David Tourtelot

(From Parker Mortuary)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of David Earl Tourtelot, age 80, of Joplin on June 23, 2025.

David was a man full of warmth, humility, and quiet strength. He was kind and gentle. He began each day with a smile and made those around him feel seen, accepted, and deeply loved.

He graduated from Joplin High School and then Missouri Southern State University with a bachelor’s degree in business. He worked as manager for Binswanger Glass for many years before retiring.

An exceptional golfer, David found joy in the time spent with friends on the course. He loved celebrating all of life’s moments with genuine joy. He was always present, always proud. His words carried wisdom, and his gratitude was heartfelt. Being around David always brought love and laughter.

David and his wife Cindy shared over 36 years of a joy filled marriage. He was a devoted father to Jeff Tourtelot and became a steady, loving presence in the lives of Troy, Jeff, and Matt Stovern after the loss of their father. David simply showed up with love, grace, and consistency, helping shape the wonderful men they are today. 

Along with his wife and sons, David is also survived by his daughters-in-law Kristin Stovern and Aston Stovern, his stepson Scott Johnson, his grandchildren, Rylee Munch (Nolan), Sam, Tressa, Grayson, Max, and Gage Stovern and his great grandchildren Sawyer and Charlotte Munch.

In addition to his parents, Dale and Warrena, David was preceded in death by his brother Danny Tourtelot.

Cremation arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.

Gladys Elliott

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Gladys Ruth Elliott, age 92, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on June 25, 2025.

She was born on December 21, 1932, in Wewoka, Oklahoma, to Eugene Verner and Vera (Saunders) Clark. On September 17, 1954, Gladys married Ray L. Elliott in Holdenville, Missouri, and they shared a devoted marriage of nearly 60 years until his passing on July 1, 2014.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Gladys dedicated over 50 years to teaching Sunday School to youth, leaving a lasting impact on generations within her church community. She cherished life on the family farm and found joy in simple, heartfelt pleasures—sewing, baking cookies, and caring for those around her.

Gladys is survived by her son, Ray E. (Deborah) Elliott of Neosho, Missouri; two grandchildren, Hannah Rae Elliott and Caleb Michael Elliott; and her two sisters, Vera Fream and Esther Greer. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray L. Elliott, and her parents.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Clark Funeral Home - Chapel of Memories in Neosho, Missouri. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Clark Funeral Home – Chapel of Memories. Burial will take place at New Salem Cemetery in Neosho.

Gladys will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her kindness, and the love she poured into her family and community.

Ken Smalley

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Kenneth “Ken” R. Smalley, age 73, of Carthage, MO, passed away on June 25, 2025 in the comfort of his home surrounded by family and loved ones.

Ken was born in Carthage, MO on May 23, 1952 to his loving parents, Carter and Henrietta (Williams) Smalley. He graduated from Carthage High School and went on to be a Fireman for both Carthage Fire Department and Monett Fire Department respectively. Ken also owned his own pest control company, Smalley Pest Control, for over 40 years.

He married the love of his life, Vickie Sheets, on August 3, 1974 in Carthage, MO and they have three wonderful children together.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Carter and Henrietta, his sister, Karen Lillard, and one nephew, Micah Lillard.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vickie; three children, Kenny Smalley and wife Shawn of Carthage, MO, Kim Moller and husband Jared of Purdy, MO, and Krissy Long of Monett, MO; seven grandchildren, MaKenna Smalley, Alyssa Smalley, Amelia Smalley, MJ Long, Kinley Long, Dexton Moller, and Brynlee Moller; Sister and brother-in-law, Shanna and Brian Potter, and Dewey and April Sheets; seven nieces and nephews, Cale and wife Mikayla Potter, Cole Potter, Kate Potter, Daniel Sheets, Chris Sisk, Matt Sisk, and Nick Lillard.

Services will be held at a later date to be decided.

Martha Andrews

(From Parker Mortuary)

Martha Isabella Andrews, age 85, of Monett, MO passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO.

Martha was born on February 17, 1940 in Saginaw, MO to the late union of John and Dovie (McConnell) Griffin. She graduated from Neosho High School in 1957 and then went on to obtain her Associates Degree in Business from Pitt State University. 

After graduating college, she worked for Bagcraft as the Lead Production Scheduler for nearly 22 years before retiring in 1999. She married Howard Andrews on October 1, 1988 in Joplin. Together they were blessed with 25 years before his passing on May 6, 2014. She enjoyed being out in the outdoors camping, cooking and gardening. Martha had such a contagious laugh and you could always find her smiling. She was a member of the Chesapeake Baptist Church for over 20 years. She was extremely family oriented and loved every moment spent with her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Martha was preceded in death by her two sons, Bud Ezell and Allen Ezell; four brothers; and four sisters.

Martha is survived by her two sons, Mark Ezell and Ronny Ezell and wife, Karen; eight grandchildren, Allen Andrews, Emily Andrews, Sonya Ezell, Jeremy Ezell, Allie Ezell, Drew Ezell, Seth Ezell and Ronny Ezell Jr.; 13 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Mary Seward, Pat Morey, Sue Love and Rita Daringer; and two brothers, J.D. Griffin and Duke Griffin.

