Wilson Mortuary - Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1000 W Scenic Rivers Boulevard, Salem, MO (2026)

02/10/2026

Janet Sue (Crocker) Sturdivant Higgins, born February 3, 1947, to Erven and Tressie (Strickland) Crocker, passed away February 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family in Sevierville, Tennessee, at the age of seventy-eight years.

Janet grew up in Howes Mill and graduated with the 1963 class from Salem High School. On April 14, 1972, she was united in marriage to Delmar C. Sturdivant and to this union blessed with two sons, Carl and Chris. Janet and Delmar shared twenty-seven years of memories before his passing March 6, 2000.

On December 1, 2008, Janet was united in marriage to Bobby Higgins and shared the last seventeen years, creating lasting memories. Janet was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She deeply cared for her family, and her grandchildren brought her great joy.

Janet was a dedicated homemaker and talented seamstress who enjoyed sewing and making clothing for her family. She also loved to make jewelry. Janet took great pride in her appearance, always leaving the house looking her best.

At an early age, Janet attended church at Howes Mill where she was saved and baptized. She was a member of Salem First Baptist Church for many years. When she married Bobby, she supported him in his ministry and visited several churches and nursing homes. Her faith was important to her and she loved to sing.

Janet is survived by her sons: Carl Sturdivant and wife Marcia of the Lake of the Ozarks, MO and Chris Sturdivant and wife Holly of Sevierville, TN; husband: Bobby Higgins formerly of Salem, MO; sister: Judy Harris and husband Emery of Salem, MO; grandchildren: Haylea Delmara Roberts and husband Josiah, Brandon Sturdivant and fiancé Jessie, and Dustin Sturdivant and significant other Janey; great-grandchildren: Micah, Juliette, Aspyn, Emberlynn, Xander, Arabella, and Taytum; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Preceding her in death were her first husband: Delmar Sturdivant and her parents: Erven and Tressie (Strickland) Crocker.

Janet, known for her great love for her family, sweet spirit, and love for the color purple, will be deeply missed. Her kindness will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

02/09/2026

Randy Lynn Land, 62, of Salem, Missouri, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Salem, Missouri.

Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026, in the Mt. Hermon Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri.

Randy is survived by his loving wife: Brea Land of Salem, MO; daughters: Wadonda Todd and husband Chris and Rachel Richardson and husband Weston; siblings: Virginia Shepherd of Salem, MO, Rick Land and wife Debbie of Lebanon, MO, Jim Land and wife Lisa of Salem, MO, Shellia Ball and husband George of Salem, MO, and John Woods and wife Liz of Salem, MO; half-siblings: Henry Geiger and wife Tiffany of California, Gary Geiger of Illinois, Luther Geiger of Illinois, Heidi Smith of Illinois, and Samantha Udell of Georgia; sister-in-law: Teresa Land; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his father: Leon Land; mother: Hazel Stewart; stepfather: Gene Stewart; brothers: Leon Kirby Land and Farris Dean Land; half-brother: Chris Geiger; and his brother-in-law: Kenny Pyatt.

Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Randy Land to the Salem Public Library or The Rolla Mission.

Condolences may be left online at www.wilsonmortuary.com

02/09/2026

Roger Lee Gott was born on September 3, 1955, in Ava, Missouri. He was the youngest of two sons born to Wayne and Betty Ruth (Fleetwood) Gott. Roger was raised in Salem, Missouri and graduated from Salem High School in 1973. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Southwest Missouri State University in 1977.

Roger was the devoted father of two children, Lindsey and Nathan. He thoroughly enjoyed his role being a grandfather to Darci, Ruby, Tate, and Tucker. He adored Laura Parker and treasured the time they shared together. Family and friends were central to Roger’s life, and he enjoyed the memories made with them, especially his close friends Carl and Frankie Eichenberger, Tom and Connie Rushing, and Brian and Amy Cooley. Roger never knew a stranger and always enjoyed meeting new people and sharing stories with them.

