Jimmie May Villines

Jimmie “Mae” Villines, 90, El Dorado Springs, passed away peacefully on Jan. 31, 2011. She had resided at John Knox Village Care Center for the past three and a half years. Mae was born in Newton County, AR, to James Talmage “Tal” and Nancy Orlena “Lena” (House) Villines on May 2, 1920. Her five siblings were Erbie Coleman, Claude Villines, Alma Woodell, Evelyn Grossman and Christine Brasel.

She married William “Dowl” Villines on Feb. 14, 1948, and had one son two years later. Mae was a loving Christian wife, mother and grandmother. She was a Sunday School teacher and song leader for an Assembly of God Church for over 50 years and a blessing to everyone who knew her.

Jimmie “Mae” Villines is survived by her husband, William “Dowl” Villines; her son, C. Allen Villines; two grandchildren, Martin Villines and Heidi Villines-Moretina; two great-grandchildren, Brooke and Mackenzie Moretina; two sisters, Evelyn Grossman and Christine Brasel; and many other relatives and friends.

A service was held Friday, Feb. 4, at the First Assembly of God Church in El Dorado Springs. Pastor Dana Taylor officiated and Bud Benskin helped with music.

A graveside memorial was held at Gaither Cemetery in Boone County, AR, on Saturday, Feb. 5.

Arrangements were under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at: www.blandhackle man.com.

Charlotte Leona Grayson

Charlotte Leona Grayson passed away Jan. 29, 2011, in Surprise, AZ. The daughter of Clarence V. and Bertha A. Bliss of El Dorado Springs, she was born Dec. 20, 1918, in Kilgore, NE.

She was married to Lloyd (Tom) Grayson of El Dorado Springs for 64 years. During the last 30 years of their working life, Charlotte and Lloyd ran small businesses in Eureka, KS, and in El Dorado Springs. The last business they ran was Grayson’s Variety in El Dorado Springs.

Her first son, Lloyd Lynn, died as an infant in 1938. Her husband, Lloyd (Tom) Grayson, passed away in 2001. Two brothers,
Howard and Raleigh Bliss, and her sister, Neoma Devenny, also preceded here in death.

She is survived by her son, Larry Grayson – Sun City West, AZ; one granddaughter, Kimberly Miller – Friendswood, TX; one great-grandson, Jacob Miller – Friendswood, TX; and one sister, Ila Tuder – El Dorado Springs.

Services were held Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Sheldon Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs with Bro. Frank Haynes officiating. Music was Amazing Grace and The Old Rugged Cross.

Burial was in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery. Casketbearers were – Jim Ogle, Jim Leonard, Ron Zimmerman, Ed Morlan, Dennis Tuder and Robert Keeton.

Arrangements were under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs.

Richard Earl Perry

Richard (Dick) Earl Perry, 71, passed away Monday, Jan. 24, 2011, at home in El Dorado Springs. He was born Sept. 9, 1939, in Hutchinson, KS, to Lester W. and Inez G. (Boggs) Perry.

He was raised in south-central Kansas, then met Ann Hess, his wife of 52 years, in Wichita, KS. They were married in Miami, OK, on Oct. 11, 1958, and have resided in and around the El Dorado Springs area for much of their lives. Dick was a certified welder for Peabody Coal Co., then he and Ann managed a campground in Branson before retiring to El Dorado Springs in 1998.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Reed Perry.

Survivors include his wife, Ann, of the home; one son, Dane Perry and wife Jackie - El Dorado Springs, MO; one daughter, Donna Slichenmyer and husband, Kyle - Carthage; six grandchildren - Coale, Clay and Cristin Perry and Eric, Lloyd and Camille Slichenmyer; one brother, Kenneth Perry - Shawnee Mission, KS; and one sister, Linda Williams - Clarksville, VA.

A memorial service will be held, welcoming family and friends, beginning at 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 27, at Bland-Hackleman
Funeral Home. Rev. Brent Bland will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church in El Dorado Springs.

Online condolences may be left at: www.blandhackle man.com.

Gary Ralph Miles

Gary Ralph Miles, 62, East Lynne, was born Oct. 20, 1948, in Independence, the son of William Benjamin and Dortha (Kugler) Miles. He departed this life on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family.

On March 24, 2002, Gary was united in marriage to Mary Jean Slate in Las Vegas, NV.

Gary was employed as a service technician for Fair Point Telephone Company and had earlier been employed by Contel, GTE and Casstel.

