Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO
Local Obituaries for the Week of February 6, 2008



Melva Elizabeth Buchan

Melva Elizabeth (Schnittker) Buchan was born October 11, 1918 in St. Louis,
Missouri to Joseph Schnittker and Clara (Richey) Schnittker. She passed away
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at Gibbs Care Center, Steelville, Missouri, at the
age of 89.
On September 30, 1939 she was united in marriage to Ronald Buchan, who
preceded her in death on April 4, 2002.
Melva was a member of a Women’s Extension Club as well as the MO Valley
Ropers Association in St. Louis. She enjoyed quilting, cross-stitching and
flower gardening. Her biggest love was all of her grandchildren, great
grandchildren and her one great great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and two sisters, Pearl
Wheeler and Bessie Rainbolt.
She is survived by one son, Ronald Buchan of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; two
daughers, Sharon Zeiss and Sharlene Walls and husband Rodney all of Steelville,
Missouri; one sister; Margaret Kosko of St. Louis, Missouri; six grandchildren,
Steve Zeiss and wife Kim, Donna Palmer and husband Ted, Lisa Brown, Shawn Curtis
and wife Stephanie, Eric Curtis and wife Stephanie and Lance Curtis and wife
Stacey; 14 great-grandchildren, Justin Palmer, Ashley Palmer, Bethany Aubin and
husband Frankie, Sonny Brown, Mariah Zeiss, Sierra Zeiss, Tiffany Curtis, Trevor
Curtis, Kyle Curtis, Ryan Curtis, Ian Curtis, Addison Curtis, Brianna Pendegraft
and Deric Curtis; one great-great grandson, Gavin Aubin; other relatives and
friends.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at the
Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Jerry Beers
officiating. Special memories were shared by daughter, Sharlene Walls. Special
music of “The Old Rugged Cross” was sang and played by Rev. Jerry Beers.
Casket bearers were Sonny Brown, Steve Zeiss, Justin Palmer, Shawn Curtis,
Eric Curtis and Lance Curtis.
Committal prayer and burial were in the Steelville Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of
Steelville, Missouri.



Carl B. DePriest

Carl B. DePriest was born January 2, 1923 to John H. and Minnie (Hubbard)
DePriest and passed away in Sullivan, Missouri on January 28, 2008 at the age
of 85 years.
He was a former resident of Wentzville, Missouri. He retired from the Ford
Motor Company in Hazelwood, Missouri in 1979 where he was employed for 30 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers and three sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Alice (Cooper) DePriest, of Cuba,
Missouri; sons, Bill DePriest and wife Cindy of St. Peters, Missouri and Jim
DePriest of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter, Carol Matlock and husband Ronald
of Wentzville, Missouri; sister, Ruby Laubinger of Gerald, Missouri; two
grandchildren, Ron Matlock and Julianna Ramey; three great grandchildren,
Madison, Baylee and Kaithlyn Ramey.
Visitation was held on Thursday, January 31, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. at James & Gahr
Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 7:30 p.m. on
Thursday, January 31, 2008 at the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri
with Steven Brubaker officiating.
Pallbearers were Ron Matlock, Julianna Ramey, Dewayne Laubinger, Danny Medlock,
Ronald Matlock and Bill DePriest.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 1, 2008 at the
Eternal Peace Cemetery in Wentzville, Missouri with military honors.
Arrangements were under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in
St. James, Missouri.



