Adele Bolden

(From Midland Cremation Society)

Adele Irine Bolden, age 71, passed away on November 1, 2026, peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by those who loved her the most. 

She was born in Marion, Kansas on July 7, 1955, growing up in Southeast KS. She is preceded in death by her dad, Jack Schamerhorn, and brother, Shaun Schamerhorn. She is survived by her mother, Peggy Schamerhorn, and her husband, John, their son, Matthew Bolden, daughter, Tiffany Hergert (Keenan), Grandchildren, Paxton Skaggs, Macie Wininger (Brenton), Kloey Maturino (Billy), Waylon Lee, and Isabelle Lee. Great-Grandchildren, Colton and Maverick Wininger, and her brother, Travis Schamerhorn.
Adele married John D Bolden on May 3, 1974 in Fort Scott, KS and later moved to Carl Junction, MO. 

Adele worked in the trucking industry for over 40 years, where she met many great friends. After her retirement, to fill her time, she was employed by Carl Junction School’s Food Services in the High School Cafeteria where she made even more friends and enjoyed serving all of the children. 

Adele loved everything to do with being outdoors, but especially camping, gardening, and family swim days. She was also an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas Jayhawks.

 
Some of her favorite memories were made spending time with her family, enjoying music, and celebrating Halloween and Christmas. 

Her family meant everything to her, and some of her happiest moments were surrounded by the people she loved, especially her grandkids and her great grandkids. She loved her life and she found so much joy in even the smallest things. If you ever saw her, you probably saw a huge smile on her face. She left behind a family who will forever cherish the memories they had with her. 

Services will be held at Smithfield Christian Church, 7627 County Road 304 Carl Junction, MO on Friday, November 6, 2026 at 11 a.m. with a lunch to follow. 

Cremation arrangements are made with Midland Cremation Society in Joplin, Missouri.

Ron Kendall

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Ronald Howell Kendall, 85, of Jasper, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. He was born in Anaconda, Montana, to Delbert and Lucille (Howell) Kendall.

Ron (as he liked to be called) earned his bachelor's degree from the Montana School of Mines in Butte, Montana. He lived in Anaconda until accepting his first teaching contract in Oregon. After completing his contract in Oregon and marrying Louise Elizabeth Cullen on July 29, 1966, the couple moved to Kalispell, Montana, and later to Townsend, Montana, where they spent many years together.

Ron devoted 30 years of his life to education, teaching grade school and junior high students before retiring. He also served in the National Guard.

For many years in Montana and also in Missouri, he was a lay minister in the church and was always willing to preach, teach, or pray for the sick. He had a deep love for God and for people.

Ron and Louise shared a love of building a life together. In Townsend, they purchased a lot and began making plans for their dream home on Canyon Ferry Lake. They first built a garage, moved their possessions into it, and then designed, drew the plans for, and built the perfect house for themselves. Their home on the lake reflected their vision and the life they had created together.

Upon retiring from teaching, Ron declared that he intended to spend his time fishing and hunting, and he did just that. He especially enjoyed ice fishing and treasured his time outdoors. He also enjoyed visiting with people and was known for being quite a talker. Once Ron got into a conversation, he always had plenty more to say!

In 2019, Ron and Louise moved to Jasper, Missouri, to be closer to their family. Ron faced health challenges over the years, including cancer, which he was healed from which he and his loved ones attributed to God, and the power of prayer. Later, he developed congestive heart failure, which progressively worsened.

Ron cherished his family and the life he and Louise built together over six decades. Their marriage began with a memorable meeting that brought them together through a series of letters and an unexpected trip to Colorado, setting the stage for a lifetime of love and companionship.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Louise Elizabeth Kendall, of Jasper, Missouri; his son, Steven Kendall and his wife, Raven, of Jasper, Missouri; and his daughter, Amy Kendall, of Salt Lake City, Utah.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christopher Pearson and Michael Simonson, both of Salt Lake City, Utah; Kelsey Wilkins and her husband, Callan, of Oronogo, Missouri; Emily Anderson and her husband, Everett, of Jasper, Missouri; and Ethan Kendall and his wife, Madeleine, of Joplin, Missouri; along with 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Lucille Kendall, and his siblings, Linda Garett and Dennis Kendall.

