Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center

Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center
Mountain Grove - Hartville - Mansfield - Seymour

"Our Family Serving Your Family Since 1960"

Harold Branson
11/22/2025

Harold Branson

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Billy  ClouseMemorial contributions can be made on behalf of the family to The Gideons International or Mount Zion Bible...
11/21/2025

Billy Clouse

Memorial contributions can be made on behalf of the family to The Gideons International or Mount Zion Bible School. Donations can be dropped off in person at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mansfield or mailed to: 315 N. Main St., Mountain Grove, Missouri 65711.

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Polly TaberPolly Ann Taber (née Davis), 77, of Hartville, Missouri, passed away November 14, 2025.Born July 3, 1948, Pol...
11/21/2025

Polly Taber

Polly Ann Taber (née Davis), 77, of Hartville, Missouri, passed away November 14, 2025.

Born July 3, 1948, Polly lived a life full of love, generosity, and joy. She loved books, collecting rocks and seashells, and sharing her warm, giving heart with everyone around her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Taber, her son, Phillip Lee “Billy” Taber, and one granddaughter, Kendra Brooke Carter.

She is survived by her daughters, Natalie Taber of Tecumseh, Missouri, and Stephanie Holloway of Branson, Missouri, and Stephanie’s husband, James Holloway.

Polly’s grandchildren are Amoret, (married to Ryan Kelii), Owen, Cage, Landon, Hannah, Mackenzie Macy, and Jasper. She also cherished her great-grandchildren: Matthew, Asher, and Sophia.

Polly’s love and kindness will be remembered by all who knew her.

Eway Ovelay Ouyay Ommay

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A1C Jakob Irvin HislerAirman First Class Jakob “Jake” Irvin Hisler, 20, departed this life Thursday, November 13, 2025, ...
11/19/2025

A1C Jakob Irvin Hisler

Airman First Class Jakob “Jake” Irvin Hisler, 20, departed this life Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Moody AFB, Georgia. Jakob was born on July 5, 2005, at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Maryland, to Steven and Susan (Thompson) Hisler.

He later moved to Mountain Grove, Missouri, with his parents. Jakob graduated from Mountain Grove High School in 2023 and that summer enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces Member , with his first assignment being at Moody AFB, Georgia, as a member of the 820th Base Defense Group.

Jakob was united in marriage to Marissa Prestage on October 20, 2025, in Valdosta, Georgia.

Jakob was a fun and outgoing person who lived every day to the fullest. If there was a challenge to be met or a crazy thing to do, Jakob was your man. He had a smile that could put anyone in a good mood and his shenanigans would keep everyone laughing. Jakob was incredibly selfless and believed everyone he cared about was more important than himself. He consistently put their best interest ahead of his own. He considered the people for whom he cared to be his family. This was especially true with his closest friends, Alex Prestage and Jordan McDonald from Missouri, as well as his fellow Airmen at Moody AFB. Friendships Jakob made were lifelong, and all who knew him knew those bonds would never be broken, no matter what.

He was very athletic and always wanted to be doing something. Before he graduated from high school, he spent several summers in Maryland with his sister Brittany golfing, eating crabs, and exploring the Atlantic. He loved to cheer for the Ravens and Orioles, which contributed to his favorite colors being purple and orange. In high school, Jakob and his doubles partner, Kyle Penner, won many tennis matches together. Jakob made a name for himself as a singles player, also. All his opponents knew he would play to pinnacle his abilities every game; no match would be an easy one against him. He continued playing tennis in the military any time he could find someone to play against. His first purchase out of basic training was a basketball, his second was a tennis racquet. He participated in singles and doubles tournaments any time he could. Jakob loved music, he also liked to sing, dance, go on road trips with his friends, and be with his loved ones.

While with the 820th BDG Unit, Airman Hisler selflessly volunteered to backfill the 23 SFS during a critical manning shortfall in the wake of a catastrophic Category-4 Hurricane, Helene. He augmented the 23 SFS for 14 days, correcting Wing perimeter vulnerabilities and helping to propel the base’s recovery efforts to re-establish airfield operations for two fighter squadrons.

Jakob enthusiastically rallied his team of eleven Airmen to provide crucial assistance with Habitat for Humanity, rebuilding damaged homes throughout his community. His team's efforts aided three families, reinforcing the importance of military involvement in the local community relationships. He often spoke about hoping to have more opportunities to work with Habitat in the future.

