The Reporter newspaper, Camdenton Missouri

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 April 1, 2026

Christen Durant, 30
Christen Durant, passed away at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach, MO on Monday, March 9, 2026. She was born in Osage Beach, Missouri on March 4, 1996; the daughter of William and Teresa (Sluss) Durant.

Christen was known for her bubbly spirit and “butterfly” energy, the kind of person whose presence could brighten a room the moment she arrived. Caring and deeply kind, she was loved by many, not just for what she did for others but for the warmth she carried in her heart. Even though her life brought its share of hardships, people often said they rarely saw her without a smile. She had a remarkable way of finding joy in the smallest moments, as if nothing could truly dim her light.

She loved swimming, good food, and anything that felt a little magical or whimsical. Because of health challenges she couldn’t travel far, but she still cherished small outings and simple trips out of the house. She especially loved talking about the places she hoped to visit someday, dreaming aloud about adventures she would take one day. Through it all, she remained happy, kind, and full of life, leaving behind a memory of someone who chose joy and warmth no matter what life placed in her path.

Christen is survived by her husband David Buerky; her mother Teresa Durant; her siblings Anthony (Ashley) Durant, and Micheal (Tommy) Durant, but she was a sibling to many more; Alex (Ashley) Foote, Skylar (Dani) Curry, Preston Curry, and Shelbie (Kenny) Carnahan; a special friend that was a second father to her, Willie Dickelman; her maternal grandfather Willie Sluss; her nieces and nephews Isaac, Emily, Ronan, Carson, Owen, Marley, Kiran, Alice, and Camron; other relatives and many friends.

Christen was preceded in death by her father William Durant; her grandmothers; and her grandparents on her husband’s side Mary and Gerald Godfrey.

Family will hold a private service at a later date.

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

Nancy Gray, 88
Nancy Gray passed away at her home on March 9, at the age of 88.

She is survived by her two sons and their spouses, David and Tracey Gray and Steve and Jennifer Gray, her two grandsons, Cory Gray and Dalton Gray, and many other family members and friends.

Nancy and Jim purchased Rock Village Resort in 1972 and enjoyed many years of running the resort and all that the Lake of the Ozarks had to offer. She very much enjoyed painting, playing bridge, square and round dancing, and traveling the world. She lived an amazing life during her 88 years and did more than most. She loved every minute of it!
She will be missed by many.

As per Nancy’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to an art program or the Hospice Angels Foundation.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home.

Ronald E. McDowell, 84
Ronald E. McDowell (Ron) (Ronnie) (Big Pheasant) (Pops) was born May 13, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Stuart McDowell and Dorothy (Jarrett) McDowell. Ron passed on March 8, 2026.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and sister Earlene Box.

Ron is survived by his loving and devoted wife Sharon, together they shared 63 years of marriage and three daughters, Ronda Vervaecke and husband Bob, Regina (Regie) Mitchell and husband Tim, Jennifer Weiss and husband Kevin; five grandchildren, Amanda, Jessica, Samuel, Ava and Elanor; and one nephew.

He will be sadly missed by his German Shepard Rex.

Ron was an avid sportsman participating in basketball, volleyball, softball, bowling, hunting and fishing. He excelled in his bowling career winning many local, state and national awards. After his retirement from bowling he continued to coach his wife and support her bowling Hall of Fame career, always remaining her number one fan. He also coached and mentored many other bowlers along the way.

Ron enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada with his friends. He was equally happy catching fish from his Lake of the Ozark dock which was his lifelong dream. His upland game bird hunting trips took him to eight different states, earning him the nickname of Big Pheasant.

His early employment career began at TWA. His second job career was at Waddell & Reed investment company where he was employed for 49 years retiring at the position of Purchasing director. Ron made many lifelong friends in his work environment.

Ron wanted to stay in his own home and be surrounded by his loving wife, daughter Regie Mitchell and granddaughter Ava Mitchell. They were a comfort to him in his final hours.

Ron was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He will be deeply missed.

