Luella Anderson
Luella Anderson, 86, Bolivar, died Monday, March 5, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility following a lingering illness. She was born March 15, 1914, to Frank and Golden Beason Reynolds near Bolivar. She was a graduate of Bolivar High School. She was united in marriage to Marvin R. Anderson. She had been a homemaker and a medical secretary as well as a member of the Woodlawn Willing Workers Club and Barren Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She is survived by a sister, Anna Carson of Bolivar; a brother-in-law, Aubrey Anderson of the state of Missouri and two sisters-in-law, Mildred Schlap and Margaret Gregory, both of St. Joseph. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Marvin, in April 1995. Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Virgil Kearney officiating. Muisc will be provided by Dr. David Hacker. Burial will follow in Barren Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. until service time this afternoon in the funeral home. A00008B2001MR07
Bertha Bays
Bertha Bays, 50, Half Way, died early Thursday morning, March 8, 2001, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield after a brief battle with cancer. Bertha was born and raised in Polk County on her father's farm. On April 4, 1968, she was united in marriage to Clarence Larry Bays, and to this union five children were born; Leonard Clarence, Larry Dale, Matthew Jacob, Mark Lee and Timothy John Bays. Bertha was saved in 1972 at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in a revival meeting. She then joined and was baptized into the Goodson Missionary Baptist Church on April 23, 1972, where she remained a faithful member until her death. Bertha worked at Southwest Baptist University for 18 years, and upon leaving the University she joined the local Wal-Mart team in November of 1992. She continued working at Wal-Mart until her death. Bertha enjoyed practicing her quilting skills which she had learned from her mother before her death. Bertha enjoyed walking with her friends and coworkers at Southwest Baptist University. You could catch her walking everyday with someone on campus. She participated in the MS walk, as well as the Cancer walk each year. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and all other family members and friends. She was a very loving mother. Bertha had many friends that she made during her years at the university and Wal-Mart. She enjoyed spending time with them and helping them in any way that she could. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lorene Mincks; two infant sons, Larry Dale and Mark Lee Bays; two brothers, Earl and Gene Mincks; and both sets of grandparents. Bertha is survived by three sons and their wives, Leonard and Megan Bays of Half Way, Matthew and Donna Bays of Fair Play and Timothy and Bonnie Bays of Pleasant Hope, and their father, Clarence Larry Bays; five grandsons, Dylan, Andrew, Adam, and Austin Bays and Bailey Jacobs; her father, Leonard Mincks; four brothers and their wives, Garley and Edna Mincks of Shallotte, N.C., Lloyd and Ginger Mincks of Pleasant Hope, Jeff and Angel Mincks of Bolivar and Scott Mincks of Bolivar; five sisters and their husbands, Joyce and Bill Ingram of Bolivar, Charlot Thompson of Springfield, Lenna and Charles Wilson of Half Way, Lena and Charles Pierpont of Ellsworth, Maine, and Linda and Billy Tosh of Muleshoe, Texas; and many nieces and nephews. Bertha enjoyed every precious day of her life. Services were Sunday, March 11, at the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Donnie Lightfoot, Bro. Donald Bybee and Bro. Mike McCurry officiating. Music was provided by the Goodson Missionary Baptist Church Choir, with Linda Jarman as pianist and Lucinda Crouch as soloist. Casketbearers were Earl Mincks Jr., Todd Hamilton, Lloyd Mincks, Jeff Mincks, Scott Mincks, Bill Ingram and Charlie Wilson. Burial was in the Payne Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Goodson Missionary Baptist Church. A00008B2001MR14
Morris Blanton
Morris Blanton, 74, Bolivar, died Friday, March 23, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Hospital following a lingering illness. He was born Dec. 4, 1926, in Hickory County. He was united in marriage to Wilma L. Harris on July 2, 1945. He was a self-employed hay and wood deliverer. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, a daughter, Christina Blanton, and a brother, Albert Blanton. He is survived by his wife, Wilma, of the home; five sons, Morris Blanton Jr. of Oak Grove, Robert Blanton and Bobby Blanton, both of Springfield, and James Blanton and Ronald Blanton, both of Bolivar; a daughter, Ruby Clark of Strafford; a half brother, Bill Blanton of Independence; and 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Services were Sunday, March 25, in Pitts Chapel. Burial followed in the Mt. View Cemetery, Polk, with Bro. Leon Meadows officiating. Pallbearers were Glenn Lemmon, Lyle Barber, Bill Ethridge, Curtis Lockhart, Rick Lemmon and Gary Lockhart. A00008B2001AR04
Dalton J. "Tony" Brown
Dalton J. "Tony" Brown, 84, Walnut Grove, died at 11:19 p.m. Saturday, March 3, 2001, in Cox Medical Center South following a short illness. He was born near Walnut Grove and was a lifelong resident of the area. He was a retired farmer and stockman and was active with the National Farmers Organization, Greene County Farmers Association, Greene County Planning and Zoning Board and Greene County Soil and Water Distribution. He graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1935 and from the Springfield College of Commerce. He was a longtime member of the Walnut Grove United Methodist Church. He was a 50-year member of the O'Sullivan No. 7 Masonic Lodge A.F. and A.M. of Walnut Grove, the Walnut Grove Chapter No. 72 of Order of the Eastern Star and a longtime member of the Billie McMehen V.F.W. Post No. 5333. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army for 39 months and receiving five Bronze Stars. He was active in Democratic party politics, being a member of the Greene County Democratic Committee and former Committeeman of Walnut Grove. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Mattie Bridges Brown; four sisters, Marina Rummel Steeley, Minnie Murray, Nora Brown and an infant sister; and five brothers, Ralph, Willard, Dillard "Scotty," John Howard and Leonard E. Brown. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Edna E. Brown of Springfield; two nieces, Kay Ann Sherill and Ann Glenn; three nephews, John Rummel, James Murray and Kevin Brown; and several great nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Walnut Grove United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Greene Lawn Cemetery, Walnut Grove, with military honors under the auspices of the Missouri Military Honors "Bravo" Team of Springfield. Arrangements are under the direction of Wilson-Brim-Daniel Funeral Home, Walnut Grove. The body will lie in state in the family home this morning from 10 to 11:30 a.m. A00008B2001MR07
