Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO
Local Obituaries for the Week of March 28, 2012



Margaret Mary Dickey

Margaret Mary Dickey of Sullivan, Missouri, was born at Richwoods, Missouri 
on July 22, 1916 to Alexander and Florence (Schnitizius) Cordia and passed 
away Monday, March 19, 2012 at the age of 95 years, 10 months and 27 days.
She graduated from Potosi High School in 1934 as the class Salutatorian.
Margaret was united in marriage of Veldon Hugh Dickey on November 8, 1946.
The family moved to Sullivan, Missouri in 1960, where she became a long 
time member of Saint Anthony Catholic Church.  Margaret felt so strongly 
about her Catholic faith that she became a generous supporter of the church 
and building of the new grade school at Saint Anthony.
Margaret discovered her love and talent for business and retail while 
she worked with her father in the family Mercantile Store in Richwoods, 
Missouri. Margaret started her career in clothing retail when she began 
working with her sister-in-law, Vassel (Dickey) Crump while she and Veldon 
lived in Potosi, Missouri.
Margaret’s proudest achievement in her professional career was the starting 
of her clothing store, The Dickey Bub Shop. This started out as a 
partnership with her sister-in-law Letha (Dickey) Bub. Dickey Bub Shop 
was opened in June of 1955 and was considered by many to be the only place 
to get your best “Sunday” dress. Margaret continued at her beloved 
establishment to the age of 91.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander and Florence Cordia; 
her husband, Veldon; brother, Julius Cordia; and five sisters, Hattie 
(Cordia) Coleman, Catherine (Cordia) Nester, Lucy (Cordia) Politte, 
Sister Florence Alexia Cordia, and Rosemary (Cordia) Tuter.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Denise Dickey 
of St. Clair, Missouri; four grandchildren, Carrie Dickey of Union, 
Missouri, Brian Dickey of St. Clair, Missouri, Nathan Dickey of Columbus, 
Missouri and Erin Dickey of St. Clair; a brother, James Cordia of the state 
of California; a sister, Theresa Polk of Potosi, Missouri; other relatives 
and friends.
Visitation was Wednesday evening, March 21, 2012, from 4-7 p.m. from the 
Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri.
A mass of Christian burial was celebrated Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 
10 a.m. from Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Sullivan, Missouri with the 
Rev. Fr. Paul Telken officiating.
Interment was in the Saint Anthony Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, 
Missouri



Ralph Gable

Ralph Gable of St. James, Missouri, formerly of Salem, Missouri was born 
on October 11, 1925 in Rockford, Illinois to Herman and Mabel Cole Gable 
and passed away at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James, Missouri on 
March 15, 2012 at the age of 86 years.
He was united in marriage to Edyie Morris on March 12, 1945.
Ralph was a Naval Air Corps veteran where he served with the 98th Dive 
Bomber Squadron in WWII. He worked for 25 years in real estate in the 
Rockford and Aurora, Illinois area before moving to Missouri in 1981.
Ralph was the general manager of the Christian radio station KMMC in Salem 
until it closed in 1999. He was also a past advisor for the Southeast 
Chapter of the Women’s Aglow Fellowship and a member of the Riverways 
Pregnancy Resource Center in Salem, Missouri.
Ralph loved being with his family and friends, teaching Bible studies 
and being involved with his church, First Assembly of God in Rolla. He 
loved all sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago 
White Sox. His love for music and singing the old gospel hymns became 
well-known by friends and staff at the Veterans Home.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Richard) Gramley of Yuma, 
Arizona; son, Mark (Patricia) Gable of Snowflake, Arizona; five grand-
children; 10 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; other 
relatives and friends.
A visitation and memorial service will be held at the Missouri Veterans 
Chapel in St. James on Thursday, March 29, 2012 from 2-3 p.m.
Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in 
Rolla, Missouri.



