Mike Fiorito

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Mr. Michael Lewis “Mike" Fiorito, age 69, a longtime resident of Noel, Missouri departed this life on November 25th early morning, at his home after a recent battle with his health. Mike entered this life on June 4, 1956 in Neosho, Mo born to the Lewis Charles Fiorito, Jr. and Mary Jo (Stephens) Fiorito. 

His formative years were spent in Noel, Missouri, fishing, hunting, trapping, or running around with friends. He graduated McDonald County high school in 1974 and was already employed by Hudson Foods. 

 

On June 26, 1993 he was united in marriage to Wanda Philpott and to this union one daughter was born. He had one daughter from his previous marriage. He was employed by Tyson Foods (formerly Hudson Foods) in Noel, Missouri for almost fifty years, retiring in 2023. After retirement he slowed down and tinkered in his shop doing the things he loved. His entire life he enjoyed antique tool restoration, woodworking, making knives, chipping arrowheads and flint napping.

He was preceded in death by his father, Louie Fiorito and wife, Wanda Fiorito. Mike is survived by his Mother, Mary Jo Fiorito and two daughters Kathy Jo Minton, husband John of Bella Vista, AR and Mikayla Fiorito, husband Thomas of Noel, MO, as well as a host of other family and friends. He was dearly loved and is missed greatly.

The body will be taken for cremation and celebration of life ceremony is being planned. Details will be shared at a later date.

Kathleen Adams

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Kathleen Susan (Kaylor) Adams left this world on November 25, 2025 in Joplin, Missouri at the age of 74 years old.

She was born in Ohio County, West Virginia on July 19, 1951, to her parents Edward and Helen (Baughman) Kaylor.

She married George C. Adams, Jr. on April 28, 1972 and he precedes her in death.

She worked at Nysinger and Tyson, but her greatest joy was being a homemaker and becoming a grandmother to her grandbabies. 

Kathleen expressed her creativity in many ways. She enjoyed scrapbooking and more recently ‘junk journaling’ with her granddaughter, Liberty, in her final years. She enjoyed completing jigsaw puzzles, flowers – particularly pink roses, working in her garden, and enjoyed collecting things that brought her joy.

She is survived by her children Matthew (Jonna) of Goodman, Missouri and Crystal Adams of Seneca, Missouri.

Additionally, she is survived by 3 grandchildren, J.J. Adams, Liberty Clarke, and Kristina Bivens, one great- grandchild, Xander Wilson, and 2 brothers Larry Kaylor and Mike Kaylor.

Along with her husband, Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Cindy Vaughn.

Private family services will be held at a later date. 

Kathleen loved the poem “Footprints In The Sand”. As a way to remember her, it has been added to her obituary in her memory below.

Footprints In The Sand:

“One night I dreamt that I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord. When the last scene of my life flashed before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life there was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it. “Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I'm aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don't understand why, when I need You most, You would leave me.” The Lord replied, “My precious child, I love you and I will never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

Dorothy Balliet

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Dorothy Jean Woodard-Balliet passed away November 21, 2025 at Villages of Murfreesboro in Murfreesboro, TN. Graveside service will be held at 2:30pm on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Ozark Memorial Park in Joplin, MO.

She is the daughter of the late John William Warmack and Annie W. Roehling Warmack of Joplin, MO.

She is the widow of Robert E. Woodard who passed away July 26, 1986 and the widow of Richard L. Balliet who passed away May 10, 2007.

Surviving are the following stepchildren: Michael Woodard (Ruth) of Kansas City, MO, Michele Balliet (Kathy) of Murfreesboro, TN, Darcy Wessling (Peter) of Waxhaw, NC, Tina Allport (Tom) of Dryden, NY, Rick Balliet (Dorothy) of Riverside, CA. Also surviving are one niece, Peggy Swiderski (Bob) of Wilmington, DE, and one nephew Ned Haubein (Jamie) of Wilmington, DE.

A Native of Joplin, MO. She moved to Murfreesboro, TN in 1971. She was co-owner of W&W Bookkeeping Service and was the personal secretary to Edward Delbridge Enterprises for 26 years and has been a yoga teacher at St. Claire Senior Center. 

