Beulah M. Brown
Cora H. Brown
William E. Brown
Charles H. Buehler
Linda Sue Carr
Charlene Clark
Nancy E. Collins
Phillip L. Dill
Meda R. Dryer
Traian Enea
Billie Anne Fauvelle
Genevieve Z. Firestone
Arthur E. Ford
Edwin L. Grant
Margaret P. Guinn
Donald Gene Hayes
Winfred Harold Hood
Naomi N. Hutton
Raymond W. Jensen
Wilma S. Johnson
Stella G. Keith
Cletus Lightfoot
Anna Story McColm
Emma Jean Mitchell
Neva M. Musson
Stanley F. Owens
Lorene Redford
Chad A. Seamster
Chester W. Stokes
Roy C. Stokes
Iva Thomas
Marcella G. Vandergrift
Gregory S. Williams
Dora Louise Woodford
Beulah Maude Creed Brown, 86, Grove, Okla., died Friday, March 24, 2000, at Grove General Hospital after a brief illness. She was born July 31, 1913, in Polk County to Chauncey and Mae Hubbard Creed. She married Willard Brown on April 16, 1933, in Springfield. She was a licensed beautician and worked as tax assessor for Sedgwick County, Kan., where she also worked with the American Red Cross and with the election board. She was an Avon representative for 17 years and also worked as a sales clerk for Innes Department Store in Wichita, Kan., for several years. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Grove, Okla., the Order of the Eastern Star and AARP local chapter No. 1565. Survivors include her husband, Willard Brown, of the home; two daughters, Nancy Brown Chappell and her husband, Van, of Lenexa, Kan., and Charlotte Brown Barnhart and her husband, Cal, of Riverside, Calif.; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and one sister. Services were Tuesday, March 28, at the First Christian Church of Grove, Okla., with Dr. Wayne Shaw officiating. Burial followed in Olympus Cemetery under the direction of Ellis Family Funeral Home, Grove, Okla. Memorial contributions may be made to Cookson Hills Christian Center, Rt. 3 Box 200, Kansas OK 74347. A00008B2000MR29
Cora H. Brown, 92, Fair Play, died at 4:35 p.m. Sunday, March 19, 2000, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility following a brief illness. She was born near Cliquot on March 21, 1907, the second child of Bert and Ona Drake Flint. On May 1, 1927, she married Fred D. Brown. They enjoyed 43 years together before his death in 1970. They resided in Mesa, Ariz., much of their married life, where they were members of First United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, an infant son, two brothers, Hobert and Leon Flint, and two sisters, Jennie Bigler and Bernice Stokes. Survivors include her daughter, Helen Nottingham of Fair Play; her sister, Lela Franklin of Bolivar; three grandsons, Dan Pierce of Moscow, Idaho, Scott Pierce of Springfield and Joe Nottingham of Fair Play; three great-grandchildren, five nieces and three nephews. Services will be Friday afternoon in Meldrum Mortuary, Mesa, Ariz., with the Rev. Jim Bussey officiating. Interment will be in East Resthaven Cemetery, Phoenix, Ariz. Local arrangements were under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. A00008B2000MR22
William E. Brown, 81, Buffalo, died Sunday, March 26, 2000, in his home following a lengthy illness. He was born Feb. 17, 1919, to Thomas A. and Mattie Brown in Rohome, Texas. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II and had been a construction contractor. He is survived by a son, Roy Brown of Lowell, Ind.; a daughter, Marion Brown of Russellville, Ark.; a brother, Orville Brown of Newark, Texas; his twin sister, Lillian Newton of Albany N.Y.; as well as six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister. Graveside services will be Friday, March 31, in Aurora, Texas. Local arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Citizens Memorial Hospital Hospice or the charity of the donor's choice. A00008B2000MR29
Charles Henry Buehler, 57, Pleasant Hope, died at 10:35 a.m. Thursday, March 9, 2000, in his home with his family at his side after a year-long battle with lung cancer. He was born April 14, 1942, in Springfield, the son of Ollie and Katrinia Buehler. On June 8, 1963, he was united in marriage to Patricia A. Scott. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1959 to 1962. He served as Special Road District Commissioner for the Pleasant Hope Road District for many years. He was a longtime resident and business owner and automotive technician in the Pleasant Hope area. He was an accomplished drummer and had played for many groups in the Springfield area for many years. He enjoyed woodworking and traveling in his "Buehler Bago." He mostly enjoyed spending time with his family and beloved granddaughter, Rachel, whom he adored. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Katrinia Buehler; a sister, Elizabeth Hill; and a son, Matt C. Buehler. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, of the home; a son, Allen Buehler of Bolivar; a daughter and her husband, Leslie and Mark Skidmore of Pleasant Hope; one granddaughter, Rachel Skidmore of Pleasant Hope; a sister, Janice Reno of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews. He was a very talented and humorous person from whom many people sought advice for all realms of his expertise. He was an extraordinary husband, father, PaPa and friend to many, who will be greatly missed and thought of often. "God saw you getting weaker and a cure was not to be, so he put his arm around you and whispered, 'Come with me.' With tearful eyes we watched you suffer and slowly fade away; although we could not bear to lose you, we could not ask you to stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands laid to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best." Services were Monday, March 13, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Pat Wissman officiating. Casketbearers were Mark Skidmore, Loren Keighly, Larry Scott, Ricky Scott, Chuck Scott and Jimmy Scott. A parish prayer service was held Sunday with visitation following. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Southwest Missouri, 1465 E. Primrose, Springfield MO 65804. A00008B2000MR15
