Sunday, May 29, 2011

William Everett "Bill" Bailey

William Everett Bailey, 85, Schell City, the son of Willie and Rabie Anna (Dixon) Bailey, was born June 16, 1925, in Rockville, and passed from this life at 2:30 a.m. Sunday, May 29, 2011, at his home.

Bill started school in a one room schoolhouse just north of Rockville, but soon moved along with his family to Schell City. He graduated from Schell City High School in 1943 and later that year, on Sept 19, he was united in marriage to Anna Elizabeth Hillier at the Schell City Christian Church. Their union was blessed with the birth of two daughters.

He and Anna settled for a time in the Appleton City area just before Bill entered the United States Marine Corps. While Bill was in the military, Anna lived in Schell City and that is where they made their home after Bill’s service to our country.

Bill then began employment with the Missouri Pacific Railroad, now known as the Union Pacific Railroad. He continued that employment for 30 years, all the while farming his own land as well as working for other farmers in the area. He retired from the railroad in 1984 – but never really retired from farming.

In what small amount of spare time he had, Bill enjoyed fishing, gardening, camping and always enjoyed target practice – especially shooting clay pigeons. But the greatest love of Bill’s life was his family and friends. He enjoyed spending time with all of them even as his health declined.

Bill was baptized in 1943 and was a longtime member of the Schell City Christian Church and 50+ year member of Schell City Lodge AF and AM #448, and the American Legion.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert Eugene Bailey; his wife, Anna; and his daughter, Angela Scotten.

Survivors include his daughter, Bonnie, and her husband, Jr. of Schell City; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Bill was not only grandpa to Bonnie and Angela’s sons, Kevin and Randy, and their wives, Sue and Tracy, and Clayton and Brandon, but also to Jr.’s daughter, Arlinda. He loved all of the many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren and was also “Grandpa” to many that were not even “family” but he considered them all “grandchildren.

Services began at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, at the Schell City Christian Church in Schell City with Bro. Doug Reynolds and Bro. Howard McPeak officiating. Musical selections were provided by Sharon Goodman and David Souza. Pallbearers were Sam Vantellman, Dennis Vantellman, Doug Vantellman, Grady Davis, Ervin Goodman and Bobby Scotten. Interment with military honors were held in the Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City. Masonic services were held at the graveside by P.D.D.G.M. Lawrence Cripps. Funeral services were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home, Schell City. Memorial are suggested to the Heartland Hospice in care of the funeral home.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Billy Dean (B.D.) Dickbreder

B. D. Dickbreder, 85, Schell City, passed away early Monday, May 23, 2011, at his home from complications of COPD.

Survivors include one son, Dean Dickbreder (Sandy), Racine, WI, and one daughter, Dorothy Palmer (Paul), Schell City. He enjoyed step great-grandchildren, Devin and Adajha Spaulding, Racine, WI, and Autumn Isbell – Independence, and Autumn’s parents, Bob and Lola Miller. He is also survived by four nieces and nephews – Doug and Diane Antrim – Dallas, TX, Bob and Nancy Antrim and Virginia Tays – all of Taft, CA, and Jim Antrim–– Denver, CO, as well as cousins and special friends.

Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church in Schell City. Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday with Masonic services at 7 p.m. at the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home, Schell City. Friends may call after 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Green Lawn Cemetery, Schell City.

Memorials: 1) El Dorado Springs First Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, 2) Schell City Volunteer Fire Department, 3) Heartland Hospice – all in c/o Lewis –Hoagland Funeral Home Schell City 64783

Born near Rockville on Oct. 25, 1926, B. D. was the only child of William C. “Dick” Dickbreder and Sadie Lee Chastain. The family moved to Schell City while he was a baby and he has lived his entire life in the Schell City community, graduating from Schell City High School in 1944.

On July 22, 1944, he married his high school sweetheart, Martha Mae Antrim. Two children”– Dorothy Mae and William Dean – completed their family. Following service in the Army during World War II, Billy Dean owned and operated a grocery store at Harwood and then owned the Standard Oil (Amoco) Bulk Delivery for 29 years.

As a young man, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. And like Martha’s parents, he and his family were active members in the Schell City First Baptist Church. Later B. D. and Martha transferred their membership to the El Dorado Springs First Baptist Church where they were faithful members while their health permitted. Until this past year, he assisted in the church’s Nursing Home Ministry.