Kenneth DeWayne Gibbs

Kenneth DeWayne Gibbs of Steelville, Missouri was born on Saturday,
November 4, 1944 at Davisville, Missouri to the union of Ray and Hazel
(nee Davis) Gibbs and he passed away February 1, 2008 at the age of
63 years, 2 months and 28 days.
Kenneth was united in marriage on June 19, 1965 at Manhattan, Kansas to
Jolene Ruth Tatkenhorst and to this union four sons were born.
He served his country honorable in the United States Army. He loved farming,
which he did with a passion in south Crawford County. He worked with his
parents in the operation of Ozark Feed Store. In addition, he served as
electrician for the Doe Run Corporation and the McDonnell Douglas Corporation.
He did maintenance at Bourbon RV Center. He also drove for WTS and JH Ware
trucking companies.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one infant sister, Mary Ruth Gibbs
and his father-in-law, Arthur Tatkenhorst.
He is survived by his wife of the home; sons, Jeffrey (Kim) of Cherryville,
Missouri, Kevin (Amy) of Green Ridge, Missouri, Jason (Amy) of Lee’s Summit,
Missouri and Karl (Stephanie) of Manchester, Missouri; six grandchildren,
Katie, Keaton, Blake, Anastacia, Victoria and Michaela Gibbs; five brothers
and sisters, Frances (Harry) Thomas of Viburnum, Missouri, Vera (Carl) Price
of O’Fallon, Missouri, James (Judy) Gibbs of Cuba, Missouri, Paul (Yvonne)
Gibbs of St. Charles, Missouri and Gayle (Carrol) Deal of Equatorial Guinea,
Africa; mother-in-law, Lorene Tatkenhorst of Natoma, Kansas; brother-in-law,
Allen (Fran) Tatkenhorst of Cuba, Missouri; sister-in-law, Ann Tatkenhorst of
Natoma, Kansas; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Visitation was Monday, February 4, 2008 from 5-8 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral
Home, Steelville, Missouri.
Funeral service Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran
Church, Cuba, Missouri with Rev. Jeff Schanbacher and Seminarian Karl Gibbs
officiating.
Burial with full military honors in the Turnbough Cemetery, Davisville,
Missouri.
All arrangements were under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home,
Steelville, Missouri.



Gary D. Gipson

Gary D. Gipson of Cuba, Missouri was born April 13, 1949 in Fredericktown,
Missouri to Elva J. and Avalee I. (nee Myers) Gipson, and passed away
January 31, 2008 at his residence at the age of 58 years, 9 months and 17 days.
He enjoyed riding four-wheelers, fishing, hunting and building things.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley A. (nee Rose) Gipson of Cuba, Missouri; two
children, Jeffrey D. Gipson of Cuba, Missouri and Kevin (Kimberly) Gipson of
Cuba, Missouri; two grandchildren, Connor and Levi; three siblings, Shelba
(Chuck) Daves of Lonedell, Missouri, Jerry Gipson of Casscade, Missouri and
Ray (Sue) Gipson of Casscade, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was Friday, February 1, 2008 from 4-8 at Chapel Hill Mortuary, Cedar
Hill, Missouri. Service was Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 11 a.m.
Interment at Chapel Hill Memorial Garden, Cedar Hill, Missouri.



Norma Mae Greves

Norma Mae Greves of Cuba, Missouri was born to the union of Walter Andrew and
Mary Josephine (Cover) Davis on April 9, 1914 in Quaker, Missouri and passed
away Thursday, January 31, 2008 in Cuba, Missouri at the age of 93 years,
9 months and 22 days.
Norma was united in marriage to Oscar C. Greves on July 21, 1939 in Vienna,
Missouri and to this union two children were born.
She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church of Cuba, Missouri. In
her spare time she enjoyed gardening, canning, reading, history and playing the
keyboard. Most of all she enjoyed the time spent with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers, Lavondal and
Bill Davis; four sisters, Joyce Ann Dorf, Jerry Bouse, Gladys and Ruth Davis.
She is survived by her daughter, Debra and husband Lynn Nance of Sikeston,
Missouri; son, Dennis and wife Kathleen Greves of Cuba, Missouri; granddaughter,
Traci and husband Matt Krygiel; two great grandsons, Matthew and Ryan Krygiel,
all of Cuba, Missouri; brother-in-law, Chuck Bouse of Cuba, Missouri; sister-in-
law, Lorene Davis of Steelville, Missouri; nieces, nephews, other relatives and
friends.
Visitation was held Sunday, February 3, 2008 from 2-5 p.m. at Britton Funeral
Home 904 W. Washington St. Cuba, Missouri.
Funeral was Monday, February 4, 2008 at 11 a.m. at Britton Funeral Home with
Pastor Bob Knight, officiating.
Interment in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri.



Phillip E. Jarvis, Jr.

