Martha Timmerman

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Martha Fay (Davis) Timmerman passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 23, 1942, in Sioux Falls, Iowa, to Alvin and Sarah (Searles) Davis.

At a young age, Martha’s family moved to Liberal, Missouri, where she grew up and graduated with the Class of 1960. During her school years, she was active as a baton twirler, a member of 4-H, and served on the yearbook committee. After graduation, she moved to Springfield, Missouri, where she worked and earned her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She later returned to the area to help care for her family.

Martha met the love of her life, Eugene “Gene” Timmerman, in a story often fondly retold—Gene was instantly smitten while pumping her gas. Their early courtship included a memorable first date that reflected Gene’s eagerness to impress by driving too fast, missing her house, and driving into a field. When they started enjoying racing together, Martha got to drive in the local drag races because her quick skills behind the wheel, and ability to shift fast gave her the winning edge. The two were united in marriage and shared 50 devoted years together until Gene’s passing on October 26, 2019. In the mid-1980s, they reaffirmed their commitment by renewing their vows at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

A devout Catholic, Martha was a faithful and longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lamar. Her faith was an important part of her life, guiding her actions and shaping the compassion and kindness she showed to others. She also cherished the opportunity to travel to Jerusalem and Italy to the Vatican to see the Pope, with her church, an experience that deepened her faith and remained close to her heart.

Martha dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She worked at the Barton County Health Department from its early days, taking time away only to raise her children, and later retiring around 2006. She was deeply admired by her patients and known for her compassion, kindness, and exceptional care.

She had a joyful and spirited personality, always wearing a smile and extending patience and kindness to everyone she met. Martha found happiness in simple pleasures—visiting with friends, watching birds and deer, and keeping a tidy home. She was also known for her cooking, especially by her grandchildren and their favorite “egg in the middle”, her distinctive eggs and toast.

Martha embraced life with enthusiasm and humor—famously celebrating her 60th birthday by going down the slide at the Lamar pool 60 times. She shared a special bond with her grandchildren, often engaging them in imaginative “medical” games inspired by her nursing background. These moments left a lasting impact, even helping to inspire her grandson Dylan’s future in medicine.

She is survived by her children, Ronda (Terry) Braker of Lamar, Missouri; Donnie (Tracy) Timmermann of El Dorado Springs, Missouri; and Shelby (Kevin) Taffner of Lamar, Missouri; her grandchildren, Ashley (Tony) Todd of El Dorado Springs, Missouri; Dylan Timmermann of Lenexa, Kansas; Ethan Taffner (Malory Gazaway) of Lamar, Missouri; Kelsey Taffner of Dallas, Texas; and Keely Taffner of Lamar, Missouri; her great-grandchildren, Kole Todd and Alex Todd; and her brother, Tom Davis of Iantha, Missouri and her sister Debbie (Jamie) Smilie of Inola, OK.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eugene “Gene” Timmerman; her parents; her siblings, Jack Davis, Bettye Swezey, Sarah Yokley, and Connie Fast; and her twin sister, Margaret May Davis, who passed away in infancy.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lamar, Missouri.

The funeral home will have extended hours and be open until 7:00 pm on Monday March 30 if you would like to sign the book. There is a register book that you can sign after hours. It is located in the book house located on the north side of the north driveway.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in care of Konantz Warden Funeral Home.

Martha will be remembered for her deep faith, her warmth, her unwavering care for others, and the joy she brought into the lives of all who knew her.

Dusty Ashmore

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Dusty Danyelle Gardner Ashmore, age 48, has gone home to be with our Lord in Heaven.

She is survived by her husband, Jeff Ashmore, her children, Kyndon Tarter and wife Samantha, Alisha Brown and husband Ryan, Gunnur Ashmore and Daylin Ashmore, her grandchildren, Kingsleigh, Chloe, Micah, Dax, Kallyn, and Ainsley, her siblings, Joshua Gardner, Amber Gardner and Jacob Gardner, Her mother and step-father Dayna and Mike Davis, her father Scott Gardner and her much loved Grandmother Maxine Short. Her mother-in-law Patricia Ashmore, sister in law Jana-Ashmore Miller and brother in law Jimmy Ashmore. 

She will be remembered always by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

Dusty was a fierce mama bear, a steadfast companion with a beautiful soul. Artistic, yet practical. Free spirited, though deeply committed to those she cared about. Over the top goofy when happy, full of fire when angry.

Dusty was a caring daughter and sibling, a dedicated wife and devoted mother and grandmother. She is not and will never be gone. She remains with each of us. Ready, as she has always been, to cheer us up, cheer us on or chew us out. Whatever we need.

She will be forever loved and missed deeply, until we meet again,

Service will be held on Sunday, March 29th at 3:00 PM at Bath Naylor Funeral Home in Weir, followed by a celebration of life at the Weir Civic Center. Condolences may be left at https://www.bathnaylor.com

Daniel Nichols

(From Parker Mortuary)

Daniel Dean Nichols, 75, of Joplin MO, formerly of Pekin IL, passed away on March 20th, 2026 at the Mt Vernon Veterans Home in Mt Vernon, MO.

