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The Excelsior Springs Standard publishes death notices free of charge as a public service. They are edited for length, clarity and conformity to style. An expanded obituary (indicated by an asterisk below) is available for a fee. Contact your funeral home for more information.)
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*Janet Adkins
Janet Rose Adkins, 75, Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 at her home. Jan was born on July 29, 1934, in Ray County, Mo., the daughter of Francis and Gladys (Chittick) Williams. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Excelsior Springs, Mo., and Beta Sigma Phi. She worked in accounts receivable at the Excelsior Springs Hospital. Survivors include one daughter, Lisa Foster and husband, Larry, of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; one brother, F.L. Williams of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; grandchildren, Laura, Kevin and Rachel Foster, all of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; nephew, Scott Williams of Kearney, Mo.; niece, Candy Teegarden of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; and many friends and co-workers. Besides her parents, Jan was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Sara Elizabeth Foster. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at First United Methodist Church, Excelsior Springs, Mo. Burial will be in the Masonic Cemetery, Excelsior Springs, Mo. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services, from 10-11 a.m. Monday at the church. She will lie in state for friends to call anytime after noon on Sunday at Polley Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs, Mo. The family suggests memorial contributions be given to the Excelsior Springs Educational Foundation for the Fine Arts Department.
William Albertson
William E. Albertson, 85, Richmond, Mo., died Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, at Ray County Memorial Hospital in Richmond. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, at D.W. Newcomer & Sons White Chapel Funeral Home and Cemetery in Gladstone.
“Joe” Anthony
Leroy Junior “Joe” Anthony, 78, Lawson, Mo., died Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, in Kearney, Mo. Mr. Anthony was born June 4, 1931, in Greenville, Ohio, the son of Leroy and Martha (Melford) Anthony. He worked as a truck driver and was a farmer. Survivors include one son, Rick Anthony, Independence; three daughters, Willa Carroll, Excelsior Springs, Brenda Bennett, Kearney, and Julie Wilson, Polo; one sister, Mary Lou Troutman, Excelsior Springs; 12 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. Cremation. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 at Old Mt. Zion Cemetery. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.
Marjorie Armstrong
Marjorie Ann McLaughlin Noll Andrews Armstrong, 72, Polo, Mo., died Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, at North Kansas City Hospital. Graveside services were set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Mound Grove Cemetery in Independence. Arrangements are through Bailey & Cox Family Funeral Service in Polo.
Virginia Baughman
Virginia Lou Baughman, 80, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009, at the Excelsior Springs Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Mrs. Baughman was born Feb. 2, 1929, in Kidder, the daughter of Glenn and Hazel (Onesettler) Setzer. She was married to Ralph Baughman on Jan. 5, 1950; he preceded her in death on April 9 of this year. She was a member of Woods Memorial Christian Church. Survivors include one son, Randy Baughman, Missouri City; one sister, Joanne Moskotitz, Newport News, Va.; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Woods Memorial Christian Church in Excelsior Springs. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the church. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Kidder Cemetery in Kidder. Arrangements are through Polly Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.
*Emmett Beckett
Emmett Eugene Beckett, age 97, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009. He was born on his family farm in Nashua, Mo., on July 5, 1912. His loving wife of 70 years, Lillian Mae Beckett, preceded him in death in 2007. He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Erwin, George, Tommy and Frank; and two half-brothers, John and William. He was a lifelong farmer in the Nashua, Liberty and Excelsior Springs areas. He was a longtime member of Liberty Christian Church. Emmett was a loving, gentle man who always had a smile on his face and in his sparkling blue eyes. He loved teasing his many nieces and nephews whenever he had the chance. He loved children, evidenced by his coaching softball teams and being a 4-H leader over many, many years. Emmett loved music and through the years played his guitar at many barn dances. He also became a square dance caller. He and Lillian enjoyed going to country, bluegrass and gospel shows. He is survived by his nephew, Ralph Beckett, and family; niece, Carol Jean Braley, and family; niece, Theda McDowell, and family; and nephew, Harold Beckett, and family. He is also survived by five sisters-in-law, Edna Beckett, Marie Fueston, Erma Jean Rains, Helen Foster and Ethel Corum; and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at D.W. Newcomer & Sons White Chapel in Gladstone. Burial will follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Gladstone. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to Odyssey Hospice.
“Bill” Belcher
William “Bill” Belcher, 89, Kearney, Mo., died Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009. Mr. Belcher was born April 17, 1920, in Braley, the son of Sidney Burton and Sarah Lee Howe Belcher. After serving in the U.S. Army for 30 months in World War II, he was married to Christine Thompson in September 1946.He was employed by Ford Motor Company for many years before retiring from there in 1982. He had been a member of the Kearney Methodist Church since 1961, and was also a charter member of VFW Post #5717 in Kearney. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Belcher and Lloyd Belcher; a sister, Louise Belcher Estes; and one granddaughter, Sarah Christine Belcher. Survivors include his wife, Christine Belcher; sons, Bill Belcher, Holt, Phillip Belcher, Milton, Wisc., and Chris Belcher, Columbia; four sisters, Erma Lee, Tulsa, Okla., Carolyn Graham, Cameron, and Annie Dykes and Alta Kent, both of Richmond, nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at First United Methodist Church in Kearney. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturay, Nov. 28, at the church. Burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements are through Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Kearney.
J.C. Bigler
J.C. Bigler, 90, Bolivar, Mo. (formerly of Independence, Mo.), died Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, at his home. Mr. Bigler’s survivors include his wife of 69 years, Linda Vee Bigler; a son, Rick Bigler, Excelsior springs; a daughter, Berniece Lightfoot, Polk; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 23, at Hathaway-Peterman Funeral home in Wheatland; burial in Antioch Cemetery in Pittsburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Transitions Hospice or Antioch Cemetery.
