Ward Douglas Griffin
Ward Douglas Griffin, 72, of Mountain View, Missouri, passed away on August 3, 2026, at his home.
Services are private.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – West Plains, MO.
West Plains
West Plains Funeral Home
Robert James
Robert James, 65, of West Plains, Missouri, passed away on August 3, 2026, in West Plains, Missouri.
Arrangements are pending.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – West Plains, Missouri.
Vanetta Carroll
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.
Nancy Raith
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.
Gloria Howard
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.
Gerald Raymond Horne
✧ Notebook Entry: On the Life of Gerry Horne
In the margin of days, recorded with a steady hand…
On May 30, 2026, in Rich Hill, Missouri, Gerald Raymond Horne, aged 88, did cease the labors of this life.
Of Origin
Born on January 9, 1938, in Independence, Missouri, to Donald and Marabeth Horne.
Noted, even in youth, for curiosity, ingenuity, and quiet observation—and for an inclination toward making all work both efficient and amusing; such as, it is recorded, contriving to direct milk from the cow into the waiting mouth of a cat across the room.
On Works and Occupations
Engaged in the trade of electronics technician on x-ray equipment, though such a title contains only a portion of his life.
Also given to pursuits of recording and construction—serving as a Channel 19 cameraman; professionally taping events including performances by Randy Travis, Burt Reynolds and Jerry Lewis; converting a back patio into a proper room; and co-designing and building “the Outback” with Julie.
Observed: that his work did not end at function, but often improved upon it.
On Character
Disposition: quiet, quirky, resourceful.
Inclined toward: wonder, precision, and simplification.
It may be written that he found satisfaction not in display, but in quiet mastery—and in careful attention to the details of complex things, so that they might be made simpler for those he chose to teach, whether by story or by example.
On Pleasures and Interests
Took notice of intellectual and practical joys alike—nature, mechanisms, books, human behavior, Linux, the Internet… and, as ever, the challenge of building a better mousetrap.
Particular delight was taken in reverse engineering all gifts received, rendering them ideal for his own purposes, regardless of the original cost or intent of the giver.
On Companions and Relations
Survived by: his lifelong companion, Julie Horne;
“the Horne boys”—Verne, Virgil, and Vaune;
“doctor daughters”—Valaree and Vianne;
sisters Nancy Ince and Gwen Morlang;
10 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.
Preceded in departure by: Donald and Marabeth Horne (parents), and Sharon Nimmo (sister).
Their influence—and his—remains evident in those who walked beside them.
On the Conclusion of Life
A gathering shall be held at the Outback in Rich Hill, Missouri, on June 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., for remembrance, discourse and feast—
and, as the day fades, an evening bonfire for any who wish to remain for music and memory.
Suggested: in keeping with the spirit of the departed, that in place of offerings one might find joy in the simple—
share stories with those you love,
watch something that makes you laugh,
or cut the sleeves off that commemorative Chiefs sweatshirt that shrank after the first washing.
Final Observation
A life such as this leaves no single monument, but many small traces—
in things made,
in thoughts inspired,
in kindness given without record.
Thus it is concluded:
that nothing well considered is ever truly lost.
James Ritchie
James Donald Ritchie, born in Kansas City, Missouri in June 1935, passed away surrounded by family and friends at Springfield Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri at 5:00 p.m., May 18, 2026. James was born the son of Benjamin and Chloie Ritchie, both deceased, and the oldest of five children. He is survived by his sister, Becky Lewellen, Slater, Missouri and his daughter Lynne Reynolds, Seattle, Washington. He was married to Kathryn Redburn on May 8, 1959 and celebrated fifty years of marriage before her death in 2010.
James graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, August 1967 and had a long, successful career as a freelance photojournalist writing for publications such as Today’s Farmer and Farm Journal. He was especially known for his weekly “Grain of Salt” column in the Versailles Leader Statesman. He also authored multiple books on such topics as log cabins, tools, and alternative sources of energy.
Prior to working in journalism, James served on active duty with the United States Navy from 1954 to 1965, resigning with the rank of Lieutenant. He was awarded the United Nations Service Medal, the China Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal with cluster.
His was a life well lived and he will be deeply missed.
Visitation services will be held Sunday, May 24, 2026 at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, May 24, 2026 at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.
Burial will be held at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
Marie Collins
Marie Collins was born May 28, 1954 at Garfield Heights, Ohio to the late Carl Jacobs and Easter Mae “Batton” Jacobs. She passed away May 17, 2026 at the age of 71 at Ozarks Health Center, West Plains, Missouri.
She was married to Willard L. Collins October 3, 1971 in Bennettsville, South Carolina, who preceded her in death.
