Viola Elvira (Sterling) Herrick McDonald was born the daughter of Elmer Anderson Sterling and Ethel Lee (Phillips) Sterling on September 22, 1921, in Quitman, Arkansas and died June 15, 2017, in Thayer, Missouri, at the age of 95 years.
She was united in marriage on December 19, 1942 in Camp, Arkansas to Harold Ray Herrick who preceded her in death in October 1948. She was united in marriage in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas in July 1950 to Austin McDonald who preceded her in death in May 1993.
She is survived by four daughters, Sharon Nickless and husband, Paul Dean of Camdenton, Missouri, Shirley Henley and husband, Dick of Mountain Home, Arkansas, Charlotte Hurtt and husband, Charlie of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and Diana Rogers and husband, Kennith of Joshua, Texas ; one sister, Carole Koehn of Orville, California; five grandchildren, Rick Henley and wife, Tammy, Amy Henley Bryant and husband, Larry, Kimberly Desiderio and husband, Tom, Kennith Bradley Rogers and wife, Wendi and Nathan Todd Rogers and wife, Taylor; twenty-two great grandchildren; several nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Ethel Sterling; five brothers, Leonard, Albert, Floyd, Joe and Cecil Sterling and two sisters, Ruby Browning and Selma Sterling.
She was a long time member of the First Baptist Church in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Mrs. McDonald enjoyed life. Her hobbies included reading, crocheting and embroidering. She was the oldest active member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary #7831 and was a member of the Spring River Lions Club.
She was a dedicated homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and a friend to all. She will truly be missed by all that knew her.
Funeral services for Viola Herrick McDonald will be held, Sunday, June 18, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Erman Croney officiating.
Visitation will be on Sunday from 1:00 PM until time of service.
Burial will be in Thayer Cemetery services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
Memorial services for Michael Alan Smith, age 59, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, will be held Monday, June 19, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Riverside Cemetery in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, with Brother Charles Morgan officiating.
Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
Bertha Leona England, daughter of the late Bedford F. Mitchell and Martha M. Brewer Mitchell, was born October 27, 1921 in Myrtle, Missouri and died March 24, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina at the age of 95 years.
She was united in marriage at Billmore, Missouri on April 27, 1947 to Gordon Manuel England. They enjoyed more than 65 happy years together.
She is survived by her daughter, Diane England Olson and husband, Steven of Durham, North Carolina; one grandson, Thomas Olson of Durham, North Carolina; one sister, Gertrude Sorrell of Jonesboro, Arkansas and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon England; her parents, Bedford and Martha Mitchell; two brothers, Everett and Bedford Mitchell; and six sisters, Willie Cypret, Pearl Cantrell, Annie Newman, Vada Cantrell, Jessie Dunkin and Lorine Bennett.
Bertha was a substitute teacher at Couch School for many years and thoroughly enjoyed it. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Myrtle Missouri and taught Sunday School as well as serving in other ways in the church. She was a wonderful cook and will be remembered by the older members of the church for her cinnamon rolls and doughnuts.
She was a loving mother and grandmother and a strong Christian who was ready to go home to be with her Lord.
A Celebration of Life Service for Bertha England, age 95, of Durham, North Carolina, formerly of Myrtle, Missouri, will be held Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Myrtle First Baptist Church in Myrtle, Missouri with Brother George Box officiating.
Earl D. “Buddy” Rogers was born the son of Walter Rogers and Alma (Evans) Rogers, on July 15, 1941 in Thayer, Missouri and died on June 4, 2017 at his home in Thayer, Missouri at the age 75 years, ten months and 10 days.
He was united in marriage on December 20, 1961 at Alton, Missouri to Mary Thompson, the daughter of Willis and Velia Thompson.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Rogers of the home in Thayer, Missouri; his son, Earl Ray Rogers of Thayer, Missouri; his granddaughter, Keeley Rogers of Thayer, Missouri; four sisters, Mary Lou Sloan of Farmington, Missouri, JoAnne Ogle and Alice Rogers, both of Natchitoches, Louisiana and Janice Tolar of Thayer, Missouri; several nieces; nephews; other relatives and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Alma Rogers; his daughter-in-law, Lisa Rogers; and two sisters, Jean Rogers and Glenda Files.
