First Worth County Suicide Prevention Coalition Meeting Held

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988. If you are a veteran, dial 988 and then 1.

A new suicide prevention coalition is being formed in Worth County. The first meeting was held Wednesday and attended by around 12 people. It was moderated by Sarah Baker, Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator for Suicide Prevention at the VA. She presented facts and figures about Worth County and suicide in general.

A large study about the area recently done in 2024 provided facts and figures. Worth County is at around 1973 people according to the 2020 Census and has a net migration rate of –.28.41%, meaning that many young adults are not staying in the community. That means that the county has an older population. However, youth suicide is on the rise to the point that more youths now die by suicide than by car accidents.

Worth County is one of the most disadvantaged counties in the state. It is in the 88th state percentile in the Area Depravation Indes, meaning it is more disadvantaged than 88% of the state.

The average family makes around $43,536 a year. Nearly 30% of residents have bills or debts they struggle to pay. Nearly all civil court cases filed in Worth County involve unpaid rent, credit card bills, or medical debt. Around one in three children in the county live in poverty. When families struggle with money, it can make them feel stressed, sad, or hopeless.

Only 1% of people in Worth County live close to a park or place to exercise and 29% of adults said they don’t do any physical activity for fun. When we student taught at Worth County in 2005, we once had elementary students run a mile in preparation for the Elementary Track Meet. Only around 10% of them were able to run a mile. Around 22.30% of adults in the county smoke. Vaping is not any safer than smoking, and studies show that it can be worse. It is an infraction in Missouri for a minor to be in possession of a vaping device. A few years ago, the school attempted to pass a bond issue that would have included building a second gym that would have doubled as a community recreational center, but it failed.

Around 13.1% of the county is food insecure, meaning they worry about having enough money to buy food. Around 24% of people in the county have been told they have depression. Around 18% of adults report having many “bad days,” a clear sign of mental health issues. There are no doctors in the county who specialize in helping people with drug or alcohol problems. It is also very difficult to find a local mental health doctor. People facing food insecurity are nine times more likely to commit suicide.

Suicide rates have been accelerating more in rural areas than they have been in urban areas. From 1999 to 2019, suicide rates have gone up by 31% in urban areas and 50% in rural areas.

Worth County has 116 veterans, of which 52% are enrolled in the VA. For every death by suicide in the county, around 135 individuals are affected.

Protective factors include tight-knit communities, neighbor relationships, multigenerational families, coping and problem solving skills, volunteer opportunities, community improvement projects, and family cohesion. These are factors which help prevent suicide.

But the same factors which can help prevent suicide in some people can help increase the risk in others. One example is that the very factor which helps create tight-knit communities can create social stigma and lack of anonymity. Rural farmers are more likely to experience financial concerns due to the fact that farming is an inherently risky investment. Substance use is higher in rural communities, as is access to firearms.

Veterans are more likely to understand gun safety; nearly half own a firearm. However, veterans are also more likely to attempt suicide with a firearm. Around 90% of suicides attempted with a firearm are fatal.

Focused priority areas for the prevention of suicide include identifying service members, veterans, and family members at risk of suicide, promoting connectedness, and promoting gun safety. Ms. Baker said that the time between the time someone decides to commit suicide and the time they actually attempt it is one hour, meaning that any gun safety measures, like safety locks, help decrease the risk of suicide.

While the 988 emergency line is important, suicide prevention has become more than just helping people in an immediate crisis. It is also about fixing the “root causes” of stress in a community. Worth County has specific challenges that can make life feel heavy for neighbors. By working to improve these things, the goal is to build a community where everyone is supported. The goal is to build a better “fence” where everyone is supported before they are in immediate crisis.

One possible solution is to train people on how to screen for suicide risk. Ms. Baker said that one does not have to be a clinician to do so. She said that in her experience, some people respond when asked directly if they plan to commit suicide. One does not have to be in immediate crisis in order to call 988. “It’s OK not to be OK,” said Ms. Baker. She said one of the most effective ways to combat suicide can be a simple coffee group.

