Archer Joseph Dorton was born to proud parents, Scott and Grace Dorton, and his sister, Addy, on September 3, 2024, at 27 weeks, weighing a tiny 1 lb. 4 oz. His family was blessed with 76 precious days with him, but after battling unforeseen complications following an exploratory surgery, Archer passed gently from his parents’ arms into the arms of Jesus on Monday, November 18, 2024.

From the very beginning, Archer was a miracle. During his short time on earth, he became an amazing testament of the Lord’s faithfulness and strength.

When an early ultrasound revealed severe growth restriction, and Archer was diagnosed with Trisomy 21 (or Down Syndrome), the doctors presented the option to terminate the pregnancy. But Scott and Grace deeply believed that his life was a precious gift, and never considered ending it.

An echocardiogram later showed four different defects in his heart, and when it was clear that he would be delivered very prematurely, doctors questioned whether he would have adequate kidney function, and believed his lungs would be too underdeveloped for him to survive. But God manifested His strength and Archer defied every expectation.

He was born with every organ perfectly formed and functioning. There were no defects in his heart, he came into the world protesting at the top of his tiny, strong lungs, and proudly showed off his perfect kidney function by immediately peeing on a nurse. Throughout the next few months Archer continued to amaze his medical team with his progress, and delighted everyone who interacted with him.

Archer enjoyed cuddling his soft octopus toy, sucking on his fingers, and being held close by his parents and big sister Addy. His doctor said it best when he said that he was the apple of the NICU’s eye. The nurses who cared for him effused that he was such a happy baby that their faces would hurt from smiling at him so much. He broke so many hearts when he left.

Archer is deeply loved by his family, including his parents, Scott and Grace; his sister, Addy; grandparents Norman (Tanya) Dorton and Benecia Fowler; uncles and aunts, Kyle (Samantha) Dorton, Susannah Blackstock, Rachel Fowler, Elijah Fowler, Isaiah (Susan) Fowler, Joseph Fowler, Naomi (Kevin) Worth, Malachi (Brianne) Fowler, Samuel Fowler, Matthew Fowler, and Abigail Fowler; and cousins, Malachi, Matthew and Doolie Dorton, Chloe, Isaac and Daniel Blackstock, Josie, Sophie, Elsie, Jonathan and Averie Fowler, Rylee, Michael, Raelynn, Benjamin and Jameson Worth, Allison, Hazel and Adriel Fowler. He will greatly be missed by all who were blessed to know him.

A private funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 24th, at 1:30 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at Rose Blossom Hill in Rayville, Missouri.

Judith Kay Woods, 77, of Richmond, MO, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2024 at CenterPoint Medical Center in Independence, MO.

Judith was born in Orrick, MO, to James Curtis Cochran and Bessie Elizabeth Covey on March 30, 1947. She attended school at Orrick and had lived most of her life in the Ray County area. On November 9, 1968, she was united in marriage to Robert Lyon Woods, of whom she is survived. Judith was a homemaker and a wonderful and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She liked to read and play games. One of her favorite things to do was to go to the woods to cut firewood with her brother. She was raised with Country Music of which she loved along with her family. She also loved to dance and she especially loved to dance all night with her husband, Robert. She often was known to be found humming a song. Judith loved her family and her people.

Judith was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Donald Cochran and James “Jim Bo” Cochran; and a sister, Cyndia Coleman.

Survivors include her husband, Robert Lyon Woods of the home; sons, Curtis Robert Woods and wife, Carmelita, and Jesse Lyon Woods and wife, Michelle, all of Richmond, MO; her daughter, Alissa Dinel Hufford and her partner, David Parker, of Henrietta, MO; brother, Tim Coleman of Dayton, Ohio; and half sisters, Zella Winfrey of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Debbie Sue Cochran of Oklahoma. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, also at the funeral home. Judith will be laid to rest in South Point Cemetery near Orrick.