Bonnah A. Burton
Bonnah Avis Burton, 86, Pleasant Hope, died at 10:10 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2001, in Greene Haven Nursing Home. Graveside services were Tuesday, March 6, in Reed Cemetery, Half Way. Arrangements were under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield. A00008B2001MR14
Allona F. Case
Allona Fae Case, 60, Collins, died Tuesday, March 20, 2001, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was born Sept. 10, 1940, in Arcadia, Neb., the daughter of Charles Orville and Fern Holmes Gregg. A resident of Collins since 1983, she was a homemaker and member of the Humansville Congregation of Jehovah's Witness. Her parents, two brothers, Charles Gregg and David Gregg, and a sister, Audrey Bodenhamer, preceded her in death. Survivors include her childern, Margo Richards, Myron Case, Loren Case and Jesse Case, all of Collins; 10 grandchildren, Janet Case, Amanda Caudill, Jessica Case, Ryan Boyles, Mercedes Richards, Justin Richards, Brittany Beaushaw, Brianna Beaushaw, Christopher Case and Brandon Smith; three brothers, Thomas Gregg, North Loup, Neb., and Frank Gregg and James A. Gregg, both of Collins; six sisters, Colleen Johnson and Charlene Johnson, both of Warsaw, Marilyn Richey, Sedalia, LaDawn Burson, Calhoun, Ramona Bredthauer, Hastings, Neb., and LoQueeta Stultz, Mora; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Services were Friday, March 23, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with Wilton Jeter officiating. Honorary pallbearer was Raymond Johnson. Pallbearers were Nick Johnson, Charlie Martin, David Burson, Robin Kimber, Bob Burson and Bart Godfrey. Interment was in Freeman Holsapple Cemetery west of Collins. A00008B2001MR28
Lowell V. Churchman
On March 10, 2001, at 3:25 a.m., Lowell Churchman left this world for eternal rest. He had been a resident of Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility in Bolivar for the past year. Lowell was born Sept. 13, 1915, at Aldrich, the son of Thomas Alexander and Nancy Elizabeth Vincent Churchman. He and Frances Williams were married Jan. 21, 1940. They were the parents of four daughters who survive him, Elizabeth Weaver and her husband, Roger, of Springfield, Mary Cullers and her husband, Don, of Springfield, Rebecca Churchman of Houston, Texas, and Marcie Vance of Springfield. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Michael Gibson and his wife, Debbie, of Topeka, Kan., Rachel Weaver of Houston, Texas, Rodney Weaver and his wife, Joy, of Springfield and Addison Vance of Springfield. Lowell was preceded in death by his parents; a half-brother, Loren Churchman; and two half-sisters, Adrian Nichols and Maymie Pfeiffer. A member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Lowell graduated from Bolivar High School in 1933. He was active in FFA; a highlight was for him was to attend the American Royal Livestock Show in Kansas City. He did not have a high degree of formal education, but was very intelligent and could "figger" in his head when others had to rely on a calculator. Lowell served on the Polk County ASCS committee for several years. His lifework was that of a farmer. He can be remembered tilling the bottomland with a team of mules or draft horses. The cornrows were straight, and the short rows were hoed by hand. A lover of and good judge of horses, he later raised Missouri Fox Trotters and Tennessee Walking Horses. Another favorite pastime with numerous memories was coon hunting with long-eared black and tan hounds. He also raised Hereford cattle, all of which he knew by name or an identifying mark. Lowell will be remembered as a man of integrity and compassion; a man who had a strong work ethic, and a man with pretty brown eyes about which people often commented. We thank him for all he taught us. We will carry on and see him at the supper table after the sun goes down. A special thank you is extended to the staff of the nursing home who not only cared for him but also ministered to his needs. Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 16, at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery south of Aldrich with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating. Visitation will be from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 15, in Murray Funeral Home, Bolivar. Memorial contributions may be made to the organization of the donor's choice. A00008B2001MR14
Elwin B. Crumrine
Elwin Burr Crumrine, 75, Willard, died at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 2001, in his home. He was born Dec. 30, 1925, in Jewell County, Kan. He was an auto body man and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post No. 11 in Willard and the D.A.V. of Springfield. He was a lifetime resident of the Willard and Miller area and a member of the Parkview Christian Church. He married Mary Francis Barker on Sept. 14, 1946, at Pittsburg, Kan. She died Jan. 9, 2000. Survivors include four daughters and their husbands, Mary and Don Sterling of Uniontown, Ark., Deidra and Jerry Fields of Morrisville, Debra and Joe Ryker of Bois D'Arc and Cristie and Greg Cain of Willard; three sons and their wives, Elwin and Fern Crumrine of Springfield, Mike and Ruth Crumrine of Broken Arrow, Okla., and Allen and Kecia Crumrine of Brighton; his father, Fred Crumrine of Willard; 15 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and his constant companion, Buttons. Graveside services were Thursday, March 8, in Goss Cemetery southwest of Miller with the Rev. Tharell J. Boulware officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Morris Leiman Mosher Funeral Home, Miller. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Cancer Society or American Diabetes in care of the funeral home. A00008B2001MR14
Marjorie J. Davison
Marjorie Jane Davison, 81, Greenfield, died Friday, March 16, 2001, in the Dade County Nursing Home in Greenfield after a brief illness. She was born Jan. 17, 1920, in Los Angeles, Calif., the daughter of John and Isabella Anderson, and she had attended and graduated school in California. In 1937 she was united in marriage to Clifford C. Davison and to this union two children were born, John and Jeanne Davison. Clifford and Marjorie had moved back to Missouri in 1973. Marjorie had attended First Assembly of God in Bolivar, and most recently, Lighthouse Christian Center in Stockton. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clifford, sister Audrey Smith, and great-granddaughter Lindsey Dawn Knoll. She is survived by one son, John and his wife, Anne, Davison of Sanford, Fla.; one daughter and her husband, Darell and Jeanne Jagdfeld-Heaton of Greenfield; two brothers, Wallace S. Anderson of Agoura Hills, Calif., and Frank E. Anderson of Costa Mesa, Calif.; one granddaughter, Jeannene Elizabeth Knoll and her husband, Mark, of Stockton; three grandsons, Gregory Stuart Jagdfelt of Columbia, Blair Courtney Davison and his wife, Robin, of Gainsville, Fla., and Brent Vincent Davison and his wife, Linda, of Eustis, Fla.; four great-grandsons, Michale Allen, Malachi Austin and Madison Andrew Knoll, and Patrick Morgan Langston. Services were Tuesday, March 20, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mark Knoll officiating. Music was provided by Jeanette York and Judy Rinker. Casketbearers were Carl Blomenkamp, Brad Wommack, James Fleeman, Chad Knoll, Gary Rice and Benny York. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. <z6A00008B2001MR21