He was a member of South Summit Christian Church in Lee’s Summit, and the CWA Union. He enjoyed his family, playing with his grandchildren the outdoors and gardening. Gary will be remembered for being Jeannie’s best friend, being called Dad and Grandpa. He had lived in Garden City, before moving to East Lynne in December of 2005.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Anthony Jacob Miles.

Gary is survived by his wife, Jeannie Miles - of the home; a son, Telly R. Miles - Holden; three daughters - Gari Ann Waugh and husband, Mike - Pleasant Hill, Abbi Haak and husband, Mitchell - Holden, and Courtney Miles - Creighton; a step-son, Shawn Vaughan - Columbia; 13 grandchildren; five brothers - Max Miles - Harrisonville, Bill Miles - Willard, Gene Miles - Holden, Earl Miles - Wentzville (formerly of El Dorado Springs), and Richard Miles - Warrensburg; four sisters - Joy Stoll - Garden City, Sondra Strubel - Windsor, Gail Fitzwater - Climax Springs, Karen Folk - Harrisonville; other relatives and many friends. 

Services were held Thursday, Jan. 27, at the Dickey Funeral Home in Garden City with Rev. Charles Rolen officiating and burial in the Orient Cemetery in Harrisonville.

Honorary bearers were Gary’s grandchildren - Clayton, Jacob, Mason, Sidney, Daphne, Dakota, Colten, Brody, Rylee, Sean, Brayden, Dalton, Blake. Casketbearers were - Max Miles, Bill Miles, Gene Miles, Earl Miles, Richard Miles, Michael Slate, Robbie Slate and Carl Slate.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the South Summit Christian Church, Lee’s Summit, American Cancer Society or Grace Hospice. To view the video tribute or send the family online condolences, please visit www.dickeyfh.com.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Garden City.

Helena Elisabeth Sophie (Stuenkel) Dieckhoff

Helena Elisabeth Sophie Dieckhoff, 92, Alma, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at The Lutheran Nursing Home in Concordia. She was born Sept. 23, 1918, in Concordia, the daughter of the late William J. Stuenkel and Selma Schumacher Stuenkel. 

On Oct. 22, 1939, she married Harold H. Dieckhoff who preceded her in death on Dec. 9, 1995.

She lived in the Alma community most of her life where she was a 1937 graduate of Alma High School and a homemaker. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and had formerly been a member of its Guild.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Alan Ray Dieckhoff; a grandson, Scott Stoll; one great-grandson, Jerrad Lorenzen; and one brother, Elmer Stuenkel.

Survivors include five daughters - Sharon Stoll and husband, Ronald - Alma, Bonnie Keeton and, husband John - El Dorado Springs, Patricia Long and, husband Richard - Concordia, Joyce MacLean and husband, Arthur - Alma, and Janice Chastine and husband, Gary - Marshall; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Services were held Saturday, Jan. 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alma with Pastor Fred Hertwig officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or The Lutheran Good Shepherd Home in care of Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 1002 E. 1st St., Concordia, MO 64020. An online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com.

Elaine Hartwick

Elaine Hartwick, 95, Springfield, formerly of El Dorado Springs, passed away Jan. 18, 2011, at the Maples Nursing Home in Springfield. She was born Aug. 21, 1915, in Rockford, IL, to Carl Frederick and Florence Bernice Gritzmaker.

Elaine enjoyed reading and watching her favorite TV shows. She was a devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves, loved animals, especially dogs and was never without one as a faithful companion before leaving her home to live in Springfield.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lewis W. Hartwick; a son, Lewis W. Hartwick Jr.; two sisters; two brothers; and a great-grandson, Alexander.

Survivors include three daughters - Rosemarie Hopkins and husband, Kenneth - Nixa; Helen Beydler and husband, Clayton - Kansas City, and Lois Hendricks -Springfield; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and nine great great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held on Friday, Jan. 21, in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery with Rev. James Coleman officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Southwest Humane Society of Springfield.

Online condolences may be left at www.blandhackle man.com.

Lois L. Hood

Lois L. Hood, 86, El Dorado Springs, passed away Jan. 16, 2011, at Community Springs Healthcare. She was born June 9, 1924, in Cedar County to Ezra and Lula (Bland) Hood, the second of three children.

Since her father pastored several different churches, Lois attended various schools and graduated high school in Lamar, CO. She also worked at several different jobs as they moved, including working in the office of a laundry in Miami, OK, a bank in Englewood, CO, teaching school in Lamar, CO, and then for 29 years at Witt Printing Company in El Dorado Springs.

