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 (in memoriam) 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 became the owner of 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."
Dr. Ruth Ann Wood-Humiston, daughter of Bobby and Ruth Wood, is a second-generation funeral director, pre-need counselor, insurance producer, and owner of Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory. She brings a wealth of experience in her background as an educator, business owner, and as a licensed funeral director of over 35 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. Dr. Ruth Ann is regarded as an expert with arranging and directing services in all parts of the United States and internationally.
In the fall of 2024, Dr. Ruth Ann founded Cherished Pets Funeral Home and Crematory, a first-of-its-kind full-service funeral home and crematory for pets in SW MO. It is a direct-to-family business model, offering a full range of services from burial, private cremation, and funeral/memorial services, similar to what is offered at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. Dr. Ruth Ann is a certified pet funeral director and certified pet bereavement specialist, establishing the first pet bereavement support group for pet families in SW MO.
Dr. Ruth Ann has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in special education, with outside areas of school superintendency and early childhood education, from the University of Missouri-Columbia; Specialist and Master’s degrees in educational administration (elementary principalship and special education directorship) from Missouri State University; and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Drury University with a double major in psychology and elementary education, and minor in music.
Dr. 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. Her family also currently owns a local AirBnB, remodeling their long-time family home and becoming AirBnB SuperHosts. Though she retired officially from the education field in 2022, Dr. Ruth Ann continues to offer seminars and education for end-of-life planning, as well as professional development certified training for child care professionals, and pet aftercare for veterinarians.
Dr. Ruth Ann makes her home in the Springfield area. Her two sons, Gabriel and Michael, are third-generation family members in the funeral industry working alongside Dr. Ruth Ann with Gabriel as general manager at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd – DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory, and Michael as co-general manager at Cherished Pets Funeral Home and Crematory. She enjoys traveling and exploring new areas, boutique and flea market shopping. She attends Sac River Cowboy Church. Her family enjoys all types of sports especially watching a good basketball game and the Kansas City Chiefs, and raising and showing horses, of which they have a few world championship honors to their family name. Dr. Ruth Ann also enjoys cooking a great homemade meal for her family, watching movies, and supporting live community theater.
Gabriel "Gabe" Humiston is the general manager of Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, as well as a licensed preneed agent, licensed insurance producer/agent, notary, family services counselor, 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.
Garrett W. Hurd
Third Generation Funeral Director and Embalmer, Licensed Insurance Producer & Preneed Agent, and NFDA Certified Crematory Operator
Garrett Hurd is a third generation funeral director, embalmer, life insurance producer, and preneed agent. Originally from central Illinois, Garrett grew up in funeral homes owned by his family. From a young age, the values of compassion and service were impressed upon him.
His primary role at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory is as a preneed agent/manager, assisting families in their preplans. Garrett also assists with funeral directing duties part-time, general management duties, as well as any other support areas as needed.
Garrett holds a Bachelor of Arts for American Political Studies from Drury University in Springfield, and earned his Mortuary Science degree from Arkansas State University - Mountain Home.
He currently lives in Springfield with his wife, Sammy, and three children, Ophelia, Cassian, and Josephine. You can find him every Sunday singing in the choir at St. Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church in Springfield, where he currently serves as Parish Council President.
Emma Chekoudjian is a valuable and experienced senior licensed funeral director, licensed preneed agent, and certified celebrant, bringing a wealth of experience and many years of experience to our team of professionals at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd - DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory.
With Emma's kind and sweet personality and servant heart, she serves as our senior funeral director supervisory and training manager, overseeing our licensed funeral directors and funeral director apprenticeship program, continuing the legacy of the founding Wood family in providing exceptional customer care and detailed services for the families we are honored to serve with "tender moments - tender care."
Shannon Lawson is our friendly Front House Manager. She has several responsibilities she manages including: Funeral home receptionist, reception hostess, apprentice funeral director, and administrative assistant. Shannon is many times the first person to greet families either in person at our front reception desk or when answering the phone. She also helps to coordinate and host our Live Well Silver and Gold Club program.
She brings a wealth of experience to her position at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home that includes: Customer service, management, pharmacy tech, server on the Showboat Branson Belle, and a career as a flight attendant for Republic Airlines, a career that she loved. Shannon has plans to further her career in the funeral industry in becoming a funeral director.
Shannon has resided and traveled to many places, but now calls Springfield, MO, her home. She is engaged to Charles (Doug) and has three children, three grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and a four year old fur baby named Gunner.
