Mary Higgins

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Mary Maxine Higgins, age 89 passed away Sunday, August 16, 2026 at her home following an illness.

Mary was born April 6, 1937 in Oakland, Missouri. She was raised by her foster parents, Albert Leroy and Barbara Mable (Thompkins) Briggs. She moved to Galena in 1992.

Mary had previously lived in Snoqualmie, Washington and Joplin, MO. She worked several years as a nurse aide. Her hobby was collecting dolls. She attended First Gospel Workers Church, Joplin, MO.

Surviving is her husband, Nelson C. Clark, Galena; two sons, Albert Earl Gordon, Seneca, MO and James Danny Gordon; one sister, Balinda Briggs, Joplin; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth Misty Gordon, Herbie Gordon, Barbara Cook, Angel Gordon, Albert Gordon, and Charles Gordon Jr. and several great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Louise Higgins, her foster parents, Albert Leroy and Barbara Mable Briggs, two sons, Ronald Gene Davis and Charles Gordon; one daughter, Barbara Maxine Gordon, three sisters, Alberta Debberry, Stella Wolfe, and Barbara Seeley; and two grandchildren, Charley Gordon and Ronald Gene Davis.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm, Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS. Pastor Phil Erwin will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Galena, KS.

Cheryl Wheeler

(From Simpson Funeral. Home)

It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that we announce the peaceful passing of Cheryl Wheeler, known affectionately by her grandkids as Nan, on August 23, 2026, at Aspire Webb City. Born on September 5, 1946, in Webb City, Missouri. Cheryl lived a life that was as vibrant and spirited as she was. As Maya Angelou once said, "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song," and Cheryl's song was one of love, laughter, and endless enthusiasm for life.

Cheryl was a woman of many talents, but her most cherished moments were spent with her family, especially her beloved grandkids. Her signature wit and humor brightened every family gathering, and her thoughtful nature made her the heart and soul of her family. 

With over three decades of dedicated service at Walmart, Cheryl left an indelible mark on her colleagues and customers alike with her infectious smile and unwavering kindness. A lover of books, Cheryl often found solace and joy in the world of literature, further enhancing her witty and thoughtful personality. She was a firecracker, her energy and exuberance never waning, even in the face of adversity.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her husband Rex Wheeler; parents, Bud and Marge Tabor, sister, Dawna Selsor and brother-in-law, Leroy Wheeler. She is survived by her son, Randy Wheeler; daughter, Kristy (Brad) Rogers. Grandchildren, Zech Wheeler (Kris Richards), Aeddan (Autumn) Wheeler, Kailey (Jake) Zumwalt, Garrett (Callie) Rogers, Sonja Wheeler (Colton Winder), and Danielle Donaho. Several nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren.

Her legacy of love and laughter will continue to live on through her family who will forever cherish the memories they shared with her. As Helen Keller beautifully expressed, "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we love deeply becomes a part of us," and Cheryl has indeed become a part of all who loved her.

A graveside service will be held Friday September 4, 10am at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.

Services for Cheryl 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 Cheryl. Your stories and pictures will serve as a comforting reminder of the remarkable life she led, and the incredible woman she was. In sharing these, we continue to celebrate Cheryl and the love she brought into our lives.

 

Helen Toburen

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Helen Louise Toburen, 87, resident of Pittsburg, KS, died on August 24, 2026, at Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Helen was born on November 25, 1938, on the family farm homestead in Thomas County, Kansas to C. Bernard and Wilma L. (Chandler) Ziegelmeier. She attended Colby, Kansas schools and graduated from Colby High School in 1956. Her 67 year marriage to her high school sweetheart, Nelson Toburen, was celebrated in 1959. Over the years Helen served several banks and businesses as a clerical assistant but her primary focus, love and interest was her family. She was a lady of love, grace, caring and incredible patience. Her daughters dubbed her "Saint Mom."

She is survived by a her husband of the home, daughter, Leigh Johnston, husband Vince of Pittsburg; five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren: grandson, Steven Hill, wife Heather, and children Asher, Esther, Eden, Judah, and Noelle, of Bentonville, AR; grandson Mark Hill, wife Tara, and children, Jeremiah and Hadlee, of Owasso, OK; Jessica Johnston Dreiling, husband Grant and children, Kip, Creed, and Wyatt of Carl Junction, MO and twin grandsons, Kyle Johnston and Chase Johnston, Pittsburg.

