Staff
Our dedicated staff are here to provide support, compassion, and information to help you through your journey of grief and the celebration of your loved one’s life.
Bobby Dean and Ruth Wood are the founders of Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. - DeGraffenreid-Wood-Crematory. In 2014, Bobby Wood celebrated his 50th anniversary in the funeral profession as a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He began working in the funeral business as a young teenager for the local funeral home owner in Hartville, MO. This experience led to his life-long calling of ministering to families in the funeral profession. He attended Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, and while attending college and driving ambulance for a local ambulance company, he met his wife, Ruth, who was attending St. John's School of Nursing. Ruth is a registered nurse graduate of St. John's School of Nursing and a licensed funeral director who has worked diligently beside Bobby to manage the funeral home business affairs and care for grieving families. In 2011, Ruth received her 50 Year nursing certificate. The newlyweds moved to Dallas, Texas, for Bobby to attend and graduate from the Dallas Gupton-Jones Institute of Mortuary Science. The couple returned to Missouri to eventually open their own funeral home in Hartville, MO, Wood Funeral Home. They raised their three children in the family funeral home in Hartville; all three of their children, Herb, Ruth Ann, and Malinda, are also licensed funeral directors who have careers in air conditioning/refrigeration maintenance and education, respectively. Their daughter, Ruth Ann, officially purchased Walnut Lawn Funeral Home in 2018 to allow her parents to enjoy retirement, continuing to carry on the servanthood mission of "our family serving your family" with exceptional customer service during "tender moments" while working in the funeral home with the honor of serving grieving families on a daily basis.
Bobby and Ruth are members of the Battlefield First Baptist Church, Battlefield, MO. Bobby and Ruth have been active in their community through different organizations including Bobby as a Abou Ben Adhem Shriner, Rotarian, and member of the Masonic Lodge. Both have been active with Lion's Club and Eastern Star. Bobby is a past president of Missouri Funeral Trust.
Even though the funeral profession has been Bobby and Ruth's life work, they enjoy spending time with their family, cheering on their four grandsons in their various sporting and horse events, fishing, and raising and showing horses with a few world champions to their credit that they have bred and raised.
Both Bobby and Ruth have been well-respected servants in the funeral industry for over 60 years where families have entrusted them to take care of generations of loved ones with "Tender Moments- Tender Care" with their "Family Serving Your Family."
Ruth Ann Wood-Humiston, daughter of Bobby and Ruth Wood, is a second generation funeral director/pre-need counselor/insurance agent and owner of Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. She brings a wealth of experience in her background as an educator, business owner, and as a licensed funeral director of over 30 years to her position as second generation owner of Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. She is a Certified Crematory Operator through the National Funeral Directors Association.
Ruth Ann has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in special education from the University of Missouri-Columbia; Specialist and Master’s degrees in educational administration from Missouri State University; and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Drury University with a double major in psychology and elementary education, and a minor in music. Ruth Ann began working alongside her parents in the family-owned funeral home at a very young age. Along with her experience in the funeral profession, Ruth Ann has extensive experience as a teacher,college professor, school administrator, and as a business owner, founding and owning Little Angels Learning Academy, an accredited and award-winning early childhood program that was located in southwest Springfield, Missouri, for over 19 years.
Ruth Ann makes her home in the Springfield area with her two sons, and husband, Richard Turner. She attends Sac River Cowboy Church. Her family enjoys all types of sports especially watching a good basketball game and the Kansas City Chiefs, raising and showing horses, fishing, and traveling. She also enjoys cooking a great homemade meal, singing and playing the piano, gardening, and theater.
Gabriel "Gabe" Humiston is a licensed preneed agent, funeral director apprentice, licensed insurance producer/agent, notary, and third generation family member with Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. He is currently working towards completion of his funeral director's license.
Gabe attended Missouri State University and Ozarks Technical Community College prior to joining the team full-time at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. He is a graduate of Republic High School, Republic, MO.
Having been raised around the funeral business all of his life with his Nana and Papa Bobby and Ruth Wood as the founders of Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, as well as his mother Ruth Ann, second generation owner of Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Gabe brings valuable skills and expertise in many supportive ways to better serve those who have passed away and their grieving families.
In his spare time, Gabe is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys training and showing horses, with a few World Championships and Reserve World Grand Championship to his name, fishing and competing in fishing tournaments, and hunting. He attends Sac River Cowboy Church in Springfield, MO.
Gabe has been very active in the FFA program, receiving several awards and degrees throughout his career. He received his National FFA American Degree in October of 2022, the highest degree of the FFA program.
He would be honored to discuss preplanning options for those who wish to lessen the burden of funeral plans and costs for their loved ones. You may book an appointment below, or by calling him directly at: #417-886-6127.
Sheila Barcomb is a licensed funeral director and pre-need counselor with Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. She also manages day-to-day operations at the funeral home as the general manager.
