News to Know (06/29/2021)

Surfside, FL- The frantic search for survivors of last week’s condo building collapse in Surfside, Florida has entered its 6th day. Last night, officials said they are still in “search and rescue” mode, despite not finding anyone alive since Thursday morning, hours after part of the 12-story building fell.

Southwest, MO- Southwest Missouri is seeing a spike in Covid-19 cases. Experts say current hospitalization numbers resemble what they saw during their first surge last fall. They say the biggest difference this time around is the age of those being hospitalized, and are seeing younger people need hospitalization. This increase in numbers started in early June, and with the 4th of July coming up, they recommend smaller sized gatherings.

Pea Ridge, AR- Authorities have arrested 2 suspects in the death of Arkansas Police Officer, Kevin Apple. He was a 23-year police veteran, and served with the Pea Ridge Police Department for 3-years. At around 11:30 Saturday morning, Rogers PD alerted the Pea Ridge Police Department about a car they had been following. Pea Ridge officers spotted the car at the White Oak gas station. When approached, police say the suspects rammed their car into a Pea Ridge police car. In doing so Police say the suspects ran over Officer Kevin Apple, then drove away. One suspect 18-year-old Elijah Andazola is charged with capital murder.

Washington, DC- If you’re planning on hitting the road for the 4th of July holiday, you may want to fuel up now. Gas prices are on the rise again. Gasbuddy.com reports the national average is now $3.09 a gallon and is expected to climb even higher as the summer goes on.

Mary Jane Ruark

Mary Jane (Ward) Ruark (October 20, 1948 – June 27, 2021)

Mary Jane Ruark of Joplin passed away Sunday, June 27, 2021 after battling a long illness. Mary was born in Carthage, Missouri to Jack and Wilma Ward. She was fortunate to meet the love of her life, Dennis “Denny” Ruark at a young age and the two married and had three children.
Mary received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Missouri Southern State University and her Master’s degree from Pittsburg State University. She worked as a clinical psychologist for the State of Oklahoma and as the staff psychologist at Saint John’s Hospital in Joplin. She also served as President of Crises Intervention of Joplin. Mary continued to study psychology and human behavior throughout her life and was able to bring comfort and joy to many people. She was truly a great psychologist. Mary enjoyed spending time with family and friends, vacationing, gardening and cooking.
She is survived by her husband, Dennis L. Ruark; her daughter, Jadi K. MacCrimman (Eric); her son Dustin R. Ruark; her sister, Shirley Kay Martin; and many dear friends. She will be reunited in heaven with her son Dennis Ruark, Jr.; her brother, Jack “Butch” Ward; and many other beloved friends and family.
Memorial visitation will be held 7-9 pm, Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Knell Mortuary, Carthage.
Memorial gifts are suggested to Cerebral Palsy Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Matthew Todd McClellan

Matthew Todd McClellan, age 38, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, June 26, 2021, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott. He was born August 27, 1982, in Ft. Scott, the son of Eugene Arthur McClellan and Juliet Ann Simmons McClellan. Matt graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 2000. He went on to receive his Associates Degree from Ft. Scott Community College. He married Starlene Bowden on December 11, 2010, at Ft. Scott. Matt had been employed by Ward Kraft for sixteen years. Matt enjoyed golfing and fishing. He was a hard worker and used his talents to remodel two homes. Matt and Star had also welcomed several foster children into their home over the last eight years. He was a member of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church.

Survivors include his wife, Star and their two daughters, Madelynn and Madyson, all of the home in Ft. Scott. His mother, Julie McClellan, of Ft. Scott and his brothers and sisters, Josh McClellan (Rechelle), Daren Hutchison (Kristen), Jill Durbin (Jesse), Brenda Pense (Jim), Tricia Heston (Doug), Rick McClellan (Teresa), Chuck McClellan (Tina) and Cheryl McClellan. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Brenda Bowden and numerous nieces and nephews.

Following cremation, Rev. Rod Hillhouse will conduct a celebration of life service at 10:30 A.M. Friday July 2nd at the Apostolic Pentecostal Church. Memorials are suggested to Paws & Claws Animal Shelter and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347 Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

John Robison

John Harland Robison, age 84, Oswego, KS, passed away Thursday, June 24, 2021. He was born to the late John H. Robison and Anna Lois Livesay Robison.