B. D. supported summer softball leagues during the 1960’s by sponsoring teams and serving as the nightly announcer. He was also supportive of community projects, being involved in the building of the Medical Center and Schell City Housing and serving on the board of Green Lawn Cemetery and Farmers State Bank.

B. D. and Martha were known for the beautiful flowers and impressive Christmas light displays at their home south of Schell City. They enjoyed 18 years of RVing and traveling after their retirement making many new friends which developed into long-term friendships.

B. D. was an active member of the Schell City Lions Club, a 50-year member of the AF&AM Masonic Lodge #448, and 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #148 and deacon’“emeritus” of the First Baptist Church of El Dorado Springs.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Martha, on Nov. 25, 2005; and one son-in-law, Loren Charles Goodman.

Sam Schmidt

Sam Schmidt, 53, formerly of El Dorado Springs and an EHS graduate, passed away Monday, May 23, in Kansas City, MO. Arrangements are pending.

Mr. Schmidt is survived by his mother, Violet Schmidt, El Dorado Springs; a brother, Joe Schmidt and wife, Dianna – Harwood; a brother, Jim Schmidt and his wife, Kathy–– Tucson, AZ; a sister, Dorothy Schulte – Hudson, N.H.; a sister, Ann Hoerner, and husband, Richard – Almont, N.D.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Final disposition is cremation.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Betty R. (Turner) McGuirk McNeece

Betty R. (Turner) McGuirk McNeece, age 80 years, 9 months and 8 days, died Sunday, May 22, 2011, at Community Springs Nursing Home in El Dorado Springs, after a short illness. She was born Aug. 14, 1930, in Cedar County to Otis L. Turner and Gracie Pearl Taylor.

Betty was united in marriage to Kenneth McGuirk on May 31, 1947. To this union, three children were born - Judy Kay, Doris and Kent Ed.

Betty worked at numerous jobs before her ownership of Betty’s Drive-In where she worked until her retirement.

Betty was saved at Old Union Missionary Baptist Church as a young woman.

Some of her greatest joys were her flower gardens, her children and her children’s families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; her parents; her sisters, Louise Gunier and Paula LaGrande; and one brother, John Dee Turner.

On May 27, 2003, Betty married Donald McNeece.

Survivors include her husband, Donald McNeece, of the home, her children - Judy Kay and Paul Reeves, Doris and Wendell Allen, Kent Ed and Judy Faye McGuirk; her grandchildren - Brent and Belinda Greenstreet, Crystal and Ronn Whitaker, Stacy and Kevin Fast, Dustin and Angie McGuirk, Denise and Mike Cartwright, Erick and Tiffany McGuirk; her great-grandchildren - Nicole and Brad, Lisa and Cody, Brendan and Kade; Zachary, Madison, Ashlie, Bradley and Cailey; Jaden, Kandon and Kyson; four step-sons - Perry and Tina, Frank, Doug and Kristin and Donnie and Lisa, eight step-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. Funeral services were at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home with interment at Clintonville Cemetary under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home with Ralph Benham officiating. Music will be provided by Tiffany McGuirk.

Pallbearers will be Chuck Walters, Tony Van Dyke, Jim Chism, Dwain Witt, Ed Nelson and Scotty Scott. Honorary pallbearers are Brent Greenstreet, Crystal Whitaker, Stacy Fast, Dustin McGuirk, Denise Cartwright and Erick McGuirk.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “High Hopes”.

Online condolences may be left at: www.blandhackleman.com.

Eli Lewis Choate

Eli Lewis Choate, 79, a well known resident of El Dorado Springs, passed away in Springfield on May 22, 2011, at St. John’s Regional Health Center. He was born in Ridgely, TN, on Dec. 17, 1931, to Vernie Lee and Lula Ellen (Skelton) Choate.

On Oct, 31, 1965, Eli and Elizabeth Fern Fortney married in Las Vegas, NV. They lived in Anaheim, CA, before Eli retired from the Navy after 39 years. He was a member of the VFW in El Dorado Springs.

Eli was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Maggie Tarkington; two brothers, Zerdie Choate and Willie Choate; and his step-son, John Gundy.