Sheila has worked several years in SW MO in the funeral business. Sheila has a BS in Communication from Drury University, Springfield, MO. Sheila also worked several years as a legal assistant/paralegal. Her community involvement includes serving as Commissioner for Planning and Zoning for the City of Nixa, Missouri; and has been a volunteer and served on the planning committee for Day at the Range, SCIL Outdoor Adventure Fair for individuals with disabilities.
Richard Turner is the business development manager at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. His role includes staff management, budget and marketing consulting, facility oversight and improvements, business development, and security. At times, he will also assist with funeral services.
He brings to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home a strong varied background that includes: Administration, entertainment marketing and management, construction, loss prevention and law enforcement.
Richard is a professional and very talented musician, playing multiple instruments. He is a published song writer.
He is married to the CEO of Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ruth Ann. In his spare time, Richard enjoys traveling with Ruth Ann, hiking and camping, weight lifting, music, and likes to make friends with all dogs.
Claudine Blau is a full-time licensed funeral director and AfterCare director of the Walnut Lawn Funeral Home Live Well Silver and Gold Club. She is currently completing her licensing requirements to be an embalmer.
Claudine worked part-time at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home while returning back to college and graduating in the summer of 2022 with a degree in mortuary science from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago. She previously earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Brigham Young University.
In the time between school attendance, she spent much of her time homeschooling her two children through high school, serving in her church callings, and doing volunteer service work with a variety of organizations. She finds that helping others is where she finds her passion.
Felicia Livingston is a full-time funeral assistant with Walnut Lawn Funeral Home and a NFDA and CANA certified crematory operator. Additionally, Felicia is the coordinator of our funeral home outreach grief support program, Circle of Friends. She uses her talents as the funeral home marketing developer.
She is completing her mortuary school requirements through Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, working towards licensure to be a licensed funeral director and embalmer.
Prior to joining Walnut Lawn Funeral Home full-time, she worked for many years at Cox Health as an insurance representative. She continues to volunteer with Cox and local charities.
Felicia is married to Corbin, who also works at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. She has four cats that she treats like her children. In her spare time, Felicia likes to play video games and make costumes to wear for conventions and charity events.
Hunter Dieterich is an apprentice funeral director and notary with Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. She brings to the funeral home team her hard work ethic and bright and caring personality, as she helps to support grieving families.
She is a 2022 graduate from OTC with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. Hunter is currently continuing her education to complete a Mortuary of Science Degree at Northeast Texas Community College to accomplish her goal of becoming a full-time licensed funeral director and embalmer. Prior to joining Walnut Lawn Funeral Home full-time, she was a corrections officer with the Greene County Sheriff's Department at the jail.
Hunter has two cats named Merida and Balmy. Her family consists of her mother, Alyssa, and father, James. She loves to read and cross stitch, as well as any free-time hanging out with friends and boyfriend.
Melissa Sims brings her energy and creative talents to be our Director of Unique and Special Services for those who truly want a Celebration of Life, beyond the traditional memorial or burial visitation and/or funeral or patriotic tribute. She is currently working towards her full licensure as a funeral director. Melissa is a kind and patient, well-respected funeral professional who families absolutely love, especially during their grief journey to heal.
As Director of Unique and Special Services, Melissa works alongside a licensed funeral director to create special and personable Celebrations of Life events to honor a person's life. These celebrations may range from: Music Lover Celebration with a live band performance from country, blues, bluegrass, to cover songs, to play on the Walnut Lawn FH/Event Center parking lot with food trucks; A Sporting Celebration for any sport that might include tailgating, everyone attending wearing the loved one's favorite team gear, sport memorbilia, and even playing the person's favorite game on the screen inside the funeral home/event center; Playing the Game - playing the person's favorite game(s) during visitation time and, if cards, everyone leaving with a card or pack of cards; Casino Night for the casino lover, with fun casino games at Walnut Lawn FH/Event Center; Fishing Lover, have a Celebration of Life at a boathouse along with a fish fry; Golf Lover - Celebration at a golf course where those in attendance may play a small round of golf; Super Hero/Princess Theme Celebrations with costumes or special characters who visit; Birthday Party to Heaven along with balloons(s and cupcakes for the celebration; Movie Lover - all with the showing of the person's favorite movie on the chapel's screen with a popcorn machine available for snacking; and Video Game Lover - have video games set up in the funeral home/event center with the person's favorite snacks.
The types of celebrations she can create and organize are endless, based upon the person's interests and hobbies - to truly celebration the good times of the person's life in an uplifting positive manner, all in a way that makes a lasting memory. Melissa helps develop and organize, taking care of all the details, for these unique celebrations of life.
Melissa is originally from St. Petersburg, Florida. She is married with three amazing sons.