Robert Bisbee
Robert L. Bisbee, 80, Kansas City, Mo., died Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, at his home after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Mr. Bisbee was born Feb. 16, 1929, in Kansas City, the son of Glenn and Elfa Bisbee. He worked as a sales engineer for Mid-West Conveyer for 21 years before founding Continental Steel and Conveyor Co. in 1971, actively serving as president there until his death. He also had other business interests, including the purchase and renovation of the Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs in 1976. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. James O. Bisbee. Survivors include his wife, Carol, of the home; four daughters, Pam Watt, San Rafael, Calif, Dr. Jan LeBow, Trenton, Mich., Lynn Banks, Stilwell, Kan., and Tracy Mehki, Coronado, Calif.; sister, Bonnie Goodson, Kalamazoo, Mich.; brother, Don Bisbee, Kansas City; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home in Kansas City; burial in Elmira Cemetery in Elmira. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. James O. Bisbee Memorial, Grand Prairie Job Center, 427 S. Maple St., Stuttgart, AR 72160; or Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, 9221 Ward Pkwy., Ste. 100, Kansas City, MO 64114.
"Deanie" Burgess
Coral "Deanie" Burgess, 69, Kearney, Mo., died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009. Ms. Burgess was born Nov. 9, 1939, in Carmel, Calif., the daughter of Clifford and Clara Cockerham. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include five children, Cheryl Daus, Terri Bell, Pam Hallak, Chuck Burgess and Julie Maasen; and 11 grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Kearney. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Jeff Burnett
Kenneth Jeffrey “Jeff” Burnett, 40, Excelsior Springs, Mo. (formerly of Richmond, Mo.), died Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, at his home. Mr. Burnett was born Nov. 26, 1969, in Richmond, the son of Kenneth Gerald and Sherry Kay (Long) Burnett. After serving in the U.S. Army, he was employed as a painter, then for Derstler Lumber in Richmond and later for Park University until his health failed. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Survivors include his wife, Jessica, of the home; five children, Kiersten Burnett, Richmond, and Haley Wilton, Tristian Wilton, Kendrick Wilton and Slade Covey, all of Excelsior Springs; two brothers, Michael Burnett, Richmond, and Tony Burnett, Grinnell, Iowa; and two sisters, Brandi Courville, Lafayette, La., and Linda May Burnett, Osawatomie, Kan. A memorial visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Polley Funeral Home in Richmond. Cremation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jeff Burnett Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home.
James Bush
James Marvin “Jim” Bush, 62, died Friday, Nov. 6, 2009. Mr. Bush was born May 11, 1947, in Excelsior Springs, Mo., the son of James and Norma (Borgmier) Bush. He lived in Ray County near Lawson until he married his wife of 40 years, Zina Kay Pollard, on May 27, 1969. They moved to Richmond, where he continued to reside. He began teaching in the Richmond R-XVI Schools in 1969 as a speech and language pathologist, starting the speech and language program. In 1978 he became the pastor of Graceview Church in Richmond and his ministry continues in that church today. He was a charter member of Graceview Church. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents. Survivors include his wife, Zina Bush, of the home; one son, Russell James Bush, Liberty; one daughter, Gretchen Lynn Edwards, Richmond; his mother, Norma Bush, Lawson; one brother, Rick Bush, Liberty; one sister, Becky Crowley, Liberty; and one grandson. Memorial services will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Polley Funeral Home in Richmond. Cremation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ray County Home Health and Hospice in Richmond.
George Cooper
George Edward Cooper, 75, Liberty, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009, at Liberty Hospital. Mr. Cooper was born June 12, 1934, in Carrollton, the son of John Elvin and Ruby Cooper. He attended Chandler Baptist Church near Liberty. Survivors include his wife, Henrietta Cooper; three sons, Don Cooper, Rob Cooper and Alvin Cooper; one sister, Priscilla Abernathy; and other relatives. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home in Liberty. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, also at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Oak Hill Cemetery in Carrollton. Memorial contributions may be made to a church of the donor’s choice.
*Bill Crowley
Bill M. Crowley, 73, Libby, Mont., died Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, in Kalispell, Mont. He was born Nov. 30, 1935, in Lawson, Mo., the son of Francis L. and Blanche Elizabeth (McQuerrey) Crowley. After the death of his mother, Bill and his twin sister, Betty, age 3 at the time, were raised by Van and Myrna Bright, their aunt and uncle, along with their grandfather, W.D. Crowley. He attended Lawson schools and graduated in 1953. Bill was united in marriage to Joyce Marie Weissenbach of Lawson on June 3, 1956 at the Christian Church in Lawson. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Northwest Missouri State College in 1957. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959 and was stationed in West Germany, where his son, Jeffrey Lynn, was born. He entered the reserves in 1959 and was honorably discharged in 1963. He returned to the Kansas City area after completing his active service and worked for Phillips Petroleum. During this time the couple’s daughter, Jennifer Rae, was born in Kansas City. Mr. Crowley began his career in education by teaching at Washington Elementary in Excelsior Springs. He attended a University of Missouri program in Springfield and received his M.S. in Education in 1967. He returned to his hometown and served as elementary principal in the Lawson Schools. He later ran the school district’s special education programs in addition to retaining some principal duties at the former Nike base facility. He was an integral part of the lives of many children and families and was known as a principal who knew the name of every child in his care. Mr. Crowley retired in 1992 from the Lawson School District and enjoyed his retirement years in Lawson and Libby. He was active on many church and community boards, serving on the Lawson Housing Authority, Public Water District and chairing the Lawson Centennial Celebration in 1971. He was an elder of the United Christian and Presbyterian Church in Lawson and after a move to Libby, Mont., in 1998, served as an elder in the Libby Methodist Church. He was actively involved in the lives of his children and those of his extended Crowley family. He coached his children in basketball and had a lifelong love of sports, particularly basketball and baseball. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping and hiking throughout his life. He loved music and sang in the church choir. He was involved in the lives of his granddaughter in Missouri and great nieces in Montana; often he would be on the floor playing and laughing as the biggest “kid.” He is survived by his wife, Joyce Marie Crowley, of the family home; a son, Jeff Crowley, his wife, Donalyn and daughter, Kendall, Trenton; a daughter, Jennifer Crowley Johnson and her husband, Roger, Wichita; his twin sister, Betty Gray, Lawson; brother-in-law, Ed and Lila Weissenbach, Gallatin; cousins, Mary VanWinkle and Lindsay Crowley, Lawson; nephews, Bill Gray, Scott Weissenbach and Kellen Weissenbach; nieces, Donna (Gray) Black and Jonna (Weissenbach) Vick; and many great-nephews and nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Blanche; stepmother, Ruby (Crowley) Newby; and in-laws, Russell and Virginia Mae Weissenbach. Montana services will include a family visitation from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. A funeral service is planned for 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the funeral home chapel. Services in Lawson, Mo. will include a family visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Polley Funeral Home in Lawson. A funeral service is planned for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, at the United Christian and Presbyterian Church in Lawson, with burial to follow at the Lawson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Libby Methodist Church and the United Christian and Presbyterian Church in Lawson.