Buddy was a businessman and was also a police officer for the City of Thayer for several years. He, along with his wife and son owned and operated Rogers Service Station in Thayer for over forty years. He was active in his community, serving the citizens of Thayer in many capacities. He served as Mayor for two terms and was currently serving as Alderman and Treasurer and was overseer of the park and cemetery. Buddy was a retired school bus driver, driving for the Thayer School System for many years.
Buddy had a passion for antique cars and trucks, and still owned his 1949 Ford convertible.
He was a Christian and of the Baptist faith.
Buddy will be remembered for his kind heart and his willingness to help others. He was deeply devoted to his family and was a caring husband, father and a loving “Pa” to Keeley.
Funeral services for Earl D. “Buddy” Rogers, age 75, of Thayer, will be held, Friday, June 9, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Brother Bobby Ryan officiating.
Masonic rites will be held Thursday evening at 5:30 PM at the chapel, with visitation to follow from 6-8 PM.
Burial will be in Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc in Thayer.
Lorene Martin was born the daughter of Noel Martin and Catherine (Clark) Martin on November 29 1926, in Calico Rock, Arkansas and died June 3, 2017, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 90 years.
She is survived by five grandchildren, Billy Roy Martin, Jr and wife, Tywana of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Sally Ann Arredondo and husband, Adolfo of Alvin, Texas, Deanna Stephens and husband, Aubrey of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Amy Gail Stephens and husband, Gene of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and Sarah Rae Reed and husband, Rodney of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; four brothers, Earl Edward Martin of Illinois, Vernon Martin, Leland Martin and Leon Martin all of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; one sister, Velma Rogers of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; several great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Noel and Catherine Martin; her son, Billy Roy Martin, Sr; her daughter-in-law, Linda Martin; one sister, Ruby Parlmey; two great grandchildren, Zaiden Blaine Reed and Joshua Ryan Mullins.
Lorene was a dedicated homemaker. She enjoyed her family and was a caregiver for many. She was an excellent cook and was known for making delicious blackberry cobblers
She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and sister. She will truly be missed by her family and many friends.
Funeral services for Lorene Martin will be held Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Brother Wayne Hurst officiating.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Field Creek Cemetery at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc in Thayer.
Chance Skyler Moyer was born the son of Keith Darrell Moyer and Alicia Rose (Rivera) Moyer on October 9, 1990 in West Plains, Missouri and died May 31, 2017 in Thayer, Missouri, at the age of 26 years.
He was united in marriage on September 17, 2011, in Thayer, Missouri to Cortney Barton.
He is survived by his wife, Cortney Moyer and four children, Peyton, Lanie, Cameron and Lawson Moyer, all of the home in Thayer, Missouri; his parents, Keith Darrell Moyer and Alicia Rose (Rivera) Moyer of Thayer, Missouri; three sisters, Keshia Clentimack of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Ciji Walters and husband, David of Thayer, Missouri and Jana Moyer of Thayer, Missouri; his maternal grandmother, Mabel Rivera of Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jeff and Edith Barton of Alton, Missouri; one brother in-law, Tyler Barton of Alton, Missouri; two nieces, Teagan and Emery; three nephews, Cayden, Adrian and Joél; several aunts, uncles, cousins; and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Gary and Lillian Moyer; his maternal grandfather, Angelo Rivera and one aunt, Carol Moyer.
He loved the Lord and was a member of the Oak Hill Baptist Church near Alton, Missouri.
Chance was a member of the Thayer Fire Department. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and driving his truck (old red, the beast). He also enjoyed his work as a farmer, doing custom work for area farmers. Chance was a devoted family man. Cortney and his four kids were the highlight of his life. He will truly be missed by all that knew and loved him.
Funeral services for Chance Skyler Moyer will be held Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Oak Hill Baptist Church near Alton with Brother Edward Casey officiating.
Visitation will be held at the church from 12:00 noon on Tuesday until service time.
Burial will be in Arytown/Pleasant Hill Cemetery, near Thayer, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc in Thayer.
Lurine Bryan was born January 12, 1921, at Myrtle, Missouri, the daughter of Robert Cleveland Crass and Mary Belle Hill Crass. Lurine, age 96, died May 30, 2017, at West Vue Nursing Center in West Plains, Missouri.
Lurine attended the schools available in the Couch, Missouri area. While still a teenager, Lurine was spotted at a pie supper and social by Homer Bryan, who was immediately infatuated with the little brown-haired beauty with hazel eyes. Likewise, Lurine was attracted to the shy, handsome young man with big brown eyes. After a brief courtship, Homer and Lurine were married on July 9, 1938, by Father W.H. O’Brien of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Thayer, Missouri. The couple shared fifty-seven years of marriage until Homer’s death on October 27, 1995.