He also led a nine-man squad to integrate with the 21 ATF, a newly formalized Air Force Unit of Action, during the Air Force’s premier Combat Readiness Exercise, BAMBOO Eagle. He executed small teams’ tactics, demonstrating dynamic weapons employment, and joint interoperability to ready 450 Total Force Airmen from 19 Squadrons for expeditionary deployment taskings across 4 Combatant Commands.

Jakob seamlessly integrated with 160 Airman, 4 Squadrons, and 2 NATO allies during Exercise GLOBAL EAGLE. His tactical expertise shined as he executed multinational patrols, showcasing modernized defensive tactics, techniques, procedures, and fortifying alliances among three nations during increased tensions across the European Theater. His efforts influenced five squadron individuals and team award wins.

Jakob is preceded in death by his beautiful mother, Susan Hisler.

Jakob is survived by his father, Steven Hisler Sr. of Mountain Grove, Missouri; his wife, Marissa (Prestage) Hisler, of Mountain Grove, Missouri; two brothers, Steve Hisler (Tiffany), of Baltimore, Maryland and Zachary Fremen (Kate), of Baltimore, Maryland; one sister, Brittany Fremen (Ron), of Ocean City, Maryland; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends with whom he had grown up and considered family, brothers and sisters in arms with whom he had served, and his dog, Tyrone.

Jakob will be missed greatly by his family, friends, teachers, coaches, and fellow Airmen.

“You’ve been my baby boy since day one. Today is the day I get to release you into your mom’s arms. Give her a hug from me.” – Love, Dad

Memorial contributions can be made to Stop Soldier Su***de.

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Danny Lee CookDanny Lee Cook of Mansfield, Missouri, passed peacefully from this life on November 14, 2025, in his home,...
11/15/2025

Danny Lee Cook

Danny Lee Cook of Mansfield, Missouri, passed peacefully from this life on November 14, 2025, in his home, with his beloved bride by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Danny was born on February 15, 1953, in Seymour, Missouri, to John and Roxie (Johns) Cook. He was the eighth of nine children and the baby boy of the family.

In September of 1968, fate and a good friend stepped in, Jerry Milsap showed Danny a picture of a pretty girl, and soon the two rode six miles on Danny’s horse, Poncho, just so he could meet her. That girl was Bonnie Coday. Danny liked to tell people that Bonnie didn’t care much for him at first, but she did like his horse. And that was all he needed.

The high school sweethearts married on May 25, 1972, and spent more than five decades building a life filled with love, partnership, and family.

Danny is survived by his devoted wife Bonnie, daughter Amanda and her husband, Robert Doneski, son Adam and his wife, Natalie Cook, and five cherished grandchildren, Eli and wife Sadie Cook, Christian and wife Chloe Doneski, Emma Cook, Claire Doneski, and Emry Lee Cook. He was also blessed to meet his great-grandson, RJ Doneski.

He leaves behind two brothers, Earl and Kenny Cook; two sisters, Dorothy Cole and Francis Davis; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and countless friends who loved him dearly.

Danny spent the majority of his life doing what he loved, dairy farming. Working the land and tending the herd brought him purpose, but it was the time spent farming alongside Bonnie and later his son Adam that brought him true joy.

He also dedicated many years to serving his community as a member of the Hartville School Board, always wanting the best for local children.

Danny was his kids’ biggest supporter coaching Adam’s T-ball, baseball, and basketball teams, and proudly watching Amanda cheer. As a Papa, he was unmatched. Watching his grandchildren play ball, cheer, and grow brought him more joy than anything else.

Danny was truly the very best. He had a heart full of kindness and a deep desire to help others. Whether it was lending a hand on a neighbor’s farm, stopping to fix something for someone who needed it, offering encouragement, or simply sharing a smile and a laugh, Danny gave freely of himself. He made people feel important, cared for, and never alone. His goodness left a mark on everyone who crossed his path.

Those who knew Danny will always remember his constant smile, his contagious laugh, and his love for teasing and joking with the people he cared about. He never met a stranger, and he never missed a chance to brighten someone’s day.

Danny’s life was marked by love, hard work, generosity, and faith. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the family he cherished.

