Mary Lou Payne, age 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Columbia, Missouri, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, surrounded by family.

Mary Lou was born on September 21, 1942, in Orrick, Missouri, to Don and Helen Hall. She grew up in Orrick and spent most of her life there before moving to Columbia two years ago. Mary Lou was a graduate of Orrick High School. After graduation, she worked in North Kansas City at National Bellis before returning home to work at the family business, Hall’s Grocery in Orrick, Missouri, where she dedicated more than 30 years of service. Later, she worked at the Bearcat Den, where she became well known for her delicious homemade pies.

Mary Lou embraced life fully and loved her family deeply. She touched countless lives with her kindness and generosity. Her door was always open, and her home was not only a place for her two children, but for many children throughout the years. She rarely ever said no to a weekend slumber party or sleepover. Mary Lou’s Sunday dinners were cherished by many, and there was always a place — and a plate — for everyone at her table.

Proceeding Mary Lou in death were her parents, Don and Helen Hall; brother, Bill Hall; sister, Donna Sue Stagner; nephew, Mike Nail; niece, Joan Nail Lichty; great niece, Charlie Nail; and great nephew, Brent Lichty.

Mary Lou is survived by her two children, George and Nancy Payne; brother, John Hall and sister-in-law, Maria Hall. Her nieces and nephews were very important to her as well, Tim Hall, Dave (Christie) Nail, Nancy Nail, Steve Nail, Dale (Tammy) Stagner, Susan (Steve) Cresswell, Cheri (Pat) Marks and Kerri (Chris) Henderson; great nieces and nephews, Kendal (Jackie) Hall, Monica (Jeremy) Houser, Jenny (Russ) Duncan, Jeff (Erika) Nail, Mathew Nail, Jerry Rooster Nail, Wyatt Nail, Bryan (Rose) Lichty, Christian Lichty, Jessy (Brent) Vulgamott, Courtney (Justin) Hook, Devon (Matt) Neeld, Nick (Kayla) Cresswell, Eric Cresswell, Karly Cresswell; as well as many great great nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou had some very special bonus kids as well, Cindy Lampton, Ethan Nichols, Barbara Nichols, Cathy Thomas, Wilma (Gale) Claypole, Cindy McMullen, Tim Covey, Anna (Jeff) Hamilton, Rebecca Covey, and Chris Covey.

Services honoring the life of Mary Lou will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, at Orrick First Baptist Church, 301 Adams Street. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Donations may be made to Orrick First Baptist Church.

James Wilbur Arnold, 97, passed away peacefully in his home just north of Orrick, Missouri on January 21, 2026.

James, or Wilbur as most knew him, was born in Orrick on November 11, 1928 to James Henry and Georgia Olene (Edwards) Arnold. Wilbur was raised in and around Orrick and graduated from Orrick High School, Class of 1946. In 1947, he began a lifelong career in agriculture. He and his brother Paul co-owned and operated Arnold Brothers Feed and Grain until 1974, then Wilbur enjoyed farming until his retirement.

In 1951, Wilbur enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country during the Korean Conflict. After his return to Orrick, Wilbur was united in marriage to Mary Frances (McAfee) Arnold at the First Baptist Church of Orrick on December 24, 1954. From this marriage, Wilbur and Mary had three sons, Dale Lynn, Stephen Wayne, and Michael David Arnold. Throughout his life, Wilbur faithfully served his family and community as a deacon of the First Baptist Church of Orrick, a board member of the Farm and Home Insurance, founding board member of the Orrick Fire Protection District as well as a member of a Promise Keepers men’s group. A man of faith, integrity, and generosity. He will be greatly missed as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and community leader.

Preceding Wilbur in death were his parents, James Henry and Georgia Arnold; Mary Arnold, his wife of almost sixty years; three sisters, Jessie Edwards, Lila Arnold, and Sharon Peterson; and a brother, Paul Arnold.

Survivors include his three sons, Dale Arnold of Elizabeth, Colorado, Stephen Arnold (Lynne) of Roswell, Georgia, and Michael Arnold (Betsey) of Orrick, Missouri; four sisters, Doris Boyce, Lena Davidson, Carol Nelson, Georgann Anderson (Bob); four brothers, Dean Arnold, Robert Arnold (Maxine), Victor Arnold, and Phillip Arnold (Susan); grandchildren, Lauren McAfee (Nathan), Kristen Tufts (Matthew), Ashlyn Martoia (Collin), Malorie Haynes (Dakota), and Kaitlin Arnold; great-grandchildren, Jackson McAfee, Sawyer McAfee, Collins McAfee, Miller Tufts, Smith Tufts, Shepherd Tufts, Beau Martoia, and Levi Martoia.

