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Thayer Funeral Home

Betty Anne Garrison

Betty Anne Garrison passed away at the age of 83 on August 14, 2025, in West Plains, Missouri. She was born November 7, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri to Albert Hirsch and Ethel (Hinton) Hirsch.

She was united in marriage to William Martin Garrison on May 26, 1962, in Thayer, Missouri.

She is survived by her son, Brent Garrison and his wife, Cindy; granddaughters, Carley Grace and Abbey Cristine Garrison; nine siblings Marie (Harry) Vincent, Albert Hirsch, June (Danny) Davis, Gary (Delores) Hirsch, Roy Hirsch, Janice (Johnny) Howell, William (Cindy) Hirsch, Katherine (Michael) Langston, and Larry (Betty) Hirsch, sister-in-law Kathleen Hirsch, numerous brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Garrison, her parents, Albert and Ethel Hirsch, her brother, Herbert Hirsch, four brother-in-laws and one sister-in-law.

In 1959, Betty graduated high school from Thayer High School. In 1963, Betty graduated college from Southwest Missouri State College. She was a home economics teacher for 36 years, teaching at Koshkonong, Ava, and Thayer High Schools. One of her joys of teaching was serving as the Future Homemakers of America (FCCLA) advisor on local, state, and national charters. She made a lasting impact on her students and retired from teaching in 1999. She was a co-owner of the Garrison Store at Garfield. She also worked as a receptionist at Spring River Chiropractic until 2010.

Betty was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Crescite Club, volunteering many hours supporting the local community.

Betty was an active member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church. Betty loved her church family and served anywhere she was needed.

Betty was a hard worker with a servant’s heart. She loved to bake, sew, and spoil her grandchildren. The joy and light of her life were her granddaughters, Carley and Abbey.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the William and Betty Garrison Scholarship Fund located at the Southern Bank of Thayer, Missouri.

Visitation will be at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri on August 18, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Funeral will be at the Carter Funeral Chapel of Thayer, Missouri on August 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Burial will be at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.

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

Robert “Bob” Richardson

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Robert “Bob” Phillip Richardson Sr., age 84 of Alton, Missouri, passed away August 9, 2025, in West Plains, Missouri. He was born July 16, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Luther and Gladys (Roeder) Richardson.

Bob married Paula Heitzmann Flick in 1995. They were together for over thirty years. Bob cherished Paula and she was so dear to his heart, that he always called her “Dear”.

Bob enjoyed riding his Harley, he loved the sound of the roaring pipes and the wind in his face. His hobby was collecting eagles. Bob retired from AOSmith after 35 years as an electrician. He was a member of the Amvets Post 98 in West Plains, Missouri and was a PER of Alton-Thayer Elk #2545. Bob AKA “Asshole Bob” will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Paula “Dear”; two sons Robert Richardson Jr. and Joe Richardson; one daughter Jennie Richardson; one stepson Sean Flick (Jamie); seven grandkids Kaylee, Erick, Jessica, Josh, Fiona, Karina, and Paxton; one great-grandkid Niko; and many friends and other family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Glice “Dick” Richardson and Clifford Richardson; one son James Richardson; one daughter Lynette Richardson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Joseph “Joe” Lee Hoyt

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Joseph Lee Hoyt, age 76, was born 2 Dec 1948 to James Ard Hoyt and Thelma Irene Rolen Hoyt in Thayer, Mo. He departed this world at his home in Thayer, Mo on 27 July 2025. Joe was married to his first wife, Cheri Lynn Gray Quackenbush (Alan) from June 1977 to July 1988. Joe married Shelia Marie Heilig on 3 Nov 1990 and lived a full, blessed life with her until his passing.

Joe is survived by his wife, Shelia, children, Christy Newland (Peter) of Berlin, NH, Brandon Hoyt (Nicki) of Hampton, VA, Austin Hoyt (Sarah) of Killeen, TX and Justin Hoyt of Mammoth Spring, AR, Destini Thompson (Jared), West Plains, MO, Cruz McDermott (Lauren) of Jonesboro, AR, grandchildren, three sisters Ruth Stevens and Janet Bowers (Calvin) of Thayer, MO, Cynthia Holloway of South Pekin, IL and two brothers Garry Hoyt (Barbara) of Paducah, Kentucky and Paul Hoyt (Emily) of Columbia, TN.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Bryan Cody Hoyt, one brother James Henry Hoyt, one sister, Dorothy Ann Hoyt, and three brothers-in-law Dr. Elmer H. Shaw, Earnest (Bud) Holloway and Rex Stevens.