John attended Oswego High School Graduating in 1954. He joined the United States Army joining the 102nd Security Agency. He later worked as a salesman most of his life. Currently working for Labette Insurance. John enjoyed being around the people he served. He enjoyed playing hearts and spades on the computer.And also loved spending time with family. He was a member of Oswego United Methodist Church

He married Sally Overman on May 22, 1960 in Oswego, KS, she survives of the home. In addition to his wife, he is survived by, one daughter, Cindy Robison, Oswego, Three grandchildren Tyler Robison and wife, Sheila, and Trent Robison and wife, Hilary, both of Oswego and Cody Brannin and wife, Rachael, Hollowell, KS; eight great grandchildren, Olivia, Alaina, Garrett, Asher and Sylvie Robison; Barrett, Walker and Colter Brannin; one brother, Roscoe Robison and wife, Nina, Winchester, Massachusetts ; and one sister, Roberta Vance and husband, Cliff, Oswego.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by, one son, Gary Robison; and three brothers, Roland, Wilford and Ray Robison; and one sister, Ruby Campbell

Graveside services will be Friday, July 2, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in the Oswego City Cemetery. Pastor Nancy Whetstone will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Oswego 1st United Methodist Church or the Oswego Golf Course.

Graveside services are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home, Oswego, KS.

Gary D. Buckmaster

Gary D. Buckmaster passed from this life in the early morning hours of Saturday June 26th, 2021. Gary better known by his nickname Buck was born August 7th, 1939 to Delbert and Margaret Buckmaster in Miami, Oklahoma. He has 6 siblings, Beverly Wright (Clarence) Miami, Oklahoma, Janet Garrett Springfield Missouri, Larry Buckmaster (Phyllis) Carthage, Missouri, Daryl Buckmaster Miami, Oklahoma, Doris Allen Tyler, Texas and Joyce Musslewhite Arp, Texas.

In 1989 Buck was united in marriage to Lorna Buckmaster. Together they established a blended family with five children. Doug Buckmaster (Teresa) Carl Junction, Missouri, Mark Buckmaster (Susan) Claremore, Oklahoma, Pam Qualls (Mike) Joplin, Missouri, Deb Porter (Scott) Riverton, Kansas and Bart Dugan (Angie) Riverton, Kansas.

Together Papa and Nana have eight grandchildren. Matt Barker (Paige) Joplin, Missouri, Kim Evans Joplin, Missouri, Eric Porter (Holli) Riverton, Kansas, Sarah Moss (Kurtis) Grove, Oklahoma, Chase Buckmaster Claremore, Oklahoma, Makayla Wittenmyer (Micky) Riverton, Kansas, Gunner Dugan Riverton, Kansas Kanisha Richardson (Jacob) Pittsburg, Kansas, and Matt Fitch (Sabra) Joplin, Missouri. They also have 8 great-grandchildren. These children have been the light of their lives.

Buck worked for 42 years at McCartney/Ingersoll Rand in Baxter Springs, Kansas. After his retirement he loved to visit flea markets, estate auctions and yard sales searching for treasures. He loved Studebakers and OU football. He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed time outside gardening and trying to grow grass in his shady front yard. He grew many plants from seed including several palm trees and a big wisteria bush that he named Margaret after his mom.

Buck’s pride and joy have always been his two sons Doug and Mark. It was evident to all who knew him how much he loved them and how proud he was of the men they have grown up to be. Football season was the highlight of the year when he could load up in the car with Wayne, Uncle Butch and anyone else who wanted to go, to watch Doug coach football. He will be missed on the sidelines as well as in our lives.

