Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Ramona Ball


(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Ramona Ball, 57, of Carl Junction, Missouri, passed away April 11, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on July 29, 1968, in Parsons, Kansas, to Glenn Schell and Deanna Warren.

Ramona was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Ramona had three children and fourteen cherished grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She also had six brothers and one sister, along with many extended family members and loved ones.








Ramona had a deep love for people, especially her family. She found joy in laughter, treasured time spent with those she loved, and brought warmth and kindness wherever she went. Known for her caring nature, she was always willing to lend a helping hand and offer support to anyone in need.

A visitation will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Fairview Baptist Church, 2300 S. Joplin Avenue, Joplin, Missouri, with a service to follow at 5:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to bring flowers, which may be delivered to the church beginning at 3:00 p.m.








Ramona will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her love, laughter, and compassionate spirit.

Cremation and service arrangements are under the personal care of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, Missouri.


Karen Brown


(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Helen Karen Brown passed away on April 13, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Karen married Robert Brown on May 26, 1982, and together they built a life centered on family, love, and lasting memories. She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert Brown. Bob could make her laugh like no other. She is also survived by her sister, Molly Scott. Molly and Karen were a dynamic duo, and Molly was one of her greatest companions and friends. 








Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Jane Underhill and Holmes Underhill; her sister, Sherrie Campbell; and her beloved daughter, Shelly Brown.

She is also survived by her loving children: Kelly Deleon (Noe), Molly Lowe (Matt), Lori Oxendine (Neil), and Rob Brown (Cindy). Karen also leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren: Alta De Leon, Ava De Leon, Mallory Lowe, Macy Lowe, Jared Brown (Brooke), Jeremey Brown, Latisha Oxendine, and Natalie Stanley (Corey), as well as three great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Camryn, and Cohen, all of whom brought immense joy to her life.

Karen worked as a department store buyer, where she built a career marked by dedication and an eye for detail. Outside of her work, she found happiness in golfing with her friends, crafting her signature Santas, and gardening. She was well known for sharing her delicious home baked treats with the special people in her life. Karen also had a special love for her dog, Sammy, who was a constant companion and brought her great joy. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, who held a special place in her heart.








A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, 12325 State Hwy 86, Neosho, Missouri 64850, Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Karen will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, and the love she shared so freely. She was authentic, devoted, and always showed up. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematory, Joplin.

Sharon Derby


(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Sharon Mae Derby, 71, of Aurora passed away Monday, April 13, 2026 in Ascend Nursing Center, Aurora. 

She was born May 7, 1954 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Ardith and Dorothy Middleton Babcock. She was a homemaker.

No services are planned at this time.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.


Treva Hoog


(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Treva Hoog, 95, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Carthage, Missouri. Treva was born July 31, 1930, in Alba, Missouri, to James Jarius Lamb and Sylvia Tilley (Swoveland) Lamb. Treva was a longtime Broken Arrow, Oklahoma resident. She was a loving homemaker to her family. 

Treva was a very active member of Northside Christian Church in Broken Arrow, where she was involved with mission’s work, cooking for events, Cookson Hills Children’s home, and anywhere else she was needed. 

Treva was united in marriage to Edward A. Hoog, Sr. on June 19, 1947, in Columbus, Kansas; he preceded her in death January 9, 2009. 







Treva is survived by one son, Nathan Hoog (Laura) of Carthage, Missouri; a daughter, Sylvia Tilley (Mel) of Sperry, Oklahoma; a daughter-in-law, Pam Hayes (Danny) of Conroe, Texas; six grandchildren, Michael Calloway, II (Diana), Melissa Davis, Kelly Gunn (Jeff), Lindsey Garza (Tony), Alex Hoog, and Katelyn Terry (Johnathan); eleven great grandchildren, Michael Calloway, III, Corynne Davis, Noah Gunn, Lily Gunn, Anthony Garza, Adriana Garza, Dominic Garza, Lathan Terry, Everly Terry, Latham Terry, and Truman, as of July 2026. 

