Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of February 1, 2001 William (Billy) Rodney Asher William Rodney Asher was born Tuesday, May 3, 1955, at Steelville, Mo., a son of Hazel A. Asher (nee Worley) and the late William Edward Asher. He departed this life Tuesday, January 23, 2001, at his home near Cherryville, Mo., at the age of 45 years, 8 months and 20 days. In addition to his father, Billy was preceded in death by one brother, John Leslie Asher. Among those who remain to mourn his passing are his mother Hazel Asher of Steelville, Mo.; special friend Diane Bocarddo of Cherryville, Mo.; four brothers and eight sisters; Fritz William Asher and wife Ann of Hermann, Mo., Robert Lee (Bob) Asher and wife Wanda of Cherryville, Mo., Ronald Edward Asher and wife Lindel, Bonnie Grace Jones and husband Elmer, Judy Ann Dicus and husband Louis, Cathy Lynn Asher, Karen Kay Sikes and husband Rob, all of Steelville, Mo. Randy Dean Asher and wife Amy, Linda Leah Dodd and husband Bill, all of Cuba, Mo., Wanda Sue McMillen and Louise Solis, both of Orange, Texas, and Tina Asher of Springfield, Mo. One son, Bobby Lee Asher of Potosi, Mo.; one daughter Brandi Asher of St. Louis, Mo.; one granddaughter, Jullette Asher; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Visitation time was held from 9 a.m. until time for the memorial service at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2001, Pastor David Cartee officiated. Musical selections were provided by Eddie Cox and Darla Vance. Burial will be at a later date. Arrangements were under the direction of Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Ralph G. Fulkerson Ralph G. Fulkerson of Sullivan passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2001 at the age of 82. Mr. Fulkerson was born on May 2, 1918 in Evansville, Indiana to the late Powell and Barbara (Freuhwald) Fulkerson. After being raised in Evansville, he enlisted in the United States Army on September 20, 1941. As a crewman of a tank division during World War II, he rescued two of his fellow crewmen after their tank was hit by enemy fire, and was subsequently awarded the Silver Star along with other medals. Immediately following his honorable discharge from the Army, he was united in marriage to Lucille Hayes on September 22, 1945 in Evansville. Ralph worked for over thirty years for Chrysler Corporation, first in Evansville and later in Fenton, Mo. In 1959 he and is family moved to Washington, Mo., and then to Sullivan in 1975. Ralph enjoyed bowling, fishing, and especially spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of the Baptist faith, and will long be remembered and cherished as a good husband, a good father, and a man who loved to make people smile. He is survived by his wife, Lucille Fulkerson of Sullivan; two daughters, Sharon Spindler of Sullivan and Cathy Jones of Bourbon; two sisters, Doris Scott and Etta Fulkerson, both of Hansen, Kentucky; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Mr. Fulkerson was preceded in death by one brother, John Fulkerson; three sisters, Lena Marie Brune, Marion Nau, and Lavonne Whitehouse; and one grandchild, Jennifer Marie Ackerman. Funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 from the Hassebroek Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Richard Williams officiating. Interment was in the I.O.O.F. Memorial Cemetery with military honors. If desired, contributions may be given to the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater St. Louis in memory of Ralph Fulkerson. Lottie Irene Gregory Lottie Irene Gregory nee Weber was born Monday, December 2, 1912, in Leasburg, Mo., a daughter of the late Thomas C. Weber and Elsie Louise Weber (nee Zolder). She entered into eternal rest Thursday, January 25, 2001, Gibbs Care Center, Steelville, Mo., at the age of 88 years, 1 month and 23 days. On February 4, 1933, in Steelville, Mo., at the home of John Brand, Lottie was united in marriage to Jesse Leroy Gregory. One daughter and four sons were born to this union. They enjoyed over thirty years together before his death, June 1, 1963. Lottie was also preceded in death by her mother and father, Thomas and Elsie Weber; two brothers, Ralph and Fred Weber; one sister Violet Zinser and one daughter-in-law, Anita Gregory. Lottie grew up in the Liberty community near Steelville, Mo. After her marriage to Jesse, they moved to Cherryville, Mo., where they farmed until his death in 1963. The both loved the Lord and were very active in the First Baptist Church of Cherryville. After his death Lottie sold the farm and moved to