Lois was a member of the Church of God (Holiness) and attended faithfully as long as her health permitted. She regularly helped fold the church bulletins. She enjoyed helping others and, for many years, volunteered her time to drive other people to various appointments. Lois enjoyed traveling and her hobbies included quilting and painting.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Ezra and Lula.

Lois is survived by two brothers: Orville Hood and wife, Alma - Overland Park, KS, and Onos Hood and wife, Charlene - Bluejacket, OK; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services began at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, with a visitation from 10-11 a.m., at the El Dorado Springs Church of God (Holiness). Rev. Joe Trussell officiated and niece Sharon Beets provided music. Interment followed at Love Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Cam Hackleman, Charles Worthington, Arthur Scott, Roger Hood, Mike Goins, John Beets and Frank Willard.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Gideons.

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

Royanna Lee Leiber

Royanna Lee Leiber, 17, was born May 12, 1993, in Clinton, to Wesley Lane and Janice Ellen (Snethen) Leiber. She passed away suddenly Jan. 15, 2011.

Royanna graduated from the Osceola High School in 2010 and was taking extra online classes.

She loved many things in life. She loved to play softball and she and her mom traveled many miles attending softball games. She loved spending time with her family and had an extra special relationship with her nephew, Gunner, whom she loved to play with and make him ornery. Royanna loved shopping and her Mustang.

For the past year she had one special person in her life, Trevor Lasswell. She loved to spend time with him and his family.

Whether it was duck hunting, going to ball games or just going out to dinner, she and Trevor could always be found together.

Royanna had a very special personality. She could always make those around her laugh.

She planned to attend beauty school later this year. She had a passion for hair, makeup and fashion.

Royanna was very mature and ahead of her time. She touched every person that she met and will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Anna Lucille and Elbert Roy Snethen, uncles, Keith Snethen and Ronnie Leiber.

Royanna is survived by her loving parents, Wes and Janice Leiber - of the home; one sister, Jana Williams and husband, Jamie; nephew, Gunner; paternal grandparents, Ivan and Erma Lee Leiber; boyfriend, Trevor Lasswell; aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and many, many friends.

Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 18, in the Sheldon-Goodrich Chapel in Osceola with Jerry Kazmeieer officiating. Music was, If I Die Young, Amazing Grace, My Sister and Carried Away.

Interment was in the Osceola Cemetery under the direction of the Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home in Osceola. Casketbearers were Tony Roeder, Chance Crawford, Kiel Lasswell, Robbie Hills, Kurtis Kneller and Kendal Carmichael.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Royanna Leiber Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home.

Vern Allen Haywood

Vern Allen Haywood, 73 was born Aug. 10, 1937 in Hespa, MI, to Cy and Emily (Spaulding) Haywood. He passed away Jan. 15, 2011 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Overland Park, KS.

One of 16 children, his early life was spent in Michigan.

On April 17, 1958, he was united in marriage to Janice Harkness in Kansas City, KS. Most of their early married life was spent in the Shawnee, KS, area. Vern worked 26 years for Deffenbaugh Industries retiring in 2002. They moved to the El Dorado Springs area in 1974 where he loved raising his Black Angus cattle.

He was preceded in death by six of his brothers and sisters.

Vern is survived by his loving wife, Janice - of the home; one son, Vern Neil Haywood - Kansas City, KS; daughter, Gail Lynn Moore - Cleveland, MO; six brothers; three sisters; four grandchildren - Sarah Dunlap, Kimberly Kalebaugh, Gregory Moore and Jamie Moore; two great-grandchildren, Sidney Ann Daily and Brennon Haywood; other relatives and many friends.

Services were held Thursday, Jan. 20, in the Sheldon Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs with Rev. Barbara Minton officiating. Musical selections were Beulah Land, Just As I Am and Amazing Grace.

Casketbearers were - Gary Wilson, Frank Orser, Frank Orser Jr., Gregory Moore, Kenneth Olson and Jim Pope. Interment was in the Clintonville Cemetery, El Dorado Springs.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Sheldon Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs.

Billy Ray Culbertson

Billy Ray Culbertson, 73, was born May 2, 1937, in Oyer to Boyd and Lois Culbertson. He passed away in Sedalia on Jan. 14, 2011.

Bill attended grade school in Roscoe and moved with his parents to the Grandview area in 1955 where he graduated from Ruskin Heights High School.

In 1955, Bill joined the United States Marine Corps and began a military career that spanned 20 years. Bill trained to become an F-14 jet engine systems mechanic and also became a jet propulsion engine instructor.