Bessie K. Dennis
Bessie Kay Dennis, 80, Pittsburg, died at 7:25 a.m. Friday, March 16, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Hermitage, Chapter No. 99, and the Pomme de Terre Southern Baptist Church, Pittsburg. Survivors include her husband, John W. Dennis of Pittsburg; one son, Gary L. Dennis of Springfield; one brother, Virgil Phillips of Crosstimbers; three granddaughters, Robin Vaughn of Pleasant Hope, Renee Asby of Springfield, and Julie Dennis of Half Way; five great-grandchildren, Dustin Asby, Danielle Vaughn, Jan Vaughn, Cazy Vaughn and Chance English. Services were Sunday, March 18, 2001, in the Pomme de Terre Southern Baptist Church in Pittsburg with Rev. Don Keesler and Rev. Kent Parson officiating. An Eastern Star service was held by the Hermitage Chapter No. 99 Order of the Eastern Star. Casketbearers were Lewis Retherford, Kenneth Phillips, Gerald Phillips, Victor Phillips, Darren Vaughn, Estel Suiter, Dough Loehr and Dustin Asby. Burial was in the Pittsburg Baptist Cemetery, under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hickory County Fire and Rescue. <z6A00008B2001MR21
Russell D. Euliss
Russell Dean Euliss, 37, Springfield, died Wednesday, March 21, 2001, at his home. He was born June 27, 1963, in Springfield. He was a graduate of Marion C. Early High School in Morrisville. A welder and carpenter, he had a great love for the outdoors. He was saved at a revival service at Eudora Baptist Church in June 1974, and recently joined Evergreen Church at Springfield. On February 14, 1992, he was united in marriage to Nancy Heath and they were married nine years. His grandpa, Paul Hensley, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Nancy, and her two children and their spouses, Angela and Chris Garrett, Clever, and David and Amy Dickenson, Republic; two grandchildren, Caleb and Austin Garrett; his parents, Jerry and Sue Euliss, Morrisville; one brother, Brad Euliss and his wife, Diana, and their children Stephanie and Jared, Morrisville; one sister, Annette Turner and her husband, John, and their children, Devin, Justin and Josh, Morrisville; and his grandparents, Cecil and Helen Euliss, Morrisville, and Martha Hensley, Bolivar. Funeral services were Saturday, March 24, 2001, in Evergreen Church, Springfield, with Rev. Scott Killingsworth officiating. Music was by Amy Dickenson, and Lon and Maxine Killingsworth. Honorary pallbearers were Nick Maas, Steve Cribbs and Gerald Sergent. Pallbearers were Chris Garrett, David Dickenson, Jerry Bruegman, Kevin McKinzie, Mike Chaney and Junior Hickman. Interment was in Enon Cemetery, southwest of Bolivar, under the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Bolivar. A00008B2001MR28
Robert S. Gilliam
Robert Stewart Gilliam, 82, Bolivar, died at 12:05 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Robert was born Oct. 25, 1918, in Rocky, Okla., the son of William Barton Gilliam and Vasser Davis. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II and a retired floor foreman with General Dynamics Corp., Fort Worth, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Gladys J. Gilliam, of Bolivar; one son, Robert L. Gilliam, of Bolivar; and a sister, Betty Blake, of Olathe, Kan. Services were Friday, March 30, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel, Bolivar, with graveside services Saturday in Barbee Cemetery, Dublin, Texas. Memorial contributions can be made to Citizens Memorial Helath Care Facility Aquarium Fund. A00008B2001AR04
Grace M. Hall
Grace Marie Hall, 83, Willard, died at 8:12 a.m. Wednesday March 28, 2001, in Willard Care Center following an extended illness. Grace Shelton was born in Polk County, near Morrisville, and was a life-long resident of the Willard and morrisville areas. She was a homemaker and had been a sales clerk with the Sacville Store. She was a member of the Rose Hill Baptist Church north of Willard. She was united in marrage to Adron L. Hall on Feb. 25, 1938. To this union three children were born. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Freda kay Hall, on Aug. 5, 1996, and a son, Kenneth Hall, on Aug. 7, 1998; a great-grandson, Andrew Joseph Fuller, in Sept. 1997; her parents; two brothers, Ray and Ralph Shelton; and two sisters, Ruth Cox and Wilma Emmert. She is survived by her husband, Adron, of the home; one son and two daughters-in-law, Ron and Shirley Hall of Aldrich and Jean Ann Hall of Willard; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Joe Ben Shelton, and one sister, Wanda Smith, both of Bolivar; and several nieces and nephews. Services were Saturday, March 31, in Rose Hill Baptist Church, Willard, with the Revs. Ed Long and Lon Killingsworth officiating. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wilson Brim Daniel Funeral Home of Walnut Grove. Memorial contributions can be made to Rose Hill Baptist Church, Willard. A00008B2001AR04
Jewel Hammond
Jewel Bernard Hammond, 94, Weaubleau, died at 4:30 a.m. Friday, March 30, 2001, at Parkview Health Care Facility, Bolivar. She was a long-time area resident of Weaubleau before moving to Bolivar a few years ago. She was a homemaker and worked as a cook for several years. Survivors include one son, Keet Hammond and his wife, June, of Carthage; one daughter-in-law, Freda Hammond, of Weaubleau; and four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Services were Monday, April 2, at Hathaway-Peterman Funeral Home Chapel, Wheatland, with the Rev. Kent Parson officiating. Burial was in Bernard Chapel Cemetery, north of Quincy. A00008B2001AR04
Howard P. Hembree
Howard P. Hembree, 84, Greenfield, died Tuesday, March 20, 2001, in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. He was born Feb. 2, 1917, in Dadeville to Willis and Louella (Dolly) Sweet Hembree. He married Vernice Opal Marshall Dec. 28, 1940, and to this union three children were born. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Yokohama, Japan. He retired from the Missouri State Highway Department in 1980 after 39 years. He enjoyed working outside in his yard and garden. He loved his family and being with them. He is preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Dolly Hembree; one brother, Herbert, and his wife, Martha; and one nephew, Don. He is survived by his wife Vernice; one daughter, Sue Divine of Bolivar; two sons, Johnny Hembree and Joe Hembree and his wife Patsy of Greenfield; nine grandchildren, Magen, Jerad, Jordan and Jade Montana, Wayne and Christine Hembree, Danny Divine, Russell Divine and his wife, LaDon, and Kim Williams and her husband, Jeff; five great-grandchildren, Jonathon and Jimmy Olsen, McKenzi and Skylor Divine and Cassidy Williams; two sisters, Martha Kitchen of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Frances Hudspeth and her husband, Bill, of South Greenfield; one brother, Hugh Hembree and his wife, Carolyn, of Lincoln, Neb.; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Services were Friday, March 23, at the Greenfield Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Gene Clack officiating. Burial was in the Greenfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church of Greenfield. A00008B2001MR28