He is survived by his wife, Fern Choate; two brothers, Harding Choate and Harold Choate; and two sisters: Alvena Hudspeth and
Sandy Bryant. Also surviving are step-grandchildren, Kim Kelly and Jason Gundy; and two step-great grandchildren.

A memorial service began at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 2, 2011, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home with David Studer officiating.

Violet D. Baker

Former Hastings resident and former resident of El Dorado Springs, Violet D. Baker, 91, passed away Sunday, May 22, 2011, at the Kenwsaw Haven Home, Kenesaw, NE.

Services were Friday, May 27, at the Brand-Wilson Funeral Home Chapel, Hastings, NE, with the Pastor Debra McKim officiating. Burial was in the Eaton Cemetery, Heartwell, NE, following the service, under the direction of the Brand-Wilson Funeral Home,
Hastings, NE. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.brandwilson.com

Violet was born Sept. 14, 1919, to John and Maggie (Mathers) Torske in Heartwell, NE. She married James “Earl” Baker, on May 19, 1937. He passed away June 21, 2002.

She had lived at the Hastings Good Samaritan Society Hasting-Village for 27 years moving to Kenesaw in 2009.

Violet was a servant of God all her life. She loved to cook and held a variety of jobs in the cooking industry.

She is survived by a foster daughter, Mayrna McKeehan, of Aurora, CO; three grandsons – Damon, Aaron and Barrett and many, many nieces and nephews who dearly loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Earl and 11 sisters and brothers.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Linda L. Stark

Linda L. Stark, 62, of El Dorado Springs, passed away on May 21, 2011, at her home in El Dorado Springs. Linda was born on Jan. 24, 1949, to the late Otto and Dorothy Stark in Lebanon.

Linda worked several years as an aid at Cox Hospital in Springfield. She was devoted to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in El Dorado Springs. She made friends easily and loved to talk and visit. She loved playing cards and loved giving gifts to family and grandkids. Family time was very important to Linda. She enjoyed puzzles, movies and reading. Her hobbies included collecting angels. Linda was very interested in her Indian heritage and her Catholic faith. She was the family peace keeper and loved to smell good.

Preceding her in death were her parents and one infant daughter, Nora Ann Keen.

Linda is survived by one daughter, Karen Fannon, and husband, Darryl - El Dorado Springs; two sons, Mark Keen and wife, Becky - El Dorado Springs and Richard Keen of Ozark; three brothers - David Stark - El Dorado Springs, James Stark - Springfield and Harvey Stark - Springfield; three sisters - Judy Foell - Willard, Karen Danielson - Springfield and Sue Davidson - Everton; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; other extended family and many friends.

Services will begin at 10 a.m.Thursday, May 26, at the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in El Dorado Springs with a visitation from 9-10 a.m. before the service. Fr. Basil Doan will officiate and Ginger Bruce will provide music. Interment will follow in Moore Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Brian Danielson, Bradley Danielson, James Stark, Harvey Stark, Richard Keen, Mark Keen, Darryl Fannon and Mikey Chanault. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Bruce, Curtis Benenhaley and Glen Shifflet.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses and left at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at: www.blandhackleman.com.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Mary Ann Phipps

Mary Ann Phipps, 69, Stockton, passed away May 19, 2011, at Community Springs Healthcare in El Dorado Springs. She was born Aug. 31, 1941, in Project City, CA, to Ilie and Mary (Summers) Rice.

Mary Ann graduated high school at Stockton, in 1959 and married Stanley Harris Phipps on Aug. 21, 1959. To this union three children were born: Dee Ann, Francis and Jeff.

Mary Ann worked for many years at the International Shoe Company until it closed and then worked at 3M in Nevada for 15 years, retiring in 2000.

