The Reporter newspaper, Camdenton Missouri

The Reporter covers Miller, Morgan and Camden County in Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks and is published once per week on Wednesdays.

Obituaries

Published July 17, 2024

Lois Kelley, 80
Lois Kelley, of Camdenton, Missouri passed away on July 1, 2024 at Lake Regional Health System. She was born on October 5, 1943 in Lebanon, Missouri; a daughter of Lester Sterling and Beatrice (Jones) Capps. She was married to William Nelson Kelley and he preceded her in death.

Lois was raised in Camdenton and remained there her whole life. She was raised near Ha Ha Tonka State Park and as a kid would take her grandfather by canoe up the river for fishing. Later in life she worked as a bank teller at First National Bank.

In addition, she and William owned several businesses over the years including Drift-Inn Resort for more than 8 years and Kelley’s Young Apparel children clothing store. When she wasn’t working and taking care of her family, she would spend her time volunteering in the community with places like Meals on Wheels or working with her sons Cub Scout troops. She loved the lake area and would find time to fish or garden.

Lois is survived by her sons Doug Foster of Camdenton and Chad (Jillian) Kelley of Westchester, Ohio and lots of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William; sister Joann Long Capps, and a brother Lester “Bud” Capps, Jr.

Friends were received Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Hedges-Scot-Millard Funeral Home Camdenton and burial followed at Dale Blair Cemetery in Camdenton.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020 573-346-2090. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com

Danny Russel Webster, 68
Danny Russel Webster of Holts Summit, MO passed on Friday, July 5, 2024 at his home. He was born to the late J.D. and Adra Webster on October 23rd, 1955 in Lebanon, Missouri.

Danny was married to Ruthie Eaton Webster for 36 years until her passing in 2014. To this union five children were born. They made their home in the Macks Creek area.

He worked for Speedline Technologies for 30 years where he held numerous managerial roles. Additionally, Danny held leadership roles in the community as a school board member, deacon for the Macks Creek First Baptist Church, and a member of the Lake area Chamber of Commerce.

Danny enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, traveling, but most of all he loved spending time with his kids and grandchildren. Danny’s strength and will inspired all who knew him. He was a medical miracle, defying prognosis after prognosis for the past 10 years. Danny loved his family and friends very much. The family finds peace knowing that he will be reunited with his beloved wife in Heaven.

Danny is survived by one son, Danny Webster; four daughters; Misty McCrackin (Stephen), Megan Webster-Johnson (Patrick), Andrea Skaggs (Clayton), and Amber Webster (Sid); 12 grandchildren, Hunter, Reagan, Madelyn, Hudson, Mia, Clare, Marly, Layla, Lydia, Norah, Isla, and Willa; his mother-in-law Lucille Eaton, and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother Jackie David Webster, sister Becky Lynn, and father-in-law David Eaton.

Danny will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His loving memory and perseverance will be honored by those who were part of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to local schools to pay off student lunch balances or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Friends were received on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes in Camdenton. Funeral services followed with burial taking place at the Macks Creek Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020 573 346-2090. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com

Stephen Eslie Lemens, 72
Stephen Eslie Lemens, of Sunrise Beach, Missouri passed away on July 5, 2024 at his home. He was born on January 6, 1952 in Sedalia, Missouri; a son of Alva Eslie and Bettie Lucille (Gamber) Lemens. He was united in marriage to Patricia (Pat) E. Lemens in 1990 and she preceded him in death.

Steve graduated from Fergus County High School in Lewistown, Montana. After returning to Missouri and the Lake of the Ozarks area, he worked as a boat mechanic and salesman for more than 45 years, selling for the marinas, Heartland, Big Thunder, and Glen Cove. Steve loved everything about living at the Lake. He enjoyed being outdoors, especially crappie fishing. He was a Coast Guard Certified Captain.

He spent more than 20 years as the President of the RC Flying Club, but also enjoyed RC Cars. He also enjoyed participating in all the local Christmas parades, and you could always count on seeing his Santa’s Sleigh in the parades.