There was a celebration of life at Awesome Alley in Laurie, Missouri on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

There will also be a celebration of life on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at two to four o’clock at the Falcon Lakes club house in Basehor, Kansas.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton.

Vonnieta Elouise (Noland) Trickey, 79
Vonnieta Elouise (Noland) Trickey of Russellville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026. Vonnieta was born on November 21, 1946, the firstborn child of William Wayne Noland and Viola May (Fischgrabe) Noland.

While Vonnieta was attending college at Lincoln University she met and married Harry M. Trickey of Jefferson City. To this union two children were born: Harry M. Trickey III and Sarah Ayn (Trickey) Freeman.

Vonnieta began school at the age of five in Climax Springs, Mo. The family later moved to Bland, Mo. where she graduated from high school in 1964. She was always a good student.

She attended school at Southwest Missouri State and later transferred to Lincoln University in Jefferson City. She graduated and worked at a variety of jobs before becoming a legal secretary. After discovering a love of the law, Vonnieta began attending the School of Law at the University of Mo. She worked full time, took care of a home and two children, and drove from Jefferson City to Columbia to attend classes.

In 1988 Von graduated with her Juris Doctorate degree and passed the bar exam. She established her practice and was a successful attorney in Jefferson City for over 30 years. After semi retiring to her home in rural Russellville, Vonnieta continued to represent family and friends in their legal difficulties.

Von, as she preferred to be called, was always ready to travel. During her life Von visited many countries and went on several cruises. She loved traveling by car, too. She made many trips to Colorado to spend time with her son Harry, his wife Wren, and their children Harry and Matisse. She also loved visiting Sarah, Joe, and Victor in St. Louis on weekends.

Prior to her retirement Von was an active member of the Toastmasters Club. She used her teaching skills to teach English classes to inmates at the state penitentiary in Jefferson City. After retiring Von joined several women friends in a weekly bridge club. This became the highlight of her week.

In addition to her children, Vonnieta is survived by sisters Martha Woods of Camdenton, Billy Collier of St. Charles, Mo, Angela Garcia of Florida, brother Richard Noland and sister-in-law Nancy Noland of Owensville, Mo., sister-in-law Joyce Noland of rural Fordland, Mo., and her grandsons Harry M. Trickey IV of Idaho and Victor Freeman and his father Joe Freeman of St. Louis, Mo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Kay Noland and brother Ronald Noland. Vonnieta leaves behind many friends, colleagues, bridge players, and beloved relatives.

Family will gather at the cemetery to hold a simple service to say their goodbyes to Von and share their mutual love for Von. A celebration of Von’s life will be held later for family and friends to share stories of Von’s life, joint escapades with her, and celebrate her achievements.

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

David Lee Whitney, 71
David Lee Whitney, son of Ralph Whitney and Emmaline (Davidson) Whitney, was born October 27, 1954 in Danville, Illinois. He passed away March 18, 2026 in Windsor Estates Care Center, Camdenton, Missouri at the age of seventy-one years, four months and nineteen days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife, Rosemary Whitney; children, John Whitney and wife Rachael, Amanda Green and husband Brandon, Russel Whitney and wife Breana; step children, Vern Williams and wife Nancy and Harrison Jones; siblings, Mary Abbott and husband Critt, Ralph Whitney and wife Earlene, Deann Kotlarz and husband Chris; grandchildren, Alexander, Tiffany and Vern Jr, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was united in marriage to Rosemary in the Shawnee Mission Chapel in 2009 and together they shared 12 years of marriage.

David and his family moved a lot growing up and spent time in Illinois and California.

In his spare time, he loved to fish, tinker in the garage and mow on his John Deere tractor. He also played accordion and would often play with his mother-in-law, who also played. David proudly served in the United States Army.

He was a loving and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the memories he created for his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., April 3, 2026, in Jacksonville, Missouri at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. Memorial donations may be mailed to or left at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.alleeholmanhowe.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton, Missouri.

Published March 25, 2026

Pat Sellers, 63
Pat Sellers passed away on March 13, 2026, following complications from surgery.

