Ricka Mishler

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Fredricka 'Ricka' Mary Mishler was born on November 14, 1965, in San Francisco, California, one of six children, to Ronald J. Friend, Sr. and Ernestine L. Hoyt Friend. She entered into rest on October 27. 2024, in Joplin, Missouri, at the age of 58. Ricka was a graduate of Neosho High School and a longtime Neosho resident.

She worked at Sunbeam for fifteen years and then at La-Z-Boy for twenty years and was a homemaker. She enjoyed watching old movies, antiquing and most especially hosting family get togethers and cooking and baking for family.

 

On June 30, 2018, at Silvermoon Full Gospel Church, Ricka and Daniel 'Dan' R. Mishler married and he survives of the home.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by four children, Anthony Friend and Isabelle King of Neosho, Kelly Dannels and husband, T.J. of Diamond and Jessica Graham and husband, Ryan of Neosho; one very special grandson, Luke Graham; her mother, Ernestine Friends of Neosho; four siblings, Elizabeth Alvarado and husband, Pepe of Joplin, Desiree Villanueva, Rhonda Finklea and husband, Kyle and Ronald J. Friend, II, all of Neosho, and Sabrina Lankford and husband Del Lankford of Claremore, Oklahoma; nieces, nephews and numerous other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Ronald J. Friend, Sr.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at 1 pm at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories and interment will follow in the Granby Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Clark Funeral Home, Neosho. Contributions in memory of Ricka may be made to the Lupus Foundation, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, Missouri 64850

Victoria Green

(From Parker Mortuary)

Victoria Lynn Green, of Joplin, MO., passed away on October 24, 2024, at the age of 63. She was born on February 14,1961, in Nevada, Missouri. Victoria's life was a testament to love and the joy she brought to those around her.

Victoria was the beloved daughter of Lee Stroer of Nevada, Missouri, and the late Gerald Dean Stroer. She was a guiding light in the lives of her family, especially her devoted daughter, Sarah Green of Joplin, Missouri, who was not just her child but her best friend. Victoria's loving spirit extended to her siblings, Tammy Davenport and her husband Rick of Oak Grove, Missouri; her niece, Rachel Griffin and her husband Chris of Oak Grove, Missouri; her nephew, David Davenport of Kansas City, Missouri; and her two great-nieces, who will miss her dearly.

A proud graduate with a Bachelor's degree, Victoria dedicated her professional life to serving others, retiring as a Supervisor at Nevada Habilitation. Her work was not just a job but a calling, as she was deeply committed to improving the lives of those she worked with.

She found joy in the companionship of her dogs, the creativity of crafting, and the beauty of dolphins, butterflies, and angels. Her conversations were filled with warmth and wisdom.

Her memory will be cherished and kept alive in the stories we share and the love we continue to hold for her.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Newton Burial Park in Nevada, MO.

Arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.

 

Jim Kessler

(From Parker Mortuary)

James “Jim” Bahner Kessler passed away, peacefully in his home, in Webb City, Missouri on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the age of 69.

Jim was born May 27, 1955, in Columbus, Ohio. He grew up in Utah and graduated from Ben Lomond High School and went on to attend the University of Utah where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Criminology and Corrections. Jim briefly resided in Kansas before moving to the Joplin, Missouri area where he began working for the State of Missouri as a Probation and Parole Officer. He was also an EMT for Mountain West Ambulance for years. 

Jim was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge and loved spending time with the friends he made. One of his favorite hobbies was riding his Harley Davidson. He also loved making trips to Ohio to spend time with his uncle Wendell Kessler where they would go camping, fishing, and just enjoy the time they had to spend together. His entire world was centered around his beloved wife, Traci, and their dog, Sonja. Jim loved and adored the both of them more than anything.

Jim was a very outgoing individual who loved deeply. No one would disagree that Jim had an ornery streak in him. As his mom would often say, “Jimmy liked to stir the pot,” which would result in lively exchanges and laughter.

