The Reporter covers Miller, Morgan and Camden County in Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks and is published once per week on Wednesdays.

Obituaries

Published February 14, 2024

Stephanie D’Ann Burns, 48
Stephanie D’Ann Burns, daughter of Carl & Mary (Jones) Weant, was born on March 21, 1975, and passed away on February 4, 2024. At the time of her passing, Stephanie was forty-eight years, ten months and fourteen days of age.

Stephanie was preceded in passing by her grandparents, Marjorie (Bell) Jones and Melborne Jones; and her in-law’s, Charles Raymond & Bonnie Faye Burns.

She is survived by her husband, Willie Burns; her two sons, Trenton Burns and Sheldon Burns of the home; sister, Bethany & husband Cory Brandt of Cole Camp, Missouri; three nieces, Lacey Elaine, Sara Beth, and Payten; two nephews, Dawson and Dalton; uncles, Tommy & wife Rhonda Jones of Hartville, Missouri; cousins, Deric & Kellis of Hartville, Missouri; aunt, Lana & husband Don Upton of Lake Ozark, Missouri; cousin, Lora & husband Todd Odom of Lake Ozark, Missouri; second-cousin, Seth & wife Taylor Odom; and her great-aunt, Theda (Bell) Hunter of Oak Grove, Missouri.

She also leaves behind many friends who will all truly miss her.

Stephanie was born in Sedalia, Missouri, spending her childhood throughout Missouri and traveling all over the world in her youth, graduating from Bahrain High School. While in high school, she was an excellent athlete, even earning the title of “Athlete of the Island” in volleyball, but also loved to play basketball and softball, competing in tournaments in various countries in Europe, especially Italy, which was her favorite.

Following her high school graduation, she would attend College of the Ozarks in Hollister, Missouri and State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Missouri. On February 18, 2012, Stephanie was united in marriage to Willie Burns, and to this union, two children were born. Together, they would spend their marriage raising their children and travelling the United States.

 Throughout her working years, she worked as a school bus driver for Camdenton School District for several years.

In her spare time, she truly enjoyed the simple things in life, spending time on the farm and raising chickens. She also loved church and attending revivals at Bank Branch.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Brush Arbor. Memorial contributions may be made out to the American Kidney Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton, Missouri.

Matthew Lyons, 60
Matthew Lyons, of Camdenton, Missouri passed away on February 5, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born on March 30, 1963 in Paragould, Arkansas; a son of Wayne and Maxine (Ricker) Lyons.
Matthew was united in marriage to Zetta Dowdy on October 20, 2001, in Branson, Missouri. They shared 27 wonderful years together at the time of his passing.

Matthew was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, boat rides, camping and riding his Harley at every opportune moment. Matt believed “Music is life” he played in a band with his friends in his younger years. Matt’s later years, he frequented concerts and especially loved playing his guitar with his dad, for his mom, sister and family.
He loved his dogs dearly but his greatest love of all was his grandchildren and his wife. Matt was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend to many and will be dearly missed by all that knew him.

Matthew is survived by his wife Zetta Lyons of the home; his sons J.W Helmig (Kim) of Wright City, Missouri and Cody Helmig (Rachael) of Moscow Mills, Missouri; his grandchildren Kylie (Caitlin), Michele, and Jameson; his parents Wayne and Maxine Lyons; his sister Susan Lyons of Washington, Missouri; his niece Amber and great nephew Sterling, and many other relatives and friends.
Matthew was preceded in death by his brother Timothy Lyons.

A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Hedges-Scot-Millard Funeral Home Camdenton.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to dogwood animal shelter as well as the pancanassociation
https://pancan.org/

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020 573-346-2090. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com

Ronald “Ron” Hulett, 78
Ronald “Ron” Hulett of Camdenton, Missouri passed away on February 5, 2024 in his home at the age of seventy-eight.  He was born August 10, 1945, in Marshall, Missouri to Cliff and Tillie (Sobba) Hulett. 

Ron is survived by his wife Libby Hulett, his son Jason Hulett and wife Holly, son Ryan Hulett and his wife Tammy, his daughter Jana Hulett, his stepdaughter Sherri Harmon and her husband Dennis, and stepdaughter Kristi McKinzey and her husband AJ. 

