Obituaries

Ethel Belle Hirsch passed away at the age of 98 on January 5, 2020 at her home in Thayer, Missouri. She was born May 16, 1921 in Park Hill, Oklahoma to Herbert Timothy and Bess Olean (Wall) Hinton.

In 1939, Ethel graduated high school from the School of the Ozarks. She married Albert C. Hirsch on September 28, 1940 in Fayetteville, AR. To this marriage eleven children were born: Betty Garrison, Thayer; Marie (Harry) Vincent, Ballwin, MO; Albert Hirsch, Thayer; Herbert (Kathleen) Hirsch, Thayer; June (Danny) Davis, Koshkonong; Gary (Delores) Hirsch, Thayer; Roy (Debbie) Hirsch, Pea Ridge, AR; Janice (Johnny) Howell, Rogers, AR; William (Cindy) Hirsch, Pineville, MO; Katherine (Michael) Langston, Thayer; and Larry (Betty) Hirsch, Thayer. Grandmother of Brent Garrison, Jon Vincent, Brian Hirsch, Beth Luebbering, Gerry Davis, Scott Davis, Pam Fitzgerald, Gary Hirsch, Jr., John Kernagis, Nick Hirsch, Jessica Pride, Kattie Garrett, Christi Baldwin, Jared Hirsch, Misty Konkle, Ashley Rannals, Christian Hirsch and Brittany Hirsch. In addition to her children and grandchildren, Ethel was survived by numerous great grandchildren; great great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Ethel was the great great granddaughter of Cherokee Chief John Ross. She enjoyed her visits to Thalequah, Oklahoma to attend the annual decoration and to visit with family and friends. She was an excellent cook, feeding everyone who was lucky enough to be visiting. Ethel loved spring and the arrival of the hummingbirds. She also loved to work in her vegetable and flower gardens.

Ethel was active in the Thayer Happy Hustlers 4H group for over 20 years where she enriched the lives of many young boys and girls. She was a homemaker for many years, later working as a dietician at Chastain’s Nursing Home in Thayer. She became an active member of the Lone Scouts of America as a Tota, traveling across the country with her husband meeting new friends.

Ethel spent several years at Shepherd’s View Assisted Living in Alton where she received excellent care and enjoyed visiting with old friends and making new ones. She had a great time laughing with the staff.

During her last month, she was happy to be home and so thankful for the services provided by her nurse Shelby and CNA Cindy. The family is very appreciative for the compassion that was shown to our family and most of all for keeping our precious mother comfortable.

Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Albert C. Hirsch; two sons-in-law, William Garrison and Anthony Azar; one granddaughter Jeanni Hirsch; her parents; three sisters; and two brothers.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Riverways Hospice or a charity of your choice.

Funeral services for Ethel Belle Hirsch will be held Monday, January 13, 2020 at 2:oo p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Pastor Sid Allsbury officiating.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 12, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.

Burial will be on Monday, January 13, 2020 in Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.

Eva Louise Ford Ashford, daughter of the late Perry Ford and Pearline Bowers Ford, was born January 20, 1946 in Thayer, Missouri and died January 3, 2020 in Batesville, Arkansas at the age of 73.

She was united to marriage to Ray Simms in Thayer, Missouri, August 1965. To this union two children were born, Kimberly Berry, Thayer, Missouri and Ronnie Simms and wife Michelle, Thayer, Missouri. On August 27, 1986 she married John Ashford in Edmond, Oklahoma. To this union two adopted grandsons were born, James Ashford, Springfield, Missouri and Donald Ashford, Thayer, Missouri.

She is survived by two children Kimberly Berry, Thayer, Missouri and Ronnie Simms and wife Michelle, Thayer, Missouri; two grandsons, James Ashford, Springfield, Missouri and Donald Ashford, Thayer, Missouri; two brothers, Ed Ford and wife Barbara Haney Ford, Greenfield, Missouri, and Billy Ford and wife Gerri Vest Ford, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Patty Kwiatt, Chandler, Arizona; three grandchildren, Shane Berry, Thayer, Missouri, Kacey Simms, West Plains, Missouri, and Austyn Simms, Thayer, Missouri; two great grandchildren, Brooks Simms and Brayson Simms, Thayer, Missouri, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Ray Simms and John Ashford; four brothers, Donald Ford, Frank Ford, Henry Ford, and Glen Ford; two sisters, Virginia Beck and Lucinda Buell.

She was a member of the Koshkonong Freewill Baptist Church in Koshkonong, Missouri. She graduated from Thayer High School with the class of 1964. On May 12, 1989 she graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Central State University, Edmond, Oklahoma. She was a learning disability teacher at Fairview School in West Plains, Missouri for over fifteen years. She had written and published two children’s books. She loved working in her flower gardens. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation was held on Monday, January 6, 2020 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, Thayer, Missouri.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Local arrangements are under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., Thayer, Missouri.

Tyma Josephine Sellers was born the daughter of John Arthur Clark and Mildred Edith Clark, in Harrisburg, Arkansas on August 5, 1935 and departed this life on December 30, 2019 in Jonesboro, Arkansas at the age of 84 years.