Jim was a loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, uncle and son. Jim was preceded in death by his parents James Kessler and Joanne Kessler, his daughter Andrea Kessler, and his brother Bob Kessler. His survivors include his beloved wife Traci Lassiter-Kessler of Webb City, Missouri, his son Rob Kessler of Ennis, Montana, and his sister Patty (Pete) Stoll of Salt Lake City, Utah.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

Joe Freeze

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Joe Dennis Freeze, of Fair Play, MO, departed this life on Saturday, October 26, 2024, in his home at the age of 77.

He was born on June 12, 1947 in Lockwood, MO to James and Lyndell Freeze, and was raised in Bona, MO. Joe graduated from Dadeville High School. 

Joe had been employed at Bolivar Farmer’s Exchange, Litton Industries, and Hallmark Cards. He also worked at clearing brush from under power lines. Joe was a hard worker from a young age milking cows by hand, hauling lots of hay, and picking up stumps and rocks for his uncle. He was an avid Quail Hunter with and without bird dogs. Joe loved fishing for Flathead Catfish.







He married Sharon Johnson on September 25, 1970 in Bolivar, MO. Joe said he took a lot for granted when he was working. He learned after that she was very under appreciated. Sharon was a very good wife and nurse. She was always a very good cook of everything she prepared from hunting and fishing, and everything else. Sharon was a long-life daycare worker. They both loved all the little children as they were very special to them as if they were their own.

Joe accepted the Lord as his Savior and was baptized in the waters at the Stockton Lake Beach in 1988 by Pastor Troy Gardner. They enjoyed a Sunday meal at his mom’s, as they all called her Granny.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Jim and Lyndell Freeze; one brother, Jack Freeze; one sister, Mary Anne Freeze; one brother-in-law, Jerry Beach; and two special nephews, Jackie Freeze and Gary Beach.

Joe is survived by his wife, Sharon K. Freeze; his son, Brian Freeze and wife Brandi; two grandchildren, Trenton Freeze and wife Becca, and Mahayla Carter and husband Kyle; two great-grandchildren, Annabelle Freeze and Judd Freeze; one brother, Jimmy Freeze; one sister, June Beach; two sisters-in-law, Lorene Freeze and Sandy Freeze; and also by a host of other valued relatives.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Greenfield Funeral Chapel. Private family inurnment will be at a later date at Bona Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bona Cemetery or to the Long Cemetery. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

Josh Brasher

(From Ferry Funeral Home)

Our beloved Joshua (Josh) Joseph Brasher tragically left us on Friday, October 25th, 2024 at the age of 39.

Josh was born on October 4th, 1985 to Daniel Lowe and Terry (Brasher) Smith in Kansas City, MO. He grew up in the Nevada, MO area, living in Milo, MO and Bronaugh, MO as well. He attended school in both Nevada and Bronaugh, graduating from Bronaugh High School in 2004.

Josh worked different jobs over the years, with his most recent job of five years being the maintenance man at McDonald's in Nevada. He was a jack of all trades, including being a mechanic that could fix any car that was put in front of him. His hobbies included working on cars, collecting comic books, helping out many of his family and friends with anything they needed, working outside and spending time with his three boys. He was a very giving person and was always first in line to help anyone in need.

Josh was united in marriage to longtime girlfriend Caryl (CJ) Moore on January 13th, 2021 in an intimate ceremony in Nevada. He was a loving and devoted father to his three boys, Rilen Livengood, Brantley Stroud, and Brynner Stroud, all of Nevada.

Josh was preceded in death by his dad Richard C. Smith, mother-in-law Judy Moore, maternal grandmother Helen S. Brasher, both paternal grandparents, Tom and Pat Lowe of Willow Springs, MO, aunt Vicki S. (Brasher) Brown, uncles Rocky Smith, Ron Smith, and Rusty Smith, and his unborn child lost in 2019.