Ron will be remembered for his dedication to teaching, his love of fishing and hunting, his gift for conversation, his love for Jesus, and the lasting legacy of love and family he leaves behind.

The family plans to share a meal and memories with friends and family at the Jasper Event Center. Date and time TBD.

They will also make a trip to Montana in early summer for a service and inurnment with family and friends from that area. Information will be updated once available.

Dwayne Still

(From Knell Mortuary)

Richard Dwayne Still, known to family and friends as Dwayne, passed away on October 30, 2026, in Catoosa, Oklahoma, at the age of 72.

Dwayne was born on June 2, 1954, in Carthage, Missouri, the son of the late Richard Noel and Norma Fern (Seyholt) Still. He graduated from Carthage High School before continuing his education at Spartan Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he prepared for a career that would reflect both his skill and his dedication. Dwayne began his working life as a helicopter mechanic and later devoted 32 years of service to American Airlines as an airplane mechanic until his retirement. He took great pride in his work and was respected for the care, precision, and reliability he brought to every task. His long career was a testament to his strong work ethic and his commitment to doing things the right way.

Outside of work, Dwayne found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing, golfing, and spending time outdoors, especially when he was at the lake. These moments brought him peace and happiness, and they were often the settings where he felt most at home.

Dwayne is survived by his wife of 20 years, Gina Hunt; his daughters, Jessica Repschlaeger and Kelsey Still, both of Catoosa, Oklahoma; his stepsons, Joshua Hunt and Jordan Hunt, also of Catoosa, Oklahoma; and seven grandchildren who brought joy and pride to his life. He is also survived by his brother, Mike Still and his wife Tina of Joplin, Missouri, and his sister, Denise Fullerton and her husband Darren of Joplin, Missouri. He leaves behind a family who will cherish his memory and carry forward the lessons of love, loyalty, and perseverance that he lived by each day. 

Dwayne was also preceded in death by a brother, Doug Still.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Friday, November 6, 2026 at Knell Mortuary with burial following at Paradise Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 pm, Friday, November 6, 2026 at Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

 

Pamela Belk

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Pamela Kay Belk, 82, was born September 29, 1944, in Coalinga, California. She grew up in Henrietta, Oklahoma, where she was a band majorette in high school. She later graduated from Oklahoma State University. Pamela retired from Grant Supply in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and later went on to work as a Mary Kay director and consultant. 

Pamela and Homer found a church home at The Bridge, where her strong faith was cultivated through her love for Jesus and the lifelong relationships she developed there. Pamela had a strong faith rooted in her love for Jesus, enjoyed dancing, Bunko, and treasured spending time with her family. 

Pamela married Homer Belk on July 30, 1988, in Owasso, Oklahoma. Later in their marriage, Pamela and Homer retired to Carthage, Missouri, where they made their home together. 

Throughout their marriage, Pamela and Homer were very active in their church communities, serving and building relationships with fellow believers at their church in Wichita, Kansas, and later at The Bridge Church in Carthage, Missouri. Their involvement in these church families was an important part of their lives. 

Pamela was preceded in death by her husband, Homer Belk; her mother, Mary (Mobley) (Nicely) Barnett; and her father, Carl Marvin Nicely. 

Pamela is survived by her children, Connie Savage of Owasso, Oklahoma, Kenneth Savage of Skiatook, Oklahoma, Eric Belk (Missy) of Springfield, Missouri, Niki Harris (Kevin) of Battlefield, Missouri, and Stephanie Doss (Jason) of Monett, Missouri; her grandchildren, Michael Savage, Lori Boren (Steven), Kara Johnson (Jesse), Katie Doss, Danielle Harris, Ryan Harris, Emma Belk, and M.J. Belk; and her great grandchildren, Matthew, James, Lilly, Kaida, Ronan, Odeya, Indy, and Lottie. 