Catherine Lee Hoy

Catherine Lee Hoy nee Mortenson of Owensville, Missouri, formerly of 
Las Vegas, Nevada, was born on Thursday, September 24, 1942 in Ann Arbor, 
Michigan to Myron and Virginia Cave Mortenson and passed away on Saturday, 
March 24, 2012 at the age of 69 years and 6 months.
Catherine lived most of her life in Michigan and attended Cleary College 
earning a B.A. in Business. She worked in the banking industry until 
retirement. Her hobbies were watching NASCAR, basketball and tennis, 
also working with arts and crafts. She enjoyed reading, volunteering for 
the Red Cross and she loved her cats.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Myron and Virginia Mortenson.
She is survived by her children, John (Bonnie) Hoy of Owensville, 
Missouri, Shawn (Jennifer) Hoy of Whitemore Lake, Michigan and Jeff Hoy 
of Fairbanks, Alaska; grandchildren, Barbara (Randall) Seyler of 
Ft. Collins, Colorado, Shanna (Nathan) Cook of Rockaway, New Jersey, 
Jennifer (Kevin) Hendrickson and Jason (Amy) Lawless, all of Cuba, Missouri 
and Justin Lawless of Owensville, Missouri; great grandchildren, Sean 
Seyler, Liam Lawless, Daizy Hendrickson and Haydien Emo; other relatives 
and friends.
There will be no public services held.
Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, 
Missouri.



Judy Lawson

Judy Lawson of Bourbon, Missouri was born at Seneca, Kansas on May 10, 1958 
and passed away on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at the age of 53 years.
She received her CNA certificate and was employed in home health and 
hospice through BJC.  Judy was also employed for a time with the former 
Beverly Health Care System (now Life Care of Sullivan) as a nurse’s 
assistant.
On May 22, 1976 she was united in marriage to Thomas G. Lawson at 
Foristell, Missouri. After 25 years of marriage they had their vows renewed 
at Bourbon, Missouri.
Judy was known as an angel to her family.  She was a giving person who 
always put everyone else before herself.   In her free time, Judy enjoyed 
crocheting and photography and she was also an avid motorcycle rider with 
her husband.
She is survived by her husband, Tom Lawson of the family home; three 
children, Travis Lawson and wife LaDonna of Kansas City, Missouri, 
Jennifer Nelson and husband Johnny of Bourbon, Missouri and Shauna Lawson 
and life partner Michael Fletcher of Bourbon, Missouri; one brother; three 
sisters; seven grandchildren; her father-in-law, Don Lawson of Wright City, 
Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from noon on Saturday until time of service at 3 p.m. 
at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri.
Funeral services were conducted at 3 p.m., Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 
the Chapel of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri, with Pastor 
Donald M. Wissmann officiating.
Interment was in the Bourbon Cemetery, Bourbon, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, 
Missouri.