Linda Sue Carr, 56, Pleasant Hope, died Tuesday, March 14, 2000, in her home. The daughter of Howard and Dorothy Lee Rountree Love, she was born Dec. 29, 1943, in Mound Valley, Kan. She was a longtime resident of the Kansas City area. She was a Certified Nurse's Assistant with the Baptist Hospital in Kansas City, Kan., and a 1963 graduate of the School of the Blind in Kansas City, Kan. She was of the Baptist faith. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Laura Beth Carr of Bolivar; a daughter, Sheryl Carr of Pleasant Hope; a sister, Mary Lou Lance of Webb City; her father, Howard Love of Parsons, Kan.; two stepdaughters, April Marie Merritt of Breckenridge and Teresa Lynn Carr of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and four step-grandchildren. Services were Friday, March 17, in Wilson Brim Daniel Chapel, Walnut Grove, with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating. Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery, Walnut Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to the LInda Carr Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home. A00008B2000MR22
Martha Charlene Clark, 77, Joplin, formerly of Bolivar, died Wednesday, March 29, 2000, in Joplin following a lengthy illness. She was born Feb. 10, 1923, in Cliquot to William Henry and Mary Elizabeth Jump Birdsong. She was a graduate of Bolivar High School and had retired from Teters Floral Products after 36 years of service. She is survived by a son, Kenneth Duane Clark, and her special friend, Faye Robinson, both of Joplin; three grandchildren, Keri Simon and her husband, Doug, of Columbia, Jennifer Spangler and her husband, Jeff, and Mary Nell Koon, all of Bolivar; three great-grandchildren, Amanda Dawn Ayres and John Kenneth Spangler, both of Bolivar, and Claire Elizabeth Simon of Columbia; as well as other friends and family members. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, John Kenneth Clark, in 1985. Graveside services were Saturday, April 1, in Greenwood Cemetery with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel. A00008B2000AR05
Nancy Elizabeth Collins, 69, Bolivar, died Wednesday, March 15, 2000, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility following a long illness. She was born Aug. 9, 1930, near Fair Play to Gilbert E. and Lillie M. Trimble. She was united in marriage to Richard L. Collins on Sept. 12, 1948, and to this union one son, Rick, was born. She is survived by her husband, Richard, of the home; her son, Rick; a sister, Yuma Jenkins; two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a niece. She was preceded in death by her parents and by a sister, Irene Potts. Graveside services were Saturday, March 18, in Barren Creek Cemetery with the Rev. Leon Smith officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel. A00008B2000MR22
Phillip Leroy Dill, 63, Fair Grove, died Sunday, March 19, 2000, at his home. The son of James Monroe and Grace Mitchell Dill, he was born at Canadian, Texas, on March 24, 1936. A former resident of Humansville, he had lived at Fair Grove the past year and a half. He retired from the U.S. Army with the rank of sergeant first class, having served during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Survivors include his wife, Terrie; five children, Genenine Hadley of Payson, Utah, Pam Dill of Sacramento, Calif., Brad Clement of Greeley, Colo., Scott Dill of Macks Creek and Rebecca Dill of Denver, Colo.; and four grandchildren. No services are planned. Cremation was under the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Humansville. A00008B2000MR22
Meda R. Dryer, 92, Bolivar, died Wednesday, March 15, 2000, in Parkview Health Care Facility following a short illness. She was born Dec. 12, 1907, in Elkton to Jonathan William (J.W.) and Marinda Vienna McCracken Hellums. She was united in marriage to R.C. Dryer on July 18, 1925, and to this union one son, Jack, was born. She had been a switchboard operator in Marshall for a number of years and had her church membership with First Christian Church in Humansville. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Doris Dryer of Pittsburg; three grandchildren and their spouses, Jim and Linda Dryer of Marshall, Larry and Denise Dryer of Shell Knob and Patty and David Reynolds of Bolivar; seven great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren, Kevin Dryer and Jeff Dryer of Marshall, Scott Reynolds, Michelle Reynolds and Erin Reynolds of Bolivar, Jennifer Dryer and Austin Dryer of Gainesville and Ryan, Courtney and Ransom of Shell Knob; and one great-great-grandson, Blane Dryer of Marshall. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Frank Hellums, Lawrence Hellums and Romy Hellums; and three sisters, Genevieve Hellums, Louella Durnell and Beatrice Spillman. Services were Saturday, March 18, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. O.D. Moore officiating. Music was provided by Judy Gross. Pallbearers were Kevin Dryer, Jeff Dryer, Scott Reynolds, David Reynolds, Bruce Durnell and Gordon Durnell. Burial followed in Pomme de Terre Southern Baptist Cemetery in Pittsburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pomme de Terre Southern Baptist Cemetery. A00008B2000MR22
