Nancy Vonier

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Nancy May (Sloan) Vonier, age 66, of Joplin, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

Mrs. Vonier, daughter of the late Walter and Walsie (Goss) Sloan, was born on August 15, 1953 in Springfield, Mo. 

In 1983 she was united in marriage to Tony Vonier in Joplin, Mo. She was a licensed cosmetologist and worked at various jobs, but she was best as a Wife, Mother and Nana. To know Nancy was to be considered family. She enjoyed being with her family and grandchildren cooking, shopping and anything they could do as long as they were together. 

Survivors include her husband, Tony Vonier, of Joplin; one son, Gregory James Denney, and his wife, Kristina, of Tulsa; one daughter, Christa Jo (Denney) Viley, and her husband, Brandon, of Webb City; one brother, Tim McCandless, of Springfield; two sisters, Tracy Still, and her husband, Jeff, of Stockton, and Terri Bolin, and her husband, Paul, of Strafford; nine grandchildren, Kasey Denney, Katelynn Denney, Chase Denney, Jack Denney, Walter Denney, Ariah Vaden, Cohl Vaden, Cree Vaden, and Devin Viley.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 29, 2020 at 10:00 am at the Christ's Church of Oronogo with burial to follow at Ozark Memorial Park in Joplin. The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 28th from 4:00pm until 5:00pm at the Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and entrusted to the mortuary.

Michael Young

(From Parker Mortuary)

Michael Steven Young “Our Little Michael” had a difficult but very happy life. He was wonderful, humorous, and sometimes cantankerous. He had a personality of his own that everyone adored. He was not afraid to tell you how he felt or to set you straight on anything he did not like. He left an impact on everyone he came in contact with.

Little Michael was born on December 13, 1989 at St. Lukes Hospital in Boise Idaho to Kelly Young and Steven Young and later adopted by Brian Chollet as his own. He has 4 brothers Johnathan Young, Nicholas Chollet, Charles Chollet and Cody Chollet and 2 sisters Tiffany Crandell and Kaitlin Young that he loved very much. He Moved to Missouri with his mom and Brian and has lived with them most of his life.

He loved his Grandparents Terry Newton and Stan and Caroline Young and his uncles Todd and Chris. His Cousin Naomi was his best friend. He attended North Middle School with his favorite teacher Ruth Ingram who greatly impacted his and our lives and proudly graduated from Joplin High School along side of his brother Johnathan.

Michael was a miracle and an angel on this earth. He was born premature and weighed 1 ½ pounds. He was a survivor and stronger that anyone could imagine. He loved pizza, spaghetti, and any sweets he could get his hands on. He was an active participant in special Olympics and gained a multitude of medals and ribbons. He was proud of these and would hold his head up high and smile with them around his neck after a big game. 

Michael loved to attend Camp Barnabas and had the ladies hand feeding him leading them to believe he was helpless and then he would laugh at the end of camp when I would tell them he could feed and dress himself and that he they had been smoozed. That was his time though so it was ok and expected. He loved the zoo and the park and loved to bounce and swim. His favorite things were visiting gramma Terry’s house, loud music, dancing, singing and arguing with his brother Charles.

He did not like vegetables and was known to scoop them up with his spoon and toss them behind him to let you know how he felt about them. He always lit up when Brian came in the room. Michael was his right hand man. Michael may have been blind but that never stopped him from anything. He was always up to a new adventure and he loved people just not big crowds. There are so many memories that I could write a book about from his struggles to his triumphs to his many achievements and that all who loved or knew him will cherish.

Michael loved his Grandparents Stan and Caroline Young and would bounce and smile when I talked about them. He loved his special cards from them and he knew he got to go shopping when he could feel the cash fall from the cards. He loved getting to pick out his gifts, (usually candy and loud toys). Gramma Terry’s house was his second home and he would get excited because he knew he would do a lot of singing dancing and hugging when he was there, She always had lots of special treats for little Michael.

God had a place saved for Michael in heaven and his presence on earth had a fulfilled purpose. He has been restored and I know is in the most beautiful place now. I imagine him sitting on a picnic table in the middle of a park filled with laughter and flowers that he can now see and smell with his favorite music playing with his family who had gone before him with a ginormous plate of spaghetti and unlimited amounts of chocolate cake. He will be missed and loved by so many and he will struggle no more. All of his love and happiness and presence will resonate with anyone that ever knew him.

Funeral services for Michael will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 29, 2020, in the chapel of Parker Mortuary in Joplin with Renita Kitchenham officiating. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.

Joe Adams

(From Parker Mortuary)

Joseph Dale Adams, 77, of Joplin, went to be with this Lord and Savior on June 26, 2020 after a brief but gallant battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Diane Reid Adams, who he married June 4, 2016

Joseph was born July 29, 1942 in Pittsburg, Kansas to Harold and Viola Adams, who preceded him in death. Additional survivors include a son Joseph Adams, Joplin; a stepson Robert Reid Roney (Grace) of Yorkville, IL, a stepdaughter Heath McBride (Sean) of Joplin, and a brother-in-law Robert Reid of Joplin.

He was a 1960 graduate of Pittsburg High School and attended Kansas State Teachers College. He was then employed by Gulf Chemical, Foodtown stores, and the City of Pittsburg Public Works Department. 

Joe was a member of First Community Church of Joplin and Southwest Missouri Fur Company Mountain Man Rendezvous Group, which he enjoyed immensely. He was an avid black powder shooter and enjoyed participating in pre-1940’s rendezvous. He and Diane loved to travel with their little Yorkie, Samuel, in their travel trailer and with the Freeman Advantage group.