While there are cases of suicide where even people close to them didn’t realize that there was anything wrong, Ms. Baker said that the majority of people show warning signs, and they can be spotted by the people closest to them. Caring contacts, handwritten messages, and even texts to someone helps reduce the risk of suicide.

The Family Guidance Center, 4906 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, provides behavioral health urgent care. It is open from 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday, and their number is (816) 676-7222. The VA has several self-help apps on their website that people can download and use even if they are not a veteran.

The event was organized by Jeremy Dale Baker (no relation to Sarah Baker of the VA), who successfully completed an online course at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and got a certificate in Neighborhood Leadership in November. The group agreed to meet again at a later date to decide what they wanted to do.

 

 

 

Kambree Briner Posts Career High as Lady Tigers Snap Skid

Kambree Briner had a career high 17 points as Worth County's girls snapped a two-game skid and beat South Holt 49-23 Thursday. Her previous high was 16 in the Princeton game. Worth County suffered a tough loss at St. Joseph Christian and then had to play a tough Mound City squad on the road, falling by 11. They got back on the winning track by getting back to what had worked for them, getting multiple people in the scoring column, moving the ball a lot better, guarding people, and rebounding better. 

Their assist totals went from 4 in the Mound City game to 21 Thursday. Their rebounding went from 33 in the Mound City game to 41 against South Holt; it wasn't just Kristen Tracy getting boards; all nine players found their way into the rebounding column. They stopped giving up the easy baskets that had hurt them in previous losses; they didn't give up any until the fourth quarter, when the game was already decided. 

The Tigers started off slowly, as some slumps have a way of dying hard. They only managed one field goal for the first several minutes but chipped away at the free throw line as Kristen Tracy and Kambree Briner both drew fouls and got on the line. Finally, Kristen Tracy, who had missed a few shots early, got one to go down from the high post and Megan Tracy hit Kambree Briner inside to put the Tigers up 11-4 after one.

Tracy knocked down her third shot of the night from the high post and Kambree Briner got loose in transition for two to start the second quarter. Finally, someone besides Briner or Tracy found the scoring column as Rylee Ruckman hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key to make it 18-4. Audrey Runde hit another triple to make it 21-4. Runde knocked one down from the high post after Megan Tracy had grabbed an offensive board to give the Tigers a 23-6 lead at the half.

Megan Tracy hit a 3-pointer to start the third quarter, and then Kambree Briner took over, slashing and scoring on one play, grabbing an offensive board and driving and scoring on another, and cutting inside and getting a bullet pass from Audrey Runde on another. Runde knocked one down from the high post off an inbounds pass from Briner before Worth County started subbing freely, mixing up their starters and reserves.

Briner continued to have the hot hand in the fourth quarter as Kennedy Murphy got a steal, threw it to Kristen Tracy, who aired it out to her to give Worth County its largest lead of the night at 44-14. They twice more led by 30, the last time being 49-19 with 1:10 left when Rayleigh Smith, who had battled a knee injury all year, finally got her first points of the year. 

Kambree Briner had 17 points for the Tigers. Kristen Tracy had 10, Megan Tracy 9, Audrey Runde 8, Rylee Ruckman 3, and Rayleigh Smith 2. 

Kristen Tracy had 1 block.

Kristen Tracy had 10 boards. Kambree Briner had 7, Megan Tracy and Kynlee Steele had 5, Audrey Runde 4, Rylee Ruckman, Keira Hardy, and Kennedy Murphy had 3, and Rayleigh Smith 1.

Eight different Tigers got their way into the assist column. Kristen Tracy and Audrey Runde had 4, Rylee Ruckman, Keira Hardy, and Megan Tracy had 3, Kambree Briner 2, and Kennedy Murphy and Kynlee Steele had 1.

Kambree Briner, Kristen Tracy, Megan Tracy, and Audrey Runde had 3 tips. Keita Hardy had 2 and Rylee Ruckman and Kennedy Murphy had 1.

Kristen Tracy had 5 steals. Kambree Briner, Kynlee Steele, and Kennedy Murphy had 2, and Megan Tracy and Rylee Ruckman had 1.

***

Kambree Briner is ranked 18th in the state in assists with 3.9 per game.

