Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

West Plains, MO Location (417) 256-4141

Thayer, MO Location (417) 264-7242

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Hubbard

Jewel Rose (Judy) Hubbard

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Jewel Rose (Judy) Hubbard, 86, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, passed away on May 19, 2026, in Alton, Missouri. Jewel Rose (Judy) Hubbard was born August 11, 1939, in Portia, Arkansas to Robert and Ruth Miller, their fourth daughter.

Judy was a dedicated Christian; she was a pianist and a member of the Koshkonong Free Will Baptist Church for many years. She loved the lord with all her heart.

She moved with her parents to Thayer in 1958, to help them with their new business, The Miller Fabric Center. In 1966, Judy met the love of her life, Mac Hubbard. On June 7th, 1971, they were married in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. They lived on their farm until 2016, when Mac went home to Jesus.

Judy is survived by her dear nephews Roger Good, Kim Shipley, Mark Click, and Mike Miller; and her special nephew, Terry Gaines.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Mac Hubbard; her parents, Robert and Ruth Miller; her sisters, Roberta Good (Edward), Gladys Shipley (Elbert), and Jo Ann Click (Sam); her brother, Danny Miller (Theresa); her infant brother, David Miller; and her nieces Karen Lambert, and Jeannie Summers.

In lieu of flowers please send memorials to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 

501 St Jude Pl

Memphis, TN, 38105-9959

OR

CAN BE LEFT WITH THE FUNERAL HOME 

 

Officiating will be Brother Johnny Holesapple, and pallbearers will be Terry Gaines, Corey Gaines, Paul Gaines, Calvin Bowers, Kim Shipley, and Roger Good.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Jarad Gaines, Mike Miller and Mark Click. 

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri and will be followed by a Funeral at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be the same day at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.  

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri 

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Novella Cantrell

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Novella Cantrell, 88, was born May 30, 1937, in Myrtle, Missouri, to Louie “Ben” Cantrell and Lola (Bell) Cantrell. She was blessed with a second set of parents, John and Mae (Bell) Cantrell, who helped raise her from a young age when Lola became very ill. She departed this life on May 1, 2026, in Willow Springs, Missouri, with family at her bedside.

Novella is survived by one daughter, Melanie (Bruce) Vincent, of West Plains, Missouri; two beloved grandchildren, Rhiannon Oakes of St. Louis, Missouri, and Dylan (Elizabeth) Oakes, of Springfield, Missouri; two nieces Kay (Danny) Barton, of Nixa, Missouri, and Tonna (Randy) Schilling, of Nixa, Missouri; one nephew, Ken Manes, of West Plains, Missouri; sister-in-law Becky Cantrell, of Thayer, Missouri; as well as several great-nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by both sets of parents; her brothers, Herbert Cantrell, Herschel Cantrell, Bill Cantrell, and Harold Cantrell; and her sisters, Betty Sue Girdley and Alice Lou Wright.

Novella retired from the telephone company where she worked for many years. After retirement, she worked part-time at the West Plains Public Library and volunteered at the West Plains Regional Animal Shelter, both of which she truly enjoyed.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother – she thought Rhiannon and Dylan “hung the moon” – and she was a devout Christian.

Burial will be private and at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers the family has asked for memorials to be made to the: 

West Plains Regional Animal Shelter

1438 State Route BB
west plains, Missouri 65775
Phone: 417-256-1358
 
Or they can be left at the funeral home. 

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri

Baldridge, Erma 2026

Erma Lee Baldridge

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Erma Lee Baldridge was born August 24, 1940, to Bluford and Florence (Angotti) Price in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and departed this life on April 29, 2026, at her home in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, at the age of 85 years old.

Erma was united in marriage on August 25, 1956, on Martin’s Creek in Sharp County, Arkansas to the love of her life, Lenard Baldridge. They spent 62 devoted years together before the passing of Lenard. Now, they are reunited together again.

