Shirley Dingman

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Shirley Ann Dingman, 71, of Liberal, Missouri, passed away, peacefully surrounded by her family, at her home on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Shirley was born in Texas City, Texas, to Lee and Neva Ann Pennington Meadows. She spent her first nine years in Texas before her family moved to the Joplin and Jasper, Missouri, area. Shirley lived in Jasper until moving to Liberal in 1972, just in time to meet her life-partner, Wayne, before graduating from Liberal High School in 1973.

Following high school, Shirley worked as a bookkeeper for Ihms Motor Company in Lamar and later for Seed and Farm Supply in Liberal. After starting her family, she stayed home with her young children until they began school. She then found a way to be close to them by working at the elementary school as a cook and school bus driver, a position she held for approximately 15 years.

Being a school bus driver gave Shirley the opportunity to be present for countless school trips, events, games, and practices involving her children. Although she never had much interest in sports herself, she never missed her children's games. Being there for her family was simply who Shirley was.

Shirley had a wonderful laugh and a smile that could light up a room. Her children loved making her laugh, and they treasured the times they could get her laughing over the same scenes in Home Alone or episodes of Reba, no matter how many times she had seen them.

She was known for her quick wit, funny personality, and sometimes wonderfully blunt sense of humor. Shirley was also incredibly generous and always willing to help someone in need. Her family remembers times when she quietly took care of others without ever wanting recognition or even allowing those she helped to know what she had done.

Shirley's love for animals was nearly as big as her heart. She collected dogs and cats and welcomed animals in need into her home and onto the farm. Some friends lovingly referred to her home as “Shirley Dingman’s Home for Wayward Dogs and Cats.” It was not unusual for her to have as many as 10 dogs on the farm. Every animal—and every person—who came through her door was sure to be well fed.

Her grandchildren especially remember Grandma Shirley's seemingly endless supply of candy and snacks. Once when asked what sandwich they had for lunch at her house, their answer was “Ice cream.” Those memories, along with her laughter, humor, and unconditional love, will remain treasured by her family.

Shirley was a longtime member of Hannon Free Will Baptist Church, where she worshiped for 35 years. She was currently a member of First Baptist Church in Lamar for the past 19 years, where she enjoyed serving in the nursery. She also spent several years delivering Meals on Wheels, continuing her lifelong tradition of caring for others in her community.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Wayne Dingman of Liberal, Missouri; her son, Shannon Dingman and wife Dani of Fayetteville, Arkansas; her daughters, Cherie Witt and husband Luke of Joplin, Missouri, and Kayla Miller and Matt of Olathe, Kansas; her mother, Neva Meadows of Liberal, Missouri; her brother, Gary Meadows of Liberal, Missouri; and her grandchildren, Cadence, Byron, Sarah, Brady, Sutton, and Baylor.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lee Meadows; her brother, Kevin Lynn Meadows; her mother-in-law, Lois Dingman; and her father-in-law, Gordon Dingman.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Kendra, Brooke and Craig Buzzard, Heidi Lanz, Karen Wettstein, their First Baptist Church family, Bob Smith, Tyler Case, the Hospice Compassus team, and the many other friends and members of the community who helped, prayed, brought food, and offered their love and support during this difficult time.

The family deeply appreciates all that has been done for them and will forever be grateful for the kindness shown to Shirley and her family.

Shirley will be remembered for her generous heart, infectious laugh, quick sense of humor, love of animals, and—most of all—the deep love she had for her family and her Lord Jesus Christ. She gave so much of herself to the people and animals around her, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved her.

If you would like to make a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers, the family suggests Nashville Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

The family will receive visitors at Konantz Warden Funeral Home on Tuesday September 29, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM and a funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church on Wednesday September 30, 2026, at 10:00 am.

There is a book located on the north side of the north driveway available to you if you would like to stop by after hours.

The church plans to go live with the service on Wednesday on both Facebook and YouTube.

https://www.facebook.com/firstbaptistchurchoflamar

http://www.youtube.com/@firstbaptistchurchoflamar5037

Kirby Wald

(From Knell Mortuary)

Kirby Allen Wald, 51, of Joplin, Missouri, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at his home.

Born on January 25, 1975, in Joplin, Missouri, Kirby lived life fully, loved fiercely, and never met a stranger. To know him was to laugh. He had a larger-than-life personality and a rare gift for turning even the most ordinary day into one worth remembering. Whether he was telling one of his legendary stories, cracking jokes, singing karaoke, pulling a prank, or simply being his goofy self, Kirby had a way of bringing joy wherever he went. He could make an entire room laugh in moments and somehow make everyone feel like they belonged.