Roger served as President of Town & Country Bank, beginning his career in the banking industry in 1983 while working alongside his father. During their daily travels to Bourbon, Roger gained invaluable insight and wisdom from Wayne—lessons that guided him throughout his professional life. He found genuine fulfillment in his work, cared deeply for his employees, and never wished to retire.

In addition to his banking career, Roger was a co-owner and board member of Town & Country Supermarkets.

Roger was known for his warm personality and enjoyment of life. He found pleasure in jet boating on the Current River, side-by-side rides, vacationing on Captiva Island, and listening to music. He was an enthusiastic sports fan, and especially loved attending St. Louis Cardinals baseball games. He was so proud of watching his son Nathan play high school sports and never missed a game. Roger also participated in sports throughout his life at both school and in the Salem community. Roger enjoyed deer and turkey hunting with his friends and especially his visits to deer camp.
Roger was a man of strong faith and a longtime member of Salem First Baptist Church.

Roger Lee Gott passed away on January 31, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of seventy. He is remembered by a loving family, dear friends, and a grateful community who will long cherish the time they shared with him.

Roger is survived by his loving children: Lindsey de Greck and husband Tom of St. Louis, MO and Nathan Gott and wife Macie of Rolla, MO; his love: Laura Parker of Salem, MO; granddaughters: Darci and Ruby de Greck of St. Louis, MO; grandsons: Tate and Tucker Gott of Rolla, MO; niece: Amber Polizzi and husband Joe of Rolla, MO; great-nieces: Maria and Lydia Polizzi; as well as aunts, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents: Wayne and Betty (Fleetwood) Gott; and his brother: Dennis Gott.

Roger made a positive impact on the people around him and his kindness and generosity shined. His life has made a tremendous impact on the communities he served. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in those who loved him most.

02/08/2026

William “Cecil” Quick, 63, of Salem, Missouri, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Rolla, Missouri.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Private Burial at a later date will be in the Round Pond Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri.

Cecil is survived by his loving son: Wayne A. Quick of Salem, MO; brothers: Dennis Quick and wife Christy, Jake Quick, Gurnie Quick and significant other Belinda, and James Quick and wife Karen all of Salem, MO; soulmate: Teresa Lewis of Salem, MO; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents: James E. and Bessie (Bowen) Quick; brother: James Quick Jr.; and sister: Linda Darling Downing.

Condolences may be left online at www.wilsonmortuary.com

02/06/2026

David Wayne Gamblin, the son of James “Pete” and Wilma (Medley) Gamblin, was born May 6, 1960, in Bonne Terre, Missouri. He grew up in East End and graduated with the class of 1978 from Viburnum High School.

At the age of sixteen, he started dating the love of his life, Teresa A. Smith. They dated for five years before getting married on July 25, 1981, at the Boss Assembly of God Church. David and Teresa shared forty-four years raising a family and creating lasting memories together.

While dating, all David ever talked about was driving and owning a truck. After receiving experience driving for the late Clifton Brown, he bought his first of many trucks, in 1984 starting his professional forty-two-year span as owner/operator. As the years gone by, David drove, leased, and ran his own business, as DWG Trucking LLC, traveling throughout the lower forty-eight states. Many of his trucking buddies knew him by his nickname, “Bullet”.

David and Teresa were blessed with two sons, Keith and Tony, whom he was extremely proud of. He taught his sons the value of hard work and love of family. They spent many hours working in the shop on oil changes, along with greasing and painting jobs. This tradition continued with his grandsons, who affectionately called him “Boppy”. He treasured time spent with his grandsons playing in the shop; they meant the world to him.

David and Teresa enjoyed camping at Clearwater Lake with family and friends. Every Friday night they ate at the Viburnum Inn with their close friends, Calvin and Vicky Pryor. David liked spending time outdoors cutting wood, taking side by side, four-wheeler rides, and also loved spending time at the cabin deer hunting.

David always enjoyed watching and listening to Evangelist John Hagee and Joel Osteen. On November 9, 2025, with Pastor Bill Mathes by his side, David accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior.

