Heather Jean Smith Goodwin sadly left us on February 13, 2025 at the age of 46. Heather is already at the feet of Jesus, living her happily ever after. Services will be held at First Marion in Marion, Arkansas. Her celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 1, at 5:00 pm.
Heather graduated from Dexter High School in 1996. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Arkansas State University in 2000, where she met her husband of 25 years, Larry Goodwin. Larry and Heather married in September of 2000 and made their home in Marion, Arkansas. Heather went on to receive her Masters degree in education and later her Specialists degree in Educational Leadership. She always said she was called to be a teacher, and the schools were her mission field.
Larry and Heather have three beautiful children, Reese, age 16, Ryder, age 14, and Roston, age 11. Her three children were and forever will be her pride and joy. She thanked God everyday He chose her to raise them. She and Larry were usually found on a sports field cheering one of their three children on or ubering them from one event to the next. Her world revolved around her family and she wanted nothing more than to be where they were.
Heather walked closely with God and had unmovable faith. She wanted nothing more than for God to be seen through her actions.
Heather is survived by her husband Larry Goodwin, and their three children, Reese, Ryder, and Roston. She is also survived by her parents Mark and Ranae Smith of Buncombe, IL, sister April (Jay) Parks of Oxford, MS, brother Gabe (Laine) Smith of New Madrid, MO, and a host of close family and friends. Heather is preceded in death by her grandparents, Lois Smith of Cape Girardeau, MO, and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Davie of Jonesboro, IL.
Donna Lee Wells, daughter of the late Charles Denver Decker and Marian Lucille Decker, was born in Bushton, Illinois on July 5, 1946 and departed this life at Mercy Hospital Southeast in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on February 10, 2025 at the age of 78.
Mrs. Wells was a Licensed Practical Nurse, having worked at Malden Nursing Center in Malden, Missouri for 31 years, until her retirement in 2010. She was a member of the Nazarene Church of Bernie, Missouri, where her husband Pastored for many years. Her greatest job of all was being a grandmother. She was a resident of Bernie.
She was united in marriage to Donald V. Wells in Mattoon, Illinois on August 22, 1964. Rev. Wells preceded his wife in death on May 29, 2022.
Survivors include two sons, Gary Wells & wife Christy and Jeff Wells & wife Tera all of Dexter, Missouri; by one daughter, Jenny Wells of Bernie, Missouri; by one brother, Rick Decker & wife Bonnie of Westfield, Illinois; by four sisters, Judy Tatman of Winchester, Virginia, Sharon Button & husband Dick of Greenup, Illinois, Patricia Buscher of Mulberry, Florida and Teri Clark of Charleston, Illinois; by six grandchildren, Macie Wells, Riley Wells, Kaeli Wells, Taylor Montgomery & husband Brett, Tyler Wells and Mikalyn Kirkwood; by one great-grandchildren due August 2025; also by other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Friends may call at Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie, Missouri on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Chapel in Bernie on Sunday, February 16, 2025 starting at 2:00 pm. Rev. Ken Harper and Rev. Jeff Wells officiating. Interment will follow in Bernie Cemetery. Mathis Funeral Home of Bernie is assisting with all arrangements.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Ramona Sue Mason/Montgomery on February 8, 2025, at the age of 57. Born on July 1, 1967, she brought love, warmth, and light to all who knew her. Her kindness and generosity knew no bounds; she would give anyone her last dollar or the shirt off her back without a second thought. She had an incredible ability to lift others up, always staying positive and bringing joy to even the darkest days.
Her family was her greatest treasure. She is survived by her daughters, Amanda June Hunsaker and Kristin Ruth Hunsaker, her grandson Misha Roland Hunsaker, her sister Tammy Kanavel, and her two brothers Wesley Montgomery and Kevin Brents, who will forever carry her love in their hearts. She was preceded in death by her husband, Terry Mason, her mother Barbara Montgomery, her father Philip Montgomery, her brother Clint Montgomery, and her youngest daughter, Brandi Mason, whose absence she bore with grace and strength.
Her love, spirit, and warmth will be sorely missed, not only by her family but by all those who had the privilege of knowing her. The world has lost a truly beautiful soul, and the void left behind will be felt by all who were fortunate enough to witness her kindness.
Though she may no longer be with us in body, her memory will continue to inspire and guide us. We take comfort in knowing that her love will live on in the hearts of her daughters and everyone whose life she touched.
Rest in peace, Mom. The world won’t be the same without you, but your love will forever remain in our hearts.
A celebration of life service will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
James E Robinson, son of the late James Robinson and Veda Martin Robinson, was born on July 7, 1931, in Stoddard County, Missouri, and departed this life on February 7, 2025, at Aspire Senior Living in Advance, Missouri, at the age of 93 years.
