As a child, Opal took only six piano lessons and continued practicing on her own to become a proficient pianist, often helping out at various church services and community events with her piano skills. She also taught her younger siblings, Gary and Mary, to play the piano. As the oldest child, Opal was a very responsible child and was often relied upon to assist on the farm. She continued the farm life as a young wife, working at the Vernon County ASCS Office, and then working alongside her husband on their farm near Foster raising registered Hampshire hogs and Angus cattle. Opal could operate anything with wheels or four legs and was a superior creative problem solver. In 1978, Opal and Kenny relocated to Nevada, MO where Opal rejoined the workforce, working at the Nevada City Hospital, for Dr. C. Joustra, and later Ozark Medical Center in Lamar. She was extremely efficient and capable at whatever endeavor she pursued. Upon her retirement at age 76, Opal continued to supplement her retirement by being a driver. Opal enjoyed getting to know the members of the Amish and Mennonite Communities and developed close friendships with many of them. Throughout her life, Opal maintained a close relationship with Christ, first as a child attended Rinehart Christian Church and most recently the First Christian Church of Nevada.
Opal is survived by her husband of 59 years, Kenny, of the home, siblings, Gary Headrick and Mary Baze, her children Carl Davis (Cheryl), Bronaugh, MO, Julie Fry (Dennis), Fort Scott, KS, Tim Davis (Amanda), Hyannis, NE, grandchildren Hannah Adame (Michael), Gavin Fry (Greta), Jocelyn Davis (Brandon), Kaylee Davis, Gwenyth Fry, Cash Davis, and Byron Fry, and great-grandchildren Remi, Gaines, and Jensen.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Interment will follow in Salem Cemetery in Foster, MO. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers those who wish may contribute to the family or St. Jude Children’s Hospital c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
Phyllis Gilbert, 82 of Drexel, Missouri passed away peacefully Saturday, January 18, 2025 at her home in Drexel. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the Living Proof Church, 700 North Holmes Road, Drexel, Missouri 64742. Memorial services will follow at 11:00 am Saturday, also at the church. Private family graveside services will be held at a later date in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. Memorial contributions may be made to Drexel Fire & EMS. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel chapel (816-657-4400). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
A complete obituary is pending at this time and will be published once it becomes available.
The Butler Scholar Bowl team traveled to Sarcoxie and Sherwood last week. On Wednesday, the Varsity team went undefeated against Eldo, Walnut Grove, and Lamar. The team was led by Easton Woolace, who scored 200 toss-up points, followed by Ronen Hilgenberg with 120 points. Thaddeus Goertz also contributed 40 toss-up points, while Meredith Dudley added 10 points.
The Junior Varsity team is made up of Brooke Miller, Madelyn Webb, and Kole Plunkett. They won both of their JV games against Sarcoxie and Walnut Grove. Additionally, the JV team played an exhibition game against Walnut Grove's Varsity team, losing by just 10 points. Brooke Miller led the team in scoring with 70 toss-up points, followed by Kole Plunkett with 60 points, and Madelyn Webb with 50 points.
**Results from the Sarcoxie Challenge Games on January 15, 2025:**
*Varsity*
- Butler 340, Eldo 70
- Butler 270, Walnut Grove 40
- Butler 280, Lamar 90
*Junior Varsity*
- Butler 220, Sarcoxie 60
- Butler 190, Walnut Grove 180
On Thursday, January 16th, the team attended the Conference meet hosted by Sherwood. The roster was divided into two Varsity teams, each captained by Easton Woolace and Ronen Hilgenberg. Both teams went undefeated against all other conference teams. The only loss of the night occurred when Butler 2 lost to Butler 1 in a close game. The leading scorers for the evening were as follows:
- Easton Woolace: 310 toss-up points
- Ronen Hilgenberg: 250 toss-up points
- Thaddeus Goertz: 70 toss-up points
- Meredith Dudley: 30 toss-up points
- Brooke Miller: 20 toss-up points
- Kole Plunkett: 10 toss-up points
**Results from the Sherwood Conference Meet on January 16, 2025:**
*Butler 1 - Captain (name omitted)*
- Butler 1 390, Sherwood 50
- Butler 1 290, Butler 2 240
- Butler 1 410, Adrian 80
*Butler 2 - Captain (name omitted)*
- Butler 2 260, Versailles 20
- Butler 2 290, Butler 1 240
- Butler 2 290, Adrian 170
All reactions:1919
While there have been a few flurries reported around the region, temperatures will start falling through the evening with dangerously cold conditions setting in overnight. Air temperatures will sink below zero across the region with wind chill values ranging from -10°F to -25°F.
No School on Tuesday, January 21st, due to extreme cold temperatures. This will be an AMI Day for students. Stay safe and warm Wildcats
Hey kids! You get to sleep in a little tomorrow (Tuesday) as Miami R-1 school will be having a 2 hour late start. Please help spread the word and thank you.
Funeral services for Paige Clinton of Butler, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 1 - 2 p.m. Saturday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions to Paige Clinton Love Fund at Community First Bank. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
Paige Jennifer Clinton, age 52 of Butler, Missouri died Friday, January 17, 2025 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. She was born April 5, 1972 to Mark Edward and Marilyn Gay Marshall Clinton in Kansas City, Missouri.
Paige is survived by a son, Ian Clinton of Butler, Missouri; her mother, Marilyn Gaddy of Butler, Missouri; two brothers, Marty Whitworth and wife Brenda of Butler, Missouri and Troy Whitworth and wife Ashly of Pensacola, Florida; a stepbrother, Jeremy Gaddy and wife Mia of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; one nephew; two nieces; and many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Mark Edward Clinton.
Marvia Jean Smith, 78 of Drexel, Missoui gained her angel wings on January 11th 2025 in her home in Drexel. A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 am Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the Drexel Community Building. Private family graveside services will be held at a later date in Peculiar Cemetery, Peculiar, Missouri. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel chapel (816-657-4400). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Marvia was born on August 14th, 1946 in Harrisonville, Missouri the daughter of Louis and Artia Roper Smith. She was a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother that found her greatest joys in life through her family.
Our grandmother was very caring and would help anyone in any way she could. She taught us that the world needs more people who care. She inspired many with her positive cheerful outlook on any situation. She was a very spirited person with a personality that always shined bright and loud. Mariva enjoyed making others laugh and spreading joy. She was a comfort to many and a joy to all. She spent many years caring for her family and her friends even though she recently had a struggle with some heart issues however she never let anything get her down. Even in the hospital she found ways to brighten others’ days.
Marvia was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Artia Fay Smith, brother Larry Smith, and her grandson Tyler Eicholz.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Richard and Kaye Eicholz, two grandchildren and their spouses, Dustin and Kelli Edmundon and Ben and Melody Ream, as well as two great-granddaughters, Natalie and Hayleigh Foster.
