Obituaries





From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Elizabeth LaMoine Baldwin, 84, Flemington, died in her home Friday, April
13, 2001, from cancer. She was born Feb. 28, 1917, at Hazel Green, the
seventh child of Dr. Anderson and Belle King Gourley. The family later
moved to Competition, then South Greenfield, before settling in
Flemington, then a busy railroad town around 1930 amid the Great
Depression, where Dr. Gourley had a thriving medical practice. She
graduated from Flemington High School in 1934 and later that same year
married Russell Baldwin. For all of their 63 years together, they lived on
farms east of Flemington. They were the parents of three children, Connie,
Kay and Greg. She was a member of Rondo Baptist Church. Her husband,
Russell, preceded her in death in May 1998; also a granddaughter, Cheryl
Pitts; a great-grandson, Taylor Pitts; and all her brothers and sisters.
She is survived by two daughters, Connie Baldwin, Kansas City, and Kay
Pitts and her husband, Bob, Flemington; one son, Greg Baldwin, and his
wife, Kathy, Stockton; five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Services were Monday, April 16, in Rondo Baptist Church with the Rev.
Charley Johnson and the Rev. Joe Coppedge officiating. Music was by Kim
Jones. Pallbearers were Brian Pitts, Craig Jones, Jim Skidmore, Carroll
McCracken, Winton Allison and Ralph Butler. Interment was in Rondo
Cemetery under the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Humansville. Memorial
contributions may be made to Hospice of Southwest Missouri or to Rondo
Baptist Church.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
June Boyd, 80, died Thursday morning April 5, 2001, in Primrose Place,
Springfield. Born in Half Way, she lived most of her life in Polk County.
She was the daughter of Phenis and Addle Holt Stewart. In 1939, she
married Lawrence L. Boyd, who preceded her in death in 1980. A homemaker,
June loved to cook, and devoted her life to her husband and children. She
was saved at Half Way Baptist Church and later moved her membership to
Providence Baptist Church. She is survived by three sons, Noel Boyd of
Springfield, Lloyd L. Boyd of Bolivar, and Lawrence A. Boyd and his wife,
Shawna, of Springfield; a daughter, Barbara Austin and her husband, Bill,
of Ozark; a brother, Melvie Stewart of Bolivar; four gransons, Ken Austin
of Ozark, Tim Austin of Highlandville, and Cole and Blake Boyd of
Springfield; and three great-grandchildren, Shelby and Casey Austin of
Ozark, and Samantha Austin of Highlandville. She was preceded in death by
two brother, Homer Stewart and Oles Stewart, and four sisters, Alta
Campbell, Leola Hawkins, Irene Carneal and Opal Gamel. Services were
Saturday in Greenlawn Funeral Home North Chapel with the Rev. Harold
Hendrickson officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Hope Cemetery. Memorial
contributions may be made to Pleasant Hope Cemetery, PO Box 398, Pleasant
Hope MO 65725.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Evan David Brewer, 18, Springfield, died Sunday, April 29, 2001. He was
born Nov. 23, 1982, and was a senior at Hillcrest High School in
Springfield. He is survived by his parents, Hugh and Marcia Brewer and
Richard and Paula Brewer; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Kristin and
Travis Smith and Kara Brewer; a stepsister, Dawn Davis, her husband Drew
and their children Madison and Mackenzie; his grandparents, John and
Roberta Brewer, Hugh and Frances Brewer, Raymond Pote and Marilyn Pote;
and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Services are today (Wednesday) at
2 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, Springfield, under the direction of
Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield. Memorial contributions can be
made to the Evan Brewer Scholarship Fund in care of SEA Scholarship Corp.,
940 N. Jefferson, Springfield MO 65802.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Leo Alva Burton, 82, Stockton, died Thursday, April 19, 2001, at Citizens
Memorial Hospital, Bolivar, after a sudden, very brief illness. He was
born July 10, 1918, in St. Clair County to Roy and Essie Rainey Burton. He
was saved at Brush Creek Missionary Baptist Church in October 1933 in a
day service, during a revival held by Bro. Jimmie Jefferies. He joined the
church and was baptized in Brush Creek by the Pastor Dude Pace. Later he
moved his membership to Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church, where he was
ordained a deacon. He was a farmer and drove a school bus for many years.
He also worked as a carpenter and retired from Hammons Products Co. in
1985. He married Doris Peterie March 31, 1940. They recently celebrated
their 61st anniversary with their family. They lived on a farm north of
Stockton more than 50 years before moving to Stockton. He was preceded in
death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Doris, and their three
children and spouses, Larry and Jane Burton of Ozark, Diana and Jerry
Crain of Lebanon, and Jerry and Pat Burton of Urbana; six grandchildren
and their spouses, Andrea, Scott, Gina, Beth, Brian and Chad; four
great-granddaughters, Ashli, Garrett, Hannah and Brooke, and a
great-grandson, Will. Services were Sunday, April 22, in Mt. Enon Church
with burial in Stockton Cemetery under direction of Brumback Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Mt. Enon Baptist Church.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Thomas B. Cahill, 80, Bolivar, died Thursday, April 26, 2001, in Cox
Medical Center South, Springfield, following a lengthy illness. He was
born Jan. 20, 1921, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to James Grover and Anna V. Fisher
Cahill. On June 19, 1943, he was united in marriage to Florence G. Konezal
and this union was blessed with two sons. He was a retired civil engineer
in the construction field and had been a member of the Knights of Columbus
in New York. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in
Bolivar. He is survived by his wife, Florence, of the home; a son, Patrick
Cahill of New York; a brother and sister-in-law, John and Joanne Cahill of
Kings Park, N.Y.; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Virginia and Al
Bourdon of Port Hueneme, Calif., and Barbara Cahill of East Hampton, Long
Island, N.Y.; two sisters-in-law, Eleanor Carsten of Pittsburg and Dolores
Sivori of Cheshire, Conn.; and a granddaughter, Shannon Cahill of
Procterville, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son,
Michael Cahill in August of 1999, and two brothers, James Cahill and Paul
Cahill. Funeral mass was Monday, April 30, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church
with Father Patrick Wisman as celebrant. Music was by Carol Francka;
Cantor was a member of the parish and Lector was Eleanor Carsten. Burial
followed in Greenwood Cemetery with members of the parish serving as
pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Ray Choate, Franz Hallatschek,
Charles Gardner and Paul Hennager. Military graveside honors were under
the direction of Am Vets Post No. 114 of Flemington. Arrangements were
under the direction of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Julie Ann Clevenger, 32, Bolivar, died at 5:38 a.m. Monday, April 23,
2001, at Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar. She was born April 12, 1969,
in Springfield, the daughter of Gary Wayne and Barbara Moody Clevenger.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Harry and Vada
Moody; paternal grandparents, Claude and Dora Clevenger; her father, Tom
Clevenger; an uncle, Harold Wynn; and an aunt, Glenna Holifield. She is
survived by her mother, Barbara Johns of Springfield; a sister, Shelly
Clevenger of Springfield; a half-brother, T.J. Blakeney of Rogersville;
five aunts, Aleene Wynn of Hartville, Geneva Crowder of the state of
Colorado; Peggy Mayab of Springfield, Susie Johns of Springfield and
Beverly Hensley of the state of Michigan; an uncle, Dr. Fred Moody of
Springfield; a neice, Alexa, and two nephews, Quinton and Chandler; and
many friends and other relatives. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday,
April 27, at Greenlawn Funeral Home South, Springfield, with the Rev. Fred
Moody officiating. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, at Steele
Cemetery in Hartville. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the
funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Earnest Lee Combs, age 87, of Bolivar, was born on March 28, 1914, at Fair
Play, the son of Roy Essley Combs and Mertie J. Davis Combs. He departed
this life on April 22, 2001, at the Citizen's Memorial Hospital in Bolivar
at the age of 87 years and 25 days. He was united in marriage to Udah Fay
Simrell on July 7, 1934, and to this union two children were born;
Clifford Leon and Lois Dean. Earnest was saved in 1935, baptized and
became a member of the Slagle Baptist Church. He later moved his
membership to Calvary Baptist Church where he was still a member at the
time of his passing. He was a good and faithful Christian his entire life.
Earnest and Udah Fay started their life together as most young people of
that era did, with very little. Through the 67 years of their marriage
they worked together. By the time Earnest had completely retired he was
already in his 80s. He and Udah Fay had built a successful farm together.
He was well known and respected as a stockman and farmer. His great love
of the farm and his exceptional knowledge of the land made it possible for
him to prosper, even when so many were getting away from farming. He
shared his love of the land with his family, teaching his children and
grandchildren. As much as Earnest loved farming, his family and friends
were always first in his life. His family remembers him as a good hearted
man, who always had time for anyone who needed him. He was well known for
having a warm heart that made him easy to talk with. Earnest and Udah Fay
have had a great many good friends through the years. They have always
welcomed anyone to their home. Earnest could always be counted on to help
whenever it was needed. Earnest had been in failing health for some time
and bore his afflictions with great dignity. He was preceded in death by
his parents, and one brother, Wilbert. Surviving Earnest is his wife, Udah
Fay of the home; his children, Clifford L. Combs of Warrensburg and Lois
D. Bouling of Bolivar; also two grandsons, Kelly and Steven Bouling of
Bolivar; and Eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one
brother, Hershel Combs of Republic; and three sisters, Marie Bridges,
Floretta Pierce and Anna Lee Collins all of Bolivar. Earnest was a caring
and compassionate husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He
gladly enjoyed his family and time with them until ill health made it
dificult for him. He was an exceptional man who will be greatly missed by
his family and friends. Funeral services for Earnest will be today
(Wednesday) April 25, 2001, at 1 p.m. in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel
with Bro. Garland Pool officiating. Musical selections will be by Charlie
Ealy and Lisa Jarvis, with Mary Childress as the pianist. Burial will be
in the Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar. Casketbearers will be Kelly Bouling,
Charles Brown, Junior Baker, A.J. Myers, Jim Fine and Bill Francka.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Selby Russell Crawford, 85, Humansville, died Sunday, April 1, 2001, in
Big Spring Care Center, Humansville. He was born near Humansville Sept.
13, 1915, to John Thomas and Rosa Belle Selby Crawford. Following
graduation from Humansville High School in 1932, he operated a trucking
company and then worked for his brother, Raymond, at Crawford Oil Co. In
1942 he married Vella Aileene Thomas. During World War II, he was in the
U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945 serving in Guadalcanal, New Britain and the
Philippine Islands. He joined his brother, Raymond, in 1947 as a partner
in Crawford Oil Co., purchasing full ownership when his brother died in
1968. He was a member of the Humansville First Baptist Church where he
served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher and director of training and
youth department. He was a former member and president of the Humansville
Board of Education; a trustee of the Redford School of Theology at
Southwest Baptist University; and a 55-year member of American Legion Post
No. 276. His parents, four brothers, Raymond, Jewett, Guy and Clay; a
sister, Helen Kearney; and an infant daughter preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Vella, of the home; three children and their
spouses, John and Daun Crawford and Margarette and Bob Payne, all of
Humansville, and Ailene and Don Horton, Pilot Point, Texas; nine
grandchildren, John Thomas Crawford III, Rob Crawford, Alan Payne, Matt
Crawford, Marty Crawford, Karissa Hogan, Russ Horton, Megan Crawford and
Regina Horton; and seven great-grandchildren, John IV, Andrew, Tiffany and
Christian Crawford, Barbara Crawford, and Caitlyn and Kristen Payne.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. today (Wednesday) April 4, 2001, in
Humansville First Baptist Church with Dr. H. K. Neely and Dr. Gordon
Dutile officiating. Pallbearers will be Tom Crawford, Rob Crawford, Matt
Crawford, Marty Crawford, Alan Payne and Russ Horton. Interment with full
military honors will be in Humansville Cemetery under the direction of
Murray Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to Humansville
First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 163, Humansville MO 65674.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
James Earl Dake, 89, Bolivar, died Tuesday, April 17, 2001, in Citizens
Memorial Hospital. The son of Chester John and Ethel Parsley Dake, he was
born Sept. 9, 1911, at Surprise, Neb. A retired machinist, he was a former
resident of Wichita, Kan. Survivors include his wife, Lillian, of the
home; and a daughter Marvis Lary, Wichita, Kan. A gathering of friends and
family was held Saturday, April 21, at Murray Chapel. Cremation was under
the direction of Murray Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
W. D. Dodd, 83, Humansville passed away at his home at 5:58 p.m. Tuesday,
April 3, 2001, from complications of cardiovascular disease. W. D. was
born March 19, 1918, in Stockton to Ray and Amy West Dodd. He graduated
from Stockton High School in the class of 1936. On Dec. 24, 1939, he
married Helen Elizabeth Tillery in Ozark. They had recently celebrated 61
years together. "Dee" was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Army
in the Pacific Theater from 1943 to 1945. He was a longtime businessman in
Stockton and Humansville. He was a member of the American Legion for over
50 years and a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge. Dee enjoyed the
Half-Century Club and his card-playing buddies. He was a lifelong member
of the United Methodist Church, currently a member of the Humansville
United Methodist Church. His parents, an infant sister, a nephew and
several aunts, uncles and cousins preceded him in death. Survivors include
his wife, Helen, of the home; two children and their spouses, Wanda and
Lewis McBride, Bolivar, and Les and Margaret Dodd, Ash Grove; six
grandchildren, Elizabeth Kathleen McBride Hatler and her husband, Richard,
of Martin, Tenn., Danny Lee McBride and his wife, Laura, of Bolivar,
Kathryn Dee McBride Wohnoutka and her husband, Dan, of Bolivar, Jennifer
Nicole Dodd of Kansas City, David Anthony Dodd of Ash Grove, and Kristena
Helen Dodd of Ash Grove; seven great-grandchildren, Casey McBride, Brandon
Forgey, Matthew McBride, Clinton Randles, Kriston Randles, Morgan
Wohnoutka and Allison Wohnoutka; and six step-great-grandchildren; a
brother, Wilbur Dodd and his wife, Carol, of El Dorado Springs; and two
nieces and numerous cousins. Many thanks to CMH-EMS for their valiant
efforts and to all his loyal friends. Funeral services were Friday, April
6, 2001, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Bob McQueen
officiating. Honorary pallberers were Kenneth Youngblook, Bob Kimes, Bob
Brown, Bysor Shelenhamer, Mike Sprowls, Jim Butler, Bob Ross and Gregg
Miller. Pallbearers were Danny McBride, David Dodd, Casey McBride, Brandon
Forgey, Matthew McBride, Clinton Randles, Dan Wohnoutka and Lewis McBride.
Interment was in Humansville Cemetery under the direction of Murray
Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to the Humansville United
Methodist Church or the charity of donor's choice.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Betty Jean Field, 74, Bolivar, died Thursday, April 12, 2001, in Christian
Health Care Center West in Springfield, following a lengthy illness. She
was born May 23, 1926, in Genova, Colo., to Ray and Alice Hole Mead. She
was a graduate of Tobias High School in Tobias, Neb. On Oct. 25, 1951, in
Friend, Neb., she was united in marriage to Elray Field and to this union
three children were born. She had been a homemaker and had worked for the
State of Nebraska Social Services Department before moving to Missouri.
She is survived by her busband Elray Field of Bolivar; a son and
daughter-in-law, James and Donna Field of Barnegat, N.J.; two daughters,
Betty Lou Brewer and her husband, Galen, of Austin, Texas, and Alice Kobe
of Kansas City, Kan.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Harvey and Marilyn
Mead of Lincoln, Neb., and Robert and Darlene Mead of Freind, Neb.; two
sisters and a brother-in-law, Elaine Brown of Lincoln, Neb., and Amy and
Don Willats of Bloomfield, Neb.; and one grandchild, Julie Middleton, and
two great-grandchildren, Tyler Middleton and Mariah Field. She was
preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Allen Mead, who died in
World War II, and Dale Mead, and a grandson, Gary Middleton. Services were
Saturday, April 14, at Greenwood Cemetery, Bolivar, under the direction of
Pitts Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to your local hospice
organization.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Elva Goss, 86, Ventura, Calif., died Friday, April 13, 2001, at her home
following a lengthy illness. She was a 66-year Ventura County resident
coming from Missouri. Elva was born March 11, 1915, in Bolivar. She was a
homemaker for 65 years and the matriarch of the Wright family on her
father's side. Elva was a peacemaker, a very caring and loving person with
her arms opened wide for everyone who came her way. She never met a
stranger and her table was always available for one more. Over the years
Elva's jams and jellies won many first place ribbons at the Ventura County
Fair. She was known for her delicious pies. Recently she picked and canned
peaches so her family and friends could enjoy them. She loved her home and
the many varieties of flowers she grew in her garden. She enjoyed quilting
and made her first quilt while still in Missouri in 1934. Elva continued
to make quilts for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as
well as for many new babies. She especially enjoyed her three cats,
Willie, Nancy and JoyBell. Elva was the longest member of the Pentecostal
Church of God, Ventura, Calif., serving for over 50 years. She served as
the Sunday school superintendent for several years before the church moved
to the Jordan Avenue location. Elva was a member of the Pentecostal Ladies
Auxiliary and served as Treasurer as well as President of the Ventura
ladies group. The family would like to thank Assisted Home Hospice for
their gentle and loving care given not only to Elva but the entire family.
