Stories from Monday, February 1, 2021

Owen Ray Bennight, 82, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, at Freeman West in Joplin, Mo. Ray was born March 21, 1938, in Los Angeles, Calif. Ray was owner/operator of B&R Furniture, in Nevada, from 1974–1998. He enjoyed wood working, had a passion for restoring old cars and frequenting car auctions, and was always known to be hands on with family and grandchildren...

Evelyn Friel, age, 94, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, at Jefferson City Nursing and Rehab, in Jefferson City, Mo. Evelyn, the youngest of seven children, was born on March 9, 1926, in Thedford, Neb., the daughter of Hugh Elliott and Mary Cordis Elliot...

Joshuah “Josh” David Leonard, 24, passed away Jan. 27, 2021, in Independence, Mo. Visitation will be 5 to 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5, at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, Mo. Celebration of Life service will follow at 6 p.m. There will also be a graveside service at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Walker, Mo., at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations to the family...

Tina Mae Groves, 58, of Nevada, died on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, at Freeman West Hospital, in Joplin. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. A private burial will follow in Click Cemetery, in Nevada...