OBITUARIES

Kenneth Allen Taylor

Kenneth Allen Taylor

Apr 24, 2026

Kenneth Taylor, 78, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away on April 24, 2026.

Kenneth was born in Columbia, son of Allen and Ella B. Taylor, on June 15, 1947. He built a life rooted in hard work, dedication, and love for his family.

Kenneth was a graduate of Hickman High School and Linn Technical College. He then went on to serve his country...

Sharon Dian Bullard

Sharon Dian Bullard

Apr 20, 2026

Southern Boone County has lost a devoted educator, counselor, mother, and friend. Sharon Dian (Howe) Bullard passed away in her sleep on April 20, 2026. Her 84 years were a blessing to all who knew her.

Born in Columbia July 20, 1941, Sharon was raised in and around Neosho, before attending University of Missouri where she met the love of her...

Nancy Ellen Knehans

Nancy Ellen Knehans

Apr 10, 2026

Nancy Ellen Knehans, 79, of Ashland, passed away April 10, 2026, surrounded by loved ones at Caring Hearts and Hands in Columbia.

Nancy was born in Ashland on October 16, 1946, and was the daughter of Leonard and Lillian Peak Nichols. She was a 1964 graduate of Southern Boone High School and a children’s daycare provider from her home for many...

Paul Lester Nichols

Paul Lester Nichols

Mar 30, 2026

Paul Lester Nichols, 98, of Hartsburg, Missouri passed away March 30, 2026, at his home.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Robinson-Yager Funeral Home with burial following in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Hartsburg. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.

Paul was born in Claysville, Missouri on April 17, 1927, the son of...

Larry Thomas Poe

Larry Thomas Poe

Mar 20, 2026



Larry Thomas “L.T/Tom” Poe, 76, of Columbia passed away March 20, 2026, at Caring Hearts and Hands in Columbia.

Tom was born in Columbia on April 23, 1949, a son of Stanley and Mildred Bennett Poe. He was employed with the University of Missouri for 39 years in custodial services. Tom loved working outdoors on the farm. Tom enjoyed working on...

Randell Scott Phillips

Randell Scott Phillips

Mar 18, 2026

Randell Scott “Randy” Phillips, 59, of Hartsburg passed away at his home on March 18, 2026.

Randy was born on January 29, 1967, a son of Michael Phillips and Mirian Hoefelman Phillips. He married Bernice Jean Fenner on July 18, 1986. Bernice survives at their home.

Randy was self-employed in flooring installation for 40 years. His favorite activities included deer and turkey...

James Bruce Anderson

James Bruce Anderson

Feb 20, 2026

James Bruce Anderson 87, of Ashland, Missouri, passed away peacefully at Caring Hearts & Hands of Columbia on February 20, 2026.

J.B. was born on January 21, 1939 in Zion, IL, the son of James & Irene Anderson. He grew up in Zion and later in Carrollton, Missouri, graduating from Carrollton HS in 1957. He attended the University of Missouri where...

Betty Lois Black

Betty Lois Black

Feb 9, 2026

Betty Lois (Smith) Black, of Ashland, passed away on February 9, 2026, at Westlake Assisted Living in Commerce, Michigan at the age of 93.

Betty was born in rural Ashland on September 24, 1932, a daughter of Roy and Margaret Gilpin Smith. She married Bob Black on March 21, 1953, in Harrison, Arkansas and he preceded her in death.

Betty was a...

Cody Andrew House

Cody Andrew House

Feb 2, 2026

Cody Andrew House, age 25, of Ashland, Missouri passed away February 2, 2026, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, Missouri.

Cody was born on August 11, 2000, in Columbia. He was adopted as an infant by Stephen and Iris House. His father, Stephen, passed away shortly after Cody’s adoption and his mother, Iris has lovingly cared for him until his passing.

Cody...

Mary Jean McQuegge

Mary Jean McQuegge

Jan 31, 2026

Mary Jean McQuegge, age 83, of Columbia passed away January 31, 2026, at the University of Missouri Hospital.

Mary was born in Ashland on October 27, 1942, a daughter of John “Billy” Thomas and Myrtle Phillips Thomas. She married William “Bill” McQuegge on May 27, 1988, and he survives at their home.

