As of Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Oct. 15, 1949 – Jan. 18, 2026
Janice K. Eppard, 76, of Hannibal, formerly of Joplin, passed away at 11:15 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at Hannibal Regional Hospital in Hannibal.
Janice was born Oct. 15, 1949, in Lebanon to Guy E. Lowrance and Hazel Burns Lowrance.
She was first married to Jim VanStavern. He preceded her in death in 1984. She later married Audie Steven Eppard on May 3, 1986, in Carterville. He survives.
Other survivors include her two children, James VanStavern (Kathy), of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Guyla Woodward (Randy), of Parrish, Fla.; sister-in-law, Barbara Lowrance; eight grandchildren, Shane VanStavern, Nyssa Sellars (Austin), Katlyn Furry (Cody), Jacob Thornton, Kayla Wharton (Brenden), Lyndsey Kanz (Tyler), Lauren Woodward (Seth Rochelle), and Jace Woodward; seven great-grandchildren, Nathan Wharton, Rylan Wharton, Dawson Wharton, Lylah Jean Kanz, Casen Sellars, Adilee VanStavern, and Lilah Grace Thornton; and many nieces and nephews.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Ed Lowrance (Mary Jean), Charles Lowrance (Christena), and Larry Lowrance; and one great-grandson, Corbin Wharton.
Janice worked as a church secretary here for Carterville First Baptist Church and North Main Street Baptist Church.
Janice was baptized in a creek on the Jordan property and often laughed and said she was baptized in the Jordan River. She was a member of the Tabernacle of Praise Church in Hannibal.
Janice found peace and inspiration in the pages of her Bible. Her faith and love for Jesus was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and her unwavering compassion for others. Janice enjoyed watching golf, especially Tiger Woods and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. Old westerns, love stories, and movies featuring horses captivated Janice’s imagination. Janice’s love for her cats was evident in the care and attention she lavished upon them. Above all, the greatest joy in Janice’s life was the time she spent with her grandchildren. Each moment was filled with laughter, learning, and love. She instilled in them the values of respect, hard work, and the importance of family. The memories they created together will be treasured and passed down, a testament to the incredible grandmother she was. Janice will be missed by all who loved her.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel in Lebanon. Rev. Curt Riley will officiate. Burial will be at Roper Cemetery in Morgan, Mo.
Friends and Family are invited to Janice’s life celebration at a visitation that will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel in Lebanon. Memorial contributions may be made to Hillsdale College.
Pallbearers will be Mark Randolph, Austin Sellers, Brenden Wharton, Tyler Kanz, Seth Rochelle and Garrett Warthen.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at the James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal.
– Jan. 8, 2026
Michael E. Hataway, 34, of Quapaw, Okla., formerly of Webb City, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. He was the son of Mariann Ripley, of Webb City. Michael was fortunate enough to have two amazing father figures throughout his life, Joel Stockburger, of Joplin, and Greg Pachlhofer, of Webb City, who he admired and loved very much.
Michael graduated from Webb City High School. His favorite and most rewarding role in life was being a dad. He was the most fun, loving and supportive father to his two daughters, Aliya Holden and Rhylynn Hataway, both of Webb City. Michael was the ultimate girl dad, always there supporting them at their softball games and watching them cheer at football games. They were his greatest joy and the light of his life.
Michael loved football. He was an avid Chiefs fan. However, his favorite football player to cheer on and watch was his nephew, Talan Haslip, of Webb City. Michael always found happiness when surrounded by family and friends. He loved the country life, especially being at the creek with his brother and best friend, Rich, his two girls, and his nieces and nephews, who he absolutely loved and adored. He enjoyed cooking and creating new recipes in his spare time. One of his favorite places to visit to pray and relax was the Praying Hands.
Michael was the kind of person who would light up a room without even trying. Always the life of the party. Funny, loving and deeply caring, he had the biggest heart and natural gift for making others smile. He lived with kindness, laughed often, and left an unforgettable mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Michael is survived by his mother, Mariann Ripley of Webb City; daughters, Aliya Holden and Rhylynn Hataway, Webb City; brother, Richard Doty, Quapaw, Okla.; sister, Holly Wallace (Travis), Webb City; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Michael was preceded in death by his grandmother, Laverta Gibby; grandfather, Johnnie Gibby; uncles, Jerry Gibby, Jeff Gibby and Russ Gibby; and aunt, Callie Gibby. Michael continues to be an amazing daddy in heaven to his unborn baby, Phoenix Michael, who he and Tiffani Holden lost 10 years ago. Michael will always be remembered for his contagious smile, and steadfast love and devotion to his family.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.
Oct. 22, 1931 – Jan. 14, 2026
Everett Gene Holden, age 94, of Webb City, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Wednesday, Jan. 14, following a sudden illness.
Gene was born Oct. 22, 1931, in Joplin to the late Ray and Josephine (Jeans) Holden and grew up in Prosperity. He graduated from Carterville High School in 1950 and served in the Army from 1952-1954. Gene married Rosemary Passley in Purcell on Oct. 8, 1954. He was a master machinist for most of his life, retiring from Safeway Bakery in 1996.
Gene was a devoted Christian and was a long time member of First Baptist Church of Webb City. He served many years as a Sunday school teacher, but his passion was singing in the choir. He was also a 50-year member of the Masons and Eastern Star, both in Alba. He and Rosemary volunteered many years at Webster Primary School and Eugene Field School, receiving the Friend of Education Award, presented by the Webb City Community Teachers Association in 2000. He also volunteered with the industrial arts program at Webb City High School.
Gene is survived by his daughter, Denise Endicott and her husband Norman, of Joplin; sisters, Betty McDaniel, of Adkins, Texas, and Letha Smith, of Joplin; his grandchildren, Vance Endicott, Laura Endicott and Garrett Endicott; and 10 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his brother William “Billy” Holden; sister Bessie Gregory; and son, Douglas Eugene Holden.
The family received friends Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at Simpson Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service. Kyle Beverlin is officiated. Burial was in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Gene has requested donations be made to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home.
May 28, 1949 – Jan. 18, 2026
Teddy Earline Howard, age 76, departed this life suddenly on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in the comfort of her home in Webb City. She entered this life on May 28, 1949, in Red Bluff, Calif., the middle of three daughters born to the union of the late William Theodore “Ted” and Mearl Velta “Smokey” (Boyce) Evans.
She was raised east of Carterville in the Lakeside Community and was a 1967 graduate of Carthage High School. Teddy spent the majority of her adult life in Joplin. Her career was a testament to her attention to detail and her commitment to her craft as a seamstress. She retired from King Louie Garment Co. in Baxter Springs, Kan. in 2012.
Teddy’s life was rich with interests and passions. She found joy in engaging in craft projects, where she could express her creativity and skill. Her love for her grandchildren was boundless, and she cherished every moment spent with them. The special bond she shared with her two sisters, Caroljane and Becky, was a source of strength and comfort throughout her life.
She is survived by her two sons, Shelby Howard and wife Lindsey, Joplin, and Stacy Howard and wife, Alanna, Joplin; four grandchildren, Jodie Howard, Carter Shofler, Carlie Howard and Dalton Howard; two sisters, Caroljane Fox and Becky Mitchell, both of Webb City; three nieces; two nephews; and a host of other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gerald Howard; and a son, Shawn Daniel Howard.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin.
Oct. 11, 1972 – Jan. 16, 2026
Jeffrey Scot Ogden, age 53, of Joplin, passed away on Jan. 16, 2026, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin.
Jeff was born on Oct. 11, 1972, in Carthage, to David and Saundra Ogden. He grew up alongside his brother and sister, forming close family bonds that remained important to him throughout his life.
Jeff worked for many years alongside his father as a consultant with Money Concepts, where he was known for his dedication, professionalism, and strong work ethic.
On Aug. 24, 2012, Jeff married Teresa Watson, and together they built a life centered on family, love, and support for one another.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Teresa Ogden; his parents, David and Saundra Ogden; his brother, Kyle Ogden and wife Jillian, Hendersonville, Tenn.; his sister, Kelly Perry and husband Sam, Rogers, Ark.; his sons, Dakota Ogden, Ash Grove, Josh Ogden and wife Madi, Ash Grove, Shane Watson and wife Lilli-Anne, Lepanto, Ark.; his daughters, Cheyenne Vandegrift and husband James, St. Louis, Latricia Ogden, Tulsa, Okla., Karma Ogden, Adair, Okla., and Shelby Griffith, Joplin; nine grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him deeply.
A family-held memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Joplin Church of Christ.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
Aug. 15, 1945 – Jan. 14, 2026
Shirley Wilbur went to be with her Lord and Savior on Jan. 14, 2026, surrounded by love. She passed peacefully in the arms of her beloved granddaughter, Erica.
Shirley was born on Aug. 15, 1945, in Plymouth, Penn. She spent most of her life in Santa Barbara County, Calif., where she built a life rooted in faith, family and service to others.
She dedicated over 30 years of her career to GTE, where she was known for her strong work ethic and commitment. Outside of work, Shirley found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She had a deep love for animals and was passionate about helping them whenever she could. She also enjoyed going to yard sales, thrift stores, playing bingo, and admiring jewelry.
Her compassion for both animals and people was remarkable. Helping others during their time of need brought true joy to her heart and reflected the faith she lived by every day.
Shirley is survived by her two daughters, Robin Ferraro and Ronnette (Ken) Kendall; her loving partner, Scott; her sister, Carol Tamble; her brother, Edward; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in passing by her parents Edward and Bertha Woods; sister, and Jan Myers and her granddaughter Audrey Elizondo.
Shirley Wilbur will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her faith, kindness, generous spirit, and the love she shared with all who knew her.
Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
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Obituaries on this page are primarily found by looking for those with a connection to our immediate area on local funeral home and crematory websites. So we don’t miss one, please notify us by email at news@webbcity.net.
