Leona Autrey

Leona Wilma Autrey, 86, West Plains, died at 8:10 a.m., Sunday, March 15, 2009, in NCH HealthCare. She was born Sept. 18, 1922, at Heavener, Okla., to Jessie and Mable Kemp Autrey. She was married to James Kenneth Medearis and later was married to Ozzie Edwards. Mrs. Autrey loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was of the Baptist faith. She is survived by three children, Jerry Medearis of West Plains, James Kenneth Medearis and Alford Aubrey, both of the state of California; seven grandchildren, Alta Foster, husband, Terry, Roy Pykes, wife, Nina, James Thomas, David Dykes, Rodney Dykes, wife, Tammy, Angel Medearis and April Medearis; 38 great-grandchildren; 46 great-great-grandchildren; and one brother, Coy Autrey. er parents; one grandchild, James Kenneth Medearis; and one great-grandchild, Harley James Thomas, precede her in death. Arrangements under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Minnie Maybelline Cleaver

Minnie Maybelline Cleaver was born Sept. 20, 1933, in Shannon County, Mo., the daughter of Carlos Terrill and Mamie (Patterson) Terrill. She passed away March 13, 2009, at Mountain Home, Ark., at the age of 75 years. She was united in marriage to Calvin Cleaver on Aug. 12, 1950, at Mountain Home, Ark., and to this union, five children were born. She was preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Jeffrey Scott McDaniel; one sister, Bonnie (Terrill) Duncan; and four brothers, Glenn Terrill, Estell Terrill, Dale Terrill and Millard Terrill. She is survived by her husband, Calvin of Mountain Home, Ark.; one son, Carlos Cleaver and wife Linda of Labadie, Mo.; four daughters, Janice Fleming of Midway, Ark., Charlotte Bowen and husband Randy of Valley Park, Mo., Brenda Myler and husband Robert of Mountain Home, Ark., and Valeory Hodges and husband Doug of Mountain Home, Ark.; one brother, Dwain Terrill and wife Wilma Lee of Summersville, Mo.; one sister Wilma of Washington; 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends. Minnie was a member of the First Freewill Baptist Church in Mountain Home, Ark. She enjoyed hunting, fishing and cooking for her family and friends. She loved spending time with her husband, children and all her grandchildren. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Funeral services were held Monday at the Duncan Funeral Chapel in Mountain View with Rev. Jamie McDaniel officiating. Interment was in Oakside Cemetery at Summersville, Mo., under the direction of the Duncan Funeral Home of Mountain View.

Patsy Deatherage

Funeral services for Patsy Gay Deatherage, 68, Springfield, Mo., were Thursday, March 19, 2009, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Deatherage died at 12:17 p.m., Monday, March 16, 2009, in West Vue Nursing Center, West Plains. She was born Jan. 6, 1941, in Ozark County, Mo., to A.Y. and Cammy Lorene Fox Laxton. On Nov. 18, 1955, she was married to William “Bill” Russell Deatherage. She was later married on Dec. 12, 2008, at Las Vegas, Nev., to Dorval Brotherton. Mrs. Deatherage was a member of the Church of Christ. She is survived by three daughters, Rhonda Hall of Jefferson City, Mo., Cathy Smith, husband, David, of Springfield, Mo., and Patricia Adkisson, husband, Regan, of St. Jospeh, Mo.; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Dwight Laxton, wife, Wanda, of Nixa, Mo.; one sister, June Roberts, husband, John, of Pottersville, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents; one infant son; and two brothers, Robert Laxton and Ronald Laxton, precede her in death. Burial was at Gospel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Charles Head

Graveside services for Charles Lloyd Head, 80, St. Louis, Missouri, were Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at the Fowler Cemetery near Caulfield, Mo., under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Head died at 2:15 a.m., Saturday, March 21, 2009, at Brook View Nursing Home, Maryland Heights, Mo. He was born Dec. 29, 1928, at Hayti, Mo., to Jesse and Irene Hunt Head. He was married to Lyndal Louise Martin, who preceded him in death on July 14, 1975. Mr. Head was a member of the Church of Christ. He is survived by four children, Charles Head, wife, Patty, of Bakersfield, Mo., Jeffrey Head of Union, Mo., Lisa Robinson, husband, Dannie, of Florissant, Mo., and Trina Head of Berkeley, Mo.; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one brother, Joe Reed of Seattle, Wash.; one sister, Lucille Franklin of Phoenix, Ariz.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His parents, wife, three brothers and two sisters precede him in death. Memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Marvalene Faith Glass Gustafson

