Meredith “Merry” Sorrell
Meredith Sorrell, 87, of Alton, Missouri, passed away on December 9, 2025, in West Plains, Missouri.
Services will be private.
Arrangements in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri
Obituaries
Cynthia Lorriane Aubuchon
Cynthia “Cindi” Lorraine Aubuchon, of Park Hills, Missouri, passed away on December 7, 2025, at 1:41 a.m. in Rolla, Missouri. She was born on September 1, 1960, in Red Bud, Illinois, to Marion and Loretta (Griggs) Patterson.
Cindi was blessed with one daughter, Lacey Sloan, who, along with her husband James, brought her immense joy. She adored her grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them.
Cindi had a creative spirit and a love for crafting. She enjoyed making bead jewelry, dream catchers, and sewing. She also found joy in reading romance novels and had a deep appreciation for all things Native American.
She is survived by her daughter Lacey Sloan and spouse James Sloan; grandchildren Flora and JR Sloan; brother Eric Patterson; sisters Lola Hampton and Stephanie Vanover; with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Loretta Patterson, and her brother Terry Patterson.
Cindi will be remembered for her creativity, her love of family, and her gentle spirit. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Memorials can be made to the:
Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House Global
26345 Network Place
Chicago, IL 60673-1263
Donate | Ronald McDonald House
Officiating will be Minster Richard Robinson and Pallbearers will be James, Sloan, JR Sloan, Bobby Wampler, Wes Patterson, David Vanover, and Michael Wortham. Matt Madry will be an honorary pallbearer.
A Funeral will be held at the Liberty Church of Gatewood, Missouri, on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at the Liberty Cemetery of Gatewood, Missouri after the funeral.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri.
Nancy Ilene Taylor
Nancy Ilene Taylor, age 64, was born on May 6, 1961, to Johnny and Linda DeMoss Redus in Doniphan, Missouri. She departed this life on December 6, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by her loved ones.
On November 27, 1982, Nancy was united in marriage to David Taylor, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, family, and devotion.
Nancy is survived by her husband, David Taylor; five children: Wesley (Shelby) Taylor, Megan (Josh) White, Zachary Taylor, Madison Pruiett, and Dennis McGhee; her beloved grandchildren: Corbin, Hadley, Haizley, Autreigh, Liam, Quincy, Brentley, and Laken; one brother, Sherman Redus and wife Carol; one sister, Holly Beegle; brother-in-law Terry Taylor and wife Peggy; several nieces and nephews: John Redus, Jason Redus, Haley Beegle, Brenda Taylor, Libby Watson, Marcia Kerley, and Brandon Barton; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Linda Redus; her sister, Tammy Barton; her mother- and father-in-law, Gordon and Jean Taylor; her nephew, Jordan Redus; and her sister- and brother-in-law, Bonita and Donald Busch.
Nancy had a warm, outgoing personality and never met a stranger. She loved to talk, laugh, and visit with everyone she encountered, making friends wherever she went. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her family and especially loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, vacationing at the beach, camping at the lake, cooking for those she loved, thrift shopping, and simply being surrounded by friends and family.
For the past 16 years, Nancy devoted her time and heart to cooking at the Thayer Fun and Friends Senior Center, where she took great pride in serving the elders of her community. Her warmth and kindness touched countless lives, and her presence at the center will be deeply missed.
Nancy will be remembered for her kind heart, friendly spirit, and the love she shared so freely with everyone around her.
On November 27, 1982, Nancy was united in marriage to David Taylor, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, family, and devotion.
Nancy is survived by her husband, David Taylor; five children: Wesley (Shelby) Taylor, Megan (Josh) White, Zachary Taylor, Madison Pruiett, and Dennis McGhee; her beloved grandchildren: Corbin, Hadley, Haizley, Autreigh, Liam, Quincy, Brentley, and Laken; one brother, Sherman Redus and wife Carol; one sister, Holly Beegle; brother-in-law Terry Taylor and wife Peggy; several nieces and nephews: John Redus, Jason Redus, Haley Beegle, Brenda Taylor, Libby Watson, Marcia Kerley, and Brandon Barton; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Linda Redus; her sister, Tammy Barton; her mother- and father-in-law, Gordon and Jean Taylor; her nephew, Jordan Redus; and her sister- and brother-in-law, Bonita and Donald Busch.
