James (Jim) Andreas Kreider was born in Nuremberg, Germany on June 24, 1955 to James D. and Kunigunda Kreider. He passed away peacefully on August 1, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.
In 1976, Jim married Debbie (Neil) Kreider and had two daughters, Lacey Lukowski (Jason) and Neeley Kreider (Dillon). His greatest pride and joy were his four grandsons, Greyson, Hudson, Landon and Zayne. Jim continuously taught his grandsons (the boys of summer) to work hard and make common sense decisions . and impressed upon them the importance of getting involved to make a difference in their community.
Throughout Jim’s life, he made remarkable contributions and had an unwavering commitment to his community and to public education. At age 15, when his father passed away, Jim stepped up to keep the family farm that is still thriving today. While running the family farm, Jim worked his way through college and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics. In 1993, Jim was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives where his leadership skills were soon recognized and he was elected Speaker Pro Tem in 1997 and became Speaker of the House in 2001. After serving in the House, Jim continued his support of public education and became Executive Director of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association in 2003 and retired in 2021. Jim also had a passion for history and preserving historical structures and buildings which led him to be involved in the Historic City of Jefferson Society. After retirement, Jim decided to return to public service as the Southern Missouri Director of Renew Missouri.
Jim’s leadership skills were recognized through a plethora of awards including: Christian County Farm Family, Family Farm Leadership Award, NEA Education Award, Public School Association Education Award, Christian County Retired Teachers Legislator of the Decade, Farm Bureau Legislator of the Year, MSBA Friend of Education Award, and was inducted into the Nixa Academic Hall of Fame.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, with Jon Hagler officiating. Burial will follow in Payne Cemetery, Nixa. Visitation will be from noon until 2:00 p.m. immediately before the funeral in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Nixa High School FFA. Checks may be written to Nixa Public Schools, with FFA in the memo or give online here, with FFA in the notes section.
In 1976, Jim married Debbie (Neil) Kreider and had two daughters, Lacey Lukowski (Jason) and Neeley Kreider (Dillon). His greatest pride and joy were his four grandsons, Greyson, Hudson, Landon and Zayne. Jim continuously taught his grandsons (the boys of summer) to work hard and make common sense decisions . and impressed upon them the importance of getting involved to make a difference in their community.
Throughout Jim’s life, he made remarkable contributions and had an unwavering commitment to his community and to public education. At age 15, when his father passed away, Jim stepped up to keep the family farm that is still thriving today. While running the family farm, Jim worked his way through college and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics. In 1993, Jim was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives where his leadership skills were soon recognized and he was elected Speaker Pro Tem in 1997 and became Speaker of the House in 2001. After serving in the House, Jim continued his support of public education and became Executive Director of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association in 2003 and retired in 2021. Jim also had a passion for history and preserving historical structures and buildings which led him to be involved in the Historic City of Jefferson Society. After retirement, Jim decided to return to public service as the Southern Missouri Director of Renew Missouri.
Jim’s leadership skills were recognized through a plethora of awards including: Christian County Farm Family, Family Farm Leadership Award, NEA Education Award, Public School Association Education Award, Christian County Retired Teachers Legislator of the Decade, Farm Bureau Legislator of the Year, MSBA Friend of Education Award, and was inducted into the Nixa Academic Hall of Fame.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, with Jon Hagler officiating. Burial will follow in Payne Cemetery, Nixa. Visitation will be from noon until 2:00 p.m. immediately before the funeral in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Nixa High School FFA. Checks may be written to Nixa Public Schools, with FFA in the memo or give online here, with FFA in the notes section.
Alvin Roger Cummins died April 3, 2023, in Springfield, Missouri.
He was born March 23, 1936 in Tyler, Texas to Willoughby Randolph and Julia Ida (Ward) Cummins.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Harriet (Deming) Cummins, his four brothers Julian Randolph
Cummins, Billy Jean Cummins, Robert Ward Cummins, and Jimmy Dee Cummins.
Alvin Roger Cummins is survived by his son James Randall Cummins (Eve) and grandsons: James Cole Cummins, Bryson Mack Cummins, and Payton Deming Cummins all of Lawrence, KS, and by his daughter Jennifer Ann Scheid(Elijah)and grandsons Christopher Corey Frey, Kamynn Alexander Cummins, and Devon Clay Konye and four great-grandchildren, three from Republic, MO. and one from Chadwick, MO. Al is also survived by his sister-in-law Donna Deming of Florida, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A resident of southwest Missouri most of his life, Al graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1954, then served in the US Army in Germany until December 1957. Al graduated from Southwest Missouri State University in 1962 with a B.S. in Education. He was a four-year letterman in football at SMSU, earning all conference honors. He was President of the SMSU Lettermen’s Club.
After graduation Al taught in Concordia and Versailles, MO then began a long career with the Springfield Public School as a teacher and coach. He received his master’s degree in School Administration from Drury University and along with teaching and coaching, Al was also a real estate broker, home builder, charter bus driver and bus driver instructor. After retirement he became a commercial drivers’ license examiner for the State of Missouri and Trailiner Trucking Company.
Al led a very active life and served on many boards, including Fremont Hills Country Club, Tri-Way Country Club (now Island Green Country Club) and coached several youth sports programs in Springfield. He was a member of Kiwanis International, and Metro Club of Springfield. He was an organizer and founding board member of the Ozarks Disaster Response Training and Funding Foundation which was organized to provide grants for training and equipment to emergency response organizations for homeland security and community betterment project. He was also a very active volunteer at Republic’s Senior Center.
Al and Harriet were both active in church life and he has served as an Elder and board member of First Christian Church in Republic.
Memorial services are at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 12 at First Christian Church, Republic, MO, under direction of Meadors Funeral Home. Inurnment will be in Greene Lawn Cemetery, Walnut Grove, MO. Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Alvin Roger Cummins to FosterAdoptConnect of Kansas and Missouri.
He was born March 23, 1936 in Tyler, Texas to Willoughby Randolph and Julia Ida (Ward) Cummins.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Harriet (Deming) Cummins, his four brothers Julian Randolph
Cummins, Billy Jean Cummins, Robert Ward Cummins, and Jimmy Dee Cummins.
Alvin Roger Cummins is survived by his son James Randall Cummins (Eve) and grandsons: James Cole Cummins, Bryson Mack Cummins, and Payton Deming Cummins all of Lawrence, KS, and by his daughter Jennifer Ann Scheid(Elijah)and grandsons Christopher Corey Frey, Kamynn Alexander Cummins, and Devon Clay Konye and four great-grandchildren, three from Republic, MO. and one from Chadwick, MO. Al is also survived by his sister-in-law Donna Deming of Florida, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A resident of southwest Missouri most of his life, Al graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1954, then served in the US Army in Germany until December 1957. Al graduated from Southwest Missouri State University in 1962 with a B.S. in Education. He was a four-year letterman in football at SMSU, earning all conference honors. He was President of the SMSU Lettermen’s Club.
After graduation Al taught in Concordia and Versailles, MO then began a long career with the Springfield Public School as a teacher and coach. He received his master’s degree in School Administration from Drury University and along with teaching and coaching, Al was also a real estate broker, home builder, charter bus driver and bus driver instructor. After retirement he became a commercial drivers’ license examiner for the State of Missouri and Trailiner Trucking Company.
Al led a very active life and served on many boards, including Fremont Hills Country Club, Tri-Way Country Club (now Island Green Country Club) and coached several youth sports programs in Springfield. He was a member of Kiwanis International, and Metro Club of Springfield. He was an organizer and founding board member of the Ozarks Disaster Response Training and Funding Foundation which was organized to provide grants for training and equipment to emergency response organizations for homeland security and community betterment project. He was also a very active volunteer at Republic’s Senior Center.
Al and Harriet were both active in church life and he has served as an Elder and board member of First Christian Church in Republic.
Memorial services are at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 12 at First Christian Church, Republic, MO, under direction of Meadors Funeral Home. Inurnment will be in Greene Lawn Cemetery, Walnut Grove, MO. Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Alvin Roger Cummins to FosterAdoptConnect of Kansas and Missouri.
Audrey Ann (Beeler) Bridges lived her life with passion. She loved and cared for her husband of 68 years, Marvin, whom she called “my sweetie” through her final days. She was devoted to her large and far-flung family, each of whom could reliably expect a birthday card each year, and loved exchanging Christmas cards with friends and relatives. She dedicated more than 30 years to enriching the lives of countless high school students during her career with Springfield Public Schools, and relished every opportunity to travel, whether it was a summer vacation to Colorado, a weekend outing to St. Louis to see a Cardinals game or The Muny Opera, or chaperoning students to DECA conferences around the country. She savored the weekends she and Marvin spent at bluegrass festivals around the Ozarks, enjoyed researching their family genealogies and was an enthusiastic gardener and flower collector. Audrey embraced her life and the people in it fiercely. Born Feb. 11, 1935, in Aurora, Missouri, Audrey was the third of seven children born to Walter Jennings Beeler and Audrey Violet (Grisham) Beeler. She passed away Feb. 2, 2023, in Springfield, just days before her 88th birthday. Audrey graduated high school in Houston, Missouri, in 1953. During her junior year, she began dating her future husband, Marvin Keith Bridges, and on July 26, 1954 — during a 30-day leave from Marvin’s stint in the Navy — they were married at First Baptist Church in Houston. After their honeymoon, Marvin returned to the Naval Air Station in Alameda, California, and Audrey followed soon after. For the next two years, she worked at an insurance company in San Francisco while Marvin fulfilled his military obligations abroad. Not one to waste any opportunities, Audrey became close, life-long friends with one of her co-workers, Terry Abe, from whom Audrey learned firsthand the often tragic experiences of Japanese American families during World War II. The two women and their families corresponded and remained close ever since. Upon Marvin’s honorable discharge from the Navy, he and Audrey returned to Missouri in 1956, where their only child, James Michael (“Mike”) Bridges, was born at Cabool at the end of that year. Soon after, the young family moved to St. Louis, where Marvin worked at McDonnell Aircraft Company. In 1959, they moved to Springfield, where Marvin enrolled at Southwest Missouri State Teachers College (now Missouri State University) under the G.I. Bill. While Marvin attended college and worked part time, Audrey helped support the family working at what was then called General Warehouse. Once Marvin graduated in 1962 and began teaching industrial arts at Republic High School, he returned the favor and put Audrey through college. She, too, became a public school teacher and, from 1966 through 1996, taught at Hillcrest High School, Kickapoo High School, and what was then called Graff Vocational-Technical School (now part of OTC). Early in her teaching career, she taught business courses such as typing, shorthand and business machines. Later, she transitioned to teaching marketing and directing the cooperative education program at Hillcrest, which combined classroom-based education with practical work experience at area businesses. Along the way she earned a master’s degree from MSU and a specialist’s degree from Central Missouri State University. An avid reader with a deep appreciation for the written word, Audrey incorporated lessons on writing skills into almost all her classes. In her view, being able to compose a clear, well-written business letter and resume was invaluable to her students, regardless of career. Audrey’s hard work on behalf of her students never seemed to diminish the time, energy and attention she had for her family. With the birth of her first grandchild, her role expanded from wife and mother to that of a devoted, adoring (and fun!) grandmother. James Amos was born in 1980, and Phillip Ryan was born in 1981, children of her son Mike’s first marriage. When Mike married Kelly Kathleen (Aufill) Bridges in 1993, she welcomed two granddaughters — Kay Diana and Sarah Lindsay — whom she embraced without reservation. In 1996, she delighted in the birth of Mike and Kelly’s daughter, Emilie Anne Grace. Audrey became a great-grandmother seven times over and, with each birth, discovered yet another cause to celebrate the richness of life. Audrey is survived by her husband, Marvin; son Mike and his wife Kelly; five grandchildren and their families — Amos Bridges, wife Paulette Harvey and daughter Isla James; Kay Gates, husband Rick and children Madeline and Benjamin; Phil Bridges, wife Dana and children Cole and Lucy; Sarah Averett, husband Nathan and children Leona and Isabella; and Emilie Bridges. She is also survived by siblings and siblings by marriage Walter Beeler and wife Christianne; John Beeler and wife Marlys; Linda Keeney and husband M.B.; Sylvia Bridges; and Paulette Bridges; along with numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Audrey was preceded in death by her parents and siblings David Beeler, Sue Casterline and Don Beeler. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole St. in Springfield, starting with a brief Celebration of Life ceremony led by the Rev. Micki Pulleyking. A funeral service in Houston will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Evans Funeral Home, 224 S. Grand Ave. Services there and at the gravesite will be led by Pastor Bradley Wells, with burial at Pine Lawn Cemetery (also called Duke Cemetery). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Audrey’s name to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
Larry Carter passed away at his home on January 28, 2023 following a long illness.
Larry was born July 15, 1943 in Stella, Missouri, to Gene and Leona Carter. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1961, then attended Oklahoma Military Academy in Claremore on an athletic scholarship. He completed his bachelor's and master’s degrees at Southwest Missouri State University, now Missouri State University.
Larry was united in marriage to Linda Roller Oldham on June 20, 1981. They shared 41 years of life and love together.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Linda; sons, David (Andrea), Doug (Cindi), and Darin (Michelle); daughter, Sarah Woolery (Jason); grandchildren, Alivia Sutton (Brinnan), and Hunter Carter (Tara), Caitlin and Campbell Carter, Callie and Jesse Carter, Lydia and Luke Nevels, Vadim and Levi Woolery, Brady (Latisha) Reynolds; and great-granddaughter, Brynlee Reynolds. He is also survived by his sister and best friend, Karolen Bischoff plus an extended family of nieces and greatnephews.
Larry grew up on the family farm near Fairview, Missouri, and he greatly enjoyed the outdoors, especially mowing the fields with a brush hog. He was an outstanding athlete, excelling at baseball and basketball, selected for the All-Ozark Basketball Team. Larry started his career as an educator at Republic High School as a coach and teacher. Later he was promoted to principal at Republic Middle School. He felt fortunate to have spent his entire professional career in the Republic School System where he touched many lives and made many lifelong friends. After his retirement from the Republic School District he worked for several years with his own brush hog business.
Larry cherished his family and was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was a treasured friend of many. Everywhere he went he would see people he knew and would stop to visit. He was the best kind of friend. Larry had a terrific sense of humor and enjoyed dominoes, pinochle, hunting, watching Kansas basketball … and donuts. He had a deep Christian faith which supported and sustained him throughout his life. He started every morning by reading his Bible and The Upper Room devotional.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 922 West Republic Road, in Springfield MO. In honor of Larry, coffee, juice, and donuts will be served. A memorial service and celebration of Larry’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Monett, Missouri under the care of Lohmeyer Funeral Home, Springfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Larry Carter Scholarship Fund , 513 US Hwy 60 East Mailbox 130 Republic, MO 65738.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.
Larry was born July 15, 1943 in Stella, Missouri, to Gene and Leona Carter. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1961, then attended Oklahoma Military Academy in Claremore on an athletic scholarship. He completed his bachelor's and master’s degrees at Southwest Missouri State University, now Missouri State University.
Larry was united in marriage to Linda Roller Oldham on June 20, 1981. They shared 41 years of life and love together.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Linda; sons, David (Andrea), Doug (Cindi), and Darin (Michelle); daughter, Sarah Woolery (Jason); grandchildren, Alivia Sutton (Brinnan), and Hunter Carter (Tara), Caitlin and Campbell Carter, Callie and Jesse Carter, Lydia and Luke Nevels, Vadim and Levi Woolery, Brady (Latisha) Reynolds; and great-granddaughter, Brynlee Reynolds. He is also survived by his sister and best friend, Karolen Bischoff plus an extended family of nieces and greatnephews.
Larry grew up on the family farm near Fairview, Missouri, and he greatly enjoyed the outdoors, especially mowing the fields with a brush hog. He was an outstanding athlete, excelling at baseball and basketball, selected for the All-Ozark Basketball Team. Larry started his career as an educator at Republic High School as a coach and teacher. Later he was promoted to principal at Republic Middle School. He felt fortunate to have spent his entire professional career in the Republic School System where he touched many lives and made many lifelong friends. After his retirement from the Republic School District he worked for several years with his own brush hog business.
Larry cherished his family and was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was a treasured friend of many. Everywhere he went he would see people he knew and would stop to visit. He was the best kind of friend. Larry had a terrific sense of humor and enjoyed dominoes, pinochle, hunting, watching Kansas basketball … and donuts. He had a deep Christian faith which supported and sustained him throughout his life. He started every morning by reading his Bible and The Upper Room devotional.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 922 West Republic Road, in Springfield MO. In honor of Larry, coffee, juice, and donuts will be served. A memorial service and celebration of Larry’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Monett, Missouri under the care of Lohmeyer Funeral Home, Springfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Larry Carter Scholarship Fund , 513 US Hwy 60 East Mailbox 130 Republic, MO 65738.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.
Lillie Beth Whitehead, daughter of Lewis and Rose (Vaughn) Dehart, was born on June 6, 1955, in Mexico, Missouri and departed this life on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at the Buffalo Prairie Center for Rehab and Healthcare in Buffalo, Missouri. She was at the time of her passing 67 years, two months, and 14 days of age.
Most knew her as Beth. Those on the inside (or those that snooped and found her driver's license) knew her as Lillie. She wore many hats and before the title on each hat was a #1. She was a daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, mom, teacher, and mentor. Anyone that knew her was the counterpart in at least one of those. Everyone that knew her, knew her as a friend.
Lillie was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Hadley and Stacy, and a sister, Donna DeHart. She is survived by two sons, Jacob and wife Mary Whitehead of Fair Grove, Missouri and Lucas Whitehead of Springfield, Missouri, her daughter, Rebecca and husband Mike Hartin of Springfield, Missouri and three grandchildren, Tyler, Ryan and Levi.
Cremation rites are being accorded by the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home in Buffalo, Missouri. The family will announce a memorial service at a later date.
"Beth was an exceptionally gifted and treasured teacher. She had high expectations for herself and her students. Under her tutelage students were eager to learn. She was also a treasured friend. Her wit and intelligence are missed!" Cindy Crabtree
Most knew her as Beth. Those on the inside (or those that snooped and found her driver's license) knew her as Lillie. She wore many hats and before the title on each hat was a #1. She was a daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, mom, teacher, and mentor. Anyone that knew her was the counterpart in at least one of those. Everyone that knew her, knew her as a friend.
Lillie was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Hadley and Stacy, and a sister, Donna DeHart. She is survived by two sons, Jacob and wife Mary Whitehead of Fair Grove, Missouri and Lucas Whitehead of Springfield, Missouri, her daughter, Rebecca and husband Mike Hartin of Springfield, Missouri and three grandchildren, Tyler, Ryan and Levi.
Cremation rites are being accorded by the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home in Buffalo, Missouri. The family will announce a memorial service at a later date.
"Beth was an exceptionally gifted and treasured teacher. She had high expectations for herself and her students. Under her tutelage students were eager to learn. She was also a treasured friend. Her wit and intelligence are missed!" Cindy Crabtree
Mr. Charles O. Whitlow, age 82, of Republic, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Velva Ann (Campbell) Whitlow and daughter Christy and husband Steve Jordan of Republic and son Clayton and fiancé Julie of Marionville; Two granddaughters, Ashley and Jeremy Flores of Olathe, Kansas and Racheal Thompson and Brian Simpson of Springfield, a great-granddaughter, Maple Flores and a great-grandson, Hayden Fox Simpson and special friends, Virgil and Janice Lampton, Claremore, Oklahoma.
Charles was born August 9, 1938 in Blackwater, Missouri and was raised on a farm near Pilot Grove, Missouri. He was the son of Henry and Nellie (Mercer) Whitlow. He was in the Army National Guard. Charles had a career in Law Enforcement and retired from Harry Cooper Supply Company as Safety and Security Director.
Charles was an Associate Member of Missouri Retired Teachers Association and a member of the Republic Area Retired School Personnel Association with his wife, Velva, a retired school teacher from Republic School District.
He was Past President of the Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club of which he was still an active member, past member of the Republic City Council, helped start the Ozark Food Harvest and supported the Fair Haven Children’s Home with annual Fish Fests and Christmas activities.
Charles loved and cherished the non-denominational teachings of His Savior Jesus Christ as described in the New Testament. He valued and loved the fellowship meeting in the home.
Survivors also include sisters, Jean Link, Billings, Missouri, Kathryn Ross, Republic, Missouri, Laura Hamilton (Howard) O’Fallon, Illinois, Marilyn Franz (Calvin) Hot Springs, Arkansas, Sisters-in-law, Jan Whitlow, Billings, Missouri, Rosella Fowler, Springfield, Missouri and Flossie Kincannon, Rogersville, Missouri, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by two sisters Dorothy Hickam and Lois Cramer and two brothers Donald Whitlow and H.C. Whitlow.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Velva Ann (Campbell) Whitlow and daughter Christy and husband Steve Jordan of Republic and son Clayton and fiancé Julie of Marionville; Two granddaughters, Ashley and Jeremy Flores of Olathe, Kansas and Racheal Thompson and Brian Simpson of Springfield, a great-granddaughter, Maple Flores and a great-grandson, Hayden Fox Simpson and special friends, Virgil and Janice Lampton, Claremore, Oklahoma.
Charles was born August 9, 1938 in Blackwater, Missouri and was raised on a farm near Pilot Grove, Missouri. He was the son of Henry and Nellie (Mercer) Whitlow. He was in the Army National Guard. Charles had a career in Law Enforcement and retired from Harry Cooper Supply Company as Safety and Security Director.
Charles was an Associate Member of Missouri Retired Teachers Association and a member of the Republic Area Retired School Personnel Association with his wife, Velva, a retired school teacher from Republic School District.
He was Past President of the Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club of which he was still an active member, past member of the Republic City Council, helped start the Ozark Food Harvest and supported the Fair Haven Children’s Home with annual Fish Fests and Christmas activities.
Charles loved and cherished the non-denominational teachings of His Savior Jesus Christ as described in the New Testament. He valued and loved the fellowship meeting in the home.
Survivors also include sisters, Jean Link, Billings, Missouri, Kathryn Ross, Republic, Missouri, Laura Hamilton (Howard) O’Fallon, Illinois, Marilyn Franz (Calvin) Hot Springs, Arkansas, Sisters-in-law, Jan Whitlow, Billings, Missouri, Rosella Fowler, Springfield, Missouri and Flossie Kincannon, Rogersville, Missouri, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by two sisters Dorothy Hickam and Lois Cramer and two brothers Donald Whitlow and H.C. Whitlow.
Barbara Ann Self
Billings - Barbara Ann Self, 79 years of age, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on June 29, 1941.
Barbara retired in 2003 after 25 years of teaching at Republic Middle School. She taught a variety of classes including English and speech. She encouraged creativity and competition by encouraging her students to enter contests, compete in speech tournaments, and perform in plays that she wrote. Her passion for education continued throughout her career in the classroom and during her retirement years.
After retiring, Barbara continued to contribute to public education by teaching speaking skills to 4H students, serving as a judge for Senior Projects at Republic High School and as a judge in speech competitions. Barbara served as a member of "Key Communicators" to keep the public informed of the progress at Republic R-III Schools.
Barbara was very active at the State level in the Missouri Retired Teachers Association (MRTA). She was given a special award, "Member Extraordinaire", by MRTA in 2017. She served as state president of MRTA in 2015-2016 after having served as vice president and president-elect. She delivered many presentations for several region meetings and for MRTA general assembly. She had also written many articles for the MRTA newsletter. Barbara conducted leadership training sessions, attended training sessions and conferences sponsored by the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA), and developed the “Vocal at the Local” program encouraging voting and community involvement of MRTA members.
Barbara was also extremely active at the Region level in MRTA. She served two terms as Region 10 Vice President. She served on the Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation (MRTF) grant selection committee for Region 10. She organized leadership training for our Region. We greatly benefited from her leadership training sessions.
Our local unit, Republic Area Retired School Personnel Association (RARSPA), has been blessed to have had Barbara as a member. She served as both President and Vice President of our unit. She served as our Membership Chair. She initiated and chaired our Scholarship Committee, which gives a local scholarship each year to a student majoring in education. She has represented our unit at the Republic Chamber of Commerce meetings, hosted picnics for RARSPA, helped with fundraising booths for our Scholarship Program, participated in Back-to-School booths, and made presentations to new retirees at the Republic School Board meetings. She has also written articles to the Springfield News-Leader in defense of the Public Schools Retirement System (PSRS-PEERS). We are a better unit because of her work.
Barbara was also active in her local community. She served on the Clever, MO. Library Board and was an active member of the First Christian Church of Clever. Barbara and her husband Dan are Christian County Master Gardeners Emeritus and helped establish a chapter in Christian County. She served two terms on the Christian County Extension Board. She also supported several environmental groups. Barbara had been a supporter of the Southern Poverty Law, never tiring of fighting bias, racism, and abuse, using materials to educate others in the classroom and the church.
Barbara was also a poet extraordinaire. She was an inspiration to with whom she came in contact. Barbara will be greatly missed.
Billings - Barbara Ann Self, 79 years of age, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on June 29, 1941.
Barbara retired in 2003 after 25 years of teaching at Republic Middle School. She taught a variety of classes including English and speech. She encouraged creativity and competition by encouraging her students to enter contests, compete in speech tournaments, and perform in plays that she wrote. Her passion for education continued throughout her career in the classroom and during her retirement years.
After retiring, Barbara continued to contribute to public education by teaching speaking skills to 4H students, serving as a judge for Senior Projects at Republic High School and as a judge in speech competitions. Barbara served as a member of "Key Communicators" to keep the public informed of the progress at Republic R-III Schools.
Barbara was very active at the State level in the Missouri Retired Teachers Association (MRTA). She was given a special award, "Member Extraordinaire", by MRTA in 2017. She served as state president of MRTA in 2015-2016 after having served as vice president and president-elect. She delivered many presentations for several region meetings and for MRTA general assembly. She had also written many articles for the MRTA newsletter. Barbara conducted leadership training sessions, attended training sessions and conferences sponsored by the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA), and developed the “Vocal at the Local” program encouraging voting and community involvement of MRTA members.
Barbara was also extremely active at the Region level in MRTA. She served two terms as Region 10 Vice President. She served on the Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation (MRTF) grant selection committee for Region 10. She organized leadership training for our Region. We greatly benefited from her leadership training sessions.
Our local unit, Republic Area Retired School Personnel Association (RARSPA), has been blessed to have had Barbara as a member. She served as both President and Vice President of our unit. She served as our Membership Chair. She initiated and chaired our Scholarship Committee, which gives a local scholarship each year to a student majoring in education. She has represented our unit at the Republic Chamber of Commerce meetings, hosted picnics for RARSPA, helped with fundraising booths for our Scholarship Program, participated in Back-to-School booths, and made presentations to new retirees at the Republic School Board meetings. She has also written articles to the Springfield News-Leader in defense of the Public Schools Retirement System (PSRS-PEERS). We are a better unit because of her work.
Barbara was also active in her local community. She served on the Clever, MO. Library Board and was an active member of the First Christian Church of Clever. Barbara and her husband Dan are Christian County Master Gardeners Emeritus and helped establish a chapter in Christian County. She served two terms on the Christian County Extension Board. She also supported several environmental groups. Barbara had been a supporter of the Southern Poverty Law, never tiring of fighting bias, racism, and abuse, using materials to educate others in the classroom and the church.
Barbara was also a poet extraordinaire. She was an inspiration to with whom she came in contact. Barbara will be greatly missed.
Faye Eula Jones
Republic - Faye Eula Jones, age 89, of Republic, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, September 20, 2018, after a battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was born on April 22, 1929 in Roubidoux, Texas County, Missouri, to the late Green Washington and Edna Mae (Boston) Wallace. She was the last to survive of seven siblings, of which she and her twin brother, Ray, were the youngest.
Faye was married to the late Raymond Jones for 61 years. She is survived by their four children, Darrell Jones, Lois Robinson, Sharon Jones, and LaRae Jones, all of Springfield or Republic, Mo. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Jordan Jones, Whitney Hoodenpyle, and Sarah Smith.
Growing up, Faye's favorite activity was helping with the farm work with her father. She also enjoyed playing sports even before girls had teams. And she did actually walk miles both ways to school in the winter, as she has the frostbitten fingers to prove it.
Faye graduated high school from Houston, Mo. in 1947. She went on to become a teacher, starting in a one-room schoolhouse at the age of 18. She later received her degree from Southwest Teachers College, currently named Missouri State University. She retired at the age of 65 from Crane Schools after over 32 years in education, in order to babysit her granddaughter Jordan. Faye also taught Sunday school class at Republic Assembly of God where she was a longtime member. After retirement, she became an avid MSU Lady Bears basketball fan, even traveling to the Virgin Islands with her family to watch them. Faye was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was a four time cancer survivor.
Republic - Faye Eula Jones, age 89, of Republic, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, September 20, 2018, after a battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was born on April 22, 1929 in Roubidoux, Texas County, Missouri, to the late Green Washington and Edna Mae (Boston) Wallace. She was the last to survive of seven siblings, of which she and her twin brother, Ray, were the youngest.
Faye was married to the late Raymond Jones for 61 years. She is survived by their four children, Darrell Jones, Lois Robinson, Sharon Jones, and LaRae Jones, all of Springfield or Republic, Mo. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Jordan Jones, Whitney Hoodenpyle, and Sarah Smith.
Growing up, Faye's favorite activity was helping with the farm work with her father. She also enjoyed playing sports even before girls had teams. And she did actually walk miles both ways to school in the winter, as she has the frostbitten fingers to prove it.
Faye graduated high school from Houston, Mo. in 1947. She went on to become a teacher, starting in a one-room schoolhouse at the age of 18. She later received her degree from Southwest Teachers College, currently named Missouri State University. She retired at the age of 65 from Crane Schools after over 32 years in education, in order to babysit her granddaughter Jordan. Faye also taught Sunday school class at Republic Assembly of God where she was a longtime member. After retirement, she became an avid MSU Lady Bears basketball fan, even traveling to the Virgin Islands with her family to watch them. Faye was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was a four time cancer survivor.
William "Bill" Schatz
Mr. William "Bill" Schatz, age 90, of Republic, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. He was born on September 25, 1927, in Billings, Missouri, the son of W.L. and Vival (Butler) Schatz.
Bill served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He was raised on a farm in Billings, and a graduate of Billings High School. Bill also earned degrees from the now MSU (then it was SMS) and Drury University, both in Springfield, Missouri. While attending SMS, Bill lettered all four years as a long distance runner; and he also managed and played on area baseball and softball teams for more than 40 years.
Bill spent a total of 35 years as a Teacher, Coach, Principal and Superintendent while employed by the districts of Everton, Fairview, and Galena. Bill spent the last 25 years as the Administrator in the Republic School District.