Marvalene Faith Glass Gustafson was born Dec. 4, 1932, in Kennett, Mo., to Marvin Glass and Rosetta McLain Glass. She departed this life March 16, 2009, after a long illness. Marvalene was 76 years of age. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Lee Edward Gustafson of the home in Mountain View, Mo; two daughters, Debra Lee and husband, Steve Lashua, and Janet and husband, Dewayne Woolsey, all of Mountain View; grandchildren, Curt and Susan Woolsey, and Wendy Whippo and Bobby Tate, of Mountain View; four great granddaughters, Anna and Allie Woolsey, and Taylor and Tanna Tate of Mountain View; stepmother, Myrtle Glass of Mountain View; three brothers, David and Ruth Glass of Bentonville, Ark., Gerald and Kay Glass of Springfield, Mo., and Dick and Marilyn Glass of Mountain View; and one sister-in-law, Betty Schlueter of Springfield, Mo. She is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Regina; one infant son; father and mother-in-law, Henry and Signe Gustafson; son-in-law, Gary Webb; special brother-in-law, Galen Schlueter; brother-in-law, John Gustafson; and nephew, Erik Schlueter. arvalene was a special lady. She never knew her mother. When she was born, she weighed a little over 3 pounds. But she overcame the obstacles of her birth. arvalene was raised in Mountain View by her dad, Marvin, and her stepmother, Myrtle. She was raised with her sister and three little brothers. They were typical little boys and Marvalene used to tell stories about them and their escapades. She loved them very much. She had numerous aunts that she was close to as a child. Julie, Boots, and Dottie were very special to her. Marvalene went to school in Mountain View and graduated in 1951. She caught the eye of a young man when she was 15 and he was 17. Lee did everything he could think of to get her attention. He finally asked her out. But she asked him to go to church with her. He did, and several months later, Lee was baptized. Marvalene had been baptized at a younger age. They were married in 1951, and to that union two daughters were born – Debra Lee and Janet Lynn. They also had an infant son who died. In the early years, Marvalene was a housewife, staying at home with her two girls and all the other kids that Debbie and Janet brought home with them. Some of them still call Marvalene “Mom.” She also had a daycare and loved all the children that stayed with her. Later, she would become more involved in the Body Shop, helping Lee. She went all over getting parts and paint for Lee, and fixed countless meals for anyone helping Lee with wrecker calls. She opened her home for many strangers when their car broke down. You never knew who was spending the night at their home, but if there was a problem, Marvalene opened her doors and made them feel welcome. She was known for cooking chili or chicken and noodles for the guys at deer camp. She also fixed her famous chocolate chip cookies for the men who came to play pool each week. Marvalene was a very giving person. She spent a lot of her time with anyone who was sick. She would sit with them in the hospital or at their home. She sat with a lot of people who were sick with cancer. She had a way about her that you just wanted to be with her if you were sick. She volunteered at the hospital and touched many lives. When they retired, Marvalene and Lee spent a lot of time on their motorcycle, visiting most of the states on the Honda Goldwing. Later, they traded the motorcycle in for a motor home and traveled and wintered in Texas. Marvalene liked to travel and go with Lee as long as her health allowed. She endured a lot of pain and suffering so she could be around when the great-granddaughters were born. Anna, Allie, Taylor, and Tanna were Marvalene’s pride and joy. Marvalene was happiest with her family around. She was so proud of her two grandchildren, Curt and Wendy. There is a hole in our hearts today, and we will miss her so much, but we know she is at peace now. There is no longer any pain or suffering Marvalene was a member of Mountain View Christian Church. Funeral services were held Thursday, March 19, 2009 in Yarber Chapel with Pastor Brian Ingalls officiating. Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery, Mountain View, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View.

