ROBERTSON DRAGO - Key Persons

A memorial service for Barbara Marilyn Hurd, 88, Kountze, Texas, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Hurd passed away Friday, March 8, 2024, at her home. She was born May 14, 1935, at Worcester, Massachusetts, to Wilfred and Esther Pickett Anson. On February 6, 1959, she was married at Jacksonville, Florida, to George Hurd, who preceded her in death on October 6, 1981. Barbara resided in West Plains since 1975. She worked for Dr. Coats for over twenty-five years and was a volunteer at Ozarks Medical Center for ten years. She was a military wife and loved to travel; she had visited all of the United States except for Alaska and Hawaii and even traveled to Portugal, Africa, Spain and Cuba. She was an exceptional seamstress and handmade many wedding dresses and crocheted many beautiful afghans. She is survived by two daughters, Helen Langston, Kountze, Texas and Janice Adkisson and husband, Dennis, West Plains; six grandchildren, Brandi Sexton and husband, Daryl Hawkins, Kountze, Texas, Michael Hurd and wife, Jessica, Noble, Louisiana, Jessica Hurd Smith and husband, Dakota, Noble, Louisiana, Mandi Adkisson, West Plains, Jodi Adkisson, Battlecreek, Michigan and Shelby Hurd, Greenfield, Missouri; eight great-grandchildren, Jaxson Hawkins, Ian Hurd, Aiden Hurd, Olivia Hurd, Elizabeth Smith, Aubrey Smith, Koda Smith and Mallorie Shaw; one sister, Alice Anson, Jacksonville, Florida; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, husband, two sons, David A. Hurd and James Hurd, one grandson, Roy Glen Sexton, one great-granddaughter, Ivy Claire Hawkins and one brother, Robert Anson, preceded her in death.

Funeral services for Betty Jane Russell, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 7, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Russell passed away at 6:38 p.m., Sunday, March 3, 2024, at her home. She was born January 18, 1931, at West Plains, Missouri, to John W. Barr and Temple Marie Barrett Barr. On February 17, 1951, she was married at West Plains, to Donald (Rusty) Russell, who preceded her in death on December 26, 1997. Mrs. Russell was a kindergarten teacher at St. Vincent Episcopal School for fifteen years. She loved reading, traveling, sewing and crossword puzzles; she loved her coffee. She also loved her friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty enjoyed the holidays, especially Christmas. She was a member of the PEO sisterhood, the Francis West Guild and the First Christian Church. She is survived by two children, Linda Ann Johnson and David Lee Russell and wife, Janet, all of West Plains; seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Callahan, West Plains, Bailey Russell, West Plains, Eli Russell, West Plains, Autumn Davis, West Plains, Derrick Hayes, Mountain Grove, Missouri, Vanessa Williams and husband, Thomas, West Plains and Zach Hayes, West Plains; and seven great-grandchildren, Quinsey Doolittle, Promise Russell, Lylian Williams, Pyper Williams, Liam Hayes, Prestyn Hayes and Allie Callahan.. Her parents, husband, one daughter, Donna Beth and her best friends, Marimartha Ritter, Pat Osborne, Charlene Buck and Cynthia Dunlap, preceded her in death.

Linda and family , We're so sorry for your loss and sending prayers for comfort. Your family has always been such good friends and neighbors. Betty will be missed by many ! Brenda Pirnack and family

Funeral services for Earl Lee Bassham, 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Bassham passed away Thursday morning, March 14, 2024, at St. Louis, surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 24, 1950, in a log cabin at Moko, Arkansas, to Clinton Bassham and Helen Oldfield Bassham. On May 26, 1979, he was married at Cave City, Arkansas, to Donna Crumley Bassham; for the past forty-five years, they have lived in West Plains. Mr. Bassham worked for Production Credit Association (PCA) for many years and as a fieldman for the Dairy Farmers of America. He enjoyed working with dairy farmers and their families. Mr. Bassham owned and operated an agricultural spraying business for many years and also raised beef cattle. He was a tractor enthusiast and loved attending tractor shows with his buddies. Earl never met a stranger. Mr. Bassham was of the Christian faith, which he leaned on during his last days for strength and peace. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna, of the family home; two daughters, Melissa Bassham, West Plains and Diana Ford and husband, Jason, Jonesboro, Arkansas; and three grandsons, Jacob Bassham, West Plains, Thomas Ford and William Ford, Jonesboro, Arkansas. His parents, a close uncle, Kermit (Unk) Oldfield and several aunts and uncles, preceded him in death. Visitation services for Brian Scott Moran, 55, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Moran passed away at 9:50 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024, at his home. He was born October 23, 1968, at Champaign, Illinois, to George Moran and Shirley Edwards Study. On July 20, 2007, he was married at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to Kathy Cummins. Mr. Moran was a team leader at Caterpillar. Brian loved fishing and he loved his family fiercely, especially his mother and wife. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Moran, of the family home; two children, Josh Chambers and wife, Cassie and Kyla Warren and husband, Curtis, all of West Plains; three grandchildren, Jaydin, Addisyn and Avery Jo, his mother, Shirley Study and husband, Jim, Winchester, Indiana, his father, George Moran, Tuscola, Illinois; one brother, Paul Moran and wife, Brenda, Atwood, Illinois; and special sister, Tammi Coonts, Houston, Missouri. His sister, Thairenasa Douglas, preceded him in death.

