Null & Son Funeral Home

11/17/2025

Sonja Sue (Bates) Cosco of Rolla, MO passed away Thursday, November 13th, 2025, at the age of 83. She was born on February 1, 1942, in Rolla, MO to the late Clarence “Tony” Bates and Lucille (Phelps) Bates. Sonja grew up in Edgar Springs, MO and attended Rolla High School (1959).

Sonja had her son, Brian, on June 15, 1963 in Maryland. They traveled the world while her first husband, Robert "Dean" Moss, was in the Army. Living in places such as Hawaii, Germany and finally settling into Salinas, CA in 1976. In 1980, Sonja married Frank E. Cosco, a renowned realtor in the Monterey Bay area. He preceded her in death in 2002.

She enjoyed spending time at Lake of the Ozarks, where she owned a lakeside home. She spent her time fishing, playing dominoes and creating lasting memories with family. She had a lifelong passion for reading, with a library of over 2,000 books.

Spending time with her grandchildren gave her great joy. She spent some summers and holidays in California with her family. The grandkids would also come out to Missouri and spend time fishing, cooking and playing games.

In August 2025, Sonja was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. She fought and completed her treatment of chemo and radiation and rang the bell on October 27th.

Sonja will be deeply missed by her surviving family: her son, Brian Moss, and her four grandchildren, Rebecca Moss and husband (Jonathan Kopp), Sarah Moss, Jordan Moss, and Connor Moss.

A private gathering will be held on her childhood farm at a later date to scatter her ashes.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

11/17/2025

Clara Lou (Bacon) Gillett, of Rolla, MO, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the age of 84.

Clara was born on September 9, 1941, in Tulsa, OK, to the late Johnnie Allen Bacon and Clara (Calvert) Bacon. Following her graduation from Berryhill High School, she continued her education at Oklahoma State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. While attending OSU, Clara met Bill Gillett, the love of her life, marrying him on August 27, 1960, after a 2 month whirlwind romance. They shared 65 wonderful years together, building a beautiful, Christ-centered life.

Clara and Bill were blessed with three children; Danny, Kristie, and Laura. Clara’s career for many years was to corral and guide her three extremely active, creative and strong-willed children on 16 acres of land, while maintaining a clean and organized home, which she regularly redecorated. She partnered with the local school in educating her children, even substitute teaching for several years. She was a passionate Bible class teacher, a girl scout leader, Bible camp cook, activities director, carpool driver, pony wrangler, gardener, seamstress, baker and cake decorator. She was a home-maker; a wonderful wife and mother. Her parenting style was, “Say YES as much as possible.”

Around 1980, Clara began working as an interior decorator. She never planned to have a business; she said it sort of happened by accident; just a series of God’s events that worked out for her and her family. Clara had a wonderful time helping people make their homes a more pleasant place to live. She accomplished this by owning and operating her interior design and furniture store, Designer Furniture. She and Bill had a great time going to market in Dallas and North Carolina together. She liked to say she was the only store in town with a PhD for a delivery man. She also enjoyed dressing up for work every day after years of living in child-proof active wear. Clara worked 10 years in the interior design and furniture business, selling the store when her third child graduated from college.

Retirement allowed for many adventures. Clara loved hitting the open road with Bill, nearly always heading west to the mountains where they enjoyed skiing, hiking, backpacking, staying at Deer Valley Ranch, and going to Frontier Days in Cheyenne, WY, taking some of their kids or grandkids along most of the time. If they headed east, it was usually to Busch Stadium where they would cheer on the Cardinals. They enjoyed hosting their annual “Cousins’ Camp” for their grandchildren, building strong bonds and precious memories.

Clara always enjoyed creating beauty. She loved working with flowers and plants in the yard, spending hours each week making sure they flourished. When the time came to divide plants, she loved sharing, allowing others to also enjoy the beauty.

Clara loved quilting, meticulously planning and designing each quilt to be a work of art. She crafted quilts for the birth and high school graduation of each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Upon presentation, she would tell them to USE their quilt; saying, “wrap up in your quilt when you are sad, knowing that Grandma loves you.” Many of those quilts are thread bare but still filled with love and beauty. Even in her last few days, she had put a new baby quilt in the frames, and had begun the hand quilting process she used for each of her creations.

Clara said that since the time she and Bill married – it has always been a WE thing. They shared life together; loving God, family, and friends, and always supporting each other in their many adventures.

