As of Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Dec. 20, 1937 – Nov. 23, 2025
Elaine Gill Claiborne, 87, of Overland Park, Kan., passed away peacefully on Nov. 23, 2025, due to complications of corticobasal degeneration.
Born on Dec. 20,1937, in Webb City to William F. and Emma Louise Gill, Elaine recognized early in life that her creative artistry and quick sense of humor deepened her connections to family and friends.
In addition to her parents, Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Russell Claiborne; her daughter, Anne Louise Claiborne; and her brother, William F. (Billy) Gill III.
She is survived by her son, Ronald Gill Claiborne; and her beloved companion, Ted Cambern.
Elaine’s sparkling smile and bright spirit captured the attention of all in her presence. She was generous, selfless and kind. “It was my privilege to help my handicapped brother lead a happy, productive life,” she said of Billy.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 10, 2025, at Church of the Resurrection’s Wesley Chapel. Reception with families following the service in the narthex.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tallgrass Creek Scholarship Fund, Tallgrass Creek Philanthropy, 13800 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS, 66223, or Church of the Resurrection, Attn Finance, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS, 66224.
Feb. 3, 1971 – Nov. 17, 2025
Randall Dunn, 54, of Carterville, passed away Nov. 17, 2025. Randy was born to Raymond Dunn and Linda Staggs on Feb. 3, 1971, in Carthage. He graduated Webb City High school then enlisted and served in Desert Storm, earning several medals for his service in the Marine Corps.
Randy met his wife of 25 years at Johnston Industrial in Tulsa, Okla., where they both worked and were married March 10, 2000, in Branson. Together they had five children raised in his hometown of Webb City. He was employed at Jasper Products as a maintenance mechanic for over 20 years.
Always keeping busy, Randy enjoyed road trips, camping, off roading, hot rods, classic cars and of course, his food truck. He always planned something that involved food and fun. Getting together with family and friends was very important to him. He would begin planning the next event before the end of the current event. He just felt that he should enjoy life any way that he could fit it in.
He was caring, devoted, intelligent, giving, compassionate, adventurous, loving, diligent and driven in everything he did. Randy was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Dunn. He leaves behind his wife, Cynthia Dunn; and five children, Randall McQueen, Springfield, Audree Mcqueen, Tulsa, Bethany (Cole) Mitchell, Webb City, Christian Wheeler, Joplin, Margaret Dunn, of the home; and seven grandchildren, Josiah, Gabriel, Nolan, Ellie, Maverick, Forrest and Madilee; his mother Linda Staggs, Carterville; step-mother, Debra Dunn Webb City; three sisters, Mandy (Steve) Haley, Skiatook, Okla., Sheena (AJ) Lutz, Webb City, Misty (Bill) Steward; brother Rodney Dunn; Carterville ; three nieces; and eight nephews.
The visitation and celebration of life were held Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, at Simpson Funeral Home.
Inurnment will take place in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Springfield.
May 20, 1935 – Nov. 29, 2025
Martha Elizabeth Gratton, 90, of Oronogo, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. She was born on May 20, 1935, in Tom Bean, Texas, to Samuel and Josie Nelms. As a young child, she and her brother, David Behymer, were lovingly adopted by Harry and Gussie Behymer, and they grew up surrounded by faith and family in Oronogo.
On March 18, 1956, Martha married the love of her life, Edward Gratton. God blessed their 43 years of marriage with six children, Kenneth Gratton, Carolyn Murray, David Gratton, Janet Bradham, Kathleen Fox and Edward Gratton. After Edward’s passing in 1999, Martha continued to honor their life together through her steadfast faith, her strength, and her unwavering devotion to her family. Martha was a proud grandmother to 14 grandchildren, Coleicia Reuscher, Scott Murray Jr., Kimberly Holz, Jeremy Bradham, Jason Fox, Travis Gratton, Michael Gratton, Jessica Bradham, Matthew Gratton, Nicholas Gratton, Kyle Gratton, Melissa Gratton, Kenneth Scott Gratton, and Jorden Bradham; and 14 great-grandchildren, each one a blessing she thanked God for daily. She prayed faithfully for her family, celebrated their accomplishments, and filled their lives with unconditional love.
A caregiver by both calling and profession, Martha served with Oxford Health Care until her retirement at age 70. She cared for others with the compassion of Christ – always gentle, patient, and kind. Many remember her for her warm smile, her generous heart, and the way she spoke lovingly of everyone she encountered. Martha cherished moments spent with her family – talking, laughing, singing, and giving thanks to God for the life He had given her. She lived out her faith in simple, beautiful ways, and her legacy of love and devotion will continue to shine through the generations she leaves behind.
Though she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with her beloved Edward, and resting in the presence of her Savior.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
We love you, and we look forward to seeing you again in heaven.
Visitation will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, also at Mason-Woodard. Burial will be in the Oronogo Cemetery.
Oct. 25, 1964 – Nov. 26, 2025
Kimberly Ann Mitchell, a loving, caring and supportive wife, of Webb City, passed away on Nov. 26, 2025, after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. She was 61 years young.
Born Kimberly Ann Sublett on Oct. 25, 1964, in Azusa, Calif., she moved to Modesto, Calf., in 1973. She graduated from Davis High School in 1983. She graduated from California State University Stanislaus in 2000 and continued her education to earn a master of business administration.
In 1999 she met her would-be husband for the first time. Her courtship with Chris lasted three years, during which she stood by his side after he experienced an incomplete spinal cord injury. They were married on June 7, 2003, in Modesto. In the summer of 2006, Kimberly moved to Webb City to be closer to Chris’ family.
Throughout her life, Kimberly was active in her faith, both working at youth camps and being very involved in her church.
Kimberly’s last place of employment was AT&T as a customer service representative and as a trainer from 2007 until shortly after her cancer diagnosis in 2022.
Kimberly was preceded in death by her grandfather, Aaron Richard Christianson; grandmother, June Violet Christianson; mother, Rhonda Chloe (Byrd) Wolcik; and her father-in-law Monte Clair Mitchell.
Kimberly is survived by her husband, Martin Christopher Mitchell; her father, Gerald Duane Wolcik; sister, Patrica Roxanne (Wolcik) Harvey; brother-in-law, Keith Darren Harvey; niece, Hanna Elisabeth Harvey; aunt, Lou Ellen Wolcik; mother-in-law Lydia, Catherine (Martin) Mitchell; nephew, Timothy David Mitchell; niece-in-law, Kahlie Lorraine (Pruitt) Mitchell; great-nephews Cody David Mitchell, Connor Talbert Mitchell and Caleb Blake Mitchell; her fur baby, Junior cat; and many others who were blessed to be in Kimberly’s world.
Kimberly was a very beautiful person both inside and out. She always had a smile and a friendly personality towards others. To her husband Chris, she was his biggest advocate, supporter and champion as he battled several disabilities.
Kim fought the battle against breast cancer for four years, seven months and 18 days. She never gave up the fight, always remained positive through it all, and never used it as an excuse.
Cancer may have taken Kimberly from us, but cancer cannot take away the positive impact she made on others and the memories she left us all.
She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
The family will hold a virtual celebration of life on Dec. 4, 2025. All are invited to watch the event live or catch the replay at KimberlyMitchell.net.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen organization.
July 4, 1948 – Nov. 27, 2025
Our beautiful Beckie Sue Wallace, 77, of Webb City, was called to her eternal home in Heaven on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 2025, wrapped in the arms of Jesus and no doubt dancing with angels. Beckie entered this world as a firecracker on July 4, 1948, in Joplin, the eldest daughter of Betty Jean (Hickam) La Near and Eddie Kenneth (Kenny) La Near. She graduated from Joplin High School in 1965 and spent all her adult life in Carl Junction and Webb City.
Beckie built her entire life around caring for others. For 51 years, she ran a home daycare that shaped the lives of generations of area children. She treated every one of her daycare kids as if they were her own. Those who were fortunate to grow up under her roof still talk about her warm and loving nature, rocking them to sleep, coloring with them, and always giving a special treat after they “made a happy plate.” She created a place where children learned kindness, manners, routine and confidence. Many have stayed in contact with her throughout their adult lives and consider Beckie one of the most influential people of their early years. Her love was unconditional and extended to all.
Beckie’s influence and caring nature stretched far beyond her day care. For so many family, friends and even the stray soul, she was the person they leaned on when life became too difficult or uncertain. Her door was always open, her home never quiet and her table held a place for all. She had a way of drawing people in, making them feel safe and part of the family, always unconditionally. That was indeed her gift.
Her loving and caring spirit did not stop with people. She had a deep love for all her animals over the years. Numerous dogs, cats, rabbits turtles, you name it, Beckie took care of them. But her love and passion for her horses topped them all. She shared that love with her husband, Ron. What started as a love of riding in her midlife, developed into a community of cherished friends that were part of her family. Nothing made her happier than packing up her horse trailer and heading out to meet friends in Eminence, Pineville or anywhere else to ride, camp and fellowship with those that she loved who shared her passion for riding.
However the absolute center of Beckie’s life was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were her entire world. When her girls were young, she never missed a game, performance or her turn to drive all the friends wherever they wanted to go. It was her house where all the kids gathered then, and it stayed that way when she became a grandma. Grandma’s house was the steady, welcoming, home base for the whole family. There was always someone spending the night at Grandma’s house. Her adventures to Sonic, Target or one of the local boutiques for a special treat were times they all treasured.
Beckie will always be remembered for her beauty. Not just her physical beauty but also her beautiful soul. Her huge smile was infectious; her heart was full of love and joy. She was a strong and courageous woman facing tragedies, pain and illness, but she always smiled and persevered. She loved the Lord and First Christian Church where she was a lifelong member. She took great joy in serving the church as a Deaconette.
Beckie is survived by her husband, Ron Wallace, whom she married on May 21, 2004, in Miami, Okla.; three daughters, Kim Black Lane (Steve), Kelly Black Cook and Kathy Roland Smith; son, Tim (T.J.) Ramsey (Angela); stepson Travis Wallace (Holly); stepdaughters, Shaeleigh Snyder and Lesley Wallace; grandchildren, Trenton Baugh (Tay), Jesse Smith,(Alyssa), Eli Smith (Hannah), Mason Lane, Cooper Cook, Sophie Lane, Kenley Cook, Kylee Cook, Jailee Wallace, Makenzie Ramsey, Annie Rogers, Stormie Ramsey, Piper Ramsey, Tucker Wallace, Cohen, Hadley and Leah; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Richard La Near (Ellen); sister, Linda La Near; nephews, Chad McCurry and Travis McCurry; and nieces, Maria Nance (Scott), Chelsea La Near Williams (Zane) and Tara Delveaux (Sean).
Beckie’s funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at First Christian Church, Joplin, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
As it was when the Sentinel was in print, ‘Obituaries are news to us.’ THERE IS NO CHARGE
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.
