Bobby Elkins

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

On the 18th of August, 2026, the world bid farewell to a remarkable soul, Bobby Gene Elkins, fondly known as Cowboy and Tex. Born on the 23rd of January, 1958, in Carlsbad, NM, Bobby was a spirited man whose love for adventure was only surpassed by his unwavering loyalty to those close to him and his faith in Jesus. A charismatic individual, Bobby was a force to be reckoned with. His engaging personality and infectious laughter could light up any room, making him a friend to all and a stranger to none.

Bobby’s adventurous nature led him to a fulfilling career in the trucking transportation industry with Law Trucking. Over his 35 years of service, he traversed the highways and byways of this great nation, always looking for the next adventure. Bobby was a champion bass fisherman, his dedication and talent earning him recognition and accolades. His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for hunting and fishing, and his courage in the face of challenges was showcased in his bull riding endeavors. His spirit was perfectly encapsulated in the words of Mark Twain, “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Bobby was the epitome of loyalty and commitment, qualities that shone brightly in his devotion to his family. His love for his family was the cornerstone of his existence, the flame that fueled his spirit. He was a steadfast pillar of support, always there for anyone in need. Anyone who knew Bobby knows how much he enjoyed singing and his love of music. You could always find him making up songs while he was driving.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Robert Elkins and Barbara (Richard) Wallace; siblings, Carolyn Elkins, Mark Elkins, Brenda Denham and many aunts and uncles. Bobby is survived by his siblings, James (Lena) Elkins of Wichita, KS , Michele Elkins of Mammoth Spring, AR, Annette (Dennis) Elkins-Brown of Alvin, TX, Britton (Brenda) Elkins of Cartersville, GA, Sandra (Richard) Fuller of Huffman, TX and many of his adored nieces and nephews.

Bobby Elkins lived a life full of passion and adventure, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those he encountered. His spirit continues to inspire those who were fortunate to know him, a testament to a life well-lived.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. We encourage family and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos, memories, and celebrate the life of our beloved Bobby. As we remember Bobby, let us honor his memory by embracing his adventurous spirit, his unwavering loyalty, and his charismatic presence. Let us explore, dream, and discover, just as he did.

Fernyssa Swank

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Fernyssa Mae Swank, 84, of Liberal, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Fernyssa was born in New Florence, Pennsylvania, to Forrest and Susan (Hurt) Swank. She moved to Missouri approximately 30 years ago, where she made her home and built many lasting friendships and memories.

Fernyssa worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at several health care facilities throughout her career. She had a caring heart and found purpose in helping others.

Music was an important part of Fernyssa's life. She loved karaoke and especially enjoyed singing country music. Her love of music led her to form a band, Midnight Express, where she was able to share her talent and passion for performing with others.

Fernyssa will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Mark Swank and Forrest Shank; siblings, Cecil Swank, Frank Swank, and Beverly Swank; and by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Forrest and Susan Swank; her son, George Pringle Jr.; and her brother, Forrest Swank.

Fernyssa's love of music, caring nature, and lively spirit will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

The family will hold private services in Weir, KS.

Jennifer McCoy

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Jennifer Renee’ McCoy, 46, of Sheldon, Missouri, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. 

Jennifer was born on July 26, 1980, to Jon and Paula McCoy in Nevada, Missouri. Her family moved to Carthage, when Jennifer was still a kid and she graduated from Carthage High School. She lived in Carthage for a long time and in recent years she moved to Sheldon, Missouri. There she started working as a ranch hand at Hale’s Edgewood Farms. 

Jennifer loved her family, hanging out with her friends, and really enjoyed listening to music. She was looking forward to starting a new journey in life with her fiancé, Dakota Hale. 

She’s survived by her son Jase Hermann (Makinzie Patton) of Carl Junction; daughter, Jaxyn Hermann of Chicago, Illinois; dad, Jon McCoy; brother, Jon Edde McCoy; and two grandchildren, Owen Patton and Haven Hermann. 

She was preceded in death by her mom, Paula McCoy (June 2017), and brother Benjamin McCoy (September 2012).

Services are pending.

Pauline Swopes

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Homes)

Pauline Frances Swopes of Miami, OK passed from this life Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at her home. She was 75.

Pauline was born January 6, 1951 in Webb City, MO to Rudolph and Esther (Taylor) Gerbitz. She had lived in Miami since 1975 moving from Joplin, MO. She received her Bachelors Degree in Music from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, MO. She was a piano instructor at N.E.O. A&M College in Miami, OK. She was a member of the Miami Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Pauline was preceded in death by her husband Gerald “Jerry” Swopes on September 6, 2022 and by her parents.

