Connie Thompson

(From Knell Mortuary)

Connie Gaye Thompson, 72, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away early Friday morning, August 7, 2026 at her home with family by her side. She was born on September 25, 1954, in Carthage, Missouri, the daughter of the late Leland Jackson and Genevieve (Eagan) Jackson. Connie lived a life marked by love, kindness, and devotion to the people who meant the most to her.

Connie was a lifelong resident of the Carthage area and a proud 1972 graduate of Carthage High School. She carried the values of her hometown with her throughout her life, and those who knew her remember her as a loving, friendly, and kind woman who made others feel welcome and cared for. She married the love of her life, Robert Thompson, on November 22, 1973, in Carthage.

She worked for many years as an insurance billing coordinator for the offices of Dr. Richardson and Unruh, Dr. Smart, and Dr. Manzer in Carthage. Through her work, she was known for her dependability, professionalism, and steady nature. She took pride in doing her job well and in being someone others could count on. Her years of service reflected her strong work ethic and her commitment to helping others in a quiet and meaningful way. 

Family was the center of Connie’s life, and she treasured every moment spent with those she loved. She especially enjoyed time with her family, going camping, and caring for her flower beds. These simple joys brought her happiness and reflected the peaceful, nurturing way she lived her life. She found fulfillment in being surrounded by loved ones and in creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Robert “Bob” Thompson; her daughter, Kellie Balcom (Richard), Carthage; her granddaughter, Marlie Hanner (Cameron), Carthage; her great-grandchild, Mavis Azelea Hanner, Carthage; her siblings, Charlotte Bricker, Carthage, Lura Gordon (Jerry), Jasper, Mike Jackson, Alba, Marcia Pliler, Carthage, Debbie Oplotnik (Bryan), Joplin, Doug Jackson (Teresa), Carthage, Karen Chambell (Terry), Carthage, and Kevin Jackson (Becky), Alba; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many extended family members and friends. Connie was also preceded in death by her brother, Lindell Jackson.

Memorial graveside services will be held at 11 am, Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Park Cemetery, Carthage. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30 – 10:30 am at Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Joanne Willis

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Joanne Grace Willis, 83, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
Joanne was born on September 2, 1942, in Takoma Park, Maryland, to Albert Basferd and Helena Dispenza. She spent her childhood in Washington, D.C., before moving to Missouri in 1966, where she built a life centered on faith, family, and friendship. 

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Joanne found her greatest joy in the people she loved. After spending many years as a dedicated stay-at-home mother, she worked at Ozarkland Gift Shop and Precious Moments, forming lasting friendships and touching the lives of countless customers and coworkers with her kind spirit and warm smile. 

Joanne had a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures. She loved spending time with family and friends, relaxing at the beach, reading a good book, and traveling with her beloved husband, Wayne. Together they created treasured memories while traveling in their motor home to favorite destinations in Florida and Texas. 

Joanne was a woman of faith and attended Christ's Community Church. Her strength, grace, and unwavering love for her family served as an example to those around her throughout her life. 

On March 1, 1986, Joanne married R. Wayne Willis, in Carthage, Missouri. They shared a loving marriage until Wayne's passing on December 5, 2016. 

Joanne is survived by her daughter, Lorie Downing and husband Brett; Wayne's children, Larry Willis and wife Annette, Lisa Thompson and husband Teryel, Jerry Willis and wife Michelle, and Doug Willis and wife Karen; twelve grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; her parents, Albert and Helena; her son, Gregg Vinson, who passed away on July 21, 2026; and her brother, William Basferd, who passed away on March 18, 2008. 

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Joplin Gardens. Please know you made a difference to Joanne and her family. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. 

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

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

"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and forever dear."

Lois Ainsworth

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Lois Kathryn (Bell) Ainsworth, age 84, passed away on February 28, 2026, at her home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Lois was born on September 12, 1941, in Liberal, Missouri, to Karl W. Bell and Ethel L. (Ricketts) Bell.

