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.
Carl Dewayne Graham Sr., son of the late Arthur “Art” Graham and Virgie Fielder Graham, was born on August 12, 1945, in Gideon, Missouri and departed this life on March 1, 2025, at the Memory Lane Care Center in Dexter at the age of 79.
Mr. Graham was a member of the Lighthouse Christian Church in Dexter, and he had retired from Arvin as a supervisor. He had been a member of the Masonic Lodge. He and his wife operated Country Klutter, where they sold many of the pieces of wooden furniture that he enjoyed making. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
On August 4, 1984, he was united in marriage to Beverly Jackson in Dexter, Missouri. Mrs. Graham survives of their home in Dexter.
Other than by his wife he is survived by his son, Robert McMullin and wife Shelly of Tamms, Illinois; by his brother, Orville Graham of St. Louis, Missouri; by his sister, Edna Cross of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; by his grandchildren, Megan Barr and husband Lloyd, Hayden Dewayne Graham, and Bo McMullin; and by his great-grandchildren, Lola Barr, Sidney Barr, and Paisley Barr.
Other than by his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Sergeant Carl D. “Dewayne” Graham Jr.
Visitation will be held at Lighthouse Christian Church on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. A memorial service will then be conducted at 5:00 p.m.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Lawton Dale James, son of the late Chester Arthur James and Walcie Mae Rutledge James, was born April 15, 1921 in Jasper, Arkansas and passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025 at the age of 103 in Sikeston, Missouri.
He was a lifelong resident of Southeast Missouri following his family move to the area as a teen.
Mr. James was a World War Two Navy veteran, serving on a troop carrier that circumnavigated the world twice.
He was a career farmer, which was his passion. He was a dedicated, loving husband and father, and a deacon for over fifty years at St. Joe General Baptist Church in Idalia, Missouri.
Upon his retirement, Mr. James settled in Dexter, Missouri, where he spent the remainder of his long life. He was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed being around children, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was also a dedicated and loving husband to his wife Virginia for over 77 years.
Mr. James was famous for his peanut and pecan brittle which was in constant demand among his friends.
He is survived by his wife Florence Virginia Eaton James, his two children Ronald Lee James of Sikeston, Missouri and Diane Lynn James Berry of DeBary, Florida, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Mr. James was preceded in death by five sisters, Aral James Reynolds, Ethelyn James, Doris Ardeth James Wren, Wanda Elaine James Mahan and Billie Yvonne James Dale, and two brothers, Ross Burl James and Dorwin Arthur James.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 9:00am to 10:00a.m. Funeral services will then be conducted at 10:00a.m. in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Dexter Cemetery.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Gail Lee Acton, daughter of the late Don Robinett and Helen Phillips Robinett, was born on January 3, 1954, in Dexter, Missouri, and departed this life on February 25, 2025, at her residence in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 71 years.
Mrs. Acton was a former employee of Gaylon Lawrence and Company, and she was a member of the Dexter Elks Lodge. She was of the Baptist faith and when her kids were young, she was active in PTO and teaching Sunday school and vacation bible school. Gail was married to the love of her life Rick for 38 years, she loved nothing more than taking trips to see her grandchildren, camping, and enjoying time with her family and friends. She loved her Dexter class of 1972 girls immensely, her time with them was always described as full of laughter. Anyone that knew Gail knew one thing about her and that was her faith, she truly believed that all you needed was "Faith the size of a mustard seed."
On January 31, 1987, in Dexter, Missouri, she was united in marriage to Rick Acton. Mr. Acton survives of their home in Dexter.
Along with her husband, she is survived by her son, Allen Morton and wife Brooklyn of Bloomfield, Missouri; by two daughters, Alicia Sheppard and husband Matthew of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Andrea Acton of Little Rock, Arkansas; by three brothers, Donnie Robinett, Phillip Robinett, and Roger Robinett; by two grandchildren, Jackson Sheppard and Annabelle Sheppard; and by several nieces and nephews.
Other than by her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Phillips.
The family wishes to extend the most sincere thanks to her medical care team at Cape Medical Oncology.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will then be conducted at Hagy Cemetery on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Dennis Ward officiating.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
