Mark Wright

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Mark D. Wright, 66, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023. He was born on October 14, 1956, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Artsol Wright and Uzella “Stewart” Wright. 

Mark was a welder and worked as a union boilermaker for Local #83 in Kansas City, Missouri. Some of Mark’s favorite hobbies were camping, fishing, hunting, and diving. He enjoyed any activity he could do outdoors.

He was united in marriage to Janet Saylor in 1980, at the Faith Tabernacle Church in Joplin; she survives.

Along with his wife, Janet Wright, Mark is survived by one son, Nathan Wright; two brothers, Tom Wright of Carthage, and David Wright of Joplin; and one granddaughter, Micah Wright.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Artsol and Uzella Wright; one son, Cory N. Wright; one brother, Michael Wright; and one sister, Carol Meadows.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Three Points Church in Carthage, Missouri.

Condolences may be made online at www.ulmerfh.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Marilyn Miller

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Marilyn Ann (Northup) Miller, born February 2, 1944, died April 25, 2023.

Daughter of Maurice Newton and Mary Stella (Spencer) Northup of Carthage, Missouri, Marilyn was valedictorian of the class of 1962 and graduated cum laude from Southwest Missouri State in 1966 with a degree in math and education. She worked as a programmer in seismic computing at Amoco in Tulsa, retiring at age 55. 

With her husband of 54 years, Robert Miller, she raised two sons, Andrew and Matthew. Matthew, with wife Aubrey (Slaughter) gave three grandchildren, Bryn, Isla, and Madeline. Her brother Edward preceded her in death, leaving wife Janice (Spear) and their daughter Ann Marie, of West Plains, Missouri. Marilyn was very close with Ann Marie and her husband Mike Newberry and their daughters Kaylynn and Alyssa.

Marilyn won many awards for her china painting, which she pursued throughout her career and in retirement, leaving a legacy of prized artwork. She made many lasting friendships due to her help in organizing clubs and conventions and her full sense of humor. She herself felt that being a good listener was her best attribute and surely contributed to her wide circle of friends.

She also made lasting friends among parents of swimmers, officiating meets, providing help and encouragement wherever needed.

As a pianist she encouraged her sons’ learning of piano and their pursuit of multiple skills and talents, developing confidence and self-reliance, which has helped them in their careers.

The graveside service is 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 2023 in Carthage, Missouri. In Tulsa they will greet her friends from 2 to 4 on Sunday at Big Whiskey, on 51st Steet just west of Yale.

Immense thanks to the numerous caring and friendly nurses, techs, and other professionals at Saint Francis Hospital, Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research, Cearu Medical Resort, and CURA Hospice. They befriended her and were beloved by her in her final months and deserve highest praise.

Kenneth Hagans

(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

A lover of the culinary arts and a retired Machinist, Kenneth Hagans Sr., 82, transitioned to be joined with the late Moriah Dolores (Thompkins) Hagans in glory with our Lord, on April 24th 2023. 

Kenneth Sr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland on March 6th, 1941, the son of the late Raymond Roland Hagans and Beulah (McGlotten) Hagans. Kenneth's five siblings, leading with three brothers Cordian, Raymond Jr., and Milton Hagans and two sisters Cecelia Jones and Virginia Wadlington all preceded him in death.

Kenneth Sr. was educated in the Copiague, N.Y., Public School system and later completed training to become a Contractor Medal Machinist. After 30 years, he retired and trained to become a certified chef, which was his lifelong dream. Kenneth eventually retired all work just a few short years later.

Kenneth Sr. and the late Moriah celebrated 46 years of marriage on October 3, 2021. His famous greeting, "Good Morning" regardless of the time of day made you smile and confuse your timing in the day. During their years together, there was always joking and laughter as they enjoyed their large family, cooking, baking and entertaining extended family for holidays and backyard pool BBQ's. Our Chef enjoyed poking fun at how someone prepared a dish. So, needless to say, he did most of the cooking. But lovingly took credit for all of our cooking skills if prepared to his liking.

