Jim Ellis

(From Brown-Winters Funeral Home)

James Franklin “Jim” Ellis was born to Harold Franklin “Jack” Ellis and Jessie Fyfe “Penny” Beveridge on March 10, 1953 at Miami Baptist Hospital, Miami, Oklahoma. His death on August 22, 2023 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri followed a brief illness.

He attended Miami Public Schools for 1st Grade through 12th and was on the newspaper staff for Will Rogers Junior High as well as at Miami High School. His early newspaper career continued when he attended NEO A&M and then Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah where worked on the campus newspapers as sports editor.

Jim's first job after graduating from NSU was with the Sequoyah County Times in Sallisaw, OK (1975-1977). After that, he began working for the Miami News-Record as assistant sports editor and eventually becoming the sports editor.

As he wrote on his Twitter profile: “Sports editor of the Miami News-Record since 1977, now working on the news side, too. I bleed blue since I am a grad of Miami High School and Northeastern A&M.” Jim was inducted into the Oklahoma Eight-Man High School Football Hall of Fame in 2011 and was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 2012. He was a member of the Oklahoma Press Association Quarter Century Club and a member of the organizing committee of the Oklahoma 8-Man Football Coaches Association All-Star game held in Miami. In 2017, he was awarded a Mayoral Proclamation to honor his service to the Miami, Oklahoma Community. Jim was inducted into the NEO Athletic Hall of Fame and the Miami High School Hall of Fame in 2018.

Jim married Mary Elizabeth Bay on the 23rd of April 1983 at Bethany Christian Church, Miami, Oklahoma. Mary preceded him in death in 2016.

Jim is survived by his daughter Brittany Marie Alfred and her husband Matthew of Oklahoma City; one sister Heather Fitzgibbon and her husband Dennis of Grove; one aunt, Mrs. Mary MacRae Beveridge of Glasgow, Scotland, and a multitude of cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association, Miami Public Schools Enrichment Foundation or the NEO A&M Educational Foundation in his honor would be appreciated.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, nurse techs and other healthcare workers at Freeman Hospital West for their perseverance and care during Jim's illness. He was very pleased with the attention and care he received at Freeman West.

Services are pending and have been placed in the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Miami.

Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Jim's Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.

Rose Hilton

(From Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home)

Rose Katherine Hilton, age 86, of Aurora, Missouri, passed away at 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at the Aurora Nursing Center. She was born February 2, 1937, in McIntire, Iowa, the daughter of Ivan and Helen (Anderson) Minnis.

Rose was a 1955 graduate of Aurora High School and along with her husband, Carroll owned and operated Hilton Pump Sales and Service. She was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Aurora.








On July 28, 1956, Rose married Carroll Hilton and they loved to go square dancing, travel and she was a collector of many things.

Rose is survived by her husband of 67 years, Carroll; one son, Andrew Hilton and his wife, Michelle, of Aurora, Missouri; two daughters, Connie Engelman and her husband, Michael, of Dover, Tennessee and Teresa Winzer of Seneca, Missouri; one sister, Betty Forester and her husband, Bob, of Blue Springs, Missouri; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.







Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Ivan, and Helen, and one great- grandson.

A funeral mass under the direction of the Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home, in Aurora, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. A burial will follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Aurora. A prayer service will be held from 5:00-5:30 p.m. with visitation to follow until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 28, 2023, in the funeral home chapel.

Jimmie Kilgore

(From Shadel's Colonial Chapel)

Jimmie Lon Kilgore, 92, of Lebanon was born Oct. 24, 1930, in Webb City to Lon W. and Fern Slayman Kilgore and died Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, in Springfield. 

He is survived by a son, Lon Kilgore PhD of Halfway; two daughters, Jama Kilgore and significant other, Jim Southard of Eldridge, and Mary Avis Connard and her husband Delbert of Eldridge; a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

There is no service planned at this time for Jimmie Kilgore. Burial will be at a later date. He is to be cremated under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon.

Virginia Jones

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Virginia Anne Jones, age 93, of Joplin, Missouri passed away peacefully on August 22nd, 2023, with her daughters by her side. Virginia was born on December 21, 1929 to Kyle & Eva Tucker in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Some of Virginia’s happiest memories as a child occurred in Saginaw where she and her little brother Wayne played in the creek, walked to the little country school, or went to the City Market. Their parents would sell vegetables from their farm while Virginia and Wayne would either play or go to the movies. As a young adult Virginia loved her adventurous time living in Colorado Springs.