She was a hard worker, loved her family and family gatherings. She enjoyed the time she spent with her gambling girls. When she was younger, activities included swimming and fishing for blue gill. In later years, she enjoyed spending time reading and collecting pigs. To her, her greatest accomplishment was being a wife, mother and grandmother. Mary Ann will be remembered for her compassion and love and as the rock, the care-giver for everyone that needed her.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, Stanley, an older brother, Lynn and her beloved dog, Rocky.
Mary Ann is survived by two daughters: Dee Ann Pinkman and husband Rick, of Clinton, and Francis McCullick and husband Bob of El Dorado Springs; one son, Jeff Phipps and wife, Kathy, of Ozark; six grandchildren: Ryan Stewart and husband, Brian, Bret McFarlin and husband, Seth, Jason McCullick, Jesse McCullick, Kyle Phipps and Payton Phipps; one great-grandchild, Morgan Stewart; one sister, Delores Cary; and other family and friends.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, May 22, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home with Rev. Brent Bland officiating. Interment followed in Mound Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Jason McCullick, Jesse McCullick, Bob McCullick, Kyle Phipps, Seth McFarlin and Brian Stewart.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to Mound Cemetery and left at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at: www.blandhackleman.com.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Zala Opal (Pratt) Davis

Zala Opal (Pratt) Davis, 94, Independence, passed away at Village Hospice, Lee’s Summit, Tuesday afternoon, May 17, 2011.
Zala was born July 16, 1916, at Turlock, CA, the daughter of Irra Irene and Melvin Levi Pratt. The Pratt family moved to the Coal Hill community when Zala was one year old. She attended Coal Hill one room elementary school and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School.

Zala married Paul M. Davis Sept. 8, 1940, at Knob Noster. To their union eight children were born, six boys and two girls. Her husband and two sons preceded her in death.

Zala starting working at the age of 13, when she was sent to live with Tom and Emma Lusk to help them with household chores, farm chores and to learn to play the piano.

Paul and Zala started their married life in Independence and moved to the farm in the Coal Hill community prior to the birth of their first son, Paul. Zala always worked with Paul and the boys on the farm while trying to keep order in the house. Besides raising her own children, her home was always open for any one that needed a bed for a night or a year. In 1969, Paul and Zala moved to Independence where she lived until her death.

She attended Eden Heights RLDS church and worked several years at McKivets Donut Shop.

She loved to travel on bus trips around the states and made two trips to Germany to visit her son, Robert, (in the Air Force) and his family. She loved gardening, crocheting, making bread and spending time with family and friends.

Preceding Zala in death were her husband, Paul; her ten-month old son, Melvin Revere; son, Paul Levi; a brother, Arthur; her parents; granddaughter, Melissa Ann Davis; a great-grandson Nathan Crabtree; and a great-granddaughter, Annie Lynn Davis.
Survivors include six of her eight children: Thomas L. Davis and wife, Bonnie - Bates City, Leslie T. Davis and wife, Sharon - Oak Grove, Robert L. Davis and wife, Patty - Harrah, OK, Roger L. Davis and wife, Marj - Lone Jack, Opal Hill and husband, Clyde - Mayview and Barbara Nussbaum - Independence; 23 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren and one sister, Corris Denny - Independence.

Services began at 2 p.m. on Saturday May 21, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel in El Dorado Springs, with Elder Richard Wood and Bro. Dan Richner officiating. Tiffany Haning and Sarra Jungling provided music. Interment followed in Coal Hill Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Marcus Davis, Butch Davis, Paul Davis, Kevin Davis, Jason Greer, Troy Nussbaum and Roger Lane Davis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Nathan’s Quest-Childhood Cancer Fund and left at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at: www.blandhackleman.com.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Delbert Luther Morlan


Delbert Luther Morlan, 75, El Dorado Springs, passed away on Saturday evening, May 14, 2011, in Cedar County Memorial Hospital in El Dorado Springs. He was born Dec. 10, 1935, in Caplinger Mills, the youngest child of Oda Lucious and Emma Catherine (Ellerman) Morlan.

On Aug. 3, 1957, Delbert was united in marriage to Martha Elliston. To this union three sons were born - David, Gregory and Kurt Lee. On Nov. 2, 1972, he was united in marriage to Barbara Schecker.

Delbert was employed for many years at Witt Printing Company in El Dorado Springs, and then worked for a printing business in Golden City for several years.

Delbert enjoyed hunting, going to the lake fishing, and going to his farm looking after his horses. He loved to ride horses and helped his friends round up and work their cattle.