Phillip Eugene Jarvis, Jr. of Sullivan, Missouri was born Sunday,
March 16, 1975 to Phillip Eugene Jarvis, Sr. and Rita Darlene, nee Hutson,
Jarvis. He passed away Sunday, January 27, 2008 in Kennett, Missouri at the
age of 32 years, 10 months and 11 days.
He was a bricklayer for a short time in commercial building. He enjoyed fishing,
playing basketball and spending time with family.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Louis and Juanita Hutson and Frank
and Virginia Jarvis; aunt, Gail Hutson; infant aunt, Paula Hutson and infant
uncle, Roger Hutson.
He is survived by his father, Phillip E. Jarvis, Sr. of Salem, Missouri; his
mother, Rita (Tim) Dicus of Cuba, Missouri; brother, Casey Jarvis and fiancée
Lindsey Lee; sister, Stephanie Buerk of Cuba, Missouri; special friend, Amy
Ramori of Sullivan, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was Wednesday, January 30, 2008 from 5-8 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral
Home, Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 11 a.m.
at Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri with Rev. Ron Gadberry officiating.
Burial at New Home Cemetery, Keysville, Missouri.
Pallbearers were Timmy and Jamie Payne, Casey Jarvis, Phillip Jarvis Sr.,
Frankie Jarvis and Tyler Buerk.
All arrangements were under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri.



Lyle Robert Jeffers

Lyle Robert Jeffers of Steelville, Missouri was born August 3, 1941 in
Springfield, Illinois to Charles Howard Jeffers Sr. and Gleneth (Hankins)
Jeffers. He passed away suddenly Sunday, January 20, 2008 at the Missouri
Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, Missouri at the age of 66.
He was united in marriage to Nancy (Schmittler) of Grayville, Illinois on
November 9, 1963.
Lyle previously lived in Ballwin, Missouri from 1977-2007 where he was a self-
employed contractor and owner of KNL Construction, Inc. Prior to that he had
lived in Springfield, Illinois where he worked for the State of Illinois,
Department of Transportation for 15 years.
Lyle and Nancy were also involved in many other business ventures in
Springfield, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri.
They moved to Steelville, Missouri in May 2007 and for the last seven months
have owned and operated the Frisco Street Bed and Breakfast. In addition to his
home, family and work, Lyle enjoyed woodworking, bridge and cribbage.
He was a member of Community Christian Church in Manchester, Missouri, where he
served as an elder, deacon and choir member. He was a past Master of St. Paul’s
Masonic Lodge #500 in Springfield, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Charles Howard Jeffers
Sr. and Dale Wesley Jeffers and brother-in-law Jack Baker.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years; one son, Kyle Jeffers of South Bend,
Indiana; one daughter, Melinda Russell and husband Jeff of Chesterfield,
Missouri; two grandchildren, Nicole and Christopher Chase Russell of
Chesterfield, Missouri; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Julia Jeffers of
Riverton, Illinois, Mary Jo Baker of Carmi, Illinois, Arthur and Alice
Schmittler of Nashville, Illinois and Debbie and Skip Turnbull of Athens,
Illinois; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the
Masonic Hall in Steelville, Missouri. A memorial service will also be held at
2 p.m. on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at the Community Christian Church in
Manchester, Missouri.
All arrangements are under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of
Steelville, Missouri.



