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 May 14, 2025

Beulah “Misty” (Nickell) Clark, 84
Beulah “Misty” (Nickell) Clark, of Climax Springs, Missouri, passed away on May 1, 2025. Beulah was the youngest of five, born to James Dewey and Hazel Mary (Coon) Nickell, on July 4, 1940 at the farm home near Milan, Missouri.

Beulah was raised and educated in Sullivan County, first attending Eggleston rural school, then Rogers Missouri Elementary. She was a 1957 graduate of Milan High School.

As a child, she attended the Roger Church of God, later becoming a member of the Climax Springs Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder.

After high school, she moved to Kansas City, working for Hallmark Cards, then later working for and retiring from Marion Laboratories in 2001.

While in Kansas City, she became a member of the Grandview order of the Eastern Star. She had the honor of being installed as a Worthy Matron by former President Harry S. Truman’s sister, Mary Truman, Past Grand Matron.

Upon retirement in 2001 she moved to Lake of the Ozarks. She was active in Presbyterian church, volunteered at Climax Springs Thrift Store, member of Ladies Community Organization, the Red Hat Society, served a board member for Climax Springs Civic Center, life member of Climax Springs VFW auxiliary and lake road 7-13 fireflies.

She was the mother of three, James Lowe Loredo, Ann and husband Martin (Wes) Westermann and Laura and husband Dennis Foland; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. In her passing, she also leaves behind many friends and family who will all truly miss her.

Beulah loved living on the lake, enjoying God’s gifts of nature, hosting family and friends’ parties and especially loved sending and receiving Christmas and birthday Cards.

Beulah was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a caring neighbor & friend. Together we celebrate her life & accomplishments and will treasure the many memories she created for her family and friends.

A Celebration of Life was held Monday, May 12, 2025 at Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home.

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

Ruth Ann Marrs, 87
Ruth Ann Marrs, of Camdenton, Missouri passed away on April 21, 2025 at Lake Regional Health System. She was born on January 28, 1938 in Applington, Iowa; a daughter of Roger and Gladys (Hall) Arends. She was united in marriage to John on September 8, 1957 in Fort Dodge, Iowa .

She graduated from Hansel High School and then went to Iowa State Teachers College. Later she finished her Elementary Education degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Ruth received her Master’s Degree in 1986 from University of Northern Iowa in Elementary Education. She worked in Fort Dodge Community Schools for over 25 years.

Family was the most important thing to Ruth, she enjoyed cooking and traveling with them. She was an avid reader, loved cross country and downhill skiing. Ruth was a member in book clubs and loved to play Bridge. She loved watching a good Cardinals baseball game and college basketball. At times you could catch Ruth out on the golf course or looking for the best fishing spot. Ruth was a member of P.E.O. Chapter LO, that is an organization that supports women in education. Ruth was a believer in Jesus Christ and loved her church and church family.

Ruth is survived by Husband, John Marrs; Daughter, Deana Hill (Steve); Daughter - In - Law, Linda Marrs; grandchildren, Jessica Walkup (Jay), Austin (AJ) Marrs, Meredith Thompson (Delton) and Kayla Johnson (Ashton); great grandchildren, Jackson and Jase Walkup, Logan, Connor and Kaylee Thompson. Ruth was preceded in death by her son: Dr. Scott D. Marrs D.O.; parents: Roger and Gladys Arends and brother: Richard Arends.

A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home-Camdenton.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to American Heart Association or P.E.O. Chapter LO.

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

Charles “Charlie” Lloyd Kempf, 74
Charles “Charlie” Lloyd Kempf, of Eldon, Missouri, passed away on May 1, 2025, at Lake Regional Hospital. He was born on December 25, 1950, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Lester and Mildred (Osick) Kempf. He was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Rita Steppig, on December 30, 1972, in Millstadt, Illinois.