Khloey Sperry, Camden Griffith are Gilman City Courtwarming Royalty; Griffith Breaks All Time Scoring Record at Gilman City

Khloey Sperry was named Homecoming Queen and Camden Griffith was named King Friday at Gilman City’s Homecoming as the Hawk teams swept East Harrison.

Seventh grade candidates were Landon Wyatt and Carsynn Robertson. Eighth grade candidates were Mason Hancock and Stormy Cannon. Freshman candidates were Mason Preston and Abigail Clark. Sophomore candidates were Parker Holcomb and Chloe Burrows. Junior candidates were Maverick Barth and Khloey Sperry. Senior candidates were Avery Gregg and Camden Griffith. Basketball candidates were Hailey McClure and Andrew Young. Crownbearers were Krew Eoff and Kahlesie Carey.

The cheerleaders put on a halftime performance of their own and also had one with the Mini Cheerleaders. Cheerleaders are Kammie Fehring, Chiara Davidson, Ella Terhune, Parker Crabtree, Ellie Smith, Tony Jennings, Isabella Hancock, Jemma Stotts, Hailey McClure, Nova Smith, Emmery Smith, Reagan Crump, Malory Chalfant, Carsynn Robertson, Kainsley McCrary, and Shayleigh Webb.

Mini cheerleaders performing were Kinley Prindle, Sadie Webb, Scarlet Wimer, Kayla VanPatten, Raylee Rosenbaum, Emma Ward, Olivia Ward, Winnie Frazier, Aria Anderson, Kody Hulett, Emma Isernhagen, Ava Isernhagen, Ava Kipp, Ella Wimer, Emerly Johnson, Jaycee Bontrager, Braxton Wimer, Kahlesie Carey, Kehlani Carey, Lakyn Ward, Gracelyn Moore, Cora Marshall, Dixie Marshall, Ida Smith, Kayla Scarborough, Kerrigan Thompson, Sophia Reynolds, Baylor Moulin, Anastasia Clutter, Rachael Steinhurst, Evelyn Waddle, Gracelyn Waddle, Chloe Robertson, and Destiny Fehring.

The girls suffered their first loss Tuesday, February 3rd at the hands of Grundy County. But there was no time for tears, as they had two more games upcoming; Winston had played them tough at Gallatin, and East Harrison, after struggling in the Gilman City Tournament and adjusting to a new coach, suddenly caught fire their next two games, winning both handily.

The girls bounced back well from their loss, doing better against Winston than they did the first time and winning 55-32 Thursday in Winston.

There was an injury scare Friday during the pep rally as one of the activities got too competitive and resulted in a massive collision between Camden Griffith and Avery Gregg; the latter was already under the weather. The collision was accidental; she got a bloody nose as a result. But as time ticked down towards the game, she decided there was no way she was going to sit out her last Homecoming game, Once the tip went up, she was in full game mode, and the rest of the team followed her lead.

Avery Gregg once against saved one of her best games for the Bobcats after getting 28 against them earlier this year; she scored 24 points, grabbed six boards, had six assists, and had seven steals. The rest of the team followed her lead as Khloey Sperry went beast mode and had 18 points while matching career highs in rebounds with 20 and in blocked shots with 8, nearly getting a triple double. Alli Burke quietly built up 16 points and added eight boards. Tenley Griffith battled foul trouble, but still had nine boards for the night. Hailey McClure had a career high with 11 rebounds and added five points. Pyper Taggart came off the bench and grabbed four boards.

The result was a 69-16 win against East Harrison. Avery Gregg had 12 points and Khloey Sperry 8 more in the first quarter as the Hawks, after leading 10-2 at the 3:51 mark, turned on the afterburners in building up a 25-6 lead. The Lady Hawks won every quarter after that; after the 7:45 mark of the third quarter, Gilman City shut out East Harrison the rest of the way and outscored them 27-0.

Meanwhile, the boys have been going strong, winning their fourth straight game and putting away East Harrison 66-37. They handled the hostile road environment at Grundy County and won 62-41, and then came from behind in another difficult place to play and beat Winston 47-41. With the win, they have now won eight out of their last ten and are now over the .500 mark at 11-10.

