Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO
Local Obituaries for the Week of August 12, 2009



Michael L. Blankenship

Michael L. Blankenship of Fort Myers, Florida, was born on September 7, 1952
at Ripley, Tennessee to Elbert and Carol (Potter) Blankenship and passed away
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at the age of 56 years.
He was raised in the St. Louis, Missouri area and was a baker by trade. He
enjoyed playing billiards and was known as a quiet individual but friend to
many.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Carol Blankenship and
brother, Marion Blankenship.
He is survived by his wife Frances of the family home; two brothers, Jerry
Blankenship of Leasburg, Missouri and Ricky Blankenship of the state of
Virginia; two sisters, Betty McLaughlin of Bland, Missouri and Joyce Gahn of
Sullivan, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Graveside funeral services were at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 in
Gerth Cemetery, Bourbon, Missouri under the direction of the Eaton Funeral
Home, Sullivan, Missouri.


Fern Campbell

Fern Campbell, of St. Louis County, Missouri was born December 16, 1930 in
Steelville, Missouri and passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at the age of
78 years.
She resided in Steelville, Missouri until she married James Campbell of
Cherryville, Missouri on January 12, 1948 and they relocated to St. Louis,
Missouri.
Fern attended the University of Missouri – St. Louis and graduated with a BA
degree in history in May 1977. For several years she enjoyed teaching history
in the St. Louis County School District.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Campbell; her parents, Frank
and Virginia Zachritz; and brother, Maurice Zachritz of Steelville, Missouri.
She is survived by her daughter, Virginia Campbell and three granddaughters,
Carrie Hart of New York, Sarah Hart of Colorado and Amanda Hart of Maine.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2009 at Valhalla
Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.


Clara Louise Keeler

Clara Louise Keeler of Steelville, Missouri was born April 6, 1919 in Oran,
Missouri to Ferdinand and Louise (Whietfield) Brucker and passed away on
Saturday, August 1, 2009 at the Gibbs Care Center in Steelville, Missouri at
the age of 90 years.
She married Arthur Anderson and to this union four children were born. She
later married Cecil Keeler who preceded her in death.
Clara was a member of St. Michaels Church of Steelville and past member of
the Bakers Local in St. Louis. In 1984, she retired as bakery manager for
Schnucks in St. Louis. She was a volunteer for Golden Echoes and Gibbs Care
for the last 20 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ferdinand and Louise Brucker; her
husbands, Arthur Anderson and Cecil Keeler; one son, Elmer Anderson; three
brothers, Nick Brucker, Zeno Brucker and Leon Brucker; three sisters, Hanna
Gerst, Anna Marie Moore and Scyvilla Buell.
She is survived by one son, Robert Anderson of St. Louis, Missouri; two
daughters, Barbara Martin of Rolla, Missouri and Phyllis Garbs of Gray
Summit, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Sydne Anderson of Bonne Terre,
Missouri; one sister, Dollie Schafer of Oran, Missouri; seven grandchildren;
nine great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; other relatives and
friends.
Visitation was from 9-10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at the
Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. A eulogy was read by
grandson, John Martin.
Funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at
St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Steelville, Missouri with Father James
Finder officiating. Reading of the scriptures was by Sara Farmer. Music was
played by organist, Delores Bell. Serving at the altar were Jake and Joe
Howdeshell.
Casketbearers were Mark Coleman, Michael Pilkenton, Jacob Pilkenton, Andrew
Martin, Christopher Milton and John Martin.
Committal prayer and burial were in the Steelville Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of
Steelville, Missouri.


