Lorraine Nicola

(From Knell Mortuary)

Lorraine Ethel Nicola, a beacon of faith and love, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, in Carthage, Missouri. She was born on March 8, 1938, in Knoxville, Tennessee, the daughter of the late David and Edith (Garrett) Livingston. Lorraine's life was a tapestry of devotion to her family, church, work, and passions. She will be remembered by her kindness to all.

She graduated from Gibbs High School in Knox County, Tennessee. Her education there laid the foundation for what would become a variety of positions ranging from insurance assistant to bank teller to executive secretary of a chemical company. Lorraine's professional life was marked by a strong work ethic and a level of dedication that earned her the respect and admiration of all her employers and colleagues.

Her work was only one aspect of her full life. Lorraine spent time in Madrid, Spain, after marrying Ken Nicola, who served in the U.S. Air Force. She followed her husband into the ministry which led them to Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, and Michigan. Lorraine was talented in many areas, especially in the gift of hospitality. A southerner at birth, she watched her mother in the kitchen and quickly learned the trait of cooking and pastry making. Homemade rolls and homemade pies were her expertise. She and her husband invited many a guest or family to dine at their table spread with delicious Southern cooking. Sewing, gardening, and canning were amongst other talents that she had mastered. Throughout her life, she loved the Bible. She taught Sunday School from children’s classes to adult classes at each church she joined. She also led small groups, divorce-support groups, and cancer support groups that she was certified to lead. In later years, she could be found immersed in a good book, always seeking to learn and grow.

Lorraine was a loving mother to her daughters, Pamela Rhyne, Julia Faley and Lisa, Teresa Hatcher and Carey, Lisa Malone and Bill. Her brothers, Edwin Livingston with his wife Pat, and Darryl Livingston, along with her sisters, Jeanette Anderson and Debbie Villareal, will fondly remember her love for God and family. Lorraine's legacy continues through her nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and the cherished memories of one grandchild who preceded her in death.

Per Lorraine’s wishes there was cremation. Family services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.

Danny Burkybile

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Daniel Lee “Danny” Burkybile of Quapaw, OK passed from this life Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at his home. He was 55.

Danny was born August 23, 1970 in San Antonio, TX. He had lived in the Picher and Quapaw area all his life and graduated from Quapaw High School class of 1988. He was a member of the Modoc Nation, Quapaw Nation and Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma. Danny was a self-employed general contractor and had worked in retail sales and for Jayhawk Chemicals. He was a member and Ordained Deacon of Cardin Baptist Church. He was a firefighter and served as Chaplain for the Peoria Fire Department.

Danny was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim and Wanda Etheridge, Joe and Cecil Burkybile and Rex and Janieve Karnes, his aunts and uncles, Janis Mills, Layvetta Sue Lambeth, Robert Burkybile, Charles “Burky” Burkybile, Billy Edward Burkybile and Tommy Gene Burkybile.

Danny is survived by his wife Teresa Burkybile of the home, 1 son, Rex Harrison Robert Burkybile of Joplin, MO, 2 daughters, Amber Danylle Clouse and wife Courtney of Joplin, MO and Sierra DaAnn Burkybile of Quapaw, OK, his parents, Susan and Dick Karnes of Miami, OK, 1 brother, Benjamin James Karnes of Miami, OK, 3 sisters, Susan Mishelle “Shelle” Glerup of Miami, OK, Michelle Dawn Johnson and her husband Jerry of Fairland, OK and Kerri Lynn Karnes of Baxter Springs, KS, his uncle, Jimmie Etheridge and his wife Cathy of Dewey, OK and his aunts, Naomi King of Edmond, OK and Connie Morgan and her husband Stacey of Bullard, TX.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 2, 2026 at Burkybile Family Cemetery at 8006 S 650 Road, Quapaw, OK. Rev. Geoff Buffalo will officiate. Robert Berry, Mike Berry, Marshall Harp, Danny Kibel, Heath Glerup and Gage Glerup will serve as pallbearers. Final call will be conducted by Peoria Fire Department. Danny will lie in state at the family home. 

