Missing Voice Memos backed in iTunes

I had about 30 voice memo of my father before his passing last year, I made sure NOT to delete them from my phone! I am afraid of the cloud since I dont know how to use it, but when I backed up my phone in iTunes, they always showed up!

I then did an iTune update and IOS update, after backing everything up like I normally do; and now NONE of my voice memo show!!! I am distraught! I KNOW I didnt delete them, but have no place to start in hoping to ge them back!!

The last time I looked at or listened to one was about Nov. 12, I looked in recover files and nothing shows.

HELP!!