OBITUARIES

Marilyn Kay Greenway

Marilyn Kay Greenway

Feb 23, 2026

Marilyn Greenway of Nixa, Missouri, daughter of Floyd and Alice (Grisham) Greenway of Galena, Missouri, was born in Galena, Missouri on August 23, 1952, and departed this life on February 23, 2026, at her home in Nixa, Missouri at the age of 73. Marilyn was the sixth of eight daughters born into the family. She never married, but at the...

Marie Ann Sowards

Marie Ann Sowards

Feb 26, 2026

Marie Ann Sowards was born September 13, 1971, to Raymond and Beverly Sowards.

She departed this life to be with Jesus, His angels, and her loved ones on February 26, 2026.

Marie is survived by her father, Raymond; her mother, Beverly; her sister, Rhonda Goddard; and her brother, Mark Sowards.

Marie was saved in 1981 and traveled with her parents across the United...

David L. VanHoose

David L. VanHoose

Feb 15, 2026

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. David VanHoose on February 15, 2026, a beloved father and loyal friend. 

Born on June 13, 1940, David met life’s challenges with a mix of friendliness, orneriness, and honest, straightforward charm. He had a frank way about him—never afraid to speak his mind—but it was paired with a deep,...

Andrew William Fritz

Andrew William Fritz

Feb 25, 2026

Andrew William Fritz, 51, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on February 25, 2026, in Springfield.

Born on December 13, 1974, in St. Louis, Missouri, Andrew was the beloved son of Thomas and Gail Fritz. He carried with him throughout his life the values of loyalty, humility, and quiet strength that defined the way he loved and served others.

Andrew entered the United...

Dennis Eugene Hase

Dennis Eugene Hase

Feb 25, 2026

Dennis Eugene Hase, age 89, passed away on February 25, 2026. He was born on July 28, 1936, to Charles and Marie Hase.

Dennis proudly joined the United States Air Force during his junior year of high school and went on to serve his country for 16 years. During his military career, he was stationed around the world and served during...

Jason Richard Merrill

Jason Richard Merrill

Feb 25, 2026



Jason R. Merrill-Barbel, age 49, of Nixa, was born on December 18, 1976, and passed away on February 25, 2026. He was the beloved son of Larry and Brenda Merrill-Barbel.Jason lived a full and happy life, doing the things he loved most. He had the honor of carrying the Special Olympics torch during opening ceremonies in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. He...

Nancy Joan Morrison

Nancy Joan Morrison

Feb 23, 2026

Nancy Joan (nee Usher) Morrison, 91, of Nixa, Missouri, went home to her Lord and Savior on February 23, 2026. She was born on March 10, 1934, in Jet, Oklahoma, the youngest of three children, to Elmer and Bessie (nee Martin) Usher.

Nancy was a strong woman of faith who devoted much of her adult life to serving in the church,...

Kay Waynette Dunham

Kay Waynette Dunham

Feb 21, 2026

Kay Waynette (Jones) Dunham, age 88, of Nixa, passed away on February 21, 2026. She was born April 19, 1937, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Wayne Wyatt Jones and Ella Frances (Phillips) Jones.

Kay graduated from Shawnee Mission High School in 1955, where she was a member of the Future Nursing Association. She went on to be part of the first...

Wesley Thurston

Wesley Thurston

Feb 20, 2026

Wesley Albert Thurston, 73, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on February 20, 2026.

Wesley was born on July 30, 1952, in Springfield, Missouri, to Frank and Shirley Thurston. From an early age, Wesley was known for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, and gift for conversation—qualities that would define his life.

During his senior year of high school, Wesley answered the call...

Taylor James Harshman

Taylor James Harshman

Feb 18, 2026

Taylor James Harshman departed this life unexpectedly in his sleep on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, at the age of 29. He was born to Dr. Kort and Lori Harshman on May 29th, 1996, in Springfield, MO. The youngest of three children, Taylor brought joy, laughter, and love to his family and friends and his absence leaves a space that can...

Renee Lyn Roberts

Renee Lyn Roberts

Feb 15, 2026

Renee Lyn Roberts, 73, of Ozark, Missouri, passed away at her home on February 15, 2026.

