Bryan Dean Rabe

Bryan Dean Rabe, 52, El Dorado Springs, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, at his home. Bryan was born July 25, 1957, to W.D. (Bill) and Patricia (Coit) Rabe in Versailles.

He was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church in Versailles.

Bryan moved with his parents to El Dorado Springs in 1961 and attended school and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1975. He attended Missouri Southern State University in Joplin where he graduated with a Business Degree in Accounting. Following graduation, he returned to El Dorado Springs to manage the family furniture business.

As an active member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Stockton, Bryan was serving as a church elder. Bryan enjoyed his membership and friends in the El Dorado Springs Optimist Club and served as past treasurer. He always looked forward to the various community events and could be counted on to provide his services whenever needed.

Bryan is survived by his parents, Bill and Pat; two sisters, Kathy Leimkuehler, and husband, Alan - Nevada, and Kristin Atkinson, and husband, Brian - Parkville; one nephew, Gregory Leimkuehler - Warrensburg; three nieces - Rachel Cargill - Nevada, Alicia Leimkuehler - Blue Springs, and Lauren Atkinson - Parkville; two great-nieces; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Services began at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Deacon Ronnie Backs officiating. Music was provided by Suzanne Gladden and Peter Chei. Interment followed in El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were - Greg Leimkuehler, Bob Floyd, Mike Frier, Don Anderson, James Brackenridge and John A. Koger. Honorary pallbearers were - Vern Nelson, Bill Frost, Bob Steward and Max Hendricks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrews Lutheran Church building fund in care of the funeral home.

Marikay McSpadden Baster

Marikay McSpadden Baxter, 63, passed away Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, in El Dorado Springs. She was born Nov. 18, 1946, in Lubbock, TX, the third of six children to Cecil and Marguerite McSpadden.

She went to school in Dimmitt and Stratford, TX, and excelled in band and home economics.

She worked as a dental assistant in Portales, NM, for many years and later moved to Kansas City to become an assistant to an oral surgeon. Years later, she was a medication aide at a rest home where she loved the residents like they were her family.

While in Kansas City, she met and married Michael Kelly and they had a son, Christopher Michael. She loved watching him grow. He was the love of her life.

She was a member of the Church of Christ. Marikay was a loving and kindhearted person.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Barbara Jane Riley.

Survivors include her son, Christopher Kelly – Kansas City - sisters, Amy Gililland – Amarillo, TX, Cecelia Fuller, and husband, H.S. – Hereford, TX, and Debra O’Neal, and husband, Cecil – Hodgen, OK; her brother, John McSpadden, and wife, Sandra – Dumas, TX; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Services and burial were in Texas on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Morrison Memorial Chapel with Jim Clark, a long-time family friend, officiating. Burial was in Dumas Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Directors. Local arrangements were under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home, in El Dorado Springs.

Della Jeanette Ellis Tucker

Della Jeanette Ellis Tucker, 94, passed away at Community Springs Healthcare Facility in El Dorado Springs, on Friday, Jan. 26, 2010. She was born Sep. 20, 1915, to George and Alice Miller in Mobile, AL.

She lived in Mobile County, AL, until 1932 and then moved to Kansas City where she obtained employment.

Della met James Robert (Bob) Ellis in 1938 and they married July 1, 1939, in Independence. To this union, a daughter, Doris Jeanette, was born.

In 1942 the family joined the Oak Park Christian Church and were active members. In 1956 they transferred their membership to Memorial Christian Church.

Their daughter, Jeanette, married Laurence Weinbrenner in 1961 and to this union two sons were born, Craig and John. Bob and Della were equally proud of their grandsons. There are fond memories of spending time with Grandpa and Grandma Ellis during the summer months, swinging in the backyard, drinking coke floats and fishing. Bob and Della’s dream of both grandsons attending and graduating from college was fulfilled.

When Bob and Della retired in 1971, they moved from Kansas City to El Dorado Springs. They then joined the First Baptist Church in El Dorado Springs. They enjoyed the fellowship of many friends in El Dorado Springs and always enjoyed fishing in the local area. They also enjoyed taking trips to Texas to visit their daughter and son-in-law and grandsons.

Bob passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 30, 1984, following a brief illness.

