James Benham, Carl Junction, Mo.

James “Jim” Benham, 86, Carl Junction, Mo. died January 7, 2025.Born in Columbus September 15, 1938, Jim was the son of Donald Benham and Margaret Shoots.

Robert Gruber, 76, Baxter Springs

Robert “Bob” Wayne Gruber, 76, Baxter Springs, died, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Joplin Gardens Skilled Nursing Facility in Joplin, Mo.Born August 15, 1948, in Coffeyville, Bob was the son of Carl and Opal (McDowell) Gruber. They preceded him in death.

Gayle Edmondson, 88, Columbus

Gayle Edmondson, 88, Columbus Gayle Lee Edmondson, AKA Huggy the Clown, 88, Columbus, died peacefully at home, Saturday morning January 11, 2025.Born July 26, 1936, in rural Ottawa County, Oklahoma, Gayle was the son of Lee and Ruth (Kidwell) Edmondson.Gayle graduated from Oklahoma State in 1960.

Stella Criger, 87, Springfield, Mo.

Stella Louise Criger, 87, Springfield, Mo., died peacefully surrounded by loved ones January 5, 2025. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.Born May 23, 1937, in Plato, Mo.

Jo Mattox, 83, Parsons

Jo A. Mattox, 83, Parsons, died the morning of Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Labette Health.Born August 23, 1941, in Columbus, Jo Ann Turner was the daughter of James Lester and Adeline Maude (Smith) Turner. She grew up and attended school in Columbus, graduating from Columbus High School.

Rose Mary Lloyd, 82, West Mineral

Rose Mary (Grant) Lloyd, 82, West Mineral, died January 8, 2025, at her home of more than 50 years.Born October 2, 1942, at the family home west of West Mineral, Rose was the daughter of Daniel P. and Evelyn Grant.

Laqueta Joy Gatewood, 94, Columbus

Laqueta “Joy” Gatewood, 94, Columbus, died January 4, 2025.Born October 25, 1930, in rural Cherokee County, Joy was the daughter of Milton Miles Forkner and Grace Manilla (Smith) Forkner. She was a graduate of Cherokee County Community High School with the Class of 1948.

Diana Alleshouse, 70, Galena

Diana Colleen (Harshman) Alleshouse, 70, Galena, died at 10:42 p.m. Monday, January 6, 2025, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Mo.Born on June 28, 1954, in Joplin, Mo., Diana was the daughter of Reuben Delvey Harshman and Colleen Leatha (Mattison) Harshman.

Melba Watson, 88, Galena

Melba JoAnn Watson, 88 Galena, died peacefully at her home on Sunday, January 5, 2025 following an extended illness.Born December 22, 1936, in Carl Junction, Mo., Melba was the daughter of the late Delmer and Leona (Shafer) Battin.

Mary Lucille Ellis, 92, Opolis

Mary Lucille Ellis, 92, Opolis, died at 1:35 p.m. Sunday, January 5, 2025 at Via Christi Village.Born March 26, 1932, in Pittsburg, Mary was the daughter of John Paul and Eleanor “Elner” Mae (Whitter) Oehme.Mary lived and worked in the Pittsburg and Opolis area her whole life.She and Homer A.