As of Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
July 23, 1933 – Feb. 28, 2025
Connie Joan Morris, age 91, departed this life peacefully on Friday afternoon, Feb. 28, 2025, in the comfort of her home in Webb City with the love of her family by her side. She entered this life on July 23, 1933, in Joplin, the only child born to the union of the late James Andrew and Icy Marie (Harrison) Hale.
Raised in the town of her birth, Connie was a spirited and enthusiastic member of Joplin High School’s class of 1951. Her energy and school spirit were evident as she cheered on her classmates all four years.
Connie’s heart found its match when she married Jimmie C. Morris, a Webb City boy, on April 30, 1960. Their union was blessed with four children: Jasper Dan, John and his wife Sally, Cindy Scholl, and Joe and his wife Donna. Connie’s family grew to include 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy and pride.
Her professional life was marked by 23 years of dedicated service at Merchant and Miners Bank in Webb City. Beyond her professional endeavors, Connie was a devoted member of the “Ladies Reading Club” for over 60 years. Connie’s faith was an integral part of her life. She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City.
She was a constant presence at grandchildren’s recitals, sporting events, and milestones. Connie also found joy in traveling, exploring new places, and creating memories with her beloved Jimmie. Her generous spirit often led her to help those in need, whether through her church, community, or in quiet, unseen acts of kindness.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of other family and friends. Her parents; her husband; and two grandsons, Shane and Daniel Morris, preceded her in death.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, with Pastor Kyle Beverlin officiating. Burial was in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Palbearers were Clay Bolinger, Chad DeGraffenreid, Joseph DeGraffenreid, Brandon McRay, Brody McRay and Zach Morris. Arrangements were under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
Feb. 27, 2025 – June 26, 1945
Linda Lea Ross, age 79, of Joplin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at The Communities of Wildwood following an extended illness.
Linda was born June 26, 1945, in Springfield, Mo., to the late Dudley C. and Hester (Buchanek) Barnes. After graduating from Webb City High School as a member of the class of 1963, Linda received her bachelor’s degree and later her master’s degree in education from Pittsburg State University. Linda was a first-grade teacher for Joplin schools before later working for the Carl Junction School District, where she was named the Teacher of The Year in 2004, the year she retired. She always felt that teaching was a special calling, and she loved when former students would tell her about the impact she had on their lives. Linda had a passion for teaching young students, especially her first graders.
Linda loved using her musical talents to bless others. She served as the church pianist at Webb City First Baptist Church for over 40 years, where she and her husband, Larry, faithfully attended, served, and raised their children. During the past several years, Larry and Linda attended Forest Park Baptist Church in Joplin, where they enjoyed fellowship with friends new and old. Both churches held a special place in Linda’s heart, and she treasured the relationships she had with their members. Her faith in Christ was something she shared with many throughout the years.
Linda loved to travel with both family and friends. She enjoyed wonderful trips all over the country and made many special memories throughout the years. She treasured those memories and loved sharing these times with those dear to her.
Linda married Larry Ross on Dec. 27, 1969, at Webb City First Baptist Church, and they were blessed with 55 years of marriage. They were introduced on a blind date, and the rest is history. Together, they have raised two wonderful children and were blessed with six incredible grandchildren. Her grandchildren were the light of Linda’s life. She loved attending their many activities and was their biggest (and often loudest) fan at the many basketball games, swim meets and soccer games.
Linda is survived by her husband, Larry Ross, of Joplin; daughter, Heather Shoesmith (David), Bartlesville, Okla.; son, Brian Ross (Annett), Joplin; and beloved grandchildren, Katie, Lauren, Preston, Parker, Hannah and Connor.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Dudley and Hester Barnes; an infant sister, Anne Barnes; and brother, Milton C. Barnes.
Funeral services were held March 4, 2025, at Webb City First Baptist Church, with burial to follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
March 10, 1951 – Feb. 25, 2025
Bill Seward, age 73, of Joplin, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. Bill was born March 10, 1951, in Joplin, Missouri to Russell and Edna Seward. He attended Webb City High School, class of 1969. He worked at Joplin Butane and Seward’s Insulation before starting his own business, Bill Seward’s General Home Improvement.
He married Kathy Jeffries on Nov. 6, 1971. Whether they were camping, supporting their grandsons in sports, hosting family reunions, or cooking Sunday breakfasts, family was always the most important part of life. He also loved coaching his daughters’ softball teams and cherished the relationships made.
Fishing and hunting were a couple of his favorite hobbies throughout life. He was a member of the Southwest Missouri Bass Club and enjoyed fishing and hunting trips with his brothers, friends, and grandsons. He enjoyed watching NASCAR with a special group of friends. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge.
e was an active member of the Webb City Elks Lodge No. 861. He had many friends dear to him throughout the years. He led a very generous life to help others whenever he could and had an influence on so many people. He gave his children and grandchildren the best life they could ever ask for, always teaching them, providing for them, and supporting them.
Bill is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughter Sheryl Kerr, two grandsons Grant and Brett, and two great-grandchildren Maddie and Jameson; daughter Shauna Friend and son-in-law Randy, three grandsons Gunnar and wife Abby, Fisher, and Tucker and fiancée Amber, and great-grandson Kolson; son Jeff Seward, five grandchildren Levi, Allen, Lexi, Maddie, and Briley, and two great-grandsons Holden and Karter. He is also survived by four brothers Jack Riggs and wife Rose, John Seward, Ron Seward and wife Mary, Rick Seward and wife Peggy; one sister, Ruth Cogbill; and more than 100 nieces and nephews who will miss him greatly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Charlie Seward, Kenny Seward, Jack Seward, and Jess Riggs; four sisters, Charlotte Jones, Alice Coy, Patsy Passantino, and Shirley Kellogg.
Memorial contributions may be made to Webb City Elks Lodge No. 861, P.O. Box 705, Webb City, MO 64870. Please note “Bill Seward Memorial,” which will be used to benefit others in the community. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
March 7, 1938 – Feb. 28, 2025
JoAnn Watts, age 86, an RN, died Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. She lived most of her life in the Columbus, Kan. area.
She was born March 7, 1938, in Columbus, the daughter of Roy and Latishie Cline.
She graduated with a nursing degree from Pittsburg State University, and then married Gary Watts on June 25, 1958, in Columbus.
JoAnn worked as a school nurse for the Columbus school district for many years until retirement. After retirement, Gary and JoAnn enjoyed traveling in their camper, watching their grandkids and great-grandkids in their activities and events, and horseback riding. In the later years, that often included horse camping in Pineville.
Survivors include a son, Jim Watts, of El Dorado, Kan.; daughters Cyndie Howell, Carl Junction, and Cheryl McReynolds, Columbus; nine grandsons, and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her spouse, and her brother, Marvin Cline.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2015, at Fir Road Christian Church, 6025 County Road 303, Carl Junction, with visiting pastor Audie Tash, a long-time family friend, officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
Condolences can written on the Midland Cremation Society website.
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.
© All Rights Reserved 2025
DIY website design by Bob Foos