He was born October 14th, 1950 in Pekin, IL to Walter Wayne Nichols and Erma Lucille (Mann) Nichols. He is survived by his daughter, Danielle Dustin (Nichols), two grandchildren Tegyn Stephens (Dustin) and Tyler Perkin, and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are 3 sisters, Donna (Jim) Hash of Bridgeport WV, Marietta (Frank) Nelson of Milton, FL and Cindy Nichols of Pekin, IL.






He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and one brother. He served in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was injured during his service before being discharged from active duty service in 1972.

He lived a quiet life and will be laid to rest in a modest service at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Joplin, MO on April 1st, 2026 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in his name to the Mt. Vernon Veterans Home at 1600 S. Hickory Street, Mt Vernon, MO 65712. (417-466-7103)

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.

Henri Hicks

(From Parker Mortuary)

Henrietta Lea Hicks, known to many as Henri, Hank, or Henriette, depending on where she was visiting or whom she was with, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Webb City, Missouri, at the age of 88. She was born on December 7, 1937, in Joplin, Missouri, and lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, devotion and steady grace. She was a loving, thoughtful woman who loved to laugh and have fun and whose presence brought comfort, warmth and smiles to those around her.

Henrietta was the daughter of Henry and Mildred (Yocam) Harris and sister of Mary Lou Harbaugh, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 35 years, Ronald Hicks, whom she married on April 6, 1957 in Joplin, MO. The bonds of family were deeply important to her throughout her life, and she carried those relationships with care and loyalty in all that she did.

She graduated from Joplin High School Class of 1955 and went on to build a long and respected career. Henrietta started her career at Eagle Picher Technologies as a secretary for a group of engineers. She retired from Inquiry Handling Services (IHS) after more than 25 years where she worked as supervisor of data entry. Her work ethic, dependability and leadership earned the respect of her coworkers and those who knew her professionally.

Henri was also a woman of faith and service. She was a former member of College Heights Christian Church and was a current member of Park Plaza Christian Church. Her Christian faith was an important part of her life, and she expressed that faith through her actions, her compassion and her willingness to help others. For a number of years, she volunteered with Crosslines Ministries, offering her time and energy to support those in need and also served on a number of church programs that were offered through their ministries. She spent many years volunteering in the St. John’s, now Mercy, Hospital Joplin Gift Shop.

She enjoyed traveling, found joy in listening to music and attending theater. These interests brought her happiness and gave her opportunities to experience the world with curiosity and appreciation.

She is survived by one daughter, Rhonda Hicks of Panorama City, California; one son, Douglas Hicks of Mendocino, California; and her granddaughter, Taylor Hicks of Catoosa, Oklahoma. She is also survived by her niece, Becky Lamar and Terry of Seneca, Missouri, and her nephew, Darryl Harbaugh and Annette of Neosho, Missouri. Her family will cherish her memory and the many ways she showed love, strength, and encouragement throughout her life.

Henrietta, Henri, Hank, Henriette or however you knew her, will be remembered with affection by all who knew her. Her life was a testament to faith, family, hard work, and kindness. She leaves behind a legacy of love and thoughtful care that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and many friends.

A celebration of life service will begin at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Parker Mortuary with Minister Mark Scott officiating. Following the services at the funeral home, the family would like to invite everyone to join in fellowship with them at Granny Shaffer’s Restaurant located at 2728 N Rangeline RD in Joplin.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to God’s Resort of Joplin, MO

Nancy Serage

(From Parker Mortuary)

May 3, 1933-March 24, 2026

Nancy Serage, 92, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 24, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. Nancy was born in Joplin, Missouri, the only daughter of Russell and Elizabeth Ekstrom. She was raised in Joplin.

As a child, she loved traveling by train to visit her grandparents in Kansas City.






She graduated from Joplin High School and attended Missouri Southern University.

She married Douglas Serage on October 17, 1953.

Nancy and Doug wished for a large family. That wish came true, they were blessed with five children; Steve (Shelly) Grove, Oklahoma; Jim (Jonell) Grove, Oklahoma; Russ (Robyn) St.George, Utah; Elizabeth (Scott) San Jose, Costa Rica; David (Heidi) Sperry, Oklahoma.; 24 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren.

During their life together, Doug and Nancy lived in Joplin Missouri; Paris, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Lubbock, Texas; Stone Mountain, Georgia; Grove, Oklahoma and Neosho, Missouri. Nancy told her children that moving to new places built character.

Nancy was primarily a homemaker focused on her children and grandchildren . She also enjoyed volunteering, answering calls for a suicide hotline and working at the election polls.

She was creative and wrote a few songs and poems about things that brought her joy.