He will be missed deeply, more than words can ever say. Life will never be the same without him, but the love he gave and the memories he created will carry on forever.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wolf Creek Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

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Bill EllisonBilly Eugene “Bill” Ellison, son of the late James and DeLois “Lois Ann” (Britt) Ellison, was born August 2,...
11/14/2025

Bill Ellison

Billy Eugene “Bill” Ellison, son of the late James and DeLois “Lois Ann” (Britt) Ellison, was born August 2, 1962, in West Plains, Missouri. He began his new life on November 9, 2025, at his home in Cabool, Missouri, surrounded by his family. He was 63 years, 3 months, and 7 days of age.

Bill was first married to Tammy Lawler in February of 1986. Two children were born to this union: Billy and Ashley. Bill met Sharon “Shari” Visser in 1992, the night he became a quadriplegic. They were married in July of 1996. Through this union, Bill gained a daughter, Angela “Angi.”

Bill grew up mainly in West Plains but his family had gypsy hearts and traveled between Missouri, Iowa, Tennessee, Texas, and Alabama before finally settling in Cabool, Missouri. He had made his living as a carpenter until becoming a quadriplegic. In 1998, Bill earned his GED and then in 2003, he received his Bachelor of Science degree. He learned more hobbies and was never left behind, such as road trips, going to the creeks, camping, floating, and working on carnivals.

Bill loved an enjoyed the Native American powwows and learning about their culture. His largest interest was studying genealogy. It became a number one thing for him and Shari to be called “family record keepers” from their researching and compiling data for the family tree. Bill’s greatest joy in life was spending time talking, visiting, and making memories with his family. He loved the family reunions so much because of being able to see all of his “most favorite cousins.”

Besides his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Doris Weeks; two brothers, Jim and Darell Ellison; one grandson, Anthony Mulvey; and many more greatly missed family members.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sharon Ellison of the home; his sister, Ruth Ann Weatherston of Bucyrus, Missouri; his son, Billy Ellison and favorite daughter-in-law, Mariam Saleh of Cabool, Missouri; two daughters, Ashley Ellison of Girard, Kansas, and Angela Benjamin and husband, Clint, of Fort Scott, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Harley, John, Devin, Amelia, Hailey, Eithan, and Alexis; one great-grandson, Nicolan; one soon to be great-granddaughter, Angria; and so many more family members and dear friends who will cherish his memory and miss him greatly.

Bill said to tell you all he, “loves you” and, “good luck with Shari, you’re gonna need it!”

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements for cremation were made under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove.

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Ronnie EmeryRonald Ray Emery, son of Arvel and Lois Cearley Emery, was born on May 22, 1948, in Vanzant, Missouri, and d...
11/14/2025

Ronnie Emery

Ronald Ray Emery, son of Arvel and Lois Cearley Emery, was born on May 22, 1948, in Vanzant, Missouri, and departed his earthly home on November 14, 2025, after a long-fought battle with cancer. He was 77 years, 5 months, and 13 days old.

Ronnie attended school until 8th grade at Vanzant and then graduated from Dora High School with the class of 1966. After graduation, he went into the workforce spending many years at Brown Shoe Factory. He then retired after several years from the maintenance department at Mountain Grove Schools. However, he never truly retired, because as a lifelong farmer, he would tell you the work never ends.

On June 10, 1972, Ronnie was united in marriage to Sharon Curtis. Two children were born to this union, Rusty and Jeremy. They spent their time travelling, enjoying the lake with family and friends, and later spending time with their grandchildren who were his pride and joy.

Ronnie loved the outdoors. He grew up riding horses and running his c**n dogs. If he wasn’t on the farm cutting wood or feeding his cows, you could find him hunting, fishing, looking for mushrooms, or attending a Panther football game. He truly loved people and never met a stranger.

Ronnie was saved and baptized and was a faithful member of the Willow Springs #2 Free Will Baptist Church in Vanzant where he was a devoted Sunday School teacher. Ronnie loved the Lord and enjoyed the time he spent with his church family.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Arvel and Lois Emery, his brother, Larry Emery, and his father-in-law, Alva Curtis.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sharon Emery, and two children, Rusty Emery and wife Amy and Jeremy Emery and wife Teri; and four grandchildren, Damon, Reagan, Addison and Isaiah Emery. He is also survived by one brother, Randy Emery and wife Mickie; mother-in-law, Doris Gilley Clark; brothers-in-law, Larry Curtis and wife Debbie, and Gary Curtis and wife Teresa; sisters-in-law, Debi Reed and husband Marc, Shirley Fletcher and husband Rick, and Linda Driver and husband Kenny; and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him greatly.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Vanzant Cemetery.

