Viola Clampitt

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Viola (Baker) Clampitt, 88, or rural Cherryvale, Kansas passed away at 2:56 am on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at her home.

She was born November 12, 1937, in rural Thayer, KS to Lewis E. and Ida L (Swager) Baker. After moving numerous times, the family moved to Colorado and settled there in 1940. Viola graduated in 1955 from Ault High School, in Ault, CO. She returned to Kansas in 1960. She graduated from Beau Geste School of Cosmetology in Joplin, MO in 1961.







She married Clayton Clampitt on March 24, 1962, in Miami, OK. They made their home in rural Cherryvale, KS. She worked at Vallis/Wngroff Business Forms in Cherryvale, KS for 17 years before retiring in 2002.

Viola enjoyed gardening, cookbooks, crossword puzzles, and feeding the birds. She enjoyed working on family genealogy and sharing family pictures and stories. Most of all, she loved being with her family, which included 2 sons, Russell V. Clampitt (Parsons), Edward E. Clampitt (Cherryvale), and daughter Teresa L. Bogner and husband Jim of Parsons and one grandson Grant, whom she cherished. Grant always refers to her as the best Grandma ever, his best friend and role model. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Clayton in 2021, her parents, 5 older brothers and 3 older sisters.




Cremation has taken place. There will be no services per her request. There will be a private burial at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice or the American Cancer Society and may be left at or mailed to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Mario Bello

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Mario Leonardo Alvarez Bello, age 65, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away on February 12, 2026. He was born on September 12, 1960, in Camagüey, Cuba, to Leonardo Alvarez and Dalia Bello.

Mario graduated from high school in Cuba and later earned his associate degree from college there.

In 1987, he moved from Florida to Neosho, Missouri, where he made his home and built his life.

Mario married his wife, Juana Perez, on June 25, 2001 at Calvary Baptist Church in Neosho, Missouri. She survives him.

He was employed as a security guard at Indigo Sky Casino, where he was known for his dedication and friendly nature.

Mario enjoyed watching movies, listening to Christian music, and spending time with his family and friends. He treasured the time his loved ones and the memories made when everyone was together. 

He is survived by Abigail Alvarez and Sarai Alvarez, both of Neosho, Missouri; Yaneth Gonzalez, Yasenia Gonzalez, Rosa Gonzalez, Blanca Gonzalez, and Walter Gonzalez of El Salvador; Yanaris Alvarez and Yanelys Alvarez of Cuba; as well as numerous siblings, grandchildren, extended family members, and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held on February 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories.

Keith Southern

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Keith Wade Southern, 65, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away at his home on Monday evening, February 9, 2026. Keith was born to Malloy ‘Sonny’ Keith and Linda (Bowers) Southern on March 21, 1960, in Neosho, Missouri.

Keith grew up in Neosho, attending Neosho High School and graduating with the class of 1978. He continued his education at Crowder College and William Jewell, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. 

Keith’s younger years were centered around sports. During high school, he was a four sport athlete, playing basketball, baseball, golf and football. One of his favorite high school accomplishments was being awarded First Team All District alongside “Cat” Johnson (Memorial High School), his longtime friend and competitor. He attended Crowder College and William Jewell on baseball scholarships and was a member of the William Jewell Hall of Fame baseball team. Keith boxed with the Neosho Boxing Club and excelled in that sport as well.

Keith worked in sales and managed auto dealerships in Dallas, Joplin, Little Rock, Fayetteville and Springfield. When he wasn’t working, Keith enjoyed spending time on the golf course or wetting a line in any lake or creek. He traveled extensively playing golf, with Scottsdale, Arizona, being his favorite golf destination. He was an avid baseball fan, always rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals. His creative side showed when he picked up a paintbrush, as he was an abstract painter, and he loved to tend to his flower garden. He was a dog lover who frequently said, “Dogs are better than people.” Keith will be deeply missed by his fur babies, Buddy and Frankie.