Loraine Farris Lindsey

Loraine Farris Lindsey, age 104 and a half-plus, of Cabool, Mo., passed away Thursday, March 19, 2009, at the Kabul Nursing Home. On Aug. 14, 2008, Loraine celebrated her 104th birthday, awed by the fact that she was blessed with so many years, events and memories. Loraine Farris Lindsey was born on Aug. 14, 1904, in Corning, Ark., to Sterling Price and Anna Adelia (Jordan) Lindsey. Loraine visited the St. Louis World’s Fair as a baby with her mother and grandmother. That World’s Fair visit was only one of many unusual events in the long life of this gracious lady. At various times as she neared the age of 105, she would reminisce to family members about various activities of her childhood, teen years, school teaching experiences and adult years. She told of many exciting, private and group situations. Loraine enjoyed a close family relationship, with loving brothers and a sister. Her home life was always based on Christian principles and teachings. She was baptized in a lake in Corning, Ark., at about 10 years of age. She said the water was very cold. fter high school graduation in Corning, she attended and graduated from George Washington University, Washington, D.C. in 1937 with a bachelor of science in education. She taught elementary school in Forrest City, Ark., for 12 years. She took a one-year leave of absence from teaching to join her father at the Cabool State Bank. She extended that leave of absence, remaining with the bank, retiring as executive vice president in 1979. She has been a long-time member of the Cabool Christian Church, always present in worship services, prayer meeting with bible study, and supportive of church affairs and mission projects. There did come a time recently when her health and physical impairment prevented total attendance, but did not hinder her prayer life and contributions. Loraine was a charter member of the Cabool Women’s Chamber of Commerce, a member of the original board of directors of the Cabool Senior Housing, a member of the Cabool Study Club and the Cabool Art Club. She was elected “Town Lady of Cabool” in 1987. Loraine and her sister, Mary, were like two peas in a pod. They were blessed to live together in their own home at 510 Summit Ave. in Cabool for many years. In October 2005, both moved to the Landmark Villa in Cabool. Prior to failing eyesight and impaired physical ability, Loraine and Mary traveled extensively in the United States. In the 1950s the two sisters enjoyed a European tour, sailing to England on the Queen Mary and returning on the Queen Elizabeth. In the late 1960s they toured the Far East. They then returned to Europe in the 1980s and also traveled to Australia and New Zealand. They were ready to go at the “drop of a hat”! Loraine had a compassionate spirit and heart for almost everyone. It started early in life for her. For example: she had a baby brother, Bobbie. Their mother was away from home one afternoon when she decided to make a chocolate cake. Bobbie may have been six years old, anyway Loraine had him “under foot” in the kitchen and told him he could “lick” the mixing bowl when it was ready. In due time, the bowl was ready and in the process of trying to get all the chocolate residue from the nice big mixing bowl, it got away from him and fell to the floor breaking into many pieces. A startled Loraine exclaimed that the bowl happened to be mother’s favorite! Of course, Bobbie was in tears and just as startled, not to mention that licking the bowl ended almost as soon as it began! Lorain immediately soothed her little brother, cleaned up the mess and said, “Come on, we will go to town and buy another bowl just like it, before mother comes back.” They went to town to the biggest department store, but could not find an identical bowl. So she purchased another the same size and mentioned she would “fix it” with mother. Loraine enjoyed many happy times with her nieces and nephews. She said that she didn’t need to have children; she helped raise her brothers’ children. She was also a joy and gracious example of a lady to many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. She was a family person even though never married. Her family was close knit, ate their meals together, had family bible devotions and supported one another through good times and bad. She was very proper in etiquette, considerate, concerned, kind and helpful toward anyone she knew in need. Loraine truly had a generous spirit. After 104 and a half plus years, Loraine went to be with our Lord on March 19, 2009. Her father, Sterling Price Lindsey; mother, Anna A. Lindsey; brothers, Paul and Jordan; and sister, Mary Elizabeth Lindsey preceded her in death. Loraine is survived by her brother, Bob and wife, Daisy; nephew Roger S. Lindsey and wife, Peggy; niece Mary Ellen Gifford and husband, Ronnie; niece Becky Taff and husband, Larry; niece Martha J. Grose; nephew Jordan D. Lindsey and wife, Virginia; nephew Dale P. Lindsey; niece Anna A. Ledbetter; niece Prudence Scott and husband, Ross; niece Priscilla McGill; niece Paula Rinehart; niece Phyllis Lindsey Bayer; a cousin on her mother’s side, Jean Jordan; plus great-nieces and nephews and a host of friends and neighbors. About five years ago, Loraine said, “You know, this is awful, I’ve outlived all my old friends!” However, she was blessed with making new friends of care givers up until the last days. Services were Saturday, March 21, 2009, at the Cabool Christian Church with Brother Bob Martin officiating. Interment was in the Cabool Cemetery under the direction of Elliott-Gentry-Carder Funeral Home of Cabool, Mo. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial contributions to the Cabool Christian Church.