Graveside services for Everett Morris Brewer, 78, Nixa, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Freddy Dewayne Johnston, 72, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Johnston departed this life on Friday, March 15, 2024, at his home. He was born March 1, 1952, at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Fred and Vera (DeLarm) Johnston. He married Chrystina Maine on August 21, 1969, at West Plains, Missouri. Freddy was a farmer who raised Angus cattle, goats, and sheep. He ran a construction crew for many years. He was also a long-time staff member at Bakersfield School, serving as a custodian, bus driver, ground maintenance, and bus mechanic. Freddy also enjoyed Sunday dinners and time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Chrystina, of the family home; four sons, Larry Johnston and wife, Ricky, Bakersfield, Missouri, their children, Jeremie (Stephanie), Mandi (Michael), and Bailee (Wil), and seven grandchildren; Doug Johnston and wife, Darla, Moody, Missouri, their children, Dedra (Tyler) and Dolan, and one-and-a-half grandchildren; Darren Johnston and wife, Jennifer, Bakersfield, Missouri, and their children, Westin and Savannah; and Michael Johnston and wife, Samantha, Bakersfield, Missouri, and their children, Kenny, Evan, and Keygan; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. His parents, one brother, Guy Johnston, and two sisters, Vivian Crotts and Bonnie Cunningham, preceded him in death.

A Celebration of Life service for Joseph Truett Colbert Jr., 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Mountain View, Missouri.

Graveside services for Juanita Faye Crawford, 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 23, 2024, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Crawford went to be with her Heavenly Father on her birthday, February 16, 2024, at Brooke Haven Healthcare. What a way to celebrate a birthday - being greeted by Jesus. She was the daughter of the late James F. and Ruth (Murfin) Roberts. Juanita was a 1958 graduate of Southwest Missouri State College, Springfield, Missouri with a B.S. Degree in Education. She did her student teaching at Greenwood Laboratory School Missouri State, Springfield, Missouri. Juanita did graduate work at Drury College, Springfield, Missouri and University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri. She had a Life Time Teaching Certificate for all elementary grades and also a Life Time Certificate in Remedial Reading. In the fall of 1952, she started teaching. Juanita taught for four years at Hartshorn, Missouri, one year at Licking, Missouri and twenty-eight years at Summersville, Missouri. She retired in 1985 after thirty-three years of teaching. Juanita was a devoted teacher and held each student dear to her. She wanted to do everything she could to ensure each student would be a successful adult. On December 25, 1957, she was married at Houston, Missouri, to Robert F. Crawford, who preceded her in death on November 29, 2020. Juanita was a member of First Baptist Church, Summersville, Missouri. Until moving to West Plains, she served in the capacity of Sunday School teacher, WMU Director and Director of Visitation at Mountain View Health Care. She was a member of The Order of Eastern Star, having earned her fifty year pin. Mrs. Crawford was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority since March of 1959. Juanita was the second of nine children. She was a "little mother" to all eight of her siblings. She was a loving Christian, a devoted wife and a loving, caring and compassionate individual. She loved to read, sew and spend time with her family. God and family were always her priority. She is survived by one brother, Robert W. Roberts and wife, Bonnye, Springfield, Missouri; three sisters, Donna Zwiener, Huntsville, Alabama, Brenda Collins and husband, Bruce and Linda Gould and husband, Ron, both of West Plains; three sisters-in-law, Ruth Roberts and Carolee Roberts, both of Springfield and Evelyn Gant, St. Louis, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Her parents, husband, four brothers, George, James Jr., Dean and William C. Roberts; two sisters-in-law, Verna and Gloria Roberts; one brother-in-law, James Zwiener and two nephews, Christopher Collins and James F. Roberts III. preceded her in death. A very special thank you to Dr. Swift and Brooke Haven Healthcare and their staff for the loving care shown and provided to our precious sister, Juanita, these past few years.