David passed away January 30, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of sixty-five years. He is survived by his loving wife: Teresa Gamblin of Bixby, MO; sons: Keith Gamblin and wife Kayshe of East End, MO and Tony Gamblin and wife Makylah of Davisville, MO; brother: Wayne Gamblin and wife Vicki of Bismarck, MO; grandsons: Kaleb, Karson, Walker, and Tate Gamblin; niece: Heather Grisham and husband Mark; great-nephew: Beau Grisham; extended family and dear friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents: James “Pete” and Wilma (Medley) Gamblin; and his precious infant grandson: Luke Gamblin.

Whether you liked it or not, David had a nickname for everyone he met. He had a larger-than-life personality and a big heart to match. His legacy will live on in the values he instilled in his family, the laughter he shared, and the countless lives he touched along the way. David will be forever missed.

02/04/2026

Joyce Ann (Thompson) Ellis, 78, of Rosebud, Missouri, formerly of Salem, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Washington, Missouri.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Burial to follow in the Stone Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri.

Joyce is survived by her sons: Richard Christian of Rosebud, MO and Michael Christian and wife Cathy of Rosebud, MO; grandsons: Rick, Cody, and Sam Christian; great-grandchildren: Xaiver, Zane, Avacyn, and Rayven; other relatives and dear friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband: Floyd Ellis, parents: James and Lois (Riggins) Thompson; and her sister: Sue Cover.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Joyce to Stone Hill Cemetery and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available.

Condolences may be left online at her tribute page at www.wilsonmortuary.com

02/04/2026

Janet Sue (Crocker) Sturdivant Higgins, 78, formerly of Salem, Missouri, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family in Sevierville, Tennessee.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2026, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2026, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Burial to follow in the Boss Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri.

Janet is survived by her sons: Carl Sturdivant and wife Marcia of the Lake of the Ozarks, MO and Chris Sturdivant and wife Holly of Sevierville, TN; husband: Bobby Higgins formerly of Salem, MO; sister: Judy Harris and husband Emery of Salem, MO; grandchildren: Haylea Delmara Roberts and husband Josiah, Brandon Sturdivant and fiancé Jessie, and Dustin Sturdivant and significant other Janey; great-grandchildren: Micah, Juliette, Aspyn, Emberlynn, Xander, Arabella, and Taytum; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Preceding her in death were her first husband: Delmar Sturdivant and her parents: Erven and Tressie (Strickland) Crocker.

Condolences may be left online at her tribute page at www.wilsonmortuary.com

02/04/2026

Betty Lou (Jones) Land McKinney, born February 1, 1944, in Kansas City, Missouri, passed away January 28, 2026, in Salem, Missouri, at the age of eighty-one years. She was the daughter of James and Marie (Lee) Jones and grew up in Houston, Missouri.

Betty was united in marriage to Kennith Land on August 18, 1959, and shared twenty-six years before his passing in 1985. This union blessed them with two children: Vicky and Kenny Jr. Betty later met Buddy McKinney, and on December 31, 1988, they were united in marriage, sharing the past thirty-seven years, creating lasting memories.

In Betty’s younger years, she worked at the International Shoe Factory until it closed. However, she was an entrepreneur at heart. In the 1980s, Betty owned a clothing boutique in Salem, Betty’s Jeans and Things. She later owned and operated several restaurants throughout the years, including Betty’s Cafe at the Lake of the Ozarks, B&B Country Kitchen in Licking, the Old Town Café in Edgar Springs, and the Red Hen Cafe in Salem, where she rarely, if ever, accepted payment from her grandchildren.

Betty loved music. In her younger days, she enjoyed singing in a local band with friends. She wrote and recorded two country music albums. Betty loved shopping and going to flea markets and antique shops and was always looking for a good bargain. For a time, she had a small antique shop at her home. She also enjoyed playing bingo. Most importantly, she cherished her family and treasured spending time with them. Betty was well known for bossing her beloved husband, whether in the restaurant or at home.

Above all, her faith was important to her, and she read her Bible, faithfully, every day. When she was a young girl, she attended the Pentecostal church in Anutt. In more recent years, she enjoyed watching and listening to John Hagee.

