Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

West Plains, MO Location (417) 256-4141

Thayer, MO Location (417) 264-7242

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Cecil Forester

Cecil Forester

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Cecil Forester was born July 9, 1949, to the late Odell Forester and Mildred “Brazeal” Forester and passed away October 5, 2026, in West Plains, Missouri.

Cecil was married May 2, 1980, to Brenda Sigler Belt, and blessed with 46 ½ years together.

He is survived by five children, Rod Forester (Kathy), Jody Forester (Patricia), Danny Belt, Kevin Belt (Debbie), and Rita Mitchell; three siblings, Ralph Forester (Dale), Roy Forester (Lori),and Billy Forester; one brother-in-law Darrell Mitchell (Bonnie); two sisters-in-law, Carol Ross and Glenda Bowers (Sherman); three aunts, Evelyn Crabtree, Nadine Green, and Ruth Thompson; eleven grandchildren, Lexie, Bonnie and Andrew Forester, Wendy Bailey (Pat), Dallas Mitchell (Savannah), Crystal Kausler (Josh), Bradley Mitchell, Kimberly Osterkamp (Justin), Victoria Crabtree (Kelly), Curtis Hastings (Jamie), and Jessie Belt; five great grandchildren, Nella Crabtree, Andrew Belt, Rose Osterkamp, Bonnie Osterkamp, Carl Osterkamp, Dillion Hastings, Dakota Hastings, and Zeke Kausler.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Pamela Gibson, one granddaughter, Nicole Shaw, one great grandson, Harrison Price, and one sister, Nell Mitchell; two brothers, Troy Forester and James Forester, and one son-in-law, Richard Mitchell.

He was a member of the Church of Christ and had attended West 160 Highway Church of Christ. He loved to participate in tractor shows, pulling tractors. He also loved the outdoors, including horseback riding.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.

Visitation will be held at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Burial will be at Free Union Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.

Cecelia Becker

Cecelia Becker

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Cecelia Ellen Becker, age 70, was born in Washington D.C, and raised in Northern Virginia. Daughter of the late Paul Simpson Harvey, Jr. and late Jean Mayhugh Harvey. She passed away October 2, 2026, West Plains, Missouri.

She is survived by her loving husband Les Becker, daughter Sharese Becker, both of West Plains, MO. As well as a host of loving extended family and lifelong friends.

Cecelia had a beautiful talent of seeing the world through the lens of her camera. Very rarely did she go far without her camera in hopes of catching a great shot. Her beautiful scenery photos and candid family group photos will be forever cherished.

Cecelia was compassionate and a true advocate for rescue animals. She believed that all animals deserved a safe and loving home. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Heavens Creatures Thrift Store, and can be left at Carter Funeral Home, Inc, West Plains, Missouri 65775

Colleen Wilma Harbison

Colleen Wilma Harbison

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Colleen Ehrhart Harbison was born January 1st, 1935, to the late William and Lillie Harrison Ehrhart at Cureall, Missouri and passed away September 26, 2026, at her home in Caulfield, Missouri. She was the fourth child of six. Colleen grew up in the Cureall and Caulfield areas.

She is survived by her loving husband of seventy-one years, Harold; son, brad (Diane) and daughter, Karen; grandchildren, Timothy Harbison (Danyell); Grant Harbison; Elizabeth Harbison Taylor (Kevin); Ben Madison (Lacie); great grandchildren, Tara Harbison, Wyatt Madison, Axel Madison, Barrett Taylor, Bruin Taylor; one brother, Jim Ehrhart, and one sister, Carolyn Drees, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Dorian (Catherine) and Duard Ehrhart, and sister, Wanda Roop.

She followed her older brother, Dorian, to find work in Rockford, Illinois. It was there that she met the love of her life, Harold Harbison. They married on May 6, 1955 and remained married a total of seventy-one years.

Colleen was a beautiful, compassionate and loving woman. She had outstanding work ethics and instilled them in their children, Brad and Karen. Colleen loved to help and take care of others. She was an excellent wife, mother, grandmother, cook, baker and homemaker. She loved to travel with family, go shopping at Crown Center and Branson. She loved to crochet beautiful afghans for her family. She also hand embroidered many items for family and friends. She hosted Christmas parties at their homes throughout the years.

Colleen and Harold were lifelong members of the West Plains Car Club. They were also members of Heart of America Model A Club in Kansas City, Missouri for many years before moving back to Caulfield permanently in 1995.

Colleen was a Christian, baptized at an early age. She stayed true to her Christian beliefs and instilled them in her family. She was good to everyone she met. She was a remarkable mother, hosting many sleepovers for her children and many times adding extra plates to the dinner table for friends and family.

Colleen loved her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Colleen will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the Fowler Church in Caulfield, Missouri.

