John Wiese

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

John Anthony Wiese (August 10, 1972 - March 8, 2026) was different things to different people. To some, he was the big guy sitting on the edge of the party, but his laugh was still heard across the room. To others, he was too loud, brazen, and far too confident in his own opinion. To some, he was a friend and to others a fiend. He was a lot and it took a lot to get to know him. He loved with his whole being, taking people for who they were; the good, the bad, and all the parts in between, whether he understood them or not.

John changed his life so he could be the eternal companion of Lydia Esther Tomlin Wiese, being baptized into The Church Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on April 6, 2003 and proposing the same night. Surrounded by family and friends they were married a few months later that September and sealed for time and all eternity as a family in the fall of 2004 in the Washington D.C. temple. He and Lydia were married in mortality for 22 years.

He joins his son John Anthony Wiese, Jr. in the eternities and is survived by his daughter, Jacquelyn Lydia Wiese. He sacrificed so much for those he loved, and will always be remembered as a precious son, a faithful husband, a joyful father and a beloved brother.

Cremation is under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of John. Your stories and pictures will serve as a comforting reminder of the extraordinary life he lived.

 

Wyona Eaves

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

W. Maxine Eaves, 93, of Aurora passed away Friday, March 6, 2026 in the Ozarks Methodist Manor in Marionville. She was born May 9, 1932 in San Bernardino, CA., the daughter of Ora and Wanda (Burwell) Gericke.

Survivors include one son, John Eaves of Florida; 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray Eaves; one son, Richard Gray; two daughters, Wyona Moore and Cathy Wilson; three brothers, Lee, Dink and Frank Gericke; and one sister, Arlene Ohlendorf.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 13 at 10:00 a.m. in the Peterson Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Willard. Visitation will be Friday from 9:00 a.m. until service time in the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Justin Schmidt

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Justin Lewis Schmidt, age 48, of Branson, Missouri, passed away on March 7, 2026. He was born on May 25, 1977, and was born and raised in Monett, Missouri. He was the son of Henry Schmidt and his wife, Loretta Schmidt, of Wichita, Kansas, and the late Vicki Burch‑Russell of Monett, Missouri.

Justin is survived by his sons, Justin Schmidt Jr. and Steven Schmidt of Monett, Missouri. He is also survived by his siblings: Mike Schmidt of Lebanon, Missouri; Cynthia Schmidt‑Wylie of Rockaway Beach, Missouri; Johnny Russell of Rockaway Beach, Missouri; Macheal Schmidt‑McCully of Aurora, Missouri; Eon Schmidt of Kansas; Jennifer Cendroski of Kansas; Jarrod Schmidt‑Cendroski of Missouri; and Brandon Schmidt of Kansas.

Justin was preceded in death by his mother, Vicki Burch‑Russell; his stepfather, John Russell of Monett, Missouri; his sister, Mindy Cendroski of Kansas; and his grandparents Henry Schmidt Sr. of Kansas, Eonoa Schmidt of Kansas, Rolland Burch of Monett, Missouri, and Wanda Perriman‑Davis of Joplin, Missouri.

Justin worked as a banquet house person at the Level 2 Steak House in the Hiltons of Branson, where he was valued by his colleagues and took pride in his work.

Justin loved his niece, Aspen “Turkey,” nature, 4‑wheelers, Dodge trucks, and music. He will be remembered with love by his family, friends, and his colleagues at Hilton, who became like family. His presence, his relationships, and the impact he made on those around him will be deeply missed.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Peterson funeral Chapel in Aurora, Missouri.



Arrangements are under the direction of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Pat Price

(From Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home)

Patricia Ann (Mudd) Price, 94, of Fort Scott passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Creedo Senior Living Center in Fort Scott. She was born in Fort Scott, the daughter of Burton J. and Eunice Louise Shelton Allen. She graduated with the Class of 1949 from Fort Scott High School. She married Carl A. Price on August 26, 1951, in Fort Scott, Kansas, He preceded her in death on September 2, 2006.

She served as Clerk for the Probate and Juvenile Bourbon County Judge for 12 years, and she served as Head Teller for Citizens National Bank for 22 years, retiring on July 1, 1999. She and Carl enjoyed Square Dancing with the Iza Stompers Square Dance Club of Fort Scott for many years. She was a member of the Community Christian Church.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Amy Ann Bass of Joplin, Missouri, a son, Randy Lee Price of Deerwood, Minnesota, six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and one great great-grandchild. In addition to her husband, Carl, Pat was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Beth Price, a Son Terry Allen Price, a daughter-in-law, Melissa Price, and a granddaughter, Megan (Price) Werner.

Pastor Tim Woodring will officiate funeral service for Pat on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The Family will receive friends from 1:00 pm Wednesday until 2:00 pm. The funeral will begin at 2:00 pm Wednesday. Private burial will be in the Memory Gardens of Bourbon County Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, donations may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 West Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Dixie Wolf

(From Knell Mortuary)

Dixie Lou (Duncan) Wolf, 72, Red Oak, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, at Good Shepherd Community Care and Rehab in Lockwood, Missouri. She was born on August 30, 1953, in Lamar, Missouri, the daughter of the late Wanda Lou (Probert) and Orville Eugene Duncan. Dixie's life was a testament to her loving, generous, and courageous spirit.