Preceding Delbert in death were his parents; three brothers - Herman of Stockton, Olen of Kansas City and Alfred of El Dorado Springs; and four sisters - Jewel Burns of Stockton, Dorothy Root of El Dorado Springs, Velma Burns of Stockton and Melba Morlan of Riverside, CA.

Delbert is survived by his wife, Barbara, of the home; three sons - David Morlan - Reno, NV, Greg Morlan and wife, Vickie - El Dorado Springs and Kurt Lee Morlan - El Dorado Springs; a step-daughter, Cherylon Winningham, and husband Mark - Carthage; a step-son, Craig Schecker and wife, Betty - Phoenix, AZ; three sisters - Cloe Brandom - Stockton, Frances Pinkman - El Dorado Springs and Maybelle Preston - Joplin; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Services will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home with Rev. Brent Bland officiating. Interment will follow in El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Music, Clay Morlan, Tyler Winningham, Mark Winningham, and Colin Schecker. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Forest, Rod Bledsoe, Royce Anderson and Daniel Long.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to High Hopes and left at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be left at: www.blandhackleman.com.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Dolores Jean Moore


Dolores Jean Moore, 80, El Dorado Springs, passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2011. She was born Sept. 5, 1930, in Joliet, IL.
In 1959 Dolores married Ira Moore in Santa Monica, CA.

Before her retirement she worked for many years at the state hospital in Nevada.
Her hobbies included bowling and square dancing.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter: Gail Marie Schlais; and one son, Wade Charles McGehee. She is survived by her husband, Ira, of the home; two sons, Ron McGehee, of Colorado and Larry Moore and wife, Nancy, of California; one daughter, Jonda Quealy and husband, Danny, of Washington; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 24 great-great-grandchildren; and one brother: Bill Murray.

Services were held Tuesday, May 17, at the Bland-Hackleman Funeral Chapel in El Dorado Springs with Rev. Brent Bland officiating. Final disposition was by inurnment. Services were under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be left at: www.blandhackleman.com.

Donna B. Barlow

Donna Beatrice (Wright) Barlow, 84, Jerico Springs, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at Mt. Carmel Hospital in Pittsburgh, KS. Born on May 1, 1927, in Nebraska, she was the oldest of eight children of Vernon and Lucille Wright.

Donna attended beautician school and worked for many years in Littleton, CO. She married Bob Smith and they had on son, Stephen.

Donna married Roy Barlow in 1975 and they spent many happy years in Cedar Springs and El Dorado Springs. After the death of the love of her life, Roy, she moved to Jerico Springs to live next door to her sister, Mary.

She was an active and beloved member of the United Methodist Church of Jerico Springs.

She loved sewing, painting, gardening, playing the organ and giving and doing for anyone in need. Donna especially loved her little dog, Talon, and going for walks down the country roads.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Lucille and Vernon; brothers, Duane and Noble; daughter, Paula, and husband, Roy.

She is survived by four sisters - Dolores Kohut (Jack) and Phyllis Wilson - Grand Rapids, MI, Mary Higgins (Larry) - Jerico Springs and Patricia Looney (Leroy) of Willard; one brother, Stanley Wright (Sharon) - Englewood, CO; two sons, Stephen R. Smith (Kathleen) of Hernandez, NM, Ron Barlow (Shar) of Northglenn, CO; and daughter Peggy Sokol (Mark) - Littleton, CO. She also leaves her loving friends, five grandchildren, two great grandsons and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 7, at the Jerico Springs United Methodist Church with Pastor Patty Smith officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Interment will be in July at Fort Logan Veterans Cemetery in Denver, CO.

Earl F. Fast Jr.

Earl Franklin Fast Jr., 61, El Dorado Springs, passed away May 9, 2011, at Belleville (IL) Memorial Hospital. He was born March 1, 1950, in El Dorado Springs to Earl F. Fast Sr. and Jessie (Clement) Fast.

Earl was a machinist by trade and worked at Central States Press, Witt Printing and Witt Engineering. He was a member of the El Dorado Springs United Methodist Church and a member of the local Masonic Lodge. Earl enjoyed gardening, playing guitar and motorcycles.

Preceding him in death were his father, Earl Fast Sr.; his mother, Jessie Fast; and his sister, Bonnie Fast.

