Walter Bates

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Walter Lee Bates, born on a crisp autumn day—October 7, 1948—danced through life like a leaf carried on the wind, never tethered by convention, forever chasing the horizon. On April 30, 2026, this extraordinary soul took the final step into the great unknown, leaving behind a world made just a bit more colorful by his presence.

Walter was the embodiment of a free spirit—unbound, unbroken, and unapologetically himself. His story wasn’t written in the usual ink; it was sketched in bursts of bold adventure, whispered in the melodies of open roads, and painted in moments of spontaneous joy. He embraced the unpredictable rhythms of life as if he were a wild jazz musician, improvising with effortless grace at every turn.

Though his path was uniquely his own, Walter’s life was a generous gift to all who had the privilege of crossing it. With a laugh that could tip the scales of any room, a mind hungry for wonder, and a heart wide open to the serendipity of the moment, he touched lives like a gentle breeze on a summer afternoon—a presence that felt both fleeting and deeply enduring.

Walter’s journey reminds us that life’s richest tapestries are woven from threads of freedom, courage, and unshackled passion. Though his physical footsteps have faded from this earth, the trail he blazed remains luminous, guiding those who dare to live untamed and true.

As the sun sets on Walter Lee Bates’ remarkable voyage, we honor the untamed spirit that made him who he was—a beacon of liberation and a humble celebration of simply being alive. May his memory inspire us all to leap fearlessly into the wildness of our own stories.

Bob Couch

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Robert "Bob" Leon Couch, age 81, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away May 4, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Bob was born March 7, 1945, in Springfield, Missouri, to Leon Chester Couch and Margaret Rose Couch. On August 28, 1966, he married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Sue Reno in Lamar, Missouri, and together they shared nearly 60 years of marriage.

Bob was a member of the Lamar graduating class of 1963. He then attended Pittsburg State University, where he was a charter member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, and graduated in 1967. He and Marilyn moved to Kansas City where Bob attended Dental School at UMKC, graduating with a D.D.S. in 1970. This was followed by yet another move, this time to Fort Lee, Virginia where Bob was a Captain in the Army serving two years as a dentist on the base. After completing his service, a final move was in store, this time back to Lamar where he opened a dental practice in 1973.

Bob dedicated his professional life to serving the Lamar community as a dentist, where he was known for his care, skill, and commitment to his patients. He practiced Dentistry for almost 50 years before retiring. He was an active member of the Lamar Rotary Club, spent a number of years on the school board, and was heavily involved in both the Missouri Dental Association (MDA) and American Dental Association (ADA). Bob was also a faithful member of the Lamar Methodist Church.

He enjoyed golfing, fly fishing, reading, his many years of coaching his kids various sports teams, watching every episode of Jeopardy possible, and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn; two sons, Rob Couch and wife Colleen of Olathe, Kansas and Drew Couch of Lamar, Missouri; one daughter, Jenni Duncan and husband Brian of Lamar, Missouri; five grandchildren, Blake Elam, Quinlan Couch, Elise Couch, Seth Duncan and Mykela Timmons; one sister, Beth Brisbin and her husband Anthony of Lamar, MO; one sister-in-law, Charlotte Coats of Springfield, Missouri and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Margaret Couch.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 15, 2026, at Lamar Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Daniel Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions ar suggested and may be made payable to either the Leon Couch Memorial Scholarship or Missouri Dental Association in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

Archer Perdue

(From Meadors Funeral Home)

Archer Lane Addam Perdue, infant son of Hunter Perdue and Gracie Gatlin, passed away on May 02, 2026. Archer, lovingly nicknamed “Archie Boy” was born in Aurora, MO on February 02, 2026.

Archer was a very good baby, who loved listening to Taylor Swift music in the car. He was adored and cherished by every member of his family who include both his parents, Hunter Perdue and Gracie Gatlin, sisters, Estrella, Catalina and Daisy, maternal grandparents Mary Ann Gatlin and Terry Barlow, paternal grandparents Dirk Perdue and Lisa Littleton, his uncle Miles Perdue, aunts McKenzie Barlow and Brandy Hair as well as other extended family.

Archer left a footprint of love in the hearts of his family, and he will be greatly missed by them all.

A Celebration of Archer’s life will be held on Saturday, May 09, 2026, from 11 – 1 pm at Meadors Funeral Home (314 N Main Ave, Republic, MO). Archer’s care has been entrusted to Meadors Funeral Home, and permanent online condolences and messages of love may be left at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com

Butch Boley

(From Meadors Funeral Home)

Gene H. Boley, known by all as Butch, passed away on May 4, 2026 in Republic, Missouri at the age of 68.

He was born on November 10, 1957 in Larned, Kansas, the son of the late Wilbur and Veda Boley of Washburn.

Butch served his country in the United States Army where he took immense pride in being part of the Fort Sill Artillery Half Section, an equestrian unit preserving the history of horse-drawn artillery at celebrations and parades.

After his military service Butch moved into the factory working predominantly at EFCO Corporation in Monett, MO as a leadman in the glass shop and then as a maintenance tech at Schreiber Foods in Mt. Vernon, MO.

Butch is survived by loving wife Brenda Boley; sister, Glenda Edwards; son, Joshua Boley; daughter Misty Nelson; three step-children, Travis Gentry, Shane Gentry, and Ashley Burch; in addition to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In accordance with his wishes, Butch's ashes will be scattered along a section of road he enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson down often. A celebration of life will be held later and the family will make the details known.