She was preceded in death by her father, C. Bernard Ziegelmeier, 1978; mother, Wilma L. Ziegelmeier, 1999, brother, Donald Ziegelmeier, 2010; son, Chris Toburen, 1987; and Daughter, Penny Hill, 2004.

At her request there will be no services. Cremains will be interred at the family plot, Beulah Cemetery, Colby, Kansas at a later date. The family will greet friends at Brenner Mortuary on Saturday, August 29th 2026, from 2:00 to 3:30. The family suggests memorials to Wesley House Pantry. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.

Vickie Ward

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Vickie Lynn Ward was born on June 4, 1965 to Carolyn D Willard and Robert A Homler in Newton County, MO. She moved around quite a bit when she was growing up but Southwest City, MO was the place that they always seemed to come back to. She went to several schools, but spent her senior year at Carthage High School. 

When she was 19 years old she met her husband, David Ward, in Oklahoma. They were married 2 years later in 1986. They have 3 children from their marriage before divorcing in 1993. 

She was a free spirit and a bit of a gypsy, moving around quite a bit after her divorce. She later became a mom for a 4th time in 2008. She was a wonderful mother, and was respected as a CNA. She worked in the healthcare field for around 30 years. After her cancer diagnosis, the family moved her to Big Lake, MO onto a lake front property to enjoy being near family and near the water which was her favorite place to be. She passed away on August 20, 2026 at Tiffany Heights Care Center in Mound City, MO with both of her sons nearby.

She will be laid to rest in Wann Cemetery near Sulphur Springs, AR with a small graveside service held on August 27, 2026 at 9:30 am.

She was most proud of her children. They were her greatest accomplishment and she talked about them often. Her daughter Ami lives in Daytona, FL with both of her daughters. Matt lives in Forest City, MO with his wife and their two sons. Richard lives in Big Lake, MO and has two daughters and a son. Gwendolyn is the baby and she just started her first year of college at Mizzou in Columbia, MO. Both of her sons are Navy Veterans. 

She also aggressively loved the Lord and talked about her faith to just about anyone. She was a firm believer in Jesus Christ. She collected Bibles and Joyce Meyer materials. She felt most connected to her faith when she was on the water. She loved being in the river and never lived far from it.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Carolyn D Plummer and her nephew, Tyler Homler. She is survived by her father, Robert A Homler; 3 brothers- Robert Homler, Byron Homler, and Ryan Plummer; her 4 children- Ami Ward, Matthew Ward (Jakki Ward), Richard Ward (Kachina Ward), and Gwendolyn Green. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren- April, Addison, Tripp, Jayleigh, Emyleigh, Granger, and Leigham and many nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Mary Sue Keifer

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Mary Sue Keifer was born on February 22, 1931, in Joplin, Missouri, to James J. and Edith Wheeler Farrell. She was the youngest of four sisters, with Delores Hart of Seattle, Washington; Florence Nixon of Arlington, Texas; and Jacqueline Reiboldt of Wichita, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters.

Mary Sue attended Joplin Senior High School and graduated in 1949. During her high school years, she was a member of the National Honor Society and was named Honorary Cadet Colonel for Army ROTC. She was also a gifted violinist and served as Concert Mistress of the Joplin High School Orchestra. Her love of classical music remained with her throughout her life. She also had a lifelong love of animals, especially dogs and cats.

In 1950, Mary Sue married Cletis Grider of Joplin, Missouri. Together, they had three children, whom they raised in Kansas City, Missouri.

Mary Sue worked for many years for the U.S. Department of Education as secretary to the Regional Director. In 1981, she married Bill Keifer. Together, they lived in San Francisco, California; Denver, Colorado; and Palm Springs, California, where they enjoyed golfing together. One of Mary Sue’s favorite memories was sitting in the front row with Bill for a New Year’s Eve concert featuring Luciano Pavarotti.