The East Harrison game stayed close for a while, with the Bobcats twice cutting it to nine in the third quarter after Gilman City had led by 16 in the first half. But a 16-0 Hawk run spanning the last six minutes of the third quarter and the first minute of the fourth decided the game.

Camden Griffith had a career high with 44 points. The only tense point in the second half was whether he would break the all-time scoring record previously held by Brody Langfitt. He did it with four minutes left in the game, hitting a baseline three. The single game record is 55, set twice by Rex Ellis in 1960.

Community Calendar for February 11th, 2026

Community Calendar items are free of charge. To submit, email us at express@grm.net. All events are subject to change or last-minute cancelation.

February 11^th -- Worth County Elementary Cheer Camp, 3 pm, Cafeteria.

February 11^th – Little Rocks Cheer Camp, 3:30 pm.

February 11^th – Worth County Suicide Prevention Coalition Kickoff, Worth County Fairgrounds, 5 pm. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call 988. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

February 11^th – Tiger Basketball (boys only) at LeBlond, 5:30 pm.

February 11^th (rescheduled) – Mustang Basketball at Platte Valley, 6:00 pm. Games will be played in Jefferson.

February 11^th – North Nodaway PTO, 6 pm, High School Cafeteria.

February 12^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

February 12^th – Little Rocks Cheer Camp, 3:30 pm.

February 12^th – NEN Family Reading Night, School Library, 4:30 pm.

February 12^th – Tiger Basketball vs. South Holt, 5:30 pm. Halftime performance by the Elementary Cheerleaders.

February 12^th – Pattonsburg Basketball at Plattsburg, 6 pm.

February 13^th – Northwest Jazz Festival. Performances at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts start at 8 am and continue all day. Performances in the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building at the Charles Johnson Theater start at 8:30 am and continue all day. Free and open to the public. 24 different middle school and high school ensembles from Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri will perform.

February 13^th – Mindfulness Class, 11 am, Tri-County Health Department, Stanberry. The session will last 30 minutes. $10 recommended donation to help cover expenses. No experience necessary.

February 13^th – Pot Luck, 12 noon, Worth County Senior Center.

February 13^th – Mustang Basketball at South Holt, 6 pm.

February 14^th (rescheduled) – Tri-C Fire Department Annual Soup & Chili Supper, 5 pm to 8 pm. Knights of Columbus Hall, 509 Clark Street, Conception Junction. Free will donation.

February 14^th – Michael Pierce Band of Warsaw (MO) in concert at the Dusty Cowgirl in Grant City. Prime Rib special starting at 6 pm. The concert will begin at 9 pm.

February 15^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. $10 minimum donation per person. Children 6 & under are free. Proceeds to Tri-C Ball Club. Summer ball signup available.

February 16^th – No school or mail delivery. President’s Day.

February 16^th – Worth County will be hosting a Junior High Scholar Bowl Meet at 4 pm.

February 16^th – North Harrison will be hosting a Junior High Scholar Bowl Meet at 4 pm with St. Joseph Christian and Albany.

February 16^th – Tiger Basketball vs. East Atchison, 5:30 pm. Senior Night.

February 17^th – Bluejay Basketball vs. South Holt, 5:30 pm. Senior Night. The Booster Club will be having cake walks during the halftime of the games.

February 17^th – Tiger Basketball at Platte Valley, 5:30 pm.

February 17^th – Pattonsburg Basketball vs. OSHS, 6:00 pm. Chuck a Duck at halftimes.

February 17^th – Mustang Basketball vs. King City, 6:00 pm.

February 17^th – Shamrock Basketball at Linn County, 6:00 pm.

February 17^th – Hawk Basketball at Braymer, 6:00 pm.

February 18^th – North Harrison Board of Education Meeting. Classroom visits at 10 am, followed by the regular meeting at 12 noon.

February 18^th – Worth County School Board Meeting, 6 pm.

February 18^th – North Nodaway School Board Meeting, 6 pm.  

February 19^th – Shamrock Basketball vs. East Harrison, 6 pm. The Little Rocks and Mini Rocks will perform.

