Obituaries

Mary Elizabeth Johnston, 80, of the Paris and Mexico area, died Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia.

Robert Ray "Bob" Kilby, a life-long resident of Louisiana, Mo., died peacefully on Dec. 11, 2024, on his 97th birthday. Bob was born Dec. 11,1927, to Samuel Ray Kilby and Elizabeth Capps Kilby. As a young boy, Bob spent his early years working alongside his dad and younger brother, Charlie, on the family farm. He had a love of farming and taking care of the animals, especially dogs. Some of his favorite hobbies were raising Labrador retrievers, duck hunting with good friends, hosting family fish fries, and annually planting and harvesting his large vegetable garden. Sharing home-grown vegetables with his neighbors and friends brought him great joy!

Rockport, Ill., and formerly of Bowling Green, Mo., died Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill., surrounded by her family, following a battle with cervical cancer.

Patricia “Patti” Ann Soukup, 64, a caring mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, died Dec. 10, 2024.

Darlene Marie Jennings, 83, of Curryville, died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at Tri-County Care Center – Baptist Homes of Tri-County in Vandalia.

E arl William McPike Sr., 62, of Bowling Green, died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, at Hannibal Regional Hospital.

Charlotte Jean Smith, 85, a beloved figure in her community and a cherished matriarch to her family, gracefully departed this world on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, at the Baptist Home of Tri-County in Vandalia, Mo.

George Richard Barlow Jr., 65, of Bowling Green, died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at his home.

Virgil Raymond “Ray” Niffen, 54, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.

Harold Dean “Benny” Fancher, 90, of Louisiana, Mo., died Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. His desire was to be cremated. Services will be at Collier Funeral Home to be announced at a later date. Burial of his ashes will be at Fairview Cemetery.