Patrick M. Hyer
Patrick M. Hyer, 60, Humansville, died Friday, March 2, 2001, at his home. The son of James O. and Bernice Cernas Hyer, he was born Feb. 21, 1941, in Jackson County. A resident of Humansville the past 30 years, he was a brick mason and U. S. Army Vietnam War veteran. A member of Amvets Post No. 114, he served with the Amvets Honor Guard. Preceding him in death were his father, James, and his wife, Rebecca, on Nov. 23, 1999. Survivors include two sons and their wives, Troy and Marie Hyer of Humansville and Matt and Robin Matthews of Collins; his mother, Bernice Hyer, Chicago, Ill.; two grandchildren, Rebecca Marie Hyer and Cody James Hyer; and two brothers, Jim Hyer and Jerry Hyer, both of Chicago, Ill. Services were Tuesday, March 6, at the Amvets Post No. 114 in Flemington. Inurnment was in Souders Cemetery north of Humansville under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. A00008B2001MR07
Salvatore M. LaTorre II
Salvatore Mario LaTorre II, 66, Flemington, died Wednesday, March 28, 2001, in Cox Medical Center South. The son of Salvatore M. and Marie DeCole LaTorre, he was born March 2, 1935, in New York City, New York. He moved to Flemington nine years ago from Pine Bush, New York. A retired electronic switching technician for Ninex Telephone Company, he was a member of Communication Workers of America Local No. 1101. He was Catholic. His parents and two brothers, Dominik and Iggy LaTorre, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy, of the home; six children, Dorothy Marie LaTorre of the home, Maria J. Huebner of Stockton, Marisa Goldfarb of Peekskill, N.Y., Susan Zabowski of Dover Plains, N.Y., Joseph E. LaTorre of Wimama, Fla., and Salvatore M. LaTorre III of Pine Bush, N.Y.; a brother, Joseph LaTorre, Boca Raton, Fla.; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services were Sunday, April 1, 2001, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Bill Levergood officiating. Cremation followed the service under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. A00008B2001AR04
Walter H. Kates
Walter H. Kates, 59, of Bolivar was born Nov. 29, 1941, in Bolivar and died March 26, 2001, in Cox Medical Center South after a long illness. He was born affected with Downs Syndrome and was able to live his entire angelic life at home. He was a special little guy who touched all who opened their hearts to him. He will be sadly missed. He is survived by one sister of the home,Treva Orrell and her husband, Kenneth, and one brother, Danny Kates and his wife, Cherie, all of Bolivar, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Walter A. and Altha Kates. Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Doyle Mayfield officiating. Music will be provided by the church choir and will include "We Shall Meet," "Gathering Home" and "I'll Fly Away." Pallbearers will be Doug Roberts, Lee Kates, Gene Kates, Arnold Wilson, Charlie Wilson, Terry Fox and Kenneth Orrell. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel. A00008B2001MR28
Marilyn B. Kunkel
Marilyn B. Kunkel, 77, Bolivar, died at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 10, 2001, at the Parkview Health Care Facility after a lingering illness. She was born Sept. 4, 1923, in Wheaton, Ill., the daughter of Harry Joseph and Lucille Adeline Leverenz Barnard. She was a retired clerical office worker in county government and was a U.S. Army Wave veteran of World War II. She had been a resident of Wheaton, Ill., for many years, moving to Bolivar more than two years ago. Surviving are two daughters, Barbara J. Essex of Bolivar and Cathy Lynn Schmieding of Woodstock, Ill., and a son, Roy C. Kunkel of Lovelock, Nev. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. At her request, the body is being cremated and her remains will be placed in the St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church Columbarium in Miami, Fla., at a later date. Arrangements were under the direction of Butler Funeral Home. A00008B2001MR14
Thelma Lynn
Thelma Lynn, 89, Bolivar, died Wednesday, March 7, 2001. She was born on a farm near Pleasant Hope on Jan. 14, 1912, to Edgar and Alice Smith. She was the youngest of three children; her brother, Elmer Smith, and her sister, Ada Purlsey, both preceded her in death. Thelma was raised on the farm and attended a one-room school close to the farm. After consolidation she attended Pleasant Hope schools, often rooming in Pleasant Hope during bad weather. During the Depression of the 1920s, Edgar temporarily moved the family to California. This was one of the most exciting times in Thelma's life. She often told stories of the trip and her experiences living there. While in California she learned to ride a motorcycle, which was quite scandalous at the time. Upon returning to Missouri she married R.L. "Roy" Lynn on Sept. 13, 1930, and moved to his farm, which remains in the family to this day. To this marriage came two sons, James and Keith. As she followed Roy in his career as a school superintendent, she lived in Dadeville and Richards. Even with these moves, they always maintained and worked their family farm. When Roy became the superintendent at Half Way and later Pleasant Hope, they lived on the farm full time until his death in 1969. She remained on the farm following his death. Thelma was a faithful wife and mother, often having to do the farmwork of milking, putting up crops and feeding animals by herself as Roy's work often kept him away from home until late at night. She greatly enjoyed her sons' participation in sports and followed them closely. Thelma was a 58-year member of the First Baptist Church in Pleasant Hope. Following a period of declining health which included a broken pelvis and cancer surgery, she moved to Butterfield Retirement Center in Bolivar where she remained until her death. Surviving are her son Jim and his wife, Carolyn, of McAllen, Texas; her son Keith and his wife, Laura, of Norman, Okla.; five grandchildren, Shannon Lynn and his wife, Anita, and Charese Cozad and her husband, Terry, all of Pleasant Hope, and Jordan Lynn, Cory Lynn and Larissa Lynn, all of Norman, Okla.; one great-grandson, Skyler Cozad; plus numerous nieces and nephews living in California. Services were Saturday, March 10, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Neil Graham officiating. Burial was in the Pleasant Hope Cemetery. Casketbearers were Mark Bilyeu, Mickey Hillenburg, Shannon Lynn, Jordan Lynn, Terry Cozad and Jerry Francka. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church in Pleasant Hope. A00008B2001MR14