February 21^st – Pickering Lions Breakfast, 7:30 am to 11 am, Pickering Community Building. Pancakes, sausage, biscuits & gravy, coffee, tea, milk, and juice. Free will donation. Proceeds will support the North Nodaway Scholarship Fund. For more information, call (660) 927-3620 or (660) 541-3273.

February 21^st – Daddy Daughter Dance, 6 pm, North Harrison Multipurpose Room. For girls grades PK through 5^th grade. May bring dad or special guest. $15 for couple, $5 for each additional daughter. Snacks, drinks, and digital pictures of couples provided. Hosted by the North Harrison PTO.

February 21st — Hopkins CBC Bingo, 6:30 pm, Hopkins Community Building. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Concessions available. $25 prize per game. $50 halftime blackout jackpot. Going-home blackout with 100% payback. Two rounds of ten games. Three cards – ten games $5. Six cards – ten games $10. Blackout games – four cards for $1.

February 22^nd – Ravenwood CBC Breakfast, 8 am to 12 noon.

February 22^nd – Hopkins Community Club Beef & Noodle Dinner, Hopkins Community Building, 11 am. $12 adults, $5 kids.

February 24^th – Second Harvest Food Pantry, Eagleville City Hall, 10 am. Free and open to the public regardless of income.

February 26^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

February 27^th – Justin Rush retirement party, Sheridan Community Building, 5 pm. Cake, cupcakes, cookies, tea, and punch will be served.

February 28^th – Biscuits & Grave breakfast, Worth County Senior Center, 7 am to 9 am.

February 28^th – Heart and Sole Health and Fitness Fair, Carl & Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse, Maryville, 8 am to 12 noon. Sponsored by Mosaic Medical Center.

February 28^th – Active Shooter Training for Churches, Stanberry Baptist Church, 9 am to 5 pm. Covers all aspects of active shooter situations. Cost is $97. To register, visit www.phhtraining.com.

February 28^th – Bingo, 7 pm, The Dusty Cowgirl, Grant City.

March 1^st – Parnell Legion Breakfast, 8 am, Legion Hall.

March 2^nd – Pattonsburg Parents as Teachers March Group Connection. For ages birth through 5. Dr. Seuss Birthday Party, 4 pm to 5 pm at the Pattonsburg School. Each family will get a free Dr. Seuss book to take home. There will be crafts, games, and other activities.

March 6^th – Fish Fry Friday, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5 pm to 7:30 pm. Free will donation. To go orders are available; call (660) 582-7072. Fish, cheesy potatoes, baked beans, cole slaw, lettuce salad, rolls, and desserts.

March 8^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Redden Family – American Cancer Society/Hospice.

March 12^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

March 14^th – Worth County Alumni Tournament, 9:30 am. $75/team. Men’s format will be 5x5 with a round robin and then a championship game. Must have at least three Worth County former students/athletes, past or present staff, or parent of a Worth County student or alumnus on the court. Women’s format will be open to all ladies. $5 per player. Format will depend on participation. Proceeds will go towards the weight room.

March 14^th – 39^th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 300 Block of North Market Street, Maryville, 3:17 pm. The 300 Block of North Market Street will be closed from 1 pm to 5 pm.

March 20^th – Hopkins Fire Department Fish Fry Fundraiser, Hopkins Community Building, 5 pm. Free will donation. Fish, chicken strips, French fries, hush puppies, beans, cole slaw, desserts.

March 21st — Hopkins CBC Bingo, 6:30 pm, Hopkins Community Building.

March 22^nd – Ravenwood CBC Breakfast, 8 am to 12 noon.

March 22^nd – Hopkins Beef & Noodle Dinner, 11 am to 1 pm, Hopkins Community Building.

March 26^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

 April 19^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to fund scholarships.

April 22^nd – Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation 20^th Anniversary Celebration, Mozingo Event Center, 6 pm. Keynote Speaker: Ernesto Sirolli.

May 9^th – Downtown Maryville Spring into Fun, 12 noon to 5 pm. Main Street from 2^nd to 5^th Street, Market Street from 2^nd to 5^th Street, 3^rd Street from Vine to Buchanan, and 4^th Street from Vine to Buchanan will be closed from 9:30 am to 7 pm.

