Phyllis Bates, 80, Baxter Springs

Phyllis Bates, 80 of Baxter Springs, died Wednesday July 16, 2025. No services are scheduled at this time.Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin Mo.

Jeanifer Craig, 58, Neosho, Mo.

Jeanifer “Jeannie” Michelle Craig-Brown, 58, Neosho, Mo., died Sunday, July 13, 2025.Born December 5, 1966, in Joplin, Mo., Jeannie was the daughter of the late Larry White and Michelle White of Fort Worth, Texas. She grew up in Joplin and graduated from McAuley High School.

Marjorie Schaiff, 91, Columbus

Marjorie Pauline (Falke) Schaiff, 91, formerly of Columbus, died peacefully July 15, 2025, in the presence of family., Marj Schaiff brought light and humor to all that knew her—a light that will live on in her family and friends for generations to come.

Ashley Slater, 34, Joplin, Mo.

Ashley Slater, 34, Joplin, Mo., died July 9, 2025, in her home surrounded by family and loved ones. Born April 17, 1991, in Joplin, Missouri, Ashley was the daughter of Don and Donna Slater.

Bill Tillman, 81, Weir

Bill Tillman, 81, Weir, died at 9:05 a.m., Friday, July 11, 2025 at Arma Health and Rehabilitation Center in Arma.Born June 28, 1944 in Pittsburg, Bill was the son of Mack and Viola (Dubllin) Tillman. He graduated from Columbus High School and had some college classes.

Billy McCumber 87, Columbus

Billy Lee McCumber, 87, Columbus, died at 12:40 a.m., Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Medicalodge of Columbus.Born May 30, 1938, in Galena, Bill was the son of parents were George Luther McCumber Sr. and Thelma Fern (Lyons) McCumber. He lived most of his life in Galena.

John Hathaway, 60, Pittsburg

John E. Hathaway, 60, Pittsburg died unexpectedly July 10, 2025 at his home.Born July 11, 1964 in Lebanon, Missouri, John was the son of James and Mary Frances (Molka) Hathaway. He attended grade school in McCune and later moved to Parsons where he attended middle school.

Ricky Bowen, 72, Parsons

Ricky Dale Bowen, 72, Parsons, died Saturday, July 12, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Rick lived a life rooted in faith, love and service. He was known for his kind spirit, devotion to his family and was a constant example of quiet strength and grace.

Michael Higgins, 86, Pittsburg

Michael Higgins, 86, Pittsburg, died peacefully at his home July 11, 2025.Born December 26, 1938, in Bayonne, New Jersey, Michael was the son of Patrick and Mary (Welcher) Higgins. He was the youngest of 12 children.He attended Bayonne High School and joined the U.S.

Royan Meyer, 81, Cherokee County

Royan Jean (Dix) Meyer, 81, Cherokee County, died Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, with her son by her bedside.Born July 1, 1944 in Neosho, Missouri, Royan was the youngest daughter of Roy and Ruth (Zaring) Dix.