As of Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Cities without a state are in Missouri
April 6, 1945 – May 18, 2024
Charles “Charlie” Lassiter, age 79, of Joplin, passed away on May 18, 2024, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loved ones.
Charlie was born on April 6, 1945, in Webb City, to Walter and Zelma (Kirby) Lassiter.
He married his beloved wife, Sharron (Duncan), on June 28, 1975, in Webb City. She remained by his side until the very end.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Zelma; two brothers, Ralph “Butch” Lassiter and Jack Lassiter; and one sister, Patricia (Lassiter) Morrill.
He is survived by his wife, Sharron; one brother, William “Bill” Lassiter, Colorado Springs, Colo.; five children, Kelly (Lassiter) Streck, Mexico, Mo., Teresa (Lassiter) Whobrey, Salisbury, Mo., Steven Lassiter, Columbia, Heather Lassiter, Joplin, and Nathan Lassiter, Joplin; six grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters.
Charlie was known for his gifts of help, loyalty, and love. He had the ability to repair almost anything. He was always willing to lend a hand, give advice, and air up bike tires as the neighborhood shade tree mechanic. As the neighborhood grandpa, he was always ready to pass out candy. Being the man of God he was, he never shied away from others; giving wisdom, love, and advice to those who needed guidance. As a father, he showed pure love for his family. He will be forever missed by those who knew and loved him.
Memorial contributions may be made to Life Choices, Joplin, in care of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Joplin Family Worship Center. Services will follow at 10 a.m. at the same location.
Aug. 13, 1945 – May 13, 2024
Arla Jean Parkison, of Webb City, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024, after a recent battle with cancer. Born on Aug. 13, 1945, in Galesburg, Ill., Arla’s friendly nature and love for life touched many throughout her 78 years. She departed this world at Carthage Health and Rehab in Carthage.
Raised in Cameron and Stronghurst, Ill., Arla was a graduate of Stronghurst High School, class of 1963.
She married Stan Parkison on Nov. 28, 1965. They moved to Joplin in 1966.
Arla furthered her education at Ozark Bible College and Missouri Southern State College. She was a girls basketball coach for seven years at Ozark Bible College.
She retired from Empire District Electric in 2010 after 26 years of service in the accounting department.
Arla was a devout member of First Christian Church in Webb City for over 50 years. She shared her musical talents by playing the piano and organ, uplifting the congregation with her passion for worship. Her interests in addition to fellowship at church included spending time at Stockton Lake, and poetry.
Arla is survived by her steadfast husband, Stan Parkison; her son, Don Parkison and his wife Karen, Springfield; her adored grandchildren, Joshua, Kayla and Chelsea Parkison; her great-grandchildren, Cadence Thomson, Oliver Thomson and Lucy Gomez; two brothers, Robert Effland and his wife Betty, Mount Carmel, Ill., and David Effland and his wife Genie, Austin, Texas; her sister, Janet Laue and her husband Ron, Burlington, Iowa; and her sister-in-law, Penny Vaughn, Monmouth, Ill.
Arla was preceded in death by her parents, O.C. and Helen (Huff) Effland; her stepmother, Anna Effland; and two brothers, Gene Vaughn and Terry Effland.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at First Christian Church in Webb City, with Pastors Lynn Ragsdale, Paul Stetler and Jeff White officiating. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the church, in care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
Nov. 18, 1947 – May 17, 2024
Glenda Marie Rucker, born Nov. 18, 1947, in Joplin, was a determined and caring woman that loved friends, family, and music. She passed away on May 17, 2024. Her greatest joy was found in supporting her grandchildren –and would share their accomplishments with any that would listen.
Glenda’s lifelong passion for music began early in life, singing and playing piano with her sisters. When she wasn’t traveling to cheer on her grandchildren at their football games, wrestling matches, soccer games, theater productions, and choir concerts, Glenda was very involved with the Sweet Adelines choral group. She traveled all over the country, singing and performing in several different groups and quartets throughout the years.
Glenda was an English teacher at both St. Peters and McAuley High School, where she worked for many years. She then taught at the collegiate level at Vatterott College in Joplin. After retiring from education in 1994, Glenda continued living with her passion for music, where she spent many years coaching several quartets and choirs across the region and directing the Show Me Harmony. Especially after the passing of her beloved husband, William Rucker, the Sweet Adelines group became like a second family.
Glenda enjoyed spending time with her friends, walking her “granddog,” Duck, around her neighborhood, and frequenting the casinos with lifelong friends. Though, most importantly, Glenda’s family meant everything to her. She was a loving mother of Jacqueline Sappington (Matt) and Monica Berg (Derek), both of whom will miss her caring presence; a proud grandmother of Zeke and Dagan Sappington, and Annika and Asher Berg; a beloved daughter of Glen and Julia Riley; and a devoted wife of the late Bill Rucker. She is also survived by her sisters Carole Goff and Jackie Mizulski, along with many nieces and nephews. Glenda’s loving and resolute personality will be greatly missed by all.
A funeral service for Glenda will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Simpson Funeral Home in Carl Junction, preceded by visitation from 1 to 2 p.m. Private graveside services will be followed by a friends and family reception at the funeral home.
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