Obituaries

Mary Coffee

Mary Coffee

Mary Coffee, 82, Joplin, Mo.

Mary Louise (Conley) Coffee, 82, Joplin, Mo., a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, died peacefully from natural causes Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Joplin, Mo.Born January 6, 1944, in Syracuse, Mary was the daughter of Norton and Kathryn (Eaton) Gordon.
Alexander Stayton

Alexander Stayton

Alexander Stayton, 18, Commerce, Okla.

Alexander O’Brian Lee Stayton, 18, Commerce, Okla., died unexpectedly early Saturday, April the 11, 2026, at Mercy Joplin, Mo.Born July 8, 2007, in Fayetteville, Ark., Alexander was the son of Benny and Leslie (Chasten) Stayton. He was currently in his senior year of high school.

Harvey Cornwell, 81, Chetopa

Harvey Cornwell, 81, Chetopa, died the morning of Monday, April 13, 2026, at Galena Nursing Center in Galena.Complete obituary details and funeral arrangements will be announced by the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Chetopa.
Patricia Girton

Patricia Girton

Patricia Girton, 78, Joplin, Mo.

Patricia “Patti” Ann Girton, 78, Joplin, Mo., died Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Joplin, Mo., leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness and devoted service to others.Born July 23, 1947, in Joplin, Mo., Patti was the daughter of the late Charles and Patricia Ross.

Kimberly Likert, 69, West Mineral

Kimberly Shawn Likert, née Sergent, 69, West Mineral died Saturday, April 11, 2026.Born April 8, 1957, in Springfield, Ohio, Kimberly was the daughter of Edward and Nina Sergent. They preceded her in death.

Peggy Luman, 81, Chetopa

Peggy Deloris Luman, 81, longtime Chetopa resident, died Sunday morning, April 12, 2026, in the comfort of her home while surrounded by her family.Born December 16, 1944, in Lacrosse, Idaho, Peggy was the daughter of Loyal and Lilly (Price) Reynolds.

Leroy Christiansen, 55, Columbus

A memorial service for Leroy Harris Christiansen, 55, Columbus will be held Saturday, April 18 at 11 a.m. at The Neutral Church. Leroy died Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo.

Virginia Rasmussen, 84, Chetopa

Virginia Rasmussen, 84, Chetopa, died afternoon of Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don, February 28, 2026.Complete obituary details and funeral arrangements will be announced by the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Chetopa.
William Stephens, 62, Elk City, Okla.

William Stephens, 62, Elk City, Okla.

William Stephens, 62, Elk City, Okla.

William Theodore Stephens, 62, Elk City, Okla., died Thursday evening, April 9, 2026, at the Oklahoma University Medical Center in Edmond, Okla.Born October 11, 1963, in Cottage Grove, Ore., William was the son of David and Arlene (Mohler) Stephens.William was a truck driver for many years.
Ted Brynds Sr., 84, Cherokee

Ted Brynds Sr., 84, Cherokee

Ted Brynds Sr., 84, Cherokee

Ted Joe Brynds, Sr. 84, Cherokee died Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at his home.Born January 7, 1942 in West Mineral, Ted was the son of William James and Lavana Pearl (Deckard) Brynds.He attended area schools and graduated from the Cherokee High School.