Charlie graduated from Dupo High School in Illinois in 1969. Shortly thereafter he began his career with Union Electric (Ameren). After short stints in the St. Louis and Cahokia plants, he and Rita moved to the Lake as he transferred to Bagnell Dam. Over thirty-one years (twenty-seven at the Lake) he worked his way up from Porter to the Superintendent of Operations. In 2002, he took early retirement from Ameren and at his retirement party his friends and coworkers lovingly labeled him “Captain Hydraulics”.

A man of strong faith, Charlie loved Jesus and had a heartfelt desire for everyone he met to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior. In 2004, Charlie was called by God to become the pastor at Mount Carmel Baptist Church. For over twenty years he and Rita dedicated themselves to the ministry of the gospel and lovingly cared for the spiritual needs of countless people. He truly fulfilled the command of Jesus to “Feed my Sheep” found in the Gospels. His passion for the Word of God was evident and he shared that love of scripture with everyone around him. He encouraged them to take God’s Word and read it daily with their family, as was his custom.

Second only to Jesus, his family and farm were great passions for him. Charlie worked tirelessly and countless hours on his tractor planting trees, landscaping with native rocks, planting grass, and installing a Lake which resulted in a beautiful property he utilized in his ministry to both his family and others. Before any project he would always take his hat off and say a short prayer, “Lord, help us to be safe and I pray that this would honor and glorify You, Amen”. He was a faithful husband, loving father, joyful grandfather, and great grandfather who handed down an ethic of hard work, laughter, and love of Jesus as a legacy to his family. It was a tremendous blessing to him that he was able to baptize all his grandchildren after leading them to the Lord.

He would want all to know that Jesus loves them and that the gift of salvation is open wide to everyone if you would only pray, as Paul wrote in Romans 10:9, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Rita; son, Charlie Kempf II (Amy); daughter, Amy Funderburk (Jack); brother, Clyde Kempf (Terry); and his cherished grandchildren, Chas Kempf (Courtney), Samantha Holman (Cade), Karli Engleman (Isaiah), Luke Funderburk (Juliana), and Jackson Funderburk. He also leaves behind one great-grandchild, Callahan Kempf and with one on the way; seven nieces; his supportive church family; and countless friends. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Missions Fund at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, to help propagate the gospel.

Funeral Services were held Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Mt Carmel Baptist Church.

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

James Michael Lane (Jim), 78
James Michael Lane (Jim), of Gravois Mills, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, in Osage Beach, Missouri, surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was born on December 21, 1946, in Morley, Missouri, the son of Ulys Love and Silvia (Phillips) Lane. On November 25, 1967, Jim married the love of his life, Candace (Candy) Gilcher, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Jim grew up near Sikeston, Missouri, and graduated from Sikeston High School in 1964. He went on to serve his country with pride in the United States Marine Corps for three years. Following his military service, Jim built a long and successful career as a pipe fitter with Pipefitters Local 562, working in the field and as a business agent for over four decades before retiring in 2007.

An avid fisherman, Jim had a deep love for the outdoors and found great joy on the waters of the Lake of the Ozarks, where he and Candy became full-time residents in 2011. He was a passionate collector of antique fishing lures and, in retirement, discovered a new talent as a silversmith, crafting jewelry with skill and creativity.

Jim’s greatest joy came from his family. He cherished time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as many dear friends. Whether cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals or the Kansas City Chiefs, Jim lived life with warmth, humor, and a generous heart.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Candy; his mother, Silvia; his daughter, Tonya Keyser (Andy) of Bucharest, Romania; his son, James J “JJ” Lane (Shelly) of Jackson, Missouri; his sisters, Diane Lane and Debby Holt (Tom); his grandchildren, Austin Calvert (Liz), Emma Lane, and Zach Lane; and great-grandchildren, Nora, Amelia, and Franklin.

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

Published May 7, 2025

Vivian Jo Robinson, 4
Vivian Jo Robinson, daughter of Paul & Ashleigh (Taylor) Robinson, was born on June 17, 2020, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She passed away on April 22, 2025, in Rochester, Minnesota. At the time of her passing, Vivian was four years, ten months and five days of age.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Marilyn Jo Taylor.

