Sharon Durik

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Sharon Lee Durik (formerly Gozia), 84, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on February 13, 2026, at Mercy Hospital, surrounded by family and friends.

Sharon was born on November 17, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Leon and Mintie Gozia. On May 11, 1963, she married Michael G. Durik, with whom she shared a long and happy marriage until his passing.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents, Leon and Mintie Gozia; her sister, Debbie Snowden; and brother, Gene Scrum.

Sharon is survived by two brothers and their spouses: James and Jennifer Gozia of Carl Junction, Missouri, and Richard Gozia and Elizabeth Holloway of Jefferson City, Missouri; her brother-in-law, Ben Snowden of Joplin; sister-in-law, Annette Scrum-Zezoff of Granite City, Illinois; and ten nieces and nephews.

Sharon was known for her work in the medical field, serving as an office administrator in various doctors’ offices and hospitals in Joplin. 

After living with Michael for several years in Arizona, she returned to Joplin in 2018, where she became a well-loved member of the community at Memorial Hills Apartments. She will be fondly remembered for her kindness and will be deeply missed by her many friends and family.

Per her request, cremation has taken place, and her remains will be interred next to her husband’s at Springfield Veterans Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 1 at 1:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor Community Room at Memorial Hills I Apartments, Joplin, MO.

Arrangements are under the direction the personal care of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, Missouri

 

Teresa Wilson

(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Teresa D. Wilson, 58, Wyandotte, OK passed away February 19, 2026 at her home after a long illness.


Teresa Dawn Wilson was born March 11, 1967 in Miami, OK the daughter of Donald and Glenda Sue (Massey) Wilson. She was a lifelong area resident and a 1985 graduate of Wyandotte High School. Teresa was a proud citizen of the Wyandotte Nation. She worked for the Wyandotte Nation on and off for 35 years. The last 7 years she worked as a receptionist at the Culture Center. Teresa enjoyed fishing, going to the beach, learning more about Wyandotte Culture and spending time with her family and friends, especially spending time with her 2 grandsons.

Teresa was preceded in death by her parents Don and Sue Wilson and several extended family members.
Survivors include; Partner Marti White of Wyandotte, OK, Son Dakota Graves of Wyandotte OK, Daughter Kayla Lindsey (Wade Lindsey) of Springfield MO, Grandsons Colt Lindsey and Tyson Lindsey of Springfield MO; Sisters Debbie Dry of Joplin MO and Kelly Wilson-Perez of Hemet CA and a host of extended family, tribal family and friends. 


The family will receive friends at the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO, Monday, February 23, 2026 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.


Funeral services will be held at the Seneca Assembly of God, Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 10:00am with Bob Massey and Mark Landreth officiating.


A Private burial will be in the Seneca Cemetery at a later date.

John Bode

(From Doss Funeral Home)

John Wesley Bode, 78, of Edina, Missouri, passed away Monday Evening, February 9, 2026, at the LaBelle Manor Care Center in Labelle, Missouri, surrounded by family and friends.

John was born February 28, 1947, in Quincy, Illinois, the son of George Glenn and Orinda Jen Hatcher Bode.

He attended Shelbina Elementary and graduated from the South Shelby High School in the Class of 1965. John continued his education at the University of Missouri in Columbia graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics before pursuing a Master’s Degree in Economics.

After graduating from Mizzou he moved to Phoenix, Arizona and worked for U-Haul and later his work took him to Columbus, Ohio, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bettendorf, Iowa, Geneseo, Illinois, and they made their home in Edina, Missouri and was a caregiver for his mother. He was called into the ministry and served at the Baring Community Church, A Home Church 10 years, then the Edina Baptist Church for the last 15 years.

John worked as an economic developer in Edina, Missouri, Shelbina, Missouri and Chamber of Commerce President at Carthage, Missouri before returning to Edina, where he served as director of the Knox County Community Development Corporation. He enjoyed woodworking, golf and remodeling their house.

