Obituaries-March 2021 - Webb City Sentinel

Sevie was born July 28, 1997, in Joplin, and grew up in Carl Junction. She graduated from Carl Junction High School in 2016, where she enjoyed participating in basketball and track. She attended Ozark Christian College and Missouri Southern State University, earning degrees from both schools. She had worked for Midwestern Interactive as a graphic designer/illustrator from October 2019 until her passing.

Sevie was a member of First Baptist Church of Carl Junction for most of her childhood and in high school began attending Christ’s Church of Oronogo. She married Tyler Davison on Aug. 12, 2017, and served alongside him in ministry at Wellspring Church and Christ’s Church of Oronogo. Together they had been called to serve as Church Planters in Tokyo, Japan, with Mustard Seed Network. They were prepared to move to Japan this spring.

Sevie was not only the most beautiful woman but also had the most beautiful personality, with a spirit as infectious as her smile. She loved her husband, family, and friends with fierce determination, conviction, and honesty, always going out of her way to serve and celebrate others.

Survivors include her husband, Tyler Davison, of Oronogo; parents, Tony and Kelli Kinzer, Carthage; two brothers, Jesse Kinzer and his wife Stevie, Carthage, and her twin, Grant Kinzer, Kansas City; in-laws, Brian and Nicole Davison, Emily Davison and Rachel Davison, all of Webb City; and nephews, Elliott Kinzer and Emerson Kinzer.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at Christ’s Church of Oronogo, with Michael DeFazio and Mike Ackerman officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Mustard Seed Network, in care of Parker Mortuary or Christ’s Church of Oronogo.

Bessie Halteman

Nov. 5, 1930 – March 25, 2021

Mrs. Bessie Lorraine Halteman, 90, of Carterville, departed this life Thursday in the comfort of her home, after a recent decline in health.

Bessie entered this life on Nov. 5, 1930, in Webb City, to the late Fred and Muriel (Klein) Williams. She was a lifelong area resident and a 1948 graduate of Carterville High School.

On July 5, 1949, she was united in marriage to Robert “Salty” Halteman and to this union six children were born. Bessie was a devoted homemaker throughout her life. She enjoyed gardening and spending countless hours with her family. She was longtime member of Carterville Christian Church, where she had been previously involved in children’s ministry.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 52 years, Salty Halteman; three brothers, Gene, Gerald and LeRoy Williams; and two sisters, Zella Johnson and Juanita Williams.

Bessie is survived by her six children, Kathy Rowland and husband Butch, Carterville, Missy Williams and husband, Gary, Carterville, Becky Allen and husband Bob, Webb City, Doug Halteman, Carterville, Kerry Helton and husband Ed, Webb City and Kayla Broady and husband Mark, Carthage; 15 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, her twin, Lee Williams and wife Mary Dean, Branson, and Jimmie Williams and wife Sharon, Joplin; and a host of other family and friends.

Graveside funeral services were held Tuesday, at Carterville Cemetery, with Kent Williams officiating. Her grandsons pallbearers, Billie Rowland, B.J. Williams, Eddie Helton, Seth Helton, Nathan Andrews, Noah Andrews and Justin Allen. Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Cancer Research Foundation, in care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

David Hance

Aug. 20, 1959 – March 9, 2021

Paul “David” Hance Jr., age 61, passed away Tuesday in Freeman Hospital.

David was born Aug. 20, 1959, in Webb City to Paul and Kathleen Hance and was a lifetime resident of Carl Junction. He was married to Phyllis (Felker) on Oct. 27, 1979, in Carl Junction. She survives.

David graduated from Carl Junction High School with the class of 1977. He worked at the Carl Junction Lumber Co. after graduation and then for the City of Carl Junction since 2008.

He enjoyed watching his grandkids, camping, hunting, fishing, playing pool and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Additional survivors include a daughter, Heather Sapp, husband Derek, Columbus, Kan.; two sons Trey Hance and his wife Tammy, Pittsburg, Kan., and Devin Hance and his wife Nicole, Basehor, Kan.; his parents, Paul and Kathleen Hance; one sister, Susan Schultz and her husband Rick, Columbus, Kan., and Arty Hance and his wife Shelley, Carl Junction; four grandchildren, Madisen, Hadley, Zeke and Milo; his mother-in-law and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 12, at Simpson Funeral Home in Carl Junction, with the Rev. Bob Simon officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will follow services in Carl Junction Cemetery. Favorite baseball team attire is suggested. Contributions may be made to The David Hance Memorial Fund at any Community Bank and Trust branch.