The family will receive visitors at Derfelt Funeral Home in Baxter Springs, Kansas from 10:00-11:00 Saturday July 3rd, 2021. Graveside services will follow at 11:30 a.m., at the Pleasant View Cemetery 7579 SE 40th St. Baxter Springs, Kansas. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Douglas L. Qualls

Douglas L. Qualls 68 of rural Columbus, KS went home to be with the Lord Friday morning, June 25,2021, surrounded by his family. Doug was born July 16th,1952 in Columbus, KS. The son of Leonard (Buster) and Neva May Qualls. He has lived in the Columbus area most of his life. He graduated from Enid, Oklahoma high school May of 1970. He married Brenda K Beaty December 27,1970 in Columbus. They have two sons David S Qualls and wife Katy, Brian S Qualls and wife Vahnia all of Columbus. They divorced in December 1990. He then married Sandra Jones March 6th of 1991. They have 2 sons Brandon C Qualls and wife Hallee of Anna Texas and Austin B Qualls and wife Shauna of Columbus. They divorced in September 2012. He remarried Brenda November 19th, 2012.

He worked at Laizure’s lumber yard in Columbus after graduating high school until Aug 1971, BF Goodrich from Aug. 1971-1986. He then worked as a Deputy Sheriff for Cherokee County from 1985-1993. He was also on the Sheriff’s reserves and Columbus PD reserves prior to working for the Sheriff’s Dept. He worked at the Labette County Correction Camp from 1993-1994 and Calibrated Forms from 1994-2003 where he learned to be an Electrician. He then had his own Electrical business until he had a stroke in January of 2015.

He was active in youth baseball coaching and umping back in the early 80’s. He loved watching the football and baseball games cheering on the kids.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Columbus where he accepted Christ in 1975 and a Charter member of the Faith Community Church of Columbus.

Doug enjoyed helping people. He loved to fish and hunt and just being outdoors. Doug had a speech impediment and sometimes had trouble getting words out. He challenged himself to dispatch for a shift when he was a deputy, he accomplished that goal. He was also afraid of electricity but decided to over come his fear and became a very good Electrician and had his own business.
He always told the kids that you can.always figure out a way to get things done. He loved his family and loved having them around.

Since his stroke, he has been seen running around town in his electric wheelchair visiting with most anybody he saw. Sometimes his ornery streak, which was a big one, would send him down the road thinking he was going to go to town which he almost made it a couple of times. While in town at times he would try and hide from those that were trying to find him.

He is survived by his wife Brenda Qualls, 4 sons and their wives, 2 granddaughters, 2 step-grandsons and their wives, one brother Robert Qualls, his mother Neva Qualls and several nieces, nephews, cousins, 3 sisters-in-law and 2 brothers-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his father, one brother William L Qualls and one grandson Ian L Qualls.

Celebration of Life will be held Friday morning, July 2nd at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Columbus. A private burial will be held at a later time for the family.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorial donations be made to the Columbus Rec Commission and sent in care of Derfelt Funeral Home of Columbus.

Nancy Passmore

Nancy Eileen (King) Passmore went home to be with the Lord on June 25, 2021 after sustaining severe injuries in a car accident. Nancy was born February 9, 1944 in Joplin, MO at General Hospital to Harry and Hazel King. She graduated from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS where she met her husband, Gary Passmore. They were married on June 6, 1964 in Rupert, Idaho. After moving several times and living in different states, Gary and Nancy settled in the Joplin area in the early 80’s. They owned a Christian bookstore in Joplin for a couple of years, and then moved to Seneca, MO. In the late 80’s, they opened Seneca Printing, a business that would run for over 20 years. Over the years, Nancy had taught school, but settled in to be a substitute teacher in Seneca, right up through the 20-21 school year.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gary, and her oldest son, Larry. She is survived by son Randy of Wyandotte, OK; daughter Patricia Ragsdale and husband, David, of Springfield, MO; son Curtis and wife, Kristin, of Broken Arrow, OK; and daughter-in-law, Rhea Lynn, of Bella Vista, AR; sister Carol Berreth and husband, Jim, of Vancouver, WA. Nancy had eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Nancy was a devout Christian and staunch believer in the Bible. She spent countless hours in the Word, in church, and watching religious programs. She loved having breakfast with her friends, sharing what she had learned. She loved collecting coins, rocks, and various antiques. She loved tending her roses and other flowers. Most of all, Nancy loved her kids, grandkids, and greats. You could often find her at ballgames, track meets, vacation Bible school, even hockey games, wherever her kids, grands, and greats were! Nancy will be missed for her joy of life, her extreme passion, and her love for God and her family.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 pm, Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at the Seneca Assembly of God with Pastor Denny Sikes officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 pm at the Hill Crest Cemetery in Galena, KS.