Traian Enea, 19, Bolivar, died Friday, March 24, 2000, as the result of injuries received in an automobile accident in Polk County. He was born Jan. 4, 1981, in Romania to Gelu and Magdalena Pop Enea. He was a student attending college in Chicago, Ill. He is survived by his parents, three brothers and two sisters. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 30, in Pitts Chapel with John Ward officiating. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the funeral home with a eulogy given by Tim Fox. A00008B2000MR29 A00008B2000MR29
Billie Anne Fauvelle, 72, Half Way, died at 5:35 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2000, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. She was born April 18, 1927, in Fort Worth, Texas, the daughter of Will Columbus and Annie M. McElwreath Marney. She lived on a farm just outside Arlington, Texas, for the first eight years of her life. Her family then moved to Corsicana, Texas, where she graduated from Corsicana High School in 1943. Shortly after high school graduation, she met her future husband, who was learning to fly at Corsicana Air Base. She was married to Robert W. Fauvelle on Sept. 2, 1944, in Liberal, Kan., and to this union four children were born; Robert Jr., David, Jayne and William. In March 1946, her husband was discharged from the Air Force and they settled in Corsicana, Texas. After his retirement in 1984, they moved to Missouri City, Texas, and in 1996 they moved to Half Way. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bolivar. She is survived by her husband, Robert W. Fauvelle of Half Way; three sons, Robert W. Fauvelle Jr. of Half Way, David Fauvelle of Rosenberg, Texas, and Bill M. Fauvelle of Spring, Texas; a daughter, Jayne Contorno of Missouri City, Texas; a sister, Mary Baltzelle of St. Augustine, Fla.; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral mass was Tuesday, March 21, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Pat Wissman officiating. Music was provided by Carol Francka. Casketbearers were Robert W. Fauvelle Jr., Bill Fauvelle, David Fauvelle, Richard Contorno, Bill Colburn and Matthew Bel. Burial was in Crestview Memorial Gardens. A prayer vigil was held Monday evening with visitation following. Arrangements were under the direction of Butler Funeral Home. A00008B2000MR22
Genevieve Z. Firestone, 93, Bolivar, died Wednesday, March 29, 2000, in Big Spring Care Center, Humansville. The daughter of Newton Erwin and Margaret Cowan Holman, she was born Nov. 25, 1906, in Polk County near Walnut Grove. A graduate of Dadeville High School and Southwest Missouri State College, she taught school in Polk and Dade counties for nine years. She also lived in Burbank, Calif., for 40 years and in Wichita, Kan., for nine years. She was a chemist for Imperial Chemical Company for 17 years. She married James William Hair April 2, 1928. He preceded her in death April 2, 1978. She married Ferrel Firestone July 26, 1984. He preceded her in death in 1993. She was also preceded in death by five brothers, Carliss Holman, Lyndle Holman, Dolan Holman, Leslie Holman and Hardin Holman, and six sisters, Velma Howser, Alba Miles, Jewel Campbell, Vadda Redman, Anna Lee Wilson and Otta Lee Murphy. Surviving are several nieces and nephews. Cremation was under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. Burial will be at a later date in Pennsboro Cemetery near Greenfield. A00008B2000AR05
Arthur Eral Ford, 84, Bolivar, died at 5:36 a.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2000, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. The son of Hollie E. and Isma Emberton Ford, he was born in Sullivan County June 10, 1915. He was a former resident of Warrensburg. A graduate of Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, he served in the U.S. Air Force for 29 years. He was a member of the Nevada Christian Church. Survivors include three daughters, Linda Mulready of Colorado Springs, Colo., Judy Rapasodia of Baltimore, Md., and Cynthia Fletcher of Bolivar; a sister, Elva Blackwell of Bolivar; a brother, Walter A. Ford of Vero Beach, Fla.; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 23, in Murray Chapel, Bolivar, with the Rev. Scott Carlton officiating. Military rites will be conducted at graveside by Amvets Post No. 114. Interment will be in Flemington Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home at their convenience. A00008B2000MR22
Edwin L. Grant, 83, Morrisville, departed this life on Friday, March 3, 2000. He was a lifelong resident of Morrisville and Polk County. He was a farmer and carpenter, and he took great pride in building for others. He and Imogene were married Nov. 16, 1935, and they shared 64 years on the farm. He was a member of Morrisville Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Imogene; two sons and their wives, Emil and Irene Grant and Larry and Diana Grant, all of Morrisville; four grandsons, Jeff, Kent and his wife, Teri, Todd and his wife, Penny, and Scott and his wife, Tammy; three granddaughters, Kelly Grant, Julie Brown and her husband, David, and Emily Grant; six great-grandchildren, Hillary, Madison, Brock, Kari, Derek and Colby; a sister-in-law, Winnie Grant; two brothers-in-law, Hershel Anderson and John McCurdy and his wife, Alberta; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends that were a blessing. Services were Sunday, March 5, in Pitts Chapel with Pastor Sylvia Ireland officiating. Burial followed in Slagle Cemetery. Pallbearers were sons and grandsons Emil Grant, Larry Grant, Jeff Grant, Kent Grant, Todd Grant and Scott Grant. Memorial contributions may be made to the Morrisville United Methodist Church. (6c) A00008B2000MR08