Joe was a faithful loving husband and father who worked hard for his family and his community. Joe worked as a Sprinkler Fitter for over 30 years and was a member of the Road Sprinkler Fitter Union for 50 years. He loved the land, enjoyed making hay, and taking care of his cattle. Joe frequently volunteered his time and money with multiple local and international communities. He moved to Ecuador from 2016-2020 and helped to build houses on the coast. He also served locally in Cuenca, Ecuador. Joe was a strong, vocal man of faith, who attended church for many decades and tried to live in accordance with scripture in a manner with his thoughts, words, and deeds according to the truth he had attained. In 2021, as Joe studied the scriptures, he came to be a follower of The Way and came to deeper truth of what it meant serve YaHUaH/ יהוה and to follow Yahushua/יהושוע, and tried to walk as the Messiah walked, keeping New Moon days, Shabbats, and Feast days EX 12:14, Lev 23, Zech 14:16, 1 Cor 5:8. He loved keeping the feast and fellowshipping with other believers.

In lieu of flowers family has asked for memorial contributions to be made to:

Grindstone Ministeries Proverbs 27:17

701 McBeth Avenue

Wister, Oklahoma, 74966

DONATE | Grindstone

Pallbearers will be Justin Aichele, Michael Bowers, Matthew Bowers, Jeremy Bowers, Kyle Bowers and Jacob Bowers. Honorary Pallbearer will be Zayden Hoyt.

Visitation will be August 2, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel.

Speaker, Travis Bearden, will be Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 2:15 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel.

Graveside Service will be on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill/Ary Town Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.

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

Alice Gay Combs

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Alice Gay Case Combs, daughter of Clarence and Loretta Case was born November 18, 1935, at Couch, Missouri. She departed life and went to be with the Lord on July 27, 2025, at the age of 89, with her family gathered around her.

On March 20, 1956, she was united in marriage to Donald W. Combs at her parent’s home in Myrtle, Missouri. Donald passed away November 19, 2020.

She is survived by her sons, Randall Combs and wife Beckie of Alton, Missouri, Kendall Combs and Pat and Michael Combs and wife Sandy all of Branson, Missouri. Seven grandchildren, Ashley Stiles and husband Brett of Ozark, Missouri, Austin Combs of Alton, Missouri, Chris Combs and wife Molly of Rogersville, Missouri, Craig Combs and wife Bess and Carolyn Clark and husband Aaron of Branson, Missouri, Kayli Price and Dustin, Kelsey Howerton and husband Jared of Branson, Missouri. Also 20 great-grandchildren and her brother Winfred Case of Myrtle, Missouri.

Her mother and father, Clarence and Loretta Case, brother Charles Case and sister Jeanie Croney preceded her in death.

Alice stayed at home to care for her sons until they were all in school. Then she was a teacher’s aide for one year and a secretary to the principal for four years at the Thayer High School.

She and her husband moved to Ellsinore, Missouri in 1973 when Donald accepted the Presidents position at the Bank of Grandin. She then worked part-time at her sons’ stores as a clerk in Ellsinore and Grandin. She enjoyed helping and visiting with customers that came in.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, whom she dearly loved. She looked forward to the holidays when everyone gathered. She loved watching her grandchildren playing many sports, especially basketball games.

She accepted Jesus as her personal Savior at a young age of 13 and continued to live a dedicated life until the Lord called her home. She touched the lives of many people as she taught children’s Sunday School classes at Thayer Freewill Baptist before moving to Ellsinore where she taught an adult Ladies class for many years. She enjoyed studying her bible.

After retirement she and Donald moved to West Plains and joined United Freewill Baptist Church of West Plains. She will be remembered as a loving devoted Christian wife, caring mother, grandmother, neighbor, and friend to all. Now she has gone on to be with the Lord.

Special thanks to Shepherds View Assisted Living Facility for the care and love they gave to Alice Gay for the two years she lived there.

Memorial contributions can be made to the:

United Freewill Baptist Church

607 Lanton Road,

West Plains, Missouri, 65775

Services will be officiated by Gale Wooten and Dennis McGinley. Pallbearers will be Chris Combs, Craig Combs, Austin Combs, Aaron Clark, Dustin Price, Brett Stiles, and Jared Howerton. Honorary Pallbearers will be Molly Combs, Bess Combs, Ashley Stiles, Kayli Price, Kelsey Howerton and Carolyn Clark.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

Funeral Service will be on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

Burial will be at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

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

Waymon Roy Watson

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Waymon Roy Watson, 83 of Thayer, Missouri departed this left on July 22, 2025, at his home. He was born December 21, 1941, in the Big Apply Township to Amos and Leatha (Crews) Watson.

He was united in marriage to Ruth Robbins on June 13, 1965, at Brandsville Pentecost Church in Brandsville, Missouri. They just celebrated 60 years together and raised three children.