Clara leaves behind, to cherish her memory, her husband, Bill Gillett of the home, daughters Kristie McKinnon of Waynesville, and Laura (Kenny) Light of Rolla; daughter-in-law Leigh Gillett of Austin, TX; sister Norma (Jim) Clary of Tulsa, OK; brother Dennis (Michelle) Bacon of Lee’s Summit, MO; sister-in-law Sharon Bacon of Spring, TX; twelve grandchildren: Dan’s children, Kate (Michael) Seyman, John Gillett, Joseph Gillett and Elizabeth Gillett; Kristie’s children, Richie McKinnon, Melissa (Brian) Vernon, and Nickie McKinnon; Laura’s children, Jenna (Chris) Gove, Clarissa (John) Nisbett, Rebecca (Russell) Reynolds, Meredith (JL) Koenig, and Matthew Light; 16 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and friends.

In addition to her parents, Clara was preceded in death by son Daniel Gillett, brother Johnnie Dale Bacon and son-in-law Richard McKinnon.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” – 3 John 1:4.

A funeral service for Clara Lou Gillett will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Rolla Church of Christ. Interment will follow in the Rolla City Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the church.

Memorial contributions in Clara’s honor are suggested to Little Prairie Bible Camp.

On behalf of Clara’s family, we wish to express our appreciation for your acts of kindness, evidenced in thought and deed, and for your attendance at the service.

11/17/2025

As opening weekend of deer season comes to an end, I hope everyone enjoyed their time in the woods. Stay safe and send pics!

11/16/2025

Welcome to our Weekly Services Spotlight here at Null & Son Funeral Home!

We’re honored to share another meaningful service we provide to the families in our community.

This week, we’re highlighting the Tukios Memorial Video, a cherished part of our memorial package. This beautifully crafted video tribute allows families to celebrate their loved one’s life through photos, music, and memories.

With Tukios, families can choose from a variety of themes to create a video that truly reflects their loved one’s personality, passions, and story. It’s a touching way to preserve memories, share moments during services, and keep a lasting digital keepsake for generations.

What the Tukios Memorial Video Offers:
🎞️ A personalized tribute included with our memorial package
🎨 Dozens of theme options to match your loved one’s life and style
📸 Easy integration of photos and meaningful memories
💻 TributeSlides: https://www.tributeslides.com/

Creating a memorial video is a heartfelt way to honor a life well lived, and we are here to guide you through each step with care and compassion.

If you’d like to learn more about this service, please reach out to Leo, Malinda, Roger, and Valerie—we’re always here to help.

Stay tuned for next week’s spotlight as we continue to share the services we offer to support you and your family. 💙

11/14/2025

11/13/2025

Margaret “Peggy” Marie Cole, of Newburg, MO, passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at the age of 90.
Peggy was born on December 19, 1934 in St. Louis, MO to the late Harold Eugene McNicholas and Catherine Christine (Boutwell) McNicholas. On November 27, 1954, she married Ernest Ray Cole, Jr. in St. Louis, MO. Ernest preceded her in death on September 21, 2025.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by a brother, William McNicholas; and five sisters, Geraldine Ciaccio, Marilyn Thielker, Carol Placke, Janet Jacquin, and Helen Respi.
Peggy was employed for many years at the Desloge Hospital and the Phelps County Hospital. She was a long-time volunteer for the Wyman Elementary School library. Her hobbies included quilting, gardening and baking. She loved nature, especially feeding hummingbirds and watching the wildlife in her yard. Being with her grandchildren gave her immense joy.
Peggy will be greatly missed by her surviving family which includes: three daughters, Sue Cole of Madison, Alabama, Patricia “Patty” Glockzin and husband, Donald, of Keller, TX, and Kathleen Cole of Rolla, MO; two sisters, Gertrude Seeley and Nancy Dattilo, both of St. Louis, MO; six grandchildren, Patrick Cole and wife, Crystal, Rachel Kruse, Ashley Dietrich and wife, Haley, Shannon Kruse, Christopher Glockzin, and Jakob Cole; and three great grandchildren, Logan Wolfe, Noah Dietrich, and Jasper Dietrich.
A funeral service for Margaret “Peggy” Cole will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in Peggy’s honor are suggested to Friends of the Rolla Public Library or Phelps County Animal Rescue.

11/11/2025

James Allen Parker, son of the late Floyd E. Parker and Mildred (Honse) Parker passed away November 10, 2025 at Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla, Mo.

