Richard Rye

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Richard Ray Rye, 81, of Golden City, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at home. Richard was born on January 17, 1945, to the late Edward and Irene Rye in Compton, California. Shortly after his birth, the Ryes moved to Morrill, Nebraska, where Richard was raised and lived most of his life, he lived in Golden City for the last five years. 

Richard dedicated 22 years to the military, six years with the Army, then 17 years with the Air Force Reserve with military intelligence. He later started working as an international sales representative for ISCO Scientific Instruments in Lincoln, Nebraska. He received a master’s degree in Russian from Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska. With that degree, Richard worked for Germans from Russia Historical Society translating documents received. 

Richard was united in marriage to Gloria Newman on February 10, 2015 in Sherwood, Arkansas; she survives. 

Along with his wife Gloria, he is survived by two sons, Loren Rye (Sandra) of Lincoln, Nebraska and Timothy Rye (Leslie) of Champagne, Illinois; one brother David Rye (Alice) of Noonan, Georgia; and one granddaughter, Claire Marie Rye of Champagne, Illinois. 

He was preceded in death by one brother, Edward Rye Jr. 

Per Richard’s wishes, he will be cremated. His family will host a celebration of life at a later date. 

Online condolences may be posted online at www.ulmerfh.com. 

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

Elizabeth Pettitt

(From White Funeral Home)

Elizabeth Dorlene Pettitt, age 55, of Cassville, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Joplin.

Elizabeth was born on February 15, 1971, in Elk City, Oklahoma to Ronnie and Ruth (Yeager) Pettitt.

Elizabeth was a woman of strong faith and a devoted Christian whose relationship with the Lord was the foundation of her life. Her faith was deeply important to her and carried her through life’s joys and challenges. She found happiness in the simple pleasures of life, especially crocheting, reading, and cheering on her favorite teams, the Chicago Bears and Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Elizabeth will be remembered for her faithful heart, her kind spirit, and the love she shared with those around her. Her memory will be treasured by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by one brother, William Bruce Pettitt and his wife Myia of Siler City, North Carolina; one sister, Rhonda Pettitt-Lung and her wife Donna of Cassville; two nephews, Clayton and Derek Pettitt; two nieces, Myriah and Mykalah Pettitt; and one great niece, Vivienne Pettitt.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service will be held June 27, 2026, at 11:00 am at the chapel at Fairlawn cemetery in Elk City, Oklahoma with Michael Pettitt officiating.

Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association and entrusted to White Funeral Home and Crematory in Cassville, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the direction of White Funeral Home and Crematory.

Virginia Coker

(From Meadors Funeral Home)

Virginia Irene Coker, age 77, of Republic Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, at the Republic Nursing and Rehab.

Born on April 29, 1949, in Red Oak Iowa to Darwin and Selma Vanderhoof, Virginia grew up in Marionville Missouri and graduated from Marionville High School before attending Draughon’s Business College in Springfield Missouri.

Virginia worked first as a homemaker and then held various positions over her lifetime in different manufacturing settings and nursing homes. She was known for her tireless work ethic and her servant’s heart.

Virginia married Robert Coker on August 30, 1969, in Marionville Missouri. Together, they raised a family until Robert’s failing health required Virginia to work as a homemaker and caregiver, but also at a factory to support her family’s needs.

Virginia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Virginia’s hobbies were modest, and she enjoyed cooking for her family, watching old Western movies and television shows, and completing puzzle pictures and solving word puzzles.

Virginia was active within her church family at the Mount Vernon church of Christ for a number of years. She loved to assist with classes involving the younger children and supporting outreach ministry work. She sewed innumerable bags for children and teens in foster care, and clothing items for orphans in Zambia. She always had a heart for the underprivileged and looked for ways to give of her humble means to help them.

People will remember Virginia for her kindness, willingness to serve others’ needs at the expense of her own, and her determination and stubbornness, especially in light of the many physical challenges that she was presented with.

Virginia was preceded in death by her father and mother, Darwin and Selma Vanderhoof, husband Robert Coker, and her sister, Mary (Vanderhoof) Jackson.