She is survived by her parents, Paul and Ashleigh Robinson of Osage Beach, Missouri; her siblings, Charlotte and Jase; maternal grandparents, Angela and husband George Minor and Rich and wife Diana Taylor; paternal grandparents, Greg Robinson and Denise and husband Clint Parish; and her aunts and uncles, Dustin Taylor and family, Kelsey Minor, Dillon and wife Ashley Robinson and family, Lance and wife Sydney Parish and family, Antek Robinson and Niko Robinson.

In her passing, Vivian leaves behind many other friends and family who will all truly miss her.

Vivian was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa and as an infant, the family would move to Lake of the Ozarks. She spent as much time as she possibly could in the Show Me Athletics Gym, especially during her time with the “Show Me Stars”.

When she wasn’t spending her time in the Show Me Athletics Gym, she loved to play with her Barbies and baby dolls, cooking in her kitchen, playing outside (especially on her trampoline or swimming) and taking CoCo, her service dog, in rides in her jeep.

Vivian’s life was highly impactful and she was a beacon of joy to those around her and those who followed her story. Together we celebrate her life and journey and will cherish the memories she created for her family and friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 3, 2025 in The Potter’s House, Camdenton, Missouri.

James Earl (Sonny) Newman, 89
James Earl (Sonny) Newman passed away on April 25 in Mount Vernon, Missouri. He was born on November 24, 1935 in Dentville, Mississippi to Will S. and Elma E. (O’Neal) Newman. In 1943, his family moved to Kansas City, Missouri.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Robert, Carl, and Milton Bankston; and one sister, Willene Hinken.

Sonny moved to the Lake of the Ozarks when he was 18 years old to join the Ozark Opry as a steel guitar player. He then joined the army at 27 years old where he was a helicopter mechanic and steel guitar player in the traveling combo for the U.S. Army in Germany.

After the army, Sonny lived in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, for a short time as a Gulf of Mexico lifeguard. After a short time in Florida he returned to the Lake of the Ozarks, becoming a Real Estate Broker in the area for many years of his life. With the influence of his brother-n-law Steve, he had a love for flying, and at one point in his life, owned a few planes that he would recreationally fly.

He was active in his church, hosting a men’s breakfast every Wednesday for many years. You would often find him at Dogwood Hills, Tan Tar A or Osage National golf course working after retirement and enjoying the company and recreation of golf.

He raised his son Jamie around these golf courses, and fishing in the evenings at the lake house dock. He was a very involved father with his son Jamie, making a large impact on his life. He now has 3 grandkids that he loved so dearly: Casey, Jesse, and Briggs.

In his last 15 years of retirement he worked as a greeter at Osage Beach WalMart where he loved interactions with many people that he knew and continued to build relationships.

His final few years were excellent because of the great relationships and care that he encountered at Mt. Vernon’s Veterans home. His family is very grateful for these people.

Sonny is survived by his son Jamie Newman, daughter-in-law, Bailey Newman, his three grandchildren (Casey, Jesse, Briggs), his niece Kathy Conahan and her family, nephews Todd, Tim, and Tom Hinken and their families, nephews Steve, John, and George Bankston and their families, niece Vicki Bankston and her family; and many other family and friends that he has grown relationships with throughout his years.

Celebration of Life was held Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes Osage Beach, Missouri.

Full Military Honors followed the service at the funeral home.

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

Vanessa Randolph, 70
Vanessa Randolph, of Lake Ozark, Missouri passed away on April 19, 2025 at home. She was born on January 10, 1955 in Urbana, Illinois; a daughter of James and Dorothy (Trinkaus) Gray. She was united in marriage to James Brewer on May 6, 1999 in Mazatlán, Mexico.

Vanessa attended school at Parkland College, where she received her nursing degree. She worked as a registered nurse, spending most of her career at Mercy/Provena Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. Later in her career she worked at Piatt County nursing home in Monticello, Illinois.