Bonnie Mae Litty-Stephens

Bonnie Mae Litty-Stephens of Beaufort, Missouri formerly of Cuba was born on
Monday, March 14, 1938 to the union of Hoyt S. and Viola B. (nee Worley) Hughes
and passed away Monday, January 28, 2008 at Beaufort, Missouri at the age of
69, years 10 months and 14 days.
Bonnie was united in marriage to Howard A. Stephens on June 6, 1991 at Union,
Missouri.
Bonnie retired in 1999 after 20+ years as a Medical Assistant. During her career
she worked for Dr. A.R. Baumann in Steelville, Missouri; Dr. Mike Elders in
Cuba, Missouri; the Doctors Medical Building in St. Louis, Missouri and she
retired from Dr. Lee Parks office in Union, Missouri.
She attended the First Christian Church of Union and a former member of the
Assembly of God Church of Steelville, Missouri for 30+ years. She also was a
Sunday School teacher for a few years.
In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, gardening, canning, flowers, yard work,
making quilts, crocheting, watching Wheel of Fortune and reading her Bible while
sitting in her favorite chair.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Edward S., Bernie E.
and Ervin Hughes; one sister, Patricia L. Hughes and other relatives and
friends.
She is survived by her husband of the home: two sons, Jeffrey R. and wife
Natalie Litty of Camdenton, Missouri and Bruce A. and wife Donita Litty of
Lindsey, Oklahoma; three daughters, Lisa A. Lorraine of Cuba, Missouri, Lori A.
and husband Steve Conway of Washington, Missouri and Julie and husband Thomas
Beck of Union, Missouri; two step sons, Darren Stephens of St. Louis, Missouri
and Mark Stephens of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 10 grandchildren, Chloe, Chad,
Chelsey, Grant, Lance, Cody, Tyler, Corey, Taylor and Jackie; five brothers, H.
Carl Hughes of Popular Bluff, Missouri, J. Joe and wife Jackie Hughes, Arthur
and wife Dixie Hughes, Jimmie C. Hughes and Paul G. and wife Lisa Hughes, all of
Cuba, Missouri; three sisters, V. Fern Powers of St. Louis, Missouri, Gloria D.
and husband Jack Cavanaugh of Hernandez, Florida and Barbara A. and husband Jim
Palmer of Cuba, Missouri; three sisters-in-law, Eileen Hughes of Cuba, Missouri,
Eicko Hughes of Warrenton, Missouri and Barbara (Hughes) and husband Chet
Dandero of Sullivan, Missouri; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held Wednesday, January 30, 2008 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Britton
Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri.
Funeral service was at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 31, 2008 at Britton Funeral
Home of Cuba, Missouri with Pastor Jerry Beers officiating. Special music for
the service was “When I Get To Where I’m Going,” “Amazing Grace” and “I Can Only
Imagine.” Honored to be serving as pallbearers were Carl, Arthur, Jim, Paul, Joe
and Buddy Hughes.
Interment followed at Meramec Hills Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri.



Robert “Bob” Joseph McQuillan

Robert “Bob” Joseph McQuillan, 60, of St. Louis, Missouri, was born
December 27, 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri to Dr. Walter Robert McQuillan Jr.
and Laverne (Hapgood) McQuillan. He passed away suddenly on Saturday,
January 26, 2008 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
Bob graduated from Sanford Brown College in St. Louis, Missouri. He worked
as a Federal IRS agent for several years and then became self-employed as an
accountant. He was in the United States Navy serving a tour of duty in Vietnam
and re-enlisted as a US Navy Recruiter for a second term of service.
He was preceded in death by his great grandparents, William and Cora Ratley;
his grandparents, William Hapgood, Bessie and Elmer Bergman, Walter McQuillan
Sr. and Mae (Lortz) McQuillan; and his father.
He is survived by his mother, of Steelville, Missouri; one brother, Michael
McQuillan of Omaha, Nebraska; two sisters, Patricia Lee of Rolla, Missouri and
Susan McQuillan of Steelville, Missouri; four nephews, Christopher McQuillan and
wife Tricia and Matthew Lee and wife Roxie, all of Steelville, Missouri, Thomas
Donnell and wife Kathleen of Cherryville, Missouri and Mark Lee and wife Mandy
of Oklahoma; three nieces, Katie Lee of Rolla, Missouri, Sharon Trebilcock of
Phippsburg, Maine and Tricia Walker and husband Chris of Farmington, Missouri;
step-daughter, Angie Hendricks; long-time friends, Frankie Hendricks and Don
Vergano; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 31, 2008 at the
Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Father James Finder
officiating. Special music of “In The Garden” was played and “The Old Rugged
Cross” and “Amazing Grace” were sang by Matt Lee and accompanied by Kathleen
Donnell on piano.
Casketbearers were Tom Donnell, Chris McQuillan, Matt Lee and Don Vergano.
Committal prayer and burial were in the Steelville Cemetery. Military funeral
rites were conducted by the US Navy and the St. James VFW Post 5608.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of
Steelville, Missouri.