Pat was born in 1962 in Jefferson City, Missouri, to Mary and Leslie Dove and later grew up in Missouri alongside her siblings. In 1982, she welcomed her son, Derrick, who was the center of her world. On October 14, 2005, she married Gregg Sellers. Through their marriage she gained a bonus son, Cody Sellers, and her nephew Austin Carter, who she loved as a son.

Pat was someone who truly loved taking care of people. She was generous with her time, her energy, and her heart. If someone needed help, support, or simply a listening ear, Pat was always there. She gave freely of herself, never expecting anything in return. Those who knew her best know that she always made sure Gregg was taken care of in every way she could think of.

She found so much joy in her grandchildren and loved spending time with them whenever she could, especially spoiling them with her famous snacks and treats.

Pat also had a deep love for animals, especially dogs. Anyone who knew her knew that she never met a dog she didn’t love - and never met one that didn’t love her right back.

Music was always part of Pat’s life. There was almost always something playing wherever she was, and she loved to sing along to her favorite songs.

Pat was also a dedicated partner alongside Gregg in building and running Sellers Auction Service. She poured countless hours, hard work, and heart into the business, helping grow it into what it is today.

Above all else, Pat will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, and the way she took care of the people and animals she loved.

She is survived by her loving husband, Gregg Sellers; her sons, Derrick (Leslie) Bray of Chattanooga, TN and Cody (Ashley) Sellers of Columbia, MO; and her nephew, Austin Carter, who was like a son to her. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Taylor and Judah Bray, and Wyatt and Xander Sellers.

She is further survived by her siblings, Robert Dove, Cheryl Bardwell, and Linda (Mark) DuBoise; her loving mother-in-law, Hazel Sellers; her brother-in-law Kenny Sellers; along with several nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; many dear friends and extended family who were very special to her; her beloved dogs, KC and Mattie, who meant the world to her, and were also a very special part of her life.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Dove, father, Leslie Dove, and her sister Theresa Dove.

Funeral Service was held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home Camdenton, Missouri.

Burial was at Seller’s Family Cemetery in Montreal, Missouri.

Robert Leon Miller, 82
Robert Leon “Bob” Miller, son of Donald Lavan Miller and Mary Ruth (Patch) Miller, was born March 7, 1944, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at his home at the age of eighty-two years surrounded by family.

Bob was united in marriage to Judy Jorgensen on January 22, 1965 in Alexandria, VA. To this union, five children were born.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Lawrence Miller and Gene Miller.
Bob is survived by his wife, Judy, of the home; his children, Chris Miller of Kansas City, Missouri, Kim Cox of Camdenton, Missouri, Scott Miller of Camdenton, Missouri, Sherri Miller of Kansas City, Missouri, and Steven Miller of Kansas City, Missouri; his grandchildren, Morgan Miller, Jeffry Miller and wife Katie, Jory Cox, Jesse Cox, Jamie Cox, Joshua Cox, Kai Miller, Jaxson Miller, and Devin Miller; and his great-grandchildren, Crew Miller, Mack Doss, Gracie Doss, and Blair Carter, as well as a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

Bob grew up in Johnstown, PA until the family moved to Alexandria, VA when he was 7 years old. He would graduate from Groveton High School in Fairfax County, VA where he played baseball and was a punter on the football team. Following graduation, Bob began working full-time at a local drug store. Upon marriage, he made a promise to move his small family from the DC area back to Nebraska.

While living in Nebraska, Bob would help on the family farm, hauling pipe and sprinklers for his father-in-law. He began working at Alan’s Drug Store in Hastings, NE and worked there from 1966 to 1973 when he began his tenure with Wal-Mart. He would work for Wal-Mart from 1973 until 1997 when he retired, for the first time. Bob did go back to work overnights at Wal-Mart in Lebanon, MO for another 17 years, retiring again in 2016.

Bob spent over three decades coaching summer baseball, taking the Clinton Babe Ruth team to the state tournament, beating Jefferson City for the first time. In Camdenton, Bob would lead the Legion team to their first participation in the state tournament as well.