Lance Hodson

Dec. 1, 1969 – March 21, 2021

Mr. Lance Clayton Hodson, 51, of Joplin, departed this life Sunday at his residence.

Lance entered this life on Dec. 1, 1969, in Joplin, born to the union of Donald and Donna (Hitchcock) Hodson. He was a lifelong area resident and a 1988 graduate of Joplin High School. He was a buyer and seller of antiques. He enjoyed football, baseball, playing his guitar and caring for his beloved dogs.

Lance is survived by his parents, Don and Donna Hodson, Joplin; a brother, Bruce Hodson and wife Becky, Joplin; a niece, Haley Hodson, Joplin; a nephew, Zak Hodson and wife Ashley, Joplin; and a host of other family and friends.

Graveside services were scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

Janice Hudnall

Aug. 23, 1936 – March 16, 2021

Janice R. Hudnall, age 84, of Webb City, passed away Tuesday at Webb City Health & Rehabilitation.

She was born on August 23, 1936, in Webb City to Daniel Newby and Jewell (Mayfield) Newby. She worked at Webb City Health & Rehab in the housekeeping department.

Janice is survived by her daughter, Carol Evitts and husband Marcus, Carl Junction; grandchildren, Jeremy Newby, Webb City, Nathan Newby and wife Brooklynn, Overland Park, Kan., Mandy Cochran and husband Tim, Carl Junction, Aaron Hudnall and wife Christina, Carl Junction; great-grandchildren, Bailey Yost, Annie Cochran, Beckett Cochran, Nicole Newby, Gavin Newby, Nicholas Newby, Isabella Newby; great-great-grandchild, Kiree Yost; sister, Phyllis Jones, Westlake, Texas; and special friends, Billie Miller and Clinton Hudnall.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Jim Taylor; second husband, Ronald Hudnall; siblings, Daniel Newby Jr., Robert Newby, Jerry Newby, Mildred King, Colleen Bullis; and a great-grandchild, Raegan Cochran.

The family will plan services at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.

Ray Jones

July 16, 1936 – March 14, 2021

Carroll Ray Jones, 84, of Oronogo, passed in his home surrounded by his family on March 14, 2021, after battling months of illness.

Ray was born on July 16, 1936, to Cecil and Violet Jones. After the death of his mother, he was raised by his grandparents, Bill and Ethel Jones, in Alba, where he spent most of his childhood. Ray joined the Army and was stationed in France and Germany.

On Feb. 23, 1962, Ray married the love of his life, Janet (Cook) Jones, and they were blessed with their two children: Kim Stross and Mitchell Jones.

Ray loved the Lord, and his family rests easy in the knowledge that he is now in the presence of his Savior. He was a member of New Providence Baptist Church in Oronogo, where he leaves behind many cherished friends and loved ones.

Among Ray’s many gifts, he was a successful businessman. He owned and operated Main Street Meat Market in Webb City with Raymond Cooper, Jones Food Center in Alba, Central Meat Market in Carthage, and he then worked as a salesman for Dan Stanley Ford in Joplin and Spicer Chevrolet in Neosho. He owned and operated Neosho Meat Company and later, with his wife Janet, two gift shops: Neosho Gift, Etc. in Neosho and Heart Strings in Joplin. A well-respected member of his community, he served on the Alba City Council and Jasper County School Board. Never one to know a stranger, he was a people person and invested in others. If you knew him well at all, you knew you could count on a wink and smile upon every greeting.

As much as he devoted himself to business, his heart belonged outdoors, and his variety of hobbies speaks to the range of his talents. In his early adulthood, he raced at Mo-Kan Dragway with his ‘57 Ford Ranchero and won many trophies with the help of his good friend and mechanic, Bob Lashmet. Ray was an avid fisherman, hunter, and gardener. As soon as his grandchildren could walk, he included them in his deep love of God’s creations. Papa, as he was known to his grandkids, could be found down at his pond teaching them his fishing secrets or in the garden pointing out the best-eating tomatoes, salt shaker at the ready in his pocket. Memories of camping, fishing, cooking, and laughing to tears at his stories will forever be held dearly by his children and grandchildren.