Margaret P. Guinn, 76, Kansas City, died Saturday, March 11, 2000, in New Mark Care Center, Kansas City, following a lengthy illness. She was born April 1, 1923, in Springfield to W.A. and Hattie Price Fallin. She was a science educator in the Springfield public schools at Study Junior High, Parkview High School and Glendale High School for more than 17 years. She retired from teahcing in 1981 after an additional eight years of service in the North Kansas City school system. She is survived by her husband, George Guinn of Kansas City, formerly of Bolivar; one stepson and his wife, Jim and Karen Guinn of Houston, Texas; three grandchildren, Matthew and Gregory Guinn of Houston, Texas, and Sarah Guinn of College Station, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and an infant sister. Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 23, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Pallbearers will be nephews Mike Osborn, D. Rocky Osborn, P. Rocky Osborn, Derik Osborn, Casey Osborn and Cody Osborn. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be today (Wednesday) from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. A00008B2000MR22
Donand Gene Hayes, 71, Pleasant Hope, died at 6:30 a.m. Monday, March 6, 2000, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. He was born Dec. 15, 1928, near Urich, the son of Clifton F. and Beulah J. Hayes. The family moved to the Springfield area in 1949. He served on active duty in the Air Force from 1950 to 1954 and eight more years in the reserves. Gene went into the electronics and broadcasting field as a broadcast engineer for KTTS-TV (Channel 10). He worked as a teacher in the training department for the Zenith plant as it began operations in Springfield, then moved to the quality control area of the plant before taking a position as assistant chief engineer for the startup of KOZK (Channel 21). In addition, he taught electronics part time for Graff Vo-Tech in Springfield and had run an electronics repair shop in Pleasant Hope for several years. A special thank you goes to his health care providers for giving so much comfort and assistance to Gene and his family in the past few months. He was preceded in death by his mother, Beulah J. Hayes, in February 1991; and his father, Clifton F. Hayes, in May 1998. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Euna Marie, of Pleasant Hope; a son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Teresa Hayes of Springfield; a granddaughter, Sara, of Springfield; a brother, Kenneth Hayes and his wife, Dorothy, of Sherman, Texas; three sisters and their husbands, Gloria and Elvin Burney of Stotts City, Peggy and Harold Boyce and Nancy and Robert Simmons, all of Springfield; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services were Friday, March 10, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. (7c) A00008B2000MR15
W.H. Hood, 80, Pleasant Hope, died at 11:08 a.m. Tuesday, March 14, 2000, after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was born Dec. 30, 1919, at Miller, the son of Charles and Gladys Eubanks Hood. He graduated from the Miller High School and later graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in vocational agriculture. He returned during summers and received his master's degree in dairy science. On Dec. 22, 1945, he was united in marriage to Rebecca Ann Lathem. In this marriage of 54 years, three children were born, Marilyn, Dennis and Rita. W.H. was a loving husband and father. W.H. "Papa Hood," which many of his students called him, taught vocational agriculture at Pleasant Hope for 34 years. Papa Hood tried hard to teach not only agriculture practices but also right from wrong and how to be proud of yourself, rich or poor. He helped many students who didn't have money to start a project. Throughout his years of teaching, he coached numerous winning judging teams, but most remembered is the 1977 world's no.1 dairy judging team acheived in Wales, England. Mr. Hood was stern but loved his students so very much. He also taught night classes for veterans after the war. W.H. will be missed, not only by his family and friends, but also by the many students he taught over the 34-year period. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pleasant Hope. W.H. was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Max and Keith, and two infant grandchildren, Eric and Lydia Hill. Surviving are his wife, Becky, of the home; two daughters, Marilyn Hayes and her husband, Joe, of Indian Point and Rita Hill and her husband, Greg, of Bolivar; his son, Dennis Hood and his wife, Cindy, of Bolivar; his grandchildren, Kim Trobisch and her husband, Stephen, of Bolivar, Bruce Hood and his wife, Tonna, of Bolivar, Charity and Cody Hayes of Indian Point and Leigha and Olivia Hill of Bolivar; and great-grandchildren Neil Henenberg, Sam and Kate Trobisch, Bryce and Kensey Hood, all of Bolivar. Other family members include his three sisters, Joan Wilson of Olathe, Kan., Helen Wilmoth of Mt. Vernon and Betty Bell Ray of Strafford; his five brothers, Winston Hood of Mt. Vernon, Morris Ray Hood, Ralph Hood, Jerry Hood and Paul K. Hood, all of Miller; also many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and many friends. Services were Friday, Marcy 17, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. O. Paul Ray officiating. Personal reflections were given by Derald Isdell, Alvin Rohrs and David Agee. Musical soloist was Jane Hood with Pat Hood as the pianist. Musical selections were "Because He Lives" and "Ten Thousand Years." Burial was in the Pleasant Hope Cemetery. Casketbearers were Fred Johnson, Darrel Smith, Joe Spear, Billy Gilmore, Joe Hayes and Greg Hill. Honorary casketbearers were Pleasant Hope FFA members, past and present. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Hope FFA or the American Heart Association. (8c) A00008B2000MR22
