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. 

Lynn Clayton, 79, passed from this life on April 24, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on May 16, 1945.  
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the Ava Family Funeral Home Chapel.  
A full obituary will follow. 

The book of life of Ila Louise Stillings came to an end on April 19, 2025, at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare, Ava, Missouri, with her family by her side.  Her book began on October 6, 1933, when Ila was born to parents Bailey and Iva (Robertson) Ludwig, in Ava, Missouri.

Pages were added to Ila’s book with all the friends she made during the 17 years she worked at Emerson Electric.  Her book was enhanced by all the wonderful paintings and projects Ila did by refurbishing all sorts of objects, from Prince Albert cans to coffee pots.

Other pages were added to Ila’s book with the many hours she spent watching Nascar; she was an avid race fan, recording most of the races, and especially loved watching Dale Earnhardt. The pages of Ila’s life were greatly influenced by her love of reading and books.  She would spend many hours lost in a world of books, and at one time had many shelves full of books.  In all her years, her story was enriched by many beautiful chapters of her love of family and church.

Ila was preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings, Wilda, Virginia, Larry, Mary, Annette, and Aloma.  Her soulmate of 38 years, Thomas Boak. Also preceding her in death was the father of her daughters, Benny Stillings.
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Left to continue the story of Ila’s life is her daughters, Kathryn Pierce and Kimberly Stamper, and 5 grandchildren: Jedediah, Jesse-Ben, Katchina, Marla, and Tyler. Surviving in-laws are Lawrence Ray and Eva Stillings, Norma Stillings, and Mary Lou Ludwig. 

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Ava City Cemetery, starting at 2:00 PM.   Ila’s sister-in-law Norma Stillings will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Hope Freewill Baptist Church.

Ila Stillings passed from this life on April 19, 2025.  She was born on October 6, 1933, to parents Bailey and Iva Ludwig.  

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Ava City Cemetery. 

​A full obituary will follow

William Milton Kelley, Jr, "Bill" passed from this life on February 7, 2025, at Cox South Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.  He was born on November 6, 1937, in Louisville, Kentucky to William Milton Kelley and Regina Mae (White) Kelley. 
In 1954, Bill entered service in the Army and spent the next 20 years serving our country, including time in Korea. During this time, he worked as a parachute instructor and held other positions. The one position that he enjoyed the most was as an investigator for the Military Police. 
Bill was always busy, especially helping other people.  He spent many hours riding his “green” tractor. Loved to fish and especially liked taking his grandchildren fishing.  He loved children and spending time with his family.  Bill also played cards weekly with a special group of friends. He was honest and would tell it like it is.   
Bill is preceded in death by his parents William and Regina Kelly.  He is also preceded by his daughter Judy Mae Kelley and his brothers Jerry Kelley and John Delbert “Jimmy” Kelley.
Bill is left to be missed by his wife Sharon of 36 years.  He will also be missed by his children: Craig and Angelia Henson of Pleasant Hope, Missouri, Christy Henson, Edmond, Oklahoma, Richard Lee Henson of Springfield Missouri, Mollie and John Cooper of Mammoth Springs, Arkansas, and Becky and Steven Haven of West Plains, MO.  He will also be missed by his grandchildren: Bryon McKinnon, Phillip Wight, Kyle Wight, Brittney Henson, Brenda Taylor, Kevin Bettis, Steven Kelley, Angela Kelley, B.J. Kelley, Rachael Kelley, Jessica Kelley, and Ronnie Kelly Jr. He also left behind great-grandchild, Mason Wight.  Missed by his beloved sister Wanda (Kelley) Davis of Memphis Tennessee.  He will also be missed by many other friends and family members.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Ava Family Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Stoutland Cemetery with full military honors.
All arrangements are under the care of Ava Family Funeral Home. 

William "Bill" Kelley Jr passed from this life on February 7, 2025, at Cox Health, Springfield, Missouri. He was born on November 6, 1937, in Louisville, Kentucky. 
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 11:00 at Ava Family Funeral Home Ava, Missouri.  Graveside will follow in the Stoutland Cemetery, Stoutland, Missouri.   

​A full obituary will follow

Thomas Waples, 75, passed away from this life on October 17, 2024, at his home.  He was born on March 22, 1949, to parents Jerry and Betty “Jean” (Saunders) Waples in Los Angeles, California.

On May 10, 1969, Thomas would marry Linda in Denver, Colorado.  Thomas was proud to have spent 10 years in the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy he was assigned to the USS John Adams (SSBN620) as 1st class Torpedoman and 2nd class Diver.  Then he had Civil Service  work with NOSC San Diego with the USN Dolphins and Sea Lions (Quick Find  IUWG-1)  during this time he had many Commendations and Awards along with a nomination for "Sailor of the Year.”  Thomas was also instrumental in the Tomahawk Cruise Missile program.

 He then spent 30 years in a construction business in Ramona, California. 

In 2009 Thomas retired.  Thomas and Linda spent the next 15 years enjoying their life and retirement.  Part of this retirement included moving to Missouri.  In Missouri Thomas and Linda were able to build their dream house.  Thomas almost single-handedly finished the house.   

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents Jerry and Jean Waples.

Thomas’ wife Linda will miss Thomas as her beloved, special husband and best friend for 55 years.  Also missing Thomas will be his daughter Tina and husband Lonnie Moreno, and son Todd and wife Ranee Waples. Thomas will also be missed by grandchildren Thomas and wife Megan, Garrett, Emily, Ruby, Jaazmine, Justine, Augustin, Tanya, Lexie, and Megan.  Thomas also left behind great-grandchildren Sienna, Brayden, Zoey, Maija-Ann, Alexander, Madeline, Theodore, and Seraphina.  He also left behind a sister Jan Gross and niece and nephew Heidi and Patrick. Thomas will also be missed by special and supportive brother-in-law George and Rebecca Beasley.  Many other friends and family will miss Thomas in their lives.

There are no services planned at this time.

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All services under the care of Ava Family Funeral Home.