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.

Emery Ellison

(From McQueen Funeral Home)

Emery Ewing Ellison, age 93, of Wheaton, Missouri, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Cassville Health Care and Rehabilitation in Cassville, Missouri.

He was born April 26, 1933 in Henderson, Iowa, the son of Ernest Ewing and Waive Catherine (Farrington) Ellison. On April 18, 1953 in Wichita, Kansas he was united in marriage to Betty Lou Ellis, who preceded him in death on August 4, 2004. Also preceding him in death were his parents; seven brothers; two sisters and a grandson, Kyle Schell.

Surviving are his daughter, Sharon Ellison of Shell Knob, Missouri; son, James Leroy Ellison of Grove, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Krystal, Courtney, Corrina, and William and eight great grandchildren.

Emery attended school in Rocky Comfort and graduated from Rocky Comfort High School. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Beginning in the 1950s, Emery built and remodeled homes. He later worked in the maintenance department at Walmart until the age of 80. In his spare time, Emery enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of Bethlehem Freewill Baptist Church and attended Corinth Baptist Church. 

 

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, May 11, 2026 at Rocky Comfort Cemetery in Rocky Comfort, Missouri, under direction of McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton. Pastor Hap Anders will conduct the service.

Contributions may be made to Rocky Comfort Cemetery in memory of Emery.

Marsha Bentley

(From Lakin Funeral Home)

Marsha Ann Bentley, age 71, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Kansas City, MO. She was born in Indianapolis, IN on Thursday, November 25, 1954; daughter of Jack Everett and Rose (Posadny) Undersinger. She graduated high school. Marsha worked in a garment factory and cleaned in a nursing home.

Surviving are the following: one son, Mike St. George of Louisville, KY and Angela McKinley of Mt. Vernon, MO; two grandchildren; and four siblings, Mark, Linda, Carol, and Patricia. 

Marsha was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Rose Undersinger, and sister, Mary.

Marsha has been cremated. She will be buried at Zion Cemetery in Aurora, MO on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.

Carrol Hoke

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Carrol Cochran Hoke, born Bonnie Carrol Cochran on March 10, 1944, in Irving, Texas, died May 3, 2026, in Lehi, Utah, at age 82.

A former Miss Irving and runner-up for Miss Texas, Carrol worked at American Airlines before marrying Steve Schmidt (eloped Dec. 28, 1968), with whom she raised four children: Eric, Kirsten, Kirk and Karl. She cherished Taos, New Mexico, loved cooking, family travel, and later found joy on a farm with husband John Hoke, whom she married Feb. 4, 2011. Carrol was a devoted grandmother to six and was known for her warmth, kindness and spiritual curiosity. 

After a 2019 diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, she spent her final months in memory care, surrounded by loving family. She passed shortly after sustaining hip injury.

She is remembered for her loving devotion to family and the light she brought to others.

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert “Jimmy” Cochran and Bonnie Dell Cochran. 

She is survived by her husband, John Hoke; her children and their spouses, Eric (Rachel), Kirsten, Kirk (Karin), and Karl; her six grandchildren, Taylor (Lansing), Addison, Violet, Jaidyn, Emilia, and Turner; and her stepchildren, Connie and John II.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation on Friday evening from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Kenny Thomas

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Kenneth R Thomas was born October 19, 1946, in Van Nuys, CA. We are saddened by his passing on May 4, 2026. He was the fourth of five children born to Paul & Eva D Thomas.

Kenny's parents divorced when he was very young. He was very fond of his stepfather Marion “Shorty" Lewis.

Kenny went to grade school in Ft. Scott, KS. His mother and stepfather moved to Noel, MO to help train personnel at the chicken plant. Kenny graduated from Noel High School in 1964. He immediately followed his two older brothers into the United States Navy. He was only 17 so he had to have his mom sign for him to enlist. He served from June 1964 to June 1970 and was stationed on the vessel USS Rowan. He served as a Ship Swimmer and became a Vietnam Veteran.

Kenny was well known for his love of fishing and hunting. And for years, he could give the best float trips in Noel to visiting family and friends. He had a great knowledge of every nook and cranny in both Elk River and Indian Creek, and in later years Grand Lake. He spent many deer seasons with family and friends enjoying the camaraderie. He mastered the outdoors at a young age. While visiting his grandfather in the Branson area around age 9, he became lost in the Mark Twain National Forest after being separated from his two older brothers. He found a fence line and followed it to a road rescuing himself before the National Guard could find him.

Kenny married Retha Brandon on February 14, 1978, in Miami, OK. They had a daughter, Adrienne Michelle. Their foster son, Mike, came when he was 16 and he completed high school while in their care.

Kenny is survived by his loving wife Retha Thomas of Joplin, daughter Adrienne Judd (Brian) of Joplin, foster son Mike Bruneau (Trina) of Goodman, Brother Ronnie (Karen) Thomas of Joplin, Sister Fletta Norcross of Panama City Beach, FL, Grandchildren- Brecken Barber (Chayton), Bralin Wofford, Christopher Judd, and bonus grandchildren, William, Aiden, Paige, and Trian. Many nieces and nephews and great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Paul Henry Thomas & Donald Thomas, beloved niece and nephew- Nicole DuBose and Troy Thomas.

A celebration of life has been scheduled for 10:00 am on Saturday, June 6 at Mason-Woodard Chapel in Joplin.

A committal of ashes with full military honors will take place at 10:00 am on Monday, June 8 at Coffelt Cemetery, 8391 S. Coffelt Cemetery Rd, Bentonville, AR.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners or Disabled American Vets.