Linda Curless

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Linda Curless, 72, of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her family.

Linda was born on August 13, 1953, in Canton, Illinois. Known for her ambition and love of a good prank, she lived a life defined by resilience and by her faith.

She is survived by her children, Jessicca Oehlschlager (Patrick), Lettie Kendall (Jared), and Danny Jones Jr. (Leecie); 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; her brother, Harley Curless (Kay); and several nieces and nephews, including her beloved Rebecca Carlson.

Passionate about teaching, Linda obtained her Master’s in Education, dedicating a large portion of her life to educating and inspiring students.

Linda had a servant’s heart and found great joy in ministry. While her children were young, she dedicated her summers to volunteering at church camp and Vacation Bible School, and she especially loved directing children’s choir performances. In her later years, she deeply treasured her growing faith and the cherished friendships she found at Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson, Missouri.

Of all her many accomplishments, Linda considered her children, grandchildren, and growing number of great-grandchildren to be her greatest achievements. She found joy in the simple acts of love—cooking incredible meals, spoiling them with favorite treats, and ensuring every wish list came true. A constant presence in their lives, she took immense pride in attending every birthday, graduation, and wedding. 

Linda often found her greatest happiness in simply listening to her family interact and laugh together. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, teaching her loved ones to never give up regardless of life’s challenges. Though she faced many years of pain, she bravely continued to show up for her family and friends with unwavering devotion. She will be deeply missed.

Honoring Linda’s wishes, her family will hold a private Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to:

The Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri, 1029 E. 7th Street, Joplin, MO 64801

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematory in Joplin, MO

Betty Sills

(From Knell Mortuary)

Betty Roberta Sills was born on September 15, 1933, in Walnut, Iowa, the daughter of the late Frank and Leta (Akins) Arnold, passed away on April 18, 2026, in Carthage, Missouri at the age of 92. Betty lived a life marked by steadfast devotion to God and the people she loved. Her life was guided by her deep faith, her family, a generous spirit, and a sincere love for others.

Betty married Milton Sills on January 29, 1955, in Miami, Oklahoma. He preceded her in death on March 27, 2003 after 48 years of marriage. Betty, after raising 5 daughters, went to work as a para-professional for special needs children for the school district in Augusta, Kansas.

Betty was a devoted member of Countryside Christian Church in Wichita Kansas for over 60 years, faithfully serving in countless ways. Her love for music shaped much of her ministry as she played the piano and sang in the choir. She had a heart for teaching, pouring into children from elementary through high school. 

Betty also mentored young moms, welcomed missionaries, and graciously opened her home to those in need. She partnered alongside her husband in ministry, leaving a lasting impact on generations within the church.

Her greatest joy was her family, and nothing mattered more to her than that they loved God and lived lives that honored Him. She is survived by her daughters, Elaine Dally and her husband Tim of Omaha, Nebraska, Dana Cook and her husband David of Carthage, Missouri, Donna Early of Huntersville, North Carolina, and Darla Philip and her husband Shane of Las Vegas, Nevada. She is also survived by her son-in-law Robin Sigars and his wife Jayme of Webb City, Missouri; her brothers, Guy Arnold and his wife Anella, and Jim Arnold and his wife Dana; 21 grandchildren; and 46 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Diann Sigars; her brother, Bob Arnold; son in law, Brian Early and one great-grandson, Silas James Marum.

A memorial service will be held at 1 pm Thursday, April 23, 2026 at the Countryside Christian Church Wichita, Kansas. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Knell Mortuary. The family suggests contributions to Pioneer Bible Translators https://pioneerbible.org/donate/. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Dave Idleman

(From Knell Mortuary)

David Lynn Idleman, born January 3, 1950, in Champaign, Illinois, passed away on April 17, 2026, in Carthage, Missouri. He was the youngest son of the late Kenneth and Lois (Collins) Idleman.

