Elizabeth Combs, Webb City, Mo.

Elizabeth “Lisa” Combs, 56, of Webb city, Mo., died at 6:14 p.m. Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Mercy Hospital, in Joplin, Mo. following an illness. Lisa had lived in Webb City the past few months, but had been a resident of the Galena area since her early 20’s.

Ronald Uber, 82, Weir

Ronald Edward Uber 82 of Weir, died at 2:45 a.m. July 12, 2023. Born in Weir August 151940, Ron was the son of Dane and Birdie Uber. Ronald grew up on a farm outside of Weir where he learned the value of hard work. Milking cows before school and in the fields after school.

David Purdy, 90, Pittsburg

David Purdy, 90, of Pittsburg, died July 12, 2023, at his home following a lengthy illness .Born November 2, 1933, in Holton, David was adopted by Harry and Coral Purdy of Pittsburg. They preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Shirley.

James Cook, Sr., 81, Joplin, Mo.

James John Cook. Sr., 81, of Joplin, Mo., died Monday, July 10, 2023, at Mercy Hospital, in Joplin. Born July 14, 1941 in Galena, Jim was the son of Paul Wayne Cook, Sr. and Ruth Thelma Younger Cook. They preceded him in death.

Dr. Paul Welch, 86, Joplin, Mo.

Dr. Paul “GenDr. Paul “Gene” Eugene Welch, 86 of Joplin, Mo., died Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Mercy Hospital, in Joplin, Mo. Born April 7, 1937, in Crestline, Gene was the son of Paul Welch and Myrtle (LaTurner) Welch. They preceded him in death.

Eva Bower, 86, Columbus

Eva L. Bower, 86 of Columbus, died July 7, 2023, at Webb City Health and Rehab in Webb City, Mo. Born February 4, 1937, in Rural Cherokee, Eva was the daughter of Robert and Carrie L. (Allen) Walker. Evan and Richard L. Bower were united in marriage January 30, 1958, at Chetopa.

Wanda Hevel, 92, Oswego

Wanda L. Hevel, 92, of Oswego, died Saturday, July 8, 2023 at home with her family beside her. Born January 4, 1931 in rural Chetopa, Wanda was the daughter of Jesse and Beatrice (Schertz) Eckles.

Donald Rich, 68, Columbus

Donald Frederick Rich, 68, of Columbus, died Saturday, July 8, 2023 at his home. Donald has been entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home for cremation. The family will host services at a later date.

James Grant, 74, Scammon

James Joseph Grant, 74, of Scammon, died at 12:20 p.m. Saturday, July 1, 2023 at Via Christi Village. Born October 14, 1948 at Pittsburg, Jim was the son of Joe and Gertrude (Pargen) Grant. He attended grade school in Scammon and St. Rose Grade School in Columbus.

Betty Fiihr, 97, Columbus

Betty Jeanne (Wilson) Fiihr, 97, of Columbus, died June 20, 2023 at her home. Born December 10, 1925, in Joplin, Mo., Betty was the daughter of Mark (Dee) Wilson and Winifred (Conrow) Wilson. She graduated from Duneweg, Mo. High School with the class of 1944.