Obituary - Minnie Jo (Crum) Gash

 

Minnie Jo (Crum) Gash, 84, Moundvillle, MO passed away Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Nevada Regional Medical Center, following a brief illness.

She was born on November 23, 1940, in Eads, CO to George Riley and Elsie (Neugebauer) Crum. She married Billy Mate Gash on October 23, 1959, in Miami, OK. Billy preceded her in death in 2011, shortly after their 52nd anniversary.

Minnie came with her family from CO to Sheldon, MO in 1946. She graduated from Sheldon High School in 1959. She enjoyed cooking big meals for her children and grandchildren, always sending them home with lots of leftovers. When she wasn’t in the kitchen or helping on the farm, she worked at Nelly Don and Keys.

Survivors include one son Russ Gash, Nevada, MO. Five grandchildren, Brandon Gash (Jen), Odenton, MD. Mandi Butler (Blake), Pittsburg, KS. Brad Gash (Ashley), Nevada, MO. Derek Gash (Megan), Nevada, MO. Lacey Prather (Aaron), Salado, TX. 16 great-grandchildren, one sister-in-law, Evelyn Crum, Pooler, GA and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Billy, Minnie was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Delbert Crum, her sister Ila Conner, her son Randy Gash and a great-grandson Corbin Gash.

Visitation will be held at Ferry Funeral Home at 10:00am Monday October 27, 2025 with Graveside services following at 11:00 am, at Moore Cemetery, Nevada, MO. 

Obituary - Marilyn Mae Thomas

   

Marilyn Mae Thomas, 93, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025, at her home in Nevada, Missouri. Marilyn was born July 12, 1932, in Hayden, New Mexico, the daughter of Roy and Clara Woody. She moved to Moundville, Missouri, while in seventh grade and was a graduate of Nevada High School. After graduation she married Leon Thomas on September 27, 1953 in Moundville and he preceded her in death in 2014.

    Marilyn worked as an RN at the Nevada State Hospital for over ten years, she then went on to help establish the nursing program at Ft. Scott Community College in 1973. She then finished her career, by retiring, as a Nursing Instructor at Kansas City Kansas Community College in 1995.

     In addition to being members of the Moundville Methodist Church, Marilyn was a Nevada O.E.S. member for 50 years and enjoyed the MOKAN Square Dancers.

    Survivors include her three daughters, Sharon McGinnis and husband Paul, of Macomb, Oklahoma; daughter Linda K. Douglas and husband Don of Nevada, Missouri, Nancy Wallace and husband David; five grandchildren, five great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. In addition, numerous nieces, and nephews. In addition to her husband Leon Thomas, she is preceded in death by her parents Roy and Clara Woody; her four brothers,  Wilbur Woody, Lee Roy Woody, Robert Woody, and Eugene Woody.

     Committal services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Welborn Cemetery in Moundville, MO.

     In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to either the Vernon County Cancer Relief or Moundville Methodist Church, in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

Obituary - Mary Doody

 

Mary (Murphy) Doody, 67, passed away October 17th, 2025 surrounded by her family.

Mary was born on April 2, 1958, in Columbus, Ohio to Frank and Alice (Kingsley) Doody. She was one of 10 children. Mary grew up in Rich Hill, MO and was in the graduating class of 1978, she married Billy Phelps, to this union four children were born.

She is survived by significant other, Darrell Foster, four brothers, Steve, Pat, Raymond and Angelo and three sisters, Barb, Linda, and Frankie. She is survived by three children, Miranda "Mandie" (Larry) of Rich Hill, MO, Billie Jo (Jimmy) of Rich Hill, MO and William "Hubba" (Chelsea) of Montorose, MO. Mary is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren with 1 on the way, and a host of other friends and family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Alice, three siblings, and one daughter Jennie Phelps.

In high school, Mary was the FBLA Sweethearts queen her senior year in 1976. Many of Mary's friends would tell you she was a joy to be around and always made everyone laugh. She enjoyed spending time with family, cooking home cooked meals, camping at the lake, driving the grandkids around on her pontoon, her pets, the Kansas City Chiefs. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren. She would often talk them into needing some "help around the house" just to be around them.

A graveside service will be held at the Fairview-Rider Cemetery 3 pm Thursday. October 23, 2025.  Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill, Missouri.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Fairview-Rider Cemetery.  Online condolences can  be left at www.heuserfunerals.com.  

