West Plains Funeral Home
Jackie Edward Brooks, 80, Pomona, Missouri passed away at his home September 5, 2024.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.
There will be a visitation time from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. before the service.
Burial will be at Mackey Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
Rickey Lee Worley, 57, passed from this world the morning of August 22, 2024, succumbing to complications of Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma after a valiant fight. Rick was born January 18, 1967, in Mountain View Missouri to Robert and Carolyn Worley. Rick spent his early years and the last 23 years living in Willow Springs, Missouri, but a was a resident of Alva, Oklahoma for many years, graduating with the Alva High School class of 1985.
It was while living in Alva, that Rick started his family. Rick married the love of his life and best friend, Jennifer (Jenni) Worley and to their union a son, Tyler was born.
Rick is survived by his wife, Jenni, his son Tyler and daughter-in-love Ashly, his beloved grandchildren, Kaylee, Jesse, & Bryan, his mother, Carolyn, his brothers Roger and Ryan (Keysha), his sister, Tammy, several of his son’s friends who became part of the family, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Rick was proceeded in death by his father, Robert, who was waiting for him on the other side, so they could take the much-missed fishing trip, several uncles that are probably joining on that fishing trip, as well as several aunts, and his grandparents, George and Chloe Worley, and Jesse and Naomi Bever.
Rick lived the best life he could. He was a true people person, and it was often said he never met a stranger. He had a great sense of humor that he got from his mom and was quite adept the quick-witted playful ribbing style. He was lucky enough to work at the only job he ever dreamed of, driving a truck. He was hard working and proud of being an old school driver, being part of the culture and not just a “steering wheel holder”. He enjoyed fishing in his spare time, collecting hot wheels, watching Nascar. He would also say he hunted, spending many hours in woods not just on the day of the hunt, but also in caring for the animals and land, though he was never able to take down any of the herd he had cared for through the season, naming many of them. Most of all he loved being with his family and took immense pride in his entire family, sharing a distinct and special connection with each one of them especially his grandchildren. He will truly be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A true celebration of life will be held Monday, August 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.
A short visitation time will be held Monday, August 26, 2024 from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. also at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains.
Interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri.
The family has asked friends and family to please come and join the family and share a story, a laugh, or a smile, as Rick would have wanted, as he loved to visit.
Troy Clyde Harris 82, Pomona, Missouri was born April 27, 1942 in Willow Springs, Missouri to the late Clyde Herbert Harris and Ella Marie Keeler Harris and passed away August 9, 2024 in Springfield, Missouri.
He was married to Beth Wilson on February 9, 1961 at Burnham, Missouri.
He is survived by his wife, Beth Harris, Pomona, Missouri; one brother, Dwayne Harris and wife Len, Pomona, Missouri; one nephew; one niece, and many many cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Troy Lorne Harris and one brother, Oral Glenn Harris.
He was a dedicated farmer, working dairy and beef cattle and spending many long hours in the hay fields. He was a member of the Woodturners of Southwest Missouri Chapter AAW, Springfield, Missouri.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.
There will be a visitation time Friday, August 16, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. also at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.
William Hobart Brashers, 76 of Willow Springs, Missouri passed away August 10, 2024 at 11:02 p.m. at his home in Willow Springs, Missouri.
He was born October 24, 1947 in Lindsay, California to the late William Arizona Brashers and Freida “Smay” Brashers
He is survived by seven children, William Brashers (Delsa), West Plains, Missouri, Burton (Andy) Brashers (Brandy Robinson), Springfield, Missouri, Jessica Lunt (Trent), Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, Tony Brashers, Olney, Illinois, Larry Brashers, St. Joseph, Missouri, Watawna Brashers, Willow Springs, Missouri, Jacob Brashers (Breana) Vanzant, Missouri; four sisters, Linda (Chuck) Matthews, California, Evelyn Brashers, Washington state, Martha Brashers, Cleveland, Missouri, and Sherian Brashers, Grandview, Missouri, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William A. Brashers and Freida “Smay” Brashers, and several aunts and uncles.
He loved hunting, fishing, working, spending time outdoors with his children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved to watch his grandchildren participate in sporting events. He also loved wood working, farming, spending time with friends and family. He loved his beagles; loved listening to them trail rabbits.
He attended the Immanual Southern Baptist Church in Pomona, Missouri.
Graveside services will be held Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Charity Christian Cemetery, Elkland, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
Funeral procession time has been changed. We will be leaving Carter Funeral Home at 11:30 a.m. instead of 12 noon.