Burial will be at Fowler Cemetery, Caulfield, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

Jerry Lee Orf

Jerry Lee Orf

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jerry Lee Orf, 87, of Bakersfield, Missouri, who passed away peacefully at his home on August 22, 2026.
Jerry was born October 27, 1938, near Udall, Missouri, to Clarence Orf and Madge Thompson Roberts.
On October 27, 1966, Jerry married Paula Mae Adams in Polk City, Florida. They shared nearly 60 years of marriage and raised a family together. Paula preceded him in death on March 29, 2026.
Jerry proudly served his country for more than 30 years in the Army and Arkansas Army National Guard, including service during the Gulf War, and retired as a Staff Sergeant.
His life was marked by public service. Jerry served with the Polk City Police Department and as a Polk County Deputy Sheriff in Florida. In Missouri, he served as an Ozark County Deputy Sheriff and Bakersfield Town Marshal. He also served as Mayor of Bakersfield and on the Bakersfield School Board.
Jerry was devoted to his Christian faith and, since his salvation, maintained a lifelong connection to the Assemblies of God. He faithfully served the church as a deacon at Bakersfield Assembly of God and later at Pomona Assembly of God. His love for God and commitment to the church were important parts of his life.
He is survived by four children, Jerry Lee Orf II and wife Tronnia, Mansfield; Kimberly Dillinger and husband Michael, Pomona; Kelly Fowler and husband Randy, Bakersfield; and Kevin Orf, Bakersfield; and two sisters, Lola Johnston and Vicki Sutterfield, both of Bakersfield.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brittany Neal and husband Joseph, Mansfield; Rebekah Gray and husband Christian, Mansfield; Kyle Dillinger and wife Cassie, West Plains; Jonathan Dillinger and wife Alicia, West Plains; Tiffany Eagleman and husband Darrick, Caulfield; Jeremy Fowler, Caulfield; Nathan Fowler and wife Andrea, Bakersfield; Zachary Fowler and wife Sarah, Bakersfield; and Logan Collins, Shaylee Orf, and Joleah Orf, Gainesville.
His great-grandchildren are Brantley, Paisley, Sophia, and Harper Neal, Mansfield; Malachi, Evelyn-Katherine, and Micah Lee Gray, Mansfield; Hunter and Sawyer Eagleman, Caulfield; Riley Rae, Ember, and Theodore Dillinger, West Plains; and Josiah and Sadie Fowler, Caulfield. Three more great-grandchildren, a Baby Dillinger of West Plains and a Baby Fowler of Bakersfield, and a Baby Orf of Gainesville, are expected soon.
Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Paula Mae Orf; his father, Clarence Orf; and his mother, Madge Thompson Roberts.
Jerry spent his life serving his country, community, church, and family. His nearly six decades with Paula, military and public service, Christian faith, and the generations of family he leaves behind stand as a testimony to a life of commitment, duty, and faithfulness. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bakersfield Assembly of God Church in Bakersfield, Missouri.
Visitation time will be on Thursday, August 27, 2026 also from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m
Burial will be in Udall Price Mitchell Cemetery in Bakersfield, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

Roop

Wanda Elaine Ehrhart Roop

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Wanda Elaine Ehrhart Roop, 99, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026. 

Wanda was born in Cureall, Missouri, and spent her younger years in Caulfield, Missouri. She later made the Kansas City area her home and lived in Raytown, Missouri, for many years. In 1955, Wanda and her husband, Emett, returned to the Kansas City area after spending their early years together in the service. 

Wanda and Emett were married for 34 years. Emett preceded her in death in 1983. 

For much of her life, Wanda devoted herself to being a loving wife, mother, and homemaker. Her family was the center of her world. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who gave her family a lifetime of love, care, and memories. 

Wanda worked at several places throughout her lifetime and retired from United Bakers Supply in 2012 at the age of 85. 

Wanda loved her family and friends dearly. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, cooking, gardening, and family gatherings. She was especially talented at decorating cakes and made cakes for her family for birthdays and holidays. Her home was a gathering place for family, and her favorite room was always the kitchen. She was known as the family cook and took great joy in preparing meals for those she loved. 

Wanda was hardworking, strong-willed, and always willing to help others. She was a longtime member of the Glenwood Park church family in Independence, where she treasured the friendships and relationships she made over the years. Her friends were very dear to her, and she loved them dearly. 

Wanda is survived by her daughters, Anita Vogt and her husband, Dwayne, and Patricia Finney and her husband, Steve; her five grandchildren, Jayme, Heather, Jason, Sara, and Heath; and her 12 great-grandchildren. 

She is also survived by her siblings, Colleen Harbison, Jimmy Ehrhart, and Carolyn Drees. 

Wanda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Emett; her parents, William and Lillie Ehrhart; her brothers, Dorian Ehrhart and Duard Ehrhart; and many other beloved family members and friends. 

Wanda will be remembered for her generous heart, her strength, her love of family and friends, and the warmth she brought to every gathering. Her family will always remember the wonderful meals she prepared, the beautiful cakes she made, and the love she put into everything she did.

One of her favorite foods was biscuits and gravy, and fittingly, biscuits and gravy were her last meal. 

Wanda leaves behind a lifetime of love and memories that will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

  

A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at the Fowler Cemetery of Caulfield, Missouri. 

