Raymond Kalm

(From Cheney-Witt Funeral Chapel)

Raymond Henry Kalm, Sr., age 87, a resident of rural Garland, Kansas, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2024, in Overland Park, Kansas, surrounded by his family. He was born March 22, 1937, near Mulberry, Kansas, the son of Lewis Hurl Kalm and Nellie Louise Pence Kalm. 

Raymond graduated from Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1955. He went on to further his education at K-State University. Raymond served with the Kansas Army National Guard from 1959 to 1965. 

In 1967, he was united in marriage to Bettie Garrens. They made their home in Kansas City where they raised their boys, Randy, Raymond, Ronnie and Tommy. Raymond worked as a freight conductor for the Frisco Railroad which later became Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. For thirty-six years, he rode the rails between Kansas City and Ft. Scott and maintained homes in both locations. In addition to working on the railroad, he also farmed and raised cattle all his life. 

Raymond took an active role in raising his boys. He helped with their Boy Scout troop and went on many camping and hiking trips. He was proud of the fact that three of his sons became Eagle Scouts. In later years, Raymond was active with the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Committee, the American Legion and also served as treasurer of the Sheffield Cemetery Association. 

Above all, Raymond loved spending time with his family. He loved to plan and attend family gatherings for any occasion. He was a member of the Hannon Free Will Baptist Church near Liberal, Missouri. One of Raymond’s daily passions was to help someone else, and he was grateful that he was the beneficiary of assistance from many friends and neighbors.

Survivors include his children, Randy Kalm (Lynn) of North Kansas City, Missouri, Raymond Kalm, Jr. (Lori) of Stillwell, Kansas, Ronnie Kalm (Julie) of North Kansas City, Missouri and Tommy Kalm (Racquel) of Carl Junction, Missouri; six grandchildren, Randy Kalm, Jr., Tyler Kalm, Micah Heizer, Paige Kalm, Garrett Kalm, Katie Hudson; and four great-grandchildren, Blake, Sabrina, Angel and Christian. Raymond also affectionately includes Jazzy Robinson and Kloe Hamilton among his granddaughters. Also surviving are his stepchildren, Karla Tersiner (Jeff) of Hepler, Kansas, Mark Burr (Pat) of Centerview, Missouri and Rod Burr (Debbie) of Elkton, Maryland; a brother, Lewis Kalm of Frontenac, Kansas and a sister, Kathryn Doerfler of Ft. Scott, Kansas. 

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents Hurl and Nellie Kalm, his longtime special friend, Irene Thomas, his second wife, Kay Burr Kalm and his brother, Keith Kalm.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, September 5th at the Hannon Free Will Baptist Church in Liberal, Missouri. Burial will follow in the Sheffield Cemetery near Arcadia, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Hannon Free Will Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Marty Thornberry

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Marlana F. Thornberry (Marty) age 74 of Joplin, Missouri, passed away August 31, 2024 at the Solace House of the Ozarks.

She was born September 29, 1949, in Joplin, Missouri, to Charles B. Wyrick and Hazel P. Wyrick.

Marty loved children and operated a home daycare for many years. She enjoyed many trips to Branson with her grandson, Benjamin. She spent a lot of time at the lake and loved to fish in her earlier years. She enjoyed going to 5 mile and spending time with her nieces and nephews. She loved to crochet. She loved her great grandson with all her heart.

Marty is survived by her daughter, LeSena L Williams, grandson Benjamin Scott Williams, great grandson Aiden Ray Scott Williams, her brothers Charles Wyrick, John Wyrick and 3 sisters Mickey Sherman, Rose Theimer, and Iona Wyrick and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her companion of 27 years Marvin Granger, her son John Scott May, her sister Linda Powell.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Solace House of the Ozarks in care of the mortuary.

A celebration of life and visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 9 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel.

Marvin Vore

(From Lakin Funeral Home)

Marvin LaVerne Vore, age 92, of Pierce City, MO passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at Ash Grove Healthcare in Ash Grove, MO. He was born in Bassett, NE on Sunday, March 20, 1932; son of Arthur and Agnes (Putman) Vore. He married Laura Ann Morey on Sunday, August 24, 1952, in Algona, IA. 

Mr. Vore received an associate's degree from Missouri Southern State University. He was a kind, compassionate registered nurse. He retired from the Missouri Rehab Center where he worked many years caring for patients. 

Mr. Vore enjoyed Native American history, coin collecting, watching cooking shows, baking bread especially with his grandchildren, gardening, fishing, camping, and woodworking. He was also a Scout Master where he instilled the love of the outdoors in young men. He will be missed by many!

Surviving are the following: six sons, Timothy (Celia) Vore of Tulsa, OK, Steven L. (Sheila) Vore of LaVista, NE, Daniel L. (Peggy) Vore of Monett, MO, Jerald M. (Cheryl) Vore of Monett, MO, Robert J. (Carol) Vore of Joplin, MO, and Phillip W. (Debra) Vore of Liberal, MO; two daughters, Janice K. (Bill) Alexander of Ash Grove, MO and Faith A. (Steve) Leach of Ash Grove, MO; a daughter-in-law, Amy Vore of Douglass, KS; 27 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mr. Vore was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Agnes Vore; his wife, Laura Ann Vore; a son, Michael E. Vore; a granddaughter, Nicole Vore; and three siblings, Lyle Vore, Mary Sawyer, and Viola Turpin.

The family will receive friends at Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

Funeral services will be at Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO on Sunday, September 8, 2024, beginning at 2:00 PM with Pastor Josh Rinker officiating. Burial will follow at Pierce City Cemetery in Pierce City, MO. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.

Jeannette Westbay

(From Knell Mortuary)

Jeannette Vivian (Roe) Westbay, of Carthage, Missouri, age 68, passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from a lengthy illness. 

Jeannette was born on October 1, 1955, in Carthage, Missouri to Mary Lorraine (Shank) Roe and Elmer Vivian Roe, both deceased. 

Jeannette was united in marriage in Carthage, Missouri on October 10, 1981, to Ronald Ray Westbay, who survives. 

Jeannette and Ron shared many happy years together and had three children, all surviving: Son, Dustin Westbay (wife Tina) of Weir, KS, daughter Lea Conlee (husband Keaton) of Carthage, MO, and son Curtis Westbay (wife Melinda “Yin Ping”) of Huizhou, China. Jeannette loved spending time with her seven grandchildren: Jake Conlee, Daisy Westbay, Cole Westbay, Alex Westbay, Iris Conlee, Henry Westbay, and “Xu” Rhea Westbay. She is survived by her two sisters, Kathleen (Roe) Studebaker of Carthage, MO, and Nancy (Roe) Eyerly of Independence, MO. 

Jeannette worked for the Jasper County Recorder’s Office and the Jasper County Assessor’s Office, both offices located in her beloved courthouse, for 36 years before retiring in 2015. Jeannette was an amazing watercolor artist and enjoyed painting for hours on end. Jeannette was honored to be the artist for The Maple Leaf Festival for a few years. She was a member of Art Central and participated in many Art Walks on the Carthage Square. She loved cruising the aisles of Hobby Lobby and enjoyed buying craft items that she could turn into something beautiful.

The family welcomes friends and loved ones on Friday September 6, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 for a Visitation at Knell Mortuary in Carthage, MO, and funeral service on Saturday September 7, 2024 at 10:00 am at Knell Mortuary in Carthage, MO. 

The family suggests memorial contributions to Art Central in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the Knell Mortuary.

Anna Bella Franks

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Anna Bella Franks went home to be with her Lord on August 30, 2024, at the age of 93. She passed peacefully in the family home in Granby, Missouri, where she resided for 62 years.

She was born to Joseph George and Alta Mae (Fain) Dopmier in Neosho, MO on May 11, 1931. She graduated from Granby High School in 1949 and remained a resident of the area her entire life. 

Not long after graduation, Anna Bella married her high school sweetheart, Fred Eugene Franks, Sr, who later went into full-time Pastoral Ministry. She worked at Buddy-L Manufacturing for 14 years. She was a devoted mother to three children: Deanna, Deborah, and Fred, Jr. 

As the wife of a pastor, she was dedicated to serving beside her husband “Freddie” at the Silver Moon Full Gospel Church for over 58 years. Together they traveled to Israel many times and worked side by side at the Tri-State Full Gospel Youth Camp in Wyandotte, Oklahoma where they impacted thousands of students for Christ. Anna Bella was always extremely diligent, dedicated and tireless in whatever she did. Her hard work, quick wit and signature smile will be remembered with fondness and love.

Anna Bella was preceded in her death by her loving husband of 62 years on May 18, 2011. In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by two brothers, Lawrence and Clifton, and sister, Wilma. She is survived by three children: Deborah McClendon and husband, John; Deanna Barber and husband, Philip (all of Granby, MO) and Fred E. Franks, Jr. and wife, Elizabeth of Orange Beach, AL.

She loved her four grandchildren: Wade McClendon and wife, Genia; Brooke Barber-McKellips and husband, Michael, Luke Franks and wife, Michele and Paige Franks Baker and husband, Matt. Anna Bella was also a proud great-grandmother of 10, including Jordan Ingram, Morgan McClendon, Jaclyn McClendon, Austin McKellips, Blake McKellips, Freddie Franks, Ida Franks, Bessie Franks, Samuel Baker and Olivia Baker. She is also survived by nephew Jerry Myers and his wife Cheri of Granby.

Visitation 

Wednesday, September 4, 2024
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Silver Moon Full Gospel Church 8305 Otter Drive
Neosho, MO 64850

Funeral Service 

Thursday, September 5, 2024
10:00 AM
Silver Moon Full Gospel Church 8305 Otter Drive
Neosho, MO 64850

Interment will in the Granby Memorial Cemetery, Granby, Missouri.

Contributions in memory of Anna Bella may be made to Silver Moon Full Gospel Church

Ann Allman

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Ann L. Allman was born on June 2, 1938, in Carmel, California, one of two daughters to Edward Walter and Rhonda Elizabeth (Patton) Lowrance. She entered into rest on August 28, 2024, in Neosho, Missouri, at the age of 86. 

Ann had lived in Reno, Nevada and Vermillion, SD, before moving to Columbia, Missouri in 1950 and graduated from Hickman High School in Columbia. She graduated from the University of Missouri, with a bachelor’s and master’s degree later earned a Doctorate degree in education. 

Ann married Jack Hamilton in Estes, Colorado and they had three sons, Scott, David and Dennis. In 1977, she married Jack Allman, and he preceded her in death in 2018. Ann and Jack shared an interest in education and taught in many places, include Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ann was a guidance counselor for the Neosho Public School System and at MSSC where she retired. She authored a book, ‘Laughter on My Path: An Educator’s Funny and Compelling Encounters with People, Problems, and Pet’s”. Ann was a member of the First Christian Church in Neosho. 

Surviving Ann are her three sons, Scott Hamilton, David Hamilton and wife, Jan of Nixa, Missouri and Dennis Hamilton of Mexico; two stepsons, James ‘Jim’ Allman of Topeka, Kansas and Jeff Allman and wife, Maxine of Alamogordo, California; grandchildren, Tracy Allman and husband, Shane, Ben Allman and wife, Jenn, Sam Allman and wife, Abigal, Dale Hamilton, Kurt Hamilton and wife, Nicole, Boone Hamilton and Cody Hamilton. 

She is also preceded in death by a sister, Janet Lowrance Hamilton and stepson, John Allman and his daughter, Kelly.

Graveside Service 

Saturday, September 7, 2024
10:00 AM
Anderson Cemetery Anderson, MO

Ronetta Hobbs

(From Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home)

Ronetta Dawn Hobbs, 51 of Dadeville, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. She was born on April 8, 1973, in Houston, Missouri, to Ronald and Gail (Baker) Hetland.

Ronetta loved her job and loved the patients. She was a member of Dadeville Baptist Church and loved her church family. She enjoyed reading, gardening, flowers, NASCAR and collecting teddy bears. Ronetta also loved camping and lake days, and she especially loved those days with her grandchildren and children. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

 

Ronetta is survived by her mother, Gail Hetland of Dadeville, MO; children, Latisha Robertson and husband Teghan of Houston, MO, Nathan Hobbs and wife Tessa, Roby, MO, Shayla Richardson and husband Donavan of Enid, OK; grandchildren, Samual, Anyiah, Natalia, Arya, Harrison, Hamilton, and a baby on the way; brothers, Justin Hetland of Houston, MO, Kevin Hetland of Broken Arrow, OK; aunts, Linda Baker of Dadeville, MO, Cheri Baker of Mansfield, MO; uncle, Terry Baker of Monett, MO; several cousins, other family and many friends.

Ronetta is preceded in death by her father, Ronald Hetland; and grandparents, Gilbert and Gurtie Baker and James and Ilene Hetland; and uncle, James Baker.

The family will host a celebration of life service at 10:00AM, Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Dadeville Baptist Church.