Jack Smith

(From Buchanan Funeral Home

Rev. Jack Tilden Smith was born in Monett, Barry County, MO on Tuesday, September 4, 1945 to the union of Luther David Smith and Dorothy Mae Miller-Smith. 80 years later, he was promoted to Glory as he passed away, peacefully, in his sleep at his own home on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

In his youth, Jack’s nickname was “Fat Man” because he was so scrawny. He and his brothers participated in a search & rescue of a lost little girl. She was found taking a nap in the family’s car. He learned great work ethics by picking strawberries to earn enough money to buy his own school clothes for elementary. His big brother Noel rolled him down a hill in a tire, thus aiding in breaking Jack’s front tooth. He and his step-brother Willard would go fishing with dynamite & bring home a huge catch of chub fish every so often. It was a wonder they never blew themselves up.

Jack Smith was a 1963 graduate of Purdy High School where he attended through his entire school career. It was there that he enjoyed boxing and running track. He spent his early adult years as a wrestler with a black belt in Judo & loved to spar. He was a beloved husband, father & grandfather who enriched all their lives through his love of silly jokes. “Railroad crossing. Watch out for cars. How do you spell ‘THAT’ without any ‘Rs’?” was a favorite joke that would lead to bouts of infectious laughter. “Ol’ Blue,” Jack’s Chevy Truck, reflects his patience as both a father & a grandfather with matching dents on each side of the vehicle. Jack loved to tell the story of how his oldest daughter put a dent in one side as she was learning how to drive and his oldest granddaughter put a matching dent on the opposite side in the same place.

He lived a life that modeled what it was to be a Christian & could be found in the evenings in quiet reflection where he would write in his Bible and reflect on his relationship with Christ. John 3:16 was his favorite Bible verse. His devout belief is evident that he will live eternally with our Heavenly Father. He was dedicated to his work, never missing a single day in his 39 years as a cheese pasteurizer operator at Mid-America Dairymen in Aurora & Monett, MO. But he was even more dedicated to his faith as a God fearing man.

Through the years he held many offices in various churches including Assistant Pastor of the Free Spirit Temple (the old Clay Hill Church) at Madry, MO; Sunday School Superintendent at the Assembly of God in Purdy, MO; Assistant Pastor & Pastor at Talmedge PCG of Aurora, MO and the Assistant Pastor and Adult Sunday School Teacher at Union Grove Church of Marionville, MO.

On September 10, 1964 in Monett, Barry County, MO, he was joined in Holy Matrimony to Marilyn (Mary) Crowell, who survives him. He is also survived by his children Elizabeth, Julie & Jim; siblings John, Fred & Frank Smith; 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, a host of nieces & nephews plus an “adopted” daughter Kathy Branham & her fiancée Wesley Weeks. He was preceded in death by his parents, 9 siblings (Paul, Noel, Mary Elizabeth, Loretta Mae, Ronnie, Melvin, Martha, Willard & Charlett) as well as 1 child, 3 grandchildren & 1 great granddaughter.

The outdoor funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 10 am under the pavilion at the Arnhart Baptist Church at East Purdy, MO. Rev. Les Paul, a family friend, will be officiating. Amazing Grace was his favorite song and will be sung by his granddaughter, Angel Townsend. Loved ones coming may dress casually. Please try to bring one single wildflower, picked from the side of the road or your yard to place on his closed casket. (Blue was his favorite color.) Friends and family may come and pay their respects from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. The funeral services will be held under the direction of Buchanan Funeral Home of Monett, MO, to which the family is extremely thankful for during this time.

John Geller

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Johnny ‘John’ L. Geller, of Neosho, Missouri, entered into rest surrounded by his devoted family at his home, on July 10, 2026, at the age of 88. John was born on September 19, 1937, in Newtonia, Missouri to Elmer Lee and Eula Marie (Martin) Geller. 

On June 30, 1956, in Neosho, John and Juanita (Smith) were united in marriage. They began their lives together, living in Neosho where John operated service stations in both Newtonia and Neosho. In 1958, they moved to Coffeyville, Kansas, where he worked for a dairy, delivering dairy products. In 1962, they moved to Joplin, returned to Neosho for a short time and then to Rogers, Arkansas, where he owned and operated, Rogers Drilling Company. 

In 1974, they returned to Neosho permanently and John owned and operated Neosho Drilling Company until his retirement. John never met a stranger and always had a great sense of humor. He loved his family deeply and you could always find him supporting his kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren in their activities. He was a faithful member of the donut shop crew and enjoyed hunting, fishing and reading. John was a devoted and faithful member of the Newtonia Baptist Church where he has served as a deacon since 2005. 