She was a proud 1971 graduate of Golden City High School. She entered the workforce as a skilled seamstress at the Paramount Cap Factory in Lockwood, where her attention to detail and craftsmanship were great assets. Later, she worked as a teller at First National Bank in Golden City. She married Gary Dean Wolf on April 9, 1977, he preceded her in death on February 8, 2023.

Dixie's true passion was her role as a homemaker and helping Gary on the family farm. She dedicated herself to raising their three daughters, Ashley, Haley, and Shelley, with the same love and care that she put into every aspect of her life. Her home was a hub of warmth and laughter, and she instilled in her children the values of hard work, kindness, and resilience.

An active leader in the 4-H Club, Dixie shared her love of sewing with countless children, teaching them not only the craft but also the importance of patience and creativity. Her large summer garden was a source of pride and joy, and the fruits of her labor were generously canned and shared with family and friends. Dixie's connection to the land extended to helping on the farm, where she was involved in planting, harvesting, raking hay, and tending cattle.

Dixie's courage shone brightly after her initial battle with breast cancer in 2008. Having triumphed over the disease, she dedicated herself to comforting others facing similar challenges, offering a listening ear and a supportive shoulder to lean on. Her generosity extended beyond her immediate circle, as she was always ready to provide food or companionship to neighbors in need.

Dixie's legacy is carried on by her loving family: her daughters, Ashley Davis (Brandon), Dr. Haley Wolf, and Shelley Engle (Joe); her cherished grandchildren, Braxton and Garrison Davis, and JJ and Presley Engle; her devoted brothers, Terry Duncan (Joyce) and Keith Duncan (Cynthia); and a host of extended family members and friends who were touched by her kindness.

Dixie Lou Wolf's life was a beautiful patchwork of devotion, service, and love. Her memory will be held dear in the hearts of all who knew her, and her example of generosity and courage will continue to inspire those she leaves behind. As we say goodbye to this remarkable woman, we celebrate the enduring impact she has made on her community and the lives she has so positively influenced.

A Memorial service will be held at 10 am, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. Memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm, Monday, March 23, 2026, at Knell Mortuary. The family suggests memorial contributions to the First Presbyterian Church of Golden City, Red Oak Cemetery Association, or the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks in care of the Knell Mortuary. Online Condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the Knell Mortuary.

Rachel Hopkins

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Rachel Dawn Choate-Hopkins, a beacon of warmth and love, passed away suddenly on March 2, 2026, in Joplin, MO, at the age of 54. Born on December 24, 1971, in Carthage, MO, Rachel’s life was a testament to the power of kindness and the strength of familial bonds. Her laughter and light will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Rachel was a graduate of Webb City High School, class of 1990, and furthered her education at Vatterott College. Her passion for helping others led her to a fulfilling career as a nurse aide, where she touched the lives of many with her compassion and dedication. Rachel’s friendly and faith-filled nature made her a beloved figure in both her professional and personal circles.

Family was the cornerstone of Rachel’s life. She was a loving mother to her sons, Preston Choate and his wife Karly of Summerville, SC, and Bradley Choate of Colorado, and to her daughters, Leilani Roderique and adopted daughter Danielle Weber of Gainesville, MO. Her role as a grandmother was one she cherished deeply, and her numerous grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy.

Rachel was daughter to Ida Jo Hubbard-Fingar and Ricky Dane Choate of Springfield, MO. She is preceded in death by her mother and grandparents. She was a caring sister to Leslie Husemann and her husband Chris of Carterville, MO, and Ricki Choate of Webb City, MO. Her nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many friends will never be able to forget her contagious laugh and beautiful spirit.

Rachel’s interests were as diverse as they were heartwarming. She found great pleasure in spending quality time with her family and friends and creating memories that will be cherished forever. She enjoyed spending quality time with her best friends Jo Shutte and Kristen Cain, experimenting in the kitchen and crafting to her heart’s content. 

She had a passion for baseball, and loved blasting her music and speaking the word of the Lord regardless of the situation. Her presence was a source of comfort and joy, and her ability to connect with people on a deep level was truly remarkable. Her smile could light up a whole room and her warm hugs with a touch of red door perfume could make anyone’s day better. She will be loved forever and deeply by those who knew her.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Carterville Christian Church. Family will receive friends starting at 10:00 a.m. up to service time.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis Funeral Home, Webb City, Missouri.

Stan Nelson

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Standard Payne “Stan” Nelson, age 83, of Seligman, Missouri passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cox Medical Center Branson in Branson, Missouri.

He was born August 28, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of Noah and Dorothy Nelson. He was united in marriage to Betty Nelson, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his parents; son, Robert Nelson, and stepson, Mike O’Conner.

Surviving are his adopted daughter, Andrea Evans; stepdaughter, Marla Nelson; step daughter-in-law, Rosiris O’Conner and step grandson, Michael O’Conner, Jr. and numerous other family and friends.

Stan, also known as “Tag,” attended school in Anderson, Missouri, graduating from Anderson High School. Following graduation, he proudly served in the United States Navy from 1960 until 1963 when he was honorably discharged. After returning home, he found his calling as an over-the-road truck driver, a career he dedicated 42 years to before retiring. In addition to his work on the road, Stan also served as a safety driving instructor, sharing his knowledge and experience with others.

He was a devoted husband, father, and friend. Stan enjoyed nature and spending time on his computer playing games, but most of all he loved his family and treasured the time he spent with them.

Private services will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.