She enjoys reading, photography, hunting arrowheads, taking Gunner to the creek, spending time with family and friends, and meeting new people.
Shannon always tries to find something positive every day to be thankful for. She understands life is too short to waste.
Ben Lokovich is the crematory manager and funeral director apprentice at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. Ben expertly oversees the daily operations of the DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory division of Walnut Lawn Funeral Home.
Ben is an ordained minister. Oftentimes, the families we are honored to serve ask that their loved one receive a special religious scripture or prayer at the time of cremation. As the manager of the crematory at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. - DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory, Ben performs these special requests.
Ben compassionately works with families in various capacities when preparing services, during visitations, when assisting with funerals, and as a removal specialist.
He is a graduate of Spokane High School and attained a Bachelor of Arts degree from College of the Ozarks. Ben has specialized in several areas throughout his professional career including customer serivce, graphic design especially helping families with memorial folder and program design, and organization.
Ben is married and helps his family at their stained glass and art studio in Ozark: Lokovich Art Studio.
He joined Walnut Lawn Funeral Home to serve his community and find purpose in making a difference and helping others.
Drew Arnold is the office manager at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. Along with management duties, he is also a funeral assistant at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, working towards full licensure as a funeral director.
He originally started working for the Wood-Humiston-Turner family as a pet specialist at Cherished Pets Funeral Home and Crematory, Walnut Lawn Funeral Home's sister location. He continues assisting with part-time duties at Cherished Pets Funeral Home and Crematory.
Drew was born and raised in Kansas City, MO, and upon his teenage years, his family traveled and relocated frequently, seeing much of the United States. Drew moved to Springfield recently to be closer to his family. He has a twin sister, Deven, who he enjoys pranking.
Drew played sports when younger including martial arts, wrestling, and baseball. He continues today as a true sports fan with his favorite sports of football and baseball, which may have been due to growing up a mile outside of Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums.
One of his favorite childhood memories was going to the Kansas City Plaza during the holiday season to see the Christmas lights with his family.
Drew brings a vast amount of experience in various fields to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home and Cherished Pets Funeral Home including customer service and security in the health care field, as well as management and team building experience, that helps our team work more efficiently and positively for the families we are honored to serve.
Michael Humiston is the 3rd-generation of the Wood-Humiston family to join the team at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. He is the son of Dr. Ruth Ann, and was raised around the funeral business all of his life. Michael is very compassionate and caring with grieving families.
He is the onsite IT specialist and removal tech at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home.
At Cherished Pets Funeral Home and Crematory, Walnut Lawn Funeral Home's sister location, Michael is the co-manager, overseeing all aspects of operations, administration, and IT.
Michael is a graduate of Republic High School where he was very active in the band and FFA. Michael went on to attend Missouri State University and OTC.
Hunter Massey is a funeral director apprentice at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. - DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory. She is attending mortuary school at Arkansas State University-Mtn. Home (ASU) in Mtn. Home, Arkansas, with a graduate date of summer of 2026. Hunter has completed the requirements to be a NFDA certified crematory operator.
Hunter was raised in Ava, Missouri. She graduated from Ava High School where she was active in marching and concert bands, playing clarinet and saxophone. Hunter developed her caring and compassionate heart being active in the Key Club, mentoring freshmen coming into high school, and other community service clubs.
While attending ASU, and prior to joining Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, she worked at Wal-Mart in Ava and was a well-respected employee. During this time as well, Hunter completed school practicums at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home located in Ava.
Hunter's caring and outgoing professional personality, and hard work ethic, is a great asset to the Walnut Lawn Funeral Home team.
Merissa Turner serves in several capacities at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home and Cherished Pets Funeral Home including as a funeral assistant at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home and pet specialist at Cherished Pets Funeral Home and Crematory. She has been serving the SWMO community for several years in the funeral industry, specializing in cremation. Merissa is working towards her funeral director's licensure requirements. Merissa is a ICCFA Certified Crematory Operator.
She is a graduate of Republic High School in Republic, MO. Merissa has a close family in the Republic area, including a precious little girl.
Baty Todd is a part-time funeral assistant and removal specialist at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. - DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory.
He is originally from West Plains, MO, where he graduated from West Plains High School.
Baty works full-time for Airgas. He has extensive experience as a mechanic and professional truck driver, as well as a phlebotomist.
He is a compassionate specialist that is oftentimes the first person from the Walnut Lawn Funeral Home team to greet grieving families.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
