Randy Snow

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Randall Dale Snow, age 65, of Oronogo, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 14, 2026.

Randy was the hardest-working man you’d ever meet. He spent his life proving what it meant to work hard, show up on time, and follow through with what you said. There was not a project he wouldn’t take on. If it was broken, he could fix it. He was known to get creative in his handyman work, a true Macgyver.

He was a man’s man. He truly believed himself to be invincible. There was no injury, sickness, nor fear that could get in his way or slow him down. As tough as he was, he also loved so, so big. If you knew Randy as a friend, then you also knew that meant you had become family. His family grew tremendously over the years, and he truly loved every single person who became a part of it.

Randy found his peace outside. He loved morning coffee on the front porch. He could spend hours around a campfire, whether by himself or surrounded by his friends and family. He loved hunting and fishing and river floats. You’d rarely find him inside, even in more recent years. When he wasn’t working on a project outside, you’d find him spending time with his loved ones or on the water fishing with friends.

He is survived by his son, Lucas Snow, and his wife, Taylor; his daughter, Jessica Haynes (Snow), and her husband, Brad. He was preceded in death by his son, Jacob Snow. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him as Pops, Papa Randy, Uncle Randy, and Brother.

Randy’s family will cherish the many memories they shared with him, but above all, they will remember the immense love he had for his family. His love, laughter, and presence will remain in their hearts and memories forever.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO.

Sara Gonzalez

(From Parker Mortuary)

Sara Vargas Cardona Gonzalez was born on December 11, 1945 in Chicago. She passed away on September 19, 2026 at her home in Joplin, Missouri.

Sara started working at a factory making windows around age 16. This is where she met the love of her life, Ovidio Homero Gonzalez. They were united in marriage on February 2, 1965 in Chicago, Illinois. She then gave birth to her first son, Homero. Two years later, her son Michael Angelo arrived, followed by Victor and Orlando. She also raised her younger brother as her son, John Vargas. She enjoyed taking care of her husband and children. 

She was a kind, loving, faithful woman. She was always willing to help anyone. She enjoyed traveling and time with family. She also loved to knit and made beautiful things for the people she loved. She was great at cooking and a wonderful listener.

Sara is preceded in death by her parents, and her children, Homero and Victor. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri. The family invites friends for a time of visitation on Monday during business hours at the mortuary. 8:30 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. Arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.

Shirley Crowder

 

From Clark Funeral Home)

Shirley Anne Crowder was born January 16, 1945, in Independence, Kansas, to Leonard Moore and Eula White, one of eight children. Shirley entered into rest on September 17 in Neosho, Missouri, following an illness since March of 2026.

She worked as a waitress for most of her life, serving others in the community with dedication. To her children, she was “Maw,” and to her grandchildren, she was “Grandma.” Shirley was an extremely talented seamstress. She also enjoyed canvas painting and found great joy in music, singing, and karaoke. On September 16, 2012, Shirley married Bob Crowder.

Shirley is survived by five children: Bobby Gregg and wife, Ladona, of Neosho, Missouri; Allen Gregg and wife, Lisa, of Granby, Missouri; Tammy Godbey and husband, Mike, of Goodman, Missouri; Tina Brodie and husband, Jeff, of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma; and Cindy Cook of Goodman, Missouri; five sisters: Esther, Kathleen, Carol, Dorothy, and Nancy; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob Crowder; one son, Billy Gregg; two brothers, Scotty Moore and Jr. Moore; two granddaughters, Christina and KK; and one grandson, Braden.

The family will hold private services at a later date.

Donna Wilmoth

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Donna J. Wilmoth, 90, of Parsons, passed away at 7:18 a.m., Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Parsons.

She was born on July 27, 1935, at Moline, Kansas to Robert J. And Leta Marie (Eaglin) Walker. She grew up at Moline and Cherryvale and attended Cherryvale schools graduating from Cherryvale High School in 1953.

Donna married her high school sweetheart, Maurice L. “Mort” Wilmoth, on August 20, 1955, at Cherryvale. He preceded her in death on June 14, 2009.

She and Mort lived in Long Beach, California while he served in the United States Navy. She and Mort returned to the area in1960 where they made their home in Parsons and raised their sons, Terry and Tony.

Donna worked as a switchboard operator for the Southwestern Bell and Pacific Telephone companies, operated a daycare for 12 years, and worked at the Labette County District Court in Parsons as a secretary for over 21 years. She retired in 1998.

Donna was active in the community and her church. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, she helped establish and served as a charter board member, secretary/treasurer, of the Youth Crisis Shelter, volunteered at the Labette Health Auxiliary, was a member of the Ideal FCE Unit, and was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, serving on several committees and was a member of the Growing Christians Sunday School Class.

She enjoyed traveling with her husband in their RV with the Mirza Noble Shrine Camping Club for many years. They also spent 10 years during the winter months in the Rio Grand Valley in their RV.

