Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 W Ashley Road, Boonville, MO (2025)

12/02/2025

Carmen Ann (Patterson) Kennedy of Boonville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on November 28th, 2025, at the age of 72.

Mother, Grammie, curator of beauty, collector of books, autumn enthusiast, homemade bread baker, fisher woman, and educator. In her lifetime, Carmen was passionate about making everything around her beautiful. Her home, Carmen's Cottage, was her happy place that she filled with her favorite books, paintings, and flowers, complemented by the sound of her pet songbirds. She was an avid reader and loved to share books with others; many hands browsed her Little Free Library she kept lovingly overflowing with books for all ages. Carmen was a renowned seamstress who loved to decorate. She worked at Ricmar Decorating in Boonville for 31 years, creating one-of-a-kind bedding and custom window treatments for homes across the Midwest, including the Governor's Mansion. Carmen received her Bachelor of Science Degree in May 1977 from the School of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO.

In true Carmen fashion, we share her words here:

I am a woman who hands out book prescriptions to others to ease their pain.

I am a woman who taught hundreds of children how to read and love books.

I am a woman who asks why someone does what they do to understand them and find the seeds of compassion.

I am a woman who for years, spent every Saturday and Sunday walking roofs and building homes for the families of Habitat For Humanity.

I am a woman whose hands have soothed babies, baked breads and pies and made fabric confections fit for Kings and Queens.

I am a woman whose hands stripped, sanded, painted, papered, tiled and made period window treatments for two historic homes.

I am a woman who has read many thousands of books and who loves nothing better than to sink into the world of a good story.

I am a woman who did the best that I could with the knowledge and resources I had and when I learned better, I did better.
I am a woman that butterflies follow.

I am a woman who draws peace and energy from moon glow, sunsets, wind, fire, ocean waves, and ferny woods.

Carmen is survived by former spouse, Cary Kennedy; three daughters, Melissa Kennedy, Amelia Kennedy (Andrew Schell), and Jennifer Kennedy; two grandchildren, Jules and Smith; great-grandson, Becket; siblings, Pat Patterson (Debbie), Andy Patterson (Donna), Harley Patterson, Irma Patterson (Ed), and half-siblings Pete and Lita Patterson. The Potts family was a second family to her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ned R. and Carmen J. Patterson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 14th, from 1-5pm at her home in Boonville.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Carmen's love of libraries with a donation to your local library in her name.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, Mo 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.

12/01/2025

Ruthann “Ruthy” Flippin, age 40, of Branson, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025, after injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. She was born on September 21, 1985, in Tacoma, Washington, the daughter of James Dunkerson and Denise Campbell.

A Celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Howard-Millard Funeral Home to assist the family with final expenses.

Ruthy and her family traveled around the country before she settles in Branson, Missouri. She received her associate’s degree from M.A.C.C.

She was a phlebotomist and then an Intake Coordinator for a rehabilitation ministry.

Ruthy was devoted to helping others and bringing them to know and trust the Lord as she did. Ruthy touched thousands of hearts and lives during her ministry work with Standing By the Door. She had a goofy personality, enjoyed traveling and being outdoors. She was a dedicated worker. Family and friends said, “she never stopped working”. She was adored by her nieces and nephews who referred to her as “Aunt Roo”. But most of all she loved being a mom and Nana.

She is survived by her parents: James (Lorri) Dunkerson of Pilot Grove, Denise Campbell of Atlantic, Iowa; daughters, Justina Flippin of Branson, Madison Smith of Columbia, Grace Baer of Columbia; granddaughter Harmony Brown; grandfather Darold Dunkerson; siblings: Bridget Wood (Josh) of Branson, Krystal Batson of Boonville, Heather Allen of Louisiana, James Dunkerson of Iowa, Christopher Batson of Fulton; lifelong friends Greg Tetro and Mark Smith; and many nieces, nephews and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her grandmother Becky Dunkerson and sister Jessica Ruchuti.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, Mo 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.