Naomi N. Hutton, 88, Humansville, died Saturday, March 11, 2000, in Big Spring Care Center, Humansville. The daughter of William and Electa Smith Rodgers, she was born Feb. 27, 1912, at Iola, Kan. She was married Feb. 27, 1929, to Claude C. Hutton. He preceded her in death in 1972. Also preceding her in death were two children, Donald Hutton and Cleta Akers; and two great-granddaughters. Survivors include six children, George Hutton of Austin, Texas, Charles Hutton of Iola, Kan., Ronnie Hutton of Bolivar, Roger Hutton of Dallas, Texas, Dale Hutton of Amarillo, Texas, and Charlene Harris of Humansville; two brothers, Cecil Rodgers of Sarasota, Fla., and Buddy Rodgers of Fort Worth, Texas; 32 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren and 20 gerat-great-grandchildren. Services will be at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Robert Harris officiating. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Music will be provided by the Harris family. Burial will be at 1 p.m. in Fairview Cemetery, Mildred, Kan. A00008B2000MR15
Raymond Wallace Jensen, 71, Bolivar, died Monday, March 27, 2000, at Citizens Memorial Hospital. The son of Wallace Raymond and Erma Lillian Swafford Jensen, he was born at Reedsburg, Wis., June 14, 1928. he served in the U.S. Navy for two years and in the U.S. Air Force for 22 and a half years, retiring with the rank of master sergeant in 1969. He was rural mail carrier at Niangua for 12 years and worked in Topeka, Kan., as a service technician for Xerox for 10 years. On March 11, 1951, he married Glenrose Harmon. They had lived in Bolivar since 1993, moving from Grove Springs. Survivors include his wife, Glenrose, of the home; two daughters, Deborah Jensen of Woking, England, and Rebecca McDairmant and her husband, Edward, of Buffalo; one brother, John Jensen of Madison, Wis.; four sisters, Lillian Anderson of Greenwood, Ind., Aileen Gray, Beverly Olson and Evelyn Schleogeler, all of Maidson, Wis.; and three grandchildren, Nathan McDairmant of Springfield and Seth and Elizabeth McDairmant, both of Buffalo. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 30, in Murray Chapel. Military honors will be at graveside by Amvets Post No. 114 Honor Guard. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the funeral home. A00008B2000MR29
Wilma S. Johnson, 85, Bolivar, died at 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2000, at Parkview Health Care Facility after a lingering illness. She was born April 25, 1914, in Polk County, the daughter of Roy Earl and Mabel Elnora Peterson Teters. She was a graduate of Bolivar High School, where she was active in sports, and a graduate of Southwest Baptist College. She also attended Southwest Missouri State Teachers College in Springfield, receiving her teaching certificate. She taught school for a while at the Wilmington School in northern Polk County. She was united in marriage to Claude Johnson on Oct. 31, 1941, in Yuma, Ariz., and they lived in California for a short time before returning to Bolivar and Polk County. She was a member of First Baptist Church and the CMH Ladies Auxilliary. She had also worked for the McCraw-Koon-Kahler Clinic as a receptionist for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Claude; one brother, H. Tiffin Teters; one sister, Thelma L. Brashear; three brothers-in-law, Oby Jester, Beuford Barnes and Frank Brashear. Surviving are one brother, Roy E. Teters Jr. and his wife, Rosa, of Springfield; three sisters, Nina Jester, Lois Barnes and Mabel Russell and her husband, Bo, all of Bolivar; one stepdaughter, Betty Vanderpool of Hermiston, Ore.; a sister-in-law, Norryn Teters of Bolivar; nine nieces and six nephews. Services were Saturday, April 1, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ray Leininger officiating. Musical selections were "How Great Thou Art," "Beyond the Sunset" and "The Lord's Prayer." Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. Casketbearers were Bill Jester, Bob Jester, Henry T. Teters Jr., Larry Teters, Marvin Ashlock and Wallace Davis. Memorial contributions may be made to the CMH Hospice or the SBU Landscape Fund. A00008B2000AR05
Stella Genice Keith, 49, Bolivar, died at 1:30 a.m. Saturday, March 18, 2000, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, after a long illness. The daughter of Lewis and Maggie Lentz, she was born Dec. 6, 1950, at Forrest City, Ark. She was married Aug. 2, 1969, to Michael Keith with the Rev. Lloyd Morgan officiating. To this union were born three children, Michael Dennis Jr., Rhonda Genice and David Wayne. She was a 1971 graduate of Bolivar High School. She and her husband moved to Pleasant Hill in 1979 and in 1993 returned to Bolivar. She was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in 1981. She was a member of Mt. View Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Maggis Lentz; two sisters, Ollie Fay Lentz and Patty Lentz; and a granddaughter, Justine Larson. She is survived by her husband, Michael, of the home; two sons, Michael Dennis Keith Jr. and his wife, Michelle, of Pleasant Hill and David Wayne Keith and his fiancee, Laura, of Bolivar; a daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Justin Larson of Gilbert, Ariz.; seven grandchildren, Amanda, Austin, C.J., Crystal, Hope, Cheyenne and Kyle; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Merlee Keith of Bolivar; five brothers, Leonard Lentz of Liberty, Lawrence Lentz of Mulberry, Fla., Elmer Lentz and Bobby Lentz of Ozakie, Kan., and Bennie Lentz of Colorado Springs, Colo.; one sister, Elsie Johnson of Tignall, Ga.; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Services were Monday, March 20, in Murray Chapel, Bolivar, with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Kodie Poindexter and Justin Poindexter. Pallbearers were Kerry Butler, Keith Butler, J.J. Lentz, Keith Lentz, Shawn Pratt and Adam Lentz. Interment was in Payne Cemetery. A00008B2000MR22
