April Pennington, daughter of Patricia Sidwell Loomis of Sikeston, Missouri, and the late Ricky D. Smith, was born on September 24, 1982, in Cookeville, Tennessee, and departed this life on March 5, 2025, at her residence in Bloomfield, Missouri, at the age of 42 years.
Ms. Pennington worked for Walmart in Sikeston, Missouri. She was of the Baptist faith and loved listening to music.
Along with her mother, she is survived by her daughter, Brianna Pennington of Sikeston, Missouri; and by her sister, Amber Steiner of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Private family service will be held at a later date.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Donald "Don" Roy Mallory of Dexter, Missouri was born on November 4, 1936, in Dudley, Missouri, to the late John Henry Melvin and Irene (Runyon) Mallory, and passed away on March 7, 2025 in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 88.
Don was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Dexter, Missouri, and enjoyed working with the Special Olympics, Boy Scouts of America, camping, hunting and watching football.
Surviving family include his loving wife of almost 70 years, Nellie, a son, David Wayne (Carol) Mallory, of Columbia, Missouri, a daughter, Cheryl Mallory, of Dexter, Missouri, two grandchildren: Josh Mallory, of Columbia, Missouri and Brian Vice of Key West, Florida, two great grandchildren: Naomi and Shawn, a great-great grandchild, Leighann, two brothers: James Mallory, of Mississippi, Kenneth Mallory, of Florida, and two sisters, June Teets, of Dexter, Missouri, and Ruth Tippen, of Bloomfield, Missouri.
The funeral will be on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, beginning at 11 A.M. at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri.
Johnnie Dale Johnson was born January 25, 1953, in Gideon, Missouri to the late Charlie Otis and Tommie Marie (Rodgers) Johnson, and passed away on March 7, 2025, at Mercy South in St Louis.
Surviving family include his son, Eric Smart of Dexter, Missouri and one daughter, Michelle Barks of Farmington, Missouri. He had 8 grandchildren: Levi, Carl, Jayden, Bella, Mason, Nicole, Angel, and Tony Ryan Matheney Jr. He had 1 great grandchild, Rosie.
Johnnie has 3 brothers and 3 sisters: Jimmy, Michael, Gary, Carolyn, Kathy, Minnie. He has an aunt Mary Alice Beta from IL and Gavin Kingston as well as his nephews. Preceded in death are Matthew Kingston who passed August 23, 2013, a brother Charlie and a brother, Charlie.
The family is holding a private family service with no other services planned.
Olivia "Livy" Ann Zunkel, 82, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025. Born on June 2, 1942, to George and Ruth Baker, who preceded her in death, Olivia grew up with a love of learning and adventure. She attended William Woods before graduating from Murray State University.
On December 28, 1962, she married the love of her life, Dr. Alan "Doug" Zunkel, at the Essex Methodist Church. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and a shared passion for travel. They explored the world side by side, making cherished memories with friends, whether on the Oregon Coast, at their beloved villa in Portugal, or anywhere else their adventurous spirits led them.
Olivia was a devoted mother to her two children, Ken Zunkel of Essex and Lea Ann Zunkel of Philadelphia, and a proud grandmother to Bonnie. She adored her family and was a loving presence in their lives. A woman of many passions, she found joy in golf, a good catfish dinner, and most of all, the companionship of her beloved pets.
When she moved back home in 2016, Olivia became an active member of P.E.O., where she formed deep and lasting friendships. She carried with her a love for the Pacific Northwest, especially the rugged beauty of the Oregon Coast, which always held a special place in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her dear Doug in 2014, but her love for him and the life they shared never faded. Olivia will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, kind heart, and the warmth she brought to everyone who knew her.
Her family and friends will miss her dearly but take comfort in knowing she is once again reunited with Doug, embracing the next great adventure together.
May she rest in peace, surrounded by love and the memories she so graciously shared with the world.
A celebration of Olivia’s life will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Monday, March 10, 2025, visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with funeral services following at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.
Memorials may be made in her honor, reflecting her deep love for animals, to the Dexter Animal Shelter, 601 E Grant Street, Dexter MO 63841
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Betty Joe Cooper was born on July 30, 1936, in Avert, MO., to the late Ralph Robey and Effie Marie (Mayo) Robey. She passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Indiana on February 28, 2025, at the age of 88.
Betty spent her childhood years in Avert and moved with her family to Bloomfield where she graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1955. On April 20, 1957, she was united in marriage to Deloit Dean Cooper in his parent’s home north of Aquilla, MO. Together they built their lives and raised their family in Bloomfield, MO. Mr. Cooper preceded her in death on May 5, 2000.
Betty worked outside the home in various occupations including Waitress, Seamstress, Clerk, Bookkeeper and Business Owner. She ended her working career in 1998 when she retired from Mercantile Bank. Prior to retirement she attended SEMO University and received an Associate Degree in Business.
In addition to being a full-time working mother, Betty was involved in community activities including Cub Scouts, Amvets Auxiliary, Crowley Ridge Rec Center, Helping Hands, Red Hats, and election volunteer. She was a Life Member of the Order of Eastern Star and served many years as secretary/treasurer and twice as Worthy Matron. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bloomfield, MO.
Throughout her life Betty enjoyed cooking, sewing, crocheting, and gardening. She had an adventurous side that enjoyed road-trips and had visited most of the Continental United States. She loved the beach and travelled parts of Route 66. Everywhere she went she took a smile, a pride of where she was from – Bloomfield, MO - and a pride of her family. Betty ( Mom, Grandma, Granny) approached life with a patience and quiet generosity. She gave freely of her time and talents with never a hint of being asked – she wanted to be in that moment helping the ones she loved. Her belief was that we should do what we can while we’re able, and she lived that every day.
Betty is survived by two children, Cindy (Mike) Drew of Batesville, IN., Samuel (Mary) Cooper of Bloomfield, MO; four grandchildren, Shannon (Chris) Munchel, Christopher Drew, Jon Drew, and McKenna Fisher; two great-grandchildren, Jameson Munchel and Bettymae Munchel. Betty is also survived by one brother, Ralph “Bo” (Jessie) Robey, the Amanda McWilson family, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 pm, Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, MO. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 7, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Bloomfield, MO, followed by internment at Bloomfield Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Stars and Stripes Museum, 17377 Stars and Stripes Way, Bloomfield, MO 63825, and First Baptist Church, 201 Center Street, Bloomfield, MO 63825.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