Elva was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She
is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Myrtle Florence and Kenneth
Pangburn, Hesperia, Calif.; a son and daughter-in-law, Johnie Lee and Fern
Goss, West Plains; a son, Earl Dewayne Goss, Meiners Oaks, Calif.; seven
grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. God saw you getting tired
And a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around you And whispered
"come with me." With tearful eyes We watched you suffer And saw you fade
away. Although we loved you dearly, We could not make you stay. A golden
heart stopped beating, Hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to
prove He only takes the best. It's lonesome here without you, We miss you
more each day. Life doesn't seem the same, Since you've gone away. When
days are sad and lonely, And everything goes wrong. We seem to hear you
whisper "Cheer up and carry on." Each time we see your picture You seem to
smile and say, "Don't cry, I'm in God's keeping, We'll meet again
someday." Author unknown Services were Tuesday, April 17, at the
Pentecostal Church of God, Ventura, Calif., with the Rev. Larry Swift and
the Rev. Bert Dickey officiating. Private burial will be at Santa Paula
Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Elva's memory to the
American Cancer Society, 3737 Telegraph Road, Ste. D, Ventura CA 93003.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home,
Ventura. Calif.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Glenn Charles Hagar, 65, long time resident of Polk County, passed away on
Thursday, April 5, 2001, at 8:20 a.m. in Cox Medical Center South,
Springfield. Glenn was born on March 20, 1936, in Shidler, Okla., the son
of Perry and Pearl Watts Hagar. Glenn was skilled in many trades. He
enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and spending time with his children
and grandchildren. He lived a simple life and was loved by many. He will
be missed by all. Glenn is survived by many who loved him, his second
wife, Kathy Bingham; one daughter, Liz Hagar-Mace of Jefferson City; two
sons, Jeff Hagar of Austin, Texas, and Scott Hagar of Heidelburg, Germany;
five grandchildren, Melissa and Michael Mace, Hannah and Josh Hagar, and
Justin Hagar; three stepchildren, Randy Bingham, Pam Bowers and Wesley
Bingham; one stepgrandson, Elijah Bingham; three brothers, Ray Hagar of
North Little Rock, Ark., Davie Hagar of Smithville and Jim Hagar of
Springfield; one sister, Faye Leslie of Grapevine, Texas; as well as many
nieces and nephews. Memorial services were Saturday, April 7, in the Reed
Mausoleum, Greenwood Cemetery, Bolivar, under the direction of Butler
Funeral Home of Bolivar. Memorial contributions may be made to the
American Cancer Society. Glenn, I want you to know that I loved you, and
always will. You'll always be in my heart. You were the best husband and
stepdad anyone could have. You were my life, You brought me so much
laughter, happiness, joy and sunshine. Life has its little ups and downs,
but we made it through thick and think 'til the end. I often ask why God
takes away the one you love, and then I realized that with all the
suffering and pain you've been going through, that God took you away to a
better place where there's no suffering or pain. Someday we will meet
again, and that will be a glorious day! I love you! Kathy and Wesley Thank
you The family of Glann Charles Hagar would like to thank everyone for
every act of kindness shown to us during his illness and death.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Catherine Rose Halsey, 88, Springfield, died at 4:15 a.m. Monday, April
16, 2001, in Woodland Manor Nursing Home. She was born March 5, 1913, in
Aurora. Her parents immigrated from Czechoslovakia. She was a housewife
and mother most of her life, and also wokred part time in food service.
She was a lifetime member of J. Wilbur Adams Post No. 3404 in Springfield.
She is survived by two sons, Jim Hulse of Springfield and Loren Hulse of
Ozark; four daughters, Virginia Stockton of Montgomery, Texas, Donna
Breeswitz of Polk, Patricia Kirk of Fulton and Barbara White of Fort
Worth, Texas; a twin sister, Christine Polodna of Springfield; and
numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in Death
by her husband, Robert Halsey; six brothers, John, Rudolph, William,
Joseph, Charlie and Frank Lehar; three sisters, Anna Beal, Minnie Hulse
and Margaret Matthews; and one grandson, Steven Kirk. Funeral Mass will be
at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr.
Joseph Peplansky, C.M.F. celebrant. Burial will be in Rivermonte Memorial
Gardens under the direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home,
Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic
Church, 1609 N. Summit, Springfield MO 65803.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Max A. Hartley, 74, Fair Play, died Thursday, April 19, 2001, in St.
John's Regional Medical Center, Springfield. The son of Chester W. and
Grace Fisher Hartley, he was born March 2, 1927, at Dunnegan. On Nov. 6,
1948, he married Betty Ryan. He graduated from Bearcreek School in 1944.
He entered the U.S. Army and served during World War II. He worked on his
cattle farm and did some logging. He is survived by his wife, Betty, of
the home; his daughter, Donna Sue Sikes of Springfield; a sister, Juanita
Jenkins of Kimberling City; two grandchildren, Greg Sikes, and Jeff Sikes
and his wife, Francia, all of Springfield; three great-grandchildren,
Joshua Sikes, Gabrielle Sikes and Collin Sikes, all of Springfield; one
niece, Carolyn Sue Wampler and her husband, Wayne, of Lampe; two nephews,
Barry Jenkins and his wife, Linda, of Kimberling City, and Alden Jenkins
and his wife, Susan, of Flemington; and many friends. Services were
Sunday, April 22, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Eugene
Gouge officiating. Pallbearers were Charlie York, Steve Hornbeck, David
Ryan, Mike White, Chris Wampler and Bill Shook. Burial was in Lindley
Prairie Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Neeta Marie Hopkins was born in Cedar County on April 3, 1926, and passed
away on April 6, 2001, in Citizen's Memorial Hospital after a long
illness. She was the daughter of Eliga and Eva Crow Cowles, who preceded
her in death. She graduated from Fair Play High School and worked for
Western Electric for three years. On Feb. 23, 1946, she married Ted
Hopkins. They lived in Kansas until 1950 and then moved to the farm
southwest of Bolivar where she remained until her death. Neeta worked for
Southwest Electric Coop as a bookkeeper for 27 years, retiring in 1988.
She is survived by her husband, Ted, of the home; a son and
daughter-in-law, Leslie and Donna Hopkins of Bolivar; a daughter and
son-in-law, Beverly and Keith Stevens of Bolivar; one granddaughter, Kalyn
Stevens; and three stepgrandsons, Randy, Jason and Craig Moody. Neeta has
been in poor health for the last six years, requiring 24 hour care. She
was fortunate to be able to be at home until her death. Her husband, Ted,
was her primary caregiver, along with Sharon Brown and her daughters,
Cheryl and Tammy, and Cheryl Fast. The family would like to express their
gratitude to all of them, with special thanks to Sharon Brown, who had
been with Ted and Neeta since the beginning of Neeta's illness. Funeral
services for Neeta were Monday, April 9, 2001, in the Butler Funeral Home
Chapel with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating. Music was provided by
Vance Vahle and Carolyn Wakefield with Dixie Barber as the pianist. Burial
was in Bethel Cemetery southwest of Fair Play. Casketbearers were Bill
Emerson, Scott Hopkins, Garland Brown, Brent Butler, Mark Stanek, Rex
Barham, Danny Hall and Eldon Warren.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Maxine Agnes Huff, 90, Hood River, Ore., died Thursday, April 19, 2001, at
the Hood River Care Center. She was born July 23, 1910, in Dunnegan to
James and Prudie Barnes Mitchem. She grew up and attended school in
Dunnegan. On Sept. 30, 1929, she married Ray Huff in Dunnegan. She was a
homemaker and mother most of her life. She and her husband traveled around
several states working in the fruit industry until settling in Hood River,
Ore., in 1938. She is survived by her husband, Ray Huff of Hood River,
Ore.; one daughter, Eileen Codino of Hood River, Ore.; three sons, Bobby
E. Huff and Ronald Huff, both of Washougal, Wash., and Donald Huff of
Boise, Idaho; three sisters, Maudie Baker of Stillwell, Kan., Dorothy
Gambrel of Yuba City, Calif., and Dora Mustain of Bolivar; one brother,
Charlie Mitchem of Humansville; 17 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren,
six great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Services
were Sunday, April 22, at Anderson Funeral Home, Hood River, Ore. A
private vault entombment was at Idlewild Cemetery. Memorial contributions
may be made to the Columbia Gorge Resource Center c/o Anderson Funeral
Home, 1401 Belmont, Hood River OR 97031.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Gayle Faye Jones, 49, Fair Play, died at 2:25 p.m. Wednesday, April 18,
2001, in her home from cancer. She was born June 15, 1951, in Rome, N.Y.,
and grew up in St. Charles. She lived and worked in St. Louis for many
years and moved to Stockton in 1988 to be near her parents, Clarence and
Daisy Lane. She was employed at Hagale Industries for several years. She
later worked as supervisor at Mashburn's in Bolivar until she became ill
with brain cancer Jan. 3, 2001. She was cared for at home by her family.
Survivors include her husband, Gary, and 13-year-old son, Joel, both of
the home; a daughter, Heather Miller, her mother, Daisy Lane, and one
grandson, Jacob Miller, all of Fair Play; and two brothers, Dennis Lane of
Stockton and Irvan Knosp of Bolivar. She was preceded in death by her
father, Clarence Lane, in 1989. Services were Saturday, April 21, in Grace
Fellowship Church, east of Fair Play, with Joe Rouser officiating. Burial
was in Lindley Prairie Cemetery, Bear Creek, under direction of Brumback
Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
James Procop Francka, Jr., 64, Bolivar, died Wednesday, April 25, 2001, in
St. John?s Regional Health Center, Springfield. The son of James Sr. and
Tracy Ruzicka Francka, he was born April 26, 1936, near Bolivar. He was a
farmer and former manager of the meat packing plant at Pleasant Hope. He
was a Little League baseball coach for many years and former president of
the Polk County Summer Sports League. He had also been a 4-H leader,
member of the Pleasant Hope Lions Club and Brighton Saddle Club. He was a
member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. A
graduate of Pleasant Hope High School, he served in the U. S. Army. On
August 29, 1959, he married Carolyn Jones. Survivors include his wife,
Carolyn, of the home; his parents, James and Tracy Francka, Bolivar; four
children, Gerald Francka and his wife, Tommie Jo, Bolivar, Jeffrey
Francka, Bolivar, Barbara Young and her husband, Scott, Springfield, and
Theresa Francka, Bolivar; one brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Judy
Francka, Bolivar; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy and Monte
Sharpe, Hartville, Ohio, Evelyn and Joseph Kroutil, Florissant, and
Rosemary and Junior Sechler, Pleasant Hope; and six grandchildren,
Savannah Francka, Kyle Francka, Heather Francka, Heath Francka, Daily
Young and Kayla Francka. Funeral mass was Saturday, April 28, 2001, at
Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Pat Wissman celebrant. Honorary
pallbearers were his grandchildren and Jude Kroutil, Jammie Francka,
Donnie Ballard, Steven Sechler, Reggie Sharpe, Brian Sharpe, Greg Sharpe,
Jeffrey Sharpe, Burt Sharpe and George Sharpe. Pallbearers were Mark
Kroutil, John Kroutil, Brian Francka, Chris Francka, Randy Sechler, Brent
Sechler, Monte Sharpe and Tim Kolmar. Interment was in St. Wenceslaus
Cemetery under the direction of Murray Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
D. June Keesler, 70, Bolivar, died Monday, April 23, 2001, in Cox Medical
Center South, Springfield, following a lengthy illness. She was born May
26, 1930, in Grand Junction, Colo., to Leonard James and Madelene Ann
Renbarger Hall. She was a graduate of Grand Junction High School in Grand
Junction, Colo. On Sept. 19, 1948, she was united in marriage to Donald
Keesler in Grand Junction and to this union two children were born. She
had been a secretary at Southwest Baptist University and a member of the
SBU Women's Club and Territorial Daughters of Western Colorado. Her church
membership was with Pomme de Terre Baptist Church in Pittsburg. She is
survived by her husband, Don Keesler of the home; her mother, Madelene
Hall of Grand Junction, Colo.; a son and daughter-in-law, Leonard Kim and
Anna Keesler of Jefferson City; a daughter and son-in-law, Donita Marie
and LeRoy Slater of Mesa, Ariz.; a brother, Arthur Jerry Hall of
Oceanside, Calif.; a sister, Phyllis George of Grand Junction, Colo.;
three grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two
great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father and two
brothers, M. James Hall and M. Don Hall. Services will be at 2 p.m.
Thursday, April 26, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Joe Rouse, Deacon John
Gilmore and Associate Pastor Don Hogan officiating. Visitation will be
from 6 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the funeral home. Burial will take
place in August in Colorado.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Lois Phillips McAdoo, Columbus, Ohio, formerly of Bolivar, died April 12,
2001, at the Ohio State University Medical Center. She was the daughter of
the Rev. Thomas Henry Phillips and Zella Grace Sherman Phillips. She was a
long-time member of Lane Avenue Baptist Church. Her husband, W. Quinn
McAdoo, preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter, Lois Ann
McAdoo; a sister, Freda Folkerts; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law,
cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Services were Monday,
April 16, at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel with Dr. Wayne I. Nicholson
officiating. Burial was in Union Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Kay Frances McGowan went to be with the Lord at 5:25 a.m. Saturday, April
28, 2001, in St. John's Regional Health Center in Springfield. Kay was
born Feb. 14, 1947, to Harry R. "Bob" and Mildred (Cully) Hammons. In
addition to her parents, Kay is survived by her husband, Patrick G.
McGowan, and two children, Michael Patrick of Springfield and Ashley Kay
of Bolivar; her future son-in-law, Justin Ballard of Bolivar; her brother
Robert and sister-in-law Krista and their children, Chad Robert and
Jennifer Lynn of Springfield; her mother-in-law, Lil McGowan of Buffalo;
and several aunts, uncles and cousins living throughout the Midwest. Kay
graduated from Bolivar High School in 1965 and from Southwest Missouri
State University with a degree in home economics in 1969. She went on to
receive an elementary teaching certificate from Southwest Baptist College.
She taught fifth grade at Morrisville Elementary for seven years before
becoming a homemaker. While at SMSU, she was active in home economics
organizations and in the SMS Marching and Concert Band. She was lead
twirler for three years in the marching band. She was a member of First
Baptist Church in Bolivar and a charter member of the Fidelis Club in
Bolivar. Private family services were held Tuesday, May 1, in the Butler
Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Pete Davidson and the Rev. Virgil
Kearney officiating. Musical selections were "The King is Coming" and
"Because He Lives" with Brad Wommack as the soloist and Bill Brown as the
pianist. Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery with Bagpipe selections by
Ron Maupin. Casketbearers were Tory McGowan, John McGowan, Sean McGowan,
Chad Hammons, Michael Cully, James McGowan, Brett McGowan and Justin
Ballard. Memorial contributions in memory of Kay can be given to the
American Cancer Society, the Polk County Humane Society or the Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society in the care of Butler Funeral Home, PO Box 11,
Bolivar MO 65613.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Bertha Lollar McGuire, 95, Greenfield, passed away at 12:53 a.m. Saturday,
April 21, 2001, in Dade County Nursing Home, where she had resided since
September of 2000. Bertha was born April 12, 1906, near Arcola to John and
Alice Divine Lollar. Bertha Lollar and Orville McGuire were united in
marriage Feb. 15, 1924, by Sister Sarah Crank of Greenfield at the home of
Orville's uncle, Deck Hughes. Farming was their livelihood for many years
until they became owners of The Village Inn Restaurant, Greenfield, in
1955. Upon Orville's retirement, Bertha and her sister-in-law, Marie
Cameron, became co-owners of The Village Inn Restraurant. Bertha was a
member of many clubs, including the Literacy and Civic Club, the Shaw
W.P.T.A., the Dade County Republican Women's Federation, the Columbia
Chapter No. 448 Order of the Eastern Star, holding various offices,
including Worthy Matron. She worked for the Head Start Program for many
years. She received the Lance Award for volunteer work with the Senior
Citizens Center. She was a member of the Christian Church in Greenfield.
Bertha became a Christian early in life. Her Christian life was
exemplified in everyday living by doing unto others as she would have them
do unto her. Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, six
brothers, four sisters and two sons-in-law, Dean Gillen and Bob Butler.
She is survived by three daughters, Alice Butler of Bolivar, Betty Gillen
of Greenfield, and Lois Tella and her husband, Scotty, of Springfield; two
sons, Harold McGuire and his wife, Marquetta, of Gadsden, Ala., and Larry
McGuire and his wife, Judy, of Greenfield; 11 grandchildren, Brent Butler,
Jana Butler Vieth, Donald Gillen, Mark Gillen, Kenneth McGuire, David
Tella, Douglas Tella, Diane Tella, Angela McGuire Lacy, Annette McGuire
Black and Dallas McGuire; 20 great-grandchildren; five
great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Geneva Lollar McCarter; one
sister-in-law, Marie Cameron; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Mom McGuire was a loving and deeply loved mother, grandmother and
great-grandmother. We cannot change the divine laws, but we can face the
days ahead with hope and courage, thankful for the joys we had with the
one we loved. We can truly say, the world was made a better place because
Mom McGuire passed our way. As planned, mom, our next reunion will be in
heaven, but, until then, you will be sorely missed by your family.
