John Alan Stephens, son of the late Noble Chester Stephens and Norma Ayers Stephens, was born on March 23, 1964, and departed this life on February 2, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Stoddard in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 60 years.
Mr. Stephens was a former English teacher at T.S. Hill Middle School in Dexter, Missouri for 18 years, prior to that he taught in Caruthersville for 12 years, and he was currently a receptionist for Saint Francis Healthcare Fitness Plus. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Dexter and a resident of Dexter. John wrote several plays for community entertainment, madrigal dinners and fund raisers for Boone Park. He was a 5th degree Master in Tae Kwon Do and he loved spending time with his grandson.
On July 26, 1986, in Herculaneum, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Joan Francis. Mrs. Stephens survives of their home in Dexter.
Along with his wife, he is survived by three sons, Jered Stephens (Shana Kight) of Dexter, Missouri, Jacob Stephens of Springfield, Missouri, and Greyson Stephens of St. Louis, Missouri; by two brothers, Michael Stephens of Tallahassee, Florida and Donald Stephens of Willard, Missouri; by his sister, Patricia Gray Skipper of Brooksville, Florida; and by his grandson, Jeremy Lee Stephens.
Other than by his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Vicky Lynn Stephens.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Caroline Dowdy Cemetery in Dexter.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Susanne Jean Dalton, daughter of Barbara Robertson Dalton of Ellsinore, Missouri, and the late Lawrence “Pete” Dalton, was born on October 28, 1961, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and departed this life on January 29, 2025, at her residence in Ellsinore, Missouri, at the age of 63 years.
Ms. Dalton was a Veteran of the United States Air Force, and a registered nurse formerly working at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She enjoyed boating on the lake, seasonal decorating, organizing family get-togethers and flower gardening.
She is survived by her daughter, Kelly Midkiff and husband Zach of Dexter, Missouri; by her long-time companion, Ken Pounders of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas; by three brothers, Scott Dalton and Joe Dalton and wife Kathey all of Ellsinore, Missouri; and James Dalton and wife Peggy of Hernando, Mississippi; and by five sisters, Rebecca Tindall of Ellsinore, Missouri; Sharon Stratton and husband Ron of Erwin, Tennessee, Laura Chaligoj and husband Paul of Doniphan, Missouri, Deborah Pritchett and husband Mark of Ellsinore, Missouri, and Christy Bain and husband Lynn of Van Buren, Missouri.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. A memorial service will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Travis Lambert officiating. Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Francis Elizabeth "Bess" Riggs was born March 23, 1927, in Stoddard County, Missouri to the late James and Leatha (Martin) O'Dell, and passed away on February 1, 2025, in Dexter, Missouri at the age of 97.
On September 6, 1968, Eldon Riggs and Elizabeth O'Dell were united in marriage in Scott City, Missouri and were married until his passing on July 12, 1999.
Elizabeth lived In Southeast Missouri for the majority of her life, and was of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed gardening, Making quilts, loved her grandchildren, and loved spending time with her family.
Surviving family include Kathy Simmons, of Advance, Missouri, 8 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren, 2 brothers, James and Charles, 1 sister, Delisie Hessbein, and many nieces and nephews.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Raymon, her second husband, EK, two sons: Raymon Jr. and Ronald, her daughter, Linda, one granddaughter, Beth Ann Smith, and three sisters: Norma June, Freida Warren, and Katherine Robinson.
The visitation will be on Thursday, February 6, 2025, beginning at 11 A.M. at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri.
The funeral will be on Thursday, February 6, 2025, beginning at 12 P.M. at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri.
Interment will immediately follow at the Triplett Cemetery near Dexter, Missouri, with Pastor Mike Redman officiating.
Watkins and Sons is handling all arrangements.
Glenda Elanie Wilthong graced this world with her presence for 89 remarkable years. She passed away on Thursday, January 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire others to come.
Elaine was born on September 20, 1935, in Paragould Arkansas. She graduated from Oak Grove High School and obtained her college degrees including a Master’s and Specialist degree from Arkansas State University. Her career in teaching included elementary schools in Paragould Arkansas, Cardwell Missouri, and finally retiring from Puxico School District after a combined 44 years of being an educator. After retirement at age 80, Elaine substituted at the Mingo Job Corps Center.
On January 1, 1955, Elaine married the love of her life James Wilthong. They were married for 67 wonderful years. She was also a loving mother to her daughter Sheryl.
Elaine enjoyed shopping, always finding treasures for others. Elaine also enjoyed traveling, especially to Branson and Florida to visit Sheryl and Dale, as well as to Arkansas to see family. Her travels took her to many sites in the US and Europe. She also enjoyed gardening. Her two cats Socks and Millie provided her with much joy.
Elaine was a member of the First Baptist Church of Puxico Missouri, taught Sunday School and VBS and served on Baptist building missions and served on disaster teams. She was faithfully dedicated to her Lord Jesus Christ.
Elaine was a longtime member of Puxico VFW Auxiliary Post 7822 and help to organize the baby contest at Homecoming. She was a member of Thursday Culture Club and Gideons International. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa International Honorary Organization for Women Educators. She was a mentor for the Mother to Mother program. Elaine also was a mentor to many of her former students.
Elaine is survived by her daughter Sheryl Hartzog (Dale), sister Martha Gadberry (Leon), brother Carl Weaver (Carolyn), sister-in-law Sandra Weaver, sister-in-law Linda Wilthong and numerous nieces and nephews.
Elaine is preceded in death by husband James Wilthong, parents RH and Ina Weaver and brother Jerry Weaver.
The family would like to extend gratitude for her caregivers at VNA Home Care, Poplar Bluff Medical Center, Puxico Nursing Center, Preferred Hospice and to a special friend and caregiver Ruthie Quick.
Arrangements:
The visitation will be on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, beginning at 10 A.M., at the Puxico First Baptist Church in Puxico, Missouri.
The funeral will be on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, beginning at 11 A.M., at the Puxico First Baptist Church in Puxico, Missouri.
Interment will take place the following day, Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at the Greene County Memorial Gardens in Paragould, Arkansas at 1 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to Puxico First Baptist Church building fund or Gideons International.
Ola Hill, daughter of the late George Gaines and Rachel Winemueller Gaines, was born on November 4, 1935, in Dexter, Missouri, and departed this life on January 27, 2025, at St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, Missouri, at the age of 89 years.
Mrs. Hill was a former employee of Brown Shoe Company in Bernie, Missouri. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Dexter, Missouri and a resident of Dexter. She enjoyed sewing, gardening and reading.
She was first united in marriage to Virgil Gilkey on September 19, 1953, in Bernie, Missouri. Mr. Gilkey preceded her in death on September 16, 2007. She was then united in marriage to Jerrel Hill on April 15, 2012, in Dexter, Missouri. Mr. Hill survives of their home.
Along with her husband, she is survived by two sons, Dennis Gilkey and wife Carrie of Fenton, Missouri, and Michael Gilkey and wife Cindy of Lawrence, Kansas; by two daughters, Karen Gilkey of Lawrence, Kansas, and Linda Bresee of Sikeston, Missouri; and by several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Other than by her first husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Sandra McGraw; by her brother, Elvis Gaines; and by four sisters, Velma Grindstaff, Elva Smee, Wanda Smith, and Ann Stanfill.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