Erma treasured her time with her family. Family time usually involved food, like her chicken ‘n dumplings, making homemade ice cream, eating watermelon, or a shrimp boil. Of course, we cannot forget the desserts and the pies she loved to bake. She loved to cook and shared that passion with all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

They always had a garden and Mom canned; another trait and talent she passed down. Even this year she wanted to put up some tomatoes and tomato juice, of course with some help. Tomatoes were planted in her little garden bed just the day before her passing. We would tease her by saying she was growing the tomatoes to feed the squirrels.

Erma loved to travel with her husband and children whether on vacation or in later years buying trips for their store. You could see the excitement in her eyes, whether it was looking over the rails at Niagara Falls or finding a good bargain at a yard sale.

The rules for traveling were to pack light so we would have more room in the truck. Many stories were told of their earlier years together and treasured memories made on these trips. Mom loved to collect glass and had an eye for selecting unique pieces, always having room for just one more piece. Erma always worked by Lenard’s side, whether they were cutting timber, farming, or, in their later years, running their store, Treasure Chest, in Hardy, Arkansas, or at their home.

Erma is survived by her three children, David Baldridge, Sue Schuerenberg, Sharon (John) Wrenfrow; her grandchildren, Davina (Joe), Alan (Donna), Jesse (Mallory), Donnetta (Todd), Jonathan, Jessica, Jennifer (Chris), Trey; and her eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bluford and Florence Price; her husband, Lenard Baldridge; and her great-grand daughter, Julia Schuerenberg.

She will be greatly missed by all those that loved her.

A Visitation will be on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

A Funeral Service will be at 2:00 p.m. following the visitation. 

Burial will be on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri. 

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., -Thayer, Missouri

Imogene

Imogene Verseman Geib

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Imogene Geib, a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, Asleep in Jesus, at the age of 95 on April 9, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion to family that will be cherished for generations.

Born on September 10, 1930, in St. Louis, MO, Imogene was the oldest of five children of Erwin and Louise Etzold. She grew up with a deep appreciation for family and carried that devotion throughout her life. She was a graduate of Eureka High School and spent her career as a Histotechnologist for the former Missouri Pacific Hospital and then St. John’s Hospital (now Mercy) retiring in the year 2000. Along the way, she met the love of her life, Kenneth Geib, and they were married on November 29, 1952 and were blessed with 71 years together. They resided most of their married life in Olivette, MO and were faithful, active members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, also in Olivette. Shortly before Ken passed, they moved to Glen Mills, Pennsylvania to be closer to their son and his family.

She is preceded in death by her parents Erwin and Louise Etzold; siblings, Pat Mach, Elenor Yawberry, and Irvin “Sonny” Etzold; brother-in-laws, Charles Mach, Jack Yawberry, and Duke Pflanz. She is survived by her son, Steve Geib, daughter-in-law, Marie Geib; granddaughter, Delaney Geib; sister, Diane Pflanz; sister-in-law, Marilyn Etzold; and extended family, all of whom will carry her memory in their hearts.

Imogene was a loving and dedicated mother and a proud and caring grandmother. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, where family gathered and memories were made. She found her greatest joy in the lives of those she loved.

She will be remembered for her kindness, quiet strength, and generous spirit. Whether through cooking, gardening, faith or community involvement, Imogene touched the lives of many and made the world around her better simply by being part of it.

Services: Visitation at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 9733 Olive Blvd., Olivette, MO on Friday, May 1 from 10:00 AM until the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM with a luncheon immediately following. Burial at Pilot Church Cemetery, Mammoth Spring, AR, on Saturday, May 2 at 10:30 AM.

Memorials: Imogene’s family suggest that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Immanuel Lutheran.

Imogene Geib’s life was a testament to love, family, and quiet grace. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Obituary information for Imogene Verseman Geib @ Shephard Funeral Chapel of St. Louis, Missouri 

 

Carter Funeral Home, Inc. -Thayer, Missouri

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Gordon Edward Hedden

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Gordon Edward Hedden, 72, of Thayer, Missouri, was born August 24, 1953, in Thayer, Missouri, and passed away April 11, 2026.