In Lieu of flowers, send contributions to Jesse Beesley Humane Society of Murfreesboro, TN or The Joplin Public Library of Joplin, MO.

Arrangements in Care of Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory.

George Daniels

George L. Daniels, age 63, passed away on November 20, 2025, and was joyfully reunited in heaven with his “beautiful bride,” Sandra, exactly five years after her passing. Their love was truly something special, strong enough to bring them together again on the same day.

George was born and raised in Missouri and graduated from Webb City High School. A hardworking and dedicated man, he spent many years with Brill Construction and was most recently employed with Don’s Cold Storage before relocating to Oklahoma.

He is survived by his son, Colby (Shayla) Daniels, and his daughter, Lindsey Daniels. Nothing made George prouder than being “Papa” to his greatest joys, his grandchildren Tatiana and Jaylon. He is also survived by his mother, Janice Daniels; his sisters, Debbie Daniels and Barbara (Jerry) Hanson; his brother, Dicky (Michelle) Daniels; as well as several nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

George was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra; his father, Richard Daniels; and his in-laws, Sam and Betty Neumann.

George lived a life full of love, laughs, and quiet strength. His final reunion with Sandra is a testament to a bond that time could never break. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Brenda Gozia

(From Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home)

Brenda Faye (Kyte) Gozia, 79, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on November 16, 2025, at home with her family, following a short illness. Born on April 16, 1946, in Carthage, MO, Brenda was the daughter of Lawrence and Mildred Kyte. She grew up in Joplin, Missouri, graduating from Joplin High School.

Brenda and her family relocated to Texas in 1970. Between 1972 and 1977, she welcomed four children, dedicating herself as a volunteer to support all their activities—from serving as a Girl Scout Leader and PTA President to cheering from the sidelines of baseball, soccer, gymnastics, tennis, swim team, and cheerleading events. 

Brenda was always the loudest supporter, first for her children and later for her grandchildren. Along the way, she also became a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, donning her Cowboys blue with unwavering hope and good-natured humor, always declaring, “This is our year!” Through every season—win or, more often, lose—her spirited allegiance sparked laughter and lively debates among family and friends.

In 1992, Brenda made Springfield, Missouri her home, where she embraced new opportunities and friendships. Committed to learning and growth, Brenda went back to school and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in 1997 and her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1999, both from Southwest Missouri State University. Upon graduating, Brenda followed her passion and spent her career working with children and adolescents at Lakeland Behavioral Health System, an established psychiatric hospital and treatment center in Springfield, where her kindness and empathy touched many lives. She worked there full-time until her retirement, leaving a legacy of support and encouragement for colleagues and clients alike.

In her later years, Brenda found joy each morning sitting on her porch swing, sipping coffee while admiring her growing vegetables and dreaming up new flower arrangements to plant next. She cherished her visits to Pineville, Missouri, where time spent along the Elk River brought back fond memories of family trips throughout her life. For the past two decades, Brenda’s week wouldn’t have been complete without gathering for lunch or happy hour with her Friday 5 friends, sharing stories and making treasured memories together.

Brenda’s life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her love for her family and many of her very close friends. Her kindness, wisdom, and humility will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know her.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Mildred Kyte. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Amber and Kevin Weiss, of Dallas, TX; her daughter Erin Gozia, of Springfield, MO; her sons, Hayes Gozia and Bob Gozia, of Springfield, MO; four grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and her brother and sister-in-law, Brent and Phyllis Kyte.

Funeral Services will be held at 11am Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street in Springfield, Missouri with Pastor Gary Griffin officiating. Visitation will follow the Funeral Service at the Funeral Home. The family invites attendees to wear comfortable, casual attire.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com

Melvin Fry

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Melvin Leon Fry, 80, of Purdy, Missouri, formerly a lifelong resident of Farlington, died Friday, November 21, 2025 at his daughter’s residence.

Melvin was born December 19, 1944 in Kansas City, Kansas, a son of Andrew and Nadine (Gilbert) Fry. Melvin grew up and attended schools in Kansas City and he and his father built the family home.

