Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of June 28, 2017 Robert G. Armistead Robert G. Armistead of Sullivan, Missouri was born on July 4, 1961 in Rolla, Missouri to Robert Glenn Armistead, Sr. and Athea Lee (Sprague) Armistead and passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at the age of 55 years. Rooster, as he was known, graduated from Sullivan High School and worked in the construction trade for various businesses, including Layne Western Drilling Company. Rooster co-owned and operated Rooster's Bar and Grill in Stanton, for which he was very proud. Rooster enjoyed coaching little league, camping, hunting, fishing and hanging out at the river. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Glenn Armistead Sr. He is survived by his mother, Lee Armistead of Sullivan, Missouri; son, Jarrod Hunter of Bourbon, Missouri; two brothers, Tom Armistead and wife Shelley of Sullivan, Missouri and Joe Armistead and wife Teri of Columbia, Missouri; two sisters, Donna Ulsh of Sullivan, Missouri and Laura Richards and husband Larry of Bourbon, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, June 19, 2017 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 19, 2017 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with cremation following. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan and Bourbon, Missouri. Toni Bess Toni Bess of St. James, Missouri was born September 3, 1941 in Columbia, Missouri to Dr. Paul and Helen Bulick and passed away on June 11, 2017 at the age of 75 years. Toni lived in several cities in the US over the years, but always called St. James, Missouri home. Toni was a case manager at Rolla Regional Center and taught/tutored in St. James, Missouri and Steelville, Missouri Even though Toni did not have children of her own, she cherished the opportunity to encourage, teach and council young people. She used her own life experiences and education to provide the basis for guiding others. She loved her home and her cats and dogs who had the run of her house. She was always known for wanting to help others, whether they had two legs or four. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Milburn Bess in 1981. She is survived by her sister, Nancy Hughes and husband Wilson Hughes of Anchorage, Alaska; niece, Polly Hughes VonBergen of Fairfax, Virginia; nephew, Paul Hughes of Anchorage, Alaska; five great nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. A memorial picnic for family and friends is planned at the Maramec Spring Park (Massey Shelter) at noon on Saturday, July 8, 2017. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Rita Rae Durham Rita Rae Durham was born October 5, 1949 in Peoria, Illinois to Raymond and Bernadine "Billie" Smith and passed away June 19, 2017. Rita enjoyed sewing, spending time with family, cooking and she loved her dog, Chronic. Rita was a member of Gladden Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Billie Smith; and daughter, Annie Durham. She is survived by her children, Rachelle Hildebrand of Licking, Missouri, Donald Foulk of Leasburg, Missouri, Tammy Brown of Woodbridge, Virginia, Regina Durham of Hannibal, Missouri, Edward Durham of Moberly, Missouri; 14 grandchildren; four great grand- children; other relatives and friends. Memorial service was held Friday, June 23, 2017 at the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Bro. Jim Privett officiating. Special CD selections were played. Interment will be at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of the Wilson Mortuary in Salem, Missouri. Arnold Clifford Flowers Arnold Clifford Flowers of Bourbon, Missouri was born to Harley C. and Margaret E. (Copeland) Flowers on Monday, October 23, 1933 in Redford, Missouri and passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at the age of 83 years. Arnold married Hilda Ferling on February 14, 1953 and to this union six children were born. Hilda passed away on December 22, 1979. On May 2, 1981 Arnold married Karen K. Hopwood and to this union one son was born. He honorably served our country in the United States Army during the Korean War, from August 10, 1954 until July 27, 1956. He earned the Good Conduct Medal. Arnold was a retired carpenter and worked for several area contractors over the years. He was a member of Meramec Valley Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, spoiling his dog JoJo, playing bluegrass, classic country and Ggspel music on his guitar, mandolin and banjo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Margaret Flowers; first wife, Hilda Flowers; one son, James Flowers; two grandchildren, Dana and James Brendel; one great-grandson, Zachary Carter; three sisters, Janice Wilmham, Wanda Flowers and Lois Chitwood; one brother, Carl "Bud" Flowers; and two brothers-in-law, Jack Massey and Bill Chitwood. He is survived by his wife, Karen Flowers of the home; six children, Ronnie and wife Mary Flowers of Winston Salem, North Carolina, Barbara and husband James Brendel of Leslie, Missouri, Dennis Flowers of Springfield, Missouri, Brenda Mueller of Tazewell, Tennessee, Irene and husband Marty Hayes of Alabaster, Alabama, Sean Flowers and fianceŽ Melissa Stephens of Bourbon, Missouri; brothers and sisters, Leroy and wife Wanda Flowers of Millstadt, Illinois, Jim and wife Alberta Flowers of Ellington, Missouri, Mavis Massey of Millstadt, Illinois, Willie Kirschemann of Florissant, Missouri, Betty and husband Jerry LeSure of Columbia, Missouri; mother-in-law, Dorothy Hopwood of Bourbon, Missouri; sister-in-law, Betty Flowers of Ellington, Missouri; 22 grand- children; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held on Friday, June 23, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 2017 at the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri with Pastor Richard