Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week March 23, 2006 Vergie Alice Benton Vergie Alice Benton, age 90, of Hillsboro, Missouri entered eternal rest Sunday, March 12, 2006 at her home. She was born August 25, 1915 in Seaton, Missouri, the daughter of Cornelius "Tiny" and Mary McWhorter Payne. Vergie was united in marriage to Sweeny Adolphus Benton on November 21, 1931 in Steelville, Missouri and to this union two sons and two daughters were born. Sweeny preceded her in death April 11, 1981. Vergie is survived by one son, Charles L. Benton and wife Katie of Hillsboro, Missouri; two daughters, Wilma Jean Fannin and husband Virgil of Silver City, New Mexico and Donna Lee Boone and husband Ricky of Lincoln, Nebraska; 10 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; and 14 great great grandchildren. Two sisters, Bertha Payne of Steelville, Missouri and Marie Waller and husband Casey of St. Louis, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Edna Payne of High Ridge, Missouri. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Sweeny A. Benton, Jr.; four brothers, Ernest Payne, Jewell Payne and wife Jean, Robert Payne and Vergie's twin brother Virgil "Toby" Payne and wife Julia; five sisters, Alma Jane Coleman and husband Andy, Ada Pounds and husband George, Addie Coleman and husband Clifford, Ruth Brown and husband Clifford and Geraldine Payne; one brother-in-law, John Payne. Vergie had worked as a waitress in several restaurants in Missouri and Florida. She was a member of the Good Shepard Catholic Church of Hillsboro, Missouri. Funeral services for Vergie Benton were held Wednesday, March 15, 2006 with Father Dennis Schmidt officiating. Special music was of "The Old Rugged Cross," "Precious Memories" and "In the Garden" were sung by Delores Bell. Serving as casket bearers were Ricky Boone, Wayne Pounds, Andy Benton, Marvin Wright, Carl Wright and Bill Payne with committal prayers and burial in the Steelville Cemetery. All arrangements were under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Louis A. "Bud" Koch Louis A. "Bud" Koch was born January 4, 1923 and passed away Monday, March 13, 2006 at the age of 83 years. Bud served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII in Alaska. He was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 for 40 years. After retirement, Bud and his wife, Gin, bought a beautiful log cabin home in Frene Creek Valley, located in Hermann, Missouri. He will be missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, of 63 years, Virginia J. "Gin" (nee Rutledge) and a brother, Ben Koch. He is survived by his children: Barbara (Douglas) Tiberghien, Patricia Austin, Louis R. Koch, Jacquelyn (John) Auer and JoAnn (Ronald) Bell. Loving grandfather of Christine Santhuff, Jennifer White, Lisa White, Carrie Courtois, Jason Lindsay, Lucas Bell, Bryan Koch, Nikki Bell and Ryan Bell. Dear great grandfather of Olivia and Emi Santhuff, Bradley and Zachary White, Brandon, Bradley, Megan and Trevor White, Ryan and Logan Courtois and Alexa Bell; brother of Richard Koch and Virginia McGinnis; dear brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, great great uncle and friend. Visitation was from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2006. Funeral services were held Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 9:30 a.m. at the Buchholz Mortuary West, 2211 Clarkson Road (at Wilson Road), Chesterfield, Missouri. Interment was in the National Cemetery. Carol Jean Hartman Carol Jean Hartman of Gray Summit, Missouri, formerly of Cuba, Missouri, passed away Sunday, March 12, 2006 at the age of 65. She was preceded in death by her parents, George L. and Geneva (Long) Hartman. She is survived by her brother, Warren (Lee) Hartman of the Nashville area; niece and nephew, Josef and Evie Marie Hartman; dear friends, Paula Ehret, John and Dianne Echols, Carl and Bonnie Thornton, Ranie Vicente and Mary Thess. Visitation was held at the Schrader Funeral Home, Ballwin, Missouri, March 15, 2006. Funeral Mass was held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Manchester, Missouri, Thursday, March 16, 2006. Interment private at Cuba, Missouri. William Charles Hajek William Charles Hajek, 73, of Steelville, Missouri passed away at his home in Steelville, Missouri, Friday, March 3, 2006. He is survived by his loving wife, Genevieve (Barkey) Hejek of Steelville, Missouri; eight children, William M. Hajek (Sharon) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Randolph C. Hajek (Janet) of St. Charles, Missouri, Michael C. Hajek (Janice) of Maryville, Illinois, Deborah S. Wagner of St. Louis, Missouri, Michele A. Hajek of St. Louis, Missouri, Cynthia L. McCord (Tom) of Columbia, Missouri, Lisa K. Hilliker (Jerry) of St. Louis, Missouri and Judith L. Linan (Barry) of St. Louis, Missouri. One sister, Patricia Gober (Mike) of St. Louis, Missouri. Ten grandchildren: Erik and Amy Hajek, Chris, John and Timothy McCord, Samantha Suzanne and Bryan Hajek, Harley and Elisabeth Hilliker. Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jesse Barkey of Booneville, Missouri, Frances Barkey of Palestine, Texas, Connie Carroll of St. Louis, Missouri, Penny Browne (Neil) of Robertsville, Missouri, Ramona Walther of St. Louis, Missouri and Virginia Barkey of Union, Missouri; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Memorial service was held Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 1 p.m. at the Trinity Freewill Baptist Church, Bridgeton, Missouri with Rev. Kenny Tanduku officiating. All arrangements were under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Grace Irene Harke Grace Irene Harke, 95, of Steelville formerly of Wautoma, Wisconsin passed away Thursday, March 16, 2006 at the Gibbs Care Center in Steelville, Missouri. She was born the youngest and the last of 17 siblings, (10 girls and seven boys) in Wautoma, Wisconsin, and the daughter of Frederick William Gustav (FWG) and Emma Bushweiler Rohde. She was united in marriage to Bernard Julius Harke in 1930 in Lomira, Wisconsin and he preceded her in death on February 16, 1951. She is survived by her son, Norlen Harke and wife Gloria of Steelville; one grandson, Gwyn (Binny) Harke of Denver, Colorado; three granddaughters, Georgia Christianson of Kalispell, Montana, Cheryl Wilkerson of Steelville, Missouri and Melody Watson and husband Craig of Oswego. Illinois; four great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. During her working life, Grace worked as a bookkeeper in the pickle factory in Wisconsin. She became a member in 1952 of the Wautoma Seventh Day Adventist Church. Visitation for Mrs. Harke was Saturday, March 18, 2006 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home from 1-4 p.m. A service was held in the chapel at 4 p.m. with Pastor Rob Lechner officiating and music of "Ivory Places," "Beyond the Sunset" and "The Lord's Prayer" and eulogy was by Pastor Paul Latham. Visitation was also held in the Leikness Funeral Home in Wautoma, Wisconsin on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A graveside service was in the family cemetery in Dakota Township in Wautoma, Wisconsin. Arrangements are under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, Missouri and Leikness Funeral Home of Wautoma, Wisconsin. Winnie Marie Lee Winnie Marie Lee, nee Mariott, of Bourbon, Missouri was born on Wednesday, December 28, 1932 in Alco, Arkansas to the union of Edward M. Mariott and Quessie E. Perry Mariott. She passed away in her home on Thursday, March 16, 2006 at the age of 73 years, 2 months, and 19 days. Marie married Lonnie Lee on November 18, 1947 in Alco, Arkansas and to this union 13 children were born. When living in Maryland Heights, Missouri, Marie worked for RC Can Company and later several years as an inspector for Alco Valve Company. Her hobbies were sewing, quilting, gardening, canning, crafts, and decorating her home. Marie was a wonderful mother, grandmother, homemaker and loved taking care of her family. Those who preceded her in death are her parents; son, Jerry Lee; sister, Lucille Sutterfield and granddaughter, Kristy Lee. She is survived by her husband Lonnie Lee of Bourbon, Missouri; children, Eddie Lee (Carol) of Villa Ridge, Missouri, Donnie Lee (Burdette) of Union, Missouri, Roger Lee, Kenny Lee, Keith Lee, and Tim Lee (Sally), all of Bourbon, Missouri, Connie Pittaluga (Steve) of Maryland Heights, Missouri, Randall Lee (Sharon), and Danny Lee, all of Cuba, Missouri, Judy Schaffer (Bob) of St. Clair, Missouri, Rita Campbell of Springfield, Missouri, and Rhonda Pitts (Tim) of Cook Station, Missouri. Brother, Kenneth Mariott (Jessie May) of Springdale, Arkansas; brother-in-law, Thead Lee (Hazel) of Timbo, Arkansas; 32 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Visitation was Saturday, March 18, 2006 from 6-9 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was Sunday, March 19, 2006 at 2 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri with Rev. Mark Smith officiating. Myranda Lee and Brandi Hammack sang "Amazing Grace." Chelsea Jenkins sang "The Old Rugged Cross" and "How Great Thou Art." Burial was at the Enloe-Hodge Cemetery, Bourbon, Missouri with pallbearers Aaron Lee, Andy Lee, Billy Lee, Ben Lee, Joshua Campbell, and Daniel Campbell. All arrangements were under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Rome, Cuba. Missouri. Karen Rae Meyer Karen Rae Meyer of Bourbon, Missouri was born on Saturday, October 17, 1981 in Washington, Missouri to Marvin Ray