He is survived by his wife, Rhonda (Brown) Hedden; three children, Jennifer Hedden (Anatoli), Steven Hedden (Joni), Anthony Hedden (Savannah); three grandchildren Malyn (Ryan), Kiley, and Alana; and 1 great-grandchild on the way; two brothers, Marvin Hedden (Sharon) and Stanley Hedden; and several nieces and nephews.

Gordon was preceded by his parents, Ellis and Exie (Ragan) Hedden; six brothers, Ronnie, Jessie, Johnny, Richard, Kenny, and Roy Wayne.

Gordon did body work for a living, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and watching the Kansas City Chiefs.

 

 

Arrangements in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc. – Thayer, Missouri

Jenkins

Joyce Ruth Morris Jenkins

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Joyce Ruth Morris Jenkins, 85, of Alton, Missouri, passed away March 17, 2026, at her home in Alton. She was born May 21, 1940, in
Thomasville, Missouri, to Delbert C. (Check) and Sylvia Dotson Morris.

Joyce was united in marriage to Glen R. Jenkins on April 22, 1960, in Alton, Missouri. From their union they welcomed four sons: Randal Jenkins, Kevin Jenkins, Morris Jenkins, and Lyndal Jenkins.

Joyce lived a life defined by devotion to her family. She spent her years supporting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren
in every endeavor. She drove countless miles attending ball games, school events, graduations, and many other things supporting her family. Joyce was her family’s most dedicated fan.

Something very special to her was Jenkins Farms. Alongside Glen, she took pride in creating a place where her children and grandchildren could harvest deer and enjoy the outdoors together. She cherished every deer season, capturing memories by taking pictures of every deer harvested. Her home was the place her family would gather after a long day in the woods to eat her famous soups, which really turned into the highlight of every deer season.

A faithful servant of the Lord, she raised a God-fearing family and spent her life worshipping the Lord. Joyce regularly attended Alton Free Will Baptist Church of Alton, Missouri. She found great joy in attending gospel singings. Along with supporting her family on the court, she enjoyed watching Duke basketball and cheering on the Blue Devils. Above all, Joyce was
the happiest when her family was gathered, enjoying one another’s company.

Joyce is survived by her children; Randal (Kelly) Jenkins, of Van Buren, Missouri, Kevin (Kristie) Jenkins, of Batesville, Arkansas, Morris (Janine) Jenkins, of Alton, Missouri, and Lyndal Jenkins, of Annapolis, Missouri; her grandchildren, Riley (Sydney), Jaysa (Storm), Brady (Allison), Michia (Zach), Kessie (Hayden), Jenna, Landry (Sienna), Kamie; her great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Logan, Ezra, Hudson, Peyton, and Flora.  

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Glen R. Jenkins; her parents, Delbert and Sylvia Morris; and her two infant sisters, Alice Christine and Dorothy Ann.

In lieu of flowers Memorials can be sent to:

Gideons International

P.O. Box 404, Thayer, MO, 65791

~ OR ~

Alton School Foundation

Alton R-4 School Rt 72

Alton, MO, 65606

Memorials can be left at the Carter Funeral Home.

Services will be officiated by Brother Bob Wiggs and Brother Charles Trantham. Pallbearers will be Riley Jenkins, Brady Jenkins, Landry Jenkins, Hayden Seay, Zach Keith and Storm Estes.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will be the same day the Huddleston Cemetery of Alton, Missouri.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc. – Thayer, MO

Wrenfrow

Travis Elroy Wrenfrow

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Travis Elroy Wrenfrow of Thayer, Missouri, was born February 10, 1956, in Fort Collins, Colorado, the son of Roy Wrenfrow and Laverne Ivey Wrenfrow, and departed this life February 20, 2026, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 70.