May 15^th to 17^th – Turkey Run Flea Market and Swap Meet. 33982 State Highway NN, Hopkins. May 15^th from 12 noon to 8 pm. May 16^th from 8 am to 8 pm. May 17^th from 9 am to 3 pm. Vendor space $15 by May 8^th, $20 afterwards. Electric hookups are $25 by May 8^th, $30 afterwards. Camper hookup $45 by May 8^th, $50 afterwards. Set up May 14^th after 6 pm or Friday after 8 am. For more information, call Adam Emery (660) 541-2984 or Sarah Emery (660) 853-0141.

May 23^rd – North Nodaway Alumni Banquet, North Nodaway High School Gym, 6:30 pm. Tickets $17 plus $2 alumni dues. Reservations are due May 14^th. Tours of the school are available on request. To make reservations, contact Teresa DeMott (660) 582-1088, Sue Florea (660) 541-4108, or mail to Melodee Owens, 34005 Hwy. 246, Hopkins, MO 64461.

June 5^th to 6^th – Resound Fest, Miracle Hills Ranch, three miles south of Bethany. Free admission, community worship, and onsite camping.

June 20^th – Mike Henggeler Father’s Day Memorial Baseball Tournament, Stanberry ball fields, 8 am. Entry $150 per team; limit six teams for two divisions. First division – ages 9U to 12U. Second division – ages 13U to 16U. $150 per team. To enter, contact titletownevents@gmail.com. All proceeds will be donated directly to the Henggeler family.

June 21^st -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to the Heart of America Tractor Club.

July 19^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Post 464 veterans programs.

August 16^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Cameron Veterans Home.

September 20^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Sons of the American Legion Post 464.

October 18^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Post 464 membership.

November 15^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Ladies Auxiliary Unit 464.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jalen Sundell Starts for Super Bowl Champs

Jalen Sundell, who was once a Maryville Spoofhound, started for the Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks Sunday as the center. With the Chiefs out of the picture, most people turned to the Seahawks.

The game turned into a defensive struggle, with both teams finding yards and points at a premium. The Seahawks chipped away from field goal range until they finally broke open the game in the fourth quarter to win 29-13.

The one player who could find daylight was runningback Kenneth Walker III, who had 27 rushes for 135 yards. Jalen Sundell opened the holes for Walker, who always was able to get Seattle the tough yards when they needed them. Sundell had one miscue, when he was called for a holding penalty at the point of attack and a long run by Walker, that would have capped off the game with the Seahawks’ 35th point, was wiped out.

Jalen is the son of Bob Sundell, who played basketball for Northwest in the late 1980’s. Bob is the son of Ed Sundell, who played sports for Lenox in the 1950’s. Jalen’s sister is Serena Sundell, who turned Maryville into a powerhouse in girls basketball and who started for Kansas State’s women’s basketball team.

 

Geraldine "Gerri" Uresk 1947-2026

Geraldine Beth Caldwell was born May 17, 1947, to Jack Keith Caldwell and Rebecca Beth Montgomery Caldwell in Independence, Missouri. At one year of age Jack, Becky and Gerri moved to Houston, Texas and then relocated to Pasadena, Texas. Gerri eventually became the big sister with the birth of Steven Keith in 1949, Mary Lynn in 1951, and Karen Marie in 1956.

Gerri began school at Golden Acres Elementary and later attended San Jacinta Jr. High and Pasadena High School. The family moved to Iowa in 1964 where Gerri attended Mt. Ayr Community High School.

Gerri was united in marriage to Alan Taylor. To this union two children were born, Jennifer Jo and Robert Darren.

In 1981 Gerri and the children moved to Colorado where they resided for several years, and during this time she met Raymond Uresk. She eventually moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming where they were married. Gerri worked at a few different jobs before becoming employed at Tatooine Electronics, where she eventually retired from. Ray and Gerri moved back to Iowa in 2009 as they wanted to be around family. The Uresks celebrated 25 years of marriage before Ray passed away in 2015.

