Susan Smith

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Susan Elaine Smith, age 73, of Joplin, passed away peacefully at The Communities of Wildwood Ranch, after a yearlong fight with liver cancer.

Susan, daughter of the late Edward and Doris Luney, was born on November 16, 1952, at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA.

Susan was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was crazy about her chihuahuas and fried green tomatoes. She was known to be a little smart-alecky to her core, but it was always in a loving way,” momma, how you are feeling today?” she would reply “with my fingers.” 

She loved to crochet, often giving hats and headbands as gifts. Her talent even helped others, as she would crochet plastic grocery bags into mats for the homeless. Susan was a proud member of the Joplin Family Worship Center where she loved her church family and her faith.

Survivors include her children, Shawn Hazelwood, and her husband, Jeramy, of Carl Junction, Jeremy Smith, and his wife, Whitney, of Neosho, and Jason Smith, and his wife, Kim, of Lead Hill, AR; many grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Susan was preceded in death by her oldest son, Micah Aaron Smith.

No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematory, Joplin.

Joseph Thompson

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Joseph Edward Thompson, age 86, of Anderson, Missouri, passed away on March 15, 2026. He was born on May 1, 1939, in Weir, Kansas, to William Thompson and Annette Sweeney.

Joseph proudly served his country in the United States Army for nine years and was honorably discharged. Following his military service, he worked as a line manager at Cargill, where he dedicated many years of hard work.

On March 22, 1991, Joseph married Betty Wisdom at Laverne’s Chapel in Miami, Oklahoma. Together, they shared many cherished years.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, William and Annette Thompson of Weir, Kansas; his first wife, Nora Thompson; his only son, Jimmy Jo Thompson; his five siblings, Paul Thompson of Grove, Oklahoma, Jack Thompson of Riverside, California, Lanora Nutt of Pittsburg, Kansas, Florence Cook of Columbus, Kansas, and Hazel Buck of Carthage MO; and two granddaughters, Alicia Wisdom and Hannah Hall.

He is survived by his loving spouse, Betty Thompson; his stepson, Don Wisdom of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his grandchildren, Mara Hall of Donovan, Missouri, and Donald Reymer of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and his great-granddaughter, Roselyn Wisdom of Williamsville, Missouri.

Special Little Friend; Lamar Towmes of Tulsa OK. He is also survived by several nephews, including Frankie Thompson of Granby, Missouri, Bill Thompson of Neosho, Missouri, David Sinclair of Columbus, Kansas, Jackie Thompson of Riverside, California, and Mark Thompson of Florida.

Joseph enjoyed spending time with his family and especially loved going on family walks. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services will be announced at a later date.

Cremation arrangements are under the personal care of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, Missouri.

Joyce Wallace

(From Midland Cremation Society)

Joyce K. Wallace, age 81, passed away on Monday March 16th, 2026 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. Joyce was a homemaker. 

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

Ruth Moad

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Ruth Marie Moad, 87, of Aurora passed away Monday, March 16, 2026 in Cox-Monett Hospital. She was born October 30, 1938 in Masonville, Iowa, the daughter of Boyd and Grace (Candler) Warrington.

Survivors include two sons, Boyd Moad of Chickasha, OK. and William Boatz Miamisburg, OH.; two daughters, Grace Moad of Aurora, MO. and Donna Moad of Versailles, MO.; one sister, Leatha Bentley of Woodward, OK.; 9 grandchildren, Justin Moad, Kenneth Moad, Harley Boatz, Sarah Moad, Areil Bricker, Danial Moad, Dorian Boatz, Atayala Gibson and Savanah Tunis; and 5 great-grandchildren, Kaitlin Scheibley, Naomi Scheibley, Zarina Bricker, Zaydee Bricker and Zavana Bricker.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clyde Boatz; one brother, Kenneth Warrington and one sister, Mona Maggard.

Memorial services will be held Monday, March 23 at 1:00 p.m. in the Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Tony Thomas

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Anthony Jay “Tony” Thomas, age 59, of Shell Knob, Missouri passed away Friday, March 13, 2026 at his home.

He was born November 10, 1966 in Janesville, Wisconsin the son of Leland Thomas and Linda (Wickus) Wendler, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his brother, Jeffrey Thomas and sister-in-law, Barbara Thomas.

Surviving are his brothers, Leland Leroy “Lee” Thomas of Lake Delton, Wisconsin and Nicholas John Thomas of Footville, Wisconsin and sister, Angela Brockmann of Janesville, Wisconsin.

Raised and educated in Orfordville, Wisconsin, Tony had a knack for fixing things and enjoyed spending time tinkering. Tony was an avid fan of classic rock from the 1970s and 1980s, music that brought him comfort and connection throughout his life. Some of his happiest moments were spent traveling with his dog, exploring new places and enjoying the journey. He also enjoyed time spent camping, where he embraced the outdoors — fishing and hunting for his meals, and living off the land.

No services are scheduled at this time. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Carolyn Navarre

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Martha “Carolyn” Navarre, age 91, of Golden, Missouri passed from this life to her heavenly home on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

She was born April 28, 1934 in El Reno, Oklahoma, the daughter of Wesley and Cora Bennett. Carolyn completed her 12 years of schooling in El Reno at the top of her class. She became a Church pianist at 14 years of age and held this position for 70 years everywhere she lived. Carolyn then filled in when needed, also playing for weddings and funerals.

Carolyn married Dallas “Bill” Navarre, January 12, 1952, As a military family they lived many places before retiring to Golden, Missouri. She served as an EMT for the Eagle Rock Ambulance for 18 years, as well as working for the Eagle Rock Golden Mano Fire Protection District.

Carolyn lost her husband after 67 years of marriage. Others preceding her in death were her parents; brothers, Bobby Bennett and Paul Bennett, half-brother, Jim Bennett and many of her in-laws. 

Surviving are her daughters, Linda Cagle and husband Terry of El Reno, Oklahoma, and Diane Leck of Calumet, Oklahoma; son, David Navarre and wife Belisa of Exeter, Missouri; half-sister, Mary Cook of Tulsa, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Carolyn was a devoted Christian and was devoted to her family. She chose to be cremated with no service. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Janice Ellis

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Janice Arlene Ellis, 86, of Goodman, Missouri, went to her eternal home on March 16, 2026, at her residence under the care of Phoenix Hospice.

She was born October 22, 1939, in Walden, New York, to William Brewer and Jeanette Johnson.

Janice was a graduate of Walden High School. She earned her associate degree, and became a registered nurse where she cared deeply about her work. She worked in home health in every state where she lived and was devoted to her patients throughout her career.

Janice moved to Goodman in 1988 and later returned to the area in 2023 after living in Nevada. She was of the Baptist faith and attended Splitlog Baptist Church until her health declined.

She enjoyed playing World of Warcraft and spent time learning Spanish on Duolingo. She was s a dedicated and loving mother, as described by her family.

She is survived by her children, Sharon Vandunk of Hurleyville, New York, Kathleen Buttles of Smallwood, New York, and Jeff Buttles and his wife, Crystal of Goodman, Missouri; her twin sister, Jeanette Jenkins of Walden, New York; her brother, William Brewer of Walden, New York; her sister-in-law and dear friend (Sis), Darlene Ellis of Goodman, Missouri; and her three granddaughters, Alexia Buttles, McKenzie Buttles, and Liberty Buttles, as well as her other grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack Ellis; her second husband, Burt Combos; and her brother, Bobby Brewer.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 24, at 10:00 a.m. at Splitlog Baptist Church, 3670 Split Logging Road, Goodman MO 64843.