In 1991, Mary Sue returned to Joplin, Missouri. She spent many years working in the home health care field, caring for patients in their homes. She took great pride and joy in cooking, cleaning, and providing care for those she served. She also worked for many years at the refreshments counter at Silver Wheels Skating Rink, where she became known for occasionally slipping a free treat to the children.

Mary Sue is survived by her three children: daughter Terri Kent (Michael) of Greenwood Village, Colorado; daughter Connie Grider of Westminster, Colorado; and son Thomas Grider of Joplin, Missouri. She is also survived by her grandsons, Max Bernstein of New York City and Matthew Kent of Denver, Colorado. Thomas’s stepchildren, Autumn, Damion, and Natalee, were very fond of Mary Sue and held a special place for her in their hearts.

Mary Sue will be remembered for her love of music and animals, her caring nature, her dedication to helping others, and the many lives she touched throughout her 95 years.

The family will hold a private service. Mary Sue was cremated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local animal shelter in her memory.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO

Robert Menkel

 

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Robert Menkel, age 82, of Billings, Missouri, finished his race and entered into rest on August 22, 2026, at his home in Billings.

Robert was born July 19, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, to John and Gertrude (Hansen) Menkel. During his childhood, his family spent much time visiting relatives in Nebraska, creating memories and connections that remained important throughout his life. As a young man, he moved with his family to Missouri and later attended Missouri State University.

On July 28, 1973, Robert married Barbara, the woman with whom he would build a life, a family, and a legacy. Just weeks before his passing, Bob and Barb celebrated 53 years of marriage - a testament to a lifetime of love, devotion, perseverance, and partnership. She survives him.

Bob and Barb raised their two children on a farm in the rural Clever, Missouri, area. It was there that Bob passed along so much of who he was - not simply through words, but by example. He taught his children the value of hard work, responsibility, resourcefulness, and taking care of the people you love.

Bob knew the meaning of a hard day's work from a young age. As a young man, he had his own hay crew, and throughout his life farming was never far from him. Over the years, he raised both dairy and beef cattle along with many other animals. Weekends were often spent building fences, cutting firewood for the winter, tending livestock, fixing something that needed fixing, or working on the next project.

Alongside farming, Bob worked for Tyson in Marionville, Missouri, for 32 years, where his strong work ethic and natural leadership helped him work his way into management. He never forgot what it meant to work hard for a living. He was known for helping his coworkers whenever he could, including finding extra work for those who needed an opportunity to earn more and provide for their families. Helping others wasn't something Bob talked much about - it was simply something he did.

Bob had an extraordinary ability to work with his hands. He could build barns, remodel an entire house, repair machinery, solve mechanical problems, and somehow figure out a way to make things work when others couldn't. He possessed the kind of common sense, ingenuity, and practical knowledge that cannot be learned from a book. If something was broken, Bob could usually fix it. If something needed to be built, he could build it.

His children grew up learning from a man who seemed to know how to do just about everything. Some of his greatest lessons were never formally taught; they were learned simply by watching him live. He taught them how to work hard, how to figure things out, how to keep going when something was difficult, and how to build a life with their own two hands. Those lessons became part of who they are, and they will continue through the generations that follow him.

Bob also had a lifelong love for animals and growing things. He was happiest when he had something to care for, tend, build, or improve. He always kept a large garden, and most recently he planted an orchard in his backyard. As his years slowed him down, the days when he felt well enough to get outside and tend his plants were especially meaningful to him.

And while Bob knew his way around a tractor, a barn, and a farm, he also appreciated something with a little more horsepower. He loved fast muscle cars and owned several in his younger years - a part of him that never completely lost its appreciation for a powerful engine.

For all his knowledge and hard work, Bob also knew how to laugh. He was quick-witted, loved to joke, and enjoyed giving his family a hard time whenever the opportunity presented itself. He could make them laugh, but when life became serious, he was also the person they could turn to for sound, practical advice. His children and grandchildren knew that when they asked Bob what he thought, they were going to get an answer grounded in a lifetime of experience and common sense.

Above everything else, Bob loved his family fiercely.