She is survived by four children, James Collins and wife Allison, West Plains, Missouri, Leslie Collins and partner Stefanie Campbell, West Plains, Missouri, Weommie Evans and husband Rodney, Caulfield, Missouri, and Larry Collins and wife Shelly, West Plains, Missouri; one step daughter, Cathy Collins, Alton, Missouri; two sisters, Joan Gainey, Darlington, South Carolina and Penny Jacobs, McCall, South Carolina; thirteen grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren, and a wonderful dog companion, “Snickers”.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one brother, Eddie Carl Jacobs, and one grandson Keeley Owen Collins on December 7, 1997.
She was a very caring, kind person who would do anything for anybody. She loved spending time making memories with her family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visitation services will be Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Graveside services will be officiated by Jamie Collins on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Collins Cemetery, out by Pumpkin Center in Howell County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri. Family will meet at Carter Funeral Home on Thursday, May 21, 2026 and ride in procession to the cemetery.
Zacchaeus Alexander Viers
Zacchaeus “Zacch” Alexander Viers, 22, of West Plains, Missouri, was taken from this world on May 4, 2026.
Zacch is survived by his mother and stepfather, Jodi and Shawn Brunson of West Plains, Missouri; his sisters, Magge and Breezlie; his brothers, Xavier, Augie, Simon, Finn, and Gideon; his grandparents Danny and Linda Flageolle of Cabool, Missouri; his Aunts and Uncles, Becky and Aaron Bradley of West Plains, Missouri, Jodie and Mike Berry of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Blake and Becca Flageolle of Springfield, Missouri. Zacch is also survived by a multitude of cousins and friends, too many to mention.
Zacch was preceded in death by his baby sister, Willa Brunson.
Zacch’s childhood was marked with wild adventures, climbing trees, and a love of animals. He wanted to keep every single creature he caught, whether it was a lizard, bird or rabbit. On the occasion when he would come inside to watch a movie, usually a superhero movie, he would only get through half the movie before going outside to reenact what he just watched. He was full of energy and curiosity, always eager to explore the world. Never able to set still, always busy, born with a wild heart.
Throughout the ups and downs of adolescence and early adulthood, Zacch worked hard to find a path forward, searching for belonging. He had dreams of becoming an electrician and being accepted back into the apprenticeship program he had once been a part of. It was a skill he picked up as a young boy and was truly gifted in that type of work. His dreams were simple but also speak so profoundly to who he was and the condition of his heart – a dog, a truck, a home in the country, and a partner to enjoy his life with. He wanted to become someone he could be proud of.
Zacch loved his siblings with a deep, unwavering love. He would have done anything for them and given anything he had to them. He was deeply loved by his friends and family, who saw the kindness and sensitivity behind his eyes. He had a special way of making others feel seen, often reaching out to support those who were struggling – even when he was quietly fighting his own battles. Zacch loved being a big brother to “the little boys.” Whether it was hiding Easter eggs, playing video games, or shooting hoops. He wanted so badly to be someone they could look up to.
Zacch had an inner circle of family members who fought in the trenches with him, whose lives will never be the same without him. Zacch’s brother Xavier, cousin Isaiah, his Nana, his sisters Magge and Breezlie, his Mom. Those battles were not fought in vain.
Zacch’s death has left a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. It is a tragic reminder that life is precious and can be taken from us at any time. Though we will mourn Zacch’s loss every single day, we know we will be reunited in time.
We love you, Zacch. We are proud of you.
Services for Zacch will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.
There will be a private burial.
Ronald Raymond Kellogg
Ronald Raymond Kellogg, 69, was born July 25, 1956 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to parents Ronald V and Mary O (Lovins) Kellogg. He slipped quietly away in his sleep April 26, 2026, at home with his loved ones. Having a particularly happy disposition, Ron was well-liked, sharing laughter with many friends.
Ron was married to Susan C Krusyna on February 14, 1976 in Parchment, Michigan. They lived in the Kalamazoo area, raising their family, for 25 years while Ron worked as a papermaker before relocating to West Plains, Missouri. Ron then worked in hospitality and as maintenance for the Holiday Inn in West Plains.
Ron was a lifelong lover of music, enjoying a very wide variety of artists and tunes including Beatles, country ballads and Kingdom Melodies. He learned to play guitar as a young man with assistance from his Uncle Owen, and from then on he also delighted in playing music as well. Ron greatly appreciated learning Bible truth and sharing it with others as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Donald Lee Kellogg. He is survived by his wife; his son Steven Kellogg (Melissa) of Vicksburg, MI and his daughter Angela Kellogg, of West Plains, MO; four grandchildren, Kayli and Micah of West Plains, and Tristan and Ayden of Vicksburg, MI; an aunt and uncle, Connie and Floyd Gibson of Tennessee; two sisters, Melinda Scott (Robert) of Parchment, MI and Susie Wickstrom (Nick) of Portage, MI; brother-in-law, Al Garnaat of Kalamazoo, MI and cousins, nieces and nephews, so many of whom were very special to Ron.
Memorial service to be held at a future time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassus hospice at 707 N Kentucky Ave, Suite 2, West Plains, MO 65775