Meyer, Sr. and Kathleen Francis Monzyk Meyer. She passed away on Monday, March 13, 2006 at the age of 24 years, 4 months, and 27 days. Karen graduated from Cuba High School in May of 2000. She later earned her license as a Certified Nurses Assistant and was employed as a CNA in several nursing homes in the area. Karen was a passionate caregiver and loved helping people. Her hobbies were chatting on the computer with her friends, watching Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in NASCAR racing and supporting the local firefighters. Those who preceded her in death were her grandparents; father Marvin Ray Meyer, Sr., and aunt Judy Hatfield. She is survived by her mother, Kathleen Francis Courtouise and step father, Dave Courtouise of Cuba, Missouri; sister, Terry Ahrenboersterbaeumer; brothers, Marvin Ray Meyer, Jr. and fiancé Sarah Otte, and David Joseph Tyrey, Jr., all of Union, Missouri. Sspecial aunt, Helen Warren and husband Thomas of Union, Missouri; special grandmother, Delores Phinney of Bourbon, Missouri; Godmother, Maryann Nickols of Muldrow, Oklahoma; special friends, Mike and Jackie Davis of Bourbon, Missouri; aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Visitation was Thursday, March 16, 2006 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 1 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri with Pastor Ted Hurley officiating. Diane Green played her guitar and sang "I'll Fly Away" and "Someday." All arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri. Robert Clay Weekes Robert Clay Weekes, born on December 14, 1964, passed away March 17, 2006 at the age of 41 years, 3 months and 3 days. He was united in marriage on March 15, 1985 to his loving wife, Rachel Weekes. He is survived by his wife, Rachel Weekes; two sons, Robert Corbin Weekes and Caleb Joseph Weekes; mother, Arlene Simpson of Cuba, Missouri; father, Arthur Masters and wife, Faye, of Cedar Hill, Missouri; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Betsy and James Shockley of Cuba, Missouri. Brother, Matthew Simpson of Steelville, Missouri; sisters, Cara Ransom of Cuba, Missouri, Tommie Ault and husband Chris, of Cameron, Ohio, Pam Masters of Cedar Hill, Missouri and Debbie Masters of Fenton, Missouri. Brothers-in-law, Douglas Shockley and wife, Paula and Glen Shockley and wife, Alicia, all of Cuba, Missouri. Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Memorial service will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 23, 2006 at the First Baptist Church, Cuba, Missouri. A memorial fund has been established in the names of Cory and Caleb Weekes for their college educations. Rita Ann Young Rita Ann Young of Leasburg, Missouri formerly of Lincoln Co., Missouri was born June 18, 1944 at St. Louis, Missouri to the union of Charles Meyers and Mildred (nee King) Meyers and left from this life on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at Leasburg, Missouri at the age of 61 years, 8 months and 26 days. Rita was united in marriage to Ronald A. Young on July 3, 1965 at St. Louis, Missouri and to this union two sons were born: Brian and Todd Young. Rita was the President of Lincoln County Electric for 18 years. Rita and Ron lived in Lincoln County for 29 years before moving to Leasburg five years ago. Rita was a loving daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend, She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Rita enjoyed traveling, four wheelers, cooking, cookbooks, doing things that were fun, exciting and thrilling, family, friends and living life to the fullest. Rita is preceded in death by her mother, Mildred Meyers; one brother, Mark Meyers and other relatives and friends. Those who are left to mourn her passing are her loving husband Ronald Young; two sons, Brian and wife Carrola Young and Todd and wife Katie Young; three grandchildren, Brian Jr., Carla and Raylee; three sisters, Karen and husband Darrel Bay, Debbie Terry and Tina and husband John Garrett, all of Lincoln Co., Missouri and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. Visitation was held Friday, March 17 from 3-8 p.m. at the Britton Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri. Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 18 at Holy Cross Catholic Church of Cuba, Missouri with Father James Finder officiating. Burial followed at the Sacred Heart Cemetery of Leasburg, Missouri. A true celebration of life followed the burial at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Cuba, Missouri. Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. ==================================================================== Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Winnie Brooks ====================================================================