He was proud of the family he and Barb built and of the generations that came after them. His greatest legacy cannot be measured in the barns he built, the acres he farmed, the cattle he raised, the years he worked, or even the countless things he repaired. His true legacy lives in his family - in the lessons he taught them, the work ethic he instilled in them, the laughter they shared, the advice they will still hear in their minds, and the love that made them always know where they belonged.

There are countless things his family will miss: his wit, his wisdom, his stories, his advice, his ability to fix nearly anything, and simply knowing that Dad or Papa was there. But there are even more things they will carry forward because he was here.

He worked hard. He loved deeply. He took care of his family. He built things meant to last. And in doing so, he built a legacy that will.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gertrude Menkel; his brother-in-law, Ken; and one great-grandchild, Kayliah.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Barbara; his daughter, Sondra (Mike) Jennings of Aurora; his son, Randy (Charity) Menkel of Billings; his grandchildren, Keith, Brandon, Riley (Monica), Ashlyn (Bryce), Ryan (Elisabeth), Trey (Kristin), Daniel, Andrew, and Ily; and his great-grandchildren, Jaxsen, Avery, Kaelum, Rhyatt, Marcus, Addison, and Nova, with three more great-grandchildren expected this year.

He is also survived by his sister, Barbara of Michigan; his brother, Johnny of St. Louis; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Bob's hands may finally be at rest, but the things those hands built - and the lives they helped shape - will remain for generations.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 27, 2026 from 6-8:00 PM in Peterson Funeral Chapel. Funeral Services will be held Friday, August 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM in Peterson Funeral Chapel with Mike Hillhouse Officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Park Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Joyce Mein

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

It is with deep love, gratitude, and faith that we celebrate the life of Joyce Mein—a beloved mother, wife, friend, businesswoman, servant, and woman of God whose life brought comfort and hope to countless people.

At the age of 12, Joyce was baptized and gave her life to Christ at Antioch Baptist Church near Ionia, Missouri. From that young age, her faith became the foundation of her life. She trusted the Lord and trusted the Holy Spirit to guide her in the decisions she made and the path she took.

Joyce grew up as the only girl among four older, rambunctious brothers. She learned early to be strong, determined, and courageous, but she also knew how to have fun. As a teenager, she and her best friends, Marilyn and Cheryl, got into their share of mischief while skating and cruising around Windsor, Missouri. Those friendships and memories became treasured pieces of her story.

In her early twenties, Joyce worked at Stackhouse Tax Service. When baby Kevin came along, he spent his days under her desk while she worked. Later, baby Keith joined him. Joyce learned early how to work hard, care for her children, and make life work when circumstances were challenging. Five years later precious Kiley came into the world.

A Turning Point in Her Faith

One of the most important chapters of Joyce's life came when she was 35 years old.

She was single, alone, and raising three very hungry and active sons—Kevin, Keith, and Kiley, then ages 12, 10, and 5. Life was demanding, and the circumstances could have seemed overwhelming. But Joyce chose to put her full dependence upon the Lord.

During that season, she experienced what she described as being baptized by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gave her hope and joy in what had seemed like a hopeless situation. Her circumstances may not have immediately changed, but Joyce did.

She discovered that she did not have to carry everything by herself.

She had the Lord and she had the Holy Spirit.

Joyce didn't simply tell her sons about faith—she led them by example. She learned to give them mercy and grace, especially when they didn’t deserve it. She showed them that love requires patience, forgiveness, compassion, and a willingness to keep loving even when life is difficult.

The Love of Her Life

In her late thirties, Joyce met Rayburn, the love of her life. They fell in love and married, beginning a new chapter filled with family, partnership, and joy.

Joyce loved Rayburn very much, and she loved having a full house. She embraced Rayburn's children—Kevin, Kem, Brock, Brandi, and Brandon—and treasured the family they built together.

Their home was also open to many foreign exchange students, welcoming people from different countries and cultures. Joyce had a remarkable gift for making people feel at home. For Joyce, family was not limited by blood. If you were welcomed into her heart, you were family.

A Career Built on Trust

At 50 years old, Joyce founded Golden City Tax Service and Bookkeeping.

By then, she had accumulated approximately 30 years of experience in tax preparation and bookkeeping. Her knowledge, work ethic, integrity, and genuine care for people earned her tremendous respect throughout the community.