Vanessa was most interested in her career as a registered nurse, where she touched thousands of lives in her 45-year career. She also loved to travel, taking yearly trips to different locations in Mexico. She was also extremely proud of her long-term friendships with many that she went to school with and later worked with. She also loved boating and hanging out in the quiet coves on a Sunday afternoon, with the apple of her eye, Isadora.

Vanessa is survived by husband, James Brewer; a brother Michael Gray, son James Randolph and granddaughter Isadora Randolph, and stepsons Seth Brewer and family, of Mahomet, Illinois and Zachary Brewer and family of Havelock, North Carolina.

Vanessa was preceded by a son Christopher Randolph, a sister Ricky Gray, her father James Gray, mother Dorothy Gray and grandparents, Marvin and Delbert Trinkaus.

Friends were received on May 4, 2025, at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home in Osage Beach, with Lyle Mankey officiating.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Meow Town in Osage Beach, Missouri or donor’s choice.

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

Mary Lee Ward, 94
Mary Lee Ward (“Jill”), 94, of Lake Ozark, Missouri, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Rock Island Village Assisted Living in Eldon, Missouri.

Jill was one of three children born to Gerald Evans and Martha Virginia (Lee) Maynard, born October 26, 1930 in Memphis, Tennessee.

On September 10, 1949, Jill was united in marriage to William Harry (“Bill”) Ward in Memphis, TN. They shared over 72 loving years of marriage together at the time of Bill’s death. Bill and Jill met on a blind date. Bill was a student at University of Missouri and Jill was a student at Christian College in Columbia. One look at each other and that was it!

Growing up as a child, Jill graduated from St. Mary’s Episcopal Girls School in Memphis, Tennessee. She then left Memphis to attend college in Columbia, Missouri.

As a pre-teen, young Jill came to accept and love Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her faith in and love of Jesus was very strong, and that love sustained her through every season of her life. She was devoted to her church, serving in various capacities. She loved to teach adults and/or children and even taught in Vacation Bible School into her 80s. She was a gifted story teller as she shared Biblical stories to children. She was a woman of prayer, and devoted to the reading of Scripture.

Jill was known for her smile, outgoing personality, and energy. She was known to “light up a room” and engage others with genuine warmth. She certainly had the gift of hospitality, often hosting luncheons or dinners in her well-decorated home. And, she maintained a somewhat “busy” lifestyle.

She and Bill belonged to a dance club and belonged to other groups as a couple. They took fast-paced walks around the neighborhood, they enjoyed dinners-out with friends, and Jill was a member of at least two bridge clubs. They owned a boat, and she and Bill would take a leisurely cruise when the Lake of the Ozarks waters were calm.

Jill was active in an international women’s group, P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), which gives scholarships, grants and loans to women to further their education. Jill held various offices in local chapters, including president, over her 71 years of membership.

And home was so very important to Jill. She worked hard to make the home a place of love and support and joy for her husband and for her two children. Bill sometimes traveled for his work, and when her husband was away, Jill was sure to maintain discipline in the home (“Just wait until your father gets home!” wasn’t her style). But, she was steadfast, always loving and devoted. She will be missed beyond words. She left a lasting legacy.

Jill is survived by her daughter, Cindy Addison (Larry) of Lake Ozark, MO; by her son William H. Ward, Jr. (Mary Alice) of Chesterfield, MO. And by eight grandchildren: Rachel Fuentes (Nathan) of Friendswood, TX; Michael Wright (Erica) of Imperial, MO; Matthew Ward (Courtney) of Chesterfield, MO; Alison Harris (Cody) of Dallas, TX; Daniel Ward (Mary Carolyn) of Dallas, TX; Jeffrey Addison (Brooke) of Lee’s Summit, MO; Jennifer Hernandez of Denver, CO; Julie Ethington (Matthew) of Lakewood, CO.

She is also survived by twenty-one great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.

Visitation was Monday, May 5, at Lake Ozark Christian Church with celebration of life service immediately following. Burial was at Lake Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Flowers may be sent to the church, and memorial donations may be made to the Lake Ozark Christian Church, or to the Salvation Army, 927 Jefferson Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101, and identify “Lake Ozark Area” in memo line.