Keith is survived by his mother, Linda Southern of Neosho, Missouri; his life partner, Lori Benham of Springfield, Missouri; his brother, Chad (Cari) Southern of Neosho, Missouri; his sister, Stacey (Rusty) Enlow of Goodman, Missouri; his son, Hayden Southern of Portland, Oregon; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Sonny Southern, and his uncle, Bruce Bowers.

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Neosho, Missouri, with a Celebration of Life to begin at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Advocates ℅ Clark Funeral Home P.O. Box 66 Neosho, Missouri 64850.

 

Robert Riggs

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Robert Kenneth Riggs, age 87, of Neosho, Missouri, formerly of Noel, Missouri and Bella Vista, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, February 13, 2026, at Oak Pointe in Neosho, Missouri. He entered this life on November 9, 1938, in Lyons, Kansas, the eldest of two sons born to the late Emmett Troy and Hazel Irene (Day) Riggs.

He was raised in Downey, California, and was a 1956 graduate of Downey High School. His thirst for knowledge led him to California State University in Fullerton, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration.

On February 14, 1959, Robert married his high school sweetheart, Geraldine Lenore Sutliff. Their love story was one for the ages, spanning sixty-three beautiful years until Geraldine's passing on September 18, 2022.

Professionally, Robert made his mark as a sales representative for an aerospace electrical components company in South Gate, California. His work ethic and personable nature made him a respected figure in his field. In 2008, Robert and Geraldine moved to Noel, Missouri, and later settled in Bella Vista, Arkansas, in 2010, where they enjoyed their retirement years. An avid sports enthusiast, Robert relished the time he was able to spend playing tennis and golf. Robert was a Veteran of the United States Army serving during the Vietnam era.

He is survived by his brother, Jim Riggs and wife, Arlinda, of Neosho, Missouri; nieces Kim Mahurin and husband, Kevin, and Jennifer Rush and husband, Tony; two great nieces, Katelyn and Emelyn Mahurin; a great nephew, Emmett Rush; and his beloved cat, Sam.

Graveside services are 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Noel Cemetery in Noel, Missouri with Jerry Siegel officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. unit 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the funeral home chapel. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.   

Shirley Austin

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Shirley Jean Austin, age 69, of Noel, Missouri, departed this life on Saturday evening, February 14, 2026, in the comfort of her home after a recent battle with cancer. She entered this life on December 4, 1956, in Gravette, Arkansas, the second of six children born to the union of the late Minton Dale and Georgia Louise (Miller) Abercrombie.

She was a lifelong area resident and a 1975 graduate of McDonald County High School. On August 2, 1985, she was united in marriage to Robert Dale “Bob” Austin and together they shared thirty-three years before his passing on October 8, 2018. 

 

Shirley's professional life was characterized by loyalty and hard work, as she dedicated over forty years to Hudson/Tyson Foods in Noel, Missouri, before retiring in 2013. Even in retirement, she continued to serve her community, working an additional seven years at the Noel Methodist Church Daycare.

Her commitment to her faith was evident in her long-standing membership with the Noel Methodist Church. Shirley's love for her church community was paralleled only by her love for her family and her cherished dogs. She embraced the role of grandmother with joy and enthusiasm, creating a legacy of love and cherished memories that will live on through her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob Austin; and a sister Elizabeth Qualls. 

 

She is survived by her two sons, Brad Austin and Justin Austin and wife, Jessica, all of Wyandotte, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Hannah Hollingshead and husband, Gage, Jonah Redden and Haden Austin; two brothers, Ab Abercrombie and wife, Rachel, of Kimberling City, Missouri and Dale Abercrombie and wife, Deborah, of Pea Ridge, Arkansas; two sisters, Lana Oxford of Gravette, Arkansas and Minta Spence of Jay, Oklahoma; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Graveside services are 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Southwest City Cemetery with Pastor Isaac Gibson officiating. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Cory Qualls, Scotty Qualls, Jonah Redden, Haden Austin, Gage Hollingshead and Curtis Abercrombie. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

William Ziemianin

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Mr. William Ziemianin, 43, of Pineville, Missouri passed away peacefully at his home on Monday afternoon, February 16, 2026 after a hard-fought battle with illness for five years.