Ron loved his grandchildren Haley, Mya, Lily, Ella, Hayes, Chloe, Rachel, Jacob, Joshua, Rylee and Ty, as well as his great grandchildren Lyla Jane, Easton, and Adam.  Ron is also survived by his siblings Ray Hulett and his wife Janita, Ken Hulett and wife Janie, and Glenna Hulett. He was also incredibly blessed by many other beloved family members and friends.

Ron was preceded in death by both of his parents. 

Ron started working at Cliff Hulett Chevrolet with his dad after attending Baylor University in Texas.  He was very passionate about the automotive industry and made it his life’s passion, even continuing to come to the dealership two mornings each week until two weeks before his passing.  He was very proud to have his children continue the business once he decided to slow down.

Ron was heavily involved with Missouri Automotive Dealers Association. He served on the Workers Compensation Trust, Legislative Committee, Executive Committee, and served as Chairman of the Association. He enjoyed being involved with the organization and was very proud of the relationships and close friendships he developed during his many years with MADA.
 
In his younger years, Ron loved quail hunting and fishing. He hunted as often as he could.  He passed that same love of the sport to his son, Jason, who always enjoyed spending a weekend hunting with his dad.  Ron always had 2 or 3 dogs and loved spending time outdoors walking, hunting, and watching his dogs work the quail.  Most of all he enjoyed the camaraderie he shared after the hunts, telling stories and laughing with some of his closest friends.
In 2004, Ron married the love of his life, Libby. In 20 years of marriage, they were blessed to accumulate a lifetime of memories.  Whether it was being with family, traveling, or just hanging out at the river, they truly loved being together.

As the years went by, their focus became appreciating the simple things of life; caring for each other, holding hands at church, and the joys of nature. Right up until his passing, Ron and Libby still loved to watch birds and feed their Koi fish from their rockers on the front porch.

A Celebration of Life was held Friday, February 9, 2024, at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes in Camdenton, Missouri with officiating Pastor Ken Lumley.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020 573-346-2090. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com

Robert R. Thieme, 84
Robert R. Thieme, of Laurie, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the age of 84.  Beloved fiance of Jackie Shafer; devoted father of Jeff (Kelly) Thieme and Sarah (Jim) Catalano; loving grandfather of Adam Thieme, Joe Thieme, Sophia Catalano, and Sally Catalano; dear brother of Evelyn (the late Jack) Horner, and the late Richard (Paula) Thieme; beloved uncle to Steve (Sara) Horner, Karen Horner, Julie (Steve) Schwent, and Jennifer Thieme. 

Bob’s professional life focused on his mechanical skills from working on the design of the thermoquad at Carter Carburetor to devising plans to fix massive pumps in power and manufacturing plants throughout the Midwest. 

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, and sporting clays.  He was very proud of his work as a trustee for the Albers Kuhn Family Foundation and the help it provided for various programs in the Lake of the Ozarks region. 

His greatest pleasure was spending time laughing and joking with family and friends.

Per his request, no services will be held.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ozarks Kat and K9 Shelter.
 
Online condolences may be left at www.kidwellgarber.com
 
Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.

Marta J. (Sutton) Dark, 79
Marta J. (Sutton) Dark, of Camdenton, passed away Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Caring Hearts and Hands in Columbia.  She was born December 14, 1944, in Dodge City, Kansas, to Deloris and Stanley Sutton.
 
She married her high school sweetheart, Joseph Dark.  They moved to St. Joseph, Missouri and went on to have a successful State Farm Agency that they ran together for forty-two years.
 
She is survived by her daughters, Jill Dark Geiger and husband Steve and Julie Dark; grandchildren, Tyeson Geiger, Kelsey Geiger, Preston Reinert and Morgan Reinert; her sister, Karen Keck; nephew, Jeff Keck and wife Joanne and their children and niece Amy Greeson and husband Jeff and their children.
 
Marta was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Dark in 2009, her mother and father, Deloris and Stanley Sutton and her mother and father-in-law, Gretchen and Palmer Dark.
 
Marta’s family is honoring her wishes with no services being held.
 