Services were Monday, April 23, in Greenfield Funeral Chapel with Anthony
Gillen, John Vieth and Johnson Huges officiating with Greenfield Order of
Eastern Star Columbia Chapter No. 488. Burial followed in Greenfield
Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dade County Nursing
Home, the Hospice of Southwest Missouri or the Dade County Senior Center.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Delbert B. Newton, 75, Fort Collins, Colo., formerly of Bolivar, died
Tuesday, April 10, 2001. He was born May 12, 1925, in Cedar Vale, Kan.,
the son of Goerge Wiley and Grace Barnes Newton. He had lived in Fort
Collins since 1991. He married Betty J. Hines on Dec. 2, 1943, who
preceded him in death on June 1, 1998. Also preceding him in death were
his parents and four brothers. Survivors include his son, Rev. Ron Newton
of Kenmare, N.D.; a daughter, nancy J. Drieth of Fort Collins, Colo.; one
brother, Floyd Newton of Yuma, Ariz.; two sisters, Nancy Morgan and Jeanne
Delk, both of Fort Collins, Colo.; and seven grandchildren and 10
great-grandchildren. Services were Friday, April 13, at Drake Road Chapel,
Fort Collins, Colo., with the Rev. William Craighead officiating. Burial
was in Roselawn Cemetery under the direction of Allnutt Funeral Service.
Pallbearers were Corey Drieth, Heather Drieth, Kendra Drieth-Redlich,
Misty Gunderson, Holly Lawson and the Rev. Glen Newton. Memorial
contributions may be made to the National Jewish Hospital for Pulmonary
Fiborsis Research c/l Allnutt Funeral Service, 650 W. Drake Road, Ft.
Collins CO 80526.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Ruth Verle Moffet Price, 71, Bolivar, died Tuesday, April 10, 2001, at
Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar. She was born May 15, 1929, in
Chariton, Iowa, to Ruben and Emma Mae Karmm Moffet. In 1947 she was united
in marriage to Robert Lee Price and to this union five children were born.
Her husband preceded her in death on Dec. 8, 1975. Also preceding her in
death are her parents and one sister, Reba. She was a member of the First
Assembly of God Church in Osceola. She had lived at the Parkview Nursing
Home in Bolivar for the past three years. She is survived by three sons,
Bob Price and his wife, Glindell, David Price and his wife, Tina, and
Daniel Price; two daughters, Mary Ruth Price and Vera Sue Michaud and her
husband, Gene; her brothers, Jim Moffet, Andy Moffet and twin brother Bob
Moffet; three sisters, Eva, Oma and Ruby; 13 grandchildren, Robert
Sterling, Matthew Lee Price, Johnny William Skouby, Angela Dawn Wright,
Melissa Rose Skouby, Chad Andrew Skouby, Richard Lippa, Anthony Lippa,
Alanda Lippa Powell, Monica Lippa, Carmine Lippa, David Andrew Arduser,
Nathan Ryan Price and Jessica Price; five stepgrandchildren, Gene F.
Michaud Jr., Yulonda J. Michaud, Herman Hanks Long, Rebecca Josephine Long
and Robert Ivan Long; seven great-grandchildren, Emily Josephine Skouby,
Chase Levi and Coltin Tanner Wright, William Craig, Timothy Powell, Loren
Coleman and Emily Marie Lippa; and other relatives and friends. Services
were Saturday, April 14, at First Baptist Church of Lowry City.
Casketbearers were Richard Lippa, Johnny Skouby, Anthony Lippa, Carmine
Lippa, David Arduser and Robert Price. Honorary casketbearers were Matthew
Price, Chad Skouby, Herman Long and Robert Long. Burial was in Iconium
Cemetery under the direction of Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home, Osceola.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Juanita Helen Standley Rees, 87, of Joliet, Ill., formerly of Bolivar,
passed away at 7:40 a.m. Thursday, April 19, 2001, in the Embassy Care
Center of Wilmington, Ill., after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Juanita was born Jan. 25, 1914, in Madison, Ill., the daughter of Harry
Ray and Minnie Lee Henderson Standley. Juanita received her associate of
arts degree in music from Southwest Baptist College in 1934 and was a
piano teacher for many years afterwards. She held many positions in the
churches they attended in California and later in Illinois where they
lived for 38 years before retiring to Lynchburg, Va., in 1979, such as
piano and choir director, church secretary at their church in Chicago for
28 years, director of the vacation Bible school, Sunday school teacher and
starter of a weekly Bible study for women which continues to this day.
Many found her to be a trustworthy confidant. A talented seamstress, she
sought to improve her skills by attending the Ray Vogue School of Design
on Chicago's famed Michigan Avenue during the 1950s. There she studied
dress design, millinery, pattern making and tailoring. Later she created
hats for the exclusive French Room at Marshall Fields in the Loop. Her
greatest joy in life was her family. She is survived by her four children
and their spouses, Nita and Wendell Outhous of Berwyn, Pa., Camilla and
Arthur Anderson of Shorewood, Ill., Campbell David Jr. and Charlotte Rees
of Forest, Va., and Nancy and Mark Evans of Kimberton, Pa.; 16
grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Services were Saturday, April
21, 2001, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Campbell David Rees Jr.
officiating. Musical selections were "The Love of God" and "I'd Rather
Have Jesus" by Nancy Evans, "Finally Home" by Camilla Anderson and the
congregational singing of "Great is Thy Faithfulness" lead by Stephen
Anderson and accompanied by Susan Hedgpeth. Casketbearers were Campbell
David Rees Jr., Joel Rees Anderson, Stephen Arthur Anderson, Paul David
Reeder, David Joseph Outhous and J. Wendell Outhous. Burial was in
Greenwood Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Thelma Maxine Sallee, 87, of Pleasant Hope died April 2, 2001, after a
short illness. She was born May 5, 1913, to Mack M. and E. Gertrude
(Clave) Choate. She was united in marriage to Arcie O. Sallee on Nov. 12,
1932. Thelma was saved Sept. 29, 1941, and joined the Rock Prairie
Missionary Baptist Church. At the time of her passing she was a member of
the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Hansen, Idaho, where they lived
26 years while her husband was pastor. She was preceded in death by her
parents and her beloved husband of 63 years Elder Sallee, a World War II
Army veteran; brother Wilfred Choate and wife Ruth; brother-in-law Fred
Gaynor and sister -in-law Irene Choate. She is survived by a daughter and
son-in-law Carolyn and Barry Sullivan of Jerome, Idaho; two
granddaughters, Melissa Sullivan Rice and her husband, Todd, of Boise,
Idaho, and Sara Sullivan of Jerome, Idaho; a sister, Elsie Gaynor and
brothers Novie Choate and Willard Choate and his wife, Jean, all of
Pleasant Hope; two nieces and eight nephews and their spouses; and
great-nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends, all of whom she dearly
loved. Funeral services for Thelma Sallee were help April 5, 2001, at Rock
Prairie Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. DeWayne Burdette and Bro. Gary
Campbell officiating. Music was provided by the church choir. Burial
followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Vester Choate, Delbert
Choate, Edward Choate, Ronnie Choate, Mike Choate and Gaylord Gaynor.
Honorary pallbearers were Junior Choate, Kenneth Choate and Al Kent Redd.
Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Robert Eugene Scroggins, 76, Urbana, died Saturday, April 28, 2001, in
Christian Health Care Center, Hermitage, following a lengthy illness. He
was born Jan. 1, 1925, in Morrisville to Reed and Ethel Davis Scroggins.
He was united in marriage to Wilma Hawkins and to this union one son was
born. He was a retired EKG technician with the Veteran's Hospital in
Leavenworth, Kan., and was a member of the Southern Baptist Church in
Urbana. He is survived by his wife, Wilma, of the home; a son, Donald Ray
Scroggins of Tipton; a brother and sister-in-law, James and Margaret
Scroggins of Springfield; a sister, Jenny Gage of Springfield; four
grandchildren, Patty Scroggins of Lawson, Samantha Scorggins and Emily
Scroggins of Urbana and Donald Ray Scroggins Jr. of Springfield. He was
preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Morris Scroggins. His body
will be cremated and a memorial service and burial will take place at a
later date in Lindley Creek Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction
of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Charles B. Seiner, 72, Clinton, died Friday, April 27, 2001, at Golden
Valley Memorial Hospital, Clinton, after a lengthy illness. He was born
May 16, 1928, in Polk County, the son of Earnest and Edna Seiner. He was
united in marriage to Norma M. Jones of Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1947.
They lived in and around Bolivar until 1953 when they moved to Kansas
City. In 1989, they moved to Clinton and lived there until his death. He
was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Earnestine Crain; one
brother, Willard Seiner; and his son Roger Seiner. He is survived by his
wife, Norma of the home; two sons, Randy Seiner and his wife Linda, of
Leawood, Kan., and Ronnie Seiner and his wife, Krista, of Clinton; one
daughter, Linda Elliott of Moberly; one brother, Robert Seiner of Bolivar;
six sisters, Opal Keeling, Ruth Underwood, Joan Wilson, Dorthy Butler and
Lorene Bays, all of Bolivar, and Helen Anderson of Oklahoma City, Okla;
and five grandchildren, Melinda, Melissa, Charlotte, Amanda and Jason.
Services were Monday, April 30 in Clinton.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Audrey Fae Shoemake, 90, Gardner, Kan., died Sunday April 8, 2001, at
Medicalodge of Gardner. She was born April 20, 1910, near Alva, Okla., the
daughter of Daniel Boone Findley and Pearl McQuaid Findley. Through
Audrey's growing years the family owned various general merchandise stores
and restaurants in Oklahoma and in the West Plains area. In 1917 Audrey,
with her parents and brothers Cecil and Mac and sisters Valerie and
Lucille, left Doniphan in a wagon with an overjet and a bed inside and
traveled to Pitcher, Okla., camping in a tent along the way. Brothers
George and Merritt were away from home and had served in World War I in
France. Baby brother Hugh was born in Pitcher. Audrey graduated from high
school in Birch Tree in 1929 as valedictorian of her class. The senior day
that year was a trip to Alley Springs. After graduation from high school,
Audrey worked at her sister Valerie's restaurant in Birch Tree where she
met her future husband, Glen, and later she traveled to Kansas City where
her sister Lucille lived, and she worked as a nurse maid to a little girl
and a baby. Audrey and Glen Oscar Shoemake were married in Kansas City,
Kan., March 12, 1931. To this union were born two boys and a girl. The
couple lived in Kansas City, Kan., from 1931 to 1939, and then, after
living in Eudora and in Arkansas, Audrey, Glen and son Eddie moved to
Tulsa, Okla., where Audrey worked in a defense plant making airplane parts
during World War II as Glen worked in the shipyards. Audrey's husband lost
his sight while in Tulsa and the family moved to Polk County where they
lived from 1945 to the time of Glen's passing away in 1960. Daughter
Glenda was born in Humansville, and the family bought a farm near Dunnegan
where son Danny was born. Audrey worked in St. Louis for the Missouri
State Training School for the Blind from 1960 to 1962. From 1963 until her
retirement in 1984, she worked in Kansas City, Kan., at Kansas School for
the Visually Handicapped as a houseparent. Audrey lived in Olathe, Kan.,
and then returned to Polk County in 1988. She lived at Rose Park in
Bolivar from 1991 to 1997 and then returned to Olathe and later to
Medicalodge of Gardner. As a young woman, Audrey was saved and later
became a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Dunnegan. While
living in Dunnegan she belonged to the home extension club and was a 4-H
leader. She was an excellent cook and baker and once won a prize in a
Pillsbury Bake-Off contest with one of her cakes. She was well known in
her family for her homemade rolls and candy making. She loved to read,
kept up with world events, and was a steady correspondent with relatives
and friends as long as she was able. The things she seemed to enjoy most
at the nursing home were the Sunday afternoon church services with gospel
songs. Audrey spent several years caring for her unsighted husband, and
was a loving mother and grandmother for many years. She will be greatly
missed by all. Audrey was preceded in death by her husband; her parents;
her five brothers, George, Merritt, Cecil, Daniel (Mac) and Hugh; and two
sisters, Valerie Malone and Lucille Orr. Audrey is survived by her
children, Edward Shoemake of Alamo, Texas; Glenda Riniker and her husband,
Leo, of Gardner, Kan.; Danny Shoemake and his wife, Linda, of Rochester,
Minn.; and a daughter-in-law, Pat Shoemake of Flemington. Surviving
grandchildren and their spouses are Christy and Tom Johnson of
Fredericktown; Deborah and Todd Hoffiren of Spring, Texas; Jerry and
Cheryl Tipton, and Paula and Brian Luce, all of Belton; Michael and Kanaye
Tipton of Owassa, Okla.; David Tipton of Gardner, Kan.; and Staci Shoemake
of Pittsburg, Kan. Twelve great-grandchildren also survive as well as a
host of relatives and friends. Graveside services and interment will be
Friday, April l3, at Dunnegan Cemetery at 1 p.m. with Reverend Tom Johnson
officiating and under the direction of Pitts Funeral Chapel of Bolivar.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
James Albert Thames, 80, Higginsville, formerly of Bolivar, died Friday,
April 13, 2001, in Lexington Care Center, Lexington, following a short
illness. He was born Jan. 5, 1921, in Dry Prong, La., to James A. and
Mammie Thames. He was a World War II Army veteran. He was a member of the
V.F.W. Post No. 9638 in Galmey, the American Legion Post in Hermitage and
the Shriners. Survivors include four daughters, Wilma Belew of Clinton,
Ruth Jones of Osceola, Mary Young of Warrensburg and Ethelene Hoover of
Higginsville, 19 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and numerous
nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife
Dorothy; and two daughters, Donna Beebe and Wanda Lacky. Services will be
Monday, April 30, at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville.
Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel, Bolivar.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Patti Alice Walton, 83, Hillsboro, Ore., died at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 24,
2001, in Beaverton Rehabilitation Center in Beaverton, Ore. She was born
May 27, 1917, in Eudora the daughter of Robert and May Leith. She was
raised and attended school in Eudora. On May 27, 1936, she was united in
marriage to Jess Walton in Yuma, Ariz., and they shared 40 years. He
preceded her in death in 1976. They worked on the road with Mayflower Van
Lines for several years and settled in Sand Diego, Calif. There they were
city street car operators. At one time they were headed for Alaska, but
stopped in Montana and ended up making their home there. She taught school
in a small community for about three years. They returned to Sand Diego
and worked for the City Bus Company, retiring in 1975. In 1976 she moved
to Hillsboro, Ore., where she spend the balance of her life. She was
active in the Hillsboro Senior Center. She was a member of the tutoring
programs at the Public Library and was a volunteer at El Centro Cultural.
She is survived by her two daughters, Alice Ray of Hillsboro, Ore., and
Donna Hootman of Brea, Calif., six grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren. Services were Friday, April 27, in Eudora Baptist
Church with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating and interment in Eudora
Cemetery under the direction Wilson Brim-Daniel Funeral Home, Walnut
Grove.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 2001:
Pauline Witt, 83, Dadeville, died Wednesday, April 25, 2001. She was born
Sept. 21, 1917, near Morrisville, the daughter of Edward Allen and
Florence Maude Stanley Maxwell. She was a lifelong resident of the
Dadeville area. She was a homemaker and had been employed with the
Dadeville School cafeteria. She was baptized in the Church of Christ
Church on July 24, 1946, and was a member of the Bona Church of Christ.
She was a graduate of the Morrisville High School in 1935 where she was
valedictorian She married Archie Witt on June 27, 1936. To this union
three children were born. Together they were privileged to share more than
51 years. He preceded her in death on Feb. 13, 1988. Also preceding her
was an infant son, Bill Eddie Witt, on March 3, 1946; her parents; two
sisters, Bernice Robinett and Faye Waggoner; and two infant brothers. She
is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Carole Witt of
Dadeville; a daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Kenneth Bacon of Fair
Grove; six grandchildren and their spouses, Gena and Blaine Hargis, Jeff
and Rachel Witt, Brian and Pam Witt, Ginger and Clark McLemore, Craig and
Debbie Bacon and Brett and Jo Ellen Bacon; 12 great-grandchildren; three
brothers, Art Maxwell of Kerrville, Texas, and Joe and Galen Maxwell, both
of Ontario, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. Services were
Saturday, April 28, in Bona Church of Christ with Jim Poland officiating,
with interment follwing in Bona Cemetery under the direction of Wilson
Brim-Daniel Funeral Home of Walnut Grove.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Robert Wayne Bair, 76, Morrisville, died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2001, at his
home. He was born Nov. 8, 1924, at Arthur, Iowa, the son of Warren O. and
Elsie Johnson Bair. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U. S. Army
Air Corps. On Sept. 20, 1949, he married Patricia A. Ferguson in Tekamah,
Neb. A resident of Morrisville since 1992, he was a retired farmer. He was
preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John Bair. Survivors
include his wife, Patricia, of the home; one son and daughter-in-law,
Thomas and Susan Bair, Kansas City; and two sisters, Dorothy Horton of Elk
Point, S. D., and Donna Hoy of Mesa, Ariz. Services were Monday, Jan. 8,
in Murray Chapel, Bolivar, with Father Pat Wissman officiating. Interment
was in Crestview Memorial Gardens.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
George Allder Blakemore, 93, Dadeville, died Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2001, in
Dade County Nursing Home. He was born June 9, 1907, in Dadeville to Alvinc
and Bess Allder Blakemore. He joined the Presbyterian Church at Dadeville
at an early age. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for more than 70
years and was an active member of the Dadeville Masonic Cemetery board for
more than 30 years. He was a lifelong Dade County farmer and well-known
breeder of shorthorn cattle. He was united in marriage to Sarah A. Higgins
on June 24, 1939, and to this union two sons were born. He was preceded in
death by his parents; his wife, Sarah, on Oct. 11, 1996; an infant son,
Charles Richard; one brother and two sisters. Survivors include his son,
George Robert "Bob" Blakemore and his wife, Jennett, of Greenfield; two
granddaughters and their husbands, Shelley and Brad Marshall of
Springfield and Marsha and Chris Fischer of Columbia; one
great-granddaughter, Olivia Marie Marshall of Springfield; several nieces
and nephews and many friends. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb.