The business grew rapidly. Golden City Tax Service and Bookkeeping was more than numbers. It was about trust. People knew Joyce would work hard for them, treat them fairly, and genuinely care about helping them.

Her professional reputation reflected the same qualities that defined her personal life: integrity, perseverance, generosity, and putting others first.

The Golden Girls of the Lost Arts

Then, at 75 years old, something extraordinary happened.

Joyce's soul and life came alive in a whole new way when a spontaneous sewing group began gathering in her tax office.

Somehow, Joyce seemed to know that this was more than a sewing group.

She sensed that it could become part of her legacy—something that could be carried forward through generations. Before long, this group became known as the Golden Girls of the Lost Arts.

Together, they began creating keepsake bags for foster children and nursing home residents, giving people something tangible to hold onto and treasure. But the group soon became about much more than sewing.

Joyce's infectious love for quilting spread throughout the group.

Her joy was contagious.

Her generosity was contagious.

Her desire to bring security and comfort to others was contagious.

Joyce estimated that she had made somewhere between 300 and 500 quilts throughout her lifetime. Her quilts traveled far beyond her own community and can be found across the United States, carrying her love into homes and hearts she may never have personally known.

Every quilt was more than fabric and thread.

Every quilt was a message:

You are loved. You are remembered. You are not alone. You deserve warmth, security, and comfort.

That was Joyce.

She spent her life giving pieces of herself away.

A Legacy That Continues

Joyce always put others before herself. Whether she was raising their family, loving Rayburn, welcoming exchange students, helping a client, showing mercy and grace, opening her home, or making a quilt, her question was often not What do I need?

It was:

What can I give?

She trusted the Holy Spirit to guide her.

She didn't have to see every step.

She trusted the One who did.

She was courageous like Joshua in the Bible. When she made a decision, like Joshua, she did it. She learned to trust God in the hard places. She learned that hope could rise from what seemed hopeless. She learned to lead her children by example and to give them mercy and grace.

And at 75, she discovered another beautiful way to serve.

The Golden Girls of the Lost Arts became part of her legacy, and that legacy continues.

The women she inspired are still spreading security and comfort through their quilts—carrying forward the spirit Joyce poured into them.

In that way, Joyce's hands may no longer be stitching the fabric, but her spirit continues in every stitch.

Her legacy is being carried from one generation to another, one quilt at a time.

Until We Meet Again

As we remember Joyce, we remember the little girl who found Christ at twelve, the sister who grew up with four rambunctious brothers, the young mother who worked with babies under her desk, the 35-year-old mother who found hope and joy through the Holy Spirit, the woman who met and married the love of her life, Rayburn, the businesswoman who earned the respect of her community, and the 75-year-old quilter whose heart came alive when she discovered a new way to serve.

We remember the woman who loved her sons Kevin, Keith, and Kiley.

The woman who loved Rayburn deeply.

The woman who embraced Kevin, Kem, Brock, Brandi, and Brandon.

The woman who loved her many grandkids and great grandkids.

The woman who opened her home to anyone who needed a place to sleep.

The woman who put others before herself.

The woman who made hundreds of quilts to give people security and comfort.

The woman who trusted the Holy Spirit.

The woman who learned mercy and grace.

And the woman whose legacy continues through the Golden Girls of the Lost Arts.

Joyce's life was a testimony of faith, courage, selfless love, hard work, mercy, grace, and hope. She didn't simply leave behind memories.

She left behind warmth.

She left behind comfort.

She left behind faith.

She left behind people who know how to serve others because she showed them how.

And she left behind quilts—spread across the United States—each one carrying a little piece of her heart.

Mom, your hands made quilts, but your life was the greater masterpiece. You spent your years wrapping people in love, comfort, security, mercy, and grace. You trusted the Holy Spirit. You put others first.

Your life was a blessing. Your faith is a legacy. Your love is woven into all of us. And now the Golden Girls of the Lost Arts carry your spirit forward, one quilt, one person, and one generation at a time.

Your hands may be still, Mom, but your love is still stitching us together.

Until we meet again, we love you.

The family will receive visitors from 9:00 to 11:00 AM and a funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday August 29, 2026 at Golden City Baptist Church.