Audrey Mae Duncan, daughter of the late Ernest McCollom and Lois Black McCollom, was born on September 18, 1940, and departed this life on January 5, 2024, at Memory Lane in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 83 years.
Mrs. Duncan had worked for Brown Shoe Factory, the International Hat Factory and in a Daycare. She was a member of First General Baptist Church in Bloomfield. She loved gardening, flowers, cooking, baking, and taking long walks. She loved spending time with her family and friends, and she loved animals.
She is survived by her son, Charles Michael Duncan of Dexter, Missouri; by her daughter, Cynthia Bell and husband Mike of Bloomfield, Missouri; by three sisters, Ruth Standridge of Louisville, Kentucky, Kathryn Hyslop of Dexter, Missouri, and Elaine Launius of Bloomfield, Missouri; by three grandchildren, Jeff Bell (Misty), Amy Bell, and Lesley Bell (Michael Scism); and by three great-grandchildren, Kamryn Edwards, Elton Bell and Harrison Scism.
Other than by her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Jimmy McCollom; and by two sisters, Virginia Pullum and Helen Launius.
A private service will be conducted at a later date.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
In loving memory of Ryan Scott Speakman, a vibrant soul whose passion for life illuminated the world around him. Ryan, age 21, departed from us on January 2, 2024, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him.
Born on July 24, 2002, Ryan, immediately dubbed Bubba, embraced a position of love and support for those around him. Armed with an unrivaled intuition, an aim to aid, he created a place of comfort for those he loved. In his early years, his compassion began with a "look, I made you a spot." or "I got you a present to make you feel better." His considerate nature and compassion only grew with each passing day.
Bubba embraced the wonders of learning, immersing himself in the world of literature, engaging in spirited debates, and nurturing a profound love for the arts. His dream of running an art store coupled with a cozy coffee shop, where personal connections could thrive, reflected his deep appreciation for human connection.
Bubba aspired to explore the beauty of our diverse world. His zest for life extended to his love for games and anime, bringing joy and laughter to gatherings with friends. His genuine affection for everyone, especially his nieces and nephews, created a warm and welcoming presence.
Bubba's role as "Uncle Bubba" began in 2008, marking the start of a beautiful chapter in his life. From the age of 6, he embraced the responsibilities of unclehood with sincerity, ensuring each niece and nephew felt cherished and unique. His genuine interest in their pursuits, whether it was playing "pee pie" or offering artistic guidance, solidified bonds and provided a love that will endure for a lifetime.
He is survived by his parents, Paul Speakman and Julie Wilson Speakman of Jackson, Missouri; by two brothers, Josh Speakman and wife Keandra of Advance, Missouri, and Dillan Wilhite of Jackson, Missouri; by three sisters, Emily Maddox and husband Robert of Lake Wappapello, Missouri, Jessica Hildebrand of Scott City, Missouri, and Kayli Leible and husband Andrew of Benton, Missouri; by his best friend, Derek Mathena; by his maternal grandparents, Carl Joe and Sheila Wilson of Sikeston, Missouri, and Lee Hufford (Bruno O’Guinn) of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; by his paternal grandparents, Howard and Paula Pikey of DeRidder, Louisiana; by eleven nieces and nephews, Knava Speakman, Josh Speakman II, Mariah Johnson, Shiloh Price, Morrighan Maddox, Robert Maddox, Bennett Scott Wilhite, Ashlynn Hildebrand, Tage Hildebrand, Emeri Leible, and Clayton Leible; and by lots of loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Larry Hufford; his paternal grandmother, Pauline Pikey; and by his paternal grandfather, Colin Speakman.
In celebrating Bubba's life, let us remember the love he showered upon us all. His absence leaves a void, but his spirit lives on through the memories of joy, laughter, and connections he shared with everyone. The world was undoubtedly brighter with Bubba in it, and his legacy of love will forever echo in our hearts.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Monday, January 8, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Bernie Cemetery.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Robert “Rusty” Smith, son of the late Robert “Cowboy” Smith and Verly “Kitty” Smith, was born on March 1, 1955, in Luxora, Arkansas, and departed this life on January 1, 2024, at Mercy Hospital South, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 68 years.
Mr. Smith had worked as a farmer and worked for IXL in Bernie, Missouri and was a resident of Bernie. He enjoyed watching wrestling, dirt track racing, and his son playing pool. Rusty liked to shoot guns, fish, and enjoyed a cold beer, and spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his two dogs, Foxy and Taco; his grand dog, Nala; by his son, Robert C. Smith (Misty Rodgers) of Bernie, Missouri; by his daughter, Melisa McCulley (Jerry) of Malden, Missouri; by his long-time companion of forty-one years, Cynthia Hartley of Dexter, Missouri; by five brothers, Eddie Gene Jones of Luxora, Arkansas, Raymond Rodger of Osceola, Arkansas, Lucky Smith of Wilson, Arkansas, Billy Smith and Scotty Smith of Memphis, Tennessee; and by six grandchildren, Colton Smith, Caitlyn Whittemore, Kaleb McCulley, Karson McCulley, Kylie McCulley, and Cody Elkins
Other than by his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mamie Lou Herron; and by two grandchildren, Jared Elkins, and Jacob Whittemore.