Ray is survived by his wife Janet; daughter Kim and her husband Bill Stross; son Mitchell; daughter-in-law Kim Jones; grandchildren Matthew and wife Michaella Stross; Aaron Stross; Amanda and her husband Cameron Royster; Allie Jones and Cameron Carter; Julie and her husband Andy Gloshen; Kailee and Dalton Jones; and great-grandchildren Cora Royster and Noah Younge.

A visitation service will be held at Parker Mortuary on Thursday, March 18, from 6 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 19, at 11 a.m. at New Providence Baptist Church in Oronogo. Burial will follow at the Purcell Friends Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Providence Baptist Church or Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief.

Terrie Kitchens

Nov. 10, 1954 – March 20, 2021

Mrs. Terrie Jean Kitchens, 66, of Webb City, departed this life Saturday morning in the comfort of her home.

Terrie entered this life on Nov. 10, 1954, in Fort Leonard Wood, daughter of the late Robert and Lela (White) Vermillion. She was raised in Granby and was a graduate of East Newton High School.

On Oct. 13, 1979, in Kansas City, she was united in marriage to Dwayne Kitchens and together they have shared the last 41 years. They resided in Kansas City until moving to Webb City in 1995. Terrie worked in the field of accounting throughout her life. She enjoyed spending time with her two granddaughters, quilting, traveling and helping those in need.

Terrie is survived by her husband, Dwayne, of the home; three sons, Roger Moore Jr., St. Joseph; Nigel Kitchens, Webb City, and Jeff Kitchens of Minot, N.D.; one grandson, Mason Kitchens, Carthage; two granddaughters, Grace and Kaylee Kitchens; two brothers, Michael and Jack Vermillion, both of Neosho; a sister, Debra Jarrett, Neosho; and a host of other family and friends.

Graveside services will be held at Horner Cemetery in Winona, Mo. Floral arrangements my be sent to the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

Ronald Lawver

May 27, 1941 – March 26, 2021

Ronald G Lawver, age 79, of Webb City, passed away Friday at Freeman Hospital, following an illness.

Ron was born on May 27, 1941, in Carthage, to Ralph Royce and Theresa (Caldwell) Lawver. He has been a lifetime area resident. He married Celeste Hopkins on June 9, 1963 in Carl Junction. Together they raised three daughters. They were longtime members of the Carl Junction Christian Church. His love of the Lord took him on the mission field in his own backyard and points as far away as Peru. His career as a welder spanned more than 50 years. First working the pipelines all over the U.S., including Alaska, then to Ecuador. Often working alongside his dad, Ralph, and with Celeste and kids in tow. The remaining 28 years because of his love of family he stopped pipelining and put down permanent roots working for Snyder Construction, where he met his band of brothers that would remain lifelong friends. Though welding provided a living, farming, ranching and all things outdoors were his passion. Including hunting fishing, riding horses, woodworking and the numerous family gatherings at the farm. Many of these hobbies he shared with his three daughters, two brothers, gaggle of grandkids, nephews, one niece and friends. As you remember Ron, those who know him, know what his life was about and the blessings he shared with each one of you.

Ron was preceded in death by his loving wife, Celeste Lawver, on Oct. 27, 2012. He is survived by three daughters, Rhonda J. Lawver, Springfield, Mitzi K. Klute and husband John, Carl Junction, and Jennifer J Koch and husband Roger, Carl Junction; two brothers, David Lawver, Lubbock, Texas, and Mike Lawver and wife Kathy, Republic; nine grandchildren, Raenna Lawver Diaz and husband Joe, Joplin, Seth Lawver, Springfield, MO, Stefan Klute, Carl Junction, Matthaus Klute, Kansas City, Olivia Klute, Springfield, Adam Koch and wife Mandy, Oronogo, Clayton Bailey, Carl Junction, Tristan Bailey and Chrissy Young, Binghamton, N.Y., and Brendan Bailey and wife Ashley, Oronogo; and nine great-grandchildren, Railie, Raegan, Jasmine, Luci, Brenley, Aria, Oakley, Tristan, Jr. and Jasper.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at Park Plaza Church. B.A. Austin and Boyce Mouton, ministers, officiated. A private family burial followed the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Good News Productions or Luis Rojas of Peru, in care of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.

