Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home

12/24/2025

This time of year really is one of the most wonderful seasons of the year - because we get to spend it enjoying beloved traditions with family and friends! What's one of your favorite holiday memories that reminds you that it truly is a wonderful life and a heartwarming season?

12/23/2025

12/22/2025

12/21/2025

It’s official—sweater weather is here! Time to enjoy the frosty charm of the season! As we celebrate the first day of winter, what outdoor winter activities are you looking forward to?

12/19/2025

Is there a grieving child in your life this holiday season? If you’d like to learn several ways you can offer support and love when times of grief arise, check out this helpful article with 10 compassionate actions you can take to care for yourself and a grieving child this Christmas.

Is there a grieving child in your life this Christmas? Check out these 10 suggestions for ways you can offer support over the holidays.

12/17/2025

Marla Ann Halsey, 51, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Marla was born on October 6, 1974, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Kathy (Oldham) Scott and Gary Scott. She lived a life full of love, faith, and a genuine commitment to caring for those around her.

She graduated from Odessa High School in 1993 and attended the University of Central Missouri. She later earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Sanford-Brown College in 1996. For 30 years, Marla worked as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, primarily in skilled nursing facilities. She approached her work with the same patience, empathy, and care that marked every aspect of her life.

Marla met her husband, Brett, in June of 1992 at the local Sonic. They quickly became inseparable and dated for several years. On April 19, 1997, Marla and Brett were married at the First Baptist Church of Odessa. Brett and Marla spent 33 loving years together, building a life as true partners. Marla helped with the family business and farm, working side by side with Brett, pouring her time and care into the daily work that shaped their life together. She took great pride in caring for their home and family. Of all the roles Marla held in her life, her greatest titles were wife and mother.
She was the proud and devoted mother of two daughters, Katelyn and Haley. Being their mom was her greatest joy. She loved them deeply, cheering them on in everything they pursued and supporting them through all moments of life.

Marla found happiness in the simple things and treasured time well spent with those she loved. She enjoyed summer days at Truman Lake, a good game of cards, and opening her home to family and friends. Her kindness, wit, and unwavering dedication to her family left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

A member of the Odessa Church of Christ, Marla lived with humility, kindness, and grace. Even through life’s hardest seasons, she continued to put others first and fully embraced each day.

She is survived by her husband, Brett Halsey of Odessa, Missouri; her daughters, Katelyn (Seth) Noble of Stanberry, Missouri, and Haley Halsey of Odessa, Missouri; her mother, Kathy Scott of Warsaw, Missouri; her father, Gary Scott of Grain Valley, Missouri; and her brothers, Kevin (Mary) Scott and Jared (Mandy) Scott, both of Grain Valley, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jack and Frances “Dutch” Oldham, and Owen Dale and Mary Juanita Scott, all of Odessa, Missouri, and her father-in-law, Joseph Halsey of Odessa, Missouri.

A private viewing was held by the immediate family. A celebration of Marla’s life will be announced at a later date.

The family will receive flowers at their home. Memorial donations in Marla’s memory may be made in care of Brett Halsey and will honor Marla through organizations important to the family.

12/17/2025

Online shopping is more popular than ever, especially during the holidays. However, not all sites have good intentions for buyers. Click the link below to learn how you can keep your shopping merry instead of dreary! cutt.ly/7-holiday-season-tips

12/17/2025

Elmer Raymond Stark, Jr., 78 of Odessa, Missouri passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday, December 22, 2025, at Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m., Monday, December 22, 2025, at the funeral home. Cremation will follow. Memories of Elmer and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our page.

Elmer was born on November 12, 1947, in Liberty, MO to Elmer Raymond Stark, Sr. and Audrey Mae Kathleen (Sloan) Stark. He worked for 20 plus years for Tri City Construction as a pipeline laborer and heavy equipment operator, and retired from Construction Industry Laborers Union, where he was a member since 1971. He was a member of Gate of the Temple Lodge 422 in Springfield, MO for 43 years, achieving Degree of Master Mason in 1982.

In addition to spending time visiting with his family and friends, Elmer enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing, collecting coins, and baking, especially cookies and pies.

Elmer is survived by three children, Angela Stark of Titusville, FL, Shirley (Craig) Royer of Shawnee, KS, and Susan (Jason) Wollum of Lenexa, KS; seven grandchildren, Teyo Green, Faron Stark, Jasmine Caldwell, Samantha Stark, Tyler (Brianna) Wollum, Ryan Wollum and Lily Wollum; one great-grandchild, Jack Caldwell; three sisters, Sandra Halsey of Odessa, MO, Sharon (David) Ryan of Warsaw, MO, and Sara Stark of Odessa, MO; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Elmer was preceded in death by a son, Michael Stark; a sister Shirley (Stark) Polson; and three brothers, Forrest Stark, Donald Stark, and Robert Stark.

12/16/2025

Chester “Chet” William Towles, 95 of Odessa, Missouri passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the Warrensburg Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 19, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church, 7995 Outer Rd., Odessa, MO, 64076. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment with military honors will be in the New Liberty Cemetery in Magnolia, MO (rural Johnson County, MO). In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Calvary Baptist Church. Memories of Chester and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.

Chet was born on October 30, 1930, in Holden, MO to Chester Clarence and Louise Elizabeth (Thies) Towles. He graduated in 1948 from Emanuel High School in Kansas City, MO. Chet was a veteran of the United States Army and earned the Army Occupation Medal while in Japan. On October 13, 1956, Chet was united in marriage to Venita Jean (Tucker) Towles in Kansas City, MO. She preceded him in death on September 12, 2010. Chet retired in 1980 from Armco Steel formerly Sheffield Steel after 30 and a half years as a machinist. After retirement he and Venita owned and operated Jaycee Ceramics. Chet was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Odessa, MO, V.F.W. Post 5675, a 70-year member of the American Legion Post 131, AMVETS Post 100, Steel Workers Union 13, and volunteered for Camp Valor. In addition to spending time with family and friends, Chet enjoyed gardening, fishing and visiting with friends.

Chet is survived by a sister, Patsy Jean Graham of Sun Lakes, AZ; a brother, James Allen Towles of Sierra Vista, AZ; two step-grandchildren, Anthony Stratton and Sabrina (Stratton) Rail; a special companion, Joy Tye of Odessa, MO; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

In addition to his wife Venita Towles, father, Chester Towles and mother, Louise Estey; Chet was preceded in death by a step-son, Richard Stratton; and a sister Virgina Louise Clark.

12/16/2025

Have you heard of Wreaths Across America Day? It’s a day set aside to honor our fallen veterans and servicemembers by placing a beautiful wreath on their graves. Their courage and sacrifice are not forgotten, and today, we honor their memory and their lives.