Mary Ellen Vance

Mary Ellen Vance, 83, Carl Junction, Mo., and a former Labette County resident, died at 12:22 p.m., Monday January 1, 2024, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Mo. Born on June 26, 1940, at rural Nevada, Missouri Mary was the daughter of Orville and Ellen (Brock) Eaton.

Arthur Henson

Arthur Eugene Henson, 79, Joplin, Mo., died at 2:14 p.m., Monday, January 1, 2024 at Mercy Hospital, Carthage, Mo. Born May 1, 1944 in Joplin, Mo., Arthur was the son of Orin Lavell and Willi Josephine (Kelly) Henson. He was one of 14 children. He was a lifetime resident of Joplin.

Erma Poteet

Erma (Evans) Poteet, 95, Joplin, Mo., died January 5, 2024. She retired from Pillsbury in the Quality Control department. After retirement, she spent most of her time with family, going places with grandkids.

Rose Mary Cross

Rose Mary Cross, Oswego, died at 5:44 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at the home of her daughter, Cheryel Cross in Oswego. Rose will forever be remembered by the lives she touched through her generosity, playful sense of humor and love for her family and friends.

Thomas Raczka, Baxter Springs

Thomas Raczka, Baxter Springs Thomas J. Raczka, age 52, Baxter Springs, a line worker, died Monday January 1, 2024 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo. Arrangements are by Midland Cremation Society of Joplin.

Douglas Scholes Jr., 27, Pittsburg

Douglas “D.J.” Brian Scholes Jr., 27, Pittsburg, died suddenly Friday, December 22, 2023 in Columbus. D.J. was born to Rebecca and Douglas Scholes Sr. May 19, 1996 and later adopted by his aunt and uncle Janet and Jerry Scholes.

William Chambers, 83, Joplin, Mo.

William Ronald ‘Ron’ Chambers, 83, Joplin, Mo., died Saturday December 30, 2023 after a long illness. Born on December 28, 1940 in Sarcoxie, Missouri, Ron was the son of the late Alonzo W. and Leila E. (Carr) Chambers.

Francis Meiers Jr., 75, Columbus

Francis Joseph Meiers Jr, 75, of Columbus, died Friday, December 22, 2023, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. Born October 17, 1948, in Pittsburg, Francis was the son of Francis Joseph Meiers Sr. and Angeline Irene (Montee) Meiers. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1967.

Richard Floyd Ewan, 81, McCune

Richard Floyd Ewan, 81, f McCune, died Sunday, December 31, 2023, at the Ascension Via Christi Medical Center in Pittsburg. Born on June 16, 1942 in Walnut, Richard was the son of Lester Wilbur and Dorothy (McClelland) Ewan.

Elmer E. Walker, 86, Galena

Elmer E. Walker, 86, Galena, died Thursday, December 28, 2023 at his home. Elmer was born October 19, 1937 in Vinita, Okla., Elmer was the son of the late Paul Walker and Lula Finnell Walker. After Elmer graduated high school, he signed up to serve in the Marines.