Luke Collins

May 27, 2022 – July 9, 2022

Baby Luke Collins, of Webb City, entered into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, July 9, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 27, 2022, to Jeremiah and Tammy Collins at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

Luke was a fighter, even before birth, he fought for his life each and every day. In the life of Wesley, there will always be a part of Luke with him.

Luke’s family will remember him always. He is survived by his parents, Jeremiah and Tammy, of Webb City; a brother Wesley; grandparents Tommy and Jenniffer Williams, Webb City; an aunt Alexias Williams and fiancé Colby, Webb City; great-grandmothers Ruby Williams and Carol Stephens; and great-grandfather Jeff Brodersen. He was preceded in death by great-grandfather John Williams Sr.; and his uncle, Fred Williams.

Funeral services for Luke were held Wednesday, July 13th, at Simpson Funeral Home, with Jim WickenKamp officiating. Interment was in Waco Cemetery.

Martha Gilliam

May 20, 1956 – July 12, 2022

Martha Sue Gilliam, age 87, of Webb City, passed away on Tuesday, July 12, at home. She was born April 13, 1935, in Webb City to Ora and Mary Alice Durham.

Martha was married on May 20, 1956, in Webb City to Carl Dale Gilliam. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Webb City.

She is survived by her husband, Carl Dale Gilliam, of Webb City; her sister, Emily Jane Wood, Grimes, Iowa; her son, Curtis Gilliam and wife Lana, Branson; her daughter, Lorie Cobble and husband Randy, Webb City; her son, Craig Gilliam and wife Peggy, Webb City; her son, Chris Gilliam, Webb City; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at Ozark Memorial Park. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.

Susan Hood

Feb. 22, 1963 – July 12, 2022

Susan Diane Hood, 59, of Carterville, departed this life on Tuesday evening, July 12, at Freeman Hospital West, after a year long battle with cancer.

Susan entered this life on Feb. 22, 1963, in Carthage, born to the union of Bill and Mary (Jones) Hood. She has resided in Carterville since the age of 10. Besides being a devoted homemaker, Susan also served as assistant postmaster at the Waco Post Office for a few years. She enjoyed craft projects, scary movies and spending countless hours with her two grandchildren, McKenzie and Aiden. She was of the Baptist Faith.

Susan’s father, Bill Hood, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her daughter, Lacie Jones and husband Adam, Webb City; two grandchildren, McKenzie and Aiden Jones; her mother, Mary Hood, Carterville; two brothers, Billy Hood, Carterville, and Rick Hood and wife Rose, Webb City; and a host of other family and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 18, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home, with Art Ewing and Richard Jones officiating.

Bette Sims

Oct. 19, 1938 – July 8, 2022

Bette Ann Sims, age 83, Webb City, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2022 at Webb City Health and Rehabilitation after a lengthy illness.

Bette was born October 19, 1938 in Independence, Kansas, daughter of the late Andrew John “A.J.” Sherman and Laura Mae (Henderson) Sherman. She grew up in Independence where she graduated from High School and then attended Independence Junior College. She worked for years as a nurse in Independence before moving to Parsons, Kansas where she began her cleaning service. She continued cleaning homes in Joplin after moving here 25 years ago.

Bette was known for her passion for fishing, and was very attentive to her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved to fish, camp and work in her garden all the while sharing these times with family. She will be greatly missed by many.

In addition to her parents, Bette was preceded in death by a son, David Wayne Sims, a sister, Bonnie Mae Alexander, and a great-granddaughter, Infinity.

Survivors include her son, Randy Sims and wife Karina of Webb City; granddaughter, Tia Marie Sims; and great-grandchildren, Trenton, Chloe, Bentley, Skyler, and Journey.

Graveside service will be Friday, July 15, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.