Carol Collett

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Carol Ann Collett, a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on April 24, 2026, at the age of 79.

Carol was born on October 11, 1946, in Abilene, Texas to Gerald and Alice Collett. She graduated from Wylie High School in 1965.

Carol and Dean Grinnell were married on October 16, 1965. He survives of the home. After they married, Carol and Dean moved to Hobbs, New Mexico where they lived for 29 years. There, two sons were born, Michael and Eric. In July of 1994, the family moved to Joplin, Missouri.

For most of her life, Carol was a devoted homemaker and took great pride in caring for her family. She had a passion for reading and antiques. Carol’s greatest joy was her granddaughters and her great-grandsons and cherished every moment spent with them.

Carol is survived by her husband Dean, of the home; her sons Michael Grinnell of Joplin, and Eric Grinnell and his wife Miranda of Carl Junction; granddaughters Hannah Grinnell of Claremore, Oklahoma, Micah Grinnell and Sophie Grinnell of Joplin; great-grandsons Finley and Oakley of Claremore, Oklahoma, and Zion of Joplin. Carol is also survived by her sisters Linda Pippin and Ramona Collins, and her brother Alex Collett, all of Abilene, Texas. In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her sister Nelda Collett.

No service is planned at this time. Carol will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her loyalty, devotion, and deep love for her family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO

Meryl Mysinger

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Meryl Dean (McNiel) Mysinger, born on December 27, 1929 in Green Forest, Arkansas, went to her Heavenly home on April 30, 2026.

She was one of four girls born to George Crawford (Cy) and Flossie Bell (Pendley) McNiel. Growing up in the hills and hollers of Arkansas contributed to Meryl's grit, independence and authenticity. Her dad's zest for life, no doubt contributed to her free-spirited nature.

On October 26, 1960 she married Richard Nathan Mysinger. To this union, Meryl brought two, equally free-spirited children, Stanley Newberry and Brenda Kay (Marah) Newberry. Together, they lived on a farm outside of Marionville, Missouri.

Meryl was a beautician for many years. After Meryl and Richard were married, she learned to milk cows and work the farm. When Richard decided to drive a dump truck, Meryl decided she could truck right along beside him. So, much to his surprise, she bought her own dump truck. They worked side by side for many years all around Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. Driving a dump truck, and being "better than all the boys". was one of her proudest accomplishments.

When they retired, they made their home in Aurora, Missouri. They spent many years working in a vegetable garden that got bigger each year. Even after Richards' passing in 2013, Meryl continued growing her garden and canning what she grew. She loved sharing her harvest with friends and family. She was well known for all the apple pies and zucchini brad she would make and freeze each fall. She was also known for her famous "homemade" cinnamon rolls that everyone loved.

Meryl was a faithful member of Aurora Baptist Temple for over 40 years. He faith was the cornerstone of her life. Her steadfast commitment to her church family reflected her deep love for God.

Besides her parents, Meryl was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; three sisters, Melda June Bollinger, Elanda Lee (Dick) Newberry and Willa Grace Lewallen; and one grandson, Bradley Eugene Newberry.

She is survived by her son, Stanley Newberry and wife, Donna of Marionville, MO.; daughter, Brenda Kay Marah and husband, Terry of Mountain Grove, MO.; 8 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives, neighbors and friends who will miss her dearly.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. in the Aurora Baptist Temple under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Osa Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until service time in the church.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Rita Crowell

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Rita M. Crowell, 91, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Rita was born July 5, 1934, in Carthage, Missouri to Gilbert and Hermina Frede. 

Rita Frede was united in marriage to Charles J. Crowell on June 13, 1959, in Kansas
City, Missouri. 

Rita and Charles moved away to Oxnard, California where they raised their nine children. In 1993 they returned home and remained residents of Diamond, Missouri.

Rita is survived by one sister, three sons, six daughters, 44 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. 

She will be remembered for her generous heart and kind words. 

“Have a good day and a blessed forever” - Rita M. Crowell 

Rosary and visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Thursday, May 7th, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home chapel in Carthage, Missouri. A mass service will be held at 11:00 am at St. Peters the Apostle Catholic Church in Joplin, Missouri. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri, beside her loving Husband. 