On August 27, 1972, in Phoenix, Arizona, John married Pattricia Ellaine Mason and to this union a son and daughter were born.

John is survived by his wife of more than 53 years, Pattricia Bode of Edina, Missouri; a son, Gregory Alan and Amy Bode of Phoenix, Arizona; a daughter, Laura Kathleen Bode of Sunnyvale, California; grandchildren, Alec Bode, Zachary Bode, Maximus Bode, and Mason Bode; brothers and sisters, Janet and Gary Foster of Shelbina, Missouri, Jim Bode of Shelbina, Missouri, Jennifer Harrington of Kirksville, Missouri, and Jacquelyn “Jacki” and Gary Brayfield of Bethel, Missouri; a special niece, Rachel and Ridge McCarty and their children, Mary Ann and Jason; nieces and nephews; Elijah Kline, Joshua Kline and Anna Kline; some special family friends, John Phillips, Hanna Phillips, and Abigail Phillips; along with a host of friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Edina with the family receiving friends Saturday at 10:30 a.m. until the service time at the church.

An expression of sympathy in memory of John Bode may be left to Preborn, or the family’s wishes. A memorial may be left at or mailed to the Doss Funeral Home 208 N. 4th Street, Edina, Missouri 63537.

Bernnie Wall

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Bernnie Lewis Wall, a man known for his warm humor, adventurous spirit, and a heart as colorful as his beloved tie-dye, passed away on February 16, 2026, in Anderson, Missouri, at the age of 75. Born on September 12, 1950, in Tulare, California, to Bernnie and Mary Opal (Murch) Wall, he was a beacon of light and laughter to all who knew him.

Bernnie's life was one of vibrant expression and joy. He often described himself as a self-proclaimed hippie, embodying the free-spirited vibe of the sixties, which he adored. His love for Bigfoot lore and tie-dye patterns was more than a hobby—it was a testament to his belief in the extraordinary and a reflection of his unique personality.

A faithful attendee of Grace Life Church in Anderson, MO, Bernnie's faith was as important to him as his family. His spiritual life was filled with the same fervor and enthusiasm that he put into every aspect of his existence.

Bernnie was preceded in death by his loving parents, Bernnie and Mary Opal Wall, his brother James Wall, and his sisters, Shirlene Dorn and Pam Overstreet. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter in his daughter, Crystal Shaver, who will cherish his memory alongside her children, Piper Ellis and Zoe Stites, and his two great-grandchildren, Jocelyn and Sawyer Stites. His passing is a profound loss to his family, who will continue to honor his memory by living life to the fullest, just as he did.

His spirited nature ensured that he left an indelible mark on the hearts of those he met. As we bid farewell to Bernnie Lewis Wall, we celebrate the extraordinary life he led and the countless ways he enriched our lives with his humor, his courage, and his unyielding zest for adventure. Though he may be gone from our sight, the essence of his spirit—a kaleidoscope of laughter, love, and color will remain with us forever.

A Celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, March 2, 2026 at the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Home.; Pastor Cecil Hall will officiate.

Jason Ballard

(From White Funeral Home)

Jason Ballard, age 49, of Washburn, Missouri, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026, at his home with his loving wife by his side.

Jason was born on August 23, 1976, in Modesto, California, to Robert and Patricia (Wood) Ballard. On August 8, 1997, he married the love of his life, Brandi Miller, and together they built a life grounded in devotion, laughter, and unwavering love for their family.

Above all else, Jason cherished his children and grandchildren, who were truly the light of his world. His pride in them was evident in everything he did, and his greatest joy came from being present in their lives.

Jason was known for his unique and irreverent sense of humor. Even in moments of pain or difficulty, he had an uncanny ability to make others smile, often putting laughter ahead of his own comfort. His humor was sharp, unexpected, and deeply human leaving lasting impressions and memories that will be retold for years to come. Those closest to him knew that behind the jokes was a man of deep love and quiet strength.

