Obituaries

Martha A. Ward, 85, of Kennett, Missouri, passed away Friday, November 18, 2022, at St. Bernards Medical Center, in Jonesboro, Ark. Mrs. Ward was born October 21, 1937, in Poplar Bluff, Mo., the daughter of the late Lloyd and Mattie Cox. On November 19, 1960, she married Clarence Ward. He preceded her in death on July 26, 2010...

Janet Lynne Sanders, 75, of Kennett, Missouri, passed away Thursday, November 17, 2022 at NHC Healthcare in Kennett. Janet was born to Lynn and Frances Grinstead Shelby in Sedalia, Mo. She was retired from Kennett Public Schools where she taught for 28 years. Janet was a long-time Girl Scout Leader and was a member of Chapter HU PEO. Janet was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Kennett, where she attended the Open Door Sunday school class...

Margaret Marie “Meg” Benson passed away unexpectedly on October 25, 2022 at the age of 66. She was born to the late Shirlee and Dr. Leo J. Benson in Little Rock, Arkansas. Meg leaves behind a sister, Scottie (Mark ) Larson of Lake Forest, Ill.; nephews, Ben (Amy) Larson of Chicago, Ill., and Mac Larson of Dallas, Tex. ...

Shawn Allen Abentroth, son of Lloyd Abentroth and Sabrina (Dabson) Hindmon, was born January 6, 2001 in Saint Albans, Vermont, and departed this life November 14, 2022 in a car accident in Greene County, Ark. He is survived by: his father and stepmother, Lloyd (Jennifer) Abentroth of Fla.; his mother and stepfather, Sabrina (Allen) Hindmon of Senath, Mo.; two brothers, Johnny Hindmon, Colton Abentroth; two sisters, Ashley Hindmon, Tiffany Hindmon; other relatives and many friends...

Mary Ruth Fortner Harris, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, passed away November 12, 2022.  Rev. Gene Lancaster, of Risco, Mo., will officiate graveside services to be held at 2:00 p.m. November 18, 2022 in Stanfield Cemetery at Clarkton, Mo. Mary was born in Shirley, Ark., on November 20, 1925, to Ruth Brown Fortner and Glover M. ...

Shirley Sue Hill, the daughter of the late Jesse Hill and Zella Book Hill, was born November 28, 1955. On August 24, 2012, in Piggott, Ark., she was united in marriage to John Abbott. He preceded her in death December 12, 2015. Mrs. Hill died Sunday, November 6, 2022, at her residence in Gideon, Mo., at the age of 66 years...

Larry Ray Brooks, 64, of Malden, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark. Larry, son of Herman Sterling Brooks and Lillie Kathleen Hoard Brooks Calder, was born Friday, August 1, 1958 in Gideon, Mo...

Tammy Sue (Bibb) Williams, 64, of Senath, Missouri, passed from this world November 4, 2022, after a short and unexpected battle with stage four pancreatic cancer. Tammy was born November 18, 1957 to James “Jim” Elmer and Melva Jean (Wiser) Bibb in Sturgis, Mich. ...

Ralph Donald Martin, of Hornersville, Missouri, son of the late Lee Andrew Martin and Odie (Pugh) Martin, was born December 29, 1939 in McNarey County, Tenn., and departed this life November 3, 2022 at the age of 82 years, 10 months and 5 days. Ralph married Shirley White November 11, 1956 in Iuka, Miss...

Mary Catherine Napier, a resident of Caruthersville, was born Saturday, April 7, 1962, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and departed this life Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, at the age of 60 years, 6 months and 26 days. ...

Bratton Alvis Wallace, 81, passed away peacefully October 31, 2022 in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 4, 2022 in Dunklin Memorial Gardens, 1724 Southwest Drive, Kennett, MO63857.   Arrangements entrusted to Smith Little Rock Funeral Home. ...

Walter “Walt” Noah, 90, passed away July 26, 2022. He was predeceased by his son, Steve Noah; and daughter, Susan Mindus. He is survived by is wife of 32 years, Kathleen Neuwald; his daughters, Lizette Hurst and Daine Cox; stepdaughter, Colleen Kroll; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his life-long best friend of 85 years, Charles Christian...

Phyllis Kay Watson Layne, daughter of the late Buford and Effie Baugus Watson, was born September 27, 1936, and went to her heavenly home on October 24, 2022, at National HealthCare in Kennett at the age of 86. In 1953, she married Donis Layne. They had two sons, Mardon Layne and Mitchell Layne, both of Arbyrd, Mo...