The family will receive friends at the home on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. only at these times at the home at 8006 S 650 Road, Quapaw, OK. Services have been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com.

Austin Deans

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Austin Leon Deans, age 47, of Purdy, Missouri passed away on February 23, 2026 in Purdy.

He was born on November 28, 1978 in Rogers, Arkansas to Henry Austin and Connie (Paul) Deans. Preceding him in death was his father; paternal grandparents, Jonathan “Sid” and Myrtle Deans and maternal grandparents, Leon and Charlene Paul.

Surviving are his mother and stepfather, Connie (Paul) Deans Hubrig and Bruce Hubrig of Washburn, Missouri; fiancée, Angel Tiner of Purdy, Missouri; son, Silas Deans of Joplin, Missouri; daughters, Martha King of Camdenton, Missouri, Sydney Dudley of Springfield, Missouri, Kyla Deans and fiancé, Landon McCracken of Granby, Missouri, Kristal Deans of Springfield, Missouri, Kaitlyn Tiner and husband Hunter Annecharico, of Exeter, Missouri and Addie Hill of Cassville, Missouri; brother, Philip Deans, and wife Jamie, of Rogers, Arkansas and grandchildren, William, Meadow, and Stormi.

Austin grew up in Washburn, Missouri and attended Southwest High School. He was employed by Arning Companies, Incorporated in Cassville for 15 years as a welder. Austin loved Barry County, he had lived his entire life here. He was a jack of all trades, he could keep his cars running and make many of the home repairs. He enjoyed tinkering with all kinds of things, he especially liked making walking sticks. Austin cared deeply for his kids and enjoyed being a father. He found his person and the love of his life in his relationship with Angel, they had recently become engaged. Austin made a profession of faith at church camp in the summer of 1988 and was baptized October 9, 1988. Austin was a member of Washburn First Baptist Church and had recently attended Community Faith Chapel in Cassville.

Services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Pastor Rick Cooper and Reverend Jim Erwin will conduct the services.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. on Thursday at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Contributions may be made to the family in care of Fohn Funeral Home in memory of Austin.

Rita Stange

(From Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home)

The memorial service for Rita Ann Stange, 81, of Buffalo, MN, will be 11:00am, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, with Pastor Alton Vilhauer officiating. Burial will follow at Groton Union Cemetery in Groton, SD. Rita passed away peacefully with family at her side on Wednesday, February 18, at Cura Nursing Home in Monticello, MN.

Visitation will be 9:30-10:45am, before the service, at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 South Main Street.

Rita Ann Stange was born Sept 10th ,1944, in Britton, SD to Marvin and Mary (Hostetter) Kimball, the family lived in Oaks, ND, Cutbank, MT, Granby, MO, and Columbia, SD. After Rita’s father died in 1952, her mother married Harold McCormick in August of 1956 and the family moved to the farm in Columbia where Rita grew up and graduated from Columbia high school. She was baptized and attended and frequently sang at the Congregational church. She played clarinet, was a high school cheerleader, enjoyed debate team and acting in school plays. She was crowned Miss Columbia 1962.

Rita married Dennis Stange on Nov 4th ,1962. They lived in Fargo, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Sioux Falls. She moved back to Minnesota in 2023 where she passed away. Rita had four children, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. She was very active in the order of the Eastern Star. She was a past Matron and past Grand Martha. She drove school bus for 19 years, she was a master quilt maker, and loved knitting, crocheting, and sewing.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband Dennis, son Brandon, grandson Jacob, granddaughter Devyn, her parents Marvin Kimball and Mary and Harold McCormick, her sister Lana Cuzzort and brother Gary Kimball, her brother-in-law Leland Stange, and sister- in-law Marilyn Stange




She is survived by her children Terry Stange (Sonja Wilkinson), Jerry (Janelle) Stange and Brenda Hall, her grandchildren Cole Stange (Thomas Thaler), Ashlyn Wilkinson, Justus (Raeanna) Hall, Colton Hall, Samantha (Nick) Brooks, Emily Stange (Nick Reis), great grand-children Tony and Rylan Lujan, Layla Koll, and Norman Hall, her sister Judy (Wilbur) Albrecht, in-laws Nancy Stange , Gary and Myrna Stange, Verlin Stange, and many nieces and nephews.