He was a graduate of the class of 1976 Williford Indians. He was united in marriage on December 18, 1976, to Lieanna Wilkerson, the mother of his children. He was later united in marriage to Jackie Lollar on December 4, 2004.

Travis worked in many different positions and was a quick learner and a good leader. He faithfully served as trustee of the Field Creek Cemetery for nearly two decades. He was active in the Union Hill Community Church for many years. Travis enjoyed building horseless carriages, but making knives and woodworking were the trades he was known for.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie, of their home. He leaves behind his beloved children, his son, Travis J. Wrenfrow of San Angelo, Texas; his daughter, Brandi and her husband Jason Sikora, also of San Angelo, Texas; his grandchildren, Robert and Katelynn Wrenfrow of Thayer, Missouri, along with their mother Jennifer. He is also survived by his sister, Remona, and her husband Dean Bennett, of Myrtle, Missouri.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Laverne Wrenfrow; his paternal grandparents, Bealie and Velma Wrenfrow; and his maternal grandparents, Earl and Esther Ivey.

Memorials can be sent to the 

Field Creek Cemetery Association

1373 H Highway

Myrtle, MO 65778

or left with the funeral home 

 

Officiating will be Pastor Darrell Bliss.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 1:00 p.m., until time of the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m.

Burial will be on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Field Creek Cemetery of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas ~ 292 Field Creek Cemetery Cir, Mammoth Spring, AR 72554

Lester Riley

Lester Paul Riley

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Lester Paul Riley came into this world on September 9, 1936, near Alton, to Wilson Riley and Waltie (Roy) Riley, and left this world behind on February 17, 2026, at his home in Thayer.

Lester dedicated 28 years of his life to working in a garment factory. Later, he became an over-the-road truck driver, hauling everything from petroleum to mail to lumber and livestock.

On June 27, 1959, he was united in marriage to Regina Vincent. Together they shared over 66 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with two children, a son, Rick, and a daughter, Lesa.

He had a deep love for quarter horses and proudly participated in many horse shows over the years. He also enjoyed tending his cattle and growing a big garden. Lester was a long-time member of the Thayer Fire Department and devoted many years to the Thayer Little League Association, always taking great pride in supporting his children’s activities.

An avid outdoorsman, quail hunting was his favorite pastime. He cherished a good bird dog and owned many throughout his life. He also enjoyed working puzzles and was always proud to see one completed, framed, and displayed. A true hard worker, Lester continued cutting his own wood well into his 80s.

He never met a stranger and formed lasting friendships wherever he went, always choosing to see the good in others. Known by several nicknames, including LP Riley, he carried on that tradition with his grandchildren—Snitzelfritz (Sara), Goat Roper (Chad), and Shorty (Emily). He treasured the many hours spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lester was a beloved husband, Dad, Grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Arnold Riley; one sister, Louella Satterfield; one nephew, Jordan Riley; one step-grandson, Matt Guffey; and two special cousins, Clyde and Ben Dills.

He is survived by his loving wife, Regina Riley; his son, Rick (Charlene) Riley; and his daughter, Lesa (Danny) Guffey. He also leaves behind three grandchildren: Sara (Gage) Busch, Emily (Evan) Pyland, and Chad Guffey; as well as three great-grandchildren, Judson and Quinn Busch and Baby Pyland, due to arrive in August. He is further survived by his two sisters, Roberta Mahaney and Donita Rinearson, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate memorials to go to the Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery of Koshkonong, Missouri or be left with the Funeral Home.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at the Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery of Koshkonong, Missouri.

Grand Gulf Shiloh Cemetery

426 County Road 378

Koshkonong, MO, 65692

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Mo.

Coleman

Donald Coleman

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Donald Coleman, 90, of Thayer, Missouri, passed away on February 13, 2026, at the Shady Oaks Healthcare of Thayer, Missouri. 

Services will be at later date. 

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri

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