Phyllis Rollins

(From Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home)

Phyllis Hobbs Rollins was born November 17, 1922 in Exeland, Wisconsin and died February 21, 2021 at her home in Springfield, Missouri.

Phyllis graduated from high school in Noel, Missouri. She was the last surviving member of the class of 1939. 

She attended Missouri State Teachers College, now MSU, where she met J. Tice Rollins. They married November 21, 1942 and had been married for 64 years at his death in 2006.

Phyllis was a member of University Heights Baptist Church, where she worked in the nursery. She was a supporter of the arts and community, supporting the Springfield Symphony and volunteering at Hammons Hall, where she and Tice were named Volunteer of the year. She played bridge weekly with her “girls” and added Bunco later on. She decorated her home for all the holidays, with Christmas being especially spectacular (100 Santas in the bathroom). Many of the decorations were made by her. She was an artist and craftsman, creating many beautiful items that will be treasured by family and friends for years to come.

She is survived by her son, James T. Rollins, Jr. and his wife Dolores Scowden Rollins of Hollister, Missouri; grandchildren Cassidy Ann Rollins, Chelsea Louise Rollins and James Tice Rollins III, (Jimmy) all of Springfield, MO; sister-in-law Donna Robertson of Liberty, Missouri and numerous beloved nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Linus and Nellie Fulmer Hobbs, husband J. Tice and sister Maxine Portnoy and her husband, Harvey.

Graveside Services have been entrusted to Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home and will be held Friday February 26, at 1:00 PM at Maple Park Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri. Please mask and observe social distancing.

Memorial Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra, 205 Woodson Bend Road, Branson, MO 65616. The family wishes to thank Integrity Hospice for their care.

Zola Livingston

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Zola Marie (Naylor) Livingston age 101 passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021. She was born to John Melton Naylor and Ethel Salome (Armstrong) Naylor on September 11, 1919 in Kendrick, Oklahoma. 

 Zola worked in the World War II war effort, building aircraft, including working as a riveter. 

She later worked in Accounting, including at Cessna Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas, where she met her future husband, Homer Earl Livingston, Jr. They married on January 15, 1955. Zola actively took part in their dairy and ranching business throughout the rest of her life. 

Zola is survived by her daughter, Lisa Livingston-Martin of Webb City, Missouri; grandchildren, Alexander Martin, Benton Martin and Cameron Martin, and great-granddaughter Rosalind Martin, as well as a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her brother, William Naylor, and a sister Dorothy (Naylor) Routh. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at OakWood Cemetery south of Neosho. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences.

Joan Boston

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Mrs. Joan Kay Boston, 82, of Noel, Missouri, departed this life on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at McDonald County Living Center in Anderson, Missouri.

Joan entered this life on August 10, 1938, in Evansville, Wisconsin, the youngest of eight children born to the union of the late Alfred and Minnie (Nelson) Clarenson. 

She was proud to be a Norwegian, the grandchild of immigrants. She grew up on a tobacco and fairy farm near Ft. Atkinson, Wisconsin. Her father passed away when she was twelve, and the family moved to Miller, Missouri. She lived in Coffeyville, Kansas and Derby, Colorado, before moving back to Missouri. 

 Joan married Jim Boston on August 22, 1981 and together they shard thirty-nine years before his passing on August 30, 2020. She worked with Jim in the family real estate business as well as other various jobs in the Noel area.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three sisters; and four brothers.

Joan is survived by two stepchildren, James Boston and wife, Jaymey, of Decatur, Arkansas and Andrea Burrows and husband, Kevin, of Goodman, Missouri; five step-grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Graveside services are 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 26, 2021 at Noel Cemetery with Pastor Marilyn O’Brien officiating. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are James Boston, James Boston, II, Dean Clarenson, Jeff Clarenson and Chuck Thacker. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website, www.ozarkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri

Aileen Burkybile

(From Parker Mortuary)

Aileen Delores Burkybile, 72, of Joplin, passed away February 21, 2021.

No formal services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

Ramona Wheat

(From Parker Mortuary)

Ramona Wheat, age 78, of Carl Junction (Joplin), passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 after a hard fight with COVID-19.

