Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Berniece E. Martin

Berniece E. Martin, 96, Walker, passed away at her home on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010. She was born four and a half miles north of Walker in the house built by her father on Aug. 26, 1914, to Robert L. Leedy and Nellie Standage Leedy.
She married Dwight E. Martin at the United Methodist Church in Nevada on June 28, 1936. He preceded her in death on July 18, 1977.

Berniece graduated from Walker High School and later attended Cottey College in Nevada. Berniece and her husband operated the Martin General Store in Walker for 22 years which supplied groceries and farm supplies for area residents. Berniece also served as the Walker Mayor from 1966-1980 and was honored by the city of Walker in 1992 by dedicating the Community Building as the Berniece E. Martin Community Building.

Berniece was a member of the Soroptimist Club of Nevada, Order of the Eastern Star and past District Deputy in 1957, Rebekah Lodge, Pioneers Club and Helping Hands. She was involved in a number of committees that were instrumental in the formation of - the hot Lunch Program for Walker Schools, Walker Band Parents Club, the Vernon County Health Department, the Vernon County Ambulance Service and the Walker Girl Scouts Program. Berniece was a longtime member of the Walker Christian Church and taught Sunday School for many years and organized fundraisers for the church.

Berniece was the youngest of 10 children all of whom preceded her in death. 

Survivors include two sons, Phillip Martin - Walker, and Allan Martin, and his wife, Diane – Walker; three grandchildren - Rochelle Borgaila, and her husband, Dan - Council Bluffs, IA, Rylan Martin - Oak Park, IL, and Matthew Martin, and his fiancee, Meghan - Council Bluffs, IA; three great grandchildren - Chloie, Jacob Zane and Isabella; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1, in Green Mound Cemetery near Harwood, under the direction of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. Friends may call from now until 1 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Those who wish may contribute in her memory to the City of Walker Park Fund c/o Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada, MO 64772.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Larry 'Patches' Gibson


Larry “Patches” Cecil Gibson, 68, El Dorado Springs, was born on May 5, 1942, in Lindsay, CA, to Laurence and Leedith Mae (Eason) Gibson. He passed away Sept. 26, 2010, after a short battle with liver cancer.

He joined the Army in 1965 and served for four years.

Most of Larry’s life was spent in California before moving to Cedar County in 1996.

He worked odd jobs mostly until he found employment at the V.I.P. Restaurant in El Dorado Springs where he leaves so many friends and customers to mourn his passing.

Patches, as he was known to all who cared about him, will always be remembered for the many wonderful meals that he provided to customers that meant so much to him. His signature eye patch, white shirt, black ties, puttering scooter and his friendly attitude will be missed but not forgotten by any who knew him.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his sister, Shirley; and a daughter, Rhonda McKeiney, both of Porterville, CA. He is also survived by a son, Brian Gibson, whose whereabouts are unknown; and his co-workers who respected him so much – Teresa Rash, Connie Fleener and John Glen – from El Dorado Springs; the coffee drinkers that will miss their first cup; a host of friends and customers he cherished so much; and his special friend, Pennie Eason, who helped him in his last days and who he once asked, “Just give me a chance.”

Always wanting to help, Patches chose to donate his remains to research of the disease that took his life. Afterwards he will be cremated and his ashes spread where he called home.

A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, in the Methodist Church at Kirkpatrick and Broadway in El Dorado Springs with Rev. Patty Smith and Rev. Brent Bland officiating.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Helen Lavonne Porter

Helen Lavonne Porter, 86, San Angelo, TX, was born Feb. 29, 1924, and passed from this life on Sept. 25, 2010, at her daughter’s home. Her husband, “Bob” Porter, of Schell City, preceded her in death.

Survivors include her daughter, Shari Koppelman – San Angelo, TX; two grandchildren, Anita and Doug Koppelman – both of San Angelo, TX; her sister, Billie of Carthage; other relatives and many friends.

Memorial services were held Friday, Oct. 1, in the Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City with Brother Paul Thorade officiating.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home, Schell City.

Friday, September 24, 2010

James 'Jim'Daniel Hacker

James “Jim” Daniel Hacker, 78, Butler, died Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. He was born May 26, 1932, the third son of Howard and Angie Naomi Palmer Hacker in Nevada.