Steelville, Mo. where she attended and became a member of the Center Point Baptist Church. She was faithful until she suffered a stroke in 1991 and became disabled. Lottie enjoyed spending Mother's Day with all her children and grandchildren around her. Ironically, she suffered the stroke the day before Mother's Day 1991. Among those who remain to mourn her passing are her devoted children, Wayne Gregory and wife Jessie of Springfield, Mo., Thomas Gregory of Fordland, Mo., Lathan Gregory and wife Barbara of Cherryville, Mo., Alice and husband Robert Morton of Strafford, Mo., and Paul Gregory and wife Gaylene of Ozark, Mo. One brother, Robert Weber of Steelville, Mo., one sister, Ella Mary Midyett and husband William (Bill), also of Steelville, Mo.; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Janet Weber of Indianapolis, Indiana; Virgil Zinser, Ruby Vogel and Mamie Stough, all of St. Louis, Mo., Goldie Wood of Cuba, Mo.; fourteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; nieces, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Lottie Irene Gregory lay in state 2-9 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2001, at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Saturday, January 27, 2001, in the Britton Chapel with her former pastor Rev. Vee Hoyle officiating. Musical selections were provided by grandchildren, Roger and Mike Morton, Stephanie Morton Striplin with Gaylene Gregory at the piano. Honoring their grandmother as pallbearers were Eddie, Keith, Shawn, Grant, Matt, Tyler and Darin Gregory and Jason Morton. Committal prayers and Interment were in First Baptist Cemetery, Cherryville, Mo. Arrangements were under the direction of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Effie Lakey McBride Effie Lakey McBride (nee Martin) of Hazelwood, Mo., formerly of Steelville, Mo., was born April 23, 1905, a daughter of the late Green Berry Martin and Maude McAlister Martin. She entered eternal rest January 25, 2001, in St. Louis, Mo., at the age of 95 years, 9 months and 2 days. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Roy Lakey; two brothers, Carl Martin and Earl Martin; and one sister, Dollie Gullfoy. Among those she leaves to mourn her passing are her sister, Roselee Polys Wilke and husband Raymond Wilke of Cherryville, Mo.; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Graveside services for Effie Lakey McBride were held 1 p.m. Saturday, January 27, 2001, in the Steelville Cemetery, Steelville, Mo. Local arrangements were under the direction of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Floyd James Miller Floyd James Miller of Cuba, Mo. was born on October 23, 1913 at Cuba, Mo. to the union of John Miller and Mary Miller nee Burleson and passed away on January 27, 2001 at his home near Cuba, Mo. at the age of 87 years, 3 months and 4 days. Floyd was united in marriage to Louise Grandenetti at Steelville, Mo. One son, Floyd James, Jr. and one daughter, Mary Lou were born to this union. Louise preceded Floyd in death on December 8, 1972. In May of 1973 Floyd was united in marriage to Gladys Darr Hearst at Steelville, Mo. They have been happily married for 27 years. Floyd was also preceded in death by his parents, one son, Floyd James Miller, Jr., and two brothers, Fred and Clarence Miller. He retired from the St. Louis Public Sewer Works and moved back to the Cuba area in 1971. He had a great love for gardening and was known for his vegetable garden. Those who survive to mourn his passing from this life are his devoted wife Gladys Miller; one daughter Mary Lou Aarons; daughter-in-law Carolyn Miller Humburg and husband Walt; stepson Glen Crosby and wife Flo; three step-daughters Joy K. Kozdron and husband Don, Linda Aikin and husband Steve and Dorothy Hurst and husband Sam. One brother Paul Miller and wife Helen; three sisters Ruth Patterson, Myrtle Johnston and Fern Liebel; 6 grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 14 step-great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; 7 step-great-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends. Floyd was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, brother, good friend to all who knew him and will be sadly missed. Floyd James Miller was in state at the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Mo. where funeral services were held on Monday, January 29, 2001 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Leroy Nixon officiating. Interment was in the Hodge-Enloe Cemetery. All arrangements were under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Mo. Ross Moutray, Jr. Ross