Della then met Clarence Tucker and married him on Oct. 17, 1989. They remained in El Dorado Springs. Both remained independent until September 2008, when they were admitted to Community Springs Healthcare and were able to share the same room together.

Besides her parents and first husband, Bob, Della had three brothers - Howard, Walter and Steve who also preceded her in death.

Della leaves behind her husband, Clarence; her daughter, Jeanette; her son-in-law, Larry; and her pride and joy, her two grandsons, Craig, and wife, Belinda, and John; and several nieces and nephews.

Della was a committed Christian who loved her Lord. She enjoyed reading her Bible daily. In her last days, she spoke of the Lord and wanting to join Him.

Services were held on Monday, Feb. 1, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Rev. John Holt officiating. Music was provided by Lorraine Miller. Interment followed in Floral Hills Cemetery in Kansas City. Arrangements were entrusted to Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Honorary pallbearers were - Richard Weinbrenner, Craig Weinbrenner, John Weinbrenner, Mark Boch, Jim Ellis, Caroll Dodds and Lynn Morgan.

Ralph Wayne Brake

Ralph Wayne Brake, 90, El Dorado Springs, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010. Ralph was born in Dallas County on Sept. 19, 1919. He grew up on a small farm with parents, Lloyd and Alma Brake. He had one sister, Vivian. By all accounts they were quite the team—with her role being to keep him out of trouble.

Ralph’s talents and interests were exhibited at an early age. His mother used to tell of his hammering nails in the dirt and pulling them out and then doing it again when he was just a tiny tot. He had many stories of all the fish and wildlife critters he would bring home for her to cook. He claims to have built his first chicken house at age nine or 10 and a quarried stone house when he was 13. That house is still being lived in.

With so many interests and jobs, school was low on the priority list. That didn’t mean he didn’t learn his arithmetic and he could still figure square feet and costs off a building project in his head until the end. He was also quite the inventor and had tool designs that should have been patented. He was very creative with his cabinet and furniture designs also.

He married Doris Branstine in April of 1940. It was a partnership that lasted 63 years until her death in 2003. They settled in Dallas County near their families. They soon had three little Brakes—Janet, Terry and Linda.

During World War II, he was sent to welding school and then spent two years building troop ships in Evansville, IN. After the war and back in Dallas County, he worked as a welder on tank trucks until he got enough building jobs to feed those growing little Brake kids. There are literally 100’s of houses, barns, schools and etc., that he built in Dallas and Greene counties in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

In later years, he ventured farther from home and ended up in El Dorado Springs at the end of his contracting career. Ralph and Doris built a retirement home here in El Dorado Springs close to the lakes with all the hunting and fishing locations. His next career was as a craftsman of fine furniture and cabinets. He has grandfather clocks he built that are in homes from coast to coast.

Life was perfect for a few years and then the storms of life came with Doris’s many illnesses. She spent 11 years in the nursing home with Ralph visiting her faithfully every morning. Tragedy struck again when son, Terry, had an accident and didn’t recover from his injuries in 1999. Then daughter, Linda had cancer to which she succumbed to in 2001.

Life was rough but he kept going with his loving ways and sense of humor. He even learned new skills like cooking when he could no longer do woodworking.

He always wanted people to remember him for his love of life and joking manner. His surviving family will certainly do so. Those survivors are: daughter, Janet Overman - Kentucky; son-in-law, Ronny Morris - Kansas; five grandchildren - Shari Bedker - Virginia, Stacy Lester - Kentucky, Adam Morris - Arkansas, Aaron Morris - Texas and Timothy Brake - Missouri; their spouses and seven great-grandchildren; two nephews and two nieces.

The grandchildren served as pallbearers as a final job to do for their grandpa, Ralphie. They have a million stories to remember him by and hope the rest of you do, too.

Services were held on Monday, Jan. 25, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. Rev. Brent Bland officiated and Rusty Carver provided music. Graveside services and interment followed in Mt. Olive Cemetery, near Fair Grove.

Arrangements were under the direction of both Montgomery-Viets Funeral Home and Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Guido 'Guy' Dozler

Guido “Guy” Dozler, 75, El Dorado Springs, passed away at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010. Guido was born in Sioux City, IA, on April 19, 1934, the son of Adolf and Edna Rickman Dozler.

