As of Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Oct. 18, 1939 – Aug. 24, 2026
Rebecca Jane Ashley, known lovingly as Jane, passed from this life on Aug. 24, 2026, in Duenweg, at the age of 86. She was the daughter of the late Robert Treece and Virgie Treece “Smith” leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, generosity, and joy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Jane was born on Oct. 18, 1939, in Webb City, and she carried the spirit of her hometown with her throughout her life. She was a 1957 graduate of Webb City High School.
She devoted several years of her life to working as a home healthcare provider, where she helped care for and comfort her patients with kindness and compassion. Her work was more than a job. It was a calling. She understood the power of presence, the value of a gentle hand, and the importance of making people feel seen, safe, and cared for. In every home she entered and every life she touched, she brought warmth, dignity and reassurance.
Jane was a Christian whose faith was the foundation of her life. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ deeply, and she often said, “I can’t wait for that first hug from Jesus.” That statement reflected the hope that guided her, the peace that sustained her, and the joy that filled her heart.
She was a mother and grandmother to all of her grandchildren and all of their friends throughout their lives and her love reached far beyond titles and boundaries. She never met a stranger, and her stories of the people she encountered and the fellowship they shared were endless. She had a gift for making others feel welcome, valued, and included. Her home, her heart, and her conversation were open to everyone, and many were blessed by her laughter, her wisdom, and her unmistakable warmth.
Jane is survived by her daughter, Melissa Kingery and Jeff, of Duenweg; six grandchildren, Greg Kingery and Holly, Elizabeth Mitchell and Joesph, Isaiah Kingery and Adalyn, Emily Kingery, Savannah Kingery, and Malaya Branch, all of Duenweg; four great-grandchildren, Noah Kingery, Scarlett Kingery, Agnes Mitchell, and Amelia Mitchell, all of Duenweg, and her second daughter, Linda Connell and Randy, of Seneca.
Jane also gave herself to her community in meaningful ways. Each year she volunteered with the Salvation Army, helping to prepare meals and deliver them while also assisting in a number of community roles. Through her faithful service, she received the Volunteer of the Year award, a fitting recognition for a woman who lived to help others.
A celebration of Jane’s life will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at the Calvary Chapel of Joplin. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Oct. 26, 1952 – Aug. 24, 2026
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Paula Maerene McCloud on Aug. 24, 2026, in her home in Carterville. Born on Oct. 26, 1952, in Sherman, Texas, Paula grew up to be a loving, loyal, and dedicated woman. She was a beacon of hope and strength in her family, always giving more than she received.
Paula was a generous soul, who dedicated a significant part of her life to the field of education. She tirelessly served as a teacher’s assistant for Webb City Schools in Webb City until her retirement in 2007. Her dedication and loyalty were not limited to her profession alone. She was a devoted wife to David McCloud, whom she married on Sept. 12, 1970. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to their unwavering love and commitment.
In her spare time, Paula found great joy in cleaning and gardening, tasks that she performed with love and dedication. Her garden was a reflection of her beautiful soul, always blooming with vibrant colors and life. She was a woman who was passionate about family, always making sure everyone felt loved and cared for.
Paula is survived by her loving husband, David McCloud; children, Bradley (Aimee) McCloud, Abbey (David) Ginder, Megan (Tyler) Storm, and Libbey (Sam) Randles; grandchildren, Ashtyn (Tyler) Klages, Colton McCloud, Finis Ginder, Claire Hartley, Brant Storm, Hunter Randles, Molley Ginder, Chloe Storm, Riley Randles, Quinn Winder, and Breck Storm; sisters, Bobbie Dykens, Jamie (Warren) Aggus, and Debi (Garry) Greek.
She was preceded in passing by her mother, Betty Rand.
Arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
Oct. 10, 1947 – Aug. 23, 2026
Jimmie Don Melton, 78, of Nevada, Mo., passed from this life on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan.
Jim was born Oct. 10, 1947, in Nevada, to Wiley Don and Margaret Mary (Widman) Melton. He married Suzanne Bailey on Jan. 26, 1969 in Nevada, and they celebrated 57 years of marriage before his passing.
Jim was raised in Walker and graduated from Walker High School Class of 1965. For a time, he drove fertilizer trucks for Caldwell and Sons before deciding to pursue his passion for the appliance business. Jim was in the appliance business for over 50 years and owned and operated his own store, Jim’s Appliance and Repair. Through the years, he met many people and made many friends with his easy-going ways. Jim loved being with his family. He especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and never missed a game. He was a member of the Nevada Elks and Ducks Unlimited, and he was an avid duck hunter.
In addition to his wife, Suzanne, of the home, he is survived by two children, Don Melton (Jill), Webb City, and Christy Ast (Kevin), Nevada; five grandchildren, Trey Melton, Osh Kosh, Wisc., Braxton Melton, Nixa, Bailey Ast, Nevada, Riley Melton, Webb City, and Kellan Ast, Nevada; his beloved dog, Timber; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, A.E. Melton.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 10 a.m. Private interment will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Dederick, Mo.
Memorial contributions are suggested in his name to Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, in care of Ferry Funeral Home.
Sept. 5, 1946 – Aug. 23, 2026
It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that we announce the peaceful passing of Cheryl Wheeler, known affectionately by her grandkids as Nan, on Aug. 23, 2026, at Aspire Webb City.
Born on Sept. 5, 1946, in Webb City, Cheryl lived a life that was as vibrant and spirited as she was.
Cheryl was a woman of many talents, but her most cherished moments were spent with her family, especially her beloved grandkids. Her signature wit and humor brightened every family gathering, and her thoughtful nature made her the heart and soul of her family. With over three decades of dedicated service at Walmart, Cheryl left an indelible mark on her colleagues and customers alike with her infectious smile and unwavering kindness. A lover of books, Cheryl often found solace and joy in the world of literature, further enhancing her witty and thoughtful personality. She was a firecracker, her energy and exuberance never waning, even in the face of adversity.
Cheryl was preceded in death by her husband, Rex Wheeler; parents, Bud and Marge Tabor; sister, Dawna Selsor; and brother-in-law, Leroy Wheeler. She is survived by her son, Randy Wheeler; daughter, Kristy (Brad) Rogers; grandchildren, Zech Wheeler (Kris Richards), Aeddan (Autumn) Wheeler, Kailey (Jake) Zumwalt, Garrett (Callie) Rogers, Sonja Wheeler (Colton Winder), and Danielle Donaho; several nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
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.
