Rickey DeProw, son of the late Mary Alice Koenig Feeney and Leo and Shirley DeProw of Dexter, Missouri, was born on May 12, 1957 in Gideon, Missouri, and departed this life on February 12, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Stoddard in Dexter, Missouri at the age of 66 years.
Mr. DeProw was self-employed and a resident of Dexter. He grew up in the Tallapoosa community in New Madrid County and spent many years in the St. Louis area.
He is survived by one daughter, Natalie Elaine Calhoun of Hillsboro, Missouri; a grandson, Liam Calhoun of Hillsboro, Missouri; his father Leo DeProw and step-mother Shirley DeProw; four siblings, Stanley DeProw of Festus, Missouri, Michelle Batton of Dyersburg, Tennessee, Grant DeProw of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Gregory DeProw of Jackson, Missouri.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. A memorial service will follow in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Dale Jones of First Assembly of God in Dexter officiating.
The family requests that memorials be made to the First Assembly of God Church, 911 Brown Piolet Lane, Dexter MO 63841.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Dorothy Lee Gillespie, daughter of the late James H. Fulkerson and Beulah Alma Robertson Fulkerson, was born on January 23, 1927, near Sikeston, Missouri, and passed away peacefully in her home in Bloomfield, Missouri, on February 12, 2024, at the age of 97.
Dorothy was a beautician for 14 years and also worked at the Missouri Driver’s License office in Bloomfield. The job she loved was at Ms. Gail’s Day Care, working there for several years and lovingly known as Ms. Dorothy. She lived in the Bloomfield Community all her life and was a dedicated member of the Bloomfield First General Baptist Church until failing health. She will forever be known for her coconut crème pies and being a great cook. Her family was the sunshine of her life, and she enjoyed nothing more than having them around her table with an abundance of food and desserts. She loved watching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and loved anything Mickey Mouse. Most of all she loved Jesus.
She is survived by her husband, Dale Gillespie of Bloomfield, Missouri; by her son, Dennis (Phyllis) Gillespie of Nolensville, Tennessee; by her daughter, Angie (Bob) Barnfield of Bloomfield, Missouri; by three grandchildren, Christian (Mendy) Bell of Dexter, Missouri, Dr. Ryan (Kristen) Gillespie of Nashville, Tennessee, and Dr. Leslie (Skye) Marthaler of Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania; by six great-grandchildren, Carson Bell, Clayton Bell, Cameron Bell, Olivia Gillespie, Hazel Gillespie, and Magnus Marthaler; and by her sister, Beulah Eaton of Bloomfield, Missouri.
Other than by her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Pearl Stone, Opal Williams, Alma Lewis, and three brothers, Jim Fulkerson, J.W. Fulkerson, and Glenn Fulkerson.
Memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105, 18 Fore Life, c/o Scott Kruse, 705 Laurie Circle, Dexter MO 63841, VNA Hospice of SEMO, PO Box 768, Kennett MO 63857, or the Alzheimer’s Association, 11433 Olde Cabin Road, Ste 100, St. Louis MO 63141.
The family could not have gone through this journey without the VNA Hospice Team. Thank you for loving and caring for our loved one.
A private family service will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Theodore G. “Ted” Matthes, son of the late Theodore R. Matthes and Ruby Fraser Matthes, was born on June 1, 1942, in DeSoto, Missouri, and departed this life on February 10, 2024, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, after a short illness.
Mr. Matthes was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in Vietnam. He was a member of Crossroads Methodist Church in Dexter, Missouri.
He is survived by his wife, Vicki Minton Matthes of Dexter, Missouri; by two daughters, Kate Parsons of Dexter, Missouri, and Jessica Matthes (Caleb Bartlett) of Maryland Heights, Missouri; by his son, Stephen Matthes of Messina, New York; by two grandchildren, Rhys Parsons of Dexter, Missouri, and Mackenzie Matthes of Messina, New York; and by his sister, Barbara Thompson (Charles) of Ladue, Missouri.
Graveside services will be conducted at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. with full military honors. A reception at Crossroads Methodist Church in Dexter will immediately follow.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Gary Dennie Kitchen, a respected member of the community, passed away on February 10, 2024, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was born on July 30, 1946, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Jewel (Cotton) and Lorine Kitchen.
Mr. Kitchen had an exceptional military career, serving his country with dedication and honor. He proudly served in the United States Marines, United States Army, and the Missouri Army National Guard. His commitment to service exemplified his patriotic spirit and love for his country.
Beyond his military service, Gary Dennie Kitchen was a man of many interests and hobbies. He held the title of Past Master Mason of the Dexter Lodge and served as DDGM for five years. Additionally, he was an active member of the 911 Board and the American Legion, and member of the Puxico VFW. Mr. Kitchen's dedication to public service extended to his role as a former Schreiner and a member of the Stoddard County Honor Guard. He also enjoyed operating as a Ham Radio Operator.
Survived by his beloved wife Kathy Kitchen of 29 years, Gary Dennie Kitchen leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories within his family and friends circle. His three daughters Leslie Sifford of Poplar Bluff, Melissa Crowley and Annie Crowley both of Van Buren, Missouri will forever remember his kindness and guidance. One granddaughter Isabella Sifford of Poplar Bluff will hold her treasured memories of her grandfather close to her heart.
In addition to his immediate family members are surviving sister Carla West of Montgomery City, Missouri as well as three close friends Denny Noland, Mike McMunn, and Ronnie Potter (Potsey). Their bond is sure to endure beyond Mr. Kitchen's physical presence.
A Memorial Service honoring Gary Dennie Kitchen's life will be held on February 23rd, 2024 at the Missouri State Veteran's Cemetery in Bloomfield. The service will begin at 15:00 and conclude at 16:00. The cemetery is located at 17357 Stars and Stripes Way, Bloomfield, MO 63825, United States, with Pastor Chares Robertson of Bloomfield, Missouri officiating with Watkins and Sons Funeral Service in charge of all arrangements.
Gary Dennie Kitchen's commitment to his country, community, and loved ones will always be remembered with admiration. His love for life and dedication to service inspire all those who knew him. We celebrate the remarkable life of Gary Dennie Kitchen and offer our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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.