Nancy had a warm, outgoing personality and never met a stranger. She loved to talk, laugh, and visit with everyone she encountered, making friends wherever she went. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her family and especially loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, vacationing at the beach, camping at the lake, cooking for those she loved, thrift shopping, and simply being surrounded by friends and family.
For the past 16 years, Nancy devoted her time and heart to cooking at the Thayer Fun and Friends Senior Center, where she took great pride in serving the elders of her community. Her warmth and kindness touched countless lives, and her presence at the center will be deeply missed.
Nancy will be remembered for her kind heart, friendly spirit, and the love she shared so freely with everyone around her.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to the:
or by mail
American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
or
Thayer Fun and Friends Center
100 Chestnut St, Thayer, MO 65791
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.
A Private Ceremony will be held at a later date.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., -Thayer, Missouri.
Barbara Eloise Madison
Barbara Eloise Madison, 82, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, passed away at her home on December 7, 2025. She was born August 25, 1943, in Searcy, Arkansas, to Nathan “Eugene” and Jessie “Juanita” Payne Hardin.
On November 16, 1968, Barbara was united in marriage to James Henry Madison in California. Together they shared a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Their union was blessed with two children, Timber Cox (husband Robert) and James Anthony Madison, as well as a stepson, Marcus Parsons.
Barbara and James were avid travelers, exploring all 50 states, six continents, and 90 countries. She was a devoted fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and the Kansas City Chiefs, proudly wearing jersey on game days and never missed a chance to see Patrick Mahomes. Barbara’s greatest joy came from giving to others, making people smile, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
A faithful member of the Mammoth Spring Church of Christ, Barbara cherished her church family and her Lord and Savior. She was known for her cheerful whistling, her playful sense of humor, and her generous heart. At age 45, Barbara earned her GED, and at 50 she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Criminal Justice. She went on to serve the State of Georgia, retiring from Rehabilitation Services as a vocational rehabilitation counselor.
Barbara is survived by her children, Timber Cox (Robert), James Anthony Madison, and stepson Marcus Parsons; grandchildren Nathan Cox (Stephanie), Travis Cox (Stacie), Amari Madison, Lyric Madison, and Marcus Parsons Jr.; great-grandchildren Hoyt Cox, Millie Cox, and Destinii Monaé Jones; sisters Wanda Hardin and Bobbie Hardin; her special nephew Roy Zeagler, who shared her love of Georgia sports; several nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law Ashley Madison and Joseph Madison; and sisters-in-law Bonnie Anderson, Maggie Cole, Shirley Madison, Clara Madison, and Maranda Madison.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband James Madison, her parents Eugene and Juanita Hardin, grandson Brennan Madison and her brother Mark Hardin.
Barbara will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her devotion to family, and her unwavering faith. Her legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Memorials may be made to:
The Children’s Home of Paragould, Arkansas
5515 Walcott Road
Paragould, AR 72450
Donate – Children’s Homes, Inc.
Officiating will be Brother Barry O’Dell with song leader, Forrest Rose.
A Funeral will be on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., at the Carter Funeral Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.
Burial will be at a later date at the Stephens Cemetery of Warner Robins, Georgia.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri
Glen Rufus Fraley
Glen Rufus Fraley, 97, of Houston, Missouri, formerly of Thayer, Missouri, passed away on November 22, 2025, in Houston. He was born on December 27, 1927, in Thayer, Missouri, to Willis Franklin Fraley and Dovie Elizabeth (Childers) Fraley.
On August 27, 1949, Glen married the love of his life, Neva Jo Miller, in Thayer, Missouri. Together, they raised two daughters, Brenda Kay Manns and Nancy Susan Branson. Glen and Neva shared 61 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2011.
Glen accepted Christ as a young man at Clifton Freewill Baptist Church. He later became a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Thayer, Missouri, where he faithfully served for 50 years in many roles, including Sunday School Secretary, sound system operator for nearly two decades, church trustee, and greeter. In his later years, he became a member of Ozark Baptist Church in Houston, Missouri, attending as long as his health allowed.
A proud Army veteran of World War II, Glen spent time in Japan during his service. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion and was dedicated to helping provide medical equipment to those in need.
Glen devoted 40 years to the Thayer Volunteer Fire Department, many of those as the department’s Secretary. He retired from the United States Postal Service in 1988 after 22 years of service. Following retirement, he and Neva enjoyed traveling together. Glen continued serving others by volunteering at the Fun and Friends Senior Center, delivering meals to shut-ins, and later at the Houston Senior Center. He donated blood frequently, loved tending to his garden, and was well known for always having a joke to share.