3, in Dadeville Methodist Church with the Rev. Larry Malaney officiating.
Burial will be in Dadeville Masonic Cemetery with Masonic rites by
Washington Lodge No. 87 A.F. & A.M. Arrangements are under the direction
of Dadeville Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to
Dadeville Masonic Cemetery or Dadeville Methodist Church.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
William Earl "Bud" Blankenship, son of Earl W. and Latha Lowry
Blankenship, was born March 14, 1928, at Buffalo. He departed this life
Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Hospital at the age of 72
years, 10 months and 17 days. He graduated from Bolivar High School in
1946. On March 17, 1947, he married Betty Jean Barker. She preceded him in
death Nov. 30, 1994. His parents and a daughter-in-law, Ann Blankenship,
also preceded him in death. Earl was employed as a lineman for Southwest
Electric Co-op for 44 years. He was a member of Bolivar Lodge No. 195 and
attended Bolivar First Christian Church. Earl's love for bowling began as
a young boy when he was a pinsetter at the bowling alley on the square in
Bolivar, and he continued bowling throughout the remainder of his life.
Earl was an avid NASCAR racing fan, his favorite driver being No. 6, Mark
Martin. Survivors include his six children, Velma Tollette of Boynton,
Okla., Loretta Fudge of Bethalto, Ill., William Earl Blankenship Jr. of
Bolivar, Rebecca Smith of Springfield, Perry Blankenship and Leslie
Blankenship, both of Independence; a sister, Virginia Henderson of
Brighton; eight grandchildren and, in addition, another grandchild who
will be born in April; and seven great-grandchildren. Services were
Saturday, Feb. 3, in Murray Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson and
Bro. John Brown officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Robert Tollette,
Gene Ahart, Michael Blankenship and Kelly Ahart. Pallbearers were Bill
Tummons, Wilburn Ball, Jim Newell, Jim Black, Jim Mosier and Mark Payne.
Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Lottie Mae Boggess, 55, Bolivar, died at 11:05 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31,
2001, in her home after a brief illness. She was born June 27, 1945, in
Danville, Ill., the daughter of Wilbur and Edna Weikel Masterson. She had
been a resident of Bolivar for the past year, moving from Conroe, Texas.
She had been a credit collections manager. Surviving are her husband, Joe
L. Boggess Sr. of the home; a daughter, Tonya M. Kinsman of Ft. Rucker,
Ala.; a son, Joe L. Boggess Jr. of Bolivar; one brother, Bud Masterson of
the state of California; three sisters, Cecila Carnahan of Pine Village,
Ind., Illeen Ditson of Spring, Texas, and Arlene VanDerWal of Springfield,
Ill.; and seven grandchildren. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb.
3, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. David Johnson and the
Rev. Tony Moore officiating. Burial will be in the Barren Creek Cemetery
west of Bolivar. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. before the service
at the funeral home. The casket will be closed at all times. Memorial
contributions may be made to St. Jude's Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
John Edward Buckner, 78, Fair Grove, died at 1:25 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16,
2001, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, after a brief illness. He
was born Oct. 23, 1922, near Fair Grove, the son of Charles Robert and
Leona Bell Jones Buckner. He was a lifelong resident of the Fair Grove and
Pleasant Hope area and had lived for more than 60 years on the farm where
he resided with his wife, Mable Buckner, who preceded him in death in
1983. He was a member of the Union Grove Baptist Church near his home and
was a retired farmer and stockman. He was preceded in death by his
parents; one sister, Marie Medley; and two brothers, Ervin Buckner and
Earl Buckner. Surviving are two sisters, Madge Pinegar of Springfield and
Mabel Carter of Kissee Mills, as well as other close family members: Carl
Buckner of Fair Grove, Martha Hale and Charlene Crites, both of Bolivar,
Alice Pulliam, Loretta Albaugh, Ed Pinegar and Charles Buckner, all of
Springfield, Darlene Mincks of Carthage, Kenneth Buckner of Stockton,
Kathryn Pointer of Charleston, S.C., Larry Hillenburg, Jimmy Hillenburg
and Brenda Laney, all of Pleasant Hope, Mike Carter of Memphis, Tenn.,
Kelly Carter of Dallas, Texas, and Terese Bertine of Anchorage, Alaska.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, in the Butler Funeral Home
Chapel with Bro. DeWayne Burdette officiating. Musical soloist will be
Louise Dukes with Linda Crawford as the pianist. Burial will be in Union
Grove Cemetery southeast of Pleasant Hope. Casketbearers will be Jeff
Christian, David McCroskey, Dewey Ramey, Larry Laney, Larry Hillenburg and
Jackie Crawford. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart
Association or the charity of the donor's choice.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Carl M. Carson, 79, Bolivar, died Saturday, Jan. 13, 2001, at Citizens
Memorial Health Care Facility. The cause was cancer. He and his wife, the
former Anna Reynolds of Bolivar, had lived on a farm five miles northwest
of Bolivar since 1961. He was born in Corbin City, Kan., which lies just
south of Cherryvale in the southeastern part of the state. The family
worked on farms in the area. Mr. Carson went to school in Cherryvale,
including Cherryvale High School, and enlisted in the navy in 1940. He was
a seaman on the Arizona when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7,
1941, and sank that ship and several others. Mr. Carson was below decks
when the first bombs hit on that Sunday morning 60 years ago and the
Arizona began to sink. He made his way into the No. 2 gun turret, which
housed three of the ship's huge 14-inch guns, and then climbed to the top
and out the hatch. The harbor was filled with smoke and fire, he recalled
later, and all was chaos. Later he was blown into the water by another
bomb and then rescued by a fellow seaman. His lungs ruptured, Mr. Carson
passed into unconsciousness at that point and remembered nothing more
until he woke up in an oxygen tent in a hospital on shore. After spending
several weeks in the hospital to recuperate from his injuries, Mr. Carson
rejoined the fleet and spent the rest of the war in the Pacific, part of
the time being stationed on a supply ship. He also did a stint helping
operate the airstrip on the otherwise uninhabited island of Palmyra in the
South Pacific. He was promoted to chief petty officer. In 1955 Mr. Carson,
who had never married, was working as a navy recruiter at the post office
in Jefferson City. Also working there, in the Bureau of Public Roads, was
Anna Reynolds, who had grown up beside the S-curves on Mo. 32 west of
Bolivar. They met, began dating and were married Jan. 20, 1956. The
Carsons lived in the Philippines when he was assigned there by the Navy,
and later at a Navy base in California. His death came a week before the
couple's 45th anniversary. All during his years in the Navy, Mr. Carson
dreamed of having a farm someplace back in the Midwest when he retired. In
1961, when he left the service, he and his wife bought the 160 acres on a
gravel road which they still owned at the time of his death. At first the
Carsons had a dairy operation and then became beef producers. While in the
Navy, Mr. Carson taught a shop class and was always fascinated by
machinery, particularly farm machinery, and shop tools. At one time he
owned three tractors, two pickups, a van and a car, and in his
professional-size shop on the farm he had more than 20 portable circular
saws, in addition to many other power tools. Mr. Carson never returned to
Pearl Harbor after the war and had never seen the shining USS Arizona
memorial built atop the relics of the ship until last fall when he and his
wife were taken back as guests of National Geographic. The sight of the
memorial and the ruined ship in which so many of his friends are entombed
proved to be a painful and torturous emotional experience for the retired
Navy man. "I'm glad I went back," he was to say later, "but I don't ever
want to go again." Surviving besides his wife are two brothers and their
wives, Robert and Ilona Carson, who live on a farm adjoining that of Carl
and Anna, and Jerry Lee and Kitty Carson of Dearing, Kan.; a sister, Joan
Robinett of Coffeyville, Kan.; a sister-in-law, Luella Anderson, Bolivar;
and several nieces, nephews and cousins, most of whom live in Kansas.
Services were Tuesday, Jan. 16, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the
Rev. Virgil Kearney officiating. Musical soloist was Dr. David Hacker with
Carol Krueger as pianist. Burial was in Barren Creek Cemetery west of
Bolivar. Casketbearers were Jim Brown, Bob Beason, Ray Potts, Keith
Parminter, Jack Glendenning and Tim Ragain.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Ralph L. Childress, 74, Bolivar, died at 12:50 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2001,
at Cox Medical Center, Springfield, after a six-month illness. He was born
Feb. 28, 1926, near Aldrich, the son of Julen and Addie Waggoner
Childress. He was a charter member of the Southside Missionary Baptist
Church in Bolivar and had retired from the Southwest Electric Cooperative
after 41 years of service. He was also the co-owner with his wife, Mary,
of Childress Music in Bolivar. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
He enjoyed life to the fullest and liked everyone he met. He always had a
mile and humorous story for his friends. Survivors include his wife, Mary,
of the home; two daughters and their husbands, Lisa and Brett Jarvis and
Barbara and Dusty McMurren, all of Bolivar; a son and his wife, Jerry and
Barbara Childress of Linthicum Heights, Md.; two sisters, Edith Graves of
Bolivar and Velma Tummons of Elsworth, Kan.; a brother, Clifford Childress
of Springfield; and one granddaughter. He was a loving, devoted husband,
father and grandfather, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him We
take comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain and is now in the arms of
a loving God. Services were Thursday, Jan. 4, in the Butler Funeral Home
Chapel with the Rev. Gayland Lightfoot officiating. Music was provided by
Alan Roberts, Mike Rowan, Nathan Hoffer and David Barham. Burial was in
Greenwood Cemetery. Casketbearers were Charley Ealy, Kenneth Childress,
Glenn Childress, John McGinnis, Floyd Carpenter and John Shuler. Full
military honors were conducted by the Galmey V.F.W. Post No. 9638.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Southside Missionary Baptist
Church in care of Butler Funeral Home, P.O. Box 11, Bolivar MO 65613.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Veneva Courtney was born March 18, 1925, at St. Frances Hospital in
Topeka, Kan., the daughter of Vern Warren Bowman and Minnie Laverne
Stafford. She passed away at 3:25 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2001, at Cox
Medical Center South in Springfield at the age of 75 years, 9 months, and
29 days. Many of her first memories were not of Topeka but of the great
depression and living in southern Missouri near Pea Ridge, Ark. Near Pea
Ridge, Neva, her two sisters, and her brother learned to live off the land
with their mom, raising chickens and hogs and taking fish from Sugar
Creek. Later she learned that working in the poultry factory in Pea Ridge
wasn't her calling. Her father found work in Burlington, Kan., and the
family reunited. Her brother, Warren, soon went off to war, and Neva went
to work for Southwestern Bell. Shortly after, Neva went to a dance in
Burlington, Kan., and met Joe Courtney. A short courtship turned into a
marriage proposal and a trip to the justice of the peace on March 24,
1944. She now became a farmer's wife. Neva and Joe began farming near
Burlington, Kan., and continued to farm in Coffey County. Neva and Joe had
a daughter, Wilma, in June 1945 and a son, Jim, in December 1950. Both
children graduated from Waverly High School in Waverly, Kan. After the
kids graduated, they sold the Waverly farm and moved to Lebo, Kan. In
1973, Joe retired, they sold the farm and moved to Bolivar. They had
already found their next love-camping. For more than 25 years they enjoyed
camping with their friends. Neva goes before us but will not be forgotten.
Surviving are her two children, Wilma Williams and her husband, Duane, of
Bolivar and James V. Courtney and his wife, Cindy, of Overland Park, Kan.;
and her two sisters, Cora Mae Bowen of El Dorado Springs and her twin
sister, Veneta Francis of Topeka, Kan. Also surviving are her four
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services were Saturday, Jan.
20, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Mark Shaffer officiating.
Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar. Casketbearers were
Charles Bowen, Kevin Bowen, Gene Carlton, Andy Anderson, Douglas Williams,
Gary Short and Father John West. Memorial contributions may be made to the
Grace Community United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 375, Buffalo MO 65622.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Nancy Ann Brown Cowan, 47, Coos Bay, Ore., formerly of Bolivar, died
Saturday, Jan. 27, 2001, in Ava. She was born Feb. 24, 1953, in
Albuquerque, N.M., the daughter of Ora Ann and Donald B. Brown. She
graduated in 1971 from the American High School in Heidelberg, Germany,
and later from Southwest Missouri State University with a B.S. in
education, majoring in German and minoring in Spanish. She was a former
teacher at Ava High School and Bolivar High School. She was preceded in
death by her father, Donald B. Brown. Survivors include her husband,
Verdell Cowan; her mother, Ann Brown of Bolivar; a son, Tyler Simmons, and
a daughter, Kelly Simmons, both of Bolivar; a brother, Steve Brown, and
his wife, Paula, of Osage Beach; a grandson, Andrew Mauck of Bolivar; and
several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Services were Tuesday, Jan. 30,
in Pitts Chapel with Elder J.D. Baker officiating. Music was provided by
Ervin Deithley, Dana Barbo and Charles Braithwait, accompanied by Candy
Baker. Burial will be at a later date in Greenwood Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Junior Cribbs, 85, Brighton, died at 1:18 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, 2001, in
St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. He was a retired carpenter
and stockman. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, in
Brighton Cemetery under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North,
Springfield. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the
funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Rose Marie Entlicher, 73, died at 12:55 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, 2001, at her
home south of Bolivar after a short illness. She was born July 3, 1927, in
Falls City, Neb., the daughter of Willis and Elsie Ball Wood. She had been
a resident of Bolivar for several years, moving here from Denver, Colo.
She was preceded in death by her parents. Surviving is her husband,
Rudolph of the home; one son, Richard Shurtleff of Richland; one stepson,
Ronald Entlicher, and one stepdaughter, Brenda Ross, both of Bolivar;
three grandchildren and three stepgrandchildren. Also a host of other
relatives and many friends. Services were Monday, Jan. 15, in the Butler
Funeral Home Chapel with Greg Ankrom officiating. Musical selections were
"Amazing Grace" and "Peace in the Valley." Burial was in the Slagle
Cemetery south of Bolivar under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home.
Casketbearers were Dannie Hubbert, Keith Smith, Lewis McBride, Phillip
Rose, David Francka and Terry Stewart.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Edwin Allen Erven, 80, Bolivar, died Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001, in Parkview
Health Care Facility following a lengthy illness. He was born Aug. 26,
1920, in Goodson to Homer and Bessie Frances Naselroad Erven. He graduated
from Emma D. School and served in the U. S. Army and the Naval Reserves.
He was a member of Strafford Masonic Lodge No. 608 and the 4-H and Lindley
Creek Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by two sons, Larry Erven
of Branson and John Erven of Bolivar; three daughters, Lana Thomas and
Linda Newton, both of Springfield, and Louise Stewart of Chapin, S.C.;
three brothers, Orel Erven of Goodson, Monford Carter and Vernon Carter,
both of Half Way; a sister, Willa Strader of Bolivar; nine grandchildren
and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one
brother and three sisters. Services were Friday, Jan. 12, in Pitts Chapel
with Bro. Dennis Spear officiating. Burial followed in Mt. View Cemetery
with military honors provided by Am Vets Post No. 114. Music was provided
by Kara and Chad Owens. Pallbearers were grandsons Jeff Chastain, Shawn
Newton, Jeremy Wilson, Chris Erven, Chad Owens, Paul Elmer, Tyler Morehead
and Chris Annin.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Molly Bell Floyd, 88, Humansville, died Monday, Jan. 29, 2001, in Big
Spring Care Center. The daughter of Jess L. and Myrtle Shivers Eyre, she
was born May 3, 1912, at Kansas City. She married Walter Floyd Oct. 20,
1934. He preceded her in death July 21, 1988. A former resident of
Flemington, she was a homemaker and a member of the United Methodist
Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Gordon Eyre;
a sister, Virginia Anders; and an infant sister. Survivors include two
children and their spouses, Wanda and Bill Garretson of Humansville and
Kenneth and Mary Floyd of Flemington; a sister, Dorothy Davis of Kansas
City; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Services will be
at 2:00 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the
Rev. Bob McQueen officiating. Music will be by Bob and Sandy Lovett.
Pallbearers will be Randy Garretson, Bob Lovett, Ben Coleman, Dorman
Coppage, Gary Davis and Bob Butcher. Interment will follow in Humansville
Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Margaret C. Geivet, 72, Bolivar, died at 5:03 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10,
2001, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. She was born Oct. 25,
1928, in Oklahoma to Wadie and Peal Phipps Gaines. On Dec. 23, 1945, she
was united in marriage to Lloyd Geivet, and to this union a daughter was
born. She had been a secretary for the Missouri Department of Family
Services and had owned Geivet's Goody Shop in Galmy. Survivors include her
husband, Lloyd, of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Kerry
Brand of Greensboro, Ga.; a half-brother, Preston Gaines of Deerfield;
three stepbrothers, Bill Mesplay of Winslow, Ark., Ronnie Mesplay of
DeBary, Fla., and Jim Mesplay of Chicago, Ill.; four stepsisters, Linda
Braun, Charmion Fanning and Betty Hendrix, all of Independence, and
Dorothy Armstrong of Tacoma, Wash.; her stepmother, Dorothy Hampton of
Nevada; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her
parents. Services were Saturday, Jan. 13, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev.
