Willis J. Leeper, Walnut Grove, passed away Dec. 27, 2019, after a short illness, at the age of 82.
He was born on Aug. 12, 1937 to Eldridge and Zetta (Bloomer) Leeper.
Marshall Ralph Buffington, 75, Willard, passed away Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019. He was born in St. Louis, on July 3, 1944, to Ralph and Elsie (Ferguson) Buffing- ton. He taught power mechanics, metal working and drafting for the Willard Public Schools for 33 years.
Ricky Lee Knapp, son of Donald and Floye Knapp, was born on May 29, 1953 in Springfield. He departed this life on Sunday Dec. 22, 2019 in Cox Hospital at the age of 66.
Sharon K. Peltz, Walnut Grove, 76, passed away Dec. 27, 2019.
She was born on March 19, 1943 in Cotter, Ark., to William and Josie Cunningham.
Peltz was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Francis Peltz; son, Marty Peltz; two brothers; and one sister.
Leona Augusta Fittro, 94, of Springfield passed away Monday, Dec. 23, 2019. She was born Aug. 4, 1925, in Independence, Kan., to Ralph and Elma Hamby. She grew up and spent most of her younger years in Ash Grove. She and her family attended
Leasha Gayle Bear, 64, passed away Dec. 23 at 2:30 a.m. in her home where she was dearly loved. Her faith in God and love for family and friends gave her cour- age to fight cancer the past 14 months that left a final legacy for a life well lived.
Kent Wilmsen Cochran, 69, Republic, passed away Friday, Dec. 20, 2019. Cochran was born in Smithville on Jan. 23, 1950, to James and Evelyn (Willmsen) Cochran. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Republic, and was a trustee at Midwestern Baptist Seminary. He was a U.S.
Phyllis Jan (Rand) Van Someren, 65, of Springfield, passed away on Dec. 17, 2019. Someren was born in Joplin, to Freeman and Ethel Rand on Dec. 17, 1954.
William Corey Hurt, 44, of Willard passed away Nov. 3, 2019 at Sunterra Springs Springfield. He was born May 14, 1975 in Springfield to William Ralph and Mary Ellen (Reaves) Hurt.