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Annabelle GrishamAnnabelle Grisham, daughter of the late Robert “Buck” and Orva (Conley) Orwick, was born March 4, 1949,...
11/12/2025

Annabelle Grisham

Annabelle Grisham, daughter of the late Robert “Buck” and Orva (Conley) Orwick, was born March 4, 1949, in Dora, Missouri. She went to her heavenly home on November 11, 2025, at the age 76.

Annabelle grew up and attended school in Dora. Following high school, she worked at a shirt factory and then later worked for Baxter Labs. She was united in marriage to Lexie Grisham on July 31, 1968, in Dora. They moved to Buffalo, Iowa, and resided in Davenport, Iowa, for twelve years before moving back to the Dora area and beginning a dairy operation.

In 1985, they moved to the Norwood/Mountain Grove area and operated a dairy and service station. In 1996, they formed Grisham Farm Products. Annabelle was an ever-present, dedicated, and reliable wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, farm hand, business partner, and friend.

In her spare time, Annabelle enjoyed crafting, crocheting, tending to her flower and vegetable gardens, feeding and watching her hummingbirds, and caring for her beloved Yorkie, Sadie. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved going to shows in Branson with her family.

Annabelle attended the Dora Assembly of God Church as a child and was saved and baptized at a young age. Later in life, she attended the Norwood Assembly of God Church and was attending the Caudle/Union Grove Free Will Baptist Church at the time of her passing.

Besides her parents, Annabelle was preceded in death by her husband, Lexie Grisham; an infant brother, Johnny; a sister, Judy Boykin; and a great-grandchild, Kahden McGraw.

Annabelle is survived by one daughter, Cindy McGraw and husband, Bobby; one son, Rick Grisham and wife, Cheri, eight grandchildren, Kyle Grisham and wife, Alexandra, Mark Grisham, Zach Brown, Tabi Ollar and husband, Lyndon, Devin McGraw and wife, Delaine, Gavin McGraw and fiancé, Justice, Cheyenne Burton and husband, Hesston, and Cherokee Williams and husband, Bailey; fourteen great-grandchildren, Kat Grisham, Weston Grisham, Sloan Ollar, Thea McGraw, Freya McGraw, Lucien McGraw, Ryla McGraw, Braelynn Burton, Renley Burton, Kahlor Burton, Avyn Burton, Luke Burton, Bostyn Williams, and Rue Williams; two more great-grandchildren on the way; her beloved fur baby, Sadie; and many other relatives, extended family, and dear friends who will miss her greatly.

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Clifford CoxClifford William Cox, age 87, passed away on November 10, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfathe...
11/11/2025

Clifford Cox

Clifford William Cox, age 87, passed away on November 10, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Clifford was born February 4, 1938, in Willow Springs, Missouri, to his parents, Glen and Thelma Cox. He graduated from Willow Springs High School in 1956 and served in the United States Navy from 1956 -1960. When he returned home from the Navy, he met and married his lifelong love, Edna “Louise” Bradford. They began their nearly 65 year marriage on December 28, 1960. Clifford and Louise raised four children together: Terry, David, Sharon, and Stan. They lived in Mountain Grove, Missouri, for many years, then moved to West Plains, Missouri, where they resided the rest of their lives.

Clifford worked his entire life for the telephone company, starting as what he referred to as a “weed wacker” and eventually working his way up to an Outside Plant Engineer.

Clifford was a talented guitar player and loved listening to Bluegrass music. He could listen to a song and then pick the melody by ear. He could often be heard picking his guitar in the evening before bedtime. He and his wife, Louise, attended many Starvy Creek Bluegrass festivals together and these were shared as some of their most joyful memories. Clifford was a devout Christian and attended Oak Lawn Church of God for many years. He and Louise would often play and sing gospel songs for the congregation.

Clifford loved football. Some of his favorite memories came from watching his sons play high school football for the West Plains Zizzers. He was so proud of them and talked about their best games his entire life. Not only was he a Zizzer fan, but he loved watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Mizzou Tigers. Clifford never missed a Chiefs game and as he grew older, you could count on him to wear his Chiefs shirts proudly and send all his adult children a “Go Chiefs!” text before each game.

Clifford was a proficient carpenter and electrician. He designed and built everything from wooden cradles for his grand-babies, to entire additions to his home. Clifford and Louise loved gardening. They spent many summers tending to their huge garden so that they could enjoy fresh vegetables and share them with loved ones. Many people claimed that his tomatoes were the best they had ever eaten! Clifford lived on a small farm his entire life and raised cows, rabbits, chickens, guineas, and pigs. He loved the outdoors and often took his sons hunting and fishing.