Glen is survived by his daughter, Nancy (David) Branson; granddaughters Jennifer (Dean) Rose, Elizabeth (Sean) McCormick, and Sara Jo (Jim) Flora; great-grandchildren Jarod Geike, Joseph Rose, Abby, Ellie, James, and Kolby Flora; son-in-law Don Manns; sister Faith Lovelace; special friend Darlene Shawhan; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Neva Miller; daughter, Brenda Manns; great-grandchild, Tevin Geike; and sister, Clestyl Clark.
Glen’s life was defined by service, love, and loyalty, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to God, family and the community he proudly called home.
~
Memorials can be made to the Thayer Fun and Friends Senior Center, 100 Chestnut Street, Thayer, Missouri, 65791 or to the Houston Senior Activity Center, 301 S Grand Ave, Houston, MO 65483
Services to be officiated by Pastor Dr. Jim Flora. Pallbearers will be John Davis, David Branson, James Flora, Robert Stringer, Willie Johnson and Ed Edington. Music will be by Sean McCormick and service ended by playing of Taps by Willie Johnson.
A Visitation will be held at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and a Graveside Funeral will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri
Glenda Naomi Orahood
Glenda Naomi Orahood, 90, of Nixa, Missouri, formerly of Thayer, Missouri, passed away on November 22, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri. She was born on January 11, 1935, in Thayer, Missouri, to Livingston Hoy Langley and Esther Rolen Langley.
On October 3, 1954, Glenda married the love of her life, Paul Albert Orahood, in Thayer. They shared 39 years of marriage until his passing in December of 1993.
Glenda was talented and creative. She loved to paint in watercolor and acrylics, and devoted many hours to sewing and quilting. She loved flowers and gardening, a joy she brought to her community through the flower shop she owned and operated for 25 years. Her son and his wife continued her legacy by running the shop for another 25 years. Glenda was also an avid supporter of Thayer Athletics and as well as her Kansas City Chiefs. She rarely missed listening to the Thayer Bobcats on KCountry95. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Thayer and supported the church through her faithful services and voice. Her greatest pleasure, however, was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were her world.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Livingston Hoy Langley and Esther Rolen Langley, and her beloved husband, Paul Albert Orahood.
Glenda is survived by her children, Herb Orahood and wife Melodi, and Susan Raynor and husband John “Eric”; grandchildren, Cicily Eubank and husband Jay, Brad Orahood and wife Emily, Gaston Orahood and Dr. Kayette Glass, Emily Davis and husband Zachary, and Jack Raynor and wife Blythe; great-grandchildren, Ashton, Sophia, Lydia, Ella, Jack, Emersyn, and Lilly; her brother, Doyle Langley; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
“Though she is gone, the love she gave us remains a beautiful reminder of her presence in our lives. “
Memorials can be made to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home, 11300 St. Charles Rock Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044
Ways to Give: Memorials & Honorariums – Missouri Baptist Children’s Home • MBCH
Services will be officiated by Pastor Brandon Martin. Pallbearers will be Gaston Orahood, Ashton Jenkins, John “Eric” Raynor, Zachary Davis, Greg Langley and Zyman Langley. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Raynor and Jay Eubank. Singers will be Adam Rouse and Gracyn Rouse.
Visitation will be on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until time of Funeral at 2:00 p.m., at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri. Burial will be on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri
LaVerne “Barney” Pessman
LaVerne Paul “Barney” Pessman, age 77, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, passed away on June 9th, 2025, in the comfort of his home.
Barney was born on December 6th, 1947, in Morrison, Illinois, to parents Allen Pessman and Anna Houzenga. He was employed by the Fulton Corporation for 25 years. Beyond his long-term career, Barney was a talented self-taught designer and contractor-often referring to himself as an “amateur architect.” He enjoyed designing, renovating, and flipping houses, and took great pride in the details of his work. Barney also enjoyed traveling and was an avid car enthusiast.
He is survived by his wife, Penny; his brother Dwayne; sister, Irene, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Lauren and his sister, Judy.
A Memorial Visitation was held at the Bosma- Renkes Funeral Home of Fulton, Illinois on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Family will host a Memorial Service on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Faith Baptist Church of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Faith Baptist Church
Banks Road south of Wirth
Mammoth Spring, Arkansas
Phyllis E. Henry
Phyllis E. Henry, 76, a cherished mother, grandmother, and skilled artisan of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025, in Thayer, Missouri.