Kenneth was known for his famous character cakes, wedding cakes, theme candies and cookies. He also often enjoyed transforming the home and yard with elaborate landscaping. His love for growing beautiful roses and flower gardens was inherited from his beloved Mother, Beulah. 

His amazing love for carpentry was inherited from his Father Raymond Sr. Kenneth Sr. often spoke of his Father teaching him every home building skill to be independent. He often proudly tells the story of the Hagans boys' task of building their first home in N.Y. by hand together in 1953. 

Generations of Hagans pride with a history of large gatherings at this home where all share laughter, the Hagans Traditional Biscuits, cooked family recipes and hilarious stories of the past. It was always the place of family, refreshing and happiness, but mostly poking fun at each other. This family dwelling remains standing with its loving memories. As the Heavenly Reunion happens, we who are left behind can share the Hagans legacy.

Kenneth is survived by his 10 children, with six from his union to Mariah Dolores Hagans. Eldest, C'Vonne Smith and her husband Michael Hunt; of Smith Grandchildren - Bryce Penn and his two children Aliyah and Bryce Jr., Tiara Abbott, Brendan Abbott, and Caldwyn Abbott; Son, Kenneth Hagans Jr. and his wife Jessica Hagans, and their children Mariah and Nylah; their beloved additions to the family were Caprice, Chevette and her children Alister and Miranda, DaShawn and his children Aria and Angel, and the youngest daughter, Danielle.

His two daughters and two sons from a former deceased spouse, Geraldine Hagans, are Eldest, LaShawn Hagans and children LaShawn, George, and Paula; His daughter, JaVone Hagans and her children Jaquan and Shaquan; Sons, Marvin Hagans, and Rickey Garson along with 26 Great-grandchildren, 1 Great-great grand, and finally a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will hold a Celebration Of Life Memorial Service at 11:00 am, May 2, 2030 at Lighthouse Ministries north of Seneca On Kentucky Road.

Zella Needham

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Zella M. Needham, of Carthage, MO, formerly of Greenfield, MO, departed this life on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at the age of 94.

She was born on August 4, 1928 in Stillwater, OK to Thomas and Alice Mohaley (Broaderick) Oyster. Zella attended school at Lockwood High School. 

She was united in marriage to Dennis E. Needham. Zella worked throughout her life in the medical field as C.N.A. She was a wonderful homemaker. 

Zella enjoyed riding side-by-sides with her family. She also enjoyed riding horses in her younger days. Zella liked to travel and see new things, and also enjoyed a good shopping trip. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Thomas and Alice Oyster; her husband Dennis Needham; three brothers, Russell Oyster, Charley Oyster, and Johnny Oyster; one sister, Myrtle Skaggs; and one son-in-law, Lenny Wofford.

Survivors include three sons, Jim Needham and wife Rita, Ronnie Needham and Jane Schafroth, and Donald Needham and wife Kathie; two daughters, Mary Berry and husband Gordon and Connie Wofford; one sister, Clara McMillen; one brother-in-law, Denzil Skaggs; nine grandchildren, Cory Needham and wife Diane, Lesley Terry and husband Chad, Jessica Stephens and husband Billy, Kim Young and husband Dustin, Chelsea Bailey and husband Heath, Marney Berry and Cliff Claussen, Rhett Berry and wife Shelly, Tana Buerge and husband Rob, and Darren Wofford; twenty-three great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Greenfield Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Cedarville Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. until service time in the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cedarville Cemetery. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

Rosemary Dodd

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Rosemary June Dodd, of Arcola, MO, was summoned by her Lord Jesus to Heaven on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at the age of 89.

She was born to Perry and Jewell Ayers on November 15, 1933. Her education started at the Arcola schools, later graduating from Greenfield High School. During that time she met Marlin Dodd, and they were married July 27, 1952, in Jerico Springs. Marlin called her “Rose”. She continued to reside on the property Marlin had purchased before they were married.