A celebration of life service will be conducted at a later date.
Joan Wyrick Bogle Dabbs September 29, 1942 — December 29, 2023 Nixa, Missouri
Joan Wyrick Bogle Dabbs, age 81 of Nixa, Missouri, formally of Dexter, Missouri, passed away on December 29, 2023.
She was born in Flora, Illinois on September 29, 1942. She was the daughter of Merlin and Maxine Bogle. She was a strong and brave young woman who following graduation at the age of 17 moved away for work in Aurora, Illinois. It was there where she met Gail, a “hillbilly” in her words. After some convincing, she agreed to go out with him. They were married on August 10, 1962, after a brief courtship and remained happily married for 54 years until he passed away in April of 2016.
She and Gail had one daughter, Tracy, who she considered to be her best friend over the years. She had one grandson, Josh, whom she adored. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her family.
Joan was a loving and supportive friend throughout her life, always offering to lend a helping hand when needed. Joan and Gail were active in their church in Dexter, Missouri. She loved to spend time with and travel with family, and shop for the latest styles and jewelry. Her love for accumulating clothes and shoes was legendary in her family. She was also known to host large garage sales due to this fact. Joan loved spending time with friends in Dexter and enjoyed playing bingo. Joan enjoyed entertaining and engaging in a good conversation, but she also loved her afternoon naps. We all knew to never mess with her during nap time. She loved to go out and eat and her favorite splurge was always lobster. She loved animals and had several pets throughout her life. Joan always had a knack for decorating. Her house was always as “neat as a pin” ….as long as no one opened the cabinets. Family was always important to Joan. She was always supportive of Gail’s business adventures and of Tracy, spending endless hours on phone calls during college, offering advice, assisting in apartment hunts, decorating, etc. She loved her weekly excursions with Tracy to have her hair and nails done, lunch and of course, shopping. She and Gail were entrepreneurs who owned several different businesses over the course of their marriage. As they retired, they loved to hop in their little RV and take road trips with family. They also enjoyed taking short getaways to hit casinos where she almost always ended up being luckier than Gail.
Joan is survived by her daughter, Tracy and her husband Jerry Henry, Nixa; her grandson Josh Henry, Springfield; several brothers and sisters in law, Margie Bogle, Flora, Illinois, Elsie Heller, Hallsville, Missouri, Jim and Sue Collins, Springfield, Missouri, Neil and Shirley Dabbs, Fisk, Missouri, Erma Dabbs, California, Missouri, LeaVern Dabbs, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Jim and June Novlan, Princeton, Illinois; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband Gail Dabbs; her parents, Merlin and Maxine Bogle; a brother Jim Bogle; and many beloved members of her husband’s family.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Intrepid Hospice, especially Brooke, for the loving care given to Joan. Also, the family would like to thank the staff at Township Senior Living and a special thank you to Hannah, Amber, Tina, Terri, Evelyn, Julie, Becky, Vanessa and Amy who added joy to her life over the past year.
A visitation will be from 1:00 PM-2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024, at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. A brief service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. with Chaplain Randy Martin from Intrepid Hospice Officiating. The burial will follow at McConnell-Bledsoe Cemetery in Nixa.
Joyce Battles, daughter of the late Cecil Steele and Helen Ralph Steele, was born on May 19, 1935, in Memphis, Tennessee, and departed this life on December 30, 2023, at her residence in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 88 years.
Mrs. Battles was a retired landowner with her husband Elmer. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Dexter, and she enjoyed sewing, gardening, and doing laundry.
On December 24, 1952, in Blytheville, Arkansas, she was united in marriage to Elmer Battles. Mr. Battles survives of their home in Dexter.
Along with her husband, she is survived by four sons, Terry Battles and wife Diana of Dexter, Missouri, Steve Battles and wife Angie of Dudley, Missouri, David Battles and wife Sherry of Dudley, Missouri, and Josh Battles of Dexter, Missouri; by her brother, Cecil Steele Jr. of Bonita Springs, Florida; by twelve grandchildren, Ashley Mosier and husband Moe, Dustin Dunning and wife Heather, Lindsey Layton, Kaylie Green and husband Jarred, Cecilia Bridges and husband Charles, Nicole Battles, Erika Thomlinson and husband Koty, Chris Battles and wife Amy, Joel Battles and wife Cori, Brendan Battles, Madara Battles and Alaina Standridge and husband Jake; and by twenty-six great grandchildren.
Other than by her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Roger Battles, and by her great granddaughter, Jordan Green.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Lonny Mittag officiating. Interment will follow in the Chalk Bluff Cemetery.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