She is survived by her children, Donald A. Sellers, Jr. and wife, Connie, Patsy Lockley, and A. Lee Sellers and wife, Debi; seven grandchildren, Chris Brunson, Wes Lockley, Jessica Smith, Katie Sellers, Shay Wilson, Kayla Renihan and Justin Ramsdell; and numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of friends.

Tyma was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mildred Clark; and her siblings, Patricia May Young, Kelly Arthur Clark, Albert William Clark, and John Arthur Clark, Jr.

She attended Ozarka College in Melbourne, received her LPN degree and worked at Eastern Ozarks Hospital in Cherokee Village. She later attended Arkansas State University, earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and worked as an RN at St. Bernard’s Medical Center. Tyma also worked as a substitute teacher at the Cherokee Village Elementary School.

Tyma was a long-time member of the Spring River Baptist Church in Hardy, Arkansas.

She was involved in many organizations, including the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was also very active in the Highland Lion’s Club.

Tyma was a big fan and booster of the Highland Rebels. She was also an avid bowler and won many trophies.

She will be greatly missed in her community and by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services for Tyma Josephine Sellers were held on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 2:00 PM in the Spring River Baptist Church in Hardy, Arkansas with Johnny Carter officiating.

The family received friends on Saturday, January 4, 2020 from 1:00 PM until service time at the Spring River Baptist Church in Hardy.

Burial was in Bronaugh Cemetery in Hardy, Arkansas with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.

Dora F. Byers was born the daughter of James Otis Barnett and Pauline Elizabeth (Ditmore) Barnett, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on June 17, 1942 and departed this life on December 29, 2019 in Jonesboro, Arkansas at the age of 77.

Dora is survived by four sons, James Rance and wife, Melissa of Ava, Missouri, Tim Byers and wife, Cindy of Springfield, Missouri, Teddy Byers of Hardy, Arkansas, and Johnny Byers of Springfield, Missouri; two daughters, Donna Byers and husband, Farrell of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and Shelli Nobles of Big Sandy, Tennessee; six grandchildren, Wesley Rance, Deniece Byers, Makayla Otto and husband, John, Travis Byers, Tiffany Byers, and Monica Byers; one brother, Rusty Barnett and wife, Vera; several great grandchildren; other relatives; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Byers, Jr., and her parents, James and Pauline Barnett.

Dora was of the Baptist faith and a member of the Banks Baptist Church.

She worked for Emerson Electric in Ava, MO. After moving to Mammoth Spring, she loved helping in the church. Dora taught Kids for Christ for many years.

Dora loved to craft and sew. She worked with the “comfort ladies” at her church making quilts. When she was not able to go out, she made baby quilts and stockings and sent them to the unwed mother’s home in Little Rock

She will be greatly missed by the community in which she lived, her cat Friskie and all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services for Dora F. Byers will be held on Friday, January 3, 2020, at 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Brother Linny Finny and Brother Bruce Stone officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 3, 2020 at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.

Burial will be in Perry Cemetery near Wirth, Arkansas with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.

The family would like to thank SBHH for all their services with a special thanks to Melissa Rush, RN, who was very helpful during Dora’s illness.

Doris “Sue” Coats Grooms was born January 29, 1944 and passed away December 29, 2019 at the age of 75 years 11 months. Sue was the daughter of Thurman Earl and Lela Louise (Grooms) Coats. On November 21, 1964, Sue married the love of her life, James Clyde Grooms, who cared for her devotedly after she suffered two strokes in 2001.

Sue is survived by her husband, James, of the family home in Couch, MO; son, James Clinton(Terri) Grooms, Marshfield, MO; daughter, Elizabeth “Colleen” (Melvin) Snethern, Couch, MO; grandchildren Elizabeth (Floyd) Baxter, Myrtle, MO, William (Ruby) Snethern, Thayer, MO, Emily Jo Grooms, Marshfield, MO; and 4 great-grandchildren, Wyatt Baxter, Zilynn Snethern, Kaleigh Baxter, and Zinlee Snethern. Also surviving are her siblings, Warren (Hasteltine) Coats, Mammoth Spring, AR, Roy (Roberta) Coats, House Springs, MO, Lois Huddleston, West Plains, MO, Janie Flynn, Mammoth Spring, AR and Nora Coats, Thayer, MO; sisters-in-law, Kay (J.L.) Case, Foristell, MO and Ella (Frank) Goans, Republic, MO, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of friends.

Sue was preceeded in death by her parents, Thurman and Louise Coats, brother-in-law, Jack Flynn, niece, Julie Noakes and nephews, Steve Case and Tim King.

Sue was a 1961 graduate of Thayer High School and then she graduated from Burge Protestant School of Nursing in 1964. Sue worked at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO, West Plains Memorial Hospital, Alton School, where she was school nurse, and Chastain’s Nursing Home. However, Sue’s favorite job was 24 years of teaching the Health Occupations Class at the Current River Area Vocational School in Doniphan, MO.