Online condolences can be made at Ulmerfh.com 

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

Barbara Ruark

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Barbara Anne Ruark, age 89, of Washburn, Missouri passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at Hampton Place Healthcare in Rogers, Arkansas.

She was born April 5, 1937 in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of Carroll Shepard and Bessie (Smith) Miles. On August 22, 1954 in Exeter, Missouri she was united in marriage to Kenneth Ruark, who preceded her in death on June 4, 2025. Also preceding her in death were her parents; infant son, David Wayne; daughter, Linda; grandson, Eric Ruark; brothers, Cecil Miles, Charles Miles, and Fred Miles; sister, Eleanor and daughter-in-law, Judy Loyd.

Surviving are her sons, Steven Ray Ruark of Claremore, Oklahoma and Jerry Lee Ruark and wife Tarrie of Washburn, Missouri; daughters, Mary Jane Siefken and her husband Robert of Ozark, Missouri and Ruth Coonce and her husband Pat of Garfield, Arkansas; brother, Michael Miles and wife Joyce of Washburn, Missouri; sister, Kathleen Carr and husband Sam of Rose, Oklahoma; thirteen grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

Barbara grew up in Washburn, where she attended school and proudly graduated from Washburn High School as valedictorian. She dedicated many years of her career to FASCO Industries, serving as a supervisor until her retirement. Barbara had previously worked as a teacher’s aide with the Southwest School System and was employed by Justin Boot. She furthered her education by studying computer programming in college.

Barbara enjoyed caring for her farm, gardening, and tending to her flowers and animals. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren, who brought her happiness. She was never more content than when holding a child in her arms. As a member of the Church of Christ, Barbara attended services in Washburn, Missouri, Exeter, Missouri, and Garfield, Arkansas. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Brother Gary Blackburn will conduct the services. Burial will be at Hickman Cemetery in Washburn, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday, May 8, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Barbara.

Helen Brooks

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Helen Ruth Brooks age 91, of Exeter, Missouri passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at Aspire Senior Living Roaring River in Cassville, Missouri.

She was born August 7, 1934 in Monroe, Louisianna, the daughter of Fred and Luella (Senette) Johnson, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were sons, Michael Benbo and Mitchell Triche; daughter, Monica Johnson; a brother and a sister.

Surviving are her son, Mark Brooks and wife Cheryl of Chino Hills, California and daughter, Mona Scott and husband Phillip of Exeter, Missouri.

Helen grew up and attended school in Los Angeles, California, where she graduated from Jordan High School. She was employed at a manufacturing company in Los Angeles for several years before relocating to Exeter. In her free time, Helen enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, and working with ceramics. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Bashan Hill Church in Exeter, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Brother Lloyd Dodd will conduct the services. Burial will be at Bashan Hill Cemetery in Exeter, Missouri.

Jim Blaylock

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

James D. “Jim” Blaylock, 89, of Monett, MO, went to his Heavenly Home on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, MO.

Survivors include his friends, Frankie and Jayne Haralson and Cheryl Spain.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters.

Jim’s wishes were to be cremated with military honors at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2026 in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Monett. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.

LeRoy Campbell

(From Asa Smith Funeral Home)

Former Harrah volunteer fireman LeRoy Raymond Campbell, 94, passed from this life in the Claremore Veterans Center on May 3, 2026. He was born July 20, 1931, in Breckenridge, OK to Lloyd and Diana Leisberg Campbell. LeRoy graduated from Yukon High School.

LeRoy and Patsy Ann Lemaster were married on March 27, 1952, in Yukon. She passed away in 2019. He enjoyed playing dominoes and Solitaire and his favorite TV show was Family Feud.

He served in the US Navy for four years and then was a member of the Oklahoma Air National Guard for 37 years. LeRoy was a volunteer firefighter in Harrah for 25 years and drove a bus for the Harrah School System for 27 years. He enjoyed playing dominoes every day during his lunch hour.

Survivors include two sons, Greg and Staci Campbell of Perkins and Jeffrey and Donna Campbell of Collinsville, OK; a sister, Lida McCullough of Carthage, Mo., five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Mr. Campbell will be Wednesday and Thursday, May 6-7 at Asa Smith Funeral Service, with funeral services at 1 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2026, at Harrah First Baptist Church followed by burial in Memory Lane Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Asa Smith Funeral Service of Harrah. Online condolences may be made at asasmith.net.