Etta Donnell
Etta Jean Donnell, 80, Liberty, Mo., died Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009. Mrs. Donnell was born July 7, 1929, in Windsor, the daughter of Delmer and Josephine Fannie (Sidwell) Egbert. She was a member of Liberty Manor Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters; one brother; and her son, Stephen. Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Stanley Eugene Donnell; children, Virginia Hill, Susan Palomo, Stanley Donnell, Cathy Bunch and Kristy Langle; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Visitation and a funeral service were held Monday, Nov. 16, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel in Liberty Burial in Glenridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bus Ministry at Liberty Manor Baptist Church, 1000 Birmingham Rd., Liberty, MO 64068.
Wrennie Dudding
Wrennie Wayne Dudding, 76, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at the Excelsior Springs Nursing and Rehabilitation Care Center. Mr. Dudding was born Feb. 8, 1933, in New London, the son of Wren and Esther Amy (Dowell) Dudding. He was married to Gerlene See on Sept. 20, 1952; she preceded him in death on April 28, 2007. He worked as a truck driver for several years before going to work for Burlington-Northern Railroad. He transferred to the Kansas City facility and retired in 1988. He was a member of the Vibbard Christian Union Church. In addition to his wife and his parents, he was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael Dudding, on Sept. 21, 1998; a granddaughter, Amanda Brooke Dudding; one brother, Dallas Dudding; and two sisters, Lois Blackston and Lucille Peters. Survivors include three daughters, Cyndi Stocks, Lawson, Gina Fry, Excelsior Springs, and Stacey Clevenger, Lawson; one sister, May Neer, Richmond; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Visitation will follow the service until 8:30 p.m. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Grand View Burial Park in Hannibal. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Robert Duncan
Robert Joe Duncan, 77, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo. Mr. Duncan was born May 29, 1932, in North Kansas City, the son of Franklin Rupe and Cordelia Bess (Lingenfelter) Duncan. He was married to Ialeen Mae Phillips on March 12, 1966; she survives. He managed the Sinclair station in Excelsior Springs before going to work for Missouri Power & Light, which later became AmerenUE. He retired in 1989. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Cleve Wiley. In addition to his wife, survivors include three children, Debra Raulie, Colorado Springs, Colo., Karen Witham, Excelsior Springs, and Darrell Ahart, Jane; one brother, Richard Duncan, Tomball, Texas; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. A graveside committal service with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Crown Hill Cemetery in Excelsior Springs. Cremation. There is no public visitation scheduled. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.
*Evelyn Ruth Eaves
1922-2009
Evelyn Ruth Eaves, 87, Kearney, Mo., died Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo. Born Sept. 24, 1922, in Bloom, Kan., she lived most of her life in Kearney. On July 27, 1940, she married Robert Eaves, who preceded her in death on April 10, 1996. Mrs. Eaves worked for the IRS. She liked reading, oil painting, and knitting. She made beautiful afghans for her family. She enjoyed flowers and her beloved animals, and was the organist and pianist for her church for many years. She will be missed by all that knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Flora Ann (Wright) Crone; her brothers, Elvin Lloyd Crone, Orlin Orville Crone, Everett Elmer Crone, and Glen Henry Crone; her sisters, Margaret Enid Wallace, Cecil May Foote, Florence Amy Crone, and Ruby Leona James; and her grandson, Robert Harold Eaves. Survivors include her children, Robert L. Eaves and wife, Dorothy, Kearney, Ethel Ann Taylor and husband, Danny, Lawson, Mo., Mary Leona McCombs and Richard Stevermer, Edgerton, Kan., James Orville Eaves and wife, Deby, Kearney; her brother, Jeff Crone and wife, Wanda, Kingsfisher, Okla.; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Community Covenant Church, Kearney. Interment in Fairview Cemetery, Kearney. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Services under the direction of Bailey & Cox Family Funeral Service in Lathrop. The family suggests memorial gifts to Community Covenant Church.
