Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of January 3, 2013 Ruby Atchison Ruby Atchison of St. James, Missouri was born March 22, 1923 at Newburg, Missouri to Floyd Edward and Ruth Ellen (Decker) Smith and passed away Saturday, December 29, 2012, in Salem, at her daughters home at the age of 89 years. On September 3, 1940, at the Newburg Christian Church, Ruby was united in marriage to William Atchison. He entered into rest on January 1975. Ruby Atchison is survived by one daughter, Sandra Louise Greenwood and husband Randal of Salem, Missouri; two sisters, Betty Sue Simpson of Ballwin, Missouri and Peggy Brookshire of Walla Walla, Washington; 16 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 35 years; two sons, Bill Jr. and John Robert Atchison; one daughter, Judy Ellen Campbell. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on January 3, 2013 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James with minister Rod Fathing, Chaplin for Phelps Regional Hospice, officiating. Burial will be in the family plot at the Roach Cemetery near Newburg. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. James Reeves “JR” Dillon James Reeves “JR” Dillon of Kansas City, Missouri, formerly of St. James, Missouri, was born in Rolla, Missouri on November 11, 1958 to Jim and Rosemary (Reeves) Dillon and passed away Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Kansas City, Missouri at the age of 54 years. JR was a 1977 graduate of St. James High School where he excelled at sports, he was on the St. James basketball team the year that they won the state championship. He attended the University of Montana where he pledged to the  Sigma Nu Fraternity. JR was united in marriage to Terry Kidd on September 6, 1986 and to this union two sons were born. He shared his love of sports with his boys and coached their teams while they were growing up. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. He was a devoted family man and enjoyed every minute spent with his family and friends. JR was a Stockbroker for Edward Jones in Kansas City, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim Dillon; grandmother, Etta Dillon; father-in-law, Ermond Kidd; uncle, Lilburn Mash. He is survived by his wife Terry, of the home; sons, Ethan and Sean Dillon, also of the home; mother, Rosemary Dillon of St. James, Missouri; sisters, Kim Boyer and husband Kent of St. Louis, Missouri, and Kris Yocum and husband Ron of Republic, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Funeral service was held Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 3 p.m. in the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Pastor Doug Walter officiating. Interment was in the St. James Cemetery. Pallbearers were Craig Wyatt, Chris Mueller, Marc Mash, Jack Boyer and Nick Yocum. Honorary pallbearers were Vince Kidd, Jeff Hondkin, Kent Boyer, Ron Yocum, Brock Yocum and Jon Stammers. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary, St. James, Missouri. Shirley Ann Gillam Shirley Ann Gillam of Viburnum and Steelville, Missouri was born December 16, 1932 in St. Louis, Missouri to Shelby Otto York and Ruby Alma Brandon York and passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2012 in Owensville at the age of 80 years. On July 24, 1948, she was united in marriage to Loman Gillam and to this union three children were born. After 50 years of marriage, Loman preceded her in death in 1998. Shirley attended Lookout Assembly of God Church and Czar Assembly of God Church through the years. She was a lifetime member of the Eagles Club Auxiliary of Viburnum and a member of the Ladies Extension Club of Steelville and enjoyed volunteering at Gibbs Care. From 1987 to 1990 she was the owner of West End in Steelville. She loved traveling and was able to visit all fifty states. Shirley also enjoyed participating in shuffleboard tournaments. She is survived by two daughters, Shirley Diane Siebels of Pacific, Missouri and Mary Alice Farnsworth and husband Jim of Gerald, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Joanie Gillam of Viburnum, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Jeff Bobbitt and wife Loretta, Danny Bobbitt and wife Yvonne, Tracy Pope and husband Doug, Sara Bustin, Ann Gillam, Beth Gillam and Ava Gillam; 13 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Loman; son, Danny Gillam; one brother, Shelby York; and one son-in-law, Raymond Siebels. Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, December 28, 2012 at the Britton- Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with daughter, Mary Farnsworth, and great granddaughter, Delaney Spurgeon, sharing thoughts and memories. Special music of “I’ll Fly Away” was sung and played by Stanley Chandler with Bob and Carol Coleman assisting. Other music of “Sweet By and By” was sung by Ella Jo Greenwalt, with Bob and Carol Coleman and a CD of “Hallelujah” was played. The Lord’s Prayer and interment were in the Czar Cemetery at Viburnum, Missouri. Serving as casket bearers were Jim Farnsworth, Dillon Eye, Spencer Spurgeon, Danny Bobbitt, Jeff Bobbitt and Doug Pope. Honorary casket bearers were Cody Eye, Jacob Moss, Drew Pope, Seth Pollard, Michael Bobbitt, Lohman Bobbitt and Christopher Caffey. Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, Missouri. Helen Frances Heller Helen Frances Heller of Cuba, Missouri was born February 11, 1915 in St. Louis, Missouri to the union of Robert E. and Martha A. (Schaub) Hunter and passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Laclede Groves Lutheran Convalescent Center in Webster Groves, Missouri at the age of 97. Helen was a homemaker and spent many years living at Indian Hills. She was a member of the Concordia Lutheran Church in Bourbon, Missouri, where she was very active with the Ladies Aide Group. In her spare time she enjoyed fishing, crocheting, quilting, embroidery work and crafts. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert E. and Martha A. (Schaub) Hunter; husband, Robert F. Heller; and one sister, Violet Garner. She is survived by two daughters, Marlene and husband Donald Orf of Wentzville, Missouri and Martha A. “Marcie” and husband Ronald Gerhardt of Dittmer, Missouri; one sister, Eleanor Greer of Cuba, Missouri; nine grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 15 great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends. Visitation was held on Thursday, December 27, 2012 from 5-8 p.m. at Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri and also on Friday, December 28, 2012 from 9-10 a.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church in Bourbon, Missouri. Funeral service was held on Friday, December 28, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church in Bourbon, Missouri with Pastor David Burge, officiating. Interment followed at Meramec Hills Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Dennis W. Jercick Dennis W. Jercick of St. James, Missouri was born July 9, 1953 to Jerome and Genevieve (Ems) Jercick and passed away Thursday, December 20, 2012 at the St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, Missouri at the age of 59 years. Dennis was united in marriage to Nancy Duncan on May 8, 1982 and to this union four children were born. Dennis was an avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing, hunting and camping. He was also a sports enthusiast and enjoyed the St. Louis Rams and the St. Louis Blues. His greatest love was the love he had for his family. Dennis was a genuine family man, as he watched his family grow and have children of their own He took on the role and responsibility as “Grandpa” and he was the very proud grandfather to five grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Nancy Jercick of the home; children,  Shane Jercick and wife Nikki of St. James, Missouri, Andrea Jercick and friend Anthony Shaw of Salem, Missouri, Jake Jercick and friend Kiersten Albin of St. James, Missouri and Hannah Jercick of St. James, Missouri; grandchildren, Peyton, Teagan, Justise and Weston Jercick and Kiara Jercick Shaw; brothers, Michael, Gary, Mark, Tim, Randy and Neil Jercick; sisters, Sharon Melton, Nancy Weber and Robin Lawson; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held prior to the service from 10 a.m. until service time. Funeral service was held Saturday, December 22, 2012 at noon in the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Steve Barber officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary, St. James, Missouri. Linda Lou Link Linda Lou Link of Owensville, Missouri was born in East St. Louis, Illinois on July 7, 1944 to Marvin and Louise (Beck) Walker and passed away on Sunday December 16, 2012 at Gasconade Manor in Owensville at the age of 68 years, five months, and nine days. On April 13, 1963, at Freeburg, Illinois she was united in marriage to Gary Link. She had worked as a bindery worker in the printing industry. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Louise (Beck) Walker. She is survived by her husband, Gary Link; three sons, Christopher Link of Gerald, Missouri, Tim Link and wife Sue of Hawk Point, Missouri and Mike Link and wife Lauri of Gerald, Missouri; one daughter, Jackie Gray and husband John of Cuba, Missouri; one brother, Herb Walker and wife Sherri of Sunbury, Ohio; three sisters, Norma Porter and husband Bob of Sikeston, Missouri, Bonnie Dyer and husband Jerry of Sikeston, Missouri, Patricia Masur and husband Don of Collinsville, Illinois; nine grand- children and two great grandchildren. Visitation was at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Gerald, Missouri. Services were held Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Gerald, Missouri with Pastor Glenn Hollander and Rev. Jim Link officiating. Burial was private at the church cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Gottenstroeter Funeral Home. Rebel Jane Mosher Rebel Jane (Morrison) Mosher of Eldon, Missouri was born on April 18, 1922, in Benton Creek, Missouri to Nonie and Eugie (Martin) Morrison and passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at the age of 90 years. Rebel grew up in St. James, Missouri until her senior year in high school when her family moved to West Plains, Missouri. She and her twin sister both graduated from West Plains High School before heading to cosmetology school in Springfield, Missouri. Following their graduation, they owned and operated the Twins Beauty Salon during WWII. Lifelong friends, Rebel married Paul Mosher on January 20, 1946, in West Plains, Missouri, following his return from duty in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers based in the South Pacific. Rebel was a devoted wife, mother and sister. Her faith and her family were the centers of her life. The Mosher family moved to Eldon in 1954 when Paul became employed with Kraft Food Company. Rebel busied herself with P.T.A., room mother’s actives, Girl Scouts leaders and all the joys of motherhood. She was a member of the Eldon Evening Euterpean Club, Friends Sewing Circle for many years. Rebel and Paul have been faithful member of the Eldon United Methodist Church for 58 years serving in many capacities of church leadership and stewardship. She is survived by her husband, Paul; daughter, Paula Lea and husband Lanny of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; son, Carl Mosher of Jefferson City, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Mosher of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, and Rebul Morrison of Jefferson City, Missouri; step-grandsons, David Lea and family of Liberty, Missouri, and Chris Lea and family of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth Morrison and her twin sister, Mabel Amanda Morrison. Visitation was Thursday, December 27, 2012 from 1-3 p.m. at the Eldon United Methodist Church in Eldon with the funeral service beginning at 3 p.m. with Rev. Steven George officiating. An additional visitation was Friday, December 28, 2012 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri with funeral service beginning at 1 p.m. with Rev. Richard Mosher officiating. Interment followed in St. James Cemetery in St. James, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Ronnie Lee Neff Ronnie Neff of Bourbon, Missouri was born April 5, 1943 in Potosi, Mo to Zelmer and Melba Range Neff and passed away Friday, December 21, 2012 at the Gibbs Care Center in Steelville, Missouri at the age of 69 years. Ronnie was a maintenance worker at several factories.  He was a long time resident of Bourbon, Missouri and was known as a true handyman he loved to tinker with and fix things.  In his younger years he was a fisherman but later in life he found yard sales to be his venture.  Ronnie never knew a stranger he befriended everyone he met.  He was know to be a walking map of Sullivan as he roamed from sale to sale throughout the area finding treasures as he went. He was preceded in death by his parents, Zelmar and Melba Neff; twin siblings, Joan and Jerry Neff and a daughter, Melissa Neff. He is survived by a son, Kevin Neff of Jefferson City, Missouri; two daughters, Tina Neff of Locust Grove, Oklahoma and Jennifer Crittenden and husband Matt of Bourbon, Missouri; brother, Larry Neff of Richwoods, Missouri; sister, Jackie Funkhouser of Bourbon, Missouri; two grand- daughters, Haylea Riggs and Janessa Neff; other relatives and friends. Visitation was from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Funeral services were at 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at the funeral home burial, followed at the Bourbon Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Orval R. Schroeder Orval R. Schroeder of Sullivan, Missouri was born at St. Louis, Missouri on May 18, 1928 to Charles and Alma Louise (Klingsick) Schroeder and passed away on Monday, December 24, 2012 at the age of 84 years, 7 months and 6 days. He lived his childhood in Saint Louis, later coming to Union, Missouri with his family to make his home.  It was there that he met his future wife, Mary Louise Barreth and later graduated high school together. On July 11, 1948 they were united in marriage and to this union four children were born. Orval worked as a mechanic the majority of his life. He was first employed as a Master Mechanic in Saint Louis, then later at the former Tucker Motors Co. in Sullivan, Missouri, then to Ditch Witch and finally with ChaseCo, Inc. Orval enjoyed hunting, fishing and coon hunting in which he won several awards.  His favorite sport however was bowling and was a member of several leagues.  He was also a member of the VFW Men’s Auxiliary and the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Sullivan, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, charles and Alma Schroeder; his wife, Louise; and a son, Robert Schroeder. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Becky Schroeder of St. Clair, Missouri; two daughters, Brenda Greenwalt and fiancé Mike Manwarren of Bourbon, Missouri and Julie Montomery and husband Doug of Bourbon, Missouri; six grandchildren, Joshua and wife Lauri, Sarah and husband Jeremy, Jacob and wife Emily, Heith and wife Nancy, Brandon and wife Megan and Rob and fiancée Faith; 13 great grandchildren, a daughter- in-law, Donna Schroeder; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 4:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at the Eaton Funeral Home. Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 28, 2012 from the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with the Rev. Dr. David Beaty officiating. Fraternal Order of Eagles Memorial Services were conducted at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at the funeral home. Interment was in the Oddfellows Memorial Cemetery, Sullivan, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home Joe Steuernagel Joe Steuernagel of Bourbon, Missouri was born to Charles E. and Lula (Eldredge) Steuernagel on July 25, 1931 in Rolla, Missouri and passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at his home at the age of 81 years. Joe owned and operated the Joe Steuernagel Trucking Company for many years and was a farmer. He enjoyed working on his farm, trucks, tractors, heavy equipment and his dogs. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles E. and Lula (Eldredge) Steuernagel; two sisters, Doris Steuernagel and Hilda West; one nephew, Brent West. He is survived by his special friend, Elaine Steuernagel of Bourbon, Missouri; one nephew, Barry and wife Kathy West of Leasburg, Missouri; two nieces, Linda and husband Lester Benne of Chamois, Missouri, Carol Smith of Leasburg, Missouri; great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends. Visitation was held on Friday, December 28, 2012 from 5-8 p.m. at Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was held on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Mizell Funeral Home with Rev. Donald Wissmann officiating. Interment followed at Lea Cemetery in Leasburg, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Mary E. Summers Mary E. Summers of Bourbon, Missouri was born on January 13, 1941 at St. Louis, Missouri to Arthur Austin and Mabel Ellen (Rice) West and passed away on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at the age of 71 years, 11 months and 12 days. She had lived the majority of her life in the Bourbon area. On November 17, 1956 she was united in marriage to James E. Summers, Sr. He preceded her in death on August 2, 2005. Mary had worked at various places during her lifetime that included the former Bobber Truck Stop, Paramount Headwear in Bourbon, the former Hen House restaurant in Bourbon and lastly Bourbon Drugs.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bourbon and in her free time enjoyed crocheting, and time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by two daughters, Linda Simmerly and husband Michael of Cuba, Missouri and Anna Tracy and husband William of Bourbon, Missouri; two brothers, John West and wife Barbara and Carl West and wife Rose all of Novinger, Missouri; a sister, Maxine Earl of the state of Arizona; 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Lynn Summers of Bourbon, Missouri and Julie Klocke of Columbia, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Along with her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by two sons, James E. Summers, Jr. and Jim Klocke; and a grandson, James E. Summers III. Memorial funeral services were conducted at noon on Saturday, December 29, 2012 from the First Baptist Church of Bourbon with Pastor Ted Hurley officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Alma Nadine Wools Alma Nadine Wools of St. James, Missouri was born February 10, 1924 in Phelps County, to George Sherman and Essie Vera (Jones) Keasling and passed away Saturday December 22, 2012 at the Phelps County Regional Medical Center at the age of 88 years. On May 31, 1941, at the Church of God in St. James, Nadine was united in marriage to Albert Thomas Wools. She is survived by her husband, A.T. Wools of St. James, Missouri; sons and daughters-in-laws, Michael H. Wools and Mary Wools and Ritchie and Linda Wools both of St. James, Missouri; one daughter, Alberta Kelley of St. Louis, Missouri; one sister, Essie Hale of St. James, Missouri; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Gene Kelley; two brothers, George and Jim Keasling and three sisters, Mildred Bartle, Gladys Howard and Margaret Keasling. Visitation was held on Wednesday December 26, 2012 from 5-8 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Funeral service was conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday December 27, 2012 at the Jones Funeral Home Chapel with Rick Mosher officiating. Burial was in the Miles Cemetery. Pallbearers were Patrick Kelley, Michael C. Wools, Travis Wools, Matthew Wools, Lee Cable and John Nicolay. Arrangements under the direction of Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. ************************************************ Copyright. 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