Ray was born March 13, 1936 to Oscar and Ola Gentry, and passed away on August 7, 2024.
He was married to Alene Tackett on June 7, 1956.
They had five children and nine grandsons and twenty-two great grandchildren.
He is survived by wife, Alene Gentry; four daughters, Lola Bridges and husband Dale, Linda Shipley and husband Randy, Lori Denton and husband Scott, and Kim Cotter and husband Kelly; two brother-in-laws, Doug Tackett and wife Leslie and Johnny Tackett, and two sister-in-laws, Marie Dober and Shirley Jean Durden, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Tony Ray Gentry; his parents; four brothers and two sisters, and several brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws.
He was a faithful member of the Elijah Church of Christ.
Graveside services will be held Monday, August 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Elijah Cemetery, Ozark County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
Wesley “Bud” Harmon Daves was born on November 18, 1939, near Crowley’s Ridge, Arkansas, to John and Myrtle (Daves) Zolman, the youngest of 9 children. After his parents’ death, his Aunt and Uncle, Asa and Bertha Daves, lovingly adopted him. He then became the youngest of 4 children. Bud passed away on July 30, 2024, at Ozarks Health Care surrounded by his family at the age of 84.
On May 28, 1960, he was united in marriage to his classmate and high school sweetheart Wanda Louise Miller at the Pine Hill Assembly of God Church in Thomasville, Missouri. God blessed this union with 4 children.
He is survived by his wife Wanda Daves, 64 years of marriage, 3 children: Becky Lynn Daves Shelton and husband Rodger, Vicky Sue Daves Drumright and husband Steven, and John Wesley “Skip” Daves and wife Mona, 10 grandchildren; Rebecka, Lee, Lizabeth, Courtney, Miranda, Megan, Tosha, Ronnie, Floyd, Barbara, David, and Christian and several great-grandchildren. He was also survived by one sister Shirley, 2 brother-in-law’s, 3 sister-in-law’s, several nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by both sets of parents, his youngest daughter Beth Ann Daves and one grandson Gage Gransee, 10 siblings proceeded him in death; John, Virgil, Lois, Geneva, Dollie, Shelby, Curtis Daves, Marvin Daves, Lillie Daves Miller, and Hazel Daves Miller.
Bud was known for his personality, he always had a joke, a prank, or a funny story to tell. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He enjoyed raising beagle pups, rabbit hunting, dune buggy rides, and 3-wheeler rides when they lived “up on the hill”. He had little saying that will remain in the memories of his beloved family, such as “fly out the roost’, “good enough”, and give me a sugar and papa loves you” before the grandchildren walked out the door. He always enjoyed a good baseball game or a football game on TV and a bowl of chocolate ice cream made it even better. Bud graduated from Thomasville High School the class of 1959. He worked for what was Ozark Memorial Hospital for 13 years and then worked and retired from Southwest in West Plains, MO after 31 years. He was a member and the Sunday School Superintendent at Pine Hill Assembly of God Church until his health no longer made possible from him to attend church service. Bud and Wanda raised their children and some of their grandchildren in the church to sing a “special”. Bud served on the Thomasville Community Center Board for several years and continued to love and support his Thomasville Community even after serving on the board.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials donation to be made to the :
American Heart Association
P.O. Box 840692
Dallas, Texas, 75284-0692
Speakers will be : Reverend Scott Harris, Reverend J.C. Moore and Gary Dotson. Singer will be Kelly Dotson. Pallbearers will be: David Drumright , Christian Drumright, Brady Howell, Stacy Howell, Courtney Huddleston, David Miller, Eugene Miller, Earnest Lee Shelton, and Rodger Shelton. Honorary pallbearers will be: Edward Baty, Lavern Daves, Hershal Miller, Jack Miller, and Glen Trantham.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.
Visitation time will be held at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri on Sunday, August 4, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Burial will be in Huddleston Cemetery, Oregon County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
Brenda K. Rybak (66), loving and devoted wife, mother, and sister, passed from life through death and into eternity the morning of July 27, 2024. She was surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of her home. Brenda is healed in Heaven. All her earthly worries, pain and sorrow are lifted. No suffering, no conflict. She is celebrating the joy and peace of Jesus Christ in eternity. John 11:25-26, 14:27. Psalms 147:3.