“Bud” Green
Vincent Fred “Bud” Green, 86, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, at the VA Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Green was born Dec. 22, 1922, in Walt Hill, Neb., the son of Harry and Gertrude (Elsinger) Green. He was married to Freda (Porter) Green on July 27, 1946; she preceded him in death on May 27, 2003, after 56 years of marriage. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII . He spent the last 20 years of his working career as owner and operator of a taxi service in Excelsior Springs. In addition to his parents and wife, Freda, he was preceded in death by his sister, Phyllis Green; and two brothers, Darnell “Dutch” Green and Dennis Green. Survivors include one daughter, Debbie Cheek, Lawson; two sons, Jim Green and Gary Green, both of Excelsior Springs; five sisters, Geneva Christianson, Aurora, Ill., and Ellen Smith, Wilma Cravens, Cara Mae Hardeson and Jenice Waller, all of Excelsior Springs; one brother, Wayne Green, Kansas City; nine grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the funeral home. Family inurnment will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in Crown Hill Cemetery in Excelsior Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Stephen Harris
Stephen Robert Harris, 20, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, near Excelsior Springs, Mo. Stephen was born Jan. 14, 1989, in Excelsior Springs, Mo. He graduated from Excelsior Springs High School, where he was well recognized for his athletic ability. He played Little League baseball and loved all sports, but excelled in basketball. He was a member of Jesus is the Rock Pentecostal Church in Excelsior Springs. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Clevenger, George and Carrie Seay, and Lynn and Elizabeth Clevenger. Survivors include his mother, Sheryl A. Peebles and stepfather, Kevin, Excelsior Springs; his father, Stephen E. Harris and stepmother, Heather, Excelsior Springs; one brother, Kelby Hendricks, Excelsior Springs; two sisters, Jenny Cobb, Blue Springs, and Stephanie Harris, Excelsior Springs; paternal grandmother, Karen Harris, Excelsior Springs; and maternal grandmother, Ona Cushman, Grove Town, Ga. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stephen Robert Harris Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home.
Rosemary Hockemeier
Rosemary Hockemeier, 83, Richmond, Mo., died Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. Mrs. Hockemeier was born Aug. 9, 1926, in Norborne, the daughter of William August and Mary Susan (Hoffmann) Wegeng. She was married to A.E. “Abbie” Hockemeier on May 1, 1947; he survives, of the home. She was a founding member of the Ray County Community Arts Association. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Eldon Wegeng. In addition to her husband, survivors include four sons, Curt Hockemeier, Denver, Colo., Farrell Hockemeier and Max Hockemeier, both of Richmond, and Bradley Hockemeier, North Kansas City; four sisters, Marjorie Gronniger, Eudora, Kan., Elizabeth Backes, Carrollton, Judith Goettting, Norborne, and Carol Ruegg, North Kansas City; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A prayer service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at Richmond United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30, in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville. Arrangements are through Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richmond Beautification Club.
David Hughes
David Hughes, Higginsville, Mo., died Nov. 30, 2009, at the Lexington Care Center in Lexington, Mo., at the age of 59. He was born Dec. 21, 1949, in Wood River, Ill., to Glenn and Eva (Melton) Hughes. David graduated from Lawson, Mo., High School in 1968. He entered the Air Force that same year and served until his honorable discharge in 1976. He graduated from the Missouri Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Academy in 1979, the same year he moved to Higginsville. He worked as a Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper until his retirement in 2002. He married Mary (Krause) McKinney on March 27, 1982, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. David enjoyed movies, trivia, music and spending time with his friends. He was a member of the American Legion Post #223. He is preceded in death by an infant son in 1975; his father in 1982; and his only sibling, a brother, Douglas, in 1993. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Eva and Vernon Howell of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; wife, Mary; stepson, Matthew McKinney of Surprise, Ariz.; daughter, Gina Reuscher of Kansas City, Mo.; and stepbrothers, Jim Howell of Excelsior Springs and Dennis Howell of Kansas. Visitation will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Kaiser-Wiegers Funeral Home in Higginsville. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, officiated by Pastor Marcus Jauss. Casket Bearers will be nephews, Evan, John, Scott, Troy and Chad Krause. Honorary Casket Bearers will be Ray Don Paul, Dave Decker, Fred McNeely, Ron Wood, Bob Plymell and Jim Wells. Burial will be in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the church or H.O.R.S.E., in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be emailed to the family at Kaiser-Wiegers@ctcis.net.
Norma Iams
Norma Lynne Iams, 48, Gladstone, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, at North Kansas City Hospital in North Kansas City, Mo. Ms. Iams was born June 18, 1961, in Topeka, Kan. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of North Kansas City. She did Peace Work for Vocational Services Inc. Survivors include her mother, Betty Lee Barnes, Gladstone; her father, Frank E. Iams, Overland Park, Kan.; one daughter, Lizzie Iams, Gladstone; one sister, Cindy Norris, Gladstone; and one brother, Jeff Frye, Saltville, Va. Cremation. Memorial services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at First Baptist Church of North Kansas City. There will be a family gathering from 6 p.m. until the time of the services Friday at the church. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Concerned Care Inc., 320 Armour Rd., Suite 101, North Kansas City, MO 64116.
Billy Ray Jackson
Billy Ray Jackson, 80, Excelsior Springs, Mo. (formerly of Miami, Okla., and Los Angeles, Calif.), died Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, at Excelsior Springs Nursing and Rehab Center.
Mr. Jackson was born March 5, 1929, in Chelsea, Okla. As a child, he ran away from home and really did join the circus. He settled in Los Angeles, working as a piano mover for several companies. In the 1960s he took his family to Oskaloosa, Iowa and drove a truck. Returning to Los Angeles in the 1970s, he began working for Miller Brewing Company as a brewer until he retired in 1996. He returned to Oklahoma in 2004, then came to live with his daughter in Excelsior Springs. In addition to his parents, Oscar and Ruby, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward and Jimmie. Survivors include two daughters, Teri Mahurin, Excelsior Springs, and Kim Scott, Lancaster, Calif.; one son, Scott Jackson, Sylmar, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and 11 1/2 great-grandchildren. Cremation, with no service. His remains will be scattered by his son, Scott. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Excelsior Springs Nursing and Rehab Center Activities Program, 1003 Meadowlark Lane, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.