Jim began his working career with Sac Osage Electric Coop in El Dorado Springs working his way up from material clerk, to bookkeeper, to office manager and on to eventually become the youngest general manager of any Rural Electric Coop in Missouri, at only 31 years of age. Early on, his work career was interrupted to serve a term during the Korean War, in the U.S. Army, being stationed in Washington, D.C., and working in Intelligence during that military duty.

Jim married Rita May Dicks in 1952 at Berea Christian Church and they began their family of two sons and one daughter.

He was active as a leader of the Boy Scout troop, a member of the Chamber of Commerce (including serving as president) and the El Dorado Springs Industrial Development Corporation. He was on the Cedar County American Red Cross, the KAMO Electric Board of Directors, the AMEC (Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives) Board of Directors, was a Deacon, Elder and Sunday School Superintendent of the First Christian Church and member of the El Dorado Springs Junior Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. Jim was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Missouri Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Paul Harris Award by Rotary, as well as other assorted civic and career honors.

In March of 1974 Jim accepted the offer to become General Manager of Osage Valley Electric Coop in Butler, where he worked until retirement in March of 1985. Again, he was involved and active in many community and professional organizations.

Up until his death, he attended Happy Hill Church of God (Holiness), had been a member of the Butler Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity and Rotary Club.

Jim felt the most important lessons learned in life were to always try to be a good Christian, always give a good day's work for a good day's pay, treat everybody like you want to be treated, respect your elders and work hard to make a living for yourself. Jim’s definition of a good friend was someone who you could depend on and who would be there when you needed help. Jim’s idea of success was not determined by comparing finances or stuff but how satisfied you were with your life.

He had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He would light up when he saw them and hold out his arms to hug and kiss them.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Tom Hacker; and one sister, Sue McDaniel.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rita Hacker - of Butler; two sons, Larry Hacker, and wife, Loretta, and Ken Hacker, and wife, Alice - all of El Dorado Springs; one daughter, Donna Thurman, and husband, Randy - Butler; three brothers - Bob Hacker, and wife, Carol - Nevada, Bill Hacker, and wife, Margie - El Dorado Springs, and Dick Hacker, and wife, Sandy – Nevada; one sister, Bonnie McDaniel, and husband, Cliff - Nevada; six grandchildren - Brandon Johnson, and wife, Nicole - Butler, Nick Johnson, and wife,Tiffany - Springfield, Sonia Hacker - Nevada, Alexa Hacker - El Dorado Springs, Russell Johnston - Denver, CO, and Traci Land, and husband, Greg - Houston, TX; and eight great-grandchildren - Taylor and Ty Johnson, Ean Gwinn, Jonathan, Jason, Allison and Amanda Land, Dylan Johnston; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were held Monday, Sept. 27, in Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, with Pastor Ron Dunlap officiating. Burial was in Newton Burial Park, Nevada. Contributions may be made to the Jim Hacker Memorial Fund.

Arrangements were by Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Inc., Butler.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Lucille Mae King Hardison


Lucille Mae King Hardison, 89, El Dorado Springs, was born Sept. 14, 1921, in El Dorado Springs to Howard and Gladys (Thrush) King. She passed away Sept. 23, 2010, at Cedar County Memorial Hospital.

She graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1940.

She was united in marriage on June 16, 1941, to the late Woody Hardison. To this union two sons were born, Kenneth J. Hardison, of Colorado Springs, CO, and Gary K. Hardison, of El Dorado Springs.

During World War II, they made their home in Paso Robles, CA, where Woody was stationed at Camp Roberts, CA. Their oldest son, Kenneth, was born while they lived in California.

After the war, they returned to El Dorado Springs. Most of her married life, Lucille was a homemaker. After her sons were grown, she worked at the local radio station for 13 years as a bookkeeper, copy writer and she had her own 15 minute program five days a week called, “Mainly for Women.”

She was a member of P.E.O. for 40 years and was a charter member of Park Street Christian Church. She served as a trustee, Sunday School secretary, choir member and pianist and was active in the ladies group. She was just a teenager when she was baptized into the Christian Church.

After Woody’s retirement, they traveled all over the world with their son, Ken, and his wife. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1991.

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, Woody, the love of her life.

She is survived by her two sons, Ken, and wife, Jan – Colorado Springs, CO, and Gary, and wife, Claudia – El Dorado Springs (Ken and Gary were her and Woody’s pride and joy); one sister, Ima Jean Pickell – Tulsa, OK, four grandsons, three granddaughters and 22 great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly, several cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Services were held Monday, Sept. 27, in the Park Street Christian Church with Rev. Steve Bond and Rev. Glen Hinkle officiating. Music was What A Friend We Have In Jesus, He Is So Precious To Me and On The Wings Of A Snow White Dove was provided by Linda Smith, Marilyn Easley and Peggy Carter.