Stephen LeMaster

Oct. 17, 1949 – Feb. 24, 2021

Dr. Stephen T. LeMaster, 71, of Joplin, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 24.

Steve was born on Oct. 17, 1949, in Rockford, Ill., to the late Warren and Patricia (Sherbondy) LeMaster. He was a 1967 graduate of Webb City High School, a 1971 graduate of Missouri Southern State University and a 1979 graduate of Logan Chiropractic, St. Louis. His career spanned over 40 years in southwest Missouri. He currently owned and operated Joplin Chiropractic and Acupuncture Clinic. Steve was always personable, and his many patients quickly became his friends.

Steve was involved in many local organizations, including serving as past president of the Rotary Club of Joplin, a board member and cast member of Joplin Little Theatre, and a member of Ducks Unlimited. He was a man of faith and a member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church of Joplin, where he served as a Vestry member and senior warden.

On September 23, 1986, Steve was united in marriage to Connie (Isle) LeMaster, and she survives. He is also survived by three children, Christy LeMaster (David Langkamp), Baltimore, Maryland, Todd LeMaster, Kansas City, and Jessica LeMaster (Ben Siver), Chicago, Ill.; a sister-in-law, Jean Potter (Gary); his Braddish brothers (even if they didn’t agree at first) Rick, Bob, Steve, Tom and Kevin; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Mike.

Steve was happiest outdoors and enjoyed all things hunting and fishing. He traveled widely, often planning adventurous vacations for his family. He loved all animals, caring for pets of all kinds – like skunks, snakes, bobcats, and raccoons, to name a few – throughout his life and raising longhorn cattle. Steve was industrious and devoted time to many projects, cultivating a vibrant backyard full of native plants and restoring a 1958 TR3. He was an authentic person with a wry sense of humor; a lover of mischievous pranks and disguises. Steve’s heart was larger than life and he was always helping those around him. He lived his life to the fullest and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 4, at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Frank Sierra officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church or the Joplin Humane Society, in care of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary.

Joe Roberts-Lewis

April 2, 1949 – March 7, 2021

Carol “Jo” Roberts-Lewis, age 71, of Webb City, passed away Sunday.

Jo was born April 2, 1949, in Fort Monmouth, N.J., to Charles and Vida (Hatcher) Clark. She had lived in the Webb City area for the greater part of her life.

Jo was a family-oriented lady and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren especially around Christmas time. Her view of family extended beyond the immediate though, where if she cared about you, she considered you family. She was well-known for her welcoming, caring, and giving demeanor where she was always there for those in need. Jo was the kind of person that would do anything for her loved ones without asking anything in return. She also enjoyed playing softball, socializing with all of her friends, and drag racing in her Falcon.

Jo was united in marriage to Jim Roberts in December 1964, and they raised five children before his passing. She then married Stephen Lewis in June 2010. He survives.

Additional survivors include her mother, Vida (Hatcher) Clark, Webb City; her children, Dorothy Wilson and husband, Patrick, of Towanda, Kan., Cathy Holt and husband, Randy, Galena, Kan., Jim Roberts and wife, Angie, of Duenweg, and Ted Roberts and wife, Jennifer, Madison, Ala.; siblings, Richard Clark and wife, Berkeley, Seattle, Wash., Delores Reeves and husband, Floyd, Asbury, Charles Clark and wife, Kathy, Oronogo, and Cecil Clark, Webb City; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family; and her sisters-in-law, May Ann Cottrell, Joplin, and Patricia Bosley and husband, Vern, Joplin.

In addition to her late husband, Jim, she was preceded in death by her father, Charles Clark; daughter, Carol Jean Roberts; and sister, Dixie Carter.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, March 10, at the Birthing Center Church in Webb City, with Pastor Kenneth Miner officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

David Martin

Aug. 1, 1953 – March 1, 2021

David Ralph Martin, 67, of Pea Ridge, Ark., died Monday, March 1, at his home.

He was born Aug. 1, 1953 in Carl Junction to Granville Ralph Martin and Nelly O’Connelle Martin. He was employed at Rogers Water Dept. for 23 years where he was a warehouse manager. He enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting and being out in nature. He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

Survivors are his wife Sarah Martin, who he married in 1975, and two nephews.