Greg Lynn (Major) Payne, 47, of Cordova, Tennessee, passed away October 25, 2022, at home. Major succumbed to osteomyelitis after battling a 7-year fight with severe burns and a spinal stroke.  Born to Paula (Holmes) Miller (Mark) and the late Danny Lynn Payne, Major was the grandson of the late Joy Wayne and Margie Holmes and the late Hershel and Evelyn Payne. ...

Our beloved Desta Marie Baker, 88, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Monday, October 31, 2022. She was a blessing to all she encountered and she dedicated her life to serving God and the principles of Christian faith by serving others with her kindness and prayers for so many. She was born December 28, 1933 in Miami, Florida to the late Lora Belle Fray Vandiver and Edgar Bishop Vandiver...

Tommy Wilkins, son of the late Jack and Helen Evans Wilkins, was born March 19, 1950, in Kennett, Missouri. He departed this life October 29, 2022 at the Flo-Phil Jones House in Jonesboro, Ark. He was 72 years old. Tommy retired from farming in 2017 after 47 years. He served on the Senath-Hornersville school board for nine years. He was a member of Kennett First Baptist Church. Tommy enjoyed traveling, playing golf and spending time with his grandchildren...

Bonnie Sue Campbell of Houston, Texas, and previously of Clarkton, Missouri, was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She left this world peacefully to transition to her forever home on Friday, October 21, 2022 at the age of 76...

Norma Jean Higgins (nee Key), the daughter of the late Harrison Franklin Key and the late Margaret (Woodall) Key Essary, was born September 21, 1937. Ms. Higgins passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 27, 2022, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 85 years and six days...

Robert Charles Watson, 81, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away October 22, 2022, at his home surrounded by loved ones after a brief, but valiant battle with brain cancer.  Bob was born December 11, 1940, to Leonard and Almeda (Easterwood) Watson in Kennett, Mo.  After graduating from Kennett High School in 1959, he went on to Arkansas State in Jonesboro, Ark., where he graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business.  ...

Patsy Rawlings, of Malden, Missouri, was born Saturday August 5, 1939 in Butler County to Fred and Lucy Anderson. She departed this life Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center at the age of 83 years, 2 months, and 21 days. ...

Daniel Dean “Boaty” Boatwright, son of the late Gerald Boatwright and Mary Virginia Moody Boatwright, was born Wednesday, October 19, 1952, in Kennett, Missouri, and departed this life Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at his residence at the age of 69 years, 11 months and 6 days...

Norma Jean Cantrell, 90, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, left this life on Saturday, October 22, 2022. She was born in the great state of South Carolina, but resided most of her life in rural Southeast Missouri. She was predeceased by her parents, Ila Belle and Charles Bennett; her beloved husband, Robert C. Cantrell; and one sister, Charlotte Jane Bennett...

James Ralph Blanton, son of the late James (Dobbin) S. Blanton and Imogene (Moore) Blanton, was born March 20, 1948 on Ten Mile Island north of Kennett, Missouri, and departed this life October 24, 2022 at the age of 74 years. Ralph married Glenda Wills September 10, 1983. She preceded him in death August 3, 2009...

Doris Virginia Miner, daughter of the late James and Frances (Foresythe) Miner, was born May 24, 1945 in Senath, Missouri, and departed this life surrounded by family and loved ones October 22, 2022 at Heritage Nursing Center in Kennett at the age of 77 years...

Earl Gray Crain was born November 7, 1939, in Braggadocio, Missouri. He was the son of Gray Adrain Crain and Elizabeth Felton Crain.  He departed this life, in Blytheville, Ark., on October 21, 2022. He was 82 years old. Earl had the ability to fix just about any type of engine there was.  He was the owner and operator of Crain Service Center for 20 years.  Before he became owner of his own business, he worked for many years at Brown Shoe Company...

Doris Hill, 80, of Desloge, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family.  She was born March 10, 1942, in Little Walnut, Mo., to the late William Otto and Flossie Annie (Frazier) Powers.   Doris was a retired educator of 31 years from North County School District and continued to substitute for the district, another 19 years.  She dedicated 50 years of service to the North County School District.  Doris was a member of the Desloge Library Board. She was an avid reader and she loved to travel. . ...

