Saturday, May 23, 2026

Marilyn Hayes


(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Marilyn Sue Hayes of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, at Solace House of the Ozarks, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Marilyn was a woman of life, strength, and spirit—feisty, fiercely loyal, and loving to the end. Once Marilyn loved you, she loved you for life. Her laughter, strong will, and generous heart created countless cherished memories for family and friends.







She is survived by her husband, Dan Hayes; daughters Stephanie Boney (Joe Jones) and Sandra Ells (Matt Ells); grandsons Logan York (Madison York), Drew Boney (Kayce Boney), Max Boney (Brooklyn Speer), and Carson Bowman (Raegan Boswell); and her treasured great-grandchildren Potts Boney, Jovie Boney, and Lottie Boney. Marilyn also leaves many cousins, lifelong friends, and extended family who will miss her dearly.

Marilyn loved the simple, beautiful things in life: her dogs, hunting and fishing, and her proud involvement with the Miami Nation. Horses held a special place in her heart—she rode on a drill team in her younger years and passed that love of horses on to her daughters and grandchildren, creating a legacy of memories that will endure.








A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Fairview Baptist Church, 4300 S Joplin Ave, Joplin, MO 64804.

She lived boldly and loved wholeheartedly. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will continue to ride alongside all who knew and loved her.

Arrangements and services are under the personal care and direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, Missouri.


Roni Scott


(From Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home)

Roni Renee Scott, 41, of El Dorado Springs, passed away on May 15, 2026. She was born on October 30, 1984, in El Dorado Springs, MO to Brad Kirbey and Shelly Scott.

On July 19, 2019, she married Ronald Baker. To this union four children were born, bringing their total up to eight. She loved spending time at flea markets and yard sales, always searching for special treasures to give to her children, family, and friends. She was always thinking of others.







She is survived by her husband, Ronald Baker; her eight children, Ryan Baker, Alexis Newton, James Burk, Jillian Stevens, Reuben Baker, Praise Baker, Faith Baker, and Grace Baker; one grandchild; her parents, Brad Kirby and Shelly Scott; and her sister, Jasmine Stevens.

Roni was a devoted wife and loving mother. She will be greatly missed.

Cathy Peavler


(From Parker Mortuary)

Cathy Peavler, 61, of Joplin, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026. Born and raised in Joplin, Cathy was known for her kind heart, warm spirit, and generosity to everyone she met. She truly never knew a stranger.

Cathy dedicated more than 20 years of her life working as a CNA, caring for others with compassion and strength. Above all else, she was a devoted mother whose six children were the center of her world. She worked tirelessly as a single mother, always putting her family first and showing endless love and support to those around her.








She found joy in gardening, baking, and bargain shopping, and she had a special way of making people feel welcomed, cared for, and loved. Though she had six biological children, many others lovingly called her “Mom” throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert Sr. and Rose Peavler; her siblings, Delbert Jr., Donna, and John Peavler; and her beloved granddaughter, Isabella Aguilar.








Cathy is survived by her children: Tim (Jamie) Peavler of Florida, Misty Aguilar, Francisco Aguilar (Samya), Jennifer Aguilar, Eric (Amanda) Aguilar, and Cordero (Bonnie) Peavler all of Joplin. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Maraya, Michael, Mason, Denhiem, Ayden, and Elias Peavler; Gabriella, Kolby, and Cisco Aguilar, along with several great-grandchildren and many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Cathy was the strongest woman her family knew, and her love, strength, and memory will continue to live on in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Cremation arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.


Linda Stapleton


(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Linda Hembree-Stapleton, age 78, of Carterville, MO., entered into rest on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Joplin, MO.

Linda was born on December 24, 1947, in Joplin, MO., the daughter of Junior and Olga (Gardner) Annis. She worked for many years as a Nurse at Elmhurst Nursing Home before retiring in 1987.

She married Walter Hembree on June 14, 1964, he preceded her in death in 2001. Linda then married Jack Stapleton, he also preceded her in death in 2017. She was also preceded by her parents and by a son; Keith Hembree.








Survivors include her daughter; April Coleman and her husband Tommy, her son; Randy Hembree and his wife Bonnie, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Weaver Cemetery in Purcell, MO. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Friday, May 22, 2026

Muriel Woody


(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Muriel Elaine Woody, born on February 24, 1948, in Fort Scott, KS, led a life characterized by love, compassion, and empathy. Known for her warm spirit, bright smile and infectious laugh, Muriel was a beacon of faith and familial dedication. Her radiant heart touched the lives of everyone she met, leaving an impact that will continue to echo through the years. Muriel passed away peacefully with her children by her side on May 19, 2026 in Joplin.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Muriel found her greatest joy within the walls of her home and the hearts of her family. As a lifelong member of the church and the wife of a pastor, she found solace and purpose in her faith. She served as a Sunday School Teacher, assisted with VBS, Celebrate Recovery and mission trips alongside her husband. As Proverbs 31:25-26 states, "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness." Muriel embodied these verses, living her life as a testament to her faith and family.