A memorial service will be held at later date. Arrangements are by Sisco Funeral Home in Pea Ridge.

Robert Nuckles

Feb. 8, 1936 – March 29, 2021

Robert Nuckles, age 85, of Webb City, passed away Monday at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James.

Mr. Nuckles, son of the late Richard and Doris (Aulgur) Nuckles, was born on Feb. 8, 1936, in Marshall, Mo. After graduating high school, Robert enlisted into the United States Army. After serving his country honorably, he moved to Joplin to work at the Joplin Airport. During his career as an aircraft mechanic, Robert was able to attain his pilot’s license and was known for his ability to restore vintage aircraft. He was an aviation enthusiast and loved sharing those abilities with his family.

He also had a passion for vintage cars, of which he restored many. Along with many other accomplishments, he built his own house. He was definitely a “Jack of all Trades.”

Survivors include his son, Kevin Nuckles, and his wife, Rhonda, Webb City; one daughter, Kathi Pattison and her husband Craig, Joplin; two sisters, Susan Nuckles, Reno, Nev., and Kristin Kunze, Columbia, Mo.; three grandchildren, Kyle Nuckles, Joplin, Sheena Freeman, Baxter Springs, and Paige Morton, of Australia; and six great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

Emogene Purcell

Nov. 6, 1925 – March 12, 2021

Emogene Purcell, age 95, of Joplin, passed away Friday at Freeman West Hospital.

She was born on Nov. 6, 1925, in Kansas City to Clarence Bradbury and Dorothy (Moore) Bradbury. She was a bookkeeper in banking for most of her life, and she loved to travel when ever she could.

Emogene is survived by a daughter, Diane Berry, Webb City; grandchildren, Bryan Purcell and wife Melanie, Purcell, Sarah Llanes and husband Gabriel, Webb City, Ray Berry and wife Kerri, Littleton, Colo., Allison Bishop, Sacramento, Calif.; and great-grandchildren, Aidan Purcell and Jadalynne Bishop. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mickey Purcell; a son, Clarence Allen Purcell; and several siblings.

The family will hold private services at their convenience. Arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City.

Ruth Purcell

April 23, 1927 – March 11, 2021

Ruth Lenore Purcell, age 93, of Webb City, passed away Thursday at her home surrounded by family.

Mrs. Purcell, daughter of the late Duane and Ruth (White) Sidney, was born on April 23, 1927, in New York. After graduating high school in New York City, she moved to Joplin, where she met Robert Leon Purcell. Not long after, they were united in marriage on Aug. 29, 1945, in Miami, Okla. He preceded her in death on April 3, 1994.

Ruth was employed as a bookkeeper for Elders Manufacturing in Webb City until their closing and then worked for FAG Bearings until her retirement. She set a wonderful example for her family and friends. Her hands were rarely still, sewing, crocheting, and cross stitch were her pastimes. She was a devoted mother who in her younger years was a 4H Leader and a PTA mother. She treasured her children and grandchildren and embraced every moment with them.

Ruth is survived by her two daughters, Sharon Roche and Regina Whitelock; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Smith, Lynn Yeakey, Kathryn Charlton, Jillian Wimmer, Samuel Whitelock, Gina Leverette, Ian Holman, and Sean Holman; 12 great-grandchildren, Kealin Smith, Victoria Levesque, Chelsea Tumlin, Domenic Yeakey, Madeline Wimmer, Harper Wimmer, Taylor Holman, Sophia Holman, Patrick Holman, Brandon Holman, Jake Leverette, and Seth Leverette.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Purcell; siblings, Wallace Sidney, Joseph Sidney, David Sidney, Barry Sidney, Jerry Sidney, and Helen Sidney; one daughter, Christine Chronister; two grandchildren, Sidney Whitelock, Brian Woodmansee; one great-grandchild, Bri Holman.

Private family services will be held with a celebration of life to be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

Mary Welsh

Feb. 4, 1925 – March 13, 2021

Mary Margaret Welsh, age 96, of Joplin, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, March 13. She was born to Clarence and Erma Whetstone on Feb. 4, 1925 in Joplin. Mary worked at Southwestern Bell starting out as an operator and moving her way up into management. She attended Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Dana Wood, Joplin; grandchildren, Stacy Wood, Joplin, Nathalie Thorson (Tom), Brentwood, Tenn., Nikki Goins (Lori), Webb City; great grandchildren, Maryssa Storm, Joplin, Trenton Mayben, Webb City, and Jaxon Mayben, Webb City; and a sister, Janie Patrick, Joplin.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 18, at Simpson Funeral Home. Burial will follow services at Ozark Memorial Park in Joplin.