Williams, officiating. Interment, prayers and full military honors followed at the Hodge-Enloe Cemetery, rural Bourbon, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Dee "Dolores" Jean Friede Dee "Dolores" Jean Friede of St. James, Missouri was born on August 30, 1934 in St. Louis, Missouri to Arthur and Mamie Vogel Gabel and passed away on June 20, 2017 at the age of 82 years, 9 months and 22 days. She married Donald C. Friede in St. Louis, Missouri. They moved to this area and opened Murdon Concrete Products in 1974. Dee had such a passion for life! She loved to bake and those lucky enough to know her enjoyed her legendary sourdough bread. Her needlepoint pictures were her pride and joy. For 31 years she displayed her stitching's at the Old Iron Works Days every October, even in ill health she never missed. The walls in her home are filled with her "artwork." Her annual summer party was the social event of the year. She would feed and entertain hundreds of people, spending months in preparation. But she could entertain two or three people with just as much enthusiasm. You never left her house hungry or without a feeling special. Her home was an original log cabin, and she was proud to tell the story of her house and all of her family and antique pieces contained within it. She never met a stranger. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Mamie Gabel; husband, Donald C. Friede; and one brother, Robert Gabel. She is survived by two sons, Don M. Friede and wife Linda of Rolla, Missouri and David A. Friede and wife Denise of Rolla, Missouri; sister, Marie (Joe) Hatfield of St. Louis, Missouri; five grand- children, Kristen (Richard) Byfield, Elise Friede, Daniel (Cynthia) Friede, Drew (Brianne) Friede and Matthew Harper; seven great- grandchildren, Bryan Friede, Jason Friede, Delaney Hinds and Ryder Byfield, Abbi Martin, Richard S. Byfield, Josie Byfield; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 2017 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 2017 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri with Stephen Brubaker officiating. Burial was in the Memorial Gardens in Cuba, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Nancy Sue Henry Nancy Sue Henry (nee England) was born August 19, 1947 in Sullivan, Missouri to Lytle England Jr. and Mary Lou Westover England and passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at the age of 69 years, 10 months and 2 days. On February 14, 1970 in Steelville, Nancy married Wayne Henry. Nancy was baptized in the Presbyterian Church as a young child. She was employed at Brown Shoe Company for close to 30 years and later at San Val for 10 years. Nancy was actively involved in the VFW Auxiliary 6479 in Steelville, Missouri for many years and served as president several times. She also served as president of the American Legion Auxiliary 601 in Davisville, Missouri and as Junior vice-president of the 8th District. Throughout the years, Nancy made different trips to the Children's Home in Michigan, which were sponsored by the VFW Auxiliary. She was also very active in the Ozark Trail Blazers. She would oversee the "cook shack" for many years and spent many hours also involved in collecting donations of sponsorship for the local rodeo. Nancy enjoyed shopping in her spare time. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Henry; father, Lytle England Jr.; father-in-law, Jesse Henry; and brother-in-law, R.C. Henry. She is survived by her mother, Mary Lou England of Steelville, Missouri; two brothers, Terry England and wife Sharon and Jack England, all of Steelville, Missouri; two sisters, Martha Sellers of Steelville, Missouri and Barbara Britton and husband Mike of Meta, Missouri; mother-in-law, Maggie Henry of Mt. View, Missouri; sister-in-law, Judy Schofield of Mt. View, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 2017 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. The Ladies VFW Auxiliary Post 3987 of Cuba, Missouri led the service at 7 p.m. during the visitation. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Wendy Downing and Rev. Mike Mounce officiating. Special music of "Amazing Grace" and "In the Garden" was sung and played by Rev. Jerry Beers. Committal prayer and interment were in the Steelville Cemetery. Casket bearers were Brian Sellers, Travis Pogue, Brad England, Jared England, Jimmy Woods and Danny Medlock with Mike Woods, Ethan Woods, Tristan Woods and Ben England as honorary. Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Deborah Miller Deborah Miller (nee Mallozzi) was born in Greenwich, Connecticut on Sunday, March 8, 1953 to Ernest and Gwendolyn (Newman) Mallozzi and passed away on Friday, June 16, 2017 at the age of 64 years, 3 months and 8 days. Deborah accepted the Lord and was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Rolla, Missouri. She worked most of her life as a nurse in the medical profession. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Gwendolyn Mallozzi. She is survived by her daughter, Cyndi Mercer of Steelville, Missouri; granddaughters, Hannah Mercer and Jayda Mercer, both of Steelville, Missouri; sister, Olympia Rosa of Sarasota, Florida; special friends, Jeff and Jolene Bair, Faith Bair, Grace Bair, all of Steelville, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Funeral service was at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri with Pastor Matt Cook officiating. The family chose cremation as the final disposition. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Raymond L. Ryerson Raymond L. Ryerson of Bourbon, Missouri was born on June 23, 1953 to Louis E. Ryerson and Naomi L. (Crow) Ryerson in Sullivan, Missouri and passed away on June 21, 2017 at his home, surrounded by his family at the age of 63 years. As a kid, Raymond and his family moved around a lot. He did attend both Sullivan and Bourbon schools. Raymond and Kathryn Miller were united in marriage on September 15, 1973 in Leasburg, Missouri. Of this union came their three beautiful children: Raymond, Jr., Kathy and Rita. Raymond was employed by Schatz Underground for 23 years and then he became a self-employed mechanic. He loved his family and always provided for them. Raymond was known to help anyone in need. Raymond also enjoyed hunting and camping and was a member of Bourbon First Assembly of God. Raymond is survived by his wife, Kathryn (Miller) Ryerson; one son, Raymond Ryerson and wife Amanda of Bourbon, Missouri; two daughters, Kathy Ryerson of Bourbon, Missouri and Rita Ryerson of Arnold, Missouri; two brothers, Allen Ryerson of Bourbon, Missouri and Dale Ryerson of Sullivan, Missouri; one sister, Kathy Atkinson and husband Randy of Philipsburg, Missouri; six grandchildren, Amber Bay and Missouri, Mariah Sandberg, Allison, Lily and Wyatt Ryerson of Bourbon, Missouri; one great-grandchild, Lola Bay and one more great-grandchild on the way. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Louis E. Ryerson and Naomi L. (Crow) Ryerson and his sister, Connie Ryerson. Visitation was held from 4:30-8 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 2017 at Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Bourbon First Assembly of God in Bourbon, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, Missouri. John William Simmerly John William Simmerly of Sullivan, Missouri was born on October 11, 1926 to Virgil Vest and Mary Frances (Clayton) Simmerly at Hinch, Missouri and passed away Friday, June 16, 2017 at the age of 90 years. After completing his education he served his country in the United States Army. On October 27, 1956 John married Bessie Kathryn Malone in Bourbon, Missouri. Last year they celebrated 60 years together. John was employed by Crawford Electric as a Journeyman Lineman and in the service department for 35 years. He enjoyed hunting and had taken several Pheasant hunting trips to Nebraska. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 81 in Bourbon, Missouri and a member of New Testament Baptist Church in Sullivan, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Mary Simmerly; two sisters, Lizzie Simmerly and Bettie Hardy; and two half- sisters, Edna Stumpf and Mildred Prince. He is survived by his wife, Bessie (Malone) Simmerly of Sullivan, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Azlee Erickson of LaBelle, Missouri; nephew, Richard Dare of Lake Ozark, Missouri; niece, LaVerne Dare of LaBelle, great-nephew, Randy Dare; cousins, Junior and Evelyn Simmerly of Bourbon, Missouri, Earl Simmerly (Barbara Coutouise) of Bourbon, Missouri and Mike (Linda) Simmerly of Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 9-11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with Pastor Charlie Idleman officiating. Interment followed in the Bourbon Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangement under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home Sullivan and Bourbon, Missouri. Virginia "Ginny" Talbert Virginia "Ginny" (Quinley) Talbert of Browning, Illinois was born September 11, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri to Ray and Beaulah Hutson Quinley and passed away Friday, June 23, 2017 at the age of 76. She married John Talbert on March 28, 1964 in East St. Louis. Virginia was a 1958 graduate of Steelville High School, Steelville, Missouri and was co-owner and operator of Talbert's Garage in Beardstown, Illinois for several years. She was an avid fan of St. Louis Cardinals baseball. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Beaulah Quinley. She is survived by her husband, John; children, Spencer (Ginny) Talbert of Browning and Tracy (Jeff Mornar) Talbert of Dawson; three grandchildren, Codee, Clayton and Dylan Talbert; two great-grandchildren, Carter and Charlee Talbert; one sister, Brenda (Steve) Cobb of St. Charles, Missouri; other relatives and friends. There will be no formal services. Private burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of the Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown, Illinois. Leona Williamson Leona Williamson (nee Grubb) was born on July 14, 1940 to Albert and Pearl Grubb and passed away on June 22, 2017. Leona was a well-traveled and very accomplished woman. In addition to raising her three children, Leona had a wonderful career at Phelps County Bank in Rolla, Missouri where she worked her way up from receptionist to VP of the Mortgage and Loan Department. Caring for her dogs and maintaining her property kept her busy. However, no matter how busy life was for Leona, she always found time for her family, many times putting their needs in front of her own. Whether it was a shoulder to cry on, an ear to bend or a simple favor, Leona was always there for her loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Pearl Grubb; husband, Larry Williamson; and sister, Mary Ellen Grubb. She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Bauer and husband Kevin and Allison Arias and husband Scott Wittler; son, William Biddle III; grandchildren, Alex Arias and Todd Wittler; step-son, David Williamson; brother, George Grubb; cousin, Jody Sanders; her lovable dogs, Callie and Otis; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at the James and Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at the James and Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Burial was in the Asher Cemetery in St. James, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the James and Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. http://www.threeriverspublishing.com/ ************************************************ Copyright. 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