John C. Martin
John C. Martin, 80, Buffalo, died Thursday, March 29, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born Oct. 10, 1920, in Flomit, Texas, to Claude and Florence Freyer Martin. He was united in marriage to helen Kwet on Feb. 2, 1943, in Casper, Wyo., and to this union three children were born. He served his country in the Air Force during World War II. He was a retired rancher. Survivors include his wife, Helen, of the home; one son, John C. Martin Jr. of Gainesville, Texas; two daughters, Jeannette Ray of Lancaster, Calif., and Celeste Burdette of Pleasant Hope; one sister, Kathryn Russell of Matador, Texas; and eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Mae Dell Woods, and Four brothers, Louis Martin, Quinn Martin, Norman Martin and Glenn Martin. Services were Saturday, March 31, in Pitts Chappel with Fr. Patrick Wissman officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. A00008B2001AR04
Gerald "Lee" Montgomery
Gerald "Lee" Montgomery, 78, Aldrich, formerly of Springfield, died at 7:42 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar. He was born Sept. 27, 1922, in Aldrich to Forrest and Tina Tygart Montgomery. He worked for Frisco Railroad for more than 30 years. He was a member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Humansville, American Legion in Bolivar and the Elks Lodge in Springfield. He was preceded in death by his father and mother and his wife, Ellen. He is survived by two sons, a granddaughter, two great-granddaughters and many cousins. Services were Tuesday, March 13, in Gorman-Schaprf University Chapel with the Rev. Frank Childers officiating. Burial was in St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ozark Food Harvest, 615 N. Glenstone, Springfield MO 65802. A00008B2001MR21
Arnold G. Oldaker
Arnold Gaston Oldaker, 62, Humansville, died at 12:10 a.m. Sunday, March 18, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He was born on Jan. 23, 1939. He lived at Lake Shores Residential Care Center in Humansville. He is survived by his mother, Onia Sybil Oldaker, of Stockton; three sisters, Georgia McBurks of Urich, Jeanie Dudley of Harrisonville and Stella Shook of Stockton; and one brother, Emory Oldaker of Kansas City. No services are planned at this time. Cremation was under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. <z6A00008B2001MR21
Helen Ruth Parker
Helen Ruth Pruitt Parker died Tuesday, March 20, 2001, in Oklahoma City, Okla. She was born on Oct. 14, 1926, in Decatur, Ala., and was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Pruitt. After graduation from Riverside High School in 1944, she attended Bob Jones College in Cleveland, Tenn., from 1944-46. She was married to her husband, Charles G. Parker of Decatur, Ala., for 54 years. She was a member of the Central Baptist Church in Decatur, Ala., for 68 years. During her years of ministry in Decatur she sang with her trio in radio and evangelistic services, served at Central Baptist as a member of the adult choir, and assisted for over twenty years in the special education department of the Sunday School. She served the legal profession as an executive secretary for more than 25 years. After moving to Oklahoma City in 1995, Helen Ruth and Charles became members of the Surrey Hills Baptist Church where they sang in the adult choir. She also joined the Surrey Hills Garden Club, and enjoyed playing games with her neighborhood game club as well as substituting for her daughter's Bunco group. Her parents, four brothers and two sisters, and one son-in-law preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband, Charles; three children, Cheryl (Parker) Scroggins of Oklahoma City, Okla.; the Rev. Richard G. Parker and wife Cindy of Perry, Ga.; and Dr. Gregory B. Parker and wife Lori of Bolivar; grandchildren Brad and Scott Scroggins of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Andrew and Hannah Parker of Perry, Ga.; and Alex and Brianna Parker of Bolivar. Additional survivors include one brother, Robert H. Pruitt of Topeka, Kan.; one sister, Catherine Marie (Pruitt) Watkins of Decatur, Ala.; one brother-in-law, J. Pat Brock of Decatur, Ala.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were Saturday, March 24, at the Central Baptist Church in Decatur, Ala., with Roselawn Memorial Funeral Home officiating. Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 2,9 at Surrey Hills Baptist Church, 12421 North Mustang Road, in Yukon, Okla. Memorial contributions may be made to the Helen Ruth Parker Memorial Scholarship Fund at Southwest Baptist University, Development Office, 1600 University Avenue, Bolivar MO 65613-2597. A00008B2001MR28
Arthur H. Proehl
Arthur H. Proehl, 89, Bolivar, died Tuesday, March 27, 2001, at Parkview Health Care Facility. He was born April 1, 1911, in Parker's Prairie to Henry and Ida Johnson Proehl. On Sept. 12, 1941, he was united in marriage to Mary Zeithhamer and to this union two sons were born. Together they dairy farmed in Minnesota until 1962 when they moved to Bolivar and farmed until retirement in 1972. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Karl Proehl in November of 1996, and an infant great-granddaughter. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Linda Proehl of St. Cloud, Minn., and two grandchildren. Services were Saturday, March 31, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Mark Lavrenz officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. A00008B2001AR04
Paul E. Rains
Paul Edward Rains, 71, Humansville, died March 9, 2001, at Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar. He was born March 17, 1929, in Humansville to George and Stella Henry Rains. He was united in marriage to Geraldine Fisher on March 18, 1961, in Humansville. They lived in the Independence area before moving to the Humansville area in 1974. They engaged in dairy farming for 15 years after returning to Humansville. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Clifford Rains, Gaylord Rains and Alfred Rains; three sisters, Marie Routh, Lois Meredith and Neva Kenny; and his stepmother, Ida Rains. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine, of the home; four daughters, Debbie Klein and her husband, Greg, of Sibley, Paula Zachary of Twin Falls, Idaho, Patty Chaney and Bill Fogler of Humansville, and Pamela Sellers and her husband, Todd, of Humansville; one sister, Marge Goodwin and her husband, Doug, of Humansville; one stepsister, Pauline Price of Bolivar; 18 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, lots of nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. Services were Monday, March 12, 2001, at Humansville First Baptist Church. Interment was in Tinker Cemetery, Humansville. Arrangements were under the direction of Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home, Osceola. <z6A00008B2001MR21
