Shelley Osburn

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Shelley Diane Osburn, age 65, of Anderson, Missouri, passed away suddenly on Friday, January 31, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri. She entered this life on August 18, 1959, in Gravette, Arkansas, born to the union of the late Clyde Edward and Mary Ann (Mathews) McKinney.

Raised in the Noel and Lanagan area of Missouri, Shelley was a graduate of McDonald County High School, class of 1977. Shelley's work ethic was evident to all who knew her, as she began her career at Tyson Foods in Noel, where she dedicated many years of service. Later, she found her calling on the open road as a long haul truck driver, a career she embraced with passion for the last 20 years of her life.

Shelley's love for her family was the cornerstone of her existence. She is survived by her son, Kirk Osburn, and his companion, Stacy Jones, of Granby, Missouri; a brother, Danny McKinney of Pineville, Missouri; her former husband, Kenneth Osburn of Neosho, Missouri; as well as a host of other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Steve and Larry McKinney, and her sister, Susan Stout.

Shelley's zest for life was evident in her hobbies and interests. She was known for her love of cookouts, where she would gather with loved ones and share stories and laughter. A fan of country music, Shelley's joy was palpable whenever she was singing along to her favorite tunes. Her three German Shepherds, Sam, Buddy, and Titus, were her constant companions and brought her immeasurable happiness. They were not just pets but members of her family, and she cared for them with all her heart.

Services will be held privately for the family. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

Jim Enochs

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

James “Jim” E. Enochs, 61, of Joplin, Missouri passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri after a lengthy illness.

Jim was born on November 23, 1963, in Joplin, Missouri where he had resided all of his life.







He was a self-employed contractor. He was of the Christian faith.

He enjoyed fishing very much.

He married Lisa Logsdon on May 30, 2015, in Carl Junction, Missouri and she survives.

Other survivors include, five sons; Ryan Enochs of Carterville, Missouri, Anthony Kropp of Joplin, Missouri, Cody Clemons of Carl Junction, Missouri and Derek Enochs of Carl Junction, Missouri, one daughter; Alley Carter of Webb City, Missouri, two brothers; Mike Enochs of Oronogo, Missouri and Chuck Lassley of Joplin, Missouri, two sisters; Beth Starchman and Debbie Rodriguez both of Joplin, Missouri, 11 Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son; Austin Kropp, his parents; Richard Eugene and Marjorie J. Edison Enochs.

No services are planned at this time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory.

Joan Smith

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Joan Maples Smith, age 77, of rural Duenweg, MO.,. passed away at 8:00pm. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at the Cox South Hospital in Springfield.

Joan was born September 4th, 1947, near Monett, MO., where she was raised and graduated from Pierce City High School in 1965. She had lived in the Diamond area the last 51 years before moving to Duenweg after marrying her sweet loving Eddie Smith.






Mom worked as a kindergarten aide and worked in social services for over 45 years. She was retired and enjoyed family and friends until her death. Mom loved everyone she met and was a friend to everyone, while always sharing her love of God. She accepted Christ as her Savior in 1965. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Diamond many years before moving on to Duenweg First Baptist. At church enjoyed leading vacation bible school for many years, serving as president of the Women's Missions for many years, along with Church secretary for several years. She enjoyed sharing God’s creation while fishing with her family and reading books.

Joan loved her family very much and enjoyed going on vacations and spending any time with them, always loving and caring for anyone that came by. She was also a very proud Grandma and made sure everyone knew that. Joan married Steve Maples Nov. 26, 1965, in Joplin, MO. Joan married Eddie Smith May 15, 2021, in Duenweg, MO. Eddie survives.

Additional survivors include their son, Jeremy Maples, (Josie) Granddaughter Eve Maples of Riverton KS. Daughter Christy Clark (Bud) Blake, Kyle, Khloe. Daughter Paula Butler (Brian) Jake, Stevie. Son Matt Smith (Stacy) Mandolin, Jonas, Lily, Silas. As well as many great-grandchildren. Brothers and Sisters; Kathryn (Gary), Gene deceased (Marilyn),Pauline (Ron), Paul, Rosemary (Larry).

Services will be on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Duenweg with Rev. C.G. Gilmore officiating. Burial will be in the Jolly Mill Cemetery near Pierce City. The family will receive friends from 5:30pm to 6:30p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at the Clark Funeral Home in Neosho.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Lottie Moon Missions /or your Missions Fund at Local Church,. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, MO.

Frona Fager

(From Cullen Funeral Home)

Frona Joy Fager, age 82, of Belton, Missouri, passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer on Friday, January 31, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving children at home.

A Rosary will be said at 5:30 p.m. followed by a visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Cullen Funeral Home, 612 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, Missouri 64083. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Wills Cemetery in Peculiar, Missouri.

Frona was born in Neosho, Missouri to Edgar Walter Hoover and Cleta Fern (Parks) on July 17, 1942. She grew up one of twelve children. In life, Frona was a devout Catholic, most recently a parishioner at St. Sabina Catholic Parish in Belton, Missouri. She enjoyed, sewing, quilting, crafting, attending estate sales, and above all loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Frona was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Fern Hoover; husband Donald "Pete" Fager; five brothers; and six sisters.

She is survived by her four children, Doug Fager, Dan Fager (Kim), Michelle Cummings (Jeff), and Melissa Linaweaver; eleven grandchildren, Christopher Cummings (Stephanie), Peter Fager, Laurel Fager, Philip Fager, Thomas Fager, John Paul Fager, Kaitlin Capps, Clay Linaweaver (Alyssa), Kory Linaweaver, Collin Fager, and Mikenna Fager; and six great grandchildren, Benjamin Cummings, Beauden Cummings, Rhett Capps, Lawson Capps, Sutton Linaweaver, and Khai Gill.

Memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org

Roberta Hicks

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Roberta (Granny) Hicks, 91, of Joplin, Missouri, peacefully passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

Roberta was born on July 7, 1933, in Stonington, Connecticut. She had resided in Joplin since 1952, most recently at Westgate.

She was a loved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She was always ready for the next family dinner or holiday. She always looked forward to family visits or calls to keep her updated on everyone’s work, school and just everyday activities. 

She and her cat, Copper, spent many hours bird watching and keeping tabs on the wildlife and traffic year-round from the sunroom. She still awaited the paper copy of the newspaper. She had many new friends this last year at Westgate.

She married David Hicks in June 1955, and he preceded her in death on January 3, 1991.

Survivors include three sons; David Hicks of Joplin, Missouri, Joe Hicks of Joplin, Missouri and Doug Hicks of Webb City, Missouri, seven daughters; Roberta Badgley of Joplin, Missouri, Kathy Marsh of Booneville, Arkansas, Helen Ikea of Hawaii, Theresa Sandy of Bedford, Texas, Sharon Watkins of Corsicana, Texas, Alice Grodi of Webb City, Missouri and Patty DeBow of Stillwater, Oklahoma, one brother; Chuck Bromley of Olathe, Kansas, one sister; Schandera Wormington of Lamar, Missouri, 19 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren and two Great Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter; Mary Sue Hicks, her parents; Charles and Annie Chase Bromley, Stepmother; Florence Bromley, and one brother; Dan Bromley, one sister; Annie Cowan.

There will be a Celebration of Life conducted at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.

Sammye Phelps

(From McGilley and Frye Funeral Home)

Sammye Jo Phelps, 60, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on December 12, 2024. She spent her final month surrounded by friends and family and passed peacefully with her husband by her side.

Born on November 2, 1964, in Springfield, Missouri, Sammye grew up in Granby, Missouri, and graduated from East Newton High School. After high school, she married her husband, Christopher Phelps. She spent her adult life in Los Angeles, Seattle, Palm Springs, Colorado Springs, and Kansas City, eventually settling in Overland Park.

Sammye had a successful career as a radio host and also worked in tech during the early days of internet radio and music streaming. In later years, she served as the Membership Manager for the Kansas City Barbecue Society.

A passionate singer, Sammye performed in bands and loved her karaoke league, often calling it the most fun she’d ever had. She was also an avid Kansas City Royals fan, with an encyclopedic knowledge of the team. Sammye’s church was very important to her and she served as a Deacon for many years. Her greatest joy in the last few years was spending time with her grandson, Milo.

Sammye was preceded in death by her father, George Pennell, and two brothers, George Quinton Pennell and Kevin Schif. She is survived by her husband, Christopher Phelps; daughters, Madeline Phelps-Jaworski and Isabel Presley; grandson, Milo James Presley; parents, Marshall and Helen Jo Silence; 31 nieces and nephews; and 7 great-nieces and nephews. Sammye will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 31, at 1:00 p.m. at First Christian Church of Olathe, 200 E. Loula Street, Olathe, KS 66101.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the First Christian Church of Olathe Food Pantry or the Uplift Organization (uplift.org).

Dale Cates

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Dale Emerson Cates, age 83, passed away at 7:05 am, Friday, January 31, 2025, at his home following an illness.

Dale was born October 3, 1941, in Joplin, Missouri. His parents were Elmer Ree and Alene (Archer) Cates. He was a lifetime area resident.

He graduated from Riverton KS High School in 1959. Dale entered the US Navy, serving from 1959 to 1962 where he served on the USS Buck during the Vietnam War. He then attended the Apostolic College in Baxter Springs, KS.

He was a machinist and worked several years at O & F Machine, Joplin, and at Williams Machine, Galena, KS.

Dale was a member of Lowell Friends Church, Lowell, KS. He enjoyed photography and making calendars. He used to play a lot of sports.

Dale was first married to Neville McDonald in 1965. Then on May 7, 1977, he married Diana King. She survives.

Additional survivors include two sons, Darrin D Cates, St Petersburg, Florida, and Drew Emerson Cates, Carl Junction, MO; two daughters, Shelly Jean Dunn (J.D.), Webb City, MO and Dawn Ellen Bright (Jason), Joplin, MO; two brothers, Dennis Cates, Olathe, KS, and Bill Cates, Galena, KS; one sister, Sue Ketchum (Marty), Broken Arrow, OK; and 5 grandchildren, Keyvin Dunn, Kelsey Dunn, Helen Bright, Trajan Bright, and Cadence Bright.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Lowell Friends Church, Lowell, KS. The burial will be in Lowell Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 -11:00 am Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Lowell Friends Church.