Thayer

Bobby Joe Bivins, Jr. was born the son of Bobby Joe Bivins, Sr. and Helen Joyce (Arnold) Bivins on December 27, 1957, in Gideon, Missouri, and departed this life on January 17, 2016, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 58 years.

He is survived by his father, Bobby Joe Bivins, Sr. of Thayer, Missouri; his mother, Helen Joyce Brown of Thayer; his fiancè, Wendy Van Saun of West Plains, Missouri; four children, Stephanie Bivins, Jessica Bivins, Sadie Bivins, and Samuel Bivins, all of Paola, Kansas; six grandchildren; three brothers, Timothy Bivins and wife, Thresa of Thayer, Nathan Bivins of Thayer, and John Bivins and wife, Donna of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; four sisters, Teresa Lane of Thayer; Pat Grimes of Thayer, Judy Johnson of Mammoth Spring, and Shana Bivins of Thayer; special friends, Thomas Van Saun, Carol Cole, and Howard Cole; many nieces and nephews; other relatives, and friends.

Bobby had worked in the asphalt and concrete business most of his working career.

He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed playing baseball, fishing, and hunting. He also was an avid sports fan, and especially enjoyed watching the Saint Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Florida Gators, and Nascar races on TV.

Bobby was of the Christian faith and will be remembered as a loving son, father, grandfather, and brother. He was a loyal and dear friend, and will truly be missed by all.

Funeral Services for Bobby Joe Bivins, Jr., age 58, of West Plains, Missouri, will be held Thursday, January 21, 2016, at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri, with Brother Mike Price and Brother Jason Jackson officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer on Wednesday evening, January 20th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

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

Ruby Hazel Humphrey was born the daughter of John W. Cathey and Etta Ann (Young) Cathey on December 9, 1918, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and departed this life January 17, 2016, at her home in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, at the age of 97 years.

She was united in marriage to Fred Humphrey, who preceded her in death on May 30, 2012.

She is survived by one son, Jerry Humphrey and wife, Judy of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. She was blessed with two grandchildren, who were the light of her life, Joy Poulette and husband, Donald of Mammoth Spring and James Humphrey and wife, Novella of Melbourne, Arkansas; five great grandchildren, Casey Poulette and wife, Angel, Tyler Poulette and wife, Marissa, and Sammy Poulette, all of Mammoth Spring, and Jared Humphrey and Natalie Humphrey, both of Melbourne; one great-great grandson, Raylan Poulette. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Humphrey; her parents, John and Etta Ann Cathey; three brothers, Floyd, Ray, and Doyle Cathey, and one sister, Eunice (Cathey) Dills.

Ruby was a member of the Mammoth Spring VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Mammoth Spring Chapter 149 Order of the Eastern Star, and the First United Methodist Church of Mammoth Spring.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother; a loyal friend; and a good neighbor to all. She had a sweet word, a smile, and a fishing story for everyone she met. Ruby delighted in shopping for a good bargain, cooking for those she loved, drinking a good cup of coffee at Riverbend, and catching a mess of crappie. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at 10:00 AM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Erman Croney and Ryan Spurlock officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer on Tuesday, January 19th, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mrs. Humphrey’s memory to the First United Methodist Church in Mammoth Spring, and may be left at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.

Marvin L. Albright was born the son of Charles Edward Albright and Ida Evelyn (Sutherland) Albright on January 8, 1942, at Camp, Arkansas, and departed this life on January 15, 2016, at his home near Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, at the age of 74 years.

He was united in marriage on May 20, 1964, at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas to Betty Pierce.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Albright of the home near Mammoth Spring; two brothers, David Albright and wife, Jo Ann of Camp, Arkansas, and Roger Albright and wife, Edith of Salem, Arkansas; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, C. E. and Evelyn Albright; and two brothers, H. E. “Gene” Albright and Donnie Albright.

Marvin was a veteran of the United States Army, proudly serving his country in the Vietnam War.