Pauline is survived by 1 son, Jered Swopes and wife Rebecca of Miami, OK, 1 daughter, Rachel Berlik and husband Michael of Miami, OK, 1 brother, Lewis Gerbitz of Joplin, MO and 3 grandchildren. Madeline Swopes, Jaden Hardee and Emma Hardee.

Services will be at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 6, 2026 at Miami Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Michael Berlik will officiate. Arrangements have been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhoems.com.

Mable Brittle

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Mable Ann Brittle of Miami, OK passed from this life Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at Global Higher Call Nursing Home in Quapaw, OK. She was 87.

Mable was born August 20, 1938 in Picher, OK to Bert and Juanita (Redden) Thomas. She had lived in the Picher area all her life. She had been a truck driver and had worked for Burlington Truck Company and for TDC in Joplin, MO. She also had been a housekeeper for private residences and a nurse’s aide at Integris Miami Hospital. She was a member of Highway Tabernacle Church in Quapaw, OK.

Mable was preceded in death by her husband Bill Brittle, her parents and 2 sisters, Bonnie Cheater and Roberta Richards.

Mable is survived by 1 son, Ernie “Bally” Smith of Baxter Springs, KS, 1 daughter, Marlene Campbell and husband Craig of Vinita, OK, 1 sister, Louise Blalock of Fairland, OK, 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026 at Paul Thomas Funeral Home Chapel in Miami, OK. Rev. Ray Clonts will officiate. Craig Campbell, James Russell, Brittan Winegar, James Rotzal, Mickey Corum, Brenton Wininger and Larry Mize will serve as pallbearers. Interment will be in G.A.R. Cemetery in Miami, OK. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Services have been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com.

Richard Shull

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Richard J. Shull, age 90, of Diamond, Missouri passed away Tuesday August 18, 2026 at his home.

He was born on April 6, 1936 to Herschell and Lucille (Fenimore) Shull.

Richard worked in the shipping department at Big Smith and retired after 40+ years of service. He was lifelong farmer and enjoyed fishing and woodworking. He served in the United States Airforce. He married Roxy Bradley- Shull in 1956 and they were together until her passing in 2004.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Roxy and three siblings, Herschell Shull Sharon Burnett, and Beverly Neely.

Richard is survived by one son, Robert Shull and wife Connie, Carthage, Missouri, one daughter, Debbie Shull, Diamond, Missouri; three grandchildren, Brandy Raney and husband Jeremy, Sarah Shull, Wendy Shull; three great grandchildren, Andrew Raney, Lauren Raney, and Kylie Carranza.

Those serving as pallbearers will be Bruce Youngblood, Ron Riediger, Jim Body, Bob Shull, Matt Shull, and David Shull. Honorary pallbearers are Terry Baker, Bobbi Body, and Roger Sipes.

Graveside service will be 11:00 am Saturday August 22, 2026 at Diamond Cemetery, Diamond, Missouri. The family will receive friends 6:00 – 7:00 pm Friday, August 21, 2026 at Mason-Woodard Mortuary Joplin, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers contributions are requested to the Diamond Fire Department or American Cancer Society and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

Retah Arthur

(From Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home)

At the age of 93, Retah L. Arthur went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, where she has reunited with the love of her life, Boyd D. Arthur whom she married in April 1953. They celebrated 72 years together.

Retah was born to Ray and Emma (Oerly) Ritchie. She graduated from Carthage High School in 1951and began working for Carthage Hardware. She then went on to work for more than 35 years for FMHA, a division of USDA, from where she retired. After retiring, she and Boyd enjoyed traveling.

To the union of Retah and Boyd, two children were born. Sheryl and Randall, affectionately known by family and friends as Sherry and Randy.

Retah was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Emma, her husband, Boyd, and brothers, Kenneth, and George (Buck) Ritchie.

Retah is survived by her daughter, Sherry and husband, Chuck Curtis of Miller, Missouri; son Randy and wife, Yhulonda of La Russell, Missouri; four grandchildren, Cassie Shockey and husband, Zach of Diamond, Missouri, Chase Curtis and wife, Jillian of Sarcoxie, Missouri, Stephanie Nixon and husband, Johnathon of Carthage, Missouri and Travis Arthur of Miller, Missouri five great-grandchildren, Koy, Cale, and Tate Shockey, Charli and Casey Curtis, and Dalton and Natasha Nixon; two step grandchildren and six step great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in the funeral home chapel with burial to follow at Red Oak Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Red Oak Cemetery or the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in care of the funeral home.