On Saturday, March 4, 2000, after a long illness, Leland Cletus Lightfoot, 81, Polk, went to be with our Lord. Leland Cletus Lightfoot was born in Sentinel on March 5, 1918, to Pink Pearl (Howard) and Freeman Dee Lightfoot. He was saved at the Sentinel Missionary Baptist Church on Nov. 12, 1933. Cletus graduated from Hermitage High School. He was united in marriage to Ruth Jeanette Barnes on March 22, 1941 in Bolivar by Bro. T.H. Phillips. To this union two children were born, Linda and Rick. He was a member of Sentinel Missionary Baptist Church. Cletus was a farmer for most of his life. He also drive a school bus in the late 1950s and early 1960s for the Bolivar school district. Cletus was a rural mail carrier for several years until retirement. He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Sharon Lightfoot of Polk; one daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Kenny Laird of Bolivar; his twin sister, Cleo Walker of Polk; five grandchildren and their spouses, Chris and Elaine Laird of Mountain Grove, Scott and Adina Laird of Columbia, Steve and Deana Laird of Bolivar, Heather (Lightfoot) and Russell Alaimo of Polk and Shannon Lightfoot of Bolivar; eight great-grandchildren, Sarah and Molly Laird, Malissa, Emilee, Corey and Kyle Laird, Rachel Lightfoot and Sean Lightfoot; one niece, Joann Ireland of Springfield; two nephews and their wives, Terry and Mary Walker of Grandview and Max and Mary Reed, state of Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents, Freeman Dee and Pink Pearl Lightfoot; his wife, Ruth Jeanette Lightfoot; his brother-in-law, Ross Walker; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Helena and Leo Reed. Services were Tuesday, March 7, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Jackie Brakebill and Bro. Leon Meadows officiating. The Sentinel Missionary Baptist Church choir provided music. Burial followed in Payne Cemetery. Pallbearers were Curtis Howard, Garland Jenkins, Denzil Roberts, Donnie LIghtfoot, Neil Reynolds and Russell Payne. (6c) A00008B2000MR08
Anna Emily Story McColm, 91, Bolivar, died at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 5, 2000, after a short illness. She was born Aug. 29, 1908, in Salem to Samuel Ward and Cynthia Ellen Morton Davis. She had one sister, Mary, and two brothers, Marion and Mark. Anna married Samuel Arthur Story on June 27, 1936. To this union were born a daughter, Martha, and a son, Samuel. Anna was saved in 1943 and was a member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Anna and Arthur owned and operated grocery stores at Burns and Half Way for 27 years. As her husband Arthur's health deteriorated, she lovingly took care of him until he passed away in 1967. After his death, Anna closed the store and began a career at the Bolivar Nursing Home. Anna was always a caretaker, and following Arthur's death she took care of many. Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Arthur Story; a granddaughter, Vanessa Ann Vest Blankenship; and a grandson, Curtis Gifford. Anna married Howard McColm in 1969, and he preceded her in death in 1974. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Martha and Albert Vest of Half Way; her son and daughter-in-law, Samuel (Sonny) and Mary Story of Rush Springs, Okla.; and 10 grandchildren and their spouses, Junior Vest and Nancy, Cynthia Vest Payne and Ron, Veva Vest Hegle and Gary, Earl Blankenship, Sam Vest and Cindy, Robert Vest, Marla Vest Henry and Mike, Shannon Vest Floyd and Ronnie, Debra Gifford Morgan, Robin Gifford Heart and John Gifford. Anna was also blessed with 28 great-grandchildren. Services were Wednesday, March 8, in Pitts Chapel with burial following in Crestview Memorial Gardens. (7c) A00008B2000MR15
Emma Jean Mitchell, 73, Bolivar, died Thursday, March 9, 2000, in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, following a short illness. She was born May 28, 1926, in Sacramento, Calif. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Becky Mitchell; a daughter, Sherrie Ruth Mosher; seven grandchildren, Jeanne LaRue of Kansas City, Bingo Breshears of Bolivar, Nick Breshears and Nancy McDowell, both of Independence, Derek Mitchell and Regina Mitchell, both of Buffalo, and Tommy Mosher of Bolivar; and six great-grandchildren, Judah LaRue of North Kansas City, Savannah and Sierra Breshears of Bolivar, Mathew Chandler, Austin McDowell and Blake McDowell of Independence. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Albert Norwood Mitchell, on Jan. 19, 2000; a daughter, Ethel Mae Breshears; and a great-granddaughter, Jessica Elizabeth Chandler. Services were Sunday, March 12, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. John Throckmorton officiating. Burial followed in Mitchell Campground Cemetery. Pallbearers were Wayne Mitchell, David Punch, Richard Gile, Steve MItchell, Ricky Thompson and Steve Tygart. Honorary pallbearers were David Cook and Randy Mosher. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the giver's choice. (7c) A00008B2000MR15
Neva Marie Musson, 92, Bolivar, died Thursday, March 9, 2000, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. She was born Feb. 1, 1908, in Humansville to Thornton and Barbara Anna Young Crozier. She was a homemaker. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Leslie and Kris Pursley of Maryland Heights and Vance and Marla Pursley of Republic; a daughter and son-in-law, Bette and Robert Chick of Overland Park, Kan.; six grandchildren, Monte Jacobs, Brenna Pursley, Audra Pursley, Amanda Pursley, Alisson and Brad Roweton and David and Tamiko Pursley; and a great-grandson, Chase Roweton. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lute Musson; four brothers and one sister. Graveside services were Monday, March 13, in Humansville Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel. A00008B2000MR15