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Caring Hearts and Hands Hospice in Columbia, Missouri.  Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com

Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.=

Published February 7, 2024
Yvonne Easter Willis, 83
Yvonne Easter Willis passed away in her home on the farm in Macks Creek, Missouri on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

Yvonne Easter Willis was born on April 22, 1940 to her mother Ola Mae Reaves in Cole County, Missouri.

Easter was raised in Benton County and attended the Warsaw Schools. She met her husband, Donald Gemes, and they were married in 1956. She and Donald bought a farm in 1957 that the family still owns in the Fristoe area.

Donald and Easter had two children, Steven Wayne Gemes and Donna Yvonne Gemes Nelson. Easter milked cows and tended to the family farm until her children were older. She then started her career working at Unitog in Warsaw, Missouri.

Easter was a supervisor, and she retired after 29 years of service in 1993. Easter’s late husband Donald Gemes was killed in a tragic tractor accident in 1987. Easter was introduced to Don Ray Willis by Jane Bonner Cullen, and they were married on October 10, 1992.

Easter gained three more children and daughters-in-laws along with a host of grandchildren when she married Don.

Easter was saved at the age of 17 years old at an old-time revival. She loved her Lord and Savior. She taught Sunday School for many years. Easter was a faithful member of Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Macks Creek, Missouri.

Easter's greatest desire was to see her family and friends all truly saved by the blood of Jesus. Easter was truly a virtuous woman, a Proverbs 31 woman. If you knew her, you knew she had a very kind and loving soul.

Easter is survived by her husband Don Ray Willis of the home; son Steven Gemes (Jill); daughter Donna Nelson; Son Newton Willis (Rosalee); son Steve Willis; a son Tim Willis (Pam); ten grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives, dear friends, and loved ones.

Easter was proceeded in death by her late husband Donald Gemes; her mother Ola Mae Reaves; a grandson Brent Willis; a great grandson Luke Donald Gemes; a daughter-in-law Wanda Willis; a host of brothers and sisters-in-laws; nieces and nephews; and many relatives, dear friends and loved ones.

The Funeral Service was held Monday, January 29, 2024 at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home in Macks Creek, Missouri.

Burial followed services at Bethel Campground Cemetery in Edwards, Missouri.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to Harmony Missionary Baptist Church and Cemetery Fund.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 14384 West Highway 54, Macks Creek, MO 65786, 573-363-5360.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com

Patsy (Patty) Jo Lawler, 78
Patsy (Patty) Jo Lawler, of Edwards, MO passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 17, 2024.
Patty was born on July 29, 1945 to Johnnie and Lydia Florene Washburn in Manes, MO.  She grew up in the Manes area until 1957 when the family moved to Yakima, WA. She enjoyed her youth group, the mountains, and the orchards.  Patty graduated from West Valley High School in 1963.

Patty married George Dean Lawler, of Hartville, MO, December 14, 1963 in Yakima, WA.  They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They moved to the Kansas City area in 1964.  They raised their family and lived in Independence, MO until 2005, when they retired to Lake of the Ozarks, Edwards, MO. 

Patty worked for the Independence School District for 22 years.  She was an accomplished seamstress and loved to cross stitch, and crochet baby blankets for Knapp Medical Center.
Patty and George enjoyed many years of camping with their family.  They loved traveling to Estes Park, CO, National Parks in the West, and to the Rio Grande Valley.  Patty loved to visit and spoil her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Patty loved her pets over the years and April was a faithful companion until the end.

Patty accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at a young age.  She loved her church and listening to gospel music.  She was a loving and caring daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.  She will be truly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Patty is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; a brother and sister: Leslie Dean and Norma Lee; and her son, Kevin Lynn.

She is survived by her loving husband George Lawler; her daughter Kimberly Williamson and husband Barry Williamson of Marble Falls, TX; her son Randy Lawler of Kansas City, MO; her sister Joyce Washburn of Mtn. Grove, MO; her sister Linda Sue Rabel and her husband Ron of Clinton, MO; her granddaughter Kristen Smedley and husband Blake, their children, Patty’s great-grandchildren Grant and Paige of Cedar Park, TX; her grandson Austin Williamson and wife, Sarah, of Georgetown, TX; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Patty’s life will be held in the spring.