Memorials in her honor are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Leona Belle (Booth) Covey, died October 8, 2024 at the age of 93. She was born on April 3, 1931 in Clinton, MO, the daughter of Timothy C. Booth Sr. and Edalene D. (Anderson) Booth. She was sister to Timothy C. Booth Jr. and William T. Booth. She was married to Charles Corbin to whom she had three daughters, Dorothy L. Corbin (Foster), Barbara J. Corbin (Nichols) and Cathryn A. Corbin (Thomas). She later married to William L. Covey to whom she had six more children, Wilma K. Claypole (Gale), Cindy L. McMullen, Timothy O. Covey (Sheila), Anna M. Hamilton (Jeffrey), Rebecca Covey, Christopher T. Covey (Paula Keefhaver) and one special daughter, Nancy A. Payne.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents; brothers; husbands; and oldest daughter, Dorothy; and her three son-in-laws, William F. Foster, James G. Nichols and Donald E. Thomas; and her daughter-in-law, Sheila.

Leona was employed by the Orrick School District for 14 years before retiring in 1997.

She was a very loving mother and grandmother of 23, great grandmother to 52 and great-great grandmother to 10.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. with services to follow at 4:00 p.m. at Gowing Funeral Home, 202 Adams Street, Orrick, MO. Following services, Leona will be laid to rest at South Point Cemetery, Orrick, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Northcare Hospice House, 2800 Clay Edwards Drive, 2nd Floor, North Kansas City, MO 64116.

July 28, 1990 ~ September 26, 2024
34 Years, One Month, 29 Days

Melisa Renee Nickols, 34, of Leavenworth, Kansas, passed away suddenly on September 26, 2024 in Leavenworth, Kansas. Melisa was born on July 28, 1990 in Kansas City, Missouri, to Brian Nickols and Paulla Steele.

Melisa attended schools in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. She was an opportunist and loved living life in the fullest way. She was loved by her family greatly and she loved spending time with her family and her besties.

Melisa was preceded in death by her father, Brian Nickols, her grandfather, Haze Nickols, and her cousin, Crystal Lampton.

Survivors include her mother, Paulla Scott of Leavenworth, Kansas; her children, Felix and Elias Lawrence; her siblings, Nicole Libby of Independence, MO, Levi Nickols of Tampa Florida and Ben Nickols of Athens, Ohio; her grandmother, Sue Nickols of Urbana, MO; her aunts, Cindy Lampton of Orrick, MO, and Janet (David) Sell of Springfield, MO; and her uncle, Kenneth Nickols of Maryland.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday, October 7, 2024 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, MO. Graveside services will follow at 12:30 p.m. at South Point Cemetery near Orrick, MO.

Earlene Francis Hoskins was born on December 6, 1941, to Earl and Louise Manns in Sedalia, Missouri. She passed away peacefully on September 14, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at Aspire Health and Rehab in Excelsior Springs.

Earlene leaves behind her best friend, Ronald Lee Hoskins, who she married on June 22, 1961. Earlene also leaves behind the most important part of her life, her daughters, Rhonda Hoskins, Robin Rash, and Shelley Hufft; her grandchildren, Brittnee and Jacob Waters, Zachary Nichols, Skylar and Austin Meyer, Peyton Hufft, and Brooklynn Hufft; and her great-grandchildren, Noah Waters, Sophie Waters, and Remi Meyer.

Earlene was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Bobby, Billy, Joyce, and Jimmy.

Earlene was a homemaker for most of her life. She was a loyal member of Rose of Sharon for many years and later attended Soul’s Harbour. Earlene enjoyed spending time with her family, who loved her as Grandma Up Stairs or Mimi. She also loved the color blue, listening to Elvis, bird watching, cooking shows, puzzles, sewing, collecting snowmen, eating pies and milkshakes, and living life with her sweetheart. While her family and friends mourn the loss, they take comfort in knowing one day they will meet again.

Visitation and viewing will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Funeral services will follow at 3: 00 p.m., also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Siegel Cemetery near Excelsior Springs.

Memorials are suggested to Siegel Cemetery in honor of Earlene and may be left at the funeral home or mailed to Gowing Funeral Home, P.O. Box 169, Orrick, MO 64077.

Marjorie Faye (Robertson) Mathews, 75, left this Earth and traveled to Heaven on July 8, 2024. She was born in Excelsior Springs, MO, on November 15, 1948, to Thelma Faye (Vance) Willard and Junior Lee Robertson. She was a lifelong resident of Orrick, MO, leaving Orrick for only a few years and living in Tennessee and then graduating from Liberty High School in Liberty, MO, in 1966. She married Elton Dale Mathews on April 28, 1967. He was the love of her life and the center of her universe.

