Althea VanDeMark

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Althea Rose VanDeMark, age 71, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on November 24, 2025.

Althea was born on January 1, 1954, in Hannon, Missouri, to Ocee Olen Williams and Naomi Violet (Hoover) Williams. She graduated from Lamar High School with the Class of 1973. On September 21, 1980, she married Harold Lee VanDeMark in Lockwood, Missouri.

She was employed by Lamar Enterprises for 12 years and then served on its board for 28 years, including a period as interim manager. Althea served at Baptist Hill Assembly and was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Lamar, where she was active in many ministries, including Vacation Bible School, the preschool department, and children's church. She also served as a member and treasurer of Missouri Right to Life for many years.

Althea worked as a Parents As Teachers educator, specializing in early childhood education for 10 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Althea accomplished all of this while helping her husband, Harold, build their business into a successful and respected part of the community.

Survivors include her husband of 45 years, Harold; three daughters, Felicia (Nathan) Ramseyer of Jefferson City, Missouri, Yvonne (Andrew) O'Neal of Springfield, Missouri and Denise (Eric) Vaughn of Marionville, Missouri; three grandchildren, Alyssa Ramseyer, Taylin Ramseyer, and Olivia O’Neal; and two brothers, Bob Williams of Kansas City, Missouri, and Jake Williams of Frontenac, Kansas.

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

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 1, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Lamar, with burial to follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery.

The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 a.m., Monday, December 1, 2025, prior to the service at the church.

Contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church of Lamar (Missions Trip) and may be left in the care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com

Betty Meier

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Betty J. Meier, 90, of Monett, MO, passed away peacefully at her home, leaving behind a legacy shaped by faith, family and community.

Betty was born on March 10, 1935, in Pierce City, MO, daughter of the late J.E. and Luella (Spilman) Goodman. Betty was a graduate of Pierce City High School Class of 1952. She was actively involved and a faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church Stones Prairie. She loved God, her family, her church and the farm community that grounded her throughout her life. She also loved music and her warm welcoming nature meant she never knew a stranger. A gifted crafter and quilter, she found joy in creating and in searching for treasures while antiquing. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her creativity and the love she shared with all who knew her.

On December 22, 1953, in Monett, Betty Goodman was united in marriage to Nolan Richard Meier. They were blessed with almost fifty-seven years together before his passing on November 27, 2010.

Betty is survived by her three sons, Monte Meier and wife Drussie of Grove, OK, Mike Meier and wife Janan of Monett and Marty Meier and wife Sherry of Monett; one daughter, Marnita Breazzeal and husband Alvin of Cassville; ten grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Nolan and brother, James Goodman; and a great-grandson, Sebastian Wormington.

Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church Stones Prairie. Reverend James Schnackenberg will be officiating. Interment will be in the Stones Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Trinity Lutheran School in Freistatt or Barry-Lawrence County Development Center in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.

Randy Haley

(From Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home)

Randy Dean Haley, age 60, of Aurora, Missouri, passed away at 5:20 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Birch Point Health and Rehabilitation in Springfield, Missouri, due to injuries sustained from a fall. He was born June 26, 1965, in Monett, Missouri, the son of Donald and Dorothy (Garoutte) Haley.

Randy was a sales associate for Jimmy Michel Motors in Aurora, Missouri and Hamilton Ford in Crane, Missouri. He has lived in the Aurora area his whole life.

Randy is survived by his two daughters, Jessa Matthews and her husband, J.D. of Miller, Missouri and Bethany Sperandio and her husband, Nick, of Monett, Missouri; one brother, Mike Haley of Aurora, Missouri; one sister, Netia Haley of Aurora, Missouri and five grandchildren.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Dorothy Haley and sister-in-law, Sheila Haley.

A celebration of Randy’s life will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Engage Church in Aurora, Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Auora, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Lawrence County Coon Hunters Association.

LeeAnn Huff

(From Parker Mortuary)

LeeAnn Huff, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and manufacturing expert, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025, in Neosho, Missouri, at the age of 57.

Born on February 23, 1968, in Michigan, LeeAnn had a dedicated and focused career as a manufacturer expert. Her skill and precision were instrumental in her work, where she contributed to the construction of airplane parts for companies like Boeing and produced high-quality kitchenware for various companies, including Sunbeam.

LeeAnn’s greatest passion outside of work was her family and her cherished hobby, crocheting. Her hands, so skilled in the factory, also created warmth and comfort for her loved ones through her artistry.

LeeAnn is survived by her loving spouse, Daniel Scott. Her legacy lives on through her five surviving children, Ashley, Bryan, Jacob, Justin and Christine as well as a host of grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and her twin girls, Tiffany and Rachelle, who she now joins.

A memorial service to celebrate LeeAnn's life will be announced by the family at a later date.

Cremation arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO.

Shirley Eddy

(From Parker Mortuary)

Shirley A. Eddy, age 89, of Joplin, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Freeman West Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Shirley was born on May 8, 1936, in Neosho, Missouri, daughter of the late Otis and Mary Kane. She grew up in Kansas and later graduated from Missouri Southern State University. Shirley spent her career shaping young minds as a second-grade teacher with the Galena, Kansas and Webb City, Missouri School Districts until her retirement in 1992.

On July 5, 1957, she married the love of her life, Paul Dean Eddy. Together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2021. She was also preceded in death by her beloved son, Michael Eddy of Webb City, who passed away in June 2022, as well as her sister, Alice Jeannine Morey, and her parents.