Inis Kissinger, 91
Inis Kissinger, of Crocker, Missouri passed away on January 23, 2024 at Miller County Care and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on May 1, 1932 in Brumley, MO; a daughter of Edward and Ella (Pemberton) Keeth. She was united in marriage to Bennie Kissinger Sr. on June 3, 1950 in Swedeburg, Missouri and they shared 70 years of love and laughter before his passing in 2020.

Inis and Bennie shared many joys in life, but also worked side by side in many ventures including running the Dairy Bar in Iberia for more than 10 years.  She later worked at Brown Shoe Company in Dixon for close to 25 years, and after retirement she joined Bennie once again working as a funeral assistant at Hedges Funeral Homes.

After they both retired, they enjoyed traveling all over the country (visited almost all 50 states), but especially enjoyed making trips to Branson.  Inis was a fierce card player and many times could be found playing pitch or pinochle with friends and family.  She also enjoyed a good weekend of garage sales or canning. 

The time she cherished the most was watching her grandkids play ball.  She was always dressed and ready to go to the next game.  She and Bennie loved having a full house of friends and family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great, great grandmother and friend and will be missed by many.

Inis is survived by a son, Bennie Kissinger, Jr. (Brenda) of Iberia; daughters, Pat Byrd (Claud) of Brumley, Debbie Hulsey of Eldon; grandchildren Brad Hulsey (Krysten) of Eldon, Bruce Byrd (Stepheny) of Brumley, Tonya Hulsey of Springfield, Quentin Byrd (Shawna) of Brumley, Keith Kissinger (Jodi) of Iberia, Brandon Kissinger (Alicia) of Iberia, 20 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  She will also be greatly missed by her special friend Martha Duncan.

Inis was preceded by husband, Bennie K Kissinger; parents and a brother Orville Gene Keeth and a sister Icel Dean Plemmons, son-in-law, Ed Hulsey.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Hickory Point Baptist Church, 6 Ponder Slab Road, Iberia MO  65486.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 514 Highway 42, Osage Beach, MO 65065 573-348-3232. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com

Pattie Jo (Cahill) Calton 78
Pattie Jo (Cahill) Calton of Barnett died on January 21, 2024, at the age of 78, but her caring and always willing-to-help disposition will never be forgotten. She passed at her oldest daughter's home in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, following a long life of adventures and a heroic battle with cancer.
 
She was born on June 20, 1945, in Carrollton, Missouri, to Raymond Patrick Cahill and Cora Irene Cahill (Key).
 
She had two daughters, 21 years apart, because she wanted to have one out of diapers before she had another one. She was so proud of her girls, a teacher, and a nurse.
 
She and Bill, her late husband, were married for 35 years. They were the best of friends and worked in factories together, traveled to gun shows and flea markets, and spent hours sitting with a table of friends at coffee shops, mainly the Silver Saddle. They were always together and rarely ever had a disagreement.
 
She would eat anything and was delighted to try the latest flavor of chips or candy bar. She loved saltwater taffy, Pepsi, Lay's Classic chips, and chocolate of all kinds. The only food she ever met she didn't like was cornbread. 
 
In her life, she valued history, photography, genealogy, crocheting, family, friends and being a child of Christ. She worked for Fasco Motors for 25 years as a working leader. In her retirement, she volunteered for the Morgan County Historical Museum. Her incredible contributions lead the museum to name the genealogy room after her. She helped many individuals from near and far find family members to fill their family trees. 
 
She is survived by two daughters, Chris Jones and partner Ted Deckard of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and Elizabeth Stevenson and husband Craig of Monon, Indiana; four grandchildren, Olivia Banks and husband Colton of Bixby, Oklahoma, Daniel Jones of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Paisley Stevenson and Archer Stevenson of Monon, Indiana; three great-granddaughters, Brailey Banks and Oakleigh Banks of Bixby, Oklahoma, and Jerra Jones of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; many nieces and nephews; and other family and friends.
 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Calton; her parents; and one brother, Bobby Bowen.
 
A graveside service was held on Tuesday, January 30, at 12:15 pm at Big Rock Cemetery in Barnett, with her beloved friend Willie Buckingham officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

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