John is survived by his loving wife of seventy years, Juanita; two children, Angela Tucker and husband, Scott of Neosho and Rick Geller and wife, Charla of Stella; six grandchildren who loving called him, Papo and pa John, Ashley and Cory Jones, Zak Tucker and Taylor Posey, John Tucker, Keith and Caitlin Geller, Hailey Geller and Megan Jones and husband, Kolbe; great grandchildren, Hayden, Hudsyn, Charley, Payton, Kam, Monroe, Colter, Canyon and Nolan; two brothers, Elmer ‘Huck’ Geller and G.W. ‘Dub’ Geller and one sister, Kay Landers of Pineville. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Dee Carnell and Jim Geller and one sister, Peggy O’Dell.

Betty Mallory

(From Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home)

Betty J. Mallory, 94 of Ash Grove, passed peacefully at The Manor at Elfindale, on July 10, 2026. She was born on November 27, 1931, in Galloway, Missouri, to Onas and Elith (Smith) Peltz. On January 7, 1972, Betty and Keith Mallory were united in marriage and shared over 54 years together.

Betty was a retired cosmetologist and homemaker.

Betty is survived by her husband, Keith Mallory; children, Gary Tuttle and wife Melva of Mt. Vernon, Vickie Harmon-Hall and husband Galen of Aurora; grandchild, Valerie Harmon; sister-in-law, Connie Knackstedt; brother-in-law, Kenton “Rex” Mallory; niece, Shirley Stokes and husband Rick; other nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Onas and Elith Peltz; brothers, Francis Peltz and wife Sharon and Rollo Peltz and wife Donna.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Integrity Hospice and can be mailed to 2131 E. Primrose St, Springfield, MO 65804 or left with the funeral home.

Visitation will be 10:00AM until service time, Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove. Funeral services will begin at 11:00AM at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Ash Grove Cemetery.

Ruthellen Baker

(From Nichols Funeral Service)

Ruthellen Baker, aged 70, passed away on June 27, 2026, in Grove, Oklahoma. Born on September 23, 1955, in Joplin, Missouri to Benjamin and Mary (Hayes) Chastain, Ruthellen was known for her multifaceted personality, encompassing her roles as a devoted Christian, a loving family member, and a passionate artist and handywoman.

Ruthellen spent many years employed at MAPP Technologies, an aerospace and defense company in Joplin, MO, where she contributed significantly to the team. 

Beyond her professional life, she was an ardent motorcyclist, traveling extensively across the United States and Canada. Her interests were diverse, ranging from crocheting and cooking—famous for her chicken and dumplings and cream pies—to her love for motorcycling and her pets. Ruthellen also dedicated much of her time to helping others, whether it was taking cupcakes to nursing homes, donating cookies to food pantries, or simply being there for anyone in need.

Her faith played a central role in her life; Ruthellen was a strong Christian who cherished her church community and the fellowship of her brothers and sisters in Christ. Despite her self-admitted lack of musical talent, she enjoyed singing along to her favorite songs with great enthusiasm and a sense of humor. 

Ruthellen was a cornerstone of her family, deeply loved and respected by those around her. She is survived by her daughter, Laura Wood, and son, Phil Swain, both of Grove, OK, and her best friend and sibling, Pearl McNeece and husband Rob. She was preceded in death by her parents. Ruthellen's nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family, as she was known to ‘adopt’ many of her children's friends as her own and was adored by her grandchildren.

Nichols-Stephens Funeral & Cremation Services in Grove, OK, is assisting the family during this time. As per her wishes, no services are planned at this time. Ruthellen's life was marked by her generosity, strength, and the joy she brought to others. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Janet Wampler

(From Knell Mortuary)

Janet Kay Wampler, 78, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away on July 9, 2026, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri. Janet was born on February 25, 1948, in Carthage, Missouri, the daughter of the late Louis “Bud” Wecker and Irma Lea (Burkey) Wecker.

She was a 1966 graduate of Carthage High School and carried the values of her hometown with her throughout her life. Janet was known by those who loved her as a loving, friendly, and faith-filled woman whose presence brought comfort and warmth to everyone around her. Janet married Charles Keith Wampler on June 29, 1968 in Carthage, Missouri; he preceded her in death on April 13, 2006.

She worked as a secretary, where her dependable nature and kind spirit were evident in all she did. After working as a secretary, she became a stay-at-home mom and worked cleaning houses. Janet approached her work with quiet dedication and a strong sense of responsibility. Faith was central to Janet’s life. She was a member of Bible Baptist Church in Carthage, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and worked in the nursery. Her church family was an important part of her life. Janet’s faith was not only spoken but lived, and it was evident in the way she treated others with kindness, patience, and compassion.

