Obituaries

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.

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.

Paul G, Stone, 92, of Clarksville, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, at St. Joseph Hospital—Lake St. Louis, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Visitation was Monday, Dec, 2, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bibb-Veach Funeral Home in Bowling Green, Mo. Then, services were officiated by Pastor Rod Ohmes at 1 p.m. A private graveside ceremony will be held at Antioch Cemetery near Cyrene, Mo., at a later date.

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. Following in his father's footsteps he got into the automobile business where he excelled for over 40 years. Most recently he worked for Seeger Toyota in Creve Coeur, Mo., and also spent many years with Frank Leta Honda in O'Fallon, Mo.

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.

Linda Barnes Leopold, 70, of Eolia, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Silex, Mo., surrounded by her loving children. Visitation will be Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, from 9-11 a.m. at Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes & Crematory in Bowling Green, Mo. The service will be officiated by Pastor Jason Hamilton at 11 a.m. A private graveside service will be held at Ashley Cemetery at a later date.

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.

Linda Lucille Willenbrink, 85, of Bowling Green, Mo., died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Winfield, Mo.