Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of February 12, 2020 Janet Louise Chandler Janet Louise Chandler (nee Ransom) of Cuba, Missouri was born on Friday, March 7, 1941 in Salem, Missouri to Virgil Elmer and Blanche Nellie (Barton) Ransom. She was later raised by Mildred Louise (Dicus) Ransom. She passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at the age of 78 years, 10 months and 28 days. Janet was raised in Steelville, Missouri and graduated from Steelville High School. She married Cleo Chandler on January 26, 1963 in Cuba, Missouri by Bro. Echols. Janet accepted the Lord early in life and attended 1st Assembly of God Church in Steelville, Missouri. When she and Cleo lived in Tennessee, she worked at Walmart as a door greeter. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary in St. James, Missouri. Janet loved to work with her hands and was very crafty. She enjoyed crocheting and even made each grandchild (some great grandchildren) blankets, sewing plastic canvas to make door hangers and sewing. Janet liked to go to the restaurant and visit, in fact she never met a stranger. She loved to travel. She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil (Mildred) Ransom and Blanche Ransom; parents-in-law, Estel (Gertrude Mae) Chandler and Thelma (Greenwalt) Chandler; infant son, Johnny Cleo Chandler; brother, Wilbur "Willy" Ransom, brothers and sisters-in-law, Glenda Caron, Homer "Buck" (Doris) Whittaker, Elmer (Mabel) Whittaker, Delmar (Bessie) Whittaker, Leona (Jim) Keasling, infant Homer Chandler, Floyd (Goldie) Chandler, Owen Chandler, infant Thelma Chandler, infant Donia Chandler, infant Lloyd Chandler and Bernice (Marvin) Carl. She is survived by her husband, Cleo Chandler of Cuba, Missouri; children, Kimberly Molina of Steelville, Missouri and Eric "Rick" Chandler of Cuba, Missouri; grandchildren, Megan (Josh) Gargus of Centralia, Missouri, Nicholas (Amelia) Hill of Indianapolis, Indiana, Joshua Carl of Rolla, Missouri, Skylar Ullery (fiancˇ Taylor Galbreath) and Bella Ullery of Hendersonville, Tennessee and Lindsey Carl (Doug Thomas) of Cuba, Missouri; great grand- children, Caden and Porter Gargus, Brooklyn Carl, Lucas Carl and Raven and Damien Hill; siblings, Bonnie (Charles "Sonny") Haffer, Sidney (Cecelia) Ransom, Ronnie (Judy Dicus) Caron and Johnny (Laurie) Ransom, all of Steelville, Missouri and Larry (Misty) Harmon of Cherryville, Missouri; sister-in-law, Patricia "Luddie" Chandler of Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Jerry Beers and Rev. Mick Thrasher officiating. Burial was at the Steelville Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Robert Thomas "Bob" Copling Robert Thomas "Bob" Copling of Leasburg, Missouri was born Sunday, August 9, 1925 at Tison, Missouri to Arthur and Merle (nee Mise) Copling and passed away on Friday, February 7, 2020 at the age of 94 years. Bob proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, during WWII from October 15, 1943 until December 24, 1945. He married Christena Ellen Reiner on Sunday, August 15, 1948 at Leasburg, Missouri. Bob worked in construction most of his life. He worked at Mid-State Lumber for nearly 25 years. There wasn't any carpentry work that Bob couldn't do. He was an electrician, plumber, roofer, painter and carpenter. In his younger years he enjoyed coon hunting, pitching for the local softball team and working. He was a devout member, deacon and song leader of Mt. Olive Baptist Church for over 50 years. For the last three years, Bob had been attending Calvary Assembly of God Church in Cuba, Missouri. For the last few years, Bob has been going to the Cuba Senior Center. You could find him sitting on the front porch, with his hound Hobo, this past year. Bob loved to sing old hymns and when he felt good, he was a jokester. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Merle Copling; wife, Christena Ellen Copling; grandson, Jimmy Umfress; great grandson, Chad Umfress; five sisters, Georgia and husband Frank Leibensperger, Hester and husband Henry Land, Helen and husband James Reiner, Geneva and husband Orville Richardson and Ethel Adams; two brothers, Herbert and wife Rosie Copling and Arthur and wife Margaret Copling; brothers-in-law, Walter Reiner, Robert Reiner and Gene Niedbalksi; and sister-in-law, Loretta White. He is survived by his children, Nancy and husband James Umfress of Cuba, Missouri and Robert and wife Mary Copling of Leasburg, Missouri; four grandchildren, Amy and husband Robert Kelly of Leasburg, Missouri, David and wife Angela Copling of Leasburg, Missouri, Travis Umfress and Robert Umfress; great grandchildren; great great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Joe White of St. James, Missouri, formerly of Leasburg, Missouri; sister-in-law, Barbara Niedbalski of Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri with Pastor Terry Hogan officiating. Special recorded music was "Faces," "Marine Corp Hymn" and solo by Amy Kelly who sang "Master of the Wind." Interment, prayers and full military honors followed at the Lick Creek Cemetery in Cuba, Missouri with Pastor Keith Neece officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Janice Arlene Dvorak Janice Arlene Dvorak of St. James, Missouri, formerly of Salem, Missouri, was born in Ellinwood, Kansas on December 10, 1940 to Melvin and Doretta (Small) Richardson and passed away Monday, February 3, 2020 at the age of 79 years. She was married to Joseph Warren Dvorak. Janice graduated from the Hallstead Kansas School of Nursing where she earned her RN degree. She then began an accomplished career working as an RN in several locations, including Director of Nursing at Phelps Health and serving as a traveling nurse in various locations. She retired in 2000 due to health concerns. She also enjoyed working as an independent sales representative for Mary Kay Cosmetics for many years. Among Janice's personal interests were photography, travel, all things outdoors, quilting, crocheting, needlepoint, knitting and flower gardening - all while continually serving as a nurse. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Doretta Richardson; one son, James Dvorak; and one grandchild. She is survived by five children, Joseph Dvorak Jr. of Salem, Missouri, Janelle Worthen of Birchtree, Missouri, Jerry Dvorak of Miami, Oklahoma, Jeffery Dvorak and wife Michele of Rolla, Missouri and Jason Dvorak and wife Nancy of Hiawatha, Kansas; one sister, Virginia "Ginger" Thomas of Ellinwood, Kansas; 17 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2020 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2020 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Janice's final resting place will be in the Sterling Cemetery in Sterling, Kansas. Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Diane L. Evans Diane L. Evans was born on June 2, 1960 in St. Louis, Missouri to Linton and Pauline Zapula and passed away on February 2, 2020 at the age of 59 years. Although her time on this earth was short, she made an impact everywhere she ventured. She exuded loyalty, love and forgiveness. She was strong and resilient. The love she had for her children was unwavering. Diane cultivated a life with her forever partner, Ray Stewart, working hard and raising their four children to be good people. Diane was the sounding board, negotiator, voice of reason and from time to time the referee. Diane never faltered in who she was or what she believed in. She was never wrong, often stating, "Even when I'm wrong, I'm right." Diane was a talented artist, writer, rescuer of animals and a lover of rainy days. Diane enjoyed reading, so much so, you never saw her without a book. Though she mentioned the train rides, bacon and hotels were a nice bonus. But, her true passion was cruises. As one ended, she begun to plan and save for the next one. Diane was by no means an outdoors kinda person, yet something resonated with her and the ocean. In the early moments of dawn, you could find Diane, book in hand, on the deck. She was preceded in death by her parents, Linton and Pauline Zapula; and her nephew, Robert Couvion. She is survived by her partner, Ray Stewart; children, Danielle Mundale and husband William of St. James, Missouri, David Evans and wife Brandy of Cuba, Missouri, Sindel Myers and husband Rob of Cuba, Missouri and Desteny Lindell and husband Leo of Deridder, Louisana; grandchildren, Dayton Browers, Gauge and Ashley Mundale, Brooklynn and Camren Lindell, Cooper Evans, and Cammie and Ethan Myers; nephew, Micheal Couvion; other relatives and friends. As per her wishes, Diane was cremated and a celebration of her life was held. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Sharon Kay Gann Sharon Kay Gann of St. James, Missouri was born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 18, 1946 to Blaine and Elizabeth (Talbert) Morrow and passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the age of 73 years. Sharon was a custodian for the St. James High School until her retirement. She was very artistic and really enjoyed painting. She loved music and learned to play the guitar, and sing. She really loved "shaking her booty" to Elvis. She would always make sure that on special days she would cook a special dish that was a favorite to that child, on that special day. She was preceded in death by her parents, Blaine and Elizabeth Morrow; and her son, Robert Wright. She is survived by children, Melissa Hopen and husband Steve of Sullivan, Missouri, Rebecca Arthur of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Eddie Gann of St. James, Missouri, Sarah Gann of Rolla, Missouri and Sarah (Nikki) Yeggy and husband Leland of Kirksville, Missouri; brothers, John Morrow and wife Linda of St. Clair, Missouri and Michael Morrow of St. James, Missouri; sister, Michelle Morrow and wife Judy Craft of Kirksville, Missouri; grandchildren, Robert Burgess, Jamie Gann, Tyler Hope, Hannah Arthur, Chase Arthur, and Evan Gann; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2020 the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Pastor Gary Reeves officiating. Interment was at the St. James Cemetery. Pallbearers were Steve Hopen, Ian Darlington, Andrew Gerhardt, Robert Burgess, Dylan Craft and Caleb Yeggy. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Cornell Alvin Licklider Cornell Alvin Licklider of Rosati, Missouri was born on December 8, 1927 in Jake's Prairie, Missouri to Oscar and Sadie (Monda) Licklider and passed away Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the age of 92 years. On September 2, 1950 he married Wanda (Lewis) Licklider. Cornell grew up in Rosati, Missouri after moving from Jake's Prairie when he was nine. At the age of 15 he worked for the Rosati Winery supervising German POWs. Then later while managing a vineyard and helping the other grape growers in the community, he was employed for 20 years with the International Shoe Co. He was then the street superintendent for the city of St. James, Missouri for 23 years before retiring. After retirement he worked part-time at the St. James Tourist Center. He was a member of the High Gate Baptist Church. Cornell loved hunting and fishing. He always raised a big garden and loved sharing it with family and friends. Cornell had a very strong work ethic and set a wonderful example for his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Sadie Licklider; his wife, Wanda on November 27, 1992; two granddaughters, Casey Jo Licklider in 1987 and Nichole Licklider in 2014; one brother, Carlyle Licklider; and three sisters, Erma Grayson, Wilda Casarotto and Waneta Green. He is survived by his daughter, Diane Daniel and husband Doug of St. James, Missouri; one son, Roger C. Licklider and wife Valerie of Rolla, Missouri; companion, Vivian Ridenhour of St. James, Missouri; three grandchildren, Matthew Daniel, Heather Nelson and husband Jermiah, and Dalton Licklider; seven great grandchildren, Melissa Riggins and husband Cody, Bradley Daniel, Emily Daniel, Tucker Daniel, Hayden Daniel, Madelyn Licklider and Maia Nelson; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Perry Lewis and wife Betty and Ina Boulware; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 7, 2020 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Interment followed in the Licklider Cemetery in Jake's Prairie, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home of Rolla, Missouri. Dorothy L. Morice Dorothy L. Morice (nee McKenney) was born February 28, 1928 and passed away on Monday, February 3, 2020 at the age of 91 years, 11 months and 3 days. Dorothy worked until her passing for the Ferguson-Florissant School District for the last 47 years. She was a 17 year Cub Scout Leader and received the Silver Fawn Award. Dorothy married Lionel E. Morice. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lionel E. Morice; and great grandson, Robert. She is survived by her children, Michael and Sandy Morice of Lawton, Oklahoma (fomerly of Cuba, Missouri), Lionel and Ruth Morice, Stephen and Heidi Morice, David and JoLynn Morice, Andre and Carman Morice, Robin and Michael Fogg and Bart Morice; grand- children, Greg and Gena, Stacy, Kindra, Keith and Lindsay, Bethany and George, Daniel and Kaelyn, Heidi and David, George and Amy, Amy, Samuel, Brianne and Josh, Jennifer and Travis, Kimberly and Neal, Ryan and Jordan, Jeffrey and Nikki; great grandchildren, Blake, Lane, Avery, Will, Allie, Zach, Cortney, Cody, Courtney, Colton, Christopher, Hannah, Cross, Brady, Josie, Daphne, Pete, Hailey, Chase, Tristan, Azella, Violet and Kennedy. other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 2-9 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at the Kutis Affton Chapel. Funeral was held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 7, 2020 at the Kutis Affton Chapel to the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church for 11 a.m. Mass. Interment was at the St. Matthew Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Kutis Affton Chapel in St. Louis, Missouri. Clotilda Elise "Cloe" Nisbet Clotilda Elise "Cloe" Nisbet (nee Dryden) of St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of Cuba, Missouri, was born on Monday, April 14, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri to Winton F. and Marie L. (nee Karst) Dryden and passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at the age of 89 years. She graduated from St. Marks High School and attended Maryville College. She worked at the Catholic Hospital Association and Kellogg's before marrying George H. Nisbet on January 8, 1955. Cloe and George lived in south St. Louis, Missouri before relocating to O'Fallon, Illinois for five years. When the family moved back to St. Louis in August 1962 they settled in Vinita Park and were residents for over 32 years. The family belonged to St. Rita Catholic Church during those years. Cloe went to work for Wexford Labs. After several years she moved to Washington University's food service company. She retired from there in 1993. Cloe and George moved to Cuba, Missouri. Cloe enjoyed riding horses, playing volleyball and basketball, playing the piano, working crossword puzzles in ink, playing solitaire, bridge, rummy, crocheting, knitting, reading, listening to St. Louis Cardinals baseball even while enjoying camping trips to Sam A. Baker State Park and other places, St. Louis U Billikens basketball and Blues hockey. She was preceded in death by her parents, Winton and Marie Dryden; son, Mike Nisbet; brothers and sisters, Joe and wives June and Barbara Dryden, Marie Lou and husband Ed Sexton, Mac and Marita Dryden, Sr. Marie Angelique Dryden OP, Winton Dryden, Louis Dryden, Nancy and husband Bob Hinkebein; and brothers-in-law, Mike Wagner and Jack Flynn. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, George Nisbet of St. Louis, Missouri; children, Rick and wife Lori Nisbet of Indianapolis, Indiana, Janet and husband Mike Sibenaller of Hornick, Iowa, Bob Nisbet of Bridgeton, Missouri, Ginny and husband Scott Savage of Rome, Georgia, Angie and husband Tom Schilly of Charlotte, North Carolina and Pat and wife Lisa Nisbet of Wentzville, Missouri; grandchildren, Matthew Nisbet and Nicolas Nisbet of Indianapolis, Phil and wife Taylor Sibenaller of Storm Lake, Iowa, Nick Sibenaller of Des Moines, Iowa, Kate and husband Josiah Schiller of Sioux City, Iowa, Greg and wife Beth Sibenaller of Lewisburg, West Virginia, Beth Sibenaller of Hornick, Iowa, Rick and wife Lacy Savage of Ball Ground, Georgia, Kristen and husband Jonathon Harris of Rome, Georgia, Kelci Schilly of Lawrence, Kansas, Tyler Schilly of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Haley Schilly of Dallas Texas, Colin Schilly and Caleb Schilly of Charlotte, North Carolina, Allison Nisbet, Joe Nisbet and Dan Nisbet of Wentzville, Missouri; great grandchildren, Alaina, Charlise, Kinley, Emery, and William Sibenaller, Gregory Harris and Russell Savage; sisters Gerry Flynn of St. Louis, Missouri, Sr. Winton Frances Dryden OP of Sparkill, New York, Sr. Constance Dryden RSCJ of St. Louis, Missouri, Carmelite and husband Rod Anderson of