Dan Lewis Sr.
Dan Lewis Sr., 63, Lawson, Mo., died Monday, Nov. 23, 2009. Dan was born March 23, 1946, in St. Joseph, to Gladys Lewis and Frank James. He worked in many fields during his lifetime, including auto mechanic, plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning and construction. He spent the last 15 years of his working career as a commercial truck driver for various produce companies in Kansas City. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Cornelius Lewis; sisters, Rose Lewis, Gladys Lewis, Delores Lewis, Josephine Moore and Velva Mitchell; and brothers, Cornelius Lewis, O’Dell Lewis, Fenton Lewis and Ernest Lewis. His memory will be cherished by his wife, Nancy Lewis; children, Deborah Laverne Jarrett, Dan Lewis Jr., Kevin Lee Lewis and Antony Jay Lewis; stepchildren, Carrie Ann Wyman and Jason Michael Ishmael; sisters, Bertha Robinson, Elsie Parker, Dorothy Lewis, Francis Lewis, Claudia Lewis and Laurestine Lewis; brothers, John Lewis, Maurice Lewis and Forest Lewis; 34 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel, 1640 N. Missouri 291, Liberty.
David Love Sr.
David Reed Love Sr., 51, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, at Excelsior Springs Medical Center. Mr. Love was born Dec. 1, 1957, in Carrollton, the son of Oscar Jethro and Maribelle (Carlson) Love. He was married to Marilyn Sue Peel on July 3, 1977; she survives. He was employed with General Motors as a line assembler, retiring in 2007 after 30 years. He was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his father on July 22, 2004; two grandmothers, Doris Love and Irene Goon; and a grandfather, Norman Carlson. In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, David Love Jr., Independence; a daughter, Sonja Love, Kansas City; his mother, Maribelle Love, Kansas City; one brother, Mike Love, Kearney; two sisters, Julie Quick and Leigh Ann Bias, both of Parkville; a stepbrother, Brian Henry, Overland Park, Kan.; his stepmother, Dolly Love, Lawson; and three grandchildren, Dylan Love, Jackson Love and Bailey Love-Davis. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Kearney United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Sunday at the church. Burial will be in the Missouri City Cemetery. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Spinal Bifida Association of America.
Kay Loveall
Kay Joyce Loveall, 73, died Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009. Ms. Loveall was born Jan. 14, 1936, in Excelsior Springs, the daughter of Thomas and Gladys (Little) Mudd. She worked for the Johnson County Election Office for 20 years. Survivors include two sons, Robert Loveall and Barry Loveall; two daughters, Jackie Dunne and Connie Hougland; one brother, Tommie Mudd; two sisters, Linda Sundquist and Connie Dzoik; 16 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at McGilley & Frye Funeral Home in Olathe, Kan.; burial in Olathe Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the funeral home, with a Rosary at 4:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
*Bonnie McCaulley
Bonnie McCaulley, 91, Syracuse, Neb. (formerly of Excelsior Springs, Mo.), died Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, at Syracuse Good Samaritan Center in Syracuse, Neb. Bonnie Bell McCaulley, the daughter of Frank and Mary C. (Piatt) Hunter, was born April 12, 1918, at Pacific Junction, Iowa. Bonnie married Joseph R. Evans during World War II and they later divorced. Bonnie later married Donald Keith McCaulley. Bonnie owned and operated the Railroad Café in Pacific Junction, Iowa. She moved from Pacific Junction to Kent, Iowa, then moved to Creston, Iowa, in 1968 and lived there for many years. Her husband, Donald, was an engineer for Burlington Northern Railroad until his retirement; Bonnie was a homemaker after they moved to Creston. Bonnie has been living at the Good Samaritan Center in Syracuse, Neb., since 2006. Bonnie was an active member of Assembly of God Church in Creston and taught Sunday School. She also taught Sunday School and was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Excelsior Springs, Mo., for about 15 years while they lived there. She was preceded in death by her parents; nine brothers and sisters; her grandson, Matthew Hutton; her daughter, Kaye Evans; and her son, Donald Keith McCaulley Jr. Left to cherish Bonnie’s memory are her husband, Donald McCaulley, Syracuse, Neb.; her son, Joe (wife Jessica) Evans, Manley, Neb.; her daughter, Jennifer “Mary” (husband Jim) Hutton, Choctaw, Okla.; her three grandchildren, Shannon and Jessica Hutton and Joe Evans III; one great-grandson, Heath Robert Evans; her brothers, Harry (wife Barb) Hunter, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Jack (wife Phyllis) Hunter, Colorado, and Jay (wife Myrna) Hunter, Suffolk, Va.; her sister-in-law: Jane Hunter, Pacific Junction, Iowa; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Assembly of God Church, Creston, Iowa. Pastor Jim McCutchan officiated. Interment was at the Graceland Cemetery, Creston. Arrangements are through Pearson-Coen-Beaty Family Funeral Service, Creston. Memorials may be directed to the Assembly of God Ministries. On-line condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.
Sandra McCoy
Sandra Kay McCoy, 63, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo. Mrs. McCoy was born Sept. 2, 1946, in Excelsior Springs, the daughter of Walter and Bertha (Sloan) Rouse. She was married to James McCoy on June 8, 1966; he survives. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Excelsior Springs. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Tammy Godsey. In addition to her husband, survivors include one son, James Scott McCoy, and one daughter, Michelle Pitts, both of Excelsior Springs; two sisters, Debbie Boyles, Excelsior Springs, and Pam Sifers, Gallatin; three brothers, Ron Rouse, Kearney, Gary Rouse, Las Vegas, Nev., and Bobby Ware, Missouri City; her stepmother, Melba Rouse, Excelsior Springs; and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sandra McCoy Memorial Fund.