Sopoa Elich

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Sopoa Elich, 75, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away peacefully in Joplin, Missouri, on January 29, 2026. She was born on September 30, 1950, in Chuuk, Micronesia. Sopoa enriched the lives of those around her with a spirit of kindness and care.

Being the matriarch of her family, Sopoa embraced her role as a devoted housewife. She loved unconditionally. Through every meal prepared with loving hands and each gentle word spoken, Sopoa created a home that became a sanctuary for her family and a welcoming haven for friends and community members alike.

Her life was marked by the joyous memories she made while engaging in her favorite pastimes—fishing, cooking, and most importantly, taking care of her family.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Machiuo Joshua Fuppul, and treasured children: Sablon, Sebestian, Machumina (Maui), and Machimodo Fuppul.

She is survived by Steve Fuppul, Simion Luku, Machinta William, as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held in honor of Sopoa Elich at the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with burial following at the Howard Cemetery in Goodman, Missouri.

Mary Mink

(From White Funeral Home)

Mary Elizabeth Mink, age 75, of Cassville, Missouri, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Mary was born on April 29, 1950, in Shiner, Texas, to Alvin O. and Angeline (Mldenka) Schaefer. Throughout her life, Mary was known for her caring spirit and her dedication to others. She was a proud member of the VFW Auxiliary, where she supported veterans and their families with compassion and commitment.

Mary found joy in simple pleasures browsing flea markets and yard sales, tending to her garden, and spending meaningful time volunteering at the local senior citizen center. Above all, her greatest happiness came from her grandbabies, who were the light of her life and brought her endless pride and love.

Mary will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, and her kindness and devotion to family and community will be fondly remembered.

Survivors include five sons, Jerry Harris and his wife Lee, Dan Mink and his wife Mary, Chris Mink, Clay Wilson and his wife Nora, and Richard Wilson and his son Matthew Wilson; and a large number of grandchildren residing throughout Missouri, Texas, and Alabama.

Mary is preceded in death by Hugh L. Harris, Stan Mink, and John Wilson; one son, Hugh L. (Huey) Harris, and one brother, Paul Schaefer.

A funeral service will be held Monday, March 2, 2026, at 1:00 pm at White Funeral Home and Crematory with Pastor Monty Dunn officiating.

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

John Wilkins

(From Parker Mortuary)

Reverend John Frederick Wilkins Sr. went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 20, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 21, 1933, in Racine, Missouri, to John and Gertrude (Kingrey) Wilkins and grew up alongside his brothers Jack, Jim, and baby George. He graduated from Alba High School in 1951 and lived ninety-two years marked by unwavering faith, devotion to his family, and faithful service to Jesus Christ.

On November 8, 1953, he married Billie Erlene Tandy, who stood beside him in life and ministry until her passing on October 4, 2012. Together they raised four children: Sherrie Moore and her husband Edward, John Frederick Wilkins Jr. and his wife Robin, Christi Hare and her husband Bill, and Charles Wilkins and his wife Terri. Reverend Wilkins pastored Oak Grove Baptist Church for many years, helping build the church with his own hands and shepherding generations of families. In addition to his ministry, he founded 4W Metal Building Supply, a family business still operated by his children. He was a Master Mason for more than fifty years and also served his community through years of involvement with the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home.

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He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Billie, his parents John and Gertrude Wilkins, his brothers Jim and George, and his grandson Adam Moore. In addition to his children, he is survived by his grandchildren Tiffanie, Anglenia, Sarah, Freddy, Amber, Bob, John III, Tasha, Elizabeth, Katelyn, and Cody, along with numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and his brother Jack.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Parker Mortuary. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, February 28, at 10:00 AM at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 6241 Spurgeon Road, Joplin, Missouri, with interment to follow at Burkhart Cemetery in Racine, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made through Parker Mortuary to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. The family would like to thank Dr. Russell Kennedy, Dr. Jose DeHoyos, the staff and caregivers at Mercy Hospital, and Good Shepherd Hospice for their compassionate care.

“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21