Laverne Woolard

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Mrs. Laverne Woolard, 90, of Anderson, Missouri departed this life on Monday morning, May 1, 2023 at the McDonald County Living Center in Anderson, Missouri.

Laverne entered this life on July 24, 1932 in Gideon, Oklahoma, daughter of the late Samuel and Tiny (Duvall) Garroutte. She was raised in rural Cherokee County near Talequah, Oklahoma. 

She received her teaching degree from the Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. 

She was united in marriage to Sam E. Woolard on May 25, 1955 and to this union one son was born.

Laverne was an elementary teacher for over 30 years, teaching in the Anderson Schools. She taught fourth grade, second grade, first grade and the last 18 years of her career were in kindergarten. Laverne loved to read, needlework, flowers, her family and her church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sam. E. Woolard; two brothers, Samuel M. Garroutte and Arnold “Burl” Garroutte.

Laverne is survived by a son, Christopher Lynn Woolard, a granddaughter, Janell Woolard; nephews, Randy Garroutte, Larry Garroutte, David Garroutte and Terry Garroutte; nieces, Karen Freeman, Lyntte Tournear, Marjorie Edmonds, Linda Pace and Janice Patterson; as well as a host of other family and friends, who will dearly miss Laverne.

Graveside funeral services for Mrs. Woolard are 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 5, 2023 in the Peace Valley Cemetery in Anderson, Missouri. Reverend Dennis Bergen will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2023 in the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at this time.

Mary White

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Mary Rose (Ledford) White, 89, of Nevada, Missouri, formerly of Olathe, Kansas, passed away at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 1, 2023 at the Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, Missouri.

She was born October 1, 1933 at home in rural McCune, Kansas, the daughter of Lauren E. and Gertrude L. (Lovell) Ledford. She attended school in West Mineral and graduated from West Mineral High School.

On December 22, 1956, she was united in marriage to William “Earl” White at the United Methodist Church of West Mineral. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Olathe, Kansas where they lived for the next 53 years before moving back “home” to Columbus, Kansas in 2011. Earl preceded her in death on January 4, 2014.

Mary Rose worked as a secretary for twenty plus years for the Kansas City Kansas Baptist Association.

Membership was held in the Vista Baptist Church in Olathe, Kansas. Family was of the greatest importance to her. She loved to crochet and knit and was an accomplished seamstress, even making her own wedding dress. She loved horses as a youngster and never outgrew that love. Mary Rose and Earl enjoyed traveling throughout the United States.

Survivors include two daughters, Sno Benson (Terry) of Humansville, Missouri and Kamela Bates (Brian) of Kansas City, Missouri; a brother, Martin Ledford of rural Cherokee, Kansas; a sister, Kathleen Reynolds (Larry) of Joplin, Missouri; five grandchildren, Ryan, Michelle, Kalyssa, Shalana and Camden; sixteen great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a brother, Gary Ledford.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday (May 6) at the Brenner Mortuary with Rev. Dustin Ledford officiating. Burial will follow in the Park Cemetery at Columbus, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 at the Brenner Mortuary. The family suggests memorials to Multiple Sclerosis. These may be left in care of Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Online condolences can be left at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.

Robin Burgess

(From Parker Mortuary)

Joel “Robin” Burgess, age 65, of Carl Junction, MO, passed away on Monday, May 1st, 2023 at his home surrounded by family.

Robin was born February 18th, 1958 in Muskogee, OK to the union of James and Mildred (Pack) Burgess. He married the love of his life, Debra “Debi” Moudy, on November 10th, 2018 at their home in Carl Junction. He loved working on cars, fishing, John Deere tractors, and most importantly his Sunday drives with Debi.

Robin was preceded in death by his father, James Burgess; two brothers, Kelly and Larry Burgess; and one granddaughter, Kenna Burgess.