She married Kent Jones on February 10, 1955. Later on she worked with him at Acousticon Hearing Aids where she became the first licensed woman audiologist in the state of Missouri. Virginia was a gifted poet, writer, painter, Mensa member and could whistle like a bird! She had a special love for dogs and doing crossword puzzles. But above all else, she was the sweetest, kindest mother who loved God and her family and will be missed every day.

She attended Byers Avenue Methodist Church and Joplin First Church (former First United Methodist.) She loved the Club 44 meetings where she wrote a very creative monthly newsletter for many years.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Kyle & Eva Tucker; her beloved husband of 63 years, Kent E. Jones; and a newborn child, Mark W. Jones.

Virginia is survived by her two daughters, Elaine Ross (husband Bob) of Mesa, AZ and Kathy Denham (husband Kyle) of Joplin, MO; five grandchildren, Ryan Denham of Springfield, MO, Kyla Denham (husband Pashi) of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Emily Weber (husband J. T.) of Joplin, MO, Erin Tucker (husband Andy) of Mesa, AZ, Kira Hodges (husband Randy) of Mesa, AZ; three great grandchildren, Lincoln, Miles and London all of Mesa, AZ; a brother Wayne Tucker of Oronogo, MO with his son Kyle Tucker of Oronogo, MO and daughter Bari Pitcher of Stark City, MO.

Our special thanks goes out to all the compassionate ladies of The Arbors at Silver Creek. Memorial Contributions may be made to Joplin First Church or Joplin Humane Society.

Memorial services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday.



Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.

Beverly Bowman

(From Mason-Woodard Funeral Home)

Beverly Jean Bowman, 72, of Carthage, Mo. passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, after a short illness. Beverly was born October 8, 1950 in Granby Mo., the daughter of William “Bill” and Eloise (Damiano) Bowman.

Beverly owned and operated Malfunction Junction Trailer Park in Carthage, Mo. until her passing. She enjoyed old country music and Patsy Cline. She loved singing and entertaining at Bronc Busters and The Paint Stallion. 

Beverly also enjoyed feeding and taking care of people around her. She was a giver and loved with her whole heart. Beverly said, “Instead of building a taller fence, build a longer table.” She was most proud of her grandchildren.

Beverly is survived by two sons, Charles Bowman and wife Candi of Sarcoxie, Mo., Bobby Bowman and wife Melissa of Sarcoxie, Mo.; two daughters, Dewenda Katzfey of Joplin, Mo., and Chris Ann Anderson and husband Rob of Carthage, Mo.; three brothers, Stan Bowman and wife Renee of Joplin, Mo., Denny Bowman and wife Karol of Joplin, Mo., and Dewayne Bowman of Carthage, Mo.; one sister-in-law, Nancy Bowman of Carthage, Mo.; ten grandchildren, Katie, James, Lauren, Chelsea, Jacob, Tyler, Kingston, Demi, Elli and Jeremy; four great-grandchildren, Annajane, Alexus, Rhett and Jason. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Charlotte Peck; one sister-in-law, Gloria Bowman; and one son-in-law, Lawrence Katzfey.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 29, at the Macedonia Cemetery near Stella, Mo. with Stanley West officiating. Visitation will be from 6-7:00 p.m. Monday at the Mason-Woodard Chapel in Joplin, Mo. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary of Joplin, Mo.

Mathew McDaniel

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Mathew Logan "Boo" McDaniel, an adventurous soul who walked this earth for 20 vibrant years, was born on May 20, 2003, in Perryville, Missouri, USA. An embodiment of spirited love and compassion, he was a beacon of joy and laughter, illuminating the lives of those around him. 

Mathew was a fun-loving, quick-witted kid with a heart as wide as the world, never hesitating to lend a hand or even the shirt off his back to anyone in need. His zest for life was contagious, making strangers into friends with his easy-going charm and genuine kindness. A lover of the outdoors, he found solace in nature's embrace, always ready to embark on an exciting new adventure.

Mathew was a dedicated Airman in the United States Navy, where his untamed spirit and unyielding dedication earned him the honor of Sailor of the Quarter VAQ/138 in June 2023. His accomplishments did not end there, as he was a proud member of the Webb City Football team, leading them to a state championship in 2019. He graduated from high school in 2021 and from US Navy recruit training in October of the same year. A tenacious weightlifter, Mathew proudly joined the 1000 lb club, a testament to his unyielding determination and strength.