Manco Eugene Newnum, Jr., 44, of Malden, passed away Thursday, October 20, 2022 in Malden, Missouri. Manco, son of Manco Eugene Newnum, Sr. and Sue Newnum, was born Friday, January 6, 1978 in Alexandria, La.  He was a retired Army veteran and of the Baptist faith...

Metz Keim Skelton, son of the late Samuel Edgar Skelton and Lena Evans Skelton, was born Tuesday, April 21, 1936, and departed this life Sunday, October 16, 2022 at his residence in Kennett, at the age of 86 years, 5 months and 25 days. Metz was a civil engineer having been the owner and operator of Skelton & Associates in Kennett for many years.  In addition, he had served as Dunklin County Surveyor and the City Engineer of Kennett. ...

Sandra Sue Reynolds, 78, of Searcy, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord, Sunday, October 16, 2022, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 3, 1944, in Hornersville, Mo., to the late Jesse and Mittie (Williams) James. Sandra was a sweet, loving, patient person. ...

Cindy Morgan, 55, of Campbell, passed away Thursday, October 20, 2022 at the General Baptist Nursing Home of Campbell. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Landess Funeral Home of Campbell. Online condolences may be made at landessfh2@yahoo.com or on the website at www.landessfuneralhome.com...

Terry Schatz, 60, of Clarkton, Missouri, passed away at his home Wednesday, October19, 2022. Landess Funeral Home of Campbell is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to landessfh2@yahoo.com or on the website at www.landessfuneralhome.com...

Daphnee Maxine West, 96, of Plano, Texas, passed away Friday, September 30, 2022. She was born July 25, 1926 in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, and lived in the southeastern Missouri area until her late 80s. Daphnee met her future husband, Rex West, at Malden High School and knew immediately she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. They married on May 6, 1943 during prom, between the banquet and the dance. Daphnee and Rex went on to spend 51 wonderful years of marriage together...

Ronnie Lee Crawford, son of the late Everett Crawford and Mattie DeWitt Crawford, was born Wednesday, December 29, 1943, in Kennett, and departed this life Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Piggott Community Hospital in Piggott, Arkansas, at the age of 78 years, 9 months and 17 days...

Mildred Ann Chailland, 93, of Kennett, Missouri, passed away October 15, 2022 at Heritage Nursing Center in Kennett. McDaniel Funeral Service of Kennett will be in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.mcdanielfuneralservice.com...

Sherry Lynn Garner McDaniel, the daughter of the late Chester E. Garner and Maurice E. Stallion Garner, was born September 22, 1956, in Dexter, Mo. On July 3, 1981, she was united in marriage to David Lee McDaniel. He survives. Mrs. McDaniel died Tuesday, October 11, 2022, in Chesterfield, Mo., at the age of 66 years...

Peggy Ann Robertson, daughter of the late Billy Gene Troutt and Wilma Lee (Burrow) Troutt, was born July 20, 1959 in Kennett, Missouri, and departed this life October 11, 2022 at the age of 63 years. Her survivors include a son, Chris (Sarah) Robertson of Holcomb, Mo.; daughter, Lisa (Jason) Ming of Jonesboro, Ark.; four grandchildren, Hannah and Owen Ming and Dawson and Jacob Robertson; brother, Billy “Gene” Troutt, Jr. ...

Iva Lee Davidson, 95, of Malden, passed away at her residence Saturday, October 8, 2022. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Landess Funeral Home of Malden. Online condolences may be sent to landessfh2@yahoo.com, or on the website at www.landesfuneralhome.com...

Deborah Louise Meeks Scott, 66, of Smithfield, Virginia, passed away Thursday, September 22, 2022. She was born August 2, 1956, the daughter of the late Thomas Elmo and Helen Louise (Taylor) Meeks. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Rae Scott in 2021, and a brother, Thomas Daniel Meeks of Sikeston...

JoAnn Precht French of Jefferson City, Missouri, died peacefully at Capital Regions Hospital Saturday, July 9, 2022. She succumbed to a combination of ailments that she had outwitted, outrun or outmaneuvered for several years. She was born in Mexico, Mo., on October 26, 1937 to Pauline Hawkins Precht and Louis Precht...

On October 2, 2022, Michael Gardner “Mike” “Coach” Jones went to join his Kennett Indian and Missouri Tigers mates to play in the biggest of all bowls, coached by the greatest teacher and coach of all time. He will have to await the arrival of his Santa Fe Hawk mates and colleagues, to help coach them up one more time. ...