Born on May 27, 1949, in Pueblo, Colorado, Phyllis was the daughter of Wilburn and Dorothy Davis Rogers. She carried the lessons of her upbringing throughout her life, grounding her family in faith and love. She married Virgil “Garry” Henry on May 28, 1969, and together they raised four children: Danny Virgil Henry, Sandra Kaye Ruby, Dorothy Karen Brotemarkle, and Gary David Henry.
Phyllis found joy and purpose in her hands, often blessing her family and friends with the fruits of her talents. She was an avid crocheter and quilter, creating beautiful, warm heirlooms that will comfort her loved ones for generations. Above all, her greatest happiness came from spending time with her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she tirelessly supported and showered with affection.
She is survived by her loving children: David Henry, Laura Henry, Sandra Kaye Ruby, and Karen Brotemarkle (Darryl). She leaves a legacy of devotion in her eighteen grandchildren: Derrick and Jessica Henry, Taylor and Caleb Hollis, Justin and Beth Ruby, Shelby Henry, Jay Brotemarkle, Alayana and Forest Walsh, Johnathon Ruby, Stephine Henry, Jordan and Kim Ruby, Madison Henry, Trey Henry, and Kenzleigh Henry. Phyllis was also the proud great-grandmother to seven precious great-grandchildren and is remembered fondly by her many nieces, nephews and sister Velma Whiteside.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Wilburn and Dorothy Rogers; her husband, Virgil “Garry” Henry; her son, Danny Henry; her brother, Mike Rogers; her son-in-law, Michael Ruby; sister-in-law, Kathy Rogers; and brother-in-law, Jim Whiteside.
Memorials can be made to: Together for Her
Services will be officiated by Brother Wayne Hurst. Pallbearers will be Derrick Henry, Caleb Hollis, Johnathon Ruby, Justin Ruby, Jordan Ruby, Jay Brotemarkle, Mark Hamon, Trey Henry, and Louis Branam.
A Visitation will be on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. till time of the Funeral Service of 2:00 p.m., at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri. Burial will be at the Ed Collins Cemetery of Wirth, Arkansas on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri
Ramona Jean Taylor
Ramona Jean Taylor, 65, of Thayer, Missouri, passed away on November 18, 2025, in her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Services are private.
Arrangements in the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, MO.
Alice “Virginia” Rolen
Virginia Rolen was born on November 13, 1938, in Newkirk, Oklahoma. She departed this life on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 3:59 p.m. at the age of 87 years old.
She was united in marriage on April 28, 1957, in Thayer, Missouri to Ronald Richard Rolen. To this union, three children were born: Alice LaVese Ericksen (Kenny) of Gainesville, Missouri, DeLane Marie Rolen of Gainesville, Missouri and Hurschel Curtis Rolen (Leah) of Thayer, Missouri.
Virginia worked in a variety of roles throughout her life. She worked as a bookkeeper, flower shop assistant and owned her own ink ribbon manufacturing business. She was also a devoted housewife.
A woman of deep and enduring faith, Virginia was a devoted Christian and member of the First Baptist Church of Thayer, Missouri.
Virginia is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Richard Rolen, parents, Curtis Miles Williams and Juanita Mae (Foster) Williams, 3 brothers, Curtis Ray, Billy Lee and Bobby Lynn “Bob” Williams.
Virginia is survived by her children, Alice LaVese Ericksen and husband Kenny of Gainesville, Missouri, DeLane Marie Rolen of Gainesville, Missouri and Hurschel Curtis Rolen and wife Leah of Thayer, Missouri: 2 grandchildren – Jurnee Marie Rolen of Thayer, Missouri and Hayden Curtis Rolen of Thayer, Missouri: 4 brothers – Alfred Gene Williams and wife Brenda of St Peters, Missouri, Harry (Stoney) Williams of Winona, Missouri, Ricky Williams of the Philippines and Ronnie Williams and wife Sharlene of Winona, Missouri: 3 sisters – Vicky Payne and husband Tim of Grand Bay, Alabama, Sharon Ann Macios of Columbia, Missouri and Teresa Sims of Birch Tree, Missouri and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 2pm.
A private inurnment will be at a later date at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.
Memorials can be made to the:
Oregon County Food Pantry of Thayer, Missouri
538 Taylor Road, Thayer, Missouri, 65791
Arrangements under the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, MO