Later in life, Clifford loved to travel to southern plantations and national parks. He was knowledgeable about many things and was a great resource for life’s questions. He will be remembered as a quiet, gentle man who was kind to everyone he met.

Clifford is survived by his wife, Louise Cox; two sisters, Janice Gregory of Houston, Missouri, and Glenda Verlander and her husband, Tom, of Republic, Missouri; his children, Terry Cox and his wife, Pam, of Ft. Worth Texas, David Cox and his wife, Jeannie, of West Plains, Missouri, Sharon Chronister and her husband, Greg, of Kimberling City, Missouri, and Stan Cox and his wife, Jenny, of Rogersville, Missouri; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by parents, Glen and Thelma Cox; six siblings, Kenneth Cox, Ervin Cox, Larry Joe Cox, Grant Cox, Louise Simon, and Wanda Chritton; and one grandson, Zeb Cox.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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Ernestine "Ernie" BuchananErnestine Jeanette Buchanan, daughter of the late Loyd and Ruby Burpo was born on August 7, 19...
11/11/2025

Ernestine "Ernie" Buchanan

Ernestine Jeanette Buchanan, daughter of the late Loyd and Ruby Burpo was born on August 7, 1943, in Chattanooga Tennessee. She left this earthly life on November 11, 2025, at the age of 82.

On August 23, 1963, Ernestine married Terry Buchanan. Ernestine is survived by her husband Terry of Mansfield, Missouri, one brother, Wesley Burpo, and his wife, Joyce, of Noblesville, Indiana, one daughter, Paula Warwick, and her husband, Drew, of East End, Arkansas, one son, Tony Buchanan, and his wife, Blythe Burkhardt, of Saint Louis, Missouri. She had four grandchildren: Nathan Warwick (wife Hailee), Joel Warwick, Jack Buchanan, and Lucy Buchanan. She was preceded in death by one brother, Donald Burpo, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Ernestine earned her bachelor’s degree in education at Bethany Nazarene College and worked as an elementary school teacher. She was active in the churches pastored by Terry, serving as pianist, organist, Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, and Vacation Bible School teacher.

She will be remembered as a woman fully devoted to God. Besides Ernestine’s passion for God, she loved her family and her friends very much. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, reading, and raising beautiful plants and flowers.

Ernestine will be greatly missed, we rejoice that she is at home in heaven, free from pain and sorrow.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Mansfield Church of The Nazarene by dropping off in person to Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home Mansfield or by Mail: 315 N. Main St. Mountain Grove, Missouri 65711.

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Raymond RagsdaleRaymond Gene Ragsdale, son of the late Ray Theodore and Neva Agnes (Nail) Ragsdale, was born January 15,...
11/11/2025

Raymond Ragsdale

Raymond Gene Ragsdale, son of the late Ray Theodore and Neva Agnes (Nail) Ragsdale, was born January 15, 1932, in Mountain Grove, Missouri. He went to his heavenly home on November 9, 2025, at the age of 93.

Raymond attended grade school at the Murr School House and went on to graduate from Cabool High School in 1950. After graduation he was drafted in the United States Navy where he proudly served in the Korean War for four years on the USS Duncan. Following his honorable discharge, he relocated to the Kansas City area.

In 1956, Raymond went on a blind date that would forever change his life, it was there he met the love of his life, Wanda Lee Fitzpatrick. Within five months, he proposed and married her, beginning a 68 year journey. Together, he and Wanda started their family and were blessed with two children, Debra Lee and Danny Ray.

As a father, Raymond helped raise their family in Kansas City, where he worked many years for Van Keppel Company. He then retired from Van Keppel Company and decided to move to the family farmstead to start a dairy farm and carry on the family legacy in 1979. Upon returning to Mountain Grove, Raymond started a career with Mid-Am Dairy. Together, he and Wanda built a life they loved through their hard work and faith in the Lord. Raymond enjoyed their family vacations to National Parks and road trips filled with laughter and love.