Stanley F. Owens, 79, Bolivar, died Thursday, March 9, 2000, in his home following a lengthy illness. He was born April 24, 1920, in Blackwell, Kay County, Okla., to John W. and Elmira Owens. On Oct. 24, 1942, in Perry, Okla., he was united in marriage to Reta Arzetta "Bunny" Morris. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945, receiving a Purple Heart. He was a retired lumber salesman, moving from California in 1990. He was a member of the Bolivar First Baptist Church. Survivors include close friends Mary and Willard Scurlock of Morrisville and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Bunny, on November 7, 1997, as well as his brothers and sisters. Graveside services were Friday, March 10, in Greenwood Cemetery with Pastor Bill Hooper officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Citizens Memorial Hospital Hospice. A00008B2000MR15
Lorene Redford, 91, Bolivar, died at 4:10 a.m. Monday, March 6, 2000, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility where she had resided for the past six years. She was born Aug. 10, 1908, in Polk County, the daughter of Otis Wesley and Ethel Mae Owen Kirby. She was united in marriage to Alpha Redford on Dec. 31, 1932. To this union one daughter was born. She was saved as a young girl and united with Campbell Grove Baptist Church. She later moved her membership to Calvary Baptist Church, where her husband was pastor. She remained a member there until her death. Even though her health had prevented her from attending in recent years, she often spoke of the good memories there. She especially enjoyed the Sunday afternoon singings at the Health Care Facilityespecially the churches where her husband had pastored. Lorene worked on the farm beside her husband and also worked at various places in the Bolivar area. Her last employment was at Hacker's Dress Shop for 13 years. At her request, her former employers are providing the musical selections for her funeral. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alpha; a brother, Owen Kirby, and his wife, Mary, whom she thought of as a sister. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Ethel Mae and Jim Tennis of Bolivar; two grandchildren who were the pride of her life, Brenda and Randy; Randy's wife, Tina, and their three children, Natalie, Trevor and Samuel; three nephews, Lee Kirby and his wife, Georgia, of Doniphan, Joe Kirby and his wife, Wanda, and Gary Redford, all of Bolivar; two nieces, Mary Lou McGeehee and her husband, Jerry, of Springfield and Judy McCracken and her husband, Gary, of Nixa; and several cousins, great-nieces and nephews and a host of friends, including many who worked at the CMH Health Care Facility. Lorene always put others before herself and was a very unselfish, giving person. During her grandchildren's school years, when she helped care for them, her home was always open to their friends, and food was always on the table. Although we know she has gone to a much better place and had often expressed her desire to go on, she will be greatly missed. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 9, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Garland Pool officiating. Musical selections by Bill and Sandy Jones will be "Whispering Hope," "One Day at a Time" and "Amazing Grace." They will be accompanied by Rose Roweton. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the funeral home. A00008B2000MR08
Chad A. Seamster, 29, Wichita, Kan., died Sunday, March 5, 2000, in El Dorado, Kan. He was an iron worker for Hanger Door Co., Wichita, Kan. Survivors include his son, Jacob A. Seamster of Wichita, Kan.; his mother and stepfather, Cheryl and Richard Riley of Wichita, Kan.; his father and stepmother, Alan and Karla Seamster of Yates Center, Kan.; two sisters, Samantha Seamster and Tracy Anderson, both of Wichita, Kan.; four stepsisters, Sherry Reser, Amy and Angela Riley, all of Wichita, Kan., and Amy Blazer of Oklahoma City, Okla.; one stepbrother, Shane Skelly of Wichita, Kan.; his grandparents, Venna and Alvie Seamster of Polk, Betty Lafferty, Maxine Riley and Trella Fyler, all of Wichita, Kan.; his great-grandmother, Gertrude Seamster of Polk; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Services were Thursday, March 9, at Byrd Hillside Funeral Home, Wichita, Kan., with burial in White Chapel Memorial Garden, Wichita, Kan. Casketbearers were Cahd Brunett, Chad Richardson, Rob Richardson, Brad Elmore, John Midiros and Shane Skelly. Honorary pallbearers were James and J.D. Seamster. A00008B2000MR15
Chester White Stokes, 95, Flemington, died Friday, March 17, 2000, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. The son of John and Eliza Ann Hawkins Stokes, he was born July 24, 1904, near Rondo. He married Ella Johnson in 1924, and they were the parents of a daughter, Wilma Jean. He later married Retta Floyd in 1934, and they were the parents of two daughters, Loretta and Neoma. He spent most of his life in Polk and Hickory counties. He and Retta operated the Rondo Store for a few years, and he was a farmer. He also worked as a janitor for Banquet Foods and as a Pinkerton guard in Marshall. He was a member of Rondo Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Frank Stokes; five sisters, Ocena Stokes, Pearl Fisher, Jesse McCracken, Mitt Durnell and Bess Inglis; a stepson, Willard Floyd; a grandson, Joseph Fuller; and a great-grandson, Andrew Joseph Fuller. Survivors include his wife, Retta, of the home; three daughters, Wilma Jean Fuller of Bolivar, Loretta Degraffenreid and her husband, Donald, of Green City and Neoma Stacy and her husband, Dee, of Flemington; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Services were Sunday, March 19, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with Bro. Kent Parson officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Noah Floyd, Stanley Lear, Lionel Lear, Jack Fuller, Ben Rogers, Kenneth Floyd, Pat Watkins, Frank Floyd and Fred Floyd. Pallbearers were Jeff Stacy, Marvin Crawford, Martin Crawford, Leon Rhoads, Shannon Pearson and Bill Fuller. Interment was in Flemington Cemetery. A00008B2000MR22
