Flossie Lee Craft, daughter of the late Oscar Turner and Bertha Mae Stevens Turner, was born on June 9, 1935 in Lilbourn, Missouri and departed this life on April 15, 2020 at her residence in Bernie, Missouri at the age of 84 years.
Mrs. Craft was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.
She was united in marriage to Leon Craft in Hernando, Mississippi. Mr. Craft preceded her in death on November 7, 1964.
She is survived by six sons, David Craft of Dexter, Billy Craft of Bernie, Danny Craft of Bernie, Robert Craft of Bernie, Mike Craft of Kennett, and Keith Craft of Dexter; by five daughters, Linda Strickland of Puxico, Patricia Riddell of Malden, Marilyn Rushing of Dexter, Marlene Craft of Bernie, and Kayeela Sugg of Dexter; and by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A private, family-only, funeral service will be conducted at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Friday, April 17, 2020 with Rev. Callum Reavey officiating. Interment will follow in the Bethany Cemetery.
Funeral services may be viewed via webcast at mathisfuneralhomes.com or on the Mathis Funeral Home Facebook page. Expressions of sympathy honoring Mrs. Craft will be accepted at the funeral home.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.
Linda Patricia Montgomery, daughter of the late Vernon Carol Morgan and Alabee Crayne Morgan was born in Bernie, Missouri on March 28, 1956 and departed this life at her home in Bernie, Missouri on April 14, 2020 at the age of 64.
Ms. Montgomery had worked at Arvin, was a homemaker and a member of Word of Faith Family Church of Bernie.
Survivors include one son, Freddie Montgomery & wife Kristen of Crossville, Tn; by Six Daughters, Nicole “Nikki” Brock & husband Mike of Bernie, Mo, Lisa Taylor & husband Mark of Dexter, Mo, Theresa Perry & husband Andy of Crossville, Tn, Amanda Montgomery & husband Terrance of Paducah, Ky, Tina Byrd & husband Tim of Crossville, Tn and Bethany Montgomery & husband Perry of Mayfield, Ky; by three brothers, Butch Morgan and Paul Morgan both of Bernie, Mo and Dale Morgan of Dexter, Mo; by one sister, Wendy Fisher of Searcy, Ar; by seventeen grandchildren; Brett Montgomery, Brittany Gann, Kyle Perry, Drew Montgomery, Madison Perry, Haley Taylor, Breanna Payne, Kayleigh Taylor, Abigail Taylor, Gracie Brock, Madison Stephens, Easton Walker, Eryn Brock, Dillion Brock, Bryson Hadley, Michael Brock and Arya Harris; also by other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death other than by her parents, by three sisters, Carolyn Moore, Harlene Wyatt and Barb Moore.
A private, family only, graveside service will be conducted at Bernie Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy will be accepted at the Cemetery. Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie is in charge of all arrangements.
Thomas Eldon Cooper Jr., son of the late Eldon T. Cooper and Georgia Bailey Cooper, was born on July 11, 1944 in Dexter, Missouri and departed this life on April 13, 2020 at Southeast Health in Cape Girardeau, Missouri at the age of 75 years.
Mr. Cooper was the former owner of Cooper and Sons Auto Sales and resident of Dexter. He enjoyed watching the Dexter Bearcat volleyball and basketball teams play ball.
He was united in marriage to Linda Grimes on August 11, 2001 in Dexter. Mrs. Cooper survives of their home in Dexter.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Robinson and husband Mark of Vero Beach, Florida; by two grandsons, John Luke Robinson of Sarasota, Florida and Jacob Mark Robinson of Bradenton, Florida; by his sister Marilyn Brown of Columbia, South Carolina; by his step-daughter, Buffie Wolfe and husband Nelson of Manchester, Tennessee; by two step-sons, Scott Ballard and wife Jeanette of Jacksonville, Florida and Jesse Schooley and wife Melisha of Bernie, Missouri; by twelve step-grandchildren; and by four step-great-grandchildren.
Other than by his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Georgia Sue Cooper.
A graveside service will be planned for a later date with Rev. Gary Cooper officiating.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.