Casketbearers were – Larry Heuser, Jim Summer Sr., Tim Carter, Richard Van Bummel, Scott Watkins and Ken Wood. Interment was in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery.

Arrangements by Sheldon Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs.

Roxie Louise Scott

Roxie Louise Scott, 85, Nevada, passed away Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada following a short illness. She was born April 6, 1925, in Nevada to William Benton Glendenning and Sylvia Garland Glendenning.

She was married June 26, 1949, in Nevada to Orville T. Scott and he preceded her in death on Aug. 10. 2007.

She was born and raised in Nevada and spent most all of her life in this area. She worked for a brief time during WWII in a defense plant in Wichita, KS. She also worked at the Nevada State Hospital and the Tent Factory in Nevada. She was a dedicated and loving mother and that love was returned in full.

In addition to her husband, Orville, she was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Orville Wayne Scott, and one sister, Nadine Jadlot.

Survivors include her two daughters, Debbie Brendlinger, and her husband, Jerry – Milo, and Marsha Sharp – El Dorado Springs; four grandchildren – Melissa Bedford, and her husband, Kevin–– Bella Vista, AR, Mathew Scott, and his wife, Angie – Kansas City, Jessica Pursley – Dexter, and Scott Janes – Nashville, TN; four great-grandchildren – Melina, Lashay, Daniel and Dylan; and three nieces – Janet Zoglmann – Milo, Kessie Steuck – Nevada, and Beatrice Farmer–– El Dorado Springs.

Graveside services began at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, in Moore Cemetery in Nevada with Pastor Bill Platt officiating.
Arrangements by Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Peggy Marie Burns

Peggy Marie Burns, 63, El Dorado Springs, passed away on Monday, Sept. 20, 2010, at the Stockton Nursing Home. She was born April 17, 1947, in Waterloo, IA, to Melvin H. and Ruth H. (Hoffman) Stephens.

She attended the Orange Township School and later transferred to Waterloo School.

In 1962, she married Marlow Larson and to this union two children were born, Rick and Julie. Later she married Bill Peach.
In 1987 she married Jimmie Burns and they spent 23 happy years together.

She worked at many different jobs through the years, including - Shell Gas Station, Wonder Bread Bakery, Woods Supermarket, Carenders Drug Store, Am. Vets and in-home health care for the elderly.

Peggy’s hobbies included fishing and playing pool. She was an excellent housekeeper, enjoyed her flowers and loved to visit with friends.

Preceding Peggy in death were her parents and one sister, Lynette.

She is survived by her husband, Jimmie - of the home; four children - Rick Larson and Clint Burns - both of Stockton, Julie Schloemer - Oregon, and Lisa Snead - Dadeville; seven grand-children; one sister, Judy Vaughn - of Illinois; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service was held on Friday, Sept. 24, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Randy Bland officiating. Committal will follow later in Hackleman Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to High Hopes (American Cancer Society) in care of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Kathryn June Hamilton Bowman-Stone


Kathryn June Hamilton Bowman-Stone, 57, El Dorado Springs, was born June 10, 1953, in Springfield to Leck and Antonia Hamilton. She came home to Cedar County to join her 13 brothers and sisters and she lived in Cedar County her entire life. She passed away Sept. 18, 2010, at her home surrounded by loved ones after a short illness of ALS.

She lived her early years in the Black Jack and Caplinger Mills communities. In 1962, her family moved to El Dorado Springs.
She graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1972. She worked at Betty McQuirk's drive in and Dunbrooke Shirt Factory.

Kathy married Danny Rodgers and to this union a daughter and a son were born. On Sept. 15, 1982, Kathy and James Bowman were united in marriage. Kathy was a housewife for 20 years. She and Jim were foster parents to numerous foster children, three of whom they adopted.

In 2003, Kathy fulfilled her dreams of opening her own diner. With help of her brother, Sam, and daughter, Karri, she opened Kajas, near the Park. She sold the diner in 2006. Kathy worked tirelessly to help establish Lia House and Arc of Hope Women and Children’s Shelter.

She was a member of the Church of God (Holiness).

Kathy married Lloyd Stone, Nov. 17, 2008.