Some of Sue’s hobbies were crocheting, embroidering, and sewing, but most of all, especially in the last few years, she enjoyed her family immensely, although she wasn’t able to do as much with them as she would have liked.

Sue was not a complainer and continued to fight her cancer until the very end. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to OMC-Cancer Treatment Center in West Plains, MO.

Funeral services for Doris Sue Grooms will be held on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Melvin Snethern and Pastor Pam Ekey officiating.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 31, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.

Interment will be in Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the OMC – Cancer Treatment Center in West Plains, Missouri.

John Lee Pauli was born the son of John Fred Pauli and Alpha Bertha (Hayes) Pauli, on April 20, 1926 in Thayer, Missouri and departed this life on December 25, 2019 at his home in Thayer, Missouri at the age of 93.

He was united in marriage on June 3, 1945 in Garfield, Missouri to Anna Christene Frey.

He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Anna Christene Pauli of the home in Thayer; two daughters, Janet Bradshaw and husband, Doyle of West Plains, Missouri, and Leanna Johnson and husband, Freddie Darrell of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Paul Bradshaw and wife, Shelley, Steven Bradshaw and wife, Brooke, Bradley Guy and wife, Rhaquinda, Addison Guy, Angela Klem and husband, Jeff, Darrell Johnson and wife, Lori, and Dixie Reddish and husband, Edmund; 26 great grandchildren; 11 great great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Jewelene Grooms and Mary Jane Honeycutt; one brother-in-law, Billy Frey and wife, Linda; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, other relatives and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alpha Pauli; one sister, Agnes Pauli; mother and father-in-law, Leamon and Martha Frey; two brothers-in-law, Bobby Frey and Eddie Honeycutt; one sister-in-law, Anna Jean Frey; and one granddaughter, Chata Johnson.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II.

He was a member of the Couch Community Worship Center for over 30 years, where he served as a member of the board. He continued to attend the worship center as health permitted.

John started his working life as a truck driver, but he eventually returned to the area to be a farmer. He farmed for 58 years. His grandsons worked on the farm and in the hayfields with him.

While he continued farming, John trained to be a carpenter with his uncle and became an A-1 carpenter. For 25 years, he built many houses in Thayer, Myrtle and the surrounding area.

One of John’s greatest loves was gospel music. As a child, his grandfather taught him to read and sing shape note music. He traveled near and far to see and perform gospel music with his quartet. In 1972, John brought the Missouri State Southern Gospel Music Convention to the area.

During his final illness, special care was given by Diane, hospice and all caregivers.

John was a good neighbor in the Bonds community and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Funeral services for John Lee Paul will be held Monday, December 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Reverend Steven Bradshaw and Reverend Scott Tooley officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 PM on Sunday, December 29, 2019.

Interment will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to OMC Home Care or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Royal Richards, age 63, of Thayer, Missouri, died on Saturday, November 23, 2019 in Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held on Monday December 2, 2019 at 2:00pm at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, Thayer, With Bro Charlie Cochran officiating

Visitation will be held prior to the service at 1:00pm until service time.

Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas

Services are under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.

Esther is the daughter of Edward and Freda Lee.

Esther died on Monday November 18, 2019 in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Esther leaves behind a daughter, Cassie Pettit who lives in Saint Peters, Missouri; a son Robert McCracken who lives in Saint Louis, Missouri; and two grandchildren, Stephanie Pettit who lives in Saint Peters, Missouri and Melissa Horan who lives in House Springs, Missouri.

Esther McCracken will be laid to rest beside her son, Roy McCracken.

Burial will be at the Fryatt Cemetery in Fulton County, Arkansas on Monday, November 25, 2019

Funeral services for Ernest “Ernie” Armstrong, age 67, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, will be held Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in

Ernest “Ernie” Joe Armstrong was born the son of Silas & Fern Armstrong on September 19, 1952 in Thayer, MO and departed this life on November 21,2019 at the age of 67 years in his home of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

He was united in marriage to Lana Armstrong on June 27,1970 in Thayer, Missouri at Thayer Church of Christ.

He is survived by his father, Silas Armstrong of Agnos, Arkansas; his wife, Lana Armstrong of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; a sister, Claudia Freeman of Mammoth Spring; a son, Bradley Armstrong and wife Vickie of Mammoth Spring; a daughter, Bevely Bailey and husband Sean of Mammoth Spring; four grandchildren, Kelsey Armstrong Hopper and husband Josh of Mammoth Spring, Landen Bailey of Mountain Home, Payton Armstrong of Fayetteville, & Laken Bailey of Mammoth Spring, several nieces and nephews and plenty of extended relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Fern Armstrong, and his nephew, Anthony Smith.

Ernie was a hard-working man. He began work for the Frisco Railroad in 1971. He retired as an engineer from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad after 30 years of service. Ernie was a master of all trades. He had the talents to fix anything that was broken, operate heavy machinery, and weld with skill. He had a big heart especially when it came to his grandchildren, often taking them hunting and to the racetrack.

Ernie will always be remembered for being deeply devoted to his family, joking and always making everyone around him laugh and never missing a NASCAR race.

He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.