Guy served in the United States Navy for four years from 1956-1960. He went to college and earned his degree and worked as a laboratory technician in various hospitals for many years. He retired to El Dorado Springs.

Guido loved to read and worked as a handyman while living in El Dorado Springs.

He cherished his many pets.

Survivors include his brother, Cletus Dozler - El Dorado Springs; sister, Kathleen Addison, and husband, Larry, of Monroe City; several nieces and nephews; and many friends and acquaintances.

Guido was cremated according to his wishes. Arrangements were under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Galen S. (Bud) O'Keefe

Galen S. O’Keefe (Bud, as he was known to all that loved him), 73, passed away Saturday, Jan. 20, 2010, at his home in Shawnee, KS. Bud was born June 26, 1936, in Blaine, KS, to Urban and Cecelia O’Keefe.

Upon graduation from the Wheaton, KS, High School, he joined the Navy in 1955, serving until 1960.

In 1961, he married Janice Sanderson. Janice is the daughter of the late Roy and Evelyn Watkins and a 1961 graduate of El Dorado Springs High School. He and Janice eventually made their home in Kansas City.

Bud joined the Army National Guard in 1975, then transferred to the Air Force Reserves where he retired in 1996, serving his country a total of 26 years.

In 1993, he retired from Wal-Ties and Forms in Bonner Springs, KS, spending the next 10 years traveling the United States with his wife in their motor home.

He is survived by his wife, Janice; his daughters – Karen O’Keefe-Lingenfelter, and husband, Garrett, Kathi O’Keefe, and Kerry O’Keefe Owens, and husband, Dean; three grandchildren; two brothers; four sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass was held Monday, Jan. 25, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawnee, KS.

Burial was in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Wheaton, KS.

The family suggests donations to the Catholic Community Hospice or the Deanna Rose Farmstead in Overland Park, KS, or to an other charity of choice.

Ronald Darrel Swearengin

Ronald Darrel Swearengin, 61, Stockton, died at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010. Ron was born in Gainsville, MO, on Jan. 17, 1949, the youngest son of Roy and Alaska (Herd) Swearengin.

He lived his first three years near Theodosia until Bull Shoals Lake took the family farm. From there they moved to the family farm near Collins where he lived until he graduated from Collins High School in 1968. Then he attended Vo-Tech School in Springfield for one year.

He married Clara Mae Keller on Sept. 6, 1969, and just celebrated their 40th anniversary. They moved to Belton for six years then on to Overland Park, KS, where they made their home and raised a family.

He moved back to Stockton in the late 90s to help his dad farm. He had already purchased land near Stockton where he built a shop to work in and a new home close to family.

He worked on cars most of his life, starting out by helping his older brothers on their cars as a gofer and farm machinery for his dad and others after moving to Stockton. He was happiest when farming with his dad on the family farm and continued to do so until his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Alaska Swearengin; one brother, Tessley (Red) Swearengin; and one nephew, Steven Willbanks.

He is survived by his wife, Clara, of the home; two sons, Ronald R. Swearengin, and wife, Danielle – Springfield, and Joseph Swearengin, and friend, Katie White - Stockton; four grandsons - Remington, Ethan, Austin and Logan Swearengin – Springfield, and Katie’s boys, Dustin and Joshua White - Stockton; one brother, Leslie Swearengin, and wife, Linda - Overland Park; two sisters, Wanda Cassell - Stockton and Thelma Underwood, and husband, Tony - El Dorado Springs; and many more aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

Services were Saturday, Jan. 23, in Brumback Funeral Home with burial in Freeman-Holsapple Cemetery.

Edward Earl Gettys Sr.

Edward Earl Gettys Sr., 62, El Dorado Springs, was born Dec. 8, 1947, in Nevada to Edward Boyd Gettys and Helen (Johnson) Gettys. He passed away Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, at Community Springs Healthcare Facility after a long battle with cancer.

Although Ed’s early childhood was spent in El Dorado Springs, he grew up traveling the country with his family. He lived in some extraordinary places but always called El Dorado Springs home.

