Gavin VanGilder

(From Knell Mortuary)

Gavin Alexander Issac VanGilder, 21, Carthage, Missouri, left this world too soon on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri. He was born on August 7, 2003, in Joplin, Missouri, the son of Anna Osterdyk and Andy VanGilder. Gavin's life was a testament to the power of love, friendship, and dedication.

Gavin's early years were spent around the Carthage area, where he was nurtured by a loving family and a community that would come to know him as a friendly and passionate young man. His infectious smile and genuine care for others left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of crossing his path. 

A proud 2022 graduate of Carthage High School, Gavin's athletic prowess and academic achievements earned him a full-ride football scholarship to play center at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas. 

After a year, he transferred to Pittsburg State University with a focus on his bachelor's degree in business finance, demonstrating his commitment to his future and his love for learning. Gavin balanced his academic pursuits with his work at the Kansas Teacher's Community Credit Union in Pittsburg. His involvement with the Sigma Chi fraternity at Pittsburg State was a source of brotherhood and community service, further showcasing his dedication to building meaningful relationships and giving back.

Beyond his academic and professional life, Gavin attended the First Baptist Church in Jasper, Missouri. His faith was an integral part of who he was, and his baptism stood as a milestone in his spiritual journey. Gavin's interests were diverse and a reflection of his zest for life. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular visits to the gym. Yet, above all, Gavin's heart belonged to his family and friends, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond.

Gavin's memory will be cherished and kept alive by his loving mother, Anna Laughlin, and Daddy Deano; his father, Andy VanGilder; his sister, Rylee VanGilder; his brothers, Grayson Laughlin and Tyler Laughlin; his bonus sisters, Aubrey Strickland and Rhianna Williams; and his doting grandparents, Steve and Myra VanGilder, and Dwain and Francis Kelley. His legacy will also live on through his numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and the many extended family members and friends who felt the warmth of his presence. He was preceded in death by his sister, Rachel Laughlin.

Gavin's life, though brief, was a testament to the impact one individual can have on the world around them. He approached each day with a loving heart and a passion that inspired those fortunate enough to know him. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit will continue to guide and influence us.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Fairview Christian Church, Carthage. The burial will follow at Waters Cemetery, northwest of Jasper, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm, Friday, April 4, 2025, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. The family suggests memorial donations to Gavin’s GoFundMe page found at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/tribute-to-gavin-a-guiding-light. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Alta Barker

(From Knell Mortuary)

Alta (Stark) Barker, 91 years old, went to her heavenly home on March 31, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri. She was born on January 13, 1934, in Reeds Missouri, the daughter of Everett and Flora Mae Stark. She attended Forest Mill School in Carthage. 

She married Jameson “Earl” Barker on January 14,1951 in Carthage, Missouri. She worked as a Lab Tech at Safeway Cheese plant for 35 years, which after, she babysat several of her grandchildren. She was a faithful member of Carthage Church of the Nazarene. She loved to go watch and support all her grandchildren in their many sports.

She is survived by three daughters, Patty Witt (Richard), Mary, and Beth Whitehead (Allen), all of Carthage, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Allison Morgan (Everett), Chad Pugh, Jamie Witt (Amanda), all of Carthage, Missouri, Zach Whitehead (Kimber) Oklahoma, Sarah Hunter, Carthage, Missouri, Matt Whitehead (Steph), Festus, Missouri, Blake Pugh, Carthage, Missouri, and Aaron Johnson, Oklahoma; 23 great grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren; and three brothers, Elvia Stark, Billy Stark, and Johnny Stark.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jameson “Earl” Barker; infant son, Jameson Earl Barker, Jr.; her parents; great grandson, Keenan Reed; and four brothers, Wilbur Stark, Ellis Stark, Alva Stark, and Lee Stark.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Monday, April 7, 2025 at Carthage Church of the Nazarene. The burial will follow in the Hackney Cemetery, Carthage, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 pm Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Carthage Church of the Nazarene. 

The family suggests memorials be made to Carthage Church of the Nazarene in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Shannon Cupp

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Shannon Douglas Cupp, beloved father, son, brother and friend suddenly passed away the evening of Monday, March 31, 2025 at his residence in Lanagan, Missouri.

He was born to Stephen Douglas and Martha Ray (Gottfried) Cupp on July 31, 1972 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Shannon worked in construction at several construction companies. He enjoyed fishing, weed eating and going to the casino; he could be found at his happy place at the river with his fishing pole and “Ghetto Juice”. He was a big fan of the Atlanta Falcons and his best friend, Ed Anderson was a Green Bay Packer fan and together there was always a rivalry between the two teams.

 

Shannon was preceded in death by his father, Stephen Cupp; daughter, Shanna Cupp; sister, Amy; grandmother, Della Gottfried; grandpa Gottfried; great grandmother Grandy and the love of his life, Ashley Myers.

He survived by his three daughters, Della Cupp of Pineville, Missouri, Deena DeMartini of Pineville, Missouri, Jessica Williams (Sammie Jo) of Truman, Arkansas; mother, Martha Cupp of Lanagan, Missouri; brother, Aaron Cupp of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; Uncle Roy Gottfried of Jane, Missouri.

Neva Zinn

(From Schowengerdt Funeral Home)

Funeral services for Geneva Hough Zinn of Butler, Missouri will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation 5 - 7 p.m. Monday, April 7 at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions to the Butler Elementary School (School Supplies in Memo). Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Geneva “Neva” Hough Zinn, age 84 of Butler, Missouri died Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at her daughter’s home in Butler. She was born January 12, 1941 to John Riley and Ida Bessie Johnson Morgan in Taney County, Missouri.

Neva is survived by her son, Randy Hough and wife Lisa of Butler, Missouri; two daughters, DiAnn Bennett and husband Jr. and Sandy Rice and husband Terry all of Butler, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Lindsey Hibler (Taylor) of Hamilton, Missouri, Morgan Hough (Krystina) of Madisonville, Louisiana, Dale Murray (Lindsey) of Butler, Missouri, Tony Murray (Meagan) of Portsmouth, Virginia, Tyler Bennett and Daniel Bennett both of Butler, Missouri, Cameron Rice (Mikaela) of Joplin, Missouri, Tara Vermillion (Johnny) of Appleton City, Missouri and Kacie Robey of Butler, Missouri; 14 great-grandchildren, Rhett, Clayton, Kashlee, Kylee, Madison, Kenneth, Kenton, Konnor, Aliyah, Zayne, Bryleigh “Princess,” Daylyn, Draya and Drake; a great-great-grandson, Briggs; a brother, Harold Morgan of Butler, Missouri; two sisters, Delorce Noe of Greely, Colorado and Jeanette Cushard and husband Don of Adrian, Missouri; and numerous nephews and nieces. 

 She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Bill Hough on June 11, 1996; her second husband, Richard Zinn; and two brothers, Ellis Morgan and Bob Morgan.

Jackie Pendergrass

(From Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home)

Jackie Sandra Pendergrass (Miller) was 85 years old. She was born October 5, 1939 and passed on March 30, 2025 at Cox South, in Springfield, MO. 

 She was born at home in Rudd, Arkansas to Johnny and Vela Miller (Bradshaw). She was the first born of six children. Her siblings include Sue Kell who had 2 girls, Gerald Miller and spouse Adeline who had a boy and a girl, Donna Faulkner who had 2 boys and the youngest has passed, Harold Miller and spouse Sue who had one girl that has passed, and Regina Hutchens who has 2 girls.

 

In Rudd, AR, the educational opportunities were limited, often ending at the 8th grade. Jackie, determined to further her education, attended the School of The Ozarks. She worked diligently through two years of high school there before transferring closer to home. Jackie graduated from Green Forest, AR high school in 1958.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Jackie was approached by her cousin, Helen Connor, to move to Springfield, MO to split an apartment and get a job. She found work at Consumers markets as a checker. There, she met Raymond Pendergrass. They were married November 6, 1959 and had two sons.

Jackie’s interest in eduction led her to pursue a degree in education at SMSU in Springfield, MO. She eventually graduated with a Masters in Education from SMSU, now Missouri State University. She taught second grade for many years.

After retiring from teaching, she and Raymond bought a grocery store in Greenfield, MO and worked there for 13 years before retiring to Rogersville, MO.

She is preceded in death by her parents Johnny and Vela Miller, husband Raymond Pendergrass, and 1 niece and nephew. She is survived by her son Craig and wife Vivian. They have 4 children and 6 grandchildren. And son Paul who has one child and one grandchild.

A visitation is scheduled for Friday April 4, 2025 at 5 pm at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, MO. She requested cremation and there will not be graveside services.

John Cutburth

(From Brenner Mortuary)

John Richard Cutburth, II, 47, of Independence, MO, passed away Friday, March 28, 2025, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, MO.

John was born May 25, 1977, in Girard, KS, to John Richard and Deborah "Debbie" (Thomlison) Cutburth. He graduated from Rogers High School. On March 8, 2002, he was united in marriage to Christy Izard in Weir, KS. She survives of the home.

John worked for Oracle (formerly Cerner) as a senior software engineer. Of all of his interests, he enjoyed flying RC planes with his dad, listening to audiobooks, spending time with his family, family game night, and 3D printing, to name a few.

In addition to his wife Christy, he is survived by two sons, John "David" Cutburth and Xander Cutburth of Independence, MO; his parents, John and Deborah Cutburth of Monett, MO; and two sisters, Tammy Jo Cutburth of Monett, MO, and Trisha Hughes of Joplin, MO.

A visitation will be from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday, April 2, at Brenner Mortuary in Pittsburg, KS from 5. A graveside service will be on Thursday, April 3, at 10 a.m. at the Bird Cemetery (6950 NE Coal Valley Rd, Pittsburg, Ks) with Pastor Daniel Knight officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS Wednesday

Jo Fenton

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Jo Fenton, 70, of Carl Junction, formerly of Rock Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri after a brief illness.

Jo was born on June 18, 1954, in Rock Rapids, Iowa and she had resided in Carl Junction since 1997.
In Iowa she worked for K Products then down here she and her husband owned and operated a Metal Artwork business.

She was of the Christian faith.

She enjoyed gardening, nature, loved working on their place, and loved art.

She married Ray Fenton on July 31, 2005, in Carl Junction, Missouri and he survives.

Other survivors include, two sons; Cal Busse of Joplin, Missouri and Croy Busse of Baxter Springs, Kansas, one daughter; Codi Murphy of Burden, Kansas, two brothers; Allen Vogl of Ames, Iowa and Gene Vogl of Rock Rapids, Iowa, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Carl and Lorraine Ubl Vogl, two brothers; Paul Vogl and Gary John Vogl and one sister; Jan Feldman.

Private memorial services will be conducted at a later date.