Helen Charlene Wiggins Marsh

Helen Charlene Wiggins Marsh was born November 8, 1937 in Cuba, Missouri to
Charles Wiggins and Rose Dorf Wiggins Smith and passed away July 30, 2009 at
the Sikeston Convalescent Center in Sikeston, Missouri.
Helen graduated from Cuba High School in 1956. On August 26, 1956 in Cuba,
Missouri she was married to Joseph “Bud” Clarke Marsh who was in college in
Columbia so they made their home there until his graduation. 
Helen worked and helped Bud through college. During this time two daughters
were born: Sandra Jo and Barbara Ann. After moving to Sikeston, Missouri,
two more daughters were born, Marilyn and Deborah.
After moving to Sikeston, Helen went to work for Southwestern Bell. She
worked there for 22 years until her retirement. She was a life member of
AT&T Telcom Pioneers. She attended American Legion Girls State, was former
president of Jaycee Wives and was active with the local Diabetes Association.
She was a member of the Steelville Presbyterian Church until transferring her
membership to the Hunter Memorial First Presbyterian Church in Sikeston,
Missouri, where she played the organ in the summer months, sang in the choir
and was a member of Circle 2.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Marie Wolf, Nellie Beth Smith and
Florence Henty.
She is survived by two brothers, Charles Wiggins of Summerfield, Florida and
Tom Wiggins of Parker, Colorado and one sister, Vivian Campbell of Lilburn,
Georgia.
Funeral services were held on August 2, 2009 at the Nunnelee Funeral Chapel
in Sikeston, Missouri with Rev. John Goodwin, pastor of Hunter Memorial First
Presbyterian officiating.


Joseph Clarke “Bud” Marsh

Joseph Clarke “Bud” Marsh was born December 31, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri
to Jefferson D. and Doris Clarke Davies Marsh and passed away on
July 24, 2009 at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.
Bud, as he was called by his family, graduated from Steelville High School in
1948 and began working for Trimfoot Company in Steelville, Missouri. He then
went to work for Brown Shoe Company and later Steelville Telephone Co.
When the Korean conflict began he joined the U.S. Air Force and served his
country for four years. After being honorably discharged he entered college
at the University of Missouri in Columbia under the G.I. Bill.
He joined the Steelville Presbyterian Church along with his two sisters when
they were young. He later transferred his membership to the Hunter Memorial
First Presbyterian Church in Sikeston, Missouri.
On August 26, 1956 in Cuba, Missouri, he was married to Helen Charlene
Wiggins. They were blessed with four daughters, Sandra Jo, Barbara Ann,
Marilyn Kay and Deborah. In August, 2006, they celebrated 50 years of
marriage.
After completing college, Bud accepted a position with the Missouri
Department of Transportation as a material inspector for the bootheel area
so he moved his family to Sikeston where he worked until retiring in 1965.
Bud was a member of the Sikestone Jaycees Exhausted Roosters, the Sikeston
Elks Lodge #2319, American Legion Post #114 and the local amateur TRICO/HAM
Radio Club.
He is survived by two sisters: Carol Marsh Banta and Janet Marsh Delcour,
both of Steelville, Missouri.
Funeral services were held at the Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston,
Missouri with Rev. John Goodwin, pastor of Hunter Memorial First
Presbyterian Church officiating.


Raymond O. Mills

Raymond O. Mills of Cuba, Missouri passed away July 26, 2009 at Des Peres
Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 88 years, 3 months and 10
days.
He was a member of Manny Springs Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, O.S. and Dora Mills; five brothers,
Clyde, Hade, Henry, Howard and George Mills; two sisters, Mae Caldwell and
Elma Patterson.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of over 40 years, of Cuba, Missouri;
four sons, Keith and Kenneth Mills, Michael Suttles and Mark Willmore; one
daughter, Kathy Suttles; seven grandchildren; one great grandson.



Betty L. Nelson

Betty L. Nelson of St. James, Missouri was born November 16, 1945 in
St. James, Missouri to Harvey and Fern (Pitts) Norris and passed away
Thursday, August 6, 2009 at her home at the age of 63 years.
Betty was an avid outdoors person. She loved camping, fishing and spending
time with her family and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Fern Norris; husband,
Obie Nelson; brothers, Richard, Elmer, and Louie Norris and twin sister,
Bertie Ezell.
She is survived by her son, Mark Lucas and wife Jackie of St. James,
Missouri; step children, Carl, Darla, Terry and Denise; brother, Larry
Norris and wife Chris of St. Louis, Missouri; sisters, Ruby Gargus and
husband Robert of St. James, Missouri, Mildred Sedwick and husband Joe of
Las Vegas, Nevada; grandchildren, Trina Duarte and husband Tim, Karissa
Lucas, and Rachel Lucas; great grandson, Isaac Duarte; special friends,
Jack Richardson, Dorothy Foust and Betty Willis; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Sunday, August 9, 2009 with Pastor Justin Brown
officiating.
Interment was in the Asher Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary, St. James,
Missouri.