“Rick” Moore
Ronald Richard "Rick" Moore, 52, Excelsior Springs , Mo., died Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009, at his home. Mr. Moore was born April 28, 1957, in Excelsior Springs, the son of Charles R. and Gladys (Terry) Moore. Survivors include one son, Jason Moore, Excelsior Springs; one brother, Charles Rodney Moore, Excelsior Springs; two sisters, Sharon Long and Shelly Baker, both of Excelsior Springs; and three grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rick Moore Memorial fund, in care of the funeral home.
*Grace Moyer
Grace Alene (Stanley) Moyer passed away peacefully into the hands of the Lord on Nov. 5, 2009. Grace was born on May 19, 1922, in Richmond, Mo., to Dean B. and Grace (Craven) Stanley. She was united in marriage to Orville Lee Moyer on Oct. 22, 1940, in Richmond, Mo. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orville L. Moyer; her parents, Dean B. and Grace C. Stanley; three brothers, Kelly, Jack, and Clyde; and three sisters, Frances Stanley, Claudine Hoover and Dorothy Carder. She is survived by her two sons, David (Janet) and Gene (Barbara) Moyer; two sisters, Zelma (Robert) Conner and Thelma McGuinn; two brothers, Dorris (Nadine) Stanley and Clarence (Kim) Stanley; five grandchildren, Lisa Barnum, Grant L. Moyer, Benjamin (Lindsay) Moyer, Brent (Jennifer) Moyer and Tressy (Dan) O'Conner; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who love her very much. Grace retired from from Sears in 1983 after more than 40 years. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Graveside services will be held at 10 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Glenridge Cemetery in Liberty, Mo. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo.
Michael Mynatt
Michael Mynatt, 55, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, after a long illness. Mr. Mynatt was born Oct. 18, 1954, in Springfield, the youngest of six children of Onas and Rowena Mynatt. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He had lived in Excelsior Springs for 12 years. Survivors include his wife of almost 25 years, Kathleen; a daughter, Vanessa; sisters, Susie and Peggy; and brothers, Voisy, Ronnie and Steve. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kan. Frank Robinson Frank Allen Robinson, 70, Holt, Mo., died Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at North Kansas City Hospital in North Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Robinson was born Jan. 5, 1939, in Stewart, Ark., the son of Pearl McKinley and Martha Ellen (Johnson) Robinson. He was married to Lynn Sharlene Roberts on Jan. 27, 1987; she survives. For a brief time he worked in the stockyards in Kansas City, Kan. After serving in the Army, he was employed for 32 years with Cramer Manufacturing until his retirement in 1995. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Pearl Robinson Jr. In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Eva Price, Odessa, Texas, and Reanee Holloway, Osceola; five sisters, Anna Faye Devosha, Kansas City, Kan., Della Jordan, Edwards, Helen Warren, Rio Linda, Calif., and Laura Musgrove and Lorene Langley, both of Mammoth Springs, Ark.; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A memorial visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Cremation. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital for Cancer Research.
Wanda O’Dell
Wanda O’Dell, 73, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. Mrs. O’Dell was born Oct. 28, 1936, in Little Rock, Ark., the daughter of Edward and Lucille Baillie. She moved to Excelsior Springs in 1949, and graduated from Excelsior Springs High School in 1953. She attended one year of college at Virginia Entermount in Bristol, Tenn. She was married to Billie Joe “Frog” O’Dell in 1954. She was active in the local community theatre and Paradise Playhouse, and was a well-respected member of the Excelsior Springs community. She served for six years on the Excelsior Springs School Board. Survivors include her husband, Billie Joe “Frog” O’Dell, Excelsior Springs; and two sons, Mike O’Dell, Independence, and Jon O’Dell and wife, Judy, Liberty. A celebration of life will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at First United Methodist Church, 1650 Rainbow Blvd., Excelsior Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1-800-117-2345 or www.cancer.org.
Charles Pettus
Charles Eugene Pettus, 96, Elkhorn, Mo., died at 11:45 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, at North Kansas City Hospital in North Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Pettus was born May 24, 1913, in Ray County, Mo., to Charles Emmet and Gertie Alice (Patton) Pettus. He married Mary K. Bates on June 29, 1941; she preceded him in death on June 18, 1986. Survivors include three nephews, Don Pettus, Lee’s Summit, Mo., Dwight Pettus, Orrick, Mo., and Jerry Bates and his wife, Sheila, Pleasant Hill, Mo.; and three nieces, Judy Hunt and her husband, Roger, Leawood, Kan., Phyllis Dieckmann and her husband, Glen, Levasy, Mo., and Barbara Doehring and her husband, Chris, Sarasota, Fla. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one brother, Glenn T. Pettus; and one sister, Margaret Bellis. Mr. Pettus was a retired farmer. He lived most of his life in Ray County. He was a former board member of the Ray Carroll Grain Growers. He was a member of the Missouri Farm Bureau and the Todd’s Chapel Methodist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Todd’s Chapel, west of Richmond, Mo. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday at the church, prior to services. Interment will be in Richmond Memory Gardens Cemetery, Richmond, Mo. Thurman Funeral Home, in Richmond, Mo., is in charge of the arrangements. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Todd’s Chapel Methodist Church or the Todd’s Chapel Cemetery.