Virginia is survived by :

● Her loving sons, Sterling Coker and his wife Holly, Marionville Missouri and Jeremy Coker and his wife Jessica, Marionville Missouri.

● Three grandchildren whom she was immensely proud of, Ryder Coker, Marionville Missouri, Dalton Coker and his wife Jacey, Mount Vernon Missouri and Jeslyn Coker, Marionville Missouri.

● Her pride and joy, one great-granddaughter, Avery Coker, Mount Vernon,Missouri.

● Her loving sister, Brenda Devore and her husband Walter Devore, Jefferson City Missouri.

● Many caring friends, loved ones and wonderful staff at the Republic Nursing and

Rehab.

Funeral services will be held on May 23 rd , 2026, at 10 am at the Mt. Vernon Church of Christ.

Burial will follow at 2:30 pm at the Marionville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zambia Mission Fund or the Fair Haven Children's Home.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful, caring staff at the Republic Nursing and Rehab as well as the kind and caring team from Preferred Hospice, for their compassion and care.

Though missed, her family rejoices in the memories she created and the faith she carried throughout her life.

Arvon O'Brien

(From Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home)

Arvon O’Brien, 63, of Mound Valley, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at his home.

Norman Arvon O’Brien was born on June 4, 1962, to Lawrence Eugene and Florence Caroline (Barragar) O'Brien in Independence, Kansas. He grew up and attended school in Labette County, graduating from Labette County High School in 1980. He continued his education at Coffeyville Community College and Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa.

Throughout the years, Arvon worked in numerous jobs, including cutting trees, hauling grain, a carpenter, working in construction, a utility worker for the city of Coffeyville and as a foreman for Funks until becoming disabled. He also owned rental properties that kept him busy with maintenance and upkeep.

In his younger years, he was a member of Angola Methodist Church. He was a former member of the IBEW and the local Beekeeper Club.

Arvon enjoyed spending time with his family, especially at family events. He raised many kinds of animals, including dogs, bees and deer. Fishing and working on cars were some of his other favorite hobbies.

In June 1982, Arvon and Linda Murphy were united in marriage. The couple divorced in 1984. Arvon and Lisa Rogers were married in December 1989 until divorcing in 2010.

Survivors include:

Three daughters – Tara Sanders and her husband, John, of Edgerton, Kansas

Christin O’Brien of Mound Valley, Kansas

Ava O’Brien of Lochbuie, Colorado

Four grandchildren – Brett, Evadean, Ashley, and Kate Sanders

One brother – Terry O’Brien of Joplin, Missouri

Two sisters – Debbie Carr and her husband, Richard, of Independence, Kansas

Pam Kinser and her husband, Gary, of rural Edna, Kansas

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Gerry O’Brien.

The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 18, 2026, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Proud Animal Lovers Shelter (PALS). These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Pamela McReynolds

(From Parker Mortuary)

Pamela Sue McReynolds, 74, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, after months of failing health.

She was born on October 16, 1951, in Joplin, Missouri, and was a lifelong resident of the community she called home throughout her life. She was the second eldest of eleven children born to the union of Albert and Edith (Long) Oxford. She was a devoted homemaker and also worked in retail, as well as serving as a property and hotel manager.

Those who knew Pamela will remember her love of family gatherings and the happiness she found in spending time with the people she loved most. She enjoyed bingo and playing cards with her family, and she especially treasured her grandchildren. Her love for them was evident in the time, attention, and affection she gave so freely. She found joy in the everyday moments shared with loved ones, and those memories will remain a lasting comfort to her family.

Pamela is survived by her three children, Melissa Williams of Joplin, Larry McReynolds, Jr. of Joplin, and Aron McReynolds of Bella Vista, Arkansas. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Kayla Williams, Collin Rush, Justin McReynolds, Gavin McReynolds, Elena McReynolds, Cameron Applewhite, Dylan McReynolds and Conner Moore; one great-grandson, Braylon Bruce; a brother, Shane Oxford of Joplin, and five sisters, Marsha Stephens, Kathy Esterline, Tracy Foster, Paula Esterline, and Beverly Sadler, all of Joplin, as well as a host of other family and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Edith Oxford, her husband, Larry McReynolds, Sr., and four siblings, Mark, Randy, Brian, and Terry.

