Ricky Lane Roper, 63, of Bloomfield, MO, passed away February 9, 2024, at Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County in Dexter. He was born March 12, 1960, in Advance, the son of Bonnie Bloyce and Mary Sue Howard Roper.

For 35 years, Ricky worked as a heavy equipment operator. In the early years of his career, he worked alongside his brothers, Ronnie, Larry, Eddie, and cousin, Tony, building houses and working construction. Later, he moved on to working as a heavy equipment operator. His knowledge and work ethic helped create and build Roper Excavating in Bloomfield, with his sons. 

Ricky was a tried-and-true cowboy. He lived his life and raised his family in the cowboy way. One of his most proud accomplishments was winning “The Snowy River Race” at the National Chuck Wagon Finals in Clinton, AR, on his horse Chip. He enjoyed hunting on horseback. He spent time tinkering with ponies and carts. He had a special interest in teaching his grandchildren to ride horses. Arrowhead hunting and camping had been a lifelong hobbies. Ricky always enjoyed having jacked up trucks/toys. 

He was a dedicated husband, father, and Papa. He was the type of man who had too many friends to count. Ricky was quick witted, always having something to say. Usually cracking a joke at just the right times, always making everyone around him laugh.

Ricky and Letitia Gail Parker were united in marriage on January 19, 2010, at Bloomfield and she survives of the home.

Survivors include: wife, Letitia Roper; three sons, Josey (Justine) Roper of Essex, Brandon (Chelsea) Roper of Bloomfield, and Blake (Jessica) Roper of Bloomfield; a daughter, Brittney (Blake) Clark of Dexter; three step-children, Morgan (Josh) Sifford of Bloomfield, Cole (Whitney) McClard of Bloomfield and Dalton (Shelby) McClard of Oran; three brothers, Ronnie Roper of Dexter, Larry Roper of Advance, and Eddie Roper of Advance; two sisters, Barbara Phillips of Advance and Trish Stoker of Advance; 13 grandchildren, Kasen Clark, Karleigh Musgrave, Mila Clark, Van Bolt, Dax Roper, Wyatt Golden, Waylon Roper, Hank Roper, Tripp McClard, Tuck McClard, Taylor McClard, Della McClard, and Clara Sifford; and Tonya Roper, who he shared three children.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 14, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance. A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the chapel with Rev. Jamie Jones. Burial will be held at Rock Point Cemetery near Bloomfield, with a cowboy sendoff.

Julia Ann “Judy” Foushee, daughter of the late Basil Gaddis and Mildred “Mickey” Clubb Rice, was born on October 16, 1932, in Kennett, Missouri, and passed away peacefully at her home in Bloomfield, Missouri on February 9, 2024, at the age of 91 years.

Judy was a graduate of Dexter High School in 1950 and later worked as a bank teller in St. Louis and at Citizen Bank in Dexter, Missouri. Later in life she became a bookkeeper for the family farms and her and her husband’s business, B & D Wholesale. Her hobbies included gardening and bird watching. She was an avid animal lover and she loved Jesus.

On July 24, 1970, she was united in marriage to Joseph Boyce “JB” Foushee. Mr. Foushee preceded her in death on August 10, 1999.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathi Smith of Bloomfield, Missouri; by her step-son, David Foushee of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, by her step-daughter, Mamye Jo Nelson (Bob) of Texas; by her sister, Janice McCanless (Tom) of Perkins, Missouri; by ten grandchildren, Joey Roberson (Kelley), Michelle Hamra (Steve), Amy Roberson, Kelli Placher (Jeff), Amanda Zimmerman, Kenny Nelson, Joy Browne, Justin Trammell (Alisha), Courtney Rogan, and Rob Nelson; and by nineteen great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and one due in April 2024.

Other than by her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Jenny Lynn Roberson; by her step-son, Bob Foushee, by two brothers, Russell Gaddis and Charles Gaddis; and by two sisters, Mary Cornwall, and Brenda Lindsey.

A private graveside service will be conducted at Clubb Cemetery in Zalma, Missouri.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter assisted with arrangements.

David William Sander, 75, of Bernie, Missouri, passed away on February 3rd, 2024, at his home.

David was born on December 21st, 1948, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Elroy William and Alberta Elizabeth “Betty” (Brazeal) Sander.

David was a traveling man who prided himself as a Soldier, Patriot, and Son of Christ. Vietnam Veteran, Firefighter, Paramedic, and Senior Environment Health Safety Manager were the vocations he championed in his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his youngest brother, Jeff Sander, Sr.; and sisters, Rebecca (Sander) Seay and Paula Sander.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his son, William Sander (Kristina), and Grandchildren Lynde (Sander) Hockaday (Wesley), Colin, Della, and Edward. Great Grandsons Levi, Henry, and Bennette. Brother, Robert Sander (Debbie), nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends at home and abroad.

Graveside military honors will be conducted on Monday, February 12, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting the family with arrangements.