Robin is survived by the love of his life, Debi; five children, Kodi Burgess, of Carl Junction, Kim Jacks and husband, Levi, of Joplin, April Underwood and husband, Jason, of Carl Junction, Adam Ogle, of Carl Junction, and Kristen Mishmash and husband, Kyle, of Wichita; mother, Mildred Burgess; four siblings, Mike Burgess and wife, Charlette, Jeff Burgess and wife, Carolyn, Sharon Burkholter and husband, Sam, and Brian Burgess and wife, Tina; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that gifts be sent to the family in care of Parker Mortuary.

Graveside service will be held on Friday, May 5th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Carl Junction Cemetery with pastor Ben Johnson officiating.

Cremation arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.

Libby Jennings

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Elizabeth Ann (Wyrsch) Jennings, age 89, Joplin, passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Wildwood Senior Living after a sudden illness.

Libby was born August 18, 1933 in Springfield, Missouri, daughter of the late Leo M. Wyrsch and Nell Marie Wyrsch. She graduated from St. Agnes High School and then attended Southwest Missouri State where she met her husband, Robert (Bob) M. Jennings.

While attending college, Libby worked at various businesses in Springfield and was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. She married Bob on September 11, 1954 in Springfield where they started their family.

Libby and Bob moved to Joplin, Missouri in 1964 to begin their journey as Owner/Operators of several McDonald’s franchises within the Four State Area. As a result of their success, and with a focus on family, Libby and Bob were instrumental in establishing Ronald McDonald House of the Four States in Joplin in 1998.

In addition to raising her family of five, Libby was very involved with Ronald McDonald House for the last 25 years, as well as her philanthropic involvement with many area service organizations. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by Bob, her husband of 43 years, daughter Julie Lewandowski, granddaughter Jessie Lewandowski, grandson Blake Aggus, as well as a brother, Leo M. Wyrsch Jr. and sister, Sarah Jane O’Conner.

Survivors include 3 daughters, Teresa Brown (Gary) of Joplin, Patty Coss (Joe) of Rogers, Arkansas, and LeAnn Jennings of Joplin, son Mike Jennings (Anji) of Joplin, son-in-law Mike Lewandowski of Afton, Oklahoma, a brother, Bill Wyrsch (Rhonda) of Branson West, Missouri, and a sister, Mary Greenwood (Tony, deceased) of Joplin, 15 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.

Visitation will take place Friday, May 5 from 10am to noon at St. Mary’s Church, Joplin, with a funeral mass immediately following. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Joplin, with grandsons R.J. Jennings, Joey Lewandowski, Tyler Aggus, Jaryd Coss, grandsons-in-law Ronnie Allgood and Wes Johnston serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are grandsons-in-law Kole Karol, Micah Turk and Hayden Hickam.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made directly to Ronald McDonald House of the Four States in Joplin, or Ascent Recovery Residency in Joplin.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin.

Charles Searcy

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Charles William Searcy Sr., aka Crow, of Joplin Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2023 at the age of 92, at Freeman Hospital.

Charles was born in New Mexico, living most of his life in California and Missouri. He retired from the California and Arizona Labors Unions, in those years working on dams, waterways and underground water projects. 

Always a good provider for his family and instilled in his children, by his example, a work ethic. Until the auto accident 10 months ago, Dad kept himself busy mowing his and neighbors yards, always repairing something, helping others, and couldn't pass up a yard sale. Julia can testify to it.

An Army Veteran, he was stationed at Fort Ord, Fort Story, and Panama Canal, receiving an Honorable Discharge after his service in the Korean War.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Dorothy (Ware), parents Elmo Searcy and Josephine Wise, brother Sonny, sister Margie Grimes and granddaughter Samantha Shontz. 

Dad leaves behind many loved ones, nephews, nieces and friends. His sisters Connie Crice Minogue and Ava Walters. Daughters Charlotte (John) Hiner, Jody Baldwin and sons Charles Jr. (Robin) and Elmo. Grandchildren Melissa Schrock, Charles Searcy lll, Shelby Faria, Jennifer Teel, Christy Steele, Robert Shontz, and Katherine (K.D.) Sweet. Ten great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his lady friend, Julie Nelums. Along with Julie's great granddaughters, Jaedeigh Woods and Sarah Davis.