Herman “Mac” McMillian

Herman “Mack” McMillian, Jr. of Cuba, Missouri was born April 3, 1952 at 
Sullivan, Missouri to Herman Sidney and Irma Jean (nee George) McMillian, 
Sr. and passed away Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at his home at the age of 
59 years.
Mack had been a flooring installer since he was 19 years of age. He worked 
for Spindler Carpet in Sullivan, Missouri and then was the owner/operator 
of Action Carpet for 20 years before becoming an independent 
flooring contractor. Mac spent hours on his farm where he raised cattle, 
hunted and enjoyed raising a garden. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, 
trapping, playing his guitar and could build or remodel anything. What he 
enjoyed most was spending time outside and being with his family and 
friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Herman S. McMillian, Sr.; one 
brother, Clifford Leroy McMillian.
He is survived by his wife,  Nancy McMillian of the home; four children, 
Chrystal and husband Jim Bronstad of Cuba, Missouri, Travis and wife Kim 
McMillian of Troy, Missouri, Matthew McMillian of Farmington and Mark and 
wife Heather McMillian of Sullivan, Missouri; three step children, Shylee 
and husband Marvin Sellers of Cuba, Missouri, Jason and wife Jennifer Hinson 
of Owensville, Missouri and James and wife Grace Hinson of Steelville, 
Missouri; 14 grandchildren, Mitchell, Amber, Breann, Alicia, Jon, Isaiah, 
Elijah, Gideon, Brianna, Morgan, Mariah, Nicholas, Kaylie and Phoebe; mother,
Irma Jean (George) McMillian of Cuba, Missouri; two brothers, Larry 
McMillian of Cuba, Missouri and Joel McMillian of Cuba, Missouri; five 
sisters, Joann and husband Dick Busse of St. Clair, Missouri, Carol and 
husband Bruce Crutchfield of Cuba, Missouri, Pam Richardson of Cuba, 
Missouri, Karen Childress of St. James, Missouri and Kathy Hays of Cuba
Missouri; best friend, Darrell Roskowski of St. James, Missouri; other 
relatives and friends.
Memorial visitation was Sunday, March 25, 2012 from 1-2 p.m. at the 
Mizell Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri.
Memorial service was at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 25, 2012 at the Mizell 
Funeral Home of Cuba with Pastor Paul Lathum, officiating. Special music
was “Family Bible”, “I’m Gonna Live Forever” and “I Cross My Heart”.
Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home, Cuba, 
Missouri.



Iva C. Merkel

Iva C. Merkel of Bourbon, Missouri was born on August 26, 1912, at Oak 
Hill, Missouri to Charles and Mary (Goodman) Nelson and passed away 
Friday, March 16, 2012 at the age 99 years.
She married Fred Merkel on June 6, 1936 at Concordia Lutheran Church in 
Bourbon, Missouri and they would be blessed with 54 years of marriage.
Iva was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church for over 75 years. She was 
involved in the Ladies Aide and taught Sunday school for many years and 
together with her husband owned and operated the Bourbon Roller Mill 
until retirement.
Iva was an avid Cardinal Baseball fan and had already secured her season 
schedule for 2012. She had many hobbies including fishing, quilting, 
crocheting and playing cards.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mary Nelson; 
husband, Fred; three brothers, John, Bransford and Raymond Nelson; two 
sisters, Marie Sides and Della Fuches; two sons-in-law, Marvin Dorson and 
Ed Wallis.
She is survived by two daughters, Marilyn Wallis of Bourbon, Missouri 
and Janice Dorson of Sullivan, Missouri; seven grandchildren; seven great 
grandchildren; one sister, Esther Homeyer; one sister-in-law, Ruth Nelson; 
other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were conducted at noon Monday, March 19, 2012 at Concordia 
Lutheran Church, Bourbon, Missouri with Pastor Patrick Runk officiating.
Interment was in the Bourbon Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, 
Missouri.



Fern Elizabeth Nichols

Fern Elizabeth Nichols of Alton, Illinois, formerly of Cuba, Missouri, was 
born July 1, 1916 at Salem, Missouri to Robert F. and Sidney C. (nee Hood) 
Barrow and passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at Alton, Illinois at the 
age of 95 years.
Fern was united in marriage to Earl Nichols on September 13, 1945 at Rolla, 
Missouri.
Fern spent her life taking care of her home and garden. In her spare time 
she enjoyed fishing, camping and hunting.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Sidney Barrow; 
husband, Earl on July 30, 1989; two brothers, James Barrow and Russell E. 
Barrow; two sisters Eunice Patterson and Verda.
She is survived by her nephew, James Robert “Bob” Patterson of Wood River, 
Illinois; niece, Joan Schmidt of Columbia, Missouri; other relatives and 
friends. Visitation was Friday, March 23, 2012 from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m. at 
the Mizell Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri.
Funeral service were at 1 p.m. Friday, March 23, 2012 at the Mizell Funeral 
Home with Pastor Paul Lathum officiating.
Interment and prayers will follow at the Kinder Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home, Cuba, 
Missouri.