Brenda was born in Monett, MO on May 12, 1958. She was preceded in death by her grandchild Isabel K. Davey (2004), parents Everett (2006) and Peggy Ball (2019), and her son Brett Davey (2022). She is survived by her son Kyle Davey, daughter Jenna K. Davey, and husband Richard Rybak. Brenda has three grandchildren, Kara (Brett) Davey, Morgan & Kylie (Kyle) Davey. Brenda’s only sibling, sister Rebecca Paratore, her nephew Nathan Matney and Beki’s husband Dennis Juvan reside in Naples, FL. Brenda and her husband Rich were married on July 20, 1996 in Edwardsville, IL.
Brenda and her sister Beki grew up during an innocent time and enjoyed their adventurous and independent childhood. They lived on a farm with horses, cows, ducks, chickens and an apple and peach orchard. They liked to catch the baby ducks and put them in the bathtub when no one was home. Their parents started running their own businesses (Ball TV, the Cash Variety Store in Marionville, B Inn and 37 Cafe in Pierce City, and sold the land to Pierce City for its park. The Dairy Mart, Aurora Satellite and E’s Inn in Aurora, and E’s Inn in Republic). Brenda and Beki walked everywhere together. When they got out of school for the day, they would run home as fast as they could to watch Dark Shadows. Brenda attended high school in Pierce City, and she worked at Nickerson Farms. She was voted Most Mischievous her senior year.
After Brenda graduated high school, she set out to make a life for herself, in search of love and stability. She worked in the ER at St Joseph’s Hospital in Alton, IL and in admitting at Christian NE in St. Louis, MO. She assisted doctors in their private practice. She attended Lewis & Clark Community College with a 4.0 GPA. Brenda changed career fields and was a paralegal at several different law firms, including the state prosecutor’s office. During her time as a medical paralegal, her experience and research resulted in a client being awarded a million-dollar settlement for the hospital’s negligence that caused his blindness.
Outside of work, Brenda and her husband Rich ran a horse boarding business in Marion, IL. Wildhorse Stables catered primarily to polo teams traveling the country. The tallest horse in North America (2005) visited along with other Percheron horses. She began rescuing stray cats that came to the property and domesticating them by showering them with love, food, and play. Her all-time favorite was Battle Cat.
The cat rescuing continued when they moved to West Plains, and Brenda’s care for animals and wildlife was able to expand on their new property. She fed hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and other birds daily. Deer were given corn and the property became a sanctuary from predators. Raccoons and possums were also fed regularly. She donated to several animal charities and shelters, and brought stray cats food in various areas that were away from her own home. Brenda had great compassion for the poor, downtrodden, and homeless—sacrificing her own comfort and finances to benefit them. She wanted everyone to feel loved. Brenda was also an active member in the LCMS Lutheran Church. Her faith was genuine and her heart was humble. Hebrews 11: 1, 3. Romans 8:28.
Brenda loved with her whole heart, especially her children, through thick and thin. She stood up for what she believed in, even if she had to stand alone. She loved music, art, and crafts. Brave. Sensitive. Tenacious. Funny. Strong. Gritty. Snuggly. Outgoing. Protector. Hard working. Free spirit. Mom, Mama, Mama Bear, Grammy Horse, Grandma Darling, Sister Golden Hair, Sweetheart.
“You are precious and honored in my sight, and… I love you” Isaiah 43:4
Funeral services for Brenda Rybak will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, West Plains, Missouri.
Visitation time will be held at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Burial will be in Howell Valley Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
To donate in lieu of flowers, mail certified check or cat food to:
West Plains Regional Animal Shelter
1486 State Route BB
West Plains MO 65775
(417) 256-8438
James Grant Tackett died July 27, 2024 in West Plains, Missouri.
He was born in the state of Oklahoma on August 25, 1931 to Claude Tackett and Gerthie (Cecil) Fogleman Tackett.
He was the oldest of eleven children.
He is survived by five brothers and sisters, Alene Gentry and husband Ray, Caulfield, Missouri; Marie Dober, Green Valley, Arizona; Johnny Tackett, Dowagiac Michigan; Doug Tackett and wife Leslie, Sebastian, Florida; Shirley Jean Durden, Pensacola, Florida and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, mother, sisters, Anna Mae Childs, Lavina Ferry, Dollie Vance, Lorene Milliken and one brother, Leroy Tackett.
James was a Christian by faith.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024 at 9:00 a.m., at Elijah Cemetery, Ozark County, Missouri under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
Joe Darrell Lovelace, son of Faith Fraley Lovelace and the late Billy Joe Lovelace, was born July 9, 1946, in Thayer, Missouri, and died July 27, 2024, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 78 years.
