Barbara Smith

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Barbara McCoy Smith was born on April 18, 1943, in Joplin, Missouri, and raised in Seneca, Missouri, surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara grew up with seven siblings: four older brothers, two younger sisters, and a baby brother. She dearly loved her brothers and sisters, and family always held a special place in her heart. Growing up together, they shared many memories and experiences that helped shape her life.

Barbara married Jim D. Smith and together they built a family of their own. She was a proud mother of four children: Alan, Paula, Theresa, and Barbie.

Her family continued to grow through eight grandchildren: Brittany, Chandler, Tabitha, Samantha, Dannette, Karen, Jennifer, and Riley. She was also blessed with 22 great-grandchildren, creating a wonderful family legacy that will continue for generations.

Barbara enjoyed many hobbies and simple pleasures in life. She loved gardening, sewing, and cooking. She also treasured spending time with family and friends. Whether sharing a meal, working on a sewing project, tending to her garden, or simply visiting with loved ones, these were the moments that brought her happiness.

Barbara passed away on November 10, 2026. She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish the memories, love, and moments they shared with her.

Barbara's life was woven together by family, love, and the bonds she shared with those closest to her. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who loved her.

Her greatest legacy is the family she leaves behind and the love that will continue through each generation.

 

Tonya Miller

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Tonya Marie Miller did everything her own way, loudly and without apology, and she left us far too soon on November 3, 2026, at 54.

Tonya was raised in the small town of Seneca, Missouri. One of her favorite places there was the city pool, where she spent every day during the summers. She spent her 20s and 30s in Las Vegas and Chicago, where she worked hard and played harder. 

As a restaurant server she was a natural. She never met a stranger and loved to talk, which is exactly why she was so good at it. Her hard work got her recognized and promoted in two of the biggest cities in the country. One of her most special memories from those years was when an older gentleman, a stranger to her, told her to never lose her “moxie.” She never forgot it, and she never lost it. In her 30s she went to cosmetology school, then spent her years doing hair and serving at restaurants.

She considered herself a bit of a hippie and loved a good party. Under all that personality was a good, soft heart, especially for anyone who was suffering or being left out. She was preceded in death by her parents, Debbie Hunt and Bill Miller and by her grandparents, Charles and Daphine Hunt, who raised her. She never married and had no children. She leaves behind a sister, several cousins, and all the friends who became her family. Tonya will be cremated, and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

 

Charimonde Heger

(From Knell Mortuary)

Charimonde Carol Heger, age 93, of Jasper, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at her home. She was born on December 22, 1932, in Dodge City, Kansas, the daughter of the late Theodore and Jayne (Talmadge) Crane. She lived a life marked by devotion, hard work, faith, and love for her family and community.

Charimonde was a 1950 graduate of St. Peters High School in Joplin, and she later graduated from St. John’s School of Nursing. Her education reflected the care and determination that would remain a part of her throughout her life. She carried those qualities into everything she did, meeting each season of life with grace, strength, and a steady spirit. She married the love of her life, William Joseph “Bill” Heger, on February 16, 1952 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Joplin; they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary before his passing on December 23, 2002. They were long time members of Sacred Heart Church in Webb City. She served as building committee chairperson for the existing church, was the first woman lecturer in the church, parish council leadership, and finance council leadership.

She was a city girl turned farmer, and she became widely respected for the remarkable life she built in agriculture. Charimonde earned many local, state, and national accolades over the years, and she was especially proud of the successful purebred Hampshire hog business she helped establish. Her hogs won multiple state and national championships, a testament to her knowledge, perseverance, and dedication. She sold breeding stock across the U.S., Japan, Canada, Mexico and other countries. She became president of the Missouri Pork Producers Association and the National Hampshire Registry. She received the National Meritorious Service Award and won the Missouri Farm Bureau’s “Young Peoples Committee” for future leadership and the “Family of the Year” in 1959. She then received the 2012 Missouri State Fair Swine Industry Family of the Year. Charimonde was the founder of Citizens for Environmental Safety in 1989, a local grassroots nonprofit organization active from 1989 to 2009 to attempt to stop a local landfill development, and after several years, was successful in doing so. Through her work, she made a lasting mark on the farming community and earned the admiration of many who knew her. After retiring from farm life, Charimonde continued to serve others through years of volunteer work at St. John’s Hospital in Joplin. She also served on the board of the hospital auxiliary, where her time and talents were appreciated by all who worked alongside her. Her life of service reflected her generous heart and her desire to help others in meaningful ways.