Jim was born June 6, 1938, on a farm in northern Phelps County. Farming and his love for livestock began at a very early age and he faithfully lived and worked his grandparents’ farms for his entire life. He graduated from Rolla High School in 1956 and realized that farming alone would not support a family. So he began working at the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1958, first in a temporary position, but soon becoming the towerman at Vichy lookout tower. He would continue his employment with MDC for a lifetime, filling various positions as firefighter, forestry supervisor, heavy equipment operator and trainer, among many other rolls. Building and dismantaling fire towers was to became a much loved part of his job and he eventually was involved in the building of more than 18 lookout towers across the state. His knowledge of and history with lookout towers was something that never faded. He retired from MDC after 50 years, but he never left too far behind him the wonderful friends and memories that he had made.

In addition to working at MDC, he carried on the legacy of farming the land that had belonged to both of his grandfathers. His Angus cattle were his pride and joy. The only thing that brought him more joy was his family. Jim was a member at Spring Creek Baptist Church.

In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by his uncles Frank Parker and Elmer Honse, and by his aunt Bertha (Honse) Kurtz.

He is survived by his loving wife Judy (Thomas) Parker, his dear sister Anne Blackwell as well as a dear sister-in-law, Carol and husband Ed Carmack.

He is lovingly remembered by his children: Teresa Brenden and husband Paul; Tom Parker and wife Jeannie; Jenni Aaron and husband Bill; Mary Dunn and husband Ed; Wes Parker and wife Kim; Sam Parker and wife Shanna, all of Rolla, Mo. Also two nephews, Sheridan and Galen Blackwell; and two nieces Denita Williams and DeAnna Grover.

He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, Hannah (Alan) Wuest, Ross (Katia) Parker, Austin (Macy) Aaron, Clayton Parker, Nathan Aaron, Jessica (Strawn) Wisdom, Nora (Nate) Potrafka, Emma (Joe) Watkins, Isaiah Parker, Heidi Dunn and fiance Caleb Gant, Mara Parker, Bailey Parker, Sarah Parker, Eva Dunn, Shelby Parker, Logan Dunn, Addison Parker, Elsie Dunn, and Levi Parker. Great grandchildren are Sophia, Nolyn, Vivi, Josiah, Milly, Lyman, Lindy, Shepherd, Augustine and Samuel.

Funeral services for Jim Parker will be held at Null and Son Funeral Home, Rolla, on Friday November 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Pallbearers will be grandsons Ross, Austin, Clayton, Nathan, Isaiah, Logan, and Levi. Honorary pallbearers are: Sheridan Blackwell, Ed Carmack, Duane Grisham, Tom Pasley, Kyle Malone, Ellis “Bud” Callahan and Charlie Younger. Officiating the services will be Pastors Matt Peery and Sam Parker. At the graveside, Pastor Chuck Cook will preside. Music will be provided by Marvin Dablemont and Jim’s granddaughters.

Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Rolla Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Spring Creek Baptist Church.

11/10/2025

Karen Sue Buhr of Rolla, MO passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025 at the age of 78.

Sue was born on May 1, 1947, in Akron, Colorado, to Robert and Ruby (Parks) Monard. On November 20, 1965, she married the love of her life, Kenneth “Ken” Allen Buhr, in Appleton City, Missouri, beginning a beautiful life together filled with love, laughter, and family.

In addition to her parents, Sue is preceded in death by her son, Chad Buhr.

Sue will be remembered for the love and care she poured into every aspect of her life. She found joy in quilting, cooking, and tending her beautiful garden, where her love of flowers always shone through. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Sue’s greatest happiness came from spending time with her beloved granddaughter, Katherine. She had a gift for making her home a place of comfort and warmth, always putting her family’s needs before her own. Her kindness, creativity, and gentle spirit will not be forgotten by those who knew her.

Sue will be greatly missed by her surviving family which includes: her husband, Ken Buhr of Rolla, MO; two sons, Travis Buhr and wife, Shelly Baker of Saddlebrooke, MO, Shawn and wife Toby of Bland, MO; one brother, Karl Monard of The Philippines; and one granddaughter, Katherine Buhr.
A memorial service for Sue Buhr will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the Hill & Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, MO. A graveside service will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery in Rich Hill, MO beginning at 12:30 p.m.

