Ed Whitmarsh

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Edward Craig Whitmarsh, 78, of Aurora, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Ed proudly served his country in Vietnam and continued his military service for 18 years before retiring honorably from the United States Army. His dedication to his country reflected the same sense of duty, honor, and integrity he carried throughout his life.

Ed was a man deeply loved and respected by all who knew him. He possessed a strong moral compass and lived his life by doing what was right, even when no one was watching. He was always willing to go above and beyond to help others, often putting the needs of those around him before his own.

Ed was an excellent teacher who enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experience with others. He had a natural ability to teach, guide, and encourage those around him. His lessons extended far beyond the things he taught. Through his actions, he showed others the importance of honesty, kindness, responsibility, and keeping your word.

Outside of his military career and family life, Ed enjoyed working with horses and wood carving. He also had a deep interest in military history and Native American cultures. These interests reflected his lifelong appreciation for history, tradition, craftsmanship, and the people who came before him.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Whitmarsh, and his children, Edward Whitmarsh, Clint Whitmarsh, Nick Frohmann, LeeMary Schiffmacher, and Greg Frohmann. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sydney Whitmarsh, Dillion Whitmarsh, Hailey Whitmarsh, Ava Whitmarsh, and Dominick Frohmann; and his great-grandchildren, Wesley Whitmarsh and Rowan Whitmarsh.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Whitmarsh and Betty Whitmarsh, and his brother, Daniel Whitmarsh. He is survived by his brothers, David Whitmarsh and Michael Whitmarsh.

Ed will be remembered as an honorable man, a devoted husband and father, a teacher, a soldier, and a friend. His kindness, wisdom, strong character, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, September 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM in Peterson Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Maple Park Cemetery with full Military Honors. Visitation will be held Friday, September 4th from 11:00 AM until service time in the Chapel.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Venetta Banwart

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Venetta Ruth Banwart passed away on August 29, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 46. She was born on August 19, 1980 to Alfred Lee and Charlotte Ann (Meyer) Banwart in Lamar, Missouri.

Venetta was baptized in 2003 and is a member of the Apostolic Christian Church. She worked many years as an Occupational Therapy Assistant for Freeman Hospital where she found enjoyment in helping others; particularly those with lymphedema and Parkinson’s disease. She also enjoyed traveling with family and friends throughout the years and treasured the fellowship of the church.

Venetta is survived by her stepmother, Carolyn (Gerber) Banwart; two siblings, Jonathan (Beth) Banwart of Lamar, MO and Ulista (Andy) Knobloch of Salem, OR; and four nephews, Daniel, Jacob, Kevin and Jeffrey Banwart of Lamar, MO. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Charlotte Banwart.

A visitation will be held at Konantz Warden Funeral Home on Thursday Septmeber 3, 2026 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. A visitation will be held on Friday September 4, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM followed by a 10:00 AM funeral service at the Thiebaud Auditorium. Burial will follow at the Apostolic Church Cemetery.

Tessa Hobbs

(From Knell Mortuary)

Tessa Joy Hobbs, was born on December 1, 2025. On August 31, 2026 her heart stopped in her sleep and she passed away in her home in Carthage, MO, just one day before she reached 9 months of age. 

Tessa’s short life was complicated by a heart condition that kept her in living in Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St Louis, for over 1/3 of her life. Despite some incredibly rough experiences, and two open heart surgeries, Tessa lived with the most joyful enthusiasm to experience life to its fullest, taking such delight in experiencing, touching, tasting, and loving everything! 

Tessa had the unique ability to touch the lives of others through the way that she lived, and her influence will continue long after she is gone. She was a tiny person, with only half a heart, that didn’t even live to her first birthday, but she had a massive personality, loved intensely, and she REALLY, REALLY LIVED.

Tessa was the cherished daughter of Nate and Amy Hobbs, and the baby sister of Rebecca(13) and Carrie(11) Hobbs. Tessa’s passing leaves a massive hole in her family. She built special relationships with all of her family members, and absolutely adored her sisters. Tessa is survived by a great multitude of extended family, as well as a host of people who have fervently and faithfully prayed for her since before her birth.