Graveside Services will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Osborne Memorial Cemetery with Troy Morey, Chad Dearinger, Drew Ezell, Jeremy Ezell, Ronny "Junior" Ezell and Bruce Baker serving as pallbearers and Seth Ezell as an honorary pallbearer.

Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.

 

Ron Ruckman

(From Sisco Funeral Home)

Ronald Ray Ruckman, 78, of Pineville, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri. He was born June 23, 1947, in Harrison, Arkansas to Billy Ray Ruckman and Wilma Ruth (Villines) Ruckman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Gwen Friddle; a grandson, Roger, great-grandson, Seth and three siblings, Pam, Debbie and Johnny.

Ron is survived by his wife, Peggy Ruth (Lingo) Ruckman, whom he married April 24, 1972; four children, Brenda Kellenbarger (Paul) of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, Karen Ramsey (Gary) of Rogers, Arkansas, Sandy Lyons (Rick) of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, Jonathan Ruckman of Joplin, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; Shelly, Misty, Andrew, Jennifer, Stephanie, Stephen, Scottie, Tayla, Braden, Lori, Jason; fifteen great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

Ron proudly served his country in the Army National Guard. He worked as an assistant manager at Walmart for twenty-three plus years and he and his wife Peggy owned and operated Mustang’s Alley for twenty-five years in Pineville, Missouri. He was an accomplished musician, loved playing music, especially piano, guitar and drums. Ron loved to hunt and fish and was a member of Simsberry Church.

Arrangements are by Sisco Funeral Home in Pea Ridge.

A Celebration of Life will be 3-6 p.m., Saturday July 12, 2025 at Mustangs Alley, 15 Mustangs Alley Lane, Pineville, Mo. 64856 for a potluck meal. All of Ron’s family and friends are invited to attend. Burial will be at Walnut Hill Cemetery at a later date.

Terry Scates

From Fohn Funeral Home)

Terry Lee Scates, age 69, of Wheaton, Missouri passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, with his devoted wife by his side. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose presence brought strength, wisdom, and unwavering love to all who knew him.

He was born August 31, 1955 in Provo, Utah the son of Leo and Vivian (Housel) Scates. On August 8, 1977 in Miami, Oklahoma he was united in marriage to Terry Lynn Edie, who survives. 

Also surviving are one son, Kris Scates and his wife Amanda of Rogers, Arkansas; two daughters, Tracy Scates of Joplin, Missouri and Janetta Scates of Escondido, California; three brothers, Monte Scates and his wife Virginia of Jane, Missouri, Ricky Wolfinbarger and his wife Shonda of Gravette, Arkansas and Vernon Wolfinbarger and his wife Shawna of Gravette, Arkansas; one sister, Carla Mills of Springdale, Arkansas; nine grandchildren, Taylor, Skyler, Kristopher, Trey, Breyden, Jax, Taya, Mazakai and Nixon and nine great grandchildren, Sawyer, Sebastian, Saebrym, Selah, Wesson, Laney, Zayden, Olivia and Aiden.

Preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers, Cliff Scates and Shawn Scates.

Terry lived a life marked by quiet integrity and deep devotion to his family. He worked hard, loved fiercely, and showed up for the people he cared about—always steady, always strong. But those who knew him best also remember his sharp sense of humor, playful spirit, and ability to bring laughter into any room, always having a mischievous twinkle in his eye that never quite faded. Terry made life fun. Whether he was cracking a joke, pulling a lighthearted prank, or just being his lovable self, he brought joy and warmth everywhere he went. His legacy is not only one of loyalty and love, but of laughter, unforgettable memories, and the kind of fun that brings families closer. Terry was a heavy equipment operator for 30 years. He enjoyed fishing, eating, riding motorcycles, and building things.

Though he has left this world, Terry is now at peace in heaven—whole, healthy, and surrounded by loved ones who went before him. He is surely bringing smiles there, just as he did here.

He is deeply missed and forever in our hearts.

Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Linda Baugh

(From Midland Cremation Society)

Linda Lou Baugh, 78, passed away on June 18, 2025 at Mercy Joplin in Joplin, Missouri after a long illness. Linda was born November 7, 1946 in Granby, Missouri to John and Christine Goade Baugh. 

Linda was a retired registered nurse for the state of Missouri. She graduated from Joplin High School. Linda was an avid quilter and loved to sew. She enjoyed going to quilt shows with her friends and had many award winning quilts. 

Linda is preceded in death by her parents John and Christine Goade Baugh, one infant sister Barbara Lee Ann Baugh and many cousins. 

Linda is survived by cousin Kari Dowell/husband Brian, Garrett/wife April and Kanan, and her Goddaughter Karissa Dowell, & many other family members. Linda loved cats and is survived by her cat Smoke. She liked watching the Kansas City Chiefs & St Louis Cardinals. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations be made to Nine Lives Cat Rescue and Adoption Center or the Joplin Humane Society or any animal shelter in your local area. Arrangements are being made with Midland Cremation Society in Joplin, MO.