Ronnie Joe Sellers

Ronnie Joe Sellers of Arnold, Missouri was born October 30, 1947 in
Waynesville, Missouri to James Edward and Thelma (Mason) Sellers. He
passed away Thursday, January 31, 2008 at his home at the age of 60.
He was a member of the United Baptist Church in Arnold, Missouri and loved
to spend time reading the Bible. As a hobby, he actively participated in
Scoresheet Fantasy Baseball.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; one aunt; two uncles and his
father.
He is survived by his mother of Arnold, Missouri; one aunt, Hazel Mason of
Steelville, Missouri; one uncle, Gilbert Sellers and wife Gerry of Davisville,
Missouri; seven cousins, Paul Mason of Rolla, Missouri, Lyle Mason of Arcadia,
Kansas, Sandra Sellers of Davisville, Missouri, Alan Sellers of Jackson,
Missouri, Donald O’Connor of Canada, Barbara O’Connor of Tennessee and Michael
O’Connor of Indiana.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Monday, February 4, 2008 at the Britton-
Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Elders Walter Mayberry and
Dannie Patterson officiating. Special music of “Amazing Grace” and “In The
Garden” were played.
Casketbearers were Paul Mason, Alan Sellers, Josh Sellers, Josh Mason, Stanley
Eaton, Bob Gapsch and honorary bearers were Sandra Sellers and Barbara O’Connor.
Committal prayer and burial were in the Sellers Cemetery at Dillard, Missouri.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of
Steelville, Missouri.



Ollie Elizabeth Wigger

Ollie Elizabeth Wigger of Viburnum, Missouri was born on March 2, 1903 in
Huzzah, Missouri to Philip and Margaret Jane (Sanders) Blount. She passed away
on Thursday, January 31, 2008 at Stonecrest Manor in Viburnum, Missouri at the
age of 104.
In 1934, she was united in marriage to Olin Lee Wigger who preceded her in death
on July 5, 1978.
Upon graduation from the eighth grade in 1919, she taught at Farrar School on
Snap Branch, which was in the Huzzah area. She taught for six months and made
$40 a month. In 1920, she taught at Slowensky School, four miles below Huzzah
She taught school five days a week and on Saturdays she carried the mail on
horseback.
During summer months when school was out, she or her sister Grace, carried the
mail daily. She went to Job High School at Berryman and took correspondence
courses through the mail. Then in 1930 she graduated from Steelville High
School. She taught at the old Viburnum School, Huzzah School, Antioch and Big
River. Then due to State law, she had to attend college before she could teach
again. She attended college at both Springfield and Cape Girardeau. Other
schools that she had taught included Pleasant Point at Courtois and then to
Goodwater for five years, which was the last place she taught. The most money
she ever made was $90 a month. Her duties besides arriving early to school at
7 a.m. was to build a fire and do janitor work at the school. During this busy
schedule, she raised a family of six children.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Viburnum, Missouri for many
years. She was a member and secretary for the West End Saddle Club at East End
where she had many enjoyable times going on trail rides. Ollie was also a member
of the Eastern Star of Viburnum and Ironton and was a member of the Viburnum
Garden Club.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son, Robert Wigger;
four brothers, Milton, Frank, Gibb, and Lavern Blount; five sisters, Ella
Coleman, Grace Dicus, Cleo Hodkins, Edna Dulaney and Myrtle Blount; one
grandson, Mike Smith and one son-in-law, Don Smith
She is survived by three sons, Charlie Wigger and wife Rebecca of Courtois,
Missouri, Philip Wigger and wife Pat of South Carolina and Tommy Wigger and wife
Sharon of Belgrade, Missouri; two daughters, Margaret Midgett and husband Bob
of St. Louis and Myrna Smith of Alma, Michigan; a daughter-in-law, Doris Wigger
Midyett of Courtois, Missouri; 24 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren,
29 great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 3, 2008 at the First
Baptist Church in Viburnum, Missouri. with Rev. Michael Knight officiating.
Special music of “Come Spring,” “The Lords Prayer,” “In the Garden” and “I’ll
Fly Away” were sung and played on guitar by Dr. Jim Reynolds. The obituary and
eulogy were read by grandson, Jerry Wigger and followed by a slide show
presentation of Ollie’s past years.
Casket bearers were Donnie Smith, Philip Wigger, Jerry Wigger, Mark Wigger, Joe
Wigger, Jeff Wigger, Matt Wigger, Kevin Wigger and Aaron Wigger.
Committal prayer and burial were in the Sam Crocker Cemetery in Goodland,
Missouri.
An Eastern Star Service was held on Saturday, February 2, 2008 during
visitation.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of
Steelville, Missouri. 



Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the 
Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site.
<http://www.threeriverspublishing.com/>

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