He enjoyed video games, doing crafts, building furniture, and listening to podcasts. Creative and hands-on by nature, Jason found fulfillment in making things and sharing his time with those he loved. Though he kept a small circle, he was a loyal and genuine friend, deeply valued by those fortunate enough to be part of his life.

Survivors include his wife Brandi of 28 years; three daughters, Aurora Ballard of Bentonville, Arkansas, Juliana Ballard of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Hailey Ballard of Washburn, Missouri; two grandchildren Elizabeth and Gabriel; and one sister Summer Wolfe of Fayetteville, Arkansas. 

Jason is preceded in death by his father.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 1:00 pm at White Funeral Home and Crematory with Donovan Fox officiating.

Memorials may be made to the family and entrusted to White Funeral Home and Crematory.

Arrangements are under the direction of White Funeral Home and Crematory in Cassville, Missouri.

Sandra Smith

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of our mother Sandra K. Smith, who departed this world peacefully on February 15th at the age of 81.

Born on July 26, 1944, in Joplin, MO.

Sandra was a woman of Christian faith, compassion, and quiet strength. She devoted her life to her family, whom she cherished above all else. As a mother to six beloved children, she had an active life with love, laughter and sometimes tears. 

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents Oscar & Mona Red, one sister Carol Blackman, 2 granddaughters and a great grandson.

She is lovingly remembered by sister Janice Prudhel of Eugene, Ore, her six children: Michael & Linda Cavener of Lucedale, Mississippi, Terry Cavener of Joplin, MO, Kelly and Terry White of Joplin, MO, Ricki & Victor Gomez of Joplin, MO, Sharon Adams of Carl Junction, MO, and Clarence & Veronica Adams of Independence, MO, as well as her numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great -great grandchildren, extended family, and countless friends whose lives were touched by her kindness and generosity.

Sandra found joy in life’s simple pleasures— her dogs and cats over the years, butterflies, hummingbirds, cooking, reading, going to Silver Dollar City, and playing Pogo on her laptop. Sandra loved playing Yahtzee, especially with her best friend of over 50 years Carol Newberry, who preceded her in death.

Sandra believed in hard work, forgiveness, and the power of family traditions. 

Her legacy lives on in the values she instilled, the memories she created, and the love that continues to bind her family together.

A celebration of her life will be held on July 25th. Time & Location to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that if you can please donate blood to your local blood bank for others dealing with leukemia.

Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit remains in every shared meal, every family story, and every act of kindness done in her name.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Donna Robinette

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Donna Robinette, age 60, of Galena, Kansas, passed away on February 16, 2026, following a sudden illness. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. Donna was born in Memphis, Texas, on December 22, 1965, to Riley and Martha (George) Huggins.

Mrs. Robinette dedicated many years to serving as a Certified Nursing Assistant in local medical facilities. Following her retirement, she continued to support her community by providing housekeeping services to local families. Donna was renowned for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to those in need.

On July 12, 1984, she was united in marriage to Frank Robinette in Joplin, Missouri. He survives.

Survivors include one brother, Neal Huggins; two sisters, Ellen Benning and Brenda Peterson; five children David Robinette and wife Mandy, Jason Smidt and wife Treada, Corey Adkins and wife Kia, Heather McLean and husband Brandon, and Crystal Rowden; one daughter-in-law, Krissa Manners; nineteen grandchildren: Tearson, Trinity, Taurence, Cristine, Dalton, Landen, Riley, Matthew, Cheyenne, Elizabeth, Bradley, Xander, Naveah, Franklin, Dayton, Anthony, Jeremiah, Cierra, and Traden; and eight great-grandchildren: Greyson, Kash, August, Everly, Dustin, Elijah, Emmidt, and Louie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Riley and Martha Huggins, and one son, Christopher.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Mason- Woodard Mortuary and Crematory, 3701 E 7th St, Joplin, MO 64801. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, 415 N. St. Louis, Joplin, MO 64801.

Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home on behalf of the family to assist with funeral expenses.