In his last days he was not able to speak, but if we loudl y said 'Dad', he would momentary open his eyes. Knowing he could hear us, we prayed over him, like the thief on a cross, next to Jesus: Luke 23:42-43 'Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!' And He said to him, 'Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.' We prayed for our father not to be in pain and for the Lord to take him quickly. Answered prayer. Amen 

Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, Missouri, where Charles will be laid to rest next to his wife, Dorothy (Ware).

Online condolences may be posted at ozarkmemorialparkcemetery.com

James Butler

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

James Ray Butler, age 92, passed away Friday, April 28, 2023 at Sunrise Senior Living in Marietta, GA. 

James was born August 4, 1930 in Oronogo, MO to William “Bill” Butler and Hazel Butler. He graduated from Alba High School in 1947 and was drafted into the United States Army in 1951. James served two years in the Korean War before being honorably discharged from service in 1953. 

In December 1953, he married Ione Kent of Mindenmines, MO. After farming for a few years, James and Ione moved to Webb City, MO and James began his career as a machinist at Vickers in Joplin. 

In 1962 James took a machining job at the Bendix Corporation (later Allied Signal, then Honeywell) in Kansas City, MO. He and Ione moved to Kansas City in 1966, where they lived until his retirement in 1991. Since James and Ione had divorced, after retirement James moved back to Webb City and returned to his passion of farming the family farm in Oronogo. In 2016, James moved to Marietta, GA to be close to his son Troy, daughter-in-law Christiane, and grand-daughter Anna.

James was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Florence Jones. He is survived by his brother, Joe Butler of Denver, CO, son Troy (Christiane) Butler of Marietta, GA, son Karlan “Karl” Butler of Peculiar, MO, and grand-daughter Anna Butler (and her mother, Kimberly Butler) of Marietta, GA.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 5, 2023 at Simpson Funeral Home, 400 W Daugherty St., Webb City, MO, pastor Kyle Beverlin officiating. Family will receive friends at 1 p.m., prior to the service. Burial will follow at Weaver Cemetery in Oronogo, MO.

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 James.

Marji Shepherd

(From Parker Mortuary)

Marji Ann Shepherd passed on to her heavenly home on April 28, 2023 surrounded by her family and friends.

The second oldest of her siblings, she was born on October 20, 1949 to Hubert and Joyce Ann Alderman (Jenkins). She grew up attending Greenwood Schools and Joplin Schools. She was a 1967 graduate of Joplin High School.

In 1970 she met the love of her life, William "Bill" Shepherd. They were married on October 2, 1970 in a joint wedding with Bob and Suzette Alderman. Together Bill and Marji raised their two sons in Joplin.

 

Marji, a talented seamstress, was also a childcare provider who took care of children in her home while balancing motherhood. She was a devoted church member who attended Greenwood Baptist Church for over 50 years and Spring City Baptist Church for the past 17 years.

Her biggest joy in life was seeing her grandchildren grow up. She attended many of their sporting events, dance recitals, and school programs. Marji really enjoyed baking and sewing for her family and friends.

Family has always been important to her and that never went unnoticed. Truly the backbone of her family, she and Bill hosted many Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving Dinners, Christmas, and Easter gatherings.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Shepherd (Joplin); two sons, Bill (Sarah) Shepherd of Arkansas; Scott (Kellee) Shepherd of Joplin. Six grandchildren, Spencer Shepherd of Webb City; Hannah Shepherd and Mason Shepherd of Joplin; Brook, Spring, and River Shepherd of Arkansas, her niece Jennifer (Mike) Reed of Joplin; Great Niece Gabby Kelso of Joplin, her nephew DJ (Zach) Smith of Joplin. Brothers: John Alderman; Steve (Linda) Alderman; David (Lisa) Alderman; Jim Alderman; and sisters: Cheryl (Eric) Ward; Crystal Davis; and Colleen Alderman.

She was preceded in death by her parents Hubert Alderman and Joyce Ann Alderman (Jenkins); Sister, Teresa Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made out to the Spring City Baptist Church.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Spring City Baptist Church with pastor John Mitchell officiating. Interment to follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. until service time at Spring City Baptist Church.

Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.