She was a homemaker, enjoyed cooking and always wanted to have food to share with family and visitors. German chocolate and angel food cakes made from scratch were among her specialties. Rosemary loved raising baby chicks, producing delicious fried chicken and the most luscious tomatoes that she grew in her garden. Oftentimes during the hot summer she would take food to Marlin in the hayfield, including her freshly squeezed lemonade. She also liked tending to her yard and enhancing it with beautiful hanging baskets of flowers. Shortly before her passing she enjoyed the company of her cat, Myrtle.

Rose asked Jesus in her heart at the age of 10 during a tent meeting, and was baptized at Sons Creek. She loved attending church, listening to ministers on the radio and reading her bible until her eyesight declined. She faithfully prayed for her family and motivated them to read their Bible and do things God’s way.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Marlin; her parents, Perry and Jewell Ayers; three brothers, James, Orvan, and Paul; and a sister, Edna.

Survivors include her daughter, Evelyn Croy and husband Earl of Stockton, MO; her son, Harvey Dodd and wife Susan of Arcola, MO; six grandchildren, Erin (Brian), Eric (Chelsea), Amanda (Tommy), Isaac (Samantha), Jessica (Jared), and Sawyer (Taylor); and twelve great-grandchildren, Trenton, Carson, Marshall, Uriah, Johnny, Charly, Finley, Wyatt, Morgan, Eleanor, Zoey, and Jemimah.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 1, 2023, at Greenfield Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Gum Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday at 1:00 p.m. until service time in the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or to Dr. David Jeremiah of Turning Point Ministries. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

Keith Evans

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Keith Sheridan Evans, age 62 of Joplin Missouri went to harass the angels as he entered into his eternal rest on April 25th, 2023.

Keith was born in Hershey Pennsylvania on July 18th, 1961 to Joan Farley. He and his 3 brothers were raised by his mother in the state of Utah.

After years of nomadic adventure, he began working for a traveling carnival as a young adult. While operating the Ferris wheel in the city of Peoria, Arizona, he set his eyes upon a pretty young local. As fate would have it, they fell in love and buckled in for the ride of a lifetime.

They married on April 08, 1985 and shortly after they began a family and moved to SE Kansas.
They moved to Missouri in 2001.

Keith spent most of his career years as an over the road truck driver and spent the last 6 years of his life as a local uber/taxi driver.

Keith is survived by his wife of 38 years, Anita Gayle Evans, his daughters Amber Jade Brown (Cody Brown) and Kayla Rose Snow (Justin Snow), his grand children Zoe, Micah, Jadeon, and Malachi as well as one brother, Craig Evans.

Keith was known for his ornery "jokester" spirit and was always described as "one of a kind". His charismatic character and humorous personality kept people laughing and made him an instant friend to all.

From giving the homeless a place in his own home to having the ability to always find treasure among trash (literally)..... his unconventional beliefs and unique perspective truly had an impact on everyone he came into contact with.

Many people knew Keith as always willing to "give the shirt off his back". He knew no stranger and became a fun-loving father figure to many of his daughter's friends.

He was so incredibly proud of his girls and his grandchildren and would brag about their successes to anyone and everyone that would listen.

His bold, eccentric views on life and his contiguous spirit of adventure will forever live on through his memory and the lives of his children and his grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory Joplin, Missouri.

Janet Meppen

(From Benton County Funeral Home)

Janet Lynn Meppen 54 of Rocky Comfort, Missouri passed away April 18, 2023 in Bentonville. She was born May 18 1968, in Springdale the daughter of Randall Carl and Dorothy Louise Robbins Springer. 

She formerly worked at Daisy BB and a member of Monte Ne Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her father.

Survived by her husband Arthur Melvine Meppen; step children Andrew Meppen and Miranda Lyon; her mother Dorothy Springer; her siblings Carl Lee Springer, Linda Keeling, Paul Springer, Gwen Pearrow and Lori Wagner; four grandchildren Anna, Theodore, Evalynn and Betty Sue.

Memorial services 6:00 p.m.Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Monte Ne Baptist Church. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com