Bertha Dunn, 81, Chetopa

Bertha Marie Dunn, 81, Chetopa, died at Mercy Joplin Tuesday, February 4, 2025, after a period of declining health.Born December 19, 1943, in Vinita, Okla., Bertha was the daughter of Asa and Alice (Worley) Pease.Bertha and Donald Dunn were united in marriage July 3, 1962, in Miami, Okla.

Athena McColm, 68, Columbus

Athena Marie McColm, 68, Columbus, died Saturday, February 1, 2025.Born December 30, 1956, Athena was the daughter of Charles L. and Margaret M. (McGown) McColm.She was a local community volunteer and retired teacher. She spent her life helping children and making the community a better place.

Fred Emmett, 64, Miami, Okla.

Fred Lee Emmett, 64, Miami, Okla., died Thursday, January 30, 2025 at his home.Born October 25, 1960 in Picher, Okla., Fred was the son of Leroy Ellis and Gracie (Leigh) Emmett.He had lived in Miami for the past three years moving from Vinita, Okla.

Seth Hale, 45, Columbus

Seth W. Hale, 45, Columbus, died Saturday, February 1, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his family.Complete obituary details and funeral arrangements will be announced by the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Chetopa.

Cheryl Curnutte, 77, Columbus

Cheryl Ann Curnutte, 77, Columbus, formerly of Mound Valley, died at 9:56 a.m., Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Autumn Place in Columbus.Born October 13, 1947, in Independence, Cheryl was the daughter of Issac N. and Bernice P. (Roberts) Blair.

Timothy McDowell, 62, Baxter Springs

Timothy Ray Mc-Dowell, 62, Baxter Springs, died January 7, 2025 in Joplin, Missouri.Born August 25, 1962 in Scott City, Tim was the son of James Frank McDowell and Helen Jeniola McDowell.He graduated from Baxter Springs High School in 1980 after which he began his career in welding for 42 years.

Joyce Columbia, 82, Baxter Springs

Joyce Marie (McGill) Columbia, 82, Baxter Springs, died peacefully in the night January 30, 2025.Born January 1, 1943, Joyce was the daughter of John Satterfield Mc-Gill and Margaret Irene Burnside. She was raised in Chetopa and was most recently from Baxter Springs.

Dale Cates, 83, Joplin, Mo.

Dale Emerson Cates, 83, Joplin, Missouri, died at 7:05 a.m., Friday, January 31, 2025, at his home following an illness.Born October 3, 1941, in Joplin, Missouri, Dale was the son of Elmer Ree and Alene (Archer) Cates. He was a lifetime area resident.He graduated from Riverton High School in 1959.

George Royster, 80, Joplin, Mo.

George L. Royster, 80, Joplin, Missouri, loving husband and father, died peacefully at home Wednesday, January 22, 2025, after a battle with cancer. He spent his final days surrounded by his family that he loved deeply.

Kurt Herrelson, 58, Pittsburg

Kurt Herrelson, 58, Pittsburg, died at his home January 22, 2025.Born January 10, 1967, in Baxter Springs, Kurt was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack and Bobbie Carlisle, and Charles and Gin Herrelson.