At the age of 17, Edward joined the U.S. Navy where he served for 22 years, receiving numerous medals and commendations.
Ed served all over the world, including several tours in Vietnam. He began his career as a Machinist Mate but later joined the
Explosive Ordinance Disposal team, Group Two. He achieved the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, with badges as Master EOD
Technician and Master Diver. At the end of his Navy career, Edward had the great honor of being senior instructor at EOD Training School in Indian Head, MD. Ed retired from the Navy in March 1987 and returned to his hometown of El Dorado Springs.

After retiring from the Navy, Ed could not remain idle. He took a position with Physicians Medical Homecare and remained with the company until he retired in 2007. Edward began this career delivering medical equipment but ended as the Vice President of Operations. He took great care and pride in serving the needs of others.

It was while working at Physicians Medical that Edward met his current wife, Debbie. They were united in marriage on Dec. 12, 1992, in El Dorado Springs.

Preceding Edward in death were his mother, Helen, and father, Boyd, as well as his grandparents.

Survivors include: his wife, Debbie - El Dorado Springs; two sisters, Carol Gerster – Texas, and Amy Stones, and husband, Vern - Colorado; three sons - Michael and David – both of Florida, and Edward Gettys Jr., and partner, Marla Uptegrove - El Dorado Springs; two daughters, Karen Gettys - Joplin, and Beth Gettys - El Dorado Springs; four granddaughters; and one grandson, his namesake, Edward E. Gettys III.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, at the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery with Rev. Brent Bland officiating. Arrangements were entrusted to Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crosslines or Second Chance Barnyard

Harriett Christine Fowler

Chris Fowler, 95, Springfield, passed away Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010, in the Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon. She was born Dec. 23, 1914, in New Haven, CT, to Henry Rapson and Alpha (Clark) Rapson.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in El Dorado Springs.

Chris graduated from the Meriden Hospital School of Nursing in Meriden, CT, on Aug. 31, 1940. On July 22, 1941, Chris joined the Army Nurses Corps and served during WWII until being discharged April 28, 1945. Chris was united in marriage to Paul B. Fowler on Aug. 5, 1944. After her service to her country, she worked as a Registered Nurse in Obstetrics at Asbury Hospital in Salina, KS.

Paul and Chris moved from Salina, KS, to El Dorado Springs, in 1963. She was active in the community of El Dorado Springs
from 1963-1997. She was a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans, a member of the Royal Neighbors and the
Business and Professional Women’s Club. Her many volunteer activities included the United Methodist Church, volunteer work at Cedar County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Girl Scouts, the Senior Center, camp nurse at Camp Galilee, Community Betterment, Council of Aging, Christian Care Center and Progress Club. She was nominated and selected as the Person of the Year in 1983 for all of her volunteer activities.

In 1997, she moved to the Gardens Assisted Living in Springfield.

Chris was a loving and giving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be missed by family and friends.

Her parents, Henry and Alpha Rapson, several brothers and sisters and her husband, Paul B. Fowler, preceded her in death.

Survivors include her two sons, Richard Fowler, and wife, Candace – Springfield, and Gregg Fowler, and wife, Anita - Springfield; one daughter, Kandi Lewis - Kingsland, GA; 10 grandchildren - Mara Dockery, and husband, Mike - Springfield, Mandy Claiborne, and husband, Ron - Edmond, OK, Hayley Geren, and husband, Troy - Owasso, OK, Nikolas Lewis, and wife, Shayla - Kingsland, GA, Nikole, Tamikka, Kaneisha and Krysta Lewis - Kingsland, GA, Shannon Annin - Springfield, and Larry Annin, and wife, Tracy - Hayesville, KS; nine great-grandchildren - Hannah Fowler - Owasso, OK, Zachary and Nicholas Claiborne - Edmond, OK, Karma, Kayla, Kendyll Lewis - Kingsland, GA, and Larry IV, Jennifer and Justine Annin - Hayesville, KS.

Services began at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel in El Dorado Springs. Visitation was held from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the funeral service. Rev. Brent Bland officiated and Lorraine Miller provided the music.