Douglas E. Bradford

Douglas Edward Bradford, age 64, Joplin, passed away on Friday, June 18, 2021 at his home after a sudden illness.

Doug was born February 21, 1957, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, son of the late Gerdis Monroe Bradford and Shirley Ann (Mann) Bradford. He grew up in Joplin and graduated from Memorial High School. He served in the United States Army, and then continued with the Kansas National Guard. He worked for years in construction, mainly as a carpenter.

Survivors include a son, Sean Bradford (Malayla) of Webb City; a brother, Robert Bradford (Janet), and three nieces, Peggy Self (Bill), Misty Bradford, and Barbie Smith.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Royal Heights Baptist Church with Pastor Jack Daniels officiating.

Interment with full military honors will occur on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 12:00 PM Noon at Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

Jennifer Leigh Mikeska

Jennifer Leigh Mikeska, of Splitlog, Missouri, departed this life at the age of 56 on June 27th, 2021. She passed while surrounded by family in the comfort of her home after fiercely battling pancreatic cancer.

Jennifer began her earthly journey on July 24th, 1964 in Fort Knox, KY, the baby of seven born to the union of the late Paul Edward Tuomala and Lena Faye (Grife) Tuomala. She was raised in Splitlog, Missouri on land that her family had occupied for over 100 years. She was a graduate of Neosho High School and went on to build her career facilitating and administering operations for several Missouri government and private entities. She was passionate about serving her community and was fortunate enough to retire at the young age of 54!

She married the love of her life, Chris Mikeska, on April 30th, 1982 at Splitlog Baptist Church in Anderson, Missouri where she remained a member. They moved to the same property she grew up on in 1991 and her husband built their forever home on the plot of land that her dad dubbed “the park”. She adored their house on the hill with big windows watching the seasons change.

Jennifer and Chris loved to travel and purchased a small piece of property in Cameron, Louisiana. There she learned to love the ocean and spent countless hours strolling the beach collecting seashells and sea glass. They planned to spend winters there and also made many new friends. She rarely met a stranger, making connections in the resort pool, at the store register, in the hotel lobby, etc.

Jennifer is survived by her husband of 39 years, Chris Mikeska of the home; three children, Jessica Zeiss and husband Joey, of Indianapolis, Indiana, Sam Evans and husband Kyle of Gravette, Arkansas, and Alex Mikeska and wife Carley of Joplin, Missouri; and seven grandchildren, Boston, Andrew, Benjamin, Harper, August, Taysom and Concord.

The family will hold a memorial service on Friday, July 2nd, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Splitlog Baptist Church, 3670 Splitlog Rd, Goodman, MO 64843. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

Ruby Henry

Ruby Adeline Henry, 92 years, of Grove, Oklahoma, passed away on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at her residence with her loving family by her side.

She was born on February 17, 1929 in Decatur, Arkansas, to the late Lester and Stella (Wilkins) Austin. She was nurse and worked at the Gravette Hospital in Gravette, Arkansas. She was also a licensed cosmetologist and gave haircuts and permanents when she lived in Maysville, Arkansas. Ruby enjoyed dancing and riding motorcycles. She loved playing the piano, bridge and dominoes. Ruby was a member of the Grove First Baptist Church in Grove, Oklahoma.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Randy and Dan Keith; siblings, Jack Austin, Glen Austin, Evelyn Shields and Odessa Wilmoth.

She is survived by her husband, Ray Henry of the home; a son, James Keith and wife, Shoshana of Jay, Oklahoma; brothers, Lester Austin of Decatur, Arkansas and Paul Austin of Belton, Missouri; two grandchildren, James Keith and Haleigh Keith; as well as a host of other family and friends who will dearly miss Ruby.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, July 5, 2021 at the Grove First Baptist Church in Grove, Oklahoma. Burial will be held at a later date in the Maysville Cemetery in Maysville, Arkansas.