11/06/2025

Joyce Ann Pierce, of Rolla, MO, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at the age of 84.
She was born on November 10, 1940 in Rosati, MO to the late Bonnie Crider and Victoria (Cuccarollo) Crider. On January 20, 1967 she married Walter D. Pierce in Miami, OK. He preceded her in death on May 19, 1997. In addition to her parents and husband, Joyce was also preceded in death by two daughters, Linda Black and Diana Ries; one son, Gary Pierce; and two sons-in-law, Danny Ries and Roger Squires.
Raising a garden and flowers gave her great joy. She enjoyed going to yard sales and trips to Branson and Springfield. The Butterfly House was one of her favorite stops. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and family, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas family gatherings.
Joyce will be sadly missed by her surviving family which includes: five sons, Dallas Pierce and wife, Shannon of Rolla, MO, Mike Pierce of Rolla, MO, Walter Pierce of Rolla, MO, Larry Pierce and wife, Brenda of St. Louis, MO, and Dennis Durbin of Licking, MO; one daughter, Debbie Squires; two daughters-in-law, Pam Pierce of Rolla, MO and Rhonda Pierce of Springfield. MO; a son-in-law, Marvin Black; one brother, Ronald Crider; two sisters, Maddie McCallum of St. James, MO and Henrietta Taber of Eminence, MO; twenty-six grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family.
A funeral service for Joyce A. Pierce will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla. Interment will follow in the Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in memory of Joyce are suggested to the South Central Shrine Club of Rolla.

11/05/2025

Linda Sue Hoffman of Freeburg, MO passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at the age of 71.

Linda was born on March 6, 1954, in Biloxi, MS to the late Bill Eugene Slone and Dorothy “Dot” Joann (Farley) Slone.

In addition to her parents, Linda is preceded in death by her granddaughter Sloane Reynolds; one brother, Ricky Slone; and stepdad Bill Withers.

Linda was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Vienna, where her faith and kindness touched everyone she met. She found her greatest joy in caring for her family and spending time with her beloved grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Linda had a gift for making a house feel like a home, whether she was cleaning, decorating cakes, or creating beautiful crafts.

Throughout her life, she worked at Quaker Window, Scholastics, and The Rainey House, where she formed lasting friendships and was known for her strong work ethic and caring heart. She also loved keeping up with friends and family on Facebook, sharing her warmth and humor with everyone who knew her. Her gentle spirit, creativity, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Linda will be greatly missed by her surviving family which includes: her husband, JR Hoffman of Freeburg, MO; one son, Jason Ohlendorf of Vienna, MO; one daughter, Lisa Reynolds and husband Eric of Holts Summit, MO; one brother, Randy Slone of Anchorage, AK; two sisters, Debbie Fajardo of Anchorage, AK, Barbara Cochran of Spokane, WA; three step daughters, Marie Verslues and husband Bryan of Freeburg, MO, Becky Wiles and husband Jamie of Freeburg, MO, April Chouinard of Jefferson City, MO; twelve grandchildren, Alyssa (Tyler), Braylyn (Payton), Blake, Saige, Ayden, Avrey, Cloey, Jace, Savannah, Cash, Dalton, Kenslee; and three great grandchildren, Anson, Collins, and Wrenley.

A funeral service for Linda S. Hoffman will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Vienna. Interment will follow in the Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 11 a.m. at the church.

If you wish to send flowers the local flower shop is The Flower Basket, 573-422-3131.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Diabetes Association.

Online condolences may be offered at www.nullandsonfuneralhome.com.

11/03/2025

Sandra Kay Pauley 12/20/1954 - 10/31/2025
Sandy went home to be with the Lord on October 31, 2025, in St. James, MO. A woman of unwavering faith, boundless kindness, and quiet strength, she lived her life in service to others—always putting their needs before her own and meeting each day with gratitude and grace.
Born in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Vernie and Edith Pauley. Sandy learned early the joy of hard work, honesty, and compassion. She carried those values into every season of her life—as a daughter, sister, mother, friend, and especially as “Nana” a role that filled her heart with immeasurable joy and purpose. Her grandchildren were her delight; she cheered their victories, prayed over their worries, and never let them leave without a warm hug and the words ‘I love you,’ spoken straight from the heart.
Sandy’s faith was her compass. She lived the Gospel in the everyday—through a hot meal, a handwritten note, a listening ear. She believed love looks like showing up, and she did—again and again—for anyone who needed her.
She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her daughter, Stephanie Denney and husband Jason of St. James; her beloved grandchildren, Jaida, Jaxon, and Jager; Sister Vickie Pedro and husband Angus of St. James; Sister Pamela Rhoades and husband Guy of Columbia; Sister Sally Pauley of St. James; Brother Vernie Pauley Jr of Florida; Brother Charles Pauley and wife Rhonda of Newburg; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Vernie and Edith Pauley and Sister Edith Benton.
A celebration of Sandy’s life and legacy will be held soon, where family and friends can honor her memory together.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23