Waylon Lucas Pitts, infant son of Daylee Pitts-McKie, was born Tuesday, August 16, 2022, and departed this life Saturday, October 1, 2022, in Kennett, Misouri, at the age of 1 month and 16 days. Survivors include his mother and sister, Daylee Pitts-McKie and Paisley, both of the home; grandfather, Del McKie of Kennett; great-grandparents, Floyd Pitts of Kennett, Delbert McKie of Watervliet, Mich., Audrey Lamar of Grand Prairie, Texas; uncles, Dylan Pitts, Del McKie, Jr., David McKie, all of Kennett, Kaden Carstensen of Liman S.C.; aunts, Daenera Pitts and Delanie McKie, both of Kennett; Godmother, Charlette Pitts of Kennett; Godfather, Floyd Pitts, III; other relatives and many friends.. ...

Connie Lynn Vance, daughter of the late Dewey and Geraldine Collins, was born May 27, 1955, and departed this life September 30, 2022 at the age of 67. She was a Christian and a retired RN. She is survived by her husband, Don Vance; children, Alicia (Robert) Justice, Patrick (Ellen) Long, Shawna (Tommy), Jolynn (Scott), and Cassie (Dan); grandchildren, Colton, Eli, Brett, Elizabeth, James, Jonathan, Matthew, Victoria, Nick, Zach and Cannin; brother and sisters, Deborah Lance, Carl Collins, Brenda (Todd) Powers; nieces and nephews, Jason, Leah, Dustin, and the late Shane and Coty; along with many other family and friends.. ...

Steven Wayne “Steve” “Holmie” Holmes, 52, of Cumming, Georgia passed away October 1, 2022 in the presence of his fiancé, Leslie Mitchell and his mother, Teresa James-Tharp. Steven succumbed to cancer after battling a brave and courageous fight with cutaneous t-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). ...

Bonnie Eva Marshall (Ramirez, Young)  Hooper, daughter of the late A.P. Marshall and Nancy L. Anderson, was born June 10, 1925 in Tennessee, and passed away September 25, 2022 at her home in Cardwell, Mo., at the age of 97 years. She lived most of her life in the Bucoda, Senath and Cardwell area. Bonnie worked at Emerson Electric in Kennett for 27 years...

Jacquelyn Sue Benson, daughter of the late Melson David Morris and Ethel Mae Cunningham, was born April 9, 1961, in Kennett, Missouri, and departed this life September 27, 2022 at the age of 61 years. Jacquelyn married Christopher Benson February 16, 2002 in Waynesville, Mo...

Polly Crum, 89, of Kennett, Missouri, passed away September 29, 2022 at Southhaven Assisted Living in Kennett. McDaniel Funeral Service of Kennett will be in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.mcdanielfuneralservice.com

Danny Ray Noble, son of the late Edward Noble and Eulita (Hartgroves) Noble, was born April 14, 1956, in Dunklin County, Missouri, and departed this life September 27, 2022 at the age of 66 years 5 months and 13 days. His survivors include a daughter, Sabrina Mantz of Marmaduke, Ark.; son, Billy Don (Shonda) Cavaness of Greenway, Ark.; Grandchildren, Trey and Alex Cavaness, Devon, Sarah and Tori Mantz; great-grandchildren, Gwendolyn McNabb and Olivia Gilbee; brother, Richard Noble; and sister, Patricia Whitworth.. ...

Dennis Delane Adams, 68, of Campbell, Missouri, passed from this world September 25, 2022 at his residence.  He was born to the late Guy and Eva (Helms) Adams three miles from Graves Gin.  He hand-picked cotton in his younger years never realizing he would someday run the gin. He was voted in 2017 Ginner of the Year which was a great honor for him. ...

Bobby “Bob” Dean McDonald, 90, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Sunday, September 25, 2022 at Mark Twain Nursing Home in Poplar Bluff. Bob, son of Rube and Ruth Batson McDonald, was born Sunday, September 11, 1932 in Magness, Ark. He was a Deputy Sheriff for Dunklin County and later Chief of Police in Malden. He was a member of the New Home General Baptist in Poplar Bluff.  He was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served during the Korean War...

Sonny Jackson, son of the late Carlos and Juanita Deck Jackson, was born July 5, 1953, in Kennett, Missouri, and passed away September 22, 2022 at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark., at the age of 69 years. He married Pam Tinkle January 21, 1972, in Kennett, Mo...