Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of August 10, 2011 Betty Cottrell Betty Cottrell of Hixson, Tennessee was born May 26, 1932 in Viburnum, Missouri to Oather and Madrey Worley Henslee and passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2011 at the age of 79 years. Betty graduated from Cherryville High School and attended Southwest Baptist College. She taught school for three years before marrying Glenn Cottrell of Dillard, Missouri. They moved to Texas, Missouri, Illinois and finally Hixson, Tennessee where they lived for over 40 years. Betty’s hobbies were sewing and cooking. She was an active member of Highland Park Baptist Church and was involved in the ladies missionary circles. She was also a great supporter of Tennessee Temple and Camp Joy. She was an Avon Lady for 38 years and enjoyed working at the Chattanooga Antique Mall. She is survived by her husband, Glenn for over 60 years; her daughter, Diane (Ron) Daniel; son, Kevin (Malissa) Cottrell; grandchildren, Jessica Daniel, John and Liana Daniel, Julie and Shane Cash, Drew Cottrell, and Reagan Cottrell; sister, Patsy (Larry) Nesbit; in-laws, Vernon and Jerrie Cottrell, and Sandy Cottrell; other relatives and friends. A graveside service was held 11:30 a.m. Friday, August 5, 2011 at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Pastor Bruce Howland of Highland Park Baptist Church officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Arrangements under the direction of the Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory Dave Ralph Courtouise Dave Ralph Courtouise of rural Cuba, Missouri was born on October 8, 1948 at Richwoods, Missouri to Felix T. and Alice C. (Heads) Courtouise and passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2011 at the age of 62 years. He was later married to Bonnie Hoemann and to this marriage four children were born. His relationship with Bonnie ended in divorce and on October 28, 1996, Dave was married to Kathleen Monzyk. Dave was employed at several local companies over the years which included the former Integram Company in Pacific, Missouri, the former Fashion Shoe Company in Sullivan, Missouri and the former Permaneer Company in Union, Missouri.  Dave could fix anything and was a back yard mechanic on cars. He also loved to fish and hunt, especially deer hunting and going after catfish on the Missouri River. He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Alice Courtouise; an infant daughter, Veronica; two brothers, Daniel and James Courtouise; sister Bertha Meyer and a step-daughter, Karen Meyer. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen of the family home; three sons, Dewane Courtouise and wife Elaine of Gerald, Missouri, Doug Courtouise and wife Traci of Bourbon, Missouri, Ronnie Courtouise and wife Crystal of Gerald, Missouri; two step-sons, Marvin Meyer and wife Sarah of Union, Missouri and David Tyrey, Jr. and wife Robin of St. Clair, Missouri; step- daughter, Terry Ahrenhoersterbaeumer of Union, Missouri; two brothers, Eddie and Lonnie Courtouise, both of Bourbon, Missouri; two sisters, Betty Reimler of Barnhart, Missouri and Barbara Courtouise of Bourbon, Missouri; five grandchildren; one step grandchild; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5:30 p.m. Wednesday evening until time of service at the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, Missouri. Funeral services were conducted at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 3, 2011 from the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with Mike Delashmit officiating. Cremation followed the services. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home. Ray Highfill Ray Highfill of St. James, Missouri, formerly of Doniphan, Missouri was born June 3, 1927 in Oxly, Missouri to Nadine and James D. Highfill and passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at the age of 84 years, 1 month and 27 days. Ray was a farmer, an avid hunter and fisherman and a devoted sports fan. He was a member of the St. James United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, James D. and Nadine (Ray) Highfill and one sister-in-law, Lois Highfill. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Jim Hays of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; a brother, Jim Highfill of St. James, Missouri; three generations of nieces and nephews, all of whom knew him as “Uncle Doc”; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 from 9-11 a.m. at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at the Jones Funeral Home Chapel in St. James with Amy Turner officiating. Burial was in the Antioch Cemetery in Oxly, Missouri with graveside services at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. John Albert Schwartz John Albert Schwartz of Cuba, Missouri was born August 13, 1913 at St. Louis, Missouri to Albert and Ollie (nee Kohner) Schwartz and passed away Friday, August 5, 2011 within eight days of celebrating his 98th birthday. John dedicated 37 years working for the US postal service. After raising a family in Brentwood, he and Lucille retired to Cuba, Missouri in 1976. He was active in the Cuba Lion’s Club, Indian Hill’s Lake Association and Men’s Club, Cuba United Methodist Church and enjoyed both bowling and golf. He will be remembered for his flirtatious humor, his youthful spirit and his generosity. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Ollie Schwartz; wife of 60 years, Lucille Schwartz; one brother, Arthur Schwartz and wives, Lavern Ellersieck Schwartz and Eleanor Dreher Schwartz. He is survived by his daughters, Gail and husband Byron Bruffee of Chicago, Illinois, Mary Lou and husband Lloyd Baker of Memphis, Tennessee, Sally Smith of St. Louis, Missouri and Deb and husband Mark Miller of St. Louis, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Chip and wife Shelly DeWitt, Steve DeWitt, Dana DeWitt, Tracy and husband David Sungelo, Jackie Bruffee, Heather and husband David Flynn, Ryan and wife Danielle Miller and Katie Miller; 10 great grandchildren Ashlee DeWitt, Chad DeWitt, Mitchell Sungelo, Erin Sungelo, Addison Hill, Kiefer Hill, Wyatt Hill, Cameron Flynn, Riley Flynn and Ellis Miller; other relatives and friends. Memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at the Cuba United Methodist Church, Cuba, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Delma Ann Sewald Delma Ann Sewald of Sullivan, Missouri was born on November 4, 1931 in Lonedell, Missouri to Thomas Robert and Dorothy Mae (Pierce) Manion and passed away on Friday, August 5, 2011 at the age of 79 years. After graduating high school she continued her education and received a teaching degree from SMS Springfield, Missouri. She taught in the Lonedell area until a fire burned down the school house. Delma Ann was co-owner at Sewald’s Market in Bourbon, worked at the Bi Rite Market in Sullivan, and was a licensed realtor for Sterling Realtors in Union, Missouri. She lived several years in Nevada, both Las Vegas and Reno. She took flying lessons and enjoyed flying. Above all, Delma Ann loved her family and enjoyed flowers. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Dorothy Manion and a son, Danny Thomas Sewald. She is survived five children, Steve Sewald and wife Denise of Sullivan, Missouri, Mike A. Sewald of Robertsville, Missouri, Tim Sewald and wife Sonya of Bourbon, Missouri, Sally Ann Sewald of Dallas, Texas and Mary Beth Sewald of Reno, Nevada; a brother, Tommy Manion and wife Chris of Denton, Texas; a sister, Caralee Orr and husband Gayle of Bourbon, Missouri; grandchildren, Danielle Walker and husband Scott of Nixa, Missouri, Carolina and Sarah Sewald of Stuart, Florida, Eric Sewald of Bourbon, Missouri; step-grand- children, Amanda Kase of Sullivan, Missouri Maegan Bowersox of Webster Groves, Missouri, Jessica Pence of Sullivan, Missouri; her beloved companion, Misty; special friends and staff from Dunsford Court in Sullivan, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 8, 2011 at the Southside Chapel of the Eaton Funeral Home, with Hospice Chaplain Alan Amos officiating. Interment followed in the Bethel Cemetery, Lonedell, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, Missouri. Jim Squires James Alvin Squires was born November 17, 1931 to the union of Albert Alvin Squires and Sadie May (Clonts) Squires at Sullivan, Missouri. On the death of his grandfather, Eugene B. Clonts, Jim resided with his grandmother, Nettie May (Blunt) Clonts at Sullivan, Missouri. Jim attended Sullivan High School and during his senior year, served as the student body president, graduating with the class of 1949. During high school and for almost two years after, Jim was first a part time employee and then a full time employee of the Forestry Division, Missouri Conservation Commission, at Sullivan, Missouri. Jim also served as a member of the Sullivan Volunteer Fire Department, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. In 1948, Jim joined the Missouri National Guard serving in Heavy Mortar Company, 138th Infantry Regiment, St. Clair, Missouri. Also in 1948, Jim became a member at Sullivan Lodge 156, LO.O.F. and remained a member until his death. Jim served the lodge as a two term Noble Grand, for years was the Lodge Treasurer, Representative to the Grand Lodge, Representative to the Grand Encampment and Representative to the Patriarchs Militant, LO.O.F. In June 1950, Jim joined the U.S. Army and in October 1951, was assigned to the Military Police Corp, U.S. Army. Jim served in the Military Police in the U.S, Korea, Japan and Germany. While stationed in Japan, on March 15, 1956, Jim