Before her passing, Steve and Pat enjoyed riding motorcycles together with close friends, especially his brother, Ron, and sister-in-law, Codie. Above all else, Steve enjoyed spending time with Pat after they reunited at their 20th High School Reunion. She was the true love of his life, and they would do virtually anything to make one another happy.

Steve is survived by Pat’s daughters and their families who he loved as his own, Michele and Kevin with grandchildren Kassi and Kyle, and three great-grandchildren; Janelle and Dan with grandchildren Jason, Anthony and Niki and five great-grandchildren; and Teresa and Tim. He is also survived by his brothers Gary and his children Leslie Nicole and Shannon Lee; and Ronnie and Cody and their children Veronica, Amanda, and Matthew and their families.

Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife Pat and his parents Eslie and Betty.

Gary Ray Pinson, 74
Gary Ray Pinson, son of Robert and Eva Pinson, was born November 28, 1949 in Edina, Missouri. He passed away on July 4, 2024, in his home, Linn Creek, Missouri at the age of 74 years, 7 months and 6 days.

On June 20, 1992 at Our Lady of the Lake Church he was united in marriage to Anita and to this union seven children were born. Together they shared thirty two years of marriage

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Eva Pinson; brother, Steve Pinson; brother-in-law, Frank Collop; daughter, Karissa Pinson; and granddaughter, Alianna Cole.

Survivors include his wife, Anita Pinson of Linn Creek, Missouri; children James Cole of Salem, Missouri, Amy Cole of Lake Ozark, Missouri, Michelle Warner of Lake Ozark, Missouri, Melissa (Andrew) Hanger of Osage Beach, Missouri, Gregory Pinson of Springfield, Missouri, Jonathan Pinson of Kansas City, Missouri; sister Vicki Collop; grandchildren Preston Christensen, Kylie Cole, Colten Christensen, Wyatt Pinson, Jackson Hafley, Tanner Hanger, Kathryn Cole, Emma Cole, Raileigh Cole, and Mckinley Hanger; and a host of other relatives and many friends.

Gary was raised in the Edina, Missouri area before joining the Navy. After his service, he moved to Oregon and became a renowned Bigfoot hunter. Gary then moved to the Lake of the Ozarks area where he owned and operated a rock shop on the Bagnell Dam Strip and eventually began working at Osage Catfisheries where he stayed for over 30 years.

He officially retired at age 65, but kept going in to work because of his love for his fish family and traveling and delivering fish.

In his spare time Gary enjoyed snake hunting (pictures only), rock hunting, hiking, floating, fishing and the outdoors, in general. He also had a great affinity for McDonalds, but his most cherished hobby was spending time with his family.

He was a loving and a caring family man, neighbor and friend. Gary never met a stranger, but rather a new friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the memories he created for his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 20, 2024 at Lake Breeze, Camdenton, Missouri at 2:00 p.m.

Online condolences may be made at www.alleeholmanhowe.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton, Missouri.

Mildred L. Hess, 92
Mildred L. Hess, of Versailles, passed away Monday, July 8, 2024, at her home. She was born August 8, 1931, in Proctor, a daughter of the late Ralph and Bessie (Bellamy) Comer.

She graduated from Pleasant Hill High School.

Mildred was united in marriage to Donald Hess, who preceded her in death in 2001.

She worked at Primo in Versailles and later worked for Blair Cedar in Camdenton, retiring after many years.

Mildred enjoyed spending time fishing with Don.

She is survived by her daughter, Vickey Twyman of the home; three grandchildren, Kayla Bland and husband Matthew, Darin Twyman and wife Matrisa and Cody Twyman; four great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Joyce Apperson of Eldon and many other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by numerous brothers and sisters.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home to assist the family with expenses. Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com

Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

W. Dorene (McDow) Booth, 92
W. Dorene (McDow) Booth, of Cole Camp, passed away July 4, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Cole Camp. She was born February 18, 1932, in Barnett, a daughter of the late Charles Edward “C.E.” and Osa Lee (Houston) McDow.

Dorene enjoyed playing bingo with the residents at the Good Samaritan Care Center. She also loved to play the piano and accompanied many church services in her lifetime.