Services for Wilbur will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, Missouri. A visitation for family to receive friends will begin at 1:00 PM with funeral services beginning at 2:00 PM. Immediately following the funeral service, a processional will leave the funeral home for interment and a graveside service at Southpoint Cemetery, just east of Orrick. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church of Orrick.

Sarah Ellen (Claypole) Fulte, 92, of Orrick, Missouri passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Missouri.

Sarah was born on April 29, 1933 to Milo and Edna Mae (Brinkley) Claypole in Ray County. Sarah was raised in Orrick and was a graduate of the 1952 class of Orrick High. She was united in marriage to Robert “Bobby” Fulte, Jr. on June 11, 1954 and from this marriage they would raise five children.

Together they owned and operated Orrick Oil & Gas Company. Sarah was a lifelong community supporter and chaired the Orrick Christmas lights and the Annual Orrick Community Christmas celebration for the children for many, many years.

Sarah enjoyed fishing and boating at the lake with her family and spending time in her yard working in both her flower and vegetable gardens. She also enjoyed swinging on her porch swing, while watching birds. She loved decorating for all occasions and large family gatherings to celebrate the various holidays.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, Milo and Edna Mae Claypole; her brothers, Robert Claypole, Jimmy Claypole and Danny Claypole, her sister, Judy Hightower; her husband, Bobby Fulte, Jr.; one daughter, Robin Brockhoff; one grandson, Cody Kolosick; and one great-grandchild, Cole Dennis.

Sarah is survived by two daughters, Mikala (Tommy) McConnell of Orrick, MO, and Stacy (Kim) Kolosick of Orrick, MO; and two sons, Brent (Amy) Fulte of Richmond, MO and Jeff (Karen) Fulte of Orrick, MO; 11 grandchildren, Lindsay McDonald (John), Thomas McConnell (Cristie), Sarah Suppes (DJ), Brett Kolosick, Amie Dennis, Misti Holloway (Jeremy), Marcie Outersky (Freddie Stevens), Lauren Horn (Cole), Skylar Fulte, Sam Fulte (Clary) and Madi Fulte; numerous great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; sister, Sue (Bob) Lee of Excelsior Springs; sister-in-law, Doris Claypole and companion, Donnie Hightower, also of Excelsior Springs.

Services for Sarah will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, MO, with a visitation for family to receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM and a funeral service beginning at 2:00 PM with Pastor Art Endsley officiating. Graveside service and burial will immediately follow the funeral at Southpoint Cemetery, just East of Orrick. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Southpoint Cemetery Association.

Ronald “Ron” Eugene Bartley, 76, of Rayville, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on January 1, 2026. Ron was born to Forrest and Frances Bartley on July 7, 1949 in Lexington, Missouri.

Ron was a United States Marine and veteran of the Vietnam War. He was proud to have served his country, but he knew he had paid a cost for it which included exposure to Agent Orange, a disease that was not shown to all, but he made the most of it. Ron was a hunter, family man, great provider, and listener but some might say he lacked patience. Ron had a great love for the outdoors doing things such as his work as a telephone man, deer hunting, coon hunting, fishing and a great love for animals like dogs, deer, and horses. The greatest love he had though was for his family.

Ron is survived by his wife of 34 years, Renee Bartley, of the home; sons, Christopher Battagler, Nathan Bartley (Alli), Jamie Newsome (Bobby), Landon Bartley (Haley), and Joshua Bartley; nine grandchildren, Rebecca, Dylan (Hannah), Ariel (Zach), Savannah, Audry, Alexis, Cash, Tucker and Cameron; and two great grandchildren, Ava and Brady; along with bonus daughters, Becky, Amber and Marsha; a twin brother, Donald Bartley; one sister, Carol Tulipanna of Lexington, MO, and one half-sister, Maryvette Fennell of Palmetto, FL; a brother-in-law, Russ Battagler (Wendy); and a sister-in-law, Rene Battagler.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Ronnie; three brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.

Services for Ron will be held Friday, January 9, 2026 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, Missouri. A visitation for family to receive friends will be from 5PM to 6PM with funeral services and military honors immediately following at 6PM.

Bobby “Bob” Ray Shrout, 77, of Elkhorn, MO passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025 with his family by his side.