Ethel “Lorene” Riggs

Ethel “Lorene” Riggs of Cherryville, Missouri was born January 1, 1919 
in Huzzah, Missouri to William and Eva Chandler Skaggs and passed away 
Sunday, March 18, 2012 in Crystal City, Missouri at the age of 93 years.
On December 12, 1933 in Huzzah, Missouri, she was united in marriage to 
Claude Riggs.
Lorene was owner of Lorene’s Resale Store in Cherryville, Missouri for 
over 30 years. She was a past member of the Steelville Assembly of God 
Church for thirty years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Eva Skaggs; husband 
Claude Riggs in 1981; one son, Ivan Riggs; three brothers, Rev. Herman 
Skaggs and wife Hildred, Radis Skaggs and wife Norma, Frank Evans and wife 
Eula; two sisters Irene Skaggs and infant sister; brother-in-law, Earnest 
Coleman; and one granddaughter Patricia.
She is survived by her two sons, Kenneth Riggs and wife Helga of 
Wentzville, Missouri and Jim Riggs and wife Barbara of Cherryville, 
Missouri; one daughter, Earlene Pollard and husband Carl of St. James, 
Missouri; one sister, Gerene Coleman of Pevely, Missouri; sister-in-law, 
Nina Skaggs of High Ridge, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Jan, Tammy, 
James Jr., Brian, Kenneth Jr., Kelley and Jeff; 13 great grandchildren; 
seven great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, March 23, 2012 at the Britton-
Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
Funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the 
Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Charles 
Partney officiating. Special music of “Angels”, “Wind beneath My Wings” and 
“Amazing Grace” was played. Special memories were shared by Ken Riggs and 
Sharon Clark.
Committal prayer and interment were in the Shoal Creek Cemetery at 
Berryman, Missouri.
Casket bearers were Ken Riggs, Jr., Jeff Riggs, Bob Swann, Erbon Riggs, 
Brian Riggs and Jimmy Riggs. Arrangements under the direction of the 
Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, Missouri.



Joanne Elizabeth Rydeen

Joanne Elizabeth Rydeen of Linn Creek, Missouri, was born October 12, 1942 
in Paris, Tennessee to Noel and Anna Eaton and passed away Saturday, 
March 17, 2012 at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach, Missouri at 
the age of 69 years.
She married Robert Phillip Rydeen on July 1, 1961 in Steelville, Missouri. 
They shared 51 years together.
Joanne enjoyed traveling, boating, horses and living life to the fullest. 
She especially loved being a grandma, and spending time with her family and 
friends.
She is survived by her husband, Bob; son, Robert P. Rydeen Jr. of 
Springfield, Missouri; daughters, Connie Shivers of Baldwin, Missouri and 
Gail Dunn of Branson, Missouri; five grandchildren, Robert P. Rydeen III, 
Shereen Nejat, Kirsten Rydeen, Callie Harmon and Christopher Harmon; one 
great granddaughter, Kylie Rydeen; one sister, Marion Hudson of Steelville, 
Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Memorial services were held Saturday, March 24, 2012, at 1 p.m. at Hedges-
Scott Funeral Home in Camdenton, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Hedges-Scott Funeral Home, 
Camdenton, Missouri.