He worked for Randy Geier in the Marina at Lake Crawford at Farlington, Kansas and at the Geier Service Center in Girard. He also worked at miscellaneous jobs including painting and woodworking.

Melvin married Shirley Ann Bagley on April 18, 1980 in Miami, Oklahoma and Shirley preceded him in death on August 12, 2018.

Melvin enjoyed his family, crafting, the Kansas City Chiefs, fishing, gardening and flower gardening.

Survivors include his daughters, Terri Cox, and her husband, Monte, of Leavenworth, Kansas, Ronda Thieman of Purdy, Missouri, Michelle Fry, and her companion, James Wilson, of Pittsburg, Kansas, and his step-daughter, Tammi Carter, and her husband, Quentin, of Neosho, Missouri; his step-son, Sam Brooks, and his wife, Angie, of Mulberry, Kansas. Melvin’s brother, Donald Fry, and his wife, Rosie, of Erie, Kansas. Melvin’s sisters, Uveda Otterman of Basehor, Kansas, Marjorie Talkin, and her husband, Larry, of Kansas City, Kansas, and Barbara Cranor, and her husband, Ron, of Basehor. Melvin’s grandchildren, Monte Ray Cox, and his wife, Shelbie, Amber Cox, Kerri Bonner, and her husband, Derick, Shayla Harrison, and her companion, Austin DeVore, Jordyn Wilson, Danniel Wilson, Kimberly Wools, and her husband, Jason, Amber Kirby, and her husband, Daniel, Nicholas Powell, Benjamin Carter, Sammy Brooks, Katlyn Brooks, and Whitney Brooks. Melvin’s great-grandchildren, Aubriana, Aspen, Paxton, Grayson, Easton, Ella, Ezra, Brysen, Masen, Jaxsen, Kynsley, Ryleigh, Karsen, Madisyn, Christian, Alexander, Joshua, Joesph, and Raelyn.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a brother, Richard Fry.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at the Farlington Cemetery with Pastor Rick Prideaux officiating. Burial will follow the services and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. There will be no viewing or visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to assist the family with expenses and checks may be made out to the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.

Condolences may be sent to wwww.wallfuneralservices.com

Kathlene Gilpin

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Kathlene Ellen Gilpin, 82, Carthage, Missouri, passed away on November 11th, 2025. Kathlene was born on August 21, 1943, in Ravenna, Nebraska, to Verlene Sternberg and Raymond Moore.

She spent her early years in Ravenna before moving to Great Bend, Kansas, where she met and married her husband, Jerry Gilpin, in 1960. She was preceded in death by Jerry, her beloved partner in life and business, and her mother, Verlene Sternberg, and father, Raymond Moore.

Kathlene is survived by her daughter, Collette Ytell, and her son, Von Gilpin; her grandchildren Chanel Faucett, Chase Pitner, Chandler Martin, Ryan Reeves, Jessica Guild, and Dillon Gilpin; and her great-grandchildren Colten Faucett, Carson Faucett, Mattie Mosier, Adelyn Pitner, Echo Gordon, Xander Gordon, Riggs Reeves, Mia Guild, Beckett Guild, Lakelyn Guild, Kayzlie Gilpin, and Dawson Gilpin.

A gifted cook with a love for French cuisine and baking, Kathlene turned her talents into two beloved Carthage businesses Kate’s Bakery and The Fleur de Lis Café. She cherished cooking and entertaining for family and friends, finding joy in bringing people together around her table. After Kathlene and Jerry settled in Carthage, she opened the Jewelry & Antique Emporium and later expanded her passion for business by opening Carthage Jewelers on the corner of the downtown square, which the two of them proudly owned and operated together.

A devoted business owner and proud supporter of the Carthage community, Kathlene dedicated herself to its growth and well-being, most recently serving on the Carthage City Council.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 4th, at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 908 Clinton Street, Carthage, Missouri. Inurnment will follow at Grace Episcopal Church, 820 Howard Street, Carthage, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Carthage Humane Society in Kathlene’s honor.