Janet especially cherished her family and found great joy in being present for the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She didn’t miss a single ball game, concert, or event of her children’s growing up. She was our biggest fan. She also loved attending any events of her grandchildren’s she could make. Whether cheering from the sidelines or sitting outside in her swing watching her grandkids play in the yard, she treasured those moments deeply. Her family knew her as a constant source of encouragement, love, and support, and her devotion to them was one of the defining blessings of her life.

She is survived by her children, Trisha Edmonson (Clay), Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Chet Wampler (Jennifer), Joplin, Missouri; her daughter-in-law, Holly Wampler Perrin; her grandchildren, Maggie Adcock (Noah), Carson Wampler, Lyla Wampler, Ashton Welch (Alexander May), Kaylee Edmonson, Kyle Edmonson (Abby), Taylor Edmonson, Isaiah Edmonson, Isaac Wampler, Silas Wampler, Katie Wampler, and Annie Wampler; her great-grandchildren, Kora Parker, Louisa Adcock, Konrad Edmonson, Peyton May, and Cameron May; her siblings, Bob Wecker and his wife Diana of Carthage, Karen McDonald and her husband Jerry of Carthage, and Robyn Moore of Russellville, Kentucky; her sister-in-law, Judy Wampler; her great-aunt, Ada Nance of Joplin, Missouri; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was also preceded in death by her children, Chad Wampler and Tracy Welch; her son-in-law, Rob Welch; her grandson, Colston Wampler; and her brothers-in-law, Ken Moore and Gary Wampler; and her sister-in-law, Janice Wampler.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 pm, Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Bible Baptist Church, Carthage. The burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Carthage. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Claud Hutchings

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Claud E. Hutchings of Joplin, MO passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

He was born on February 26, 1929 in Fairview, MO, son of Lester and Bessie Hutchings.

Claud graduated from Fairview High School in 1947. Claud was united in marriage to Mildred Oxendine on July 29, 1950 at the First Methodist Church of Fairview. Claud served in the U.S. Army from November of 1950 to November of 1952.

Claud worked forty-three years for Eagle Picher Industries in Joplin, MO. He was a longtime member of the First Freewill Baptist Church of Joplin, where he served as a Trustee and Deacon. After retiring from Eagle Picher, Claud returned to the family farm in Fairview, MO and resided there for sixteen years. During these years, he attended Monett Community Church. He loved the Lord and wanted everyone to do so.

Claud was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Missouri Tiger fan. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and quail hunting and leaves a legacy of faith.

Claud is survived by his wife, Mildred; two sons, Mark Hutchings (Vicki) of Rogers, AR and Chris Hutchings (Sue) of Havana, KS; one sister, Lilly Dean Eaton of Joplin, MO; six grandchildren: Brandon Hutchings (Stacey), Matt Hutchings (Yelitza), Nena Endicott, Melissa Elms (John), Lauren Huebner (Jerod), Alexandria Severs (Brook); as well as seventeen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Claud was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Max and John Hutchings.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026 at Buchanan Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.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.

Janet Neukirch

(From White Funeral Home)

Janet Ann Neukirch, age 65, of Shell Knob, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Janet was born on September 16, 1960, in Agana Heights, Guam, to Jean Joseph and Mary Jean Veronica (Crosby) Fiori.

She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Larry Neukirch, on September 4, 2010, at Saint Cyprian Church in River Grove, Illinois.

Janet proudly served her country in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska. She developed a deep love for Alaska, and it always held a special place in her heart. During her military career, she worked as a dental specialist and later became a lead surgical technician. Janet took tremendous pride in her work and was dedicated to providing exceptional care to those she served.

Outside of her career, Janet found joy in quilting, gardening, baking, and fishing. She also worked alongside Larry in operating their business, Larry's LAZER, where they shared not only their work but also their love of building a life together.

Janet was a faithful and devoted member of Central Community United Methodist Church in Shell Knob, where she found fellowship, friendship, and strength through her faith. She was also deeply committed to serving her community and was an active member of several respected organizations, including the Shell Knob Shrine Club, VFW Post 2203 in Shell Knob, and the American Legion Irwin-Easley Post 118 in Cassville, where she proudly maintained four continuous years of membership. Through these organizations, Janet continued her dedication to service, fellowship, and supporting those around her. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Janet is survived by her husband, Larry Neukirch; two daughters, Nancy Ott of Anchorage, Alaska and Gina Haas and her husband Sergio of St. Roberts, Missouri; one son, Jeffrey Neukirch and his wife Kristi of Springfield, Missouri; six grandchildren; one brother, John Fiori of the Philippines; one sister Mary Senkowski of Chicago, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father Jean Joseph Fiori; and her mother Joan Sladaritz and her stepfather Frank “Moe” Sladaritz.

Memorials maybe made to the Shrine Children’s Hospital in St. Louis and entrusted to White Funeral Home and Crematory.

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