Mary was a loving homemaker and loved children. Bill lovingly...

Donald Bruce Jeffery

Donald Bruce Jeffery

Jan 28, 2026

Donald B. Jeffery

Sunrise: July 19, 1931 Sunset: January 28, 2026

Donald Bruce Jeffery, 94, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on January 28, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Donald, son of the late Berton Bruce and Nina Alma Jeffery, nee Ramsdell, was born on July 19, 1931, in Cedar City, Missouri. His early years were spent in Cedar City, and later...

James Oran Davis

James Oran Davis

Jan 21, 2026

James Oran Davis, 80, passed away at the University of Missouri hospital on January 21st, 2026.

He was born in Boone County Missouri at what is now known as Rockbridge State Park to the late Shannon and Velma (Winn) Davis on June 24th, 1945.

On December 26th, 1964 James married the love of his life, Dorothy Pulis. Their marriage one of love,...

James Audrey Dodson

James Audrey Dodson

Jan 5, 2026

James Audrey “Jim” Dodson, of Ashland, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026 at the age of 90.

James was born in Columbia, Missouri on June 13, 1935, to Eddie and Opal Dodson. On April 8, 1960, he married Clercy Forbis.

James owned and operated Jim’s Lock and Key in Columbia, Missouri for 25 years. James was also in the United States...

Diana Grace Lewis

Diana Grace Lewis

Dec 18, 2025

Diana Grace Lewis, age 73, of Ashland passed away December 18, 2025, at the University of Missouri Hospital.

Diana was born in Hannibal, Missouri on February 14, 1952, a daughter of Wildey and Vera Thomas. She married Harold Lewis on July 27, 1979, and he preceded her in death. Diana grew up in Middletown, Missouri and attended the University of Missouri...

Louise Martin

Louise Martin

Dec 16, 2025

Louise Martin, 84, of Ashland and Columbia, passed away on December 16, 2025. Born Frances Louise Martin on February 11, 1941, near Ashland, Louise was the only child of Reba Alice Forbis Martin and Floyd Martin.

Louise spent her early years on the family farm south of Woodlandville and attended the one-room Everett schoolhouse. Later, she attended Jefferson Junior High and...

Bailey James Gipson

Bailey James Gipson

Dec 11, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Bailey Gipson, a beacon of light, and a centerpiece of love and laughter in our lives. Born on December 11, 2008, Bailey graced us with her vibrant presence until her untimely passing on her 17th birthday, December 11, 2025.

Remembered for her combination of stubbornness and brightness, Bailey was an...

Carol Louise Skinner

Carol Louise Skinner

Dec 10, 2025

Carol Louise Skinner, 90, of Columbia, Missouri moved to her heavenly home on December 10, 2025.

Carol was born on September 2, 1935, to William Lawson and Adah Catherine (Browning) Evans. She and her two sisters, Deloris Halterman and Eileen Shoffner, grew up on a farm east of Cairo, MO. She was a proud basketball playing Bearcat during her high school...

Nita Ruth Purcell

Nita Ruth Purcell

Dec 6, 2025

Nita Ruth Pace Purcell was born on August 8, 1949, to Robert Truman and Alcie Ellen Davis Pace at Boone County Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. She left her earthly home on December 6, 2025, at the age of 76.

Ruthie attended Southern Boone schools until the family moved to Mexico, Missouri where she graduated from Mexico High School in 1967. She...

Louise Dusenberry

Louise Dusenberry

Nov 30, 2025

In Memory of Louise Dusenbery

6/26/24, doesn't seem that long ago until you realize it's 1924, not 2024, that you're speaking of. The year 1924 was when Macy's Department Store began the now-famous annual Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City. But halfway across the country in Van Buren, Missouri, Roy and Edna Dusenbery and their two young sons were most...

Judith Elaine Taggart

Judith Elaine Taggart

Nov 26, 2025

After living a vibrant and well-lived life, Judith Elaine (Nichols) Taggart, 78, of Hartsburg, Missouri, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025.

Born August 29, 1947, to Grover and Audrey (Boyer) Nichols in Jefferson City, Missouri, Judy grew up in Hartsburg and attended Southern Boone County R1 Schools. She was active in many extracurricular activities, including marching band as a majorette,...