11/27/2025

This season, we’re thankful for the trust you place in us. May your Thanksgiving bring comfort and cherished memories of those you hold close.

11/25/2025

Sandra Lynn (Shrout) Riggle, age 84, of Boonville, Missouri passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Sandra (Sandy) was born on September 11, 1941 in Des Moines, Iowa to Fred E. and Helen Reavis Shrout. Her younger years were spent on the family farm near Boonville, Missouri during World War II. Sandy’s family moved to Kansas City where she attended J.C. White Elementary school and Westport Middle School in Kansas City, Mo., and graduated from Westport High School in 1959.
Sandy attended the University of Kansas and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1963. While at KU she was an Alpha Delta Phi and met her soon-to-be husband, Robert Allen Riggle, Sr. (Bob) at the KU Relay Parade when he drove her sorority’s float in the parade.

Sandy and Bob’s love story started when they met in 1961. Bob and Sandy married on August 10, 1963 at Leawood Methodist Church. They began their professional careers in Louisville, Kentucky where Julia Ann (Julie) was born August 22, 1965 and Robert Allen, Jr. (Rob) was born on April 21, 1970. The family moved back to Overland Park, Kansas in 1972 where they raised Julie and Rob. Sandy dedicated her life to raising her family, while masterfully maintaining her career as a teacher and being a skillful homemaker.

Sandy’s love of education never stopped as she earned a Master’s Degree in Education, with an additional 60 credit hours above her Master’s Degree. Sandy taught English, Social Studies, and Reading to middle school students for 31 years. She was a dedicated teacher who served her students beyond the classroom by working as a co-producer/writer for the Nallwood Junior High Variety Show in the Shawnee Mission District for many years.

Sandy was a devoted member of Country Club Christian Church for 47 years serving as a Deacon and Elder for over 25 years, along with being the librarian at the church library for 10 years. She was also on the official Board, served as Chair of Public Relations, and was a member of the Keystone Circle.

When Sandy and Bob retired to the farm near Boonville, Missouri in 2000, she became very involved in the community. Sandy was a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), Hannah Cole Chapter. She was dedicated to her community service with NSDAR and served as Chapter Regent along with being the Chairperson of the Veteran’s Day Program for 12 years that was held annually at the Boonville High School.

Sandy and Bob loved to travel and enjoyed trips to France (sailing a riverboat from Paris to Normandy on the Seine River) and Australia, along with regular trips to California to visit Rob’s children, ski trips to Colorado and Lake Tahoe with grandkids, and summer weekends spent at their home in the Lake of the Ozarks. Sandy also enjoyed adventurous travels throughout European and Scandinavian countries (Brussels, Paris, London, Sweden and Norway) with her parents, Fred and Helen, and her children, Julie and Rob.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Sandy was known for her witty sense of humor, kindness, warmth, and unwavering love. She enjoyed reading, cooking, and spending time with her family sharing stories around the table. Her home was always filled with laughter, love, and her signature home-cooking (being sure to prepare each person’s favorite dish!).

Sandy is survived by her husband, Robert Allen Riggle, Sr., her children, Julia Riggle McKee (Mark McKee) and Robert Allen Riggle, Jr. (Kasia Kay); her grandchildren, Mallory (McKee) Lutz (Nathan Lutz), Chandler Kellar McKee, (fiancé Eli Needle), Brooke Alessandra McKee, Abigail Joy Riggle, and George Robert Riggle.

Sandy will be remembered for her humorous, joy-filled spirit and the love she shared with all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, Mo 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.

11/24/2025

In Loving Memory of Howard Robert Embry

Howard Robert Embry, 84, of Boonville, passed away at his home on Friday, November 21, 2025. Born September 1, 1941, in Howard County, Missouri, to Elbert and Pearl (Doran) Embry, Howard lived a life defined by service, hard work, and devotion to family.

Howard attended Higbee schools and proudly served his country in the United States Army. After returning home, he met his lifelong love, Sharon Grogg and were united in marriage on October 20,1967 in Boonville, Mo. After his service, he worked as a custodian at Kemper Military School and later dedicated 13 years to the Boonville School District, where he retired in 2009. He was a man who believed in doing things the right way and took pride in his work and welcomed a smile to all who surrounded him.