Bill was an E-7 Gunnery Sergeant after 20 years of service. He then went into the Naval Fleet Reserves of the Marine Corps in Miramar, San Diego, for another 10 years until he took full retirement.

Bill’s military career took him all over the world. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam during the early 1960’s and earned commendations for his service.

Bill earned an Associate Degree of Arts in two years of college.

In 1958, during a tour of duty in the Philippines, Bill married Maria Teresa Reyes, and they were blessed with two children: Larry and Kathleen.

Bill’s grandchildren’s fondest memory of him was learning to play the game “Spoons,” then learning how to cheat at playing “Spoons.” They still remember their grandfather grabbing all the spoons, throwing them across the room, and watching as they frantically chased after a spoon. You had to be a Culbertson or a Breeden to fully appreciate the homemade game the family called “Spoons.”

A plaque was found in Bill’s home that summed up his philosophy about women.

All a Woman Needs to Know: A woman needs to look like a pretty girl. A woman needs to behave like a lady. A woman needs to think like a man. A woman needs to work like a dog.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Lois and Boyd Culbertson, and his brothers: Ken Culbertson and Larry Culbertson.

Bill is survived by his two children, his son, Larry Culbertson and wife, Lindy - Gresham, OR, and his daughter, Kathleen Culbertson of San Clemente, CA; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Billy Ray’s family and friends gathered at his graveside to pay tribute during military rites at the Pleasant Springs Cemetery located in Oyer on Tuesday, Jan. 18. Arrangements were under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Wanda Shirley (Shaw) Keith

Wanda Shirley (Shaw) Keith, 73, El Dorado Springs, passed away on Jan. 14, 2011, in St. John’s Hospital in Joplin. She was born July 20, 1937, the daughter of Jake and Eula Shaw.

On Sept. 21, 1954, Wanda was married to Bobbie Gene Keith. To this union four children were born: Rhonda, Bobby, Sharon and Jeffery.

For 20 years Wanda worked for the International Shoe Company. Her favorite hobby was fishing. Her life was primarily focused around her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved her Lord and Savior and looked forward to meeting Him.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Bobbie Keith; one brother, Sammie Shaw; five sisters - Viola Marshall, Prudy Keith, Betty “Wilma” Tompkins, Martha Tywanna Shaw and Ada Vrbanac.

Survivors include two sons, Bobby Lee Keith and Jeffery Keith - El Dorado Springs; two daughters, Rhonda Diamond Ward - El Dorado Springs, and Sharon Kay Ford - Warsaw; seven grandchildren - Travis, Brandon, Brad, Jared, Stephanie, Amy and Hannah; 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Carl Shaw and wife, Alyene - Edwards, and Buddy Shaw - Olathe, KS; and three sisters - Oma Biggs – Nevada, Ruby Janes and husband, John, and Rena Jane Shaw - El Dorado Springs.

Services began at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan.19, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Rev. James Coleman officiating. Interment followed in White Hall Cemetery.

Pallbearers were - Jeff Keith, Travis Keith, Kelly Keith, Jared Keith, Kelby Keith and Troy Jones. Honorary pallbearers were John Shaw, Donnie Keith, Jim Keith, Gene Shoemaker, Larry Lee and Ricky Tompkins. Arrangements were under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

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

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

Nelle M. Grayson

Nelle M. Grayson, 89, Port Hueneme, CA, departed from this earth on Thursday, Jan. 13, after a long illness. Nelle was born on April 2, 1921, in the small town of Roscoe Township located in St. Clair County. Nelle was the daughter of John Samuel Obra Green and Bessie Jane Nicholas Green.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Newhall, CA.

She was married to Edwin Everett Grayson and to this union two sons were born, John Warner Grayson and Gary Edwin Grayson.

Nelle was very active while her health was good. She retired as Office Manager before moving to Arizona to be closer to their family. Nelle has resided in Port Hueneme, CA, for the past 15 years.

Nelle was a wonderful person full of life and laughter. She was a loving and caring wife, a loving mother, sister, aunt and a life long friend of everyone she came in contact with.

Nelle could always make you smile, that smile and laughter will be sadly missed by all.

Nelle was preceded in death by her mother and father, husband and five siblings - Loreva Aileen, Harrison Junior, Bobbie Green, Velma Irene (Billie) and George Samuel (Sammy).

She leaves behind a host of friends, sons and their families, grandsons, nieces and nephews.