Donna is survived by her sons, Terry Wilmoth of Woodfin, NC and Tony Wilmoth of Parsons; her granddaughter, Leaha Wilmoth, and her partner, Andrew Adams of Waynesville, NC; her sisters, Maurine Dunshee, and her husband Carlyle of Ft. Scott, Linda Plummer of Joplin, MO; her brother, Leland Walker, and his wife, Eileene of Olathe; her sisters-in-law, Mary Wilmoth and Carolyn Baldwin of Parsons; several nieces and nephews; her bonus daughter, Vicki Joza, and her husband, Dan of Marcellus, MI; her bonus grandchildren, Chris Minor, and his wife, Jessica of Lawrence and Kelli Dardas, and her husband, Matt of Stevensville, MI; her bonus great-grandchildren, Olive Minor, Moses Minor, Dottie Minor, Sutton Dardas, Collins Dardas, and Barrett Dardas. 

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter-in-law, Cindy Wilmoth; and her sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Cecil Dome.

Memorial services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the Wesley United Methodist Church with the Reverend Peter Choi officiating. The family will receive friends at 2 p.m., Sunday, at the church until service time. Burial will be the Oakwood Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Grab and Go Dinner Program at Wesley United Methodist Church, and these may be left at or mailed to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Jeanie Spencer

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Phyliss Jean (Jeanie) Spencer, 85, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on September 18, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri.

Jeanie was born on November 18, 1940, in Prosperity, Missouri, to the late, Ira and Edna (Roe) Byrd. Those who knew her best will remember her as a loving, kind, and generous woman whose gentle spirit touched many lives.

Jeanie shared 55 devoted years of marriage with her husband, Rupert Spencer, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her daughter Patricia Spencer; and her brother, Donald (Tip) Byrd. She is survived by her sister Ursalee Dowell; son & daughter-in-law, Rick & Kim Spencer; her daughter Pam Spencer; her nieces and nephews, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, & great-great-grandchildren.

Jeanie worked as a homemaker while her children were at home, after which she worked for White Flyer in Webb City until retirement.

Cremation Arrangements are under the direct care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri.

Ruth Gurley

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Margaret Ruth Gurley, known lovingly as Ruth, passed away on September 12, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, at the age of 83.

Ruth was born on August 18, 1943, in Carthage, Missouri, to Albert Leander and Edna Sultana (Coates) Bachtold. A life that would be marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and her calling as an educator. She grew up with a kind and steady spirit that would remain with her throughout her life. Ruth was a loving, faith-filled, and passionate woman whose presence brought warmth and encouragement to all who knew her. 

Ruth was united in marriage to George Richard Gurley on January 26, 1964. Together they shared fifty-six years of wonderful memories until his passing on November 14, 2020. Their marriage was built on love, faith, and enduring companionship, and it was a source of strength and joy throughout their lives. She treasured her family deeply and found great happiness in the blessings of her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Gina Lynne Revel and her husband Jason of Leawood, Kansas, Erik Richard Gurley and his wife Lisa of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, and Jared Dale Gurley of Sarcoxie, Missouri. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Cailyn Revel, Zoe Gurley, and Ahnika Littlefield, as well as a host of other family members and friends who were touched by her kindness and grace. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother, Jerry Dale Bachtold.

Ruth was a 1961 graduate of Sarcoxie High School and later continued her education at Southwest Missouri State, where she earned her master’s degree. Her lifelong dedication to education began with teaching at Purdy High School for two years. The following year, she joined the Sarcoxie R-II School District, where she devoted her entire career to Wildwood Elementary teaching 6th and 4th grade. She served as a Reading Paraprofessional at Wildwood School for more than twenty-four years and spent fifty-seven years of her life dedicated to the education of the state’s young citizens through her timeless work as an educator. In recognition of her remarkable service, Ruth received a Resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives honoring her commitment and devotion to children and learning. She also enjoyed working at Kathy’s Kritters preschool and daycare.

Ruth took great pride in watching her pupils grow, develop, and mature through the knowledge she imparted to them both as a teacher and as a friend. She was known for her patience, encouragement, and genuine care for the students she served. Her influence went far beyond the classroom, and many remembered her as someone who believed in them and inspired them to do their best. 

Her faith was an important part of her life. Ruth was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she found fellowship and strength. She was also active in the PEO chapter and a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. In her personal time, she enjoyed reading, baking, gardening, and taking pictures. She especially loved attending Cailyn’s dance and band competitions and Zoe’s basketball and soccer games. These moments brought her great joy.

Ruth will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her devotion to her students, and the gentle, faithful way she lived her life. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she influenced, the family she cherished, and the countless memories she created through a life well lived.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home with Reverend James Schnackenberg officiating. Visitation will be from 12-2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Carthage Humane Society, Joplin Humane Society or Sarcoxie Library in care of the funeral home. 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.

Jason Lee

(From Weng Funeral Chapel)

Jason Allen Lee, 49 of LaRussell, Missouri passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026 at his home. He was born on December 22, 1976 to Dickie and Patricia (Parsons) Lee. 

Survivors include his parents, Dickie and Patty Lee, two sons, Max Lee, and Dylan Lee, a sister, Michelle Long, and three grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at 9489 County Road 85, Carthage, Missouri.