M. Imogene Reed
M. Imogene Cunningham Young Reed, 82, Webb City, died at 6:35 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2001, at St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Louis after a short illness. She was born July 8, 1918, in Carthage. She had lived in Jasper County her entire life and was a 1935 graduate of Carthage High School. In 1982 she retired as a case worker from the Division of Family Services. As a member of the Liberty Baptist Church in Webb City, she spent many years as church pianist, organist and Bible teacher. For many years she and her husband served as volunteers for youth and adult camp activities at Baptist Hill Assembly near Mt. Vernon. They were also members of Campers On Mission For Christ, a group involved in building and renovating small churches. For many years she was a member of the American Business Women's Association in Carthage. She formerly served as a project leader for the 4-H Club near LaRussell and was active in Extension Club work. She married Charley Young Jan. 22, 1938. He preceded her in death on June 2, 1968. On May 28, 1981, she married I. Lee Reed, who preceded her in death on Sept. 18, 1992. Also preceding her in death were her parents, J.O. and Lela Tilton Cunningham; a daughter, Helen Young; a son, Pat Young; two grandchildren; a brother, Clem Cunningham; and a sister, Helen Kelley. Survivors include three sons, Andy Young of Sedro Wooley, Wash., Ed Young of Clinton, and George Young of Florence, Ala.; two stepsons, Jim Jacobs of Coweta, Okla., and Tim Reed of Tulsa, Okla.; four daughters, Jean Campbell of LaRussell, Sue Howard of Alba, Judy Brown of Columbia, and Mary Allen Miller of Bolivar; two stepdaughters, Bettye Warden of Carthage, and Karen Champeau of Little Chute, Wis.; one brother, Alvin Cunningham of Carthage; 22 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren. Services were Saturday at the Hedge-Lewis Chapel with the Rev. Gene Needham and the Rev. Ron Woody officiating. Burial was in the Harvey Cemetery near LaRussell. Pallbearers were her grandshons, Jeff Howard, Greg Howard, Brad Howard, David Howard, Brandon Collins, Michael Allen and Chuck Young. Memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty Baptist Church of Webb City. A00008B2001MR28
Gordon H. Robinson
Grodon Hunter Robinson, 86, Bolivar, passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2001, at 7:24 p.m. in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, after a brief illness. He was born Nov. 13, 1914, in Owensboro, Ky., the son of John William and Hazel McCloud Robinson. After living in Owensboro for two years, Gordon's parents moved to Bolivar. To them a second child was born, Mary Jean, on April 13, 1917. Gordon was a long time resident of Polk County and retired owner of Robinson Neon. In Bolivar, his parents purchased a variety store, "The Fair Store," located on the Bolivar square. They lived in many houses throughout Bolivar including ahome on Walnut Street, one that faced Pike Street just south of the North Ward School, and then a home on Chestnut where Gordon grew up. He graduated from Bolivar High School in 1932 and from Southwest Baptist College in 1934. Gordon had also attended Drury College, taking engineering and drafting classes. While in college, he sang in the Men's Quartet, and during vacation, he traveled with Dr. Counts Redford and the other members of the quartet to many cities and churches in Missouri and surrounding states raising funds for Southwest Baptist College. Gordon had also been called many times to sing at funerals and fund-raisers. He entered the U.S. Army in September, 1942, and spent three years in North Africa, Sicily and Italy working in the map department. After being honorably discharged, he entered a neon engineering school in Louisville, Ky. In June, 1947, he was united im marriage to Ruth Harper of Springfield and to this union three sons were born, Keith, Gary and Dale. Gordon joined the Bolivar Rotary Club in 1946, in which he served as president in 1959-60. He was recently honored by the Rotary Governor as the oldest member still active in Rotary in Bolivar. He was also a member fo the local V.F.W and the Howard S. Keeling American Legion Post no. 138. As members of the Bolivar United Methodist Church, both Gordon and Ruth have served many offices within the church. He was superintendent of the Sunday School when the Builders Class was organized, and was an active member of that class until his death. The church was one of his favorite organizations. Besides contantly visiting on behalf of the church, he donated the sign on the front lawn of the church. His contributions were not limited to the United Methodist Church, but included donations of signs to many other churches. While engaged in the work of the church, he was also serving his community in many other ways, including visiting nursing homes, holding public office, such as city alderman, and taking care of peop's needs throughout his life. He was also active in Boy Scout Leadership, Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce and several other community projects. He will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Ruth L. Robinson, of the home; three sons, Dale Robinson and his wife, Deborah, of Bolivar, Gary Robinson and his wife, Margaret, of Bellaire, Texas, and Keith Robinson and his wife, Mary, of Sedalia; one sister, Mary J. Neely of Denver, Colo.; two grandchildren and one stepgranddaughter. Services were Friday, March 30, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dan Adkison and Rev. Bill Maggi officiating. Music was provided by David Hacker, soloist, and Louisiana Mastin, pianist. Casketbearers were Charlie Miller, Milton Dickensheet, Carl Huser, J.V. Wommack, Scott Gallivan and Jeff McClelland. Honorary Casketbearers were Karen Tweed, John Playter, Gordon Mastin, Keith Parminter, Don Jump, Cameron Seiner, Charles Neuhart and Jack Hacker. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. A00008B2001AR04
Mary Lee Shook
Mary Lee Shook, 92, Des Moines, Iowa, died at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 27, 2001, in Mercy Hospital, Des Moines. The daughter of Ernest and Jenny Miller, she was born April 12, 1908, at Fair Play. She lived at Fair Play and Aldrich for many years, living in Des Moines the past 19 years. A retired teacher, she taught in several area schools including Aldrich, Fair Play and Dunnegan. She was a member of the Aldrich United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday School teacher and pianist. Her parents; her husband, Rev. Brooks Shook; her daughter, Betty Sue Bolton; and three brothers, Harmon, Charles and Kelton Miller, preceded her in death. She is survived by one daughter, Jenny Shook, Des Moines, Iowa; two sons and their wives, Bill and Shirley Shook, Fair Play, and Joe and Dora Shook, Fenton; six grandchildren and their spouses, David and Karen Bolton, Mundelein, Ill., Ann and Bob Filip, Columbus, Ohio, Paula and Bobby Evans, Fair Play, Darin and Christi Shook, Urbana, Sarah and Kevin Brown, Wichita, Kan., and Jared and Retta Shook, Fort Scott, Kan.; and 17 great-grandchildren. Services were Sunday, April 1, in the Aldrich United Methodist Church with David Stunkel officiating. Interment was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, south of Aldrich, under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. A00008B2001AR04