He spent 25 years working for Hanrahan Asphalt Paving Company in Kansas City, Missouri as a paving Superintendent. After moving back home he and Ruth ran Pony Express Delivery Service for 6 years while also being in the dairy business for 15 years. Dad gave his life to the Lord in 1982, where he rarely missed a Sunday service. He enjoyed being on his farm “Black Jack Ridge” working or just piddling around on something.

He is survived by his wife Ruth of Thayer, MO; one brother Gene Watson (Marsha), of Belton, MO; his three children Treva Sutherland (Terry) of West Plains, MO, Pam Hackert (Bob) of Macon, IL and Jeff Watson (Jennifer) of Monticello, AR; ten grandchildren, Tanai Devine (Mike) of West Plains, MO, Kelcie Askren (Ryan) of Stuttgart, AR, Taler Sutherland (Anna) of Walnut Grove, MO, Joshua Watson of St. Louis, MO, Kiara Palmer (Ryan) of Monticello, AR, Alli Hackert of Macon, IL, Abbi Hackert of Macon, IL, Kylee Watson of Monticello, AR, Layla Hackert of Macon, IL, and Josie Hackert of Macon, IL; seven great-grandchildren, Lynnden, Tinley, Scout, Harrison, Isaiah, Hayes, and Harlow; and many extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Leatha Watson; eight sisters Viola Ganley, Naomi Holman, Leta Watson, Ella Crews, Lucille Brewer, Marie Keltner, Ruth Herring, and Alice Watson; four brothers, Elvin Watson, Wayne Watson, Paul Ray Watson, and Carl Watson.

We are Heartbroken, but also deeply grateful for the time we had with him and the memories we now hold close. We will miss his steady presence, orneriness, and his unwavering support more than words can express.

Thank You for keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Union Hill Cemetery, Brandsville, Missouri. Funeral Arrangements by Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

James “Jim” Corley Stumpf

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James Corley Stumpf, 87 of Pana, IL, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Highland Health Center in Highland, IL.

He was born on November 8, 1937, in Pana, IL, to James Sayre and Ruth Etta (nee Corley) Stumpf. On June 6, 1992, he married Barbara Sue Shepherd, in Clarksville, TN.

James pursued a military career in the U.S. Army, with five years in Germany, many stateside tours, and duty with the First Infantry Division in Vietnam. He received numerous awards including the Legion of Merit medal, Bronze Star medal with “V” device; Bronze Star medal with second oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry medal, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Parachutist badge. He retired from the U.S. Army with 22 years of service in the grade of Lieutenant Colonel. He was later employed by the Department of the Army and assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve Personnel Center, St. Louis, MO. He served in several positions at the Center finally becoming the Director of Army Reserve Micrographic personnel records program with 16 years total Federal service achieved. For this period of Department of the Army service he received the Commanders Award for exemplary achievement. He continued to service to veterans as a member in Veterans of Foreign Wars, active with Post 9777, Salem, AR and Post 55 of the American Legion, Mammoth Spring, AR.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ruth Stumpf; son, Mark Stephen Stumpf; brother, Frederick Stumpf; and granddaughter, Ariana Stumpf Jacobus.

James is survived by his wife of 33 years, Barbara Sue, Granite City, IL; brothers, Stephen Strumpf and Robert Stumpf, both of Pana, IL; sister, Ruth Ann Barnstable, Carterville, IL; stepson, Steven (Marcelle) Shepherd; grandson, David Shepherd, granddaughters, Barbara Shepherd and Jamie Wadkins; nephews, Robbi Stumpf, Pana, IL, Matt Barnstable, Carterville, IL; niece, Rebecca Dyer, Normanhurst, Australia.

Private services will be held at Meridith Funeral Home in Highland, IL.

Viewing will be available at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel – Thayer, Missouri on, Monday, July 21, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 1: 30 p.m.

Graveside service will be at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

Obituary and photos courtesy of Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Patricia Faye Rayburn

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Patricia Faye Rayburn, age 68, of Flippin, Arkansas passed away June 26, 2025, at Washington Regional Memorial Hospital, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She was born August 6, 1956, in Ohio, to Arthur Lee and Minnie Alice (Barnes) White.

Pat enjoyed fishing and the company of her good friends. During her quieter moments she wrote short stories of fiction and sci-fi. She will be sorely missed from our lives.

She is survived by one son John Paul Lerma; one daughter Jaime Victoria Treat; three grandchildren Alexis Lerma, Calvin and Vanessa Treat.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.

Velma Earlene Jones

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Earlene Jones (Tuffy), age 79, of Koshkonong, Missouri, passed away June 4, 2025, in West Plains, Missouri. Earlene was born June 17, 1945, to Earl and Lorene (Rogers) Jones in Koshkonong, Missouri.