Nellie Anne Shimon

Nellie Anne Shimon of St. James, Missouri was born in Phelps County, 
Missouri on March 1, 1936 to Alexander and Gertrude Murphy and passed away 
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the Golden Living Center in St. James, Missouri 
at the age of 76 years.
Nellie was a graduate of Rolla High School class of 1953.
She married Donald Shimon on February 12, 1955 in Rolla, Missouri and to 
this union eight children were born.
They moved to Iowa City, Iowa where they resided for the next 24 years only 
to return to St. James, Missouri in 1979. Nellie loved watching television, 
reading and listening to music.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander and Gertrude Murphy; 
her husband, Donald in 1985; daughter, Terri Studdard and granddaughter, 
Nicole Edwards.
She is survived by her children, Tony Shimon of Iowa City, Iowa, Donald 
Shimon Jr. of St. James, Missouri, Rick Shimon and friend Roxy of Hamilton, 
Ohio, Cheryl Shimon and friend Deb of Coraville, Iowa, Jackie McWhorter and 
husband Mike of St. James, Missouri, Linda Smith of St. James, Missouri, 
Tammi Anderson and husband Mick of Paris, Texas; brother, Bob Murphy Sr. of 
Iowa City, Iowa, Huebert McWhorter and wife Anne of MA; sisters, Jean Stoner 
of Salem, Missouri, Louisa Worstell and husband Frank of Oklahoma; 
17 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held Friday, March 23, 2012 from 11 a.m. until service time.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 23, 2012 at 1 p.m. in the 
St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Pastor Jerry Baumann 
officiating.
A graveside service was also held Monday, March 26, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the 
St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Iowa City, Iowa.
Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary.



William “Lee” Weber

William “Lee” Weber of Cuba, Missouri was born Wednesday, September 29, 1937 
at Hinch, Missouri to Raymond A. and Carrie Delores (nee Turnbough) Weber 
and passed away Monday, March 19, 2012 at his home at the age of 74 years.
Lee was united in marriage to Janie M. Mosier on June 7, 1958 at Eldridge, 
Missouri and to this union three children were born.
Lee proudly served in the United States Air Force from October 29, 1954 to 
August 28, 1958. Lee retired from the General Motors Parts Warehouse in 
September of 1989 after 30 years of dedicated service. He enjoyed fishing, 
hunting, watching TV with a cup of coffee, gardening, reading western books 
and was a movie buff.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Carrie Weber.
He is survived by his wife, Janie Weber of the home; two sons, Bill and 
wife Yvonne Weber of St. Charles, Missouri and Frank Weber of St. Peters, 
Missouri; one daughter, Carla Bailey of Cuba; four grandchildren, Alishea, 
Ryan, Percy and Brittany; two step grandchildren, Nathan and Cierra; one 
great grandchild Kinsleigh; two step great grandchildren, Landyn and Zaine; 
brother-in-law, Tommy Mosier of Lebanon; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was Wednesday, March 21, 2012 from 5-8 p.m. at the Mizell 
Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri.
Funeral service was at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at the Mizell 
Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Mace officiating. Special music was “Wind 
Beneath My Wings”, “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art”.
Interment with prayers and full military honors followed at the Kinder 
Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home, Cuba, 
Missouri.



Ruth Marie Wehmeier

Ruth Marie Wehmeier of St. James, Missouri was born on September 11, 1927 
in Rolla, Missouri to Ray E. and Anna Belle (Phelps) Thomas and passed away 
on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at the age of 84 years.
On October 26, 1945 she married Ray Wehmeier.Ruth graduated from the 
Brentwood High School in Brentwood, Missouri. She 
was an active member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church. She loved music and 
was active in the Immanuel and Redeemer Lutheran Church Choirs as well as 
the Chamber Singers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray E. and Anna Belle Thomas; 
two brothers, infant Jimmy Thomas and Bill Thomas.
She is survived by her husband, Ray Wehmeier of St. James, Missouri; one 
son, Bill Wehmeier and wife Reta of St. James, Missouri; one daughter, 
Donna Widener and husband Harry of Jerome, Missouri; one sister, Dorlas R. 
Curtis of Holt Summit, Missouri; four grandchildren, Chad Bell, Jason Bell 
and wife Erin, Travis Bell and wife Tina and Rebecca Wehmeier; seven great 
grandchildren; other relaatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, March 23, 2012 at the Null 
and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri.
Funeral service was conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 
the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rolla, Missouri with Pastor Nathan Kuhlman 
officiating.
Interment followed in the Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in 
Rolla, Missouri.



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

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