The public is invited to Tessa’s services on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Fairview Christian Church in Carthage, beginning with an unstructured visitation hour from 10 to 11 am, followed immediately by a service celebrating Tessa, during which there will be time for anyone to share thoughts or memories if they would like. Casual/informal attire is welcome. A private burial will follow the funeral service. Online condolences for the family may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Jane Kelly

(From Knell Mortuary)

Mary Jane “Jane” Kelly, age 87, passed away peacefully in Joplin, Missouri, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 1:45 p.m., with her family at her side.

Jane was born Mary Jane Girdley in West Plains, Missouri, on December 15, 1938, to Roland and Gladys Lucile (Wilcoxon) Girdley. She grew up in Bucyrus, Missouri, where she attended Plum Valley School and later graduated from Houston High School in 1956. Jane attended the Burge School of Nursing and became a registered nurse in 1959. She served as a pediatric nurse at Burge Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, now known as Cox North Hospital. Later, she worked for Dr. Chris L. Palcheff, a well-respected Springfield pediatrician. On May 14, 1961, she married Dean Edward Kelly, and they welcomed their son, Shannon, in 1969.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Dean; her parents; her brother, Joseph “Joe” Clifton Girdley; her sister, Patricia “Pat” Ann Haythorne; her aunts and uncles; and a dear childhood neighbor and friend, Gertrude Wilson.

She is survived by her son, Shannon Edward Kelly, and his wife, Sherah Leigh, of Webb City, Missouri; her two granddaughters, MacKenna Jane Kelly, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Julia Gregg Kelly, of Columbia, Missouri; her younger sister, Ruby Lea Cawthra, and her husband, Jerry, of Nixa, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

Jane’s favorite pastimes included drinking coffee, reading, gardening, watching the birds outside her window, and talking with Shannon at the end of the day. She was known as “Mama Jane” by many of Shannon’s friends, who were always greeted with a big smile and warm hospitality when they visited.

Jane will be laid to rest with Dean at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. In keeping with Jane’s wishes, no funeral or formal memorial service will be held. Instead, in the coming months, her family will host an afternoon to remember her through photographs, stories, and shared memories. Of course, coffee will be served. The family also plans to establish a memorial scholarship in Jane’s name for Houston High School seniors pursuing careers in nursing.

Janet Brand

(From Holland-Coble Funeral Home)

Janet Brand, 87 of New Sharon passed away Friday afternoon, August 28, 2026, at her home under hospice care. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at the Lighthouse Church in New Sharon. Burial will be held in the Friends Cemetery in New Sharon. Visitation will begin after 12:00 pm Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at the Lighthouse Church in New Sharon with the family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Stephen’s Memorial Animal Shelter in Oskaloosa, the New Sharon Fire and Rescue, North Mahaska Athletic Boosters or New Sharon Food Pantry. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of New Sharon is in charge of arrangements.

Janet Caroline Brand, the daughter of Ralph and Ruth (Pennell) Mitchell, was born on July 17, 1939, near Stella, MO. She graduated from Fairview High School in Fairview, MO with the class of 1957. Following high school, Janet moved to New Sharon where she went to work for Mahaska Bottling in Oskaloosa. 

On February 7, 1959, Janet was united in marriage to Raymond Brand at the First Presbyterian Church in New Sharon. To this union two children were born, Lori and Mike. Janet worked 41 years at Mahaska Bottling before going to work for Kelderman’s Manufacturing in Oskaloosa for 10 years.

Janet absolutely loved her family and enjoyed attending sporting events and any activity that her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews were involved in. She was very close to her sisters, Louise and Diane, and looked forward to the shopping trips with them, especially the Christmas shopping trips which included her nieces. She also looked forward to Sunday phone calls with her brother, Larry. Raymond and Janet also enjoyed getting together with friends playing cards and going bowling. After Raymond’s passing, she continued to play cards and bowl where she belonged to several different card groups and a bowling league. She also enjoyed going for walks around New Sharon with her friends, but some say she may have enjoyed socializing more than walking. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, the New Sharon Widow’s Club and attended Lighthouse Church in New Sharon.

Her memory will be honored by her children, Lori (Matt) Olson of Keota and Mike (Beth) Brand of New Sharon; her grandchildren, Nick (Alexandra) Olson, Megan (Zach) Weilbacher, Nicole (Trent) Lindenman, Theryn (Troy) Vogel, Alyssa Spoelstra and Claire Scheihing; her great grandchildren, Bodey, Presley, Avery, Levi, Garrett, Ellie, Gracie, London and Bentley; her two sisters, Louise Haworth of Grinnell and Diane (Richard) Shelton of Oskaloosa; her brother, Larry Mitchell of Rohnert Park, California along with many nieces, nephews, friends and her cat, Milo.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Ruth Mitchell; her husband, Raymond Brand and a brother-in-law, Wayne Haworth.