She was born May 25, 1952, in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Boyd and Maxine Dent. Renee graduated from Harry S. Truman High School in 1970 and married Ted Roberts on May 29, 1970. They shared 55 years of marriage, building a life centered on family...

Marilyn Bernice Harris

Marilyn Bernice Harris

Feb 13, 2026

Marilyn Bernice Harris, 97, passed away peacefully at her home in Nixa, Missouri, on February 13, 2026.

She was born on October 12, 1928, in St. Joe, Arkansas, to Jewel and Ranney Watts. Raised a country girl, Marilyn grew up with a strong work ethic and a love for simple living that stayed with her throughout her life.

After graduating, she moved...

Paula Jean Schone

Paula Jean Schone

Feb 12, 2026

Paula Jean Schone, age 64, of Bruner, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on August 15, 1961, in O'Fallon, Missouri, to Harold Schone and Hazel (Dorlaque) Southard.

Paula lived a life full of heart, creativity, and devotion to those she loved. Over the years she wore many hats — homemaker,...

Dale Raines

Dale Raines

Feb 10, 2026

Lawrence Dale Raines, passed Feb. 10, 2026. Dale Raines was born on Jan. 25, 1924 in Greenfield, MO, and was the youngest of eight children, born to Reverend F.B. Raines and Nora Frances McDonald Raines.Dale married Betty Jo Ellingsworth, on the 17th day of November, 1945.Dale served his country as a U.S. Marines. He later worked in maintenance and installation...

Jennifer "Brandy" Hamm

Jennifer "Brandy" Hamm

Feb 10, 2026

Jennifer Brandy (Kirkland) Hamm, age 53, of Ozark, Missouri, was born October 21, 1972, in West Plains, Missouri, and passed away February 10, 2026, at St. Louis University Hospital.

Brandy, as she was lovingly known, graduated from Mountain Home High School in 1991. She met the love of her life, Paul “Marty” Hamm, while working together at Campbell Ford. They were...

Glenda Nichols

Glenda Nichols

Feb 9, 2026

Glenda Susan Nichols, age 71 of Ozark, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend to many, passed away surrounded by love on February 9, 2026. She was born December 10, 1954, to Glen Loyal and Mary Lee (Marley) Campbell.

Glenda married the love of her life, Ted Nichols, on July 30, 1976 at First Baptist Church of Ozark, where their membership remains....

Florence Lorraine Alesi

Florence Lorraine Alesi

Feb 6, 2026



Florence Lorraine Alesi, 87, of Branson, Missouri passed away on February 06, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of uncompromising strength, unparalleled class, and a fierce, independent spirit that defined her remarkable life. Born on February 13 1938 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Florence learned early that a woman's power comes from her own resolve. Throughout her 87-year journey, she moved through life...

Jan Dierks Garwood

Jan Dierks Garwood

Feb 6, 2026

Jan Dierks Garwood, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and devoted physician, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026. Born on January 20, 1949, to John and Kathleen (Schnoor) Garwood.  Jan was raised in Hays, Kansas.

Jan was an accomplished individual from a young age, proudly earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Fort Hays State University, where he was a...

Jerry Dean Combs

Jerry Dean Combs

Feb 6, 2026

Jerry Dean Combs, age 85 of Ozark, passed away in his home surrounded by his family on February 6, 2026. He was born April 11, 1940 in Forsyth, the son of Claud Oliver and Dorothy Dean (Thurman) Combs.

Jerry was saved as a teenager, and most recently attended Finley River Cowboy Church in Highlandville.

On December 17, 1961 Jerry was united in...

Vicky Lyn "Holstein" Poling

Vicky Lyn "Holstein" Poling

Feb 5, 2026

Vicky Lyn Poling, age 46, of Kimberling City, Missouri, passed away on February 5, 2026. She was born on July 27, 1979, in Melrose Park, Illinois, to Mark and Gail (Larry) Holstein.

Vicky was a proud graduate of Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois, Class of 1997. She later became the beloved owner of The Variety Shoppe in Kimberling City,...