Howard was a member of the VFW in Warsaw, Illinois, and found joy in the simple pleasures of life—especially fishing, where he could spend hours by the water. He enjoyed long road trips that included researching his family tree, and could tell you all about it. He had a playful spirit and loved to tease and “aggravate” his grandbabies, who were the light of his life. His family will remember him for his humor, his patience, and the way he always made time for them.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sharon of Boonville; children Dale Embry (Angel) of California, Robin Harmon (Caleb) of Centertown, Stacy Embry of Columbia, Charrity Shively (Charles Jr.) of Prairie Home, Joy Roberts (Larry) of Boonville, and April LaMoore (Michael) of Rocheport; brother Roy Embry of Holts Summit; grandchildren; Amber Gerke (Bruce), Tyler Embry (Samantha), Megan Wright (William), Nathaniel Harmon (Roxe), Brandon Embry (Hannah), Katie Harmon, Jordin McGuire (Spencer), Kimberly Murdock, Jared Murdock, Allison McGuire (Aaron), Lucia Embry, Tanner Embry, Connor Shively, Lawless LaMoore, Colton Shively, and Luciana LaMoore; and thirteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who will carry his memory forward. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters; Pete, Don, Charlie, Ina, Josephine.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Howard Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment for family with military honors will be December 10, 2025 at 2pm at Walnut Grove Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family in care of Howard-Millard Funeral Home.

Howard’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and quiet strength. His family and friends will miss his steady presence but will cherish the memories of fishing trips, shared stories, and the joy he brought into their lives.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, MO 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.

11/15/2025

Gary Douglas Thoma “Doug” It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Doug, who left us on November 14, 2025, at the age of 58.

A devoted father, proud grandfather, loyal fiancé, and protective son and brother. Doug lived a life defined by service, craftsmanship, and unwavering love for his family.

Doug was born on June 27, 1967, to Gary and Sharon Thoma—a perfect gift on their third wedding anniversary. As a young boy, he was active in Scouts, where his love for adventure and helping others first began to shine. He went on to graduate from Boonville High School in 1985.

Doug served the community as a firefighter and worked his way up to Lieutenant at Columbia Fire Department, where he worked from 1996 until his retirement in 2016. This was a role he embraced with courage, humility, and a steadfast commitment to protecting others.

Beyond his work as a firefighter, Doug poured his creativity and skill into his custom trim business, Thoma Custom Trim. He built a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and honest work. His hands built beautiful things, but they also lifted others up—through mentorship, kindness, and a willingness to help anyone who needed him.

In 2024, Doug rediscovered his passion for woodworking through his work with Signature Overhead Door and Remodeling. Returning to the craft he loved brought him renewed purpose and joy, reminding him how much satisfaction he found in building things with his own hands. More than a workplace, Signature became a second family to him—a group of people he deeply respected, laughed with, and felt truly connected to. Their support and camaraderie meant the world to him, and he cherished being part of their team.

Doug treasured sharing his life with his fiancée, Lori. In her, he found a partner who brought him joy. He often said that loving her made him a better man, and he felt profoundly grateful for the life they were building together.

Above all, Doug’s greatest joy in life was his daughter, Haley and his five beloved grandchildren. He spoke of them often and with enormous pride, cherishing every moment spent in their lives. His love for them was the center of his world. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the community he served, and the countless lives he touched.

He is survived by fiancé, Lori Maddex of New Franklin; daughter, Haley Thoma (Jesse) of Tipton; his bonus daughters, Kathi Maddex of Fayette and Sara Gentry of Boonville; parents, Gary and Sharon Thoma of Boonville; sisters, Gena Campbell (Charles) of Boonville and Ginger Gholson (Jimmy) of Boonville; grandchildren Ruby, Kane, Prynceton, Lou, and Nohble; nieces and nephews Breck, Carson (Zoey), Brady, and Olivia (Andrew).