Before Diabetes took her eyesight, Lurine enjoyed quilting, crafting, and flea marketing. Products of her loving creativity can be found in her children’s and grandchildren’s homes. Lurine had a life-long love of reading. When she could no longer read big print books, she listened to books on tape while her little companion kitty “Heidi” napped in her lap. Most of all, proud Grandma Bryan delighted in rocking her grandbabies.
Lurine is survived by three daughters: Sondra Morgan (Tom) of Columbia, Missouri; Ramona Beard (Ted) of Brentwood, Tennessee; and Denise Montgomery (Jack) of West Plains, Missouri. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and five great, great grandchildren. Lurine is also survived by one brother, John Patrick Crass of Jamestown, California; one sister-in-law, Anna Lou Weathers of Batesville, Arkansas; one brother-in-law, Jim Bryan of Cherokee Village, Arkansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lurine was predeceased by her parents, her husband, six sisters (Erma, Opal, Sylvia, Irene, Margaret, and Betty) and three brother (Ernest, Lester, and Clinton).
A family reunion in memory of Lurine Bryan will be held at a later date.
The family of Lurine Bryan would like to thank the many compassionate caregivers of West Vue Nursing Center who helped make the last eight years of Lurine’s life as comfortable as possible.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the West Vue Nursing Center’s Activities Fund or charity of choice. Donations may be left at the Carter Funeral Home of Thayer or West Plains.
Private graveside services and burial at the Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of the Carter Funeral Home of Thayer
Robert Lewis Griffith was born on August 24, 1922, near Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to Elizabeth (Gray) Griffith and Robert Alexander Griffith. He departed this life on May 29, 2017, at the age of 94 in Mountain View, Missouri.
Bob attended school at Dewey, then high school in Thayer, Missouri. He then worked with a CCC Camp in the Kansas City, Missouri area.
Bob enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Sergeant in Headquarter’s Battery of the 459th Anti-Aircraft Artillary, which was attached to the 29th Infantry Division and at times attached to the 28th and 30th Infantry Divisions. He served as a Message Center Chief, leaving New York for England on October 22, 1943. He served in five major campaigns of the European Theater: Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic Action in July 1944, and returned home on the Queen Elizabeth in 1945, later receiving an Honorable Discharge.
He was united in marriage to Betty Jean (Taylor) Griffith on January 23, 1946, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.To this union, two children were born, Gwen Sue (Griffith) Miller and Lewis Gene Griffith. Bob and Betty resided in Jonesboro, Arkansas, then moved to Thayer, Missouri, where they raised their children and lived for many years.
Bob worked for the Frisco and Burlington Northern Railroads as a Switchman, Yardmaster, Brakeman, and Conductor from October 1945 until his retirement in August 1983.
Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Gwen Sue (Griffith) Miller and his son, Lewis Gene Griffith, as well as his parents, three brothers, five sisters, two infant sister, and one great grandson.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Jean (Taylor) Griffith, of Mountain View, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Judy Griffith of Memphis, Tennesse; son-in-law, Robert Miller of Mountain View, Missouri; granddaughter, Beth Davis and husband, Mark of Mountain View, Missouri; granddaughter, Amy Miller of Mountain View, Missouri; and two great-grandchildren, Robert Gene Davis and Janie Suzanne Davis of Mountain View, Missouri.
Bob accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and was a long-time member of the Church of Christ, serving as a deacon and elder for many years. His faith was always strong and he was a great example of Christian living for many others. While Bob enjoyed fishing, farming, and was an avid Cardinals Fan, his priorities were always to his family and to serving the Lord.
Funeral services were held Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Barry O’Dell officiating. Burial was in Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
Michael Shawn Allen was born the son of Archie Allen and Helen (Stith) Allen on June 27, 1962, in Thayer, Missouri, and departed this life on May 28, 2017, at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 54 years.
He was united in marriage on May 16, 1999, in Thayer, Missouri, to Sharlet (Putman) Allen.