married Chizuko (Ruby) Hanada. To this union three children were born: Eugene James, Richard Charles and Karen Deborah. In October 1962, Jim was assigned as a Special Agent, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID). While in CID, Jim served in the U.S., Japan, Okinawa and 2 tours in the Republic of Vietnam. Jim retired from the U.S. Army in November 1976, after attaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. During his years of service, Jim was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (two awards), Joint Services Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (two awards), National Defense Service Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal (2nd Class). After retirement from the U.S. Army, Jim continued on in civilian law enforcement. He was Chief of Police of Excelsior Springs, Missouri for nearly four years. Jim then came to Sullivan, Missouri as the first appointed Chief of Police. He retained that position for some 1 1/2 years then became a Deputy Sheriff, Crawford County, Missouri. Jim left that position and in December, 1989 became a Deputy Sheriff in Franklin County, Missouri. In January 1993, Jim became Chief Deputy Sheriff, Crawford County, Missouri and remained in that position until his retirement in March, 1997. In March 1999, Jim returned to the Crawford County Sheriffs Department to complete an ongoing murder investigation. On completion of that investigation in 2001, Jim returned to retirement. During retirement Jim and Ruby traveled extensively in their RV, visiting all the lower 48 states. Jim was elected to and served one term as Alderman, Ward II, City of Sullivan, Missouri. After retirement, Jim was elected to and served until his death, on the Board of Directors at the E911 for Crawford County, MO. Jim was a Charter Life Member of the Missouri Deputy Sheriff’s Association. He was also, for many years, a member of American Legion Post 81, Bourbon Missouri and VFW Post 6479 of Steelville, Missouri. Jim was an avid fisherman and an upland game hunter. He greatly enjoyed many fishing trips with his good friend, George Dodson. A highlight of his later years was an annual pheasant hunting trip to Nebraska with his sons and good friend Charles Witt of Steelville, Missouri. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Ruby, of the home; sons, Eugene and wife Lori of Atlanta, Georgia, Richard and wife Petra of Tampa, Florida; daughter, Karen Foelsch and husband Paul Foelsch, of Iowa City, Iowa; grandson Jeremy Richard Squires and wife Sarah of Independence, Missouri, grandson Kenneth James Squires of St. Louis, Missouri, grandson, Alexander James Squires of Atlanta, Georgia; granddaughter, Marissa Akemi Foelsch of Iowa City, Iowa and great grandsons, Owen and Daniel Squires of Independence, Missouri, other relatives and many friends. Funeral services for Jim were conducted at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at the Southside Chapel of the Eaton Funeral Home. Both Oddfellows Lodge #156 and American Legion Post #81 conducted ceremonies on Monday evening.  CW4 (Retired) James Squires is interred in the National Cemetery, Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of Eaton Funeral Home. Nettie Rosetta Watkins Nettie Rosetta Watkins of Rolla, Missouri was born in Hooker, Missouri on February 14, 1931 to George M. and Jennetta (Childers) Ruckman and passed away at her home on Tusday, August 2, 2011 at the age of 80 years. She was married to Gary Vair. Nettie was an active member of the Second Baptist Church in Rolla, Missouri where she enjoyed teaching children for many years. She was an avid baker and enjoyed cake decorating and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Jennetta Rickman; husband, Gary Vair; one son, Eddie Monroe Ruckman; three sisters and three brothers. She is survived by four children, Joe Watkins and wife Connie of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Mary Ellen Culp of Rolla, Missouri, Dave Watkins of St. James, Missouri and Dan Watkins and wife Susan of Rolla, Missouri; six grandchildren, Dave Watkins Jr. and wife Sheila, Dawn Hurley and husband Matt, Cassie Elrod and husband Jason, Christy Severt and husband Jason, Karissa Culp and Nathan Culp; three great grandchildren, David Watkins III, Jordan Watkins and Gabe Elrod; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held on Saturday, August 6, 2011 beginning at noon at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Funeral service was at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri with Rev. Leroy Nixon officiating. Interment followed in the Hooker Cemetery in Hooker, Missouri. 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. ************************************************ 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