She was preceded in death by her newborn daughter, Kimberly Diane Rodgers, in 1977; her husband of 16 years, James Bowman, in 1999; her beloved grandson, Alex Boonyakiti, in 2010; her parents, Leck and Antonio Hamilton; and her brothers, Charles Hamilton and Don Hamilton.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Lloyd; her children – Karri Vickers and Justin, and Adam Rodgers and Ashley – El Dorado Springs; James Bowman, and Skye – Hopkinsville, KY, Sara Bowman – Springfield; and Jacob Bowman – of the home; her beloved grandchildren – Michael Boonyakiti, Chance Bain and Avery Rodgers; her brothers, Ed Hamilton and Barb – Wareton, NJ, Kenneth Hamilton, Byron Hamilton and Peggy, Sam Hamilton and Diane, Phil Hamilton and Jeanette, and Lennie Hamilton – all of El Dorado Springs, and Paul Hamilton and Mary – Warsaw; her sisters – Hazel Lesmeister and Don – Butler, Alice Fuller and Ron – San Antonia, TX, Mary Johnson – Carl Junction, and Marjorie Hamilton – El Dorado Springs; a sister-in-law, Romaine Hamilton – Grand Junction, CO; two aunts, Elsie Hamilton – Caplinger Mills and Edith Hamilton – Columbia; numerous foster children, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, in the Church of God (Holiness) El Dorado Springs with burial in the Hackleman Cemetery under the direction of the Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.

The family will receive friends in the funeral home from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22.
Arrangements by Sheldon Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Jerial D. Covington


Jerial D. Covington, 90, Walker, went to his heavenly home on Sept. 15, 2010. Jerial was born in Searcy, AR, to Lewis and Minnie (Cowan) Covington.

Jerial and his parents moved to Missouri when he was three years old. He resided in the Walker area much of his life.

Jerial was a proud Army Veteran of WWII and a devoted Christian and family man. He loved being on the family farm and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Minnie; siblings – Aretha, Ruth, Orville, Clark and Laverna; and two children, Danny, and an infant daughter.

Jerial is survived by his wife, Kathleen – of the home; two daughters, Linda Morris – Raymore, and Brenda Copeland, and husband, David – Walker; three grandchildren – Stephanie Cantrell, and husband, Brennan – Raymore, Justin Copeland, and wife, Mikki – Lee’s Summit, and Brittany Campbell, and husband, Harrison – Warsaw; three great-grandchildren – Ayden and Keagan Cantrell – Raymore, and Quentin Campbell – Warsaw; three sisters – Florence Flynn – Nevada, LaVonne Messick – Walker, and Wilma Miller – Peculiar; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and many friends.

Jerial was a man who lived his life for God and was always there to help anyone in need. He will truly be missed by all who knew him but our loss is certainly Heaven’s gain.

Services were held Saturday, Sept. 18, in Sheldon Chapel with Pastor Kenny Batson officiating. Songs were How Great Thou Art and a special song Home written and performed by grandson, Justin Copeland, and vocals by granddaughter, Stephanie Cantrell. Interment was in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Walker, under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home.

Casketbearers were – David Copeland, Justin Copeland, Harrison Campbell, Brennan Cantrell, Lee Covington and Gary Charles.
Arrangements by Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Ada Marjorie Vrbanac

Ada Marjorie Vrbanac, 82, passed away Monday, Sept. 13, 2010, at John Knox Village in Lee Summit. Ada was born June 2, 1928, to Jake and Eula Shaw in Plattsburg, MO.

She was a resident of Kansas City, KS, until moving to El Dorado Springs in the early 90s. In 2009, she moved to Lee’s Summit to be with her daughter. Ada was a fixture at Griff’s Restaurant in KCK for many years.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Thursday, Sept. 16, at the Skradski Funeral Home 340 N. 6th, Kansas City, KS 66101. Graveside services to follow at 12:30 p.m. in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 38th and State in Kansas City, KS.

Ada was preceded in death by her husband, William C. Vrbanac, and by her brother, Sammie Shaw, and sisters - Viola, Prudy, Betty’“Wilma” and Martha Tywanna.

She is survived by her son, William C. (Lori) Vrbanac - Auburn, KS; daughter, Cynthia M. (Jeff) See - Lee Summit; brothers, Carl and Buddy Shaw; sister - Oma Biggs, Ruby Janes, Wanda Keith and Rena Jane Shaw; grandchildren - Jenni, Matthew, Elizabeth, Mindi and Jarek; along with many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Skradski Funeral Home, Kansas City, KS.