Lindell Dwayne Mahan

Funeral services for Lindell Dwayne Mahan, 66, West Plains, will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2009, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Mahan died 9:25 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2009, at Ozarks Medical Center. He was born Aug. 8, 1942, at West Plains, Mo., to Wendell Wayne and Juanita Ida Hopkins Mahan. On April 7, 1966, he was married at Koshkonong, Mo., to Janice Williams. Mr. Mahan was a veteran, having served with the U.S. Navy. He had been employed at the International Shoe Company, Southwest Truck Body, Conway-Winter, Eaton and was a farmer. Mr. Mahan enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. He was a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ. He is survived by his wife, Janice Mahan, of the family home; one daughter, Angela Marie Mahan-Lindeman of Republic, Mo.; one grandchild, Seth Lindeman; one brother, Dennis Mahan, friend, Martha Henderson of West Plains; two sisters, Peggy Sue Danahy of Creighton, Mo., and Linda Ann Taylor, husband, Leon, of West Plains; sister-in-law, Gayle Saunder, husband, Rick, of Salem, Ark.; brother-in-law, Bill Williams, wife, Janice, of Alton, Mo.; and many nieces and nephews. His parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Herb and Willa Williams; and brother-in-law, Richard Danahy, precede him in death. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Eva Montgomery

Funeral services for Eva Olive Montgomery, West Plains, were Saturday, March 21, 2009, at Victoria Mission Church under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Eva Olive Montgomery, daughter of the late “Eli” Elijah Sanford Trantham and Emma Jane Bay Ledbetter Trantham, was born Feb. 16, 1924, at Rover, Mo. She went to heaven at 5:34 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at Brooke Haven HealthCare at the age of 85 years. She attended the Jolliff and Thomasville schools. On Jan. 31, 1942, at West Plains, Mo., she was married to Herbert Cornelious Montgomery who preceded her in death Feb. 11, 2005. Mrs. Montgomery has been an active member of Victoria Mission Church since 1942. She has served as assistant church secretary-treasurer, Sunday school teacher of various age groups, Sunday school secretary-treasurer, and church youth leader. She has worked in the ministries of prayer, counseling, visitation, floral, sewing, baking, crafts and church mailings. Also, she was the first female board member of Victoria Mission Church since its founding in 1929. She entertained numerous evangelists and ministers and has cared for many children. A homemaker, she worked in later years in retailing as a sales person at C. R. Anthony’s and, also, at C & K Clothing – her son’s family stores. She was well-known as “Grandma Be Be” to all children of her acquaintance. A very giving person, she was always interested in helping others and providing for their needs. She thoroughly loved and enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Montgomery is survived by two children, Martha Jane Montgomery Anderson and husband, Bob, and Charles Montgomery and wife, Jo Beth, all of West Plains; her grandchildren, Shanna Head and husband, Jay; Garel Montgomery and wife, Leslie, all of West Plains, Rodney Anderson and wife, Brooke, Boulder, Colo., Janette Atkinson and husband, Seth, of Simpsonville, S.C.; six great-grandchildren, Dalton Head, Lauren Head, Jed Montgomery and Evin Montgomery, all of West Plains, Luke Atkinson and Alexis Atkinson, both of Simpsonville, S.C.; two sisters, Veva Montgomery and husband, Hubert and Thelma Lasater; two brothers, Ron Trantham and Sanford Trantham and wife, Bernadine; four sisters-in-law, Irene Trantham, Virginia Montgomery, Erma Montgomery, and Mable Judd; a brother-in-law, Carl Montgomery and wife, Emmie, Aiken of South Carolina; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Herbert, three sisters, Elila Redburn and husband, Lloyd, Beulah Luna and husband, Elbert, Marie Huffman and husband, Arless and three brothers, Richard Trantham, Leo Ledbetter and Woodrow Ledbetter and a brother-in-law, Byron Lasater. Burial was at Elk Creek Cemetery beside her husband. Memorial contributions may be made to the Victoria Mission Church Eva Montgomery Memorial Fund or to the Elk Creek Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Leona Autrey