Josh is survived by his wife, three sons, mother, father, sisters, Kendra Brasher (Damien) of Blue Springs, MO and Kaisi Smith (James) of Pleasant Hill, MO, brother Jakob Smith (Destiny) of Lamar, MO, father-in-law, Carl Moore of Nevada, brother-in-law, Brad Moore of Nevada, sister-in-law, Katie Yockey of Nevada, uncles Jerry L. Brasher of Nevada, Randy Smith of Wichita, KS, Thomas Lowe Jr. of Dickinson, TX, aunts Valorie Nocciolo (Skip) of Waldorf, MD, Cynthia (Sophus) Collins of Willow Springs, MO, Glenda (Garret) Kueck of Concordia, MO, 16 nieces and nephews and several cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Josh's honor on Sunday, November 10th at 2pm at the Elk's Lodge in Nevada, MO. Family invites all of those that had the privilege of knowing Josh throughout his life to attend. He will be remembered for his fun-loving and playful spirit that kept everyone laughing and having a good time. He will be missed tremendously.

Eric McGee

(From Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home)

Eric Michael McGee was born to Roberta Holl and Jeremy McGee on September 13, 2003, at Barton County Memorial Hospital. From that day Eric started winning hearts. 

Growing up, Eric never met a stranger, they were only friends he had not met yet. Eric went to school in Lamar through his second-grade year. He then transferred to El Dorado Springs where he attended school till graduation with the class of 2022. 

Eric never wanted anyone to be upset and would always offer a magical Eric hug that seemed to always solve the problem, if only for a minute. In 2019 he was diagnosed with brain cancer and for over five years he fought a courageous battle. On October 27, 2024, surrounded by loved ones Eric gained his wings and won his battle over cancer.

He was greeted in heaven by many family members who went before him.

He is survived by his mother, Roberta Blaser (Nathan) of Milford along with siblings Kerah and August; his father Jeremy McGee (Stacy) of Milo along with siblings Joshua and Ethan; grandparents, Robert and Roberta Williams of Milo; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins who miss him dearly.

We ask that at his funeral everyone wear red and black as he loved his Eldo Bulldogs.

Visitation
Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 1:00PM - 2:00PM
El Dorado Springs Church of God (Holiness)
1607 S. Park Street
El Dorado Springs, MO 64744

Service
Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 2:00PM
El Dorado Springs Church of God (Holiness)
1607 S. Park Street
El Dorado Springs, MO 64744

Kay Westbrook

(From Knell Mortuary)

Kay Frances Westbrook, a cherished matriarch and friend, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024, in Joplin, Missouri, at the age of 85. Born on October 3, 1939, in Peoria, Illinois, to the late Doug and Fran (Lick) Dabney,

Her professional journey began at Supervalu Transportation, where she dedicated many years before transitioning to a fulfilling career as a sales manager for Lovelace Trucking. Kay's work ethic and leadership were admired by her colleagues, and she left an indelible mark on the industry until her well-deserved retirement.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kay's life was defined by her unwavering Christian faith. She found strength and solace in her beliefs, and her actions reflected the love and grace that she found in her spirituality. Friends and family were Kay's greatest treasures.

Kay's legacy lives on through her loving children, Cindy Reeder and her husband Randy of Webb City, Missouri, Doug Westbrook and his wife Brenda of Carthage, Missouri, and Dustin Westbrook and his wife Ruth of Morton, Illinois. Her memory will be cherished by her several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will continue to be guided by the wisdom and love she imparted on them.

While Kay rejoins her beloved parents, her daughter Lori Kay Westbrook, and her brother Don Dabney in eternal rest, the void left by her departure is filled with countless joyful memories and lessons learned.

Kay's zest for life was evident in her hobbies. She was a formidable card player, enjoying spirited games with her friends every Saturday night. The clatter of dominoes was a familiar sound in her home, where she would often be found playing and laughing with those she held dear. These simple joys were the cornerstones of a life well-lived, one filled with laughter and camaraderie.

Those who knew Kay will remember her as the embodiment of love, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Her legacy is not just in her achievements, but in the kindness, she showed, the comfort she provided, and the love she shared.

Services are pending and will be announced by the Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.