Jim Earson and Pastor Paul Cofer ofaficiating. Burial followed in
Greenfield Cemetery, Jerico Springs.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Clark Everett Gray, 61, Oak Grove, Ark., formerly of Bolivar, died Friday,
Jan. 5, 2001, in Rolla. He was born Dec. 13, 1939, in Blue Eye, a son of
Charles Everett and Georgia Ellen Clark Gray. H worked for a heavy machine
company as a crane operator. He served in the U.S. National Guard. He is
survived by two sons, Gregory Clark Gray of Rolla and Steven Wayne Gray of
Springfield; one daughter, Carrie Butler of Blue Eye; seven grandchildren;
one sister, Evelyn McFarland of Branson; and one brother, Charles Kenneth
Gray of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents; on brother,
Billy Joe Gray; and one sister, Alma McGinnis. Graveside services were
Monday, Jan. 8, in the Blue Eye Cemetery under the direction of Nelson
Funeral Service, Berryville, Ark.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Lee Davis Griffits, 84, Brighton, died at 2:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 4,
2001, in Christian Healthcare East, Springfield. He had been self-employed
as a laborer. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Rick and
Christina Griffits of Brighton; four grandchildren, Heidi, Amy, Ricky and
April; two great-grandchildren, Jaida and Tateum; and many cousins. He was
preceded in death by his parents, Guinn and Oma Griffits, and his wife,
Elsie Griffits. Graveside services were Saturday, Jan. 6, in Brighton
Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Robert "Bob" H. Groen, 60, Pleasant Hope, died at 11:30 p.m. Thursday,
Jan. 25, 2001, in Cox Medical Center North, Springfield. He was born July
25, 1940, in Swae City, Iowa. Untill the time of his illness, he was
employed by Mullings Farms in Pleasant Hope. He is survived by his wife,
Cheryl; his daughter Christina, her husband, Ben, and son, Travis; his
daughter Michelle, her husband, Daniel, and children Seth, Brittany and
Dalton; and a sister, Maryann Wright of Chanute, Kan. No services were
held. Arrangements were under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home
North, Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the American
Cancer Society in care of the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Juanita Frances Hindman, 87, Aldrich, died Sunday, Jan. 7, 2001, in
Parkview Health Care Facility following a lingering illness. She was born
Sept. 19, 1913, in Lambert, Okla., to John E. and Ella Copeland Brim. She
had worked for MFA Grocery in Aldrich. She was a 50-year member of the
Aldrich United Methodist Church. She is survived by a son and
daughter-in-law, James E. and Karel L. Lowery of Jefferson City; two
grandchildren, Evan Nicholas Lowery and Emily Lyster Lowery, also of
Jefferson City; several cousins, other familly members and friends. She
was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph Hindman, in
October 1985; a brother, Carmen P. Brim; and cousins Frances and Henry
Stone. Services will be at 10:00 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Aldrich United
Methodist Church with the Rev. Sylvia Ireland officiating. Music will be
provided by her grandchildren. Burial will follow in Pleasant Ridge
Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Aldrich United
Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
William J. "W.J." Jump, 73, Bolivar, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 17,
2001, at Citizens Memorial Hospital. He was born Nov. 2, 1927, in Bolivar
to Alfred and Ines Jump. He served in the Merchant Marines and then went
into the Army. When he got out of the Army he moved to Kansas City, where
he met and married Dorothy Choate on Dec. 1, 1951. They lived in Kansas
City, where he worked for Fleming Foods for 25 years. They moved back to
Bolivar when he retired in 1988. He was saved and baptized at Sunset Hill
Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City. He was a family man, a loving
husband and a caring father who never stopped worrying about his kids. He
was a special grandpa who made each one feel special in their own way. He
enjoyed his great-grandkids and they loved their poppy. He was a good
friend who was always there to lend a hand. He is survived by his wife of
49 years, Dorothy; a son and his wife, Mike and Kim Jump; three daughters
and their husbands, Debbie and Larry Blazer, Vickie and Eddie Griffith and
Karen and Delbert Bailey; 11 grandkids, three stepgrandkids, three
great-grandkids and three step-great-grandkids; three brothers, Marion
Jump, Bob Jump and Sonny Jump, alI of Bolivar; and two sisters, Francis
Avis of Laurie and Willa Mae Brewster of Tucson, Ariz. He was preceded in
death by his parents, Alfred and Ines Jump; a brother, Lee Jump; a sister,
Marcella Vandergrift; a granddaughter, Tracy Patrick; and a
great-grandson, Benjamin Welch. He touched all of us in different ways. He
will be missed by us all, but we know he's at peace in a better place.
Services were Saturday, Jan. 20, in Southern Hills Baptist Church with
Pastor Gary Urich and Bro. Garland Pool officiating. Music was by Mary
Jenkins accompanied by Tammy Kelly. Burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Bill Patrick, Jody Summers, Travis Summers, Jacob
Summers, Garry Jump and Ronnie Jump. Arrangements were under the direction
of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Barbara Eloise Knoy, 89, Bolivar, died Saturday, Jan. 27, 2001, in
Parkview Health Care Facility after a short illness. She was born Nov. 4,
1911, in Nashville, Tenn., to Omar and Julia Evans. She was the youngest
child, having three older sisters and one older brother. She married
George DeLoyt Knoy on Dec. 26, 1935, in Nashville, Tenn. They lived in
Tennessee and California before moving back to Bolivar in 1983. She was
preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, her brother and her
husband, George, who died Oct. 22, 1997. She is survived by her two
daughters, Eloise Moore and her husband, Michael, of Fullerton, Calif.,
and Sharon Zidlicky and her husband, Steven, of Bolivar; her son, Winton
Knoy of Parris, Calif.; two grandchildren, Susan Becker and her husband,
Theron, of Bolivar and Catherine Zidlicky; and a sister-in-law, Sybil
Weaver of Kona, Hawaii. Services were Tuesday, Jan. 30, in Pitts Chapel
with the Rev. Jerry Cooney officiating. Music was provided by Mary Vest
and Kathy Greer. Pallbearers were Richard Jenkins, Rex Warren, Paul Doyle,
Carl Blomenkamp, Larry Drake and Ron Hendrickson.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Wayne Allen Kropf, 63, Half Way, died Sunday, Jan. 28, 2001, in St.
Francis Hospital, Memphis, Tenn., from complications of cancer. He was
born Sept. 10, 1937, in Shelby County, Ill., to Allen and Viola Shrock
Kropf. He accepted Christ in his youth and was baptized into the Amish
Mennonite Church, where he remained a member until his death. On Dec. 8,
1957, he was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Eigsti near Tampico, Ill.
They were together for more than 43 years. He is survived by his wife,
Barbara, of the home; six sons, Ernest of the home, Christy and his wife,
Rosetta, Victor and his wife, Carla, Edward and his wife, Verneta, Simon
and his wife, Julie, and Lloyd of the home, all of Half Way; three
daughters, Linda Blosser and her husband, Warren, of Half Way, Nancy
Hostetler and her husband, Jesse, of Buffalo, and Karen of the home; 29
grandchildren; two brothers, Ervil Kropf of Half Way and Charles Kropf of
Vandalia; one sister, Beulah Headings of Buffalo; three uncles and five
aunts. He was preceded in death by one son, Richard, and his parents.
Services will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at the Pleasant View A.M.
School, then at 10 a.m. at the Pleasant View A.M. Church with the Rev. Ken
Hostetler, the Rev. Eugene Kropf, the Rev. Mark Eigsti and the Rev. Ben
Hostetler officiating. The church choir will sing. Interment will be in
the Pleasant View A.M. Cemetery under the direction of the Cantlon
Otterness Funeral Home of Buffalo. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. today
(Wednesday) in the Pleasant View A.M. School.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Lelia Rayfield Larkin, 93, Arcadia, died Saturday, Jan. 20, 2001, at the
home of her daughter. She was born Feb. 28, 1907, in Grandin, the daughter
of Jess and Alice Vernom Jaco. On Dec. 27, 1927, in Centerville, she was
united in marriage to Floyd Rayfield, who preceded her in death in 1950.
On Aug. 16, 1969, in Ellington, she was united in marriage to Paul Larkin,
who preceded her in death in 1994. She was a longtime member of the First
Baptist Church of Ellington, where she taught Sunday school and sang in
the choir. At the time of her death she was a member of the First Baptist
Church of Ironton. She was preceded in death by her parents; her two
husbands; two sons, Bill and Ben Rayfield; three brothers, Hillard, Elmer
and Vester Jaco; a sister, Nealey Melton; a great-granddaughter, Mindy
Gore; and a stepdaughter, Luella Goggin. She is survived by two daughters,
Barbara McNail and her husband, Dall, of Arcadia and Marinell Erven and
her husband, Ron, of Bolivar; two stepsons, Kenneth Larkin and his wife,
Susan, of St. Louis and David Larkin and his wife, Pat, of Ironton; two
stepdaughters, Mary Pyrtle and her husband, George, of Cape Girardeau and
Judy Stroer and her husband, Bill, of St. Louis; one stepson-in-law, Cliff
Goggin of St. Louis; one daughter-in-law, Louise Rayfield of Plano, Texas;
two sisters-in-law, Mae Rayfield of Ellington and Ruth Jaco of Salt Lake
City, Utah; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, 18
step-grandchildren, 25 step-great-grandchildren and other relatives and
friends. Services were Monday, Jan. 22, at the McSpadden Funeral Home,
Ellington, with the Rev. Ron Erven officiating. Music was by Frances
Vermillion. Pallbearers were Dr. Scott Rayfield, Kendall McNail, Derek
Erven, Garret Gore, Devin Gore and Michael Larkin. Honorary pallbearers
were Bernie Bales, Craig Rayfield, Kevin Goggin and Paul Goggin. Burial
was in Ellington City Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Vera Mae Lockhart, 63, Half Way, died Saturday, Jan. 6, 2001, in her home
following a lingering illness. She was born Jan. 9, 1937, in Goodson to
Ray Edward and Neva N. Thorp Harris. On Dec. 15, 1937, she was united in
marriage to Wayne Lockhart, and to this union four children were born. She
was a homemaker and quilter. Her church membership was at Rimby Assembly
of God Church. Survivors include her husband, Wayne, of the home; two
sons, Dwayne L. Lockhart and Roger A. Lockhart, both of Half Way; two
daughters and a son-in-law, Linda M. Lockhart of the home and Brenda K.
and Larry Benedict of Flemington; a stepdaughter, Bertha Lee Potter of
Laurie; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Melvin and Ester Harris of
Independence, Howard Harris of Bolivar and Virgil and Darcus Harris of
Bolivar; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Wilma and Morris Blanton of
Bolivar, Willa F. and Glenn Lemmon of Springfield and Dorothy and Curtis
Lockhart of Louisburg; five grandchildren, Kayla Benedict and Cameron
Benedict of Flemington and Curtis Potter, Kim Potter and Stephanie Potter
of Laurie; as well as four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death
by her parents and two brothers, Willard Harris and L. Dee Harris.
Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Pitts Chapel with Bro.
Roger Easter officiating. Music will be provided by Cindy Lockhart and
Ruth Easter. Burial will follow in Star Ridge Cemetery. Memorial
contributions may be made to the Citizens Memorial Hospice in care of the
funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Erma Louise "Mammie" Mawhiney, 74, Pleasant Hope, died Tuesday, Jan. 9,
2001, in her home after a long illness. She was born March 1, 1926, in
Greenfield, the daughter of Hugh and Carrie Duffy. She was a retired
registered nurse of 27 years with St. John's Hospital and Mercy Villa,
Springfield. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers,
five sisters, two brothers-in-law and one nephew. She is survived by her
husband of 55 years, Thomas, of the home; a son, Dan Mawhiney and his
wife, Ruth, Pleasant Hope; a daughter, Carrie Agee and her husband Mike,
Hollister; and six grandchildren, James Agee of the home, Carrie Lynn Agee
of Hollister, Tom and Valerie Mawhiney of St. Louis, Patty Mawhiney of
Springfield, and David Mawhiney of Pleasant Hope. Services were at 1 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 12, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, with the
Rev. Larry Hargus officiating. Burial was in Vaughen Cemetery, Greenfield.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Alma Nell McBride, 84, Bolivar, died Friday, Jan. 12, 2001, in Citizens
Memorial Health Care Facility after a lengthy illness. She was born March
19, 1916, in Paradise, Texas, to David and Mary Combs. She grew up in
Clayton, N.M., and graduated from Clayton High School in 1934. She worked
for the Texas State Welfare Department and married C.C. McBride in 1945 in
Dallas, Texas. They moved to Bolivar in 1951. She was a longtime member of
the First Baptist Church, Bolivar, and served as hostess for more than 20
years. She also coordinated the church nursery for many years. She worked
at the Southwest Baptist University Student Union for four years.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Richard Potter of
Bolivar, and their children, Chris, Abby, Jon and Andy; her son and
daughter-in-law, Dean and Linda McBride of Lee's Summit, and their
children, Vanessa Melanie, Ashley, Adam and Lauren; her son and
daughter-in-law, Kent and Kathy McBrice of Superior, Colo., and their
children, Kelly, Zac and Arielle; a sister and two brothers, Margie
Hartwig and L.D. Combs, both of Hereford, Texas, and Robert Combs of New
York, N.Y. She was preceded in death by her husband, C.C. McBride, and a
sister, Imogene Zinck. Services were Sunday, Jan. 14, in Bolivar First
Baptist Church with the Rev. Ray Leininger officiating. Music was by Bill
and Sandy Jones, accompanied by Rose Roweton. Pallbearers were Dean
McBride, Kent McBride, Richard Potter, Jonathan Potter, Andrew Potter and
Adam McBride. Interment was in Crestview Memorial Gardens under the
direction of Murray Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to
the Southwest Missouri chapter of the Alzheimers Association, 2021 S.
Waverly Ave., No. 100, Springfield MO 65804.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Garley Elmer Mincks was born May 5, 1912, near Rogersville to Silas Lafe
and Julia Ellen Brewer Mincks. He went home to be with the Lord at 3:20
a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001, in Parkview Health Care Facility at the age
of 88 years, eight months and 19 days. He grew up in Webster and Greene
counties. He was united in marriage to Sarah Marie Appleby of Willard on
April 16, 1935. In 1940, they moved to Polk County, which he claimed was
the best place on earth to live. During his life, Garley was a dairy
farmer and a block layer. He enjoyed coon hunting all of his life and
loved to remember coon hunts he had been on. Garley was saved and joined
Mount Etna Baptist Church, where he was a charter member and deacon. He
hardly ever missed a church service and had the building heated up and was
ready to sing those old hymns which he loved. He was preceded in death by
his beloved wife of 52 years, Marie; a baby daughter, Mary Ellen; a son,
Ross Wayne; a grandson, Dwight Alan; a son-in-law, James Cunningham; his
parents, three brothers and two sisters. He is survived by one daughter,
Clara Nadine Cunningham of Bolivar; five grandsons and their wives, Wade
and Shontel Cunningham of Goodson, Darrel Cunningham, Chris Cunningham,
Andy and Christina Rauch and Alex and Crystal Rauch, all of Bolivar; two
granddaughters, Linda Cunningham of Springfield and Amy Archibald and her
husband, Sean, of Jonesboro, Ark.; six great-grandchildren, Haley and
Katelyn Rauch, Lori and Cody Archibald, Alan and Sarah Cunningham; a
daughter-in-law, Teresa Rauch of Bolivar; an adopted granddaughter and her
family, Becky McGarrah, Andy and Danny McGarrah; many nieces and nephews
and a host of friends and neighbors. Serivces were Saturday, Jan. 27, in
Butler Chapel with the Rev. Neil Graham and the Rev. Dennis Payton
officiating. Music was provided by Barbara Swadley, pianist, and
congregational singing led by Bob Swadley. Burial was in Rose Hill
Cemetery near Willard. Casketbearers were Wade Cunningham, Chris
Cunningham, Steve Mincks, Bill Mincks, Alex Rauch and Andy Rauch. Memorial
contributions may be made to the Mount Etna Baptist Church.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Lillie May Raleigh, 87, Humansville, died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001, in Big
Spring Care Center. She was born in Hickory County near Weaubleau on Feb.
22, 1913, the oldest of eleven children born to James and Rose Holiman
Moore. On April 14, 1934, she married Wayne Raleigh, and they lived in
Humansville for the past 38 years. She was a homemaker and a member of the
Gerster Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Wayne, of the home;
three daughters, Hattie Raleigh of Blue Springs, Thelma Woods of
Independence and Wilma Blakemore of Western Grove, Ark.; a brother, Jim
Moore of Bolivar; two sisters, Ina Faye Henderson of Lee's Summit and
Dollie Moore of Wheatland; six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Services were Saturday, Jan. 27, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the
Rev. Robert Harris officiating. Interment was in Butcher-Fairview Cemetery
near Wheatland. Pallbearers were Wayne Bradshaw, Dennis Henderson, Clay
Estes, Jim Estes, Bob Blakemore and Shorty Hampton.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Wanda Merle Schleifer was born on Dec. 29, 1917, in Polk County, the
daughter of Fred and Susie Thompson Schleifer. She departed this life at
5:30 p.m. on Jan. 19, 2001, in the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Lockwood
at 83 years and 21 days of age. Wanda was born and lived her entire life
in the Van community, graduating from Pleasant Hope High School. Wanda was
saved at an early age and joined the Walnut Ridge Missionary Baptist
Church where she remained a member until the time of her death. She was
united in marriage to Alva Redd on Nov. 27, 1935. To this union one son
was born, Al Kent. Wanda was active in her church and community and was a
member of the Van Town Club. She enjoyed quilting and fellowshipping with
the neighbors of the community. She was preceded in death by her parents,
her brother, Casey, and her sister, Virginia Stewart. In her passing she
leaves her son and daughter-in-law, Al Kent and Peggy Redd of Half Way;
two grandchildren, Carol Bullard and her husband, Chad, of Half Way and
Darren Redd and his wife, Shelly, of Bolivar; also four
great-grandchildren, Stephan, Jona, Dakota and Cheyenne; one
sister-in-law, Marie Redd, and one brother-in-law, Clyde Stewart. She also
leaves several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. She will be
sadly missed by all who loved and knew her. Services were Monday, Jan. 22,
in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson
officiating. Music was provided by the combined choirs of the Walnut Ridge
Church and the Schofield Church. Burial was in the New Bethel Cemetery
south of Half Way. Casketbearers were Phil Schleifer, Mike Schleifer, Fred
Stewart, Mike Stewart, Gary Stewart and Ray Dean Hinkle.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Esther May Schultz, 62, Aldrich, died at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30,
2001, at Cox Medical Center, Springfield, after a brief illness. She was
born near Morrisville on Sept. 21, 1938, the daughter of Arthur Gilbert
Sell and Verna Cordelia Slagle. She had been a longtime resident of Blue
Springs, moving to the Aldrich area about five years ago. She was a
retired clerk typist from the Leeds Plant of General Motors in Kansas
City. Surviving are her five daughters, Deborah May Rapp of Collinsville,
Okla., Brenda Sue Crabtree of Houston, Texas, Johnna Lynn Irvin of Blue
Springs, Deanna Marie Decker of Lake Latawana and Kelley Ann Metcalf of
Kansas CIty; two sisters, Evelyn O'Dell of Liberty and Shirley Burgent of
Kansas City; two brothers, Leon Sell of Belton and Gilbert Sell of
Aldrich; and 11 grandchildren. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb.
2, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. James Sewell
officiating. Burial will be in Slagle Cemetery south of Bolivar.
Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Friends
may call at their convenience after 9 a.m. Thursday. The casket will be
closed at all times. Memorial contributions may be made to the American
Cancer Society.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Mitzi Michelle Murphy Slater, 33, Philadelphia, Pa., formerly of Bolivar,
died Thursday, Jan. 11, 2001. She was born June 27, 1967, in Springfield
to Bobby and Wanda Landreth Murphy. She attended Bolivar High School,
Southwest MIssouri State University and Kent State University, where she
earned a master's degree. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Sharon
Annette Murphy and Brenda Kay Peak Lewis. She is survived by her husband
of six years, Joshua Slater of Philadelphia, Pa.; her parents, Bob and
Wanda Murphy of Bolivar; a sister and her husband, Janet Peak and Gary
Fletcher of Johnson City, Tenn.; a brother and his wife, Larry and Janice
Peak of Walnut Grove; her in-laws, Robert and Marion Slater of Bryn Mawr,
Pa.; a brother-in-law, Ben Slater of Bryn Mawr, Pa.; a sister-in-law and
her husband, Janet Slater and Marc Belitski of Broomall, Pa.; nieces and
nephews Laura Fletcher, Sierra Friend, Joey Fletcher, Christie Fletcher,
Josh Peak, Melissa Peak, Jennifer Lewis, Kenny Lewis, Shawn Layne, Larry
Paul Layne and many other relatives along with special friends Desmond
Schulz, John Gibson, Dalton Pownell and Erich Ploppa. Services will be at
1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, in Pitts Chapel with burial following in
Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday)
in the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Vernon W. Barnes Sr., 89, formerly of the Aldrich area, died at 5:15 a.m.
Friday, Jan. 19, 2001, in Christian Health Care Center, Springfield,
following a lingering illness. He was born Nov. 4, 1911, in Woodburn,
Ore., to Josiah Benton and Emma Barnes. Survivors include three sons and
two daughters-in-law, Vernon W. Jr. and Sue Barnes of Bartlesville, Okla.,
Gene and Annie Barnes and John Barnes, all of San Jose, Calif., as well as
eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death
by his parents, brothers and a sister. Graveside services were Monday,
Jan. 22, in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Aldrich, with the Rev. Harold
Hendrickson officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts
Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Erma Lee Medley Stewart, 78, was born Feb. 23, 1922, and went to be with
her Lord Saturday, Jan. 20, 2001, in Maranatha Village, Springfield. She
was saved at 14 years of age at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where
she was a member until she moved her membership to Rock Prairie Missionary
Baptist Church where she was a faithful and active member for several
years. After her move to Maranatha Village, she moved her membership to
True Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a member at the time of
her passing. She was united in marriage to Dean Medley on March 10, 1938.
To this union three children were born, Dennis, Linda and Deanna. She
spent most of her life in the Tin Town community, where she owned and
operated Medley's Upholstery and Purse Shop, and was affectionately known
as the "Purse Lady of Tin Town." She never met a stranger and loved to
meet and visit with everyone. On Aug. 28, 1976, she married Rexford H.
Stewart. Erma Lee and Rex had 23 years together; they loved going to
church and singing gospel songs. She was preceded in death by her parents;
her husband, Dean Medley, in 1972 and her husband, Rexford Stewart, in
1999; one sister, Mary Giboney; two brothers, Ralph McCurry Sr. and Howard
McCurry; and her mother-in-law, Vercy Medley. She is survived by her son
and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Sonnie Medley; two daughters and
sons-in-law, Linda and Bill Yoast and Deanna and Ron Cook; four
stepchildren and their spouses, Norene and Richard Fronobarger, Rexford N.
and Wanda Stewart, Edgar Paul and Sharon Stewart and Lloyd Delano and
Carolyn Stewart; seven grandchildren, eight stepgrandchildren and 22
great-grandchildren; a sister and her husband, Willa Dee and Quentin
Richerson of Lodi, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Veda Cates; a sister-in-law
and her husband, Norma Lee and Bob Beach; a brother-in-law and his wife,
Franklin and Jane Stewart; and a host of loving nieces and nephews,
cousins and friends. Her beautiful smile will be missed by everyone who
knew her. Services were Wednesday, Jan. 24, in Greenlawn Funeral Home
North, Springfield, with burial in Rock Prairie Cemetery north of Tin
Town. Pallbearers were her grandsons, Dennis A. Medley, David K. Medley,
Brian L. Cook, Shawn L. Yoast, Shane L. Yoast and Shannon L. Yoast.
Honorary pallbearers were her stepgrandsons, Darren Stewart, Dennis
Stewart, Doyle Stewart, Leroy Stewart, Jason Stewart and Chris Stewart.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Homer Gene Watts, 74, Springfield, died at 6:45 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12,
2001. He was born April 29, 1926, near Baker, in Searcy County, Ark., the
son of Hugh Vance and Bettie Hagar Watts. As an infant, he and his family
moved to Osage County, Okla., where his father worked in the oil fields.
At age 14 he moved to the Half Way area, where he attended school. He
started working as an automobile painter, which was his profession all of
his life until his retirement. He lived and worked in numerous places
across the country, including Bolivar, Springfield and the state of
California. He later moved back to Springfield, where he resided until his
death. Survivors include his companion for many years, Vea Anderson of
Springfield; his two daughters, Cherryl Daugherty of Carbondale, Ill., and
Judy Taylor of San Clemente, Calif.; a brother and sister-in-law, Victor
and Norma Watts, Springfield; four grandchildren, four
great-grandchildren, one niece, two nephews, cousins and many friends.
Services were Sunday, Jan. 14, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the
Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.
Casketbearers were Jim Hagar, David Hagar, Richard Appleby, Rick Hagar,
Nick Mass and Bob Julien.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Patrick Lewis Williams, 40, Dunnegan, was found dead in his home at 11:34
p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2001. He was born Jan. 10, 1961, in Valparaiso,
Ind., the son of Lawrence Marvin and Charlene Hale Williams. He had been a
longtime resident of Indiana before moving to Missouri about six years
ago. He had been a resident of the Dunnegan area a little over one year.
He was a truck driver for the I.W.X. Company in Springfield. Surviving are
his wife, Sandra L. Williams, of the home; one son, Jesse Williams of
Plymouth, Ind.; his mother, Charlene Williams of Plymouth, Ind.; four
sisters and three brothers, Mickie Dutcher of Culver, Ind., and Cheryl
Beatty, Bea Williams, Betty Williams, Larry Williams, Jimmie Williams and
Robert Williams, all of Plymouth, IN. Services were Monday, Jan. 22, in
the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Tom Kinnan officiating. At
his request, his body was cremated after the services.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Mark F. Winton, 75, Metairie, La., formerly of Polk County, died Tuesday,
Jan. 16, 2001, in Metairie. He was born Dec. 21, 1925, in Cliquot to Mark
Ralph and Lillian Belle Brown Winton. He was united in marriage to Amelia
Lois Ballard. He had been an equipment engineer for Texaco Oil Company. He
is survived by his wife, Lois, of the home; a son, Mark T. Winton; two
daughters and sons-in-law, Alice and Art Johnson and Carol and Stephen
Harlan; as well as three grandchildren. Services will be first in
Metairie, La., and at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, in Pitts Chapel with
burial following in Dunnegan Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 26, in the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Orvil Frank Young, 79, Bolivar, died Thursday, January 18, 2001, in his
home following a lengthy illness. He was born April 3, 1921, in Walnut
Grove to Cecil and Zella Kirk Young. He was united in marriage to Lena Mae
Berry on July 20, 1941, in Kennett. He attended Luck School and as a
teenager joined the Civilians Conservation Corps. He served in the U.S.
Navy during World War II. He and his wife had lived on the same farm in
the Polk-Goodson community since 1942. He was preceded in death by his
parents, one sister, and twin daughters. He is survived by his wife, Lena
Mae, of the home; two sons and their wives, Francis and Donna Young and
Jay Cee and Cindy Young, all of Bolivar; two daughters, Lella Duff and her
husband, Charles, of Fair Grove and Mary Holbrook of the home; three
brothers and their wives, Hubert and Betty Young of Bolivar, Clearance and
Jean Young of Springfield and Clyde and Theresa Young of Pekin, Ill.; one
stepbrother, Fred Carver of Webb City; six grandsons and four
granddaughters, Jamie Ruckman and his wife, Connie, of Bolivar, Mari Beth
Ruckman of Branson, Stephanie Fizette and her husband, Ben, of Golden
City, Sonia Hosiner and her husband, Martin, of Half Way, Kevin Young of
Bolivar, Jared Duff of San Diego, Calif., Matthew Duff and his wife, Amber
Dawn, of Las Vegas, Nev., Eric Duff and his wife, Amber, of Springfield,
Quinton Young and Quincy Young, both of Bolivar; and five
great-grandchildren, Shelly Hall of Springfield, Renee and James Ruckman
of Bolivar, Isaac Duff of Las Vegas, Nev., and Nichole Hosiner of Half
Way. Services were Sunday, Jan. 21, in Butler Chapel with Bro. Norman
Culbertson officiating. Music was provided by Christine Bates and Dena Kay
Hoover. Burial was in Kelly Cemetery near Ash Grove. Casketbearers were
Gary Doke, Danny Doke, Ben Fizette, Eric Duff, Jimmy Netherton and Kevin
Young. Full military honors were conducted at the cemetery by the U.S.
Navy Honors Team. Memorial contributions may be make to the American Lung
Association or the World War II Memorial.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, January 2001:
Anna N. Sauder Zimmerman, 83, Buffalo, died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2001, of an
apparent heart attack at the home of her daughter. She was born May 21,
1917, in Lancaster County, Pa., to David and Annie Sauder. On Nov. 9,
1937, she was married to Ivan N. Zimmerman in Lancaster County, Pa., and
they were married for 31 years. In 1968 she moved with her husband and
four youngest children from Pennsylvania to Buffalo, where she has resided
since. Her husband preceded her in death July 19, 1968. For the past nine
years she resided with her daughter and son-in-law, Ella Mae and Dennis
Blosser. She is survived by five sons and daughters-in-law, Samuel and
Arlene Zimmerman of Fleetwood, Pa., Norman and Alta Zimmerman of Lime
Springs, Iowa, Alvin and Mary Ella Zimmerman of Auburn, N.Y., John Ivan
and Maryann Zimmerman of Wyandotte, Okla., and Elton and Mary Lou
Zimmerman of Muscoda, Wis.; three daughters and sons-in-law, Laura and
Irvin Garman of Mt. Sterling, Iowa, Anna and Charles Kropf of Vandalia and
Ella Mae and Dennis Blosser of Buffalo; 68 grandchildren and 84
great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and her parents, she was
preceded in death by two grandchildren, two sisters and four brothers.
Services were Monday, Jan. 8, at the Pleasant View A.M. Church with Ben
Hostetler, Paul Hostetler and Ken Hostetler officiating. Escorts were
Marlin Zimmerman, Morris Zimmerman, Anthony Blosser, Jeffrey Blosser,
Eugene Kropf and Merle Kropf. Interment was in the Pleasant View A.M.
Cemetery under the direction of Cantlon Otterness Funeral Home, Buffalo.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Ray Ankrom, 77, Bolivar, died Monday, Dec. 18, 2000, in Citizens Memorial
Health Care Facility following a lingering illness. He was born Sept. 24,
1923, in Van to Emory Clay and Eva Jewell Wright Ankrom. Survivors include
two brothers and sisters-in-law, Gene and Mary Ankrom of Fair play and Bob
and Mary Ann Ankrom of Marshfield; four sisters and brothers-in-law,
Lucille and Robert Henson of Republic, Darline and Don Jenkins of Bolivar,
Kay and Jim Keeling of Pleasant Hope and Linda and Wade Thompson of El
Dorado Springs; an aunt, Elva Mae Goss of Ventura, Calif.; 15 nieces and
nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in
death by his parents and two brothers, William Trenton Ankrom and Connie
Claude Ankrom. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, in Pitts
Chapel with the Rev. Gary Ankrom officiating. Music will be provided by
the Ankrom family. Burial will follow in New Bethel Cemetery, Half Way.
Pallbearers will be his nephews, Ronald Joe Henson, Randy Ankrom, Roger
Ankrom, Michael Ankrom, Andrew Jenkins, Dallas Jenkins, Morgan Jenkins,
Jeff Keeling and Jared Keeling. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until
service time Thursday at the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Julius E. "Curly" Atwood, 79, Morrisville, died Friday, Dec. 8, 2000, in
Cox Medical Center North, Springfield. He was a metal polisher, and he
served as an elder for the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Springfield. He
was preceded in death by one son, Danny Atwood. Survivors include his
wife, Irene Atwood, of the home; seven children, Charlene Raley of
Texarkana, Ark., Julie Dorcis of Fair Grove, Robert Atwood of Marionville,
John Atwood of Nixa, Bill Berdine of Lowell, Ind., Peggy Graves of
Jonesboro, Ark., and Mike Swenson of Thornhill, Tenn.; one sister, May
Purtha of Hugo, Okla.; and 14 grandchildren. Services were Tuesday, Dec.
12, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, with burial in Pleasant
Ridge Cemetery, Aldrich. Memorial contributions may be made to Tape
Ministry, Seventh Day Adventist Church, 702 S. Belview, Springfield MO
65807.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Irene DeGraffenreid Bruce, 91, Bolivar, died at 7:09 p.m. Saturday, Dec.
2, 2000, at Parkview Health Care Facility after a lingering illness. She
was born Oct. 3, 1909, in Dade County, the daughter of George and Nora
Rossett DeGraffenreid. She was united in marriage to Ruel Bruce on Aug.
18, 1928, and to this union five children were born, Gene, George,
Kenneth, Mary Lou and Evelyn Sue. She lived most of her life in the
Bolivar area and worked as a cook at Southwest Baptist College for many
years. She was saved at an early age and united with Campbell Grove
Missionary Baptist Church. In later years she was a member of the Calvary
Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70
years, Ruel Bruce; her parents and a sister. She is survived by three
sons, Charles Eugene Bruce and his wife, Minnie, of Des Moines, Iowa,
Kenneth Bruce of Brighton and George Bruce and his wife, Marie, of Urbana;
two daughters, Mary Lou Bruce of Fordland and Evelyn Sue Camp of
Springfield; one brother, Ernie DeGraffenreid and his wife, Jean, of
Bolivar; two brothers-in-law, Bernard Watkins of Bolivar and J.C. Bruce of
Fair Play; 11 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and three
great-great-grandchildren. Services were Tuesday, Dec. 5, in Butler Chapel
with Bro. Dennis E. Spear officiating. Music was provided by "Sisters in
One a-Chord" and Jim and Ethel Mae Tennis. Burial was in Greenwood
Cemetery. Casketbearers were Bill Bob Kallenbach, John Polk Campbell, Dale
Bullington, Deryl Tinsley, Robert Kifer and Jim Kirby.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Joe Wayne Davis, 68, Clinton, died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2000, in the Golden
Valley Hospital in Clinton. He was born Oct. 25, 1932, to L. Raymond and
Beulah Rooney Davis in Jefferson County, Ill. On Aug. 9, 1992, he was
united in marriage to Lois Faye Taylor in Bolivar. He was a U.S. Army
veteran of the Korean War and the former owner of the Joe Davis Family
Restaurant in Bolivar. Survivors include his wife, Lois Faye Davis of the
home; his children, Rick Davis and his wife, Tammy, of Pleasant Hope,
Chuck Davis and his wife, Missy, of Bolivar, Davey Davis and his wife,
Sherry, of Dunnegan, David Taylor and his wife, Jan, of El Dorado Springs,
Mark Taylor of Bolivar, Sharon Newman and her husband, Dannie, of El
Dorado Springs, Linda Burns and her husband, Terry, of Stockton, Karen
Neely and her husband, Ron, of Springfield and Susan Siler and her
husband, Gary, of Brighton. Also surviving are grandchildren,
great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He
was preceded in death by his parents, sisters and brothers. Services were
Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Deepwater First Baptist Church with the Rev. Jim
Brack officiating. Interment was in Memory Gardens, Clinton, under the
direction of Hackleman and Sons Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Clifford Gardner, 55, Morrisville, died at 3:28 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18,
2000, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. He was preceded in death
by his parents and one brother. Survivors include one daughter, Shelly
Gardner of Republic; four sisters, Loretta Jackson and Doris Chandler,
both of Springfield, Wilma Jackson of Eudora and Annabelle Courtois of
Strafford; three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Graveside
services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, in Liberty Cemetery under
the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield. Visitation
will be after 4 p.m. today (Friday) in the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Anna S. Kups Gent died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2000, at the Parkwood Nursing
Center in Bedford, Texas. She was born Nov. 10, 1914, at Center Point,
Iowa, the fourth and youngest child of Joseph and Anna Kups. She was 86
years, one month and two days of age. Her family later moved to Polk
County, where she grew up. Anna married her teenage sweetheart, Navy
Seaman Raymond S. Gent of Aldrich, on Dec. 7, 1938, at Santa Ana, Calif.
Raymond retired from the Navy in 1956 as a chief petty officer at the
Naval ROTC unit at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Ga., after 20 years of
service. Raymond, Anna and their two sons remained in the Atlanta area,
and Raymond completed a second 20-year career in 1977, this being with the
Student Housing Department at Georgia Tech. Anna began volunteer telephone
work for the American Cancer Society and eventually completed a 15-year
career of her own with that agency. They relocated to a Bedford, Texas,
retirement community near their son and daughter-in-law in Euless, Texas,
and in 1994 joined the Martin United Methodist Church in Bedford, Texas.
Raymond passed away on Nov. 9, 1999, and was buried at the Barren Creek
Cemetery east of Bolivar with full military honors. Also preceding Anna in
death were her parents, her sister, Mary, and her brothers, Charlie and
Tony. Surviving are her two sons and their wives, Raymond D. and Betty
Gent of Euless, Texas, and Carl D. and Janet Gent of McLean, Va.; her
granddaughters, Suzanne Logue and her husband, Staff Sgt. Robert Logue of
Copperas Cove, Texas; Leslie James and her husband Terry James of Watauga,
Texas, and Laura Gent of McLean, Va.; her grandsons, Darren Gent of
Florence, S.C., David Gent of Roanoke, Va., and Scott Gent of Young
Harris, Ga.; and great-granddaughters Kylie and Hannah Logue of Copperas
Cove, Texas. Services were Saturday, Dec. 16, in the Butler Funeral Home
Chapel with burial in Barren Creek Cemetery east of Bolivar. Memorial
contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Building
Fund, Martin United Methodist Church, 2621 Bedford Rd., Bedford TX 76021.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Gregory "Greg" Scott Germany, 22, Rogersville, died Sunday, Dec. 3, 2000,
as a result of a traffic accident. He was born Sept. 29, 1978, in
Springfield, the son of Torris and Priscilla "Dean" Francis Germany. He
was a junior at Southwest Baptist University and a member of the
basketball team. He is survived by his parents, Torris and Dean Germany of
Rogersville; his sister, Shelly Germany; his paternal grandparents, George
and Onita Germany; and his maternal grandmother, Lucille Francis, all of
Springfield. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Hugh Francis.
Services will be at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Greenlawn Funeral Home
South, Springfield, with Chaplain Mike Reighard officiating. Burial will
follow in Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made
to the Greg Germany Scholarship Fund, Rogersville High School, in care of
John Hetherington, 8225 E. F.R. 174, Rogersville MO 65742.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Elsie Marie "Cricket" Hawkins, 77, Bolivar, died at 10:33 a.m. Monday,
Dec. 11, 2000, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. The daughter of Dr. H. E.
and Tommie Pettit Dana, she was born March 2, 1923, at Fort Worth, Texas,
later moving to Kansas City. On Sept. 20, 1942, she married L. J. Hawkins,
who preceded her in death. She was a graduate of Southwest Baptist
University with a degree in psychology and sociology. For 21 years she was
director of the Foster Grandparent program for Ozark Area Community Action
Corporation. Survivors include two children and their spouses, Dana and
Her-Mei Hawkins of Springfield and Tommie and Terry Miller of Bolivar;
eight grandchildren, Hal Hawkins, Heath Hawkins, Haley Hawkins, Michael
Miller, Jeffrey Miller, Shawn Lin, Judy Lin and Cynthia Lin; and two
great-grandchildren, Ashton and Alexandria Miller; her mother-in-law,
Katie Hawkins, Bolivar; and a sister, Elizabeth Zeh, Rochester, N.Y.
Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, in Murray Chapel,
Bolivar, with the Rev. Paul Swadley officiating. Pallbearers will be Hal
Hawkins, Heath Hawkins, Michael Miller, Jeffrey Miller, Randy Sheridan,
Billy Killian and Joe Killian. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Citizens Memorial Healthcare
Facility Aquarium Fund, 1218 W. Locust, Bolivar MO 65613. Friends may call
at their convenience in the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Reba Esta Ingram 83, Bolivar, died Sunday, Dec. 10, 2000. The daughter of
Everett Dewey Miller and Erma Esta Davis Miller Boultinghouse, she was
born Jan. 25, 1917, in Nevada. She grew up south of Montevallo, attending
school at Barnes School District 47 and graduating from the eighth grade
at Barnes school in 1931. She was saved in a meeting at Glade Springs
Baptist Church in 1930. The pastor was J.J. Bristow, and W.E. "Billy"
Pringle was the visiting minister. She was baptized by Bro. Bristow when
she joined Glade Springs soon after she was saved. She married Russell
Ingram on Feb. 6, 1934, when they eloped. To this union were born five
children. She was a homemaker and worked in housekeeping in private homes
in Olathe, Kan., when they lived there and for Community Nursing Home when
they lived in El Dorado Springs. She and her husband moved their family
several times, living in Louisburg, Elkland, Bonner Springs, Kan., Olathe,
Kan., Deerfield, El Dorado Springs and Bolivar. She was a member of Mt.
Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas County at the time of her
death. She and her husband, who was a Missionary Baptist preacher, spent
their lives in service to the Lord. She was preceded in death by her
husband in 1970; her parents; her brother, Royston Boultinghouse; and a
great-grandson, Nathaniel Sutton, in 1985. She is survived by three sons
and their wives, Stanley and Doris Ingram of Springfield, Bill and Joyce
Ingram of Bolivar and Jerry and Carol Ingram of Brighton; two daughters
and their husbands, Bonnie and Lowell Noblitt of Bolivar and Murnie and
Pete Fast of El Dorado Springs; two sisters, June Long of El Dorado
Springs and Verla Mae Thompson of Shawnee Mission, Kan.; 17 grandchildren,
Mark Ingram and his wife, Teresa, Mike Ingram and his wife, Star, and Jim
Ingram, all of Springfield; Cheryl Fast and her husband, Gene, Dennis
Noblitt and his wife, Donna, Randall Noblitt, Paul Noblitt and his wife,
Valerie, Curtis Ingram and his wife, Karrie, and Steve Fast and his wife,
Sarah, all of Bolivar; Cletis Ingram and his wife, Beth, and Malissa
Little and her husband, Rex, all of Goodson; Kim Allen and her husband,
Chris, of St. Louis; Jeff Ingram and his wife, Cindy, of Raytown; Matt
Ingram of Fairfax, Va.; Christi Benham and her husband, David, Gregg Fast
and his wife, Mary, and Felicia Fast, all of El Dorado Springs; 31
great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and several nieces,
nephews and friends. Services will be at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday) at the
Hackleman Funeral Chapel, El Dorado Springs, with Bro. Hersheline Pinkley
and Everett Smith officiating. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.
Burial will follow in El Dorado Springs City Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Mary Ann Lee, 65, Pittsburg, died Monday, Dec. 4, 2000, at her home. She
was a member of the St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Hermitage. She was
past director of the Ozark Branch of the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society and was a retired elementary school teacher. Survivors include her
husband, Jack Lee of the home; one son, Wayne Rider of Lyons, Ill.; four
daughters, Laura Sanwald of Lebanon, Patty Ramey of Marshfield, Debbie
Geren of Springfield and Sharon Salman of Herscher, Ill.; one stepson,
Kent Lee of Braidwood, Ill.; one stepdaughter, Denise Lee of Joliet, Ill.;
one brother, George Rinke Jr. of Mokena, Ill.; two sisters, Gladys Weber
of New Lenox, Ill., and Carolyn Reils of the state of Michigan; nine
grandchildren and one great-grandson. Funeral mass was Saturday, Dec. 9,
at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Hermitage, with burial following in
Eastlawn Cemetery, Springfield. Arrangements were under the direction of
Hathaway-Peterman Funeral Home, Wheatland. Memorial contributions may be
made to Parkinson's Group of the Ozarks, P.O. Box 50595, Springfield MO
65805. Please make donations restricted to research.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Vinna Lockhart, 97, Half Way, died Thursday, Dec. 7, 2000, in Citizens
Memorial Healthcare Facility following a lingering illness. She was born
March 29, 1903, in Half Way to Rufus Richter and Zella Bell Lewis Redd.
She was united in marriage to Arl T. Lockhart on Dec. 22, 1926, and to
this union four sons were born. She was a homemaker and of the Christian
faith. Survivors include three sons, Lawrence L. "Cat" Lockhart of Half
Way, Wayne Lockhart and his wife, Vera Mae, of Half Way and Curtis R.
Lockhart and his wife, Dorothy, of Louisburg; a daughter-in-law, Sue
Lockhart of Bolivar; nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and three
great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her
husband in May 1952; an infant grandson, Rex Arl Lockhart; her son, Earl
Lockhart, in February 1995; three brothers and two sisters. Services were
Sunday, Dec. 10, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Roger Easter officiating. Music
was provided by Ruth Easter. Burial followed in Reed Cemetery. Pallbearers
were Roger Lockhart, Trenton Lockhart, Dwayne Lockhart, David Lockhart,
Gary Lockhart and Larry Benedict. Honorary pallbearers were Brent Clouse
and Lee Kates.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Eva Elizabeth McColm was born north of Bolivar on Dec. 25, 1911, the
daughter of John W. Burks and Iva Pitner Burks. She passed away at 10:25
a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2000, after a brief illness in Parkview
Healthcare Facility at the age of 88 years, 11 months and 15 days. Eva
married Joe G. McColm on June 5, 1929, and they had three children, Donna,
Earl Gene and Kay. She and Joe farmed for many years, and later she worked
as a sales clerk in Bolivar. Her greatest joy was being a homemaker. Eva
was saved at the age of 15 and was a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist
Church. Her deep faith in her Lord strengthened her through illness and
sorrow, and she was a wonderful Christian witness to her family. She was
preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her son, Earl Gene; her parents;
four brothers, Howard, Albert, Glenn and Harold Burks; and five sisters,
Lela Lunderman, Berniece Houser, Martha Carr, Opal Meador and Hazel
McCarty. She leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her life two
daughters and their husbands, Donna and John Young of Sarcoxie and Kay and
Larry Davis of St. Peters; a daughter-in-law, Barbara McColm of Bolivar;
seven grandchildren, Mike Kent, John Young Jr., David Young, Fred Young,
Steve McColm, Lisa Brown and Lori Dohrman; also 16 great-grandchildren,
several nieces, nephews and cousins and many friends. Services were
Tuesday, Dec. 12, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Eva's grandson,
Pastor Fred W. Young, officiating. Music was provided by soloist Brad
Wommack and pianist Rose Roseton. Casketbearers were Steve McColm, John
Young Jr., David Young, David Brown, Wayne Dohrman and Jeff Roeper.
Honorary casketbearers were Carl Wrinkle, J.C. Meador and Bob Burks.
Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery east of Bolivar.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Richard William McCracken, 55, Harrison, Ark., died Saturday, Dec. 24,
2000, in the Hilltop Nursing Center, Harrison, Ark. He was born Aug. 18,
1945, in Harrison, Ark., and spent most of his early years around
Wickenburg, Ariz. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of Vietnam. He is survived by
his father, Amie Richard "Tommy" McCracken of El Dorado Springs, and his
mother, Edna Irene Cowdrey McCracken of Harrison, Ark., as well as several
cousins in Polk County. Memorial services are pending. Arrangements are
under the direction of Christeson Funeral Home, Harrison, Ark.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Vasile Milas, 85, Bolivar, died at 3:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2000, at
his home. The son of Teodor and Veronica Aciu Milas, he was born March 6,
1915, at Catalul, Romania. He married Maria Girdan in June 1939. Moving to
Bolivar eight years ago from Houston, Texas, he was a member of Eben-Ezer
Romanian Pentecostal Church in Springfield. A daughter, Floare, preceded
him in death. Survivors include his wife, Maria, of the home; six
children, Iosif Milas of Phoenix, Ariz., Corne Milas of Dallas, Texas,
Eugen Milas and Lidia Molin, both of Bolivar, Estera Lazar and Silvia
Jivan, both of Resita, Romania; 50 grandchildren and 25
great-grandchildren. Services were Sunday, Dec. 17, in Murray Chapel,
Bolivar, with Sferlea Gheorghe and Teodor Lasc officiating. Interment was
in Slagle Cemetery, south of Bolivar.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Mary Francis Miller, 20, Niangua, died Sunday, Dec. 3, 2000, in a traffic
accident near Bolivar. She was a student at Southwest Baptist University
and a player on the women's basketball team. Survivors include her
parents, Bobby Joe and Sandy Miller of Niangua; a brother, Brian Miller
and his wife, Ericka, of Bell, Calif.; a sister, D.J. Doss and her
husband, Aaron, of Willard; a nephew, Albert Bueno; her maternal
grandparents, Leo and Thelma Wright of Springfield; her paternal
grandparents, W.J. and Loretta Miller of Niangua; and several aunts,
uncles, cousins and friends. Services will be at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday)
in Phillipsburg Christian Church, Phillipsburg, with burial following in
the Happy Home Cemetery, Conway. Arrangements are under the direction of
Day Funeral Home, Marshfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the
SBU Booster Club 6th Man or the Phillipsburg Christian Church.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Wanda J. Mullings, 74, Humansville, died at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2000,
in Lebanon after a brief illness. She was born June 30, 1926, north of
Half Way, the youngest of eight children born to A.C. "Crit" and Eva Jane
Ashlock Locke. After finishing school at Half Way, she moved to Bolivar
and worked as a telephone operator for a while with the Bolivar Telephone
Company. On Aug. 20, 1961, she was united in marriage to Roscoe Mullings,
and they lived in Brighton. To this union three sons were born, Dean, Gary
and Roscoe. At the time of her passing, she was a member of the Calvary
Baptist Church in Bolivar. She was preceded in death by her husband,
Roscoe, on Jan. 4, 1982; her parents; five brothers, Olen, Herbert, Fred,
Francis and Wilbur; and one sister, Esther May West. She is survived by
her three sons, James Dean Mullings of Half Way, Gary Lynn Mullings of
Brighton and Ronnie Gene Mullings of Lebanon; two grandchildren, Samantha
Marie Mullings and Zachary Lynn Mullings; one sister, Mildred Gottesburen
of Kansas City, Kan.; a brother-in-law and his wife, Kenneth and Hannah
Mullings of Brighton; two sisters-in-law, Fern Bryant and her husband,
Carl, of Springfield and Janie Locke of the state of Oregon; several
nieces and nephews and a special friend, Arlene Lear of Humansville.
Services will be at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Butler Chapel with Bro.
Robert Harris and Bro. C.J. Greer officiating. Casketbearers will be Carl
Locke, Dayle Locke, Deryll Locke, James Clay, Harley Ashlock and Derrell
Ashlock. Honorary casketbearers will be Steve Sergent and Mike Sergent.
Burial will be in Brighton Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Violet Leola Nickel, 86, Bolivar, died Friday, Dec. 22, 2000, in Parkview
Healthcare Facility. She was born June 23, 1914, in Gove County, Kan., the
oldest of seven children born to Claude and Eva Wakeland Robinson. Her
parents, three husbands, two brothers and a sister preceded her in death.
She spent the last 25 years before her retirement at the age of 79 as a
cook for Gene's Restaurant in Buffalo. She is survived by two daughters
and sons-in-law, Alma and Jack Jewell of Scott City, Kan., and Sheri and
Robert Hale of Bolivar; six grandchildren, Cindy and Shawn Barnes, Dodge
City, Kan., David Jewell, Wichita, Kan., Diana Lonzano, Garden City, Kan.,
Linda Kernohan, Conroe, Texas, Adam Hale and Maggie Whitenight, Bolivar
and Amber Hale and Terry Cline, Bolivar; eight great-grandchildren, Dawn,
Sage and Israel Barnes, Mandy Jewell, Rebecca and Naomi Lozano, Kendall
Kernohan and Beau Hale; two sisters, Vada Messenger and her husband,
Harry, of Republic and Virginia Robbins of Scott City, Kan.; and a brother
and sister-in-law, Virgil and Evie Robinson of Cape Girardeau. Services
were Sunday, Dec. 24, in Murray Chapel, Bolivar, with the Rev. Dan Adkison
officiating. Pallbearers were Adam Hale, Robert Marshall, Gary Erwin, Don
Richardson, Jeff Messenger and Steve Messenger. Interment was in Lindley
Cemetery north of Buffalo. Memorial contributions may be made to the
Lindley Christian Church, Buffalo.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Bryon Anthony Phillips, 27, Bolivar, died Sunday, Dec. 3, 2000, at Cox
Medical Center South, Springfield, as a result of a traffic accident. He
was born Sept. 21, 1973, at Dexter, the son of Larry Loyd and Wanda Teel
Phillips. He was a student at Southwest Baptist University and was of the
Assembly of God faith. He had coached junior high basketball in Dongolia,
Ill., and had served in the U.S. Army. On April 13, 1998, he was united in
marriage to Leslie Lee at Paragould, Ark., and she survives of the home.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his mother and stepfather,
Wanda and Ivan Truax of Bernie; a brother and five sisters, Larry
Phillips, LaConda Anthony, Shelia Jackson and Mary Beth Frazier, all of
Bernie, and Sandra Bostic and Juanita Bacon, both of Bloomfield; and his
maternal grandmother, Mirtie Huddleston of Dexter. He was preceded in
death by his father. Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) at the
Rainey Funeral Home in Bernie with the Rev. Ray Rowland officiating.
Interment will follow in the Bernie Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
William Calvin Redderson, 72, Half Way, died Friday, Dec. 1, 2000, in
Parkview Health Care Facility. He was born Dec. 17, 1927, in Compton,
Calif., to John and Eddys Compton Redderson. He was a U.S. Army World War
II veteran and an electrical engineer for the aerospace industry. He was
united in marriage to Edna Potter Redderson. Survivors include his two
daughters, Judy Frazier of Arcadia, Calif., and Lessley Knartzer of
Whittier, Calif.; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was
preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Edna. Graveside services
were Monday, Dec. 4, in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Urbana, with the Rev.
Pete Davidson officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts
Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Opal Lee Roberts, 90, Bolivar, died at 7:35 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2000,
at the Colonial Springs Health Care Center in Buffalo. She was born on
Jan. 1, 1910, the daughter of Zoe and Ulous Hutcheson. She was a lifelong
resident of Polk County and Bolivar, where she worked for many years as a
hairdresser with her sister, Cleo. She was a loving mother and grandmother
with a strong work ethic that kept her active for most of her 90 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Luther, to whom she was married
for 54 years; two sisters, Cleo Tillery and Pansy Ficklin; and a brother,
Davis Hutcheson. She was saved at an early age at Mt. Olive Baptist Church
and was active in the children's department at the First Baptist Church in
Bolivar, where she received recognition for 40 years of service. Opal is
survived by her two sons and their wives, Bob and Norma Roberts of Bolivar
and Joe and Rosemary Roberts of Springfield; six grandchildren, Rory,
Eric, Norman, Jeff, Matt and Mary; and eight great-grandchildren. Services
were Saturday, Dec. 23, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Joe
Rouse and the Rev. Ray Leininger officiating. Musical soloist was Peggy
Gilmore with Rose Roseton as the pianist. Burial was in Greenwood
Cemetery. Casketbearers were Rory Roberts, Norman Roberts, Jeff Roberts,
Eric Roberts, Matt Roberts and David Tillery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Barbara Ann Salas, 62, Fair Play, died at 1:04 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2000,
in Citizens Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was born Feb. 4,
1938, in Granite City, Ill., the daughter of Richard Laverne and Virginia
Grace Wilkinson Foley. She is survived by her husband, Thomas V. Salas of
the home; three daughters, Tina Eth of Fair Play, Gayle Ann Morris of
Pontoon Beach, Fla., and Lori Grizzard of Bullock, Ga.; one son, Tim
Chappell of Fair Play; her mother, Grace Foley of Orlando, Fla.; three
brothers, Ricky Foley of Peoria, Ill., Bobby Foley of Glen Carbon, Ill.,
and Roy Foley of Shawnee, Kan.; and nine grandchildren. Services will be
at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in Butler Chapel with Father Pat Wissman
officiating.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Frances M. Shaw, 87, Humansville, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2000, in
Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar. The daughter of Robert Rhea and Addie
Pierce Ream, she was born Jan. 4, 1913, in Henry County. She moved to the
Humansville area in 1931, where she resided the rest of her life. On Aug.
22, 1935, she married Theodore Merrill Shaw, and they were the parents of
two daughters, Miriam and Mary. A member of the Humansville Christian
Church, she was also a member of the Kensington Club and a homemaker. She
was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore; two brothers, Robert Ream
and John Henry Ream; and her parents. Survivors include her daughters and
their husbands, Mary and Freddie A. Martin, Humansville, and Miriam and
Dr. Don J. Thompson, Leawood, Kan.; four grandchildren, Dana Ester, David
Martin, Jeffrey Thompson and Douglas Thompson; six great-grandchildren;
and a sister, Lois Hipsher of Humansville. Services will be at 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, December 30, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Bill
Vernon and the Rev. Frank Cousin officiating. Pallbearers will be David
Martin, Mark Ester, Jeffrey Thompson, Douglas Thompson, Mitchell McNeely
and Kenneth Morrison. Interment will be in Humansville Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Marlyn Ray Shuler, 65, Bolivar, died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2000, in Parkview
Healthcare Facility. He was born to Roy and Mittie Shuler July 9, 1935, in
Jerico Springs. On April 24, 1954, he married Marilyn Gee. He was raised
in Polk and Cedar counties. He spent most of his professional career as
the Director of Operations for Social Security in Kansas City and made his
home in Independence. Following his retirement in 1988, he returned to
Polk County and founded Shuler and Associates Land Surveyors in Bolivar.
He was a member of the Bolivar Church of Christ and Missouri Association
of Registered Land Surveyors. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of the
home; his children, Michael and Trina Shuler and Mark Shuler, all of
Bolivar; his granddaughter, Mari Lynn Shuler; his brother, Roy Wayne
Shuler of Springfield; and his sister, Emogene Corum of Willard. Services
were Monday, Dec. 11, in Murray Chapel, Bolivar, with Denis R. Smith and
Bill Bob Kallenbach officiating. Pallbearers were Jim Corum, Larry Corum,
Tom Olivas, Charles Francis, Randy Ankrom and Fred Lower. Interment was in
Greenwood Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
William Joseph "Bill" McDermott Sr., 82, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2000, in
Sheldon. He was born Sept. 14, 1918, in Polk County to Michael John and
Ellen Reilly McDermott. He was raised in Polk County and lived most of his
life here. He had lived in Sheldon the past three and a half years.
Surviving are his children, Eleanor Willson of Nevada, Betsey Medearis of
Sahuarita, Ariz., Regina Sewell of rural Sheldon, Bill McDermott Jr. of
Sheldon and Patricia Olson of Plymouth, Wis. Also surviving are children
from a second marriage, JoAnn Adams and John McDermott, both of Nevada,
Linda Gammon of Sheldon and Norma Smith of Excelsior Springs; and several
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in
death by six sisters and one brother. Graveside services will be at 11
a.m. Friday, Dec. 29, in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, Bolivar, under the
direction of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Donald E. Stalker, 65, Bolivar, died at 5:38 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13,
2000, in Citizens Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He was born
June 7, 1935, in Polk County, the son of Carl Rueben Daniel and Vera
Evelyn Farmer Stalker. His first marriage was to Norma J. Havens on Aug.
20, 1956, and his second marriage was to Elizabeth J. Crawford on Dec. 28,
1982, in Miami, Okla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl "Dick"
Rueben Daniel Stalker and Vera Evelyn Russell, and a sister, Velma
Robertson. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, of the home; one
daughter and her husband, Carol and Dusty Hall of Bolivar; two sons, Roy
Stalker and his wife, Janet, of Polk and Robert Stalker of Bolivar; two
stepdaughters and their husbands, Glenda and Rodney Maples of Morrisville
and Brenda and Heath Keykendoll of Warsaw; nine sisters and their
husbands, Dorothy Thompson of Stover, Carlene and Kenneth Melton of St.
Charles, Pam and Larry Kelly, Carla and Ron Duff and Marcia and Rodney
Lowrance, all of Pleasant Hope, Peggy and Randy King of Bolivar, Rusty and
Kerry Jones of Buffalo, Virginia and Lyle White of Kansas City and Katie
Hagar of Half Way; two brothers and their wives, Lee Warren and JoAnn
Stalker of Stover and Jesse and Sharon Stalker of Ozark; his stepmother,
Charlean Stalker; 12 grandchildren, Jeremie Hall, Brian Stalker, Brandon
Stalker, Nicholas, Benjamin and Anthony Stalker, Stacy Hall, Brad Hall,
Jacob and Joshua Wooderson, Isaac Tate and Clinton Maples; and six
step-great-grandchildren, Cody, Macy, Jacob, Kasey, and Devan Hall and
Broch Simmons; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of
friends. Services were Sunday, Dec. 17, in Butler Chapel with the Rev.
Harold Hendrickson officiating. Burial was in Crestview Memorial Gardens
east of Bolivar. Casketbearers were Jacob Wooderson, Joshua Wooderson,
Brandon Stalker, Brian Stalker, Jeremie Hall and Mike Hagar. Honorary
casketbearers were Nicholas Stalker, Benjamin Stalker, Anthony Stalker,
Clinton Maples and Isaac Tate.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Eugene Ray Warson, 70, Collins, died at 5:28 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, 2000,
in Sac-Osage Hospital, Osceola. The son of Jesse R. and Mary Groves
Warson, he was born June 13, 1930, at Kansas City, Kan. On Dec. 31, 1950,
he married Norma Hall in Harrison, Ark. He was a retired law enforcement
officer. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers,
Herbert Warson, Arthur "Basil" Warson and Carl T. "Tom" Warson. Survivors
include his wife, Norma, of the home; four children, Lonnie Warson of
Tulsa, Okla., David Warson of Howell, N. J., Mark Warson and Christina
Warson, both of Collins; five grandchildren, Jesse Warson and Melissa
Warson, both of Springfield, Elizabeth Warson and Jennifer Warson, both of
Howell, N. J., and Brian Warson of Grandview; and two brothers, Donald
Warson of Roseburg, Ore., and Charles Warson of Collins. Services were
Tuesday, Jan. 2, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Robert
Harris officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Humansville
Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Lillian Marie Francka West, 63, Springfield, died at 12:30 a.m. Monday,
Dec. 25, 2000, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, after a two-year
battle with ovarian cancer. The daughter of Gary and Rosie Ruzicka
Francka, she was born Aug. 11, 1937, near Brighton. She was raised on her
family's farm north of Brighton and graduated from Pleasant Hope High
School in 1955. She worked at the MFA farm store in Morrisville from 1955
to 1958. She retired from Wal-Mart Stores, Aurora, in 1993 after nearly 20
years of service. She married Charles E. West on Nov. 15, 1958, in St.
Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Karlin. They had four children and had lived
in Lincoln, Neb., Enid, Okla., and Aurora, moving to Springfield in 1998.
She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Springfield. She is
survived by her husband, Charles; four children and their spouses, Gary
and Tami West of Davenport, Iowa, Susan and Lannie Lynxwiler of Mountain
Home, Ark., Jo Ann and John Carpio of O'Fallon and David and Shelley West
of St. Louis; nine grandchildren; her only sister and her husband,
Josephine and Rodney Fleeman of Bolivar, and their children, Ronda Hall of
Aldrich and Roger Fleeman of Bolivar. Funeral mass was Thursday, Dec. 28,
at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Springfield, with the Rev. Thomas E.
Reidy officiating. Burial was in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery at Karlin.
Arrangements were under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel,
Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer
Society.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Ethel Faye Westfall, 84, Bolivar, died at 4:25 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19,
2000, in Citizens Memorial Hospital following emergency surgery. Faye was
born Feb. 1, 1916, in Wright County. She was the daughter of Daniel C. and
Luella Barrett Neill. At an early age, Faye and her family moved to
Buffalo. Faye attended grade school in a typical one-room schoolhouse of
that era. Following graduation from Buffalo High School in 1935, she
attended Draughons Business College in Springfield. Faye was united in
marriage to R.E. "Johnny" Westfall on Nov. 22, 1937. They lived all their
married life in the Half Way community. Prior to their marriage, Faye was
a clerk in the Dallas County AAA office, later knows as ASCS and currently
operating under the title of FSA. Marriage to Johnny meant being a
business woman for Faye as she worked side by side with him, first in the
Westfall Mercantile Co. at Half Way, then the Bolivar Candy Company,
operating this business for almost a quarter of a century. Following
Johnny's death in August 1971, she moved to Springfield, where she worked
as a secretary at First Baptist Church. Faye served on the Library Board
for 39 years. Upon retirement, she moved back to Half Way before moving to
Bolivar about 1980. Faye had a solid Christian testimony. As a girl, she
joined the Methodist Church in Buffalo. Following her marriage to Johnny,
they both joined the Baptist Church at Half Way. She remained a Baptist
throughout her life, always enjoying Bible study. Faye Westfall will be
remembered as a Christian, a hard worker and one who truly loved her
fmaily, being particularly proud of her heritage. She was preceded in
death by her parents, her husband, seven brothers and four sisters. She is
survived by her son, Morris Westfall and his wife, Sharon, two
grandchildren, Craig and Christi Westfall, and one great-grandson, Cody
Ray Westfall, all of Half Way; a brother, Vience "Jiggs" Neill, and a
sister, Marjorie Johnson, both of Buffalo; and a host of nephews, nieces,
cousins and many friends. Services were Friday, Dec. 22, in Butler Chapel
with Bro. Keith Frieze and the Rev. Ray Leininger officiating. Music was
provided by Jim and Ethel Mae Tennis and the Floodwater Band, Nathan
Hoffer, David Barham, Mike Rowan and Alan Roberts. Burial followed in
Greenwood Cemetery. Casketbearers were Raymond Sergent, Ken Legan, Junior
Roweton, Jack Barham, Jim Keeling, Lendall Voris, Steve Austin and Don
Roderick. Honorary casketbearers were Tennison Degraffenreid, Gene
Claxton, Neal Oglesbee, Billie N. Hendrickson, John Allford, Micky Davies,
Wayne Wilson, Warren Davis, Jack Neill and Bill Neill. Memorial
contributions may be made to the Polk County Library, 1690 W. Broadway,
Bolivar MO 65613.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Noel F. Wilkinson, 95, Bolivar, former of Eudora, died Sunday, Dec. 31,
2000, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Center following a short illness.
He was born in Oak Grove and was a longtime resident of the Eudora area.
He was a retired educator, teaching in Morrisville and Dadeville school
districts. During World War II he was employed with Hanford Engineering
Company in Richland, Wash., and raised and trained western saddle horses.
He was a member of the Church of Christian Science, the Grain Valley
Masonic Lodge and the Shrine. He was preceded in death by his wife,
Lorraine, and a son, Jere Wilkinson. He is survived by five daughters,
Barbara Wilkinson of Springfield, Beverly Miller of Independence, Judy
Slavens of Eudora, Connie Christy of Bellevue, Wash., and Sharon Armstrong
of Harper Bluffs, Fla.; eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and
several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 4, in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Aldrich, with the Rev. Lon
Killingsworth officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Wilson
Brim Daniel Funeral Home, Walnut Grove. The family will receive friends
from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home prior to services.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 2000:
Tennie Wrinkle, 94, Half Way, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2000. She was
born Sept. 6, 1906, in Urbana to Bill and Etta Bridges Richards. She was
united in marriage to Joseph Morgan Wrinkle on May 27, 1927, and to this
union 10 children were born. Tennie was a former longtime resident of Half
Way, later moving to Springfield where she resided at the time of her
death. She was a wonderful mother, wife and grandmother and will be missed
by many. She was saved at the age of 21 at Hopewell Missionary Baptist
Church. She was a member of Harmony Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors
include four daughters, Dorothy Loftis of Ozark, Janice Smith and
Katherine Hanson of Springfield and Wanda Perkins of Platte City; four
sons, Morgan Wrinkle of Bolivar, Carl Wrinkle of Springfield, John Doyle
Wrinkle of Half Way and William Wrinkle Jr. of Fair Grove; one sister,
Winnie Walker of Harrisonville; 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren,
one great-great-grandchild and six step-great-grandchildren. She was
preceded in death by her parents; a son, Donald Lee Wrinkle, in January
1986; her husband, Joe, in September 1989; a daughter, Wasolee Sewell, in
1998; four sisters and two brothers. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday,
Dec. 14, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Leon Meadows and Bro. Donnie Lane
officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be
from 7 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the funeral home.










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