Lois was known by many names throughout her life—daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, Grammy, Two Mama, and friend. She worked as a seamstress at Big Smith before spending many years in retail. The final nine years of her career were with Walmart in Nevada, Missouri, where she remained until her retirement.

Lois was a force to be reckoned with, and you always knew where you stood with her, whether it was good or bad. She loved with all her heart, and her family was the center of her world. She often stayed up into the wee hours of the morning sewing clothes for her girls, a labor of love they will always remember. She also enjoyed fishing, and her blackberry cobbler was legendary among family and friends.

Survivors include her daughters, Patsy Onatah and husband Jeff of Biddeford, Maine, Ritha Tubbs of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Lori Long of Midwest City, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Karlyn Davis and husband Eric, Annastassia Long, Quentin Moore, Peter Steinmetz and wife Bree, and Michelle Steinmetz; nine great-grandchildren, including six girls and three boys; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Karl and Ethel Bell; her brothers, Carl Whayne Bell, Earl Blaine Bell, Paul Ray Bell, James Keith Bell, Frank Lee Bell, and Robert Eugene Bell; her husband, Robert Ainsworth; and her son-in-law, Ivan W. Tubbs.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Daniel Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Foundation, in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

Judy Wheeler

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Judith Ann “Judy” (Huchteman) Wheeler, beloved wife of Jack and mother to 3 children, Teresa, John, and Debbie, of Ash Grove, MO, passed away August 5, 2026. Judy was 77 years old.

Judy was born in Dadeville, MO on August 5, 1949 to W.J. “Bill” and Ella Maude Huchteman, and sister to Wilma, Joyce, Don, and Jacque.

Judy married Jack in 1965. They recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. Judy was a dedicated wife and mother. She also enjoyed being grandmother to Cortney, grandmother-in-law to Cortney’s husband Bryce, great-grandmother to Brailee, and mother-in-law to Hiro. Several dogs were lucky enough to be cared for and loved by Judy as well, most notably Ruby, Essie, and Keena.

In addition to being arguably the greatest wife, mom, and grandmother on the planet, Judy was kind. She was patient. She was wise. She had a great sense of humor. She was the glue that held her family together. To say that she will be missed is truly an understatement.

We love you, Mom/Nanny! You leave a void that we will never be able to fill. May we always aspire to be the people you encouraged, guided, and loved us to be.

Private family memorial services will be held at a later date. Cremation services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

Dannie Byrd

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Dannie G. Byrd, age 78, of Purdy, MO, passed peacefully from this life on Sunday morning, August 9, 2026, at his home.

Dannie was born on October 17, 1947, in Wheaton, MO, the son of the late Loy and Rosalee (Pennel) Byrd. Dannie was a proud graduate of Exeter High School's Class of 1965 and honorably served his country in the United States Navy, a role he cherished throughout his life. A devoted member of Gunter Methodist Church, he faithfully worshipped alongside his beloved wife, Janice. Dannie had a strong work ethic and spent many years building homes in Ketchikan, Alaska. 

Upon his return to the area, he worked at Wells Aluminum for many years and fulfilled his entrepreneurial dream by owning and operating the Qwik Stop convenience store in Monett. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing but above all, Dannie's greatest joy came from his family. He loved watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports and treasured attending their games, activities, and accomplishments. His dedication to faith, family, and community will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

On August 6, 1988, at Big M, Dannie married Janice Terry, they enjoyed thirty-eight years of making memories together.

Dannie is survived by his wife Janice of the home; three daughters, Misty Lane and husband Sam of Monett, Renee Veith and husband Ronnie of Purdy and Rhonda Schilly of Purdy; eight grandchildren, Ryan Veith and wife Jessica, Riley Veith and wife Kara, Reese Veith, Kobe Gates and wife Karsyn, Megan Terry and husband Cameron, Morgan Daniel and husband K.K., Corey Lane, Ryan Lane and wife Alicia; fourteen great-grandchildren, Haisley, Hadley, Hensley, Jameson, Neva, Renley, Barrett, Lowen, CJ, Charlie Sue, Asher, Ace, Adilyn and Arya; one sister, Teresa Malone of Mt. Vernon, MO.