Dave lived a life devoted to his family, his work, and his faith. He was the beloved husband of Anita Idleman and a proud and devoted father to Sarah Hart and her husband Dusty, Adair, Oklahoma; Courtney Wadino of Oswego, Kansas; Caleb Roy and his wife Ashley of Carthage, Missouri; Natalie Bruce and her husband Austin of Carthage, Missouri; Nathan Roy and his wife Kelsey of Oronogo, Missouri; Bethany Roy of Carthage, Missouri; and Wes Hertz and his wife Christy of Cumming, Georgia. He was also a loving grandfather to Declan, Maddox and Hadley Hart; Joel, Justis, and Bentley Wadino; Elijah and Haddie Bruce; Blaze and Arrow Roy; Annah Roy; and Ally and Jonathan Hertz. 

His family was the center of his world, and he treasured every moment spent with them, especially his grandchildren, who brought him great joy. He is also survived by his brothers, Ken Idleman and his wife Kaylene of Louisville, Kentucky, and Conrad Idleman and his wife Marilyn of Effingham, Illinois, and his sister, Barbara Phillips of Rossville, Georgia. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Reuben Roy.

Dave earned his ADN from Missouri Southern State College and then went on to serve with distinction as Coordinator of Cardiovascular Surgery at St. Johns/Mercy Hospital, where he worked until his retirement. In his professional life, he was respected for his leadership, his dependable nature and for his kindness to his colleagues throughout the hospital. He approached his work with a commitment to the ministry of healing, a positive attitude and a sense of humor that brought forth the best in his team and made a lasting difference in the lives of patients.

Outside of work, Dave found joy in the simple and meaningful pleasures of life. He enjoyed Harley-Davidson motorcycles, camping, and hosting memorable Fourth of July parties that brought family and friends together in celebration. He especially loved time with his family, and his happiest moments were those spent surrounded by the people he loved most. He was a faithful Christian and member of First Baptist Church in Diamond, Missouri, where his faith was the most important part of who he was. Among his last written words were these: “I am a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God and my Savior. If you don’t believe this, please open your heart and mind to this reality. It is the only thing that truly matters in this life. God bless you all.”

A Memorial service will be held at 3 pm Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Diamond First Baptist Church. Visitation will be held from 1:30 pm to service time at the Church. The family suggests contributions to the Barrett Bloss Fund, to help 12 year old Barrett's fight against Leukemia in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Steve Fury

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Steve Emery Fury, age 79, of Golden City, Missouri, passed away April 13, 2026, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield,

Steve was born December 26, 1946, in Curry County, New Mexico, to John Fury and Margaret Helen (Semadeni) Fury. He spent his life working the land, raising crops and cattle on his farm, a life that reflected his strong work ethic and deep-rooted connection to agriculture. Steve was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Survivors include three sons, Jonathan Fury of Springfield, Missouri, Jess Fury and wife Hailee of Golden City, Missouri, and Jason Fury of the State of Missouri; two grandchildren, Walker Fury and Kinsley Fury; one brother, Stanley Fury and wife Cathy of Broadview, New Mexico; and two sisters, Josie Lix of Dodge City, Kansas, and Janice Phillips and husband Jim of Key West, Florida.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sherry Fury; one son, Jarod Luke and one sister, Joyce Adamek.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lamar, Missouri, with burial to follow in Pippenger Cemetery.

The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Pippenger Cemetery, in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com

Frank Love

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Frank D. Love, age 74, of Cassville, Missouri passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026 at his home.

He was born October 19, 1951 in Perryton, Texas, the son of Harold Edward and Doris (Dunsworth) Love. On June 15, 1974 in Shasta, California he was united in marriage to Cherie Spohn, who survives. Also surviving are his sons, Rick Love of Cassville, Missouri and Tom Love of Great Falls, Montanna; daughter, Christy Blankenship and husband Jason of Cassville, Missouri; nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents and sister, Sandra.

Frank attended school in Olympic, Washington graduating from Olympic High School. He later attended Shasta College in Redding, California, earning a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology. Frank proudly served in the United States Navy, the United States Army, and the National Guard, with service during the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. He was employed as a mechanic at the Shasta Hydro Power Plant at Shasta Dam in Shasta, California, where he worked until his retirement in 2011. Following his retirement, he and Cherie moved to Cassville.

Frank enjoyed repairing small engines, metal detecting, fishing, and archery, and he had a love for the outdoors. Above all, he loved his family and treasured the time he spent with them. He attended Corinth Baptist Church.