Earlene was a spitfire that never met a stranger. She never backed down from a fight when she thought someone had been done wrong. She loved working in her yard, planting flowers, having Sunday dinners and helping the community, especially anyone that needed help. She was a true neighbor.

Earlene enjoyed playing cards with her buddies and made several trips to Downstream Casino with her buddy Lena Robertson. She worked at the Shoe Factory in West Plains, Missouri, for many years.

Earlene loved her family dearly and will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

She is survived by her daughter Vickie Oxley, husband Theron; two grandkids Jessica Buckman, husband Charles and Levi Oxley, wife Melanie; four great grandkids Blair Wood-Oxley, Hallee Johns, Colt Oxley and soon to be Cameron Oxley; two sisters Carol Meeker and Dolly Brashear, husband Jerry; three brothers Beryl Jones, Donnie Jones, wife Donna, and Ronnie Jones.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers Garrel Rogers and John Jones; two sisters Nilene Ivey (David) and Terry Whisnant.

Graveside service will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Wayside Cemetery in Koshkonong, Missouri.

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

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude or Wayside Cemetery

Rebecca “Becky” Brewer

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Rebecca Ann Ward Brewer, lovingly known to all as Becky, was born in Hayti, Missouri on September 28,1966, and went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 30, 2025.

Becky was a beautiful soul whose life was a reflection of her deep faith and love for Jesus Christ. A devoted Christian, Becky served the Lord with all her heart and lived a life that touched countless others. She was a faithful wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, and a cherished friend to all who met her.

Becky attended Evening Light Message Church in Thayer, Missouri, where she worshiped and fellowshipped with her church family. She found great joy in playing the piano, growing flowers, and sharing her gift of baking.

Becky was a talented cake decorator who lovingly crafted many wedding and birthday cakes for family, friends, and members of her community. Her greatest joy, however, was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren who held a special place in her heart.

Becky was no stranger to hard work. She dedicated 25 years to teaching, touching the lives of countless children with her kindness, patience, and love. In addition to her career, she worked alongside her family on the farm, tending to the animals and caring for her beloved doves.

Becky lived a life truly worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and her legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband Tony; her sons Paul Brewer, wife Alissa, Austin Brewer and Dakota Brewer, all of Thayer; her grandsons Wayne, Landon, Layne, Blaine, Maddox, and Liam; her father-in-law and mother-in-law Paul and Cecile Brewer, also of Thayer; her siblings Danny Ward (wife Vicky) of Cherokee Village, Arkansas; Mike Ward (wife Linda) of Koshkonong, Missouri; Timmy Ward (wife Tammy) of Thayer, Missouri; and Tammy Hodges (husband Tim) of Salem, Arkansas; and her sisters-in-law Vicki McDaniel of Thayer, Missouri, and Susan Pounders (husband Jeremy) of Thayer.

Becky was preceded in death by her parents Fines and Jean Ward, her nephew Eli Pounders, and her great-niece Angel Bowers.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.

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

Beverly J. Brazeal

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Beverly Brazeal, 78, of Koshkonong, Missouri, passed away on May 29, 2025, at Cedarhurst Assisted Living of West Plains, Missouri. She was born on October 4, 1946, in Koshkonong, Missouri, to Curtis E. Lancaster and Norma Pauline (Jones) Lancaster. She was married to the love of her life, Melvin Lesley Brazeal, on December 18, 1970, at Thayer, Missouri. They were married 46 years until his passing on July 4, 2016. They had two daughters born of the marriage, Crystal Young, and Christina Hillmann.
She loved gardening, especially her roses and peonies. She enjoyed deer hunting. She treasured knitting and make afghans for her family. She adored all animals but especially her dogs and cats. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy. She enjoyed pranking her family members, especially on April Fool’s Day. She took pleasure in working side by side with her husband on the farm until his death.
She was a Christian member of Wayside Church of Koshkonong, Missouri. She was an avid reader of books and delighted in listening to Southern Gospel music.
Beverly is survived by her two daughters, Crystal (Brazeal) Young and husband David Young of Koshkonong, MO and Christina (Bazeal) Hillmann and husband Gregor Hillmann of Staplehurst, NE; grandchildren, Autumn Young, Austin Young and Megan Hillmann; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Curtis and Norma Lancaster, husband, Melvin Brazeal; two brothers, E.C. Lancaster and Jerry Lancaster; and one sister-in-law, Joan Lancaster.

Officiating will be David Ball. Pallbearers will be David Young, Crystal Young, Autumn Young, Austin Young and Christina Hillmann

Memorials may be made to:

St Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

St Jude Children’s Research Hosptial

501 St Jude Pl

Memphis, TN, 38105-9959

A Graveside Service will be held on June 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Wayside Cemetery of Koshkonong, Missouri.

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