Obituaries

Tanya D’Arline Cunningham, 82, of Vandalia, died at 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.

Andrea “Andy” Lynn Amelung, 42, of Silex, died Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at Hannibal Regional Hospital surrounded by her family.

Carol Allen Johnson, 89, born on August 11, 1935, in Sullivan, Mo., the daughter of Richard Norton and Madge Martin (Whiteside) Allen Sr., died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Vandalia, Mo., at the Baptist Home of Tri- County. With a heart that inspired warmth and a spirit that encapsulated kindness, Carol's legacy radiates through her family and community.

Shirley Lee Francis, 87, Nevada, Mo., died Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, at Nathan Richard Health Care in Nevada.

Melvin Lee Gregory, 80, of Mexico, formerly of Holts Summit, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at the Missouri Veterans Home.

James Holt Mitchell, 83, of Bowling Green, Mo., died surrounded by his family on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia. He was born on Feb. 26, 1941, in Montgomery City, Mo., and was the son of the late Jessie Elwood and Mary Helen (Holt) Mitchell. Jim was united in marriage to Elizabeth (Betty) Sue Bibb on July 26, 1964, at the First Presbyterian Church in Bowling Green, Mo., and to this union, two sons and one daughter were born.

Deborah Stoops Early, 65, of Frankford, Mo., died Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. Services will be held at the Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana, Mo., on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 with visitation from 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. The family will also have a meal following the service at Pike Pioneer Center in Louisiana, Mo. Any gifts of food can be taken there directly that day.

Heather Marie Hurkmans, 36, died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Mich. She courageously fought metastatic breast cancer, which had spread to her spinal fluid.

David Jenkins, 83, of Center, Mo., died at his residence surrounded by his family. Cremation rites are under the direction of Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes & Crematory LLC in Bowling Green, Mo. A family lead Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, from 3 - 7 p.m. at the Keely Center in Louisiana.

Frank G. Sturm, Jr., 66, of St. Charles, Mo, died Nov. 22, 2024, at St. Louis University Hospital, surrounded by his family. He fought a valiant fight against AML leukemia, having been diagnosed in May of 2024. Frank was the son of Frank G. Sturm, Sr. and Frances Berry Sturm. He was born Feb. 21, 1958, in St Louis, MO. He grew up in Louisiana, Mo., and considered Louisiana his hometown. Frank graduated from Louisiana High School in 1977. On Oct. 8, 1983, Frank was married to Kelly Troutner (Holtsman) and together, they had one son, Timothy Kyle Sturm.