As of Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026
Cities without a state are in Missouri
July 19, 1944 – Aug. 25, 2026
Charlotte Jean (Fieker) Jantz, age 82, of Oronogo, entered into the arms of Jesus on Aug. 25, 2026 at Mercy Hospital Joplin. She was born on July 19, 1944, to C.R and Frankie Fieker in Joplin. Charlotte was a strong and steady hand in every circumstance that came her way. The best ways to summarize Charlotte’s life were in the words of her family: She was loving, onery as the day is long, and above all, a caretaker.
Charlotte was a 1963 graduate of Carl Junction High School. She worked primarily in accounting for the Empire District Electric Company until her retirement in 2009. She enjoyed puzzles, sewing, and making sure things were done her way, which was the right way. She had a way to keep the farm running smoothly, her house full, and find joy in her precious grandkids and great-grandkids.
She was united in marriage on Friday, May 10, 1985, to Norman Jantz at the Christ’s Church of Oronogo. Her husband explained their month-long engagement, “..hay season was coming, I said ‘we can get married now or wait till after.’”
Charlotte maintained a nature of caretaking and nurturing that lasted throughout her life. So much so that it had only been in recent years that she and Norman had what is called an empty nest.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers, Ronald and Randy Fieker. She is survived by her children, Amy (Joel) Beck, Jeff (Jennie) Carr, and Gregory Carr; sister Linda (Garry) Graves; grandchildren Michael (Lacey) Hudson, Nikkie (Matt) Friend, Tiffany Hudson, Statler (Paige) Beck, Sierra (Kade) Thomas, Stetson (Taylor) Beck, Lane Beck (and fiancée Lauren), Schuyler Carr, Kaitlin Beck, and Samuel Car; and great-grandchildren Logan Friend, Kasaya Haywood, Averi Friend, Grace Beck, Charlee Beck, Willa Hudson, Alex Chism, Kash Beck, Codee Beck, Lawson Beck, Frankie Thomas, and Landry Beck.
Charlotte left her latest puzzle incomplete, which family and friends were invited to finish during visitation on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at Christ’s Church of Oronogo. A funeral service on the following day was also held at the church, with Dan Toney officiating. Burial was in Weaver Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Christ’s Church of Oronogo, in care of Simpson Funeral Home.
July 11, 1928 – Aug. 29, 2026
Betty Rose Priester, known lovingly as Betty, was born on July 11, 1928, in Huron, S.D., and passed away on Aug. 29, 2026, in Webb City, leaving behind a life that reflected love, generosity and thoughtful care for others.
Betty lived with a spirit that made people feel seen, welcomed and valued. She was a Christian woman whose faith was reflected not only in her words, but in the way she carried herself through life with kindness and grace. She was a member of the Alba Christian Church, and she also shared in the fellowship of the Webb City VFW and the American Legion.
Betty never treated a conversation as something small or ordinary. She knew how to turn a simple exchange into a moment of warmth, laughter, and human connection. She enjoyed puzzles, watching soap operas, and playing bingo, but even then, it was never just about the activity itself. It was about the people around her, the stories shared, the laughter exchanged, and the joy of being together.
She is survived by three children, Henry “Hank” Priester and Linda, of Billings, Mo., Teresa Hays and John, O’Fallon, and Mark Priester and Amy, Carthage; and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William J. and Juanita (Davis) Maples; her husband, James Henry Priester; daughter, Juanita Torres; and her eight siblings.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at the Alba Christian Church, with Pastor Roger Hasslequist officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Golden Paws Pet Rescue or Aspire Senior Living. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
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