Nancy loved nature and animals. The Serage home always had a variety of pets; dogs, cats, snakes, turtles, hamsters, tropical fish, chickens, a goat and a ferret.

In 1977, she and Doug were baptized as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were foundational in helping the first branch of the church become established in Grove, Oklahoma.

Nancy blessed many with her ability to play the piano by serving as a pianist for her church congregation and the church Primary children's organization. She also served as a leader and teacher in the women's Relief Society, Young Women's organization and the Primary Organization for children. Nancy had great love for and faith in Jesus Christ. She always shared her love for Him with others.

Our dear sassy, feisty, compassionate, fun "Grancy" will be missed by all that know and love her.

Michael Frey

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

It is with a blend of sorrow and joy that we bid farewell to Michael Wayne Frey, known to many as Mike or Big Mike. The sorrow comes from the void his absence leaves in our lives, but the joy stems from the legacy of laughter and love he leaves behind. Michael was born in Carthage, Missouri, on January 8, 1958, and took his final pit stop from this grand race of life on March 27, 2026, at his residence in Webb City, Missouri.

Big Mike was a man of many talents. He was as reliable as a well-oiled engine and as quick-witted as a champion drag racer. He was a devoted employee at the Dyno Nobel Dynamite Plant for 42 years, retiring in 2020. However, Mike’s work was not confined to the boundaries of the plant. He was a natural handyman, always ready to lend a hand with a loving smile. He was a jack of all trades and a master of many. His hobbies were as varied as his Hot Wheels collection—from car restoration and building model cars to fishing.

Michael was a man who always put family first. He was the comedian of the family, constantly cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. His love for his family ran as deep as his passion for cars and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Frey, and his spouse, Becky Frey. His legacy and spirit of love and laughter live on in his son, Michael Frey Jr.; his wife, Marilyn; his daughter, Jackie, and her husband, Brandon Molloy; and his grandchildren, Maisie, Reegin, Leilynn, and Mia. He also cherished his relationship with his mother, Theresia Frey; his sisters, Debbie and Connie, and Connie’s husband, David; his brothers-in-law, Doy and his wife, Ruth, and Herbie and his wife, Patsy; his sister-in-law, Darlene, and her husband, Glenn; along with many nieces and nephews.

In his honor, keep your engines revving, your fishing lines tight, and your laughter loud. Like a Hot Wheels car, Michael’s journey was fast, exciting, and filled with love. His ride may be over, but his spirit continues to race on in our hearts.

In remembrance of Michael, a visitation will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. This will be followed by a celebration of life at 6:30 p.m. at the same location. As Michael would have said, “Why cry when you can laugh?” So let’s remember him with smiles, laughter, and lots of love.

Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and fond memories of Michael.

Kenneth Westhoff

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Kenneth Joseph Westhoff, 90, of Carl Junction, Missouri, formerly of rural Walnut, Kansas died at 9:22 a.m., Thursday, March 26, 2026 at the Galena Nursing Center in Galena, Kansas.

Kenneth was born July 31, 1935 in Girard, the son of Clarence and Aleta (Davied) Westhoff. He attended Pleasant Valley Grade School southwest of Girard and graduated from Girard High School.

Kenneth married Joan Elizabeth Call on October 27, 1956 in St. Aloysius Catholic Church at Greenbush and Joan survives of the home.

Kenneth and Joan attended St. Aloysius Catholic Church at Greenbush before it was closed, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Walnut before it was closed, and St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Girard.

Kenneth was a lifelong farmer at rural Walnut and a member of Farm Bureau and the water district.

He enjoyed his family, raising animals, farming, milking, and hunting.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Joan, of the home, are his daughters, Roberta Conrad-Freese, and her husband, Marlyn, of West Des Moines, Iowa, Teresa Humble, and her husband, Lloyd, of Frontenac, Kansas, and Marilyn Romano, and her husband, Chris, of Holt, Missouri; his grandchildren, Beth Perez, Eddie Conrad, Nick Humble, Ashley Nelson, Jeremy Humble, Daniel Humble, Vince Romano, and Tyler Romano; his great-grandchildren, Ava Perez, Sophia Perez, Michael Perez, Josie Perez, William Perez, Theodore Conrad, Corey Humble, Caleb Humble, Camden Humble, Bobby Nelson, Maddox Nelson, Ali Cobler, Ian Cobler, Emyleigh Bedore, Hunter Humble, Colten Humble, and Everleigh Lee; a sister, Doris Franklin of Farlington.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Mary Alice Westhoff and Carolyn Westhoff.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Girard with Fr. Daniel Vacca as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Aloysius Cemetery at Greenbush.

The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at St. Michael Catholic Church where the family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to St. Aloysius Cemetery Fund, St. Michael Catholic Church, and the American Cancer Society and these may be left at the Rosary, Funeral Mass, or the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.

Condolences may be sent to www.wallfuneralservices.com