As of Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Jan. 11, 1938 – May 26, 2025
Lawrence Ira Darrow Sr., age 87, formerly of Oronogo, passed away on May 26, 2025, at Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, Kan.
Lawrence was born on Jan. 11, 1938, in Pittsburg, the son of David and Minnie (Greer) Darrow. He received his early education in Pittsburg, where he was a member of the ROTC at Pittsburg High School. He left school early to enlist in the U.S. Navy, later earning his General Education Development (GED) diploma.
Following his military service, which included assignments in Virginia and California, Lawrence returned to Pittsburg. On Aug. 5, 1960, he was united in marriage to Noma Eppright in Miami, Okla. Together they raised four children, Penny, Lawrence, Thersa and Kirk. Lawrence was employed in his early years at Foodtown and later pursued a career as a master brick mason.
He and his wife shared many joys throughout their marriage, including dancing at the local ATA Hall, traveling on bus tours, attending movies, and spending time outdoors, especially feeding the fish in their pond.
Lawrence was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Noma Darrow; his daughter, Thersa (Darrow) Kavanagh; his parents; one brother, Francis Darrow; and three sisters, Alida Jones, Waneta Russell, and Dorothy Whitley.
He is survived by three children, Penny (Mike) Howard, Carl Junction; Lawrence (Dr. Lorri) Darrow, Springfield, and Kirk (Stacey) Darrow, Pittsburg; grandchildren, Molly (Trent) Tarwater, Megan Howard, Ira (Taylor) Darrow, Trent Kavanagh, Brett Howard, Kolton (Gabby) Darrow and Madi Darrow; great-great grandchildren, Kaizer Tarwater, Harper Tarwater, Kreed Tarwater, Roman Darrow, Lukka Darrow and Sage Darrow.
Graveside services were held Monday, June 9, 2025, at Weaver Cemetery, 14024 County Road 250, Oronogo. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg
Aug. 28, 1928 – June 3, 2025
Our mother, Virginia Lee Gray, went to be with the Lord on the morning of June 3, 2025.
She was born to Charles Leroy and Roberta (Weir) Radford on Aug. 28, 1928, in Alba. Virginia was raised on a farm east of Alba with her six siblings, which all have passed before her, Everett, Clifford, Dorris, Helen, Anna V. and Kathleen. Virginia graduated from Alba High School in 1946.
Virginia is survived by three children, Carolyn (Ron) Brenner, Goodyear, Ariz., Gary (Cathy) Gray, Joplin, and Donna (Michael) David, Seneca; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Virginia worked at Meekers Leather Company, Safeway Bakery, American Wafer Co. and Modine Manufacturing. She retired from Modine in 1986.
Virginia grew up in the Methodist Church in Alba. She and her sisters often sang there. It was there she met her future husband, Wilson. He had just returned from serving in World War II. Wilson’s father was the preacher for the church. Wilson and Virginia were married there on Aug. 24, 1946. They made their home in Joplin and were married for 65 years until Wilson’s passing in 2011.
After retirement, Wilson and Virginia traveled a lot with Virginia’s sister, Helen, and her husband Ed. Together they visited every state in the union, except Alaska.
Virginia was a loving, hard working mother. She and Dad provided us with a loving, safe, happy Christian home. They were always there for us and loved us very much. We took many fun family vacations!
Virginia and Wilson were active members of Forest Park Baptist Church for over 40 years. The family would like to thank all of those who had a hand in her care over the last several years. Foxberry Memory Care, Joplin Gardens and Gentiva Hospice.
Virginia’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing this kind lady.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Forest Park Baptist Church in Joplin. Burial was in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
Jan. 29, 1966 – June 6, 2025
Susan “Sue” Elizabeth Harman, of Webb City, passed away at her home on June 6, 2025. Born on Jan. 29, 1966, to William F. and Rhoda A. (Ellis) Hanson, in Joplin, she was a blessing of comfort and joy to all who knew her. Susan grew up in Chicago, and she called Webb City her hometown. A dedicated wife, mother and friend, she was always there to take care of others in need.
Sue married her late husband, Jerry, on Feb. 18, 1984, in Webb City, and they had two beautiful daughters. She was known for her love of getting dolled up and her sunny days spent by the river with her family and friends basking in the sun. She enjoyed anything painting – from nails, to paint-by-numbers. Sue enjoyed her flower gardens and was especially proud of her roses and irises. Much like her vibrant garden, she was a vibrant person – a social butterfly.
As a young mom, she is remembered by carrying both her kids on her hips, making it look effortless. She shared a special bond with her daughters, Stacy and Stephanie. With Stacy, it was the shared love for hair and makeup, while with Stephanie, it was the memorable family tent camping trips and lake getaways with pie from Shoney’s on the way home. Her heart was always filled with unconditional love for her two children, her devoted husband, and her incredible siblings. Her love continued to grow over the years, eventually becoming a grandma to two. Her grandson and granddaughter brought so much joy to her life.
Sue leaves behind her daughters, Stacy (Shannon) Moss, of Joplin, and Stephanie (Alex) Frizzo, of Wyoming; sisters Dale Goad, Penny Kreis, Marian (Jeff) Phillips, and Noël Hanson; cherished grandchildren John and Anna Frizzo; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Rhoda Hanson; her brothers, William and George Hanson; and her husband, Jerry Harman.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Sue’s life will be celebrated at noon Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the same venue.
Jan. 17, 1944 – June 6, 2025
Linda Estella Hedgcorth, age 81, of Carterville, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, June 6, 2025, at her son’s home in Cassville, after months of failing health. She entered this life on Jan. 17, 1944, in Joplin, born to the union of the late Lloyd and Juanita (England) Hembree.
A lifelong resident of the area, Linda’s roots ran deep in the community she adored. Besides being a devoted homemaker, Linda owned her own beauty shop in Carterville for many years. Linda was also a devoted partner in her husband’s carpentry business, where her keen eye for detail and tireless work ethic contributed to their shared success.
Linda was an avid gardener, taking pride in her vibrant flowerbeds and meticulously cared-for yard. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Carterville.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carroll Dean Hedgcorth; and three brothers, Jesse, Mike and Fred Hembree.
Linda is survived by her two children, Carol Lee, of Carthage, and Darren Hedgcorth and wife, Deidre, of Cassville; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Joe Hembree, Baxter Springs, Kan., and Carl Hembree, Carterville; a sister, Pat Foster, Webb City; and a host of other family members and friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home, with Chaplain Roger Flint officiating. Burial was in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.
May 11, 1951 – June 5, 2025
Ida Faye Rhodes-Ogle, of Hermitage, Tenn., formerly of Webb City, passed away at the age of 74 on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Centerville, Tenn., from injuries sustained in a tragic automobile accident. She entered this life on May 11, 1951, in Webb City, at the former Jane Chinn Hospital, the only child of the late Earnest “Dutch” and Edna Bess (Hill) Rhodes.
She attended Carterville Elementary School and a few years at Carl Junction High School before returning to Webb City and graduating in 1969. She obtained her accounting degree in 2013 from Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, Tenn., in a feat that showcased her grit and determination.
Throughout her life, Ida Faye was known for her strong work ethic and diverse career. She began by helping her parents, Dutch and Edna, in the operation of their family restaurant, The Dinner Bell, a beloved landmark on Main Street in Webb City. Her career path took her on various adventures, including working as a travel agent for Reservation Travel, serving on the military base in Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., opening the Demo Department at Sam’s Club in Joplin, and working as a tax associate for Floyd Miller CPA. At the time of her passing, she was employed by Hyper Extreme Logistics.
Ida Faye had a kind heart and was an excellent gift giver, always finding the perfect way to show her love and appreciation. She loved to travel, exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. Above all, her love for her family was paramount, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
She resided in Missouri and Florida before settling in Tennessee, where she would remain.
Ida Faye is survived by her three sons, Shane Metz and wife Laurinda, of Maple Valley, Wash., Eric Metz, Panama City, Fla., and Ryan Metz and wife, Billi, Navarre, Fla.; six grandchildren, Spencer, Parker, Dakota, Tanner and Cameron Metz and Gabirianna Keele; her dear friend, Vicki Cassady and husband Calvin, Carl Junction; and a host of other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and husbands, Richard Ogle and Jack Metz.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, with Dixie Wynne officiating. Pallbearers will be Shane Metz, Eric Metz, Ryan Metz, Tanner Metz, Cameron Metz and Tony Mallos. The family will receive friends at 5 p.m. Thursday, with a eulogy service following at 6 p.m. at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
Jan. 13, 1957 – May 31, 2025
David E. Rupe, Sr., 68, of La Russell, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Springfield.
David was born on Jan. 13, 1957, in Webb City and was a lifetime area resident.
He was a machinist for Leggett & Platt in Carthage for 32 years before retiring in 2019. He was of the Christian faith and was an Army Veteran.
He enjoyed machinery, building and creating things, dearly loved his grandkids, and also loved his coffee and chocolate.
He married Shelly Myers on Dec. 22, 1978, in Joplin, and she survives.
Other survivors include one son, Travis Rupe, of Jasper, and one daughter, Kristine Hembrough, of Oronogo; one sister, Valerie Bricker, Carterville; five grandchildren, Isaac Rupe, Devin Tusinger, Bryan Hembrough, Taylor Brown and Zackary Brown; four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one son, Dave E. Rupe II; his parents, Alfred and Ruth Coe Rupe; and two brothers, Sam and Larry Rupe.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
Oct. 11, 1944 – June 7, 2025
Cheryl Lee (George) VanWey, born in Bloomfield, Neb., to Ross and Dorthea George. Survived by husband of 58 years, Clyde VanWey and sons Craig VanWey and wife Jill of Pittsburg, Kan., and Chris VanWey and wife Brittany of Webb City; grandchildren Megan VanWey Brown and husband Josh Brown, Kansas City, Kan., Logan VanWey, Houston, Texas, Kaylee VanWey McMullen and husband Drake, El Reno, Okla., and Alyssa VanWey and fiancé Jordan Clark, Manhattan, Kan.; sisters Kathy George Moore and husband Alan, Rosalia, Kan., Janet George Oswald, Leon, Kan., and Vicki George Penwell and husband Jim Penwell, Leon, Kan. Preceding her in death was sister Helen George Moore and husband John Moore, and her parents Ross and Dorthea George.
Cheryl attended schools in Augusta and El Dorado, Kan., graduating from El Dorado High School in 1962. She married Clyde on Sept. 25, 1966, in Rosalia Methodist Church while he was in the Air Force stationed in Pakistan. When he returned from the service in December 1967, they lived in El Dorado, Wichita, Fort Scott and Parsons, Kan., and Carl Junction. She worked at JC Penney for 21 years in Fort Scott and Parsons. She babysat her grandchildren often, playing board games and making her famous banana bread. Cheryl and Clyde spent many years traveling the country, having visited 47 states along the way. Cheryl kept busy attending many sports activities for her sons and grandchildren.
A funeral service was held Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Simpson Funeral Home. The family would like to send a heartfelt “Thank You” to Compassus Hospice and to Charlotte’s Angels Home Care. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Cheryl had a history of supporting St. Jude’s and we know this would make her happy.
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