Harvey G. Decker

Harvey G. Decker, 72, Nevada, passed away on Monday, Sept. 13, 2010, at his home in Nevada. He was born Sept. 11, 1928, in Halstead, KS, to Abe B. Decker and Helena Dirks Decker.

He married Vada Schmidt on March 2, 1952, in Hillsboro, KS, and she preceded him in death on Oct. 15, 2006.

Harvey moved with his family to Parsons, KS, at a young age and he received his schooling there. He worked for the Hesston Corporation (later Hay and Forage Corporation) located in Hesston, KS, for over 25 years. He also lived and farmed in Hillsboro, KS, prior to moving to Nevada in 1991. Harvey was a member of Faith Mennonite Church.

In addition to his wife, Vada, He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Elmer and Archie Decker.

Survivors include five children – Rodney Decker, and his wife, Marjorie – rural Nevada, Beverly Koehn, and husband, Jeff – Walker, Brenda Decker, Mary Decker – of the home, and Richard Decker, and his wife, Kari – Gettysburg, SD; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ben Decker – Walker, and John Decker – Donaphan; and two sisters, Elda Miller and Elizabeth Miller – Nashville, TN.

Services began at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15, at Living Faith Mennonite Church in Walker with L. John Becker, Ron Koehn and Robert Smith officiating. Interment followed in the Living Faith Mennonite Cemetery under the direction of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the Living Faith Mennonite Church in Walker.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Ruby Rose (McCoy) Patterson

Ruby Rose (McCoy) Patterson, 97, Fullerton, CA, passed away Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. Ruby was born Aug. 16, 1913, to John McCoy and Rosa (Bowen) McCoy.

Originally from Filley, Ruby traveled to California in 1940/41 with her younger brother, John McCoy. She worked as a waitress, met and married Howard M. Patterson, worked for McDonald Douglas during WWII and lived in Fullerton, CA, for the remainder of her life.

Ruby is survived by her son, David H. Patterson; two granddaughters, Shawna Gutierrez and Tonya Decker; and five great-grandchildren - Michael Davick, Robert Paredes, David Gutierrez, Ava Rose Decker and Wyatt Decker.

A viewing will he held from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, at McAulay & Wallace Mortuaries in Fullerton, CA. A graveside service will begin at 10 a.m. at Mound Cemetery near Filley, on Tuesday, Sept. 21, where Ruby will be laid to rest alongside her father.

Local arrangements are under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Eldon Lee Smith

Eldon Lee Smith, 83, beloved husband and father, died Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, at Via Christi Medical Center in Wichita, KS. He was born June 26, 1927, in El Dorado Springs to Harold Newton Smith and Jewel McMillen Smith.

He was married to Mildred Ruth Kuntz and she survives of the home.

Eldon graduated from Concord Grade School in Cedar County and attended El Dorado Springs High School. He retired from the Beech Aircraft Company in Salina, KS.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Mildred, include sons, Donald Dean Smith, and his wife, Opal – Baker, FL, and Ronald Lee Smith, and his wife, Lyan – Valley Falls, KS; former daughter-in-law, Patsy Golden-Smith – Ridgecrest, CA; grandchildren – Laurie J. Rowan, C’Anne Wolf, Cheryl A. Smith, Steven Smith, and Desiree M. Dickey; step-granddaughter – Sarah Long, Lysa Preston and Jessica Long; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Services were held Monday, Sept. 13, at Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington in Nevada, With Everett Smith officiating. Interment followed in Olive Branch Cemetery, Milo.

Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, was in charge of the arrangements.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Stephen Lee (Spain) Tucker

Stephen Lee (Spain) Tucker, 43, El Dorado Springs, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, at his parent’s home in Schell City. Steve was born Nov. 17, 1966, in Kansas City, the son of Harold Samuel and Shirley Ann (Terrill) Tucker.

Early in his life, Steve attended school in Kansas City, then, along with his family, relocated to Schell City where he attended school.

Through the years, Steve worked and lived mostly in the Kansas City area with the exception of the last six years when he lived in El Dorado Springs. In Kansas City, he was employed in retail sales and, in this area, he had worked for Santa Paula Awning, Allison Tire and, most recently, Harleman Manu-facturing.

Steve enjoyed fishing, watching the Kansas City Chiefs and was a master at the grill where he could be found cooking much of the time.