Marge, as she liked to be called, worked several jobs in her lifetime, from working in a body shop in Richmond MO, to being a secretary at Orrick High School, to assisting in running a gas station in Orrick, MO, to finally in April of 1993, starting at Sutherland Lumber Company’s corporate office where she retired from on June 28, 2024.

She knew The Lord and knew through this quick moving disease that symptomatically appeared in May of 2024 and took her in July of 2024 that He was in charge. She was not frightened, and she knew whatever happened was not in her control, but in God’s. She didn’t attend a church but was secure in her destination.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Fred Willard; and her son, Dale Ray Mathews.

Survivors include her husband, Dale of their home in Orrick, MO; her daughter, Dalla (Mark) McMullen of Orrick, MO; her grandchildren, Kailyn (Tom) Turner of Blue Springs, MO, Amery (Tanner) Ray of Olathe, KS, Autumne (Jim) Heffernen of Fayetteville, AR, Riley Mathews of Liberty, MO and Joshua Mathews of Warrensburg, MO. She has two great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Everett Turner of Blue Springs, MO, and a great grandbaby, she will never meet, due in January 2025. She is also survived by her brother, Delvin (Diane) Robertson of Richmond, MO; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life for Marge will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Gowing Funeral Home, 202 Adams Street, Orrick, MO 64077.

October 3, 1941 ~ May 31, 2024

Beverly Jourene Hutchings, 82, formerly of Orrick, MO, passed away Friday, May 31, 2024 at the home of her son in Smithville, MO, where she recently lived, with her family at her side.

Beverly was born on October 3, 1941 in Carrollton, MO, to Earl Thomas McKown and Olive Irene (Wohlgemuth) McKown. Beverly grew up in Carrollton and moved to Orrick with her family in 1956. She graduated from Orrick High School with the class of 1959.

Beverly was united in marriage on June 26, 1960, to Richard Lee Hutchings. He preceded her in death on June 15, 1991. Beverly had worked at various factories as a production worker, as well as worked locally for various families cleaning houses. She was well known as a hard working and active woman. One of her proudest things was being a grandmother. She loved her grandchildren. Beverly loved to quilt and
embroidery and cook. She also loved to visit with people.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and six siblings.

She is survived by a son, Richard (Tina) Hutchings of Smithville, MO; two daughters, Cheryl Hutchings of Liberty, MO, and Gina (Michael) Bates of Kearney, MO; grandchildren, Stephen Hutchings, John Hull, Jesse Hull, Jessica Hull, Lauren Bates and Maci Bates; a great grandson, Tommy Wayne Hull; three sisters, Karen McKown of Cole Camp, MO, Joyce Stockton of Orrick, MO, and Sherry Lutjen of Lincoln, MO; two brothers, Gary McKown of Excelsior Springs, MO, and Richard McKown of Riverside, MO. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Funeral services will follow at 2:30 p.m., also at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Southpoint Cemetery near Orrick, MO.

The family suggest memorial contributions in Beverly’s memory be given to either Southpoint Cemetery or Orrick Fire and Rescue.

Condolences

So sorry for your family’s loss. Beverly always stopped and talked with me if we met while being out. Prayers for all. She will be missed.
Ellen Magruder

Prayers and healing to the family, I attended Orrick School with Beverly in 1956 to 58 and enjoyed her smile and friendly personality. Her sister Joyce is my nephew’s wife. Glad you were blessed with her all your life and have wonderful memories of her.
Audrey Bloom-Sparks

February 13, 1947 ~ April 1, 2024
77 Years, 1 Month, 19 Days

Wanda Lou Barnard, 77, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, formerly of Orrick, Missouri, passed away on April 1, 2024 at Liberty Hospital with her family at her side.

Wanda was born on February 13, 1947 at Orrick, Missouri, to Melvin Eugene and Sarah Frances (Summers) Harris. Growing up, Wanda attended schools at Wallace, Elkhorn and Orrick Schools. Wanda was united in marriage to Russell Barnard on March 30, 1963 in Orrick. Russell preceded her in death in 1998.

Wanda loved dancing with her husband and she loved Elvis Presley. She also enjoyed going camping and time spent with her family. Wanda loved to sew and she loved to cook. She also loved her dogs.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Russell Barnard; and a brother, Melvin Harris.