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, uncle, and cousin: Clyde and Wilma Harris, Lawrence and May Pearl Thoma, Ron Thoma, and Ronnie Thoma.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Howard-Millard Funeral Home. A funeral service with Fireman’s Honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to a fund for his grandchildren, c/o Howard-Millard Funeral Home.

Doug’s life was a testament to service, love, and craftsmanship—and though we will miss him deeply, we are grateful for every moment we were blessed to share with him.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, Mo 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.

11/14/2025

James "Jim" Anthony Imhoff, age 84, of California, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones on Friday, November 14, 2025.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday November 20, 2025, at S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. A Rosary Service will be held at 10:40 a.m. prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Cedron Catholic Cemetery.

Jim was born on November 13, 1941, in Prairie Home, Missouri where he grew up with two brothers and a sister and graduated from Prairie Home High School in 1959. He was the son of Dalton and Irene Imhoff.

Following high school, Jim began his career managing Imhoff’s Texaco Service, a small gas station located by the school. A few years after that, he moved to Kansas City in 1963 and worked in the mail order department of the Sears and Roebuck Company before they went out of business in 1993. He then moved back to Prairie Home and worked at Nordyne in Boonville for about five years. His last position was in the Hard Count department at the Isle of Capri Casino from 2001 until 2012.

Jim was a rosary maker craftsman, creating thousands of beautiful rosaries sent around the world for over 35 years. He also enjoyed spending time and visiting with numerous family and friends at get-togethers, as well as hosting family reunions. He loved to farm and raise cattle, even going as far as driving back and forth between Prairie Home and Kansas City when he worked at Sears and Roebuck. When he was not making rosaries, Jim dedicated hundreds of hours of his time at numerous organizations, such as the Food Bank in Boonville, Samaritan Center in Jefferson City, Cedron Church renovations & fundraisers, and Pro-Life rallies.

He married Lita Eroy on February 3, 1990, in California, Missouri. She survives, along with their two sons, Thomas and Dennis. Along with his wife and sons, he is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Shirley Imhoff and Doris Imhoff.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dalton & Irene, and siblings: Paul Imhoff, Louis Imhoff, Teresa Kirchhoff and her husband Dick Kirchhoff.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, MO 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.

11/12/2025

Tracey Lee Mitchell, age 69, of Boonville, passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025, in Middletown, New York.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Howard Funeral Home with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation (Osteosarcoma pediatric patients), 4305 Montpelier Place, Columbia, Missouri 65203.

Tracey was born in Boonville, Missouri on July 2, 1956, the son of Thomas “Dick” and Annetta (Craig) Mitchell. He graduated from Boonville High School.

Tracey began working at the young age of 14 as a cook at the Windmill (later known as Bobber Truck Stop). He began his trades career at Craigs Refrigeration, then moved to Texas to become a welder at Commanche Peak in Texas. He went back to Craigs Refrigeration working with his grandpa Craig when he came back to Boonville. He then opened his own Refrigeration Business, T & S Refrigeration. He ran this business for 10-15 years full time and when he went to work at the University of Missouri, he still provided service on a part time basis to the local Boonville Community. He worked for the University of Missouri twenty plus years and was still full time at the time of his passing.

Tracey was a quiet but loving person who would give you the shirt off his back. His goal in life was to make sure everyone was taken care of. He had a strong work ethic, sometimes working around the clock to make sure his customers were taken care of to keep their homes and businesses up and running. He was adamant that the work was done right the first time. If you wanted something done right, you called Tracey! He was a master of many trades. “If Tracey can’t fix it, it can’t be done!” It was said that he woke up to work and went to bed to work. Some of his favorite things in life were Mt. Dew and eating at the Palace. He would walk right through the back door of the restaurant and tell George what he wanted! He also enjoyed the annual football game with his three sons. He was always there to help others, no matter what it was, who it was, whether they had money or not, or what time of day or night.