Obituary - Sherry Hartman

 Celebration of Life service for Sherry Hartman of Maryville, Missouri, formerly of Foster, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the Church of the Nazarene in Butler, Missouri.  Visitation prior to service 10 - 11 a.m at the Church of the Nazarene.  Arrangements under the direction of Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler.  Inurnment to be announced at a later date.  Contributions to the Church of the Nazarene Butler, Missouri or the Independence Cemetery Association, Hume, Missouri.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Sherry Swickhamer Hartman, age 64 of Maryville, Missouri formerly of Foster, Missouri, died Friday, October 10, 2025, at her home.  She was born April 12, 1961, to Marion H. and Patsy Ann Isaacson Swickhamer in Kansas City, Missouri.

Sherry, one of four children, grew up in Foster, Missouri. She graduated from Rich Hill High School–then continued her education at MidAmerica Nazarene College and earned her bachelor’s degree in education.  She  worked for various schools throughout her career, teaching first at the Miami School District in Amoret, Missouri.  She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Butler, Missouri.

Sherry was a devoted wife and mother.  Her children’s biggest fan, Sherry would be present at any event in which her children were participating.  When her grandson Jameson arrived, her life’s true joy began–she absolutely loved being his Nana.  While teaching, Sherry enjoyed nurturing at-risk children, watching them learn and grow.  Sherry also loved to cook–anything and everything.  A favorite dish she made was chicken parmesan or spaghetti with meatballs for her family.  In later years, she developed many friendships through social media, even reconnecting with former friends.  Sherry had a kind and compassionate soul, never having an enemy.  Sherry leaves behind many family and friends–the impact she left will be felt by many for years to come.

Sherry is survived by one daughter, Jamie Gorrell and husband Bill of Marshall, Missouri; one son, Joe Hartman of Maryville, Missouri; one grandson, Jameson Gorrell; father, Marion H. Swickhamer of Foster, Missouri; two brothers, Steven Craig Swickhamer and wife Betty of Foster, Missouri and Stacey Wade Swickhamer and wife Lesa of Foster, Missouri; one sister, Sheila Adkins and husband Kyle of Harrisonville, Missouri; and several nephews and nieces.  Sherry was preceded in death by her husband, Steven Craig Hartman; and mother, Pat Swickhamer.

Obituary - Ellen Irene Fuqua

Ellen Irene Fuqua, age 85, Rich Hill, Missouri passed away Friday, October 17, 2025.  She was born on September 10, 1940 in Denver, Colorado the daughter of Marvin and Callie Hackett.  She was united in marriage to Downey Fuqua.  He preceded her in death on November 12, 2020.  She was also preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Paul and Jimmy.  She enjoyed gardening, fishing, and taking drives in the country.  Irene is survived by her children, Jerry, Buddy, Jimmy, Becky, Vicky, and Sherry, a sister, Kathy, several grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

Funeral service will be held 4 pm Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill, Missouri.  Memorial contributions are suggested to a charity of choice.  Online condolences can be left at www.heuserfunerals.com.   

Accident results in serious injuries for Amoret man

Around noon today, authorities were called to the scene of a single vehicle accident on west 52 highway near J highway that resulted in serious injuries for a 65 year old male driver.

According to the highway patrol, the man was driving a 1971 C10 Chevrolet that left the roadway and struck several fence posts before hitting a utility pole before coming to a rest. The driver was transported to Bates County Memorial Hospital for treatment; the truck was driven from the scene, according to the report.

The MSHP was assisted at the scene by medical first responders and the Bates County Sheriff's Office.

Due to a policy change, the MSHP no longer provides names of victims in publicly available accident reports. Detailed reports are available with an unknown delivery time due to a severe backlog, according to the MSHP website.

2 injured in early morning accident in southeast Bates county

 

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, a little before 2 am this morning two persons received serious injuries in a single car accident on B highway just west of N highway when their vehicle struck a deer in the roadway.

Two males, ages 45 and 48 of Rockville, Mo were transferred to Research Hospital in Kansas City for treatment. The Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Rich Hill fire department and the Bates County Sheriff's Office.

--Photo courtesy of the Rich Hill fire department

Due to a policy change, the MSHP no longer provides names of victims in publicly available accident reports. Detailed reports are available with an unknown delivery time due to a severe backlog, according to the MSHP website.

Accident with injuries on J highway

First responders have been called to the scene of an accident on J highway near county road 3002 in Bates county. Injuries have been reported, use caution if traveling through the area.

Mid America Live will update as information becomes available.