Burial followed in El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were - Ron Claiborne, Shannon Annin, Mike Dockery, Danny Barnette, Delayne Hashagen and Travis Baldwin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the El Dorado Springs Senior Center or to the Cedar County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Todd Wesley Maslen

Todd Wesley Maslen, 40, Springdale, AR, passed away Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010, in Houston, TX, after a trucking accident. Todd was born on May 28, 1969, in Aurora, the son of Johnny and Carolyn Maslen.

He grew up in El Dorado Springs and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1987.

In January 1986, Todd and his sister, Shannon, were baptized at the Park Street Christian Church.

He later moved to Springdale, AR, to pursue his longtime dream of being a truck driver, following in his father’s footsteps. He was currently employed by Crete Trucking.

In 1993 Todd married Darlene Henderson and to that union was born three children: Kayla - 16, Michael - 14, and Ryan - 12.

Todd was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Charles and Opal Maslen, of El Dorado Springs.

Survivors include his parents, Johnny and Nahwana Maslen - El Dorado Springs, Clyde and Carolyn Beaver - Joplin; daughter, Kayla; sons, Michael and Ryan – Midwest City, OK; maternal grandmother, Erma Craker – Springdale, AR; sister, Shannon, and Ron Carter - St. Robert; step-brother Randy Beaver - Joplin; step-sisters, Hali Beaver - Independence, KS, and Rachel Lusk - El Dorado Springs; one nephew and three nieces of St. Robert; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Services will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, in Sheldon Chapel, El Dorado Springs, with Pastor Bill Platt officiating. Music will be In Color, If Today Was Your Last Day and Live Like You Were Dying.

Interment will be in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.

Casketbearers will be - Ron Whitaker, Wesley Timmons, Travis Stark, Duane Horning, Rick Jackson, Charlie Harper, Dustin McGuirk and Shawn Hendrickson.

Richard H. Smith (Dick Roby)

Richard H. Smith (Dick Roby), 82, Seattle, WA, was born in El Dorado Springs Sept. 11, 1927, to Lester and Blanche Roby. He passed away Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010.

Dick served in the Army at Fort Lewis, WA, from 1946 to 1947 before moving to Sunnyside, WA, where he married the love of his life, Vonnie (Jackman) Smith in 1958. They moved to Seattle where Dick worked at Westlake Chevrolet and Seattle Metro Bus
Systems until he retired in 1989.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Vonnie, and his parents.

He is survived by sons, Steven Smith and Ricky Smith (Kathleen); and five grandchildren – Stephanie, Meagan, Nick Eric and Danny; two sisters, Lois Smith (Wally) and Becky Bush – El Dorado Springs.

The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation and gratitude to the Paulson family for their many years of loving support.

A military graveside services will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday Jan. 23, in Evergreen Washelli followed by a celebration of life.

Paralee Marie Lester

Paralee Marie Lester, 86, El Dorado Springs, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born Oct. 15, 1923, in Monett to Warren S. Perry and Virginia L. Hulse.

She met her husband, Don, at a Monett roller skating rink in 1940. They were married after she graduated from high school. They spent 56 happy years together. Don and Paralee retired to El Dorado Springs, in 1994 after operating Taylor Rental Center in Springfield for over 20 years.

Paralee lived a full and good Christian life. She graduated from Monett High School in 1941 and attended two years of college in Glendale studying art. She lived in Springfield and Independence, Port Angeles, WA, Lawrence, KS, Fort Wayne, IN, Goodyear, AZ, Bermuda and Los Alamos, NM. She was employed as a bookkeeper and/or typist at several of the places she lived.

She was an avid reader, the best speller of the family and loved crossword puzzles. She enjoyed participating in activities with her husband, such as walking the beach digging for clams, water skiing, deer hunting, fishing and camping. She worked in a floral shop in Arizona in trade for flying lessons for both of them.

Paralee was an accomplished artist studying acrylics and color pencils under instructors located in Bermuda, Santa Fe, NM, and Texas. She loved working on art projects with both of her children. She was a member of the Polk County Art Association.
Paralee delivered her last commissioned color pencil drawing to the Casa Azteca restaurant in Nevada in October 2009. She loved music, playing flute and piano in high school and in the various churches she attended throughout her life.