Willie Wilson

Nov. 28, 1952 – Feb. 23, 2021

Mr. Willie Gene Wilson, 68, of Oronogo, departed this life on Tuesday, Feb. 23, in the comfort of his home.

Willie was born on Nov. 28, 1952, in Webb City, to the late Willie James and Juanita June (Black) Wilson. He was a lifelong resident of Oronogo.

Willie was a talented auto mechanic throughout his life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, collecting knives and swords and driving.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Willie James Wilson; and a grandson, Gavean Wilson Phillips.

On May 8, 1981, Willie was united in marriage with Rebecca Flathers, and she survives, of the home. He is also survived by two daughters, Meranda Wilson and her companion Wade Phillips, and Shawnta Wilson-Brand and her husband Mathew, Joplin; three stepchildren, Treasa Durbin, Columbus, Ohio, Anna Durbin, Granite, Okla., and Terrance Durbin, Granite; four grandchildren, Zoe-Elizabeth Henry, James-Corbin Henry, Piper-Nicole Henry and Devean Cook; and a host of other family and friends.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

Cecile Woodmansee

July 16, 1949 – March 25, 2021

Mrs. Cecile Ann Woodmansee, 71, of Carthage, Missouri, departed this life on Thursday at Oak Pointe in Carthage, after a recent decline in health.

Cecile entered this life on July 16, 1949, in Bell, Calif., born to the late Samuel Charles and Mabel (McColloch) Freet. She was raised in Carl Junction and Alba, graduating from Alba High School in 1967. She earned her teaching degree from Missouri Southern State College in Joplin and later her masters in education from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield.

On Nov. 21, 1970, she was united in marriage to Larry Woodmansee and together they have shared the last 50 years. Cecile was an award-winning educator with the Webb City R-7 School District, teaching kindergarten at Carterville Elementary for nearly 30 years. She attended Carl Junction Christian Church and was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher Sorority.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather, Chuck Barrett.

Cecile is survived by her husband, Larry Woodmansee of the home; a son, Mike Woodmansee, Indian Rocks Beach, Fla.; a grandson, Jacob Erwin; a sister, Kathy Michael, Carthage; two brothers, Cecil Ward, Reeds, and Charles Barrett, Carthage; and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home, with Pastor Boyce Mouton officiating. Burial was in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Pallbearers were Mike Woodmansee, Scott Woodmansee, Jason Woodmansee, Jacob Erwin, Andy Ward and Mike Cook.

Brenda Wright

July 24, 1960 – March 1, 2021

Brenda Sue Wright, 60, of Webb City, passed away on March 1, with her family by her side.

Brenda was born on July 24, 1960, in Lafayette, Ind., to Earl and Floris (Dondlinger) Delp.

On Oct. 17, 1981, Brenda was united in marriage to Ron Wright, and to this union two children were born, Jessica and Matthew. She was a proud mother and a loving Nini. She loved her children and grandchildren and was so proud of each of them. Brenda was a natural caregiver, she cared for her family, her church, and her patients. Brenda worked as a registered nurse. After 40 years of service, she retired from Freeman Health System. She was the glue to her family and loved her time with them most of all.

Brenda and Ron were members of the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA). Together they went into prison ministry. They were also involved with the Salvation Army and many other local charities. Brenda attended Calvary Chapel in Joplin.

Brenda was preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her husband, Ron Wright, of the home; daughter Jessica Thomas, Webb City; son Matthew Wright and wife Christine, Centerton, Ark.; grandchild Adalynn Thomas, Dayton Wright, Ariel Wright, and Gabriel Browder; her mother Floris Delp, Highland, Ill.; brother Bill Delp, Manchester, Tenn.; sister Renee Ostrander, Highland, Ill.; numerous extended family and friends, who will all miss her dearly.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, March 10, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Out of respect for Brenda and her family, all who came to pay their respects were asked to wear masks and allow for social distancing. The last thing Brenda would want is for someone to become sick at her services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, in care of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.

To be notified when the Sentinel has been updated each week