Roy C. Stokes, 97, Flemington, died Monday, March 27, 2000, in Big Spring Care Center, Humansville. The son of Robert and Celestie Henderson Stokes, he was born near Flemington on Nov. 23, 1902. He married Bernice G. Flint on May 1, 1924. She preceded him in death April 1, 1999. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Mabel Sands, and a brother, Clyde Stokes. He was a retired farmer and stockman and a member of Durnell Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include three children, Lela Fern Phillips, Oscar Stokes and his wife, Edith, and Trixie Vanderford and her husband, Gerald, all of Flemington; three grandchildren, Ginger Roweton, Kent Vanderford and Jennifer Periman; and eight great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 30, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Ron Tennison officiating. Interment will be in Durnell Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the funeral home. A00008B2000MR29
Iva L. Thomas, 84, Springfield, formerly of Bolivar, died March 6, 2000, in Manor Care, Springfield. She was born May 22, 1915, in Lela to Everett and Elisa Shaw Haynes. On Sept. 20, 1935, she was united in marriage to John W. Thomas, and to this union two daughters were born. She was a member of the Bolivar United Methodist Church and had been a homemaker. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Irene and Orval Woods of Springfield and Carol and Homer Yount of Lincoln; two sisters, Pearl Thomas of Princeton and Helen Morlan of El Dorado Springs; two brothers, Floyd Haynes of Stockton and Clayton Haynes of Anaheim, Calif.; seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband, John, on April 3, 1985. Services will be at 2:30 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Pitts Chapel with burial following in Crestview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Dr. David Hacker will sing "How Great Thou Art" and "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere." Pallbearers will be Scott Woods, Gary Woods, Dwight Fitzwater, Rick McHenry, Brandon Haynes, Gerald Bittle and Carroll Pritchard. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 2021 S. Waverly No. 100, Springfield MO 65804-2417. A00008B2000MR08
Marcella Gale Vandergrift, 76, Bolivar, died at 7:20 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. She was born May 26, 1923, to Alfred and Inez Hutchison Jump in Bolivar, where she graduated from high school. She married Clarence "Arkie" Vandergrift on Jan. 10, 1945. They moved to the Kansas City area in 1952 and lived there until Clarence's death in 1977. She was of the Baptist faith. She is survived by her two daughters, Sharon and her husband, Jeff Tatum, and Janet Fortner, all of Carthage; four brothers and their spouses, Marion and Betty Jump, W.J. and Dorothy Jump, Bob and Gloria Jump and Sonny Jump, all of Bolivar; two sisters and their husbands, Francis and Chuck Avis of Laurie and Willa Mae and George Brewster of Tuscon, Ariz.; six grandchildren, Beth Brown of Carthage, Donna Tucker of Branson, Rick Tucker and his wife, Andrea, and Randy Tucker, all of Belton, Jeremy Randolph and Chris Randolph and his wife, Crystal, all of Carthage; two great-grandchildren, Amanda and Jake Tucker of Carthage; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a brother, Lee Jump. Services were Friday, March 24, in Pitts Chapel with Pastor J.T. Brown officiating. Burial followed in the Bolles Cemetery, Lebanon. A00008B2000MR29
Gregory Scott Williams, 39, Springfield, died at 4 p.m. Monday, March 13, 2000, as the result of a grand mal seizure. He was an auto mechanic. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 8, in Americus Cemetery, Americus. The body was cremated. A00008B2000MR29
Dora Louise Newby Woodford, 93, Bolivar, died Wednesday, March 1, 2000, in Parkview Health Care Facility, Bolivar. The daughter of Powell and Vassie Williams Newby, she was born Nov. 6, 1906, in Randolph County near Clifton Hill. She attended Vaughn grade school and graduated from Clifton Hill High School in 1925. At the age of 21 she professed her faith in the Christian church, and at the time of her death she was a member of the First Christian Church of Bolivar. On Feb. 12, 1942, she was united in marriage to W. Mills Woodford, who preceded her in death in January 1987. They spent their married life in Kansas City until he retired in 1968, and they moved to Bolivar. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and many other loved ones. Surviving are a sister-in-law, Louise Hopkins of Bolivar; a brother-in-law, Homer DeLozier of St. Louis; two cousins, Mary Garhart of Moberly and Ester Ashley of Alamo, Texas; a special friend, Nelda Collins; and several great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. She leaves a host of friends in Moberly, Kansas City and Bolivar. Services were Saturday, March 4, in Butler Chapel with the Rev. G. Scott Carlton officiating. Music was provided by Cheryl Bowers and Jobeth Maas. Casketbearers were Michael Greenlee, Kevin Mayes, Gary Stewart, Tim Collins, James Lewis, Ray Lewis and Roy Lewis. Honorary casketbearers were John Jarrell and Tyler Lewis. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church in Bolivar. A00008B2000MR08