Stella McGowen

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Stella Jean McGowen of Joplin, MO. passed from this life Sunday, November 24, 2019 at her home. She was 79.

Stella was born March 26, 1940 in Miami, OK to Ernest and Jewell (Brookshire) Hankins. She had lived in Joplin for 24 years moving from Picher, OK and had lived a few years in Tuscaloosa, AL. Stella graduated from Picher High School Class of 1958. She had worked at Security Bank and Trust as a teller and for BF Goodrich in the Accounting Department and was a Mary Kay Consultant for 35 years. She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Picher, OK.

Stella was preceded in death by her husband Goose McGowen and her parents.

Survivors include 2 sons Dennis McGowen and wife Kristi of Joplin, MO and Mark McGowen of Joplin, MO. , 5 grandchildren Payton Hoffner, Chanci McGowen, Chelsie McGowen, Emma McGowen and Addison McGowen and 1 great granddaughter Hadley Jewel Hoffner.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at the Paul Thomas Funeral Home Chapel in Miami, OK. Danny Garner will officiate. Interment will be in G.A.R. Cemetery in Miami, OK. Dennis McGowen, Mark McGowen, Adam Hoffner, Keegan Ratcliff, Alan Wilkerson, Larry Heatherly and Dick McGowen will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Paul Thomas Funeral home Chapel. Services have been placed in the care of the Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com

Beatrice Tosh

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Beatrice June Tosh, 86 of Goodman, Missouri, passed away Friday, November 22, 2019, at her home with her loving family by her side.

Beatrice was born on November 28, 1932 in Anderson, Missouri, to the late Elmer Ray and Antonia (Krause) Crosby. Beatrice grew up on F Hwy and attended school in Anderson. On March 31, 1949 she was united in marriage to Delmer Lee Tosh and to this union four children were born. She and Delmer ran a dairy in Beaman Hollow until Delmer’s passing in 1996. Beatrice then worked for the BKB Gold Stamp Co. in Anderson till last June. Beatrice attended the Banner Church of the Nazarene and enjoyed sewing and cooking.

Beatrice was preceded in death by a son, Harvey Tosh in 2003 and sister, Dorothy Willis.

Beatrice is survived by two sons, David Tosh and wife, Tammy and Richard Tosh and wife, Pam of Goodman; a daughter, Peggy Dueker and husband, Don also of Goodman; two sisters, Emma Willis and Evah Jean Duncan both of Anderson; nine Grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Beatrice June Tosh will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at the Banner Church of the Nazarene near Splitlog, Missouri, with Pastor Dennis Bergen and Ronnie Tosh officiating. Those serving as pallbearers are, Tony Tosh, Jacob Tosh, William “B.J.” Dueker, Jimmy Johnson, James Kennedy and Jerry Kennedy. Honorary Pallbearers are, Dustin Tosh, Allen Tosh, Wes Poe and Brian Mitchell. Burial will follow in the Banner Cemetery near Splitlog. The family will receive friends 6 until 8 p.m. Monday, November 25, 2019, at the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri. Arrangements are under personal care and direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

Vee Carroll

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Veda Merle Carroll passed peacefully on November 21, 2019 at Cox Barton County Hospital.

Vee Carroll was born December 22, 1925 in Lamar, CO, the only child of Albert and Elva Freuler. Her family moved to Neosho, MO early in her life when her father became employed by Pet Milk Company. As a teen, she worked in the dental office at Camp Crowder during World War II. She graduated from Neosho High School in 1943. Vee then attended and graduated from Gulf Park College for Women, Gulfport, MS, where she enjoyed performing ballet.

In 1947, she graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. After college graduation, she taught at Neosho Public Schools where she directed the May Fete. While attending the University of Arkansas, she met Thomas W. Carroll and they were married on June 25, 1949. When he entered medical school in Little Rock, AR, Vee worked at Union Life Insurance Company.

Dr. Carroll and Vee moved to Lamar, MO in the Spring of 1955 for him to begin family practice medicine at Lamar Clinic. Vee was a homemaker and enjoyed antiques, tole painting, and decorating for the four seasons and holidays. In her later years, she enjoyed being at home with family and friends.

Vee is survived by a son, Tom Carroll and his wife Marian, Pittsburg, KS; a daughter, Candi Carroll, Lamar, MO; two grandsons Adam Carroll and his wife Sheena, Springfield, MO and Tyler Carroll, also of Springfield, MO; two great-grandsons, Eatons and Tanner Carroll. She was preceded in death by her husband.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at Daniel Funeral Home, 1201 Broadway, Lamar, MO. Interment will follow at Lake Cemetery.

Contributions are suggested and made payable to Barton County Sr. Center or to the donor's choice in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Susan Pope

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Susan Pope, age 73 of Webb City, Missouri passed away Friday November 22, 2019.

She was born February 18, 1946 in New Geneva, Pennsylvania to Walter and Mary (Ashbough) Enlow.

Susan worked in several managerial positions at local grocery stores in Webb City, Missouri and most recently as a cashier at Downstream Casino. She loved playing Bingo and being involved in several groups and organizations, including the Webb City Senior Center. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Webb City, Missouri.