Betty is survived by her loving husband: Buddy McKinney of Salem, MO; daughter: Vicky Pogue and husband Jeff Sr.; son: Kenny Land Jr.; stepdaughter: Erin Lee; siblings: Donna Schmidt, Nancy Hayes and husband Roger, Debra Lee, Jerry Jones and wife Teresa, Ricky Cantrell, and Bruce Cantrell and wife Tammy; grandchildren: Josie Lee, Mackenzie Lee, Josh “Bo” Land, Danielle Boyher and husband Michael, Tyler Land, Audreana Land, Missy Thompson and husband Steven, Jeffrey Pogue Jr. and wife Kim, and Dustin Pogue; twenty-three great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Preceding her in death were her first husband: Kennith Land Sr.; father: James Jones; mother: Marie (Lee) Jones Cantrell; stepfather: Lex Cantrell; sisters: Lena Flemming and husband Cecil and Wanda Hebitwaite Davis; brothers: Jimmy Jones and Steve Cantrell; and grandson: Adam Land.

Betty, beautiful inside and out, was a gentle and loving soul whose warmth, laughter, generosity and smile brightened the lives of those around her. Her time with us was truly a gift, and her memory will forever be cherished by those who loved her. She will be deeply missed.

02/03/2026

Ruby Marie (Baker) Byfield, born April 11, 1944, in Dent County, Missouri, entered her Heavenly Home January 28, 2026, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of eighty-one years.

Ruby was one of eleven children born to Elijah and Lelia (Wilcox) Baker. On September 15, 1961, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Richard Ray Byfield. They shared sixty-one years of marriage and lasting memories before his passing October 23, 2022. This union blessed them with six children: Ruth, Rita, Dedie, Richard Jr., Rebecca, and Roger.

Ruby was a dedicated farm wife and homemaker. She loved the outdoors, enjoyed gardening and tending to her flower beds and roses. She was a talented seamstress, embroider, and crocheter whose hands crafted countless beautiful creations including quilts, clothing, and keepsakes that are treasured by her family. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading.

Above all her family and faith were most important to her. She loved to take family vacations, often visiting Colorado, Yellowstone, and the Royal Gorge. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great joy and she treasured spending time with them. Ruby was a Proverbs Thirty-One woman and her faith in the Lord was evident to those around her. She was a longtime member of Victor Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and helped with Vacation Bible School for many years.

Ruby is survived by her loving children: Ruth Campbell and husband Mike of Strafford, MO, Rita Whitehouse and husband Robert of Salem, MO, Dedie Wilson and husband Mike of Licking, MO, Richard Byfield and wife Kristen of St. James, MO, and Rebecca Maxey of St. Charles, MO; siblings: Geneva Counts, Jimmy Baker and wife Delene, Norma McGuirk and husband John, and Gene Baker; grandchildren: Bryan Campbell and Karen, Matthew Campbell and Hilary, Zach Whitehouse, Brady Whitehouse, Joshua Campbell and Kara, Dustin Whitehouse and Carolyn, Abbi Martin and Wade, Scott Byfield and Rachel, Breanna Ward and Cody, Aaron Wilson and Shay, Christian Maxey, Nathan Wilson and Ripleigh, Josie Steelman and Tyler, Delaney Smith and Charles, Ryder Byfield and Maddie Stamer; great-grandchildren: Caleb, Kate, Allyson, Ean, Nora, Malachi, Adalie, Ruby, Henry, Penelope, Winston, Theodore, Clementine, Benjamin, Lucille, Tallulah, Eli, Aurora, Jax, Luna, Audrey, Ella, Westin, Roselyn, Everly, Lillian, Boone, Beau, Knox, Nova, Luke, Noah, Beau, Haley, Hadley, Kayson, Ronin, Jackson, Linkon, and Stella; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

Preceding her in death were her loving husband: Richard Byfield; son: Roger Byfield; parents: Elijah and Lelia (Wilcox) Baker; sister: Bonnie Baker; brothers: Carl Baker, Don Baker, Bobby Baker, Dale Baker, and Irvin Baker.