Ramona was born on August 8, 1943 in Winfield, KS to the late Taylor and Mary (Heatherly) Nichols. 

 On December 31, 1971 she was united in marriage to Carroll Wheat in Carthage, MO. She was a loving and devoted mother who took great pride in staying home and raising her children. Romana enjoyed many hobbies including sewing, arts and crafts, and cooking. 

 

Survivors include her husband, Carroll Wheat, of Carl Junction; three children, Tammy DeVine, and her husband, Matt, Dana Wheat, and Mark Wheat; one brother, Vern Nichols; six grandchildren, Kara DePriest, and husband, Hank, Hannah DeVine, Natilie DeVine, Cidney Wheat, Timothy Garrett, and Trevor Garett, and his wife, Aimee; five great-grandchildren, Rylee Grant, Nolan DePriest, Adrian Garrett, Axton Garrett, and Lucas Haines. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two grandsons, Brendan Garrett and Justin DeVine.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Journey Church in Joplin with burial to follow at Osborne Cemetery in Joplin. Because of Ramona’s love for animals, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Joplin and may be entrusted to the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.

Carmen McCullough

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Carmen L. McCullough was born July 9, 1953 in Raytown, Missouri, the daughter of William and Josephine (Cook) Kappler. She entered into rest on February 22, 2021 in Neosho, surrounded by her three children, following an extended illness at the age of 67. 

Carmen graduated from Raytown High School in 1971 and completed cosmetology school in 1972. 

 

She married Frank B. McCullough on November 20, 1971 in Independence, Missouri. The family relocated to Neosho in 1980 and Carmen began child care in her home. 

 In 1983, Frank and Carmen established Country Care Preschool, where together, they provided loving and special care to numerous area children. The day care continued until Frank's death in 2019, leaving a legacy of love to the Neosho Community. 

Carmen was a talented and creative artist and decorator. She shared her talent of decorating with many area businesses and friends, creating a unique and special space for all with whom she worked with. In 2008, Carmen suffered a stroke, but that didn't keep her from using her creative eye and finding the best bargains and 'funky finds'. She was a devoted wife, mother, 'nan', sister, aunt and treasured friend to many. 

Carmen is survived by her three children, Ashley (Will) Siler of Granby, Shane (Nicole) McCullough of Cincinnati, Ohio and Carah McCullough and Zac Shuler of Neosho; six grandchildren, Savanah, Brady and Emery Siler; Zach and Abby McCullough and Wilder Shuler; one sister, Paula McDonald; two brothers, Daniel Kappler and Brian Kappler; sister in law, Jeryn (Mark) Preston, brother in law, Steve McCullough, several nephews and other extended family and friends. 

In addition to her husband, Frank, she is preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Mary and a brother, Rodger.

There will be a celebration of Carmen's life at a later date.

Contributions in memory of Carmen may be made to Neosho Bright Futures, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, MO 64850.

Russell Pickard

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Russell Wayne Pickard, age 81, of Joplin, Missouri passed away on February 22, 2021 at Spring River Christian Village.

Russell was born on January 27, 1940 in Joplin, Mo. to the late Russell and Myrtle (Fisher) Pickard. 

On July 3, 1963, Russell was united in marriage to Margie Doolen. He worked as a service manager for many years at Mid-America Peterbilt and MHC Kenworth. He was an active and faithful member of Prairie Flower Bible Church.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents and wife Margie Pickard. 

He is survived by his sons Gary Denny and wife Darlene of Springfield, Mo., Greg Denny of Springfield, Mo., Kenny Pickard and wife Lori of Apple Valley, Ca., Russell Dean Pickard of Joplin, and Rodney Pickard of South Bend In., six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, sisters Lorraine Billingsley and husband Jim of Kansas City, Mo., and Carolyn Pickard of Kansas City, Mo., as well as numerous extended family and dear friends.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Prairie Flower Bible Church with Pastor Dave Ernst officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Family will receive friends during a time of visitation 6:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, February 26, 2021 at Mason-Woodard Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Prairie Flower Bible Church.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory, Joplin, Missouri.