When not serving his country or pushing his physical limits, Mathew cherished his time spent fishing, camping, hiking, and repairing vehicles. He was a beloved son to John Jr. and Samantha McDaniel, and a protective and caring brother to Bailey, Joshua, and Lane. 

Family was the cornerstone of Mathew's world, and he dedicated his life to nurturing those bonds with unending love and care. His love for family, fun, and the great outdoors was the essence of who he was, and it is this spirit that will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him.

Mathew's journey may have been cut short, but his legacy of love, laughter, and adventure lives on in the hearts of his family and friends. We invite you to celebrate Mathew's life by sharing your favorite memories and photographs on his memorial page, commemorating the unforgettable moments we were privileged to share with our beloved Boo.

Mathew will lie in state at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM for friends and family on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at the Mount Hope Cemetery Pavilion at 10:00 AM with full military rites performed by the Navy.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Mathew.

Dayna Spencer

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Dayna Lamb Spencer stepped into glory on August 23, 2023 after a lengthy illness. She was the daughter of Henry L Lamb of Stockton Missouri and Hazel Annette Stewart Ainley Lamb Lowe of Webb City Missouri who were married June 22, 1932. Dayna Lee Lamb was born at home on March 16, 1937 in Joplin. She attended school in Webb City and Joplin and graduated from Joplin Senior High School in May 1955. 

Dayna was united in marriage to Joseph Dale Spencer on the 23rd of July 1955 in Miami Oklahoma. Four children were born of the marriage; Patrice Nadine, Terri Jo, Joseph Bradley and Brian Forrest.

Dayna was a homemaker and earned Joplin High School’s “Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow “ award in 1955. Dayna worked at Elder’s Manufacturing Company in Webb City. She enjoyed learning and attended Missouri Southern State College where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education (Cum Laude). Dayna received Regents Scholarship. 

While attending MSSC she received honors in Excellence in Foreign Languages. Attended summer school at Christ Church Oxford, England in 1988 where she satisfactorily completed the course Warwick to Windsor. She completed a summer language program in Mexico. 

Dayna was admitted to Pittsburg State University in 1991 to a Masters program in English and Literature with a teaching assistantship. Dayna was a member of Sigma Tau Delta, Kappa Delta Pi, and MSTA. Dayna taught briefly in Jasper and Golden City public schools before returning the Missouri Southern State College as an adjunct professor teaching the students who needed to take a remedial English class before completing regular English course work. She was loved by her students and published works of art, essays and poetry in the Winged Lion for MSSC and Cow Creek Review at PSU.

Dayna was an accomplished artist. She first picked up an Artex paint tube in 1967 and became an accomplished instructor and won awards in selling and completing her own original works of art. She taught herself to crochet and oil paint. She also learned a Japanese embroidery art form called Bunka and was awarded mastery status. She taught many friends and family how to complete beautiful projects. Then she got serious and taught herself an old rug making craft which she turned into a business called Recycled Rainbows making rugs and potholders out of every type of fabric and recycled clothing and winning many awards at county and state fairs. 

She had several art shows and craft events over the years where Dayna and Joe would set up a booth and she would make and sell rugs while Joe would fashion a better hook by modifying crochet hooks. After years of teaching her craft she ended up competing with her students at the Missouri State Fair. Dayna made many friends while teaching her crafts and helped them make treasured family heirlooms.

Joe and Dayna celebrated 50 years of marriage in July of 2005 before he proceeded her in death in December 2007. She was also proceeded in death by her siblings and parents. Dayna assisted her husband in his business Joe Spencer’s Scale Service by keeping books and assisting Joe to bid his big projects. She once took the scale testing/mechanics test for Missouri weights and measures on a dare and jokingly told them to issue her a license when she passed with flying colors. 

Together they had eight grandchildren: Christopher Rager, Annie Philliber, Nicholas Rager, Amanda Spencer, Joe A Spencer, Rachel Walls, Savannah Spencer and Bethany Spencer. Also surviving are 14 great grandchildren: Anthony Isley, Christopher Philliber, Cody Philliber, Isaac Rupe, Gavin Philliber, Daniel Rager, Russell Rager, Tatianna Harris, Evelyn Rager, Melody Rager, Gimli Rager, Remus Rager, Aveline Walls, and Perseus Walls. Dayna has seven great great grandchildren, numerous nieces, and nephews and many friends. And will be missed by many.

Dayna will lie in state on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 12:00 P.M., and the family will be present for a visitation between the hours of 5:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City.




Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Dayna.