Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of August 22, 2018 Willis E. "Bud" Barnhart Willis E. "Bud" Barnhart of Bland, Missouri was born to Daniel and Eva (Metzger) Barnhart on June 18, 1932 in New Carlisle, Ohio and passed away on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at the age of 86 years. Bud married Lois Jean McWilliams on October 27, 1951. Together for several years, Bud and Lois owned and operated B & L Distributors in Urbana, Ohio. They were the distributors of Kersun Heaters. They later would move to their beautiful farm in Bland, Missouri. Bud was a carpenter by trade and he enjoyed building several homes in the Gasconade County area. He was an avid hunter and he loved spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Eva (Metzger); wife, Lois Jean (McWilliams) Barnhart; and one sister, Elizabeth McGlothin. He is survived by five children, Denise and husband Ron Baker of Cuba, Missouri, Elaine and husband Jim VanTilburgh of St. James, Missouri, Peggy and husband Garry Goss of Bedford, Pennsylvania, Ron and wife Stacy Barnhart of St. Paris, Ohio and Joe Barnhart of Bland, Missouri; four sisters, Donna Lang of New Carlisle, Ohio, Lois and husband Joe Spahr of Greenville, Ohio, Shirley Ballentine of Springfield, Ohio, Jeannie and husband Norman Trueblood of New Carlisle, Ohio; one brother-in-law, Harold McWilliams of Ocala, Florida; 14 grandchildren, 17 and one soon to be great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. As per his wishes, Bud was cremated. A private family ceremony will be held at the family farm. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Ernest Ray "Ernie" Dietrich Ernest Ray "Ernie" Dietrich of Cuba, Missouri was born Thursday, January 30, 1936 at Hannibal, Missouri and passed away on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at the age of 82 years. Ernie married Anastasia "Nan" Piel. Ernie attended the University of Arkansas and he obtained a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry. He honorably served his country in the United States Army from February 11, 1959 to January 24, 1961 and obtained the rank of E-4. Ernie retired as the Executive Director of Youth & Family Center (Neighborhood Association) in St. Louis, Missouri after 35 years of dedicated service to the community. He would later work and volunteer for the State of Missouri as a Tour Guide at Onondaga State Park. Ernie was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church of Cuba, Missouri and Knights of Columbus Council 8920. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, jigsaw and word puzzles. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest L. "Jug" Dietrich and Elizabeth (Griffin) Gowseiow; wife, Anastasia M. "Nan" Dietrich; brother-in-law, Edward Piel; and sister-in-law, Esther Kozney. He is survived by five children, Mary and husband Mark Reckerd of Edgar Springs, Missouri, Robert and wife Michelle Dietrich of O'Fallon, Missouri, Kevin Dietrich of Cuba, Missouri, Elizabeth Stout of Kingsville, Missouri and Nattelle Dietrich of Jefferson City, Missouri; 10 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one brother, Robert and wife Bonnie Dietrich of St. Charles, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Josephine Coulson of Barnhart, Missouri and Patricia Sparks of St. Charles, Missouri; one brother-in-law, John and wife Pam Piel of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Memorial visitation was held from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church of Cuba, Missouri with Deacon Michael Brooks officiating. In keeping with Ernie's wishes, he was cremated. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Eva Mae Epperson Eva Mae Epperson of Bland, Missouri was born on February 24, 1947 to Ollie and Mae Dell (Johnson) Sipes at Oktaha, Oklahoma and passed away on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at the age of 71 years. She married Irven "Carl" Epperson Jr. on May 29, 1965 at Oktaha, Oklahaoma. Eva and Carl lived most of their 53 years of marriage in Bland, Missouri. Eva worked at the Owensville Bowl and Walmart in Owensville, Missouri. In her later life, she was a homemaker. Eva was affectionately known as "Mean Maw Maw" to them. Eva was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ollie and Mae Dell Sipes; daughter, Melissa Cunningham; brothers, Wesley, Eddie and Bennie Sipes; and sister Wilma Hamby. She is survived by her husband, Irven "Carl" Epperson Jr. of Bland, Missouri; daughter, Dawn Hoss and husband Tim of Ft. Myers, Florida; son-in-law, Greg Cunningham of Bland, Missouri; brothers, Gale Sipes and Cecil Sipes, both of Oktaha, Oklahoma and Denzel Sipes of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Sybil Davis of Bixby, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Brandi Schwab and husband Ryan of Bland, Missouri, Tyler Hoss and wife Jodi, Brendon Wiles of St. James, Missouri and Taylor Cunningham of Belle, Missouri; great grandchildren, Logan, Emberlyn, Zoey and Brayden; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, August 13, 2018 at the Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville, Missouri. Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at the Old Bland Cemetery in Bland with Rev. Bruce Elmore officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville, Missouri. Sandra Lea Gray Sandra Lea Gray was born on June 12, 1971 in Rolla, Missouri to James Alton Valley and Wanda Jean Kingston and passed away on August 13, 2018 at the age of 47 years. Sandra enjoyed spending time outdoors, camping and fishing. She loved scratch tickets and card games. She enjoyed watching TV shows, especially Live P.D. She also loved animals. She enjoyed going to family dinners and playing with her grandson. Sandra loved going to yard sales and auctions. She collected anything with wolves and she was a pack leader among her friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul Gray; two infants, Kyle and Marissa Gray; and a nephew, Christopher Gray. She is survived by two daughters, Ashley Hollandsworth (Andrew) of St. James, Missouri and Heather Gray (Zach) of Rolla, Missouri; son, Zach Gray (Brittaney) of Rolla, Missouri; step daughter, Victoria Wyatt (Jared) of Columbia, Missouri; grandson, Braxton Gray; two sisters, Linda Isgregg (Doug) of Dixon, Missouri and Juanita Valley (Travis) of Rolla, Missouri; five brothers, James Valley, Joe Valley, Earl Valley, Marty Valley and Michael Valley, all of Rolla, Missouri; sister-in-law, Melody Gray of Rolla, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, August 17, 2018 at the Rolla APC Funeral services were held at noon on Friday, August 17, 2018 at the Rolla APC. Interment followed at the Rolla Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Teague and Sons Funeral Home. Marvin Russell Hammack Marvin Russell Hammack of St. James, Missouri was born in St. James, Missouri on November 9, 1937 to Orla Russell and Lucy Isabella (Sellers) Hammack and passed away Saturday, August 18, 2018 at the age of 80. Marvin proudly served his country in the United States Army. He married Alice Ione McKellips on October 19, 1958. They were stationed in Ft. Riley, Kansas while he finished out his enlistment. When his military career was done he moved his family to St. Clair, Missouri, and settled into to his next career working for Chrysler Corporation in Fenton, Missouri. Alice passed away in 1999. After Marvin retired from Chrysler, he moved back home to St. James, Missouri and bought a small farm on the edge of town. He really enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and when younger, camping and boating. Marvin was a longtime member of the Rolla Church of Christ, and member of the NRA. Marvin loved to travel and was blessed to find a traveling buddy that enjoyed it as much as he did. Together they visited Hawaii a couple times, enjoyed an Alaskan Cruise and several more cruises, visited his daughter and family in the Philippines, where they were serving as Missionaries. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orla and Lucy Hammack; his wife, Alice; and his brother, Charles Hammack. He is survived by his daughter, Karen Luther and husband Nathan of the Philippines; grandsons, Jacob and Joseph Luther; travel companion and friend Linda Wischow of St. James, Missouri; sister, Jean Immekus and husband Kenneth of Cuba, Missouri; nieces, Gayle Spitzmiller, Erin Schaffer, Lesley Kiss and Charlene Hammack; nephews, Tracy Immekus, and Carl Hammack; other relatives and friends. Visitation held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Funeral services at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 23, 2018 at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Brother Ty Kalisz officiating. Internment with full military honors at the St. James Cemetery in St. James, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Marvin Richard Helms Marvin Richard Helms of Newburg, Missouri was born in Phelps County on February 4, 1944 to James and Lydia Pearl (Thornhill) Helms and passed away Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at the age of 74 years. On January 10, 2007 he married Linda L. (Henson) Davidson. He was a retired U.S. Air Force Veteran serving honorably attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He also earned a P.H.D. in Social Services. He was a lifetime member of V.F.W. and the American Legion. He enjoyed fishing. He was a Gold Star Father, having lost his 18 year old son, Mark Anthony Helms, who was serving his country in Beirut, Lebanon. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lydia Helms; brother, Lloyd Helms and an infant brother; and two sisters, Luchricha Flegel and Patricia Skurend. He is survived by his wife, Linda Helms, of Newburg, Missouri; two children, Christopher Helms and wife Shawni, of Omaha, Nebraska and Rebecca Gintonio of Omaha, Nebraska; sister, Peggy Limp and husband Jack of Plainfield, Indiana; four grandchildren, Nick Gintonio, Alex Helms, Aiden Helms and Courtney Unruh; great grandson, Camden Unruh; brother-in-law, Russ Flegel of St. James, Missouri; sister-in-law, Betty Helms of Desoto, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, August 13, 2018 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Interment with full military honors followed in the Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Rolla, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Dorothy Jackson Dorothy Jackson (nee Starks) was born on Wednesday, April 4, 1928 in Steelville, Missouri to Robert M. and Bertha Viola Scott Starks and passed away on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at the age of 9 0 years, 4 months and 11 days. Dorothy was born and raised in Steelville, Missouri. She moved to St. Louis, Missouri in her later years and met her husband, Herman Jackson, and they were married there on October 12, 1946. They lived in St. Louis, Missouri until 1956. They built a weekend home in Steelville, Missouri and later Dorothy and daughter, Billie, moved there. Herman worked in St. Louis for a couple more years and later moved out to Steelville also. Dorothy worked in a Cafe for a while and then later got a job at Brown Shoe Company and worked there until she retired in 1988. Dorothy was an avid hunter and fisherman. She loved deer hunting and turkey hunting. She was excited when the seasons were getting close and would make sure she had all of her gear ready. She liked to trout fish and got rather good at it. She looked forward to the family reunions that she put together each year. Her blackberry cobbler always was a winner with everyone. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman of 66 years; parents, Robert and Bertha Starks; sisters, Virginia (Russell) Gray, Evelyn (Mitchell) Lewis and Jeanne (Cletis) Connor; brothers, Willard (Elnora) Starks, Earl Starks and Bob Starks; brothers-in-law, Albert (Clara) Jackson, Kenneth Hubbs, and Walter (Mae) Karnes; and special friend, Ruth Turnbough. She is survived by her daughter, Billie (Hector) Ramori of Cuba, Missouri; grandsons, Jeff (Mara) Ramori of Steelville, Missouri and Jimmy Ramori of Cuba, Missouri; great grandchildren, Nicholas Ramori of Cuba, Missouri, Kristen (Jackson Bushdiecker) Ramori and Dalton Ramori, both of Steelville, Missouri; sister-in-law, Fern Hubbs of Colorado; special friends, Becky Mason of Indiana, Donna Beasley and Jay Martin, both of Steelville, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was Friday, August 17, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Funeral service was Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Spencer Hutson officiating. Burial was at the Steelville Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Timothy Daniel Robinson Timothy Daniel Robinson of Cuba, Missouri was born Thursday, October 20, 1960 at Sullivan, Missouri to Robert and Norma (nee Graves) Robinson and passed away on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the age of 57 years. At the age of two, Tim went to live with Leo and Mary LaPee and at the age of 18 they adopted him. Tim married Sarah Jo Prickett on November 8, 1986 at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Tim started his teaching career in 1985. He taught Calculus, Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry. During his career he taught at Cuba, Belle, Sullivan, Ridge Way High Schools and substituted for Bourbon High School. Tim truly loved being teaching and he retired from teaching in 2010. Tim was always making things. He sold a lot of his handmade items and some of them he gave to friends and family. He was known for his sense of humor and his laugh. He played the piano and was an avid sports fan. He like the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues. Tim played football in High School until he broke his leg and was on crutches for two years. Tim was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church for 30+ years and a 3rd Degree Knight. He enjoyed going to the Knights of Columbus for all their events and he had a heart of gold. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Robinson; parents, Leo and Mary LaPee; one brother, Ken Robinson; and three brothers-in-law, Daniel "Jack" Markley, Edwin C. Prickett and Vernon E. Prickett. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Jo Robinson of the home; one son, Leo A. Robinson and fianceŽ Sandy Eichmeier of Cuba, Missouri; mother, Norma Robinson of Sullivan, Missouri; sister, Janet and husband Miguel de Aguero of Sullivan, Missouri; two nephews, Joshua Robinson of Sullivan, Missouri and RJ Prickett of Cuba, Missouri; one niece, Heather and husband Josh Chapman of Cuba, Missouri; brother-in-law, Ralph and wife Susie Prickett of Cuba, Missouri; best friends, Steve Woodcock of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Andrea D. Holland of Sullivan, Missouri, Ray Settle of Steelville, Missouri and Joe Hembey of Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Celebration of Mass was held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Cuba, Missouri with Father Paul Clark as Celebrant. In keeping with Tim's wishes, he was cremated following mass. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Naomi Ruth Smith Naomi Ruth Smith of Bourbon, Missouri was born October 21, 1936 in St. Louis, Missouri to Robert Meador and Birdie E. Gent and passed away early Friday, August 10, 2018 at the age of 81 years. She grew up and attended school in various parts of Missouri. On September 25, 1955 she married Robert Smith at the First Assembly of God in Bourbon, Missouri. Together they lived on their farm in Bourbon, Missouri. Naomi loved to work in her garden at home. She and Robert enjoyed fishing together through the years. Naomi was very helpful in the farming operation. Her faith was instrumental in her life as Robert and Naomi were founding members of the Full Gospel Assembly of God. Naomi was always involved at church, including teaching Sunday School for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Birdie Meador; two brothers, Robert and Jack Meador; and a sister, Bernice Bouse. She is survived by her husband, Robert Smith of Bourbon, Missouri; daughter, Sheryl Derrington and husband Michael of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two grandchildren, Jason Derrington and wife, Mayra of Springfield, Missouri and Alissa Derrington of Tulsa, Oklahoma; four siblings, Eugene Meador and wife Mary of Akron, Ohio, David Meador of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Daniel Meador and wife Patsy of Dell City, Oklahoma and Christine Parmer and husband Joe of Guthrie, Oklahoma; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at the Full Gospel Assembly of God in Sullivan, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at the Full Gospel Assembly of God in Sullivan, Missouri with Pastor Ryan Martin officiating. Burial followed at the Midlawn Memorial Gardens in Union, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan and Bourbon, Missouri. Veerna May Welker Verna May Welker of Steelville, Missouri, was born on March 16, 1934 in Mineral Point, Missouri to Virgil Hadley and Lydia May (Mason) Miner and passed away on Friday, August 10, 2018 at the age of 84 years. On March 15, 1953 Verna married Carl Lee Welker at Grassy Hollow Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Lydia Miner; granddaughter, Elizabeth May Welker (stillborn); brother and sister-in-law, Carl (Carol) Miner; and brother-in-law, George Arkulari. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Carl Welker; four children, Carla (Danny) Madden, Richard (Susan) Welker, Vicki Welker, and Susan (Johnny) Schorr; five grandchildren, Jeremy (Maria) Welker, Jason (Amy) Welker, Katherine (David) Pitrucha, Elizabeth (Erick) Wildgen and Lauren (Jim) Bauer; six great grand- children, Cameron, Landon, Viviani, Sophia, Grace Welker, and Finn Wildgen; six siblings, Wilma Arkulari, Clarence (Linda) Miner, Julia (Ken) Merseal, Cora (Bernard) Boyer, Leonard (Margie) Miner and Brenda (Gary) Eaves; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, August 13, 2018 and from 9-11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at the DeClue Funeral Home. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at the DeClue Memorial Chapel with Verna's grandson, Rev. Jason Welker officiating. Interment and final prayers were held at the Courtois Baptist Church Cemetery, Berryman, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the DeClue Funeral Home. 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