Tasa Tosima

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Tasa Sata Tosima, age 51, of Butterfield, Missouri passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at her home.

She was born January 19, 1974 in Chuuk, Micronesia the daughter of Sata Tosima and Ponifasia Ewinin. She was united in marriage to Roster Raymond in Guam, he survives. Also surviving are one son, Rayden Oneichu of Butterfield, Missouri; three brothers, Scropio Tosima of Butterfield, Missouri, Steichy Tosima of Honolulu, Hawaii and Polun Tosima of Guam and five sisters, Masa Tosima of Guam, Niefot Tosima of Noel, Missouri, Stania Tosima of Noel, Missouri, Niana Tosima of Butterfield, Missouri and Ruthann Tosima of Guam.

Preceding her in death were her parents; one son, Brandon and one brother, Pesa.

Tasa grew up and graduated from high school in Chuuk, Micronesia later attending Guam Community College in Guam. She was employed by a grocery store as a cashier for several years. Tasa and Roster moved to Butterfield four years ago coming from Washington.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service until 1:00 P.M. Saturday at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery in Cassville, Missouri.

William Harter

(From Clark Funeral Home)

William Kenneth Harter, a dedicated servant of the Lord, passed away on January 31, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri, at the age of 84. Born on April 27, 1940, William lived a life devoted to his family, faith, and community.

William honorably served in the Army before marrying the love of his life, Mary Ruth Albert on October 22, 1971.

A respected pastor, assistant pastor, and fill-in preacher, William served the Lord faithfully throughout his life. He was also a Christian School Director, nurturing the next generation of believers. His diverse career included selling real estate, life insurance, and vacuum cleaners, as well as serving as a grain inspector. His passion for service extended beyond the church, influencing many lives in various capacities.

William was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, two sisters, and two children (Albert and Joshua), and his granddaughter (Jessica).

He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Ruth; their children: Samuel Harter and his wife Kayla, Titus Harter and his wife Sheila, Caleb Harter and his wife Jennifer, Obediah Harter and his wife Joanna, Joseph Harter and his wife Deborah, Ruth Canter and her husband Mitchell, Anna Tuter and her husband Patrick, Gabe Harter and his wife Rachael, Grace Goens and her husband Matthew, and Mercy Boggs and her husband Cody. William especially treasured his 20 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, who were the joy of his life.

 

Family and friends are invited to join for Visitation on February 7, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories. Funeral Service will take place at the Bible Holiness Assembly of God in Neosho, Saturday, February 8th at 10:00 AM. A graveside service will follow at Gibson Cemetery in Neosho where William will be laid to rest with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the International Bible Association, 14430 Hwy FF, Joplin, MO 64804.

He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, dedication to his family, and the countless lives he touched during his lifetime. His legacy of love and service will continue to inspire all who knew him.

 

Jim Bertalotto

(From Lakin Funeral Home)

James "Jim" Lewis Bertalotto, Jr. age 79, of Springdale, AR passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Regency Hospital in Springdale, AR. He was born in Monett, MO on Friday, December 14, 1945; son of Lewis Charles and Mae Mary (Conley) Bertalotto. He was a 1962 graduate of Pierce City High School. 

Jim was lovingly known as "Sonny". He proudly served in the US Army Air Cav (1966-1969) in the Vietnam War where he was a Huey crew chief/mechanic and doorgunner for two tours. 

He was discharged from the Army in May 1969, and met his wife, Linda Smith, shortly thereafter. They were married on Friday, September 12, 1969, in Chula Vista, CA. Jim and Linda spent 55 years enjoying life together. Jim was a meat cutter for various places and ended his career as the owner/operator of Jim's Butcher Shoppe in Miami, OK. He and Linda worked together at the Shoppe for over 20 years. 

Jim was an avid crappie fisherman, Denver Bronco fan, and enjoyed watching Caitlin Clark play basketball in college and WNBA. He loved his family and cherished the time he had with his grandchildren. Jim loved his yearly Sibling Days when all his brother and sisters would get together to visit and reminisce. He was a member of the VFW Post 2952 in Springdale, AR where he volunteered through his wife. He wanted to help and support Veterans in any way he could. Jim and Linda took a 50th Anniversary history trip in 2019, visiting Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Boston, and Salem, MA; and was able to participate in an Honor Flight in 2022 with his son, Dan. Jim will be missed by many for his jokes, pranks, and fast smile.

Jim is survived by his wife, Linda Bertalotto of Springdale, AR; two children, Andrea (Jeff) Dudley of Bixby, OK, and Daniel (Mandy) Bertalotto of Fayetteville, AR ; five grandchildren, Josh and Maddie Dudley and Mary Kate, Caroline, and Jack Bertalotto; ten siblings, Barbara (Ken) Ellis of Pierce City, MO, Marjorie (Ben) Layton of Pierce City, MO, Janice (Leo) Schmidt of Monett, MO, Mary Lou (Harold) Lombard of Pierce City, MO, Jeannie (Ralph) Schmidt of Pierce City, MO, Beverly (Norman) Ozbun of Verona, MO, Geraldine (Don) Brattin of Aurora, Ron Bertalotto of Monett, MO, Linda Gail Bertalotto of Joplin, MO, Cindy (John) Witt of Pierce City, MO; 21 nephews; 18 nieces; 17 great-nephews; 21 great-nieces; and many friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Mae Bertalotto and an infant son, David Michael Bertalotto.







A Prayer Service/Rosary will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pierce City, MO on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Visitation will follow until 08:00 PM.

Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pierce City, MO on Saturday, February 8, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM with Father Matt Rehrauer officiating. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow at St Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Pierce City, MO.

Memorials may be made, in Jim's honor, to the VFW Post 2952 Springdale in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.

DeEtta Berning

(From Bland-Brumback Funeral Home)

Services Saturday February 8th at 1:00 PM in the funeral home

Visitation Friday 5 to 7 PM

DeEtta Berning 88 passed away Saturday February 1, 2025 at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Lockwood, MO, with her daughter by her side. DeEtta was born on May 2, 1937 in Jerico Springs, MO, she was the third born child to George Burmester and Loretta Willhoite. She graduated from Stockton High School in 1955.

DeEtta was married to Melvin Dale Berning on March 9, 1955 in Lamar, MO. The couple had 3 children, Rick, Annette and Jeff. They lived in Stockton and Lamar, MO.

DeEtta worked at the Travelers Hotel, Big Smith, The Lamar Nursing Home, and she retired from O’Sullivan’s. DeEtta was a very harder worker at her jobs and at home. She was always gardening, canning, cooking the best meals, taking care of the kids and grandkids. She was an accomplished seamstress and made clothes for her daughter’s Barbie dolls and handmade quilts that were the talk of the town.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, her brother, Pete and sister Louise.

Survivors include her daughter, Annie (Ron) Gordon, Guthrie, OK; Rick and Jeff.

Six grandkids, Tasha (Jimmy) Loane, Travis (Jesse) Berning, Branden (Heather) Berning, Celynda (Tyler) Jeffreys, Zach (Danielle) Fanning, and Ross Berning. 15 great grandkids, Candice, Mikayla, Blake Loane and Sawyer Williams. Tabor, Lexi, Paislee, and Hayes Berning. Rayce Johnston, Ryan Borders and Rhett Berning. Tinlee and Reata Jeffreys. Weston and Oaklynn Fanning. And one great great granddaughter, Weslyn Williams.






She is also survived by her best friend of 75 years, Gayle Elliott.

We would also like to thank the staff at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Lockwood for the love and care that they gave momma.

DeEtta’s love and laughter will fill our hearts forever.

Barbara Lett

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Barbara Sue Lett 80 of Noel, Missouri passed away Friday, January 31, 2025.

Barbara entered this life on December 25, 1944, in Treece, Kansas, the youngest of four children born to the late Ozby and Blanche (Prochazka) Miller. She attended school in Oakdale, California where she met Bobby Lett. They later married in Riverbank, California on September 15, 1962 and to this union three children were born.

Barbara spent most of her working career at the Noel Rexall Drug Store where her kind heart and warm smile touched many lives. Barbara enjoyed her many flower gardens and spent endless hours tending to them. She also enjoyed watching the many hummingbirds that frequented her feeders. She had a passion for sewing. When the kids were young, she spent most summers canning. Barbara loved being with family and hosted many huge extended family get-togethers and the annual Thanksgiving dinner. She cherished her time spent with family and was a loving mother, grandma, and great-grandma. She will be dearly missed.
Barbara was a member of the Noel Church of Christ for 50 years and looked forward to their weekly Bible Studies.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Robert Miller and her husband of 52 years, Bobby Lett.







She is survived by two sisters, Margaret Miller of Dardanelle, Arkansas and Mary Hernandez of Modesto, California; two sons, Rick Lett (Terry) and Roddy Lett (Renee); one daughter, Kim Vangunda (Robert) all of Noel, Missouri; five grandsons, Derek Taggart, Mitchell Lett, Tyrel Lett, Rylan Lett and Rustan Lett; two granddaughters, Sarah McIntire and Chasity Dockins; great-grandchildren and a host of nephews and nieces.

Barbara’s love touched many and she will be dearly missed.

No formal services will be held at this time. Creation arrangements will be under the direction of Ozark Funeral Home.

Pete Geeding

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Douglas Lynn “Pete” Geeding, Jr., 54, of Goodman, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025, after a valiant battle with his health. 

Born on January 1, 1971, in Neosho, Missouri, Pete's life was marked by his kindness, intelligence, and the remarkable ability to fix anything that came his way. His final days were spent at St. Luke's Nursing Center in Carthage, Missouri, where he continued to touch lives with his humor and friendship.

Raised in Anderson, Missouri, Pete was a 1989 graduate of McDonald County High School. Following his graduation, he served his country with honor in the United States Air Force, a period of his life that instilled in him a deep sense of duty and pride. After his military service, Pete channeled his talents into a career as a draftsman. His work was not just a job but a testament to his meticulous nature and his joy in creating and repairing.

Pete's life was rich with relationships, and he is lovingly remembered by his wife, Vonda Geeding, of their shared home; his mother, Sharron Geeding Arntfield of Goodman, Missouri; his brothers, Jeremy "Jay" Geeding and his wife, Tina, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, and Alex Arntfield and his wife, Carlie, of Pineville, Missouri. He was a cherished uncle to his nephews, Trenton and Logan Geeding, and a beloved nephew to his aunt Retha Mitchell and her husband, Ronnie, of Anderson, Missouri. His extended family included his stepdaughters, Brooke Whitworth and her husband, Garrett, of Bronaugh, Missouri, and Kendall Thompkins and her husband, Tommy, of Joplin, Missouri, as well as five step-grandchildren and numerous cousins. His warmth and generosity also earned him a vast circle of friends who will miss him dearly.

Pete's interests were as varied as they were passionate. He was an avid Jeopardy watcher and a trivia buff, always ready to challenge his mind with facts and questions. On the golf course, he was in his element, boasting to his brothers about being the only one in the family to score a hole-in-one. His love for sports extended to cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals, and his musical tastes provided a soundtrack to many cherished moments.

During his time at St. Luke's Nursing Center, Pete's gregarious nature shone brightly. He made multiple friends among residents and staff, often offering prayers and support to anyone in need. His presence was a source of comfort and joy, and his readiness to share a laugh or lend a hand was a hallmark of his character. Pete loved his time at the center but felt a profound peace in knowing he was ready to go Home.







Pete's legacy is one of unwavering kindness, a sharp intellect, and a handyman's touch. He was a true people person who never met a stranger and whose heart was always open to helping others. His laughter and love of life will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Graveside services are 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2025 at New Bethel Cemetery in Anderson, Missouri with Buddy Pease officiating. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Jay Geeding, Alex Arntfield, Brian Croddy, Rodney Griner, Ronnie Mitchell and Evan Hobbs with Michael Richmond serving as honorary pallbearer. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

Dean Welcher

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Dean Harold Welcher, 87, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away on January 18, 2025. Born on January 25, 1938, in Rogers, Arkansas, he was the son of Harold and Eva (Lowe) Welcher.

Dean proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, a service that shaped much of his life. He then went on to become a beloved sports announcer for KBTN in Neosho, where his voice became synonymous with local sports and brought joy to listeners throughout the area.







Dean was also a devoted member of Rocketdyne Church of Christ, where he cherished his church family. His faith and love for others were central to his life. Outside of his work and faith, Dean had a deep love for fishing, sports, and his favorite teams, the Missouri Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Dean will be remembered fondly by his many friends and colleagues. His laughter, kindness, and passion for life touched all who knew him.