He was a “favorite uncle” to his nieces and nephews.

Survivors include his parents, Sam and Shirley Tucker – Schell City; one brother, Samuel Brian (Spain) Tucker and Melissa – Gladstone; two sisters, Patricia Marie Humphrey and Randy – Harwood, and Beth Baker and Tom – Fort Worth, TX; nieces and nephews – Greg and Nicholas Humphrey, Tesla and Kinzie Paris; and Lakynn, Tarynn and Matthew Baker; and one great-niece, Willow Humphrey.

Graveside services were held Saturday, Sept. 11, in the Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City, with Bro. Paul Thorade officiating. Memorial contributions are suggested to a fund for the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home in Schell City.

Drucalee Garrison

Drucalee Garrison, 85, Russellville, AR, died Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, in Ft. Smith, AR. She was born Sept. 21, 1924, in Palacious, TX.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earnest Garrison; parents, Walter and Lottie Tucker, and stepmother, Eva Tucker; brothers, Matt Marshall and Carl Tucker; and one sister, Pearl Burditt.

She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Ernestine and Wendell Burchett - Schell City, and Mary and Gale Robinson - Pottsville, AR; four grandchildren, Donnie (Tammy) Burchett - Schell City, Jason (April) Burchett – El Dorado Springs, and Karen (Chris) Heiserman – Appleton City, and Chasity Downum – Pottsville, AR; eight great-grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law, Clifton and Maxine Tucker - Salem, OR; one sister-in-law, Kitty Garrison - of Delaware; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was loved by many and will be greatly missed. A special thanks is extended to the Russellville Nursing Center and her friends at Russellville Senior Activity Center, as well as her church family at Antioch Freewill Baptist.

Services were held Saturday, Sept. 11, at Lemley Funeral Chapel with Rev. Fred Goates, Rev. David Downum and Rev. Don Loveless officiating. Burial was in Graves Cemetery in Delaware.

Pallbearers were - Donnie Burchett, Jason Burchett, Chris Heiserman, Roger Linden, Rod Linden and Jacob Linden. Honorary pallbearers - Bruce Linden, Jimmy Dale Reasoner, David Downum and Jay Barnes.

Arrangements by Lemley Funeral Service, Atkins, AR.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Ruth Schwamb

Ruth Schwamb, 90, El Dorado Springs, formerly of Rich Hill, departed this world to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, Sept. 2. Lillie Ruth Anderson was born Feb. 19, 1920, to George Burk and Maggie (Henley) Anderson. She was one of nine children.

Ruth grew up in Rich Hill. She was baptized in the Baptist Church and remained an active member through out her life.

Ruth graduated from Bryant High School in Rich Hill where she met her future husband, Carl H. Schwamb. Ruth and Carl were married on Nov. 14, 1944. On Sept. 1, 1946, Ruth and Carl were blessed with the birth of their only child, a daughter, Cheryl Ruth.

The family traveled all over the United States following Carl’s career in the Air Force. In 1968, they returned to Missouri.

Through out her life, Ruth continually gave herself to those she loved. She often moved in with relatives to help care for nieces and nephews during difficult times. Upon the death of her daughter, Cheryl, on Aug. 3, 1991, she turned her full attention to her four grandchildren, Wendy, Jacob, Joshua and Caleb. She unselfishly poured out her love on them. Grandma Ruth always placed others needs before her own. She had an amazing gift and love for children and a sense of humor that put a smile on the face of all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, husband, Carl, and her dearest daughter, Cheryl.

Ruth leaves behind a son-in-law, Larry Heuser, and wife, Joyce; four grandchildren – Wendy Musick, and husband, Matt, Jacob Heuser, and wife, LeaAnn, Joshua Heuser, and wife, Laurie, and Caleb Heuser; five great-grandchildren – Mason, Mylie and Mia Musick, Gavin Heuser and, the newly born, Campbell Ruth Heuser; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Services began at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, in Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill, with Brother Bill Perkey officiating. Music was
provided by Wendy Musick, soloist, and JoAnn Laughlin, organist.

Pallbearers were – Jacob Heuser, Josh Heuser, Caleb Heuser, David Tarver, Derek Ephland and Cliff Heitz. Honorary pallbearers were – Larry Heuser, Jimmy Woodall, Terry Heuser and Steve Heuser.
Interment was in Green Lawn Cemetery in Rich Hill.

Arrangements were by Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill.