Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of May 13, 2020 Dennis Michael Ball Dennis Michael Ball was born July 27, 1950 in Salem, Missouri to Clarence and Bernice (Fetters) Ball and passed away May 3, 2020 at the age of 69 years. Dennis graduated from Salem High School. He married Lois Eileen Hayes on May 24, 1974. Together they shared 45 years of marriage. His working years included International Shoe Factory and Floyd Charcoal, spending several years at each job. Dennis was also employed with Doe Run a few years before moving on to Phelps Health as an engineer where he worked for many years. Dennis loved fishing and spending time outdoors. He had a green thumb and enjoyed piddling with his vegetable gardens and flowers. Dennis was a talented guitar player and enjoyed playing in his spare time. Dennis and Lois were known to travel several miles to eat at restaurants, but Dennis preferred Lois' cooking-especially biscuits and gravy. Dennis loved the Lord and was a member of Grace Community Church. He was preceded in death by his, son, Shane Ball; parents, Clarence and Bernice Ball: and sisters, Robin and Teresa. He is survived by his wife, Lois Ball of the home; son, Chris Ball and wife Tiffani of Arkansas; daughter, Tina Nash and husband Andy of Salem, Missouri; siblings, Sandy Ball and wife Linda of Houston, Missouri, Nancy Cummings and husband Carl of Cuba, Missouri, Kevin Ball and wife Tracey of West Branson, Missouri; grandchildren: Jacob Ball, Sam Ball and significant other Kadee Shepherd, Jaden Ball, Nathan Ball, Abigayle Ball, and Sara Skiles; other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Friday, May 8, 2020 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Mose Tipton officiating. Special Music was provided by Tiffani Ball and Mose Tipton. Pallbearers were Sam Ball, Andy Nash, Kevin Ball, Sandy Ball, Jimmy Hayes and Todd O'Neil. Honorary pallbearers were Jacob Ball and Neal Broyles. Burial was in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Dorothy Rose Hanneken Dorothy Rose Hanneken (nee Alfermann) was born July 23, 1941 in Washington, Missouri to Victor Alfermann and his wife Leonilda (nee Holtmeier) and passed away Thursday, April 30, 2020 at the age of 78 years. She received her education at St. Ann's Grade School. Dorothy married Leo Hanneken on May 26, 1962 at St. Ann's Church in Clover Bottom, Missouri. The couple made their home in Krakow, Missouri. Dorothy worked at Deb Shoe, Missourian Publishing and Enduro Binders. She was a member of St. Gertrude's Church and Western Catholic Union. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren's sporting events, watching the Cardinals play baseball, reading, and socializing with her friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Leonilda Alfermann; husband, Leo Hanneken on February 4, 2016; son, Dennis Hanneken on November 28, 2013; and two brothers, Ralph Alfermann and Robert Alfermann. She is survived by one son, Steve Hanneken and wife Jonne of Marthasville, Missouri; one daughter, Donna Jacquin and husband Dale of Washington, Missouri; five grandchildren, Nathan Jacquin and wife Mahala, Nick Jacquin, Brendan Hanneken, Brady Hanneken and Bailey Hanneken; one great granddaughter, Harper Jacquin; two sisters-in-law, Pat Seibert and husband Mike of Cuba, Missouri and Irene Hanneken of Washington, Missouri; three brothers-in-law: Leonard Hanneken and wife Karen of Washington, Missouri, Don Hanneken and wife Linda of Washington, Missouri and Carl Hanneken and wife Norma of Union, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Private family service was held Monday, May 4, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, Missouri. Public Celebration of Life Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of the Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, Missouri. Kenneth Edwin Hatcher Kenneth Edwin Hatcher was born on April 11, 1927 in Steelville, Missouri to Alonzo and Opal Hatcher and passed away March 25, 2020 at the age of 93 years and 11 months. Ken spent most of his working life as a trucker and he was quick to ragale any who would listen of tales of his life on the road. He spent his later years working with his tractor bush hogging and landscaping. Ken loved to talk and would strike up a conversation with anyone who happend to be standing by. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sheila; son, Kevin; and his brothers, Wayne and David. He is survived by his second wife of 35 years, Lois of Nashville, Tennessee; his son, Timothy of St Petersburg, Florida; several grandchildren; several great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. His graveside memorial will be at the Steelville Cemetary on May 16, 2020 at 1 p.m. Anyone who knew Ken is welcome. Laurie A. Kitchen Laurie A. Kitchen of Cuba, Missouri was born Wednesday, December 27, 1972 at Rolla, Missouri to Willis and Dinah (nee Schaefer) Craft and passed away May 8, 2020 at the age of 47 years. Laurie married Andy Kitchen at the Church of Christ in Cuba, Missouri in 2015. Laurie worked for Dana Brake Parts for many years, before going to work for Delano Convenience Store and for the last eight years Laurie worked in the cafeteria for Crawford County R-11 School District. She retired in February 2020 due to her declining health. Laurie was a "social butterfly." She knew everyone by first name, could talk to anyone and everyone and she never met a stranger. When she traveled out of state, there was always someone she would know. She had a smile that would light up a room, eyes that saw the best in everyone and a heart of gold. She enjoyed cooking, baking and her specialties were lasagna, enchiladas, coconut cream cake and apple pies. She enjoyed road trips around town, and she spent hours and hours on Facebook. She was preceded in death by her brother, Terry Craft; step dad, Robert "Bob" Farris; and brother-in-law, Larry Highley. She is survived by her husband, Andy Kitchen of the home; daughter, Melissa Kitchen of the home; father, Willis Craft of Cuba, Missouri; mother, Dinah Farris of Leslie, Missouri; one sister, Peggy Highley of Cuba, Missouri; one brother, Michael and wife Kathryn Craft of Rogersville, Missouri; one niece, Ashley and husband Mike Lomax of Salado, Texas; two nephews, AJ and Eli Craft of Rogersville, Missouri; mother-in-law, Mable Kitchen of Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and friends. With the COVID-19 pandemic and in the best health interest of everyone, Laurie's visitation was family only. Family ask that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. Celebration of Life service will be held later after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Frances Louise Lee Frances Louise Lee of Bourbon, Missouri was born on January 12, 1947 to Richard and Leonora (Pennock) Adams in Bourbon, Missouri and passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at the age of 73 years, 3 months and 22 days. She married Jim Lee on January 7, 1967. Fran graduated from Bourbon High School in 1964. She retired from Town and Country Bank in Bourbon after working the drive through for 25 years. Her hobbies included cooking, fishing and eagle watching. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Leonora Adams; and one son, Michael Lee. She is survived by her husband, Jim Lee of Bourbon, Missouri; one son, David Lee and wife Samantha of Sullivan, Missouri; grandson, Brendan Lee of Lebanon, Missouri; step granddaughter, Sammantha Hill-Prock of Springfield, Missouri; two step grand- children, Anyka and Liam Hill-Prock, one brother, Tom Adams and wife Debbie of Sullivan, Missouri; sister-in-law, Mae Dona Tribble and husband Dan of Springfield, Missouri; three nephews, Sean Adams of Sullivan, Missouri, Richard Adams of Bolivar, Missouri and Zachary Gibby of Springfield, Missouri; two nieces, Romney Bales of Dripping Springs, Texas and Lynette Gibby of Springfield, Missouri; other relatives and many friends. Gravesides services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at the Hardy Cemetery, Bourbon, Missouri with Sean Adams officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Fredrick H. "Freddie" Nilges Fredrick H. "Freddie" Nilges of Linn, Missouri was born April 5, 1933 in Linn, Missouri to Fred Sr. and Lena (Voss) Nilges and passed away on Friday, May 8, 2020 at the age of 87 years. Fred attended St. George School and was a 1951 graduate of Linn High School. In 1953 he was drafted by the United States Army and was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood. The Army sent him to Electrician School which included construction, wiring, motors, generators and pole climbing. After completion of the class, Fred accepted an Instructor position until his discharge in 1955. On February 19, 1955 he married Alice Marie Edwards at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rich Fountain, Missouri. Fred started working in grade school delivering milk and newspapers to customers in the Linn, Missouri area and later worked at the Linn Theatre making popcorn. As a young adult Fred worked with his dad and brother, Gene, operating Nilges and Sons. Fred was a self-employed businessman in the community since 1955 working as a mechanical contractor for more than 35 years and an insurance agent since 1985 until his retirement. Fred was a member of St. George Catholic Church, Linn Fire Department, Chamber of Commerce, past member and president of Linn Jaycees and past member and Grand Knight of Linn Knights of Columbus. He also served for 12 years on the Linn City Council, was acting Mayor for the City of Linn, and served 20 years as the secretary for the Linn Special Road District. He enjoyed watching western shows and movies. Fred loved to socialize and was always the life of the party. He especially enjoyed grilling with family and friends. In his spare time, he continued to use his mechanical skills and even created solar panels for his own home. In addition to his parents, He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Sr. and Lena Nilges; three brothers, Albert, Gene and Raymond Nilges; and a sister, Judy Kaullen. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alice Nilges; four children, Randy Nilges and fianceŽ Lori Stiefermann of Cuba, Missouri, Robert Nilges and wife Linda of Jefferson City, Missouri, Lisa Burks and husband Dave of Jefferson City, Missouri and Lori Hughes and husband Rodney of Jefferson City, Missouri; one sister, Lena Mae Foster of Linn, Missouri; two brothers-in-law, Bill Kaullen of Linn, Missouri and Bob Edwards of St. James, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Joyce Nilges of Jefferson City, Missouri and Ann Fick of Colorado Springs, Colorado; 14 grandchildren, Kati, Zach, Leah, and Joseph Nilges, Kayla (Davis) Mittelhauser, David Nilges, Joey Nilges, Lauren (Michael) Sprague, Angela (Jeff) Randolph, Kaley (Tyler) Ash, Maggie Hughes, Nick and Lauren Alexander and Max Hughes; 11 great grandchildren; his loyal companion, Allie; other relatives and friends.. Private family services will be held with interment in St. George Parish Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel in Linn, Missouri. Brenda Joyce Smith Brenda Joyce Smith of St. Louis, Missouri was born in St. Louis, Missouri on Sunday, February 10, 1963 to Ottis Lee and Bertha Juanita Bland Smith and passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at the age of 57 years, 2 months and 26 days. Brenda enjoyed high school and achieved some awards for outstanding student in history class and liked playing in some sports. She lived in Leasburg, Missouri the past 12 years and was a member of Trinity Chapel in Leasburg, Missouri. Brenda loved listening to gospel music and sang often throughout the day. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ottis and Bertha Smith; and sisters, Audrey Mendoza, Miriam DeClue and Sharon E. Brown. She is survived by her brothers, Michael (Judy) Smith of St. Louis, Missouri, Gary O. Smith of DeSoto, Missouri and Timothy Lee Smith of Leasburg, Missouri; uncles, Jr. Phillips and Don Barton of Raymondville, Missouri and Ore Smith of Mill Springs, Missouri; aunts, Jewel Lovins of Doniphan, Missouri, Marilyn Bland of Eminence, Missouri Edith Smith of Mill Springs, Missouri and Jean Cole of Raymondville, Missouri; other relatives and friends Visitation was held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri with Rev. Spencer R. Hutson officiating. Burial was at the Lea Cemetery in Leasburg, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Betty Wanda Staples Betty Wanda Staples of Cuba, Missouri was born Monday, February 1, 1932 at St. Louis, Missouri to Walter W. Sr. and Jesse Laura (nee Stallings) Lee and passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at the age of 88 years. Betty married Lindell Staples on Sunday, October 31, 1948 at Berryman, Missouri. Betty found Jesus as her Savior and was baptized in 1967 at the Cuba Church of God. Betty spent her life taking care of her family and her home. Betty was an excellent housekeeper, great cook and everyone loved her pan-fried chicken. She spent hours working in her flower gardens and reading. She always watched the Price of Right and you did not bother her at 6:30 each evening because Wheel of Fortune was on. Betty was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball. What She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Laura Lee; husband, Lindell Staples; one grandson, Joshua W. Staples; brother, Dennis Lee; sister, June and husband Melvin Garrison; brothers-in-law, Don Yoakum, Alan Bruton and James Wm. Staples; and sisters-in-law, Iva Jean Staples and Mary Lou Harmon. She is survived by her children, Janet and husband Roger Taber, Lenny Staples and Kenneth and wife Anna "Mert" Staples, all of Cuba, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Shane and wife Tracy Staples of Cuba, Missouri, Shari and husband Chris Alligood of Houston, Texas, Jodi Cook of Park Hills, Missouri, Bart and wife Michelle Staples of Washington, Missouri, Gabriel and wife Michelle Taber of Potosi, Vanessa Taber of Nashville, Tennessee and Tyler and husband Luke Rekie of Jefferson City, Missouri; 14 great grandchildren, Kayla, Josh, Seth, Adam, Dylan, Alyson, Justin, Kiyah, Aden, Ava, Naomi, Eli, Tallulah and Kia; one great great grandchild, Natana; brothers, Walt and wife Joyce Lee and Jim and wife Joyce