Charimonde loved reading, playing card games, painting, working puzzles, and gardening. These simple pleasures brought her joy and reflected her creative nature. Above all else, she loved her family deeply and found her greatest happiness in time spent with those she held dear. She was known as loving, faith-filled, and creative, and those qualities were evident in the way she lived each day.

She is survived by her children, Michael Heger (wife Mary), Carthage, Missouri, Julia Thornton, Springfield, Missouri, Gregory Heger (wife Mary Jane), Springdale, Arkansas, Jeffrey Heger (wife Susan), Diamond, Missouri, William J. “Joe” Heger II (wife Michelle), Jasper, Missouri, and Jazan Martin (husband Jeff), Jasper, Missouri; her 12 grandchildren, Adam Heger, Sean Heger, Jennifer Salisbury, Cameron Heger, Shelby Heger, Jake Babcock, Zac Babcock, Alexi Adams, Jenilee Godsey, Jacob Martin, Bert Thornton, Skyler Watkins, Justin Oertle, and Lacy Stump; along with many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Cecilia Heger; a son-in-law, Roger Thornton; her grandchild, Leanne Thornton; her brother, Ted Crane; and her sisters, Camilla Davis and Jaynie Phipps.

Funeral mass will be held at 10 am, Monday, November 16, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Webb City, Missouri. The burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Webb City. Rosary will be held from 4:00 – 4:30 pm, Sunday, November 15, 2026 at Sacred Heart, with family receiving friends from 4:30 – 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Wounded Warriors 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.

Joe Petitt

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Joel Lee Petitt, known lovingly to family and friends as Joe, passed away on November 10, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family in Oronogo, MO, at the age of 69.

Joe was born May 8, 1957, in Joplin, MO, to Casey Jones and Edith Easley. Later Edith married Leonard Morgan who he called Pops. He lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a kind of spirit that touched all who knew him. Throughout his life, Joe was known as a handy man with a gift for working with his hands and a willingness to help whenever he was needed. He carried himself with a quiet strength and a dependable nature that made him someone others could always count on.

On April 28, 1979, Joe married the love of his life, Lynn Cassady, in Joplin, MO. Together they built a beautiful life and were united in marriage for over 47 years. Their bond was one of deep love, loyalty, and companionship, and it stood as a lasting example to their family. Joe and Lynn shared many years filled with memories, laughter, and the joy of raising their children and watching their family grow.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife, Lynn Petitt, of the home; his children, David Petitt and Emma of Oronogo, MO, and Jessica Cotton and Jamie of Powell, MO; his siblings, Jerry Jones of Joplin, MO, Julia Crow of Joplin, MO, Janice Hilburne of Aurora, MO, and Judy York of Colorado Springs, CO; his beloved grandchildren, Skyler Petitt-Cotton, Micah Mai, Anthony Descalarre, Braxton Cotton, Manny Descalarre, Zander Cotton, and Mady Descalarre; and his great-granddaughter, Rose Mary Cotton. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends who will cherish his memory. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sisters and grandson.

Joe was known as a jack of all trades and worked throughout his life in a variety of roles. He was employed by Locarni Marble Company and later worked as a truck driver for O'Reilly Auto Parts. His strong work ethic and practical skills were evident in everything he did. His life of labor reflected his character, steady, reliable, and willing to do what needed to be done.

Outside of work, Joe found his greatest happiness in the outdoors and in the company of his family. He loved spending time with those closest to him, and family was truly his passion in life. Whether he was enjoying simple moments at home or making memories with those he loved, Joe treasured every opportunity to be surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Time spent with his grandchildren was his greatest joy, and he held a special place in his heart for each of them.

Those who knew Joe will remember him as a loving and handy man whose presence brought comfort and strength to others. He lived a life centered on the people he loved most, and his legacy will continue through the family he helped build and the values he passed on.

Graveside funeral services will take place on Saturday at 2 p.m. November 14, 2026, at the Oronogo Cemetery Located in Oronogo, MO with Pastor Bill Hackworth officiating. Burial will follow the service.