Theetta Maxine Cokley, daughter of the late Orlie Owens and Esley Stephens Owens, was born on December 23, 1933 in Powe, Missouri and departed this life on April 11, 2020 at Southeast Health in Cape Girardeau, Missouri at the age of 86 years.
Mrs. Cokley was the former treasurer for the City of Bernie, she wrote the “This and That” column for the Bernie Banner, she was a homemaker and a resident of Bernie. Theetta received the Democratic Woman of the year award from the Stoddard County Democratic Women.
On November 19, 1949, in Piggott, Arkansas, she was united in marriage to Jimmy Cokley. Mr. Cokley preceded her in death on November 5, 2000.
She is survived by two sons, James Thomas “Tommy” Cokley and wife Tina of Clarkston, Michigan and Charles “Dan” Cokley and wife Amberlee of Portland, Oregon; by two daughters, Stephenia Elizabeth Cokley of St. Louis, Missouri and Karen Lee Cokley Burner and husband Clifford of Powe, Missouri; by her brother, Jerry Owens of Bernie, Missouri; by five grandchildren; and by eight great-grandchildren.
Other than by her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Orlie Edward Cokley; by her daughter, Loretta Glen Cokley Dodd; by her grandson, Christopher Daniel Cokley; by three brothers, Bill Owens, Buford Owens and Reuben Owens; and by two sisters, Amy Green and Patricia Johnson.
Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie is in charge of all arrangements.
Ronnie D. Sells, son of the late Wesley Sells and Norma Welchel, was born on August 25, 1945 in Corning, Arkansas and joined his heavenly Father on Good Friday, April 10, 2020. He died at Barnes-Jewish hospital in St. Louis, MO at the age of 74.
Ron was united in marriage to the love of his life, Peggy J. Carlson, on May 13, 1966 in Belleville, IL. Mrs. Sells survives of their home in Dexter, MO.
Ron is survived by three brothers, Bud Sells (Joann), Darrell Sells (Dottie), and Keith Sells (Gail). Besides his parents preceding him in death, also his beloved brother Joel Sells, and his surviving daughters Joy, Janice, and Jennifer.
Ron has three sons, Steve Sells (Krista) of Poplar Bluff, David Sells (Susan) of Piedmont, and Joe Sells (Kate) of Dexter.
He has six granddaughters, Allison Miller (Rus), Riley Jane Crews (Matt), Sara, Sally, Nicole, and Natalie Sells. He has one step granddaughter, Courtnee Jordan (Jason) and one step grandson, Cory Jackson (Taylor).
Ron has one great grandson, Cameron Crews and three step great grandsons, Roman Jordan, Huxley and Beckham Jackson. He has two step great granddaughters, Andie and Piper Jordan.
He was loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, and so many friends, especially close friend John Carter (Ramona).
Ron’s most important and proudest accomplishment in life was his family! He always knew what was going on with his family and would be sure to always ask about all our situations specifically. Also, Ron was a great friend. He never met a stranger in life! No matter who they were or what their status was, they would end up being a friend of his.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Dexter where he served as an Elder.
Ron was a barber for 15 years and owned his shop with brother Bud in St. Louis before moving to Dexter. In 1978, he opened the McDonald’s restaurant in Dexter when he became an owner/operator. He grew his organization to nine restaurants during his 24-year career before retiring in 2002. He was a successful, active, and respected businessman during his life. He and Peg loved to be involved with their communities. For years they worked and supported local schools, churches, and civic organizations.
Ron was a Shriner, a 32nd Degree Mason, and a member of the Dexter Masonic Lodge #532 for 44 years. He was also a member of the Dexter Elks Lodge for 35 years.
Ron’s other enjoyments and interests included family vacations, holidays, and gatherings. He also enjoyed spending time with friends at classic car auctions and shows, and picking for antiques. Ron loved dogs and had many golden retriever companions.
Ron is loved by all and will be deeply missed!
Memorials may be made, in memory of Ron D. Sells, to: The Ronald McDonald House Charity, 3450 Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
Due to social distancing practices, the family will have a private, invitation-only service at the funeral home and grave site. After the private graveside service, we will have a drive thru service at the gravesite open to anyone on Thursday, April 16 at 3:30 pm at Dexter Cemetery. Then, at a later date, the family will have a full service and celebration of life.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.