Muriel's professional life was marked by a successful career in Accounts Payable at St. Johns Hospital in Joplin, from where she retired in 2012 after working there for over 30 years. Some of her hobbies included crocheting and gardening, activities that further showcased her love for creating and nurturing.

Muriel was preceded in death by her husband Ron Woody; father, Donald Shoemaker; and mother, Alma Shoemaker. She is survived by her sons Shane (Jennifer) Woody and Jason Woody; grandchildren Alexandra, Jacob and Coleton (Roz) Woody; sisters Linda (David) Scharenberg and Becky (Scott) Simpson. She is also survived by numerous brothers and sisters in law as well as nieces and nephews.








A visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church in Webb City on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 6-7:30pm. The funeral service will take place the following day at the same venue on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home.

The family invites relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of their loved one, Muriel Woody. Your stories and pictures will serve as a comforting reminder of the loving, compassionate, and empathetic woman Muriel was, and her enduring impact on all our lives.


Carol Capron


(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Carol Maureen Capron, age 84 of Webb City, Missouri passed away surrounded by her family at 1:15am on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at The Wildwood Senior Living in Joplin, Missouri following a lengthy battle with Dementia.

Carol was born on March 29, 1942 in Joplin, Missouri. She is the daughter of Howard and Helen (Hulvey) Price. She grew up in Galena, Kansas where she was crowned football homecoming queen in 1957 and later graduated with the class of 1960. 






On August 7, 1960 Carol married Virgil “Jack” Capron in Galena, Kansas and he precedes her in passing. Carol is survived by two sons, Michael Jack Capron and wife Debbie of Leesport, PA, Patrick Daniel Capron and wife Leslie of Webb City, MO; nine grandchildren, Erica Durbin, Zachary (Allison) Martin, Chase Capron, Hannah (Kevin) Nally, Natalie (Seth) Harris, Tadd Capron, Quincie Capron, Elliett Capron, Holly Capron; one great-granddaughter Foster Harris and one great-grandson Jack Capron.

She is preceded in death by her parents, infant twin daughters Jennifer Ann and Penny Lorraine, daughter Ann L. Martin, grandson Seth Martin and brother Pat Price.

Carol was always a supporting light for her husband Jack and their children. She followed Jack through his time at Stewart Air Force base in Smyrna, Tennessee and after his discharge they made their way back to Webb City, MO where she helped him open his veterinary practice at Madison Animal Clinic.








She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and watching them compete in their various sports and activities. Baking with her grandkids was one of the great joys of her life along with gardening and traveling. She was the life of a party and always enjoyed visiting with friends. Carol was also very involved with Wildwood and was a shining light for all of the nursing staff.

The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Wildwood in the memory care unit for all of the care and love they provided to Carol and the family throughout their many years there.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00am, Friday, May 22, 2026 at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City, MO.
Services in care of Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory.

Linda Proctor


(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Linda Kay Proctor, 78, of Carthage, MO, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at her residence.

Linda was born on July 6, 1947, in Wheaton, Missouri.

She received a bachelor’s degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management.

She worked for the former Sunbeam in Neosho for several years and she also worked at the former Captain D’s in Joplin for several years.








She is survived by two sons; Jason (Sandy) Proctor of Carthage, Missouri and Eric Proctor of Neosho, Missouri, six grandchildren; Ryan Bradshaw, Dakota Cory, Jason Proctor II, Dallen Proctor, Kellsie Proctor and Chase Proctor, 11 Great-Grandchildren; Delayza Proctor, Eliel Proctor, Emma Lynn Thompson, Hadley Proctor, Estella Proctor, Arabella Proctor, Hendrix Proctor, Grayson Shivar, Paisley Proctor, Mathew Proctor, and Reese Proctor.

She is also survived by one brother; Barry Ruark of Joplin, MO and two sisters; Barbara Kirkpatrick of Neosho and Wilma Collings of Pasco, Washington.








She was preceded in death by her parents Dillon and Vurl Fletcher Ruark and one grandson Devin Proctor.

A Celebration of Life will be held a later date with interment of cremains at Rocky Comfort Cemetery in Rocky Comfort, Missouri.

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