Services will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21, at the Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary located at 23287 North Sierra Hwy. Newhall, CA 91321, Phone # 661-259-0800.

Memorial gifts may be sent to Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary.

Minnie (Stockstill) Calhoun

MMinnie (Stockstill) Calhoun, 85, Lee’s Summit, the daughter of Rose (Maddux) Stockstill and Charles Stockstill, was born June 8, 1925, in Cedar County. She passed away Jan. 12, 2011, in Kansas City.

She graduated from the El Dorado Springs High School.

She is survived by one son, of the home; two daughters; one daughter-in-law; three grandsons and one great-granddaughter.

Private services are planned at a later dat.

Betty Ann Martin Schuchman

Betty Ann Martin Schuchman, 76, the daughter of Willis Martin and Bessie Eastman Martin, was born July 26, 1934, in Winfield, KS, and passed away on Jan. 11, 2011, at her home in El Dorado Springs.

Betty married Carl Calvin Schuchman on April 6, 1965. She was a devoted wife and mother to their three children - Randall, Robert and Michelle.

Betty ran a store, gas station and restaurant in Cedar Springs for many years. She loved to flea market and go to auctions and was continuously on the look-out for antiques. She had a very big heart and would never let anyone do without. She has left many memories to cherish in the hearts of all her loved ones and will be greatly missed.

Betty is survived by her children - Randall - El Dorado Springs, Robert - Branson, and Michelle - El Dorado Springs; six grandchildren - Christina and husband, Joe - Royse City, TX, Dana and husband, Rich - Branson, J.R. - Branson, Rob and wife, Krystal - Branson, Missy and husband, Randy - El Dorado Springs, and Jessica and husband, Joey - Morilton, AR; 16 great-grandchildren - Aaron, Victoria, Brandon, Justin, Rylee, Jazmin, Jewel, Jade, Chance, Katie, Traven, Jordan, Zayne, Darek, Jayden and Macy; four daughters-in-law: Becky, Darla, Diane and Lisa; two sisters, Dorothy Martin - Nebraska, and Mary Luce -
Montana; and many friends and extended family.

Services were held on Saturday, Jan. 15, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, with Brent Bland and Leonard Ketterman officiating.
Pallbearers were - Randy Anderson, Aaron Bailey, Joe Bailey, JR Cameron, Rich Crowell and Rob Schuchman. Interment followed
in El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home of El Dorado Springs.

Robert Duane Carpenter

Robert Duane Carpenter, 65, Walker, passed away Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, at Nevada Regional Medical Center. He was born Nov. 16, 1945, in Kansas City to Robert Ralph Carpenter and Helena "Lena" Ellen (Trotnic) Carpenter.

He was preceded in death by his father.

He is survived by his wife, Pam – of the home in Walker; five children – Monica Ferrier – Wisconsin, Debbie Ferguson – Kansas City, Kathy Shipman – Statesville, NC, Melissa McClure – Walker, and Robert “Darren” Carpenter – Blue Springs; two sisters, Roberta – Oklahoma City, OK, and Patty – St. Charles; his mother, Lena Carpenter, Oklahoma City, OK; 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Private services are planned at a later date with burial in Green Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home in Schell City.

George Joseph Menego

George Joseph Menego, 82, the son of Guido and Hannah May (Bindas) Menego, was born Jan. 15, 1928, in Star Junction, PA, and passed from this life on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, in Harwood.

Early in his life, George, along with his family, lived in Pennsylvania where he attended school and, for a time, stayed with Lou and Della Radomile.

Soon after school, George began serving in the United States Navy and Marine Corps being honorably discharged in 1947 from the Navy and in 1949 from the Marine Corps.

After his military service, he was united in marriage to Pearl Ann McCombs. To their union their son, Danny, was born.

The family moved to Missouri for George’s employment then back to Pennsylvania for a time. In 1958, George moved back to Missouri to stay.

George married Joyce Irene Davis on Nov. 20, 1965, and became “Dad” to her children. Soon, he and Joyce had a son of their own, Tommy.

The family lived in the Rich Hill area until 1988 when health concerns forced George to retire. He and Joyce then settled in Schell City.

Through his life, George worked as a railroad laborer, farm hand and factory worker. He always enjoyed fishing and he loved his dog, Toby.