Taylor, Michigan, and Anne Wagner of Fort Belvoir, Virginia; sisters-in-law, Rosemary Dryden and Mary A nn Dryden of St. Louis, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held Sunday, February 9, 2020 from 4-7 p.m. at the Kutis Affton Chapel in Affton, Missouri. Celebration of Mass was held at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2020 at the Mary Queen and Mother Center in St. Louis, Missouri with Father Bob Menner as celebrant. Interment and prayers were held at 12:45 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2020 at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. Casket bearers were Rick Savage, Phil Sibenaller, Nick Sibenaller, Greg Sibenaller, Tyler Schilly, Colin Schilly, Joe Nisbet, Matthew Nisbet, Caleb Schilly, Dan Nisbet and Nic Nisbet. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Norma Jean Pohl Norma Jean Pohl of St. James, Missouri was born Friday, November 30, 1928 at Winona, Missouri to Mack and Dona (nee Derryberry) Cooper and passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the age of 91 years. Norma grew up with her eight siblings in Birchtree, Missouri. Growing up she was by her father's side helping on the farm and often joked she was a tomboy. After graduating high school at the age of 15, Norma earned her teaching certificate from the Teachers College in Springfield, Missouri. She taught one year in a one room schoolhouse before getting married and starting a family of her own. Norma married Robert "Bob" Pohl. She loved growing a garden every spring and then spending her summers canning. She raised and sold calves each year. She loved all animals, being outdoors and loved her family. In her younger years she spent many winter hours crocheting, quilting and reading. The last part of her working career was owning and operating the Treasure Trove in Cuba, Missouri for several years. The only place in town that you could find something for everyone. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mack and Donna Cooper; husband, Robert "Bob" Pohl; three sisters, Dorothy Norris, Rosalee and husband Leroy Nix, Pearl and husband Ed Etherton; three brothers, Paul Cooper, Merle and wife Lula Mae Cooper and Archie Cooper; one granddaughter, Brandy Lynn Kent McMillen; great grandson, Jordan Kent; and one son-in-law, Lowell Lund. She is survived by her children, Robert "Bob" and wife Nancy Kent of St. James, Missouri, Elmer Ray and wife Judy Kent of Portland, Oregon, Shirley Mae Black of Hannibal, Missouri, Clark Kevin and wife Linda Kent of Cuba, Missouri, Victoria Regina Lund of Cannon, Missouri, Donna Sue and husband Jim Frier of Hannibal, Missouri, Thomas Jefferson Kent Jr. of Columbia, Missouri, Clifton Craig Edward Kent of St. James, Missouri and Karen Kay Ruble of Hannibal, Missouri; one sister, Juanita and husband Bob Wood of Birchtree, Missouri; 14 grandchildren, Robert "Rob" Kent III and wife Jeannie Kent of Salem, Missouri, Natalie Nicole Smeltser of Kansas City, Missouri, Kevin Ray Kent of Portland, Oregon, Marie and husband Alex of Portland, Oregon, Tammy Jenkins of Warrensburg, Missouri, BJ and wife Diane Lund of Warrensburg, Missouri, Cheryl and husband John Lancaster of Springfield, Missouri, Scott and wife Tonya Seddon of Hannibal, Missouri, Tommy and wife Penny Kent of Washington, Missouri, Andy Kent of Ashland, Missouri, Brian Kent of Ashland, Missouri, Rusty and wife Tina Ruble of Hannibal, Missouri, Racheal and husband Jay Chincone of Amos, Iowa, Bryan and wife Jenny Ruble of Jefferson, City, Missouri; great grandchildren; great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. A private graveside service was held Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at the Pohl Ranch Cemetery in St. James, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Patricia "Patty" Kathleen Quinton Patricia "Patty" Kathleen Quinton of Steelville, Missouri was born on Sunday, August 8, 1971 in Rolla, Missouri to Arthur Lewis and Virginia Mae (Quinton) Whitman and passed away on Monday, February 3, 2020 at the age of 48 years, 5 months and 26 days. Patty attended Cuba High School. She lived most of her life in Steelville, Missouri and had accepted the Lord early in life. She married Curtis Charles Hayes in the summer of 1992 and they had a daughter, Jessica. Later on she had a daughter, Angelia with Andrew Jackson Stubbs III and a daughter, Jamie with her current boyfriend Mark Anthony Simpson. Patty had a bubbly personality, could always make you smile. She would always take people in regardless of the circumstance. She liked to sing and dance, especially karaoke with Jessica. She loved to cook and tell stories about when she was younger. She loved her cat Shadow, who she called Swag. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Lewis Whitman and Virginia Mae "Memaw" "Jean" Whitman; brother, James "Jimmy" Quinton; and sister, Vicki Whitman. She is survived by her companion, Mark Simpson of Steelville, Missouri; daughters, Jessica Hayes (Billy Vanderpoel), Angelia Stubbs and Jamie Simpson, all of Steelville, Missouri; step children, Justin Mercer of and Kelly Hayes of Steelville, Missouri and April Hayes of Bourbon, Missouri; grandsons, Victor Bolk and Zyler Hayes; siblings, Michael Quinton, David Whitman and Barbra (Dewayne) Hardin, all of Steelville, Missouri, Donna Whitman-Setzer and Judy Whitman, both of Cuba, Missouri, Chris West (Bobby James) and Laura Linthorst, both of Pevely, Missouri, Ken Whitman of Phoenix, Arizona and Brenda White of Lampe, Missouri; honorary sisters, Melinda Hemby Painter of Mountain Home, Arkansas, Norma Griggs Destifanes of St. James, Missouri and Heather Studdard of Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and friends. The family chose cremation as her final disposition. A private memorial service will be held at a later date at her sister, Barbra Hardin's home. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Doretta Kay Pitts Soper Doretta Kay Pitts Soper, (nee Booker) of Cook Station, Missouri was born on Monday, August 28, 1944 in Licking, Missouri to Fred S. and Jessie W. (Sliger) Booker and passed away on Friday, February 7, 2020 at the age of 75 years, 5 months and 10 days. Doretta attended Steelville High School. She married James Leroy Pitts on January 4, 1961 in Granite City, Illinois. Years after James passed away, she met Roy Eugene Soper Jr. who she later married on July 1, 2005 in Cuba, Missouri. Doretta was a former member of the Ladies' Club in Cook Station, Missouri and was also active with the Cook Station Community Club. She was a cook at UMR in Rolla, Missouri for many years and later at High Adventure Ranch for 12 years. Doretta loved sports and was an avid Cardinals fan. She liked to dance and square dance with her husband, Roy. She loved to be on the river and to fish. She enjoyed spending time in the garden and to raise her cats and chickens She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Jessie Booker; first husband, James Pitts; second husband, Roy Soper Jr.; parents-in-law, Frank and Ruth (Earney) Pitts; father-in-law, Roy Soper Sr.; brother, Larry Booker; brother-in-law, Don Taylor; sister-in-law, Patricia "Pat" Booker; daughter-in-law, Rhonda Pitts; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Walter (Deloris) Pitts, Afton (Deloris) Pitts, Robert (Birdie) Pitts, Pershing (Karen) Pitts, Cecil (Helen) Pitts, Glen (Judy) Pitts, Florence (Tom) Hicks, Larry Cothran, Stella Clay and Kordean (Lucian) Moore. She is survived by her mother-in-law, June Soper of Rolla, Missouri; children, Allen (Linda) Pitts, Tim Pitts (Mary Marty), Monty (Brenda) Pitts, Justin Pitts (Jessica Bocardo), all of Cook Station, Missouri, Brad (Teresa) Pitts of Kennett, Missouri and Jason (Chrissy) Pitts of Steelville, Missouri; step daughter, Kimberly (David) Robison of Vichy, Missouri; siblings, Vernon Booker, David (Christina) Booker, Brent (Tana) Booker and John "Ricky" (Teresa) Booker, all of Cook Station, Missouri, Donald (Ruth Ann) Booker of Lake Springs, Missouri, Dana (Wayne) Richter of Steelville, Missouri, Michael Booker (fiancˇe Jeanie) and Debbie Taylor, both of Salem, Missouri; brother-in-law, Monroe (Sherry) Pitts of Cook Station, Missouri; sister-in-law, Shirley Cothran of Steelville, Missouri; 10 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 1 p.m. with Pastor Casey Reed officiating. Burial was at the Carr Cemetery in Cook Station, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. R. Fern Stroup R. Fern Stroup of Bourbon, Missouri was born on May 30, 1947 in Potosi, Missouri to James