She is survived by her children, Rhonda Baynard and husband Kenneth of Negaunee, Michigan, Glenna Booth of Warsaw, Missouri, Brenda Carnahan and husband Greg of Carrollton, Georgia and Darren Booth and wife Marie Joy of Madison, Kansas; grandchildren, Kenneth, Heather, Chani, Shana, Jacob, TakishaJoy, Trisha kian and Stephen; several great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Joyce Gayle, Nadine and Charles David McDow.

A graveside service and inurnment will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 22, in the Hopewell Cemetery near Barnett. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Good Samaritan Care Center. Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

Deborah (Deb) Bertram, 68
Deborah (Deb) Bertram, of Brumley, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on April 29, 1956, on Aucutt Air Force base in Bellevue, Nebraska, to Jode and Linda (Wall) Sprague.

Deb married the love of her life, Jim Bertram, on October 20, 1990, in Yorkville, Illinois. They shared 33 wonderful years together.

Deb had a fulfilling career as a hospice nurse, where she devoted herself to caring for families. A strong woman of faith, she spoke passionately about her Jesus and was an active member of Osage Beach First Assembly of God in Osage Beach. She also participated in Bikers for Christ and served as the chaplain for the Lake Ozark chapter.

Deb is survived by her husband, Jim Bertram; their son Jacob Bertram and his wife Sydney; granddaughter Theia; her siblings Jode Sprague III and Lisa Sprague; her brother-in-law David Bertram and his wife Janet; niece Deja Hanson; nephew Zach Bertram and his wife Amy; their great-niece and great-nephew; as well as many other friends.

Deb was preceded in death by her parents, Jode and Linda Sprague.

A Celebration of Life was held at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home in Camdenton on Saturday, July 13, 2024 with Pastor Tim Anna officiating. Following the Celebration of Life, there was a memorial ride to her final resting place in Osage Beach.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to Osage Beach First Assembly of God.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 514 Highway 42, Osage Beach, MO 65065 573-348-3232. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com

Tommy Benton Howser, Jr., 71
Tommy Benton Howser, Jr., of Gravois Mills, Missouri, passed away, Friday, July 5, 2024 at Lake Regional Hospital, Osage Beach, Missouri. He was born May 16, 1953 in Morgan County, Missouri, a son of Tommy Benton, Sr. and Ruby Faye (Adams) Howser.

On April 3, 1994, he was united in marriage to Connie Jean Wood. They shared twelve years of marriage before her passing on May 7, 2006.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bill Howser.

Survivors include his children, Adam Howser and wife Erin of Columbia, Missouri and Crystal Forsythe and husband Brian of Versailles, Missouri; four step-children, Warren Wood of Gravois Mills, Missouri, Rosa Wood of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Michael Foster of Blue Springs, Missouri and William Foster and wife Lily of Bryan, Texas; twenty-six grandchildren; thirty-six great-grandchildren; a brother, Darrel Howser and wife Reva of Barnett, Missouri and Frances Beanland and husband Bobby of Eldon, Missouri and a host of other relatives and many friends.

Tommy was a life-long resident of Morgan County, Missouri where he worked as a mechanic for Dixon-Ticonderoga and Dornan Chevrolet. He was an adult leader with Boy Scout Troop 30 in Versailles and a founding member of the Gravois Ball Club.

In his spare time, he enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting for deer and turkey. He could be ornery at times and enjoyed conspiring with his grandchildren.

Services were held Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles. Burial followed in Versailles Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be left at www.kidwellgarber.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

Charles Lewis Elder, 88
Charles Lewis Elder, of Versailles, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2024, at his granddaughter’s home. He was born August 13, 1935, in Polo, Missouri, a son of the late Johnnie Thomas and Ada May (Fields) Elder.

On April 10, 1954, he was united in marriage to Donna Jane Jobe, who preceded him in death on February 18, 2018.

Charles worked at Stride Rite Shoe Factory in Tipton, retiring after many years of employment.

He loved spending his spare time at the lake where he enjoyed boating, skiing and fishing. Charles also enjoyed dancing and fixing and tinkering with anything that was broken. He has always loved his little dogs like they were his children.

Giving his loved one’s a hard time was part of his nature and meant that he liked you. Hard work was always something that Charles believed in and was something he did his entire life. He loved his wife and his daughters dearly and took pride in the women they grew to be.

Charlie’s friends in the resort where he lived since 1985 were always a big part of his life, as well. There is comfort in knowing that Charles will be with his late wife, Donna, but he is missed here on earth.

He is survived by his daughters, Patty Pleus and husband Ron of Jefferson City, Missouri and Brenda Peters of Chamois, Missouri; grandchildren, Dani (Matt), Jeremiah (Susan), Mandi (T.R.), Travis (Tiffany) and Matt (Kayla); step-grandchildren, Haley (Jimmie), Abby (Conner), Macey (Dayton), Erika (John) and Rhylee; twenty great-grandchildren; his sister, Evelyn Mitchell of Texas; his beloved dog, Rosie and many other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Durwood Elder, sisters, Avanell Williams and Frances Eckert and a son-in-law, Clayton Peters.

Graveside services and interment was held Friday, July 12, in the Versailles Cemetery with Pastor J.D. Montgomery officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Compassus. Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

Published July 10, 2024

Eugene Vernon, 88
Eugene Vernon, of Versailles, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. He was born May 2, 1936, in Cana, Virginia, a son of the late William Cleve and Lily Emmie (Easter) Vernon.

On July 12, 1959, in Walla Walla, Washington, he was united in marriage to Gloria Kelly, who preceded him in death on March 29, 2022.

He worked at Ready Mix in Milton-Freewater, Oregon and Walla Walla, Washington as a truck driver and plant manager in the concrete industry for over 30 years until his retirement. During his retirement, he selflessly devoted his time to caring for his wife and helping others in need. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Gene was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Versailles and was a dedicated family man who cherished every moment spent with loved ones. He was a man of humor and wisdom who loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart.

The family would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to all the staff at the Good Shepherd Care Center in Versailles for their loving and exceptional care of our “Dad”, as many of the staff called him.

He is survived by his son, Steve Vernon and wife Ilene of Clovis, New Mexico; daughter-in-law, Lockie Vernon of Versailles, Missouri; grandchildren, Geoff Vernon and wife Amy, Tim Vernon, Brandon Vernon and Hilary Moritz; great-grandchildren, Will, Ben, Luke, Max, Elizabella “Izzy” and Brooklynn; his sisters, Pernie Sue Arnold of Ararat, Virginia and Sylvia Collins of Cana, Virginia and many other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Scott Vernon and numerous brothers and sisters.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in the fall in Virginia.

Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com

Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

Stacy Allene Stoll, 60
Stacy Allene Stoll, daughter of Dean and Glenna Rooffener, was born on March 12, 1964. She passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

Stacy was preceded in death by her father, Dean Rooffener; her mother, Glenna Rooffener and her brother Nathan Rooffener.

She is survived by her husband, Terry Stoll; her son Caleb Stoll and daughter-in-law Amanda Stoll; her grandchildren, Morgan and Levi Stoll; her sister Carmen Todd and her husband Rowland Todd.

She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Stacy had many friends and anyone who knew her felt her love, grace and kindness.

In 1982, she was married to Terry Stoll. Together they shared almost forty-two years of wonderful marriage. Stacy had a tremendous impact on so many lives. You could always feel her generous, kindness and loving heart. She loved being in church so she could sing, help with the children, and most of all pray.

Stacy loved sending cards to give strength, encouragement, and a kind word. She loved reading books, talking about Jesus, and praying. Stacy always loved being around her friends and family and especially her grandchildren. She loved to talk about them, play with them, pray for them, cuddle with them, color with them and spoil them. They were her life and she loved them fiercely.

Stacy was a great wife, mother, nanny, sister, aunt and friend. She will be deeply missed, but we all find
comfort knowing she is resting in the arms of Jesus and we will see her again.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home.

Interment will follow the services in Allee Memorial Gardens, Camdenton, Missouri.

In Lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home.

LaVonne Arlene Freeman, 91
LaVonne Arlene Freeman, of Lincoln, Missouri, passed away Monday, July 1, 2024, at the Golden Age Living Center in Stover. She was born February 12, 1933, in Rye, Colorado, a daughter of the late Willie and Nora (French) Williamson.