Shirley was an avid sports enthusiast throughout her life, playing on both softball and tennis leagues over the years. She especially loved cheering on her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at their games and events. She was their biggest fan—always present, always proud. More than anything, Shirley lived to watch her family grow and thrive. She loved deeply, unconditionally, and with her whole heart. To know her was truly to love her.

Shirley’s unwavering faith in God was the foundation of her life. She lived her faith powerfully, demonstrating Christ’s love through her kindness, compassion, and steadfast devotion to her family. She faced every joy and every hardship with grace, prayer, and trust in God’s plan. Her faith carried her throughout her life, and it remains a lasting example to all who loved her.

Survivors include her son, Mitchell Eddy and his wife, Sharell, of Oronogo; her daughter-in-law, Anita Eddy of Webb City; her brother, Jim Moss of Joplin; grandchildren, Derrick Eddy of Rogers, Arkansas; David Eddy and his wife, Christy, of Prosper, Texas; Lindsey (Eddy) Rivero and her husband, Miguel, of Webb City; Nathan Eddy and his wife, Caitlin, of Joplin; Dakotah Questelle and Jaime Myler, of Joplin; and Emmyrson Reynolds-Questelle and her husband, Mathew, of Springfield. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Elly Eddy, Grayson Eddy, Peyton Wright, Trennen Eddy, Hallie Eddy, Carter Eddy, Camila Rivero, Hannah Eddy, Cameron Eddy, and Everleigh Eddy, along with several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Parker Mortuary in Joplin from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, with a graveside service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City. Scott Boudreaux will officiate.

Pallbearers: Derrick Eddy, David Eddy, Nathan Eddy, Miguel Rivero, Dakotah Questelle, and Mathew Mills.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ’s Church Oronogo or Souls Harbor of Joplin, both in care of the mortuary.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.

Rodney Dobias

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Rodney A. Dobias, age 82, of Goodman, Missouri, departed this life peacefully in the comfort of his home on Monday morning, November 24, 2025, after a recent battle with cancer. He entered this life on August 28, 1943, in Stuart, Nebraska, the youngest of two sons born to the union of the late Charles and Beryl (Scott) Dobias.

Raised in Atkinson, Nebraska, Rodney was a 1961 graduate of Atkinson High School. His sense of duty and patriotism led him to enlist in the United States Air Force on June 2, 1964. Rodney served his country with distinction in Vietnam in 1966 and was honorably discharged on May 31, 1968.

After his discharge, Rodney furthered his education at Crowder College. He was a man of many talents, working in construction throughout his life. Whether he was wiring a house as an electrician, fixing a leak as a plumber, or driving a truck, Rodney approached every task with precision and care.

Rodney's interests were as diverse as his skills. He was a staunch supporter of Donald Trump and had a passion for old cars. His commitment to missionary work reflected his deep faith and desire to serve others, a calling that was nurtured through his involvement with Canopy Church in Neosho, Missouri. Above all, Rodney's greatest joy was his family.

Rodney is survived by his wife, Karen Dobias of the home; four daughters, Hollie Duckett and husband, Wayne, of Anderson, Missouri, Melissa Luevano and husband, Ruben, of Goodman, Missouri, Lori Dobias-Castillo of Neosho, Missouri and Sherry Lane of the state of Minnesota; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; a brother, Roger Dobias and wife, Donna, of Joplin, Missouri; as well as a host of other family and friends. 

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Joshua Dobias; a grandson, Zachariah Dobias; his father and mother-in-law, Matt and Ileta Thompson; and a brother-in-law, Larry Thompson.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Canopy Church in Neosho, Missouri with Pastor Jeremie Bridges officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Tracy Cemetery in Anderson, Missouri. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Frank Bradley, Davie Russell, Daniel Russell, Richard Davis, Luke Akehurst and Mark Price. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri. In lieu of flowers memorials are being directed to The Canopy Church Youth Group c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

America Fernandez

(From Buchanan Funeral Home

America Salas Fernandez, age 19, of Monett, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025. She was born in Salem, Oregon on December 18, 2005.

America was a bright and vivacious young woman who touched the lives of many. She graduated from Monett High School in 2024, and was actively involved in various extracurricular activities. She was a dedicated member of the JROTC, Band, Cheer, and Color Guard teams, showcasing her diverse talents and her commitment to serving others.

Outside of school, America had a deep appreciation for gaming, anime, K-Pop music, and dancing. She enjoyed spending her free time going out to eat with her friends, especially her best friend, Anna, and cherished her moments with animals. Her favorite foods included sushi, Papas Con Chorizo, Takis, iced coffee, and slushies. Some of her dreams included becoming a military nurse and doing missionary work around the world. She was selfless, a protector and an advocate for others.

America's loved ones remember her as a pure soul and passionate individual. She was known for her positive energy and her determination to never give up, embodying a philosophy that inspired all who knew her.

America is survived by her loving parents, Joseluis Salas and Juana Fernandez, of Monett; her brother, Alberto Salas Fernandez and wife Melissa, of Cassville, Missouri; her sister, Sonia Salas Fernandez of Springdale, Arkansas; her two nieces, Ximena Salas and Camilla Salas; as well as her faithful dog, Derek. She also leaves behind a multitude of cousins, aunts and uncles who will deeply miss her presence.

In her memory, America's family and friends celebrate the life of a remarkable young woman who had a warrior’s heart, dreams as vast as the world she hoped to travel, and a spirit that continues to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her. She was fearless and didn’t want injustice for others. May she rest in peace.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Monett with Father Rahab Isidor officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The vigil will be held at her parent’s home, 725 Farm Road 1120, Monett, MO 65708, from 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday until 10:00 a.m. on Friday morning. Rosary will he at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.