Lorene Pollard
Lorene Elizabeth (Burdick) Pollard, 87, Lathrop, Mo., died Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, at the Lawson Manor and Rehabilitation Center in Lawson, Mo. Ms. Pollard was born Aug. 17, 1923, in Polo, the daughter of Guy E. and Constance (Johnson) Burdick. She lived on a farm in rural Caldwell County her whole life. She was married to Clifford Pollard on Jan. 15, 1942; he preceded her in death on Aug. 17, 2008. At the age of 40, she attended college to become a teacher, then taught in the Lawson School District her whole career, retiring in the late 1980s. She also went on to further her education and received her doctorate. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Ralph Burdick. Survivors include two sons: Roger Pollard, Lathrop, and Randall Pollard, San Leandro, Calif.; one sister, Marjorie Pollard, Pleasant Hill, Iowa; and three grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at Prairie Ridge Christian Union Church in Polo. Burial will be in Zimmerman Cemetery, Polo. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at Polley Funeral Home in Lawson.
Leonard Sharp
Leonard H. Sharp, 76, Littleton, Colo., passed away Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at his home. Mr. Sharp was born Nov. 11, 1932, in Excelsior Springs, Mo., the son of Leonard and Frances W. Sharp. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda; and a brother, Robert. Survivors include his wife, Marjorie; a son, Brad; two stepdaughters, Debra Lane and Terri Hinton; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, all of Colorado; three brothers, Don (Kathy), Excelsior Springs, Bill (Mary), Kansas City, and John (Rhelma), Laganville, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Nov. 22, in Colorado.
*Edward Stein
Edward T. Stein, 90, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Nov. 8, 2009, at his home. Edward was born Dec. 28, 1918, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Kurt and Martha Ann King Stein. He was a lifelong farmer. He had been a member of Barbee Presbyterian Church since 1950, an elder for 21 years and deacon and treasurer for 30 years. He was also a member of Lions Club for 64 years, and the hospital board at Excelsior Springs Hospital. He married the former Merletta Hartman in 1940. She survives. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Diana June Cox. Other survivors include son, Darrell Stein and wife, Sheryl, of Smithville; grandchildren, Malia Mabe, Brooke Pitzenberger, Darrell Stein II, Ryan Stein and families; also grandchildren, Marilyn Lynch, Michael Cox, Marie Bennett, Machelle Timmermans and their families. He also has 20 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Barbee Presbyterian Church, Excelsior Springs, with services to follow at 2 p.m. at the church. Burial in Crown Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. The family suggests memorial contributions to Excelsior Springs Nursing & Rehab.
Melody Stein
Melody Stein, 59, Rayville, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo. Ms. Stein was born Jan. 3, 1950, the daughter of Wilbur and Virginia Norris. She was married to Gary Stein on March 26, 1971; he survives, of the home. She was a member of Rayville Christian Union Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Wilbur Norris. In addition to her husband, Gary Stein, survivors include one daughter, Misty Stein, St. Joseph; one son, Benjamin Stein, of the home; her mother, Virginia Norris, Excelsior Springs; two sisters, Sheryl Marrant, Richmond, and Debbie Sullivan, Excelsior Springs; and one brother, Raymond Norris, Edwards. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Burial will be in the Polley Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services, from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Gary Stitt
Gary J. Stitt, 56, formerly of Excelsior Springs, Mo., lost his battle with leukemia on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009. Mr. Stitt was born Dec. 21, 1952, the son of Lyle Stitt and Betty Stitt. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Roxanne Stitt; stepdaughter, Sarah and Jeff Stevens; stepson, Scott Clement; sister, Robbin Stitt Smith and her husband, Warren, and their children, Shawn and Kelly Moss, plus Kelly’s husband, Matt, and their son, Noah; and two grandchildren, Alexis Stevens and Logan Stevens. Private services. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, 1525 Alvina Dr., Dupo, IL 62239.|
Gregory Swanson
Gregory Allen Swanson, 62, Springfield, Mo., died Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at Cox Medical Center South. Mr. Swanson was born April 8, 1947, in Kansas City, the son of Gerald B. and Janette I. Swanson. He lived in Festus, then retired to the Springfield area in 2002 after a 36-year career with the Department of Defense in their Mapping & Imagery Agency, where he was a senior cartographer. He was a member of Webster Park Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother, Melanie Swanson; and brother, Bob. Survivors include his sisters, Leah Whitaker, Springfield, and Carol Blankenship, Richmond; and other friends and relatives. Memorial services and visitation were held Thursday, Nov. 5, at Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel in Springfield. Burial will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Sunny Slope Cemetery in Richmond.
Rachel Tice
Rachel Marie Fugate Tice, 29, Lawson, Mo. (formerly of Polo, Mo.), died Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, at Center Point Medical Center in Independence, Mo. Mrs. Tice is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Tice, of the home; her children, Ashtyn, Damion, Dakota, Jordan and Paige, all of the home; her parents, Robert and Donna (Turner) Fugate, Polo; her siblings, Kimberly Kosorog and Bryan Fugate, both of Liberty, and Kevin Fugate, Excelsior Springs; and other relatives. Funeral services will be held at noon Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Bailey & Cox Family Funeral Service in Polo. Interment will be in Prairie Ridge Cemetery in Polo. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with a Parish Rosary at 11:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rachel Tice Memorial Fund.
Emma VanOster
Emma Esther VanOster, 85, Richmond, Mo., died Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, at her daughter's home in Richmond. Mrs. VanOster was born Aug. 11, 1924, in Callaway, Neb., the daughter of Joseph and Martha Jane (Rash) Palmer. She was married to Roy Junior VanOster on July 31, 1944; he preceded her in death on May 14, 1988. She worked briefly in Kansas City in a packing plant before marrying and raising her family. In 1959 they moved to the Richmond area, where they have since lived. She was of the Baptist faith and had attended the First Baptist Church. In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, David VanOster on May 14, 1999, and Billy VanOster on Oct. 21, 2009; five brothers; and four sisters. Survivors include two sons, LeeRoy VanOster, Richmond, and Ricky VanOster, Farmington; four daughters, Beverly Mallott, Cathy Wilson and Virginia Franco, all of Richmond, and Linda Littrell, Meadville; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Polley Funeral Home in Richmond. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Richmond. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, at the funeral home.