Susan is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Eugene Enlow and Micheal Enlow, and a sister Melody Benton. 

She is survived by two daughters; Vicki Chaney and her significant other Corry Givens of Webb City, Missouri, Kristi Greek and husband Andy, Joplin, Missouri; four brothers, Lester Enlow, Rick Enlow, Doug Enlow, Tom Enlow; two sisters, Donna Jackson, Julie Dearing; five grandchildren, Brent Greek and fiancée Brie Stewart, Julian Foster and husband Thomas, Lauren Hughes and husband Robert, Kaitlin Littlefield and husband John Paul, Brayden Greek; three great grandchildren and one on the way.

Memorial services will be 2:00 pm Tuesday December 3, 2019 at the Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home with Mike Geisert minister officiating.

Memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society are requested in lieu of flowers and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Jim Sperry

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Alva James “Jim” Sperry, Jr., 91, of Monett, MO, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2019, at Cox Monett Hospital following a sudden illness.

Jim was born on July 23, 1928 in Springfield, son of the late Alva James, Sr. and Britta (Lane) Sperry.

Jim was retired from the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier. He was a graduate from Monett High School the Class of 1946 and Monett Junior College. After graduation he honorably served his country in the National Guard from 1947-1968.

Jim was a past president of Crosslines and member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, where he served as a deacon and a member of the properties committee. He enjoyed the outdoors, working in the yard and spending time with his family.

Jim married Judy Everett on June 15, 1961 in Monett, she preceded him in death on July 1972. Jim married Barbara Isbell on August 10, 1984 in Monett and she survives.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of the home; three sons, Mitch George and wife Mary of Wentworth, MO, Pat Sperry and wife Marla, of Monett and Jason George, of Monett; one daughter, Julie Parrigon and husband Gene, of Springfield, MO; nine grandchildren, Emily Lorenz, Scott Parrigon and wife Kaela, Brian George, Derek Parrigon and wife Shalynne, JJ George, Brendon George and wife Kayla, Haley Sperry, Blake Sperry and Cameron George; two great-grandchildren, Bellus George and Hannah Parrigon; two sisters, Dorothy Haywood of Nashville, TN and Joy Bingaman of Springfield, MO and a host of extended family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; one great-granddaughter, Ava Parrigon and one sister, Shirley Sperry.

Funeral services for Mr. Sperry will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Monett, with Richard Virnig, Minister officiating. Interment will follow at Monett I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 6-8:00 p.m. at Buchanan Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Christian Church or Crosslines of Monett in care of the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.

Clara Gibbs

(From Sisco Funeral Home)

Clara Gibbs 79, of Pea Ridge, died Saturday, November 23 at Circle of Life in Bentonville.

She was born December 27, 1939 in Cerro Gordo, Oklahoma, to Johnny Joseph Bigham and Annie Laverne Smith Bigham. She retired from PMDC paper goods for Wal-Mart where she worked in the printing and distribution center. 

She was a member of the Church of Christ in Rogers and is preceded in death by her parents; one brother David Bigham; three sisters Shirley Dalby, Faye Hufford, and Elizabeth Ash; one grandson Michael Carnes and one great-grandson Tanner Carnes. 

She was a native of the area and enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles, and the internet.

Survivors are two daughters Teresa Stidham and husband Ted of Galena, Kansas, and Tina Creech and husband Sandy of Pineville, Missouri; one brother Randy Bigham of Rogers; three sisters, Bernice Drymon of Rogers, Sharon Severs of Rogers, and Loretta Griggs of Joplin, Missouri; seven grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren.

Graveside service is set for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 30, at Buttram Chapel Cemetery. Visitation is set for 5-7:00p.m. Friday, November 29, at Sisco Funeral Home in Pea Ridge.

Online condolences may be made at siscofuneralhome.net

Larry Staples

(From Parker Mortuary)

Larry David Staples, age 72, Joplin, passed away Monday, November 25, 2019 at his home after an illness.

Larry was born August 20, 1947 in Mattoon, Illinois to the late Dale and Gladys Staples.

The family moved to West Covina, California, where he attended school. He met and married the love of his life, Peggy Stokes, on July 17, 1967. They moved to Joplin in 1970.

Larry worked for Missouri Steel Castings for over thirty years. He worked for Darrell Kidd Pest Control for eleven years, retiring in 2016. He then started Staples Pest Control February of 2019, working alongside his son. Larry was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in Germany during 1967-69. 

Larry was a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan. He loved watching the games with his family. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Larry is survived by his wife, Peggy; son, David Staples; daughters, Tammy Michael, Shannon Schellack and husband, Doug; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren and many extended family members and friends.

Graveside services are planned for Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. at Ozark Memorial Park. Danny Mullins, minister, will officiate. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Parker Mortuary. Pallbearers will be Rocky McGinnis, Josh Michael, Doug Schellack, Kyler Stokes, Billy Strickland and Bill Rust.

In honor of Larry, the family would love for everyone in attendance to wear their favorite Kansas City Chiefs gear.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.