Private graveside services with military honors will be held at Corinth Cemetery in Cassville, Missouri, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Brother Ray Black will conduct the service.

Contributions may be made to the J.T. Blankenship Memorial Scholarship Fund at Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri in memory of Frank.

Jack Kraft

(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Jack Kraft, age 88, of Southwest Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home, leaving behind a legacy of faith, hard work, and devotion to family.

He was born on February 22, 1938, in Neosho, Missouri, to Andrew and Gertie Kraft. Over the course of his life, he wore many hats and worked a variety of jobs, but his true passion was always found on his farm. It was there that he found his greatest fulfillment, living a simple life while tending to his land and caring for his animals with deep care and a steadfast work ethic.

He found joy in the outdoors and spent many cherished hours fishing and hunting. Those who knew him will remember his steady presence, his love for the land, and the quiet strength he carried throughout his life.

A man of deep faith, he attended Neosho Christian Church and loved the Lord wholeheartedly. He was committed to raising his family in faith, instilling values that will continue to guide future generations.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carolie Kraft; his children, Paul Kraft (married to Reta Kraft) and Sandy Prince; six grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his legacy of love, faith, and perseverance.

He will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him, but his life and values will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Graveside services will be held 2:00 pm, Wednesday, April 22, 2206 at the Burkhart Cemetery with Gerald Griffin and Truman Brady officiating.

Funeral arrangements under the personal direction of Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.

Lonnie Wells

(From McQueen Funeral Home)

Lonnie Glen Wells was born on October 27, 1930, and lived a life defined by hard work, strong convictions, and unwavering devotion to his family. He passed away Sunday, April 19, 2026 surrounded by love, leaving behind generations shaped by his example.

Lonnie was a man who took pride in caring for what mattered most to him - his family, his farm, and his cows. The land was not just his livelihood, but his proving ground for teaching responsibility. He believed deeply in the value of hard work and made sure his children and grandchildren learned it firsthand, often by picking up walnuts on the farm, helping with hay, or working cattle alongside him.

A natural storyteller, Lonnie loved recounting his years working at the Holly Sugar Factory. These stories - told with pride and often retold - were part of what made time with Lonnie so special. He loved visiting with friends and family, sharing memories, debating ideas and politics, and holding lively conversations. Lonnie always knew the right way of doing things - even when it wasn't always the easy way or most economical way.

He took a mischievous joy in frustrating his wife, his children, and his grandchildren, but beneath that stubborn wit was deep, unquestionable love. Lonnie had a soft spot for those in need and quietly showed compassion to anyone who needed a helping hand.

Lonnie was married to the love of his life, Hazel Ruth (Pointer) Wells, on August 11, 1950, with whom he shared a lifetime of partnership, patience, and persistence. Patience was mostly Hazel's part of the relationship.

Surviving are his wife, Hazel Wells; children, Glen Wells and wife Shelley, Jess Wells and wife Karen, and LaDonna Johnson; grandchildren, Richard Wells, Maria Oliver, Robert Wells, Earl, Avah, Elliese and Ethan, Sommer Davis and husband Kris, Jennie Theriaque and husband Christopher, and Joel Johnson; he was blessed with great grandchildren, Angelea Smith, Kaitlyn Broyles and husband Austin, Gage Shearer, Brittany Wells, Corvin Black, Allison Oliver, Baley Smith, and Eryn Johnson; he was also blessed with great-great-grandchildren, Amelia, Malcolm, Jessi May, Cameron, Adalynn, and Atticus, and Lonnie was also blessed with many extended family members, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends, and really great neighbors.

Preceding him in death were his daughter, Kathyrn Wells; son, Johnny Wells, and grandson, Troy Michael Wells.

Lonnie Wells will be remembered for his work ethic, his stories, his strong opinions, his humor, and the deep love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in the land he worked, the values he passed down, and the many stories that will continue to be told again and again.

He will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, April 23, 2026 at McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton. Pastor Richard Anderson will conduct the services. Burial will be at Rocky Comfort Cemetery in Rocky Comfort, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 6:00 P.M. Wednesday at McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton.