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As of Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Jan. 22, 1964 – June 1, 2023
David Wayne Bauer, known lovingly as “Bug” and “K-Car” by his grandchildren, passed away Thursday, June 1, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Born on Jan. 22, 1964, in Joplin, David was a man who cherished his loved ones and found joy in life’s simple pleasures. As the famous adage goes, “Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” David exemplified this belief throughout his life, prioritizing his family and friends above all else.
David’s passion for life was evident in his hobbies, which included hunting and dirt track racing. Working diligently as a drilling operator, he retired in 2022 from the drilling company. His commitment to his work was matched only by his devotion to his family. David is survived by his wife, Teresa Coulter, of Pittsburg, Kan., and their blended family, including sons Travis Bauer and Chandra, Midlothian, Texas, and Dakota Bauer and Shelby, Neosho; stepchildren Talayna Coulter, Heather Ryan, and Zachary Coulter; grandchildren Kaleigh Bauer, Kabrey Bauer, Kaylor Bauer, Luke Bauer, Levi Bauer, Rosalee Bauer, Paige Ryan, Brooklynn Ryan, Braxton Coulter, and Brinley Coulter; and aunt and uncle Shawn Bauer and wife Marsha, Webb City. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Rosalee Bauer, and brother, John Neal Bauer.
David’s service was held Tuesday, June 6, at Simpson Funeral Home. A graveside service followed at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. As the author Mitch Albom once wrote, “Death ends a life, not a relationship.” May David’s memory live on in the hearts of those who loved him and may his spirit continue to guide and inspire us all.
Jan. 15, 1935 – May 31, 2023
Mary Ruth Hartman was a stubborn, witty, spirited, and resilient woman who left her final mark on the world on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Born in Diamond, on Jan. 15, 1935, to Roscoe and Clara Bliler, Mary enjoyed a life filled with love, laughter, and delicious food.
A talented cook, Ruthie (Mary) was passionate about preparing meals for her loved ones. This hobby allowed her to share her warmth and creativity with all who were lucky enough to join her at the table. She spent 23 years working in the telecommunications industry. In her free time, Mary cherished moments spent with her grandchildren, as they brought her immense joy and pride. She enjoyed volunteering at Freeman Hospital, and was proud to do so.
Mary Hartman is survived by her children, Scott (Leigh) Hartman, Kent (Tammie) Hartman, and Lisa (Danny) Robinson; her grandchildren, Laurie (Josh) Madson, Jennifer (Rob) Elfrank, Echo (Jared) Richards, Wayde (Amber) Hartman, Janae Robinson, Hannah Robinson, and Morgan Robinson; her great-grandchildren, Isaiah (Josephine) Madson, Quinn Richards, and Ford Richards; and one great-great-granddaughter Amora. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roscoe and Clara Bliler, and her siblings, George, Warren, Dorothy, Ben, and Joe.
Mary’s life was enriched by the kindness and friendship of her neighbors, Linda and Carroll Poole. She raved about their southern-homestyle cooking. She frequently played marbles with Linda and enjoyed bantering with Carroll.
Please join us for a graveside service to celebrate Mary’s life at 10 a.m. Friday, June 9, at Diamond Cemetery. A family and friends gathering will follow from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday at Simpson Funeral Home.
Sept. 12, 1937 – May 10, 2023
Wanda Jeanette Spencer (Gibb), age 85, of Webb City, passed away peacefully into eternity in the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 10, at home with her family after receiving last rites.
Wanda was born Sept. 12, 1937, in Webb City, the daughter of Adrian Gibb and Ruth Hightower Battalia. After Wanda graduated Webb City High school in 1956, she enrolled in Joplin Junior College, at one point famously becoming football homecoming queen.
Wanda married her longtime sweetheart, David Spencer on August 16, 1957. Wanda was a devoted caregiver raising up her family in Webb City and looking after many aging family members around Alba, Webb City and Joplin.
In her early middle years, Wanda moved her family to Sedalia, as David’s position changed for work, and later to Springfield, Mo. Wanda became a processing supervisor for Interstate Studios in Sedalia and later at Dameron Color Labs in Springfield. Wanda returned closer to home with David to Carthage in the early 2000s, and became primary entertainer and after school transportation and caregiver to her local grandchildren.
Wanda was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Carthage and enjoyed attending services, church outings, and plays. More affectionately known as “Nanny” to her grandchildren, she enjoyed attending many of their events including band concerts, FFA functions, swim meets, and her role as a bonus “Nanny” to her grandchildren’s friends. Wanda never knew a stranger and was quick to make conversation with friends, neighbors and passersby.
Wanda was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Battalia; stepfather, Sam Battalia; father, Adrian Gibb; husband, David Spencer; brother, Duane Gibb; infant son, Gregory Spencer, and granddaughter Kristain Keele Ford.
Wanda is survived by her daughter, Debby Orr, of Webb City; daughter, Jennifer White and her husband Pete, Warsaw, Mo; son, Scott Spencer, England, Ark; sister-in-law, Judy Gibb, Friendswood, Texas; five grandchildren, Michelle Keele, Sedalia, Savannah Weber and her husband Sean, Carthage, Greg Spencer, England, Ark., Spencer Orr, Kansas City, Jackie Spencer, England, Ark.; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and beloved cousins, nephews, and their families.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 17, at Grace Episcopal Church in Carthage, followed by a family graveside service at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, with the Rev. Joe Pierjok, of Grace Episcopal Church, officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.
Sept. 19, 1966 – May 24, 2023
Lita Marie Steinecke, affectionately known as Lee, was a shining light to all who knew her. Born on Sept. 19, 1966, she spent her life filling the hearts of those around her with joy, laughter, and love. Lee’s warm and compassionate spirit was felt by everyone who had the pleasure of crossing paths with her. She was a woman of great strength and resilience, and her unwavering dedication to her family was truly inspiring. Lee’s life was a testament to the power of love and the beauty of the human spirit.
Lee married the love of her life, Joseph Steinecke, on May 17, 1986, and together they built a beautiful life filled with cherished memories. A devoted wife and mother, she is survived by her loving husband, Joseph, and their daughters, Amanda and Tara; grandsons, Aiden, and Tyler; her sisters, Crystal Soulia, Robyn Lindsey; and mother Amanda McCarthy. She is preceded her in death by her father, Frank Hillyard; and grandmother, Lita Durgan. Their memory lives on through Lee’s incredible legacy of love and kindness.
Lee’s life was a tapestry of precious moments and unforgettable stories, woven together by the love and laughter she shared with her family and friends. Her infectious smile and her ability to light up a room with her presence will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
Aug. 27, 1963 – June 4, 2023
Lisa C. Stewart, born on Aug. 27, 1963, in Malone, N.Y., left this world on June 4, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and lifelong learning.
As a dedicated special education teacher, Lisa touched countless lives and inspired her students to push beyond their limits. With a heart full of compassion and a mind eager to learn, she embodied the words of Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Raised in Joplin, Lisa’s passion for education led her to achieve a masters degree in education and several teaching certifications. She spent her career creating a safe and supportive environment for children with special needs, championing their right to quality education and personal growth. Lisa also found joy in her hobbies, such as playing softball, watching sports, and mastering video games. Her love for her dog, Zuko, was unmatched, and together they created countless happy memories.
Lisa was a loving daughter to her late parents, Larry and Eva Stewart, and a devoted sister to Aldona Pazin, Linda Stewart, and Rose Achey. She was also a beloved aunt to several nieces and nephews, and a proud mother to her son, Mateo Garcia. Lisa’s warmth and generosity will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the lives she touched and the lessons she shared. As the poet Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Services will be held by family at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
April 3, 1943 – June 3, 2023
Mr. Larry Dean Woodmansee, 80, of Carthage, departed this life on Saturday afternoon, June 3, at St. Luke’s Nursing Center in Carthage after months of failing health.
Larry entered this life on April 3, 1943, in Webb City, son of the late Delbert and Hazel (Harpole) Woodmansee. He was raised in Purcell and was a 1961 graduate of Alba High School. He furthered his education by attending Joplin Junior College.
On Nov. 21, 1970, he was united in marriage to Cecile Ann Freet, and together they shared 50 years before her passing on March 25, 2021.
Larry was a machinist throughout his life, retiring from American Tool and Engineering in 2010. He enjoyed antiquing and spending time in his shop working on various projects. He attended worship services at Carl Junction Christian Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Cecile Ann Woodmansee; and two siblings, Danny Woodmansee and Connie Wyrick.
Larry is survived by his son, Mike Woodmansee, of Indian Rocks Beach, Fla.; a grandson, Jacob Erwin; two brothers, Stanley Woodmansee and wife, Patty, and David Woodmansee and wife, Debbie, all of Oronogo; a brother-in-law, Charlie Wyrick, also of Oronogo; a sister-in-law, Sharron Woodmansee, of Sand Springs, Okla.; and a host of other family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 8, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home, with Pastor Boyce Mouton officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike Woodmansee, Jacob Erwin, Jason Woodmansee, Scott Woodmansee, Chad Woodmansee, Nathan Woodmansee and Andy Ward. Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Hope Cemetery Care Fund, in care of the funeral home.
The Webb City Sentinel isn’t a newspaper – but it used to be, serving Webb City, Missouri, in print from 1879-2020. This “newspaper” seeks to carry on that tradition as a nonprofit corporation.
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