Cremation arrangements are under the care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.

Karyl Vermillion

(From Lakin Funeral Home)

Karyl Sue Vermillion, age 72, of Monett, MO passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Oak Pointe in Neosho, MO after a long battle with Alzheimer's. 

She was born in Monett, MO on Friday, December 18, 1953; daughter of Curtis and Betty Jean (Belch) Kelly. Karyl was a 1972 graduate of Pierce City High School. She obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Missouri Southern State University (MSSU). 

Karyl married Jim Vermillion on Friday, June 23, 1978, in Monett, MO. She retired as a kindergarten teacher from Cassville School District. Later, she taught first grade at Berean Christian Academy in Monett, MO. She loved teaching and enjoyed seeing her students learn and grow. Halloween was always a favorite holiday because she would see her students and former students. Karyl loved the pool, beach, tanning, and warm weather. She enjoyed sweets such as ice cream and sweet tea. She was a very good cook and baker. She always had time to shop with her family or play a game of cards (i.e. Uno, Skip-Bo, etc.) with them. She loved to clean house and enjoyed entertaining others. Karyl was a life-long democrat. She was active in the National Education Association (NEA) while teaching. She was a member of Liberty United Methodist Church. She will be missed by many!

Surviving are the following: her husband, Jim who is in the Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon, MO; one daughter, Krista Vermillion of Springfield, MO; one brother, Kerry (Stacy) Kelly of Jenks, OK; one sister, Kathy (John Dawson) Conley of Pierce City, MO; seven nieces and nephews, Sean Kelly, Kaitlyn Kelly, Trey Kelly, Breeghan Kelly, Kaylee Creech, Jim C. Conley, and Kelsy Hall; and several more nieces and nephews by marriage; as well as former students; and many friends. 

Those welcoming her to heaven include her parents, Curtis and Betty Jean Kelly and two dogs that she loved so much, Maci and Dottie.

The family will receive friends at Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM.

Funeral service will be at Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO on Saturday, May 16, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM with Chaplain Robert Mattingly officiating. Burial will be Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, MO.

Memorials may be made to the Pierce City backpack program in care of the funeral home.

Mike Sims

Michael (Mike) Wyan Sims, 65, passed away April 25th at Sarcoxie Nursing Center, Sarcoxie, MO where he had been a resident since October 2021.

Mike is survived by 1 son, Michael Paul Sims of Commerce, OK, 3 grandchildren, Kylee Dempsey and husband Garland of Eucha, OK, Hannah Sims of Quapaw, OK, and Michael (Mikey) Wyan Eugene Sims of Wyandotte, OK, 3 great-grandchildren, Easton, Delana, and Avery, 3 sisters, Linda Pizinger and husband David of Joplin, MO, Connie Gann of Lufkin, TX, and Lisa Kiernan and husband Jeff of Carthage, MO as well as a large host of nieces, nephews and extended family. 

 

Mike was preceded in death by his loving parents, Wyan and Maurine Sims, his sister Lorrie (Janie) Medina and his brother-in-law, Don Gann, all of whom he adored and looked forward to being reunited with when God called him home.

Mike will be remembered for his tremendous love and devotion to his family, especially his son, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Pictures and mementos of those he loved the most lined the walls of his room. Mike loved to fish and listen to his favorite rock band, Kiss! He also enjoyed St. Louis Cardinals baseball. 

Mike was a humble man with a gentle soul, a kind heart, and a tender voice. He would go out of his way to help anyone that needed it and treated everyone he met with dignity and respect. He trusted fully in Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior and is no doubt dancing on streets of gold at this very hour. Fly high, dear one! You’re at peace now with mom, dad, and Janie!

Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

The family has planned a private celebration of life service.

Professional services provided by Midland Cremation Society, Joplin