He was united in marriage to Vicki King on June 26, 1971, in West Plains, Missouri.
He is survived by his wife, Vicki; three children, Adriane Wooderson and husband Jake, Erin Priest and husband Anthony, and Darren Lovelace; and three grandchildren, Kennedi, Cade, and Quin Wooderson, all of West Plains, Missouri. He also leaves behind his mother, Faith, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Carolyn “Bebe” Smith and husband Dale, West Plains, Missouri; one uncle, Glen Fraley, Houston, Missouri; brother-in-law, Kenny King and wife Lori, Lebanon, Missouri; sister-in-law, Cindy Rasor and husband Raymond, West Plains, Missouri; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by infant daughter, Angel; infant son, Richard; and his dad, Billy Joe Lovelace.
Joe was a believer and a faithful member of the First Free Will Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri. After the family moved from Thayer in 1958, he graduated from West Plains High School in 1964 where he made many lifelong friends. He served his country in the United States Army from 1966-1968 and was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. He was in the 50th Scout Dog Platoon of the 4th Infantry Division with his beloved dog, Buck. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for heroism, Combat Infantryman Badge, Marksman Badge (Rifle M-14), Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and One Overseas Service Bar. In May of 1969, Joe began working at the family business, Link Motor Supply and Equipment Co. He later purchased the store in 1991 and operated it until he retired in July 2016. Joe had a deep love for his family and enjoyed fishing, hunting, Southern Gospel music, and watching his grandchildren play sports. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri at 2:00 p.m.
Visitation time will be Saturday, August 3, 2024 also at Carter Funeral Home Chapel from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Burial will be in Elk Creek Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.
Betty Louise (Wake) Bittick passed away on July 26th, 2024, surrounded by her loving friends and family. Betty was a beloved sister, wife, mother, and, most importantly, a cherished “Granny.” She deeply loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she held dear above all else. Betty was born to Pleas and Tressie Wake on November 8th, 1943, in Douglas County, Missouri, as one of 14 children. In 1966, she met Alvin, affectionately known as “Short,” and they were married on April 16th, 1967. They shared 45 years of marriage until Short’s passing on January 4th, 2013. Together, they had four children: Patricia Lynn (Pat), Cindy Lee, Richard Scott, and Gary Dale, and later welcomed an honorary son, Don Eddie.
Betty was a dedicated member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Willow Springs, where she served as a Sunday school and Vacation Bible School teacher for many years, raising her children in the church and often providing rides for others. Known as “The Babysitter Who Raised Almost All of Pomona,” Betty had a lasting impact on her community. She enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals, and she had a passion for flowers, particularly roses and peonies, with a special fondness for tree peonies.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Pleas and Tressie; six brothers, Delbert, Dallas, Junior, Larry, Leon, and Paul; one sister, Vera; one grandson, Cooper; her husband, Short; and her favorite cousin Miney and husband Charles Smith. She is survived by three brothers, Dennis (and wife Sherrie) Wake of Aurora, Missouri; Mike (and wife Laura) Wake of Gainesville, Florida; and Keith (and wife Heidi) Wake of Blythewood, South Carolina; and three sisters, Sharon (and husband Rob) McPherson of West Plains, Missouri; Janice (and husband Steve) Duncan of Percy, Illinois; and Debbie Sue (and husband Willie) Smith of Willow Springs. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Marcella Wake of Springfield, Missouri, and Debbie Wake of Willow Springs, Missouri.
Betty is survived by her children: Pat Rees of the home; Cindy (and husband Joe) Girdley of West Plains, Missouri; Scott (and wife Melissa) Bittick of Willow Springs; and Gary (and wife Chelsea) Bittick of Willow Springs. She leaves behind nine grandchildren: Andy (and wife Amber) Bittick, Jennifer Louise, Charlie Bittick, Richard Girdley, Breanna Bittick, Harleigh Bittick, Zachary Holland, Zoe Shrubb, and Aria Bittick; and six great-grandchildren: Carlie Green, Kailee Green, Marley Green, Christian Bittick, Lincoln Bittick, and McKinley Bittick. Betty is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
Betty’s family and friends will forever cherish her memory and the love she shared. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.
Funeral services for Betty Louise Bittick will be held Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the First General Baptist Church in Willow Springs, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
There will be a visitation on the same day, Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. also at the church.