In his retirement years, Raymond enjoyed spending time with his family at their lake house filled with love, lots of laughter and priceless memories. Through those years, Debra and Danny watched their father become a grandfather. “Grandpa Fluffy” to some and “Grandpa Ray” to the others, he was considered the heart of the family to all. He taught his grandchildren how to call a cow to the grain bucket, the story of every arrowhead that he had found, and he educated them on the history of the tri-county area of the farm. He also taught them respect like, “no running in the house!” Each grandchild knew how much he loved them, “his babies.” The kiss on the cheek, the hug on the patio, and the wave goodbye was always the hardest goodbye, until now...

In time, he would become a great-grandpa. To witness the joy on his face each time he was introduced to a new great-grandchild was heart-warming. All of the great-grandchildren knew that he was one of their biggest fans. He was always rooting for them and asking about their latest hobbies or sports games. The great-grandchildren also knew that they could get away with running in the house! With each title he earned, he loved everyone unconditionally. He loved each one through their accomplishments and supported them through difficult moments.

Raymond loved his sports teams: KU basketball, KC Chiefs, and it was often a toss-up between the Royals and Cardinals. The one team that always had his heart, was his basketball team, the Lady Bears. He supported all of his teams by wearing their hats with pride.

Raymond Gene was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a cherished friend to many. He took pride in his great work ethic, the life he built and the love he gave to the people that knew him. He was kind and didn't know a stranger, he was humble in his way of living life and boy, was he ornery. His legacy will live on through all who were touched by his life.

Raymond is survived by the love of his life of 68 years, Wanda Ragsdale; his children, Debra (Ragsdale) Atwell and Danny Ragsdale; his grandchildren, Danice (Jon) Laster, Jamie (Ryan) Holton, Dustin (Christi) Ragsdale, Megan (Mitch) Reed, Loni (Kyle) Ridenhour, and Tara Ragsdale; and his fourteen great-grandchildren.

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Katerina LawsonKaterina June (Sapp) Lawson, daughter of the late Ellery and Gladys (Hicks) Sapp, was born on July 16, 19...
11/08/2025

Katerina Lawson

Katerina June (Sapp) Lawson, daughter of the late Ellery and Gladys (Hicks) Sapp, was born on July 16, 1939, in Starke, Florida. She departed this life on November 6, 2025, at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 86 years, 3 months, and 21 days.

Katerina grew up as one of eight children in Jacksonville, Florida, where her parents owned and operated a local grocery store. She graduated from Jacksonville High School.

Shortly after graduation, her sister's boyfriend, David George, set her up on a blind date with one of his friends. The date was an “I owe you” situation, as David had acquired a ride from a fellow Navy man by the name of Gilbert Lawson. That blind date ended up being just the beginning of a life full of adventures and memories built together. On December 26, 1956, they were united in marriage, and this union was blessed with four children.

Katerina spent the majority of her life as a homemaker, living the life of a Navy wife, traveling all across the United States and raising her four children. Their adventures even took them on a cross-country trip with their three-week-old baby when Gilbert received his new orders to relocate from their home in Florida to California; a trip made over the course of a week in a 1953 Ford.

While stationed in New Orleans, Katerina's friend, Joyce Gates, was applying for a job at the Naval Exchange. Katerina decided to go with her friend and apply too. She had no intention of actually getting a job; she simply wanted to “help her out because she felt bad for her.” She landed the job and spent the next two and a half years in the Naval Exchange before returning to being a homemaker.

Katerina was saved at a young age. She and Gilbert faithfully attended Zion Lutheran Church, of which they were members. Every summer during VBS, she would invite her grandkids to come stay with her and take them along. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of whom she was very proud.

Katerina was the type of person who would always remember birthdays and anniversaries. You could always expect a card or gift from her on these special occasions.

Katerina was preceded in death by her parents, Ellery and Gladys Sapp; five sisters, Iris Johns, Marlene Conaway, Wanita Jarrell, Joyce George, and Irene Johns; two brothers, Edgar Sapp and L.C. Sapp; and one grandson, Billy Bob Keeler.

She is survived by her husband, Gilbert Lawson; four children, Leslie Lawson of Diggins, Missouri, Steven Lawson of Republic, Missouri, Darren Lawson and his wife, Deborah, of Springfield, Missouri, and Tamala Lawson Keeler of Springfield, Missouri; 12 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and several other relatives and friends.

Katerina was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Memorial contributions can be made to Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Contributions can be dropped off in person at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home Seymour or can be Mailed to: P.O. Box 366 Seymour, Missouri 65746.

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Address

315 N Main Street
Mountain Grove, MO
65711

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Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
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Saturday 9am - 12pm

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