Obituaries
Dr. Robert “Bob” Wayne Perry
Dr. Robert “Bob” Wayne Perry, of Mansfield, passed away on July 30, 2025, at the age of 76. A devoted family man, educator, coach and community leader, Bob leaves behind a legacy rooted in learning, leadership, and service. Born and raised in Hannibal, Bob dedicated his professional life to the...
Harvey Leon Gilley
Harvey Leon Gilley, 77, of Shawnee, Kan., passed away on July 24, 2025. Harvey was born in Pryor, Okla., on Aug. 3, 1947, to Afton and Reda Mae (Jenkins) Gilley, both preceded him in death. Harvey grew up on a farm in Mountain Grove. He and his four siblings enjoyed swimming in the pond, hunting...
Betty Ann (Krenke) Cox
Betty Ann (Krenke) Cox, 93, of Mountain Grove, was born Nov. 15, 1931, in Hebron, Neb., the daughter of Henry and Gertrude (Opfer) Krenke. She gained her wings on July 18, 2025, in her home with her daughter by her side, after a short illness. Betty grew up on a farm, where she said she could drive...
Betty Jean (Cutbirth) Tooley
Betty Jean (Cutbirth) Tooley, affectionately known as “Aunt Betty,” daughter of the late Oma and Ora Lee (Stephenson) Cutbirth, was born July 5, 1951, in Hartville, and departed this life July 21, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, at the age of 74 years and 16 days. Betty grew up in Hartville...
Lena Fay (Shimel) Cole
Lena Fay (Shimel) Cole, daughter of the late Willis A. and Mary Lee (McClanahan) Shimel, was born June 24, 1931, near Mansfield, and departed this life on July 18, 2025, at her residence in Mansfield. She was 94 years and 24 days of age. On May 14, 1951, she was united in marriage to John “Port”...
William Roy Bowers
William Roy Bowers, son of the late Theron and Mary (Moriarty) Bowers, was born June 24, 1937, in Pampa, Texas. He departed this life on July 20, 2025, at his home in Mountain Grove at the age of 88. William grew up in Augusta, Kan. He served in the United States Army and served a tour of duty in...
Donald D. Crewse
Donald D. Crewse was born Feb. 26, 1938, in Huggins, the sixth child of Hobert and Dollie (Greenlee) Crewse. He entered the arms of Jesus on July 10, 2025, at the age of 87 years, 4 months, and 14 days. Donald grew up in the Graff community, and attended the Crewse School and Union Chapel Church....
Everett Leroy “Lee” Killough
Everett Leroy “Lee” Killough, son of the late Joseph Leon Killough and Estella Fern (MacDonald) Killough, was born on Nov. 18, 1948, in Texas County, Oklahoma, and passed on from this life on July 6, 2025, at his home near Mountain Grove. He was 76 years old. Lee was preceded in death by his...
Norma Jean (Hayes) Crisp
Norma Jean (Hayes) Crisp was born Dec. 31, 1937 at Embree to Lela Hayes. She was raised by her grandparents, Willis and Viola Hayes, and an aunt and uncle, Bessie Robinett and William Pad Hayes. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by her loved ones in her home. Norma attended and...
Thomas Rippee
Thomas Rippee, son of the late Roy and Geneva (Dinwiddie) Rippee, was born Nov. 9, 1939, in Hartville, and departed this life July 16, 2025, at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, at the age of 85 years, 8 months and 7 days. Thomas grew up on the family farm just outside of Hartville. He...