Those closest to him often called him 'the man, the myth, the legend,' not because of what he owned or what he accomplished, but because of the impact he had on the people around him. Kirby made life better. He made hard days easier, good days better, and every gathering more memorable simply by being present.

At the center of Kirby's life was his unwavering faith in God. His relationship with the Lord was not something he reserved for Sundays. It guided every decision he made and every person he encountered. He believed wholeheartedly that the church was not a building but the people themselves, and he lived that belief every day through love, compassion, generosity, and service to others. His faith was evident not only in his words but in the way he treated everyone he met.

Many knew Kirby as the owner and operator of Wald Heat and Air. What began as a dream grew into a successful business through hard work, perseverance, determination, and an unshakable trust in God. He built his company from the ground up, earning the respect of customers and the community through honesty, integrity, and a commitment to helping others. To Kirby, business was never just about making a living. It was about serving people and doing right by them.

More than anything, Kirby was a caretaker of people. If you were family, a friend, a customer, or even someone he barely knew, he showed up when it mattered. He had a servant's heart and an incredible ability to put the needs of others before his own. If someone needed help, Kirby was already figuring out how to make it happen. If there seemed to be no solution, he somehow found one.

He was the kind of man who would literally give you the shirt off his back if it meant helping someone he loved. He never kept score, never sought recognition, and never expected anything in return. Taking care of people wasn't something Kirby did; it was who he was. Family and friends knew they could call him at any hour, and he would be there. Whether it was fixing something broken, offering advice, lending a hand, or simply sitting with someone through a difficult time, Kirby made people feel supported, valued, and loved.

While motorcycles brought him joy and adventure, they were never the defining part of his story. The true love of Kirby's life was his daughter, Rylee. Rylee was his pride and joy, his greatest accomplishment, and the center of his world. Nothing mattered more to him than being her father. The love he had for her was evident in everything he did. Her successes were his celebrations, her struggles were his burdens to carry, and her happiness was his greatest reward. His face would light up whenever her name was mentioned, and anyone who knew him knew that his love for Rylee was limitless.

Kirby also cherished every moment spent with family and friends. He loved gathering with the people he loved most, sharing stories, creating memories, making people laugh until their stomachs hurt, and reminding everyone around him not to take life too seriously. His presence was a gift, and his laughter was unforgettable.

He is survived by his children, Anthony Childs, Madison Anderson, Rylee Wald, Deon Shields, Cory Prevost, Avien Shields, and Hannah Ruark; his grandchildren, Remington Childs, Blake Childs, Jaylah Prevost, Aurora Cooper, and his soon to be granddaughters Avani Shields and Alayah Shields; his mother, Rebecca Cook; his stepfather, Joseph Wilson; his sisters, Kimberly Bradley (Jeffrey), and Elizabeth Cook; his brothers, Jonathan Wilson (Armando) and Spencer Askins; along with countless extended family members and friends whose lives are better because they knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, David Lee Wald, and his brother, David Allen Wald and granddaughter Khelani Rein Shields. Although our hearts are broken by his passing, we find peace knowing that the faith Kirby carried throughout his life has now become sight.

He wasn't just the man, the myth, the legend. He was the one who showed up. The one who helped when nobody else could. The one who made the impossible possible. The one who loved God with all his heart, loved people without condition, and loved his daughter beyond measure. And that is how he will be remembered.

Forever Loved. Forever Missed. Forever Remembered.

A visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Knell Mortuary in Carthage. A private family graveside service will follow. A celebration of life will be held after the services and will be announced by the Knell Mortuary. Online condolences, contributions, or flowers may be expressed through Knell funeral home at (417) 358-2105 or online at www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Nannette Fizette

(From Knell Mortuary)

Nannette Hagan Fizette, R.N., 84 of La Russell, MO passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026 in Haughton, LA after a long fulfilling life. Nannette was born May 30, 1942, in Lebanon, TN, a daughter of the late Ben T. and Anna E. Hagan. She was a 1960 graduate of Lebanon, TN High School and a 1964 graduate of Vanderbilt University with a B.S. Degree in Nursing. While in college, she met and married Norman B. Fizette on July 7, 1964 in Nashville, TN.

Nannette's and Norman's marriage of nearly 50 years followed them from Tennessee, to Virginia, and finally Missouri before his passing in 2014, just 6 months shy of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Nannette devoted many years to nursing but became a full-time devoted homemaker and loving mother once her children were born. She was a very passionate gardener and loved to show visitors all of her flowers. Nannette always enjoyed visiting with family, friends, and neighbors. She was also known for having a home for old dogs and stray cats.

Nannette is survived by her two sons; Benjamin H. Fizette, and his wife, Stephanie, of Golden City, MO and Hobson H. Fizette, and his wife, Marsha, of Trenton, IL; and a daughter, Memrie A.B. Clarke, and her husband, Jeffrey, of Haughton, LA; one brother-in-law, William B. Fizette of Henryville, PA; two nephews; Robert Y. Fizette and his wife Doreen of Bethlehem, PA and John Y. Fizette, of Henryville, PA; 7 grandchildren; Gabriel H. Fizette of Linn, MO, Hannah Y. Fizette of Springfield, MO, Anna B. Fizette of Golden City, MO, Landen H. Fizette and Lila M. Fizette of Trenton, IL, and Vincent D.H. Clarke and Nickolas C. Clarke of Haughton, LA. Nannette is also survived by Ronda Burton, her beloved compassionate friend and caretaker. The family is deeply grateful for the care and kindness Ronda provided to Nannette and her family.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her brother and sister-in-law, Ben T. Hagan, Jr and Mary S. Hagan, and sister-in-law Marjorie Y. Fizette.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Thursday, October 1st, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage, MO. Graveside services will be held Friday, October 2nd, at 10:00 AM, at Park Cemetery, Carthage, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Alzheimer's Association, or your local humane society. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Sally Smith

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Sally Darlene (Wine) Smith, 89, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away surrounded by her family Friday, September 25, 2026. Sally was born on December 15, 1936, in Carthage, Missouri, to C.H. and Iva (Hague) Wine. She was a long-time Carthage resident. Sally was a homemaker, amazing cook, beloved Mom, Grandma, and baby whisperer! 

Sally was united in marriage to Richard Paul Smith on August 26, 1955, and began a family: Sally’s joy and greatest accomplishment. 

Sally is survived by her two daughters, Sharon Logan (Sam) of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, and Karen Keeler (Kenny) of Wichita, Kansas; a daughter-in-law, Cyndi Smith of Carthage, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Jeremy, Adam, Landon, Jessica, Tammy, Jeremy, Ben, Chris, Whitney, and Wesley; thirty-two great grandchildren; seven great great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

Sally is preceded in death by her husband, Richard; two sons, Paul and Danny Smith; her parents, C.H. and Iva; sibling; Doris Henson, Bill, Bud, and Max Wine. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, also in Carthage. 

Contributions may be made to Solace House of the Ozarks (Joplin, Missouri), in care of Ulmer Funeral Home, who with Trinity Hospice, made her final days comfortable and peaceful. Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. 

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

Annette Sheriff

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Annette Lynn Sheriff, age 49, of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, passed away at her home on September 18, 2026.

Annette was born on July 21, 1977, in Nevada, Missouri. She graduated from Nevada High School with the Class of 1995. On May 2, 2009, Annette married Jason Lee Sheriff in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, and together they shared 17 years of marriage.

Annette had a passion for flowers and spent much of her life doing what she loved. She began her career in the floral business while still in high school, working at May’s Floral in Nevada. She later worked at Thorco from 1996 until 2015 before returning to May’s Floral, where she continued her work as a floral designer. Annette found great joy in creating beautiful floral arrangements and, most importantly, in bringing happiness to others through her work.

Outside of work, Annette enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, and loved arts and crafts of all kinds. She had a creative spirit and a generous heart. She especially cherished time spent with family and friends, and nothing brought her more happiness than gathering around a bonfire, making memories with the people she loved.

Annette is survived by her husband, Jason Sheriff; her parents, William and Diane Armstrong; two brothers, Johnathan Taffner and wife, Michelle, of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and Virgil Taffner and wife, Catie, of El Dorado Springs, Missouri; and one sister, Danielle Clements and husband Adam, of El Dorado Springs, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents and her first husband Brent Hunt.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 4. 2026 at Hamby Cemetery in Stockton, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, an organization that held a special place in Annette’s heart, as she and Jason adopted their beloved fur babies through the organization. Contributions may be made in Annette’s memory.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

Rhonda Yates

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Rhonda Sue Bergman-Yates, age 66, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on September 24, 2026.

Rhonda was born on December 15, 1959, in Joplin, Missouri, to Gilbert Ronald "Ron' Bergman and Dixie Sue (Sharp) Bergman. She graduated from Liberal High School with the Class of 1978. On August 11, 2006, Rhonda married James Luther Yates in Miami, Oklahoma.

Rhonda spent many years working as a cook at Cox Barton County Hospital, where she found joy in serving others through her work. But her greatest role in life was being a mother to her two sons. Rhonda made it her mission to make sure her boys were always taken care of. Whatever it took, she found a way.

Right or wrong, conventional or unconventional, easy or difficult, Rhonda did what she believed needed to be done for the people she loved. Her sons never had to wonder whether Mom was in their corner—she was there, ready to fight for them at all costs. And when we say Rhonda was protective, we mean it. She wasn't afraid to stand up, speak her mind, or, on occasion, take matters into her own hands. There is even a true story involving Rhonda, an ex-husband, and her car that proves she wasn't always a woman of empty threats. That was Rhonda.

She loved hard, fought hard, and protected the people she loved even harder. Rhonda was never concerned with being perfect. What mattered to her was making sure her family was okay. Sometimes that meant doing things the right way, and sometimes it meant doing things Rhonda's way. Either way, if Rhonda loved you, you had someone willing to go to battle for you.

Behind that toughness was a mother whose actions came from an enormous love for her family. Her two sons were always a priority, and she did everything within her power—and occasionally perhaps a little beyond it—to make sure they had what they needed. Her love was fierce, unwavering, and unmistakable, and those who knew her best will remember her for the strength with which she loved and protected her family.

Survivors include her two sons, Josh (Wendy) Myers of Webb City, Missouri, and Ryan (Sarah) Myers of Ozark, Missouri; one brother, Randy Bergman of Iantha, Missouri; and six grandchildren, Eirelyn, Killian, Finnigan, Myla, Darby, and Maewyn.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents, Ron and Dixie.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Kneeland Center in Liberal, Missouri. This will be a come-and-go celebration, and family and friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested and may be made payable to the Lamar Animal Shelter in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

Bob Alexander

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Robert Mark (Bob) Alexander, 71, of Pierce City Missouri, passed from this life into Heaven on September 26, 2026, after a battle with a long illness.

He was born on May 26, 1955, in Evansville, Indiana to Richard and Marilyn Sue (Susie) Alexander and grew up in Evansville. His family moved to Springfield, Missouri in 1970 and he graduated from Kickapoo High School in 1973.

In September 1973, he met his future wife, Kathy, and they married on July 6, 1974. He became the father of 3 children in 1976, 1979 and 1981.

Bob worked in the excavating and heavy equipment field for several years, then became an employee of St Vincent’s hospital, Monett, working his way up to the Respiratory Therapy Department. He soon completed his certification through California College and was employed by Oak Hill Hospital in Joplin. During this time, he served as an advisor to Franklin Technical School Respiratory Therapy Program. He served as department head for several hospitals over the years. Later in life, he transitioned to landscaping and outdoor work, but his main love was playing guitar in local bands. He performed with Josh Jennings Band from 2012 to 2017, traveling to various regional venues, playing original folk, bluegrass and Americana music. He was of the Catholic faith during his young years, later became a non-denominational Christian.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kathy Alexander, his brothers, Rick Alexander and wife Theresa, David Alexander, and Steven Alexander; his children, Adam Alexander and wife Krista, Amy Gobbini and husband Luca, (grandchildren Phoenix, Aurora and Leonardo), Anthony Alexander and wife Kiley (grandson Harrison).

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Alexander and mother, Marilyn Sue Alexander, also infant grandson, Orion Booth.

Bob was an amazing father, husband, son, brother and friend to so many that will miss him greatly.

Also, the family would like to say a special thanks to Hospice Compassus for their tender, compassionate care, nurses Julie, Anna, Leslie, Dana, Sherry and Aide Shanta. Special thanks to Amazing Grace Home Care, especially Sarena, who was an angel to us in our time of need, and our dear friends and neighbors, Jim Aga and Kathy Nutt for their care and support through the whole journey.

A gathering of friends and family with fellowship and food to follow, after the graveside at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 108 N. Walnut Street, Pierce City, MO.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Pierce City Cemetery, Pierce City, MO. Chaplain Richard Yasinski will officiate. Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial contributions be made to the Ronald McDonald House as this charity had directly helped the family. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.