He is survived by his wife, Sharlet Allen, of the home in Thayer, Missouri; three children, Mikayla Shae Allen, Jadyn Sage Allen and Jordan Seth Reed and wife, Emily, all of Thayer, Missouri; three brothers, Harvey Allen and wife, Marcia, of Thayer, Missouri, Dane Allen of Springfield, Missouri, and Lark Allen of Gilbert, South Carolina; two sisters, Dian Hensley of Mt. Vernon, Missouri and Lana Armstrong and husband, Ernie of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; one granddaughter, Myla Reed of Thayer, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Patricia Allen of Springfield, Missouri; five nephews, Eric Allen, Matthew Allen, Aaron Hensley, Andrew Hensley, and Nickolas Allen; one niece, Bevely Bailey; three great nieces; five great nephews; one great-great nephew; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vernon and Sharon Putman of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; other relatives and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Helen Allen; one brother-in-law, Vernon Putman, Jr. and one infant niece.
Mike graduated from Thayer High School with the class of 1980. He was a prolific athlete, playing and earning accolades in football, track and basketball and also sang with the high school Boy’s Quartet. Mike was well-liked by his school-mates and was voted Mr. THS his senior year of high school. He made many friends while in school, many of which he kept for the duration of his life. After high school, Mike attended SMSU in Springfield, Missouri and worked at Bass Pro before moving back to Thayer and working for Allen American Realty as a real-estate agent for his family-owned real-estate office. He later began working at Cover Lumber Company in Thayer where he made many friends as well. Mike found a career in his father’s footsteps on the railroad where he was hired in 1996 for Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway as a conductor. In 1998 he became a locomotive engineer and spent the rest of his time with BNSF driving freight trains. Mike was a well-respected engineer and was well-liked by his colleagues, many of whom he grew close to during his 19 year career with BNSF.
Mike loved being outside, especially by the water. Going to the lake in the summer with his family and friends was a favorite past-time. He loved to boat and water-ski as well as to sit around the campfire with his loved ones. Mike had a love for travel that was instilled in him from his childhood. Mike took his family on many vacations to the beach where fond memories were made. He remained a life-long Thayer Bobcat supporter and fan. Mike loved attending Bobcat sports events, especially to watch his children play. Mike was a family-man at heart and found great joy in spending time with his wife and love of his life, whom he built a beautiful life and family with, his brothers and sisters who he always remained close to, as well as his nieces, nephews, cousins and his granddaughter, whom he was known to as “Poppy”.
Mike was a member of the Thayer Church of Christ and also attended church with his family at the Mammoth Spring First Baptist Church. He loved and enjoyed worshipping with both of his church families. He had a gift of being able to strike up a conversation and make people feel important. Mike’s sense of humor can be remembered by all. He loved to joke and make people laugh as much as he loved to laugh himself. There was seldom a dull moment when around Mike.
Mike’s laugh and loving nature, his kindness and willingness to help his family and friends and his warm smile will be cherished always by those who knew him. Mike will be remembered as a wonderful husband and dad, brother and uncle, as well as a friend.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the Church of Christ in Thayer with Shawn Deree officiating.
Burial will be in Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the ALS Association of St. Louis Regional at 2258 Weldon Parkway, St. Louis, MO 63146 or may be left at the funeral home.
Ruby Dean Barker was born the daughter of Hubert John Taylor and Virgie (Miller) Taylor on May 27, 1929, in Mammoth Spring. Arkansas and died May 20, 2017, in Thayer, Missouri, at the age of 87 years.
She was united in marriage on September 20, 1947, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to Owen Ray Barker who preceded her in death on February 24, 2004.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Hazel Barker of Eloy, Arizona; one sister, Betty Griffith and husband, Bob of Thayer, Missouri; two grandchilden, Shelly Justus and husband, Stephen of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and Ray Barker and his wife, Missy, of Salem, Arkansas; five great grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren; two step grandchildren; several nieces, nephews; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Virgie Taylor; her husband, Owen Ray Barker; her son, Danny Ray Barker; one brother, Douglas Taylor; two sisters, Meda Lemmons and Willie Rose Nicholson, and one adopted sister, Judy Jones.
She was a member of the Church of Christ since a young age and faithfully attended the Mammoth Spring congregation as long as health permitted. She was also a member of the VFW auxiliary and the Mammoth Spring Garden Club. In her working years, she was employed as a Clerk for the State of Missouri in Fulton, Missouri for many years.
She will truly be missed by her family and many friends.
Funeral services for Ruby Barker will be held Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Barry O’Dell officiating.
Visitation will be Tuesday evening at Carter Funeral Home from 6-8 PM.
Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc in Thayer.