Roy E. Nye

Roy E. Nye of Bourbon, Missouri, was born June 28, 1927 in the Argo area,
near Bourbon, Missouri, to Robert Victor and Ethel Elizabeth (Turner) Nye
and passed away Saturday, August 1, 2009 at the age of 82 years.
Except for the time he served in the service, Roy was a life-ling resident
of the Bourbon area. He honorably served his country with the U.S. Army in
the Aviation Engineer Force.
On November 14, 1959 he was united in marriage to Alice O. Bacon at
Steelville, Misosuri.
For a time he worked at the former Jim’s Service Station in Bourbon,
Missouri, but for the most part he was a cattle farmer on the family farm.
He was known for his “bubbly” personality and good sense of humor. He was
hard working and enjoyed working with his hands.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Victor and Ethel Elizabeth
Nye and a brother, Robert James Nye.
He is survived by his wife Alice of the family home; one daughter, Coan Kaye
Nye of Bourbon, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Lucille Nye of Overland, Missouri
and Charlene Copeland of Sullivan, Missouri; brothers-in-law, Raymond Bacon
and wife Linda of Sullivan, Missouri, Oram Bacon and wife Janis of Shipman,
Illinois and John Blender of Lebanon, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2009 from the Eaton Funeral
Home in Sullivan, Missouri.
Funeral services were at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at the Eaton
Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with Pastor Joseph Smith officiating.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan,
Missouri.


Mary Louise O’Day

Mary Louise O’Day was born March 21, 1918 in Springfield, Missouri, to
Joseph Cleveland and Mary Amelia (Helbig) Owen and passed away
August 3, 2009, in Midwest City, Oklahoma at Quality Care Hospice at the
age of 91 years and 4 months.
She attended Catholic School and after her graduation she attended
St. John’s School of Nursing and began work as a registered nurse in
Springfield after graduation.
On June 24, 1946, she was united in marriage to Alexander Clement O’Day in
Springfield, Missouri, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Louise worked as a
homemaker and cared for their 11 children. In 1959, she returned to her
nursing career and was a supervisor at Mercy Villa in Springfield,
Missouri. After the couple moved to Lake Spring she was the supervisor at
Rolla Nursing Home in Rolla, Missouri and later a school nurse for the
University of Missouri-Rolla. In 1965, she began a role as Home Health
nurse for the Dent County Home Health Services in Salem, Missouri, where
she served until her retirement in 1986.
She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Springfield, Missouri,
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Salem, Missouri and most recently,
St. Vincent DePaul in McCloud, Oklahoma. Louise loved to play solitaire,
cook and bake and watch birds from her sunroom and was an avid fan of
St. Louis Cardinals’ baseball.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Owen; husband,
Alexander O’Day; brother Robert Owen; twin sister, Lucille; and one
granddaughter Hillary Diane Shockley.
She is survived by her children: John O’Day and wife Judy of Wellston,
Oklahoma, Mary O’Day of St. Louis, Missouri, Alexander O’Day of Lecoma,
Missouri, Thomas O’Day of St. James, Missouri, Timothy O’Day of Lecoma,
Missouri, Sarah O’Dell of Springfield, Missouri, Philip O’Day and wife
Betsy of Hallsville, Missouri, Anne O’Day of Harrah, Oklahoma, Robert O’Day
of Choctaw, Oklahoma, Theresa Schroer of Pittsburgh, Pennysylvania and
Michael O’Day of Salem, Missouri; 16 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren;
brother Bill Owen and wife Jan of Apache Junction, Arizona; other relatives
and friends.
Visitation was Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, from 1-3 p.m. at Herman Lomeyer
Funeral Home, with a Rosary Service at 3 p.m.
Funeral Mass was Friday, August 7, 2009, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic
Church in Springfield, Missouri.
Interment in the Hazelwood Cemetery.
Arrangements under direction of Wilson Mortuary, Salem, Missouri.