Bob was born Februrary 23, 1948 in Kansas City, KS, to George and LeVerne Shrout. He was the youngest of the family having two sisters, Judith “Judy” and Rosalie “Rosie” at the time of his birth. Bob spent his youth in North Kansas City exploring the surrounding woods and creeks while hunting and fishing with his beloved dog, “Step and Fetch.” Some would say he never met a dog he didn’t like.

Bob attended North Kansas City High School where he met the love of his life, Katie. They soon dated and married on Bob’s birthday, February 23, 1966 and went on to be happily married for 55 years until Katie’s passing. While married they raised five children, Brian, Dough, Scott, Dana, and Kalen while living in a few various Kansas City, MO areas and finally settling in Elkhorn, MO. Bob worked at the Kansas City Southern Railroad for 32 years until his retirement. He was hooked on trains from a young age as his parents would take him to watch trains for hours. He always said that was the one job he wanted to do, was one to work with trains.

Bob also loved the outdoors, taking hunting trips to Mound City with family and friends. He even shot an Egyptian Goose, “by accident,” When Bob wasn’t working or hunting, he also enjoyed traveling, riding his Harley with Kay and being with his family.

Bob was preceded in death by both his parents; his sister, Rosie; and his wife, Kay.

He is survived by his sister, Judy, all his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Bob’s mischievous personality, funny and adventurous stories, laughter, and jokes will be greatly missed, especially his infamous two hard boiled eggs story.

Services for Bob will take place on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, MO, with a visitation for family to receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. and funeral services beginning at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Art Endsley officiating. Graveside services will occur directly after the funeral with interment at Southpoint Cemetery, just east of Orrick. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Bob.

Melcina Rose (Wyse) Smith, born on February 18, 1955, in Keokuk, IA, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, November 14, 2025.

Known by most as Honey or Mel, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Richmond, MO. Melcina was a lifelong resident of Richmond, MO, where she graduated from Richmond High School. Melcina retired from Henkel in 2021, and enjoyed spending the additional time with her friends and family.

Melcina was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Wyse Sr. and Melcina (Floyd) Wyse, and two siblings, Eddie Floyd and Joan Wyse. She was also preceded in death by her lifelong friend, Murrietta Nichols, who she is surely rejoicing with in Heaven.

Melcina is survived by her three children, Joseph (Beth) Smith of Richmond, Bridget (Eric) Hussing of Richmond, and Jenny (Nathan) Meierer of Lexington; nine grandchildren, McKenzie (Logan) Smith, Jessy (Dylan) Maxwell, Brendan (Chelsea) Smith, Gabriel Ramos, Jaxton Smith, Alana Ramos, Ashton Meierer, Channing Meierer, and Caraline Smith; four great-grandchildren, Harrison and Winston Hays and Grayson and Eleanore Maxwell. She is also survived by five siblings, Harry (Linda) Wyse Jr., Jerry Wyse, Geneva Crumply, Kenny (Susie) Wyse, and Gene (Jeanie) Wyse, and many nieces and nephews.

Melcina had a heart of gold. She loved effortlessly and touched every life in her presence with warmth. She will be missed, but her memory will live through those that knew and loved her.

Services for Melcina will be held Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, MO, with a visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and with funeral services beginning at 1:00 p.m. Graveside services will follow at South Point Cemetery, just east of Orrick.

Penny Lou Johnston, 79, of Richmond, MO, passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus, at her home and surrounded by the love her family and close friends on November 11, 2025. Penny was born in Kansas City, MO, on June 27, 1946 to Hattie Arzelda nee Hayes and Cecil H. Doubenmier, Jr.

Penny spent her entire life caring for others. Whether it was family, friends or just someone in need. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed sharing that with everyone. She was famously known for her potato salad. She also loved sewing, her beloved pets, cardinals, hummingbirds and Elvis Presley. She believed there was good in everyone, forgiveness of others, and helping anyone without being asked. Shared family holidays and gatherings were some of her favorite moments with home cooked food and lots of laughter. She worked for the state of Missouri for over 20 years caring for the mentally and physically challenged. Prior to that she worked as a beautician and a mid-wife.

Penny was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Zelda Doubenmier; one brother, Jacob Doubenmier; an infant son, Cecil T. Webb; her first husband, William T. Webb (8-30-07); and her first love and second husband, Ira Sandford Johnston (11-10-18).

Penny is survived by her children and their spouses, Cindy (Tim) Thurnau of Orrick, MO, Bill (Dee) Webb of Richmond, MO, and Amber (Jeremy) Villareal of Richmond, MO; and a granddaughter she raised, Maggie (Thomas) King of St. Joseph, MO. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She especially enjoyed seeing her youngest great grandbabies grow and play, Thomas Jr. King and Lila Thurnau. She will greatly missed by all.

Funeral services for Penny will be held in Orrick, MO, at Gowing Funeral Home on Saturday, November 15, 2025 with the Visitation from 10:00 to 11:30 A.M. and the Funeral beginning directly after at 11:30 A.M. A processional will leave from Orrick after the funeral services for a 2:00 P.M. Graveside Service at Pisgah Cemetery in Chilhowee, MO.

Roger Wholf, 84, of Orrick, was born on April 3, 1941, and passed away on November 7, 2025.

Roger dedicated 42 years of his life to Ford Motor Company, where he was known for his strong work ethic, loyalty, and steady presence. He started the first paint lab at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. He was a devoted member of Orrick Christian Church and faithfully served his church and community throughout his life.

After retiring in 2002, Roger embraced the things he loved most. He and Jeannie spent many happy years traveling to trail rides with their close group of riding buddies. Horses and the open trail brought Roger joy, peace, and some of his very best memories. He also enjoyed pitching horseshoes and was known for his creative gifts – welding metal art pieces and crafting beautiful stained glass for friends and family.

Roger was married to the love of his life, Jeannie Wholf, and together they built a home rooted in faith, commitment, and deep family bonds for 63 years.

He is survived by his daughters, Shelly Hoskins (Mike), Jill Jones (Jeff), and Janell Wilson (Todd). Roger was blessed with many grandchildren who brought him immense pride, Danielle Russell (Tony), Katelyn McGlothlin (Cam), Cody Hoskins, Justin Jones (Collin), Jayla Weidmaier (David Il), Blaine Wilson (Kristin), Ethan Wilson (Abby), and Emma Wilson. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Jayme, Maryanne, McKenna, Wyatt, Jace, Jax, Colbie, Khloe, David Ill and Blair, each a bright reminder of the legacy he leaves.

Roger will be remembered for his sense of humor, his love for the outdoors, his creativity, and the way he quietly and faithfully cared for the people in his life.

A Celebration of Life for Roger will be held at 1 P.M. on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the Orrick Christian Church with pastor Art Endsley officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Orrick Christian Church Building Fund.

Mark Look, 67, of Independence, Missouri, passed peacefully at his home October 7, 2025.

Mark was born March 18, 1958 to Ralph and Mary Look in Jonesport, Maine. He spent his childhood in Columbia Falls, Maine. He graduated from Narraguagus High School in 1976.

Many adventures took Mark all over the United States. He worked at a ski resort in Maine and a sea camp on Catalina Island, California. He also had his own custom furniture shop on Route 1 in Columbia Falls, Maine for many years. Mark’s later years allowed him to continue to use his carpentry skills in many capacities.

Mark had an enduring love and special place in his heart for animals of all kinds. His tender heart toward cats, especially, allowed many strays and rescues to find their way into his care.

Preceding Mark in death are his parents, Ralph and Mary Look.

Mark is survived by his wife, Lorrie, of almost 18 years; his step-daughter, Lucy Fine (Andrew) of Liberty, Missouri; his brother, Darrell Look (Teresa) of Lone Jack, Missouri; his sister, Cindy Look (Robert) of Gardiner, Maine; and many nieces and nephews.

Services for Mark will be held at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, MO, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with a visitation for the family to receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and funeral services beginning at 5:00 p.m. with Pastor Bob Sanders officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Independence Animal Services through the Truman Heartland Community Foundation.

January 21, 1953 – October 2, 2025

Melvin E. Williams, age 71, of Kansas City, MO, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025. He was born on January 21, 1953, in Kansas City, the beloved son of Huey and Vera Williams.

Melvin had a lifelong passion for cars and computers — interests that reflected his curious mind and love for problem-solving. Though a quiet and private man, those who truly knew Melvin discovered a unique and caring soul. When he let his guard down, his humor, wit, and quiet charm shone through — traits cherished by all who were lucky enough to experience them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Huey and Vera Williams; his brother, Ronnie; and his sister, Pam.

Melvin is survived by his daughter, Shelby O’Dell, and her husband, Michael Johnson; his brothers, Glen and Bruce Welch; and a host of extended family and friends who will deeply miss his presence.

A private service for family and close friends will be held on October 9, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, MO. All who knew and loved Melvin are welcome to come by and share a memory in his honor.

Condolences

My deepest condolences to you and your family. I pray for God’s comfort and strength during these times of mourning.
Randy Green SumnerOne

We were very sorry to hear about your father’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Jeff Harper