Mr. Robinson was a former mechanic, school bus driver, carpenter and welder. He had attended the Assembly of God Church in Essex, Missouri, and was a resident of Dexter, Missouri. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, and he enjoyed working with wood, building Shepard’s hooks for cemetery flowers.
On November 21, 1951, in Fisk, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Hazel Hamby. Mrs. Robinson preceded him in death on January 2, 2017.
He is survived by his daughter, Jamie Hutchison and husband Tom of Dexter, Missouri; by three sons, Rick Robinson of Dexter, Missouri, David Robinson and wife Christine of Dexter, Missouri, and Daniel Robinson of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; by thirteen grandchildren, Robbin Carter, Greg Jones, David Robinson, Kevin Robinson, Chauda Robinson, Heather Pawlik, JR Robinson, Matt Robinson, Dallas Robinson, Payton Hutchison, Haley Hutchison, Aaron Hutchison, and Axel Robinson; and by many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Other than by his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Marla Robinson; by his son, Terry Robinson; by his granddaughter, Angela Robinson; and by four sisters, Joyce Wamble, Edna Long, Edith Corbin, and Virgie Robinson.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Friday, February 14, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Dale Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Triplett Cemetery.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Steven Cary Millington, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on February 9, 2025 at his home at the age of 67. His life was one of laughter, adventure, and unwavering love for those he held dear.
Born on September 5, 1957 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Wayne Millington and Pauline (Bailey) Millington, Steve was baptized on May 11, 1969 at Church of the Brethren in Frisco, Missouri. He married the love of his life, Julie Dawn (McElmurry) Millington on June 8th 1985. Steve is survived by his wife Julie, children Craig (Melissa) Millington of Willard, Missouri, and Jennifer (Ryan) Elder of Leawood, Kansas, grandchildren Rylie and Hayes Millington and Jackson and Hudson Elder, siblings Connie (William) Churchill, Janet (Gale) Cardwell, Tom (Jan) Millington, Melinda (Jim) Rainey, Harold (Paula) Miles, and Neil (Cindy) Miles, and many nieces and nephews who Steve loved so much. He was preceded in death by Pauline (Millington) Hart and Ruth Millington.
Steve graduated from Advance High School in 1975 and Southeast Missouri State University in 1983. A proud member and Past-President of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity (earning the nickname ‘Bird’) Steve has attended and enjoyed Pike float trips for the last 50 years—his presence on the river a testament to his lifelong spirit of camaraderie and adventure. He cherished the friendships he built through his fraternity and beyond, always the first to raise a glass, share a story, and ensure no one ever felt like a stranger.
For over 50 years, Steve dedicated himself to a successful career in banking, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and customers alike. Inspired by Ruth Millington, at the age of 15, Steve began his banking career at the Bank of Advance. He has served as President, Regional President, Board Member of First Midwest Bank for the past 30 years, both in Sikeston and most recently Springfield, Missouri. Steve served his community in many ways, including the Sikeston Housing Authority, Sikeston School Board, as a member of Kiwanis, and several committees of First United Methodist Church. His integrity, work ethic, and genuine care for those he worked with and those around him left a lasting impact on the industry and the many lives he touched throughout his career.
Above all, Steve loved his family. He was a devoted husband to Julie, a loving father to Craig and Jenn, and the proudest grandfather, known only as “Gus”, to Rylie, Hayes, Jack and Hudson. His grandkids were his greatest joy, and he filled their lives with laughter, wisdom, and the occasional mischievous twinkle in his eye. Whether he was playing board games, letting the kids sit in his lap to drive the boat, racing go karts or building sandcastles, Steve always brought a smile and a laugh. “Stevie Ray” was blessed by the best group of friends, sharing countless memories of concerts, weekends at the lake, beach trips, New Years Eve celebrations, and Superbowl parties. His friends were like family, and his ability to make everyone feel welcomed and valued was one of his greatest gifts.
In the spirit of his eternal youthfulness, we remember his favorite words from Peter Pan:
"Never grow up."
Though he has left this world, his legacy of love, friendship, and adventure will live on in all who knew him. May we honor his memory by embracing life with the same passion, humor, and kindness that he so effortlessly shared with us.
Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church in Sikeston, Missouri on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 11 am. until time of Funeral service at 1 pm. with Jennifer Moxley, officiating.
Interment to follow in Lightner Cemetery in Scott City, Missouri.
Pallbearers will be Karl Ritter, Craig Richter, Doug Kennedy, Jeff Allison, Tim Underwood and Bryan Young.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com for the Millington family.