Earl is survived by two daughters, five grandchildren, two brothers, one sister, two nephews, three nieces, many great nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

Services will begin and 10 a.m. Thursday, May 12, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Trussell officiating. The family received friends on Wednesday evening from 7-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at: www.blandhackleman.com

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Betty Smith Baumann

Betty Dean Smith, 55, was born in Long Beach, CA, to Chester M. Smith who was born in Cedar Springs and to Helen (Long) Smith who was born in Etterville, Missouri. She graduated from Jordan High School in Long Beach, California, and lived most of her life in Southern CA before moving to Missouri/Oklahoma a few years ago.

Survivors include her sister, Karen Wainscott, El Dorado Springs; her nephews - John C. Spear III, Jerry C. Spear and Jason C. Spear, along with great nieces and nephew Shannon, Rebecca, Kaitlyn and Joshua Spear - all of Southern California and numerous cousins, family and friends.

A memorial service was held Friday, May 13, in Jay, OK. Final internment will be in Whittier, CA, at Rose Hills Cemetery near her parents. A graveside service will be conducted there.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been set up in the name of Betty Smith Baumann. Donations can be sent to Business and Professional Women, 8511 E. 150 Road, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Neva A. Barker

Neva Almeda (Burton) Barker, 94, passed away on May 3, 2011, at her home near Birdsong in rural St. Clair County. She was born Feb. 27, 1917, to Orville and Alice (Capps) Burton at Birdsong.

Survivors include one son, Charles Barker and wife, Kathy - Osceola; and four daughters - Donna Hicks - El Dorado Springs, Bonnie Davis and husband, Tom - Bates City, Virginia Claessen and husband, Andy - Independence, and Carolyn Berning and husband, Max - El Dorado Springs.

Services will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 7, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6-7 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at: www.blandhackleman.com.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Mildred Ann “Millie” Short


Mildred Ann “Millie” Short, 84, El Dorado Springs, formerly of Independence and Holden, passed away Sunday, May 1, 2011 at North Kansas City Hospital. 

Mildred was born Aug. 18, 1926, in Jerico Springs the daughter of Bryan and Maude L. (Deardorff) Willhoite.
She graduated from East High School in Kansas City.

She was united in marriage to Gloyd G. Short on Dec. 31, 1964 in Raytown. The couple resided in Independence prior to moving to Holden in 1969. They eventually settled in Lamar, Co. until retiring to El Dorado Springs.
Millie’s hobbies included painting. 

Survivors include three daughters - Hollie Ellis - El Dorado Springs, Penni Rockwell and husband, Eddie - Oak Grove and Linda Williams of Independence; a sister, Cleola Beydler - El Dorado Springs; five grandchildren - Brad Byers, Heather Tremper, Brandon Whisenand, Jeremy Cowan and Alex Rockwell; and five great grandchildren.

Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Gloyd and two sisters, Rosemary Harvey and Veleda Lowe. 
Services will begin 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, at Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden with Reverend Jeremy Redhair of New Hope Baptist Church officiating. 

Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Holden. 

Pallbearers will be Brandon Whisenand, Jeremy Cowan, Brad Byers, Nicholas Tremper, Zachary Tremper and Eddie Rockwell. 

Visitation: The received friends from 10:30 a.m. until service time, Wednesday at the funeral home. 
Online condolences may be left at www.williams funeralchapel.net

Ruth L. Johnson

Ruth L. Johnson, 79, of El Dorado Springs, departed this life on May 1, 2011, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. She was born in Rich Hill, on Jan. 12, 1932, the daughter of Harold E. Hobson and Vesta (Blake) Hobson.

Ruth was united in marriage to Adrian L. Johnson on June 26, 1961. He preceded her in death in 2006.

Survivors include two step-sons, Charles Johnson - Kansas City, and Carl Johnson and wife, Carla - Winfield, KS; five grandchildren; two great-grandsons; three sisters - Betty Debler - El Dorado Springs, Reba Finkler - Raymore and Shirley Dale - Butler; a host of nieces and nephews; and a special friend, her dog “Punkin.”

Ruthie, as she was commonly called, was a true friend, ready to help a friend in need. She was an avid cook and loved sewing and gardening, especially her flowers. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Graveside services will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 5, in Clintonville Cemetery with Rev. Brent Bland officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at: www.blandhackleman.com.