As of Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Oct. 10, 1950 – Feb. 22, 2025
Lovingly written by the family
Deborah “Debbie” Jean Heath, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at 6:49 p.m. at Mercy Hospital Carthage, with her devoted daughter, Heidi Ansley beside her, holding her hand.
Debbie, age 74, was born on Oct. 10, 1950, in Joplin, to Geraldine and John Ganes. Debbie married Jim Heath on Dec. 14, 1968, and they were married for 53 years. She lost her beloved husband on Nov. 9, 2022. She leaves behind a legacy of affection and strength in her surviving daughter, Heidi Ansley (Jason) of Webb City. She was also a proud and cherished Nanny to Jalen Romero (Jacob), of Memphis, Tenn., and Ally Ansley, currently attending the University of Arkansas.
Besides her husband, Debbie was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Bridget Kathleen; a brother, Johnny Bill Ganes; and a sister, Glenda Spence.
Debbie was a cosmetologist and with her husband owned and operated Heath II Barber and Beauty Shop on Main Street for 30 years. She was loved by all who knew her. She enjoyed getting to know all of her customers and formed lasting friendships through the years.
Known for her kind heart and welcoming spirit, Debbie was adored by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She fostered a special bond with her neighbors in Redings Mill, where she created a sense of community that will long be remembered. Debbie’s favorite moments were spent sitting on her front porch sharing stories of her daughter and granddaughters with her neighbors and getting fired up about the Kansas City Chiefs.
Debbie’s life was a testament to the power of love and family, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Services to celebrate her life will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at Hope City Church, 1258 Jaguar Road, Joplin. Family will receive visitors after the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
April 9, 1940 – Feb. 16, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Wayne Russell Perry, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Wayne, the cherished son of Harold Russell Perry and Dorothy Elizabeth Perry (Dorris), was born on April 9, 1940, in Joplin and left this world on Feb. 16, 2025.
Wayne graduated from Joplin High School in 1958 and went on to have a remarkable career as an expert electronic technician, serving fervently for over 30 years at IBM and NCR. Even in his retirement, Wayne’s passion for helping others never waned, as he continued to deliver medications throughout the town, always ready to lend a hand to those in need.
Wayne’s love for his family was unparalleled. He married the love of his life, Lula Jeannette Allen, on Sept. 4, 1959, and together they shared 65 beautiful years of marriage. They raised three beloved sons: Jerry (Rebecca), Gale, and Gary. Wayne’s legacy lives on through his six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Beyond his professional accomplishments and family devotion, Wayne was a man of deep faith. He was a devoted member of the Royal Heights Methodist Church.
Wayne’s passion for automobiles was profound. There seemed to be no mechanical or electrical challenge he couldn’t self-master; he spent dutiful hours helping with multitudes of endless projects with his family, church family, and friends.
Wayne’s memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Royal Heights Methodist Church, preceded by visitation at 1 p.m.
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On a personal note, Wayne Perry played a vital role behind the scenes at the Sentinel. Before personal computers, he often came to our rescue when a computerized typesetter would, as Jean Laton would say, “get something in its craw.” His fixes saved us from calling a technician from Kansas City to come down (whenever) and charge $1,500 for the service call – which we couldn’t afford.
Wayne, a licensed electrician, also got roped into wiring new outlets for Merle’s printing presses, as well as to move them, and he rewired our building. He was on our side because he and Merle Lortz were tight, cousins in fact (by marriage).
The Webb City Sentinel isn’t a newspaper – but it used to be, serving Webb City, Missouri, in print from 1879-2020. This “newspaper” seeks to carry on that tradition as a nonprofit corporation.
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