Milly Hutchings

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Mildred “Milly” Hutchings, of Joplin, MO, passed away on August 31, 2026.

She was born on May 4, 1930, in Fairview, MO daughter of Sherman and Naomi Oxendine.

Mildred graduated from Fairview High School in 1948. Mildred was united in marriage to Claud Hutchings July 29,1950 at the First Methodist Church of Fairview. They were married for 75 years.

Mildred was a longtime member of the First Freewill Baptist Church of Joplin and served there in many capacities. Mildred, while in Joplin, worked for Eagle Picher Industries for a short time and then Bearing Headquarters in Joplin for many years. She loved to dress for work and to engage with the many people she encountered there. Milly was an amazing wife, mother, grandma, MIMI and Mil-Mil. She loved the Lord, loved, encouraged, and prayed for her family and loved life. After raising two sons, and after retirement, she returned with Claud to his family farm in Fairview and they attended the First Baptist Church of Monett and then Monett Community Church.

Mildred, like Claud, was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Missouri Tiger fan. Coincidentally when Mildred made her annual checkups at the Heart Institute, her recorded pacemaker events seemed to align with close Missouri Tiger Basketball games.

Mildred is survived by her two sons, Mark Hutchings (Vicki) of Rogers, AR and Chris Hutchings (Sue) of Havana, KS; six grandchildren: Brandon Hutchings (Stacey), Matt Hutchings (Yelitza), Nena Endicott, Melissa Elms (John), Lauren Huebner (Jerod), Alexandria Severs (Brook) as well as 17 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents: three brothers, LV, Warren, and Fred Oxendine and two sisters Eva Holder and Dorothy Murray.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026 at Buchanan Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Tim Eaton officiating. Interment will be in Dice Cemetery, Fairview, MO. Memorial donations have been suggested to Words of Grace & Truth in care of the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.

Margaret Miller

(From Parker Mortuary)

Margaret Ann Miller, 83, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the age of 83 following an extended illness.

She was born on September 26, 1942, in Dexter, Missouri, to the late Jasper and Florence (Woods) Dovers. Margaret grew up with a strong sense of family and carried those values throughout her life. She was a loving, generous, and selfless woman whose kindness touched everyone who knew her.

Margaret graduated from Sikeston High School in Sikeston, Missouri, and later attended classes at Missouri Southern State College in Joplin. She built a long and dedicated career as an office manager for different medical offices throughout her life, where she was known for her professionalism, dependability, and warm spirit. Her work reflected the same care and compassion she showed in every part of her life.

She was united in marriage to Charles E. Miller, Sr., and together they shared 48 devoted years before his passing. Their marriage was a lasting example of love, partnership, and commitment. Margaret treasured her family above all else and found great joy in the life they built together.

She is survived by her son, Charles "Chuck" Miller, Jr. and his wife, Deanne, of Cape Fair, Missouri; her daughter, Donna White and her husband, Mark, of Joplin, Missouri; her grandchildren, Janzen White, Lauren Goddard and her husband, Lance, Jordan Miller, and Charles Miller, III and his wife, Ali; and her great-grandchildren, Adelyn, Miles, Dakin, Griffin, Lucy, and Bowden. Siblings Deloris Smith and husband, Travis, Joan Wood and husband, Dan, both of Sikeston, Esther Gardner of Phoenix, Arizona and Jeff Dovers of Doniphan, Missouri. She is also survived by her long-time companion, Bob Massey of Joplin, Missouri. Margaret's family was the center of her world, and she took great pride in each generation that followed her.

Margaret was additionally preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Nimmo.

Margaret enjoyed country and western dancing and loved spending quality time with her many family members and friends. She had a passion for traveling and embraced the opportunity to see new places and make lasting memories. She also devoted many years of service as a volunteer with the Freeman Auxiliary, where her generous heart and willingness to help others were deeply appreciated. Her presence brought comfort, joy, and encouragement to those around her.

A private family celebration will take place at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.