Sonny Kirby

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Louis (Sonny) Edward Kirby Junior, 82, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November, 5, 2026. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories as well as his wife, Alieca; sons, John, Jimmy, Louie, Brad, James, and Baron; one son, Michael, and one brother, Bob, preceded him in death; one daughter, Shanna; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister Claudia.

Sonny lived a full life operating businesses in Fayetteville, AR, Lubbock, TX, and Joplin, MO. He enjoyed traveling and made multiple trips to California, Las Vegas, and eventually travelling RV style over most of the country with his wife. Sonny met Alieca in 1987 and they were mostly inseparable from that moment on and married in August of 1995. They celebrated 31 years of marriage this year.

No one could accuse Sonny of being boring! He shined on the dance floor, knew how to use and hammer and nails, dreamed about being a professional golfer, and found a way to have fun in whatever he was doing.

Sonny attended Labette Community College on a football scholarship and played quarterback until he threw out his knee. He served in the US Army and was sent to Vietnam. He later developed Parkinsons Disease due to exposure of Agent Orange. He never let it stop him from being the father, husband, and grandpa he knew they needed. Sonny leaves behind a legacy of friendship, love, humor, pride in his children, and a life filled with compassion, hard work, and genuine love for others.

Everyone who knew him will miss his silly grin when he was teasing, his easy-going way of tackling problems, his loyalty, and those crazy songs he liked to sing. So handsome, strong, dependable and kind; he will be sorely missed. But those who knew and loved him will have many memories to keep in their hearts and to share with others.

Rest well Sonny, until we meet again.

A Memorial Service will be at 2:00pm, Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at Royal Heights Methodist Church, 1612 Euclid Ave, Joplin, MO 64801.

Arrangements in care of Ozark Memorial Park.

David Christie

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

David Christie, 45, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away suddenly at his home on November 6, 2026.

David was born on May 20th, 1981 to George and Helen Christie in Miami Ok. He attended and graduated from Fairland Public Schools, where he had many achievements in his academics, also participating in extra activities involving baseball and basketball, 3-D bow competition, FFA, serving as an FFA officer, raising show animals and showing in the county fair. He then attended and graduated from Phoenix University college and started working for Laram Maintenance of Way performing railroad track maintenance, then onto working for Blitz in Miami Ok. 

 He married Carissa Hurt, and out of that union came two amazing boys. Later in time they divorced. David loved spending time with his sons, they were always doing something together, playing inside and outside, helping in the shop, enjoying their favorite snacks, shopping, site seeing and traveling. His hobbies included atv riding, RC cars, carpentry and yard projects, and collecting. He was always willing to help family and friends.

David will be remembered by those who knew and loved him, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family. He is survived by his two beloved son’s Ryker and Sterling who he Loved and was Very Proud of. His Loving Mother Helen and Brother Matt, Niece, Cousin’s, Uncles and Aunts, who will carry his memory with them in the days and years ahead.

Forty-five years may seem far too few, but a life is not measured simply by the number of years lived. It is measured by the memories made, the moments shared, the lives touched, and the love left behind. Though David’s journey ended much sooner than anyone wished, his life mattered, and he will not be forgotten.

Those who loved David are left to cherish the memories they hold dear and find comfort in knowing that he will always be a part of their lives.

Gone far too soon, loved beyond words, and missed beyond measure.

No services will be held at this time.

Richard Dicken

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Richard Lee Dicken Jr., 60, of Aurora passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2026 in his home. He was born January 25, 1966 in Lancaster, OH., the son of Richard and Evelyn (Hayden) Dicken Sr. He was a retired carpenter.

Survivors include his mother, Evelyn Lewellyn of Washburn, MO.; wife, Dana; two sons, Brandon Coatney of Springfield, MO. and Damyen Dicken of Miller, MO.; two daughters, Khristian Dicken of Springfield, MO. and Ravin Moore Miller, MO.; three brothers, Robert Dicken of Florida, and Brian and Bronson Dicken both of Ohio; three sisters, Angel Berck of Oklahoma, Tamara Dicken of Washburn, MO. and Mendy Zinn of Ohio.; 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his father.

A Celebration of Life is pending.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.