Funeral services for Kathy Marie Kibodeaux, 54, Mountain View, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 24, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Kibodeaux passed away at 8:35 p.m., Sunday, February 18, 2024, at her parent's home in Pomona, Missouri. She was born February 24, 1969, at Sulphur, Louisiana, to Billy Vincent and Billie Wofford Vincent. On October 6, 1990, she was married to George Kibodeaux. Kathy enjoyed reading, traveling and shopping. She loved Elvis and all things Elvis. Kathy loved her family, especially her grandchildren; anything they wanted to do, she'd do it. She loved to joke and make people laugh. Kathy never complained about anything; she was a joy to be around and was loved by all that knew her. Mrs. Kibodeaux was a member of Thee Foundation Church, Camdenton, Missouri She is survived by her husband, George Kibodeaux, Hackberry, Louisiana, three children, Amanda Savoie and husband, Derek, Mountain View, Missouri, Allen Kibodeaux and wife, Paige, Hackberry, Louisiana and Courtney Smith and husband, Tyler, Vinton, Louisiana, four grandchildren, Paisley, Bentley, Adree and Haiden; her parents, Billy and Billie Vincent, Pomona, Missouri; one sister, Vernice Deville and husband, Gus, DeQuincy, Louisiana; and several nieces, nephews and god children. Her grandson, Landon Ziegler, one brother, Steven Vincent, one great-nephew, Kyler Dydasco and her maternal and paternal grandparents, preceded her in death.

Maria Ann Ousley Peters, 76, of West Plains, Missouri, departed this life on January 22, 2024. Born on April 26th, 1947, in Waynesville, Missouri, she was the beloved daughter of William H. Ousley and Veda M. (Berry) Ousley. Maria's journey through life was marked by compassion, creativity, and unwavering dedication. In 1965, Maria graduated from high school, embarking on a career as a dental therapy assistant at Fort Leonard, Missouri. Her commitment to service spanned over 30 years, leaving a lasting impact on those she cared for and worked alongside. An avid cultivator of beauty, Maria possessed an unparalleled green thumb. Her love for nurturing flowers, houseplants, and tending to her garden filled countless summers with vibrant colors and fragrant blooms. Admirers often marveled at her meticulously tended flower beds, a testament to her passion and skill. Beyond gardening, Maria's artistic talents shone brightly through her paintings, sewing projects, and crafts, enriching the world with her creative spirit. In 1966, Maria exchanged vows with Roger Peters, beginning a journey of love and family. Together, they were blessed with two children whom Maria cherished deeply. Her son, Shane Garrison Peters, inherited her artistic flair, while her daughter, Dawn Venae Peters Hicks, shared her love for gardening and flowers. Maria was not only a loving mother but also a guiding light, instilling in her children the values of acceptance and open-mindedness. Maria's role as a grandmother brought immense joy to her life. She adored her four grandchildren, Garrit Hicks, Evan Hicks, Elias Peters, and Ayla Peters, relishing in every moment spent with them and eagerly following their adventures. Maria is survived by her son, Shane Peters and wife Lori of Black Mountain, North Carolina; daughter, Dawn Hicks and husband Dale of West Plains; her cherished grandchildren; a brother; nieces; nephews; and many beloved cousins. Her memory will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. Maria's legacy of warmth, kindness, and creativity will continue to inspire generations to come. Mother, "May the sun always shine on you which it already does".

A celebration of life service for Monica Orchard, 70, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Orchard passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at her home. She was born August 4, 1953, to Edgar Marsh and Dorothy Marsh. On December 31, 1996, she married the love of her life, Dean Orchard, who preceded her in death on March 16, 2013. Mrs. Orchard was a dietary aid at Cedar Hurst and was an honorary chef. She was a passionate cook, was an avid gardener, and loved spending time with her family. Monica was fun, bubbly, energetic, and was loved by all. She was also a very strong and independent woman. Monica truly loved her family, friends, and her pets. She is survived by one daughter, Yvonne Reyes, Waukesha, Wisconsin; one step-daughter, Deanna Partoll; one brother, Ronald Marsh and wife, Doris, Palmyra, Wisconsin; her lifelong friend, Karen Patrick, Dousman, Wisconsin; and her nieces and nephews, Karen Pope and husband, Mike; Laura Franke and husband, Scott; and her great-niece, Emily Vander Grinten and husband, Ryan. Her parents, husband, and one step-son, Joel Orchard, preceded her in death.

Funeral services for Rebecca Laverne Beasley, 73, Apopka, Florida, and formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Ms. Beasley passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at her home. She was born May 7, 1950, at Howell County, Missouri, to Roy Thomas and Sylvia Belle Burden Eagleman. Ms. Beasley was a certified silversmith, specializing in turquoise and silver. She also had an interest in the coin business and was part owner of multiple coin businesses throughout the years. She was an officer in the Wichita Falls Coin Club and the Clovis, New Mexico, Coin Club. Ms. Beasley was of the Baptist faith and was very active in her church. She enjoyed traveling, and she loved spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by one son, Jack Pemberton and wife, Ally, Columbia, Missouri; one brother, David Eagleman and wife, Sharon, Garber, Oklahoma; one sister, Ida Mae Cawvey and husband, Leon, Moody, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, two brothers, Donald Eagleman and Arthur Eagleman, and one sister, Vivian Busenbarrick, preceded her in death.