Before joining the Walnut Lawn Funeral Home professional team, Melissa was a well respected hospice nurse for four years.
She brings with her a bright personality and welcoming smile that fits right in with our amazing staff.
John and Cathy Veach joined Walnut Lawn Funeral Home part-time in July of 2018 to assist with visitations, funerals, and other needs to help our funeral home better serve our families.
John and Cathy retired and moved to Springfield, MO, to enjoy being closer to family, after owning and operating Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes in Bowling Green, MO, beginning in January of 1987. John attended Central Missouri State University and graduated from Forest Park Mortuary College in St. Louis, Missouri. He has been a licensed embalmer and funeral director for over thirty years. Cathy attended MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas. She has been a licensed funeral director since 1976. John and Cathy are involved in serving their community through their church and various civic organizations. They are members of the National Funeral Directors Association and the Missouri Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association. They have two sons, Jason and wife Regan, and Josh and wife Rashele. They are the grandparents of Carter Veach and Anna Veach, the children of Jason and Regan.
Jeanie Kendrick joined Walnut Lawn Funeral Home in 2013 as a funeral attendant and hostess, and administrative assistant. She is a retired elementary school teacher, teaching in the Republic School District for 37 years. She is also a real estate agent alongside her daughter with Laney Homes. Jeanie is often the person greeting families when they come into the funeral home for arrangements or services.
Jeanie is married to Steve. They are active members at Ridgecrest Baptist Church. She has 4 children, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Jeanie diligently assists our families with a friendly confidence. Our families are so appreciative of her caring service.
Karson Thomas is an apprentice funeral director on the team at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. She assists in many capacities that also include marketing and outreach programs for the funeral home.
Karson graduated from Missouri State University in December 2022 with a degree in Agricultural Communications with a minor in Agriculture Business.
She graduated from Republic High School where she was active on the FFA leadership team and in the dance program. Karson received the highest degree in the FFA program, her National American Degree, in October of 2022.
In her free time, she raises show pigs and spends time with her family.
Corbin Livingston is a part-time funeral assistant with Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. He works full-time at Ozarks Public Television (PBS).
He brings his gentle and positive disposition to comfort grieving families, as he is often the first person who assists in bringing loved ones into our care at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home.
Corbin is married to Felicia, a full-time employee at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. He enjoys playing video games, jet skiing on the lake, camping, and overall hanging out in the outdoors.
Hailee brings with her the ability to remain calm in difficult circumstances and finds joy in helping others in their time of need.
Hailee has one cat and loves to travel with her family.
Devon Blau is a part-time funeral assistant with Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. He attends OTC full-time, majoring in engineering.
Devon spent two years as a missionary in San Bernardino, California, prior to starting his college studies. He is an Eagle Scout, doing his Eagle project by studying Billion Graves.
In his spare time, Devon enjoys camping, playing video games, and spending time with family and friends.
Heather Haynes is a funeral attendant with Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. She grew up in Indiana and moved to Springfield in 1994. She is a proud single mother of a son who is currently attending college in Dallas, Texas. Heather has been in the medical field for 20 years with national certification in phlebotomy. She enjoys cross-fit, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. Heather has lots of compassion for people and enjoys being there in the time of need.
Greg Brewer joined Walnut Lawn Funeral Home in July 2018 as a part-time funeral assistant. He often serves as a host during visitations, an assistant at funerals, or personally escorts those who have passed on long-distance trips. He has many years of assisting in a funeral home setting dating back to 1968.
Greg is active in his church. He loves helping people through their trying time and works to give them the best service.
Walter is a part-time funeral attendant at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. He balances his position at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home with his full-time position as a security guard.
He has served in the Army National Guard; he was also part of the Military Funeral Honors here in Missouri.
Walter has been married to the love of his life, Tasha. They have a chihuahua. He loves to spend time with his wife and his furbaby.
Walter's goal is to provide the families that we serve the utmost dignity and respect.
Stephen M. Whisler joined Walnut Lawn Funeral Home as a funeral attendant to help support families during their times of loss. He brings a wealth of experience to his duties as a funeral attendant as an ordained minister and deacon, serving as the Minister of Senior Adults for Second Baptist Church in Springfield, MO, Director of Estate Planning for Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, and Development Officer for Missouri Baptist Children's Home, Springfield, MO. Additionally, Stephen has an extensive background in community involvement as a volunteer for Cox Hospital, Ozarks Trails Council with the Boy Scouts of America, and city councilman. He also has a background in music, and enjoys singing with a local group on a weekly basis. Stephen is married and enjoys spending time with his family.
Ken and Linda Elliott are funeral assistants at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. They are wonderful caring hosts for friends and family members of those we serve through their work assisting with funerals and visitations.
Ken and Linda are active members of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri.Ken sings bass with the Hosea Bilyeu family. Linda is a retired LPN.
