Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of July 27, 2011 Ruby I. Buerman Ruby I. Buerman of Sullivan, Missouri was born to LeVerte and Jannie (Gilliam) Clonts on December 21, 1918 in the Steelville, Missouri area near Berryman, Missouri and passed away Saturday, July 16, 2011 at the age of 92 years. On June 18, 1934 she was married to Fred H. McCance. This marriage ended in divorce and Ruby was later married to Joe Buermann in May of 1956. Ruby was a housekeeper at the former Sullivan Community Hospital, now Missouri Baptist Hospital and was one of the first employees hired. In 1965, Ruby moved to Riverside, California where she was a housekeeper at Riverside General Hospital and later retired from there. She came back to the Sullivan area in 2002 to be closer to her daughter. Ruby was known as a spunky individual who was independent and enjoyed having a good time. She was preceded in death by her parents, LeVerte and Jannie Clonts; two sons, Fred N. McCance and James McCance; one daughter, Peggy Hansel; two brothers, Raymond and William Clonts; four grandchildren; one great grandchild and her step-mother, Hattie Wisdom Clonts. She is survived by a son, Harvey McCance of Phoenix, Arizona; two daughters, Jo Ann King of Indio, California and Brenda Cook of Sullivan, Missouri; a brother, Ralph Clonts of Pascola, Missouri; two sisters, Mabel Green of Sullivan, Missouri and Barbara Ray of Berryman, Missouri; 17 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Memorial services were conducted at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 22, 2011 from Fairview Baptist Church, Steelville, Missouri with Pastor James Sanders officiating. Visitation was held from 5:30 p.m. until time of service at 6 on Friday at Fairview Baptist Church. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, Missouri. Vetta Grace Dunlap Vetta Grace Dunlap nee Ransom of Steelville, Missouri was born on Wednesday, November 29, 1916 in Butts, Missouri to Isaac Daniel and Margaret Ellen Fitzwater Ransom and passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2011 in Steelville, Missouri at the age of 94 years, 7 months and 20 days. Vetta married Arthur “Eldon” Dunlap on May 4, 1939 in Salem, Missouri and to this union two daughters were born. Vetta accepted the Lord early in life and was a charter member of 1st Assembly of God Church in Steelville, Missouri. She enjoyed gardening, yard work, wagon rides, quilting and her grandchildren. Vetta was a hard worker, often feeding and doing laundry for the hired hands Eldon would bring home. She worked a number of years for and retired from Brown Shoe Company in Steelville, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, Isaac and Margaret Ransom; husband, Eldon; son-in-law, Butch Miller; step-daughter-in-law, Glenda Caron; brothers, Virgil (Mildred) Ransom, Dewey (Vivian) Ransom, Clyde (Hallie) Ransom and Jack (Lilly) Ransom; sisters, Fern (Cecil) Hedrick and Cecilia (Josh) Walls; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Preston (Leanner) Dunlap; sister-in-law, Mabel Ransom; infant sister-in-law, Bonnie Dunlap; and brothers-in-law, Amel Dunlap, Herman (Frona) Dunlap, Vernon Dunlap and Clyde Dunlap. She is survived by her two daughters, Sue Miller and Juanita (Bill) Bell; step-son Ron Caron; brother Herbert Ransom; sister-in-law Betty (Jay) Garms all of Steelville, Missouri; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; seven great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was Thursday, July 21, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. and funeral service on Friday, July 22, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri with Pastor Matt Lee officiating. Burial was at the Steelville Cemetery, Steelville, Missouri with pallbearers Randy Bell, Alan Laws, Donnie Miller, Bill Richardson, Colby Hemby, Anthony Richardson and Jerry Richardson. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Gerald S. Groves Gerald Stinson Groves of Vichy, Missouri was born on January 23, 1932 in Bertrand, Missouri to Earl and Ruby Lee (Stinson) Groves and passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at his residence near Vichy, Missouri at the age of 79 years, 5 months and 27 days. He was united in marriage on September 5, 1953 at Cherryville, Missouri to Ina Mae Caringer and to this union two children were born. He was a member of the Grover Baptist Church in Pond, a United States Marine Corps Veteran (serving his country during the Korean Conflict), a member of the National Rifle Association, the Owensville Gun Club and enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He had been employed for 39 years with the St. Louis County Water Company, retiring in 1993. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ruby Groves; two granddaughters, Valerie and Emily; one brother, Russell Groves and two sisters, Yvonne Ponder and Louis Lee Groves. He is survived by his wife, Ina Groves of the home near Vichy, Missouri; one son and daughter-in-law, Timothy and Stephanie Groves of Hartsburg, Missouri; one daughter and son-in-law, Theresa and Mike Durbin of Union, Missouri; six grandchildren, Samuel, Joshua, Dustin, Amy, Laura and James; one great granddaughter, Valerie; other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conduced at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2011 in the Vienna Chapel of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home with Rev. Don Kelley of Vienna Christian Life Assembly in Vienna, Missouri officiating. “The Old Rugged Cross” and “In the Sweet By and By” were played for the service. Interment with full military honors was in the Steelville Cemetery in Steelville, Missouri. Pallbearers were Timothy Groves, Joshua Groves, Samuel Groves, Dustin Groves, Mike Durbin and James Durbin. Arrangements under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home in Vienna, Missouri. Patricia Ann Hoehne Patricia Ann Hoehne of Bourbon, Missouri was born at Sullivan, Missouri on October 29, 1964 to Otto and Lola (Robinson) Palmer and passed away on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at the age of 46 years, 8 months and 14 days. On October 1, 1983 she was married to George Keith Hoehne. She was a member of the First Assembly of God of Bourbon and worked as a quality engineer with General Motors. Patricia loved boating, horseback riding and fishing. She is survived by her husband, George of the family home; one son, George of Old Monroe, Missouri; two brothers, Dale Palmer of Stanton, Missouri and Bill Palmer of Sullivan, Missouri; two sisters, Noni LaRue of Sullivan, Missouri and Becky Palmer of Gerald, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, July16, 2011 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Funeral services were conducted at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, 2011 from the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with Pastor James Austin officiating. Cremation followed the services. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, Missouri. Richard D. “Rick” Pitts Richard D. “Rick” Pitts of Cuba, Missouri was born to Raymond and Mary (Adair) Pitts on December 21, 1960 in Rolla, Missouri and passed away Friday, July 15, 2011 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, Missouri at the age of 50 years, 6 months and 14 days. Rick was united in marriage to Sharon Reeves on April 13, 1981 in Rolla, Missouri and to this union three children were born. Rick worked several years for Cuba Marble and Granite. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Mary Pitts; one sister, Margaret Bailey; other relatives and friends. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Pitts; three children, Marissa (Pitts) and husband Robert Jones, Eric and wife Ashley Pitts and Andrea Pitts, all of Cuba, Missouri; four grandchildren, Elaina and Eric Pitts, Jr., Ethan and Zoey Jones; three sisters, Alice and husband Lonnie West of Sullivan, Missouri, Norma and husband Jack Studdard of Sullivan, Missouri, Judy Studdard and friend Faron Hoppe of Cuba, Missouri; one brother, Danny and wife Cheryl Pitts of Cuba, Missouri; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Tiny Reeves of Cuba, Missouri; grandmother-in-law, Lena Cummings of Sullivan, Missouri; three brothers-in-law, Larry Studdard, Terry and Barrett Reeves, all of Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held on Sunday, July 17, 2011 from 5-8 p.m. at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was held on Monday, July 18, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Mizell Funeral Home with Pastor Don Martin, officiating. Interment followed at the Kinder Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Daniel L. Schwarzen Daniel L. Schwarzen of St. Charles, Missouri was born August 27, 1986 to Roland and Norleen and passed away Thursday, July 14, 2011 at St. Peters, Missouri at the age of 24 years. Daniel graduated in May of 2005 from Francis Howell Central High School and in May of 2010 he graduated from ITT Tech. Daniel worked in sales because he had a talent of being able to sell you anything. Daniel loved hanging out with his friends, helping anyone who needed help and good home cooked meals. He would send his mom flowers because he could, help on the farm and was one of the finest young men you could have ever had the honor of meeting. If there was a family event whether it be holidays, barbeques, a sporting event, weddings or anything Daniel was there enjoying every moment and encouraging all family to attend. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joan Schwarzen and Mary and Wilbert Dickherber and great grandparents, Gus and Dora Schwarzen. He is survived by his mother, Norleen and second dad Steve Dickherber of St. Peters, Missouri; father, Roland Schwarzen and wife Pam of Femme Osage, Missouri; three brothers and “best friends,” Christopher Schwarzen, Richard (Mandy) Schwarzen and Bryan Dickherber, all of St. Charles County, Missouri; grandparents, Carl and Dolores Bradford of the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, Roland Sr. and Pam Schwarzen of Washington, Missouri; nieces, Keanna and Trinity; nephew and Godchild Brandon; aunts and uncles, Ray and wife Sandi Schwarzen of St. Charles County, Missouri; Robert and wife Fancy Schwarzen of Wildwood, Missouri, Bill and wife Cindy Bradford of St. Charles, Missouri, Carolyn and husband Ken Hansel of St. Ann, Missouri, Terri and husband Mark Cirillo of St. Peters, Missouri, Carol and husband Gene Roth of St. Charles, Missouri, Susan and husband Edward Allhoff of St. Charles, Missouri, Mary Jane and husband Kevin Burkemper of St. Charles, Missouri, Mike and wife Chris Dickherber of Wildwood, Missouri and Tim Dickherber of O’Fallon, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held Sunday, July 17, 2011 from 3-8 p.m. at the Stygar Mid Rivers Funeral Home in St. Charles, Missouri. Celebration of mass was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 18, 2011 at All Saints Catholic Church, St. Peters, Missouri with Msgr. Walter Whited as celebrant. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Raymond C. Soest Raymond C. Soest of Wright City, Missouri, (formerly of Cuba, Missouri) passed away July 16, 2011 at the age of 74 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Ethel Soest; wife, Roberta Soest. He is survived by his children, Steve Red (Sharon Oberlag) Soest, Tom Soest, Kenny Soest, Jeff (Tammy) Soest, Tracy (Steve Sullivan) Simonson and Nancy (Darin) Soest-Stephens; 13 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; siblings, Ed Soest, Robert Soest, Ruth Kramer, Mary Lou Schroeder, Jenny Eckert; other relatives and friends. Visitation was Wednesday, July 20, 2011 from 4-8 p.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, New Melle, Missouri. Funeral service, Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 10 a.m. at the church. Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Pitman Funeral Home, Wentzville, Missouri. Donald Robert Spreng Donald Robert Spreng of Cuba was born to John H. and Mayme (Zakostelecky) Spreng on July 7, 1928 in Cuba, Missouri and passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at Cuba Manor in Cuba, Missouri at the age of 83 years. Donald was the Owner/Operator of the 19 Drive-In Theatre in Cuba since 1964, where he was known for his famous cheeseburgers. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. In his spare time he enjoyed gardening and going to Six Flags with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mayme Spreng; two brothers, Arnold and John Spreng; three sisters, Helen Sheets, Dorothy Stein and Florence Leech. He is survived by his wife, Karen Spreng; three children, Karen, Carol and Brad Spreng; one brother, Frank Spreng, all of Cuba, Missouri; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Isaias and Gertrudis Sabatin of the Philippines; special friend, Sunshine Reed of Owensville, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held on Saturday, July 16, 2011 from 5-8 p.m. at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was held on Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 1 p.m. at the Mizell Funeral Home with Father James Finder, officiating. Interment with military honors followed at the Kinder Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Betty Lynn Stephens Betty Lynn Stephens of St. James, Missouri, formerly of Cardwell and Cuba, Missouri, was born October 15, 1928 in Cardwell, Missouri to Joseph A. and Nioba Yancey Gist and passed away Monday, July 18, 2011 at in Cox South Hospital, Springfield, Missouri at the age of 82 years. She was a homemaker, an avid reader and enjoyed needlework. She was a member of the Delhi Baptist Church in Cuba, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Nioba Gist; husband, Thomas E. Stephens; three brothers, Donald Grist, Joseph M. Gist and Larry Gist. She is survived by two sons, Thomas Stephens and wife Sora of O’Fallon, Missouri, Douglas Stephens and wife Cheryl of St. James, Missouri; three daughters, Cheryl Broderick and husband Dennis of DeSoto, Missouri, Karen Boudouris and husband Larry of Greenville, Illinois and Cathy Banks and husband Phillip of Kimberling City, Missouri; one brother, Charles Gist and wife Nellie of Paragould, Arkansas; one sister, Marjorie Black of Peoria, Arizona; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was Thursday, July 21, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at the Howard Funeral Chapel in Leachville, Arkansas. Funeral service was Friday, July 22, 2011 at 10 a.m. at the Howard Funeral Chapel in Leachville, Arkansas with Rev. Royce Boling officiating. Burial followed in the Cardwell Cemetery in Cardwell, Missouri. Arrangements under the Howard Funeral Chapel, Leachville, Arkansas. Leo Webb Leo Webb of Bourbon, Missouri, was born in Washington, Missouri on October 22, 1925 to Clarence and Maize Cuneio Webb and passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at the age of 85 years, 8 months and 28 days. Leo met his future wife, Wilma Jean Paul, while working together at Paramount Cap Factory in Bourbon and on July 2, 1943 they were united in marriage at Stanton, Missouri. He later was employed at the former International Shoe Company in Sullivan until it closed and then went to work at the former Meramec Mining Company as a maintenance man.  Leo was a hard working man and in recent years enjoyed raising miniature horses.  He was a member of First Assembly of God and also attended First Assembly of God in Bourbon. He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Maize Webb; son, Robert “Bobby” Webb; two brothers, Lowell and Louis Webb and an infant sister at birth. He is survived by his wife, Wilma Jean of the family home; two sons, Marvin Webb and Wayne Webb, both of Bourbon, Missouri; a daughter, Kathy Alexander of Bourbon, Missouri; 14 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held at the Temple Baptist Church on Thursday, July 21, 2011 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 22, 2011 from Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan, Missouri with Pastors Scott Perry and Craig Tanner officiating. Interment was in Bourbon Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, Missouri. Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. ************************************************ 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