After retirement from Republic Schools, he was employed by The Edwards Press School Supply Company; and was also was a Field Representative for Senator John T. Russell. Bill had also volunteered at St. John's (Mercy) Hospital for 20 years, and was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Billings.
Bill served in various organizations during his life which included: Commander of Billings American Legion, President of Southwest Missouri Administrators, Greene County Teachers Association, and Board member and President of the Missouri State High School Activities Association.
In 1955 Bill married Peggy McBride, and they are the parents of Gail Morris, Mike Schatz and wife Shelly, Karen Schatz, and Sarah Wilmoth and husband Brent. Bill is also survived by his grandchildren, Stuart and Clark Morris, Tara Plank, Eric and Kyle Wilmoth, Ryan and Hope Schatz; great grandchildren, Claire, Garett and Beckett Plank, Graham and Quinn Morris, Allison Wilmoth and Emma Morris; his sister, Rosemary Hutter; a brother, John Schatz; along with a niece and two nephews.
Mr. William "Bill" Schatz, age 90, of Republic, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. He was born on September 25, 1927, in Billings, Missouri, the son of W.L. and Vival (Butler) Schatz.
Bill served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He was raised on a farm in Billings, and a graduate of Billings High School. Bill also earned degrees from the now MSU (then it was SMS) and Drury University, both in Springfield, Missouri. While attending SMS, Bill lettered all four years as a long distance runner; and he also managed and played on area baseball and softball teams for more than 40 years.
Bill spent a total of 35 years as a Teacher, Coach, Principal and Superintendent while employed by the districts of Everton, Fairview, and Galena. Bill spent the last 25 years as the Administrator in the Republic School District.
After retirement from Republic Schools, he was employed by The Edwards Press School Supply Company; and was also was a Field Representative for Senator John T. Russell. Bill had also volunteered at St. John's (Mercy) Hospital for 20 years, and was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Billings.
Bill served in various organizations during his life which included: Commander of Billings American Legion, President of Southwest Missouri Administrators, Greene County Teachers Association, and Board member and President of the Missouri State High School Activities Association.
In 1955 Bill married Peggy McBride, and they are the parents of Gail Morris, Mike Schatz and wife Shelly, Karen Schatz, and Sarah Wilmoth and husband Brent. Bill is also survived by his grandchildren, Stuart and Clark Morris, Tara Plank, Eric and Kyle Wilmoth, Ryan and Hope Schatz; great grandchildren, Claire, Garett and Beckett Plank, Graham and Quinn Morris, Allison Wilmoth and Emma Morris; his sister, Rosemary Hutter; a brother, John Schatz; along with a niece and two nephews.
Betty Jean Mason
Mrs. Betty Mason, age 85, Republic, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2017, in Cox South Hospital, Springfield, Missouri. She was born December 23, 1931, in Republic, to William Bryan and Birdie Pauline (Howard) McElhaney.
Betty was united in marriage June 9, 1956, to Buell Burnell Mason, in the Hood United Methodist Church, Republic. They lived in St. Louis until 1983 when they returned to Republic, where they joined the Calvary Baptist Church. Betty served as the church librarian for several years. She retired as an elementary school teacher and was a member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association and the Republic Area Retired School Association, as well as the Republic Historical Society. Her hobbies included quilting, painting and croqueting.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Buell, in 2007, and a brother, Robert H. McElhaney. Her survivors include a daughter and husband, Rebecca Ann and Donald Shaw; four grandchildren, Daniel Weaver, Sarah Weaver, David Shaw, and Jonathan Shaw; step grandchildren, Janett Shaw and Gary Shaw; four great grandchildren, Brianna, Caleb, Makaila, and Cullen; a special friend, Sylvia Cooper; other extended relatives, and many friends
Mrs. Betty Mason, age 85, Republic, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2017, in Cox South Hospital, Springfield, Missouri. She was born December 23, 1931, in Republic, to William Bryan and Birdie Pauline (Howard) McElhaney.
Betty was united in marriage June 9, 1956, to Buell Burnell Mason, in the Hood United Methodist Church, Republic. They lived in St. Louis until 1983 when they returned to Republic, where they joined the Calvary Baptist Church. Betty served as the church librarian for several years. She retired as an elementary school teacher and was a member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association and the Republic Area Retired School Association, as well as the Republic Historical Society. Her hobbies included quilting, painting and croqueting.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Buell, in 2007, and a brother, Robert H. McElhaney. Her survivors include a daughter and husband, Rebecca Ann and Donald Shaw; four grandchildren, Daniel Weaver, Sarah Weaver, David Shaw, and Jonathan Shaw; step grandchildren, Janett Shaw and Gary Shaw; four great grandchildren, Brianna, Caleb, Makaila, and Cullen; a special friend, Sylvia Cooper; other extended relatives, and many friends
Patricia (Patsy) Ruth Stufflebeam
Patsy was born in a small house in the little southwest Missouri town of Fairview. She was the first born of Uhlan and Virginia (Patton) Stipp, on March 29, 1933; shortly afterward they moved to a small farm near Wanda, Mo., south of Stark City. She often recalled milking cows before dawn, and taking care of the chickens, pigs, gardens, and canning foods for winter. The walls were covered with newspaper for insulation; she and siblings took baths in a tub in the kitchen, every Saturday night, (whether they needed it or not, she used to say). The water pump and the outhouse were in the backyard. They went to church every Sunday at Wanda Methodist, just down the road. In High School at Midway (now East-Newton) she was very sociable and loved being on the cheerleading squad; Chuck moved to the area during her senior year of '51, but she didn't like the new kid from St. Louis much, at first….they married in '52, but lived at home while Chuck completed his Army duty. Her dad installed their first modern bathroom, as she was soon expecting her first born….and soon their first hand-crank phone was installed. Her "raisin's" gave her a good perspective on life, good common sense, and a good sense of humor.
She accepted Christ as a teenager, and her faith and church were a major part of her life and character. At age 84, she went to heaven on May 31, 2017, after succumbing to effects of Alzheimer's and failing health.
Patsy was devoted to her husband, children, and family, and was the best mom ever, and a great cook too. She made everyone feel loved and welcome, and was a joy and inspiration to all who knew her. Her creative side included quilting, painting, flower arrangements, decorating, and refinishing used furniture. She loved working in the garden, and rooting for the Cardinals.
Her parents passed away in the '90's; and her husband of 57 years, Chuck, in '09.
While raising three boys, she worked part time at various venues, and to support her husband's pursuit of a PHD in Animal Husbandry at MU. She was a waitress, a nurse's aid for a while, and eventually got her teaching degree and taught 3rd grade at Republic for 20 years. The family spent 2 years in Alpine, Texas; and 3 in Natchitoches, Louisiana, which she truly enjoyed, before moving to Springfield in '68. She loved her church family and Sunday school class at First Baptist Church, Springfield, and had many, many friends throughout her lifetime.
She is survived by her three sons (and their wives, who she considered her daughters): Jim (Linda), Ken (Terry), and Mark (Chris) all of Springfield; brother Weymeth Stipp (Carolyn) of Springfield; sister Colene Frencken (Eugene) of Stark City; she dearly loved all of her 8 grandkids: Tabitha (Bradley); Trisha (Nick); Samantha; Matt (Ashley); Janelle (Kyle); Luke (Sophia); Andrew; David; and three great-grandchildren.
Patsy was born in a small house in the little southwest Missouri town of Fairview. She was the first born of Uhlan and Virginia (Patton) Stipp, on March 29, 1933; shortly afterward they moved to a small farm near Wanda, Mo., south of Stark City. She often recalled milking cows before dawn, and taking care of the chickens, pigs, gardens, and canning foods for winter. The walls were covered with newspaper for insulation; she and siblings took baths in a tub in the kitchen, every Saturday night, (whether they needed it or not, she used to say). The water pump and the outhouse were in the backyard. They went to church every Sunday at Wanda Methodist, just down the road. In High School at Midway (now East-Newton) she was very sociable and loved being on the cheerleading squad; Chuck moved to the area during her senior year of '51, but she didn't like the new kid from St. Louis much, at first….they married in '52, but lived at home while Chuck completed his Army duty. Her dad installed their first modern bathroom, as she was soon expecting her first born….and soon their first hand-crank phone was installed. Her "raisin's" gave her a good perspective on life, good common sense, and a good sense of humor.
She accepted Christ as a teenager, and her faith and church were a major part of her life and character. At age 84, she went to heaven on May 31, 2017, after succumbing to effects of Alzheimer's and failing health.
Patsy was devoted to her husband, children, and family, and was the best mom ever, and a great cook too. She made everyone feel loved and welcome, and was a joy and inspiration to all who knew her. Her creative side included quilting, painting, flower arrangements, decorating, and refinishing used furniture. She loved working in the garden, and rooting for the Cardinals.
Her parents passed away in the '90's; and her husband of 57 years, Chuck, in '09.
While raising three boys, she worked part time at various venues, and to support her husband's pursuit of a PHD in Animal Husbandry at MU. She was a waitress, a nurse's aid for a while, and eventually got her teaching degree and taught 3rd grade at Republic for 20 years. The family spent 2 years in Alpine, Texas; and 3 in Natchitoches, Louisiana, which she truly enjoyed, before moving to Springfield in '68. She loved her church family and Sunday school class at First Baptist Church, Springfield, and had many, many friends throughout her lifetime.
She is survived by her three sons (and their wives, who she considered her daughters): Jim (Linda), Ken (Terry), and Mark (Chris) all of Springfield; brother Weymeth Stipp (Carolyn) of Springfield; sister Colene Frencken (Eugene) of Stark City; she dearly loved all of her 8 grandkids: Tabitha (Bradley); Trisha (Nick); Samantha; Matt (Ashley); Janelle (Kyle); Luke (Sophia); Andrew; David; and three great-grandchildren.
Wilma Goddard
Mrs. Wilma Jean Goddard, age 84, of Republic, Mo., died on Dec. 10, 2016 in Magnolia Square Nursing and Rehab, Springfield, Mo. She was born on Feb. 6, 1932 in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of the late William and Eula (Lawrence) Hughes.
She is survived by her son, Wayne Goddard, Republic; and many other family and friends.
Mrs. Wilma Jean Goddard, age 84, of Republic, Mo., died on Dec. 10, 2016 in Magnolia Square Nursing and Rehab, Springfield, Mo. She was born on Feb. 6, 1932 in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of the late William and Eula (Lawrence) Hughes.
She is survived by her son, Wayne Goddard, Republic; and many other family and friends.