He was a farmer and owned and operated Albright Cane Manufacturing in Fryatt, Arkansas, for over thirty years.

Marvin was a true outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping, and especially loved being out with his dogs on a good coon hunt.

He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, a faithful brother and a loyal friend. He will truly be missed by his family and many friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Albright will be held, Monday, January 18, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri, with Michael Gallup officiating.

The body will lie in state at the Funeral Home in Thayer on Monday, January 18th from 8:00 AM until service time. The family will receive friends Monday, from 1:00 PM until service time.

Burial will be in Camp Cemetery at Camp, Arkansas 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 Camp Cemetery or the American Heart Association, and may be left at the Funeral Home in Thayer.

Martha M. Ragan, age 87, of Thayer, Missouri, passed away peacefully in her home Tuesday, January 12, 2016. She was born October 20, 1928, in Creighton, Missouri, to William and Viola Coke.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Viola Coke; first husband, V.W. “Slim” Baldridge; second husband, Tony Ragan; four brothers, Bill, Paul, Daniel, and Noble Coke; and sister, Amy Kloster.

She is survived by her daughter, Teresia Tierney and son, Gary Baldridge, both of Thayer, Missouri, and numerous nieces and nephews in Missouri and Arkansas.

Martha spent her entire working career in the restaurant business either as a waitress or a cook. She and her first husband, Slim, owned and operated Slim and Martha’s Café in Kansas City, Missouri. When Slim died in 1965, the restaurant became Martha’s Café, which she operated for 20 more years. She retired in 1985 and moved to Thayer, Missouri, with the second love of her life, Tony Ragan.

She will be sadly missed by her family and friends, but we celebrate a life well lived.

Graveside services will be Saturday, January 16, 2016, at 2:00 PM at Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri, with Kevin Hedden officiating.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Plains Regional Animal Shelter and may be left at the funeral home.

Thomas Woodrow “Woody” Kellett was born the son of Beverly J. Kellett and Grace Aileen (Farless) Kellett on October 4, 1955, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and departed this life January 10, 2016, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 60 years.

He was united in marriage on May 1, 1998, at Salem, Arkansas, to Mary Sue Whitter.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Kellett of the home in Thayer, Missouri; two daughters, Angel Dawn Whitter and fiancé, Mike Mabes of Woodlawn, Tennessee, and Grace Devita Cerutti and husband, Stephen of Thayer, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Whitney McDaniel, Dylan McDaniel, Colten Gann, Hailey Gann, Emily Gann, Logan Gann, Allison Mabes, Ashley Halley, Kaitlyn Cerutti, and Lacee Cerutti; one sister, Marion Brown of Thayer, Missouri; two nieces, Crystal Brown and Alisha Brown; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, B.J. and Grace Kellett, and one granddaughter, Brooklyn Cerutti.

Woody was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He was an auto-body repair man by trade and co-owned and operated M&K Pawn Shop at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas for several years.

He loved motorcycles and riding with good friends in a toy run or weekend getaway. He was a member of F.O.R.R., Stateline, Kinsmen and Rebel Riders Motorcycle Clubs. He also enjoyed fishing on the Lake and competing in bass tournaments.

He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He will be truly be missed by his family and many friends.

Leroy Edwin Chronister of Alton, Missouri, entered into eternal rest with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 9, 2016, at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 89. He was born the youngest of five children, on April 4, 1926, on the family farm near Alton, to George and Floy (Sifford) Chronister.

In 1944, at the age of 18, he was drafted into the United States Army and served two years overseas during World War II and was a Purple Heart recipient. Upon his discharge he returned home to the love of his life, Helen Irene Howell. Leroy and Irene were united in marriage on March 4, 1949, in Salem, Arkansas. He was a successful dairy farmer, working on the family farm until his retirement.

