OBITUARIES

Apr 12, 2024

On this day, we bid a heartfelt farewell to the cherished soul of Michael George Hillgardner, who peacefully passed away on April 12, 2024, at the age of 58 in Nixa. Born on March 8, 1966, in Wichita, Kansas, to Elmer and Dolores (Auburn) Hillgardner.Michael's hands found solace among the branches as an arborist; yet his heart yearned for the...

Apr 11, 2024

Roger Dean VanRiper, age 78 of Nixa, Missouri, passed away April 11, 2024 at the Neighborhoods at Quail Creek, Springfield, Missouri, attended by CoxHealth at Home staff.  He was born August 13, 1945 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the son of Robert and Eva LaVonne (Bacon).  



Roger, the son of Robert VanRiper and LaVonne (Bacon) VanRiper Stussy was born August 13,...

Apr 11, 2024

Harold Ralph Kuppinger, age 81, passed away April 11, 2024. He was born on July 7, 1942, in Syracuse, New York, the son of Merle and Ruth Eleanor (Neimeier) Kuppinger.

November 6, 1965, Harold Kuppinger and Rose Mellman were united in marriage.

Harold graduated from Mason City High School in 1960. He then went on to get his bachelor’s degree from Buena...

Apr 9, 2024

Bonnie Jean Fitzpatrick (Foster) was called to heaven to reunite with her husband of 44 years, Jerry Fitzpatrick, on April 9, 2024, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 78.  She was born on December 10, 1945, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.  Bonnie was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.In her younger years, Bonnie pursued a career as...

Apr 8, 2024

    With sadness and in loving memory, we celebrate the life of Kena Lynn Bengsch-Melton; a loving wife, a caring mom, helpful and beloved nana, whose lifes journey concluded peacefully on April 8, 2024 surrounded by her cherished family.

    Born on August 6, 1961, in Springfield, to Harold and Darlene Bengsch, Kena's warm spirit and nurturing heart touched...

Apr 6, 2024

Apr 5, 2024

Gary Lynn Lokovich, age 64 of Ozark, passed away April 5, 2024. He was born August 19, 1959 in Butler, Pennsylvania, the son of Paul and Virginia (Wheeler) Lokovich.

Gary loved his family, God, and country.  He served his country in the U.S. Navy for 7 and a half years. After which Gary spent his career working, as the electronics technician...

Apr 5, 2024

Freddie Dean Liniger, age 75 of Ozark, passed away April 5, 2024. He was born June 28, 1948 in Norwood, Missouri, the son of Howard and Beulah (Maham) Liniger. 



On October 28, 1972, Freddie was united in marriage to Theresa (Gaddis). 



Freddie served his country in the U.S. Army. Later he worked for Zenith. He enjoyed fishing and camping.



Survivors include: his wife,...

Apr 5, 2024

     Dewey Virgil Lassley, 86, of Rogersville, passed away April 5, 2024, at 6:35 AM, resting peacefully surrounded by his children. He was born October 31, 1937, in Rogersville to William Ola and Lexie Capitola (Patterson) Lassley. On October 29, 1958, he was united in marriage to Milda Todd and remained married until her death in 1982. Dewey was...

Apr 5, 2024

Joy Myrtle Burk was born on August 26, 1934 in Stone County, Missouri on the family farm just outside of Ponce  de Leon.



In 1952, at the age of 17, she married her childhood sweetheart, JC Bradford and had two sons, Rick Bradford and Mark Bradford.



In 1957 she began working at Lily Tulip in Springfield Missouri.  In 1971 she left Lily...

Apr 4, 2024

Robert James Crist, age 64, of Springfield, Missouri, has peacefully passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2024. He was born on December 17, 1959, to Kenneth Crist and Roberta Crist Bostic.Throughout his life, Robert faced numerous challenges and difficult situations. However, he had a profound salvation story - a testament to the transformative power of faith in his life. His...

Apr 4, 2024

Clara Belle (Fox) Keithley age 103, of Galena, Missouri was born April 2, 1921 at home in Ponce de Leon, Missouri, to George Elmer Fox and Myrtle (Wells) Fox. She departed this life on April 4, 2024 at her home.



Clara lived in the Galena area most of her life. She and her husband, James Neal Keithley ran a general store...

Apr 1, 2024

     Brian Scott Phillips, age 53 of Ozark, passed away April 1, 2024.  He was born September 4, 1970 in Macomb, Illinois, the son of Thomas Thurman and Zola (Faye) Porter Phillips.

     Brian had worked for the past seven years for Kraft Foods.  He enjoyed fishing, the beach, and listening to 80's music. Most of all, he loved...

Mar 26, 2024

On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, Fred Trimble Farthing departed his Earthly life surrounded by family following a short illness. Born May 17, 1943, to Fred R. Farthing and Elizabeth Trimble Farthing, Fred grew up alongside his sister, Cynthia, in Springfield, Missouri. He attended Greenwood Laboratory School graduating in 1961, and went on to Drury College where he received his degree...

Mar 25, 2024

     Marcia June Knight, age 90 of Nixa, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family and caregivers March 25, 2024. She was born March 16, 1934 in Grandville, Michigan, the daughter of Arnold and Florence (Schmidt) Reister.  

    Marcia graduated from high school in 1951 from Grandville High School.  In 1955 she graduated from Blogett...

Mar 25, 2024

Garen Dale McGinnis, age 81 of Nixa, passed away March 25, 2024. He was born June 29, 1942 in Selmore, Missouri, the son of Earl and Estel (Pollard) McGinnis.

On April 20, 1963, Garen was united in marriage to Saundra Jean Barber.

Garen was a building contractor and worked in construction. He had been a volunteer firefighter for Nixa Fire Protection District...

Mar 24, 2024

    Norma Jean Gorlock, age 86 of Nixa, passed away March 24, 2024.  She was born October 29, 1937 in Avella, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Joseph and Patsy Lena (Dragone) Gorlock.

     Norma was a make up artist for many years in New York City.  She enjoyed cooking and singing.  Norma was talented in writing songs for the Lord...

Mar 23, 2024

Maurice (Babe) Hubert Budd, age 73, of Highlandville passed away Saturday, March 23, 2024. He was born May 7, 1950 in Sacramento, CA to Hugh and Jewell (Anderson) Budd. Maurice was united in marriage to Diana Whistance March 12, 1982, recently celebrating 42 years of marriage.



In 1959, at the age of nine his family moved to Highlandville. Maurice helped his...

Mar 21, 2024

Betty Lou Medler, 89, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2024 at Cox Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. She was preceded in death by Dayton “Bud” Newcomb and James “Tobey” Medler; parents French and Pauline Costello; children David Craig Medler, Anna Coker, Christine Sanders, and Michael Newcomb; granddaughter, Davida Colonna; sisters, Sylvia Jean Costello, Joyce Ware, and Wanda Finley; and brothers,...

Mar 20, 2024

My father, Joe Robert Pearce walked home with the Lord on March 20, 2024 at 4:51 a.m. in his home after a long battle with Myelofibrosis that finally ended with him in my arms and by his side.

He is now joined with his mother and father, Alice (Archer) and Merrell Pearce; and siblings, Anita Jane, Leland, Clyde, Jerry, and Sue...