Gloria Ann Ritch, a beloved resident of Grayridge, Missouri, was born on October 8, 1937, to the late Thomas and Viola (Kamin) Harlan. She departed this life on October 13, 2024, at the age of 87 years and 5 days, leaving behind a legacy woven with love and cherished moments.
Throughout her life, Gloria found joy and solace in her faith, attending the Grayridge Baptist Church. Her heart was most at home when surrounded by her family, and her greatest delight was in spending precious time with her grandchildren, creating memories that will endure through generations.
Gloria's life is celebrated by her two daughters, Linda McGarity of Paducah, Kentucky, and Beverly Harris of Dexter, Missouri; her devoted sons, Darrell Ritch, Donald Ritch, and Douglas Ritch, all of Grayridge, Missouri, along with David Ritch of Dexter, Missouri. She is also mourned by ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, who held her close in their hearts.
She was preceded in death by her son, Dennis Ritch, and her daughter, Sheila Bone, who were also dearly loved and missed.
A visitation to honor Gloria's life will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 11 A.M. at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri. Followed by a funeral service on the same day at 1 P.M., with burial to take place at the Chalk Bluff Cemetery in Dexter, Missouri. The service will be officiated by Brother Derek Mitchell of Essex, Missouri.
in Lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made under Gloria's name to the Chalk Bluff Cemetery in Dexter, Missouri.
Watkins and Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with all arrangements, as we come together to celebrate the remarkable life of Gloria Ann Ritch.
Barbara Teresa Lack, a cherished soul, passed away on October 9, 2024, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, due to complications from long-term diabetes. She was 70 years old, and her gentle spirit will be profoundly missed by family, friends, and the dedicated staff at Jackson Manor Nursing Home, where she resided.
Born on February 19, 1954, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Barbara was the beloved daughter of Charles and Beatrice Fullerton, both of whom preceded her in death.
On October 2, 1972, Barbara united in marriage with James Doyle Lack of Dudley, Missouri, creating a partnership filled with devotion and joy. Together, they welcomed their son, Nathan Charles Lack, who brought immense pride and joy to their lives.
Barbara leaves behind her devoted husband, Doyle Lack of Scott City, Missouri, her son, Nathan Lack and his wife, Debra, of Dexter, Missouri, along with countless friends and loved ones who will forever remember her kindness and vivacity.
An active member of her church until her health declined, Barbara found joy in music—her love for singing and playing the piano was an integral part of her life. She possessed an outgoing personality that allowed her to forge friendships with ease, spreading warmth and happiness wherever she went.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 12 P.M. at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri, followed by a funeral service at 1 P.M., officiated by Chaplain Fred Burgard. Barbara will be laid to rest in Puxico Cemetery, a final resting place where she can be remembered with love.
Watkins and Sons Funeral Home is honored to handle the arrangements for this remarkable woman whose life touched so many. As we celebrate the life of Barbara Teresa Lack, let us carry forward her legacy of love, music, and joy in our hearts.
Cecil Ray Bradley, a cherished resident of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, was born on March 24, 1948, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to the late Raymond and Geneva (Adams) Bradley. He peacefully departed this life on October 8, 2024, at the age of 76 years, 6 months, and 14 days, leaving behind a legacy of love and fond memories.
Cecil was united in marriage to Clelah (Medley) Bradley on July 29, 1969, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Their union was a beautiful chapter until her passing on January 24, 2012. A devoted member of the 2nd Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Cecil found joy in his faith and community. He had a passion for riding motorcycles and hunting, yet his greatest joy came from the time spent with his grandchildren, cherishing every moment with his family.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Christina Bradley, and his son, Cecil Bradley, both of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Cecil’s legacy continues through his siblings, James and Paul Bradley of Midwest City, Oklahoma, and Lesa Bradley of Casso, Oklahoma, alongside his six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom remember him with love and admiration.
Friends and loved ones are invited to pay their respects during the visitation scheduled for Friday, October 11, 2024, at 11 A.M. at the 2nd Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The funeral service will follow at 1 P.M., officiated by Brother Curtis Crowley of Ellsinore, Missouri, celebrating a life well-lived. Interment will take place at Dudley Cemetery in Dudley, Missouri.
Watkins and Sons Funeral Service has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Kathleen Glynis Wilds, also known as Kate, Kath, Kat, and KK, was born on February 5, 1966, and passed away peacefully on September 24, 2024, after an extended cancer journey. Kathy was 58 years old and had lived in Tucson, AZ, for 22 years.
Kathy was raised in Bernie, MO, graduating from Bernie High School in 1984. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University and a master’s from the University of Phoenix.
Kathy is survived by her domestic partner of 18 years, John Landwehr; her sisters Donna Sutton, Joy O'Brien, and Kelly O'Brien (spouse Kevin Woods); her paternal grandfather, William McMillen; and her dearest friends, Keith and Mary Lund, Adrian and Jessica Gourley (children Sophia and Logan), Dale and Jeanice Tanner of Dexter, MO, and Tim and Kimberly Flowers of Dexter, MO. Kathy had nieces and nephews across the country: Melissa Bradley, Kyle Durno (Donna), Eric O'Brien, Lisa Covarrubias, Amanda Johnson, Patrick O'Brien, Samantha O'Brien, Kalin O'Brien (Joy), Shannon Freeland, and Andrew Patterson (Kelly). She is survived by seven grandnieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents who raised her, Glen and Velna Stevens of Bernie, MO.
Kathy was a long-time employee of Raytheon Technologies, an aerospace and defense company, in Tucson, AZ, but her passions were genealogy, quilting, and anything with hearts and dandelion seed flowers, which she referred to as wishes. She was a masterful baker, known for her cookies and famous peanut brittle, where she lovingly was given the name of peanut brittle lady. Kathy treasured her time with her ‘adopted’ family in Dexter, MO, where she would visit several times yearly, spending many weeks on each trip. Here, she would visit family in neighboring states, work on genealogy and hike through cemeteries to find family connections, and add to her Christmas collection with visits to the Yule Log.
Kathy's strong spirit, along with her beautiful smile and big heart, will be greatly missed. She will forever be remembered. At her request, Kathy will be interned at the Chalk Bluff Cemetery south of Dexter at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Chalk Bluff Cemetery, PO Box 727, Dexter, MO 63841.
Gary Lynn Simmons, son of the late William Simmons and Maxine Goode Simmons, was born on November 1, 1946, in Ada, Oklahoma and departed this life on October 4, 2024, at his residence in Malden, Missouri, at the age of 77 years.
Mr. Simmons was a former farmer and racehorse trainer. He also loved to go fishing and rabbit hunting.
He was united in marriage to Judy Simmons. Mrs. Simmons preceded him in death.
He is survived by his son Scott Simmons of Jonesboro, Arkansas; by his daughter, Gerri Ann Simmons of Kennett, Missouri; by his sister, Shirley Harris of Dexter, Missouri; by two grandchildren, Tristan Simmons of Oklahoma and Sydney Patrick of Kennett; and by two great-grandchildren, Achilles Simmons and Milo Simmons.
Mr. Simmons is preceded in death by two brothers, Larry Simmons and his infant brother; one sister, Mary Lou Simmons.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. A memorial service will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.
Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie is assisting with arrangements.