Earl J. Steen

Earl J. Steen of Gray Summit, Missouri, was born in St. Louis, Missouri on
May 5, 1928 to John and Orpha (nee White) Steen and passed away
August 5, 2009 at the age of 81 years.
He was preceded in death by parents, John and Orpha Steen; three brothers,
Oscar Steen, Arthur Steen and Jackson Steen and one sister, Lorain Pedroli.
He is survived by six children, Gary Steen, of Camdenton, Missouri, Michael
and wife Renee Steen of Pacific, Missouri, Cathy Lewis of Washington,
Missouri, Gail and husband Bobby Pipes of Gray Summit, Missouri, Kim Steen
of St. Peters, Missouri and Tracy and husband Lester Anderson of Brentwood,
Missouri; three brothers, Chester and wife Cori Steen of Belle, Missouri,
Harold and wife Carla Steen of Tuscumbia, Missouri and James “Cotton” and
wife Shirley Steen of St. James, Missouri; 14 grandchildren; 17 great
grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was Saturday, August 8, 2009 from 4-7:30 p.m. at Bell Funeral
Home, Pacific, Missouri.
Funeral services followed the visitation at 7:30 p.m. with Rev. Dee
Pennington officiating.
Arrangements under the direction of the Bell Funeral Home, Pacific,
Missouri.



Aileen A. VanDerBeck

Aileen Ann “Allie” VanDerBeck of Cuba was born Friday, March 4, 1932 at
St. Louis, Missouri to the union of Joseph Michael Witte and Bernice Irene
(nee Patton) Witte and passed away Saturday, August 8, 2009 at St. Louis,
Missouri.
Allie was united in marriage to Jeremiah “Jerry” VanDerBeck and to this
union two sons were born.
Allie was the owner/operator and teacher of a pre-school in Florissant for
many years. In 2002 She moved to Cuba were she has enjoyed playing golf, was
a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, volunteered at the St. James Soldiers
Home and was always helping others. She loved her dogs and cows, enjoyed
traveling, the race horses and White Castles, but what meant the most to her
was spending time with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Bernice Witte; husband,
Jerry VanDerBeck; one sister, Catherine Conroy; one brother, Joseph James
Witte; other relatives and friends.
She is survived by her sons, Jay and wife Cindy VanDerBeck of Cuba, Missouri
and Perry VanDerBeck of Tampa, Florida; five grandchildren, J.C. (Val), Jamie,
Joseph, Jennifer and Brittani; one sister, Mary Wishon; other relatives and
friends.
Visitation was held Tuesday, August 11, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. at Britton Funeral
Home of Cuba and Wednesday, August 12, 2009 from 9-11 a.m. at St. Sabina
Catholic Church of Florissant, Missouri.
Celebration of mass was 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at St. Sabina
Catholic Church with Father James Finder as celebrant.
Interment followed at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Jefferson
Barracks, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba,
Missouri.


Flossie M. Zika

Flossie M. Zika was born April 14, 1923 in Rolla, Missouri to James Everett
and Virginia Ann (Arthur) Clift, and passed away August 3, 2009 in Edgar
Springs, Missouri at the age of 86 years.
Flossie was united in marriage to Richard Elmer Zika on January 18, 1947,
in Mt. Home, Arkansas, and to this union two children were born.
She was a member of the Edgar Springs Church of Christ and loved to travel
in her RV, three wheeling, and horse back riding.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Virginia Clift; husband,
Richard Elmer Zika; brothers, Willard “Pug” Clift, Richard A. Clift, and
Jessie Clift.
She is survived by her son, Richard James Zika and wife Mary of Edgar Springs,
Missouri; daughter, Kathryn Ann Terry and husband Gene of Edgar Springs,
Missouri; brother, Fred Clift and wife Veda of Edgar Springs, Missouri;
sisters, Violet Baxter and husband Pete of Rolla, Missouri and Bonnie
Mansfield and husband Harold of Fenton, Missouri; sister-in-law, Betty
Clift; grandchildren, Richard Parker and wife Pam of O’Fallon, Illinois,
Chris Zika and wife Megan of Edgar Springs, Missouri, Candace Hillard and
husband John of San Angelo, Texas, Anita Terry of St. James, Missouri and
Sandy Sedarburg and husband Jim of Rolla, Missouri; great grandchildren,
Brandon Parker, Joseph and Benjamin Hillard, Adelyn Zika, and Travis
Sedarburg; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held Saturday, August 8, 2009 from 10 a.m. to noon at
James & Gahr Mortuary in Rolla, Missouri.
Funeral services were Saturday, August 8, 2009 at noon at James & Gahr
Mortuary in Rolla, Missouri with Elder John L. Hillard Jr. and Elder
Candace L. Hillard officiating.
Interment was at the Smith Cemetery in Edgar Springs, Missouri immediately
following the funeral service.
Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary, 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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