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. A funeral service will be held Friday, November 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at The Bridge Church. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri. 

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. 

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

Sammy Hill

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Sammy Eugene Hill of Miami, OK passed from this life Thursday, October 29, 2026 at his home. He was 88.

Sammy was born April 8, 1938 to Tom Ely and Ethel May (Kirby) Hill. He had lived in Miami for the past 25 years moving from California. He had worked as a home builder, welder and roofer.. He had also worked for Reed Tool Company in Texas and Cal Pine Geo Thermal Power Plant in Cobb Mountain, CA as a lead mechanic.

Sammy was preceded in death by his wife Deloris Hill on August 14, 2026, 1 son, Larry Eugene Smith, 1 grandson, Cody McGinnis, his parents and 2 sisters, Rebecca “Becky” Miller and Ruby Hill.

Sammy is survived by 1 son, Timothy Smith of Miami, OK, 3 daughters, Cindy Hill Bearden of Beaumont, TX, Brenda Kay Smith of Joplin, MO and Kathy Lynn McGinnis of Joplin, MO, 2 brothers, Jack Hill of Jacksonville, FL and James Hill of Azalea, OR , 9 grandchildren, Lisa Hamilton, Mandy Litrell, Josh Arnold, Rhonda Bendon, Kim Smith, Ryan McGinnis, Sara Hallford, Jamie Pope and Briley Quick and several great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2026 at Paul Thomas Funeral Home Chapel in Miami, OK. Interment will be in G.A.R. Cemetery in Miami, OK. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday evening, November 5, 2026 at the funeral home. Services have been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com.

Charles Leonard

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Reverend Charles F. Leonard, age 90, of rural Pierce City, MO passed from this life on Sunday afternoon November 1, 2026 after a brief illness.

Charles was born on July 19, 1936 in rural Pierce City to the late Frank Leonard and Verna (Means) Leonard. He graduated from Pierce City High School with the class of 1954. Charles was a member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, north of Pierce City.

On February 14, 1958, Charles was united in marriage to Shirley Ferguson, and they were blessed with 65 years of marriage and two children.

Charles was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1960 and together, he and Shirley ministered to several area churches for over 55 years, including more than 40 years at Ritchey Baptist Church in Ritchey, MO. He was also an outside salesman at several local lumber yards, including Monett Lumber and Wilks Lumber and retired from Barton‘s at age 73.

Charles is survived by his son, David Leonard and wife Vicki of rural Purdy; his daughter, Diane of rural Pierce City; two granddaughters, Megan Leonard and Whitney Vazquez; great-grandchildren, Evie and Zaiden; and his sister, Illa Abramovitz of South Carolina.

Charles was proceeded in death by his parents and sister, Virginia Henson.

Graveside services for Reverend Charles Leonard will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026 at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Monett, MO. Reverend Gary Stockton will be officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation from 5-7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in care of the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home in Monett, MO.

Stephen Holt

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Stephen Howard Holt, age 73 of Joplin, MO., passed away early Friday, October 30, 2026, at National Healthcare in Joplin following an illness.

Stephen was born on January 17, 1953, in Carthage, MO., the son of Howard and Colleen (McMillan) Holt. He has been a lifetime area resident. Stephen attended Carthage High School graduating in 1971. And later graduating from Missouri Southern State College in 1975. Stephen was appointed as the Jasper County Collector by Governor John Ashcroft in 1989. He proudly served Jasper County for many years retiring on March 4, 2019.

He married Cathy Sue Christy on August 22, 1976, in Joplin. She preceded him in death on December 10, 2022. Stephen was also preceded by his parents and by a granddaughter, Pyper.

He is survived by his son, Christopher S. Holt and wife Kristin, Joplin; his daughter, Lindsey A. Hartley and husband Zack, Webb City, MO; six grandchildren, Asa and his wife Samantha, Tessa, Nina, Maguire, Madison, and Trenton.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2026, at Park Plaza Christian Church. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City, MO. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation prior to the service beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Friday at the church.