One of her greatest pleasures in life was being her family’s “biggest cheerleader”, trusted advisor, and protector, who frequently praised their accomplishments. Her legacy will live on in those who loved her most. Ruby will be forever missed.

02/02/2026

Bobbie Dale Mathes, born May 28, 1937, in Buick, Missouri, was the son of Benjamin Harrison and Zelma Lee (Hamilton) Mathes. He was one of eleven children and grew up in Salem, Missouri. At the age of seventeen, June 2, 1954, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country faithfully and honorably for four years.

On March 23, 1955, Bob was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Minnie Ilene Leonard. Together they shared a lifetime of memories before her passing September 1, 2020, after sixty-five years of devotion to each other. Bob and Minnie were blessed with four children: Pam, Mark, Gary, and Christy.

Bob started his working career with Yellow Transit in St. Louis until moving back to Salem to work with his brother at Salem Pine Pole and Posts until 1978, when Bob began his career at St. Joe Lead Mines. After many years as a lead miner, Bob decided to switch careers and work alongside Minnie at the Viburnum Post Office. After a while, he went back to work at Doe Run until his retirement.

In his younger years, Bob liked to go gigging with his friends. He was an avid gardener and also enjoyed woodworking. Bob and Minnie liked to travel; they often camped at Montauk and were snowbirds in Florida. His family was most important to him, and he treasured the time spent with them, especially with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and newest great-great-granddaughter.

Bob was a man of great faith in the Lord. He was a Bible scholar; he truly loved to study the Word and taught Sunday School for thirty-four years. Bob served as a deacon at New Harmony United Baptist Church. Afterwards he attended Salem First Baptist Church until relocating to Springfield when they started attending Crossway Baptist Church. Bob also served as a Mason for sixty-one years.

Bob went to be with his Lord on January 26, 2026, at the age of eighty-eight years. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving children: Pam Sutterfield and husband Dan of Springfield, MO, Mark Mathes and wife Leisa of Springfield, MO, Gary Mathes and wife Ginger of Kansas City, MO, and Christy Bryant and husband Steve of Rolla, MO; sister: Retta Crocker of St. Charles, MO; grandchildren: Scott Sutterfield and wife Teisha, Brad Sutterfield and wife Megan, David Sutterfield, Danny Sutterfield and wife Jannece, Travis Sutterfield and wife Carrie, Bobbi Reavis and husband Caleb, Chad Mathes and wife Jessica, Nicki Rogers and husband Jaron, Luke Mathes and wife Tara, Ashley Kerr, Jonathon Kerr, Christina Kerr, Luke Bryant, and Seth Bryant and wife Tiffanie; thirty-one great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Preceding him in death were his loving wife: Minnie (Leonard) Mathes; parents: Benjamin “Harry” Sr. and Zelma (Hamilton) Mathes; siblings: Oscar Mathes, Willard Mathes, Grace Clements, Arthur Mathes, Juanita Cooper, Norma Mathes, Vesta Emery, Harry Mathes Jr., and Alberta Huggins; and his grandson: Michael Arts Jr.

Bob had the ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the world. He liked to make you think and typically answered a question with a question. Bob was a remarkable man and will be remembered for his incredible quick wit and contagious smile. He will forever be missed by those who loved him most.

02/01/2026

Roger Lee Gott, 70, of Salem, Missouri, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026, and from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Salem First Baptist Church.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Salem First Baptist Church. Burial to follow in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri.

Roger is survived by his loving children: Lindsey de Greck and husband Tom of St. Louis, MO and Nathan Gott and wife Macie of Rolla, MO; his love: Laura Parker of Salem, MO; granddaughters: Darci and Ruby de Greck of St. Louis, MO; grandsons: Tate and Tucker Gott of Rolla, MO; niece: Amber Polizzi and husband Joe of Rolla, MO; great-nieces: Maria and Lydia Polizzi; as well as aunts, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents: Wayne and Betty (Fleetwood) Gott; and his brother: Dennis Gott.

Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Roger to the LovePack BackPack Program or Grace Harbor and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available.

Leave the family a condolence on his tribute page at www.wilsonmortuary.com

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