Junior Richardson

(From Parker Mortuary)

Charles “Junior” Richardson, born in Leitchfield, Kentucky, resident of Joplin, Missouri, found his place in Heaven on the evening of April 8th, 2023. Junior was born on February 18th, 1997 to his parents Charles Richardson and Stacy Westfall who preceded him in death.

Junior spent much of his time customizing his yellow Grom or riding around town with a multitude of his biker friends. Spongebob was his favorite with Spongebob and Patrick tattooed on his legs it perfectly matched his goofy personality. 

Junior grew up with a fascination for semi-trucks that followed into adulthood and he would frequently photograph or point out ones he thought were neat. Junior loved God and a verse he liked was John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Junior never met a stranger, only new friends; he had a kind heart and would’ve given the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Those that were fortunate enough to truly know him for the time that he was given will never forget him and hold tight to the abundance of good memories shared so that he may live on through them.

Junior is survived by many that loved him including his father, brothers Chris and Dennis Richardson, and Brad Crain, sisters Casey Richardson, Erica Turner, aunt and uncle Tina Carlton and Kenneth Carlton, aunts Cheri Mills, Jessica Shinn, uncle Larry Anderson, Grandmother Cathy Darnell, cousins Cody Carlton, and Heather Hurst, and many others.

Cherie Sanders

(From John A. Gentleman Mortuaries)

Cheryl K Sanders, 82, of Omaha, NE, passed away on April 24, 2023. Cheryl was born May 13, 1940 in North Platte, NE. She was preceded in death by her parents Ruth and Wayne Kirkpatrick. 

She is survived by her husband James L. Sanders, three sons, Jonathan W. Sanders and wife Kim of Webb City, MO, Kirk P. Sanders and wife Connie of Lincoln, NE, Andrew J. Sanders and wife Amy of Omaha, NE, eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Other survivors are brothers Steven Kirkpatrick, Dennis Kirkpatrick and wife Susan, and sister Kim Huckfeldt and husband Bruce, along with nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Gothenburg High School in 1958, Cherie attended Saint Francis School for Radiologic Technology. She worked her entire career in medical imaging and radiation therapy at the local, state and national levels. Early on she became involved in educating students for these professions. She was twice voted teacher of the year while at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She ultimately retired from the University of Nebraska Medial Center as the Program Director and Associate Professor, Chair of the Department of Clinical, Diagnostic, & Therapeutic Sciences.

Active in her profession, Cherie was a Past President and Fellow of the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences and as a Fellow of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

Cherie and Jim raised three sons and after retirement enjoyed living in Minnesota with the deer, turkeys and bald eagles, traveling with friends, spending time with family and sunset boat cruises on the Mississippi River.

Barbara Myers

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Barbara Jean Myers, 81, of Goodman, Missouri departed this world Friday April 28, 2023, with her loving and devoted husband by her side.

She was born March 26, 1942, in Exeter, Missouri, to the late Clyde and Jewell (Payton) Johnson. At the age of 14, on June 1, 1956, she married Roy (Bill) Ernest Myers. In 1968, they became members of Trinity Pentecostal Church in Goodman, Missouri. 

When Barbara turned 31, she decided she wanted to serve people, so she attended Crowder College to obtain her GED and became a Certified Nurse’s Aide. Barbara worked at Cardwell Memorial Hospital in Stella Missouri from 1971 through 1980 and then Sale Memorial Hospital as a Private Duty Nurse from 1980 thru 1986. 

Later Barbara was known to many people in the community as "The Avon Lady." She was an Avon representative for 20 plus years. Barbara was very proud of her sales record, her President’s Club Albees, and her Honor Society Cups. 

In her spare time Barbara enjoyed gardening, canning, camping, and making quilts. She enjoyed the outdoors and seeing the beauty of God's creation. Barbara had a special place in her heart for all and played a large role in the lives of many people. She loved and adored all three of her children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Jewell (Payton) Johnson; stepmother, Norma Johnson and a brother, Curtis (Tuffy) Johnson.

Barbara is survived by her husband almost 67 years, Roy “Bill” Myers; three children, Tammy Highley and husband, Kevin of Halfway, Missouri, Rick Myers and wife, Bette of Enterprise, Alabama, Teresa Walls and husband, Scott of Seneca, Missouri; three grandchildren, Angie Shehan and husband, Pat, Blake Walls and Emma Walls; three great grandchildren, Ashton Shehan, Kayden Walls and Zoey Walls. Those honoring Barbara’s life by serving as pallbearers are, Kevin Highley, Scott Walls, Pat Shehan, Ashton Shehan, Larry Rustin and Lee Evans.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the Union Cemetery in Stella, Missouri. Gary Murphy of Trinity Pentecostal will officiate. Visitation will be held at the Goodman Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Lunch and fellowship will follow the service at the First Baptist Church in Goodman, Missouri.

Janet Aldridge

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Janet Aldridge, age 90 of Joplin, Missouri passed away Tuesday April 25, 2023, following an extended illness.
She was born May 21, 1932, in St Paul, Kansas to Leonard and Catherine Hopkins.

Prior to retirement she worked as an inspector for Modine Manufacturing and a supervisor for LaBarge.

Janet married Frankie Ray Aldridge on February 18, 1949, and he preceded her in death on January 1, 2016.She was also preceded in death by her parents, one brother, one sister, and two grandchildren.

She is survived by one son Richard Aldridge, one daughter Debra Cokle, three grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends.

A memorial graveside service will be held 10:00 am Saturday May 20, 2023, at Spring Valley Cemetery.

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

Pam Lewis

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Pamela Sue Lewis, 55, of Anderson Mo. went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 29, 2023, after a sudden illness. She was born in Stella Mo. July 3, 1967, to the late Charles and Mary Jane (Sharp) Roark.