When Bob wasn’t coaching baseball or traveling to watch his kids play sports, you’d find him working outside in the yard and spending time with his dogs. Bob raised German Shepherds for more than fifty years as a hobby. His children and grandchildren might tell you he spent more time with them because they didn’t talk back.

As Bob’s grandchildren began school, you could find him supporting them in their activities and taking them on vacations.

Bob not only made an impact on the lives of his children and grandchildren, but also in the lives of the kids he coached, the kids he supported through his children’s teams, and those who worked for and with him.

Bob loved his family dearly and cherished his time with them. He enjoyed living a simple life and valued the moments shared with those he loved.

Bob was a loving husband, father, and papa and we celebrate his life and legacy and will treasure the many wonderful memories he created with his family.

A funeral service was held Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Camdenton, Missouri

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Compassus or American Cancer Society and may be mailed to the funeral home at 15 Clint Ave, Camdenton, MO 65020.

Online condolences may be left at www.alleeholmanhowe.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Camdenton, Missouri

Terry Lane McEntire, 78
Terry Lane McEntire, son of E.G. and Vandia (Shipman) McEntire, was born June 17, 1947, in Yellville, Arkansas. He passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the age of seventy-eight years, eight months and seventeen days.

On June 2, 1979, Terry was united in marriage to Joyce Annette Bertoncino and together they shared forty-six years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Gary and Earl Gene McEntire; and two sisters, Louetta Meek and Diane Malone.

Terry is survived by his wife, Joyce, of the home; his children, Tammy McEntire of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Shelly Hahn and husband Steve, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Renae Hendricks of the State of Arizona, and Jason Hendricks and wife Chastity of Kansas City, Missouri; his grandchildren, Don Reagin and wife Abby, Nick Hendricks and wife Bailey, Trey Hahn and wife Chelsie, Luke Hendricks, Trevor Hahn, and Gracyn Hendricks; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Brenda Ames of Higginsville, Missouri; and his father and mother-in-law, Lewis and Matilda Bertoncino of Roach, Missouri.

Terry grew up in the Independence, Missouri area and was a graduate of Truman High School. Following graduation, Terry started his career in the retail grocery business at SafeWay. He moved to the Lake of the Ozarks in 2004 and continued in retail management with Paul’s and later Woods Supermarkets until his retirement in 2016.

Terry was an avid pool and shuffleboard player. He enjoyed riding his SeaDoo on the Lake and had a knack for making friends everywhere he went. Terry was a very kind man and never met a stranger. He was a jokester and enjoyed playing jokes on his friends and family and cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was known for doing his “Terry Patrol” around the neighborhood, where he kept a close eye on everything that was going on around Robin Hood Lane.

Terry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. We celebrate his life and accomplishments and will treasure the many wonderful memories he has created for his family and friends.

A memorial service was held Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Camdenton, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Camdenton, Missouri.

Mary A. Parsons, 54
Mary A. Parsons, passed away at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach, MO on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Mary was born on January 5, 1972, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was united in marriage to Ralph Parsons in October of 2002. They shared 23 years together at the time of her passing.

She found joy in the simple things that made everyday life special. She loved relaxing and watching her favorite TV shows, especially Walker, Texas Ranger, which she could watch again and again. A cold Mountain Dew was one of her favorite treats, something she always enjoyed while settling in to watch television or spend time with loved ones. She had a special fondness for collecting angel figurines, each one meaningful to her and a reflection of her gentle spirit. Her pets held a special place in her heart, and she cared for them with the same love she gave so freely to everyone around her. Family and friends meant everything to her, and she treasured the time she spent with them. Above all, her husband was her world - the center of her life and the person she loved most deeply. Her days were filled with love, comfort, and the people and things that brought her happiness.

Mary is survived by her husband Ralph Parsons; her children Deborah Scheffeler, Krisin Scheffeler, Kim Walters (Dennis) and Kenneth Parsons; her six grandchildren; her two nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Tony Moore.

Family will hold a private service at a later.