Benjamin and Anna Jewell (Anderson) Duncan and passed away on Monday, February 3, 2020 at the age of 72 years. She married William "Buddy" Stroup, on June 23, 1984. Fern was employed by Meramec Industries for many years and then she worked for Meramec Nursing Center a short time, before retiring so she could care for her husband, Buddy. Fern enjoyed watching television. Her favorite shows included NCIS, Law and Order and American Idol. She loved MO Town, cutting a rug in the kitchen with her grandson, having heart to heart talks with one granddaughter and watching love comes softly movies with her other granddaughter. Fern was of the Church of God faith. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Skaggs and husband Brian of Bourbon, Missouri; three grandchildren, Bryan Cole Skaggs and wife Maddison of St. Clair, Missouri, Sammi Quisenberry and husband Justin of Sullivan, Missouri and Sara Skaggs of Bourbon, Missouri; one brother, James Neil Duncan and wife Mary of Sullivan, Missouri; four sisters: Neva Cassidy and husband Dave of Steelville, Missouri, Karen Weems of Sullivan, Missouri, Joyce Corbett and husband David of Cuba, Missouri and Rhonda Hibbitts and husband Tom of Sheldon, Missouri; one step daughter, Christina Warren and spouse of Bourbon, Missouri; four step grandchildren, Ashly and husband Sam, William, Marissa and Trey; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Bud Stroup; and her parents, James and Anna Duncan. Visitation as held from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2020 and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with Rev. Dane Corbett officiating. Interment followed in the Buffalo Cemetery in Sullivan, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, Missouri. Pauline Smith Striker Wyss Pauline Smith of Rolla, Missouri was born on February 16, 1925 in Rolla, Missouri, the only child of Virgil X and Sarah Anna (Fowler) Smith and passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the age of 94 years. She attended Rolla High School where she enjoyed her studies and competitive dancing, graduating at age 16 years as valedictorian of her class. She majored in English at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri graduating in 1945. On October 9, 1948 she married Dr. Eamil A. Stricker, a general surgeon in St. James and Rolla, Missouri. After Dr. Stricker passed away in 1995, Pauline married John Wyss on December 27, 2000. He was a retired American Airlines pilot. Pauline was a life coach, chauffeur, disciplinarian, chef, psychologist, nurse, event planner and teacher. Having raised four boys she might also be considered a "saint." She was remarkably optimistic and proper. She was incredibly smart and obstinate but humble and kind. She loved her "Pauline weather," defined as "weather too hot for anyone else on the planet to enjoy." She enjoyed crossword puzzles, her menagerie of cats and dogs, summer cook-outs at the Stricker Camp, Wheelgate Farms, the St. James Fall Festival and Christmas holidays. Pauline loved the towns of St. James and Rolla, Missouri and her many friends therein. She traveled to all of her grandchildren's important milestone events such as high school graduations, swim meets, piano recitals and dance competitions. She was the family matriarch and "central intelligence agency," who always knew the family tree and the whereabouts of each Stricker family member. She truly enjoyed living in St. James and maintaining the family traditions. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Eamil A. Stricker, MD (1909-1995) and Captain John Wyss (1919-2016). She is survived by her four sons, Dr. Charles Stricker and wife Linda, Dr. Wes Stricker and wife Pamela, Dr. Steve Stricker and wife Lana and Dr. Paul Stricker and husband Joseph; grandchildren, Sarah, Jennifer, Stephanie, Alana and Stephen; other relatives and friends. She will be buried at the St. James Cemetery next to her husband, Dr. E.A. Stricker. Instead of a funeral service, she requested a Celebration of Life gathering at a date and location to be announced. Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. http://www.threeriverspublishing.com/ ************************************************ Copyright. 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