On August 17, 1990, in Miami, OK., she was united in marriage to Darrell Lewis. They spent a wonderful 32 years together. 

Pam was a 1985 graduate of McDonald County High School. She worked for Wal-Mart Home office, retiring after 21 years of employment. She was a member of Patterson Heights Baptist Church in Anderson, MO. 

Pam had a love for animals, and enjoyed spending time outdoors taking care of them. She had a green thumb and enjoyed taking care of her house plants. The most important thing to Pam was family and friends, she enjoyed every moment spent with them and held each and every relationship near and dear to her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mary Charlene Roark; two brothers Charles Ray Roark and Roy Fred Roark.

Pam is survived by her loving husband, Darrell of the home, daughter, Alicia Jones and husband William of Rogers, AR. and daughter, Kimberly Shockley and husband Tyler of Powell, MO. Four Grandchildren Cash Shockley, Gracelyn Jones, Harper Jones, and Stone Shockley; a sister, Linda Sultzer of Anderson, MO.; three brothers, Randy Roark of Neosho, MO., Jerry Roark and wife, Tammy of Anderson, MO., and Rick Roark and wife, Sarah of Diamond, MO.; several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral Services for Pam will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Roark officiating. Burial will follow at Howard Cemetery in Wyandotte, OK. 

 Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are honorary pallbearer, Randy Joe Roark and active pallbearers, Jerry Roark, Chadlee Roark, Brian Sultzer, Travis Lewis, Mark Lewis and Ronnie Lewis. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, in the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Home; the family will receive friends and family at this time.

Judy LaPanne

(From Parker Mortuary)

Judith Ann LaPanne, age 79, a foodie, cookie maker, and casino hopper, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

Judy was born February 21, 1944 in Galena, daughter of the late Everett Jimerson and Imogene (Duncan) Jimerson. She grew up in Galena and attended Galena Schools. 

Judy graduated from Franklin Tech in Joplin with her degree as an IV Certified Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked for Baxter Memorial Hospital and local pediatrician, Dr. Wheeler. 

She married Donald N. LaPanne on December 22, 1962 Don loved to spin Judy around the dance floor, where enjoyed everything from the elegance of the waltz to the energy of jitterbug, and even the traditional steps of square dancing. They never missed an opportunity to hit the dance floor and share a special moment together. Their love of dance was a reflection of the deep connection they shared, and it will be remembered fondly by all who knew them. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, and was a member of the Eastern Star. 

Judy and Don were devoted gardeners and loved spending time with their family. She shared many laughs with her grandkids over her casino stories and became the napping buddy of her great-grandson, who brought her much joy. 

Judy looked forward to her daily phone calls with her grandkids, and as she became more tech-savvy, she looked forward to their frequent FaceTimes. She always laughed as she became the main subject of their family Snapchat stories, and the joy she felt from connecting with her loved ones was immeasurable. 

She enjoyed playing games and hosting game nights, sharing her love of gambling, and being everyone’s biggest cheerleader. She really enjoyed making cookies and other desserts, but most of all, eating them! If you were lucky enough to hear her catchphrase "damn that was good" after a particularly delicious meal or dessert, you knew it was something truly special. 

Her warmth, infectious laughter, and vibrant personality will be deeply missed by all who knew her. The memory of her unwavering love for her family will remain a source of comfort to all those who were lucky enough to be a part of her life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald N. LaPanne who passed away on August 26, 2022; a brother, Alfred Jimerson, and a sister, Mary Cox. 

 She is survived by her daughters, Ginger Sweet and husband Jeff of Carl Junction, MO, Tammy Blaylock and husband Wayne of Seneca, MO, and Candy Mallatt and husband Brent of Flagler Beach, FL; grandchildren Joshua Sweet and wife Desi of Carl Junction, Darcy Sweet and fiancé Jeremy of St. Louis, MO, Madison Blaylock and husband Kenzo van Baal of San Diego, CA, Olivia Blaylock of Los Angeles, CA, Chloe Blaylock Clifton and husband Kylar of San Diego, Amelia Mallatt of Ft. Myers, FL, and Levi Mallatt and fiancé Seda Harutyunyan of Seattle, WA; great-grandson, Rush Ryan Donald Sweet; sisters, Addie Wald of Carterville, MO, Lula Koethe of Guttenburg, IA, Linda Watkins of Galena, and Sherry Shaw of Joplin; a brother, Everett “Junior” Jimerson of Joplin; several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, and she was a grandparent to numerous foreign exchange students over the years who loved her dearly.

In honor of her passion for hosting and welcoming loved ones, we invite all who knew and loved Judy to celebrate her life with us at a gathering on Monday May 22, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 PM at her family home. We will share stories and memories over a meal in the company of those who cherished her.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

Ivy Bullis

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Elizabeth Ivaleen "Ivy" (Taft) Bullis went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 29th, 2023. She was born on January 14, 1936 in Carterville.

Ivy married Ronald Bullis on August 3, 1953 and had three children: Susan (TJ) Williams of Nicksburg, MS, Robert (Tammy) Bullis of Diamond, and Kathy Shaw of Carl Junction who all survive.

She worked at Party Steak Co. for 35 years and worked at Walmart in Carthage after retirement in 2005.








Ivy was preceded in death by Frank and Iva Greek, husband Ron, three sisters Harriett, Jerrye, and Frankie; two granddaughters Marcie and Heidi. 

She is survived by one brother Jack (Connie) Taft of Webb City; one sister Karen (Emmitt) Southard of Carterville; 4 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held 10am on Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 at Carterville Cemetery with Rev. John Mouton presiding.

Funeral services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home of Webb City. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Ivaleen.