Dannie was preceded in death by infant daughter, Vicki Byrd; two sisters, Sheryl Byrd and Janis Byrd; grandparents, Leon and Marjorie Pennel.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Gunter Methodist Church, Butterfield, MO. Pastor Mike Tharp and Pastor Jerry Nickle will officiate. Memorial contributions have been requested to Gunter Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.

Frances Davis

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Frances L. Hunt Davis, 92, of Galena, Kansas, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 6, 2026, at Quaker Hill Skilled Nursing Center in Lowell, Kansas.

Frances was born on March 4, 1934, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Earl F. and Cleota (Colin) Moran. She devoted many years to caring for her family. When her youngest child began school, Frances went to work at Safeway Bakery, where she formed lifelong friendships. After several years, she chose to follow her passion for helping and caring for others. She earned her GED and, at the age of 49, graduated from Franklin Technical School with her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree. She later worked at Spring River Christian Village until her retirement in 1992.

On February 6, 1954, Frances married the love of her life, Alvin Lee Hunt, and together they raised three children: Robert Hunt, Jim Hunt, and Rebecca Williams. Alvin preceded her in death on December 6, 1995. She later found companionship with Charles “Chuck” Davis, whom she married on October 16, 2004; he preceded her in death on February 6, 2006.

In addition to her husbands, Frances was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Earl Moran; and her sister, Bonnie Covey.

She is survived by her brother, Earl F. Moran and his wife, Angie; her sisters, Earline Putnam and her husband, Wes, and Pat Jordan; her children, Robert Hunt, Jim Hunt, and Rebecca Williams (Mel); her grandchildren, Jamie Hunt, Jennifer Hunt, Matthew Johnston and his wife, Lindsay, Erica Nielsen and her husband, Joe, and Alexander Williams and his wife, Rileigh; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026 at St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church in Joplin, MO. A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Mason Woodard Mortuary and Crematory.

Frances will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Joplin Humane Society or Disabled Veterans.

 

Cecil Clark

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Cecil Clark went to Heaven on August 5, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Cecil was born on October 31, 1961, to Charles and Vida Clark of Webb City, Missouri. He attended grade school in Webb City, later attended school in Asbury, and graduated from Carl Junction High School in 1981. Cecil worked at LaBarge, Inc. for 25 years.

Cecil was a devoted member of Born Again Full Gospel Church in Webb City, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent. He also faithfully preached on Wednesday nights and some Sunday nights. Cecil loved his church family dearly and had a special friendship with Pastor Miner.

Above all, Cecil loved his family very much. He was especially thankful for his nephew Jimmy and his wife, Angie, for all the help and care they provided to him over the years. Cecil held a very special place in his heart for his great-nieces, Adrianna and Chloe Roberts. He loved all the drawings they gave him and treasured the love they shared. Cecil was deeply appreciative of all the help and kindness his entire family gave him throughout his life.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Vida Clark; two sisters, Dixie Carter and Carol Jo Roberts, and their husbands; nieces and a nephew; two aunts; and three uncles. He was also preceded in death by his precious son, Louis, who passed away in 2017. Cecil missed his son very much and carried him in his heart.

Those left to cherish Cecil’s memory include his two brothers, Richard Clark of Washington and Charles Clark and Kathy of Oronogo, Missouri; his sister, Delores Reeves and Floyd of Asbury, Missouri; along with a large host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, friends, and his beloved church family.

Cecil will be remembered for his love of family, his faith, his service to his church, and the kindness he showed to those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held at 2:00pm, Monday August 10th, 2026 with a visitation held from 2:00-3:00pm, Sunday August 9th, 2026 at Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory.