Joan Hedin

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Joan Hedin, 89, of Carl Junction Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025.

Born on June 29, 1936, in Bridgeport, Nebraska, she was the daughter of James and Elsie May Haddix. Her father worked for the railroad, and her mother was a homemaker. Joan graduated from Bridgeport High School, where she first discovered her love for fashion design, often creating her own patterns and sewing her own clothing.







Joan met the love of her life, Bridgeport High star baseball pitcher Carl Clayton Hedin. The two were married on October 2, 1955, at the Bridgeport Presbyterian Church. Together they raised four children, sharing a life filled with family, creativity, and community.

A devoted wife and mother, Joan poured her energy into raising her family while also pursuing her own artistic interests. She began sewing children’s clothing and later became an accomplished oil painter, capturing scenes of the Old West, snow-filled landscapes, and floral designs. Joan encouraged her children to explore the arts—whether in music, cooking, gardening, or painting—and always led by example with her own creativity.

Joan and Carl enjoyed many social activities together, including bowling leagues and square-dancing clubs. Joan took pride in sewing her own square-dance skirts, which became a signature part of her vibrant personality.

Outside of her home, Joan worked in a business teaching others how to build and frame artwork, and she later spent many years helping manage a women’s fashion store alongside her best friend, Carol West.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Joe, Lulabelle, Mac, Oscar, Dick, and Don. She is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 70 years, Carl Hedin; her sister, Alice Stanton; and her children, Larry Hedin and wife Chieko of Carl Junction, Missouri, Dan Hedin and wife Carolyn of Monrovia, Maryland, Carl Dean Hedin and husband John Wiecks, and Christa Denning and husband Jeff. Grandchildren: Chizuru Hootselle and husband Mark, Jeffrey Hedin, Megan Denning, and Clayton Hedin. Additionally, she is survived by great-grandchildren Izabella Curry and husband Jon, Lauren Burgess, Charlotte Hootselle and Jaxson Kress.

Joan will be remembered for her creativity, her love of family, and her generous spirit that encouraged all those around her to pursue their passions. She could also play a good game of Texas 42 Dominos!

To celebrate Joan's life and honor her memory, a Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 11:00am at the Simpson Funeral Home, located at 101 North Main Street, Carl Junction, Missouri, 64834. This will be followed by a Reception-Dinner at the same location at 12:00pm.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home of Carl Junction.

Ruby Bernauer

(From Meadors Funeral Home)

Ruby Lenora (Punneo) Bernauer, 97, was born July 25, 1928 in Dequeen Arkansas, and awoke in Heaven with Jesus September 26, 2025 in Houston Missouri. Ruby was born to Dora (Herman) Cowart and Claud Punneo and grew up in Arkansas, later moving to California. She was a Grandpa's girl and was close with her siblings growing up. 

She met her true love, Thomas "Tom" Bernauer at the Navy Pier where it was love at first sight and she sent her parents a photo from that evening saying she found the man she was going to spend her life with. They did just that after being wed on February 26, 1945 at the courthouse in Muskogee Oklahoma, when Tom returned home from war. To this union, they were blessed with 5 wonderful children: Jeanne, Elbert, Steven, Nancy and Carl. 

Ruby spent several years working at mattel, and unbeknownst to many was also involved with the at home war efforts building sight lenses for the B52's with special clearance. They traveled across the country together and retired to Lockwood Missouri in 1978 where they spent 28 years before moving to Republic Missouri in 2006 where they lived out their remaining years together. 

They were active members of their Lutheran Congregations in Lockwood and Republic Missouri, and proud members of the DAV and VFW. Ruby was well known for her quick wit, blatant truths, sass and sense of humor. She always enjoyed nature, especially butterflies, hummingbirds and flowers. She loved getting her hair done, manicures, and being pampered like the Queen she was. She loved good food (especially Mexican!) and her family, she was happily looking forward to becoming GiGi again in the coming months to Oliver and Denver, who she will undoubtedly watch over from Heaven now.

Ruby joins her Mama and Daddy in Heaven, as well as her husband Tom; all of her siblings: Jesse, Claudia, Edith & Margarite; her babies: Carl, Steve & Jeanne, son in laws: Bill and Bob, daughter in laws: Kathleen, Jean and Leoma, and granddaughter Debbie. She is survived and remembered with love by son: Elbert Bernauer, of Wichita Kansas; loving daughter and son in law Nancy and Curt Cichon of Houston Missouri, who cared for her the last years of her life. Grandchildren: Donna & James, Gary, Scott, Carl, Michelle & Bernard, Curt & Shelly, Susan & Martin, Mary & Stacy, Ashley & Craig, Ernie & Andrea and Rosie & Ernest. As well as many many in laws, great grandchildren including the youngest crew who were her best buddies in her later years - Evander, Arianna, Vincent, Archer & Karson, great great grandchildren, along with many other loved ones and special long time friends - Connie, Anita, Candice, Sam and Thomas.

Funeral services are under the care of Meadors Funeral Home in Republic Missouri, with visitation on Monday October 6th from 10:00 - 11:00 am, followed by funeral service at 11:00 am, with burial immediately following at Springfield Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 pm.

Jim Haubein

(From Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home)

On September 20, 2025 Jim Haubein, loving husband and father, left this world to join our Lord and Savior in Heaven.

Dad was born on July 31, 1935 in Lockwood, Mo. to parents, Ted and Lucile Haubein. He was delivered on the kitchen table weighing a whopping13 pounds. After being placed on the counter by the doctor, Dad immediately rolled over and lifted himself up by his elbows, sizing everyone up in the room as if to say, "I have arrived!"

Dad's family moved to Nevada, Mo. where he graduated from Nevada High School in 1953. As Dad liked to tell it, while sitting in his car at a stop light a young woman jumped into his passenger seat, and that's how he met our mother. On January 29, 1956 James Lee Haubein married Joan Lucille Eyer. They moved to Independence, Mo., where they welcomed daughters Sherril, Linda, Lisa and Jodi. To support his family, Dad worked two jobs while attending college and graduated from Rockhurst College in 1969 with a degree in Business Administration.

In 1973 Dad and Mom moved the family to Helena, where Dad worked for the State of Montana until he and Mom retired in 1993.

Dad loved everything about Montana. He was an avid fly fisherman and a master at tying flies. He loved woodworking and gun smithing. He was also a man of all skills, he could do plumbing, electrical work and building. Dad loved sharing his knowledge with others. He and Mom loved to spend time at their cabin in Lincoln, where they would participate in all sorts of shenanigans with the neighbors. Dad loved being surrounded by his family and friends. His favorite times were over the 4th of July in Lincoln where we would all show up for the annual family reunion.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Lucile Haubein; brother and sister-in-law, Ted and Marilyn Haubein; sister-in-law, Dana Haubein; brother-in-law, Wes Eyer; sister-in-law, Sally Spangler; niece, Wendee Eyer; nephews, Mark Haubein and Dale Haubein.

Dad is survived by his loving wife, Joan, of 69 years; daughters and sons-in-law, Sherril and Dave Senn, Linda and Dan Gaughan, Lisa and Jaime Johnson, Jodi and Leonard Peters; grandchildren, Jay Gaughan and Hannah Nordhagen, Darsen Gaughan and Jessica Bucy, Nathan and Theresa Senn, Jason and Laura Senn, Ashely Peters, Ben and Stephanie Peters, Conner and Lizzie Peters; great grandchildren, Caden Gaughan, Trey Higgins, Quentin Gaughan, Theo Senn and Ada Peters; and brother, Merle Haubein; sister-in-law, June Eyer; brother-in-law, Jim Spangler and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Dad had a legendary sense of humor, a mischievous smile and a twinkle in his eye and he died "fat and happy".

A celebration of life will be held October 3 at 11 a.m. at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, 3580 N Benton Ave, Helena. Donations can be made to Our Redeemer's or Helena Food Share. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jim.

Rex Wagner

(From Parker Mortuary)

On September 24, 2025, at the age of 82, Rex Lee Wagner departed this life to enter his eternal home in heaven to be reunited with his wife of 54 years. He was born in Onawa, Iowa on September 23,1943 to Charles F. Wagner and Iva (Rhodes) Wagner. He graduated from West Sioux High School in Hawarden, Iowa in 1963.

On July 19, 1964, he married the love of his life, Victoria Jane Workman. She preceded him in death. To that union came 3 daughters, Debbie (John) Gould of Carl Junction, MO, Becky (Jon) Carter of Bentonville, AR and Vicki Lynn Wagner, Carl Junction, MO. Rex is also survived by six grandchildren, Heather Corder, Jared Corder, Nathan Wagner (Winsley), Trent Carter (Jessica), Lexi Carter and Brooklynn Mahaffey (Adrian), along with 4 great grandchildren, Michael, Mireya Jane, Miley and Merritt Rose; two brothers Roger (Libby) Wagner of Scribner, NE and Mickey (Vicky) Wagner of D’Iberville, MS along with bonus family member Jasmine Thompson. Rex was also blessed with neighbors Kenny and April Walker who became like family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Chuck Wagner and Ray Wagner and 2 sisters, Mildred Wagner and Doris (Wagner) Thurston.

Rex held several rewarding jobs throughout his career, but his passion was working for Joplin School district as a bus driver and maintaining Junge Stadium where the staff often called him Grumpy.

He was an avid sports enthusiast; he loved to play basketball and softball with family and church members. His basketball skills were impeccable. For many years, he never missed a chance to cheer on his beloved Joplin Eagles. If the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals or Arkansas Razorbacks were playing, he was watching. He was also a big supporter of the local Joplin Outlaws.

He was a longtime member of LifePoint Pentecostal Church in Joplin where he served on the church board.

Arrangements are being made by Parker Mortuary. Visitation and Celebration of Life services will be held at LifePoint Pentecostal Church, 1700 S Prosperity Ave, in Joplin, MO on Friday October 3 with visitation from 2 pm to 3 pm with Celebration of Life following at 3 pm. Burial will be at Osborne Cemetery in Joplin, MO. Pastor Fred Oates will officiate. Pallbearers will be Jared Corder, Trent Carter, Nathan Wagner, Adrian Mahaffey, John Gould and Jon Carter. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mickey Wagner and Roger Wagner.

Memorial contributions in honor of Rex can be made to Joplin Eagles Booster Club.

Dean Wilson

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Clyde “Dean” Wilson, 86, of Webb City, Missouri passed away at 2:33 am on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at his residence.

Mr. Wilson was born on April 11, 1939, in Webb City, Missouri, where he resided his entire life.

He worked for Atlas Powder Company, which later become ICI Explosives, for 30 years, before retiring in 1997. He then went to work for the Webb City School District, at Eugene Field Elementary School, as a Custodian, before retiring in 2010.

He graduated from Webb City High School in 1957 where he played football, track and field, and basketball and he earned scholarships to go on to college.

He enjoyed watching all sports, hunting and fishing, attending Webb City sports events, he coached Girl’s softball in Webb City from 1973 to 1984, he was inducted into the Webb City Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.

He was of the Baptist faith and served six years in the Army National Guard of Missouri.

He married Judy Brock on September 3, 1960, in Duenweg, Missouri and she survives.
Other survivors include two daughters; DeAnn (Randy) Benford of Joplin, Missouri and Julie (John) Evans of Scottsdale, Arizona, one sister; Linda Sue Day of Webb City, Missouri, one Grandson; Tyler (Maria) Page, three great-grandchildren; Nathan Jacks, Olivia Page, and Carly Page.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Clyde Alton and Violet Harlan Wilson, his grandmother who raised him; Granny Esther Rosenburg, and one sister; Patty Wilson Kinzbach.

Services will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Mason-Woodard Chapel with Pastor Steve Cable officiating.

There will be a Visitation 5:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary.

Interment will be at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin, Missouri where there will be a full military service conducted.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in c/o of the mortuary. 

Isabelle Motley

(From Knell Mortuary)

Isabelle Kelley Motley entered her Heavenly Home on September 25, 2025, at the age of 100. She was born on January 11, 1925, in a home located in an oil field in New Salem, Kansas, the daughter of Thadeus Leroy Kelley and Versie (Davis) Kelley.

Isabelle’s early life was shaped by her father’s work on oil derricks, which took the family to several communities across Kansas. She graduated from Winfield High School in 1942. Shortly after, she moved to Meade, Kansas, with her pastors, Rev. Stuart and Neva Reed, and began her career with a bookkeeping firm. In 1950, she relocated to Carthage with the Reeds and remained there when they moved on to serve another church, having secured a position with a CPS Accounting Firm.

On November 26, 1953, Isabelle married A.R. Motley, and together they were blessed with three children: Carole, Cindy, and Randy. She went on to serve as office manager for Grace Energy Corporation for an impressive 36 years.

Faith was central to Isabelle’s life. She was a devoted member of the Carthage First Church of the Nazarene, where she served in many roles, including Sunday School teacher, NYPS (teen) president, missionary president, church board member, and treasurer for the Joplin District Nazarene Missions.

Isabelle was also a lifelong learner. In her 70s, she attended a computer class at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, delighting in mastering new skills. One of her proudest personal milestones came in 2019, when she traveled to Alaska—her 50th state—fulfilling a lifelong dream.

Isabelle is lovingly remembered by her children, Carole (Dan) Pierce of Denver, Colorado; Cindy (Bryan) Hann of Carthage, Missouri; and Randy (Vana) Motley of Olathe, Kansas; along with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, four brothers, three sisters, and her son-in-law, Charles Green.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the nurses and staff at St. Luke’s in Carthage, MO, and to Gentiva Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Carthage First Church of the Nazarene. Memorial services will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Dustin Ledford officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene Youth, in care of Knell Mortuary, 308 W. Chestnut, Carthage, MO, 64836. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Stephen Wampler

(From Knell Mortuary)

Stephen Paul Wampler, 77, Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin, Missouri. He was born on August 31, 1948, in Carthage, Missouri, the son of the late Paul and Violet (Moss) Wampler. Stephen's life was a testament to the values of kindness, love, and friendship that he held dear.

Stephen graduated from Carthage High School in 1966. His passion for service and care for others led him to pursue a mortuary science degree from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Dallas, Texas. This education paved the way for a meaningful career as a funeral director and embalmer at Parker Mortuary and Ulmer Funeral Home. Later, Stephen continued his professional journey at Dyno Nobel, working in nitration until his well-deserved retirement.

He was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. An avid reader, Stephen could often be found with a book in hand, lost in stories and knowledge. His intellectual curiosity was also evident in his daily ritual of solving crossword puzzles, a challenge he eagerly embraced. 

Stephen's love for the outdoors was unmistakable. He cherished the times he could cast a line into the water and bask in the tranquility of nature while fishing. These moments of solitude among the beauty of the natural world provided him with a profound sense of peace.

Survivors include his daughters, Lindsey Hettinger (Jason), Carthage, and Brooke Gavino (Tobby), Pleasanton, California; his grandchildren, Wyatt Hettinger (fiancée Alicia), Carthage, and Bella, Isaac, and Samuel Gavino, all of Pleasanton, California; his brother, John Wampler (Margaret), Carthage; his cousin, John Runge (Mona), Hideaway, Texas; along with many extended family members and a host of friends who were touched by his kindness. Stephen was also preceded in death by his sisters, Polly Runge and Cary Jenkins.

Memorial graveside services will be held at 10 am, Friday, October 3, 2025, at Park Cemetery, Carthage. Memorial gifts are suggested to the Carthage Humane Society 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.