Gertrude Elvena Martin, 82, of Dexter, Missouri, peacefully gained her wings on February 21, 2025, at her home. She was born in Fisk, Missouri, on October 9, 1942.
Elvena was a woman who touched the hearts of everyone she met, always offering kind and encouraging words to those she loved. Growing up in the rural Puxico area, Elvena’s charm and grace were evident early on. She was honored to be the first runner-up in the1959 Miss Puxico Pageant and a graduate of Puxico High School in 1960.
Elvena’s love story with her husband, Ronnie Sr., who survives, began on December 2, 1961. From their early years together in St. Louis to their final days in Dexter, their marriage was filled with countless adventures. Elvena worked for many years at Puxico State Bank before becoming an insurance agent in Dexter. Throughout her life, she was also an active member of the Puxico chapter of The Order of Eastern Star. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Dexter.
A devoted mother to Ronnie Martin Jr. (Nicky) of Puxico, who survives her, and to her late son, Corey “Petey” Martin, Elvena’s love for her family knew no bounds. She is also survived by her three grandsons: Ben Martin of Piggott, AR, Brandon (Bethany) Coleman of Gordonville, and Nathan Martin (Julia Williams) of Cape Girardeau, and a great-grandson, Baylor Coleman.
In addition to her son Corey “Petey”, Elvena was preceded in death by her parents, Elam and Lucille Newsom, and her brother, E.R. “Sonny” Newsom. She is survived by her three sisters: Marian John of Salt Lake City, Utah, Carolyn Williams of Fenton, and Judy (Joe) Farthing of Bridgeton. Elvena is also survived by many cherished brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Elvena’s legacy of love, kindness, and strength will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Rock Point Cemetery in Swinton, Missouri.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Marcella Corlies, daughter of the late Arvel Cannon and Velma Snider Cannon, was born on September 8, 1926, in Essex, Missouri, and departed this life on February 19, 2025, at her residence in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 98 years.
Mrs. Corlies was a former co-owner of the Pyletown Store with her husband. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Church in Pyletown, Missouri. She enjoyed quilting and was a big fan of NASCAR.
On July 7, 1947, in Piggott, Arkansas, she was united in marriage to George W. Corlies Jr. Mr. Corlies preceded her in death on October 1, 1983.
She is survived by her son, Bobby Lee Corlies and wife Denise of Jacksonville, Florida; by two daughters, Velma Ruth Ray of Dexter, Missouri, and Georgia Ann Haney of Dexter, Missouri; by her daughter-in-law, Shirley Corlies of Dexter, Missouri; by her brother, Loy Cannon of Dexter, Missouri; by three sisters, Norma Gibbons of Dexter, Missouri, Helen Lane of Columbia, Missouri, and Jo Ann Smith of Dallas, Texas; by five grandchildren, Candy Copeland, Bobbi Lynn Ray-Wilhite, Mystee Corlies, Jeffrey George Corlies, and Kayse Soule; and by ten great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.
Other than by her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, Charles Myron Corlies, and Ronnie Gene Corlies; by her sister, Luella Layton, and by two sons-in-law, Roger Ray and Ronnie Haney.
Marcella's family would like to thank Elara Caring Hospice for the loving care and support over the last few months.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Paul Pierce officiating. Interment will follow in Sycamore Cemetery in rural Dexter.
Memorials may be made to Sycamore Cemetery, c/o Bobbi Lynn Wilhite, 13874 County Road 624, Dexter MO 63841.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Bill Taylor, son of Peggy Rogers Taylor of Dexter, Missouri, and the late Bob Taylor, was born on November 10, 1958, in Advance, Missouri, and departed this life on February 19, 2025, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, at the age of 66 years.
Mr. Taylor was a Veteran of the United States Marines and a salesman for Autry Morlan Chevrolet Cadillac in Dexter, Missouri. He was a member of The Assembly Church in Bloomfield, Missouri, and a resident of Dexter. Bill was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, he enjoyed creating Lego models with his son, and attending church was very important to him.
On December 18, 1999, in Dexter, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Sherry Rice. Mrs. Taylor survives of their home in Dexter.
Along with his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Whitney Taylor (Joseph Hayden) of Kearney, Missouri and Alexis Robinson of Kansas City, Missouri; by three sons, Jacob Cribbs, Jesse Cribbs of Washington, Missouri, and Gabriel Robinson of Dexter, Missouri; by two brothers, Nicholas Taylor (Kelley) of Dexter, Missouri, and Jerry Braschler of Branson, Missouri; and by his sister, Karen Pullen of Oran, Missouri; and by many extended family.
Other than by his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, John McMikle.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Dwight Hensley officiating. Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Ralph Daniel Bradshaw, son of the late Edward Anthony Bradshaw and Helen Costello Bradshaw, was born on October 11, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, and joined his guardian angel Zodiac on February 17, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Stoddard in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 75 years.
Mr. Bradshaw was a former forklift driver for Wunderlich Fiber Box and a resident of Essex, Missouri. When he was younger, he enjoyed drawing, and he enjoyed military history. He loved arts and crafts and working word searches and crossword puzzles.
On June 30, 1973, in St. Louis, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Victoria Schneider. Mrs. Bradshaw survives of their home in Essex.
Along with his wife, he is survived by two sons, Casey Bradshaw and wife Crystal of Singer, Louisiana, and Ralph Bradshaw II and wife Pamula of Dudley, Missouri; by two daughters, Adalyn Bradshaw of Essex, Missouri and Erika Bradshaw (Sammy Cox) of St. Louis, Missouri; by three brothers, Terry Bradshaw, Kelly Bradshaw, and Edward Bradshaw; by his sister, Carolyn Bradshaw; and by nine grandchildren, Stephen Bradshaw, Journie Cox, Tre Cox, Serenity Bradshaw, Jaxon Bradshaw, Lukan Bradshaw, Ralph Bradshaw III, Lucius Bradshaw, and Tobias Lamb.
No services are planned.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter assisted with arrangements.
Jimmy Dale Thompson, son of the late Herschel and Violet (Brewer) Thompson, was born on April 1, 1946, in Collinwood, Tenn., and departed this life to be with his heavenly father on February 19, 2025, at the age of 78 years.
Mr. Thompson attended New Bethel General Baptist Church in Dexter and was a resident of Dexter. During his life, he enjoyed golfing, laughing with friends and family, attending to his yard, working professionally as a masonry craftsman/bricklayer, helping his wife as they cleaned the church weekly and signing along to hymns as his wife lead the church choir.
On August 11, 1978, in Dexter, he was united in marriage to Thelma Irene Tucker, who survives of the home.
Mr. Thompson is survived by his children Kim McCormick of Holcomb, Kerry Thompson of Cape Girardeau and Brian Thompson of Lebanon; by five grandchildren, Justin, Morgan and Paden McCormick, Mollie LeGrand and Sophie Glueck; by four great grandchildren, Ryder, Ledger, Jagger and Porter McCormick; by three brothers, James, Larry and Drew Thompson; by one sister, Ann Brown; as well as many wonderful in-laws, nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and friends.
Other than his parents, he was proceeded in death by five brothers, Coy, Bill, Dexter Ray, Bobby and Jerry Thompson; by three sisters, Vera Jean Poyner, Kay Carter Gum and Letta Joyce Thompson; and by special in-laws R. C. and Mildred (Duckworth) Tucker (father and mother-in-law, respectively), Hayward and Rosemary Frailey (brother and sister-in-law, respectively) and Brenda and James Williamson (sister and brother-in-law, respectively).
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri, beginning at 10:30 A.M.