Meadors Funeral Home of Republic, Missour is honored to serve the family of Butch Boley. Condolences can be left for the family online at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com

Ashley Reyes

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Ashley Julissa Morales Reyes, 30, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away April 21, 2026

Born in Anaheim, California, Ashley was beloved daughter of Yuri Reyes. She graduated from Carthage High School and went on to attend Masters Commission, a discipleship program in Missions. At the time of her passing, Ashley was pursuing a career as a massage therapist, though her true passion was working with children.

Ashley had a vibrant and unforgettable personality. She loved people deeply and lived boldly, with strength and passion that touched everyone around her. Known for her playful spirit, Ashley enjoyed joking around and pulling pranks, lighting up every room with her beautiful smile and unmistakably loud laugh. She loved playing pickleball with family and friends, shopping -especially for shoes- and blessing others with thoughtful gifts. Above all, she cherished time spent with her loved ones.

Ashley will be remembered most for her unwavering loyalty. She was always there when you needed her, always in your corner, and many can say their lives were impacted by her in a meaningful way. She had a special gift with children and served faithfully in children’s and youth ministry alongside her brother, Edxel.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Ashley loved the lord deeply, trusted him fully, and believed in His healing. She gave her life to Christ and remained steadfast in her faith. While her passing leaves a deep void, her family finds peace in knowing she has received the greatest healing of all and has heard the words every faithful believer long to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” 

Ashley is survived by her mother, Yuri Reyes; her brothers, Yoni Herrera, Arnold Herrera, Edxel Morales; and her sister, Kelly Morales.

Though her life was far too short, Ashley made a lasting and powerful impact on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, Missouri.

Mary McRoberts

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Mary McRoberts, 82, passed away on May 6, 2026, at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation in Springfield, Missouri.

Mary was born on March 1, 1944 in Butler County, Missouri — missing being a leap year baby by just one day.

She spent nearly 30 years working for Missouri Gas Energy, where she became known for her remarkable work ethic, reliability, and deep knowledge of her job. Her coworkers often turned to her for help and guidance, and she was proud of the fact that she rarely, if ever, missed a day of work.

Mary will be remembered for her stubborn spirit, feisty personality, and sharp sense of humor. She loved discovering new restaurants — sometimes ones others may have considered a little questionable — and always enjoyed the adventure that came with trying something new. Mary also loved road trips and was always ready to get in the car and go somewhere new.

Mary was fiercely independent and never afraid to tackle a project herself. If something in the house needed repaired, she would research it, figure it out, and fix it on her own. Even into her seventies, she remained incredibly active and hardworking. At 70 years old, she spent two days shoveling four tons of landscaping rock, something that perfectly captured her toughness, determination, and refusal to slow down.

More than anything, she loved spending time with her family, especially playing ball in the backyard with her grandchildren. She remained physically active throughout much of her life and especially loved tennis. Some of her family’s favorite memories are of watching her compete in tennis leagues while living in Aurora, where her determination and competitive spirit were always on display.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Valerie Linger of Grain Valley; her son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Gail McRoberts of West Lafayette; grandchildren Samuel Linger III of Fairview Heights, Katie McRoberts of Louisville, Andrew McRoberts and Bennett McRoberts of West Lafayette; and sisters Helen Murray of Monett, and Carol Davis of Buffalo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fannie Mae and Claude Martin Davis; sisters Anna Mae Maples, Julia “Sissy” Perkins, Betty Pettit, Shirley Davis, and Cathye Davis; and brother James “Buster” Davis.

Mary’s family will remember her for her toughness, independence, humor, and the love she showed in her own unmistakable way.

Graveside services will be held at Maple Park Cemetery on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00am under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Vi Leverich

(From McQueen Funeral Home)

Viola May “Vi” Leverich, age 87, of Wheaton, Missouri passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Lacoba Homes in Monett, Missouri.

She was born March 22, 1939 in Humbolt, Nebraska, the daughter of Virgil and Lucille (Smith) Reeves. On February 5, 1955 in Twin Falls, Idaho she was united in marriage to Thomas “Tom” Leverich, who preceded her in death on January 21, 2007. Also preceding her in death were her parents; grandson, Chris; brother, John and sister, Janet.

Surviving are her sons, Denis Leverich and wife Adele of Shelton, Washington, Chuck Leverich and wife Pickles of East Newton, Missouri, Kelly Leverich and wife Diane of Buhl, Idaho, and Tom Leverich and wife Stephani of Purdy, Missouri; daughter, Tammy Doss and husband Bruce of Monett, Missouri; brothers, Mack Reeves of Kimberly, Idaho, Virgil Reeves and wife Dena of Yelm, Washington, and Bill Reeves and wife LuAnn of Manchester, Tennessee; 16 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Vi attended school in Castleford, Idaho. She worked for 12 years as a meat wrapper at the IGA in Rogers, Arkansas, before moving to Pioneer, Missouri. Together with her husband, Tom, they owned and operated a dairy farm before purchasing G & S Easy Stop in Cassville. Later, they owned and operated a poultry breeder and grower operation until their retirement.

In her spare time, Vi enjoyed crocheting, embroidering, tending to her flowers, and spending time with her beloved grandchildren and dogs, Gabby and Duke.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Rambo Cemetery in Rogers, Arkansas, under direction of McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton. Brother Tony Ball will conduct the services.

Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Haven of the Ozarks in memory of Vi.