Virginia R. (Lowman) Lyon, better known as “Ginny,” was born March 13, 1935, in Elgin, Illinois, the eldest of Donald and Josephine Lowman’s children. She grew up in Elgin, graduated from Elgin High School, and spent two years in community college before beginning the greatest education of all—life, family, and service.
 
Ginny married her longtime sweetheart, Thomas J. Lyon, on Christmas Eve in 1956. It was a fitting start to a marriage marked by devotion, faith, and more than a little adventure. The couple followed the Navy wherever it led during Tom’s 22½‑year career, and Ginny turned every duty station into a home.
 
Raising four children—often while Tom was deployed—Ginny proved herself resourceful, resilient, and unshakably loving. She did it without a car, without a washing machine, and without complaint. Tough doesn’t quite cover it.
 
Her heart for children found a natural home in Girl Scouting, where she spent over 60 years as a leader and trainer in numerous councils. She also served as Religious Education Director at several Navy chapels. As her own children grew, family life expanded to include hiking boots, camping gear, and plenty of outdoor memories. One of Ginny’s favorite chapters was the more than two years spent in Yokosuka, Japan, a time she remembered fondly for its beauty, culture, and adventure.
 
Ginny had a talent for filling every spare moment. If she wasn’t gardening, crocheting, knitting, baking, or making cards, she was probably watching football—or helping someone who needed it. After Tom’s death, Ginny moved from their farm to Ava, Missouri, where she lived for 30 years before relocating to Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
 
Virginia passed into the arms of her Savior on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Baptist Health Hospital in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, at 91 years of age. She is survived by three of her four children: (Mrs. Bill) Kathleen Miles, (Mrs. James) Deborah Pope, and Mr. Stephan Lyon and his wife Deborah; along with 10 grandchildren and 15 great‑grandchildren who were dearly loved.
 
She was preceded in death by her husband Tom; her parents Don and Jo; a sister, Barb Marty; a brother, David Lowman; her in‑laws, Lenora and Tom; a daughter, Christina Heotis; and a grandson, Joshua Pope.
 
Funeral services will be held on April 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM, being held at Destination Church, Ava, Missouri. Burial will follow in the Springfield Veterans Cemetery. 

Kentucky arrangements under the care of Brown Funeral Home.  Missouri arrangements under the care of Ava Family Funeral Home. 

Carol Davis, 87, passed from this life on February 13, 2026, in West Plains, Missouri. She was born on October 5, 1938, in Columbus, Ohio, to Frank Joseph and Mary Bell (Baker) Magruder.

While still in school, Carol caught the eye of LeRoy Davis. On June 30, 1956, they were united in marriage and shared 62 years together before LeRoy’s passing in 2018. Carol supported LeRoy in all things—from his music to working many years as a secretary for his heating and air conditioning businesses. To this union, three sons were born.

Carol loved animals, especially horses. She had a close connection to her horse “Billy” when she was younger, and even as she faced many health challenges later in life, she often told her family that if she were able, she would still be on horseback. Her love of animals extended far beyond horses; from peacocks to chickens to cats, all were welcomed and loved by Carol.

She also loved the outdoors and spent many hours mushroom hunting every spring. Although Carol was tough as nails, she loved everyone and was always willing to help anyone in need.

Carol is preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy, and her parents.

She will be deeply missed by her sons: Lee and Tina of Norwood, Missouri, Joe and Mary Lou of Lucedale, Mississippi, Troy and Marie of Drury, Missouri.  She is also survived by her grandchildren—Ariana, Joeseph, Adam, Derek, and Matthew—and her great‑grandchildren—Autumn, Wynter, Mayson, Blaire, Ryker, and Dakota. Many other family members and friends will miss Carol in their lives.
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Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Cemetery in Drury, Missouri.

​Frances Lorene “Lori” Bidwell entered her eternal rest on February 9, 2026, at her home near Ava, Missouri, with her loving husband by her side. She was born on September 26, 1942, in Mountain Grove, Missouri, to Frances and Effie (Barnett) Mayfield.

On May 22, 1960, Lori was united in marriage to Merle Bidwell. To this union, three children were born. Lori was a devoted and loving wife, spending 65 years faithfully supporting Merle throughout their life together.
Lori was an avid reader. Even after losing her sight at an early age, she spent countless hours listening to books, continuing her lifelong love of learning. She was a considerate, compassionate, and devoted wife and mother who dedicated her life to being present for anyone who needed her.

Lori was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Ronnie Mayfield, Donnie Mayfield, Mary Baney, and Randy Mayfield.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband, Merle. She will also be deeply missed by her daughter, Cynthia, and her sons, Gary and Jeffrey. Lori leaves behind six grandchildren and three great‑grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Anna Seim, Betty Grubbs, Deb Hoffschneider, Lonnie Mayfield, and Glinda Kelley, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness.
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Funeral services for Lori will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Ava Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery near Mountain Grove.

Frances Lorene “Lori” Bidwell entered her eternal rest on February 9, 2026, at her home near Ava, Missouri. She was born on September 26, 1942, in Mountain Grove, Missouri.

Funeral services for Lori will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Ava Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery near Mountain Grove.
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A full obituary will follow

This is the link for the service for Mr. Smith

https://vimeo.com/1161624783?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Betty L Northup, 87, passed from this life on July 25, 2025, at Cox South Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, with loving family surrounding her.  She was born on October 24, 1937, to Raymond and Tracy (Prine) Fletcher.

On August 28, 1966, she was united in marriage to Russell Northup in Horton, Kansas. 
Betty spent most of her career working for the state of Kansas, retiring as a Rehabilitation Service Chief.  After retiring, Betty became an avid reader.  She also loved to be with her friends.  Upon meeting Betty, one would quickly discover a couple of things: Betty loved life and was a “pistol”, and Betty loved the KC Royals.

Betty was a member of Lowman United Methodist Church.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Russell and her parents. 

She is survived by her daughter, Molly, and grandson, Kale.  She also left behind her sister, June Harley, and husband Joe.  She will also be missed by her niece and nephews: Jacinda, J.J., and Jonathan. Many other family members and friends will miss Betty in their lives.
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A memorial service will be held for Betty on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Lowman United Methodist Church, 4101 SW 15th St, Topeka, Kansas, starting at 10:00 A.M.  Burial will follow in the Wheaton Congregational Cemetery. 

Betty L Northup passed on July 25, 2025, at Cox South Hospital. She was born on October 24, 1937, to Raymond and Tracy Fletcher.  

​A full obituary will follow.

Terry Lee Watkins was born on January 14, 1951, to parents Robert and Glada (Heath) Watkins.  On January 4, 2025, Terry passed from this life. 

After attending High School in Ava, Terry joined the U.S. Army.  After leaving the military, Terry came back to Ava and made his home with his wife Carol, from this marriage, 2 children were born. 

Terry liked to work with his hands.  He spent many years working in the auto body industry.  He would then go into carpentry. Whether it was seeing a car’s beauty restored or a house being built, Terry liked knowing he had a hand in it.  Terry would later work in the Ava Schools maintenance department, which he enjoyed until his health prohibited him from working. 

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Glada Watkins.

Surviving Terry is his wife Jeannie, his sons, Terry Gene and Travis.  He also left behind 3 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Also surviving Terry are his sister Donna Dale and brother Mike Watkins.  Many other family members and friends will miss him.
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Celebration of life services will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at Ava Family Funeral Home.  

Lynn Rae Clayton, 79, started her heavenly life on April 24, 2025, when she passed from this life at her home surrounded by her family.  Lynn was born on May 16, 1945, in Denver, Colorado.
Lynn was raised in Sidney, Nebraska, and attended school there until her senior year, when she moved to Casper, Wyoming, with her mother. Lynn attended Casper Junior College and obtained her education and training in nursing, becoming a licensed practical nurse in 1965, practicing her profession for 45 years.  She enjoyed helping people in their time of need and often stated, “That is why God put me here- to use the gift He gave me.”

                During her nursing education, Lynn met her future husband, and they were married on January 22, 1966.  To this marriage, five children were born.  They were all so much fun and brought great joy to her.  She raised them to know and love God, family, and be respectable, responsible citizens.  God blessed her with the gift to see all of their children and their grandchildren accept the Lord as their savior. 
After retirement, Lynn began her journey with cancer, with the support of her family, friends, and church family.  She said, “Never underestimate the power of prayer.”

In her spare time, Lynn enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, playing piano, and taking care of family and flowers.

Lynn was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, her mother, her son Jimmy, and her beloved grandparents.

Lynn will be missed by her daughters: Lisa Woodall, Kim Cook, Becky Clayton, Shelly Potts and husband, David, Laurel Clayton, and Leslie Maltese, and husband Sal.  She also left grandchildren: Corey Clayton and wife Lindy, Kailee Biggs and husband Clint, Branden Woodall and wife Macey, Megan Cantrell and husband Corey, Savannah Cavalier, Emelie Godbey and husband Izic, Darian Clinton and husband Tyler, Derrick Bushong and wife Alena, Shelby Bushong, Nick Taylor. Lynn will also be missed by her great-grandchildren: Brooklyn, Gi, Cooper, Brooklynn, Harper, Emery Jo, Gracie, Willow, Jay, Jaxon, Izabella, Lyla, and Nellie.  Lynn’s best friend, Emelie Jenkins, will also miss Lynn in her life. There are also several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss Lynn’s influence on their lives.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sandy Church.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Ava Family Funeral Home. 

All services are under the care of Ava Family Funeral Home.