Treva is preceded in death by her husband, Edward; one son, Edward Hoog, Jr. (August 25, 1990); her parents, James and Sylvia; four brothers, Don, Oral Dean “Sandy”, James, and Troy Lamb; four sisters, Hope Hibdon, Doris McConnell, Melda Brasfield, and Glendora Maples; and two infant siblings. 








A celebration of life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Northside Christian Church’s Student Center (at the back of the building), 1201 N. Elm Place, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012. 

A graveside service for family will be announced soon and be held at Friends Cemetery in Purcell, Missouri on a Saturday in July 2026. 

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.


Eldon Freelend


(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Eldon Darwin Freelend, known simply as Eldon, was a loving, kind, and faith-filled man whose life of 95 years left a lasting mark on everyone blessed to know him.

He was born on September 27, 1930, in Fullerton, Nebraska to the union of Henry Albert and Iva Electa (Peck) Freelend, and he passed away on April 11, 2026, in Carthage, Missouri from natural causes. He made his home in Sarcoxie and lived a life defined by devotion, perseverance, service, and deep compassion for others.








Eldon answered a sacred calling early in life and devoted sixty dedicated years to ministry as a retired Free Methodist minister. He was proud to serve as a full-time pastor and rancher, and he carried both callings with strength, humility, and unwavering purpose. His life was a living example of what it means to serve faithfully, work diligently, and lead with integrity. Through every season, he remained grounded in his beliefs and committed to encouraging others to live with hope and conviction.

His ministry extended far beyond the pulpit, and he served faithfully in many leadership roles throughout his years of service. He gave of himself as Director of Intermediate Youth, with Christian Youth Crusaders at church, as Ozark Finance Committee Chairman, on the Board of Administration of Ministerial Alliance, on the Education and Guidance Committee, and as Vice Chairman of Osage Retreat Center in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. In every position, he brought wisdom, steadiness, and a sincere desire to strengthen the lives of others. He was the kind of man who did not seek recognition, but whose influence was felt deeply because he consistently chose service over self.

Eldon was also a man of remarkable talent and practical skill. He had a gift for carpentry that showed in the homes he built and the cabinets he crafted with care. He also enjoyed working on mechanical things, and he approached every task with patience, precision, and a willingness to figure things out. His hands were steady, his mind was sharp, and his heart was always open. These talents were not simply hobbies, because they were expressions of the same character that shaped his life, which was thoughtful, capable, and dependable.

Above all else, Eldon was a devoted family man. He was a wonderful father and grandfather, and his love for his family was evident in the way he lived, spoke, and served. He is survived by his children, Raymond Freelend and Cindy of Sarcoxie, Judith Haines of Sarcoxie, Vivian Welters and Jerome of Monett, Allen Freelend and Ronda of Carthage, Vernon Freelend of Joplin and daughter-in-law, Cheryl Freelend. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren. His siblings include Lewellyn Hiatt of Atkinson, Nebraska, Rowena Freelend of Kirkland, Arizona, Idona Sellno of Kansas City, Missouri, and Sheryl Woolsey and Windell of Oronogo, Missouri. He is also survived by a host of other family members and friends who will carry his memory with gratitude and love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Albert and Iva Electa Freelend, his beloved wives, Norma (Mounce) Freelend of thirty-three years and Lilly May “Martin” Freelend of thirty-five years; son, Paul Freelend, son-in-law, Rodney Haines, brother-in-law’s, Paul Hiatt and Gary Sellno, and his nephew, Richard Scott Woolsey. Though their absence was surely felt, Eldon lived with the assurance that faith gives, and he left behind a legacy that continues to speak with strength and grace.








Eldon Freelend’s life reminds us that greatness is not always measured by fame, but often by faithfulness. It is found in the steady hands that build, the kind words that heal, the prayers that uplift, and the example that inspires. He showed that a life devoted to God, family, and service can become a blessing that reaches far beyond one lifetime. His journey was rich with purpose, and his memory will continue to encourage all who were touched by his presence.

May those who remember Eldon do so with thankful hearts, honoring a man who lived with love, led with kindness, and stood firm in faith. His life was a testimony to endurance, humility, and devotion, and his legacy will remain a source of strength for generations to come.

Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home is Sarcoxie with Pastor Kenneth Filsinger officiating. Burial will follow at Wild Rose Cemetery in Webb City. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Christopher Haines, Michael Haines, Nathan Freelend, Jocob Freelend, Isaac Freelend and Nicholas Freelend. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.

Shirley Phillips


(From Parker Mortuary)

Shirley Faye Phillips, 88, of Webb City, Missouri, made her heavenly journey on April 12, 2026, after an extended illness.

She was born on April 18, 1937, in Parsons, Kansas, to the late Roy Yeubanks and Gladys Scannel Yeubanks. Shirley grew up with a strong sense of family and faith that would remain at the center of her life. She was a 1955 graduate of Cherryvale High School and carried the values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance with her throughout her years.







Shirley devoted many years of service to others through her work and community involvement. She worked for 10 years at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Olathe, Kansas, where she served as a secretary. She later spent 24 years as a Rural Carrier for the United States Postal Service in Olathe, Kansas, and Lamar, Missouri. In each role, she was known for her dependability, her warm spirit, and the care she showed to those around her.

A faithful Christian, Shirley was a longtime member of the Assemblies of God, where she and her husband, Benny, served faithfully in many positions within the church body. Her life reflected her deep faith, and she found joy in serving others and being part of her church family. She also volunteered in many organizations, including the Porter Community House in Joplin, served on the election board for both Jasper and Newton Counties and Girl Scout leader for 8 years. Shirley believed in giving her time and energy to the places and people that mattered to her.

She loved being outdoors, going to rummage sales, and camping with her family. These simple pleasures brought her great happiness, especially when shared with the people she loved most. Shirley was known as a loving, adventurous, and faith-filled woman whose presence brought comfort and encouragement to those around her. Her family and friends will remember her for her steady strength, her generous heart, a joyful spirit and the many hats she would wear each Sunday to church.

She is survived by her son, Kevin Phillips and his wife Kathy of Lenexa, Kansas; her daughters, Shirlene Osburn and her husband Scott of Joplin, Missouri, and Patti Zahn of Takoma Park, Maryland; her brother, Gary Yeubanks and his wife Ruth of El Dorado, Kansas; and her daughter-in-law, Darla Phillips of Kansas City, Kansas. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Chelsey Gartner and her husband Gage, Morgan Osburn, Jason Phillips, Heather Gravatt and Ronnie Pursley, Jr., Megan Roark, Amanda Plymire and her husband Derek, Allison San Juan and her husband Steve, Matthew Spann and his wife Laura, and Zach Zahn. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Ashlee and Chris Moeller, Austin, Jacy, Kaiden, Skyler, Seth, Emery, Kaison, Zailey, Lane, and Lacey, as well as her great-great-grandchildren, Braylee, Braxton, Brayton, and Blayklee.








Other than her parents, Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Benny who passed away in July of 2025 after nearly 70 years together. Additionally, their son, Gaylen Phillips; brothers, Allen and Jimmy Yeubanks and a sister, Leta K. Jones.

Funeral services will be held at Faith Assembly of God in Joplin, Missouri on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. up to service time. Burial will take place later that afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Dennis, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the “Mission’s Fund” at Faith Assembly of God, in care of the mortuary.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.


John Lundy


(From Ozark Funeral Home)

John Paul Lundy 57 of Jane, Missouri passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 3, 2026 (Good Friday).

He was born to the late William Attwood and Sharon Sherman. He enjoyed carving Diamond Willow and loved fishing and spending time with his family. He retired from Clorox/Glad as a technical processor.









He is survived by his wife Wanda after 25 years of marriage; his sons Christopher, Alex and stepson Scheulr; along with two beautiful granddaughters, Brooklyn and Emma; his siblings, Sherry, Andy and Durhonda along with many uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews and his beloved dog Buddy Guy Lundy.

A celebration life will be held at God's Glory Tabernacle International in Anderson, Missouri on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. For those who are unable to attend, the service will be live streamed at GGTI-Anderson, Live stream.