Lee of Cuba, Missouri; sisters, Norma Yoakum of Washington, Missouri and Marian Bruton of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Judy Staples of Farmington, Missouri; brother-in-law, Ervin Harmon of Huzzah, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Private family visitation and funeral service was held Monday, May 11, 2020 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri with Pastor Roger Taber officiating. Special recorded music was "How Great Thou Art," "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and "Serenaded by Angels." Interment and prayers followed at the Meramec Hills Cemetery in Cuba, Missouri. Casket bearers were Shane Staples, Bart Staples, Gabriel Taber and Adam Staples. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Leonard Rudy Rush Leonard Rudy Rush of Rolla, Missouri was born on April 10, 1926 in Edgar Springs, Missouri to Leonard R. and Leona (Price) Rush and passed away Friday, May 1, 2020 at the age of 94 years. On October 17, 1947, he married Ruby J. (Roberts) Rush. Rudy enjoyed cattle farming, hunting, and fishing. He loved playing checkers with his great grandchildren. He also enjoyed his second family at the Missouri Veteran's Home in St. James, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Leona Rush; wife, Ruby on August 17, 2007; and son, Danny Rush. He is survived by three sons, Bill Rush and wife Loretta of Bismark, North Dakota, David Rush of St. James, Missouri and Donald Rush and wife Donna of Hazelwood, Missouri; one daughter, Shirley Cochran and husband Jim of Perryville, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Linda Rush of Rolla, Missouri; one brother, Norman Rush of Orlando, Florida; two sisters, Lillian "Bert" Cannon of Rolla, Missouri and Mildred Barton of Seattle, Washington; eight grandchildren, Craig Rush, Clay Rush, Curt Rush, Jeremy Rush, Vickie Shackelford, Amy Mauck, Renea Ramirez and Jared Cochran; 16 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. All COVID-19 restrictions including social distancing applied. Graveside service was held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at the Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Rolla, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Oren Edward "Tip" Tipton Oren Edward "Tip" Tipton of DeSoto, Missouri, formerly of St. James, Missouri, was born in St. James, Missouri on August 5, 1939 to Chaney and Mildred (Fredrickson) Tipton and passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at the age of 80 years, 9 months and 1 day. Tip never finished high school, but was so smart at everything. He loved to cook and he turned that into his profession when he joined the Viburnum Golf and Country Club as their head chef. Not only was he doing something he loved, but was also getting to play more golf, a win, win for Tip. He loved all sports and the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs were his teams. He also enjoyed fishing, something that being born and raised in the St. James, Missouri area allowed him many opportunities with the beautiful rivers and creeks that it offered. Tip never served his country in the military but he was very patriotic and was proud of the country he lived in. Up until his health no longer permitted Tip enjoyed attending The First Baptist Church in St. James., Missouri He is survived by his children, Todd, Tracy and Tory; step son, Mark Eilerman; five grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Graveside services were held at noon on Friday, May 8, 20202 at the St. James Cemetery with Reverend Jerry Bauman officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Jerry E. Ward Sr. Jerry E. Ward Sr. of St. James, Missouri was born February 8. 1940 in Claremont, Mississippi to Chester Claude and Nona Mae Inman Ward and passed away Sunday, May 3, 2020 at the age of 80 years. Jerry was a kind and gentle man. He loved playing bingo and watching his grandsons playing St. James football. Before moving to Missouri he was a cotton farmer in the Mississippi Delta area for 50 years. In 1999 he worked at Dollar General D.C. in Fulton, Missouri until his retirement in 2004. Upon his retirement he moved to St. James, Missouri. He served his country in the United States Air Force for four years. He completed a tour in Morocco. He was also stationed in Blytheville, Arkansas where he worked on the fire crew. He is survived by his son, Jerry Ward Jr. of St. James, Missouri; daughter, Amy R. Ward; three grandsons, Carson C. Ward, Connor L. Ward and Cody H. Ward of St. James, Missouri; other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. http://www.threeriverspublishing.com/ ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.org/mo/mofiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWebArchives by: Winnie Brooks