Leroy loved life and lived it to its fullest. At an early age, he was saved and baptized at Bailey Chapel Church and later served as a deacon for many years in the Free Will Baptist organization. Leroy taught himself to play the fiddle, guitar, and mandolin, at a young age. Most of all, he used his God–given musical talent to bless many, as he ministered to his community with gospel singing. He sang at well over 500 funerals, bringing comfort and hope to many families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Floy Chronister; three brothers, Jewell Chronister, Granville Chronister, and Duane Chronister; and one sister, Verna Seigel.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-six years, Irene Chronister, of Alton, Missouri; four children, Kathleen Crigler and husband, Andy of Alton, Dwight Chronister and wife, Susan of Alton, Lesa Rothgeb and husband, Joseph of West Plains, Missouri, and Mary Ann Roberts and husband, Jason of West Plains; eleven grandchildren, Scott Crigler and wife, Bobbie, Steven Crigler and wife, Merinda, Kayla Collins and husband, Anthony, Lindsey Drake and husband, Matthew, Skyler Chronister and wife, Danielle, Jared Cates, Zachary and Landon Rothgeb, Hannah Fox and husband, Lucas, Jake Roberts and wife, Charli, and Luke Roberts; six great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Stormy Crigler, Olivia and Adalynd Collins, and Allie and Lincoln Fox; many nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends.

Leroy was active and well respected in his community, serving on the Alton R-IV School District Board of Education for 18 years.

He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His unconditional love and inspiration will never be forgotten, and his memory will live in the hearts of those who loved him forever. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at 2:00 PM at the Victory Free Will Baptist Church in Alton, Missouri, with Brother Jason Roberts and Brother Bill Bales officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer on Tuesday evening, January 12th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

Burial will be in the Hickory Grove Cemetery near Alton, Missouri, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.

Truman Elven Parrott was born the son of Willis F. Parrott and Minnie Frances (Hooper) Parrott on June 21, 1931, in Greer, Missouri, and departed this life on December 31, 2015, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 84 years.

He was united in marriage September 22, 1951, in Salem, Arkansas, to Margie Redburn.

He is survived by his wife, Margie Parrott of the home in West Plains; one son, Rev. Mike Parrott and wife, Donna of Brownsburg, Indiana; one daughter, Sherri Hensley and husband, Rev. Craig Hensley of West Plains; three grandchildren, Chad Parrott of Indiana, Amanda Dickinson and husband, T. J. of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Megan Moffis and husband, Evan of West Plains; five great grandchildren, Eli, Lainey, Kaden, Kaleb and C. J.; one brother, Dewey Parrott and wife, Dorothy of Alton, Missouri; two brothers-in-law, Pete Redburn of Birch Tree, Missouri, and Howard Redburn and wife, Virginia of Altoona, Wisconsin; one sister-in-law, Greatle Parrott of Alton; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Minnie Parrott; and two brothers, Dorris and Eugene Parrott.

Truman was a veteran of the United States Army. He proudly served his country in the Korean War and received numerous awards and medals including the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars.

He was a farmer and along with his brother, Dorris, was well known for owning and operating Parrott Brothers Backhoe and Dump Truck Service.

He loved to hunt and fish, and enjoyed tinkering and making things work.

Truman was a member of Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church near Alton, where he served as Deacon for thirty-four years.

He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, and will truly be missed by his family and many friends.

Funeral Services for Mr. Parrott will be held Sunday, January 3, 2016, at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri, with Brother Johnny Floyd Holesapple officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer on Saturday evening, January 2nd from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery, West of Alton, Missouri, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Gideons International and may be left at the Funeral Home in Thayer.

Opal Marie Reeves Goins was born the daughter of Jeff Ivey and Lena (Schremmer) Ivey on December 31, 1926, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and departed this life on December 27, 2015, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 88 years.

She was united in marriage April 14, 1943, in Fulton County, Arkansas, to Carl Dewey Reeves, who preceded her in death on October 24, 1964. She was united in marriage June 4, 1970, at Thayer, Missouri, to George Ronald Goins, who preceded her in death on July 25, 1990.

She is survived by two daughters, Karlene Reeves Groover of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and Mary Crawford of Mammoth Spring; one son, Gary Ivey and wife, Loraine of Rogers, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Justin Montgomery of Mammoth Spring, Laura Bales and husband, Bruce of Bakersfield, Missouri, Sandi Dawson and husband, Jeff of West Plains, Missouri, John Pruett and wife, Rebecca of West Plains, Shane Griffis of Greenville, Mississippi, Heather King and husband, John of Thayer, Missouri, and Heath Crawford and wife, Jennifer of Thayer; numerous great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; nieces and nephews; and a very special friend, Patt Pall.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jeff and Lena Ivey; her husbands; one daughter, Kathryn Pruett Brown; one infant daughter; two sons-in-law, Allan Groover and Alan Crawford; one brother, Othel “Sonny” Ivey, and one brother-in-law, Earl Reeves.

Opal was a waitress, working in area restaurants for many years. She enjoyed people, having a good time, and always wore her special smile.

She loved working in her flower and vegetable gardens, and was known for her delicious chicken and dumplings and great desserts.

Opal was a member of the First Church of God in Thayer, Missouri, and the Mammoth Spring Extension Club.

She will truly be missed by her family and friends at Shady Oaks Healthcare in Thayer.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, December 31, 2015, at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Reverend Robert Brown officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer on Wednesday evening, December 30th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.

Bessie Ellen (Bennett) Ritchey was born the daughter of Rufford G. Bennett and Bessie Lorine (Mitchell) Bennett on January 10, 1947, in Dalton, Arkansas, and departed this life at her home on December 23, 2015, at the age of 68 years.

She was united in marriage on May 14, 1971, in Hamil, Arkansas, to Bobby Ritchey.

She is survived by her husband of forty-four years, Bobby Ritchey; three daughters, Bessie Ann Bicic and husband, Izet of Ravenden, Arkansas, Lucy Ellen Murphy and husband, Jason of Clifton, Virginia, and Lynn McCormack and husband, Dave of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Gabriel Bicic, Samuel Bicic, Calla Murphy, Haley Murphy, Jaxon Murphy, Salah McCormack, Beau McCormack, and Carlee McCormack; five brothers, Kendall Bennett and wife, Sharon of Pocahontas, Arkansas, B.W. Bennett and wife, Jewell of Pocahontas, Arkansas, Neal Bennett of Myrtle, Missouri, Clifton Bennett and wife, Janet of Couch, Missouri, and Dean Bennett and wife, Remona of Myrtle, Missouri; three sisters, Glenda Upton of St. Charles, Missouri, Virginia White and husband, Doug of St. Peters, Missouri, and Jeneta Turner and husband, Perry of Thayer, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Betty Bennett of Frederick, Maryland; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rufford and Lorine Bennett, and one brother, Russell Bennett.

Bessie was a graduate of Dalton High School, graduating with the class of 1965. She furthered her education at Southern Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, and graduated from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, earning a Bachelors Degree in Education.

Bessie’s dedication to her church and her family was with love and devotion beyond measure. She was humble, kind, and always put the needs of others above her own.

Even as she struggled with the trials of her illness, her faith never wavered as she fought her battle with determination, grace, and dignity.

She was a Christian lady and a faithful member of the Myrtle First Baptist Church, serving as church clerk for many years.

She will be remembered as a beloved wife, cherished mother and grandmother, and loving sister. Her unconditional love and inspiration will never be forgotten, and her memory will live in the hearts of those who loved her forever.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Ritchey will be held Monday, December 28, 2015, at 2:00 PM at the Myrtle Free Will Baptist Church in Myrtle, Missouri, with Brother George Box officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer on Sunday evening, December 27th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

Burial will be in the Myrtle Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Myrtle First Baptist Church, and may be left at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.

Wayne C. Fleming, age 76, of Thayer, Missouri, died at 5:45 AM on Thursday, December 17, 2015, at his home in Thayer.

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