LaVonne was an accomplished seamstress and was very talented when working with her hands.

She attended the Evening Shade Church in Warsaw.

She is survived by her son, Glynn Butler of Lincoln, Missouri; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two husbands, a brother, Al Williamson and a sister, Wanda Burgess.

A celebration of LaVonne’s life will be held at a later date in California.

Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com

Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

Shawn T. Smalley, 46
Shawn T. Smalley, of Gravois Mills, Missouri, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Lake Regional Hospital, Osage Beach, Missouri. He was born July 12, 1977 in Honolulu, Hawaii, a son of Warren Lee, Sr. and Constance Vivian (Gagnon) Smalley.

On October 18, 2005 in San Diego, California, he was united in marriage to Traci Lynn Fochesato. They shared the past eighteen years of marriage; however, they have been together for the past twenty-two years.

He lived in many places during his life. He worked as a bounty hunter and ran a mental health program in California. He was in the Recreational Vehicles sales and service business in Arizona. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking and building things. He also enjoyed taking bike rides with his children.

Survivors include his wife, Traci Smalley of the home; four children, Jessica Smalley (age 23) of Gravois Mills, Missouri, Michael Grow (age 22) and Imagin Smalley (age 20) both of Yuma, Arizona and Madison Smalley (age 18) and Mylee Smalley (age 15) both of Gravois Mills, Missouri; a grandchild, Novalee Grow; two brothers, Scott Smalley of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Warren Smalley, Jr. of Knoxville, Tennessee and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.kidwellgarber.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.

Jacqueline K. Susan Higginbotham, 55
Jacqueline K. Susan Higginbotham, of Gravois Mills, passed away June 29, 2024, at her home in Gravois Mills. She was born September 15, 1968, in Lake Ozark, a daughter of Johnie I. and Julia Fern (Markum) Ray.

On March 16, 1996, at her parents’ home in Gravois Mills, she was united in marriage to her surviving husband, Bill Higginbotham.

Jacque’s love of animals led her to the Versailles Veterinary Clinic where she was the kennel manager for several years.

In her spare time, she enjoyed crafting, especially wreaths.

In addition to her husband, Bill, she is survived by daughters, Amanda Wood and husband Dylan of Jefferson City, Missouri and Julia Knipp and husband Calen of Gravois Mills, Missouri; four grandchildren, Levi Higginbotham, Sophia Wood, Natalie Grace Headrick and Beckham Knipp; her father, Johnie Ray of Gravois Mills, Missouri; sisters, Sherry Christiansen and husband Steve of Gravois Mills, Missouri and Anita Blakley and husband John of Laurie, Missouri; brother, Johnie “J.R.” Ray and wife Sachel of Versailles, Missouri and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Julia Ray and her sister, Tina Waddell.

A celebration of Jacque’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to an animal shelter of the donor’s choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com

Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

Larry D. Bornowski, 72
Larry D. Bornowski, of Gravois Mills, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia. He was born March 14, 1952, in Wichita, Kansas, a son of the late Thomas P. and Doris (Gravley) Bornowski.

On November 3, 1973, in Wichita, he was united in marriage to his surviving wife, Mary A. (Blasor) Bornowski.

Larry was an over the road truck driver for over forty-two years. In 2007, he owned and operated Stampede Carriers LLC. He retired from trucking in 2015. He was especially proud of his trucks and affectionately named them, “Miss Kimberly”.

He was a life member of OOIDA and enjoyed spending time on the water as an avid bass fisherman.

In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by his children, Kimberly Hirst and husband Quenton of Fortuna, Missouri and Brent Bornowski and wife Angela of Camdenton, Missouri; grandchildren, Raylan Bornowski and Jordan Hirst; step-granddaughter, Sierra Flandermeyer and husband Travis; step-great-grandson, Axel Flandermeyer; brothers, Steven D. Bornowski and wife Linda of Texas and Timothy P. Bornowski of Alaska and many other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas G. Bornowski.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Friday, July 12, at the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.

Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.