Tracey is survived by his children: T.J. Mitchell of Jefferson City, Thomas (Kristi) Mitchell of Boonville, siblings: Nick (Sandy) Mitchell of New York, Doug (Delene) Mitchell of Kansas, Dale (Linda) Mitchell of Prairie Home, Gale (Eric) Sandgren of Kentucky, Sonja McHale of Boonville; grandchildren: Kyle, Parker, Sadie, Jaysen, Jocelyn, Trenton, Trevor, Jaylyn and great granddaughter Eloise.
He finally retired and went to hang out in Heaven with his son, Phillip Mitchell and parents, Dick and Annetta Mitchell.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, Mo 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.

11/08/2025

The funeral service for Carol Rohlfing will begin today at 11AM. Please click here to view the livestream:
https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/carol-rohlfing-funeral-service

A playback of the video will be available after services have concluded.

11/07/2025

Louis Henry Imhoff, age 86, of Boonville, passed away in the early morning of Friday, November 7, 2025, at the University of Missouri Hospital.

A Rosary service will be held at 4:30 p.m. prior to visitation on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Howard Funeral Home with a visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. that same evening at the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at S. S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church with interment to follow at Cedron Catholic Cemetery in Prairie Home.

Memorials are suggested to Cedron Catholic Cemetery.

Louis was born in Prairie Home, Missouri on April 10, 1939, the son of Joseph “Dalton” Henry and Irene (Zey) Imhoff.

He graduated from Prairie Home High School. During his career, Louis was a Manager for Clean Air Unlimited, a Foreman at Nordyne, plant manager of McGraw-Edison and Bimet Corporation and most recently was a Senior Driver for Medical Arts/Summers Pharmacy. He was also a part-time Cooper County Deputy Sheriff and was on the Boonville Police Department.

Louis was a man who lived life fully and loved deeply. He found his greatest peace in the outdoors – from hunting trips and time spent in the mountains of Colorado to long laughter filled days at the lake with his kids in their younger years. With a cold Coors in hand and a story to tell, Louis had a way of making everyone around him feel welcome and at home.

Louis was a loving, wonderful husband who was very devoted to his wife and family. He was known for his humor, his easygoing spirit, and his love for people. Family meant everything to him. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and delighted great-grandfather who cherished every visit, every laugh, and every moment shared. His warmth, kindness, and quick wit will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Louis will be remembered for his generous heart, his love of the simple joys in life, and the countless memories he created with those he loved most. His legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were lucky enough to know him.

Louis is survived by his wife Shirley of the home; his children: Terrie Beul (Michael) of Jefferson City, Michael Imhoff (Lisa) of Columbia, Tim Imhoff of Gravois Mills, Christopher Imhoff (Ana) of Columbia; brother James “Jim” Imhoff (Lita) of Prairie Home; sister-in-law Doris Imhoff of California, MO; grandchildren: Jeremy, Mitch, Zach, Emily, Jacob, Garrett, Morgan, Alec, Hannah, Bryan, Dylan, Ethan, Dalton, Thorin; great grandchildren: Aiden, Adeline, Evelyn, Aubrielle, Cade, Chase.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Paul Imhoff, Teresa Kirchhoff and her husband Dick Kirchoff.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, Mo 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.

11/04/2025

Carol Lee Rohlfing, age 78, of Boonville, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Boone Hospital Center.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Howard Funeral Home, with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in New Franklin following services.
Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

Carol was born in Columbia, Missouri on February 21, 1947, the daughter of W.G. Conner and Gladys (Jacobs) Conner.

Carol was a homemaker, taking great care of her family. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi. Carol enjoyed doing puzzles, loved to go shopping, Halloween, but most of all spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Carol is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dick Rohlfing of Boonville; son Heath Rohlfing of Boonville; daughter Brandy (Paul) Rohlfing of Boonville; brother Allen Conner and his wife Shirley; grandchildren: Austin (Kristan) Rohlfing, Hunter Rohlfing and Harley (Jordan) Waller; and several nieces and nephews.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, W.G. Conner and Gladys (Jacobs) Conner.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, Mo 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.

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