Paralee was positive and resilient as a breast cancer survivor, enduring many surgeries due to complications from a 1970 cancer radiation treatment overdose and losing her left arm from infections related to lymphedema. She was an inspiration to all as she continued her art, knitting, playing games with her neighbors and occasionally playing one handed piano duets at the First Presbyterian Church in El Dorado Springs where she also served as treasurer until her death. She was a great mother and will be missed.

Preceding her in death were - her loving husband, Donald H. Lester; a brother, Warren S. Perry Jr.; and a sister, Polly M. Soles.
Survivors include her son, Fred Lester, and his wife, Norma - Springfield; her daughter, Becky Lester - Overland Park, KS; her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Mary Lester - Colorado; and several nephews and nieces.

Services will begin at 10 am. Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Paul Gray officiating. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Rick Lester, Fred Lester, Will Lester, Ken Skalecki, Dennis Keith and Claud Appleberry.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of El Dorado Springs, Missouri.

James Albert Spencer

James Albert Spencer, 82, passed away at his home in El Dorado Springs, on Friday, Jan. 8, 2010. Jim was born May 1, 1927, in Independence, to Fred and Ada (Long) Spencer. He was the youngest of six children.

He married his wife of 55 years, Myrtle Irene Shaw, on April 1, 1955, in El Dorado Springs. They had one child, Gerald Gordon Spencer.

In 1945, at the age of 17, Jim joined the Navy and served three years in WWII and then in 1950 served three years in the Korean War. After the war he worked for the El Dorado Springs City Electric Company for several years before moving his family to Riverside, CA, in 1957. There, he was a member of the Operating Engineering Union and worked as a diesel mechanic on heavy equipment and later as a supervisor.

In 1980 they moved back to El Dorado Springs and Jim worked at Barrington and Producers Grain before retiring in 2003.
Jim and his wife were members of the El Dorado Springs Church of Christ where he served as an Elder of the Church. Jim was an active member of the church and community of El Dorado Springs. He was also a member of the VFW.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Ada; his son, Gerald; two sisters, Lorene Davis and Mary Lou Long; two brothers, Edward and Edwin Spencer; two brothers-in-law, John Davis and Andy Long; and two sisters-in-law, Clara Spencer and Lorene Spencer.

Survivors include: his wife, Myrtle; one brother, Carroll Lee Spencer, and his wife, Evelyn - Rantoul, KS; his brother-in-law, Myrle Shaw, and sister-in-law, Pat Shaw - Harwood, and a host of nephews and nieces. Jim will be sorely missed by his church family, relatives, friends and neighbors.

Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the El Dorado Springs Church of Christ with David Studer officiating. Interment
followed in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were - Richard Eason, Marvin Hensley, Lonnie Long, Gerald Matthews, Darrell Matthews and Ray Spencer. Honorary pallbearers were - Carroll Lee Spencer, Steven Spencer, Jerry Groom, Charlie Sumner, Richard Warstler, Bud Eason and Mike Hill.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fair Haven Children’s Home and sent to Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Nancy May Elliott

Nancy May Elliott, 86, Nevada, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2009, at her home in Nevada following a lengthy illness. She was born April 20, 1923, in Walker to Albert Grant Latta and Katherine Frances Turner Latta.

Nancy grew up in the Lebeck/Coal Hill area, returning to Walker for the summers during her childhood.

She married Russell A. Williams on Nov. 14, 1940, in Nevada after a brief courtship. After announcing their marriage to her family, she returned to his home in Aurora, IL. He preceded her in death on Nov. 17, 1962. Nancy and Russell had two children, John M. Williams, born in Aurora, and Bonnie J. Ochs, born in Fredric, WI. Both now live in Nevada.

After living for several years in California and, after the death of Russell, she returned to Missouri to be near her family.
In 1969, she met Henry (Jack) Elliott, of Nevada, and they married in Oklahoma on Dec. 6, 1971. He preceded her in death on March 24, 1975.

She remained in Nevada except for a brief time spent in Clarkston, WA, with a beloved friend.

Nancy was a kind and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. She will be dearly missed by her family and all who knew her.

In addition to her husbands, Russell Williams and Jack Elliott, she was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Alleene Pratt – El Dorado Springs; two brothers, Albert McKinny in WWII and Ralph Latta – El Dorado Springs.