Moutray, Jr., 76, of Farmington, died on January 26, 2001. He was born in Steelville, Mo. on April 29, 1924 to the late Ross and Maytred Farrar Moutray. He served in the United States Army in WWII. On May 22, 1957 in Las Vegas he was united in marriage to Janice Varnum. He was a member of the American Legion Post 416 of Farmington was a former Deputy for the Arapohoe County Sheriff's Department. He is survived by his wife, Janice Moutray, Farmington, Mo.; four sons, Richard Moutray, Reno, Nevada; Raymond Moutray, Azusa, California; Randy Moutray, Azle, Texas; and Jerry Moutray, St. Louis, Mo. One step-son, Terry Larson; four daughters, Barbara Ball, Lampe, Mo.; Linda Moutray, Enterprize, Alabama; Debra Southers, Farmington, Mo.; Kathy Dwyer, Grand Junction, Colorado. One sister, Mona Eaton, St. Peters, Mo.; two aunts, Gladys and Marie Moutray; 27 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren and a precious little feller, Dawg. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Myrtle Wood and Dorothy Sherman and a granddaughter, Melissa Dawn Southers. Visitation was on Monday, January 29, 2001 from 12-1 p.m., with the Funeral Service at 1 p.m. in the Coplin Funeral Home, Park Hills, Mo. Benjamin J. Piazza Benjamin J. Piazza (Ben) of Rosati passed away Friday, January 26, 2001 at Crawford County Health Care Center in Cuba, Mo. at the age of 80 years, 2 months and 27 days. Ben, son of the late Ernest and Sarah Piazza was born October 30, 1920 in Rosati, Mo. On October 18, 1941 Ben and Angie (Guidicini) were united in marriage at Rosati, Mo. where they have lived and shared all their lives, having just celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary last October. Unto this union two daughters were born. Ben joined the Army in 1942 and served in World War II. He was an avid fisherman and loved to hunt. Ben was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Ben is survived by his wife Angie of the home, two daughters Patricia Hughes and husband Gary of St. James, Mo., and Gloria Brooks and husband Ed of Bourbon, Mo. One grandson Justin Hughes and one great-grandson Joshua Brooks. Brother George Piazza and wife Vera of St. James, Mo. Three sisters Mary Klebba of St. James, Mo., Elsie Mueller and husband Adolph of St. James, Mo. and Caroline Kaestner of St. Louis, Mo. Preceding him in death were his parents, sister Helen Zielinski, brother Emil Piazza, granddaughter Sherly Henderson and husband Tim and great-granddaughter, Ashton Henderson. Funeral services for Ben Piazza were held Monday, January 29, 2001 at Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Rosati, Mo. with Father Robert Duesdieker officiating. Organ music was provided by Judy Donati with vocal selections by Bob Edwards and Liz Moreland. Pallbearers were Dwight Stack, Bill Schnelt, Chris Mueller, Steve Mitchell, Robert Piazza and Louis Gorman. Interment was in the Saint Anthony Cemetery. Arrangements were by James & Gahr Mortuary of St. James. Mabel Irene Porter Mabel Irene Porter nee Hardin was born Thursday, January 8, 1931, at Steelville, Mo., a daughter of the late Winford Stanley Hardin and Carrie Leota Hardin (nee Stricker). On May 12, 1951, at Piggot, Arkansas, Mabel was united in marriage to Cliston Porter. One son was born to this union. They have enjoyed forty-nine years together. She entered eternal rest January 25, 2001, at the Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Sullivan, Mo., at the age of 70 years and 17 days. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers, William Marvin Hardin, Dwight C. Hardin and wife Nellie, and one sister, Gertrude and husband Arthur Brown. Among those who remain to mourn her passing are her devoted husband, Cliston Porter of Steelville, Mo.; their son, Larry Porter of Rolla, Mo.; one sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Hyle Wood of Steelville, Mo.; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Mabel Irene Porter lay in state 4-8 p.m., Saturday, January 27, 2001, at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Funeral service was held 2 p.m., Sunday, January 28, 2001, in the Britton Chapel with Rev. Bob Coleman officiating. Committal prayers and interment were in Steelville Cemetery, Steelville, Mo. Pallbearers were Delbert Boyle, Bob Brown, Ken Brown, Jimmy Harrell, Skip Helm, Allan Wood, Hyle R. Wood, and Winford Wood. Arrangements were under the direction of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. --------- Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Joe L. Miller ====================================================================