Gerri became caretaker for her mother for several years while Becky battled cancer. During this time, the Olney brothers, who were longtime friends and neighbors of the Caldwells, came to visit Becky. Here Joe and Gerri became reacquainted from childhood years and the rest shall we say, is history.

Gerri and Joe spent ten years living part time in Iowa and the winter months in warm Abbeville, Louisiana. They enjoyed traveling together. An especially memorable trip was traveling across Canada from Winnipeg to Vancouver Island and on to view the tulip gardens in Victoria, Canada. On the trip home they toured the Grand Canyon and visited numerous other sites across the states. Another special trip was to Honduras to the big island of Roatan where they spent two weeks experiencing the many aspects of the culture.

Gerri was especially proud of and doted on her great grandchildren. Whether it was cooking their favorite meals or taking them to the Allendale rodeo, she and Joe were always up for their antics and orneriness, even sitting on Domingo the bull for a laugh! She never missed a holiday or birthday phone call, with her serenading them as they grinned! Gerri always made sure to tell them how loved they were too.

Joe and Gerri thoroughly enjoyed life and laughter together and with family and friends. Joe could frequently be heard saying to Gerri in a loving manner, “Now Babe!” and she in turn would roll her eyes at him. Joe was a faithful and loving caretaker for Gerri during her years of cancer. Gerri enjoyed plants and flowers and had a special knack for knowing just the right methods to attract humming birds-many of them!

Gerri passed away at home with family by her side February 3, 2026, after a valiant battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray Uresk, son Robert Darren, parents Jack and Rebecca Caldwell, and sister Mary Caldwell.

She is survived by her best friend and companion Joe Olney; daughter Jennifer Baker; grandchildren David (Cari) Head, Nathan (Alta) Head, Nikki (Scott) Drake, Anthony (Jarisa) Kinsey, Brett (Raelynn) Taylor, Maisie (Melissa) Yeager, and Kylee Taylor; great-grandchildren Kasen and Rylan Head, Ellie Boswell, Hunter and Gunnar Head, Cheyenne and Montana Baker, Morgan Hunt, Newt Taylor, Aria Hunsucker, Kallie Taylor, and Mitus Kinsey. Surviving siblings are brother Steve (Janice) Caldwell and sister Karen (Randy) Taylor, the Olney family, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorials are to Redding United Methodist Church and EveryStep Hospice.

 

Tina Woods 1965-2026

Tina Marie Woods, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Saturday, February 7th, 2026 in Maryville, Missouri. Born on October 11th, 1965, in Maryville, Missouri, Tina lived a life full of love, adventure, and dedication to her family and passions.

Tina is survived by her devoted husband, Charles Woods, with whom she shared a remarkable journey both on and off the road. Together, they spent 10 years as a team of truck drivers, exploring the country and creating countless memories. Her mother, Virginia Sue Davis of Hopkins, MO, also survives her, along with her loving children: Kelly (Nicki) Randle of Gulfport, MO, Mike (Keri) Woods of Savannah, MO, David Woods of Blue Springs, MO, and Lori (Randy) Welch of Bedford, IA.

Tina was a cherished sister to Travis (Manda) Davis of Maryville, MO, Terra (Chad) King of Hopkins, MO, Teresa (Robert) Hippler of New Iberia, LA, and Tammy (Dennis) Hamilton of College Springs, IA. Her legacy continues through her adored grandchildren: Bailey Woods, Ethan Woods, Addie Woods, Cameron Welch, Kelli Welch, and Eric Welch.

Preceded in death by her father, Robert "Bob" Davis, Tina carried his memory with her throughout her life. She was a talented and passionate individual who found joy in crafting, woodworking, and spending time outdoors. Tina especially treasured moments spent with her granddaughter, whether watching her play sports or simply enjoying her company.

Tina's warmth and enthusiasm for life touched everyone she met. Her love for camping and the great outdoors was infectious, and she inspired those around her to appreciate the beauty of nature and the simple pleasures of life.

Arrangements for Tina Marie Woods are being handled by Bram Funeral Home. Her family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and the indelible mark she left on their hearts. Tina will be remembered for her unwavering love, adventurous spirit, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.