There will be a celebration of Joe’s life on Saturday, July 11th at 10:00 a.m. in an outdoor service at First Community Church. Participants are encouraged to dress in casual attire. Memorial donations may be made to the First Community Church, 2007 East 15th Street, Joplin, MO 64801. Visitation will be Friday, July 10th from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary

Dorothy Sanders

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Dorothy Jean Sanders, age 82, passed away at 3:34 pm, Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at Mercy Hospital, Joplin MO following an illness.

Dorothy was born June 12, 1938 in Kansas City, Kansas. Her parents were Bob and Mable Williams. Other than living awhile in Sheridan, OR, she lived most of her life in Galena. She was a homemaker.

She enjoyed growing flowers, baking, shopping, and was known for her hospitality. She was always busy caring for her children and many of her grandchildren.

Dorothy was first married to Daniel Evan Hibdon. He passed away Jan 9, 1974. Then on Feb 14, 1985, she married Guy Sanders. He passed away Sept 13, 1998. 

She was also preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Patty Hibdon Davis, 3 brothers, Bob Williams, Bill Williams, and Archie Williams, and one sister, Mary Williams.

Surviving are 5 sons, Daniel Evan Hibdon Jr, Willamena, OR, David Hibdon, Beaver, OR, Michael Hibdon, Galena, KS, Terry Lee Hibdon, Lincoln City, OR, and Troy HIbdon, Carthage, MO; two daughters, Debra Tuck, Sheridan, OR, and Dee Dee Scholten, Boise, OD; 22 grandchildren, and 46 great-grandchildren.

She was entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS for cremation. No services are planned.

Judi Stone

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Judi Ann Stone passed from this world and gained her angel wings June 18, 2020 at her home in Baxter Springs, KS.

She was born October 19, 1960 at Oakland California Naval Hospital to Robert Alvie Stone and Donna Sue Stone. 

She had four children; April McCarter (40) and Husband Thomas McCarter of Peoria, ok, Aaron Powell (39) and wife Patricia Powell of Baxter Springs, Ks, Christopher Powell (36) of Wamego, Ks, And Shanondoa Dardenne (30) and husband Jody Dardenne of Neosho, Mo. She had 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. 

Judi was proceeded in death by her father Robert Alvie Stone, Her brother Robert Sirell Stone, her Niece Amy Marie Stone and her mother Donna Sue DeVore (Stone). 

She is survived by her sisters Linda Bovee(Stone) (67) of Seattle, WA, and Cyndie Robinson (Stone) (60) of Rubidoux, CA. She was a dedicated CNA for 31 years before she retired. 

Her Celebration of Life services will be in Peoria, OK, August 15, 2020 from 1-4pm. Invites will be sent out accordingly. If anyone wishes to send flowers or cards you can send them to 17660 highway 59, Neosho, MO 64850 or 139 E. Main Peoria, OK 74363.

Steve Cox

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Garry “Steve” S. Cox, 72, of Baxter Springs, KS passed from this life on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.

Steve was born on February 12, 1948 in Joplin, MO to the union of Virgil and Edith (Hunt) Cox. Steve was united in marriage to Mary L. (Jimerson) Cox on February 20, 1965 in Webb City, MO.

Throughout Steve’s life he worked in both carpentry and was a machinist. He retired from work in 2000. Steve was a semi-professional golfer and enjoyed playing as a hobby later in life with his family and friends. Steve also enjoyed karaoke, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Edith Cox; two brothers, Lynn Cox and Howard Lee Cox.

Steve is survived by son, Bradley Cox and wife Laura of Baxter Springs, KS; daughter, Misty Griffith of Joplin, MO; three brothers, Stan Cox, Carl Cox, and Virgil Cox; four grandchildren, Bradley K. Cox, Victoria Vestal and husband Lucus, Hunter Cox, Kebra Griffith; five great grandchildren, Madelynn, Mya, Malaya, CJ, and Brandon.

Steve has been entrusted to Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel for cremation. Private burial of cremains will be held at a later date in the Lowell Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Tom Burkybile

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Tom G Burkybile, age 69 passed away at 5:09 pm Wed. June 24, 2020 with his family at his side.

Tom was born June 10, 1951 in Baxter Springs, KS. His parents were Joe Lee and Cecil L (Ball) Burkybile. He had lived in the Quapaw area all of his life.

He graduated from Quapaw High School with the class of 1969. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and was a lifetime member of the VFW. Tom worked for 37 years as a route salesman for Frank Evans Distributing from 1977 until his retirement in 2014.

He was a member of the Peoria (OK) Baptist Church. He was a proud member of the Modoc Nation and also of Ottawa and Quapaw descent. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking. He loved vacationing in Florida and was known by his family and friends as a practical joker.

Tom was married to JaneAnne Trease on November 19, 1970 in Carthage, MO. She survives. 

Additional survivors include two daughters, Tammy Burkybile, Runnells, IA, and Tara Moore, Cave Springs, AR; three grandchildren, Hayden Burkybile, Olivia Prunty and Hudson Moore and
three brothers, Phil Burkybile, Galena, KS, Bill Burkybile, Texas, and Joe Burkybile, Joplin, MO.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Tommy Burkybile, two brothers, Robert Burkybile and Charles Burkybile, and one sister, Layvetta Lambeth.

He will lie in state at his home from Friday afternoon June 26 through Monday June 29. Friends and family are invited to visit at the house throughout the weekend.

Military graveside services will be at 3:00 pm, Monday, June 29, 2020 at the Ottawa Indian Cemetery, rural Miami, OK. Layman Dale Heatherly will officiate. Indian rites will be led by JC Dawes. Arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Missionary Fund in care of the funeral home.