She is survived by daughters, Debbie Hoeppner of Mayview, MO, Christie McGlothlin and husband Tony of Orrick, MO, and Rebecca Sue Barnard of Belton, MO; her loving grandchildren, Nick McGlothlin and wife Megan, Christopher McGlothlin and wife Kitreana, Todd Michael Hoeppner and wife Ashley, Evan Michael Hoeppner and wife Ashley, and Paci Rayann Barnard. She is also survived by 13 great grandchildren, two sisters and one brother.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 5, 2024 from 11 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. at the Orrick Baptist Church. Memorial services will be held at 12:30 P.M., also at the Orrick Baptist Church, with Mr. Darrin McGlothlin officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Union Baptist Cemetery.

For those that desire, Memorial Contributions in Wanda’s memory may be given to the chairity of your choice.

John Milton Townsend, 89, of Orrick, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at his home, surrounded by family. John was born on March 4, 1935, in Orrick, to Harold and Helen Townsend. He was united in marriage to M. Patricia “Pat” Cox on January 18, 1958; she preceded him in death on February 17, 2020.

He is survived by his loving family, son, Keith (Cecilia) Townsend of Cary, N.C.; Tom (Deanne) Townsend of Orrick, MO; and Diane (Eric) White of Springfield, MO. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Candice, Phillip, Douglas, Ashley, Brittany, and Joshua; and nine great grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by a brother, Charles Townsend, and sister, Ada June Andrews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; grandson, Andrew Townsend; one brother, Harold Bushnell Townsend; and two sisters, Mary Robinson and Virginia Whitsitt.

He graduated from Orrick High School in 1953 and went on to receive his B.S. in Agriculture from the University of Missouri in 1957, before returning to the family farm in Orrick. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army. In 1984, his son, Tom, joined him in the multi-generational farming operation, where they worked together for over 40 years. Farming was not just his livelihood, but also his passion that he enjoyed sharing with family who came back to visit the farm.

John was a giving, caring, and selfless man. He volunteered on many local and county boards. He was a member of the Richmond Shrine Club and the Orrick Masonic Lodge, where he just received his 50-year pin for membership. He was a lifetime member of the Orrick Christian Church, serving as a deacon and elder.

John’s greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren. For many years, he and Pat spent time at the Lake of the Ozarks, where they enjoyed boating with family. He also loved his many trips to visit Keith’s family in North Carolina and Diane’s family in Springfield. He especially enjoyed restoring the family Model T Ford with Keith and attending numerous country music shows in Branson.

As we celebrate a life well-lived, he will always be remembered for his friendly smile and positive outlook on life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Orrick Christian Church or South Point Cemetery. They can be left at or mailed to Gowing Funeral Home, P. O. Box 168, Orrick, MO 64077.

Visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. A Masonic service will be held during visitation starting at 5:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Orrick Christian Church. A burial will be at South Point Cemetery, Orrick.

December 10, 1944 ~ March 13, 2024
79 years, 3 months, 3 days

William Daniel Floyd, 79, of rural Orrick, Mo., passed away March 13, 2024 at Oak Pointe in Kearney, Mo., following a battle with Parkinson’s Disease. William was born on December 10, 1944 in Lowell, Mass., to Lucius Harding Floyd and Florence (Chatterton) Floyd. William served his county with the United States Navy during the Vietnam war as an E5, EOD and UDT, 2nd Class Diver, all of which he was honorably discharged from. William was a member of the Polo American Legion.

On October 10, 1965, William was united in marriage to Frances Jean Karnes. They made their home and raised their sons northeast of Orrick. William worked as a truck driver for ABS Trucking Company in Kansas City for several years and retired from his duties there in 2004. William enjoyed fishing, hunting and riding motorcycles. He also loved scuba diving.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Lucius and Florence Floyd; and three brothers, John Floyd, Tim Floyd, and Robert Floyd.

William is survived by his wife, Jean Floyd of the home near Orrick; son, Dan Floyd of Orrick, Mo.; and son and daughter-in-law, Heath and Mandy Floyd of Orrick, Mo. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Liam Floyd, Lily Floyd, Gretta Floyd, Tatum Floyd and Parker Floyd.

Memorial Services with Military Honors and inurnment will be Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at South Point Cemetery near Orrick. Memorial contributions are suggested to be given to Tunnel to Towers in William’s memory.