Mary Alice Snyder
Mary Alice Dexheimer Snyder, 79, Sedalia, passed away in her home at 5:10 p.m. Monday, March 12, 2001, after a short illness. She was a lifelong resident of Pettis County, having been born March 22, 1921, about seven miles southwest of Sedalia, the oldest daughter of Harry and Hazel Gorrell Dexheimer. She attended the one-room Glover School, where she completed grades one through eight in eight years, which was very difficult due to the amount of time she spent helping on the family farm. In 1939, she graduated from Green Ridge High School and later attended Central Business College until beginning work at Inter-State Studio at 601 W. 16th St. in Sedalia on July 7, 1941. On Dec. 31, 1952, she married Guy M. Snyder, whom she loved and worked with side by side until his death on Aug. 14, 1988. To this union were born a daughter, Giana Marie Snyder Andrews of Bolivar, and a son, Aric Nelson Snyder of Sedalia. Also surviving are a stepdaughter, Aileen Elizabeth Snyder Yuille; a son-in-law, Jerald Andrews; and a daughter-in-law, Cindy Linhardt Snyder; seven grandchildren, two stepgranddaughters, six step-great-grandchildren, six step-great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Melvin "Bud" Dexheimer; one sister, Ruth Hazel Hamby; and a nephew, Harry Hamby. Mary Alice was saved Friday night, Sept. 13, 1935, at Camp Branch Baptist Church and was a member there until joining New Hope Baptist Church in Sedalia in 1956, where she taught Sunday school and was Sunday school secretary until 1989. At New Hope she established a scholarship fund that enabled many young people to attend college. She also loved to attend Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Bolivar when she visited her four granddaughters there. Mary Alice was very supportive of her children and grandchildren and their friends and was very active in Sedalia PTA, serving in various positions of the PTA, including several terms as president. She devoted her entire career to Inter-State Studio, where she started in the bookkeeping department and later worked in virtually all manufacturing areas before holding the position of CEO. Mary Alice was the ultimate "people" person. She could remember maiden names, relationships, marriages and deaths often times better than the people she interviewed for positions at Inter-State while serving as human resources administrator. She gave credit to the lifelong friends she made at Inter-State for "keeping her going" through difficult times and for keeping her active and motivated through almost 60 years at Inter-State. Mary Alice continued to work at Inter-State every day until early December 2000, when her health prohibited her active involvement with the company. Her guidance, support and love are irreplaceable, and she will be deeply missed by everyone who was fortunate to have been blessed to know her. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15, at Heckart Gillespie Funeral Home, Sedalia. Pallbearers will be Ed Sanders, Rick Pettit, George Bain, Herb Houston, Jim Rissler, John Schmidt, Warren Preuitt and Ken Buchanan. Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Don Anderson, Bonnie Utt, Wynona O'Neill, Ethel Wallen Ruth Edwards, Wanneta Smith, Mary Nye, Colleen Mazzella, Nancy Curtiss, Marion Scott, Donna Linhardt, Connie Bjur, Neil Dodge, Bob Burke and Sharon Hollaway. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia. Visitation will begin at 6:30 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Childrens' Therapy Center, Sedalia; New Hope Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, Sedalia; or Hospice of Sedalia. A00008B2001MR14
Gwendolyn L. Sokolik
Gwendolyn L. Sokolik, 59, Polk, died Friday, March 9, 2001, in her home following a sudden illness. She was born Sept. 18, 1941, in Nebraska City, Neb., to Harold O. "Tobe" and Lorene Herman. On Jan. 5, 1966, she was united in marraige to Marvin J. Sokolik. She was a production worker for Teters Floral Products and a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Bolivar. She is survived by her husband, Marvin, of the home; four sons and their wives, Douglas and Kathy Rakes of Blue Springs, Neb., Marvin Jr. and Dawn Sokolik of Rolla, Dale and Paula Sokolik of Buffalo and Ton and Nikki Sokolik of Polk; as well as 13 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Roger Herman; and a grandson. Services were Monday, March 12, in Pitts Chapel with Pastor Rod Campbell officiating. Burial followed in Rondo Cemetery. Pallbearers were Don Jump, Charles Bailey, Gary Lowe, Lawrence Knickerbocker, Joe Sokolik and John Seippel. A00008B2001MR14
Opal Ann Thompson
Opal Ann Thompson, 89, Elkhart, Ind., died at 11:15 a.m. Monday, March 5, 2001, in the Valley View Health Cehter in Elkhart, Ind., after a long illness. She was a longtime resident of the Polk County community of Van and a member of the Walnut Ridge Missionary Baptist Church. She was the widow of the late Lyman Thompson. Surviving are a daughter, Peggy Delaney of Elkhart, Ind., four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Services were Friday, March 9, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gary Ankrom and Bro. Carroll "Red" Ankrom officiating. Burial was in the Pleasant Hope Cemetery. A00008B2001MR14
Opal A. Thompson
Opal Ann Hensley Thompson, 89, Elkhart, Ind., died at 11:15 a.m. Monday, March 5, 2001, at the Valley View Health Center in Elkhart after a long illness. Opal was born July 4, 1911, in Brighton, the daughter of William Mose and Artie Hensley. She was saved at an early age in Wishart and later joined the Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Van, where she was still a member. On Sept. 16, 1933, Opal was united in marriage to Lyman "Fat" Thompson, and to this union one daughter was born, Peggy Marlene. Opal and Fat spent most of their married life together on their dairy farm east of Bolivar before retiring and moving to the Van community. They enjoyed fishing and running trotlines together. They could usually be found on Pomme de Terre Lake. After the death of her husband in 1980, she moved to Elkhart, Ind., where she was cared for by her daughter and wonderful son-in-law who helped care for her for the past 20 years. She made many longtime friends there, but she always considered Polk County her home. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fat; two sisters, Grace Ankrom Trader and Edna Utley; and two brothers, Lonnie Hensley and Calvin Eugene Hensley. Opal leaves behind a daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Bob Delaney; one grandson and his wife, Rick and Helen Brown; three granddaughters and their husbands, Debra and Ken Pearcy, Tami and Rick Dorman, and Anita and Ricky Dickson; nine great-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services were Friday, March 9, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gary Ankrom and Bro. Carroll "Red" Ankrom officiating. Music was provided by Gary, Greg and Charles Ankrom, and a special song by her great-granddaughter Amanda Waterman. Casketbearers were Shannon Hancock, Nathaniel Brown, Todd Waterman, Ricky Dickson, Rick Dorman, Cody Dorman, Rick Brown, and Ken Pearcy. Burial was in the Pleasant Hope Cemetery. A00008B2001MR14
