottie Boney. Marilyn also leaves many cousins, lifelong friends, and extended family who will miss her dearly.

Marilyn loved the simple, beautiful things in life: her dogs, hunting and fishing, and her proud involvement with the Miami Nation. Horses held a special place in her heart—she rode on a drill team in her younger years and passed that love of horses on to her daughters and grandchildren, creating a legacy of memories that will endure.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Fairview Baptist Church, 4300 S Joplin Ave, Joplin, MO 64804.

She lived boldly and loved wholeheartedly. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will continue to ride alongside all who knew and loved her.

Arrangements and services are under the personal care and direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, Missouri.

Roni Scott

(From Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home)

Roni Renee Scott, 41, of El Dorado Springs, passed away on May 15, 2026. She was born on October 30, 1984, in El Dorado Springs, MO to Brad Kirbey and Shelly Scott.

On July 19, 2019, she married Ronald Baker. To this union four children were born, bringing their total up to eight. She loved spending time at flea markets and yard sales, always searching for special treasures to give to her children, family, and friends. She was always thinking of others.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Baker; her eight children, Ryan Baker, Alexis Newton, James Burk, Jillian Stevens, Reuben Baker, Praise Baker, Faith Baker, and Grace Baker; one grandchild; her parents, Brad Kirby and Shelly Scott; and her sister, Jasmine Stevens.

Roni was a devoted wife and loving mother. She will be greatly missed.

Cathy Peavler

(From Parker Mortuary)

Cathy Peavler, 61, of Joplin, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026. Born and raised in Joplin, Cathy was known for her kind heart, warm spirit, and generosity to everyone she met. She truly never knew a stranger.

Cathy dedicated more than 20 years of her life working as a CNA, caring for others with compassion and strength. Above all else, she was a devoted mother whose six children were the center of her world. She worked tirelessly as a single mother, always putting her family first and showing endless love and support to those around her.

She found joy in gardening, baking, and bargain shopping, and she had a special way of making people feel welcomed, cared for, and loved. Though she had six biological children, many others lovingly called her “Mom” throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert Sr. and Rose Peavler; her siblings, Delbert Jr., Donna, and John Peavler; and her beloved granddaughter, Isabella Aguilar.

Cathy is survived by her children: Tim (Jamie) Peavler of Florida, Misty Aguilar, Francisco Aguilar (Samya), Jennifer Aguilar, Eric (Amanda) Aguilar, and Cordero (Bonnie) Peavler all of Joplin. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Maraya, Michael, Mason, Denhiem, Ayden, and Elias Peavler; Gabriella, Kolby, and Cisco Aguilar, along with several great-grandchildren and many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Cathy was the strongest woman her family knew, and her love, strength, and memory will continue to live on in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Cremation arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.

Linda Stapleton

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Linda Hembree-Stapleton, age 78, of Carterville, MO., entered into rest on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Joplin, MO.

Linda was born on December 24, 1947, in Joplin, MO., the daughter of Junior and Olga (Gardner) Annis. She worked for many years as a Nurse at Elmhurst Nursing Home before retiring in 1987.

She married Walter Hembree on June 14, 1964, he preceded her in death in 2001. Linda then married Jack Stapleton, he also preceded her in death in 2017. She was also preceded by her parents and by a son; Keith Hembree.

Survivors include her daughter; April Coleman and her husband Tommy, her son; Randy Hembree and his wife Bonnie, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Weaver Cemetery in Purcell, MO. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.