Survivors include his children – Danny Menego and his wife, Anne – Cassville, Tommy Menego and his wife, Michelle – Rich Hill, Jack Davis – Arkansas, Margie Shropshire and her husband, Gary – Schell City, Jeanette Roberts and her husband, Larry – Schell City, Shirley Foster–– Rich Hill, Mary Jane Brashears – Henderson, NV, and daughter, Edith; one brother, Carl; one sister, Katie; 26 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services were held Monday, Jan 10, at the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home in Schell City with Bro. Paul Thorade officiating.
Musical selections were Amazing Grace and Go Rest High On That Mountain. Pallbearers were – Danny Menego, Tommy Menego, Matthew Menego, Joshua Menego, Gary Shropshire and Rick Menego. Interment was in the Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Ashli O’Dell Scholarship Fund.

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

Delores LaVerne Reaves Hicks

Delores LaVerne Reaves Hicks, 75, a longtime resident of El Dorado Springs, passed away Jan. 3, 2011, at Barone Care Center in Nevada. She was born in Mansfield on March 19, 1935, to Virgie and Jesse Reaves.

Delores was raised in Pacetown where she met her future husband, Lawrence.

She married Lawrence Edward Hicks on June 13, 1951. They would have celebrated their 60th anniversary this year. To this union, eight children were born – Lawrence Lee, Joyce Lynne, Shirley Jean, Carol Deane, Douglas Allen, Janet Christine, Cheryl Ann and Brenda JoAnne.

She worked hard to raise her children, making sure they were in church on Sundays and always had plenty to eat. She will always be remembered for her biscuits and chocolate gravy, her flowers and vegetable gardens, paintings and her antiques.
She loved spending time with her family and especially loved fishing with Lawrence.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgie and Jesse Reaves, a sister, Beulah Ann Gardner, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Delores is survived by her husband, Lawrence – of the home; children – Lawrence Lee Hicks and Karen –Colorado, Joyce and Jim Wallace – Nevada, Shirley and Gary Vickers – Harwood, Carol and Greg Girven – El Dorado Springs, Doug and Sue Hicks – Battiest, OK, Janet Hicks and Oscar Heredia – High Hill, Cheryl and Allen Layton – Nixa, and Brenda and Bill Parsley – El Dorado Springs; brothers – James Reaves and wife, Alpha – El Dorado Springs, Don Reaves and wife, Dorothy – El Dorado Springs, John Reaves and wife, Hazel – Kansas City, Derrel Ray Reaves and wife, Jean – Red Bluff, CA, and Herb Reaves and wife, Marie – Los Molinos, CA; a sister, Bernice Davis – Bakersfield, CA; and by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation began at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan 5, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs. Following visitation, graveside services were held in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery. Pallbearers were her six daughters. She will be fondly remembered in the hearts of many.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Barone Care Center Activities Department in Nevada.

Arrangements were by Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs.

Mary Elizabeth (Walker) Trussell

Mary Elizabeth (Walker) Trussell, 85, El Dorado Springs, passed on to her heavenly home on Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, at Community Springs Health Care Facility in El Dorado Springs. Mary was born on Jan. 20, 1925, to Daniel Walker and Sarah (Rambo) Walker in Bartholomew County, IN. She was the youngest child and only daughter, a favorite of her six older brothers.

Mary attended high school in Columbus, IN, and later Union Bible Seminary in Westfield, IN. While there she met and married Leland Curtis Trussell on June 27, 1953, in Westfield, IN. To this union were born four children.

Mary and Leland served as missionaries for 18 years in Bolivia, South America, where Mary gave birth to and raised three children and had a fruitful and lasting ministry for which she is still remembered. Their ministry of nearly 55 years led them also to DeWitt, AR, Herriman Chapel, MO, Mt. Zion, MO, and to El Dorado Springs where they were part of the ministry at El Dorado Springs Church of God (Holiness) for nearly 10 years. Mary’s faithfulness to the ministry and her husband enabled them to make a difference in the lives of countless people.

She was an accomplished musician, playing the piano and accordion and passing along a love of music to her family. She showed her love for her family through many different tangible ways, including her beautiful quilting, creating pieces that will be treasured.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers and her infant first son, Stephen Curtis. She is survived by her husband, Leland - of El Dorado Springs; her daughter, Lois Confer and husband, Paul - Bellefonte, PA; her sons, Joseph and wife, Faith - El Dorado Springs, and Wesley and wife, Suzanne - Hensley, AR; and six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Her wit, her grace, her love and her faithfulness to God and family are lasting legacies for all who knew her.

A visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel. Services will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, at the El Dorado Springs Church of God (Holiness) with Rev. Joe Trussell and Rev. Paul Confer officiating. Internment will follow at the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.