Garsa E. Vest
Garsa Elizabeth Edwards Vest, 78, Brighton, died at 3:30 a.m. Monday, March 5, 2001, in Parkview Health Care Facility after a five-year battle with cancer. Garsa Elizabeth Demott was married to Leonard N. Edwards in June 1941. Following the death of Leonard, Garsa Edwards was united in marriage to Leslie R. Vest Sr. on Sept. 27, 1986. She was a retired cashier for Woods Super Market, and she and Leslie managed campgrounds in Branson. She was saved at an early age, and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Morrisville. She is survived by her husband, Leslie R. Vest of the home; one son, Avery Edwards, and his wife, Linda, of Grand Junction, Colo.; three daughters, Phylis Mathis and her husband, Karl, of Morrisville, Lois Reed of Fordland and Dixie King and her husband, Gary, of Bolivar; four stepsons and their wives, Bob and Nina Vest of Shallotte, N.C., Charles and Sharon Vest of Tonganoxie, Kan., Ray and RuthVest of Ozark, Ark., and Leslie R. Jr. and Patty Vest of Bolivar; five stepdaughters, Sue Stauch and her husband, Jerry, of McCloud, Kan., Pat Kitr of Pittsburg, Edna Mincks and her husband, Garley, of Shallotte, N.C., Carol Ripley and her husband, Jack, of Springfield and Sharon K. Hill and her husband, John, of Chanute, Kan.; 45 grandchildren and 56 great-grandchildren. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. John Shuler officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Hope Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Robert McGinnis, Bill Mathis, Kenny Reed, Jim Redman, James Reed and Tony Stauch. Honorary casketbearers will be Roger Williamson, Danny Coffey, Calvin Milam, Roma Morris, Lloyd Cates and Ron Hale. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the CMH Hospice of Bolivar. A00008B2001MR07
Ernest C. 'Junior' Watt
Ernest C. "Junior" Watt, 66, Humansville, died at 9:33 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2001, in Cox Medical Center South. He was the owner and operator of Watt Service Station in Humansville. The son of Ernest C. and Gertie Bishop Watt, he was born April 17, 1934, in Cedar County. He married Freda Webster March 27, 1959. His father and a sister, Wilma Watt, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Freda, of the home; his daughter, Marty Watt, Springfield; his mother, Gertie Watt, Humansville; and two sisters, Blanche Good and Betty Degraffenreid, both of Humansville. Services were Saturday, March 31, in Murray Funeral Home, Humansville, with the Rev. Martin Micke officiating. Interment was in Humansville Cemetery. A00008B2001AR04
Ruth Welshhon
Ruth Welshhon, 82, Richland, formerly of Dunnegan, died Friday, March 9, 2001, at her home in Richland. She is survived by two sons, Joe and his wife, Mary Ellen, of Hoxie, Kan., and Stephen and his wife, Trisha, of Joplin; two daughters, Jan Welshhon of Stoutland and Joyce Welshhon of the home; three brothers, John, Ephriam and Marvin Hess, all of the home; two sisters, Edith Davenport of Butler and Louise Buschmann of Sigourney, Iowa; one granson, Ryan Welshhon of Lawrence, Kan., and one granddaughter, Kim Welshhon of Colby, Kan. Services were Tuesday, March 13, 2001, at First Baptist Church in Hume, with burial in Independence Cemetery at Hume, under the direction of Colonial Funeral Chapel of Richland. <z6A00008B2001MR21
John M. West
John Michael West, son of the Reverends John and Ruth West, died at 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2001, in Oklahoma City, Okla. He is survived in addition to his parents by one son, Shawn Michael, a daughter-in-law, Tina West, and grandchildren Grace Leigh and John Mason of Humansville; a sister, Theresa King of Sulphur, Okla.; two brothers Christopher West of Kansas City, and Stephen West of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was a member of St. Alban's in the Ozarks Episcopal Church in Bolivar. A Mass of Thanksgiving for the life of Michael will be celebrated at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) at St. Alban's, 201 S. Killingsworth, Bolivar. The Right Rev. Barry Howe, Bishop of the Diocese of West Missouri, will be the celebrant. The Rev. Lawrence Lewis will give the homily. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Alban's. A00008B2001MR28
Ewing Kay Williams
Ewing Kay Williams, 81, Aldrich, died at 11:55 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2001, in Parkview Health Care Center following a short illness. He was born in Franklin, Ark., in Izard County, and was a longtime resident of the Aldrich area. He was a retired prominent farmer and stockman and belonged to the Baptist church. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was united in marriage to Frances Holman on Sept. 19, 1947. To this union one son was born. They shared more than 31 years together until Frances preceded him in death Feb. 4, 1979. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Ewing and Grace Kaye Williams, and two brothers, Gorman and Dudley Williams. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Kay and Lorelei Williams, and two grandchildren, Alexander and Alicia Williams, all of Aldrich. Services were Friday, March 16, in Wilson Brim Daniel Chapel, Walnut Grove, with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating. Interment followed in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Aldrich. <z6A00008B2001MR21
Logan Andrew Zahn
Logan Andrew Zahn, 94, Bolivar, died at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 15, 2001, at the Parkview Health Care Facility in Bolivar after a lingering illness. He was a retired music teacher and supervisor of music and a member of the Bolivar United Methodist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Shirley Krongard, of Sunnyvale, Calif., a daughter-in-law, Mary Zahn, of Juneau, Alaska, and three granddaughters. Services were Monday, March 19, 2001, at the Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar with the Rev. Dan Adkison officiating. burial was under the Direction of Butler Funeral Home. <z6A00008B2001MR21