Bonnie Mullins

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Bonnie Mullins, 49, of Joplin, MO, died Friday, April 3, 2026 in her home in Joplin.

Bonnie Gaynell Mullins, was born Bonnie Gaynell Martin, on October 17, 1976 in Webb City, Missouri to Theresa Johan (Casey) Clifton and Leroy Martin. Bonnie was adopted by her grandmother and step grandfather, Gayle Ellen (Patrick) Stover and Donald Royce Stover. After she was adopted her name was Bonnie Gaynell Stover.

Bonnie was going to college for Photography at SNHU. Her hobbies were diamond art paintings, painting, and spending time with her kids and grandkids. She loved animals, she had 3 dogs.

Bonnie is survived by 3 children: Amber Dawn (Stover) Taylor, Whisper Hope (Wilson) Doerr, and River Joseph Whitt, along with 2 grandchildren Alexander Mullins (Amber) and Joy Doerr (Whisper), 2 brothers, and 2 sisters – Scott Anderson of England, UK, Michael Martin of Oklahoma, Amber Martin of Oklahoma and Barbra Casey of Minnesota. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her biological and adopted parents and 1 brother (Harold Leroy Casey).
Burial of Bonnie’s ashes will be held at Osbourne Cemetery on April 17, 2026 in Joplin, Missouri. After the burial there will be a celebration of life at her church, Connect Christian Church, in Carl Junction. Cremation is being handled by Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematory of Joplin, MO

Gerald Thornton

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Gerald Wayne Thornton, age 72 of Fairview, Missouri passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. He was born October 20, 1953 in Granite City, Illinois. The son of Jack and Lourenia (Anderson) Thornton.

Survivors include his son, Gerald Thornton Jr of Stotts City, MO; five daughters, Emily Berry of Fairview, MO, Elizabeth Cotham of Round Rock, TX, Shelly Smoulders of Mt. Vernon, MO, Sherry Thornton of Mt. Vernon, MO, and Jennifer Thornton of Aurora, MO; three brothers, Jim Thornton of Aurora, MO, Charles Thornton of California, and Chester Nicholls of Aurora, MO; two sisters, Sue Thornton of Granite City, IL and Pamela Nicholls of Monett, MO; along with several grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Gerald is preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Casey Thornton.

Funeral Services will bee held Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM in Peterson Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Maple Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 9th from 1:00 PM until Service time in the Chapel.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

 

Donita Bolton

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Donita Rae Bolton, 74 of Pea Ridge, Arkansas passed away Monday, April 6, 2016 at her home. She was born October 19, 1951 in Monett, MO to Ray and Ethel (Pilkenton) Jordan.

She was a 1969 graduate of Monett High School and 1973 graduate of University of Arkansas.

Donita is survived by her husband of 52 years, Richard; sister Donna Hillhouse (and her husband, Chuck) of Aurora; son Greg Bolton of Pea Ridge, AR; son Brian Bolton (and his wife, Kristy) of Dallas, TX; and 2 grand children (Kate and Wyatt). She was preceded in death by her Parents.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM in Peterson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Tony Martin Officiating. Burial will follow at Spring River Cemetery in Verona, Missouri. Visitation will be held Friday, April 10th from 1:00 PM until Service time in the Chapel.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Gene Setters

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Gene Leroy Setters, age 75 of Aurora, Missouri passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Mercy Hospital in Aurora. He was born March 20, 1951 in Hollister, Missouri. The son of George and Mary (Stamps) Setters.

Survivors include two sons, Justin Setters of Monett, MO. and Gene Setters Jr of Aurora, MO.; three daughters, Trish Setters of Marionville, MO, Cheyenne Setters of Aurora, and Shandra Setters of California; one brother, Jerry Setters of Pea Ridge, AR; four sisters, Brenda Caruthers of Centerton, AR., Shirley Setters of Centerton, AR., Nina Setters of Springfield, MO., and Bonnie Setters of Buckeye, AZ.; along with four grandchildren.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Olen Setters and Richard Setters; and two sisters, Mary Blackfox and Rose Setters.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM in Peterson Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Maple Park Cemetery with full Military Honors. Visitation will be held Saturday, April 11th from 1:00 PM until Service time in the Chapel.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Julie Theil

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Julie F. (Hensley) Theil, 66, of Jasper, Missouri, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026, in Joplin. Julie was born on January 5, 1960, in Carthage, Missouri, to Earl and Evelyn (Holmes) Hensley, Jr. 

In high school, she was a member of the National Honor Society. Julie got the opportunity to travel to Europe. She was an avid quilter. Julie loved to ride the Harley with her husband, Steve. She also enjoyed camping with friends. 

Julie was united in marriage to Steve Theil on May 8, 1980, in Carthage; he survives. 

Julie is survived by her husband, Steve; son, Matt Theil of Jasper, Missouri; daughter, Allison Thomas and husband, Wes, of Diamond, Missouri; two grandchildren, Callie Thomas and Collin Thomas; her mother, Evelyn Hensley; brother, Stephen Hensley and wife, Debbie, of Carthage, Missouri; two sisters, Terri Johnson and husband, Carol, of Industry, Texas, and Kelly Hensley of Carthage, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews. 

Julie is preceded in death by her father, Earl Hensley, Jr., and brother, Kevin Hensley. 

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. 

Burial will be at Dudman Springs Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri. 

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

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

Linda Staggs

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Linda Laree Staggs, 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 3, 2026.

Linda was born on November 23, 1953, in Unionville, Missouri, to Elvin and Neva Staggs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elvin and Neva Staggs, and her son, Randall Dunn.

She is survived by her children: Rodney Dunn; daughter and son-in-law, Mandy and Steve Haley; and daughter-in-law, Cindy Dunn. She is also survived by her siblings: Jerry Staggs, Lanny Staggs, Larry Staggs, and Rosalee Buehner.

Linda was a proud grandmother to Bethany Mitchell and her husband, Cole Mitchell; Megan Rumsey and her husband, Lucas Rumsey; Margaret Dunn, Jack Haley, Ryan Haley, Audrey McQueen and Randall McQueen. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren Nolan and Ellie Rucker, Tripp Rumsey, and Forrest Mitchell. Along with many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

She graduated from Webb City High School and spent several years working at Tri-State in Duenweg, Mo. She later served as a church secretary at First Christian Church. Linda was baptized alongside her sister in their early twenties, a moment that remained meaningful throughout her life.

Linda loved gardening and cooking. She found joy in caring for others. She worked as an Avon representative and was known for her kindness and willingness to help anyone in need.

Linda will be remembered for her love of family, her giving heart, and the quiet strength she carried through life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In remembrance of Linda, a visitation will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. This will be followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in the care of the funeral home.

Services are under the personal care direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit the tribute page at www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Linda.

Michele Vandever

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michele Vandever on the 1st of April, 2026. Born on January 30, 1946 in Joplin, MO, USA, Michele lived a life full of grace, strength, and resilience. She was a woman of remarkable character, whose presence was always a comfort to those around her. As Maya Angelou once said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Michele had the rare gift of making everyone feel special and valued, a testament to her genuine kindness and warmth.

Michele dedicated her life to the accuracy and precision of bookkeeping, a profession she loved and revered. She spent over 50 years in Joplin, Missouri, meticulously balancing the books and ensuring financial stability for numerous businesses. Her work was not just a job, but a passion. As Albert Einstein rightfully said, "It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." Michele found joy in her work and shared this passion with everyone she encountered, inspiring others with her dedication and integrity.

Preceded in death by her father, Harry Shade, and her mother, Helen Shade (nee Reed), brother Mike Shade, and son Jeff Mueller, Michele leaves behind her loving son, Robert Howard and longtime friend and partner Pete Hathaway. We celebrate her life, cherishing the memories of her indomitable spirit, and unwavering love for her family. As we mourn her passing, we also honor the extraordinary life she lived, and the significant impact she made on those around her.

Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Michele. As we remember Michele Vandever, let us keep her in our hearts, honoring her legacy by embodying the kindness, dedication, and strength she exemplified throughout her life. As William Penn said, "Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young." Michele may have left us in body, but her spirit, her love, and her impact will forever keep her young in our memories.

There will be a celebration of life at Blackstone 1521 E. Broadway ST, Joplin, MO at 1PM 04/11/2026