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

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Vanetta Carroll

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Vanetta Newsom Carroll, was born January 20, 1938 in Wirth, Arkansas, to Howard Newsom and Alice (Wittman) Newsom. She departed this life on July 15, 2026 in West Plains, Missouri with family at her side.

Vanetta is survived by two sons, Sherman Douglas Carroll of Theodosia, Missouri and Kirk Howard Carroll of West Plains, Missouri; two grandchildren, Dillon Jessie Carroll of Castle Rock, Colorado and Blake Andrew Carroll of Springfield, Missouri.

She is preceded in death by both her parents; her husband Sherman Afton Carroll, and daughter April Carroll Mayfield.

After graduating high school Vanetta moved to Memphis and worked for Sears and Roebuck for about one year before deciding to move back and live in Thayer, Missouri. She worked at Wahlquist and Wahlquist CPA’S, the bank of Thayer, and for the law office of Pat Freeman. After working many years in Thayer, Vanetta moved to West Plains where she worked for the Office of State Courts as Circuit Court Clerk and served for Judge Henry, Judge Moore, and Judge Garrett, from which she retired.

Vanetta served the Lord all of her adult life and as a devout Chirstian she taught Sunday School for forty years.

Vanetta also served the community by working at the polls during many elections. As a concerned citizen of the community, in the summer of 2009 Vanetta gathered with a group of like-minded ladies in her home, and it was there that the beginning of the United Federated Republican Woman’s Club headquarted in West Plains, Missouri first began.

She was a devoted mother to her three children and grandmother of two.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for memorials be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Services will be held Monday July 20, 2026, at the First Baptist church in West Plains, Missouri at 11:00 am.

There will be a visitation at the church from 10:00 am until service time.

Burial will be in Thayer cemetery, Thayer, Missouri under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

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Nancy Raith

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Nancy Raith, age 68, of Mountain View, Missouri, passed away on July 1, 2026, She was born on January 19, 1958, and spent her life embracing the simple joys and quiet beauty of rural farm living.

Nancy was happiest at home on her beloved farm, where she built a life centered around family, nature, and the land she loved. A true homebody at heart, she found great contentment in the everyday rhythms of country life. She also found comfort in her faith and believed in the hope of a future resurrection, looking forward to the time when she would be reunited with loved ones and enjoy life again in peace and happiness. She took pride in caring for her animals, tending her colorful flower beds, and nurturing her garden each season. Her love for the outdoors also led her to enjoy hunting and fishing, activities that brought her peace and happiness throughout her life.

Above all else, Nancy cherished her family. She was devoted to her husband, the love of her life, with whom she shared 49 wonderful years of marriage. Together they built a life filled with love, commitment, and countless memories. She was also a loving mother to her son and daughter-in-law.

Nancy will be remembered for her jovial spirit, her appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, and her unwavering love for her family, home, and animals. Her presence brought comfort and warmth to those who knew her, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Jerry Raith; her son, Jason Raith; and her daughter-in-law, Cami Raith, along with other family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

Though she has fallen asleep for now, the beauty she cultivated in her gardens, the love she shared with her family, and the memories she created on the farm will remain for generations to come.

There will be a gathering and potluck in remembrance of Nancy at the Ivory & Oak Event Center at 118 N. Elm Street, Mountain View, MO on July 18th, 2026 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

GloriaH

Gloria Howard

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Gloria Ann (Jackson) Howard of West Plains, Missouri peacefully passed away June 14, 2026 at Brooke Haven Healthcare in West Plains, Missouri at the age of 88.

She was born in Cabool, Missouri October 7, 1937, the only daughter of Paul and Geneva Jackson.

Gloria married Homer Howard of West Plains, Missouri on May 30,1959. They were married until Homer’s passing on March 29, 2014. Homer’s sister, Mary Robinson introduced them and Gloria and Mary were friends until Mary’s death in 2019. Gloria and Homer were blessed with three sons, David, Brad and Mark.

She was a member of Central Church of Christ for twenty years, but has been physically unable to attend for the past three years.

Gloria was very active in visiting those in the nursing homes and those that were home bound. She and her friends June Morrison and Linda Deathridge spent many years in this ministry.

While living in Ava, Gloria was very active leading the ladies at Ava Church of Christ. There they organized clothing giveaways, VBS and many other outreach programs, always ready to do “what’s next” for the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brothers Paul and Kenny.

She leaves behind three sons, David Howard and wife Susie of Blytheville, Arkansas, Brad Howard and wife Jo of Douglas, Alabama, and Mark Howard of Rogersville, Missouri. Four granddaughters, Sarah Williams (John), Lydia Howard, Claire Howard, and Hannah Corbin (Cody).

The family would also like to thank the staff at Brooke Haven Healthcare for their exemplary care during our mother’s stay there.

Celebration of Life with a service following on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 11:00 to 12:00 at the Central Church of Christ in West Plains, Missouri.

Graveside services will be at the Cabool Cemetery, Cabool, Missouri, starting at 1:00 p.m., under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

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