She is survived by her children, John M. Williams and Bonnie J. Ochs, and her husband, Glenn R. – all of Nevada; two grandchildren, Scott Fox – Nevada, and Nancy Kellogg, and her husband, Paul – Pittsburg, KS; four great-grandchildren – Scott Joseph Fox – Ft. Scott, Damon Scott, Alaina Marie and Samual Ray Kellogg – Pittsburg, KS; her sister-in-law, Ruth Latta – El Dorado Springs; four nieces and one nephew.

Graveside services were held on Saturday, Jan. 9, in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery with Nancy’s niece, Katheryn Radar, and her husband, Burris, officiating.

Memorials may be given in her memory to Heartland Hospice in care of Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada, MO 64772.

Barney Blevins Whitesell

Barney Blevins Whitesell, 66, formerly of El Dorado Springs, passed away Jan. 4, 2010, in California. He was born at home Sept. 7, 1943, into a farming family in Filley.

Barney learned early the ethics that would define his life. After graduating from El Dorado Springs High School, he continued his education in southern California at Pasadena City College where he was Student Body President and at USC where he earned his Masters in Finance.

In 1966, he married Wendy Rockwell, his beloved wife of 44 years. They moved to Corona Del Mar where his two daughters, Shawn and Gaelen, were raised. Being a loving husband and father was what he considered to be his greatest achievement.

His second love was his career which began at Allstate Insurance and continued at Xerox. In 1972, he founded Whitesell and Company, providing financial planning and insurance services to his clients with all of his heart and soul for 37 years.

We will remember him for his character, integrity and commitment to the things for which he stood as well as his good heart, sense of humor and the helping had that he so often extended to others.

He is survived by his wife, Wendy; daughters, Shaw Hadfield (Kevin), Gaelen Yannetti (Joe): grandchildren – Julian and Ari Hadfield and Kate Yannetti; sister, JoyAnn O’Neal; brother, Gary Whitesell; and many nieces and nephews. We can’t imagine life without him.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hoag Hospital Foundation, 500 Superior Ave., Suite 350, Newport Beach CA 92658-6100 or www.hoaghospital foundation.org.

Services will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, in Sheldon Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs. Burial will follow in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.

Marvin Wayne Foster

Marvin Wayne Foster, 73 Walker, passed away Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, with his family at his side, nearly nine years after being given a prognosis of two weeks to live. He was born Jan. 2, 1937, in Bellvue, CO, to Elmer N. Foster and Freda L. Huppe Foster.

In his most precious last nine years, Marvin became an active member at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church where he greatly enjoyed the friendship of the congregation and strengthened his walk with Christ.

Marvin truly enjoyed nurturing his animals, his garden and flowers. He spent many hours fishing and playing cards with his grandchildren who were very special to him.

Prior to his illness, Marvin followed his dream of having a small farm in Missouri, relocating his family to the El Dorado Springs area in 1973 from Northern Colorado. During his farming years, Marvin raised cattle, hogs, sheep, goats and rare breed animals, numerous varieties of poultry and he custom baled hay.

He was always pleased to host youth and pre-school groups to tour the farm, especially in the spring when there were lots of young to see and hold. For numerous years, Marvin was an active Vernon County Youth Fair volunteer and a 4-H leader with the Vernon County Hustlers 4-H Club.

While living in Colorado, Marvin did construction work and owned and operated a used furniture and antique store.

Marvin served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1962, spending most of his time in Germany. He served with a unit guarding the construction of the Berlin Wall.

He attended Cache LaPondre Schools in LaPondre, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Stanley Foster.

Survivors include three daughters – Debbie Jones, and her husband, Bob – Lebanon, Elaine Wild – Peoria, IL, and Terry Messer – Nevada; three grandchildren – Kayla Messer – Nevada, Evan Wild and Alanna Wild – both of Peoria, IL; one great-granddaughter, Liberty – Nevada; two sisters, Louise Glich – Gray County, SC, and Thelma Morgan – of the State of Washington, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services began at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, in the Sulphur Springs Baptist Church, Dederick, with Mark Mitchell officiating. Interment followed in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Dederick.

Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the Sulphur Springs Baptist Church in care of Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada, MO 64772.

You may view the obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.