*Billie Ware
Billie M. Ware, 55, of 100 Warner Lane, Elliottsburg, Pa., died Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, in the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa. Born Feb. 16, 1954, in Excelsior Springs, Mo., she was the daughter of the late William and Nancy Marie (Odell) Crawford. Surviving are her husband, Dallas E. Ware; a son, Dallas E. II and wife, Barbara, of Clay City, Ind.; a daughter, Shannon M. Danley and husband, David, of Enola, Pa.; four brothers, Frank Crawford and Wes Crawford, both of Richmond, Mo., Tommy Crawford of Lexington, Mo. and Raymond Crawford of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; two sisters, Joyce Ables of Excelsior Springs, Mo., and Jessie Rowlett of Carrollton, Mo.; and six grandchildren, Leslie Danley, Caitlin Gaurey, Sindelle Frazier, Gage Ware, Dane Ware and Grace Ware. A "Celebration of Life" was held at her home from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Arrangements are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Homes, New Bloomfield/Duncannon, Pa. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or The Humane Society of the Greater Harrisburg Area, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111.
*Marjorie Wharton
Marjorie Wharton, 97, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009, at the Excelsior Springs Convalescent Center. Marjorie was born Sept. 5, 1912, in Kansas City, Kan., the daughter of Otto and Maude (Sumner) Letzig. Her family moved to a farm in rural Ray County in 1913. After graduating from Richmond High School in 1930, she attended the Kansas City Business College. During the 1930s, she worked as a field organizer for the new established Beta Sigma Phi women’s sorority, traveling in the southern United States. She married Ernest Wharton in 1938. Marjorie was a member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Beta Sigma Phi, Harmony Study Club and Coterie Club. She was instrumental in establishing the first kindergarten program in the Excelsior Springs School District. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and two brothers, Herman Letzig and Welmon Letzig. Survivors include three sons and their wives, George and Jeanette Wharton, Dallas, Texas, J. David and Julia Wharton, Kansas City, Mo., and Richard and Delores Wharton, Excelsior Springs; six grandchildren, Richard Wharton and Brian Wharton, both of Dallas, Texas, Susan Bell and Janet Greaves, both of Kansas City, Stephanie Guin, Lee’s Summit, and David Wharton, Kearney; and seven great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial in Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church or the Excelsior Springs Convalescent Center.
Frances Whelchel
Frances N. Whelchel, 88, Holden, Mo., died Monday, Nov. 2, 2009. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond; burial in Hickory Grove Cemetery in Richmond. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Autry Williams
Autry Williams, 72, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo. Mr. Williams was born Nov. 5, 1937, in Eden, N.C., the son of Richard and Mary (Barker) Williams. He was married to Dawn (Terry) Williams on Dec. 31, 1978; she survives, of the home. He had served in the U.S. Air Force, then worked as an over-the-road truck driver for most of his career. He also served as mayor of Wood Heights for several years. He was preceded in death by his father; one brother, Hank Williams; and his son, Micheal Williams. Survivors include his wife, Dawn Williams, of the home; three sons, Christopher Williams, Jesse Galan and Bill Williams; three daughters, Barbara Williams, Lana Riddle and Michelle Galan; his mother, Betty Williams; four brothers, Elmer Williams, John Williams, Ray Williams and Ronnie Williams; one sister, Betty Sue; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Burial will be in the Polley Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the funeral home.
*Jack Woodring Sr.
Jack Woodring, Sr., 91, Kansas City, Mo. (formerly of Lawson, Mo.), passed away Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, at the Excelsior Springs Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Jack was born on Jan. 30, 1918, in Wichita, Kan., the son of Claude Woodring and Dortha (Snyder). He was married to Lila (Coen) Woodring, who preceded him in death on Jan. 31, 1995. He served in the United States Air Corps during World War II. He was employed with the Ford Motor Company, retiring in 1977. Jack was a member of Bee Hive Lodge #393 in Lawson, Mo., and a member of the Ararat Shrine. Survivors include daughters, DeDe Shields and husband, Max, of Platte City, Mo., Lonnie Canfield and husband, Eric, of Kansas City, Mo., and Lynne Briant and husband, Mike, of Lawson, Mo.; one son, Jack Woodring and wife, Linda, of Lawson, Mo.; grandchildren, Mitchell Loner, Angel Pittman, Kurt Canfield, Curtis Briant, Clint Briant, Michelle Woodring-Crosby and Andrew Woodring; and 16 great-grandchildren. Besides his parents and wife, Jack was preceded in death by one grandson, Matthew Loner. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services, from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Lawson Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be given to the Salvation Army or the Excelsior Springs Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Juanita Woolery
Juanita M. Woolery, 90, Kearney, Mo., died Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. A lifelong resident of Kearney, Ms. Woolery retired from the Kearney School District and was a member of First Baptist Church of Kearney. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Irvin James Woolery; her brothers, Ray, Fritz, Virgil and Mike Thompson; her sister, Emma Miller; and her son, James Robert Woolery. Survivors include one daughter, Judy Dickinson; two sons, Jerry Woolery and Dean Woolery; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Kearney. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at First Baptist Church in Kearney. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Stella Wright
Stella H. Wright, 97, Richmond, Mo., died Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond; burial in Richmond Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
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