William entered this life on March 11, 1982 in Gravette, AR born to Lonnie and Debbie (Schlessman) Ziemianin. He was raised in McDonald County and never wanted to leave this place. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud Papa, and a man who left his mark on everyone he met. He was married to the love of his life, Melissa Ziemianin on April 7, 2007. Together they built a life full of family, grit, laughter, and love.

If you knew William, you knew he loved the outdoors and hunting, and you knew he could cook corn better than anyone around. He was an ornery man with a jokester’s spirit, always ready with a smart remark, a grin, or a laugh at just the right time. He had a way of keeping things light, even when life was heavy.

William was a hard worker through and through. Before getting sick, he worked as a foreman in tree trimming, a job that fit him well, tough, demanding, and honest. He also spent many years as a volunteer fireman, answering the call when others needed help and serving his community with quiet pride and dedication.

Most of all, William was a fighter. For five years, he fought with strength, stubborn determination, and quiet courage. He showed his family what it means to keep going, even when the road is long and hard.

William was the proud dad of seven kids: Lane, Oakley, Remington, Harley, Amiyah, Bri, and Christopher. He was a proud Papa to five grandchildren, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He is also survived by his mom and dad, his sisters and brother, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and extended family who loved him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, aunt and uncles, his cousin and his father-in-law (Pops).

Funeral services are 9:00 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri with Scott Leonard and Larry Crawford officiating. Burial will follow at Tracy Cemetery. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Lane, Remington, Harley and Christopher Ziemianin, Joe Sneed, Chris Bernelis and Brent Colville, with Robert Schlessman serving as honorary. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

Laura Harris

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Laura Helen Harris (Johnson), 91, was born on July 8, 1934, to Holly and Otto Johnson just outside Marionville, Missouri. She was united in marriage to James M. Harris on August 31, 1951. Together they were blessed with six daughters, who remained the pride and joy of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; her sister, Louise Forrester; her niece, Judy Allen; two grandsons, Jeff Sturgell and Tyrell Sturgell; one great-grandson, Keaton Fare; and one great-granddaughter, Desiree Fall.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters: Meta (Austin) Sturgell, Marilyn (Kevin) Chambers, Jean (Norman) Sturgell, Carol (Jerry) Craig, Anita (Mike) Carr, and Amy (Tim) Jackson; 15 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren; and many other cherished relatives and friends.

Laura’s life was rooted in faith and family. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Cape Fair, Missouri, and her love for God was evident in the way she lived each day. Some of her most treasured memories were the large family gatherings she enjoyed throughout her life. Growing up surrounded by many cousins, she often reminisced about those joyful get-togethers. Nothing made her happier than having all her daughters and their families together.

For many years, Laura worked at the Aurora Nursing Home, where she formed meaningful bonds with residents. She spoke often of how much she loved visiting with them and was especially proud of being named Employee of the Month.

Laura had a special place in her heart for babies. She treasured the time she spent caring for her grandchildren and, later, delighting in visits from them and their little ones.

She also enjoyed shopping, with a special fondness for Dollar Tree. Having grown up during the Great Depression, she was careful with her money and appreciated finding a good bargain.

Family was at the center of her home life. There was always a garden, and she faithfully canned the harvest each year, with help from her daughters. She was a wonderful cook, known especially for her Sunday fried chicken and her “to-die-for” chocolate pie—one of her personal favorites as well.

“Death leaves a heartache only God can heal. Love leaves memories no one can steal.”

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in Peterson Funeral Chapel in Aurora, Missouri. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., also at Peterson Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at Clio Cemetery in Jenkins, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.