Minnie Maybelline Cleaver

Patsy Deatherage

Charles Head

Marvalene Faith Glass Gustafson

Loraine Farris Lindsey

Loraine Farris Lindsey, age 104 and a half-plus, of Cabool, Mo., passed away Thursday, March 19, 2009, at the Kabul Nursing Home. On Aug. 14, 2008, Loraine celebrated her 104th birthday, awed by the fact that she was blessed with so many years, events and memories. Loraine Farris Lindsey was born on Aug. 14, 1904, in Corning, Ark., to Sterling Price and Anna Adelia (Jordan) Lindsey. Loraine visited the St. Louis World’s Fair as a baby with her mother and grandmother. That World’s Fair visit was only one of many unusual events in the long life of this gracious lady. At various times as she neared the age of 105, she would reminisce to family members about various activities of her childhood, teen years, school teaching experiences and adult years. She told of many exciting, private and group situations. Loraine enjoyed a close family relationship, with loving brothers and a sister. Her home life was always based on Christian principles and teachings. She was baptized in a lake in Corning, Ark., at about 10 years of age. She said the water was very cold. After high school graduation in Corning, she attended and graduated from George Washington University, Washington, D.C. in 1937 with a bachelor of science in education. She taught elementary school in Forrest City, Ark., for 12 years. She took a one-year leave of absence from teaching to join her father at the Cabool State Bank. She extended that leave of absence, remaining with the bank, retiring as executive vice president in 1979. She has been a long-time member of the Cabool Christian Church, always present in worship services, prayer meeting with bible study, and supportive of church affairs and mission projects. There did come a time recently when her health and physical impairment prevented total attendance, but did not hinder her prayer life and contributions. Loraine was a charter member of the Cabool Women’s Chamber of Commerce, a member of the original board of directors of the Cabool Senior Housing, a member of the Cabool Study Club and the Cabool Art Club. She was elected “Town Lady of Cabool” in 1987. Loraine and her sister, Mary, were like two peas in a pod. They were blessed to live together in their own home at 510 Summit Ave. in Cabool for many years. In October 2005, both moved to the Landmark Villa in Cabool. Prior to failing eyesight and impaired physical ability, Loraine and Mary traveled extensively in the United States. In the 1950s the two sisters enjoyed a European tour, sailing to England on the Queen Mary and returning on the Queen Elizabeth. In the late 1960s they toured the Far East. They then returned to Europe in the 1980s and also traveled to Australia and New Zealand. They were ready to go at the “drop of a hat”! Loraine had a compassionate spirit and heart for almost everyone. It started early in life for her. For example: she had a baby brother, Bobbie. Their mother was away from home one afternoon when she decided to make a chocolate cake. Bobbie may have been six years old, anyway Loraine had him “under foot” in the kitchen and told him he could “lick” the mixing bowl when it was ready. In due time, the bowl was ready and in the process of trying to get all the chocolate residue from the nice big mixing bowl, it got away from him and fell to the floor breaking into many pieces. A startled Loraine exclaimed that the bowl happened to be mother’s favorite! Of course, Bobbie was in tears and just as startled, not to mention that licking the bowl ended almost as soon as it began! Lorain immediately soothed her little brother, cleaned up the mess and said, “Come on, we will go to town and buy another bowl just like it, before mother comes back.” They went to town to the biggest department store, but could not find an identical bowl. So she purchased another the same size and mentioned she would “fix it” with mother. Loraine enjoyed many happy times with her nieces and nephews. She said that she didn’t need to have children; she helped raise her brothers’ children. She was also a joy and gracious example of a lady to many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. She was a family person even though never married. Her family was close knit, ate their meals together, had family bible devotions and supported one another through good times and bad. She was very proper in etiquette, considerate, concerned, kind and helpful toward anyone she knew in need. Loraine truly had a generous spirit. After 104 and a half plus years, Loraine went to be with our Lord on March 19, 2009. Her father, Sterling Price Lindsey; mother, Anna A. Lindsey; brothers, Paul and Jordan; and sister, Mary Elizabeth Lindsey preceded her in death. Loraine is survived by her brother, Bob and wife, Daisy; nephew Roger S. Lindsey and wife, Peggy; niece Mary Ellen Gifford and husband, Ronnie; niece Becky Taff and husband, Larry; niece Martha J. Grose; nephew Jordan D. Lindsey and wife, Virginia; nephew Dale P. Lindsey; niece Anna A. Ledbetter; niece Prudence Scott and husband, Ross; niece Priscilla McGill; niece Paula Rinehart; niece Phyllis Lindsey Bayer; a cousin on her mother’s side, Jean Jordan; plus great-nieces and nephews and a host of friends and neighbors. About five years ago, Loraine said, “You know, this is awful, I’ve outlived all my old friends!” However, she was blessed with making new friends of care givers up until the last days. Services were Saturday, March 21, 2009, at the Cabool Christian Church with Brother Bob Martin officiating. Interment was in the Cabool Cemetery under the direction of Elliott-Gentry-Carder Funeral Home of Cabool, Mo. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial contributions to the Cabool Christian Church.

Lindell Dwayne Mahan

Eva Montgomery